Nash County Commissioners approved a resolution last week that gives the okay for the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education to enter into a lease-purchase agreement for new networking equipment for middle and high schools.
The item was brought before the board earlier this month but commissioners requested staff from the school system bring the item back to explain it further.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR –– Nashville Chamber of Commerce President Elaine Corbett presents Trey Braswell with a plaque recognizing Braswell Milling Company as Business of the Year.

It’s been a good year for Braswell Milling Company.
Earlier this year, the company broke ground for its new corporate headquarters in Nashville. Last week, Nashville’s Chamber of Commerce named Braswell Milling Company the Business of Year.
Elaine Corbett presented the Business of the Year Award to Trey Braswell, Executive Vice President for Braswell Milling Company. The award’s presentation was Corbett’s last duty as President of the Chamber, before passing the gavel on to Dylan Bunch, at the Chamber’s annual meeting, which was held last Tuesday evening.

A Nashville man has been charged with taking indecent liberties with a child.
The Nash County Sheriff’s Office was contacted on July 13th about a sexual assault case. The 11-year-old victim told investigators that 65-year-old Henry Clegg Coggin, Jr, of Highway 58 Nashville, had touched them inappropriately.
Coggin and the victim were acquaintances. 

A Bailey woman died on Monday after pulling in front of a tractor trailer on Sandy Cross Road.
According to Sgt. D.B. Finch, of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Rosalina Palacios, 45, was traveling eastbound on Sandy Cross Road when she came up to the I-95 southbound ramp and made a right turn. Finch said Palacios did an immediate u-turn and got back on Sandy Cross Road, pulling into the path of a tractor trailer.

A Nashville Elementary School teacher has written a book to help children better understand rhythms.
Mandy Bailey, who has taught music at Nashville Elementary for 17 years, released her first book, “The Rhythm Ninja” last month.
The idea for such a book came about after Bailey began writing creative lesson plans for a music educator’s magazine.

Nashville’s Police Department celebrated the achievements of five of its officers at a special promotional ceremony on Friday afternoon.
This is the first time the police department has held such a ceremony to recognize newly promoted officers.
Nashville Police Chief Tom Bashore said he felt it was important to recognize the officers for their achievement.

Despite the pleas of citizens, the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education voted last week to close the doors of the current O.R. Pope Elementary School building and move students and staff to D.S. Johnson and Fairview Elementary Schools.
The decision was made last Wednesday evening at a meeting held in the gymnasium at O.R. Pope Elementary School.

Just over a week remains for filing for six available seats on the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education and so far, no one has filed for two of the seats.
No one has filed for the District Eight and District Nine Seats on the Board. The seats are currently held by Reginald Silver and Robert Bynum.

INCIDENTS
A larceny was reported on 7/14/14 at LBJ, 815 E Washingon Street
A larceny after a breaking and entering and breaking and entering a motor vehicle was reported on 7/14/14 at Cavalier Homes, 1001 Eastern Avenue

A possible larceny of boats was reported on 7/7/14 at 8383 Driver Road
A narcotics violation was reported on 7/7/14 at 10849 Church Street
A larceny from a motor vehicle was reported on 7/8/14 at 12959 S NC 231
A domestic violence protective order violation was reported on 7/8/14 on Southern Nash High Road

Atlantic Natural Foods (ANF) announced the launch of their private brand canned meatless alternative protein product line for the European market at PLMA Amsterdam. 
Atlantic Natural Foods is the leading U.S. producer of canned alternative vegetable based protein products. The company markets Caroline’s, Meatless Select, and private brand vegetarian products.

Universal Leaf North America U.S., Inc. (ULNA) recently announced the launch of Carolina Innovative Food Ingredients, Inc. (CIFI), a new venture of ULNA’s parent, Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV).
CIFI will utilize advanced technology to produce high quality food grade dehydrated and juiced fruit and vegetable products. Initially the business will focus upon value added ingredients derived from sweet potatoes.

Meredith Leigh Anthony and Gabriel Norris Branch were united in marriage on June 7, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. on the beach of Emeral Isle.
The bride is the daughter of Ricky and Lisa West, of Nashville and Michael and Barbara Anthony, of Cary. She is the granddaughter of Ms. Hazel West, of Rocky Mount, the late Mr. and Mrs. D.C. Tetterton of Rocky Mount and the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Anthony of Morehead City.

Miss Ashleigh Allen Carter and Mr. Marvin Alan Hawkins were united in holy matrimony on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 5:00 in the afternoon. The double-ring ceremony, officiated by Rev. Mark Bateman of Nashville, was held at Momeyer Baptist Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Fran  Bires, of Sandy Lake, PA., announce the engagement of their daughter, Anna Kate, to Bill Mayo of Rocky Mount.  Bill is the son of Tom and Sandra Mayo, also of Rocky Mount, and the grandson of Melba White, of Nashville.  The wedding will take place on June 6, 2015, at The Gateway Lodge of Cooksburgh, PA.  The couple is currently enrolled in Physician Assistant School at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, PA.

