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RAEFORD & HOKE COUNTY N.C.

Glitz and glamour at JALARC unveiling

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

No. 6 Vol. 118

Tentative grand opening date for swimming pool set for May 1 “Thank you, all of you. You know, this guy looks like me,” Leach joked. “This is my twin from the cut.” Less dramatic was the presentation of a toy car, a prank gift to Leach from county staff. “You keep saying a car,” County Manager Letitia Edens said, handing it over, “So we decided to get you a car.” The county commissioners gathered Friday night with over 300 invited guests to unveil not only the new bust of Leach, but also the James A. Leach Aquatics and Recreation Center where it will be installed. Officials have taken to calling the new center JALARC, pronounced “jay-lark,” for short.

Leach thanked his fellow commissioners and all those who helped the evening come together. “I don’t think that I deserve it, but you did it, and I say thank you for that,” he said. The weekend also featured an open house Saturday, open to all members of the public to come in and tour the facility. Some membership options were available for sign-ups, though others aren’t ready yet because the system isn’t fully up and running, officials said. First, the county board and guests celebrated in style with a red carpet walk into the building, selfie station for photos and a catered dinner with (See POOL PARTY, page 6)

The property is zoned Residential-8 or R-8, which typically allows for lots of a minimum 8,000 square feet. However, the developer made use of the county subdivision ordinance’s high-density option, allowing the subdivision to have lots up to 15 percent smaller than the minimum under R-8. The highdensity option is only permitted

within the urban service area where county water and sewer service are available. The lots for Tranquil Meadows would be at minimum 6,800 square feet in size, with mandatory setbacks of 20 feet in the front, 20 feet in the rear and five feet on each side, County Planner Jeff Dockery said. Commissioner Tony Hunt point-

ed out that the board recently tabled a proposal to add a different zoning option, Residential-6 or R-6, to the county ordinance. The R-6 zoning would allow for lots of a minimum 6,000 square feet, with spacing five feet on each side to the property line. “This actually, by using the highdensity portion in the ordinance, is (See SUBDIVISION, page 3)

approved a resolution for the wave two settlement funds as part of the consent agenda. The county hasn’t yet earmarked the funds for any specific program. “We kind of held off on our (requests for qualifications) RFQs for the board. You guys will be the committee to decide how that money is spent for our first wave of money,” Edens said during the

manager’s report. Commissioner Harry Southerland and Chairman Allen Thomas asked the board clerk to put the matter on the next meeting agenda. “We want to bring that up on the next meeting and go ahead and vote on it,” Southerland said. The county first approved becoming part of the settlement in 2021. The settlement was originally

projected to bring in about $2.1 million over an eight-year period. The board chose to join other counties in participating in the settlement agreement, which is set to pay out about $850 million to North Carolina in total.

BY CATHARIN SHEPARD Editor

A shrouded object sat just below the stage set up in the gymnasium at the James A. Leach Aquatic and Recreation Center, waiting for the big moment. When Commission Vice Chairman James Leach and Jamal Shahbain and Steve Phillips of J&K General Contractors were ready, the drape came off to reveal a bust of Leach gifted by the companies that built the facility. “It’s going to sit out in the lobby of “You know, this guy looks like me” the aquatic center,” Phillips said as Commissioner James Leach met his double Friday night during an the crowd applauded. “Congratulainvite-only unveiling at the new Parks and Recreation center named in tions, James.” his honor. (Catharin Shepard photo)

Board approves 218-lot, high-density subdivision

& Associates, R.L.S., P.A. includes 218 lots on a 63.94-acre parcel of land on an unaddressed property The Hoke County Board of Com- on Townsend Road in Hoke County. missioners Monday unanimously The subdivision will be called approved a preliminary plat request Tranquil Meadows, according to for a high-density subdivision on documents, and will be located in Townsend Road. the urban service area of the county The preliminary plat approval that requires developers to hook on request submitted by Larry King to county water and sewer services. BY CATHARIN SHEPARD Editor

Parking committee meeting set for Monday BY CATHARIN SHEPARD Editor

Downtown business owners and others potentially impacted by the pending construction of the new Hoke County Courthouse will come together Monday, April 10 to discuss ways to reduce traffic and parking snarls. Hoke County and the city of Raeford, along with other stakeholders will gather at 5 p.m. Monday at the Pratt Building on Main Street to form a committee to look at what’s to come. The county is moving forward with plans to build a new multistory courthouse along with a new county administration building. (See PARKING, page 4)

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County to get next wave of opioid settlement funds BY CATHARIN SHEPARD Editor

