Nash County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution of support for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina but not without some compromise.
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on healthcare makes Medicaid expansion optional for states but North Carolina, so far, has declined to expand Medicaid eligibility for low-income residents.
Patsy McGhee, Assistant to the Superintendent, told commissioners on Monday during the board's regular meeting that the state's decision, according to several studies, was having a negative impact on jobs, federal funding, revenue for health care providers and county tax revenues.

Nashville citizens will see their water and sewer bills go up almost $8, as rates are proposed to increase in the upcoming 2015-2016 budget.
Nashville Town Manager unveiled the budget on Tuesday night at the board's regular meeting.
Mitchell said the $8 million budget was the result of the "combined efforts of town staff to set a financial course of action to serve our supporting public while implementing the directions desired by the Governing Body. Furthermore, it provides the funding necessary to maintain or increase the services provided by the Town of Nashville."

Nashville will be the place to be on Friday and Saturday, as the 19th annual Blooming Festival kicks off in Downtown Nashville.
This year's event promises to continue the festival's tradition of good food, lots of fun and great entertainment.
"It's hard to believe this marks the 19th year of the Nashville Blooming Festival," said chairperson Jo Anne Cooper, "We are so fortunate to have a strong committee of planners which consists of many past presidents of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce."

A great portion of the regular monthly meeting of the Town of Castalia Commissioners held on Tuesday, May 5 was spent planning future meetings. A meeting to plan Fourth of July activities is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 7 pm. Also, the town's budget meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 14 at 7 pm. A Pre-construction park meeting is scheduled for the following Friday, May 15 at 10 am. This meeting will be mainly between members of the Park Committee, administrator, and engineer, but is open to the public. Construction of the grading of the park will be discussed, with work set to begin the following Monday, May 18.

Cynthia Kornegay will officially join My Sister's House as the Executive Director on Monday but the role she will play is not a new one.
Kornegay, of Rocky Mount, has an extensive background in advocating for families.
She moved to Rocky Mount a year and a half ago. Since that time she has served as the Childcare Program Director at the Harrison Family YMCA. But Kornegay's passion is advocating for families, women and children and it's a passion she has ample experience in.

Spring Hope's Town Manager, John Holpe, presented a snap-shot of the 2015-2016 budget to commissioners Monday indicating the board had some significant decisions ahead of either making cuts to basically every department and rejecting requested funding or raising taxes.
Last year, Spring Hope's board initially rejected a tax increase recommended by Holpe. However, the board later decided to add three cents to its tax rate. The town's current tax rate is 60 cents.

Three Nash County residents will join seven others who have been inducted into the Nash County 4-H Hall of Fame.
Fred Belfield, Albert Batchelor and Dorothy Fisher were all selected for Nash County's 4-H Hall of Fame and recognized at an ice cream social on April 26.
The ice cream social was a kick-off for Nash County's newly formed 4-H Alumni and Friends Association.
Sandy Hall, Nash County 4-H Extension Agent, said the association is for anyone who has been involved in 4-H during their lifetime, whether it was as a member or a supporter of 4-H. Hall added that even those who may have grown up in 4-H in another county are welcome to join.

PNC Bank honored three local high school students Monday for their winning entries in an essay contest focusing on how innovation and collaboration are key to the region's future. Myrakle Ramirez, 10th grader at Rocky Mount High School, was the grand prize winner, and the two runners-up were Kayla Gorham and Rawa Hazin, both 11th graders at Northern Nash High School.

Nash County Planning and Inspections issued the following building permits from April 27 through May 1, 2015.

