RAEFORD & HOKE COUNTY N.C.Hoke County’s newspaper since 190575¢

Browsing the Files ...........2 Classi eds ..................8 Deaths ..................4 Editorials ..................3 Sports ..................5

Wednesday, November 4, 2015No. 35 Vol. 110

Other Stuff

This Week Group’s effort a sign of respect for old cemetery

Sheriff warns of scam, break-ins

Former police chief cited in Raeford wreck

Citizens seek to name road after McPhatter

So, we were eating Sunday dinner at my sister’s house, all of us having attended church earlier and some of us still in our Sunday-go-to-meetings. It’s the closest thing to formal dinner in the MacDonald household and al-ways has been since I grew up in that house on Magnolia Street. It’s probably the least appropriate setting for letting loose with the s-word.

But I had decided that, yes, the spaghetti did need a little parmesan cheese, and reached across the table and fetched a small bowl of it. When I grasped the serving spoon, I suddenly registered a searing pain in my fi nger-tips—the spoon I was trusting for cheese was attacking me—and that’s when the word came out, and it wasn’t just a quick under-the-breath thing either. “Shhhhhhh##!” I exclaimed, trying to soften the word but not quite suc-ceeding. Even as the word was coming out, it was

(See OTHER STUFF, page 9)

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BY CATHARIN SHEPARD

Staff writer

Family and friends of the late Dr. Neil McPhatter are seeking to honor him by having a road named after him in the community where he served as a pastor and leader for over 40 years.

McPhatter, who died in April at the age of 91, was the fi rst African-American ever elected to the Hoke County Board of Commissioners. He

served on the board for 17 consecu-tive years. He was also well known for building and leading St. Andrews Holiness Church in Raeford.

Family members hope the Depart-ment of Transportation will allow them to rename a section of Bridges Road in memory of their loved one.

Resident Julius Blue said he knew McPhatter well and grew up attend-ing his church, as did many other people.

“I was born and raised at that

church back in the early ‘60s. It was the fi rst church in Clay Hill. It was started by him,” Blue said. “I live within walking distance from that church and there’s hardly anyone who was born and raised on Clay Hill that wasn’t touched by that church and by this man.”

Many other residents spoke up to support the road name change at a public hearing Monday night at the regularly scheduled commissioners’ meeting.

Billy Bronson said he knew McPhatter and had a close family tie to St. Andrews Holiness Church.

“My mama got saved at his church, and she always talked about how she had a good time at St. Andrews,” Bronson said during the hearing.

St. Andrews Assistant Pastor Mildred Blue started attending the church when she was a child. “Dr. McPhatter did so much for this

(See MCPHATTER, page 4)

A committee of people who have worked to restore the community cem-etery between Upchurch Elementary School and Silver Grove Missionary Baptist Church gathered Saturday to dedicate a new sign marking the site.

The cemetery was once an eyesore with overgrown weeds covering the property. Volunteers in the community worked to clean it up over the years, with several groups and individuals donating money and time to help restore it. The Civic League was one of the organiza-tions that initially helped raise money

to remove the weeds and keep the area clear. Today, the volunteer committee oversees it. The group holds a memorial balloon release and remembrance service Memorial Day weekend every year.

Local public offi cials including Hoke County commission Chairman James Leach and Raeford City Council mem-bers John Jordan and Mary Neil King attended the ceremony. Rev. Benita Thomas, Pastor Francis Leggett and Pas-tor Jennell Morris-Powell took part in the event, and Joyce Stewart presented the welcome and remarks.

BY CATHARIN SHEPARD

Staff writer

A phone scammer is trying to steal money from citizens by telling them they could be arrested if they don’t pay up, accord-ing to Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin.

Multiple county residents have reported receiving scam phone calls from someone claiming to be from the county Clerk of Court’s offi ce, Peterkin said

last week. The caller told the vic-

tims that there were arrest warrants against them and offered them the option of paying off the warrants over the phone, authorities said. But that’s not how ar-rest warrants work and the calls are not coming from the clerk’s offi ce, even if caller identifi cation displays the offi ce name and num-ber as victims reported.

“Please be advised that (See SCAM, page 9)

Former Raeford Police Chief Kevin Locklear was cited in a car wreck this weekend that left him on medical leave from the Red Springs Police Department, according to authorities.

Locklear was driving an unmarked police car on Palmer Street in Raeford around 7:30 a.m. Saturday when he reportedly reached across the seat of the ve-hicle to pick something up and accidentally activated

his blue fl ashing lights. His Dodge Charger crossed the center line and hit an oncoming car, according to a report.

Locklear went to FirstHealth Moore Region-al Hospital in Pinehurst for treatment of injuries, and was later released. He was placed on medical leave from his job as assistant chief of the Red Springs police pending a possible (See LOCKLEAR, page 9)

The Raeford-Hoke Museum will host artist Barbara Kay Lively on Sunday, November 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Parker-Ray House. The painter’s work will be on exhibit and will be for sale. Born with cerebral palsy, she began mouth painting at age 11. She earned an associate degree in fi ne arts from Broward Community College in Florida and is a member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists. She is currently a resident at Autumn Care’s Raeford facility.

Mouth painter holds exhibit Sunday

McPhatter

Two arrestedin drug bust

Page 4

Gang workshopis Saturday

Page 4

Incumbents returnJordan, King, Conoly lead councilrace by 2-to-1 margin over challengers

Gregory McCall (left) and candidate Jeremy Hollingsworth brave an Election Day drizzle at Raeford #2 voting site. Some 27 percent of voters cast ballots in the city council election. (Ken MacDonald photo)

A new sign is dedicated at the cemetery. (Catharin Shepard photo)

Conoly (left to right), King, and Jordan

BY CATHARIN SHEPARD

Staff writer

Raeford City Council incum-bents Robert “Bobby” Conoly, John Jordan and Mary Neil King were reelected Tuesday and will

serve on the board for four more years.

With all voting precincts ac-counted for, Conoly, Jordan and King each received over 22 percent of the vote over candidates Shirley

(See ELECTION, page 9)

2 THE NEWS-JOURNAL Raeford, N.C. November 4, 2015

47 Years AgoNovember 7, 1968

A record 4,527 voters go to the polls Tuesday and vote overwhelm-ingly for Hubert Humphrey (2,174), followed by George Wallace (1,544) and Richard Nixon (809). In the governor’s race, Bob Scott carried Hoke with 3,300-plus votes. Joe E. Gulledge wins the local register of deeds post, but he ran unopposed. Democrats Tom McBryde and J.A. Webb defeated Republican Audrian Chambers for two county commis-sion seats.

