The Nash-Rocky Mount Schools (NRMS) board voted unanimously at their meeting Monday night to begin the board dispute resolution process with the Nash County Commissioners, according to state law G. S. 115C-431.
Due to the assertion that a local current expense fund of $19.4 million and a capital outlay fund of $1.65 million for 2014-15 is “not sufficient,” board member Brenda Brown brought the motion to the board which gives board chairman Evelyn Bulluck authority to begin with the legal dispute resolution process. The approved NRMS budget for 2014-15 totals $134 million.

Teachers, parents, school board members, along with others in the community, expressed their dislike to Nash County’s proposed funding level for Nash-Rocky Mount Schools in the proposed 2014-2015 budget.
Over 20 people spoke out against the county’s budget during a public hearing on Monday morning.
Nash County Commissioners initially had proposed keeping funding for the school system at its current level - at $19,175,161 for current expense and at $1,396,890 for capital outlay - until an efficiency study, or performance audit, could be completed on the school system.

Spring Hope Commissioners decided to include a three cents property tax increase on the proposed 2014-2015 Fiscal Year Budget at the regular meeting on Monday night.
A public hearing was held on the budget Monday night at the board’s regular meeting.
Town Manager John Holpe brought the suggestion of a tax increase at a budget meeting last month, suggesting an increase could help with maintenance issues. However, commissioners initially shot down the idea.

GIVING THANKS –– Spring Hope fire fighter Chris Chappell (left) is pictured with Marvin High who was rescued from his burning apartment in December.

Nash County fire fighters reunited with a fire victim they rescued from a fire in his burning  apartment  in Spring Hope on December 28, 2013.
Marvin High spent three months at the Chapel Hill Burn Center recovering from second and third degree burns.  
Spring Hope Fire Chief David Shelton said he received a call from High saying that he would like to meet the fire fighters who saved his life. 

Nashville residents will see a five percent sewer increase in the new budget year, as the town is passing down the increase from the City of Rocky Mount.
Nashville Town Manager Preston Mitchell told council members on Tuesday night, at the board’s regular meeting, that they had received information that Rocky Mount was increasing its rates by five percent. Mitchell said, as the town has done in the past, it is recommending the increase be passed on because the town cannot absorb it.

Middlesex Commissioners are proposing a two-cents property tax increase, which will bring the town’s property tax rate to 52 cents per $100 valuation.
The proposed 2014-2015 budget was presented to commissioners last Tuesday morning at a special budget meeting. The budget was presented at around $1.3 million. That budget does not include the two cents tax increase, which was proposed at a second budget meeting held on Monday night.

LUCKY TICKET? –– Nashville Fire Captain Jason Edwards prepares to draw a ticket during the Nashville Fire Departments reverse raffle Friday night. The annual event provides funds for the department’s Life Safety and Injury Prevention Program.

The Nashville Fire District Auxiliary hosts a Reverse Raffle each year as a fundraiser for the fire department. All proceeds support the Fire Department’s Life Safety and Injury Prevention Program. This year’s event was held on Friday, May 30 at Nash Community College.
Only 300 tickets are sold for the event. Tickets are $100 each and ticket buyers are treated to dinner and a chance to win $10,000. Other monetary prizes are also given out at the event.

The Town of Red Oak approved an $841,000 annual budget on Monday despite concerns about how state legislative actions may affect the bottom line. The budget for the 2014-2015 fiscal year includes projected revenues of $100,000 from franchise and utility fees that have been repealed by the state legislature. However, Red Oak Commissioners are hoping that the expected sales tax revenues of $600,000 will increase due to new legislation proposing the addition of sales tax on utilities.

An injury to personal property was reported on 5/23/14 at 3440 Watson Seed Farm Road
A financial card fraud was reported on 5/23/14 at 4119 Sheep Pasture Road
A recovered stolen property was reported on 5/23/14 at 9273 Saralissa Lane
An assault on a female was reported on 5/23/14 at 6212 Reams Road

INCIDENTS
A larceny and breaking and entering a motor vehicle was reported on 5/25/14 at Crescent Meadows Drive
A larceny (shoplifting) was reported on 5/27/14 at Auto Zone, 105 Nashville Commons Drive
An obtaining a controlled substance by fraud was reported on 5/27/14 at CVS Pharmacy, 101 W Washington Street

Honors College Dean Dr. Marianna Walker (left) discusses the Rocky Mount-Nash ECU Honors College Scholarship with alumni W. Richard Cobb, Amy Rogers, PhD, Ed., Dr. Anthony Jackson and Beth Covolo.

