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The Hoke County News - Established 1928 The Hoke County Journal - Established 1905
VOLUME LXVI1I NO. 1 RAEFORD, HOKE COUNTY. NORTH CAROLINA SS PER YEAR THURSDAY. MAY 8. 197S
Around
Town
BY SAM C. MORRIS
The picture in the paper last week
that showed work being done to
demolish the old house on N. Main
Street has brought forth a request for
some information. This house at one
time was the Teacherage in Raeford.
School teachers lived in the home and
someone has asked if the house was
always on the lot where it now stands. I
don't know if any teachers are still
around that lived in this house.
The last occupants of the house were
the Hamptons. At one time Herbert
McLean, Jr. lived there when he was in
high school. Before that time it must
have been for teachers. Who was in
charge, I don't know.
If anyone has any information about
this old house let Robert Gatlin.
Bicentennial historian, know. Write him
at Raeford. If you don't feel like taking
time to write, come by the office and 1
will take down the information.
A short note was handed me the first
of the week. It follows:
"To editor and staff of The
News-Journal. Burlington Bowling
League wish to thank you for your
support in publishing our news each
week. Best wishes to you all."
Bowling League Reporter
Blanche Farmer
The State track meet for girls will be
held here Friday, May 9 at Hoke High
School. This will be an opportunity for
local people to see some of the
outstanding high school track stars.
The local team, which last week won
the sectional meet in New Bern, will be
out to win the State event again. Hoke
High hasn't been beaten this year in a
meet and from the scores, haven't been
puriied very hard.
It will also give local people a chance
to see If Kathy McMillan can break the
long jump record.
So plan to attend the track meet at
Hoke High this coming Friday. A large
crowd of local supporters will mean
much to the team and to Coach Billy
Colson.
It looks as if the Hoke High baseball
team will finish first in conference play.
As this is being written the team can get
no worse than a tie for the crown. So
when they go into the playoffs let's
make every effort to get out and give
them the support they need. Coach
Greer has brought the team along at a
record pace and needs a pat on the back
for getting Hoke High back on top in
baseball again. <
Maybe by next year they will be
playing under the lights and will give
more people an opportunity to get out
to the games.
Congratulations to the team and
coach for a fine season.
A picture in this paper a couple of
weeks ago showed Principal J.W.
Turlington putting bricks on a model of
the new Hoke County Library building.
Students were buying the bricks and all
proceeds were to go to the fund.
The building was completely bricked
and extra bricks that were purchased
were laid for a sidewalk.
Turlington said that the project was a
big success raising $239.19. This was
done by second and third grades at
Raeford Elementary School, and they
are to t commended. The grade, taught
by Betty Hunt, was the winner of the
surprise.
'MINUTE MAN WEEK' - Ralph Barnhart, chairman of the board of county
commissioners (left) purchases the first Bicentennial design savings bond from
Freddie Williams, savings bonds county chairman. The sale signaled the start of
'Minute Man Week', May 5-9.
'Minute Man Week' Here
city and county officials jointly
marked the week of May 5-9 as 'Minute
Man Week* in proclamations to
commemorate the American
Bicentennial.
Chairman of the Board of County
Commissioners Ralph Barnhart and
Raeford Mayor John K. McNeill each
purchased the first Bicentennial-Design
Series E Savings Bonds sold here in
special ceremonies following the regular
meeting of the county board of
commissioners Monday.
The Minute Man of Concord has
served as the symbol of savings bonds
since the E bond was first issued on May
1, 1941. The commemorative bonds,
Driver Ed.
Budget Set
The board of education approved the
driver education budget for the coming
fiscal year and rejected the public sale
of the school house at their regular
meeting Monday night.
The driver education program was
allotted $30,715.15, Superintendent G.
Raz Autry reported.
The sale of the school house was
rejected because the bid was too low,
Autry said.
In routine business, the board
approved Elaine McBryde and Betty
Upchurch and elected the women to
teach in the next school term.
Mrs. McBryde, assigned to Upchurch
School, is taking the place of a teacher
on maternity leave, and Mrs. Upchurch,
who is assigned to Scurlock School, is
replacing a teacher on leave.
Phillip Summa was elected as
chemistry and physics teacher for the
1975-76 term.
which will remain on sale through 1976,
recognize both the beginning of the
Revolutionary War and the 34th
anniversary of the bond program.
In their respective proclamations,
each official urged all citizens to
purchase the new bonds during this
special week.
