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I XSBSS^ PEMBROKE, NC m a cri-Raciai Betting" ROBESON COUNTi 55
THURSDAY'MARCH t0- A
ROBESON COUNTY SCHOOLS MERGE
The end of a hard-fought battle came Tuesday night when
Robeson County voter* said Yes to the merger of the county's
five school systems. According to the Bill that allowed the
/otera to decide on merger, the consolidation of the five school
systems now becomes the Public Schools of Robeson County.
Unofficial totals say that 11,236 voters voted for and 10,969
votes were cast against. It was a narrow victory vote wise, but
a major victory for the students of Robeson County.
The Bill calling for the referendum also appointed an
interim board. Those members appointed with their terms
expiring June 30, 1990 are: L Gilbert Carroll; Shirley
Locklear; Mary'B. Carroll, McDuffie Cummings; Millard
Singletary; Burlester Campbell; Aiieen Holmes; Raymond
Ammonds. Those appointees whose term will expire June 30,
1992 are: John Baker Angus Thompson; Abner Harrington;
Daiton Brooks; Pete Ivey; David Green; Ray Lowry.
The interim board will become effective April 1, 1988. They
will appoint an interim superintendent David Green will serve
as secretary of the board; John Baker will be chairman; and
Daiton Brooks will serve as vice chairman.
The fifteen member board reflects the racial breakdown of
the students of the Public Schools of Robeson County. There
are approximately one-third Indian students; one-third Blacks;
and one-third whites. The board is comprised of five Indians;
five Blacks; and five whites.
Mew Pembroke Pol ice
Chief Introduced At
Town Council Meeting
i c
uy lJUTII /it;uo
The Pembroke Town Council met in regular session on
March 7, 1988 at 7 p.m. in Council of Chambers with the
introduction of Pembroke's new Chief of Police, Mr. Larry T.
Roberts.
In making the introduction. Town Manager McDuffie
Cummings stated that Mr. Roberts came to the town from 15
years experience with the Pembroke State University Campus
Police, having attained the rank of Lieutenant. He was in
charge of the training program there for new officers and
continuing education and training for regular officers. "Mr.
Roberts holds one of the few advanced Training Certificates in
Robeson County,'-' stated Mr. Cummings.
In response, Chief Roberts said, "I am excited about the
new job and am looking forward to this new challenge."
A number of items of new business were discussed, the first
was the consideration of an Ordinance prohibiting trains from
blocking crossings with the town for more than a specified
period of time. Mr. Cummings stated that he had received a
number of complaints from citizens, as well as from PSU,
about trains blocking the flow of traffic for periods of more
than a half hour at a time.
Hie Town Attorney. Mr. Ronnie Sutton, informed the board
that all seemed to believe that the town already had an
ordinance, but he has not been able to find one.
State General Statutes have been researched and nothing
has been found either granting or prohibiting the town the
power to regulate train traffic. An old law does grant the state
the power to regulate train traffic. The State Utilities
Commission regulates railroads. The town would be in order
to pass an ordinance, but could be challenged. If the town lost
the challenge, then the town would pay the expense of the
challenge. If the town won. then the railroad would pay the
expense.
If the Public Utilities Commission had a public hearing on
the ordinance, the hearing would be held in Pembroke,
according to Sutton.
Councilman Henry Oxendine stated, "I would like to follow
through by asking our attorney to research it further before
passing an ordinance." It was the consensus of the council to
direct the attorney to do the reseach and report at a later date.
The next item of business was an address to the council by
Mr. Henry Smith acting as spokesman for a concerned citizens
group. The group posed seven questions of concern and asked
for a response from the council.
The first item of concern was the traffic problem in town on
the weekends. The mayor, Mr. Milton Hunt, responded by
stating that the problem was one that had been recognized in
Continued on Page 4
Park Helms Says Lottery
Won't Help Schools
by: Barftara Brayboy-bocklear
In a meeting with campaign supporters last Tuesday night.
Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Parks Helms
dismissed a proposal to create a state lottery as a political
"gimmick" that will not produce the financial bonanza
promised supporters.
"The lottery is a gimmick that is not going to solve the
economic problems of this state, and, as a matter of fact, will
distract us from dealing with the real problems facing our
economy," Helms said after meeting with about 30 supporters
at the Holiday Inn in Lumberton.
Helms said the most important issues in his campaign center
around education, the economy and the environment. "It is
imperative that we understand every candidate's perspective
on these issues," the former House member said.
