PuWislu\! I hursdav in Pembroke. N.v." H S Carolina Indian Voice PiKiODICALS . "Ihiildr.is Communicative Fruis.es In A Tri-Racial Setting" VOLUME 32 NUMBER 17 THURSDAY. APRIL 20.2004 MAY 1 2 2004 ~ ^7 ** ?~? ? 4S& Renae O. Hunt, Clerk of Court, announces bid for election I ? - I Renae O Hunt. Clerk of Superior Court for Robeson Count) announces her bid for election to that position Ms Hunt released the following statement "Today 1 announce my candidacy for the Office of Clerk of Superior Court for Robeson Count). As your Clerk. I have enjoyed the support and confidence you have shown to my staff and me "As a twenty-seven year employee of the Clerk's office. I have had a \ varied, successful and comprehensive career. Much of my past service was under the direction and superv ision of former Clerks Jo Ann Locklear and Dixie 1 Barrington. My formal training and work experience gained over the past two decades makes me highly qualified to continue to serve as your Clerk "I am the daughter of Zcb and Margie Oxendine of Row land I am married to David A Hunt of Fairmont. We are the parents of two children. Tracie L. Hunt and Corey A. Hunt, and the grandparents of Triston A. Hunt David and I live in ..lie Five Forks community near Rowland. "I am a product of the Public Schools of Robeson County, and a graduate of Kings Business College of Charlotte. 1 have continued to broaden my education w hile in the Clerk's Office by completing numerous courses and seminars. "It is my desire to continue to prov ide you. thecitizcns of Robeson County, the outstanding service you now receive from the Clerk of Superior Court and will continue to serve you with the same pride, enthusiasm and dedication as I have in the past". Renac O.Hunt x ~ v,k Kep. Kon button announces for re-election It is with great pleasure that 1 formally announced my intentions to seek re-election to the North Carolina House of Representatives. Presently in my 12th year. I have serv ed since 1993 as the member from the 85th House District until it was re-designated the 47th House District in 2001. My years in the General Assembly have been rewarding and fruitful It has been my honor to serve the people of this district, region and great state as your senior legislator ^?N ^ During my tenure in the House I have held many significant and important positions My seniority enables me to not only chair important committees such a Judiciary and Redisricting, but ensures that 1 am a key player when lcgislaiion policies and procedures arc being formulated My service has allowed me to work closely with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs and other Indian tribes and groups throughout the state addressing Indian needs and issues. Another of my concern has been keeping 1-73/74 construction on tract and getting other highway improvements throughout the district. Some examples are the stop-lights at Deep Branch Road and NC. 710/711; turns lanes at Purnell Swett High School and the improvements at the US 74 and NC 710 intersection Our state and especially our region has lost a significant number of jobs due to plant reductions and closings. This has had a tremendous impact on our economy, but specifically on those directly affected. I don't believe those textile and related jobs will be returning to this area. Tobacco is no longer king in our region. Farming as we know is it undergoing a dramatic change Now we must move forward with alternative better paying jobs That means we must look forward for other opportunities, such as biotechnology We have to use the benefits of our improving public school, our outstanding community colleges ofthe region and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke to enhance employment opportunity. Working with the above three entities, our economic development agencies, county, regional and state officials and the public at large, gives us the opportunity to make changes in our employment environment. Future jobs will be more technical and must be better paying. Alone. I do not have the solution to solving our regional economic problems but I can and w ill continue to work with others towards that end The primary election lias been delayed until July 20. 2004 and 1 solicit your sup;-. irt and vote, both in the July primary and November general elections Again, it is my honor to serve the people of this region and I wish to continue to be your .representative. Billy "Dollar Bill" Oxendine seeks atlarge position on Board of Education Billy "Dollar Bill" Oxen dine Billy "Dollar Bill" Oxcndine nas announced his candidacy for an at-largc scat on the Board of Education for the Public Schools of Robeson County Oxcndine is married to Phyllis L Oxcndine who is employed by the Public Schools as a teacher at Souths],ge/Ashpolc Elementary The candidate is the son of Viola L. Oxcndine and the late Birtir Oxcndine. He Iras been employed by Southeastern Regional Medical Center for the past twenty-three years The Oxcndincs have one daughter. Taylor M Oxcndine. who is a second grade student at Southsidc/Ashpolc Elementary Mr Oxcndine has served as a PTO officer at the same school As one of his reasons for seeking a scat on the Board of Education. Oxcndine said. "For our children'rfTuturc Remember. " he said. "It is your voice and your vote." In making his announcement. Oxcndinc released the following open letter: - . 