A compressor station to move the gas into North Carolina and operations center has also been proposed for the county. Fannie Greene, chairwoman of the Northampton County Board of Commissioners confirmed the Atlantic awards, noting they demonstrate Atlantic’s involvement “as a responsible and proactive corporate citizen in the region.”

The grants were awarded to:

Northampton County Education Foundation, $10,000, for teacher recruitment and retention within Northampton County Public Schools.

Garysburg Volunteer Public Library, $5,000, for operations support and Garysburg Community Center programs.

Creek Development Corporation, a youth services non-profit organization, $7,500, to support after-school and summer programs for youth and the King’s Kitchen hot meals initiative. “Last year, Commissioners Joe Barrett and Robert Carter traveled to northern Virginia to inspect a compressor station similar to the one planned for construction in Northampton County,” Greene said in a statement, “and were involved in in-depth conversations with project officials. Commissioner Virginia Spruill, who also serves on the economic development commission, and Commissioner Chester Deloatch have been advocates for the project from the start, understanding the tremendous positive impact the project will have in strengthening our tax base. These grant awards are simply a great example of the indirect benefits Atlantic brings to our community, and the awards are greatly appreciated.”

County Manager Kimberly Turner stated that “this is a great opportunity where a partnership with Northampton County and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline has provided grant funds to much needed programs in our county for a worthy cause.”

Tripp said, as of this report, bond has yet to be set for Lloyd, who will face a charge of murder and breaking and entering.

The murder charge stems from a shooting around 5 this morning on Baker's School Road in which Battle was killed.

Tripp declined to immediately comment why Battle was in the Scotland Neck area.

Following the shooting, Lloyd fled through an open field which led to River Road where he broke into a house where the owner fired at him.

Lloyd was taken into custody by deputies at that scene.

A search of state Department of Public Safety records shows a past history of assault on a female and communicating threats for Lloyd. No matches were found for Battle

The Monday open house is scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the first floor conference room of City Hall on Roanoke Avenue, according to notices sent by the city clerk and planning department.

The notice from the city clerk advises there is the possibility of a quorum of city council members at the open house, although no action will be taken.

In a letter to landowners surrounding the parcel of land at Highway 125 — approximately 10.04 acres sought to be rezoned from R-40 residential to B-4 commercial — Scott Bumgarner of Mack Gay Associates, a Rocky Mount engineering, surveying and planning company, explains, “Should this rezoning request be approved by the City Council, the property will be developed by Mid-Atlantic Eye Physicians which is currently located at 204 Becker Drive ... They plan to build a new medical facility on this property and move their current practice to this location.”

Mack Gay will hold the community meeting to discuss this rezoning and potential development with any interested parties. “We encourage you to attend this meeting which will give you a chance to review the proposed development and ask any questions you may have.”

Anyone unable to attend the meeting, Bumgarner says in the letter, may contact him at 252-446-3017.

According to the city, the undeveloped property is currently used for small-scale agricultural production and the requested B-4 commercial district is the widest range of commercial land uses. As a result of public input, a less intense district may be considered for approval.

At approximately 3:45 p.m. Investigator Gorton Williams arrested and charged Frannie Louise Norman, 25, of Weldon, with obstruction of justice.

Norman came to the magistrate’s office and swore out warrants for assault on a person on March 5 and returned two days later with a different story about the assault.

Investigation determined Norman swore out warrants on a person for assaulting her but changed her story saying it was a different person when in the person never assaulted her.

Williams worked with the District Attorney’s Office to have that charged voided and dismissed. Norman received a $1,000 bond and has a court date of March 16.

“This is a very serious matter when people abuse our criminal justice system with their personal agenda,” Hasty said. “I am proud of the work that Investigator Williams, the District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Magistrate did in investigating and sorting this incident out. An innocent person could have had some severe outcome in this matter.”

Tuesday March 8, 2016

At approximately 5:30 p.m., officers Scott Blythe and Greg Colson received information on the location of Jessie Allen King, 31, of Roanoke Rapids.

King was wanted on outstanding warrants from a February 26 matter.

