STILL FITS! -- NC Governor Roy Cooper, a Northern Nash High 1975 graduate, slips on his high school jacket during his speech at Northern's graduation ceremony.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper returned to his alma mater on Saturday to congratulate and encourage the 258 graduates of the Northern Nash High School Class of 2017.
Cooper is a 1975 graduate of the school and said it was good to be back.
"I am home," he said. "Whenever I'm here, I'm home."

A Rocky Mount Preparatory School math teacher was charged last week with having inappropriate relationships with students.
The Rocky Mount Police Department was notified by the school on May 5 of a possible inappropriate relationship at the school. According to a press release, the police department was informed of an employed math teacher having inappropriate sexually related contact with three juvenile male students. The contact occurred off campus, the release stated.

Carolyn Briggs will wrap up a 25-year career with the Town of Red Oak on June 30 at 4 p.m.
Briggs is set to retire as the Town Clerk for the town and said she's excited about retirement but will miss the work.
But still, she's counting down the days.
Briggs, of Red Oak, said she was working a part-time job but looking for additional work when she found out that the town had an opening for a town clerk.

Nashville's Town Council made changes to its ordinances related to pets at town parks during their regular meeting last Tuesday night.
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director Marguerite Bishop requested that the board consider changing the ordinance to allow pets at town parks. The previous ordinance said pets were not allowed at any of the town parks.
"This ordinance does not reflect the reality of our users," Bishop said in a memo to Town Manager Henry Raper.

Nashville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director Marguerite Bishop is hoping a partnership with a local high school will help bring more people to Nashville's Stony Creek Environmental Park.
The Environmental Club of Northern Nash High School recently installed a sign at the park. The Town of Nashville also recently installed a smaller, directional sign that leads people to the park.

Nashville's Fire Department is partnering with two organizations to offer smoke alarms to citizens.
Battalion Chief Jason Edwards presented information to Town Council last Tuesday night about a partnership between the fire department, the Jaycee Burn Center and the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal to provide free smoke alarm installations to citizens.

Momeyer's Town Council unanimously approved a $67,160 budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year at their monthly meeting on Monday.
The town's property tax rate will remain at 13 cents per $100 valuation.
The budget includes $45,000 in local option sales tax revenues, $8,000 in franchise tax revenues and $13,250 in property and vehicle tax revenues.

Three Rocky Mount men were arrested and charged in connection with numerous vehicle break-ins in Nash County.
According to the Nash County Sheriff's Office, there were reports of 26 motor vehicle break-ins during the week of June 5.
The break-ins occurred on West Old Spring Hope Road, Vick Road, Pleasant Grove Church Road, Old Bailey Highway, Evans Road, South Old Franklin Road and Fountain Branch Road.

INCIDENTS
A hit and run was reported on 6/4/17 at 131 Nashville Commons Drive, in the Food Lion Parking Lot
A larceny by an employee was reported on 6/6/17 at 479 W Washington Street, L&L #14

A fraud was reported on 6/4/17 at 8755 Carter Grove Drive
A larceny of a dog was reported on 6/4/17 at 10560 Lake Royale Road
A misdemeanor larceny was reported on 6/4/17 at 10601 E NC 97
A domestic assault was reported on 6/5/17 at 2778 Tom George Road

Nash County Planning and Inspections issued the following building permits from June 5 through June 9.

Bobby Lee Bass and Jane Bass will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on June 15. The couple were married on June 15, 1952 in Momeyer and have lived the past 65 years in Momeyer. The couple have two sons, Matthew Lee Bass and Robert Ed Bass. Bobby Lee is a charter member of the Momeyer Ruritan Club and also a longtime member of the Spring Hope American Legion Post, having served over 60 years. He served for two years in the United States Army, from 1953-1955.

The Northern Nash High School Class of 1967 held its 50th high school reunion on May 20, 2017 at Benvenue Country Club with 72 of the 206 graduates attending.

Tonya Moore House, of Rocky Mount, announces the engagement of her daughter, Melissa Kay House, of Rocky Mount, to Daniel Lee West, of Sparta. He is the son of Gary and Kathy West of Sparta. Melissa is also the daughter of the late Michael Keith House. A November 18, 2017 wedding is planned at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church.

The North Carolina State Board of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examiners approved 60 individuals for licensure as Certified Public Accountants (CPA's) in the State of North Carolina on May 25, 2017.
Nashville resident Heather Nicole Boulden Gurganus was among those who received certification.

Tarboro High School senior Brenna Bryant was crowned Miss Jabberwock 2017 during the recent 39th Jabberwock pageant presented by the Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Delta Center for Life Development.
During the 39th Jabberwock pageant, 25 young women were presented to society. The honorees were juniors and seniors attending eight area schools; Rocky Mount High, Northern Nash High, Tarboro High, North Edgecombe High, Southwest Edgecombe High and Green Central High.

Lawrence Owen Sandifer, of Spring Hope, graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness.
Sandifer was among more than 3,400 students who received degrees in the four May 11 and 12 commencement ceremonies at Littlejohn Coliseum.
Ranked No. 23 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success.

