Spring Hope Mayor Kyle Pritchard (left) joined by Town Manager Jonathan Allen speak during Monday's Nash County Commissioners meeting requesting approval to extend the town's ETJ. Graphic photo by Nancy West-Brake

NASHVILLE - What began as a plan to build a shared warehouse for the Nash County Sheriffs Office and Emergency Services has taken an abrupt right turn, with permission given to build a smaller warehouse while remaining funds are set aside to go towards the purchase of property for a new public safety complex.
In addition, funds planned for conversion of an open dorm at the jail into lockdown cells may be re-routed to help pay for the new complex as well.
Jonathan Boone, Deputy County Manager, approached Nash commissioners Monday to ask permission to forge ahead with half of the original plan- that being to build a 10,000 square foot warehouse, with an additional 2,000 feet under shelter, on county land near the Pet Connection Center.

NASHVILLE - Spring Hope's plan to expand its extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) by 2.9 miles has been quashed by Nash County, with commissioners voting Monday to deny the town's expansion request.
Kyle Pritchard, Mayor, accompanied by Jonathan Allen, Spring Hope's new town manager, presented a pre-written resolution approving the ETJ expansion to commissioners April 6th, along with a map.

US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright gets a quick lesson in pole climbing during a tour of Nash Community College. Graphic photo by Nancy West-Brake

ROCKY MOUNT - Three programs at Nash Community College attracted some federal attention April 2nd, as U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright paid a visit to see what the college's Electric Line, Robotics and Advanced Engineering Technologies classes were all about.
Wright, an admitted rock climber, got cinched up to try a quick lesson in pole climbing at the Electric Line training field, but found the endeavor more difficult than he expected and was called back down from a height of two feet.

NASHVILLE - A major subdivision planned along the Tar River Reservoir south of Nashville has received initial approval from the Nash County Planning Board, but will not receive county commissioner consideration because no rezoning has been applied for or was necessary under current R-40 zoning.
The Leon Road Subdivision sketch plan, as presented March 16, consists of 55 new residential lots on 69.34 acres located on the west side of Leon Road, Nashville.
As presented by Aaron Chalker, Nash County Senior Planner, the subdivision sits on three adjacent tracts, two of which are adjacent to the reservoir.

NASHVILLE - A new large subdivision to be built on both sides of W. Old Spring Hope Road in Middlesex has passed initial muster by the Nash County Planning Board, paving the way for development of 151 new residential lots.
Bissette's Bay Subdivision, comprised of 193 acres, is to be built just south of Frazier's Crossroads at the intersection of W. Old Spring Hope Road and Frazier Road. Originally zoned A1 Agricultural, an application was made to rezone the property to RA-30-CZ.

US Secretary of Agriculture Brook Rollins (left) stands with Trey Braswell, President of Braswell Family Farms during her visit to Nashville. Contributed photo

NASHVILLE - For the fifth consecutive year, Braswell Family Farms supplied eggs for the White House Easter Egg roll on behalf of America's egg farmers and the American Egg Board.
U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins was in Nashville March 30th for a BFF tour "for an inside look at how eggs move from farm to table - and to the South Lawn of the White House," according to a press release.

NASHVILLE - In order to provide "more consistent day to day administrative oversight" of the Pet Connection Center, Nash commissioners have authorized creation of a new position: Animal Services Director, with a suggested mid-point salary of $89,397.
Monday's decision by county leaders was not without controversy, however, as the decision to approve creation of the brand-new position was by split vote and also entails an upcoming salary discussion for the Building Safety and Security Director Chris Cary, whose salary had a 4% increase to account for his initially planned shelter supervision.

NASHVILLE - Nash County's Deputy Fire Marshal, Chase Taylor of Red Oak, has added an international certification to his already significant training: Taylor is now designated a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator through the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) International.
"NAFI's Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator (CFEI) program is an international registry that recognizes qualified fire and explosion investigators.

BUSINESS OF THE SEASON - The Nashville Chamber of Commerce honors Madelyn's Flowers & Gifts with the Spring Business of the Season Award. Pictured, left to right: Chamber President Cliff Joyner, Kaylan Collie (owner of Madelyn's) and Diane Taylor, chamber board member.

The Nash County Sheriff's Office has two college scholarship opportunities available for high school Seniors, with the deadline to apply May 1.
The scholarships are intended for students in Nash County public schools who intend to pursue a career in public safety, including law enforcement, fire services, EMS or nursing.

Found property reported at 100 N. Boddie St., Nashville on 3/13/26
Larceny of a firearm reported at 10601 E. NC 97, Rocky Mount on 3/8/26
Damage to personal property reported at 11028 Smith Rd., Middlesex on 3/12/26
Damage to personal property reported at 12033 Anderson Rd., Spring Hope on 3/9/26

Found property reported at Barnes St./Cross St., Nashville on 3/25/26
Breaking or entering into or breaking out of motor vehicle(s) reported at 815 E. Washington St., Nashville on 3/26/26
Warrant service at 920 Eastern Ave., Nashville on 3/25/26
Breaking or entering into or breaking out of motor vehicle(s) reported at 404 Hearthstone Dr., Nashville on 3/22/26

NASHVILLE - Nash County commissioners have presented quite the "wish list" to state legislators, listing ten areas of requested funding or support to enrich the lives of people living or working in Nash County.
Meeting with Senator Lisa Barnes, Rep. Allen Chesser and Rep. Dante Pittman March 24th for the annual Nash County Legislative Dinner at the Nashville Exchange, the board of commissioners were short two members - Robbie Davis and Gwen Wilkins

The immortal words of John the Baptist, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand," had a great deal to do with my own salvation.
While sitting on the back porch of a friend's house late one evening in 1991, I heard those words just a few days before I was saved. There was a grove of trees out behind his home. The voice seemed to come directly over top of them. Where could it be coming from?
Later, I learned that two young men said they felt led to put a loudspeaker on the back of their pickup and ride through the countryside.