The victim reported King assaulted them and damaged their property.

When Lieutenant Jeff Baggett attempted to locate King, he ran away.

King was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, damage to property and resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.

He received a $20,000 bond and March 18 court date.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., Lieutenant Bruce Norton conducted a traffic stop for a violation in the 1000 block of Roanoke Avenue.

During the stop Norton noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver, Daniel Clarence Prince, 29, of Emporia.

Prince was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, speeding, failing to stop for stop sign, failing to stop for stop light, resisting/delaying/officer and two counts of communicating threats.

Prince received a $1,500 bond and April 11 court date.

Sergeant Terrence Tyler and Officer Chris Biggerstaff assisted.

Wednesday March 9, 2016

At approximately 8 a.m., Officer Jamie Hardy responded to a trespasser call at Walmart.

Michael Lynn Fleming, who was banned from the property due to a previous charge, was located on the property when Hardy arrived.

Fleming, who was arrested and charged with trespassing, received a $500 bond and April 22 court date.

Master Officer Roy Ball assisted.

Thursday March 10, 2016

At approximately 10:30 a.m., Colson conducted a traffic stop on Oak Street near Roanoke Avenue.

Colson learned the driver, Elaine Shante Moody, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, had an outstanding order for arrest and her drivers license was revoked.

Colson arrested Moody on that order.

When he spoke with the passengers in the vehicle he could smell marijuana.

During a search Colson found Donnell Hines, 63, of Roanoke Rapids, with marijuana.

Moody received a $500 bond and April 22 court date

Hines was cited and released until his May 9 court date

Blythe assisted.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., Blythe and Colson responded to a disturbance call in what is traditionally called the no-hundred block of Jackson Street.

Officers found Walter Blake Nicely, 16, of Roanoke Rapids, cursing and causing a disturbance. Officers attempted to remove him from the area to calm him down when he pulled away.

Nicely was arrested and charged with resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer and was released to a responsible party until his May 20 court date.

Ireland the items seized.

Around 1p.m., Agent D.J. Hundley was on patrol in the area of Zoo Road and Highway 158 when he observed a vehicle traveling east with a wanted person in the front passenger seat.

Hundley turned around in an attempt to stop the vehicle and observed it pull into the parking area of a local business.

The wanted person was identified as Diandre Ireland, 26, of Roanoke Rapids, who exited the vehicle and ran.

Ireland was apprehended a short distance away on Zoo Road South.

During a search 4.1 grams of heroin, 43.2 grams of marijuana, and a stolen firearm were located.

The firearm was reported stolen from the Roanoke Rapids area.

Hundley arrested and charged Ireland with resisting a public officer, possession of a stolen firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, possession of heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, trafficking in heroin, and damage to personal property.

Hundley also served Ireland, who received a $50,500 bond and March 23 court date, with the outstanding order for arrest.

Friday, March 11

At approximately 7:40 a.m., task force agents and members of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office Hazardous Entry and Arrest Team, with assistance from the Scotland Neck Police Department, executed a search warrant on Chestnut Street.

With assistance from Corporal J. Bozard and his dog, Fino, marijuana was seized from the residence.

Investigation conducted by Agent D. McKeel and citizen complaints led to a search warrant.

McKeel issued Clarence Whitaker Jr., 31, of Scotland Neck, a North Carolina Uniform Citation for possession of a half-ounce or less of marijuana.

He received an April 27 court date.

Sheriff Wes Tripp said Alex Price had warrants for a sexual assault in Greenville and began the standoff at the intersection of Washington Avenue Extension and Drake Street in Weldon when deputies and the State Bureau of Investigation came to serve them.

Officers in SWAT gear stood by as Sergeant Eric Johnson talked with Price, sometimes using hand gestures to coax him from the residence.

{gallery}weldonstandoff{/gallery}

Price could be seen from the door and at one point standing on the front porch, pulling his T-shirt up, apparently to show he had no weapon.

At the end of the three-hour ordeal, Price surrendered and was taken into custody.

