Newspapers / Harnett County News (Lillington, … / Jan. 4, 1979, edition 1 / Page 1
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News & Advertising Deadline: Monday Noon Harnett County News Published Continuously Since 1919 VOL 62 THU8SDAY, JANUARY 4,1979 TWENTY CENTS Board of Education Tops 1978 News Stories bj LORRAINE MIZE 1978 is oyer. It went but with the tom wrappings and wilted tree, the college bowl games and pro football playoffs, the realized ambitions and unfulfilled dreams. But in hs place comes another year, 1979. A year sure to be as full as the last. Before we close the final chapter for 1978, let’s take one last look at the news stories in Harnett Country that made this such an interesting vear. EDUCATION The news in Harnett County during the first six months of 1978 was dominated by the school board and the two new consolidated high sdiools. Western Harnett High School was dedicated on May 7, with Harnett Central High School’s dedication one week later. Sen. Robert Morgan was the keynote speaker at both ceremonies. The two new schools were ten years in the planning and cost an estimated eigbt'hiillion dollars. Competency tests were ^ven for the first time to all juniors and seniors in Harnett County schools. Reading scores were reported as above average, while scores in mathematics were somewhat below average. For the Western Harnett girls and boys basketball teams, the year was one of triumph. Both teams became District 3-A tournament champions in their first year. ' With the many fine accomplishments enjoyed by the Harnett County Board of Education during the year, there were also several conflicts to be mrt and resolved. A group of concerned parehts confronted the board, after attempting to get help from the superintendent and principal, with cases of abuse and sexual assault on the buses. After sever^ heated meetings between the board andi the parents group, the situation was tentatively resolved by the hiring of eight adult bus drivers. The hearing fOr North Harnett Elementary School principal Tommy Davis, whii^ was brought about by his refusal to resign the position, ended when Davis voluntarily resigned whh compensation of one year’s salary. Daris was asked to resign by the Dunn Advisory School Board who cited personal reasons for the request. Leonard B. Arnold of Erwin was named principal of the school to replace Davis. ELECTIONS 1978 was an exciting election year, with many local races coming down to a run-off, induding the race for sheriff and county commlssiooer. Lewis Rosser became the new sheriff after beating Ralph Barefoot in a close race, while Rudy Collins unseated incumbent commissioner W.J. Cotton, by only a few votes. Cotton had been a member of the commissioners for nearly 15 years. The vacant seat on the Board of Education in District 2 went to Gerald Hayes and in IRstrict 4 to Johnnie Taylor, who defeated incumbent Rebecca Mann. Retiring from the board was Ed Turlington. Geor^ Lee Brown remained the Clerk of Superior Court and Bob Etheridge, making his political x>me back, and Fletcher Harris to the N.C. House of Representatives. State senate seats went to incumbents Bill Chreech, I. Beverly Lake Jr. and Bob Wynne. Congressman Charles Whhley retained his seat as did Senator Jesse Helms, after a controversial race with domorcrat John Ingram. PCB SPILLS The chemical PCB was found dumped along many North Carolina roads and highways in the late summer of 1978. Harnett County roads affected by the spills were N.C. highway 210 near Angler and N.C. highway 27 in Western Harnett. After much deliberation, officials in the N.C. Department of Transportation decided the'only way to rid the state of the chemical spills was to cover them with tar and eventually bury the affected ground somewhere in the state. The dean-up should be complete during 1979. HARNETT COUNTY AIRPORT A grant was approved by the FAA on May 12 in the amount of S25S,600 to begin construction on a site selected for an airport in Harnett County located between Erwin and Buies Creek. An additional grant of $521,800 was awarded Dec. 13 to bring the total to over $800,000. The addhk>nal money will be used to construct runways and tower facilhies. TOWN GROWTH The growth of Lillington was evidenced in 1978 by the annexation of 310 acres southeast of the dty. This annexation alone will bring in an additional $17,000 m tax revenues to Lillington. The Lillington branch of &uthem National Bank moved into a new building during 1978. The new facility has three drive-in aisles, parking space for 40 cars and six teller locations inside. Lillington also acquired its first radio station during 1978, station WLLN AM, 1320 on the radio dial. The 2,500 watt station is