The FBI is working with local officials to solve a kidnapping that occurred Monday. Bobby Harrell Jr., a 17-year-old, was using a pay tele-phone at the bus station when a man thrust a gun in his side, ordered him to his car, and told Harrell to drive him to Latta, South Carolina. The man fled but took the keys, leaving Harrell to walk to another bus station where he called his parents.

Dr. Riley Jordan appears before the Hoke Commission and says something must be done about the medical care situation here. With the resignation of Dr. Harry McLean a year ago, there are only two doctors for all of Hoke County (he and Dr. Bob Townsend), and there are so many indigent patients, the doctors are in danger of going under. “We have to leave town to get rest night or day,” he says, and are criticized for being gone when people need help. “These detrimental remarks also are directed to our children and our wives.” He adds, “I don’t feel it our Christian duty to serve these people, it is a Christian privilege, but the demands are bigger than the two of us can cope with.”

Raeford town commissioners discuss giving a firm supplying cable TV the privilege of coming into Raeford. Since a contract signed two years ago with another cable provider was not exercised, Town

These Brownies took part in investiture ceremonies last week. They are, front row, Martha Willcox (left to right), Beth Hill, Anne MacDonald, Carol Willcox, Cammie Palmer; second row, Judi Blanton, Janet Best, Julie Gibson, Stephanie Hasty, Nan Davis, Beth Cameron, Cynthia Averitt; back row, Gale Roberts, Petria Poole, Susan Cook, Mary Catherine Willcox, Kathy Bishop and Gay Ivey.

Harry Thornberg, registrar, checks for a voter’s recorded name at McCain precinct while R.D. Strother Sr. directs a voter. The third poleholder is Lee Strother.

Attorney Phil Diehl is asked to check the legal status for the town.

25 Years AgoNovember 7, 1990

Voters return Hoke Sheriff Alex Norton to office by a margin of just 281 votes over Jim Madden. Mad-den says he may ask for a recount.

Voters replace two on the Hoke Board of Education with newcom-ers. Bobby Conoly and Dwight Oxendine upset Bill Cameron and Bobby Wright in an election with 64 percent turnout. Charlotte Kelly leads the pack, with challenger Steve Phillips running a strong fourth. Mamie Bundy trails the field.

The Raeford Airport Com-

mission wants to sell the airport, saying it cannot be expanded and is of limited value because of that and its proximity to Fort Bragg. It also needs an infusion of cash to the tune of $130,000 to repave its runway and remove underground fuel storage tanks.

The City of Raeford passes an ordinance to regulate noise. It forbids amplified sound that might “disturb the peace, quiet and com-fort of the neighboring inhabitants,” and forbids noise audible beyond 50 feet between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and at all other times of the day, 300 feet away.

Smith McInnis wins first place on the fiddle at the Franklin County Folk Festival October 27.

District CourtRecent cases heard in Hoke

County District Criminal Court:Oct. 27

Judge Scott T. Brewer presiding• Stanley Joseph Augustin III, 22,

307 Venture Lane, Raeford, speed-ing 64 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone, court costs

• Jessica Nicole Bullard, 20, 1266 Oxendine School Road, Maxton, violation of a court order, voluntary dismissal

• Rosalind Kimgorm Franceschi, 57, 1908 McGregor Drive, Raeford, unsafe passing in yellow line, prayer for judgment, court costs; no opera-tor’s license, voluntary dismissal

• Daniel Escobar Hernandez, 31, 314 Purvis Court, Raeford, no opera-tor’s license, prayer for judgment, court costs; speeding 72 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone, voluntary dismissal

• Devyn James Earl Herron, 29, 791 Whispering Pines Road, Fayetteville, improper equipment—speedometer, $25 fine and court costs

• William Maldonado III, 20, 3201 Ansley Drive, Hope Mills, im-proper equipment—speedometer, $25 fine and court costs

• Shannon Elise Mamer, 35, 109 Breckenridge Road, Raeford, im-proper equipment—speedometer, $50 fine and court costs

Marriage LicensesRecently issued by the Hoke

County Register of Deeds. County of marriage listed if outside of Hoke, and date of marriage in parentheses if later than date license issued:Oct. 14 (Oct. 20)

• Amanda Rosalind Lambert and Clint Vernon Bishop, both of Fayetteville. Married in Cumberland CountyOct. 15 (Oct. 27)

• Joseph Alan Kleiber and Kaitlyn Mary Joy Corbin, both of Raeford

Oct. 20 (Oct. 24)• Laura Alan Bullard and Justin

Kyle Ziznewski, both of Tampa, Fla. Married in Moore CountyOct. 22

• Christopher Lanair Lee and Latoya McLean, both of ShannonOct. 23

• Sok Dae Kim and Sunny Yi, both of Raeford

• Bridget Jeanine Thompson and Jeffrey Wayne Keaffaber, both of Fayetteville. Married in Cumberland County.

• Frederick Dion McNeill Jr., 23, 1010 Mount Zion Church Road, Maxton, driving left of center, prayer for judgment, court costs; driving while license revoked, voluntary dismissal

• Mark Dangelo Smith, 28, 375 Poole Road, Raeford, driving while license revoked, prayer for judg-ment, court costs

• Dannie Lee Sturdivant III, 42, 8 Tyler Way, Pinehurst, speeding 64 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone, $50 fine and court costs

• Anthony Montell Wall, 19, 993 Kader Merritt Road, Rose Hill, exceeding posted speed, court costs; unsafe passing in yellow line, voluntary dismissal

Oct. 28Judge Regina M. Joe presiding• Isabeth Santera Culbertson, 35,

1044 Wayside Road, Fayetteville, driving while license revoked, prayer for judgment, court costs

• Douglas Leonard Horne II, 28, 3269 Bluegrass Court, Hope Mills, driving while license revoked, one day in jail, active

• Jamecia Shantell McDon-ald, 25, 24581 Gorham Circle, Wagram, simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, seven days suspended, six months unsupervised probation, $25 fine and court costs, judgments con-solidated.

SandHoke Early College High School is accepting admissions applications for the Fall 2016 school year. The school’s mission is to provide students an opportu-nity to earn a high school diploma and a two-year associate degree within five years. All rising 9th grade Hoke County students are encouraged to apply; however, there is limited enrollment for each freshman class. The process includes reviewing students’ academic history, completing an

online application, participating in an interview and submitting a writing sample.