The University of North Carolina Pembroke awarded Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees on May 9-10, 2014.
Nash County residents receiving degrees include Christine Laura Jancso, of Nashville with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Birth to kindergarton, Chelsie M. Cooper, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Alexis Kara Cooper, of Rocky Mount, with a Bachelor Arts in Criminal Justice.

Ron Cromer visited Nashville’s Cooley Library last Tuesday afternoon, July 15 as part of the library’s Summer Reading Program. Cromer delivered his Snakes Alive presentation, which featured information about snakes as well as the opportunity for youth to touch some of the different snakes Cromer has. Pictured above, Cromer, at left, shows Ja’Kaila Hendricks, 5, a black snake during the presentation.

Jonathan S. Bell, son of George and Enterest Clark Bell, of Dallas, Texas and the grandson of Cora Clark and the late B.F. Clark of Nashville, recently received his Ph.D.
Jonathan’s Ph.D. research in the Urban Planning Department of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs explored the social, political and economic factors of preservation in historic urban neighborhoods in China.

Jacqueline D. Rogers, of Nashville, was named to the Dean’s List at Winston-Salem State University for the Spring 2014 Semester.
Dean’s List honors are awarded only to those students who earn a scholastic grade point average of 3.0 or higher in 12 or more credit hours of graded coursework, with no grade below C and no incomplete grades on the report.

Danelle Cauley, of Rocky Mount’s Faith Christian School, was one of eight outstanding educators from schools and performing arts centers around the country selected to work one-on-one with Broadway greats at the 5th Annual Freddie G Broadway Experience, which just wrapped in New York City.  The event was underwritten by Myrna and Freddie (“G”) Gershon, Chairman and CEO of leading theatrical licensor Music Theatre International (MTI). 

Dusty Hall and Savian Spence (L-R) work on a self-defense move during a 4-H Self Defense Camp, taught by Allen Clark, of Nashville Academy of Martial Arts. The camp was held July 7-10 at the Nash County Agriculture Center.

Sunday School began Sunday morning with Mrs. Frances Hedgepeth at the piano. Earl Cary, elder, welcomed everyone, followed by an opening song and announcements. He asked everyone to remember the family of Jack Outlaw in their prayers. Jack passed away last week after quite a while of failing health. Jack was well loved by a lot of family members and friends.

Women Action met at Red Oak Baptist Church on Thursday, July 17.  Everyone enjoyed a taco supper and program led by Karen Girona.  Other members attending included Jeanette and Hazel Hill, Audrey and Suzy Pearce, Marion Faulkner, and Maureen Williams.
Last Saturday, July 19 at ROUMC Pastor David Joyner shared photos and insights gathered from his recent trip to the US/Mexican Border. The presentation was extremely interesting and informative.

Peachtree News July 20, 2014
Peachtree folks gathered for worship on a lovely July morning.  Pastor Whitehouse chose as his sermon topic, “The Privilege of Being one of God’s children”.  The scriptural basis was I John 3:2-3 and was read by Bobby Bunn.

The N.C. Department of Transportation recently announced the winners of the “Division 4 Equipment Roadeo,” which was held in Goldsboro May 20 and 21 at the Wayne County Maintenance Yard. The annual event tests the safety awareness and skill level of NCDOT maintenance employees in Edgecombe, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Wayne and Wilson counties who operate trucks and heavy equipment. This year, there were a total of 104 employees competing in six events in the Division 4 event.

For the third consecutive year, the Rockin’ Classic Auto & Motorcycle Expo is set to cruise into the City of Rocky Mount.
On Fri., July 25, 2014 and Sat., July 26, 2014, it’s your opportunity to check out restored period vehicles and “tricked out” cars and motorcycles. Area residents and visitors can enjoy the congregation of impeccable cars and motorcycles in historic Downtown on the newly renovated Douglas Block.

Wednesday, July 23 from 1:30 until 6 p.m. at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church, 3732 Sunset Avenue
Wednesday, July 26 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at House of Resurrection, 102 N King Street, Whitakers
Monday, July 28 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Chik-fil-A, (Bloodmobile) 1332 Jeffreys Road, Rocky Mount

Friday, August 1 from 3 until 6 p.m. at Treanor Chiropractic Wellness Center, 4161 Capital Drive, Rocky Mount
Friday, August 1 from 9:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Lowe’s, 700 North Wesleyan Boulevard, Rocky Mount
Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Throne’s Chapel Baptist Church, 1624 Windsor Drive, Rocky Mount

If you were in the southern end of the county last weekend, and drove past a yard teeming with people in black shirts and blue jeans, don’t be alarmed.
It was not a gathering of a new cult, a simmering protest or the result of a special at the GAP. It was family portrait time.
Every couple of years, the family matriarch, my mama, puts the call out for an updated portrait of the entire family.