We have engaged with Bart Ehrman in past articles. He has been one of the most prolific critics of Christianity over the last 20 years, and we have considered several of his arguments when looking at the Christian resurrection narrative. It is Ehrman who claims the resurrection accounts in the Gospels are written long after the actual event, that the Christian resurrection narrative violates Ockham's razor, and that the Gospels are deceptive Christian propaganda.
However, there is one criticism that he has made very popular in recent years.

1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you"
Christians were under severe persecution as Peter wrote this letter. Persecution was a horrible reality for the early church. Peter wanted to urge the Christians to hold fast and remember the sufferings of Jesus.

Women in Action missions group of Red Oak Baptist Church will meet on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the main building of the church.
April is the month for the Food Roundup for the Baptist Children's Homes of NC. Red Oak Baptist Church will kick off the roundup on Sunday, April 12. Items will be collected through April 26.
Women in Action will be hosting a Missions Celebration for ladies, on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Jackson Ream designed, funded, and built a permanent GaGa Ball Pit for Christ Covenant Church for his Freedom Service Project. Contributed photo

Jackson Ream, a senior at Faith Christian School, has officially earned the prestigious Freedom Award, achieving the ultimate rank of Freedom Rangeman.
A founding member of Trail Life USA Troop NC-0834 at First Baptist Church, Jackson began his journey in 2014 as a six-year-old in the Fox patrol. Over the past twelve years, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication, successfully earning every rank available in the program.
To celebrate this significant milestone, a Freedom Award Court of Honor ceremony will be held for Jackson on Sunday, April 26th at 2:30 p.m. at Christ Covenant Church (cccrm.org) in Rocky Mount.

Oak Level Ruritan Club members pictured (left to right) are: Michael Davis, Frank Bozelle, Rodger Bowen, John Denton, Debra Pridgen, Thaxton Rowland, and Dwight Harper. They received pins recognizing their years of service ranging from 5 - 51 years. Contributed photo

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) has announed a new online service allowing eligible customers aged 18 and older to upgrade their Level 2 Limited Provisional License to a full Class C driver license online, without an in-office visit.
"This online upgrade is a practical step forward in making DMV services more convenient and efficient for North Carolinians," said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine.

COMMERCIAL PERMITS
Addition; 7261 Hoyt Rd, Middlesex; Chrystal Fisher, Licensed Contractor TEPDB OPCO, LLC; $30,000
Addition; 968 Aventon Gin Rd., Whitakers; Amber Morrow; Licensed Contractor Cell Site Technologies, Inc.; $29,000
Miscellaneous; 5730 Red Oak Rd, Battleboro; Donald Poland, Licensed Contractor Donald Poland; $1,000

WJH, LLC to Pablo Enrique Lopez Paredes and Maria Jacqueline Olvera Medina; 7001 Moss Creek Way, Rocky Mount; $262,000
Building Shalom Incorporated to Renewed Hope Living, LLC; property in Rocky Mount
Building Shalom Incorporated to Renewed Hope Living, LLC; property in Rocky Mount
Morganshire Partners, LLC to Terry K. Meares; Morganshire, Section 9, Lot 47; $65,000

Spring Hope Mayor Kyle Pritchard shows off a color board for the Depot, with council members choosing the main color, a tan called "Buckram Binding," at their April 6 meeting. The trim colors for doors and windows, maroon and green, had apparently been chosen prior to the meeting. Painting is scheduled to start within the next two weeks.

Growing up in southern Nash County, our family doctor was Pilot's own Dr. Durwood Stallings, just across the county line.
This means my first doctor was one of the greatest to ever do it. Not only was the man a genius, he was as gracious, kind and funny as they came.
I remember him telling me once that when he told his daddy he wanted to be a doctor, he was told that he'd pay for medical school if his son would make one promise -- never turn anyone away from being treated, even if they couldn't afford the fee.

Hindsight is 20/20 - an old adage which most always comes home to roost for all of us.
This week, Nash County leaders are looking back at past decisions regarding public safety, taking a swift turn to mull the possibility of moving all county public safety offices to a separate complex. The plan, which somewhat appeared out of nowhere, popped up at the county meeting Monday. Apparently the idea has been discussed during a March public safety committee meeting.

Dear Editor:
As I read the article in The Nashville Graphic, dated April 2, 2026, concerning the protest against the Rocky Mount water and sewer rate increase, I was appalled to find out that the citizens of Nashville could possibly be just another victim of the poor professionalism and leadership ability in Rocky Mount in running the city finances properly. This is not my opinion, but fact. .... according to the information given in The Nashville Graphic article.

This photo published in The Nashville Graphic on November 7, 1968. These three northern Nash High School girls were the top three contestants in the voting by the Northern student body for homecoming queen.

Nash County Public Schools is proud to invite the community to enjoy an evening of live theater as Nash Central High School presents Shrek The Musical, a high-energy production filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable performances.
Show dates are scheduled for April 16, 17, and 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at The Imperial Centre, 207 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC. Tickets are $10 and available online only via QR code.

Southern Nash High School will present The SpongeBob Musical from April 23-25 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.
The production marks one of the first full-scale musicals at Southern Nash High School in several years, showcasing the dedication, creativity, and talent of its students and staff.
Directed by Mrs. Macy Blackburn, Theatre Arts Teacher at Southern Nash High School, the production brings a fresh and heartfelt take on a familiar story.