RAPER

In less than two weeks, Nashville will have a new town manager.
Nashville's Town Council unanimously approved the hiring of Henry "Hank" Raper on Tuesday night following their regular board meeting.
Town Council members have been working in closed session meetings since September 5, reviewing applications and interviewing candidates, Nashville Mayor Donald Street said. Street called the board out of closed session at the end of their regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night and announced that the board was ready to offer an employment agreement.

The Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education is looking at replacing its Apple computers with Lenovo in the 2016-2017 school year.
Jane Finch, Chief Technology Officer for the school system, presented a refresh plan to the board at their work session on Monday night.
The system's current lease will run out at the end of this school year.
"Tonight I have a plan and some numbers I'd like to discuss with you," Finch said.

Linda Hedgepeth knows all her babies by name, all 90 of them.
Hedgepeth has been a licensed foster mom for 37 years and has spent the past 30 years fostering around 90 babies. But the death of her husband, who she said was her sidekick, plus her own back troubles, forced Hedgepeth to recently retire from fostering.
"We did 30 good years of placements," she said.

Despite a rainy weekend, the 44th annual Spring Hope Pumpkin Festival went on with a modified schedule.
Tracey Jackson, one of the organizers for the event, said many were disappointed the rain kept away Friday night's band and some of Saturday's activities, including the annual parade.
"Overall people were disappointed they didn't get the full pumpkin experience," Jackson said.

Charlotte Thorne, who is now 18 months, will have surgery on October 9 to correct a develomental hip dysplasia she was recently diagnosed with. A Healthy Hips run/walk will be held on November 14.

Jennifer Thorne had never heard of hip dysplasia in children until her daughter was diagnosed with it. Now, Thorne is trying to raise awareness, and funds, to give to the organization that has helped her family.
Thorne, and her husband, David, are planning to hold a Healthy Hips Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, November 14 at Glover Park in Nashville. The couple are planning the walk with help from friend Marilyn Fincher.

Nash County Commissioner Fred Belfield (at left) presents a plaque to Michele McKnight, Senior Center Coordinator for the Nash County Senior Center.

Nash County Commissioners recognized the Nash County and Rocky Mount Senior Centers on Monday during their regular board meeting.
The centers are two of only three nationally accredited centers in the State of North Carolina. Nash County's Senior Center was first accredited in 2010 and was recently reaccredited until 2020. Rocky Mount's Senior Center was nationally accredited in July 2015 and is also accredited until 2020.
"More than 200 senior centers have been accredited nationwide," said Stacie Shatzer, Nash County Aging Services Director.

Northern Nash High School is selling a piece of history.
The school's athletic department is selling pieces of the wooden bleachers that were recently replaced in the gymnasium.
Both Northern Nash and Southern Nash High Schools received new bleachers over the summer. Haggerty said they felt instead of just throwing away the old wooden bleachers, they would offer them to the community.

Nash County Planning and Inspections issued the following building permits from September 28 through October 2.

INCIDENTS
A larceny after a breaking and entering and breaking and entering a motor vehicle was reported on 9/28/15 at 2291 Barnes Court
A larceny (shoplifting) was reported on 9/28/15 at Wal-Mart, 1205 Eastern Avenue
A breaking and entering a residential and larceny after a breaking and entering was reported on 9/28/15 at 703 Golfers Lane

A larceny of a motor vehicle and damage to personal property was reported on 9/28/15 at 833 Aventon Gin Road
A misdemeanor larceny was reported on 9/28/15 at 6934 Taylors Gin Road
A breaking and entering and larceny after a breaking and entering was reported on 9/28/15 at 18527 NC 43
A larceny was reported on 9/28/15 at 7379 N Halifax Road

Nash County Commissioners ended their relationship with Eastpointe last week, voting instead to establish a relationship with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare for the management of Medicaid, state and county-funded specialty health benefits for Nash County residents.
The decision was made last Wednesday afternoon, following a closed session meeting last Monday and another just prior to the announcement.
North Carolina counties are responsible for overseeing the delivery of services for individuals with mental health needs, intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as substance use disorders.

Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC has formally applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for permission to build a 564-mile interstate natural gas transmission pipeline.
The FERC will not have to certify the public benefit and necessity of the project. The FERC, along with a number of participating agencies, will examine a broad number of issues, including public safety, air quality, water resources, geology, soils, wildlife and vegetation, threatened and endangered species, land and visual resources, cultural and historic resources, noise, cumulative impacts and reasonable alternatives.

A tobacco referendum set for November 19 is important to Nash County tobacco growers, according to Charlie Tyson, Nash County Cooperative Extension Director.
North Carolina tobacco growers will vote November 19 on whether to continue the self-assessment of 10 cents per 100 pounds of flue-cured and burley tobacco sold for support of tobacco research and education.

Carson Perryman, 4, participated in the Pumpkin's Creation Contest, which was moved to Saturday because of the rain.

QUEENS -- Pumpkin Queen Victoria Moss and Little Miss Pumpkin Queen Madison Lee (L-R) were a part of Saturday's festivities, helping announce winners for the Pumpkin Creations contest.