The online application can be completed by visiting the Sand-Hoke Early College High School website. The online application closes on February 5, 2016 at 11:59:59 p.m. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. Parent information sessions will be held at Sandy Grove Middle School on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 6 p.m., at

East Hoke Middle School on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 6 p.m., at SandHoke on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. and at West Hoke Middle School on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 6 p.m.

If you need any assistance in applying for SHECHS, please contact Lisa Davis, SHECHS Community Development Coor-dinator at ldavis@hcs.k12.nc.us or 910-878-5806.

SandHoke accepting apps, sets info sessions

This month, one location in Raeford and nine more throughout the Fayetteville region will serve as collection sites for Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. The annual Samaritan’s Purse project is a favorite of many Raeford residents, families, churches and groups who spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with a “Wow!” item—like a doll or soccer ball—other fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items

and notes of encouragement.“Through the simple act of

filling a shoebox, someone in Ra-eford can make a tangible differ-ence in the life of a child halfway around the world. Anyone can participate and bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances,” said volunteer Janet Tilley who has participated in Operation Christmas Child for many years.

During National Collection Week, November 16 – 23, Raeford and Fayetteville-area residents hope to contribute more than

32,000 gift-filled shoeboxes to the 2015 global goal of reaching 11 million children in need.

The boxes are being collected locally at Raeford Presbyterian Church, 128 West Edinborough Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376, (910) 875-2101, Mon-Sun: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. & Mon: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Using special tracking tech-nology, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world their gift is delivered by using the donation form found at samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Shoebox collection project in progress

The Hoke Emergency Liaison Program (H.E.L.P.) store has received donations from the fol-lowing for its annual Share Your Christmas program. Share Your Christmas provides toys and food to the less fortunate families of Hoke County. If you haven’t made your donation, the program organizers say all contributions help, no matter how small. Go by H.E.L.P. or mail to PO Box 1038,

Raeford, NC 28376.

Contributions to dateHoke County 4-H ClubCarl & Audrey PiraneoJosh ScullAl PottsGeorge M. KingEve HookJames Wesley, In Honor of Gloria

M. WesleyDr. & Mrs. John C. Ropp

Brenda Lawlor, In Honor of Mina Townsend

Aubrey & Joann Gaddis, In Honor of Tabernacle Baptist Church

Mary Jones, In Honor of Danny, Eddie & Jeannie

Sara Baucom, In Memory of Ransom Baucom

Raeford Farms & LawnsEmogene S. HuffRaeford Oil Company

Contributions accepted for Christmas help

SEARCh Family Support Pro-gram is hosting a bullying workshop Tuesday, November 10 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Department of Juvenile Justice, 127 West Elwood Avenue, Raeford. The workshop

offers an overview of the warning signs of bullying, effects of cyber bullying, and treatment options for bullying. Materials and lunch are free. Registration in advance is required. The registration deadline

for this presentation is November 6, 2015. To register, contact Shirlyn Smith at 919-906-7103 or toll free at 877-776-6599 or by email at search.family.suppor.program@gmail.com.

Bullying workshop is Tuesday

Local girl competes in Miss Teen pageantAngela Shepherd of Raeford will

compete in the Miss Teen pageant Sunday, November 15. She was selected following an application and interview in Fayetteville.

She will compete in Casual Wear and Formal Wear, and will be judged

on personality and interviewing skills.

Winners compete at the national level in Orlando, Florida. Anyone interested in sponsoring her should contact the pageant coordinator at 1-877-403-6678.

Angela Shepherd

Send us school news to thenews-journal.com/school

Don’t miss thisspecial event at the

Sandhills Hoke Center!A one-stop-shop especially for

Hoke County residents that are current or prospective SCC

students interested in enrolling at Sandhills for spring semester.

Placement Testing • Career & Class AdvisingClass Registration • Financial Aid Assistance

Friday, November 13 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Registration is not required.

Arrive at 9 a.m. if testing for enrollment inspring semestercurriculum classes.

Sandhills Community College Hoke Center1110 E. Central Ave., Raeford

A Sandhills Community College University Transfer Representative, Financial Aid Representative and College & Career Counselor will be present

to assist prospective and current students.

For additional information, contact Rosa McAllister-McRaeat mcallisterr@sandhills.edu or (910) 878-5804.

Coming December 2nd

In The News-Journal!

ADVERTISERS.... take advantage of ourSpECIAl RATES!

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HokeHeartbeat

The state of healthcare in Hoke CountyHoke is one of the fastest growing counties in

North Carolina, and healthcare here is rapidly changing too.The News-Journal will cover the issues, the providers,

and the facilities in this special publication.

GET HEARD, BE SEEN in theHoke Heartbeat!

Contact Hal Nunn or Wendy Tredwayat (910) 875-2121 to be included.

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November 4, 2015 THE NEWS-JOURNAL Raeford, N.C 3

ViewpointsBy Scott MooneyhaM

Capital Press Association

Published every Wednesday by Dickson Press, Inc. Robert A. Dickson, President • Anne Dickson Fogleman, Secretary/Treasurer

119 W. Elwood Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376 • (910) 875-2121

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Frog HollerPhilosopher

Ron Huff

The News-Journal welcomes letters to the editor and encourages readers to express their opinions.

Letters must be signed and include an address and phone number. The street address and phone number will not be pub-lished, but are required so we may verify authenticity. The name of

the writer and, in some cases, the town the writer is from will be published at the end of the letter.

We are not able to publish letters that are essentially thank-you cards.

We reserve the right to edit let-ters for grammar, as well as those that exceed 300 words. We will not

publish letters that we consider to be in poor taste or libelous. In some cases we may add an editor’s note as a postscript when we believe a correction, explanation or amplifi-cation is warranted. We may also, at our discretion, limit the number of times an individual writer may submit a letter for publication.

We welcome your letters

I hate the “throw away” economy that we find ourselves living in today. I place more, not less, value on things as they get older. If something is not built to last, I have to question the reason why, and the need for it in the first place. I like old cars, old furniture, old musical instruments, old houses, and old friends, just to name a few.

Probably the greatest factors in our shift to expendable stuff are the cost of craftsmanship and the rapidly advancing technol-ogy that would make even a dia-mond encrusted computer pretty worthless within a few years. These factors have changed our habits, even without our consent. Overseas labor costs have made cheaper goods so appealing that humans cannot resist their urge to buy stuff. These cheap goods have made our homes revolving doors: cheap in, quickly fol-lowed by cheap out, without a second thought. I carry so much crap to the dump to be buried in landfills that I am embarrassed! To make matters worse, the dump attendant knows me and I feel his scorn.