Bloodmobile 'Disappointing'
84 Pints Collected Friday
Friday's visit of the Bloodmobile
yielded far fewer pints than were hoped
for, and blood program chairman Mrs.
Ralph Barnhart termed it
"disappointing."
Eighty-four pints were collected from
noon to 5:30 p.m., at the quarterly
collection drive sponsored by
Knit-Away.
County Red Cross chairman Clyde
Upchurch had been hoping for 120
pints. The last visit of the Bloodmobile
in January brought 153 pints.
Twelve persons had to be rejected as
unsuitable donors. Mrs. Barnhart
reported.
Volunteers who manned the center
set up at the Raeford Methodist Church
were Pauline McFadyen, Marguerite
Thomas, Jane Morgan, Steva Snead,
Lona Graham, Edna McNeill, Frances
Gatlin, Jean Johnson, Jesse Neeley,
Margaret Niven, Peggy McDiarmid,
Linda Williams, Ella Walker and Hallie
Giles.
Five registered nurses handled the
medical duties. Doris Hall and Queen
Harris from McCain Hospital, county
health department nurse Denise Wall,
and Eleanor Harward and Isabel
Maxwell from the county administered
the collections.
C Of C Seeks More Funds
For Fnil Time Manager
A plan to hire a fulltime manager of
the Chamber of Commerce was
presented Monday to the county
commissioners by C of C President Bob
Gentry, who asked for a boost in
county funds for the project.
The commissioners also heard the
results of a survey on the solid waste
containers in the county, approved a
contract, created a new committee and
got an encouraging report that funds
may be forthcoming to hire a recreation
director, a planning director and a
building inspector.
Gentry appeared before the board
with a revised budget and an appeal for
funds to enable the chamber to employ
a fulltime manager who would also
assume planning duties.
Gentry related the chamber expects
to lose Harold Gillis, executive
vice-president who has been employed
as manager, because his position with
the schools has become a fulltime job,
he said.
Gentry appealed to the
commissioners to consider the idea of a
joint manager and planning director and
requested $4,000 to enable the chamber
to establish such a position at an annual
salary of $10,000.
Some discussion was given to the
county's recently approved planning
board, and County Manager T.B. Lester
pointed out funds may be made
available in the near future for a
director.
Gentry concluded by asking the
board to "kick it around" and said it
was his belief the type of caliber of the
person needed for the job will not be
attracted unless it is on a fulltime basis.
Barnhart asked Gentry if the chamber
would accept a professional planner,
perhaps from outside the area, and
Gentry conceded there "might be some
opposition" to someone other than a
local man.
Later, the board took up the subject
of naming members to the county
planning board, but shelved any action
until further study could be made
regarding how the membership should
be chosen.
During discussion, Barnhart suggested
a representative from each of the
county's seven townships be appointed
to the board, and Commissioner Balfour
speculated this method might create
problems with the 'one-man, one-vote'
principle.
T.B. Lester suggested a committee is
needed which could make some
recommendation.
The matter was ordered put in the
agenda for the next regular meeting.
Sanitarian M.R. Mills presented a
report to the commissioners about solid
waste disposal service in the county and
concluded there appeared to be no need
at the present time for an additional
contractor.
Mills submitted price comparisons,
based on cubic yards, between
Sanitation Services Corp. of Lumberton,
and Pick-Up Sanitation Service of
Raeford. Pick-Up Sanitation presently is
servicing the county's 91 containers.
Prices quoted for the Lumberton firm
were higher for every sized container
listed than Pick-Up prices.
Liebers Sanitation Service of
Fayetteville was also listed on Mills'
survey, but no prices were given,
because it was not possible to make a
comparison on the basis of container
sizes from the information received,
Mills said.
Mills told the commissioners he
knows of no calls from anyone
requesting service and it appears the
county's containers are satisfactory.
Mills said there has been some
problems with overflow of containers,
but it is theorized some containers
located near the county line are being
used by residents of neighboring
counties.
Mills stated the issuing of a permit to
another contractor could create
problems, and he suggested the
possibility another service brought in
might use the county landfill, instead of
hauling the trash back to their county.
Clyde Leach, operator of Pick-Up,
addressed the commissioners and agreed
he knew of no requests for service,
other than an inquiry from Knit-Away.