Around a year ago at this time, I was pretty sure two was the worst age ever.
I was wrong.
It’s three.
Three has been a challenging age for my little Corbin.
I’ve enjoyed watching him grow and even more so, have enjoyed watching him be a big brother.

You can imagine how much copy we process  here at The Graphic  every week including hundreds of e-mails, faxes and walk-in requests. We type, edit and write articles to complete an average of 20 - 24 pages of local news, sports and advertising each week – and sometimes almost double when we publish special editions. We work on all that copy while also  attending meetings and functions and taking photographs.

It’s About People
•To those of you who read my threads often, you have heard me speak of what it was like raised on a farm in rural Greene County. No one worked on salary schedule back in the day; the person who earned the most was the owner of the land; the landlord.  There was no law to dictate how much—if any-- the landlord paid share croppers.

COMPARING TICKETS –- We belive this photo was first published in The Graphic in 1966. Donnie Deans (left) of the Deans Community and John Astor Winstead of Nashville compare tickets from sales on the Rocky Mount Tobacco Market. Donnie and his father sold 600 pounds for an average of 65 cents per pound. Winstead sold 1800 pounds for an average of 62 cents. Both farmers said they were pleased with their sales.

To leash or not to leash…that is the question many dog owners ponder.  The Nash County Animal Friends volunteers recommend using a leash at all times when taking your dog off of your property.
All dog owners know how frustrating it is when your pet is off-leash and gets away from you and will not come when called.

WON’T BE DENIED. Northern Nash’s Alexus Hill (right) makes a strong move to the basket during Monday night’s action at the East-West All-Star Girls Basketball Game at the Greensboro Coliseum. Hill was a member of the East roster.

GREENSBORO -- Alexus Hill has played on plenty of high-powered stages during her basketball career -- with plenty more to come beginning next season at Gardner-Webb University.
But Hill reached a pinnacle for any North Carolina prep hoopster when she was chosen to take part in the prestigious East-West All-Star Girls Basketball Game on Monday at the Greensboro Coliseum.

CLOSE CALL. Nash County’s Kierstin Cooper (left) brings in a throw at second base during the Statewide Athletics Committee Sectional Softball Tournament.

RED OAK -- Most clubs would have never recovered -- both emotionally and in the bracket -- from losing in the first round of a double-elimination tournament.
But Nash County’s 9-12 All-Stars had a different idea at last weekend’s Statewide Athletics Committee Sectional Softball Tourney at Ennis Park in Red Oak.

RETRIEVAL SYSTEM. Nash County’s Hobart Brantley tries to field a throw at second base during last Thursday evening’s action at the Statewide Athletics Committee Sectional Baseball Tournament at Ennis Park in Red Oak.

RED OAK -- It took the better part of two tournaments, but Nash County’s high-powered lineup finally ran out of steam.
After taking a third-place finish one week earlier at the Tar Heel Districts in Louisburg, the All-Stars returned home last weekend to host the Statewide Athletics Committee 12-Under Sectional Baseball Tourney at Ennis Park.
Nash County scored just three runs in two games and was knocked out of the double-elimination format with an 0-2 overall record.

GREENSBORO -- Rocky Mount High School’s Dante Battle was in the starting lineup for the East Team and secured a double-double during the annual East-West All-Star Boys Basketball Game.
The contest was staged Monday at the Greensboro Coliseum.
Battle aided his squad with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds, but the East would fall by a 98-86 margin.

NASHVILLE -- Nash Rec’s trip down the street to tangle with backyard rival Birchwood County Club proved to be a profitable one last Thursday evening.
NRST remained undefeated in Nash-Halifax Swim League action with a 618-151 triumph at the BCC Pool.
The squads will meet again this Thursday in the N-HSL regular season finale at the Nash Rec Pool.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The Carolina Mudcats scored a 4-3 triumph over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans on Sunday night at TicketReturn.com Field to claim their first Class A Carolina League baseball series win on the Grand Strand.
The Mudcats (19-12, 48-50) extended their lead to three games over the Pelicans (16-15, 60-39) in the Carolina League Southern Division as well.

ROCKY MOUNT -- The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) has announced its NABC Honors Court, which recognizes collegiate basketball student-athletes who excelled in academics during the 2013-14 season.
North Carolina Wesleyan head coach John Thompson has announced that former Battling Bishop and current assistant coach David Gurganus garnered recognition.

