The annual event gets under way at 10 a.m. and will run through 3 p.m. The annual duck race on the Roanoke River will begin around 2:30 p.m.
“I just appreciate everyone who supports the chamber,” its president and CEO, Allen Purser said.
Purser said this year the event features the largest inflatable on the market called The Edge, a slide three-stories tall with a 60 degree drop.
Also featured at this year’s event will be the following:
FREE AMUSEMENTS
Rescue Heroes – Bounce house
Train
Rock Wall
The Edge
Food Vendors
Mike Clark and friends cooking barbecue, hamburger plates with sweet potato fries
Local businesses such as Signature Dogs with their 100 percent beef or Jesse Jones hot dogs with homemade slaw
Sonic and Papa John’s Pizza
Festival fare: Cakes, cotton candy, candy apples, funnel cakes, snow cones, fried Oreos, nachos, ice cream, bologna burgers, corn dogs, party wings, chicken wraps and shrimp baskets
VENDORS
City and county information booths
Shopping with vendors which include: Print Express (pre-made customized designs focusing on breast cancer awareness and Veterans Day), US Cellular, Scentsy Candles, The Paint Palette, Avon, Thirty One, Pampered Chef, PetSense, Tupperware, Plexus, Lularoe, Mary Kay and Initial Outfitters
ENTERTAINERS
Local talent – Ellen Draper, Meredith Kinleigh, Elizabeth Schmaltz, The Yellow Jacket Midget Cheerleaders; Tar River Band (Country), New Vision (Gospel) and Countersuit (Rock)
Special Attraction
Greg Go Splash
Local Roanoke Rapids resident, Greg Shaffer, who has been battling stage four Melanoma for the past three years just recently received positive results and is currently on a break from treatment.
He will be in the hotseat all day to raise money and give back to young Derrin Mallory who is currently battling leukemia, which is sponsored by Roanoke Valley Cancer Center.
SPONSORS
MJ Price Construction, Halifax-Warren Smart Start, Roanoke Valley Energy, Halifax Linen, Walmart, Always In Bloom, Honda of Roanoke Rapids, Nissan of Roanoke Rapids, KapStone Paper and Packaging, Haney, Vann, Bruton and Crawford LLP, Chick-fil-a, White Motors.

Teachers learn to use a radiometer.

For the second year, the C4EE is offering professional development training for teachers in public, private and charter schools in the area. Eleven teachers throughout Halifax and Northampton counties participated.
This year, the training is being made possible by a gift from Duke Energy Renewables. For the 2016-17 school year, the training program was expanded to include high school and elementary teachers. Funding covered the costs of program development, teacher stipends, classroom kits, manuals and meals for the training dates.
“Partnering with the C4EE allows Duke Energy Renewables to place an emphasis on education within our communities,” said Michael J. Butler, director Solar Operations, Duke Energy Renewables. “As the energy industry continues to adopt renewable technologies such as solar, we believe it is essential for students to develop a deeper understanding of these technologies and how they fit into our energy future. Duke Energy Renewables was happy to support this effort for local educators.”
One important component of the program is the availability of hands-on classroom kits provided to teachers at no charge.
The kits include various tools for students to use in the collection of data related to solar energy. Teachers interested in utilizing the kits simply contact the C4EE, and the kits will be delivered to the teacher. The classroom kits are a valuable asset to a classroom teacher where funds for classroom supplies are limited.
The Center for Energy Education plans to expand the program in the coming years to include surrounding counties.

Task force Captain A.M. Harris said Derrick Lamont Shearin, of Weldon, allegedly sells “a lot of pot” on The Strip and other areas of what is traditionally called South Weldon.
Harris said Shearin was at his parents’ house today when Agent C.A. Parker served a search warrant based on citizen complaints and the agent’s own investigation.
The warrant, with assistance from Weldon police Sergeant T.L. Mason and his dog, Rio, was served shortly after 2:30 p.m. on West Eleventh Street, Harris said in a statement.
Mason and Rio helped agents seize a digital scale, a box of plastic bags and approximately 291 grams of marijuana, most which was packaged for sale.
Parker arrested and charged Shearin for felony possession of marijuana, possession with the intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance.
He received a $15,000 bond with an October 26 court date.