If we want to really start looking and acting like Jesus, we need a recipe. We need a recipe for our destiny. A destiny that is nothing short of new heavens, new earth, tears gone, pain impossible, and joy forever.
John Wesley, the spiritual heavyweight who was instrumental in the founding of the tribe within Christianity called the Methodists, was all about this type of living called holy love. He insisted that Jesus not only came to usher in His kingdom, but his kingdom's characteristics...right here on earth.

The fall meeting of the North Roanoke Baptist Association was held at Red Oak Baptist Church in Burnette Hall in the family life center on Thursday, October 1. The evening began with more than 100 guests enjoying dinner catered by Abram's Barbecue. The Red Oak Baptist Church Praise Team performed several songs prior to the meeting. Moderator, Rev. Howard Guidry of Bear Swamp and Turkey Branch churches, then called the meeting to order.

I am sorry, but due to the rain, and most of our folks staying inside, or should I really say "me" staying inside, our community news will be short and sweet. I know a lot of happenings in the community, but I forgot to ask these people at church on Sunday for permission to write about them and it's too late and I am too tired to call them now. LOL! I am getting slack in my old age. I promise to do better next week.

On a windy and drizzly Sunday morning, Peachtree folks gathered for worship at the church. Pastor Whitehouse welcomed those present. Sanctuary flowers were given by Ann Browder in memory of her husband, Bobby Browder. The Adult Choir sang "Holy Spirit Medley."
The scripture reading was from James 2:8-13 and was read by Robert Sykes. Pastor Whitehouse's sermon was titled "Submission to the Lord and his Word."

Everyone who reads the Beulah News is invited to attend our annual homecoming this Sunday, October 11th at Beulah Church of Christ. Bring family and friends with you. Sunday School begins at 9:45. The church homecoming service begins at 10:45. The speaker this year will be Don Hatsfield from Rockville, Indiana. Following the service everyone will shave a delicious meal across the road at the fellowship hall. All who attend may bring a dish to add to the meal if they wish.

Brad Summerlin (center), with the Rocky Mount Police Department, was the guest speaker for the Daughters of the American Revolution September meeting. He spoke on "The Role of Police in the Community." Pictured with Mr. Summerlin are Frances Powell (at right), Regent and Martha Gallop, (at left) Registrar of the Micajah Pittway Chapter of the DAR.

Southern Nash High School PTO and PBIS Students and Employees of the Month are (L-R): Teacher/Band Director Matthew Ray, Cesar Villeda Garza, Cynthia Rangel, Allen Gibbs, Donal Darrell Davis, Nicholas Freeman, Stephanie Villalobos, English Teacher/Cheerleading Coach Ashley Bass. Cornerstone Funeral Home and Cremations of Nashville sponsored a celebratory lunch for the award recipients.

Saturday, October 10 from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Gardner's Barbequ, 1331 N Wesleyan Boulevard, Rocky Mount
Monday, October 12 from 3 until 7 p.m. at First Baptist, 200 South Church Street, Rocky Mount
Tuesday, October 13 from 2:30 until 7 p.m. at Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount
Wednesday, October 14 from 12 until 4 p.m. at Eaton Corporation, 8171 Planer Mill Road, Middlesex

You would think in a household with a newly minted driver (girl), a 10-year-old (boy) and an 8-year-old (boy), there would be few surprises left. This is the same crew who got hooked on the reality show "Moonshiners" last year during Christmas break and modified their wish list to include items to make a still.
The boys engineered a trap to catch a cat, which actually worked, but it was part of a prototype process to trap their sister. They once told a babysitter that they took her predecessor to Mexico and left her at the border. The list goes on.

Last week, I spoke about the elections and how important it was to get out and vote. But, I failed to mention the actual date of the elections!
I also wrote a story on the candidate forum that Nashville's Chamber of Commerce sponsored for the three candidates vying for one spot on Nashville's Board. In that story, I also failed to mention when elections were.
I have no excuse. I just failed to include it.

What is more perplexing about the elected officials and the management of the City of Rocky Mount's rhetoric and position on the splitting of the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools is that had they been truly concerned about the City of Rocky Mount community and the students who reside in the City of Rocky Mount they would have insured that the current disagreement over the school system would never have happened.

I want a horse.
Back in the day, men rode horses and carried guns. Just as the automobile replaced horses, higher powered guns replaced guns of that era. Gun owners, thanks to the ability of their lobbyist, the National Rifle Association, face none of the trials and tribulations that car owners encounter every day. The NRA knows how to buy the support of representatives and senators, unlike the American Automobile Association, Triple A.

There are hundreds of beautiful towns in the United States. And each of them has a claim to fame. Whether it's the Fire Hydrant Capital of the world in Albertville, Alabama, the giant statue of Paul Bunyan welcoming visitors to Brainerd, Minnesota, or the giant ice cream sundae statue in LeMars, Iowa, every city has a desire to be known for something.
It's part of what makes living in a community so special.