Tripp said Price was first going to be taken to Halifax Regional Medical Center for evaluation and then to the sheriff's office for transport to Pitt County.

Johnson, Tripp said, has had extensive training in hostage negotiation and during his talks with Price resorted to negotiation.

During the negotiations, Tripp said, “We're going to stay here as long as possible. There are no hostages. We're trying to talk him out so he won't hurt himself.”

At approximately 12:45 p.m., Officer Ryan Cross conducted a traffic stop for a violation.

Cross learned the driver, Edward Desian Mitchell, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, had an outstanding order for arrest and his license was revoked.

Cross arrested Mitchell for the order and for driving with a revoked license.

He received a $1,090 bond and May 6 court date.

At approximately 4 p.m., Lieutenant Charles Burnette responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Lakesha Ann Ward, 35, of Weldon, took items.

Ward, who received a $2,000 bond and April 15 court date, was arrested and charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., Officer Patrick Smith responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Joshua Kyle Bradley, 22, of Roanoke Rapids, took items.

Bradley, who received a $5,000 bond and April 15 court date, was arrested and charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Further investigation led to warrants being drawn for the arrest of Matthew Scott Gay, 24, of Roanoke Rapids, who is wanted for the same charges as Bradley.

Gay is encouraged to surrender. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

At approximately 8 p.m., Officer Alex Green responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention told Halifax Central a person, later identified as Andrew Christian Corbett, 23, of Roanoke, took items from the store.

Green spotted the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Chockoyotte Street.

Corbett, who was released until his April 15 court date, was cited for larceny, possession of stolen goods and driving while license revoked.

At approximately 9 p.m, Lieutenant Jeff Baggett conducted a traffic stop in 1300 block of Hamilton Street.

The driver, Jesus Anaya Saldana, 31, of Halifax, was determined to be intoxicated.

Saldana was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, driving while license revoked, fictitious registration and open container of alcohol.

He received a $1,500 bond and April 11court date.

Master Officer Adam Salmon and Officer Natara Velazquez assisted.

Saturday March 12, 2016

At approximately 1:45 a.m., Officer Dale Strickland responded to a larceny call in what is traditionally called the no-hundred block of Hamilton Street.

While on the way, Strickland noticed several people in the vicinity of the call and got out to speak with them.

James Mathew Cain, 38, of Roanoke Rapids, was intoxicated and found in possession of a large concealed knife during.

Strickland arrested Cain for carrying a concealed weapon and sent others away after speaking with them.

Cain was belligerent and irate at the police department and refused to cooperate with other officers.

He was additionally charged with resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer.

He received a $1,500 bond and April 15 court date.

Baggett, Salmon and Green assisted.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., Master Officer Gerald Morris responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Rhinna Lee Romeo, 32, of Valentines, took items from the store.

Romeo, who received a $1,000 bond and April 15 court date, was arrested and charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Smith assisted.

Sunday March 13, 2016

At approximately 2:45 p.m., Smith responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Brian Wayne Casper, 37, of Roanoke Rapids, took items.

Casper was arrested and charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods. He received a $1,000 bond and April 8 court date.

Morris and Officer Joey Spragins assisted.

At approximately 10:45 p.m., Green responded to an assault call at Applebee’s.

Green noticed injuries to both parties.

Dominique Nicole Martin, 27, was arrested for assault and Rahjeim Jahmil Taylor, 30, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Both Roanoke Rapids residents were jailed with opportunity for bond due to the domestic nature of the case and received April 15 court dates.

Baggett and Sergeant Mike Moseley.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to come early as seating may be limited for this free event. For more information please call 252-583-3631.

Aaron Christopher Harris, 53, of Woodland, was charged with felony possession of cocaine and driving while impaired.

He was placed in the Northampton County Detention Center with a $4,000 secured bond.

He made his first court appearance on March 3.

Sarah Gene Jones, 25, of Rich Square, was charged with simple assault and was placed in the Northampton County Detention Center with a $500 secured bond.

She made her first court appearance today.