The state Highway Patrol said the death of Gregory Willis Ricks, of Sam Powell Dairy Road, was reported Thursday night.
The crash occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m. when the 2007 Volkswagen Ricks was driving crossed the center line and ran off the road to the left, according to a draft report by Trooper S.R. Corn. The vehicle then traveled down an embankment and collided with several small trees before striking a large tree. The vehicle came to rest on its side.
A passenger in the vehicle, Christine Nicole Livesay, 31, of Roanoke Rapids, was partially ejected from the vehicle.
Both were transported to Vidant in Greenville. There was no immediate update on Livesay’s condition, the Highway Patrol said this morning.
Alcohol use is suspected, according to Corn’s report.

Officer Matt Hunsucker responded around 9:45 a.m. after a 2015 Toyota struck a pedestrian in the westbound lane of the highway.
The pedestrian was transported to Halifax Regional.
Investigation is ongoing.

Blotter
Chief Chuck Hasty reported the following:

Monday September 12, 2016
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Master Officer Adam Salmon responded to a dispute over money in the parking lot of Carolina Inn.
Salmon spoke with Katherine Nichole Brooks, 31, of Roanoke Rapids, and found she was in possession of narcotics.
Brooks was cited to court on October 14 for possession of schedule VI.

At approximately 3 p.m., Lieutenant Charles Vaught conducted a traffic stop for a violation on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway near Hamilton Street.
Vaught determined the vehicle displayed a stolen license plate.
Vaught arrested the driver, Tervin Aloundria Faulcon, 53, of Roanoke Rapids, for possession of stolen property.
He received a $1,000 bond and October 19 court date.
Captain Andy Bryant assisted.

At approximately 6 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Mason responded to a welfare check call on someone appearing to be asleep with children in a vehicle parked in the Roanoke Avenue Food Lion parking lot.
Mason spoke with the driver Kyle Nicholas Topping, 21, and passenger Alexandria Alexis Brown, 21, of Zuni, Virginia.
During the interaction they both were found in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.
Brown was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Topping was arrested and charged with possession of heroin, possession of schedule VI, maintaining a vehicle and two counts possession of drug paraphernalia.
Brown received a $2,000 bond while Topping received a $3,500 bond. Both have October 19 court dates.
Investigation is ongoing and more charges could be pending.
Lieutenant Jeff Baggett, Sergeant Mike Moseley and Salmon assisted.

Tuesday September 13, 2016
At approximately 9:15 a.m., Officer Alex Green arrested Angelanette Rogers, 28, of Roanoke Rapids, on outstanding warrants for assault and damage to property.
The charges stem from a matter reported to and investigated by Mason on September 9.
The victim reported Rogers damaged property and assaulted them.
She received a $1,000 bond and September 27 court date.

At approximately 3 p.m., Green responded to a welfare check on a person lying in the woods off Martin Street.
Green located Myah Michelle Pearson 31, of Gaston, who was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and had an outstanding order for arrest.
Pearson was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, fictitious information and served the outstanding order.
She received a $4,000 bond and September 26 court date.
Baggett assisted.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., Moseley responded to a larceny call at Walmart.
Loss prevention told Halifax Central two people took items and were leaving on a vehicle.
Before officers arrived one got out of the vehicle and went in another business.
While Moseley spoke with loss prevention, Baggett attempted to locate the person and detained Christy Page Hamilton, 28, of Durham.
Hamilton had an outstanding warrant for larceny out of Durham.
She was arrested and charged with larceny and possession of stolen goods for the matter at Walmart and served the outstanding warrant.
She received a $3,000 bond and October 7 court date.
The other person was identified as David Thomas Williams, 20, who lists addresses in Halifax and Durham.
Williams is encouraged to surrender and take care of these charges.
Anyone with information on Williams is encouraged to contact the Roanoke Rapids Police Department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., Salmon responded to a vehicle larceny call at Bobby’s Supermarket on Highway 158.
The victim told Salmon they parked the vehicle and went inside to get something and when he returned the vehicle was gone.
City County Drug Task Force Captain Anzell Harris, Agent Daniel Hundley and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Josh Langley spotted the vehicle and attempted to stop it but the driver refused until reaching the P&J Drive area.
Daryl Keith Silver, 47, of Roanoke Rapids, was taken into custody without trouble.
Salmon charged Silver with larceny of motor vehicle and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Langley charged him with flee to elude arrest and reckless driving.
Silver received a $13,000 bond and October 21 court date.
Baggett, Mason and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Matt Brown assisted.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers Hannah Grimes and Jamie Hardy responded to a possible overdose call at Hardee’s on Tenth Street
The officers located Bradley Michael Barnes, 23, of Roanoke Rapids, who had outstanding warrants for larceny and possession of stolen goods and took him into custody.
Barnes, who refused medical assistance, received a $15,000 bond and September 30 court date.
Master Officer Roy Ball assisted.

