An accidental fire destroyed a Red Oak home on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Oak Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire around 2:17 p.m. at 3238 N Halifax Road, just off of Dortches Boulevard.
According to Brent Fisher, Assistant Director of Fire and Emergency Management for Nash County Emergency Services, firefighters found flames shooting from the single-story structure when they arrived.

Expansion plans for the Nash County Courthouse and Sheriff’s Office are back on Nash County’s radar.
Plans for expanding courthouse space as well as the sheriff’s office have been in the works since 2007 but were put on hold. However, discussions on the project have resumed and requests for architectural services were recently sent out.
In the current budget year, Nash County Commissioners budgeted $250,000, to be set aside for architectural services for the project.

Spring Hope Town Manager John Holpe announced last week that he had selected Anthony Puckett as the town’s new police chief.
Puckett will begin work on Tuesday, December 16.
Holpe said the town’s Board of Commissioners met with several candidates who were being considered but he made the final selection.

CHRISTMAS –– Pictured above, Little Macon Shearin checks out Santa Claus for the first time on Saturday during Nashville’s Christmas celebration. The festivities were moved inside Nash County’s Claude Mayo Administration Building due to the wet weather but still brought out a crowd, who watched the Nash Central High School Chorus perform Christmas songs, then watched a Children’s Christmas Parade.

Ricky Jenkins is sworn in as a School Board member by Superior Court Judge quentin Sumner.

Nash-Rocky Mount School officials are concerned with a recent move by the State Board of Education to adopt a 10-point grading scale at North Carolina High Schools.
Robin May, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, presented the policy change to the N-RMS Board of Education on Monday night at the board’s regular meeting.

Bradly Leonard and four of his friends are planning to break a world record and raise money for cancer in the process.
Leonard’s goal is to break the world record of playing a video game, Super Smash Brothers for the Wii, for 48 hours.
“We’re going to try to go for 50 hours,” Leonard said.
Leonard, along with friends and fellow students at the Nash-Rocky Mount Early College, decided to attempt to break the record for many reasons.

INCIDENTS
A damage to property (vandalism) was reported on 12/3/14 at 110 Arrowood Drive
A fraud (credit card/ATM) was reported on 12/3/14 at Food Lion, 1151 Eastern Avenue
A fraud (credit card/ATM) was reported on 12/3/14 at Wal-Mart, 1205 Eastern Avenue

A burglary was reported on 12/1/14 at 767 W Old Spring Hope Road
A burglary was reported on 12/1/14 at 2497 Browntown Road
A credit card fraud was reported on 12/2/14 at 1285 Golden Acres Drive
A breaking and entering a motor vehicle was reported on 12/2/14 at 2418 Creekridge Drive

Building Permit (Residential)
Stephen Ingram; 4890 Shepherds Way Drive; renovation/alteration; $71,500
Ted Daniel; 11800 W Finch Avenue; new single family; $75,000
John Newcombe; 1900 Kingfisher Court; new single family; $300,000

Thursday, December 11 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Environmental Services Building on Thorpe Road in Rocky Mount
Wednesday, December 17 from 1:30 until 6 p.m. at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, 3732 Sunset Avenue
Thursday, December 18  from 12 until 6 p.m. at Englewood Presbyterian Church, 100 South Englewood Drive, Rocky Mount

On November 18, the North Carolina School Boards Association (NCSBA) honored the winners of three student contests: an elementary school poster contest, middle school photo contest, and high school video contest. Students were asked to create posters, take photos, and create a 30- to 45-second video around the theme, What’s Super about Public Schools?

Nashville’s Police Department hosted its annual Kids and Cops Christmas and took 21 youth shopping on Tuesday morning at Nashville’s Wal-Mart. Nashville Police Officers, along with Nashville Firefighters, Town of Nashville staff and community leaders, participated in the event, which provides Christmas to area youth. Wal-Mart employees also help with the event. This year, the department was able to help twice as many youth as last year.

Corporal Miles Costa helps eight-year-old Andrew Wilhelm pick out a dinosaur toy during a shopping trip to Wal-Mart, which was part of the Nashville Police Department’s annual Kids and Cops Christmas.

Nashville’s newest police officer Derek Sowka (at right) helps four-year-old Jamari Fields try on a coat during the Kids and Cops Christmas on Tuesday.

Nash County Animal Hospital is once again raising money for Nash County Animal Friends as part of a holiday fundraiser. The annual fundraiser offers people the opportunity to purchase lights for a Christmas tree that is displayed inside the veterinarian office. The lights can be purchased in memory or in honor of a four-legged friend.

Adam Quinn, Aaron Horne, and Tanner Williamson of Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts Troop #12 of Bailey  are pictured serving at the annual Bailey Christmas Parade Dinner.

Darrick Price - Assistant Scout Master - Troop #12 Bailey - puts finishing touches on vehicle.