Fashion is another driver of the expendable mindset but, ironically, the basics of the male wardrobe have not really changed much in my lifetime. You still need the basics and that is all you need. Men’s fashion, in particular, consists of a cycle of wide ties and lapels, then narrow ties and lapels, striped shirts, then plaid shirts, then striped shirts. Pleats and no pleats — a good reason to keep quality stuff until it comes back

in style or, in my case, not worry much about the style! Besides, I like old clothes, especially vintage tee shirts that are em-blazoned with the reason you bought them in the first place. That Rolling Stones concert is no further from memory than the tee shirt. I am a walking history lesson.

This brings me, finally, to the point of this whole article – shoes. With the exception of trendy running shoes, footwear styles are practically irrelevant. A well-dressed man today could wear the shoes of a well-dressed man of 50 years ago and nobody would even notice. You’ve got your penny loafer, your tassel loafer, your wing tips, your oxfords, possibly some bucks and your boat shoes. Anything else is highly optional. If shoes weren’t so crappy these days, I would never need another pair of leather ones. Instead, I find myself on the treadmill of shoe purchasing where there is no middle ground. Shoes are either cheap or gold plated.

Being one who hates to throw stuff away, I have lots of shoes. When a pair of casual work shoes gets ratty or the soles de-teriorate, I put them in the yard work category. I like to keep at least one pair of clean looking sport shoes, so when my best pair gets too soiled, I buy a clean

pair and relegate the old ones to sluffing around, bad weather outings and night wearing. The ones that these replace are then demoted to work shoes of a dif-ferent category. This seems like a nice natural progression, but lately I find the rubber soles of these shoes coming apart even before they get ratty looking. I’ve tried the glue, but not with much luck.

Even more frustrating is the lack of quality in shoes that you think should be pretty good. Several years ago, I bought some Bass loafers, a brand I thought I could trust. In only a couple of years with almost no wear, the upper soles just crumbled. It will cost as much as the price of the shoes to have them repaired. I’m going to pay that to end up with shoes that are better than new. As a bonus, that eliminates waste and gives my buddy at the shoe shop some honest work. Needless to say, shoe shops are disappearing.

In a recent bout of shoe frustration, I decided to look for quality shoes that would last. Ouch! Shoes of high quality now cost three hundred dollars. That is pretty daunting and six times the price of normal shoes.

Some of my best shoes were inherited from Charlotte’s dad, quality from a bygone era when shoes were built to last. I think I will check out the secondhand shops around Pinehurst and find some high quality “estate” shoes at less than crappy new shoe prices. Shoes with real “sole.” I like old things anyway!

More later.

Don’t like throwing things away

We Get Letters

To the Editor:Words cannot express the

thankfulness in my heart today. On Sept. 22 in the afternoon, I had an accident involving my Super Farmall tractor. While working on it, it began to roll, on its own, down an incline next to my shop behind my house. I tried to reach across the seat to stop it. In do-ing so, the large tire ran over my right foot and threw me under the tractor. It proceeded to roll and me underneath it. It finally stopped with the large wheel on my entire right leg and my groin. I cried out for help and my brother, Larry

Chason, heard me two houses away and came to me. He called 911 and set the rescue squad in motion to set me free.

I want to thank those who responded and helped: Larry Chason, Rockfish Fire Dept. first responders, Rockfish Fire Dept. and firemen, Puppy Creek Fire Dept. and firemen, Hoke County Rescue Squad, Hoke County EMS, Hoke County Rescue Dept., Hoke County Sheriff’s deputies, N.C. Highway Patrol, UNC-Chapel Hill helicopter, pilot and copilot, the 4-man/woman crew of nurses and doctors, my ride

to Chapel Hill, doctors, nurses, personnel at Chapel Hill, doctors and nurses at Autumn Care in Raeford, all friends and neighbors and “The Rock” church and Pit-tman Grove Baptist Church for food, cards, and visits.

I hope I missed no one. I am thankful to God and all who helped me in whatever capacity. No better care could have been done by anyone on my behalf.

P.S.—no broken bones, a miracle

Earl ChasonRockfish

Village stepped up when tractor rolled over me

“Half of the American people read a newspaper. Half of the American people vote. Let us hope it is the same half.”

— Gore Vidal

One on OneD. G. Martin

Let’s help her all we can.That is what I am telling

my friends in the university community when they express displeasure at the selection of Margaret Spellings as their new president, or when they complain about the UNC Board of Governors’ presidential selec-tion process and some of its other recent actions.

First of all though, you should know that I am a friend and big admirer of the current university president, Tom Ross. By all ac-counts, he has done a masterful job. Even though the current board of governors signaled the end of his presidency a year ago, he remained on the job, coopera-tive, productive, positive, and successful.

I am sorry he is leaving. The state and the university commu-nities are losing an extraordinary leader.

That said, why am I caution-ing others in the university to help the new president rather than berating her for her past political connections and public service?

My answer is another ques-tion: Will our state university system be better if she succeeds or if she fails in her new job?

If success includes secur-ing the resources to maintain and enhance the universities’ program, in addition to leading and managing its operations, Spellings has a good chance to

succeed.Our university president is

the connective link between the university and the state legis-lature and its leaders, the ones who make the decisions each year about the amount of state resources that will be allocated to higher education.

Even more important per-haps, the legislature can make laws that regulate the operation of the university, as it did last month when it amended the law to change the selection proce-dure for presidents. Another example occurred in 1963 when it passed the Speaker Ban Law that restricted freedom of speech on university campuses.

Unlike most state higher edu-cation governing boards, UNC’s board of governors is selected by the North Carolina legislature.

Spellings lacks two qualities that have been important to prior UNC presidents who followed the legendary 30-year tenure of William Friday:

1. Public higher education administration experience, as with Molly Broad, and

2. Significant experience in North Carolina public life, as with Dick Spangler, Erskine

Bowles and Tom Ross.Although she lacks both these

qualities, Spellings knows the national education establish-ment, perhaps better than all her predecessors, and because of her political experience in the Republican camp, she can expect a warm welcome when she asserts the importance of her education to our state as an advocate to the Republican lead-ership in our state legislature.

The challenge to supporters of the university should not be to destroy Spellings but rather to use her vast political experience and connections to preserve and enhance the university.

