A Spring Hope man who led officers on a two-county chase made his first appearance in court this week.
But the case against Equan C. Dunston, 22, continues.
Dunston was arrested at about 6 p.m. on Dec. 5 after authorities allege he eluded a traffic stop in Spring Hope and led authorities on a chase through that town, into Franklin County, along Louisburg’s main thoroughfare at rush hour, and back into the county before officers were able to spin him out.

After a two-hour closed session meeting, Middlesex Commissioners voted to allow a contractor to put together price estimates for three lift stations that are in dire need of maintenance.
Russell Underwood, of Charles R. Underwood, Inc., spoke to commissioners at the start of the board’s regular meeting on Monday morning. Underwood provided a report of the town’s 11 lift stations, which range in age from five to 35 years old.

READY FOR SANTA–– Nashville’s Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Celebration and Children’s Parade Saturday in downtown Nashville. Despite cold temperatures, dozens of children came out to participate riding their bikes and marching in their very own parade. Children also gathered to light the town’s Christmas Tree and greet Santa Claus. Pictured above, eleven month old Mackenzie Aycock rides in her Christmas wagon during the Children’s Parade.

Pictured above is Bill Edwards, who was the winner of a drawing the Town of Castalia held for its park.

Judge Anthony Brown, a Castalia native, swore in two new commissioners on Tuesday, December 3 in a peaceful transfer of power after an unusual election process. Commissioner Joyce Johnson was chosen for office through a drawing held at the Nash County Board of Elections after write in votes for her tied with those of the leading candidate Debbie Moore Rodriguez for the seat previously held by Commissioner Jeanette Evans.

The Nash Health Care Systems Board of Commissioners voted unanimously last Thursday to approve radiologist Dr. Ivan Peacock as the newest member  of the board. Peacock replaces Rosa Brodie who retired from the board after nine years of service. The board presented Brodie with a plaque and a resolution commending her for her “willing and capable participation in board activities and steadfast support of her colleagues and associates.”

NEW BUILDING –– Pictured with Mayor Donald Street (center) is Public Utilities Director Jamey Baines (left) and Public Works Director Larry Williams (right).

Nashville’s Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the Town of Nashville’s new Public Works, Public Utilities facility.
The new 6,300 square foot facility was sorely needed for Public Works and Public Utilities workers, said Jamey Baines, Nashville Public Utilities Director.
Baines said the older shop had been used for many years and the two departments had outgrown it.

Momeyer’s Town Council said goodbye to a long-time council member at its meeting on Monday morning.
Eloise Bass has served on the town council since Momeyer was formed in 1991. On Monday, she turned over her seat to newcomer Martha Lucas, after deciding not to seek re-election.
Bass was instrumental in the Town of Momeyer being incorporated. On Monday, she recalled how she had overheard that both Spring Hope and Nashville were expanding their ETJ’s near Momeyer. 

INCIDENTS
A damage to property (vandalism) and breaking and entering a residential was reported on 12/2/13 at 124 Wheeless Circle
An involuntary commitment was reported on 12/2/13
A damage to property (vandalism) was reported on 12/3/13 at 209 Virginia Avenue

Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Brendan W. Brame graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Shepherds act out a live nativity on Friday night at the 4-H Holiday Extravaganza’s annual Live Nativity Scenes.

The 13th Annual 4-H Holiday Extravaganza was held on Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7 at the Nash County Agricultural Center in Nashville.
Twenty-six vendors came out to sell a variety of items and 4-H’ers also sold their baked items.
On Friday night, the light show kicked off. The Nashville Graphic’s Publisher Jo Anne Cooper and Staff Writer Amanda Clark were asked to help kick off the light show by pushing the button to showcase the first show.

Fourth graders at Swift Creek Elementary School will be at Amy’s Hallmark in Rocky Mount on Saturday, December 14 selling Christmas ornaments.
The ornaments are part of “Hanging on to Hope,” a business created several years ago by students. The business began in 2008 while students were studying business and as part of a reading unit in their Open Court book titled, “Dollars and Sense.”

Rotarian President Krista Ikirt, at left, stands with Gus Tulloss, a Rotary member employed with the Dept of Transportation, who spoke to the Rocky Mount Rotary Club last Monday, December 2 at the DoubleTree hotel at their 1 p.m. meeting.