INCIDENTS
A larceny was reported on 4/27/15 at East Coast Equipment, 2612 Eastern Avenue
A larceny (shoplifting) was reported on 4/29/15 at Wal-Mart, 1205 Eastern Avenue
A larceny (shoplifting) was reported on 4/29/15 at Wal-Mart, 1205 Eastern Avenue

An identity theft was reported on 4/27/15 at 4277 W Castalia Road
A missing person was reported on 4/27/15 at 9520 NC 33
A damage to property and simple assault was reported on 4/28/15 at 1066 Maudis Road
Found property was reported on 4/28/15 at 3804 Flat Rock Drive

Friday, May 8 from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Rocky Mount Preparatory Schol, 3334 Bishop Road, Rocky Mount
Saturday, May 9 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Capital Ford Lincoln, 2012 Stone Rose Drive, Rocky Mount
Monday, May 11 from 2:30 until 6:30 p.m. at Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department, 300 Taylor Road, Sharpsburg
Tuesday, May 12 from 3 until 7 p.m. at Stony Hill FWB Church, 9649 Stony Hill Church Road, Middlesex

Nashville Mayor Donald Street (at right) recognized Ronnie Denton (center) for receiving his ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Certification. Pictured with Denton is his wife, Susan, who was on hand for the recognition.

Nashville Mayor Donald Street recognized Fire Captain Jason Edwards on Tuesday night for his efforts in talking a man out of suicide.
Edwards was surprised to be recognized during the board's regular meeting with a Certificate of Outstanding Performance. The certificate was requested by Chief Randy Goodbrod.
Edwards talked to a man over the phone who was talking about ending his life. Edwards kept the man on the phone for several hours.

Rocky Mount Academy students, Ezra Moore and Olive Ann Parker, placed in the North Carolina Historic Architecture Photography Contest. Ezra placed 1st in the Civil War markers and monuments division with a photograph of the Captain Samuel T. Williams marker. Olive Ann placed 2nd in the industrial and commercial building division with a picture of Rocky Mount Mills. The purpose of the contest is to introduce young people to basic photography techniques, to help them acquire an appreciation for architecture, and to illustrate the value of photographic documentation as a research tool.

Bailey Elementary School won the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Elementary School Battle of the Books competition on Tuesday, April 28, 2015. A total of twelve teams representing twelve different elementary schools from across the district competed to be the district champion. Battle of the Books is a competition that requires participants to read a list of 27 books, and each team is quizzed on the list of books read. The Bailey Elementary School team will now represent NRMPS in a Battle of the Books Regional Competition since they were crowned as the district champion.

Select Hampden-Sydney College students were recognized on April 23, 2015 at Final Convocation. At this annual event, student achievements are honored and various awards are presented.
Robert Harris received the Resident Advisor of the Year. This award is presented to the advisor who is most dedicated to their duties concerning residential life at the College. He is the son of Mariana M. Harris, of Castalia.

Richard Marston and Mitzi Musselwhite, of Wilmington, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jamie Marston, of Wilmington, to Brad Bass, of Nashville. He is the son of Edward and Cathy Bass of Nashville. A June 9, 2015 wedding is planned at The Homewood Castle in Asheville at 4:30 p.m.

Dabney Griffin Casey of Wilmington and Benjamin E. Casey of Arapahoe, announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Lee Casey, of Raleigh (formerly of Nashville), to Denis McDonough, also of Raleigh. He is the son of Bernadette McDonough and the late Denis McDonough of New York, NY. A wedding is planned for June 6, 2015 in Chapel Hill.

Nash County Commissioners and Nash-Rocky Mount School Board members met last week to discuss the school system's budget, a performance audit and the proposed change to school system boundaries.
Nash County Commissioners have voted 4-3 to seek legislation to go to a county line school system. The legislation, if approved, would send around 2,000 students who live on the Edgecombe County side of Rocky Mount and currently attend Nash-Rocky Mount Schools, to Edgecombe County Schools.

Nash-Rocky Mount Public School Honor Rolls for the third nine weeks are listed below:

Nashville United Methodist Church is offering an additional worship service for those who cannot make the traditional Sunday morning service.
"Society Worship" began on April 23 and seeks to imitate something done many years ago by one of the founders of the Methodist Church. John Wesley began meeting with what he called class meetings, or small groups.
"You met in people's houses," said Assistant Pastor Luke Whitehead.

