Roanoke Rapids has been selected by the La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux as city of the year in North Carolina.

Also known as The Forty & Eight, the society honored the city because of the many ways it has helped veterans, Darrick McGee, a member of the society and Roanoke Rapids Army recruiter, told council tonight.

McGee said the city supports veterans through Veterans Park, providing bleachers, mikes and other accessories. “The city has allowed a wall of honor on a major though way (10th Street) to honor citizens currently serving in the military.”

Then there is the Dallas Jones Veterans Center in Becker Village Mall, which the mall donated a 1,500 square feet store to use. The center started out with photos and has grown to a place where memorabilia is on display including artifacts from all United States wars.

An active Sons of the American Revolution organization checks flags for wear and tear while city officials attend all veterans functions held throughout the year.

“It was certainly a surprise to us,” Mayor D.N. Beale said following the meeting. “It was a good surprise. I’m proud they saw fit to do it.”

The 40 and 8 is a military organization committed to charitable and patriotic aims. The purpose is to uphold and defend the United States Constitution, to promote the well being of veterans and their widows and orphans and to actively participate in selected charitable endeavors, which include programs that promote child welfare and nurse's training. 

In other matters tonight council:

1. •Agreed to change its meeting schedule beginning next month. There will now be one regular meeting a month on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall on Jackson Street. On the first Tuesday of each month there will be a work session beginning at 5:15 p.m. at city hall.

2. •Agreed to make Rapids Street between West 7th and 8th streets one way from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to help alleviate traffic concerns at Clara Hearne School.

3. •Approved a budget amendment reflecting a $53,312 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program grant which will allow the police department to buy new record keeping software and hardware.

4. •Agreed to submit Golden Leaf applications for the Halifax Main Street Heritage Program and an environmental and best use assessment for the Patterson Mill property with the school system. Council also endorsed a Golden Leaf application Halifax County is pursuing for best use and environmental assessment of the old airport property.