located on Prision Camp Road and will tegitt operation sometime after the first of the year. • NEW JUDGES FOR HARNETT Harnett County acquired a new judge during 1978 but lost two faithful members at the same time. Judge Robert B. Morgan Sr. retired after 22 years on the bendi. ' Elton C. Pridgen was named as his replacement for chief district judge of the 11th Judicial District. Assistant District Attorney William A. Christian of Sanford was appointed judge on Sept. 21 in Morgan’s spot. Judge Woodrow Hill’s last day oh the bench was Jan. 1,1979, as he retired after 18 years of service. , . _ MEDICALCENTER A drive was begun in Arpil by approximately 100 citizens of the Boone Trail area of western Harnett County to obtain funds for building a medical center for the area. A grant request was approved Dec. 6 by the Cardinal Health Agency of Lumberton and forwarded to the Rural Health Initiative Program in the amount of $199,950. If approved, remodeling of the Boone Trail teacherage, to be used by the clinic, could be^ sometime daring 1979. DOROTHY DOLLAR C«»n»y lo** one of its msst popular citizens during 1978, despite a valiant fight against cancer. County librarian Dorothy Dollar died June 30, after several months of surgery and chemotherapy in an attempt to alleviate the condition. To show their love and concern for Mrs. Dollar, several citizens of lillington established a fund for the “traveling stcry lady’’ to help combat the rising hospital costs facing the family. When news of Mrs. Dollar’s plight became known through the local media, statewide coverage was given and money started pouring in from all accross the county and state. From pig-plckin’s in her honor to the selling of handcrafted items during the month of May, money for the fund reached $14,200 at the time of her death. Though the loss of Mrs. Dollar greatly saddened the county, it proved the love and kindness in theheart of its people. ERWINMHLS The Erwin Mills division of Burlington Industries ran into some hard times during 1978 when tlie work force had to be cut by 500 employee during May. Otecials said the reduction in force was caused by an overabundance of denim on the market but the shustion was only temporary. Finally, after eight months, rehiring for the plant was started in December. TOBACCO SEASON The 1978 tobacco season was one of tragedy and triumph for the county. Two weeks before the market offidally opened, the oldest warehouse in the county, Lee’s Plantir, burned to the ground. Loss was estimated at one nilllkm dollars. This didn’t deter the Harnett County tobacco fanners, however, from making this the best season in several years. Over $24 million was reaped from this year’s crop, induding 40,000 pounds sold at $1.50 a pound on the fi^ day of trading. Yes, 1978 was an interesting year. Although it was filled with tragedy and conflict, the progressive and determined spirit of the people of the county provided growth and paved the .way for a hopeful new year. Mrs. Drane Suggested For The name of a retired educator and prominent member of the Harnett County Democratic Party has been added to the list of persons interested in suc ceeding the late Wyatt McDonald as a Harnett magistrate. A letter to the editor that appeared in the Dec. 28 issue of thi Harnett County News en dorsed Mrs. Annie Drane, vice prudent of the Harnett County Democratic Women, who re tired recently after 42 years in the educational field. Joseph Bowden of Rt. 3, Lillington, an unsuccessful omdida^e for Gerk of Superior Court earlier this year, said in his letter that although Harnett County has never had a black magistrate before, the majority of people he has talked with “agree that it is past time for the county to have a black magistrate.” Bowden said in his letter that Mrs. Drake is “one applicant who has contributed greatly to the education of young people.. and has also been active' in politics. She would be an asset to our county in this position.” ' Mrs. Drane said last week she “would love h” if the position .were offered to her. She said 'she had applied for a magis trate’s position before one be came open. “I filed my application, and when I was a juror in August, I talked with (Superior Court) Judge (Harry E.) Canaday about my interest in the job,” she to discuss the nwes she is - considering for'the post, she (fid say the appointee would assume McDonald’s fulltime position and would be placed on the same shift, that of nights, holidays and weekends. Among those reportedly interested in the Lillington vacancy are former Harnett Chief Deputy B.E. Sturgill of Lillington and Clyde Patterson of western Harnett. Mrs. Drane said she alo discussed the post recently with Georgia Lee Brown, Gerk of Superior Court. Under the law, the clerk must submft, within 30 days of an opening, three names to the resident Superior Court judge. He can appoint either of the three or he can ask her to submit other names. Eie judge is not bound by the clerk’s recommendations. Although Mrs. Brown declined The office pays a starting salary of $9.