'Dear Robeson County Friends and Concerned Citizens "In this unusual time of our history where war and terror have taken its toll and our economy is strained to meet both the needs of families and our national budgetary needs, all eyes arc focused on the election of a President to lead us forward "But here in Robeson County we face other critical issues that w ill dramatically shape our future as we look at the condition of our Public County School System and choose the leadership to move it forward "Our children arc our future They deserve to have leaders focused on nothing but seeing tha' our children's opportunity for a quality education is provided Our children arc the work force of our tomorrow. Jhc leadership of our tomorrow, and they deserve our best investment today "Every other Tuesday, with very few exceptions, over the past sev eral years. I. Billy "Dollar Bill" Oxcndinc. have been present at our School Board meetings I have spent a great deal of time listening. thinking, questioning, networking with area leaders to detcrmipc the greatest needs of our school system and to develop ideas for our solutions "There arc many important, obvious issues that must be addressed such as class size. faciliKjiiamtcnancc. teacher shortages. rewarding and retaining ourtinc teaching staff in Robeson County, funding shortages that leav e us with undfcr-supplicd classrooms and more I clearly see the needs I sincerely want to work hard in creating definite solutions1 "Many say our problems aren't being addressed because of a lack of funds While funds arc short, my observations have led inc to a more disturbing conclusio- flic primary ingredient we lack for Robeson County Schools is UNIFIED leadership "Our current leaders join in identifying the problems and arc united in their shared concern over an issue but they then deadlock in a tangle of disagreement over the method to use to solve it! This must stop! "I am writing this letter to invite your support of my candidacy for Robeson County School Board Mcinbcr-At Large My commitment to you is to be an involved, informed member of this School Board who works to unify vision, seek compromise and solution and make a difference for the betterment of our schools and the future of our kids "I am offering myself for this position because I care about our schools and our kids! I know you care too and I hope I can count on your vote. "Committed to Unity for the Children "Billy "Dollar Bill" Oxendine." ^?uhhhhhhhhb Robeson Riders are show making contribution. Delora Locklear/Diabetes Foundation holds fund raising event The Southeastern Regional Agriculture Center Fanners Market hosted a benefit motorcycle run for the Delora Locklear/Diabetes Foundation April 4 Th There were 86 bikes w ith more than 130 riders who raised $ 2.055.00. The money will assist needy people in Robeson County with paying for their diabetes medications Morgan Brittany Hunt "Miss Lumbcc" started the foundation in her late grandmothers name / This has been Morgan's platform during her re: in this year. Fuller's BBQ donated the food for the riders ' Hcalthkeeper/. also performed blood pressure and glucose screenings free during the fund-raiser Denise Andrews, left of the Hcalthkeeper/ performs a blood sugar test on Morgan Morgan would like to thank Fuller 's Natasha Tilson and all the people who donated money & time, to make the event a success. Tribal Council members attend housing summit by Rebekah Revels, Public Relations, l.l.TG The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Office of Native American Programs, along with the Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Hotel sponsored the Eastern/Woodlands Regional Summit that focused on the theme "Expanding Options for Affordable Housing: Local Issues, Local Solutions." The summit proved to an extensive and educational 2 days that focused on several different ideas surrounding housing such as financing and funding, ecoroniic development, legal and ethical questions in housing, and land property management Members of the Lumbcc Tribal Council in attendance were Perlean Revels. David Carter. Rudophus Hunt. Sanford Locklcar. Aggie Dcesc. Larry Townscnd. Jcrl Locklcar. Frances Chavis. Garth Locklcar. and Kenneth Locklcar. Lumbcc Tribal staff in attendance was Marcus Bryant, housing coordinator. Craig McMillian. Housing director, and Pasty Locklcar. housing coordinator During the summit Councilman Towscnd and Councilman Hunt both individually presented on behalf of their respective groups. Their presentations focused on legal ethics, tenant and housing rights, effective policy placement, and educational opportunities for tribal staff and tribal communities Michael Liu. Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Indian Housing was in attendance for the last day of the summit and shared manyviable ideas about the section 184 Loan Guarantee Program, which is a program designed to provide homcowncrship opportunities to Native Americans Mr Liu's presentation provided all tribal entities present needed information about home ownership, refinancing, acquiring property, rcliabilitation. and many other aspects that will affect the 184 Loan Guarantee Program Councilman Carter stated, "the HUD Summit held inTampixFlonda. gave new inspiration to our housing planning. Through the efforts of our council members we will now be able to assist more families receive a home of their own. Our goal is to provide every American Indian family affordable housing. With the assistance of HUD and other lending institutes, we will be able to accomplish this goal If you are Lumbec. within our service area, call our office for more information on housing " Housing services arc available to Lumbcc families in Cumberland. Hoke. Robeson, and Scotland counties Six Nations of Virginia to host Bluegrass Jamboree Members of Six Nations of Virginia arc hosting a special Bluegrass Jamboree. Saturday. June 19.2004. 10:00 a in - 7:00 p in. on the Chickahominv Tribal Grounds in Charles City County The Jamboree will feature a full day of bluegrass music, including the sounds of The Flatland Bluegrass Band. Copper Ridge. Solid Rock. Winds of Grass. Trish Bonwcll with Ramblin Grass. NDN Bluegrass. the Abccl's. the Abccl's Engine 141 and Michelle Rac with Rac of Sunshine. Tickets arc $20 (X) per person in advance, through June 11 and $25 (X) at the gate There is no fee for children age 12 and under Advance ticket purchases may be made at Plan 9 MIJSK in Richmond and in Willamsburg.MECHANICSVIL1.EMUSIC !IR. ADKINS STORE and from tribal members Please bring your l?.wn chairs to enjoy a day of music under the cool trees of the Chickahominv Tribal Grounds Food will be available No pets will be permitted on the grounds Proceeds will support VI TAL, the Virginia Indian Tribal Alliance for Life VITAL is an organization of members of the Chickahominv. Eastern Chickahonuny. Monacan. Nanscinond. Rappahonnock. and Upper Mattaponi Nations, united ins support to obtain federal recognition in 24 Additional information and directions arc available on VI TAL S website at wwxv.vitalva.org or call (804)966-7041