Newspapers / The News-Journal (Raeford, N.C.) / Oct. 27, 2021, edition 1 / Page 1
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The ews $1 00 If it happened, its news to us '0 4879 05505 No.35VoI.116 Raeford & Hoke County n.c. ’V(^dnesday, October 27,2021 Peterkin’s death shocks Hoke Beloved sheriff is mourned around the state Peterkin with supporters after winning again in 2018. (File photos) Talking to reporters during a protest downtown in June, 2020. Speaking at the funeral for George Floyd—’’Enough is enough,” he said of law enforcement-related shootings of Black people. By Catharin Shepard Staff writer Hoke County Sher iff Dr. Hubert A. Peter- kin died Friday night, leaving the community where he was born and raised in shock from the longtime leader’s unexpected passing. He ^ ^ , ,, , „ was 59 years old, and During his first bid for sheriff. sheriff for nearly 20 years. Peterkin had cancer and died from complications during surgery, Hoke County Commission Chairman Harry Southerland said he learned. “He had cancer and went in for surgery on Friday. While in surgery they found a blood clot,” the chair man said. Peterkin’s passing was a “rough blow” for the com munity he served for decades. “It was a shock to me. In my opinion Hoke County has been dealt a blow, a rough blow,” Southerland said. The chairman was called into an emergency meet ing just before midnight Friday with high-ranking staff members of the sheriff’s office, who told him of Peterkin’s passing. “We lost a great servant. He was a friend to every body. He was everybody’s sheriff, always the ultimate professional. He took our sheriff’s office to another level, to national accreditation,” Southerland said. “He knew what we need to stay safe in Hoke County. He puts Hoke County first and I really respect that about him.” “We’re going to get through it. We need everybody to pray for Hoke County and pray for the Peterkin fam ily.” Peterkin’s sister. Hazel Peterkin Ware, posted to Facebook, “This is unbelievable. Please keep the Peter kin family in prayer.” A public viewing and walk-through will be held from 10 a.m.-l p.m. Friday, October 29 at Cape Fear Conference B Headquarters, located at 10225 Fay etteville Road. The doors will close at 1 p.m. with a private funeral to follow at 2 p.m., to include family, law enforcement, constituents and others deemed by family. Services are provided by Buie’s Funeral Home in Raeford. (See PETERKIN, page 6) ‘Honored to be sheriff here’ In the park ing lot, before the George Eloyd fu neral in June, 2020, Peterkin talked with the News-Journal about the local re sponse to racial tensions around the country, and how he felt about the community: ‘It’s a beautiful thing here’ ‘ ‘Let me say something about Hoke County. This county is a loving community. We’re very diverse. I’m going to say I’ve never felt racial tensions between police and law enforcement, the citizens here. You know, as an elected official, I will say I’m elected by the people, not one community at all. This community knows how to love people. Having [the George Floyd funeral] here, I’m not concerned one minute about the citizens of Hoke County being disruptive or causing problems. Yesterday was an example of it, when you saw how those young people protested downtown, how peaceful it was... You know. I’ve never been concerned. I’m so happy with this community for how they treat everyone. Now, does it exist? Yes, but it’s on a small scale. It’s everywhere, but Hoke County as a whole? Nah. I’m so proud of this community. And I’m proud to be sheriff here—I’m honored to be sheriff here. It’s a beautiful thing here, and I think a lot of these other communities can take an example from us.” Crumpler assumes duties of sheriff pending interim appointment Grumpier, right, and Newton. By Catharin Shepard Staff writer Hoke County Coroner Frank Crumpler has assumed the duties of Hoke County Sheriff until the county board installs an interim in the wake of Sheriff Hubert Peterkin’s death. The commissioners met in emergency session Monday to dis cuss the situation. Out of respect for Peterkin, the board chose to wait until after his funeral - scheduled for Friday - to appoint an interim sheriff to serve out the rest of his term. “In regards to today, we’re not going to make a decision about the appointment of a sheriff To me, and this whole board agrees, that out of respect for the 19 years of service of Hubert Peterkin - it would be disrespectful to appoint a sheriff until he is laid to rest. So we will not do that,” Commission Chairman Harry Southerland said. The interim sheriff, when one is appointed, will serve through 2022. The office of sheriff will be up for voters to decide next year in a county wide election. Under North Carolina state statute, Crumpler was next in line to assume the responsibilities as sheriff At 87 years old, he is believed to be the longest serv ing elected official still in office. Crumpler has served as county coroner since 1960, and was most recently re-elected in 2018. Crumpler said Monday he wants to do everything he can to make sure Peterkin’s wishes are carried out. “Sheriff Peterkin was a number (See CRUMPLER, page 8) Family, friends, Hoke High students reeling from deaths of two teens Two teenagers were found dead this weekend in a vehicle parked near an elementary school in Hoke County, with family, friends and the school commu nity left to mourn their passing and seek answers. Hoke High School students Britany Carolina Munoz-Ramirez, 17, and Ail- ton Sebastian Tirado-Martinez, 16, died Sunday, the school system confirmed. The youth were both in the 11th grade. “This is a great loss for our entire district family. We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and the HCHS community in their time of need,” Superintendent Dr. Debra Dow- less said. (See TEEN DEATHS, page 4) Hoke High School’s soccer team displays respect. Ailton Britany Enrolling For Next School Year! Bus Service from Raeford (910) 483-3905 Fayetteville Christian School Voted Best Private School 8 Consecutive Years 8i Counting! 1422 Ireland Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28304 • www.fayettevillechristian.conn
The News-Journal (Raeford, N.C.)
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Oct. 27, 2021, edition 1
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