HOT DOGS FOR KIDS -- Javion Richardson, 6, gets a photo with Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone during the "Hot Dogs for Kids" event on Saturday in Red Oak.

The Nash County Sheriff's Office continued its efforts to improve community relations by hosting a "Hot Dogs for Kids" event on Saturday in Red Oak.
The "Hot Dogs for Kids" event was developed to improve and enhance community relations between the local community and law enforcement, said Captain David Brake, of the Nash County Sheriff's Office.
"The event emphasizes positive interaction with kids as well as the rest of the community," Brake added.

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to offer free meals for children this summer.
Breakfast and lunch will be offered at three schools during the summer as part of the Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program.
Free meals will be provided for students through the age of 18 at Nashville Elementary, Benvenue Elementary and Bailey Elementary Schools.

LIBRARY - Alexis Pennington checks out a model of a Starfish on Friday at Cooley Library during a "Touch Tank" presentation by Rhana Paris, an Educator with the NC Aquarium. Paris presented a program on ocean invertebrates at the library. Following the presentation, attendees were allowed to touch the different animals Paris brought to show youth, which included a mollusk, a horsehoe crab, a starfish and a short spined sea urchin.

The Town of Castalia is gearing up to host its annual Fourth of July Festivities, which are set this year on Saturday, July 1st.
Typically, the town holds the event on July 4th unless it falls on a Sunday,
This year, however, Castalia Town Clerk Angie Elliott said the event was moved to the Saturday before July 4th due to the schedule of the fireworks company.

LEMUS

Rocky Mount will host the annual Business and Professional Women (BPW) organization's annual conference this weekend.
The Rocky Mount and Nashville BPW Clubs are hosting the 98th convention of the North Carolina Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club at the Country Inn and Suites in Rocky Mount.
In addition to handling its routine business, the convention will also include the Young Careerist and Career Woman of the Year Competitions.

Nash County Commissioners approved a $500,000 contract with the Wooten Company following a closed session on Monday afternoon.
The contract was for engineering services related to the Northern Nash Water Project. The contract was in the amount of $501,500 and is subject to review by the county attorney.

Robert Brammell, who is with Nash County's Maintenance Department, cuts holes in ceiling tiles to release water from the third floor during a water line break last Wednesday at the Nash County Courthouse.

A water line break caused the Nash County Courthouse to shut down last Thursday and Friday.
The leak happened around 3 last Wednesday afternoon, said Mike Tolson, Nash County Public Facilities and Utilities Director. The leak started on the third floor and was caused by some routine maintenance that was going on. Tolson said during that maintenance, a pipe busted.
"Unfortunately if you are going to have a leak, it was in the worst spot on the top floor," he added.

The Twin Counties Partnership for Healthier Communities will host a health summit from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 26.
The event will be held at the Booker T. Theater on E. Thomas Street in Rocky Mount. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and a light meal will be provided.
The event is free to residents of Nash and Edgecombe counties - interested participants can register at tinyurl.com/HealthSummit17 or by calling 252-972-6958. The first 50 participants at the event will receive a free water bottle and those who pre-register will be included in special door prize drawings.

Thanks to lucky birthday numbers, James Johnson of Rocky Mount will start his 69th year with a $109,619 Cash 5 jackpot.
"I've been using the same numbers for three years," Johnson said. "I always use a combination of my birthday, my wife's birthday, and my grandchildren's birthdays."
He couldn't believe it when he found out his win beat the odds of 1 in 749,398. He matched all 5 numbers in the June 6 drawing.

Cadets from Nash Community College's 49th Basic Law Enforcement Training academy graduated Wednesday, May 31 in the NCC Brown Auditorium. Martin Victor McKoy, Sr., retired captain from Rocky Mount Police Department, addressed the graduates. "Matters of great importance to us are never performed casually," McKoy said. "Each of these young men certainly exuberates honor, pride and courage."

