Nashville residents are being asked to provide input into the town's next Comprehensive Plan.
A drop-by workshop is being held on Thursday, December 3 from 1 until 7 p.m. in town council chambers at 114 West Church Street, Nashville.
A comprehensive plan is the town's vision and goals for the future. The plan guides the town's growth and decision making for the future.

Downtown Nashville Strong and the Nashville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is hosting a Christmas Decorating Contest for residents and business owners.
This is the third year for the contest.

Deloris Jones' mother lived to be 103. She hopes the same will be true for her.
Jones celebrated her 95th birthday on September 11.
Her nephew, Samuel Jones, said his aunt has had a garden now for over 60 years and enjoys taking care of it. She also enjoys her flowers, dogs and her chickens.

Christmas in Nashville may look a little different this year but children will still get a chance to visit with Santa.
Nashville's Chamber of Commerce has invited Santa to come visit with youth on Saturday, December 5.
This year's visit, however, will be more socially distanced.

Nashville's Town Council will decide the fate of property along Western Avenue on Tuesday night.
A public hearing was held for the second time for 608 Western Avenue last Wednesday night. The property is owned by Michael Hurt, a Franklin County developer.
Hurt initially sought to rezone the entire 9.47 acres from R-10 (medium density residential) to MF (multi-family) in August but after opposition from neighbors and then a "no" vote from Nashville's Planning Board, Hurt withdrew his request.

As a response to continued increases in new positive COVID-19 cases as well as deaths, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced on Monday additional enforcement actions.
Cooper said on Monday the state had surpassed 5000, deaths as a result of COVID-19.
"We are in danger," Cooper said. "This is a pivotal moment in the fight against the Coronavirus."

Members of the Nash County Sheriff's Office, along with area fire departments and car and motorcycle clubs, brought smiles to a two-year-old boy's face recently when they held a parade in his honor.
The parade was held to celebrate the end of chemotherapy treatment for soon-to-be two-year-old Michael Ward, Jr.
Ward was diagnosed with stage four cancer last December.

Nashville Baptist Church has opened its doors to area middle and high school students who may lack internet access.
The church is the only "pop-up" internet cafe available in Nashville for students to utilize to complete their virtual schooling.
Laura Willis, who serves as the Ministry Assistant for the church, said the idea was originally one put forth by the Nash County Public School System, who were seeking these "pop-up" internet cafes.

The Town of Castalia hired a Rocky Mount accounting firm earlier this year to help with its auditing issues.
According to the town board, the town enlisted the services of Overman and Parks, CPA, PA in March 2020.
The firm was hired to compile the FY 2017 and FY 2018 data into auditable financial statements.

The following deed transfers were made in Nash County rom November 13 through 19

Incidents
A sexual battery was reported on 11/18/20 at 208 Simbelyn Drive
A driving while intoxicated was reported on 11/19/20 at 723 Clark Street

Building Permit
(commercial)
Cindy Felton; 313 W Washington Street; sign; $723

No one was injured last Thursday in an accident in Downtown Nashville. According to Nashville Police Chief Anthony Puckett, the accident involved a 96-year-old who attempted to back out of a parking spot. The driver then drove forward, striking three parked cars, knocking one of the vehicles through the fencing and into the Edward Jones building. "There were no drivers/passengers in the parked vehicles and no injuries to the driver or anyone else," Puckett said.

Patsy King McGhee has resigned from her long-time post leading Nashville's Planning Board.
McGhee announced her resignation from the board last month and last Wednesday, was honored for her service by Nashville's Town Council.
A resolution was presented at the start of the board meeting last week.

Nash County towns are gearing up for Christmas.
The Town of Red Oak will host its Third Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 28 beginning at 1 p.m. with a vendor fair, music and amusements.
The vendor fair has over 50 vendors scheduled to participate in this year's event, selling a variety of handmade goods.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year.The following students at the NRM Early College High School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Ten years ago, I did my first big rescue of a Mom and six nursing pups. How time flies and I am so happy and thankful that PAWNC joined NCAF and for all the Rescues we work with. We couldn't have done it without the cooperation of the Shelter staff and all of our volunteers. We can look back at thousands saved thru the years, over the amount saved prior us getting involved, and be happy.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year. The following students at Southern Nash Middle School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year. The following students at Northern Nash High School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year. The following students at Spring Hope Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year. The following students at Swift Creek Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year.The following students at Coopers Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year.The following students at Cedar Grove Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year. The following students at Nashville Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year.The following students at Nash Central Middle School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year.The following students at Nash Central High School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