Wednesday September 14, 2016
At approximately 12:30 a.m., the police department was conducting a traffic checking station at Thirteenth and Franklin streets.
When Willis Junior Jackson, 32, of Littleton, came through, Grimes detected the odor of marijuana coming from his vehicle.
A search was conducted and narcotics were found in his possession.
He also had two outstanding orders for arrest and his license was revoked.
Grimes arrested and charged him with possession of schedule VI, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked and served the outstanding orders for arrest.
He received a $2,200 bond and October 7 court date.
Ball and Hardy assisted.

At approximately 9:30 a.m., Salmon was on routine patrol when he saw Grady Lamont Jefferson, 30, of Roanoke Rapids, in the 1400 block of Roanoke Avenue.
Jefferson had outstanding warrants for arrest.
Salmon took Jefferson into custody without trouble and found him in possession of narcotics.
Jefferson was charged with larceny, possession of stolen goods and possession of schedule VI.
He received a $500 bond and September 27 court date.
The warrants for larceny and possession of stolen goods stem from a matter investigated by the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 9:15 p.m., Grimes responded to call of drug activity inside a vehicle at Store Next Door.
Grimes located the vehicle and John Edward Chapman, 27, of Nashville, had paraphernalia in view of the officer.
Chapman and his vehicle was searched. Narcotics and paraphernalia were found.
Grimes arrested and charged Chapman with possession of heroin, possession of oxymorphone, possession alprazolam and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He received a $20,000 bond and October 19 court date.
Ball and Hardy assisted.

Thursday September 15, 2016
At approximately 11 p.m., Hardy responded to a domestic assault in the 300 block of Creekside Court.
Hardy found both parties had injuries.
Randell Ivery Richardson Jr., 27, of Enfield, was arrested for assault on a female and Deshrai Lee, 25, of Roanoke Rapids, was arrested for assault.
They were jailed without opportunity for bond and have October 7 court dates.
Sergeant Daniel Jenkins, Ball and Grimes assisted.

Detective R.B. Biggerstaff of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said Leanne Elizabeth Hayes, 32, wrote 16 checks to Food Lion on the account.
While he did not immediately have the exact amounts of the checks she reportedly wrote, he said three were estimated to be around $150 and the rest between $50 to $75.
The victim lost the checkbook at a business in Roanoke Rapids on June 24 and reported the matter on July 7.
Chief Deputy Scott Hall said in a statement the checks were written between June 26 and June 28.
Hayes was arrested Thursday with assistance from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department after Biggerstaff obtained warrants on her.
She faces 16 counts of larceny of a chose in action, 16 counts of forgery of an instrument, 16 counts of uttering a forged Instrument, 16 counts of forging an endorsement, 16 counts of ID theft, 16 counts of obtaining property by false pretense, 16 counts of uttering a forged endorsement, three counts of possess and transport a counterfeit instrument and another count of possess and transport a counterfeit instrument.
She received a $25,000 bond and October 19 court date.

The following gallery contains photos of the event today at River Falls Park in Weldon.