-100 for part-time magistrates and goes to $12,000 for those with seven years experience. The pay is based on the length of time served. Harnett is alloted a total of 10 magistrates, eight full-time and two part-time. Judge Canaday announced last week his plans to reappoint each of the present magistrates to another two-year term. When the McDonald vacancy is filled, the county udll have its full quota of magis trates. Area Break-ins Reported to Police REMINISCING — Judge Woodrow Hill and his wife, Ida, (center) share memories with Judge Derb Carter, Judge of the 12th Dis trict in Cumberland County (left) and Jo Lee, Gerk of Courts (right), at Hill's retirement party Friday night at the Acapulco Qub. He steeped down from the bench December 31st after 18 years of service. Many of his friends and colleges were at the party to wish Judge Hill good luck in his retirement and to reminisce about his years on the bencli. ‘Ee may be getting out of the courtroom,” said Mrs. HOI of her husband, liut he will never retire from politicsl” (Daily Record photo by Tim Ledford) ^ ; Rec^t reports from .the blottw ^ of the Lillington Police Depart ment indicate that while traffic inddents were at a minimum during the holiday week, police stayed busy investigating several break-ins. Police wm called to Disco Dizway on N.C. highway 27 early Christmas Eve by the owner, who discovered the door standing ajar when he arrived for work that morning at about 9:15. Investigating patrolman Jeffery Raynor reported that upon entering the building, they ifiscovered that the rear window was broken. Upon investigation, the owner, who was not identified in the report, listed as missing the followiog items and their value: 293 record albums. $418; 101 eight-track tapes, $655; and one AM/FM cassette tapeplayer, $69.95. . that at about 2:40 p.m.-, a J.979 Ford driven , by Janice Leigh Arnold, 26 of Rt. 1, Lillington struck a 1976 Dodge station- wagon .in the passesger side after the driver had swerved to avoid the collision. According to the report, the Arnold vehicle was heading north on Ninth Street when it stopped for the stop sign at the Front Street .intersection. The car proceeded forward into the path of the second vehicle, driven by Charles Fulton Atkins, 29 of 613 Lakeside Drive in Sanford, causing Atkins to swerve. Damages to the Atkins vehicle were estimated at $200, while the Arnold vehicle, owned by Tommy 0. Arnold of Rt. 1, Lillington, sustained about $3,000 damages. New Judge to Take Oath in Lillington Judge Hill Honored With Acapulco Party Dunn attorney K. Edward Greens will take the oath of office as the new Judge of the Uth Judicial District Thursday morning at 11 o’clock in the courthouse at Lfllington. State Appeals Court Judge Gerald Arnold, a resident of Harnett and a close personal friend of Greene, wili admini ster the oath of office to the new jurist. Governor James B. (Jim) Hunt, Jr. named Greene Friday to fill the unexpired term of Judge Woodrow HOI of Dunn, who took an early retirement. Judge Greeno will have to run b the next election. He said today that he certainly plans to be a candidate for the next full term on the board. on official duty. Mr. Greene is leaving his position with the prestigeous law firm of Bryan, Jones, Johnson and Greene in order to accept the position on the bench. EDDIE GREENE The public is invited to the swearing-in ceremonies. Many of Attorney Greene’s friend and relatives are expected. Superior Court Gerk Geor gia Lw Brown and her staff will provide refreshments for those who attend the ceremony in her office downstairs in the court house following the ceremony. The judge’s post pays $32,000 a year, plus travel and any other expenses incurred while JUDGE GERALD ARNOLD More than 150 dignitaries and public officials turned out Friday night to wish Judge Woodrow HQl good luck in his retirement and to reminisce with him about his 18 years on the bench. High praises were heaped on Harnett’s respected jurist whose retirement became effec tive December 81st after almost two decades of service. •fudge HQl began his career as a Judge in Dunn's Recorder's Court in 1960. Eight years later, the 13th District was formed and he became one of only a few North Carolina judges without a law degree. Over the years, HQl earned the reputation of a strict, but fair judge who could be counted on to make a just decision. He was escorted