The Coopers Ruritan Club wasn't able to celebrate its volunteers as in year's past but club members still made sure to celebrate the Ruritan of the Year.
Club members met last Thursday for a meal and a brief celebration. Club President Danny Tyson said COVID-19 restrictions kept the club from being able to host its volunteers for a large ceremony but he added that volunteers would be recognized in another way later on.

Nash County Manager Zee Lamb upped the ante in challenging employees to contribute to the United Way Giving Campaign.
Last year, Lamb challenged employees to raise more than the previous year and allowed himself to be duct taped to a wall if employees met the goal.
This year, Lamb issued a similar challenge, saying he would kiss a pig if employees could raise a certain amount.

Marguerite Bishop holds the apple tree while Koy Worrell, Quintin Mangano and Ken White finish planting the tree

Nashville Elementary School is working to expand its science and outdoor education programming.
The school has already started a garden on its campus and recently, added what will eventually be an orchard.
Two honey crisp apple trees were recently planted on the school grounds. The trees were provided by the Town of Nashville.

I remember when Thanksgiving was a big deal. Today you do not have time to celebrate it before you have to get out of the way for the Christmas rush.
It's a crying shame, but we've allowed Thanksgiving to be swallowed up by the commercialization of Christmas. Well I've decided that I'm going to marshal a little assault on a much too early Christmas season and celebrate Thanksgiving with you today, even if I am a few days early.

If God has a gift for you, don't you want it?
Last week I suggested that one of the truest things that can be said of God is that He is a generous giver. We can recall that God has given us his very best by giving Jesus to the world for the salvation of the world. As Romans 8:32 says, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

Peachtree Baptist Church is now collecting donations for its N.C. State Missions fundraiser.
Peachtree Baptist Church is taking orders for Christmas Poinsettias. There are only 25 this year. Please get your orders in. Sign-up sheet in Nordex. $12 each.

Have you ever known someone who is going through a tough time? They tell you they're okay, but it's easy to see they're struggling. Perhaps they're so busy caring for everyone else around them that they fail to care for themselves. Or, they feel the pressure to "have it all together" and aren't taking time to inventory their own emotions.

Representatives from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and Nash County Economic Development visited Nash Community College last Wednesday, November 18 for a meet and greet to tour the college's Advanced Manufacturing Building.

North Carolina Wesleyan College hosted its 15th annual Lighting of Wesleyan event on Tuesday, November 17.
As with most recent events in 2020, the format of the celebration had to be altered due to COVID-19. In lieu of North Carolina Wesleyan's typical yearly festivities, the College opted to decorate the campus for students and the community to enjoy in a COVID-appropriate setting.

Rocky Mount Area Youth Council (RMAYC) President Nyanna Sherrod recently served as a panel member during the NC Department of Administration's Status of Women in NC Report Launch: Political Participation seminar hosted by the Council for Women and Youth Involvement.
The Status of Women in NC Report Launch is a four-part series highlighting the progress and obstacles women continue to face and to encourage policy and programmatic changes that can improve opportunities for women across the state.

The State Highway Patrol highlighted the promotion of 71 sworn and 12 civilian members recently during a private ceremony held at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary. The event was conducted in celebration of those who received a promotion throughout 2020.
Among those promoted was Trooper J.M. Roy and Trooper F.A. McClure, who were both stationed in Nash County.

The development and acceptance of a proposal for the Executor of the Dr. Nancy Shaw Trust has enabled North Carolina Wesleyan College to secure funds for its Pre-Veterinarian, Biomedical, Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science majors. Dr. Shaw was a successful physician with ties to Nash County. Her trust's primary focus was to benefit the health and care of felines, which was a passion of hers.

Nash County Public Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2020 -2021 school year. The following students at Tar River Academy made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash UNC Health Care has announced Kathleen Fleming as the new Director of the Nash UNC Health Care Foundation.
"I am pleased to announce Kathleen Fleming as the director of the Nash UNC Health Care Foundation. Kathleen has demonstrated great vision and leadership of the Foundation following the retirement of Stacy Jesso in June," said Dr. L Lee Isley, president and CEO of Nash UNC Health Care.

