North Carolina Newspapers

f ???' 0 Ce> rating Our hrar T\ CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE 'shed each Thursday by First American Publications, Pembroke, NC I , . VOLUME 25 NUMBER 5 JANUAR Y 29, 1998 . .. .. TWENTY-FIVE CENTS Johnson Britt Announces candidacy for Re-election as District Attorney Johnson Briti announces his candidacy for re-election as Robeson County District Attorney. In making his annoucement. he released the following statement. Four years ago when I campaigned for Robeson County District Attorney I clearly told you my vision for the DA's office: that the DA and stafT be fair, hardworking accessible and prudent in serving the citizens of our county, particularly the victims of crime. I knew reducing the backlog and the duration of cases would craft a better court system. It is with great pride that I tell you we have realized this vision. Perhaps that best way to evaluate our progress is to compare the past with our present. In November of 1994 when I took office our Superior Court was clogged with a backlog of 2200 felony cases. Today, that total stands at 1300, a 41% reduction* Robeson County is best served when qpr Assistant DA's have the authority to make decisions. Our Assistant DA's now are authorized to make decisions necessary to manage their case-loads. We are fortunate indeed to have talented. dedicated professionals on our staff. In November 1994 there were 73 untried murder cases. Of these 68 have since been disposed of-a 93% reduction. With the new murders that have occurred since I took office we have had an overall reduction of 25%. Access to our office has dramatically improved fulfillingour goal of an open-door policy. In my opinion nothing keeps a prosecutor sharper than being in a courtroom. As 1 promised I have tried many critical cases. Let me tell you about some other important accomplishments: I am one of the two North Carolina DA's selected to participate in an inno vative study led by the Jefferson Institute for Justice Studies based in Washington. DC. This is a national study determined to improve the manner in which cases are handled and to reduce the time of case disposition. I serve on the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys and I represent the 2nd Trial Division of the State. I was recently appointed to the Legislative Committee for the Conference of District Attorneys. I have been speaker for the continuing legal education program on Trial Advocacy sponsored by the Institute ofGovemment. the University ofNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the North Carolina District Attorneys Association. I serve as Chairman of the Training Committee for the Conference of District Attorneys. I spoke before the North Carolina Homicide Detectives Association on the prosecution of the James Jordan Murder I believe that all of my involvement with these efforts benefits Robeson County. While I ant proud of my record much more needs to be done We rrust further reduce our case-load. We must reduce the time it takes to process cases. We must establish and fulls implement a victims assistance program. We must try most murder cases one y ear from the date they are committed. I am proud to announce that I am seeking re-election as your District Attorney. Many people helped create this vision of a better OA's office and many more have made it a reality . All of us in Robeson County owe the people who have worked to improve the DA's office a great deal of gratitude. Thank You. Johnson Brill Keep Robeson County Clean and Green On October 19th, 109 people attended a "Keep Robeson County Clean and Green" meeting sponsored by Representative Ron Sutton and the Robeson County Committee of 100. The followingcommitteeswere formed to help improve the image of the county. The Law Enforcement Committee - 1st Sgt. Randy Hammonds, Chair - person, NC Highway Patrol. Phone # 618-5555. The Local Government Committee - Ben Hill, Fairmont town Manager. Phone it 628-9768. Willie Best, County Manager, Co-Chairman. Phone it 671-3022. The Industry Committee - King Compton, Chairperson, Formerly director of Human Resources for Munsingwear. He now recruits executives" f6r industry. Phone U 739-7077. The Education Committee Raymond Cummings, Chairperson, Director of Student Activities at LTNC Pembroke. He will work with the schools. Phone tt 521-6226. The Business