If her political connections and experience give her an open door to legislative leaders; if she uses that access to explain how the institution underpins our state’s progress and advocate for the resources it needs to continue its leadership role; and if she is willing to stand in the door to prevent unnecessary and detri-mental legislative meddling, then she may follow her presidential predecessors into the pantheon of heroic North Carolinians.

On the other hand, if her background and connections lead to her being a puppet of some ideologues whose agenda is to hobble the university, she could wind up in the trash bin of North Carolina history.

I am hoping for the pantheon, not the trash bin.

Help Spellings, help UNC system

“The next time you have an opportunity to sponsor or vote on common-sense gun legislation, instead of fearing the attack ads the gun lobby will undoubtedly launch against you, the lost campaign revenue, or the threat to your job, I hope that you think of me and my students, of the rest of the educators and students across the country, who have been asked to stand up to gunmen because you are too scared to stand up to a handful of lobbyists.” — Melissa Duclos, writing instructor at Oregon community college in let-ter to lawmakers

“No wonder some parents and teachers of goodwill who recognize the public character of education in theory are nonetheless ready to throw in the towel in practice. But can Americans afford to abandon the battle to preserve education’s essentially public character? Just imagine an America without public schools, one where better students are skimmed by more expensive private schools, leaving ‘leper colony’ style vestigial schools that while no longer public have become private (but not equal) dump-ing grounds for the very poor, for students without motivated parents, for special education hard cases and other ‘losers’ who, in the prevailing mar-ketplace philosophy, more or less deserve what they get (or don’t get).” — Benjamin Barber, “Taking the Public Out of Education”

Today’s homework (Notes on education)

One on OnePatrick Gannon,

Capitol Press Association

Seven people played dead on the steps to the side entrance of the State Capitol building on a rainy day last week.

They held cardboard “tomb-stones” bearing phrases such as, “I died from a heart attack because I couldn’t afford cho-lesterol medication” and “I died from breast cancer because I couldn’t afford a mammogram.”

The “die-in” event – attended by several dozen people – was aimed at urging Gov. Pat Mc-Crory and the Republican-led General Assembly to expand Medicaid under the Afford-able Care Act to allow more low-income North Carolinians to get health insurance. State leaders have resisted calls to expand the government insur-ance program here, and they’re unlikely to budge on that issue anytime soon.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate say costs of Medicaid already are increas-ing and that expansion would exacerbate that.

“Nothing has changed to ad-dress the multitude of concerns with Medicaid expansion,” Senate leader Phil Berger, an Eden Re-publican, said last week. “North Carolina taxpayers can’t afford current Medicaid costs, much less those of an expanded program.”

The die-in was one of many examples of such events staged in recent years by the North Carolina NAACP under the leadership of the Rev. William Barber. Barber calls the events “civil disobedience.” Republi-cans who don’t share Barber’s

views about the direction the state is headed consider them “political stunts.”

However you view them, Barber is routinely at the fore-front, using biting language to get his points across.

“We are here today because of the current leadership, the extremist governor and legisla-tors to say three things: People are dying. Number two, people are dying. Number three, people are dying,” Barber said at the die-in.

Citing a study, Barber and other speakers said seven people on average die every day in North Carolina because politicians haven’t expanded Medicaid.

“If any one of us would go out here and kill seven people, we would be called a serial murderer...These policies are causing serial death,” he said.

He spoke to the others who assembled to support the cause and to TV cameras and report-ers. I didn’t see a single legis-lator – Democrat, Republican or unaffiliated – at the die-in.

Barber’s tactics have brought together people from across the state who share his ideas about topics such as Medicaid expan-sion, education funding, voting rights and raising the minimum wage. But they have done very

little to change the mindsets of Republicans in charge on Jones Street.

Former state Sen. Thom Goolsby of Wilmington once referred to the “Moral Monday” protests orchestrated by Barber, which led to hundreds of arrests, as “Moron Mondays.” Repub-licans have repeatedly become annoyed when protesters show up outside the House and Sen-ate chambers and disrupt daily sessions with singing, chanting and other noise-making. At least one Republican, state Sen. Andy Wells, poked fun at Bar-ber’s rhetoric in a campaign ad.

But Barber is doubling down. At the die-in, he told the crowd that he and other preachers plan to urge families of people who die because they don’t have access to health care to have open-casket funerals for them and allow the media in to docu-ment them.

“We’re not going to have a joyous funeral talking about God called them home, when they’re going home as a result of gov-ernmental actions,” Barber said. “And we’re going to say, ‘Look, look. This is what happens when people can’t get past their political talking points and their partisan restrictions and extremism and do what is right.’”

Will that get the attention of those in control in Raleigh? It might, but it probably won’t change their minds about Med-icaid expansion.

If Barber wants change, he should hope he’s getting the attention of voters.

Next tactic to get Medicaid expansion,open-casket funerals, media invites

4 THE NEWS-JOURNAL Raeford, N.C. November 4, 2015

Obituaries

McPhatter(Continued from page 1)

A man previously convicted of felony charges was arrested last week for possessing illegal drugs and multiple weapons at a home in Raeford.

Authorities arrested John Wesley Haynes, 34, of the 100 block of Oakmount Drive in Raeford on charges of possession of a firearm by convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. He was arrested October 24 and held in the Hoke County Detention Center under a $750,000 secured bond.

Investigators with the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office narcot-ics/special operations unit and the Fayetteville Police Depart-ment narcotics unit worked together to conduct an investiga-tion into Haynes’ activity. Au-

thorities executing a search wa r r a n t allegedly l o c a t e d six fire-a r m s , thousands of rounds of ammu-nition, prescription medica-tions, marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his house.

Haynes was previously con-victed of multiple counts of felony breaking and entering in Sampson County and other crimes includ-ing assault on a female, com-municating threats and driving on a revoked license, according to North Carolina Department of Corrections records.

Felon arrested in drug bust

Deputies with the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office arrested two sus-pects last week in con-nection with a drug bust in the area of Red Springs.

Investigators arrested Marshall Sam McGirt, 34, of the 300 block of Windlock Drive in Red Springs on charges of possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to sell or deliver co-caine, maintaining a drug dwell-ing and additional outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was arrested October 30 and held under a $100,700 bond.