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Photos by Randy Wrenn

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The armed robbery occurred around 10:30 p.m. at Village Grocery on Highway 48 just outside Roanoke Rapids.
The man, who entered the store with a handgun, demanded money from the clerk, who complied, Chief Deputy Scott Hall said.The clerk was not harmed.
The man is described as standing about 6-feet tall and has a dark complexion. He wore a black T-shirt, light shorts and black shoes. He fled on foot following the robbery.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective B.R. Nutt at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Citizen cooperation helped lead to the arrest of Lance Christopher Allen, 26, on the day numerous breaking and entering reports involving residences, businesses and vehicles came in the morning of September 10, Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Reports also came in from the Highway 158 area. Stephanie Anne Shaw, 43, was arrested on September 14.
Allen and Shaw are from Roanoke Rapids and have been linked romantically in the past, said Detective B.C. Griffin today.
“That played a large part,” Griffin said of the cooperation. “We’re very grateful as many came forward as they did.”
Hall said in the statement investigation led by Griffin and Detective R.M. Brown, along with assistance from Corporal S. Bryant and Deputy D. Moore, led to the arrest of Allen and Shaw, both of Roanoke Rapids.
Allen was arrested around 2 p.m. on September 10 and charged with two counts of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen property, five counts of larceny of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, two counts of larceny and possession of stolen property, three counts of financial card theft, two counts of illegal possession of EBT card, and one count of attempted obtaining property by false pretense and conspiracy. Griffin said stolen EBT cards are often sold for money or drugs.
Allen, who has several court cases pending, received a $105,000 bond.

Shaw was charged with one count of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen property, five counts of larceny of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm, and one count of conspiracy.
She received a $15,000 bond. They have September 28 court dates for these charges. Investigation continues and further charges are expected, Hall said.
Some of the stolen property has been recovered and returned to the owners.

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The Moore family received an overwhelming amount of support during Dylan's illness and has made Dylan Moore Days an annual event benefit to help other families going through a medical crisis.

Dylan Days 2016 beneficiaries are Harrison West, Angie Benthall, and Tommy Garner. Harrison is battling Ewing Sarcoma.  Angie was hospitalized for several months after developing an infection while delivering her son.  She has several months of rehab before she will be able to return to work.  Tommy has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma and received a stem cell transplant at UNC in June.

Sunday was filled with a full day of activities starting with breakfast then cowboy church service, the horse show, Barbeque lunch, Dylan trivia contest, balloon release, birthday cake, Corn hole tournament and Chinese auction drawings.

Happy Birthday and balloon release can be seen at: https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fteck21567%2Fvideos%2F10207697133249903%2F&show_text=0&width=560

Below are photos by Randy Wrenn of some of Sunday activities:

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Flack’s sponsoring co-op, Halifax Electric Membership Corporation, is recognizes her as a two-time grant winner.

Her project, “Book Blog: A Novel Approach to Writing,” is a spin on writing to get students motivated to read and develop critical thinking skills. This program recognizes 26 of the most exceptional teachers from across the state during the 2016-17 school year.

Flack and her proposal will be recognized during the September 24 University of North Carolina football home game against Pittsburg.

Flack and her fellow "Teacher of the Week" honorees are invited to the UNC vs Virginia Teck game in Chapel Hill on Saturday, October 8.

For more information on #NCBrightIdeas head to www.ncbrightideas.com.

The students have begun working on certifications in National Incident Command System. NIMS is a systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work together and manage matters involving all threats and hazards—regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity—in order to reduce loss of life, property and harm to the environment.
These are national certifications earned through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Chief Instructor Josh Clark, accompanied by the school administrative staff and representatives of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and Roanoke Rapids Fire Department, recently presented students with certifications.
“As their instructor, and mentor, I’m extremely proud of their accomplishments. With these four certifications, they will graduate high school job ready and more competitive for hiring in any Public Safety career,” Clark said. “These certifications are a testament to their work ethic and dedication,” said Clark.
The students are about halfway through completing these four basic certifications.
Thus far, 55 certifications have been earned, between two classes of Public Safety II students, and they will continue to work toward completing the remaining certifications.
Public Safety I students are just beginning these same certifications, and will work on them throughout the semester.
NIMS certifications were just added to the Public Safety I curriculum beginning this school year.