Eli Kicklighter of Kenley rides on a float for Rock Ridge 4-H.

Sisters Reagan and Lily Day shop before attending Bailey’s Christmas Parade.

Even a few showers didn’t stop Bailey’s Annual Christmas Parade which was held Saturday, December 6th.  Pictured above, Southern Nash High School’s Marching Band prepares to march in the parade.

Nashville Elementary third grader Kailyn G. Ellis is pictured standing by her artwork which is hanging along side of her classmates’ creations.

Nashville Elementary School recently held its first annual silent art auction. During the event, students also excitedly handed over a donation of $500 to Nash County Animal Friends (NCAF), a non-profit organization which promotes adoption at the Nash County Animal Shelter and promotes spay and neuter programs in the area.
Nashville Elementary School’s PTA hosted its annual fall festival in November.

Brothers Memphis, Nash and Knox Phillippe (L-R) visited with Santa Claus on Saturday following the annual Children’s Christmas Parade.

The Nash Central High School Chorus performed several Christmas songs on Saturday prior to the start of the Children’s Christmas Parade. The chorus is led by Joanna Hale (far right).

Preston Godett, 3, was the second place winner in Nashville’s Children’s Christmas Parade for his gingerbread house.

Randy Vick didn’t disappoint with his creative Nutcracker costume.

The Nash-Rocky Mount Public School System has released its Honor Roll and Principal’s List recipients.

The Nash-Rocky Mount Public School System has released its Honor Roll and Principal’s List recipients.

The Nash-Rocky Mount Public School System has released its Honor Roll and Principal’s List recipients.

The Northern Nash High School Volleyball Team recently presented the Nash Breast Care Center a $1,500 donation that will go toward providing breast cancer education and cancer screening services for area women.  The fund-raising campaign was a part of the team’s “Volley for a Cure” project, and students raised money through t-shirt and bake sales.  Volleyball coach and Athletic Director Patricia Haggarty aided students in coordinating the fund-raising effort.

On a beautiful but chilly Sunday morning, Peachtree folks gathered for worship.  The sanctuary was adorned for the Christmas season by a mass of poinsettia, given by members in honor or memory of loved ones.  Also in place were a nativity scene and a beautiful Chrismon tree. 

The Advent Bible Study at Red Oak United Methodist Church, “Not a Silent Night” by Alexander Hamilton, is held each Friday at 6:00 pm.  Everyone is invited to participate.
Poinsettias were placed in the sanctuary of Red Oak United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 29 and other preparations were made for the 2nd annual Chrismon Tree Service that took place Sunday night, November 30 at ROUMC.

Despite apparent good economic times, there is a lot of anxiety in the hearts of young men and women. Baby-boomers had parents who sacrificed to give them a better life. Generation Xers now see their parents let the good times roll. They consume with a vengeance. The Xers may not have the same financial or family security.
Easy divorce and abortion on demand heighten tensions. Parents split and go their own way.

Amy Shortt (far right), minister of music at Lakeside Baptist Church, leads the church’s children’s choir during a tree-lighting and remembrance ceremony as a part of the 11th Annual Lights of Love at Nash Health Care.

The success of the 11th annual Lights of Love celebration will help area youth have a brighter year; funds raised from the event will go toward the Pediatric Emergency Department on the campus of Nash Health Care. The annual celebration, presented by the Nash Health Care Volunteer Auxiliary, features a tree-lighting ceremony to honor those who are represented by a light on the Christmas trees on display in the Nash General Hospital lobby.

SCOUTS LEARN SELF-DEFENSE - Girl Scouts from Rocky Mount/Nash that are in grades six through twelve participated in their local Self-Defense Day on November 22. As part of the event, scouts learned basic self defense.

Hospital chaplains are dedicated to helping patients and family members during times of crisis, when they are coping with difficult physical, spiritual and emotional challenges. Chaplains also provide comfort, support and assistance to health care workers as they care for others…and many of the hospital chaplains are volunteers.

Physicians and staff at LifeCare Hospitals of North Carolina recently celebrated 15 years of providing intensive medical and therapeutic services for medically complex patients in the local and surrounding communities. The hospital, which opened in 1999, serves a service area that spans from Chapel Hill to Wilmington.

Locals Bobby Joe Fisher, of Nash County Farm Bureau and Parker Phillips, Nash County Extension Advisory Council Chair, recently attended the Cooperative Extension’s Centennial Celebration at the Albermarle in Elizabeth City. As part of the event, Phillips recited an original poem and acknowledging Dr. Travis Burke as being a recent North Carolina State University College Profile recipient.

While there are many, many reasons most of my family considers me weird, there is one that is common ground for all of them — Christmas.
I’m considered the Grinch, mostly due to my perceived lack of enthusiasm regarding the most joyous of holidays. My attitude towards decorating, shopping and gatherings is shameful, bordering on disgrace. If you consult my sisters or my Mama.

