i West
Craven
HIGHLIGrIT
The Beautiful
Neuse Paper
Serving Askin, Bridgeton, Caton, Cove City, Dover, Dudley’s Crossroads, Epworth, Ernul, J't. Barnwell, Jasper, New Bern,
Piney Neck, River Bend, Spring Garden, Trent Woods, Vanceboro. Wilmar.
Volume 6, Number 24
Vanceboro, North Carolina
Thursday, June 17th, 1982
Phone 244-0780
20 Pages
20 Cents
WCHS Sends Off 140
BASE TRIPPER-Alvin Hoell of Old Brick Road
wretches in pain after tripping and doing a complete
flip over first base during a Vanceboro Softball
League Game last week. He is tended to by Coach
Lamur Morris and the 1981 Outstanding Rescue
Squad member of the Year, Ester Gaskins of the
Vanceboro Rescue Squad. As Alvin was being
carried off on a stretcher to Craven County Hospital,
the 1st base Umpire Larry Moser of New Bern
turned to someone and said “That boy’s got torn
ligaments and I guarantee it.” Well Ump—you made
another bad call because the next day Alvin had
nothing worse than a sore knee.
Diplomatic Event
It was a few minutes before sunset and a miid west
wind blew gently as the 1982 Senior Class of West
Craven County walked slowly, two-by-two, from the
high school building, across the green lawn that was
now serving as a parking lot, and into Eagle Stadium
to receive the ultimate goal of grade school education
- the High School Diploma.
A festive crowd of about 2,000 relatives and friends
filled the east side bleachers and spilled over along
the chain-linked fence bordering the sideline.
The dress of the spectators ranged from informal
to gown and tuxedo.
As the seniors sat facing the stage placed mid-field
with their backs to the crowd, they formed a square
sea of navy blue and dangling yellow tassels.
During the awarding of diplomas one could
instantly determine what seniors had stockpiled the
most popularity as the crowd selectively roared
louder for some than others.
The program began and ended on a musical note,
thanks to the West Craven Concert Band and the
West Craven Select Choir.
' After the ceremony in the stadium, the activity
moved to the darkened parking area as instant
cameras and pocket cameras flashed like so many
lightning bugs.
Some emotions ran high as tears of joy were wiped
away or as young cousins or younger brothers and
sisters jumped into the arms of graduating seniors.
Family gatherings at home or unscheduled parties
surely followed after all had left WCHS for the last
time.
Only time will tell how many of the 1982 Senior
Class will find a future in West Craven County and
how many can truly look back on the June 11,1982
ceremony as a commencement exercise.
THE FUTURE IS EVERYTHING-The
immediate question for Dean Taylor of Myrtle Beach
& senior Carol Worley of Dover as they stood on the
steps of WCHS last Friday evening before the 1982
Graduation Ceremony was where to meet
afterwards. The long term question has been
answered - yes - Carol will marry Dean, a draftsman,
next week in Kinston.
6 Commissioner Candidates- What Craven Needs Most
Ed Armstrong - “Study and development of water
and sewer facilities enabling residential and
industrial growth. Above all, there must be recovery
of investment and provision of jobs.”
Ella Bengel - “Increased industrial development is
priority because our residents need more good jobs
created. The migration of young out of Craven
County must be stopped.”
Sidney French - “Utilities are needed outside
incorporated towns and economic situation requires
creating jobs. Young people cannot afford a $3,000
sewage system for their homes or trailers.”
Bill Pappas - “People with lots in the country need
county-wide water. Salt treatment runs $12-14 per
month. Housewives would find work,easier with
clean soft water.”
Dick Hubbard - “Better leadership, honest
leadership, reduce wasteful spending. Spend what
money we have wisely and put it where it would do
the most people the most good.”
Roger Forrest - “Outside industry has a bad opinion
of our leaders and I can show better leadership.
Inaction in past has cost taxpayers money and
services on many issues.”
Question of the Week: How’s the weather been to your crops so far?
I
Laura Kite of Vanceboro
“Been wonderful to my collards and
flowers. All it needs is an occasional
'shower to keep the grbund damp and
things should stay just fine, real fine.’^
Irvin McGee of Vanceboro
“Lack of rain this week gave my
wheat a chance to dry out, kept the
moisture out so we can pick it and
we’re gettin’ ready to plant beans.”
Milton Moore and mare mule Burt
“Been real nice. Gotta fair corn crop,
bean crop, don’t have any tobacco.
Season’s been good. Gonna need rain
when it comes tasslin’ and shootin’.
Roger Forrest of Wilmar
“The weather is about two weeks'
ahead of itself. Tobacco is growin’ real
fast. Have a few spots that yellowed
from standing water but not much.”