Chowan University officially announced the Spring 2017 semester's President's and Dean's List honorees. President's List winners are full-time students who have accomplished a grade point average of 3.8 or better for the semester. Dean's List winners have accomplished a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.79 for the semester. This distinction for full-time students will become part of their official record.

Thursday, June 22 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Tri-County Industries, 1250 Atlantic Avenue, Rocky Mount
Friday, June 23 from 2 until 6 p.m. at Parkwood Baptist Church, 1731 Hunter Hill Road, Rocky Mount
Saturday, June 24 from 12 until 4:30 p.m. at Golden East Crossing Mall, 1100 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount

Eastpointe Human Services has filed legal action against the North Carolina Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Nash County.
The lawsuit is related to the county's decision to separate from Eastpointe and join with Trillium Health Resources.
Nash County Commissioner have been trying to separate from Eastpointe since October 2, 2015, when they passed a resolution to disengage with Eastpointe and align with Cardinal Innovations.

Danny Talbott, Rocky Mount's legendary sports hero and cancer survivor, addressing attendees at the Pink Party where the name of the new center was announced.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new UNC Cancer Care at Nash facility was held on Thursday, May 4 at 6 p.m. in the Nash Day Hospital atrium. Heavy rains in no way dampened the spirits of those attending the indoor, groundbreaking ceremony for the 11,000 square-foot facility, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2018.

Makayla Fields, Liz Flora, Floribel Gonzalez, Megan Godwin and Caitlin Gaither.

Pictured (kneeling) is Ari Moore. On the back row (L-R) is: Arthur Person, Zykeya Pittman, Celeste Powell, Alexia McWilliams-Harrison and Beniah Pittman.

Tanylia Caudle

Savannah Bridgers with Northern Nash teacher Lisa Weaver.

Rocky Mount High School had a six-way tie for its Valedictorians. Pictured (L-R) is: Zhenjia Chen, Barkley Browder, Erin Binkley, Taylor Lutrell, Leo Jaffe and Kevin Pham.

Ariana Baker, Alexis McCowan and Jermaine Harrison

NCHS Salutatorian Ryan Taylor and Valedictorian Adam Moore.

Nash Central High School teacher Mr. Brewer makes sure Haley Baker has all her honor cords.

Samantha Baker and Jenna Batchelor

Madi Craft and Shammond Holden

Nash Community College is the 28th educational institution in the nation to be certified as an affiliate of the Bee Campus USA program, designed to marshal the strengths of educational campuses for the benefit of pollinators. College students, faculty, administrators, and staff have long been among the nation's most stalwart champions for sustainable environmental practices.

IN APPRECIATION....
This last week, Ms. Langley wasn't working at the Shelter. There is a saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Indeed, it does. It reminds us of how much she does to help achieve our goal to save Nash's homeless pets.

On a beautiful summer Sunday morning Peachtree Folks gathered for worship. Sanctuary flowers were given by Aubrey and Kathy Farmer in memory of Kathy's mother, Sally Knight.
The offertory, played by Jane May, was a beautiful medley of songs which included "Jesus, the Center of My Joy." The Adult Choir sang "His Strength is Perfect," under the direction of the Pastor.

"And now the rest of the story..." Though I'm still a young gun, I have vivid memories of Paul Harvey's voice gently flowing through the speakers as he delivered to the country yet another incredible story. The rest of the story, it's important, is it not? If I were to tell you a wonderful, intriguing story, yet stop halfway through, you would be yearning for the rest of the story, wouldn't you? I know I would.

Women in Action of Red Oak Baptist Church met at the church on Thursday, June 8. They enjoyed supper together, the monthly missions program, and also donated needed items to My Sister's House.
The Baptist Men will have their monthly breakfast on Sunday, June 18 at 8:30 am at Red Oak Baptist Church.

Please be careful during the hot weather, especially if you need to be outside. The temperature has been predicted to be near 100 for several days.
Sunday will be Father's Day. If your father is still living please be sure to be in touch with them by phone or in person if at all possible. Several families have recently lost their father. May God comfort them and help them to give thanks for those fathers and for the great memories and love they had with them.

Casey Strickland Denton, of Nashville, graduated from Barton College on May 13 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She graduated with honors and received the recognition of cum laude. She will begin her nursing career at UNC Nash Health Care in the Critical Care Department.

Down East Radio Reading Service hosted a dinner for their volunteers in appreciation for the service and dedication they bring to those who are visually impaired in Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson counties.
"DERRS is an all-volunteer service that broadcasts news and information from our local newspapers to anyone in the tri-county area who, for whatever reason, cannot read printed material," Board Chairman, Joe Warner, said.

Having barely survived the social Armageddon of grades 7-12, I feel well-acquainted with the "it's not you, it's me" mini-speech that has sent many a teenage boy into depths of despair that sometimes lasted as long as 24 hours.
With that notion, I'll apply something similar to the American flag: if you find it offensive, "it's definitely you."
Passions about the flag run high this week as we celebrate Flag Day on June 14.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting a Momeyer couple who are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary this week.
Mr. Bobby Lee Bass called me at the office last week asking if I could help him put something in the paper for his wife for their 65th anniversary. He started to tell me what he wanted to say, which immediately began with, "I love you Jane."
After he was done, I asked him if he had a photo that he would like to include with the announcement.