Sen. Harold Hardison, D-Lenior, has made his plan for a
state lottery a major theme of his campaign for lieutenant
governor. Hardison proposes using lottery proceeds for
education. Sen. Tony Rand, D-Cumberiand, also seeking the
Democratic nomination for the post, supports putting the issue
to a statewide vote.
But Helms, who served in the state House for 10 years, said
there is no assurance that a lottery would boost funds for
school needs.
"Studies in other states show that where you have a lottery
going into education that over a period of time the legislature
tends to whithold from the education budget the same amount
that the lottery puts in," said Helms, who is from Charlotte.
"So, in the long run, you're really not doing anything for
education."
According to estimates, a lottery could raise as much as $200
million a year, but Helms said most of the money players
spend on tickets would go to supporting and operating a
lottery and paying winners.
"In order to create $200 million, you're going to take $600
million out of the people's pockets," he said.
Helms said the real solution to the state's financial problems
was a stable, growing economy. He pledged to provide
"innovative and courageous leadership" to ensure that the
prosperity of areas such as the Research Triangle, Charlotte
and Greensboro is spread to other parts of the state.
He called for incentives for major state companies to expand
to economically troubled areas such as Robeson County and
proposed using the state community college system to retain
residents who have lost jobs because of the decline of
traditional industries.
In further commenting on concerns of the economy. Helms
called for continued devotion to bettering the state's roads and
highways, support for the state's traditional industries and
seeking to improve the plight of the family farmer. "We need
to continue research to finding alternative crops for family
fanners," he said. "We also should develop an attitude where
rural and urban areas can work together to help preserve the
family farm."
He said the state must adopt tough regulations concerning
toxic waste disposal, "even if that means developing
regulations that are tougher than federal regulations."
That statement was a pointed reference to the so-called
Hardison Amendments, which prevent the state from
adopting environmental regulations any stricter than those of
the federal government
It was also an opportunity for Helms to contrast himself with
an opponent-Hardison- who has been criticized by pro-en
vironment groups.
"We need to begin dealing with this state's environment by
repealing the Hardison amendment which does make it very
difficult for this state to adopt the kinds of rules and
regulations that are necessary to preserve a safe and secure
environment" Helms said. ?
Helms acknowledged that his polls show that most residents
favor a lottery, and promised, if elected, to ensure a fair
hearing for any lottery bills in the state Senate. Hie lieutenant
governor presides over that body.
"I would use the committee process to educate the public to
all the fiscal irresponsibility of a lottery, and I believe one the
public understood the facts, understood what had happened in
other states, they would change their mind," Helms said.
Helms said his polls also show that he is leading the race, but
he declined to release specific results. He added that the
polls also showed that most voters, "50 to 60 percent," are
still undecided.
Partta Hahau, Democratic KnUntmt govrmtr candidate,
right, talk$ uM iwpporfcn of kit campaign.
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Spring Interdenominationa1
Crusade Planned
by Barbara Brayboy-Locktear
"Rekindling the Fires of Faith" has been selected as the
theme of a county-wide spiritual Interdenominational Crusade
scheduled for spring.
Forty ministers throughout the area met last Monday night
at the Baptist Building in Pembroke to discuss preparatlc
plans for the event which is expected to draw participation
from nearly 100 churches throughout the area.
In earlier meetings seven committees were selected to steer
the ten-night event which is to be held at the Church of God
Campground on U.S. Highway 74.
In explaining the purpose of the Crusade, the Rev. Johnny
Chavis told the group that he had a vision f^r a Crusade that
would touch all of "our" churches for revival.
"The fires of faith are dying in all our lives. We feel the
Crusade will help rekindle the fire of spirit and restore faith in
God to many," said the Rev. Montana Locklear.
The Crusade is open to Interdenominational fellowship, and
plans call for a different guest minister speaker each evening
of worship. Hans also call for a 40 day prayer vigil preceding
the event
A revival of prayer is scheduled for May 21. at Lumberton
High School.
During the two-hour meeting, consensus among the
ministers attending wat that ne church today is getting lazy ir
addressing most social issues .meeting its communities.
m Sa ving the church has lost its power, the group expresss* i
optimism thr the upcoming spiritual crusade would aid i<
recapturing church power within the area.
"We enter this crusade believing there's going to bt
integrity revived in Christ," the Rev. Robert Man gum said
He further stated "The church doesn't have the total answer
to social problems, but a spiritual revival will solve some of
the problems."