Northern Nash’s Alexus Hill (right) plays strong defense during Monday’s East-West All-Star Girls Basketball Game at the Greensboro Coliseum.

Nash County All-Star standout Kierstin Cooper unleashes a throw last weekend at the Statewide Athletics Committee Sectional 12-Under Softball Tournament.

After fending off Bulldogs of the Nash Central variety the past four years, Northern Nash High School’s Alexus Hill will become a ‘Dog this fall when she joins the women’s basketball program at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs.

Nash County’s Isaiah Bland makes a play on the infield during his club’s contest against Wendell at the Statewide Athletics Committe 12-Under Sectional Baseball Tournament at Ennis Park.

Trenton Weeks delivers a fastball last week for the Nash County All-Stars.

Alexus Hill unleashes a jump shot for the East All-Stars during Monday’s basketball action in Greensboro.

Nash County All-Star coach Scott Collie discusses strategy with his players during last weekend’s Statewide Athletics Committee Sectional Softball Tournament.

Nash County’s catcher Travyen Pearce makes a tag for an out during last Thursday’s game against Wendell at the Statewide Athletics Committee 12-Under Sectional Baseball Tournament. The event was staged at the Ennis Park Fields in Red Oak.

Amber Pridgen (right) of the Nash County All-Stars slides safely into second base as the ball rolls away during action last Friday night at the Statewide Athletics Committee 12-Under Sectional Softball Tournament, which was held at Ennis Park in Red Oak. Nash County, coached by Scott Collie, went 2-2 overall at the tournament -- a record that was good enough for a third-place finish.

Despite being outnumbered, Nash County’s Braden Wood slides safely into second base as part of his squad’s appearance at the Statewide Athletics Committee 12-Under Sectional Baseball Tournament last week in Red Oak.

Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. Activate Drama proudly presents this fully-mounted musical production, which will be performed by 36 young people, ages 10 to 18. This is the fourth year Activate Drama has collaborated with NC Wesleyan College to offer great family-friendly theatre at The Dunn Center.

Alice Elaine Tonlino Stall, age 85, passed away on July 18, 2014. She was preceded in death by George F. Drosehn and one granddaughter.

HOLLISTER - Charlie Louis Boone, 79, died on Saturday, July 19, 2014.

Christine Beatrice Trevathan Edwards, 79, passed away July 17, 2014.  She was born in Nash County on May 28, 1935 to the late Henry Wilson Trevathan and Minnie Gertrude Jones.  Christine is preceded in death by her husband, Hubert James Edwards;  brother Mack Allen Trevathan, Sr.; sisters, Martha E. T. Glover Minnick and Maxine Trevathan Guthrie.

Dorothy Lancaster, 84,  passed away July 15, 2014.  She was born in Franklin County on April 15, 1930 to the late John M. Driver and Fannie Mae Moye. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Glenn “Yogi” Lancaster.

ROCKY MOUNT –– Elsworth Barnes, 91, of Rocky Mount, died on July 16, 2014.

SPRING HOPE  - Helen Melvin Cone, 90, passed away on July 17, 2014. Helen was born November 12, 1923 in Goldsboro to George Herbert and Anne Haig Melvin.

ROCKY MOUNT –– Iris Demetrius “Meat-Meat” Western Parker, 54, of Rocky Mount, died on July 13, 2014.

NASHVILLE - Jack Outlaw  passed away, 82, July 15, 2014.  He was born in Nash County on May 2, 1932 to the late Marable and Mattie Skinner Outlaw. He is preceded in death by his parents and son Tony Outlaw.

ROCKY MOUNT –– Magdalene Sumler, 52, of Rocky Mount, died on July 21, 2014.

Marguerite K. Brewer, 92, of Rocky Mount, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Clyde Heyward Brewer, her parents, John and Eugenia Krauss, and her brothers, John and Howard Krauss.

NASHVILLE – Mary Elizabeth Smith Rackley, 87 passed away July 13, 2014. She is predeceased by her husband Raymond Holand Rackley, Jr.; parents Thomas Albert Smith and Sarah Long Smith; brothers Hubert, David, Floyd, Albert Jr. and sisters, Lottie, Helen and Doris.

NASHVILLE - Nonie B. Richardson, 93, died on Tuesday, July 15, 2014.

ROCKY MOUNT - Junior Winstead passed away on July 15, 2014.  He was born in Nash County on September 7, 1939 to the late Otha F. Winstead, Sr. and Sallie Weaver. 

Wilbert Horne 91, of Rocky Mount died Friday, July 18, 2014.

ROCKY MOUNT –- Wilbur Ray Drake, 59, of Rocky Mount, died on July 17, 2014.

Zulene Thorne, 74 of Spring Hope, passed away July 20, 2014.