FRONT PAGE

SPRING HOPE - This year's Pumpkin Festival Oct. 3rd and 4th, split in two locations with the parade downtown and the bulk of events at the Spaulding Family Resource Center, features a mix of old, time-honored traditions and some new additions.
Two of the biggest changes, according to Festival Marketing Chairman Steve Brumfield, are with the parade and with the largest and newest addition, the "Kidz Zone."

ROCKY MOUNT - Beginning October 1, people who get electric or gas service from the City of Rocky Mount will be subject to a rate hike, just imposed as part of the city's "Financial Recovery Plan Amid Budget Crisis."
Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson in a Sept. 23 speech recorded on the city's You Tube channel, said that the city would have to "make modest adjustments to our utility rates to strengthen our city's financial foundation."

NASHVILLE - The Nash County Community and Rural Development (CRD) Council honored a woman with 56 years of service to her community at the organization's annual banquet on Saturday.
Elsie Bowen was presented the CRD Community Champion Award by Nash County Community and Rural Development Agent Traci Dixon. The award is presented to someone who goes above and beyond for the needs of their community.

NASHVILLE - "You are not helpless. What you do matters:" the takeaway summative statement by Larry Danforth, Nashville Police Officer, on the occasion of NPD's Sept. 23rd public education event, 'Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events.' Held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Nashville Methodist Church, the free class drew about sixty attendants, including residents of Nashville, Momeyer and surrounding towns.

NASHVILLE - In the wake of JOANN's Fabric Store of Rocky Mount closing in February of this year, a gaping hole was left in the area's crafting community- but a new store in the Nashville Junction has stepped up to help fill the gap.
Kozy At Home Studio & Boutique, owned by Nash County natives Jessie Smith and her mom/partner Donna Smith, celebrated the business with a ribbon-cutting Sept. 26 after the doors officially opened July 18th.

RED OAK - A Red Oak Elementary school parent faces two misdemeanor charges after her arrest for alleged assault on a school employee.
Lakisha Caudle, of 46 Green Pastures East, Battleboro was charged in connection with an incident around 8:40 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, according to a Sept. 25 press release from the Nash County Sheriffs Office.

CASTALIA - Town officials in Castalia are cracking down on reoccurring issues at the town park.
Reports of excessive loitering as well as damage to park property and verbal and physical violent behavior lead town officials to contact the Nash County Sheriff's Office.
After increased patrols and investigation of the incidents, Donquel Gupton, 40, and Monika Silver, 35, were arrested and charged on August 10 with trespassing.