No doubt 2020 is headed for the history books.
Some say it can't happen fast enough.
A year known for earthquakes, hurricanes, a global pandemic, cancelled school years, economic shutdowns, protests, riots, elections, scandals, fake news, suppressed news -- you name it, it's happened.

When you've been at a job for a long time, even as a reporter, you can't help but develop relationships with people or at least develop a fondness for them.
I've been at The Nashville Graphic for over 14 years now and I've met a lot of people. Nash County is fortunate to have some great people living and serving here and I'm proud to know many of them!
One of those people is Ms. Lou Richardson.

Looking back at the past 30 years of my career here at The Nashville Graphic, I've written numerous Thanksgiving edition columns. Many of those columns encouraging people to shop locally, and also giving thanks for the many opportunities I've been afforded.
Thanksgiving 2020 is bringing many changes and yes - some inconveniences. But the virus can't rob you of your memories, and it can't keep you from creatively creating new memories while remaining safe.

JUNIOR FASHIONISTAS -- This photo originally published in The Nashville Graphic April 1, 1975. Nash County 4-H Club members winning the Junior Division in sportswear in an annual fashion revue "Salute to Fashion" which was held at Tarrytown Mall in Rocky Mount. Pictured, front row, left to right) Alitha Palich, Jackie Perry, Teresa Cale, Beverly Battle. Standing are the dress division winners: Bridget Drewery, Frankie Richardson and Julie Palich.

NORTHERN NASH SPIKER LEAH MCKENNEY

STANHOPE -- Though finding distinct statistical evidence might be a tad bit impossible, it's safe to assume that the winner of the third set in a high school volleyball matchup eventually goes on to claim the match.
This hypothesis was once again reiterated last Wednesday during the important Big East Conference spike showdown between Northern Nash and homestanding Southern Nash.

LEADERS OF THE PACK. (L to R) Rocky Mount's Adam Everett and Joshua Martinez lead the field during last Monday's Big East Conference meet.

LOUISBURG -- Ben Snelling sped his Gator about 20 yards ahead of the start line, grabbed his whistle and prepared for the moment that area high school sports fans have been awaiting for the past eight months.
And with a quick blow of the whistle, along with a push to the pedal as the lead vehicle, Snelling signaled the beginning of last Monday's Big East Conference Cross Country Meet, which was hosted by Franklinton High School at the Owens Park Course.

WILSON -- Northern Nash High School's boys cross country squad is off to another strong start -- as evidenced by last Thursday's showing during a Big East Conference Tri-Meet at Gillette Park.
The multi-time defending league champion Fighting Knights cruised to a first-place team finish during an event that also featured Franklinton and host Wilson Fike.

RALEIGH -- North Carolina State University has extended the agreement of long-time baseball coach Elliott Avent, as the Board of Trustees approved a new deal recently that will keep him in the dugout through the 2025 season, with options beyond that.
Avent is set to begin his 25th season at NC State in the spring of 2021, and is the school's all-time leader in victories with a career mark of 889-531.

ROCKY MOUNT -- North Carolina Wesleyan College was recently selected by the American College of Sports Medicine as the Judges' Pick for first place in The Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) Mascot Challenge video contest.
This year, a record 32 colleges and universities submitted video entries.

PHILADELPHIA, PA. -- Sophomore receiver and return specialist Tyler Snead posted 244 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns last Saturday afternoon, propelling East Carolina University to a 28-3 American Athletic Conference football victory over homestanding Temple at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Pirates (2-6, 2-5 AAC) defeated the Owls (1-6, 1-6 AAC) for the first time since 1995 and for the first time since joining the AAC.

(L to R) Southern Nash's Tabatha Tomaszewski and Northern Nash's Ashley Brantley joust for a ball at the net during last Tuesday's Big East Conference volleyball contest in Stanhope.

Southern Nash's Ashton Moore (11) attempts a kill while being double-teamed during Tuesday evening's Big East Conference volleyball matchup against Northern Nash at the historic SNHS Gymnasium in Stanhope.