The fire department, Chief Stacy Coggins said, received a $100,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Coggins said after the meeting the money will allow the fire department to buy 15 new air packs, as well as 15 new spare cylinders and 15 new masks.
The fire department had originally requested the air packs during budget negotiations for this fiscal year. The grant saved the city from having to purchase the equipment through installment financing.
With 10 air packs purchased last fiscal year, Coggins said, “We will be good. This replaces everything we had that was out of date.”
The equipment should last the fire department for the next 15 years, he said. “I want to thank the grant committee.”
The committee consisted of Assistant Chief Jason Patrick, Deputy Chief Mike Clements, Battalion Chief Richard Cook and Chris Wicker.
Meanwhile, Main Street Development Director Christina Caudle told council Main Street was one of 53 municipalities to receive a one-time grant in aid of $94,340.
No matching funds are required and the funds were approved in the state’s current fiscal year budget.
Project proposals for the funds have been submitted to the state Department of Commerce and include development of 1026 Roanoke Avenue; a streetscape planning document process; a facade grant program and a local rent subsidy incentive.
Caudle told council the city will receive notification of approval for the projects from the state by October 1. “A special thank you goes to Representative Michael Wray for ensuring Roanoke Rapids was one of the communities to receive state grant funding … as part of HB 1030.”

Pipeline spill
“Contrary to some media reports, this area does not have a gasoline crisis,” he told council. “While some stations have experienced shortages for a period of time, local distributors have worked to ensure tanker deliveries of gasoline are arranged so that any disruptions to our supply are minimized as much as possible.”
He said the pipeline has been repaired as of today, “And while it will take a few days for full service to be restored to the pipeline operations, there is no need for the public to panic in fear of a widespread gasoline shortage.”
Scherer said Governor Pat McCrory’s office has taken steps to try and prevent vendors from excessive fuel prices, along with trying to get federal highway restrictions lifted to minimize any disruptions in fuel supply delivery until the pipeline flow can be fully restored. “The city administration has not experienced any problems from a fuel shortage and department heads have coordinated with local suppliers for delivery arrangements and information updates.”

Potential DOT projects
Meanwhile, Scherer addressed the last meeting of the Peanut Belt RPO. He and Councilman Ernest Bobbitt serve on the technical subcommittee, which reviewed a number of potential projects under consideration by the state Department of Transportation.
The projects he and Bobbitt considered high priority and assigned the highest point possible were as follows:
A new sidewalk on Tenth Street between Marshall Street and Park Avenue.
Widen Highway 48 between Roanoke Avenue and Highway 46 in Gaston including the bridge.
Widen Highway 125 from Interstate 95 to Old Farm Road.
Widen Highway 125 to three lanes from Smith Church Road to Old Farm Road.
Improvements at the Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport were also discussed and prioritized — new hangars and taxiway. “It was indicated these improvements may be funded by separate accounts within NCDOT and not from general fund sources like the other projects.”
Scherer noted to council there is no guarantee the projects will get funded in the future. “I wanted you to know about them and that we are trying to improve the transportation network within the city and surrounding area.”

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In other recognitions, Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky introduced new city Planner Joseph Hatch while police Chief Chuck Hasty introduced new officers Obert Wiltsie and Cody Fortier.

Scherer also introduced new city Clerk Traci Storey.

David Allan Coe is an American songwriter, outlaw country music singer, and guitarist who achieved popularity in the 1970's and 1980's. As a singer, his biggest hits were "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile", "The Ride", "You Never Even Called Me by My Name", "She Used to Love Me a Lot", and "Longhaired Redneck". His best-known compositions are the No. 1 successes "Would You Lay With Me" and "Take This Job and Shove It".

Tickets for the David Allan Coe show go on sell today September 21st with Early Bird Special prices $20/$25/$35. Prices will increase October 1st. You can purchase your tickets online at www.bbptix.ticketleap.com and the Roanoke Rapids Theatre 9-5 and Big Time Pawn on East 10th Street in Roanoke Rapids.

Call BarnBurner Promotions at 725.696.2276 for VIP Box Details.