Committee - John Armstrong, Senior Vice President of LumbCe Guaranty Bank in Pembroke. Phone it 521-9707. There are 1600 businesses in Robeson County. The Church Committee - Renea Hunt, Clerk of Court's Office, Chairperson. Phone # 671-3386. There are 400 churches indlobeson County. All committees are being asked to meet together at the OutWest Steak House at Noon, Wednesday, February 11.1998. All committees are working together to sponsor a Robeson County Spring Clean '98 the week of April 20th. On Sunday, April 19th, we are asking al ministers in Robeson County to preach a sermon on Keep Robeson County Clean and Green. Alsoon April 19th we are asking all churches to have a day of prayer for the Public Schools of Robeson County. We hope everyone will get involved to help with " "Keep Robeson County Clean and Green" by serving on one of our committees. Please call the chairperson listed above. We need help from everyone will to participate, OurgoalistohavelOO.OOO people preaching, praying and cleaning up the week of April 19. Major League Ump Visits Hospitalized Vets In Favetteville There's a new umpire behind the plate on the Disabled American Veterans' (DAV) volunteer team. He's National League Umpire Jerry Layne and he's on his way to bring smiles to the faces of hospitalized veterans at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center on Tuesday. February 10, 1998. American League Umpire Larry Barnett. who has been visiting hospitalized veterans as part of the DAV VA Voluntary Service program since 1977, suggested the idea of Jerry volunteering his time on behalf of disabled veterans. It wasn't the first time Larry has impacted on the younger umpire's life. Jerry grew up in Prospect. Ohio. Larry's hometown. Now 39, Jerry's best friend was Larry's nephew, Rob Carr ( now deceased). Uncle "Barny" (Larry) was a common topic between the youngsters. They even attended Indians' games now and then when Larry was in Cleveland to umpire. With the sponsorship of the million-member organization of wartime disabled veterans, Jerry now visits V A medical centers on his free time in National League cities duringthc baseball season, and also volunteers in the off-season. On of five children. Jerry always liked baseball and. in high school, decided to become an umpire. That's when a man, Emil Rubcich who influenced both umpires, changed Jerry's life. Now retired, Emil was the football coach at West Elgin High School in Marion County, Ohio, who helped Larry Bamett get into umpiring, and the assistant principal and athletic director when Jerry attended. It was a call from Emil to Larry Bamett that helped Jerry land an appointment to the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in Daytona Beach, Fla. In his 12th year of umpiring rookie, L Class A and AA baseball, Jerry was one of 12 umpires invited to spring training. He hoped to fill one of two open major league umpire slots. He had the least seniority in major league spring training playing time. While calling balls and strikes for the third consecutive day in miserable heat at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, manager Whitey Hertzog told Jerry that he and his coaches thought Jerry was doinga great job, and he said he was going to let somebody know about it. That was the turning point of Jerry's National League umpire career. A short time later lid Vargo. Supervisor of Umpires, called to tell Jerry that Whitey Hertzog called to commend his work at spring training. Two weeks later National League President Bill White called to welcome Jerry to the league. He was one of the two selected in March 1988. Now in his ninth year as a National League Umpire, Jerry Layne says his goal hasn't changed.Tie still loves the game and wants to be the best umpire in the league. He also wants to brighten the lives of hospitalized veteran* through the DAV VA Voluntary Service program. "I want to bring smiles and brighter days to those veterans who have given so much to our country," Jerry said. "I want them to know that the arc appreciated." "I've beeh blessed with a successful career and live comfortably in Winter Haven, Fla., with my lovely wife, Jackie, and two beautiful daughters, Brittany and Monica. All of that is possible because we live in a free country, and we have a free country because veterans made it free and keep it free. "Brightening their lives