Newspapers / The News-Journal (Raeford, N.C.) / Dec. 26, 2018, edition 1 / Page 1
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ews Journal Hoke County’s newspaper since 1905 75^ No. 43 Raeford & Hoke County n.c. Wednesday, December 26,2018 State to close case on chemical leak Property owners in vicinity of old cleaners site would have to add note to deeds By Catharin Shepard Staff writer The old Smitty’s Cleaners site in 2005. (File photo) For more than a decade the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)’s superfund section has been monitoring the former location of Smitty’s Cleaners and now plans to close out the project. Hoke County purchased and owns the former Smitty’s Clean ers lot, located at 214 North Main Street. The old building was torn down about 10 years ago and the empty lot is current ly used as parking for the county courthouse. The current operat ing site of Smitty’s Cleaners is not involved in any way. Once closed, the former site can be used for public build ing construction. Some Raeford residents who live in homes to the east of the site will also have to add a statement to their property deeds stating that state law bans digging any wells on that property. The site was used for dry cleaning operations for over 60 years, according to a state report. While state records show dry cleaning operations first be gan at the site in 1927 when the Raeford Cleaners facility was constructed, a search of News- Journal records showed that it may have been there as early as 1907 under the name (See CLEANERS, page 8) Child fatalities decline More than 500 child abuse cases cited By Catharin Shepard Staff writer The number of children and teens who died in Hoke County went down in 2017, and the overall trend shows fewer deaths for Hoke’s youngest populations over the last several years, according to data from the Department of Social Services. Hoke County DSS child welfare director Erica Sampson, who serves as chairwoman of the child fatalities committee, reported the information missioners last week. Eor the calendar year of 2017, the county had seven deaths among chil dren - down from twice that number just the year before. “Our numbers have gone down in the past two years. Last year it was 14 and before that was 12,” Sampson said. The seven deaths in 2017 included one newborn who died of a health problem, three prematurely born babies who did not survive, one 16-year-old who was killed in a to the Hoke County Board of Com- (See CHILD EATALITIES, page 4) Not too late to get flu shot Health officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are reminding resi dents that the worst months for flu season are just around the corner. So far this year eight people in North Carolina have died from influ enza, including two who have died this month alone, according to the N.C. DHHS. According to historical data of past flu seasons, the number of pa tients reporting influenza symptoms to their doctors tends to spike highest in North Carolina in late December through early March. However, flu season in North Carolina tends to run from October to early May. It’s not too late to get a flu shot in time to ward off the illness accord ing to health officials with DHHS. With months still to go before the end of the season, preventing the flu is still a concern. Symptoms of the flu include a (See FLU SHOTS, page 7) Stay safe, prevent crimes The Hoke County Sheriffs Office and Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Pe- terkin are urging residents to be alert during the holiday season to avoid becoming the victim of theft, fraud or a home break-in. “This time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and the extended store hours. These factors and the usual distraction of shopping, creates a more favorable environ ment for petty thieves and other offenders,” the sheriff’s office said in a press statement. While out shopping after-Christ mas deals - or returning purchased items - it’s better to take someone along for safety. “A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative,” the sheriff’s office said. Tell someone when and where you’re going and what time to expect your return, and if possible, shop (See SAFETY, page 4) A photo by Shelley Wilburn of a January, 2014 snowfall makes a nice seasonal greeting. It’s what a white Christmas in Raeford would look like. Follow us on Focebook Royal Flowers brings touch of class to special events By Catharin Shepard Staff writer Florist Royal at work. Florist Keith Royal has designed flower arrangements on television and in New York City, and now is bring ing his decades of experience to Hoke County with a new business that got its start in his own home. Royal Flowers & Events owners Sean Clark and Keith Royal opened their doors about a month ago, but Royal has been working in the florist business for about 20 years. Royal grew up with a family florist business and has worked in the field ever since. Just this past summer he was one of the designers featured on a “Wedding 911” television show. The idea to launch a brick-and- mortar business came when Royal’s florist business grew too large to work out of his house. “It started in my garage and then slowly crept into my dining room,” Royal said. Royal Flowers & Events is a full- service florist’s shop that can prepare arrangements for just about any occa sion, large or small. “We do it all. We do holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, weddings. We are a one-stop shop basically for a lot of people when they need flowers,” he said. The “events” means they can do a lot more than flower arrangements, too. (See FLORIST, page 7)
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