Liebers president and attorney Joe
McLeod and Steve Biggs appeared
before the board to urge the county to
consider Liebers request for a permit,
and McLeod cited his reasons for the
apparent need for another contractor.
Chairman Ralph Barnhart thanked
McLeod for his interest, but stated
"we've just about come to our
decision."
The board approved a contract, after
conferring with county attorney Charles
Hosteller, between the county and the
Hillcrest Fire Department which will
enable the Hillcrest unit to qualify for
approval of a FHA loan.
The contract, described as similar to
one drawn up with the Stonewall Fire
Department, is necessary to satisfy
federal requirements of a writer
assurance that the Department will
continue to operate.
The Hillcrest Department is seeking
approval of a 530,000 loan with the
FHA which will be used to purchase a
new truck. Lester said.
William Niven, civil defense
preparedness coordinator, appeared and
tiro commissioners gave their approval
to tire establishment of a disaster
coordinating committee recommended
by Niven.
The primary function of the
committee is a planning body to study
ways to improve working relationships
with all of tire various emergency
services, the commissioners were told.
Commissioner James A. Hunt was
appointed as the commission's
representative on the board. Other
members are Earl Conoly, rescue squad.
Danny Morrison, ambulance service.
Clyde Upchurch, Red Cross, F.d
McNeill, Fire Association. A member of
the city police force and a
representative of the sheriff's
department will also be named.
Niven also announced tire Hoke
County Citizens Band Radio Club has
donated the use of a CB radio which has
been installed in Nivcn's office. This will
greatly assist the civil defense
coordinator in the event of an
emergency situation, the commissioners
were told.
Mary Nusser, manpower coordinator
for the Lumber River Council of
Governments, presented a report
detailing the region's manpower budget
for adult projects, youth projects, and
public service employment projects for
die coming fiscal year.
Miss Nusser cited the interest shown
in acquiring a recreation director,
planning director, and also a building
inspector and informed the board the
county could qualify for funding for
these three positions at annual salaries
of SI0,000 each.
The board agreed to delay any
decision on taking over the
administration of the youth services
See C OF C, page 15
Gaddy Named Airport Manager
City Manager John Caddy was
directed by the city council to assume
the duties of airport manager and to set
operating policies there.
Joe Rackley, chairman of the airport
committee, discussed the operation at
the airport with councilmen at the
regular council meeting Monday night.
According to Caddy, the council
agreed that it was not feasible at this
time to hire a manager to oversee the
airport, since revenue from the facility
is not sufficient to pay a salary.
Gene Thacker, owner of a sports
parachute school, has recently resigned
as manager, Caddy said.
According to Caddy, Rackley also
recommended that the city acquire
additional land at the airport.
In other business, appointments were
made to the condemnation board of
appeals and a vacancy was filled on the
zoning board of adjustments.
J.W. McPhaul was named chairman of
the board of appeals - the group that
will hear protests from owners of
buildings condemned by the city.
McPhaul will hold a three year term.
Carson Davis, Jr., was named to a
two-year term and Charlie Morrison was
appointed for one year. Alternates are
HJC. Brady and Hestel Garrison.
Tommie Teal was appointed to
replace Hugh Lowe on the zoning board
of adjustments.
An overdue bill for installing curbs
and gutters last fall was presented to the
council by Ron Thompson of Crowell
Construction Company.
Gaddy said that payment on the bill
had been held up by the city for an
investigation by the city engineering
firm, since the amount was some
$24,000 more than the bid. Gaddy said
he had consulted Crowell Company and
had been awaiting the outcome of their
investigation into the overage.
The council agreed to pay $7,299 to
Crowell for extra work not covered in
the bid.
Gaddy said the overrun involves some
2,000 yards of asphalt not included in
the bid which the firm claims was used
here.
A bid for two police cars was
accepted from Raeford Auto Company
for $8,963.80. Gaddy said the autos
meet state specifications and would
have smaller motors this year as an
economy measure.
The council postponed opening bids
for fencing around the city garage, since
only two bids were received. Gaddy said
the contract would have to be
readvertised.
The council also discussed upping the
city's contribution to the Chamber of
Commerce from SI,000 to $3,000.The
chamber is presently considering hiring
a fulltime manager and is seeking
additional funds from the city and
county.
C Of C Maneuvering Tied
To School Board Decision
By Laurie Telfair
After years of operating with a
part-time manager, the directors of the
Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce
are considering a change to a fulltime
manager and planning director
combination.