The Honors College at East Carolina University recently held a luncheon at the Benvenue Country Club for area high school guidance counselors and administrators.
Representative from Nash Central, Northern Nash, Rocky Mount High, Southern Nash, Rocky Mount Preparatory School, Rocky Mount Early College, Faith Christian School and Rocky Mount Academy were in attendance.

 Jessica Rogers of Nashville is among 20 incoming freshmen selected for the prestigious EC Scholars program at East Carolina University.
 The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive a scholarship for four years, along with a stipend for study abroad, for a total value of approximately $61,000.

Rebecca Winstead, a sophomore nursing major from Nashville, was among approximately 1,400 Bob Jones University students named to the Spring 2014 Dean’s List.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a 3.0 grade point average.

James Steven Warren, of Rocky Mount), was one of the graduates during the 2014 spring commencement ceremonies at Texas State University. Warren received a bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering.
Texas State is an emerging research university located in the Austin-San Antonio corridor on the edge of the Texas Hill Country.

The season of good old fashioned family reunions is here!  Dorothy, Audrey, and Suzy Pearce and Madgie Macklin had a great time Saturday, May 31 spending time with family.  The Tant-Pearce Family Reunion was held at Corinth Baptist Church in Nashville.  Monroe Tant and Larry Kearney organized this reunion, the first one in about 25 years.

The choir sang “In My Life Lord be Glorified” for the call to worship. Pastor Ronnie Whitehouse welcomed everyone and prayed the prayer of invocation. Hymns of worship were “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “I will sing the Wondrous Story.” Algie Jones, Jr. led the congregational singing. Prayer concerns were shared. Bobby Farmer prayed for these concerns.

Peachtree folks gathered for worship on a beautiful June morning.  Pastor Whitehouse greeted those present.  Sanctuary flowers were given by Jane May in memory of her husband, Perry May.
The sermon was titled ‘Close Doesn’t Count in Salvation.’ The prophetic scripture was found in Matthew 24:36-41.The truths that Pastor Whitehouse presented were that when Christ returns, it will be sudden and final.

Sunday School at Beulah Church of Christ began on Sunday morning at 9:45, followed by church service at 10:45. It was announced that there would not be any Sunday night services during the summer months. Those services will resume in September.

Casey Strickland was recently named the NC Holstein Association’s 2014 Distinguished Junior Member. Each state chooses an outstanding member of the Junior Holstein Association. The selection is based on participation at the National Convention, showing cows and other community service participation. The recognition earned her a free trip to the National Holstein Convention in late June.

Victoria N. Bass graduated May 10, 2014 from Halifax Community College with an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. She is the daughter of Robert A. Bass and Lisa B. Webb of Nashville.

We think we know, but we don’t.
We can read and study, and we can watch incredible movies and series such as “Saving Private Ryan” or “Band of Brothers,” and we think we can take in the carnage, the ugliness of war, the horror and the fear. But in the end, we just read words and see cinematic special effects, no matter how close they are to “real.”

If you live in Spring Hope, your taxes are going up this year even though the budget was presented prior to a public hearing without a tax increase.
Our School Board and County Commissioners are at odds regarding funding for the 2014-2015 school year and school board members are considering a legal dispute.

70’S BAND –– The “Coming Seeds” was a newly-formed dance band in Nashville in 1972. The band is pictured above practicing in an old packhouse they had converted into a club house in the Elm Grove Community. Members were (left to right) Milton Gupton, Steve Brown, Rex Jones and David Lucas. Tim Wells was manager of the band.

COLLARS ~ How important are they?  VERY!  For one thing, that is where you can put an ID!!!  If your dog gets out and lost, then you can be found!  You can by cheap collars at the dollar stores and take a magic marker and put your phone number on it, for example.  However, remember, dogs grow, thus their collars need changed during that time or if they gain weight.

STATE AWARD WINNER. Northern Nash High School senior Sarah Hinson poses with her Heart of a Champion Award from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Hinson enjoyed a strong tennis career for the Lady Knights.

RED OAK -- How prestigious is the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s Heart of a Champion Award?
Consider that only 15 students across the Tar Heel State were presented with an award plaque in April in Durham.
And Northern Nash’s Sarah Hinson was one of the honorees.
To qualify for the award, a student-athlete must have participated in at least one varsity sport during the 2013-14 school year.