GRADING CUCUMBERS -- This photo was originally published on July 11, 1974 in The Graphic. Pictured is a cucumber grading machine station located on Old White Oak Road operated by Algie Jones.

MAN OF THE MOMENT. Legendary coach Bobby Dunn (right) greets visitors before the start of last Saturday's banquet at Nash Community College.

ROCKY MOUNT -- Funny how high school coaches are often judged by their win-loss record, though the overwhelming majority of the time those coaches spend with student-athletes is away from a game setting.
There are endless practices, road trips and talks about what each youngster hopes to accomplish in life.
There are classes that see the coach once again teach the pupil -- but this time in a different classroom venue.

ROCKY MOUNT -- Strange as it may sound, the best might yet still be to come for Nash Central High School track and field seniors Michaela Nelms, Myia Spivey and T'Keyah Macklin.
That trio was part of the most successful stretch in Nash Central girls track and field history -- including the school's first-ever Big East Conference team championship this spring.

FORCE-ING THE ISSUE. Nash Central High School's Hunter Robinson (right) forces a Cedar Ridge runner at second base.

ROCKY MOUNT -- Even in a season of near-misses, the Nash Central High School baseball team won 15 games and qualified for the Class 3-A State Playoffs.
But excuse head coach Willie Langley for looking back and wondering if the campaign could have been even more successful.
"I think we were predicted to finish first (in the Big East Conference),'' Langley said. "We saw everybody's ace and lost six one-run games -- four of which we were leading in the seventh inning. ''

ROCKY MOUNT -- The purpose of the North Carolina Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor those individuals, who through their superior athletic achievements or by their outstanding service, have made long-lasting, exemplary contributions to the college.
Beginning with its inaugural class in 1999, North Carolina Wesleyan has bestowed this honor upon 67 former athletes, administrators, and coaches who created a higher standard for the Bishops.

SOUTHERN NASH'S OLIVIA LAMM

NASH COUNTY -- Wilson Hunt controlled the proceedings this spring in the Big East Conference softball standings, so it was no surprise when the Warriors swept the league's top postseason awards.
Hunt freshman shortstop Bri Tucker was the pick as the Big East Player of the Year, while teammate Samantha Waddell, a senior, was tabbed as the Pitcher of the Year.

ZEBULON -- he Carolina League has announced its Southern Division All-Star team and the Carolina Mudcats placed a division-best six players to the team as Isan Diaz, Jake Gatewood, Nate Griep, Freddy Peralta, Cody Ponce and Corey Ray were all named to the 2017 Carolina League All-Star Classic taking place at Haley Toyota Field in Salem, Virginia, on June 20.

Nash Central High School's Michaela Nelms signs a letter-of-intent to continue her track and field career at Eastern Michigan University. Also pictured are (back, l to r) NCHS assistant track and field coach Ricardo Jeromey, NCHS track and field coach/athletic director Kyle Bain, NCHS track and field coach Juan Jackson and NCHS Principal Victor Ward; (front, l to r) parents Alphonso Murray and Christina Nelms.

Nash Central High School's T'Keyah Macklin signs a letter-of-intent to continue her track and field career at Delaware State University. Also pictured are (back, l to r) NCHS assistant track and field coach Ricardo Jeromey, NCHS track and field coach/athletic director Kyle Bain, NCHS track and field coach Juan Jackson and NCHS Principal Victor Ward; (front, l to r) Khalil Macklin (brother), Francesca Macklin (mother) and Aubri Macklin (niece).

Nash Central High School's Myia Spivey signs a letter-of-intent to continue her track and field career at Appalachian State University. Also pictured are (back, l to r) NCHS assistant track and field coach Ricardo Jeromey, NCHS track and field coach/athletic director Kyle Bain, NCHS track and field coach Juan Jackson and NCHS Principal Victor Ward; (front, l to r) Joshua Spivey (cousin), Keisha Spivey (mother) and Eric Spivey (father).

CHAPEL HILL -- Wells Fargo, along with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, has announced the final standings in the Wells Fargo Conference Cup competitions for the 2017 spring sports season.
The Wells Fargo Cup award, sponsored by Wells Fargo and the NCHSAA, recognizes the schools that achieve the best overall interscholastic athletic performance within each of the state's four competitive classifications.

TUCSON, ARIZ. - East Carolina University freshman Spencer Brickhouse has been named to the Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-America Team, the publication announced Wednesday.
In his rookie season with the Pirates, Brickhouse batted .310 (61-for-197) with 28 RBI and scored 36 runs. He belted 10 home runs on the year tying Travis Watkins for the team lead and ranked eighth in the American Athletic Conference.

ELM CITY -- Here are last weekend's results from action at County Line Raceway's Kids Night:

North Carolina native Brooke McBride performed on Friday as part of the Nashville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Creekside Music Series, which is held at Stony Creek Park. Local artist Courtney Poland opened up for McBride. The next concert will be on August 25.