The ews I ournal Hoke County’s newspaper since 1905 No.34Vol.llO Raeford & Hoke County n.c. Wednesday, October 28,2015 Cnimpler gets Long Leaf Pine Order award By Catharin Shepard taking mankind’s first steps was only one thing he could coroner’s unexpired term for Staff writer Grumpier holds plaque, surrounded by son Kemp (left to right), Sheriff Hubert Peterkin, State Rep. Garland Pierce, son Kel and wife Dayne. The year that Hoke County Corner G. Franklin Crumpler was first sworn into office, Dwight Eisen hower was president, Harper Lee’s famous novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” was still at the printer’s, and Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong was nine years away from on the moon. Crumpler is the longest- serving elected official in the United States, and last week at a surprise celebra tion honoring his dedicated service, state and local officials presented him with the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Normally, Crumpler has a lot to say, he said, but there say upon receiving the honor. “Thank you. Thank you so much,” he said to cheers and applause from a crowd gathered at the old Armory to recognize his accomplish ments. Crumpler was appointed coroner for Hoke County in 1960 after the serving coro ner moved out of the county. He served the previous three years and then ran for election to the office. He has won reelection to the position of county coroner more than a dozen times and served a total of 55 years in office, longer than any other official in the country. Crumpler was born in Sampson County to the late Margaret Bradshaw (See CRUMPLER, page 7) r\ Cuteness comes to Costume Contest See Special Section Inside for Winners Clockwise from top leftrAu- brielle Ball,2; Kate Jarzyna, 8 Gloria Hicks, 6; Dixon Wel- born, 9; Anaiyah Wike, 9. This Week Home Food reemerges with farmer’s market flavor Browsing the Files 2 Classifieds 10 Deaths 4 Editorials 3 Sports 5 Look for this symbol to find stores that sell The News-Journal Follow us on Focebook www.thenews-journal.com www.raefordnj.com Local produce, fish, meat draw them in By Catharin Shepard Staff writer It’s been more than a year since Hoke County’s oldest grocery store changed over to a more farmer’s market-style business, and owner David McNeill said the new focus has helped the store keep its returning customers happy while catering to newcomers, too. “I do miss some aspects of it, but I see this as being a positive influence for myself and for the community as well,” he said. The first change most long-time cus tomers noticed was the giant hole in the wall. The owner decided to cut through (See HOME EOOD, page 12) Trick-or-treating begins at dusk By Catharin Shepard Staff writer As the sun goes down Saturday, little ghosts and goblins - and occasional princess, Jedi, or pumpkin - will hit the streets in Hoke County for another year of trick-or-treating. Halloween trick-or-treat times for Raeford and Hoke County are from dusk until 9 p.m. this year, Raeford Police Department Chief F.K. Crumpler announced. (See TRICK-OR-TREAT, page 7) Tuesday is city Election Day Proprietor David McNeill (above) is working to re-invent Home Food.The emphasis is on local produce, fish and meat. By Catharin Shepard Staff writer Raeford residents who are registered to vote will cast ballots next week to decide who will represent them on the city council for the next four years. Election Day for the municipal elec tion is Tuesday, November 3. The polls (See ELECTION, page 6)