Authorities also arrested Lorenz Carthens, 45, of the 300 block of Center Grove Church Road in Red Springs on charges of possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was ar-rested October 30 and held under

a $15,000 bond. The sheriff’s office Spe-

cial Operations Team con-ducted a search warrant at the residence on Windlock Drive and located a half-ounce of suspected crack cocaine, marijuana, scales and pack-aging material. Officers also located $1,000 in cash.

McGirt was wanted on out-standing warrants from Robeson County for possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine and pos-session of firearm by felon, and outstanding warrants from Hoke and Moore counties for various traffic violations.

Two arrested in drug bust

Haynes

McGirt Carthens

By Sheila Black

Raeford City Council ap-proved a contract with McGou-gan Brothers Design Consulting Engineers for a Capital Im-provement Plan/Asset Manage-ment Plan to address issues with the city’s water and sewer systems at its monthly meeting Monday night. Project tasks in-cluded in the contract are deter-mining the 10-year horizon for water and sewer requirements, evaluating the water and sewer systems, providing an inventory and condition assessment of wa-ter and sewer assets to include a

field investigation of all sewer manholes, compiling operation and maintenance plans for water and sewer assets, formulating capital projects, cost opinions and project prioritization, and evaluating funding sources for recommended capital projects.

Other businessCouncil awarded the Sludge

Dewatering Facility project to Eberhart Construction, Inc. for $1,316,000. Construction of the wastewater treatment plant will include the installation of two new sludge dewatering presses inside a new metal building, including

pumps to transfer sludge to the new facility. Also included is a cover over the cake storage, as-phalt paving the building entrance and demolishing the old facility. Funding is provided by a CDBG Infrastructure Grant in the amount of $1,000,000 and the remaining $316,000 by the City of Raeford.

A public hearing was held to discuss a rezone of property, owned by Perika Hardaway, located at 141 South Vass Road. The property is currently zoned R-8 (Residential) and the owner requested that it be rezoned to CD-NB (Conditional District-Neighborhood Business to

accommodate the use of the property as a child care center). After recommendation from the Planning Board, Council approved the zoning request.

Council also approved:• A 2015-2016 budget ordi-

nance amendment• A capital project ordinance

(construction of wastewater treatment plant)

• Raeford Fire Department Appreciation Supper sponsored by the City of Raeford on Mon-day, November 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Raeford Civic Center

• Monthly departmental and financial reports.

City Council approves water, sewer contract

community and surrounding (communities),” she said, “and I really would like to appreciate that that road be named on behalf of him.”

McPhatter’s daughter, Betty Redmon, also appeared before the board to show her support.

The board voted unanimously to support the family’s petition to the Department of Trans-portation to have the section of Bridges Road changed to Dr. N.W. McPhatter Road.

Other businessIn other business during the

brief meeting Monday night, the commission approved a grant application for the Hoke Area Transit Service seeking grant funding from the state to build a new transportation hub for the county; a six-item

consent agenda including a budget ordinance for the urgent repair program and resolution accepting the offer of a bid on foreclosed property; and held a public input session.

Two people spoke at the public input session, including Bronson, who once again raised concerns about the status of Tylertown Fire Department.

Bronson is a former fire-fighter who earlier this year reported that the fire station – which was taken over by North Raeford several years ago – is in disrepair and that firefight-ers don’t have proper working equipment. Bronson appeared before the board again Monday asking for answers about why improvements haven’t been made.

Commissioners responded that they are waiting to hear

from state officials to plan a meeting between state fire safe-ty authorities and the Tylertown station members to answer any questions about the station’s

status and help figure out what to do about the situation.

The board did not hold a sched-uled closed session and adjourned after the public input.

Adults, teens and older children are invited to attend the Drug, Gang and Violence Awareness Workshop scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Saturday, November 7 at the Mt. Pisgah Com-munity Resource Center.

The summit is meant to educate the public about drug activity, gangs and ways to prevent violence in the community.

Sheriff Hubert Peterkin previ-ously held a gang awareness work-shop in March 2014. At that time, the sheriff’s office gang investigator reported he had identified over 180

active gang members who were part of 38 known gangs operating in Hoke County.

Free food and drinks will be served, and no RSVP is required to attend. Children under 11 years old will not be admitted to the summit due to the contents of the discussions.

The resource center is located at 373 Pittman Grove Church Road, just off of Highway 401 east of Raeford. For more information or to ask any questions, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 875-5111.

Gang awareness workshop is Saturday afternoon

Edith B. NixonEdith Bell (Badgett) Nixon,

89, of Aberdeen passed on Mon-day, November 2, 2015 at the FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst.

She was born July 20, 1926 in Surry County, North Carolina to the late Hoyt Lee Badgett and Ruby Annie (Denny) Badgett. She was a longtime member of Shiloh Presbyterian Church, Eastern Star, and the Garden Club. She loved flowers, embroidering and enjoyed traveling.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Robert Nixon; a daughter, Ann Nixon Lindenfeld; and infant daughter Harriett Gail.

She is survived by her son, Harold Robert Nixon and wife Faye of Sumter, South Carolina; a daughter, Peggy Nixon Frye and husband John of Southern Pines; two brothers, Jack W. Badgett and wife Betty of North Wilkesboro, and Ray Badgett and wife Sue of Martinsville, Virginia; five sisters, Annie Lee Wall and husband Edgar of Siloam, Madge Mills and hus-band Alton of Ararat, Dorothy Scott of Pilot Mountain, Gladys Shuler of Rural Hall, and Edna Wilmoth and husband Wayne of Elkin; six grandchildren, Terri Welborn and husband Bryan, Melinda Wallace and husband Justin, Danny McDi-armid and wife Meredith, Kenny McDiarmid and friend Paula, Leslie Cribb and husband Landon, and Jonathan Flinchum; and six great-grandchildren.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 4 with services starting at 2 p.m. at Shiloh Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Ru-fus McLean and the Rev. Sanders Read officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial do-

nations may be made in memory of Edith Nixon to FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences can be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.

Paul A. Crittenden Jr.Paul Albert “Butch” Crittenden

Jr., 71, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 27, 2015.

He was a resident of South Day-tona Beach, Florida for 30 years. He was born in Suffolk, son of the late Paul and Hilda Crittenden.

He is survived by his wife, Ger-aldine of South Daytona Beach; a son, Paul A. “Al” Crittenden III; two grandsons, Shawn Crittenden and Paul A. “A.J.” Crittenden of Raeford; two sisters, Paulette C. Moore and husband Wesley of Suf-folk, and Louise Whedbee and hus-band Jimmie of Orlando, Florida; a brother, Roger Dale Crittenden Sr.; a sister-in-law, Phyllis of Suffolk; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved bird, Slick.