NASHVILLE -- Faith Christian School’s Stephanie Stallings has been accepted to North Carolina Wesleyan College for the fall semester. She has received The Heritage Scholarship, which is a merit-based scholarship that recognizes academic performance.
The Heritage Scholarship is a prestigious full tuition, room, board, and books academic award. This is  the highest scholarship offered based on a student’s grades and test performance.

IN CONTROL. Northern Nash’s Alexus Hill capped off her prep career by once again being named to the All-Big East Conference Girls Soccer Team this past year.

NASH COUNTY -- Nash County enjoyed another strong spring in girls soccer, so it was no surprise that the county was well-represented on the Big East Conference Team for the 2014 campaign.
Nash Central’s Abigail Ross even snagged one of the top honors as the senior keeper was selected as the Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

RED OAK -- Northern Nash’s 2014 football schedule will kick off Aug. 22 with a home game against the Corinth Holders Pirates.
NN will have six non-league matchups before beginning its Big East Conference worksheet on Oct. 10 on the road against Wilson Hunt.

NASH COUNTY -- Here are updated scores from the Nash County Parks and Recreation Department’s Spring Sports Leagues:

ROCKY MOUNT -- Nash Central High School has released its spring sports award recipients.
Winners by sport are as follows:

NASHVILLE -- The Town of Nashville Recreation Department has the following summer camps scheduled:
• A Tennis Camp will be held June 13 from 9-11 a.m. at Stony Creek Environmental Park.
• A Summer Jam will be held June 27 from 9-10 a.m. at the Nashville Elementary School Gymnasium.
• A Football/Cheerleading Camp is targed for July 7,8,10,14 and 15 at The Hornets Nest at Glover Park.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The Myrtle Beach Pelicans scored four times in the eighth inning to draw victory from defeat in a 5-2 final against the Carolina Mudcats on Sunday evening at TicketReturn.com Field in a Class A Carolina League baseball contest in the Palmetto State..
Four of the Pelicans’ five wins against the Mudcats have come with a rally in the final three innings.

BUNN -- David Howle didn’t hesitate when it came time to announce the Bunn High School Football Coach’s Award at last Tuesday’s annual Athletic Awards Ceremony.
Howle, Bunn’s head coach, isn’t a big fan of giving out awards as he feels like it singles out individual players instead of the team aspect of the sport.

RED OAK -- Northern Nash High School is saying goodbye to one of the best athletes in school history -- and in grand fashion.
NNHS senior Alexus Hill has been selected as both the school’s Female Athlete of the Year Award winner, along with the prestigious Nash County Schools Triple Crown Award.

NASH COUNTY -- The Nash County Parks & Recreation Department has welcomed Thomas Gillespie as its newest employee. 
Gillespie is a 2009 graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in Recreation and Parks Management. 
He brings experience from a wide range of recreational and athletic programs such as summer camps, athletic field maintenance, sports camps and special events. 

SOUTHERN NASH TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS. (L to R) Southern Nash’s Deon Lavender and Madison Bell pose after receiving the Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Triple Crown Award for the 2013-14 season.

STANHOPE -- Southern Nash’s sports season capped off recently with the recognition of the school’s top student-athletes as part of Senior Awards Day.
Richard Hall was saluted as the Male Athlete of the Year after a standout career that included letters in basketball, football and track and field. Hall has signed to play football at Lenoir-Rhyne.

GREENVILLE -- The contract of Billy Godwin, head baseball coach at East Carolina University since 2005, will not be renewed according to an announcement by director of athletics Jeff Compher on Monday.
Godwin recently completed his ninth season heading the Pirate program following East Carolina’s 3-1 loss to Southern Miss on May 23 during the Conference USA Tournament.

ELM CITY -- It was an absolutely gorgeous day and night for racing last weekend at County Line Raceway.
The sun was shining all day, while a light breeze sifted through after the sun set, you couldn’t have asked for a better night to see the stars of CLR.
Up first was the Super Stock 4 cylinder division lined up on the backstretch with Jason Horne and Hunter Bailey on the front row.

ROCKY MOUNT -- A trio of youth hoops camps are being offered this summer for county residents, including the Bulldog Basketball Camp at Nash Central High School.
That event will be held June 24-26 from 6-8:30 p.m. each day.
The camp is open to boys and girls in rising second through ninth grades.

