Newspapers / The News-Journal (Raeford, N.C.) / Jan. 3, 2018, edition 1 / Page 1
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The ews I ournal Hoke Count3^s newspaper since 1905 No.44Vol.ll2 Raeford & Hoke County n.c. Wednesday, January 3,2018 Rockfish wreck kills man, injures fiiend Highway Patrol seeks information from public as investigation continues A man from Raeford died and another was seriously injured in an ac cident on Pittman Grove Church Road just after midnight last Thursday, authorities reported. Philip Lee, 29, known to many as “Peewee,” was killed in the Decem ber 28 wreck. First responders on the scene of the accident called in a helicopter to transport Lee to a trauma center but he died on the way, accord ing to reports. Larue McBryde, also of Raeford, was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital for treatment. Mc Bryde was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident, which happened around 12:20 a.m., according to North Carolina Highway Patrol 1st Sgt. El lington. Lee was a passenger in the car, Ellington said. The Highway Patrol reported that the wreck is still under investigation and no charges have been filed. There is not much information officials can make public at this time, Ellington said. Anyone with information about the accident should contact the North Carolina Highway Patrol office in Aberdeen at (910) 944-3629. Lee was a mechanic by trade and the owner of PeeWeeBuilt Perfor mance & Auto of Raeford, and known to many in the community for his love (See FATALITY, page 9) Above: Benny Nichols, right, tells stories about Johnson, center, at a dinner in John son’s honor Friday. Left: Sheriff Hubert Peterkin has some fun at his expense. (Ken MacDonald photos) Johnson ends decades on the job in public safety By Catharin Shepard Staff writer Hoke County Sheriff’s Office deputy and former Emergency Management Director Maj. Ereddy Johnson retired last week, ending a 38-year career in law enforcement - but those who know him best say it won’t be long before he finds something else to do. Hard work and dedication to his job were the hallmarks of his career, friends and coworkers said of the re tired officer during a special luncheon in his honor Friday. “I just can’t say enough about how special you have been to this organi zation,” Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin said as he presented Johnson with a letter of appreciation. Johnson, who was born in Germany, served in the United States Army for 23 years. He retired in 1996 from the Special Operations Command as a sergeant major. The former Emergency Management director began his work with volunteer fire service over 40 years ago while he was serving in the army and stationed (See JOHNSON, page 10) Pierce announces bid for relection to State House By Catharin Shepard Staff writer Incumbent State House of Rep resentatives Rep. Garland Pierce, a Democrat from Wagram, an nounced last week that he will run for reelection to an eighth two-year term in office. Pierce represents State House District 48, which previously included parts of Hoke, Scotland, Richmond and Robeson counties. New boundary maps, which are still contested, shrank the district to include only Hoke and Scotland counties. Pierce is currently serving his seventh term in office, and by the end of 2018 will have held the posi tion for 14 years. “I am prepared to continue the same work that I started some 13 years ago,” Pierce said. “I feel like I’ve had a good relationship with the school system, social services, the health department and other agencies. I make myself available. Many people ask the question, are there two Garland Pierces, because it seems as though I’m anywhere there’s an activity that’s going on in the community.” The incumbent said he works hard to make himself available to his constituents. “They can call me on my cell phone, my house phone, my office phone, on any issue that affects (See PIERCE, page 6) Rep. Garland Pierce Follow us on Focebook www.thenews-journal.com www.raefordnj.com By Ken MacDonald Subscriptions just $29 per year inside Hoke County! Freddy Johnson isn’t much for the public eye—not much for attention of any kind, near as I can tell. But when Hurricane Matthew rolled in, as emergency man agement coordinator, he had to suck it up and deal with The Press—^which, in Hoke County, would be me and Catharin. During the storm, I knew I was being a pain in the youknowwhat, but I sort of enjoyed calling him on his cell all hours, and taking his photo while he stood be side some washed-out road to watch him squirm. By the storm’s end, it felt like we were on the same team. Johnson said goodbye Friday, retiring after a law en forcement career that followed one in the military. Of course, I had a very limited view of his work, but (See OTHER STUPE, page 4) Johnson on the job beside the washed-out Johnson Mill Road during Hurricane Matthew.
The News-Journal (Raeford, N.C.)
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Jan. 3, 2018, edition 1
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