A private memorial service will be held later.

George R. NickelsonGeorge Robert Nickelson, 84,

of Raeford died Sunday, October 25, 2015.

The funeral was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 1 at St. John Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Jimmie BurnsJimmie Burns, 74, of Raeford

died Wednesday, October 28, 2015.The funeral was held at 1 p.m.

Monday, November 2 in Leach Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Burial was in Leach Springs Church Cemetery.

David RileyDavid Lee Ri-

ley of Raeford died Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the age of 53.

He was born in Cumberland County on February 12, 1962 to John William Riley and Jesse Tew Riley. He was a loving husband, father, and friend to all that knew him. An avid bow hunter and

outdoorsman, he impacted many people during his life. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was retired from the U.S. Postal Service. He was preceded in death by his brother, Alvin Riley.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Sampson Riley of Raeford; his daughter, Emily Paige Riley of Raeford; his sons, Ethan Hoyt Riley of Raeford, and Daniel Lee Riley of Fayetteville; his father, John William Riley Sr. of Davis Bridge; his mother, Jesse Tew Riley of Raeford; his sister, Lynn Riley Carson (Lewis) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his brother, John William Riley Jr. (Jan) of Davis Bridge; his grandchildren, Hannah and Noah; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 4 at Raeford Evangelical Methodist Church, 379 West Palmer Avenue, Raeford with military honors fol-lowing the service.

Infant Peyton-Noel EvansPeyton-Noel Evans, 7 months,

died Sunday, October 25, 2015.Survivors include her mother,

Kiera Corshana Hobson; father, Tyrone Douglas Evans Sr.; brothers, Ker’kierion and Leyum Hobson; grandparents, Sharon Hobson and Roas Sudderth; and great-grandmother, Catherine Hobson.

The funeral was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 1 in Buie Fu-neral Home Chapel. Burial was in McLauchlin Chapel Cemetery.

David Larry WhichardDavid Larry Whichard, 73, of

Raeford died Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital.

He was born March 26, 1942 in Bladen County to the late George David Whichard and Annie Barfield

Whichard. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Harrell Whichard. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Raeford, where he served as a deacon. He was employed with Croft Metals and Clayson Knitting Co. in Red Springs before he retired. His hob-bies were fishing, hunting and the outdoors.

Survivors include his son, Larry Dale Whichard and wife Jenny of Fuquay-Varina; his daughter, Shel-ley Whichard Ewing and husband Brian of Greensboro; three grand-children, Makenzie Whichard, Tyler Whichard, and Josie Whichard; a sister, Marilyn Cashwell and hus-band Hudson of Hope Mills; and two brothers, Joseph Benny Whichard and wife Marie of Cameron, and Daniel Wayne Whichard and wife Ann of Lumberton.

The funeral was held at noon Saturday, October 31 at First Baptist Church of Raeford with the Rev. Thomas Lee officiating. Burial was in Raeford Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Raeford, 333 North Main Street, Raeford, NC 28376.

Eddie StubbsEddie Stubbs, 80, of Raeford

died Wednesday, October 14, 2015.The funeral was held at 1 p.m.

Friday, October 30 in Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Laurinburg. Burial was in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Beverly M. McRaeBeverly M. McRae, 79, died

Thursday, October 22, 2015.She was affectionately called

Mommy, Ma, Mother and Mother Beverly.

Survivors include children, Ed-die Jr. of Clementon, New Jersey, Holanda (James) of Fayetteville, Terrence (Stephanie) of Raeford, Kermit (Candance) of Stockbridge, Georgia, and Kinney (Karen) of Merchantville, New Jersey; a brother, Walter (Barbara) of Greensboro; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives.

The funeral was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 29 in Silver Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Edith B. Nixon David Riley

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November 4, 2015 THE NEWS-JOURNAL Raeford, N.C 5

Sports

Sports News To Report?Call Hal Nunn at(910) 875-2121

Just Putting Around

Raeford Racing Round-Up

By hal nunn

Sports writer

The East Hoke Eagles and West Hoke Tigers middle school football teams met last week at Raz Autry Stadium for their annual show-down. The rivalry has taken on new meaning since Sandy Grove Middle School is up and running but it’s still East vs. West and, no matter what the records are, the game is usually tight. East Hoke was 4-1 in Southeastern Middle School football and West Hoke was 2-3 coming into the game.

Both teams had strong running games and passing was rarely used. In the first half, West Hoke struck first when Keyonta Shaw broke a big punt return for a touchdown but it was called back due to block-ing in the back. The game was tied 0-0 at halftime. In the third quarter, KeShawn Galberth of East Hoke

got into the end zone off a six-yard touchdown run and the two-point conversion was good. East Hoke’s lead was short lived because, on the next series, Keyonta Shaw broke a big run right up the middle, flared to the outside and scored from about 50 yards out. The West Hoke two-pointer was good and the game was tied 8-8. The score remained 8-8 at the end of regulation so overtime is where they headed. On the first series, West Hoke got the ball on the 10-yard line. The Eagles stuffed the Tigers drive and then took over from the 10-yard line. Two plays later, KeShawn Galberth scored again from seven yards out to secure the win 14-8. East Hoke secured a spot in the Southeastern Middle School Championship that will be played today, November 4, at 4 p.m. at Raz Autry Stadium against Anson County Middle School.

East Hoke downs West Hoke in overtime 14-8

#3 Keyonta Shaw of West Hoke Middle scored the only touchdown for the Tigers when they played against East Hoke Middle last week. He scored twice but one was called back for a block in the back penalty.

#34 KeShawn Galberth breaks the tie with a seven yard touchdown run in overtime to beat West Hoke Middle 14-8. Galberth scored both touchdowns for East Hoke Middle in the win. East Hoke will now play Anson County today, November 4, at Raz Autry Stadium at 4 p.m. for the Southeastern Middle School Championship.

East Hoke Middle Head Coach Micheaux Hollingsworth is holding a speaker phone with former East Hoke Eagle and pro-fessional football player Earl Wolff on the line. Wolff wanted to congratulate the Eagles and wish them luck in the championship.

By hal nunn

Sports writer

The Hoke County High School Bucks traveled to Purnell Swett last Friday night with hopes of getting into the win column against a 2-8 Rams team that was also looking for its first conference win. Both teams were fighting to stay out of the bottom of the tough Southeastern Conference.