I have two small boys who are amazed at Christmas.
They love, love, love all the lights and colors and often beg me to stop in the middle of the road so their little eyes can linger for just a bit longer.
This past weekend, we were getting cabin fever so I decided that we needed to get out. I fixed dinner and then bribed my kids into eating by promising them an excellent light show.

Dear editor,
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen, a passionate agriculturalist, and an avid outdoorsman. My fellow citizens should be aware of a growing trend affecting our county and towns, the land we all call home. Solar farms are a new way for landowners to invest in their property. A landowner leases (signs) a 15-year contract that allows them to make much more per acre than they would renting to a farmer or investing in timber.

Dear editor,
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the citizens of District 6 who voted for me during both of the recent elections for school board. I am also appreciative of all the people who volunteered their time by making personal contacts, use of social media, phone calls and spending hours at the polls promoting my candidacy,  It is truly humbling that so many people believed that I was the best candidate.

This week’s backward glance photo was submitted by Mr. Pete Whitley of Nashville. He graduated from Benvenue School in 1946. This photo was taken sometime prior to 1941. Pictured left to right are teachers at Benvenue School: R.B. Gordon, D.A Willey, Merl Bell, Rebecca Turner, Mary Hindley, Louise Parker, Ruth Godfrey, Frances Graham, Louise Longest, Edna Farmer, Marie Proctor, Lucy and R.G. Payne.

Nash County Animals Friends is always in need of donations. We advertise that fact on a daily basis. And we love to acknowledge the donors and volunteers.
This holiday season you may have to find a gift for someone that loves animals but doesn’t own a pet. Maybe you don’t want to get them something material, because they have everything they need.

IN THE CLUTCHES. Southern Nash’s Marquise Wright (4) tries to gain possession during last Tuesday night’s road victory against rival Bunn.

BUNN -- Southern Nash’s best start in recent boys basketball memory included a victory last Tuesday night against a backyard rival and long-time nemesis -- the Bunn Wildcats.
Despite the wealth of newcomers, reloading BHS was still able to take a solid Southern Nash squad to the limit.
But Bunn couldn’t hold on to a 13-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter, and Southern was able to rally for a 48-44 victory in the grudge matchup at the Bunn Dome.

EYEING A MOVE. Northern Nash’s Tyreese Wiggins (left) waits for the right moment to make a move as part of a match at last Saturday’s Grant Wilson Invitational Wrestling Tournament at Rocky Mount High School.

ROCKY MOUNT - With all Nash County schools in attendance -- along with Wilson Hunt -- the Grant Wilder Wilson Invitational Tournament was destined to serve as a mini-preview for the remainder of the 2014-15 Big East Conference wrestling campaign.
If that’s the case, then Rocky Mount may be on its way to defending its league championship -- though there was a catch.

TAKING THE BASELINE. Freshman Elya Santos (right) drives for Southern Nash during last Tuesday’s girls basketball setback at Bunn.

BUNN -- Southern Nash has experienced its share of difficulty in the early portion of the 2014-15 girls basketball campaign under veteran head coach Wayne Bryant.
But the Ladybirds did flash some potential during an early eight-minute stretch as part of last Tuesday’s road meeting against backyard rival Bunn High School.

LUCKY 13. Nash Central Middle School’s Zy’keria Burgess (with ball) drives to the basket during last Thursday’s regular season girls basketball opener at home.

NASHVILLE -- Veteran coach Minnie White has built a mini-dynasty on the girls basketball hardwood in recent seasons at Nash Central Middle School.
But it was easy to wonder if the Lady Trojans could repeat as Tri-County Conference champions this year following the graduation of Robbi Allen, who will undoubtedly go down as one of the top players in NCMS history.

ON THE BALL. Chris High prepares to take the ball into the paint for Nash Central Middle School during last Thursday’s home basketball game against Pattillo out of Tarboro.

NASHVILLE -- Not even a season-opening setback against Pattillo Middle School last Thursday has dampened Coach Kevin Leonard’s optimism about Nash Central Middle School’s 2014-15 boys basketball campaign.
The Trojans return two starters -- Stephen Tucker and Chris High -- from a club that went 8-6 overall last year.
“I think we can match (or better) that (mark),’’ Leonard said. “We should be able to if we continue to play hard.’’

