Local News

MOMEYER- More than a month after a generator was put in place outside town hall to satisfy FEMA requirements, it is creating plenty of 'heat,' or disagreement, regarding its premature placement.
Listed as part of the Nash Edgecombe Wilson Regional Hazard Mitigation plan, Momeyer was to have put in a generator by 2021. Town officials got a quote for purchase and installation by ALCO Electric in March 2026, deciding then to add a new line item as part of the FY 26-27 budget.

Nash County water users have been cleared to drink their water without boiling it, as a precautionary boil water advisory was lifted July 8th at 9:30 a.m.
Last week's printed edition of The Graphic had already been sent to press when Nash County announced lifting the boil advisory. Updated information about the advisory was added to The Graphic's breaking news that evening.

SPRING HOPE- Recent cleanup efforts at Spring Hope's Community Park are resulting in significant improvements, with recent efforts in June by the Chamber of the Commerce and the town's public works department making a noticeable difference.
Drew Griffin, Chamber president, said it all started with talks between the chamber and town staff about the general condition of the town park, located at 251 McLean Street, which then led to prioritization, with town manager Jonathan Allen's help, of what projects to do when.

RALEIGH- Nash County's EMS program is getting an unexpected windfall from the state to help patients with mental health and substance use disorders.
A June 8th award letter from the NC Department of Health and Human Services states that Nash EMS has been selected to receive $222,070. The money is coming through the Rural Health Transformation Program Mobile Integrated Health Grant.
Earlier that day, a press release from the Office of Governor Josh Stein dropped the news that NCDHHS would be distributing $10 million dollars to 39 local EMS agencies across the state, Nash being among them. Edgecombe and Franklin counties were also on the list.

SPRING HOPE - The town of Spring Hope is looking to apply for state grant money to renovate or replace low-income housing.
After listening to a presentation July 6th by Ben Jones of Faltor Consulting, who successfully helped Nashville land a $950,000 grant for the same thing, commissioners voted unanimously to have town manager Jonathan Allen work with Jones to begin initial steps.

Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church sponsored its annual Community Service Appreciation Day luncheon June 23rd, during which a complimentary meal was provided for first responders and community workers. Nashville Firemen Alex Wester, Lt.; Mason Williams, firefighter; and Colin Spain, Engineer, relax after the meal with server and church member Diane Porter.

We all get those messages in the mail, e-mail, or social media about some kind of sweepstakes. Invariably, the offer promises that I am the "lucky winner of one of several prizes". I became cynical years ago, so I stopped completing the entry forms or buying their magazine to heighten my chances of winning. Experience taught me that no matter how good their promises were, they simply were not true.
The Christian world is really no different. Some preachers promise God's blessings just as confidently as the sweepstakes promise free gifts.

Over the last few weeks, we have been looking at possible reasons why God allows evil and suffering to exist, including as punishment for sin, and as a consequence of other people's sin (as a byproduct of free will). Recently, we have suggested that the exercise of free will is perhaps the predominant reason why God allows evil and suffering to exist. In this vein, we have sure enough seen how most all evil and suffering in the world traces back to free will decisions made by human beings. In short, the free will argument often dominates among all explanations given.

Sakina Sabreen Abdal-Rafi, Sakina Sabreen Abdal Rafi, Kamal Rasool Abdal-Rafi and Kamal Rasool Abdal Rafi to Rocky Trand, LLC; 404 Estell Street, Rocky Mount; $7,500
Alvaro Torres to DAT Investments, LLC; 711 Sutters Creek Boulevard, Rocky Mount
Mary C. Ransome and Willie L. Ransome to Mary C. Ransome and Willie L. Ransome; Bloomer Hill Subdivision, Lot 3

Building Permit Commercial
Addition; 8164 Grover Rd, Nashville; Heaven Huffman, Licensed Contractor, Skyward Telecom, LLC; $15,000
Addition; 10975 N NC 58, Castalia; Chrystal Fisher, Licensed Contractor, TEPDB OPCO, LLC; $25,000
Addition; 968 Aventon Gin Rd, Whitakers; Chrystal Fisher Licensed Contractor, TEPDB OPCO, LLC; $25,000