Purnell Swett scored first and took the lead 7-0 in the first quarter. Neither team could get into the end zone in the second quarter as the half ended with Purnell Swett leading 7-0. In the third quarter, quarter-back Andre Pegues found some momentum with Chase Jackson. Jackson had a couple of big recep-

tions, one for 25 yards and later scored on another pass completion from within the six-yard line. The Bucks went for two and got it and now led 8-7 late in the game. Late in the fourth quarter, Purnell Swett mounted a long drawn-out drive that ate up the clock and got them in the red zone. They had a fourth and one from about the 15-yard line and the Bucks defense couldn’t stop Damion Holloway who broke free and scored with 25 seconds left. The Rams went on to win 13-8.

The Bucks are now 0-10 on the season and will face a Pinecrest team (8-2) Friday night in Raeford that pushed Scotland County until the final minute, losing 35-31. The Raiders beat the Patriots 49-28. Pinecrest beat Lumberton 42-7

and Purnell Swett 42-0. Pinecrest is ranked in the top 15 in the state along with Scotland County and Richmond County. The game is dubbed Elementary School Night and Parks and Recreation Night. Children who are members of the Hoke County Parks and Recreation football league can wear their jer-seys to the game and get in free with an adult or guardian. Elementary schools will be competing for a $200 PE Grant, going to the school that has the most students in atten-dance. The teacher with the most students will win a pizza party to be put on by football players and cheerleaders. The best motivating poster contestant will win $100. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. at Raz Autry Stadium.

The Hoke County High School Bucks fell 13-8 to the Rams of Purnell Swett last Friday night. The loss puts the Bucks at 0-10 on the season, facing their final game against Pinecrest (8-2) at Raz Autry Sta-dium. The game is dubbed Elementary School and Parks and Recreation night and begins at 7:30 p.m.

Bucks fall to Rams 13-8

By hal nunn

Sports writer

The Hoke County High School Athletic Hall of Fame committee is seeking nominations for the Class of 2016 (5th class) to be inducted in February. Hoke High Athletic Director Gary Brigman said, “We’ve been working hard getting set for our fifth class and this year we have added a new award, the Legacy Award.” The Legacy Award will be given to three individuals, one from each of the schools that merged into Hoke High. One person from Raeford High, Upchurch High and Hawk Eye High will be honored with the award and each year thereafter one person will be recognized. Along with the Hall of Fame induction class, the Roll of Honor award will be given. For those who would like to make nominations, forms can be found on the athletics website www.fightingbucks.com or you can pick up a form at the high school. Keep in mind that, when you submit nominations, you need to have background information included with the nomina-tion. The 2016 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on February 5 at West Hoke Middle School cafete-ria and tickets are $25 for the banquet and basketball game. The Hall of Fame commit-tee members for this year are Gary Brigman, Deborah Carpenter, Billy Colston, Cheryl Cunningham, Charles Jacobs, Vernon Morrison and Carl Purcell. Nominations will be taken until the end of November.

Hall of Fame committee meets

November 4East Hoke Football Home vs.

Anson Middle - SEC Middle School Championship TBA

November 5Boys JV Football at Pinecrest

7 p.m.Boys V Football Home vs.

Pinecrest 7:30 p.m.Boys V Basketball at Southern

Lee High 8 a.m. - Southern Lee Jamboree

12-under team wins 14-under tournamentThe 12-Under Diamond Elite Fast Pitch softball team won the 14-Un-der Surfs Up Challenge Tournament in Shallotte last week. The tourna-ment included a dramatic come-from-behind walk-off 7-6 win on Saturday night. Pictured are Faith Matthews (front row, left to right) and Summer Powell; second row: Abby Dover, Megan Cygan, Hailey Wilson and Courtney Cygan; third row: Alyssa Norton, Morgan Barbee, Peyton Daniels, Savannah Branch and Hailey Pait; back row: Coach David Pait and Coach Jamie Dover.

By hal nunn

Sports writer

Rockfish Motorsports Speed-way completed its 17th night of racing action this season and only has a few more to go as they get ready to wrap up the season. Track Announcer Larry long said, “It’s been a great season thus far. We’ve had drivers from all over the state and country visit Rock-fish Speedway and this Novem-ber it’s gonna get bigger.” Long is speaking of the November 21st grand finale – the 2nd Annual Winter Classic $1,000 to win race that will feature Micro 600s from several states, Mod-Lites and all other divisions. There will also be a food drive for local families in the Hoke County community. “We’re going to collect canned goods at the front gate for our next two races,” Long said. “The goal here is to help out some needy families in the community and give back.” The last points race of the season will be held November 14 and then the grand finale Win-ter Classic November 21. The

Bayonet Last week, shootout win-

ners on Wednesday were Diana Misiak, Gene Carter, Flash Gor-don and Mark Mercedes with a 4-under. Friday Shootout winners were Rick Evans, Carl Casey, Walter Quick, Henry Lech, and Bob Persons with a 9-under.

Upland TraceTom Batchelor eagled hole

#3, a Par 5 Thursday for his best score of 69. The Saturday morning group winners were, Al Smith, Ray McLemore and Travis Bunn. The Sunday morning group win-ners were, Tom Batchelor, Steve Jumbelick and Guy Wall.

Fighting Bucks Sports Schedule

Parks & Rec standings

9/10-year-old football standingsSteelers 5-0Packers 3-2Panthers 1-4Saints 1-4

Annual Rockfish Motorsports Speedway Banquet and Dinner will be held December 17 at the Rockfish U-Haul Building.

This past weekend, Fast Eddie Daniels captured his 14th win of the season. Buddy Trogdon got his first win of the season in the Micro 600s race. Matt Jones took home his 4th win of the season in the 270 Micros and Josh Go-mez Jr. got his 7th win in the Pro Go Karts division. Young Eric Cardona got his 3rd win in the Mini Pro Go Karts. For more information, visit www.rockfishmotorsports.com.

Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice. Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denomi-nations for you and your family.

Pittman Grove Baptist Church4921 Pittman Grove Church Rd.

875-5045

ChuRCh seRviCessunday school 9:45 a.m.

sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.sunday Night Worship 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Meal& Bible study 6:30 p.m.

Pastor Ken Williams

Baptist

tabernacle Baptist Churchof Rockfish

3129 Lindsay Roadsunday school 9:45 a.m.

sunday Morning Worship 11 a.m.sunday Evening service 6 p.m.Wednesday - Bible study 7 p.m.

910-875-4134

Calvary Chapelof Fayetteville

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