A Sergeant with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office recently completed a management and leadership program at North Carolina State University.
Sgt. Scott Pair, of Red Oak, graduated from the Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP) at North Carolina State University on November 15.
Pair is the second from the Sheriff’s Office to graduate from the program.

BIG WHEEL ELVES  –– Rileigh and Wyatt Himmelright won first place at the Nashville Children’s Christmas Parade.

CHRISTMAS FARMER –– Justin Davis won fourth place at the Nashville Children’s Christmas Parade.

TREE LIGHTS –– Katie Grace helps Nashville Mayor Donald Street at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB –– Members of the Nashville Unit Boys & Girls Club prepare to march in the parade.

TEAM WORK –– Cub Scout Pack 76 march in the parade.

Santa gets ready for the parade with the help of elf Amy Kratzke.

Jeremy Davis of Bailey Baptist Church is all smiles just before the parade begins.

Addison Wells of Sims dances in the parade.

Dakota Perry and Benjamin Flowers of Floods Chapel Original Free Will Baptist Church in Spring Hope get ready for the parade.

Tiffany Sage, Erica Pede, and Elizabeth Pede of the Middlesex-Bailey Girl Scout Troop 86 ride in the parade.

The non-profit organization A Chance in the Country received $3,000 from the DeLeon Carter Foundation to provide riding lessons to children with disabilities.
“We are a recreational riding barn, so we focus on helping our riders develop physical riding skills at their own pace while mostly enjoying the ride,” said Robin Freemen, Director of A Chance in the Country.

Advent Candle; Pastor Aycock read Luke 1:68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people.” He made comments concerning God’s forgiveness of our sins. The candle today was lit by Emily Winstead and reminds us of God’s forgiveness of our sins. Praise God for that forgiveness. Our pastor closed this part of the service in prayer to God for His marvelous grace and mercy.

Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is upon us!  What a joyous season!
On a cold, drizzly December morning Peachtree folks gathered for worship at the church.  The sanctuary was decorated for Christmas with red, white and pink poinsettia banked around the podium.

The youth of Red Oak United Methodist Church are setting an example not only for their adult members, but for the community at large. On Nov.  16, they traveled door to door in the community bearing balloons and smiles, inviting families to join them in worship and sharing about some of the great things happening in and through ROUMC. On Nov. 22, they met for a night of bowling.

In the fall of 1954 I began the ninth grade at Red Oak High School. As we all arrived the first day of school, several of the boys were saying “Have ya’ll seen the really pretty teacher that is here this year.” In walked a really lovely lady with a really beautiful smile. She said “Hello boys and girls I am new here and looking forward to a great year with all of you at Red Oak.

Bethel Heroes Chapter 636 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy held its December meeting at the Braswell Memorial Library.  Guest speaker was Dr. Thomas Barrett.   His subject was about Pearl Harbor and other wars that the United States has been engaged in.

The newly organized Nash County Democratic Men’s auxiliary of the Nash County Democratic Party held its second meeting Thursday, November 21. Former Congressman Tim Valentine spoke to the group of approximately 25 men about his experiences during his time in office under the administration of three former presidents, Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Bill Clinton.

Larry Chewning, president and CEO of Nash Health Care, reads the names of those honored at the Volunteer Auxiliary’s annual Lights of Love celebration.

While the cold air and dreary rain did not present an ideal backdrop for the 2013 Lights of Love celebration, there was no denying that the cherished thoughts of loved ones created a warmth and brightness that was felt throughout the Nash Health Care Surgery Pavilion Lobby.
“This is an important time,” said hospital volunteer and project leader Jackie Ward.

Faith Jarvis, daughter of Dr. William Jarvis and Dr. Bennie Jarvis, made a substantial donation to the Pediatric Department of Nash General Hospital as a part of her Project VIPP (Very Important Pediatric Patients), an initiative designed by Faith Jarvis as a part of a community service project for her Girl Scout Gold Award.  Jarvis is a member of Troop 48 from Red Oak.

Never fear, I haven’t forgotten you, Dear Reader.
The Soapbox Staff has been busy researching and identifying the best Christmas gifts for the annual gift-giving guide. We know that many readers find this resource so valuable, the economy immediately gets a boost once we publish. Times are tough, so this year, we tried to come up with a wide range of selections.