INCIDENTS
A larceny after a breaking and entering and breaking and entering a residential was reported on 6/12/17 on Aubry Court
A damage to property (Vandalism) was reported on 6/13/17 at 1349 First Street Extension
A larceny of a motor vehicle and breaking and entering a motor vehicle was reported on 6/14/17 at Fellowship Church, 1114 S. First Street

An assault was reported on 6/11/17 at 8794 Red Oak Battleboro Road
A weapon surrender was reported on 6/11/17 at 5068 Wildlife Drive
A larceny of a motor vehicle was reported on 6/11/17 at 6614 Winters Road
A probation violation was reported on 6/11/17 at 202 N White Street

Nash County Planning and Inspections issued the following building permits from June 12 through 16.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the third semester of the 2016-2017 school year.
The following students at Southern Nash High School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Mayor David Combs and the Rocky Mount City Council recently recognized the heroism of Joyce Parker and Milton Batts. The two helped to rescue a bedridden woman from her home during a fire. Pictured (l-r) Fire Chief Mike Varnell, Joyce Parker, Milton Batts & Mayor David Combs.

Hardee's Furniture Warehouse, located on Hwy 301 South of Sharpsburg has been recognized by La-Z-Boy for selling more La-Z-Boy sofas, chairs, love seats, and recliners than any La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio in Eastern North Carolina. Hardee's Furniture has been serving its customers for 36 years with the largest selection of name brand furniture in the area. Vanise and Deborah Hardee started the company in 1981 and have been blessed with great employees and loyal customers.

Randy Lamm, at right, presents Coopers Elementary School Assistant Principal Tenika Mercer with a donation.

The Coopers Ruritan Club has been providing scholarships to area youth for many years.
Last Thursday, the club recognized its latest scholarship recipients, Michaela Vick and Casey Proctor.
Vick received the Coopers Ruritan Scholarship while Proctor received the E. C. Pearce Scholarship.
Ken Powell presented Vick the Coopers Ruritan Scholarship.

Nash County farmers Dean and Debbie High of High Farms have won the opportunity to direct a $2,500 dollar donation from the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, to Bailey Area Ministries.
Bailey Area Ministries will use the funds to fight rural hunger by purchasing food for the pantry that feeds over 70 families per month.
"We can not thank the Highs enough for remembering the food pantry with this donation," said, Amy Pearson, Bailey Area Ministries treasurer.

Blanche Joyner and Ruth Lindsey Parker

The Coopers High School Alumni Association held their 84th annual banquet on April 22 at the Coopers School gymnasium. President Brenda Eason Brewer welcomed guests recognizing the oldest alumni, Ruth Lindsey Parker, class of 1938, and Blanche Joyner, class of 1947. Tony Joyner, alumnus, entertained guests.

Keith Stone, Sheriff of Nash County, completed the Executive Leaders Program at Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security June 8.
The goal of the Executive Leaders Program is to enhance senior leaders' capacity to develop policies and strategies while strengthening working relationships across the jurisdictional boundaries of regions, agencies, local-state-tribal-federal governments and the private sector. Students study the interdisciplinary concepts comprising homeland security.

Coopers Ruritan Club presents a check for $1,260 to the Nash County Relay for Life co-chairs. The donation is from the Pink Adirondack Chair Raffle. All Nash County Ruritan Clubs helped sell tickets. Pictured (left to right) are: Mike Glover, Coopers Ruritan Vice-President; Dale Joyner, Relay for Life co-chair; Yvonne Jones, Relay for Life co-chair; and Steve Williams, Coopers Ruritan President.

Coopers Ruritan Club is sponsoring a 4-H child to attend summer camps. Mike Glover, Vice President of Coopers Ruritan Club, presents a check to Sandy Hall, Nash County Extension Director for the sponsorship.

Ruritan District Governor, Jeff Neese (middle) presents the Blue Ribbon Award to West Mount Ruritan Club. Receiving the award is past president Wayne Outlaw (left) and current president Buck Pittman (right).