The Rocky Mount/Edgecombe Community Development Corporation’s (RMECDC) Juneteenth Community Empowerment Harambee Festival will celebrate the musical legacy of the international jazz great, Thelonious “Sphere” Monk, with a Thelonious Monk Jazz Concert on Friday, June 6, 2014 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Booker T. Theater.

Beth Chancellor Hammersley Ferrell, age 72, passed away Sunday, June 1, 2014. Born in Washington DC on August 25, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Edward Chancellor Hammersley and Julia Marie Crump Hammersley.

ROCKY MOUNT - Bobby E. Stevenson, 64, of Rocky Mount, died on May 23, 2014.

Bobby Ray Pierce, age 68, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014. Born in Nash County on March 19, 1946, he was the son of the late Willie Fulton Pierce and Verytine Davis Pierce. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mamie Champion Pierce.

Kinston - Cassandra Ann Jenkins, 56, died May 24, 2014. 

NASHVILLE - Flonnie Jackson “Dick” Parker, Jr., 84, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2014.

James “Jimmy” Earl Gold, 72, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2014.  He was born in Baltimore, MD July 26, 1941. He was preceded in death by his father, Mac Gold and brother, James “Mac” Gold.

ROCKY MOUNT - James “Sonny” Speight Batts, Lt. Col. USAF, ret., 79, passed away Friday, May 30, 2014. He was born May 19, 1935 in Nash County to the late John David and Bertha Davis Batts.  He was preceded in death by his parents and also his siblings John David “JD” Batts, Jr., Charles Bennett “Bud” Batts, Evelyn Caroll “Sis” Batts Rhea, Harvey Talmadge “Tab” Batts, Chester Morris “Sambo” Batts, and Mickey Donald Batts.

John Dewey Weaver, Jr, age 91, passed away June 1, 2014. He was born in Rocky Mount on March 25, 1923 to Mary Faulkner Weaver and John Dewey Weaver. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Elizabeth Lane Weaver and Ann MacPherson Weaver.

Joyce (Gayenelle) Woodlief Tilley,  formerly of  Rocky Mount, died   Sunday, June 1, 2014 at Elmcroft Assisted Living in Raleigh. She was born August 26, 1928 to the late Aubrey Woodlief Sr. and Sarah Powell Woodlief. She was predeceased by her husband, Thompson Milton Tilley; and brothers, Bervin, Fleming, Maynard, Woodrow and Aubrey Jr.; and sisters, Selene Wright, Ione King, Hortense Gibson, Nadine Bradley and Clina Wheeler.

Katharine Spruill (Kate) Harrison, a life-long resident of Rocky Mount passed away May 30, 2014 at the age of 97. A funeral service was held Tuesday, June 3 at the Church of the Good Shepherd with burial following at Pineview Cemetery.

Marcelene Tharrington, 75, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014. She was born July 20, 1938 in Franklin County to the late Thomas and Julia Moore Stallings.

Marie Lamm Boykin, 83, passed away Monday, May 26, 2014. She was born in Nash County, July 7, 1930. She was the daughter of the late Onnie and Martha Lamm. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Clarence Boykin, and daughter, Betty Jo Boykin Parker. She was also preceded in death by her 10 siblings and by her best friend Faye Shiflett.

Mary Elizabeth Hicks, 65, of Roanoke Rapids, died on Friday, May 30, 2014.

Mildred Mills Vick, 86, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2014.  She was born in Harnett County, October 4, 1927 to the late Richard Terry and Ruby Bell Ayers Mills. In addition to her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Paul A. Vick; son, Dannie Vick; grandson, Len Vick; great grandson, William Carter; five brothers and a sister.

Nellie Robbins Stone, age 89, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2014. She was born in Wilson County, daughter of the late Charlie Daniel Robbins and Gertie Edwards Robbins. Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Cleveland Turner Stone.

Russel M. Wheless, age 66 of Spring Hope  passed away May 29, 2014.

Virginia Lupton Knowles passed away May 26, 2014. She was born in Suffolk, Virginia on December 26, 1923 and was the daughter of the late Lee Blount Lupton and Mattie Matthews Lupton of Rocky Mount. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Mr. Melvin Dixon Knowles.

William H. Stanley died Monday. May 26, 2014. He was born March 14, 1925 in Lake View, South Carolina to Ina Humphries Stanley and John H. Stanley.  He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Jack and Joe.

ENFIELD –– Willie “Ricky / Willie Gulf” Whitaker, Jr., 59, died May 24, 2014.