Members of Red Oak and Bethlehem United Methodist Churches traveled to New Bern on April 12 to view the gardens of Tryon Palace. They had a wonderful time of fellowship. Stay tuned for details about their next trip.
Jacob's Friends traveled to Raleigh on Saturday, April 11 to attend the annual Special Needs Spring Carnival hosted by Brooks Avenue Church of Christ. There was plenty of fun, games, crafts, prizes, a petting zoo, bouncy houses and more. The next meeting of Jacob's Friends is scheduled for this Saturday, May 9.

Jacob Craig Holland, grandson of Carl and Mary Ann Holland, is graduating this week from Clemson University with honors. His grandparents are very proud and look forward to seeing Jake soon. Way to go Jacob!!
I don't know if it was the pretty sunny weather that brightened our church on Sunday morning or if it was the 3 pretty ladies, Mary Louise Journigan Atkins, Peggy Harris and Jane Saunders sitting up front with their beautiful smiles. I personally think it was the pretty ladies!

Sunday School began at 9:45 Sunday morning at Beulah Church of Christ. Everyone was welcomed by elder Earl Cary and an opening song with Mrs. Frances Hedgepeth accompanying at the piano. Several announcements were given before to our classes. Church services began at 10:45 as our minister, Chris Matchem, welcomed everyone.

On a gorgeous Sunday morning, Peachtree folks gathered at the church to worship. Sanctuary flowers were given in honor of Mary Jane May, church pianist. Special music was a solo by Marta Whitehouse, titled, "Something Beautiful".
Pastor Whitehouse's sermon was titled "We Need the Presence of the Lord" based on Genesis 37. This scripture recounts events in the life of Joseph, son of Jacob. Joseph came from a dysfunctional family but was still used by God to carry out God's purposes.

David Letterman, ending a career of late night caustic humor, often features what he calls, "Small town news." He pulls up tidbits from small town newspapers that feature typos, absurd headlines, or copy that never made it to a copy editor's desk.
In one, a grocery store featured, "Black anus rib eye steaks."
In some circles, Momeyer, Dortches, and Sandy Cross would be considered small-town. Not where I come from.

Well, here we go again!
Corbin is playing soccer., three-year-old soccer!
In October, I wrote about the excitement of three-year-old soccer.
That was fall soccer and now, we're playing spring soccer.

Last year, as our youngest child reached seven, I started this story talking about his post-bath dance. Lowell was known for gyrating, dancing and singing "uh-huh, uh-huh..." His mom and I claimed victory when he started putting on underwear first.
Now as he crosses over into eight, he's hit an awkward age. There's still some "baby" left, but he's flying headlong towards adolescence. In Lowell's case, he has the height of an 11-year-old and is built like a fullback. He has an even more advanced wit, but with wavering logic.

CHEERS! -- We found this photo in the Graphic's October, 1970 archives. We're not sure which school these young ladies were cheering for as it seems the photo was never published. If you recognize any of these ladies, give us a call (459-7101) or email news@nashvillegraphic.com

The other shoe dropped. What? Yes, for a little bit the Shelter was busy, but now it is VERY busy. Why the difference? Warm weather. The females are in heat and the males will break lose and travel for miles, just to find love. That is why BOTH males and females should be neutered and spayed/fixed. How many get into fights and get hurt? How many do you see dead or injured on the roads? How many get lost and can't find their way home? TOO MANY. The best gift you can give your pet is a trip to the vet to take care of those hormones.

UP AND OVER. Nash Central's Analya Harris competes in the Girls High Jump competition at last Saturday's Class 3-A East Regional Track and Field Championships. The event was held at Corinth Holders High School in Wendell.

WENDELL -- Just make the Top Four.
That was the main goal for Nash County's competitors at the Class 3-A East Regional Track and Field Championships, which were held last Saturday at Corinth Holders High School.
The top-four finishers in each event advanced to this Friday's Class 3-A States at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro.