With it being all rainy and cold this week, I thought it appropriate to spread a little sunshine, specifically to local elected officials.
I’ve said this a dozen times in this space but I’ll say it again. Elected officials are elected by the citizens they represent.
What?!
Really?!
Yes, really!

While leftwing members of Congress and the Major Media argue for a raise in minimum wages, the Affordable Care Act, under President Obama, has already raised it by $1.64 / hour, and few people noticed. Only those ignorant of market economics clamor for a “living” wage to replace any minimum wage.

HOMECOMING PARADE –– This photo originally published in The Graphic on November 2, 1967. Nash Central School held its Homecoming Parade in downtown Nashville. Pictured are two contestants for Homecoming Queen.

Getting a pet soon?  Did you know that you contribute to pets coming into the Animal Control facility when you buy a pet, like ones advertised on CraigsList?  You know, the ones that say “adopt” but you find that the fee is $100 or more.  You see, as long as people think they can make money on the cute babies, they will breed their dogs.  However, guess what happens to the ones that aren’t bought.

TANGLED UP. Rocky Mount’s Joseph Cooper (right) maintains a hold on Northern Nash’s Armon Moore during last Wednesday evening’s Big East Conference wrestling matchup. The Gryphons won the contest in convincing fashion.

ROCKY MOUNT -- Any hope that the Rocky Mount Gryphons might be vulnerable on the mat in the Big East Conference this season seems to be quickly vanishing.
Heading into last Wednesday’s tri-match featuring Rocky Mount, Nash Central and Northern Nash, NN head coach Corey Mercer hoped his Knights would be competitive against the Gryphons.

NOWHERE TO GO. Nash Central Middle School’s Miccjella Macklin (left) applies strong defense to a Phillips player during Monday afternoon’s Tri-County Conference girls basketball contest, which was held at the NCMS Gymnasium in Nashville.

NASHVILLE -- If Nash Central Middle School’s girls basketball program has been known for one thing in recent seasons, it’s strong play at the guard position.
That is once again the case for the 2013-14 campaign, but the Lady Trojans are also strong all-around and look well-poised to be one of the top squads in the always-competitive Tri-County Conference.

HELP WANTED. Nash Central’s McKinley Lyons tries to find an open teammate during Monday’s home victory against Phillips MS.

NASHVILLE -- After dropping their regular season opener, the Nash Central Trojans were looking for a quick bounceback Monday when they hosted Phillips Middle School for an important Tri-County Conference boys basketball game.
The Trojans got exactly that, roaring ahead early and never looking back en route to securing a 66-37 decision at the NCMS Gymnasium in Nashville.

RED OAK -- Northern Nash High School will serve as the host for the 2013 Nash County Holiday Basketball Tournament.
The event will be held Dec. 17-19 at the NNHS Gymnasium. Tickets will be available at the gate.
Defending champions are Rocky Mount (boys) and Northern Nash (girls).

FRANKLIN COUNTY -- Listed are last Friday’s semifinal results and this weekend’s championship schedule for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State Football Playoffs:

NASHVILLE -- Chris Koufopoulos, Nash County Parks and Recreation Athletic Coordinator, was recently certified as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) by the National Certification Board (NCB) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).  

CONWAY, S.C. -- The men’s basketball team of North Carolina Wesleyan College traveled to Coastal Carolina last Thursday night, suffering an 89-54 loss to the Division I Chanticleers.
The Bishops trailed just 35-26 at the break, but CCU shot 60 percent from the floor in the second half to pull away.
The first half saw NCWC take its first lead of the contest, 10-8, on a three-pointer by senior David Gurganus at the 15:39 mark.

Rocky Mount’s Joseph Cooper (l) and Northern Nash’s Armon Moore (r) try to lift each other up.

NASH COUNTY -- The Nash County Parks and Recreation Department’s Young Champions of America Self-Defense Students from the Bailey Elementary School location attended the Young Champions of America Fall Karate Tournament.
The event was held in Raleigh November 9.

