WAYNE LAND

L&L Food Stores is under new ownership.
Wayne Land, who has owned the chain of convenience stores since 1973, recently announced he has sold all 14 of the L&L Food Stores, along with three car washes.
"It's finalized now," Land said.

A man who came home to find his girlfriend moving out of their home was shot Friday morning by those who were helping the woman move.
The Nash County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to a home on the 3000 block of North NC 581 in Spring Hope around 9:40 a.m. on Friday, March 23. The call said a subject had been shot.

The Town of Nashville is taking a different approach to removing blighted property in town.
The town is currently working on removing a home at 215 N Lumber Street, a process that has been in the works for years using the foreclosure process.
Planning Director Brian Hassell brought new ideas to town council members last month during the board's retreat.

Deborah Vance-Glover received a free one-year lease on a brand new Honda CRV, compliments of Davenport Autopark.

Educators received the red carpet treatment on Tuesday night at the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools annual Teacher and Principal of the Year Banquet.
Deborah Vance-Glover, a first grade teacher at Cedar Grove Elementary School, was named the 2018-2019 Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
Glover has over 19 years of teaching experience, with all of those years at Cedar Grove. Glover taught kindergarten and pre-kindergarten at the school before teaching first grade.

Shelley Byrd performs at the American Legion Post 110 Ladies Night event.

American Legion Post 110 hosted its annual Ladies Night last week honoring the spouses and widows of veterans in the organization.
A special plaque was presented to "Stump" Bass in recognition of his wife, Mary Lee Bass, who passed away February 18, 2017 at the age of 73.
Mary Boehm, current president of the Ladies Auxiliary for Post 110, presented the plaque to Bass.

The anniversary of the Vietnam War was remembered on Sunday at the Rocky Mount Veterans Memorial at Jack Laughery Park.
The Vietnam War began in 1954 and ending in 1975, spanning over 20 years. Over three million people were killed in the Vietnam War, including over 58,000 Americans.

Several members of the community were on hand to assist with planting the tree.

A single Snowbell tree was planted on Friday afternoon at the Nash County Agriculture Center.
The tree was planted to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the C.A.R.E. and HOPE initiatives but also represents those who have lost their lives to a substance abuse disorder.

Nash Community College students, faculty and staff are preparing for spring commencement exercises which will be held Thursday, May 10 and Friday, May 11, 2018. Students will be recognized for completion of degrees, diplomas and/or certificates at the College's fiftieth graduation ceremony.
James Fletcher "Jim" Goodmon will deliver the curriculum commencement address on Friday, May 11.

INCIDENTS
An assault on a female was reported on 3/21/18 at 110 Sara Drive
A residential mortgage fraud was reported on 3/21/18 at 404 Woodfield Drive

A simple assault was reported on 3/18/18 at 2961 Pleasant Grove Church Road
A domestic was reported on 3/18/18 at 7288 Taylor Store Road
A breaking, entering and larceny was reported on 3/18/18 at 4730 Mullen Road

Nash County Planning and Inspections issued the following building permits from March 19 through 23.

The 35th annual Down East Senior Games (DESG) are scheduled for April 30 through May 22, 2018. Anyone 50 years of age or older and living in Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton and Wilson counties, are invited to participate in the DESG. Events take place in Rocky Mount, Tarboro and Wilson.
The event categories in which seniors may choose to compete are sports, literary arts, performing arts, visual arts and heritage arts.

Mike and Joanne Campbell, of Beaufort, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kristin Elizabeth Campbell, of Charlotte, to David Barringer Smith, of Charlotte. He is the son of Wayne and Pam Smith, of Rocky Mount. An April 28, 2018 wedding is planned in Charlotte.

Tonja Philbeck, Nash County Agent for North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company was named among the Top 75 Agents for 2017, by Steven D. Carroll, CPCU, Executive Vice President and General Manager.
Agent Philbeck was selected for this honor based on her outstanding sales and service record for multi lines of insurance during 2017.

Trevecca Nazarene University recently announced the Fall 2017 Dean's List. More than 600 traditional and non-traditional students were named to the list. The University congratulates the students on this achievement.
Samuel Hattaway of Nashville has been named to Trevecca's Fall 2017 Dean's List.

On Tuesday, March 13th, Pay It Forward Civitan (PIF) delivered 63 Easter Baskets to Tri-County Industries employees. This is the club's 8th annual Easter Basket project, and the third year that Tri-County has been the recipient of the award-winning baskets. PIF Board member Robin Sanders chaired the project again this year. The baskets are made possible thanks to community donations and prepared by Civitan members and friends.

The Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was held in December at the Sheraton Four Seasons and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. Nash County Farm Bureau President Greg Bunn was recognized among his peers at the Presidents' and Agents' Luncheon. Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten presented each winning County President with a limited edition Case knife.

The Nash-Rocky Mount School System is pursuing partners to operate an on-site health clinic at Williford Elementary School.
Superintendent Dr. Shelton Jefferies told school board members earlier this month that the goal was to have clinics at all schools.
"We have been exploring opportunity to broaden our impact in the lives of students," Jefferies said.

Edgecombe County Sheriff's Deputy David Manning

Hundreds of law enforcement officers and community members gathered on Sunday, March 18, to pay final respects to Edgecombe County Sheriff's Deputy David Manning. Services were held in ECC's Keihin Auditorium on the Tarboro campus.
Deputy Manning served with the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office for four months after graduating from ECC's Fourth Basic Law Enforcement Academy in October 2017. He was killed in the line of duty on March 11 after he crashed into another car while pursuing a vehicle.

Rocky Mount Toastmaster Club #8957 received a Letter of Recognition for 20th Year of Service (1998-2018) from the City of Rocky Mount Council members.
Charter Member and Nash County Commissioner Mary Wells accepted the award on behalf of the members.
TM Linwood Williams and TM Victor Jones also Charter members had previous appointments and could not attend.

The Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation department is hosting a Special Needs Population Prom Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences. Dubbed "A Night in Hollywood," the Special Needs Population Prom will include a red carpet, dinner, dancing, photos and formal attire.
Happening from 6 to 9 p.m., this annual event attracts all ages, from high school to senior citizens.

The much anticipated eighth annual Paws in the Park event is almost underway. Scheduled to take place Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Best Friend's Dog Park, the event will begin at 11 a.m.
"We are truly excited to host an event which has become a staple in the Rocky Mount community," says Alex Langley, coordinator of the annual Paws in the Park event. "There will be a multitude of activities for families to enjoy."

It's been a busy two weeks at Peachtree Baptist Church. Last Sunday, March 18, the service had its emphasis on the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina. Dr. Patrick Fuller, who is affiliated with the organization, was the guest speaker. Also participating in the service were seven girls, along with two of their counselors, from Camp Duncan. {This is a wilderness Camp, located near Aberdeen.} They sang and spoke, sharing some of their experiences.

The children and youth of Red Oak Baptist Church presented an Easter skit on March 25, Palm Sunday. They did a great job, along with help from their leaders, to present the story of Easter.
Red Oak United Methodist Church will have a Maundy Thursday service on Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 pm.

It's all about power - we need power. Do you have power?
Before I go much further, I should first stop and preface with this - the power of which I speak has nothing to do with politics, wealth, esteem, class, success, or influence. In fact, the power I'm speaking of has no foundation in this world, but has its foundation in a kingdom.

This column has appeared in the Rocky Mount Telegram for 22 years. However, the Telegram no longer values local contributors and decided to tank my column. Thank God for Jo Anne Cooper who gets it. She knows what makes the Nashville Graphic special. Thank you, Jo Anne, for allowing me to continue my ministry each week.

Vaughan Chapel Church recently welcomed new pastor Reuben Batchelor and his wife, Marie. The church is located at 7261 Vaughan Chapel Road in Elm City.

The Rocky Mount Police Department's (RMPD) inaugural Clergy Citizens Police Academy (Clergy CPA) will be held each Monday from April 9, 2018 through May 14, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Topics for the academy will include church security, Shoot Don't Shoot Fire Arms Training Simulator, police chaplaincy program, use of force and many more.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the second semester of the 2017-2018 school year.
The following students at Northern Nash High School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the second semester of the 2017-2018 school year.
The following students at Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the second semester of the 2017-2018 school year.
The following students at Bailey Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the second semester of the 2017-2018 school year.
The following students at M.B. Hubbard Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Chasity Lewis, (left) Assistant Principal of Fairview Elementary School, was named Assistant Principal of the Year. Tineta McMillan of Parker Middle (center) and Rhonda Lamm (right) of Northern Nash High School were finalists for the award.

Sherri Wells (center), Principal of Middlesex Elementary School, was named the 2018-2019 Principal of the Year. Principal John Milliner-Williams, (left) of Parker Middle School, and Principal Brian Hopkins, (right) of Northern Nash High School, were finalists for the Principal of the Year title.

Carl Smith, Jr., of Fairview Elementary School, was named as the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools First Year Teacher of the Year. The finalists for First Year Teacher of the Year were Brittany Hartsfield, of Rocky Mount Middle School, and Tori Whitley, of Southern Nash High School.

Dear Holly,
Whew. Give me a minute.
I knew this day was coming, I just didn't know it would get here this dern fast.