March

Thornton Jerelle Early, 29, of Woodland, was charged with non-support and was placed in the Northampton County Detention Center with a cash purge of $1,000.

He has a March 29 court date.

Dempsey Broady, 54, of Pleasant Hill, was arrested for non-support and was placed in the Northampton County Detention Center with a cash purge of $750.

He has a March 21 court date.

Michelle Shontate Pittman, 31, of Gaston, was charged with false report to police station.

She was jailed with a $300 secured bond and she made her first appearance today.

Deryck Devon Bennett 22, of Garysburg, was charged with possession of marijuana and resist a public officer.

He was placed in the Northampton County Detention Center with a $550 secured bond made his first court appearance on March 7.

Annie Daye, 60, of Pendleton, was charged with simple assault and was placed in the Northampton County Detention Center with a $500 secured bond and made her first court appearance today.

Elsie Barber, 54, of Garysburg, was charged with cyberstalking and was placed in the Northampton County Detention Center with a $500 secured bond.

She has a March 29 court date.

Linda Jean Gray, 62, was charged with harassing phone calls and was placed in the Northampton County Detention Center with a $400 secured bond.

She made her first court appearance today.

The discussion in chambers was not held today, Davis said this evening. He expects a decision on Thursday.

Davis told the judge he hasn't received a formal plea offer from the state in the matter and told her he filed a motion to dismiss the misdemeanor sexual battery count because it is outside the statute of limitations.

The statute of limitations prohibits misdemeanor charges being filed either through warrant or indictment after two years from the offense date, which in the Meinsen case, according to court records, was January 29, 2014.

A Halifax County grand jury returned a true bill of indictment for the misdemeanor charge against Meinsen in February.

In a primary which, according to unofficial results, saw nearly 25 percent of the county's registered voters go to the polls, Hux defeated challenger Terry Buffaloe by close to an 82 percent margin.

In the Halifax County Board of Education race, James A. Davis III was the top vote-getter. Davis, a challenger, collected 16.21 percent of the votes while incumbents Charles Hedgepeth and Carolyn Hawkins were returned to office. Former board member Tyus Few won a seat while incumbent Donna Hunter failed to regain her seat.

Meanwhile, in the state House 27 race, incumbent Michael Wray defeated challenger Franklin Williams by a 54.34 percent margin.

In the state Senate 4 race, incumbent Angela Bryant won by a nearly 82 percent margin over challenger James Mills.

The event will encompass educational presentations and demonstrations which teach youth the value of nutrition.

The health market is full of diet plans, the health system said in a release on the event. “There’s the South Beach Diet, the Raw Foods Diet, the Slim Fast Diet and the Weight Watchers Diet just to name a few. While there is not one, specific diet that works for all people, nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy mind and body.” Eating a diet rich in the five food groups includes consuming vegetables, protein, fruit, grain and dairy. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends a nutritional regiment that is low in the three Ss: sodium, saturated fat and added sugar. “While it may be difficult to cut back on the three Ss, it is important to remember that practice makes perfect. Forming good nutritional habits is vital for physical and mental well-being.” Space is limited for the program.

To attend this program, RSVP Chester Williams by noon on Thursday, at 252-673-6218 or at abetterchanceabettercommunity@gmail.com.

For more information on nutrition contact the Halifax County Public Health System at 252-583-5021.

You can follow the Halifax County Public Health Department on Twitter or on Facebook. 

Officer C. Smith investigated a hit and run.

After his investigation Smith arrested and charged Kyman Northington, 45, of Halifax, with hit and run, driving while license revoked, leaving the scene of an accident, possession of an open container, and driving after consuming.

Northington was transported to the magistrate's office in Halifax where he received a $1,500 secured bond and April 25 court date.

March 14

Smith stopped Kadarious Williams, 24, of Aulander, for a motor vehicle violation.

Smith was informed Williams had outstanding warrants from Bertie County.

During a search, Smith found Williams in possession of marijuana and arrested and charged him with simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked and a seat belt violation.

Williams was also served on the outstanding warrants for felony possession of stolen goods and a domestic violence protective order violation.