One social issue brought before the group by the Revs
Simeon Cummings and James H. Woods was education.
"People need equal education. Education is a right,"
Cummings said as they introduced a Resolution calling on
support for school merger in Robeson County.
Crusade Committeemen and ministers passed the Resolu
tion favoring school merger.
Ministers throughout the area meet to discuss plans for a
Interdenominational spiritual crusade.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO...
ROBERT S LUCY OXENDINE
by: Barbara Brayboy Locklear
Special to THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
Robert and Lucy Oxendine's marriage has lasted longer
than most people expect lo live. And Mrs. Oxendine doesn't
quite remember all the details of her wedding day, but she
remembers the date July 20, 1914.
The twenty-one year old Lumbee Indian had known her
future husband for "some time" before she said "I do" 73
years ago in Hoke County. Mrs. Oxendine, the only surviving
child of the late Sarah and Daniel Tyler grew up in and around
rural Red Springs. Her husband, son of Bethenie and Daniel
Wesley Oxendine grew up in the Union Chapel community.
After marrying, the couple lived a brief time with his parents,
then moved to "The Forks", a community outside Red
Springs.
"The area was so-called because two swamps came together
at a point," Mrs. Oxendine remembers. There they lived for
about six years before moving to the Cherokee Chapel area on
a farm assignment.
With their eight children, in 1938, they settled into their
home, built under the U.S. Government Resettlement Project
in The Evans Crossroad Community. The last of their nine
children was bom after the move. It is there they continue to
live. The couple extended their home and love to three other
children who grew up alongside their own five daughters and
four sons.
The neckwear has become u trademark of .he 96 year-old
Lumbee Indian who wear* one daily.
"Oh yes, I like him in bow lie?. Ttl like him wearing
anything," Mrs. Oxendine shyly admits when tailing ??f her
husband's necktie-wearing.
Mrs. Oxendine is the oldest active member of her senior
citizens club which meets weekly in her community. She
readily admits to a love for travel." Anybody who comes along
and asks 'Do you want to go for a ride'? I say, yes," she
comments. She says all she needs \ipon receiving an invitation
to go shopping or visiting are a few minutes to get ready.
Just three years ago, she accompained a group on a tour of
Canada. And both the Oxendines enjoy a love for camping in
the N.C. mountains and at the coast. "We don't fish at the
beach, but oh yes, we enjoy the sights," she adds.
The Oxendines' secret to dealing with the job of mising 12
children on the family farm and staying married so very long is
simple.
"We drew on a strong religious faith to help us through the
channels of stress," she comments. "I always served the
Lord, and He made a way." She says the couple's secret to
staying together is, "getting along." "He's a man who never
would quarrel."
With a broad smile and a twinkle in his eye, Mr. Oxendine
says, "Yes, I'd many her again if she was young enough."
Drawing on a lifetime of hard work gained from growing up
on farms in Robeson County, the couple worked decades in
toiling the earth in order to support their family.
The Oxendines worked equally as hard in their beloved
Beulah Baptist Church located about a mile from their home.
Mrs. Oxendine's commitment to teaching young children
biblical stories extended into the Sunday School class where
she worked tirelessly with primaries-the "Card Class."
"It was called the Card Clap because we used oversized
pictorial cards to illustrate the stories," Mrs. Oxendine
explains. She later taught adult Sunday School for decades
before retiring from the classroom a few years ago.
Hie 94-yearold great, great grandmother carried her Bible
teachings from church to home where daily readings were held
through throe generations of child-rearing.
Singing is a longtime love of Mrs. Oxendine who sang in her
church choir forcwer forty years. "I took up singing as a child.
We use to gather hack home and sing gospel songs for hours," -
she says. Years back when she was entrusted with caring for
grandchildren, a singing session took place daily at
Grandma's house. Requests still come from her church
members to sing solos during 9unday worship services. In i
soprano voiqe, she obliges the church congregation.
Nine decades have done little to slow the Oxendines. Mr.
Oxendine idles his time away doing yard work. A recent
sun-filled day caught him in his backyard raking pine shew
around giant-sized whits pine trees he set out yean ago, while
a half dosen guineas sang from a pen behind an old
sa^Va house. The Oxendines makq H pretty dear, the fowls
are kept far their singing and noh for consumption.
"1 like the outdoors and stay outside on pretty days when I
tsei Hks It" Sr. Oxendine grins whfle sporting a red bowtte.