BUNN -- Southern Nash picked up a key road boys basketball decision last Friday as the Firebirds outlasted backyard rival Bunn by a 68-62 margin in overtime.
Southern, coached by Robbie Kennedy, upped its mark to 2-5 in the early portion of the campaign.
“We played a lot better (last Friday),’’ Kennedy said. “It was a back-and-forth game, and we were able to make some big free throws in overtime.’’

RED OAK -- Leonard Allen’s first season as Northern Nash High School’s varsity baseball coach will begin on Feb. 26 at home against his former team -- the Bunn Wildcats.
Northern’s complete ledger is as follows, with home matchups listed in  CAPS:

NASH COUNTY -- Here is the 2013-14 College Football Bowl Game Schedule:

STANHOPE -- Here are the winners from the Southern Nash High School 2013-14 Fall Sports Awards Ceremony, which was held Monday on the SNHS campus:

ST. LOUIS -- Three Washington University in St. Louis student-athletes were selected as the University Athletic Association (UAA) Athletes of the Week for their respective sports, as announced Monday by the Association.

Nash Central’s Armando Devalle (with ball) is double-teamed by a pair of Phillips defenders during Monday afternoon’s middle school basketball showdown in Nashville.

Nash Central Middle School’s Kayla Mitchell (with ball) drives for a basket during the Lady Trojans’ home victory Monday against Tri-County Conference opponent Phillips.

Christmas during the American Civil War (1861–1865) was celebrated throughout the United States although the day did not become an official holiday until five years after the war ended while Abraham Lincoln was President.  The war continued to rage on throughout what we consider to be the Christmas holiday and skirmishes occurred throughout the countryside all across the nation.

Jack O’Neil Arthur, 85, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2013. He was the son of late James Ivey Arthur and Guila Gillikin Arthur.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by, son, Jack “Cadillac” O’Neil Arthur Jr., daughter, Karen Arthur Casmas.

ROCKY MOUNT, ––Amina Patrick Myles, 42, of Rocky Mount, died  on Monday, December 2, 2013 in Greenville.

Annie Jean Williams, age 73, passed away   Monday, December 2, 2013. Born in Nash County on March 6, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Ellis Guy Williams Sr. and Polly Davis Williams. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Ellis Guy “Big Boy” Williams Jr.

Bedie Ward Woodcock, age 91, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2013. Born in Lumberton on April 1, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Ransom Ward and Ola Ward Benton. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Lovell.

NASHVILLE - Carole Moore Braswell, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2013. Born in Johnston County on March 18, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Herman Edward Moore Sr. and Mary Helen Rose Moore. She was also preceded in death by her son, John Braswell, and four brothers.

Doreen May Council, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2013. Born in Brisbane Queensland, Australia on January 1, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Henrich Stegmann and Alma Love Stegmann. She was also preceded in death by husband, Julian Council and her daughter, Mary Love Council Todd.

Rocky Mount –– Jalin Ma’kai Harrison, 16 months, died November 28, 2013.

Judith Cobb Mehle, 74, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2013. She was born in Surry County, NC on March 10, 1939 to Gladys Sparrow Cobb and the late Alton Parks Cobb.

Judith Cobb Mehle, 74, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2013. She was born in Surry County, NC on March 10, 1939 to Gladys Sparrow Cobb and the late Alton Parks Cobb.

ROCKY MOUNT –– Leonza Lee, 62, of Rocky Mount, died on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 in Rocky Mount.

Margaret Langley Smith died at Kindred Nursing Center on Friday, December 6, 2013. She was born in 1924 in the West Mount Community. She is predeceased by her parents Frank W. and Susan Bone Langley; six brothers and sisters: William Dawes, Gordan Dawes, Jack Langley, George Langley, Undine Lamm and Jewel Harkey.

Sara “Sally” Leonard Kirkwood, 88, of Rocky Mount died December 4, 2013.  She was born in Pittsburg, PA on June 18, 1925.

Terry Alan Bone, 54, passed away Sunday December 8, 2013. He was born February 15, 1959 in Nash County. He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Larkin Bone.

Walter Gray “Bro” Rich, Jr.  was born December 6, 1927, in Nash County and departed this life December 9, 2013 after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Walter G. “Post” and Ethel Downey Rich. Preceding him in death were his sisters Evelyn Strum, Elsie Mae Coggin, Ida Crutchfield, Roxie Stewart and a nephew, Richard Teasley.