He received a $5,000 cash bond for the domestic violence protective order violation and a $2,500 secured bond for the remaining charges.

He has court dates of March 22 and April 27.

Medlin

Additionally, the board agreed to continue improvements at the Medlin School property following some concerns from nearby residents.

Trustees agreed to allocate money to plant some additional trees around the facility, remove barbed wire from the existing fence, and proceed with building a bus shelter for the district’s eight activity buses.

Internet

All of the district’s schools will be getting upgraded cabling and access points over the summer for improved internet service.

The total project will cost $323,327. The Department of Public Instruction and E-Rate will cover most of the cost.

The district will only have to pay $28,564 for this project.

The existing Manning Elementary will not be part of the upgrades since the new elementary school will include them.

“This will greatly improve wireless service in every classroom for our students,” said Tommy Britton, finance director.

Recognitions

{gallery}rrgsdroundup{/gallery}

Trustees also honored several students and staff members.

Competing in the Gold Division of the WordMasters Challenge, fourth-grader Julia Curtis earned a perfect score of 20 in the recent meet.

Nationally, only 27 fourth-graders achieved a perfect score.

Other students in Roanoke Rapids Graded School District who achieved outstanding scores in the first meet include fourth-graders Mary Foster, Kamdyn Jean and Jake Wynne, each scoring 19.

Nationally, only 74 fourth-graders achieved this score.

The students were coached in preparation for the WordMasters Challenge by Shelia Williams.

Also achieving outstanding scores were seventh-graders Isaiah Alston and and McKenzie Perry, each scoring 19.

Nationally, only 66 seventh-graders achieved this score.

The students were coached in preparation for the WordMasters Challenge by Shannon Dickinson.

ESL Teacher Heather Wynn, and RRHS School Counselor Angie Lassiter were honored for completing their national board recertification and several board members were also honored.

Board members Valencia Davis, Cathy Keeter and Michael Williams earned certification from the North Carolina School Board Association.

{gallery}quizbowl{/gallery}

Roanoke Rapids drew the bye and ended the night by winning each match it played.

Had Halifax Academy won its final match against Roanoke Rapids, it could have played again for its first title since 2008. Instead, Roanoke Rapids won the title 115-80.

KIPP; Northwest Halifax; Southeast Halifax and Roanoke Valley Early College also participated.

Assistant District Attorney Keith Werner told the judge the state was not contesting the date of the offense, which, according to court records, was January 29, 2014, more than two years after the Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment on the misdemeanor count.

He said, however, the state's plea offer was the sexual battery charge, a lesser charge than the felony indecent liberties count originally lodged against the minister.

The state, however, was in a position to argue against Davis's motion seeking dismissal of the misdemeanor count, on which Meinsen was indicted in February.

Davis argued the statute of limitations, which has been in place since 1826, “is pretty clear.”

The law forbids the filing of misdemeanor charges, other than malicious misdemeanors, either through warrant or indictment after two years of the offense date. “Once the crime is completed, that's when the time clock starts running,” Davis said.

He said the way the law reads a crime must have the element of being malicious or be enumerated as malicious. “There is no ambiguity to it.”

Werner countered sexual battery is an assault and the indictment on that charge was brought about “to allow him to plea (to a charge) less than the felony charge. I think it qualifies because it is an assault.”

Argued Davis: “I think it's clear the offense has to be enumerated as an element or have it as the title.”

Planning board member Lawrence White recused himself from deliberations because he lives next to the property and board member Terry Buffaloe was absent.

(City council will take up the matter at its April 5 meeting which will be held at 5:15 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street)

Mack Gay Associates, a Rocky Mount engineering, planning and surveying company, had originally sought a B-4 commercial rezoning for the property but planning board member Henry Ford asked a representative of the company whether B-3 would work. “The reason I'm asking is there's a lot of residential out there.”

B-3, Ford said, is more restrictive than B-4. “The land is more suitable for B-3.”

Scott Bumgarner, of Mack Gay, said B-3 would work for the project.