with a friendly visit, is a very small token in return for what they have given us." Robeson County Museum Opens New Exhibit The Robeson County Museum will open its new exhibit, "Leading the Way," on Monday* February 2. T998. This exhibit, a celebration of AfricanAmerican history, focuses on twentieth-century Black attomeysandjudges, with special attention given to those, from Robeson County, "Leading the Way" Was a project completed by the United States History classes of Mrs. Colleen Brown at Lumberton Senior High School. From many sources, including interviews, the students wrote detailed profiles of each attorney and judge. Each of these reports is accom pan ied by a sketch of the subject. These portraits, along with selected excerpts from the biographies, will be on display Groups wishing to visit the exhibit should call in advance to make a reservation: "Admission is free, but donations,arc accepted. Regular museum hours are as follows. Monday and Tuesday from 9 am -1 pm, Thursday and Friday from 1 pm - 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm. This exhibit will be on display dur' ing the months of February and March. For more information call 738-7979. Locklear attends Theological School Mrs. William H. Griffin, (Grace Locklear) recently attended a week of Bible study at Cook College & Theological School inTempe. Arizona. She was requested to attend the Winter Term by her Pastor. Rev. Bill Thompson. Mrs. Griffin was elected an Elder for this year in the All Tribes Community Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two courses of study were: "Faith & Responsibility in the New Testament" m ? ? ? ? Taught by Or. L.yle Vander Broek and "Native American Women & Christian Ministry" taught by Rev. Shirley Montoya. Rev. Montoya was well acquainted with the tribes ofNorth Carolina since she has visited the area many times. She has also preached at the Methodist Church in Prospect. There were 19 different Tribes represented in the workshops. m M m -m Johnson Briti Robeson County District Attorney Lumbee River EMC Sets Dates To Take Application For Energy Assistance "Help A Needy Friend" Program now in its fifth year Red Springs - Electric cooperatives like Lumbee River EMC have always believed in helping their neighbor. An example is the "Help a needy Friend" Program, now in its fifth year of operation. Lumbee River EMC administers, the energy assistance program which is designed to help fellow co-op members meet their energy needs in times of crisis. The program depends upon voluntary funds collected from fellow members who sign up to have either .50 cents or S1.00 added to their monthly electric bill. Lumbee RiverEMC adds to these funds through other fund raising efforts like an annual golf tournament, yard sales, and raffles. The "Help A Needy Friend" Energy Assistance- Program is truly the cooperative spirit at work! Dates have been scheduled to take applications from those co-op members who may need'assistance in paying their electric bill: on February 3 (for those members living in Cumberland County) at the Lake Rim Office, 7582 Raeford Road. Fayetteville, NC; on February 5 (for those members living in Hoke County) at the Lake rim Office. 7582 Raeford Road. Fayetteville, NC; on February 12 (for those members living in Scotland County) at the Laurinburg Office, 205 Fairley Street, Laurinburg, NC; on February 19 (for those members living in Robeson County) at the Red Springs Office, 605 E. Fourth Avenue. Red Sprines. NC. Lumbee Regional Development Association (LRDA), headquarters in Pembroke, will assist in processing and determining eligibility for all applicants based on state guidelines. Members applying for assistance must provide Social Security cards for all family members, proof of January income and receipts of bills, including medication, and the bill must be past due and in the name of the applicant. Members are asked to provide documentation to support the crisis they arc presently facing. Lumbee River EMC is expected to provide S20.000 for those members needing assistance this funding cycle. Applications will be taken at the sites and on the dates listed above between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 7387906. Lumbee River EMC is a member owned, not-for-profit, electric cooperative, overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership, serving approximately 