Ruritan District Governor, Jeff Neese (right) presents West Mount Ruritan Wayne Outlaw with the 2016 Outstanding Club President Award.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the third semester of the 2016-2017 school year.
The following students at Nash Central High School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

I'M SAD ....
I do not know how Animal Control Officers deal with the sadness of all the incoming homeless pets every single day. It can be quite depressing when they don't get saved and just the volume can be overwhelming. When I started back in August 2010, I assumed a lot. I assumed, just let people know they are there and they will come. That all I would have to do is take photos and have the newspaper post. But it isn't that easy or simple.

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools (NRMPS) celebrated a total of 58 retirees during the district's 2017 Retirement Banquet on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. The event was held at Rose Hill in Nashville. The theme of the event was Live, laugh and love. Each retiree was honored with lunch, a gift presented by Superintendent Dr. Shelton Jefferies and a special skit.

An Edgecombe Community College instructor and staff member received special awards from the ECC Foundation at the college's graduation exercises in May.
Renee Pearson, program chair of Human Services Technology, received the 2017 Excellence in Teaching Award.
"She is an advocate, leader, program chair, counselor, and teacher who finds meaning in providing resources and assistance to help others achieve their goals," said Karen Andrus, executive director of the ECC Foundation, in making the presentation.

Mayor David Combs presented a proclamation to Reverend Thomas L. Walker, Pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, proclaiming the month of June 2017 as Men's Health Month in the city of Rocky Mount.

Peachtree folks gathered for worship on a beautiful summer morning. It was a fitting day to honor "Fathers." Sanctuary flowers were given by Linwood May in memory and honor of all of the fathers in the Peachtree Family. The adult choir sang "In Remembrance" under the direction of the pastor.
Recognition was given to those fathers who were present. A book of devotions written especially for fathers was presented to each one. The observance of the Lord's Table was led by Pastor Whitehouse, with the assistance of the Deacons.

The Baptist Men had their monthly breakfast on Sunday, June 18.
The youth and chaperones of Red Oak Baptist Church, 27 total, left Sunday afternoon traveling to Mfuge in Nashville, TN. Mfuge will be held at Belmont University. The group will return late Saturday, June 24.

Have you ever watched a ballgame and just knew exactly who was going to win? I remember watching the World Series last year and I just knew the Cubbies were going to finally raise that "W" flag.
Other times, we watch a match take place and we are not quite sure who is going to win. It leaves us filled with suspense. I recall watching a video on YouTube of a rattlesnake and a Jack Russell dog and upon watching it, I was already calling the shots that the dog was going to lose.

U.S. Air Force Airman Taylor A. Alize 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.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

It's that time of year when those who chose to shake off the winter blues, cabin fever and short days and embraced spring by planting stuff are starting to see the fruits of their labor.
It's also that time of year when the garden battles begin.
We are knee deep into the quagmire at home. Our version of the enemy is the Japanese beetle.

Just when you're excited about summertime finally getting here bringing lots of sunshine and warm weather - Murphy's Law -- the AC goes out!
And ours here at The Graphic did just that a couple weeks ago. A part had to be ordered and the delivery was projected to take 6-7 days. We were not at all worried because the forecast was for 67-70 degree overcast days. The office and mail room were tolerable with fans. The part was scheduled to arrive on Wednesday which meant we would have our a/c back on just in time for the warmer forecast.

Dear Editor: RE: PRAISE TO CHIEF BASHORE'S HOPE INITIATIVE
As a citizen of Nash County, I want to express an in depth gratitude to Chief Tom Bashore, District Attorney Robert Evans, District Attorney Josh Stein, and the entire NC Department of Justice co-horts for creating the HOPE Initiative which saves lives.

EASTERN STAR OFFICIALS VISIT -- This photo originally published in The Graphic on August 27, 1974. Hoyt B. Nichols and Mrs. Hazel A. Lane (first row, left) District Eastern Star officials, pose with officers of the Nashville Chamber 332 during a visit.

ROLLING TO THE FINISH. Nash Rec Swim Team veteran swimmer Marley Winstead speeds toward a strong finish during last Thursday evening's home meet against Birchwood Country Club in Nashville.