NEXT ROUND. Rebekah Beal and the Northern Nash HS Knights have advanced to the second round of the Big East Conference Girls Soccer Tournament.

RED OAK -- Each of Northern Nash's three victories over Nash Central in girls soccer action were nail-biters this season -- but each ended with the same result.
Northern continued its mastery over its backyard rival on Monday during first-round action of the Big East Conference Tournament at the NNHS Soccer Complex in Red Oak.
Again, the festivities went down to the wire as the Lady Knights were able to squeeze out a 2-1 triumph in overtime.

A TREMENDOUS TRIO FOR THE KNIGHTS. Under the tutelage of Head Coach Jeff Dodrill, (l to r) Jermain Jones and Christian Tippette enjoyed outstanding cross country careers for the Northern Nash High School Knights.

RED OAK -- Jermain Jones and Christian Tippette has piled up an expansive number of miles while training to be successful cross country and track and field distance runners at Northern Nash High School.
But Tippette and Jones won't be traveling too far away from Nash County to begin their collegiate careers.
Instead, Northern Nash's Dynamic Duo will be heading just 30 miles away to join the quickly-building cross country program at Louisburg College.

Northern Nash High School's Christian Tippette signs a letter-of-intent to continue his cross country career at Louisburg College. Pictured are (back, l to r) NNHS XC coach Jeff Dodrill, LC XC coach Jay Koloseus, NNHS Principal Chad Thompson and NNHS Athletic Director Patricia Haggery; (front, right) Kelley Tippette (mother). Not pictured is Brian Tippette (father).

WILSON -- Northern Nash's Tremel Davis reached the championship match of the singles competition at the Class 3-A Eastern Regionals, but was defeated by a 7-5, 6-3 margin by Cleveland's Dylan Betancourt.
Still, Davis has qualified for the upcoming Class 3-A State Championships, which will be held this coming weekend at the Burlington Tennis Center in Alamance County.

NASH COUNTY -- Listed are updated results from the Nash County Parks and Recreation Department's Spring Softball and Baseball Leagues:

FAYETTEVILLE -- The USA South Athletic Conference has announced is 2015 postseason awards in baseball with a total of 43 student-athletes garnering recognition.
The North Carolina Wesleyan College Bishops had a trio of players honored, led by junior Ciro Norzagaray's Second Team selection.
A shortstop who hails from Mexico City, Norzagaray led the Battling Bishops in nearly every offensive category this spring, including batting average, hits, doubles, triples, homers, RBI, total bases and slugging percentage.

CHAPEL HILL - Two major awards will be presented to schools at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Annual Meeting today at the Smith Center on the University of North Carolina campus.
Green Hope High School in Wake County is the ninth annual winner of the Exemplary School Award while Southern Nash High School is the winner of the 2015 Sportsmanship Award.

ZEBULON -- The Carolina Mudcats rallied for four runs in the eighth and held off a comeback attempt in the ninth while narrowly defeating the Frederick Keys 6-5 at Five County Stadium on Monday night in a Class A Carolina League baseball matchup.
The Mudcats swept the Keys in the four-game set and have won five straight games.
Carolina's (12-10) reliever Tyler Jones (S, 5) entered the game in the ninth after Dave Peterson allowed three runs and four hits in the inning.

NASH COUNTY -- Listed are Nash County Parks and Recreation Department Spring Soccer League Scores:

NAMA's Trey Evans

Five students from Nashville Academy of Martial Arts traveled to Greenville to participate in the ECU Martial Arts Tournament on April 18. Trey Evans (pictured above) won fourth placed in weapons and sixth place in forms. Evans is in the seven to 13 year old class at Nashville Academy of Martial Arts.