ORIENTATION AIDS -- This photo originally published in The Graphic April 21, 1977. These W.L. Greene Middle School students were chosen to aid in orientation of Coopers Elementary School students to middle school life in special program held at Coopers. Pictured on the front row, left to right, are Lisa Richardson, Greg Lamm, Kevin Sharpe, Colette Boddie and Angela Battle. Back row: Gwen Jones, Cindy Griffin, Jeff Winstead, Debra Arrington and their counselor, Mrs. Jane Miller.

Are you a BACKYARD BREEDER? You are a backyard breeder if your dog had a litter for fun, profit or by 'accident'.
Of all the millions of dogs in the USA, about two-thirds come from backyard breeders. They are the single greatest cause of the pet overpopulation crisis in this country. Because of backyard breeders over 8 million healthy, adoptable pets are killed every year, due to too many pets, not enough homes. The number one biggest contributor to the problem is the "backyard breeder" not the puppy mills.

AND HERE'S THE PITCH. Nash Central Middle School quarterback Matthew Johnson tosses the ball to a running back during last Thursday's home football showdown against the Phillips Bulldogs.

NASHVILLE -- Nash Central Middle School beat the weather last Thursday, but couldn't get past the Phillips Bulldogs.
The Trojans' Tri-County Conference showdown against the Bulldogs was played as schedule, despite the looming threat of heavy rainfall.
The rain came not long after the conclusion of the contest, which was claimed by visiting Phillips at the NCMS Football Field.
NC head coach Matt Lancaster knew his club had to play in mistake-free fashion to have a chance against the talented Bulldogs, but that would not be the case as Phillips controlled the proceedings by a 26-0 margin.

READY TO RUN. Jaquay Mitchell (right) and the Southern Nash Firebirds will open their 2015 Big East Conference football schedule this Friday against Wilson Fike.

NASH COUNTY -- Poor weather has hindered Big East Conference teams ahead of this Friday's scheduled league football openers.
Due to heavy rains, conference coaches haven't seen their squads practice much outside over the past several days.
But Southern Nash coach Brian Foster sees all of the Big East teams in the same situation, so advantages shouldn't be gained one way or the other.
Foster, however, hopes the Firebirds' rigorous off-season work will help prepare them for what should be five challenging conference outings.

STANHOPE -- Southern Nash High School's boys soccer team defeated Rocky Mount by a 2-0 margin last Wednesday at home in a Big East Conference boys soccer matchup.
SN broke a scoreless tie 24 minutes in when Jose Salgado crossed a ball to Cristian Salazar in front of the Gryphons' net.
Cody Vazquez gave Southern Nash some much-needed insurance in the second half on a goal off an assist by his brother, Justin.

STANHOPE -- One of the state's top prep football honors is a selection to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas Football Game.
Nash County has seen its share of participants in the contest through the years -- and the latest will be Southern Nash's Tahj Deans.
A senior wide receiver/defensive back, Deans found out earlier this week that he has earned a spot in the matchup and will represent North Carolina against the South Carolina All-Stars.

WILSON -- The Wilson Tobs have announce their schedule for the 2016 summer season.
Celebrating its 20th season, the Coastal Plain League will feature 16 teams with the addition of an expansion franchise in Savannah, Georgia.
The Tobs will open up its season against the Fuquay-Varina Twins on May 29 at historic Fleming Stadium.
First pitch is slated for 6 p.m., and their will be a post-game fireworks show.

STAR OF THE SHOW. North Carolina Wesleyan College's Malik Adams (left) was exceptional for the Bishops during last Saturday's road conference setback versus Huntingdon College in Alabama.

MONTGOMERY, ALA. -- Junior Malik Adams broke the North Carolina Wesleyan College single-game record for receiving yards and tied program-high marks for catches and touchdowns, but it was not enough to help his Bishops avoid a 45-40 loss at Huntingdon last Saturday.
The game was the USA South Conference football opener for both squads.
In the first quarter, an 18-yard scoring strike from senior quarterback Dustin Midgett to freshman Slade Dale got Wesleyan on the board and evened the score at 7-7.

NASHVILLE -- LBJ Chevrolet of Nashville is partnering with Nash County Parks and Recreation as part of the national Chevy Youth Soccer program to provide new equipment, a monetary contribution and an opportunity for community members to earn additional funds for the club via a Test Drive fundraiser.
LBJ presented Nash County Parks and Recreation with soccer kits filled with various items such as equipment bags, pop-up goals, corner flags, soccer balls and Chevy Youth Soccer T-shirts.

Phillips Middle School's Armond Ellis takes off for a long gain during last Thursday afternoon's Tri-County Conference football matchup at Nash Central.

Nash Central Middle School running back Jordan Lynch finds some running room during last Thursday afternoon's home football game against Phillips.

Nash Central Middle School student assistant Chance Puckett (left) watches the Trojans in action during last Thursday afternoon's home football game against the Phillips Bulldogs. Puckett is an eighth-grader at Nash Central.