Both the city and county governing
boards were approached this week with
requests for a budget boost to fund the
expansion.
The county, which has $5,000
tentatively allotted to the chamber in
next year's budget, was asked for a raise
to $8,000 and the city, which usually
Background
contributes $1,000, was asked lor
$3,000 for next year.
The timing of the move corresponds
with a change made April by the county
board of education. The school board
approved a fulltime position for
supervisor of vocational education and
offered the job to Harold Gillis, who has
held the position on a part-time basis
tor several years, while also serving as
part-time manager of the chamber of
commerce. The school salary
recommended in the state public school
fund index salary schedule is SI 5.192
for 12 months.
Gillis has not yet accepted the school
position and said Tuesday that he has
not reached a decision. He said he could
not comment now on his plans.
A tentative budget for the chamber
was presented to die city council and
county commissioners Monday. A
$5,000 increase is sought, with most of
that going for the increased cost of a
manager-director.
The present salary of $6,000 would
be raised to $10,000. under the
proposed budget and other increases in
travel expenses, federal and state taxes
and office costs, would amount to
$1,000.
The total budget would amount to
525,500. up from the 520.500 budgeted
for 1975.
In addition to local tax money, the
chamber receives about 58,000 from
dues and 56,500 from license plate fees.
Bomb Threat
Clears Plant
Employees were cleared from the
Knit-Away plant Sunday after a bomb
threat was received, according to police
reports.
Work was resumed after the building
was searched, Raeford Police Chief
Leonard Wiggins said.
A warning by telephone was received
at about 6:40 p.m. at the plant that a
bomb was set to go off in the inspection
department at 8:30. The employees
searched the building and returned to
work when nothing was found. Wiggins
reported. Police are still investigating.
A ladies purse left on the front seat
of a parked car was reported stolen
Monday. Mrs. Ester Fields told city
police she left the purse in her car
parked on Main Street about 4 p.m.
while ite went into a downtown store.
When she returned, she said, the purse
was gone. Value was placed at 530,
including 525 cash.
'Doesn't Happen Here''
Last Jury Commission Unruffled By Criticism
The chairman of the county's last
jury commission is unruffled over
criticism leveled at the jury selection
process which surfaced in an eastern
county in recent weeks.
"It doesn't happen in this county",
Hinton McPhaul said, referring to a
judicial challenge which contended
minorities are excluded from jury lists
in Beaufort County.
McPhaul has served as chairman of
the three member jury commission for
die past four years. The commission,
which meets every two years, will be
meeting this October.
"We go right by the manual and there
are very specific directions. They're very
picky about taking names off", McPhaul
said.
The chairman explained the
commission is supplied with the tax
listings and voter registration rods and
there is a great deal of work involved
before a final jury list is finished.
The law requires the commissioners
"shall exercise reasonable care to avoid
duplications names", and much time is
spent to satisfy this requirement.
Since persons who have served on
juries in the preceding two years may
not be called again, the commissioners
are furnished with a list of these names
for comparison.
The first decision the commission
must make is to determine the number
of names which will have to be drawn.
The law states at least one and one
quarter as many names as were drawn
for the previous two years, but not less
than 500.
McPhaul explained the calculations
tfiould be made on the high side, as
many names will ultimately have to
come off the list for routine reasons
such as a duplication, a deceased person,
or someone not living within the
county. The tax listings will also
produce a number of business firms
which must be subtracted from the raw
list, he said.
The commissioners must ascertain the
total number of names they are working
with from both lists before ihey can
decide on the "systematic selection
ratio" (taking every second name, for
example), to be used which is the
element of chance considered vital to
the whole process.
"We decide what we're going to take,
and then we have to be consistent
throughout", McPhaul said. The same
ratio is not used for the tax list and the
voters list. It could be every third name
from one and every fourth from the
other,he said.
"A heavier reliance on the tax listings
is advisable", he said, citing guidelines
from the Institute of Government of
UNC.
It is not considered feasible to take
an equal number of names from each
list, as this would produce the greatest
number of duplications and increase the
time required for screening the list, the
guidebook of the Institute says.
The law does require some names be
used from each list.
Once the raw list is compiled, the
commissioners' function is to remove
any names of persons who are
disqualified from jury duty.
The law provides seven grounds for
disqualifications; Non-citizenship;
non-residence in the county; service as a
juror in the preceding two years; under
the age of 18; conviction of a felony,or
See COMMISSION, page 15