One of the highlights of being a reporter is the variety of different events I get to cover.
One day I'm at a board meeting and the next I'm at a school taking pictures. The next I could be at the library or covering an accident.
Each year, there are certain events I know I'm going to attend. Ruritan events, Christmas programs and Teacher of the Year are just a few of them.

Dear Editor: After spending more than 20 years of my life defending the United States, the Constitution and its people, it is difficult watching the destruction of our freedoms one by one.
The first attack on our freedoms started with the freedom of religion.

This photo originally published in The Graphic on May 25, 1978. Two members of Cub Scout Pack 76 received the "Arrow of Light" award at the pack's annual Blue and Gold Banquet which was held at the Nashville United Methodist Church. The awards were presented by the scouts' parents.

(L to R) Red Oak Commissioner Tony Bennett and Nash County Commissioner Robbie Davis from Turn-Key Contractors threw out the first pitches.

RED OAK -- Last Friday night was a huge occasion for the Northern Nash High School baseball program.
Despite a 5-2 loss to Wilson Hunt that dropped NN's record to 1-9 overall and 0-2 in Big East Conference play, there were plenty of smiles around the Knights' newly renovated baseball field.

SIMPLY SPECTACULAR. Nash Central High School's Mallory Roughton (22) scores an amazing goal while sliding during last Friday afternoon's home girls soccer victory against backyard rival Northern Nash.

ROCKY MOUNT -- The opening few minutes of Nash Central's backyard rival soccer meeting with Northern Nash last Friday certainly didn't foretell the final outcome of the event.
Visiting Northern Nash controlled the early play and even had some quality chances, only to be stymied by Nash Central keeper Anna Shaye Thompson.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD FOR NNHS. (L to R) Joey Keefe will replace the retiring Patricia Haggerty as the new Athletic Director at Northern Nash High School.

RED OAK -- For Patricia Haggerty, the timing was right to step away.
Haggerty, a long-time teacher, coach and Athletic Director at Northern Nash High School, has announced her retirement, effective at the conclusion of the school year.

WILSON -- Wilson Fike swept the top honors during the latest Big East Conference Boys Golf Match, which was held Monday at Willow Springs Country Club.
Fike earned the team crown with 329 strokes, while Fike's Jake Herring was the 18-hole medalist with a 73.
Hunt was second in the team standings at 354 shots, followed by Northern Nash (370), Franklinton (379) and Southern Nash (386).

DANVILLE, VA. -- North Carolina Wesleyan College's baseball team also split its last Friday USA South Conference twinbill at Averett University.
The Bishops tallied a 12-0 win over the Cougars in the opener, led by junior hurler Nate Gardner's second straight complete-game shutout.
Gardner scattered seven hits and struck out ten batters over seven innings, while Kevin Berry, Max Johnson, Brandon Wheat, and Logan Andrews each had RBI doubles in the game.

NASH CENTRAL'S KRYSTAL SANCHEZ

ROCKY MOUNT -- For those not of the belief that a keeper is one of the most important positions on the soccer field, simply consult the decisive stretch of play during Nash Central High School's girls road contest Monday afternoon at Bunn.
Nash Central controlled the majority of the early action and held a two-goal lead despite the fact that one tally had been called off due to an offsides infraction.

WILSON -- One of the area's most prestigious Spring Break prep baseball tournaments will once again have plenty of representation from Nash County high schools.
Six county teams will be in action beginning this Saturday at the annual Golden Leaf Invitational, which is scheduled from March 31-April 3 in Wilson County.

NASHVILLE -- LBJ Chevrolet has joined forces with the national Chevrolet Youth Baseball program and is partnering with the Town of Nashville to provide new equipment, invitations to free instructional clinics and an opportunity for community members to earn donations for their league via a Test Drive fundraiser.
"Playing the game of baseball helps kids develop skills like leadership, cooperation and sportsmanship while bringing families and communities together to show their support," said Johnny Matthews of LBJ Chevrolet.

IMPACT PLAYER FOR THE HURRICANES. After battling an injury, Ben Lewis is in the lineup for the Louisburg College baseball team -- and is playing a key role in his club's success. Lewis, a freshman shortstop from Faith Christian School in Rocky Mount, started last Saturday's opening game of a doubleheader against the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie at historic Frazier Field on the LC campus in Franklin County.

Nash Central's Hailey Dinota (right) sends the ball out of harm's way during last Friday's home matchup.

Nash Central's Linzi Long speeds into scoring position for the Lady Bulldogs during Monday afternoon's road soccer triumph against the Bunn Ladycats in Franklin County.

Nash Central's Mallory Roughton (22) tries to win the ball from a trio of Bunn HS defenders.