Representatives from LBJ Chevrolet recently presented the Nashville Recreation Department with a check for $500 as part of its 2015 Chevy Youth Baseball Program. LBJ has participated in this event for several years, donating not only money, but also equipment. Pictured L-R is: LBJ Sales Manager Curtis Lynch, LBJ General Manager Larry Wood, LBJ F&I Manager Bridget Tyson, LBJ Salesman Bill Morgan Nashville Parks and Rec Director Jim Glover and Nashville Recreation Athletic Coordinator Chris Taylor.

Southern Nash High School's Asia High competes in the Girls Discus event during last Saturday's action at the Class 3-A East Regional Track and Field Championships. The event was held at Corinth Holders High School. The Class 3-A State Meet will be staged this Friday at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro.

Northern Nash's Xavier Deans claimed second place in the Boys Shot Put at the Class 3-A East Regional Track and Field Championships -- and punched his ticket for this Friday's Class 3-A State Finals at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro.

Northern Nash's Stephen Whitehead (left) takes the lead during his leg of the Boys 3200 Relay at last Saturday's Class 3-A East Regional Track and Field Championships at Corinth Holders High School, which is located in Johnston County.

Sunday Drive will perform a free concert at Nashville Baptist Church on Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m. Sunday Drive is made up of family members Misty Treece, Dusty Treece and Jeff Treece.The Tennessee group was named the 2013-14 ICM Vocal Group of the Year and has won over 20 Entertainer and Vocal Group of the Year awards. They have performed at the Grand Ole Opry and on National TV.

Barbara Jean (Bobbie) Reider Gallagher, age 71, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2015. Born on July 2, 1943 in Greenwich, CT, she was the daughter of the late John Reider and Bessie Johnson Reider.

Danielle Lewis Strickland, of Middlesex, passed away Friday, May, 1, 2015. She was born in Nash County on May 6, 1939. She was the daughter of the late Phillip Lewis and Mary Daniel.

Dr. Luther Daniel Ballance, Jr. passed away on Monday, April 27, 2015. He was the son of the late Luther Daniel Ballance and Isabelle Suiter Ballance.

Jean Williams, 75, of Garner, died on April 29, 2015.

John Allen Sutton, age 31, died on Saturday, May 2, 2015. John was born on March 12, 1984 to Henry Allen Sutton, Jr. and Rachel Harris Sutton.

John Arthur Thorne, 69, of Rocky Mount, died on Saturday, May 2, 2015.

John Robert Watkins, 48, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2015. He was born in Franklin County to Robert "Bob" Watkins and Charlotte Watkins.

Master Elijah Daniel Nunery, of Rocky Mount, died on May 3, 2015.

Milburn Gerald "MG" Felton, 83, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2015. MG was born in Macclesfield on July 9, 1931. He was the son of late Alfonso Forbes Felton and Dora Ellis Felton and is also predeceased by his brother, Turner Ellis Felton.

Oscar Powell Atkinson, 72, of Middlesex passed away Sunday, April 26, 2015. A graveside service was held Wednesday, April 29, 2015, in Hollywood Cemetery, Middlesex. The Rev. Ricky Anderson officiated.

Oscar W. Person, 100 years old, passed away on May 2, 2015.

Patricia Dee Sanborn Cooper, 79, passed away on April 29, 2015. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert Maurice Cooper; her parents, Frank Chandler and Rosella Gregorich Sanborn, and a brother, Frank Chandler Sanborn, Jr.

Rodney Gene Shaw, 50, of Nashville, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2015. His memorial service will be conducted 7-9 p.m. Sunday evening, May 17, 2015 at the Momeyer Ruritan Club, 4811 Momeyer Way, Nashville.

Troy Ruffin Smith, age 79, of Rocky Mount, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2015. Troy was born on September 1, 1935, in Nash County and was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah Ruffin Smith and Minnie Clara Joyner Smith and one sister, Katherine Catlett.

William Andrew "Billy" Sharpe passed away April 30, 2015.

Woodrow Jones, age 95, of Spring Hope passed away Tuesday, May 05, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine "Cat" Jones.