NASHVILLE -- Backyard rivals Nash Rec and Birchwood -- located about one mile from each other -- got together last Thursday evening to kick off another season in the Nash-Halifax Swim League.
Nash Rec saw its long-time championship streak broken last summer, but the Sharks are determined to avenge that setback this time around -- as evidenced by their strong performance against Birchwood.

NASH CENTRAL'S ALTON NOBLES (55)

ROCKY MOUNT -- Perhaps the biggest difference (literally) between Nash Central High School's football teams between 2015 and 2016 were increased levels in size, strength and talent along the offensive and defensive fronts.
It probably wasn't a coincidence that these intangibles led to the Bulldogs making the Class 3-A State Playoffs last fall in Coach Chris Lee's second campaign.
One of the major contributors along both lines for Nash Central was senior standout Alton Nobles, whose work drew the attention of several college scouts.

STANHOPE -- Southern Nash High School's 2017 varsity football season will kick off Aug. 18 on the road against Green Hope in Wake County.
The Firebirds have a grueling non-league gridiron slate in front of their Big East Conference opener on Oct. 6 at Wilson Fike.
Southern's non-conference opponents will be Green Hope, Nash Central, Bunn, West Johnston and Jacksonville White Oak -- along with a Sept. 15 home showdown against defending Class 4-AA State Champion Wake Forest.

ZEBULON -- Brandon Diaz hit a three-run home run in the second, Troy Stokes Jr. led off the third with a solo home run and Weston Wilson had a three-run homer in the sixth while driving in a career-high five RBI as the homestanding Carolina Mudcats slugged their way to an 11-10 first-half finale victory against the Nationals at Five County Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a Class A Carolina League baseball game.

ROCKY MOUNT -- The Evening Optimist Orioles rallied from a 6-5 deficit to win going away as they bested the Wesley Men Yankees by a 14-6 count in second round Rocky Mount Little League playoff action at the RCMT Sports Complex last Wednesday afternoon.
In doing so, the 'Birds now sit perched in the championship game of the double-elimination tournament with no losses against them.

ROCKY MOUNT -- North Carolina Wesleyan College head football coach Jeff Filkovski has announced Justin Buschman as the latest addition to the Battling Bishop gridiron coaching staff.
Buschman, who will guide running backs, joins NCWC after a successful four-year stint at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, which is located in Terre Haute, Indiana.

ELM CITY -- Listed are the results from last Saturday's action at County Line Raceway:

Birchwood Country Club's (l to r) Emma Batchelor and Clara Danforth cheer on their teammates during last Thursday evening's road swim meet against Nash Rec.

WINSTEAD'S REFORESTATION
NASH COUNTY PARKS & REC
7-8 COACH-PITCH
REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS
TOURNAMENT CHAMPS

JERNIGAN ELECTRICAL
NASH COUNTY PARKS & REC
9-10 TOURNAMENT CHAMPS
REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS

AUNT RUBY'S PEANUTS
NASH COUNTY PARKS & REC
GIRLS 6-7 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS

SHARKS
NASH COUNTY PARKS & REC
BOYS 6-7 REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS

RED OAK FC
NASH COUNTY PARKS & REC
8-9 TOURNAMENT CHAMPS

NASH REC'S JESLYN BRANTLEY

NASH REC'S MADDIE HART

BIRCHWOOD'S HYLAN WHEELER

Langdon Norris is one of the most-tenured performers this seaosn for the Nash Rec Swim Team. The talented Norris also competes for the Nash Central High School squad.

The spring concert season at Cherry Hill will conclude on June 25th with the annual student recital, performed this year by outstanding pianist Owen Dodds. Each year a student is recommended by his or her teacher for consideration as the young musician of the year at Cherry Hill. This student must show unusual promise of mastery in his or her chosen musical field.
Owen Dodds, age 21, is a rising college senior at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he studies piano with Dmitri Shteinberg.