down from the bench last week with much fanfare and a siring of retirement parties and festivi ties. The Acapulco Gub party Friday climaxed the week of tributes to the popular judge. "Everyone has b^n so good to us," said HOI’S wife, Ida. "So much has been done for Woodrow. He’ll never forget his retirement or the people who made it so special.” Harnett (bounty’s clerks of courts and attorneys host^ the big event. Mrs. HQl and Gerk Jo Lee greeted the guests at the door whQe a band played dancing music and snadu and hors’ doeurves were served at decorated tables. Harnett Sheriff Lewis Ros ser, Representative Bob Eth eridge, Dunn Police Chief B.P. jones, and Sanford Gerk of Superior Court WQl Crocker were just a few of the honored guests. Judge Derb Carter of FayctlevQle-Chief Judge of Cumberland’s 12th district, heaped high praises on the party’s guest of honor. "A layman judge has to study very hard and put out a lot more effort because of his lack of training," he said. "Judge HOI has put in that extra effort. I respect him for his high morals, intergrily, and determination." Other praises were sung by Attorney Gerald Kayes who called HQl an "honest judge, one we could always count on to t^ve a fair judgment regardless of public sentiment or his own reputation." A special guest was John Hooten of Kinston, Judge Hill’s nephew. The Hill’s three children. Woody Jr. of Fayette ville, Jonathan of Raleigh, and Mrs. Larry Godwin of Raleigh and their famiOies also attend ed. The party hosts presented Ml with a rod and reel and their best wishes and congratu lations. HQl, 65, said that the rod and reel would get plenty of use because he was going to spend his retirement fishing and working in his garden. Attorney Eddie Greene o! Dunn who was officially appointed Friday by Governor Hunt to fill Hill's unexpired term congratulated the judge at the party and told him how hard it would be to fill his shoes. "The whole thing was such a success," smQed Mrs. Hill. "I can’t think of when we’ve had a better time. My daughter even called the next day to tell lu what a great party it was. The food was delirious - they really prepared a feast. Everything was just right!" WhQe making his rounds Dec. 28, patrolman Raynor dis covered at about 5:50 a.m. that one of the .rear doors at Speedy’s Restaurant on Main Street had been pryed, but not opened, whQe glass had been broken out of another rear door. Raynor reported that after he called owner Neil A. (Speedy) Stewart, a search of the building was conducted. Stewart dis covered that the cash register drawers had been searched, but nothing was reported missing. Raynor reported that whoever entered the building apparently left by unlocking the front door. Patrolroan T.E. Dickerson investigated a break-ln and larceny of a television Dec. 31 at the home of Althea Mooney on Washington Street. Ms. Mooney told Dickerson that she discovered the theft when she returned home at about 2:45 p.m., having been gone since about 5:30 p.m. the previous day. A broken bed room window was the apparent means of entry, Dickerson re ported. The television was described by Ms. Mooney as a 19-inch Sony color with remote control, valued at $699. A lillington woman was charged with a safe movement violation Dec. 28 after the car she was driving struck another vehicle, resulting in over $3,200 damages to both cars. Patrolman Raynor reported Speedy ^s For Sale NeU A. (Speedy) Stewart, owner of Speedy’s Restaurant in lillington for about five years,, will put the business up for sale in a public auction to be conducted there Saturday, Jan. 13at 10a.m. Stewart cited health reasons as the major consideration in his decision to sell the establish ment. He has been hospitalized several times in recent years and is afflicted with arthritis. Stewart said his family and his doctor have urged him to cut ' back in bis work load for some time. In addition to operating the restaurant, he is a sales representative of Sexton Motor Sales Inc. in lillington aud also serves as the town’s mayor pro tem and police commissioner. , The restaurant has been closed for the holidays since the week before Giristmas, but Stewart said it reopened Jan. 2 and wUI remain open until Jan. 12, the day before the sale. "The' people around here have been good to me,” Stewart said, "and I appreciate that, but my (foctor says 1 just about have no choice anymore.” Although Lillington has several ”fast-fuod” businesses and a recently opened barbecue estabt iishment. Speedy’s and Wade’s are the only foil-course rcstr aurants in town.
Harnett County News (Lillington, N.C.)
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Jan. 4, 1979, edition 1
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