39,000 members in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke and Scotland Counties. Lumbee Homecoming Nominees Sought For Pembrokc-Thc Indian Honor Association of Robeson County, -Inc is seeking nominees to be honored during the July 4 th edition of the Carolina Indian Voice. The categories of nominees are as follows: Retired Educators; Retired Military; Retired Pastors; Lawyers; Doctors of Medicine; and our Elders If you or anyone you know might qualify for one of these categories, w e invite you to call and submit a nomi nation to one of the following persons: Garth Locklear (521-2614). Lcniark Harris (521-0501); Pauline B Locklear (521-4277); Lee A Maynor (521-0174); Rev. WcltonLow rv (521 4354); or Jeannie D. Thompson (521 1114) This is the second annual honoring of our I ndian retirees and professional people Please feel free to help us identify' all those eligible to be honored To Subscribe To The Carolina Indian_Voice Call (910) 521-2826. r ifty-hight Employees Receive Service Awards At SRMC Annual Dinner Forty-four employees and fourteen retirees were honored recently at Southeastern Regional Medical Center's annual service awardsbanquet. SRMC President Luckey Welsh presented service pins and gifts during the afterdinner ceremony held in the medical center's cafeteria. Employees honored on this occasion had given 15 to 3 5 years of service for a grand total of nearly 1, 100 years. Formeremployees who retired in 1997 were also recognized. SRMC employs over 1.600 persons on its main campus and in outlying affiliated agencies. (SRMC department follows each employee's name; employees are residents of Lumbertoh except where noted.) Two employees?Rosa McLean (WoodHaven)and Betty Hall (Health Information Services)-- received pins for 35 years of service. Lois Davis (Surgical Services), Rac Rozicr (Medical Imaging). Louise Meekins (Laundry) of Rowland, and Ronald A lien (Materials Management) of Bladenboro were recognized for 30 years of service. Honored for 25 years of service were: Lillic Colvin (Bowman) of St. Pauls; Susan Nance (f irst East) of Chadbourn; Deborah Sealcy (Outpatient Surgery); and Darlene Shook (Laboratory). fourteen employees were awarded pins for 20 years of service: Christine McCollum (WoodHavcn): Joleve Lewis (Telemetry) of Whitcville; Shirley Melvin (Pediatrics); Virginia Letlnon (Nursery) of Bladenboro; Louise C romartic (Central Service) of Bladenboro; Rhonda Weathers (Medical lmaging)ofChadboum;FloraTodd (Cardiopulmonary Services); Myrtle Oxendine (Life-style Fitness Center); Eugenia Colletti (Food Services) of Red Springs; Jerry Jones (Maintenance) of Pembroke; Beth Anderson (Administration); Marsha Lewis (Pa ticnt Relations) of Rowland; Mary Adams (Medical Support); and Barbara Chavis (Carolina Manor). Twenty employees received 15year pins. They were: Carolyn Brewington (Home Health); Barbara Walters (Woodllaven); Doris Carroll (Fourth West) of Bladcnboro; Linda lvey(Fourth West): Cynthia McArthur (Fourth West) of Rowland; Teresa Ammons (Obstetrics) of Proctorvillc; Bobbielita Grimsley (Southeastern Cancer Center); Christine Hammond (Nursery); Margie Cribb (Fndoscopy); Emi ly Hill (Pre/Post Anesthesia); Barbara Lovejoy (Referral Center) Of f'arkton; Dixie Sullivan (Care Management); Donna Freeman (Medical Imaging); Sharon Monroe (Respiratory Therapy) of l.aurinburg; Faye Herndon (Health Information Services); Carlee Tyler (Landscaping); Deborah Daniels-Simon (Environmental Services); Rose Marie Rogers (Linen); Cathy Boyd (Patients Ac counts) of St. Pauls; and Bcrnice . Shephard (Pa'tient Accounts). Fourteen employees who retired in 1997 received plagues. They were; Anne Culbreth (Patients Relations). 1990-97;Veroah Dukes(Home Health) of Red Springs, 1992-97; Gcraldinc Haggins (Patients Accounts) of Red Springs. 1970-97; Betty Hardin (I lome Health). 1978-97; Donald Hiscott( Administration) of Pinehurst. 1968-97; William Hughes (Environmental Services) of Bladcnboro, 1981-97; Betty feggette (Health Information Services) of Proctorville, 1991-97; Ruth F.. McKinnon (WoodHaven), 1973-97; F.mily McLean-Grogan (Carolina Manor) of Bolivia, 1985-97; Lucille Merritt (Carolina Manor) of Red Springs, 1986-97; Kenneth Vaughn (Medical Imaging) of Fayettcville, 1979-97; Jane Pope (Laboratory) of Cheraw, SC. 1983-97; Frances Scott (Home Health), 1987-97; and Sarah Todd (Gift Shop), 1990-97.