CHAPEL HILL -- Here are last Friday’s semifinal results and this weekend’s championship matchups in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s State Football Playoffs:

RED OAK -- Northern Nash High School has released its schedule for the 2015 varsity baseball season.
The Fighting Knights will kick off the campaign on March 2 with a road matchup against the Bunn Wildcats.
NN’s ledger is as follows, with home games listed in CAPS:

ROCKY MOUNT -- Freshman Kaimonne Douglas and junior D.J. Weaver combined for seven treys and 32 points off the bench to pace a hot-shooting North Carolina Wesleyan College men’s basketball team last Tuesday night in Everett Gym, leading their Battling Bishops to a dominating 94-74 win over William Peace University.
The first half saw NCWC net the first seven points of the contest before the Pacers could get on track offensively.

VIRGINIA BEACH -- Freshman KeChae Parker tallied her first career double-double last Wednesday night, but it would not be enough as her North Carolina Wesleyan College Battling Bishop women’s basketball team fell just short at Virginia Wesleyan, 72-69.
Parker’s 14 points paced NCWC offensively, while her 11 rebounds were a game-high.

There was plenty of action last Saturday at the annual Grant Wilson Invitational Wrestling Tournament, which was hosted by Rocky Mount High School. Among the Nash County participants at the event were (abpve) Nash Central’s Jahkele Goins.

There was plenty of action last Saturday at the annual Grant Wilson Invitational Wrestling Tournament, which was hosted by Rocky Mount High School. Among the Nash County participants at the event were (above) Northern Nash’s Deonte Daniels.

ROCKY MOUNT -- Nash Central High School celebrated its annual Fall Athletic Awards Ceremony last Monday evening on the NCHS campus.
Award recipients from the event were as follows, by sport:

BUNN -- Northern Nash’s boys will take part in the Bunn High School Christmas Basketball Tournament later this month.
The event will be held  Dec. 29-30 at the Bunn Dome. Northern Nash’s opening-round game will be against the host Wildcats on Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bunn Dome.

Northern Nash’s Kendall Branch grabs the leg of an opponent during last Saturday’s action at the Grant Wilson Invitational Wrestling Tourney at Rocky Mount HS.

Southern Nash’s Marquise Wright (right) is fouled during the Firebirds’ road boys basketball decision last Tuesday night against the Bunn Wildcats. Southern Nash, coached by Robbie Kennedy, is off to an undefeated start to the campaign. (Photo Submitted by Anthony Barham)

High-level players (l to r) Tainasha Vines from Bunn and Destin Burgess from Southern Nash try to gain an advantage during last Tuesday’s girls basketball event in Franklin County.

Nash Central’s Kayla Mitchell drives for a basket for the Lady Trojans during last Thursday afternoon’s home victory against Patillo Middle School.

Nash Central Middle School’s A’nya Bobbitt cans a jumper for the Lady Trojans during last Thursday’s home triumph against league foe Patillo Middle.

Christopher High is back at the guard position this season for the Nash Central Trojans.

Bunn’s Precious Walker (with ball) drives toward the basket during the Ladycats’ home girls basketball showdown last Tuesday evening against Southern Nash.

Angela Danielle Carpenter, 17, passed away, Saturday, December 6, 2014. She was born April 2, 1997 in Edgecombe County to Wade and Angela Carpenter.

Angela Rose Mullen, 73, passed away December 5, 2014.  A graveside service was held Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Peachtree Baptist Church Cemetery.

ROCKY MOUNT –- Anthony Ray Sanders, 58, of Rocky Mount, died on December 5, 2014.

ROCKY MOUNT - Carether Scott, 66, of Rocky Mount, died on December 2, 2014.

Etta Frances Brown Jones, 94, passed away, Thursday December 4, 2014. She was born March 14, 1920 in Nash County to the late Willie and Anna Cooper Brown. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Algie Jones, Sr., two great grandsons, Ernest Algie Jones, IV and Grant Kristopher Phillips.

SPRING HOPE - Gwendolyn “Gwen” Bryant, 90,  passed away Monday, December 8, 2014.

James Ottis (Jimmy) Carter , age 85, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2014. Jimmy was born to Nathan James and Addie Robinson Carter on August 2, 1929 in Nash County.

Janie Cauble Martin Duncan, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. Born in Berea, SC on December 22, 1928, she was the daughter of the late William Mauldin Martin, Sr and Melzena Gibson Martin. Janie was preceded in death by her husband, Sloan Jackson Duncan. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Stephen Lewis; and her grandson, Daniel Stephen Lewis. Predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Janie was the baby of twelve.

LOUISBURG - Jasper Earl Allen, 61, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2014.

LOUISBURG - Nathaniel Lewis, Sr., 95, died on Wednesday, December 3, 2014.

Mrs. Sallie Mae Smith, 98, of Rocky Mount, died on December 9, 2014.

Seabury Daniel Thorp, 81, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2014. He was born June 30, 1933 in Rocky Mount, the son of the late Lewis Sumner Thorp and Routh Speed Mercer Thorp. He was the youngest of three children.

ROCKY MOUNT ––  Woodrow Thomas, 65, of Rocky Mount, died on December 7, 2014.