Crichlow explained during a public hearing on the matter he has been practicing at Mid-Atlantic's Becker Drive location since 2004. “We've been very satisfied with our practice and care for our patients. In order to meet the demands, we see the need to expand. We need to provide additional services.”

That means the addition of other doctors, he said, as well as adding services like advanced retinal care, which requires a larger area. He said the proposed expansion would offer additional employment in the area.

Crichlow said while the current location has served the needs of patients, it is small and parking often inadequate, some patients having to park at the mall across the street. “We see the need to provide new services and bring equipment we don't have.”

Edward Dickens, who owns and farms the land on Dickens Farm Road, spoke in opposition to the proposal. “It's a Century Farm and in a North Carolina Agriculture District that lets people (know there are) pesticides, dust, chemical odors, chemicals (being used) and noise.”

Dickens said he didn't know of any place or business which would want to deal with that. He said there are wetlands on the property and no sewer hook-ups.

Bumgarner said Crichlow is aware of the farming operation and would be willing to mitigate factors associated with farming. “The city has rules in place that protect neighboring property. We will follow all rules the city has in place.”

Andy Lamb, an engineer with Mack Gay, said the company is addressing sewer options. “We're looking at an onsite septic system until the sewer can be worked out.”

The matter had been scheduled for a conditional use permit hearing before the planning board tonight.

Lasky said following the meeting it is not clear why the company has put its plans on hold. She did confirm the decision was not related to the matter involving the apartment complex proposal being tied up in the state Court of Appeals.

The TV station also reported Deon Wiggins, 20, and Sallie Twine, 66, both of Roanoke Rapids, were treated and released this morning.

The driver of the vehicle remains hospitalized, the TV station reported.

The prayer breakfast, which will be held at 8 a.m. at Mystique on Highway 125 is a way to foster the unity the two ministers are seeking and a way to bring the sheriff's office closer to the faith-based community, Tripp said. “It's open to the public and all ministers and those who believe in the power of prayer. We want to show unity and I want to bring a closer relationship with the sheriff's office and faith-based community. It's a spin-off from our prayer vigil in November and bringing our faith-based community closer because working together makes for a winning team.”

(To attend the prayer breakfast call Tripp at 252-578-6761)

At this function will be the two ministers Tripp has relied upon since taking office.

The relationship between the two ministers began almost three years ago when Reverend C.E. McCollum, of Oak Grove Baptist Church, and Reverend D.A. Leonard, of First Pentecostal Holiness Church, met at a function where Leonard happened to be the only white minister in attendance. “We went several months with no contact,” Leonard said.

The next time they met was at an annual King Day service at McCollum's church and the reception he and Tripp received was best described as icy until McCollum did one thing — “He shook my hand and hugged my neck,” Leonard said

Growing up the son of a minister in Vance County, “My father taught against racism. Our neighbors were KKK,” Leonard said.

The activities his neighbors participated in were “ugly and racist,” Leonard said, and through his father learned, “First of all, we're brothers in Christ. We see no color.”

Their relationship has led McCollum to invite Leonard to speak at his church and McCollum to speak at Leonard's church. “God has used me to get beyond color and get to the heart of who we are,” McCollum said.

McCollum, recalling the story of the Woman at the Well from the Gospel of John, said, “Even Jesus had to deal with racism. It's about breaking down barriers. Why can't we all come together?”

Tripp explained during his election bid for sheriff McCollum was supporting one of his opponents, but said, “There was something about Dr. McCollum. I knew I wanted to be his friend. There was just something unique about him and I had no doubt he was a Godly man.”

McCollum was working to build bridges by bringing the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to the Roanoke Valley as well as talking part in the Christian Men's Fellowship, which is a meeting of men of all faiths, both black and white. “You've got to get beyond color for change.”

For Tripp, the ministers have been an inspiration to him. “Racism is ugly. I see these men leading Christians to breaking down barriers and building bridges.”

The sheriff was drawn to Leonard not only because he is the pastor of his church, but because, “He is definitely a minister who takes care of his sheep, visiting with the sick and keeping contact with his members as all shepherds do.”