Hoke County has received the first wave of opioid settlement funds and this week officials signed off to receive the second wave of money, which is in the works. County Manager Letitia Edens Monday night brought the matter to commissioners’ attention. The board

DSS staff to get respite care pay tal Health. Commissioner Harry Editor Southerland is chairman of that board, he said during the meeting. Hoke County Department of SoDSS Director Terry Stanton cial Services staff have been working explained the situation, saying that nights and weekends to supervise the department has been trying to a number of children temporarily find home placements for several living at the DSS office, and will children with behavior issues. receive respite care pay for the extra “I come to you tonight to let you round-the-clock effort. in on some information that’s going The Hoke County Board of Com- on with DSS and ask for some help missioners at the regular Monday in what we’re facing,” Stanton said. night meeting approved a plan to “For the last month, we have had provide the DSS staff with respite kids who are in DSS custody, have care pay for the services. burned all their bridges and have no The money could be reimbursed placements. They have been turned through funds from Sandhills Men(See RESPITE, page 4) BY CATHARIN SHEPARD

Other business In other business, commissioners (See OPIOID FUNDS, page 3)

Hoke County Legends

Attorney, Veteran and writer Arthur D. Gore BY CATHARIN SHEPARD Editor

Arthur Derwood Gore Sr. was a prominent attorney, judge, public servant and well-known writer of Hoke County, whose words captured the attention of people in Raeford and far beyond. A World War I veteran, Gore became a charter member of American Legion Post 20. He was often a contributing writer (See LEGEND, page 2)

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Arthur D. Gore

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THE NEWS-JOURNAL

Raeford, N.C.

April 5, 2023

on the job every day. The Raeford gardens will be open to visitors April 16th and 17th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mrs. J.C. Thomas, local chairman, announces the following: The first garden to be visited will be that of Mrs. H.A. Cameron, where guests will register and refreshments will be served in the outdoor living room.

65 Years Ago April 10, 1958 Tammy Hendrix (shown here with her steer Billy) has learned the importance of stepping carefully around the hooves of a 600 pounds-plus steer to avoid mashed toes.Tammy will show Billy in the 1976 Market Stock Show and Sale in Fayetteville on April 14. (From April 1976)

82 Years Ago April 10, 1941

“A” project of the Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation, long a beautiful hope and a fanciful dream to hundreds of people living on farms of Robeson, Hoke, Scotland and Cumberland counties, is a gleaming reality to some 120 families. At 2:29 Saturday afternoon the switch at the main substation at Red Springs was thrown and the powerful energy drawn from generating stations of the Carolina Power and Light Company moved a long, silent step nearer to ten times that many rural customers. Twenty-one miles of primary lines were “hotted” Saturday, and to date 64 miles have been energized, according to D.J. Dalton, project superintendent. Other units will be given service this week and still others will be added as fast as wiring requirements are reached. Memorial services at historic Longstreet Presbyterian church, which preceded the military review of the forces of Fort Bragg, attracted the principal interest of the annual Army Day celebration held at Fort Bragg Monday. Commanding officers of the fort,

former members of the church, enlisted men and spectators filled the old church building in honor of soldiers of the North and the South who died during the battle near the church in 1865. Honorable J. Melville Broughton, governor of North Carolina, has notified County Superintendent Kenneth A. MacDonald of his acceptance of the invitation to deliver the commencement address to the graduating class of Hoke County High School. Mr. MacDonald states that the school authorities are elated over securing the Governor to speak on this occasion. The graduating exercises, when some fifty seniors will be presented diplomas, will be held on the evening of May 13th. Colonel Simpson, of Fort Bragg, head of the Quartermaster Corps, which supervised construction work for the United States Army at the fort, made an interesting speech before the Kiwanis club Thursday about the mammoth construction job that is now nearing completing. The Colonel told the club that as high as 35,000 men had been on the pay roll at one time, and that for months 29,000 men had been

The Hoke County board of commissioners received the budget estimate for the year beginning July 1 from County Accountant J.W. McPhaul at their regular monthly meeting Monday. The estimate, exclusive of schools, is for a total budget of $180,420 as compared with $178,110 in this year’s budget and calls for a tax rate of 95 cents per $100 valuation as compared with a rate this year of 90 cents. The tax rate is based on a total county valuation of $22,800,000 as compared to a valuation for this year of $23,350,000. The loss in valuation was caused by the transfer of Little River Township to Moore County on January 1. Chamber of Commerce directors at their regular monthly meeting Tuesday decided to sponsor a reading improvement program at the McLauchlin School in Raeford during the next school year, and set Monday, May 19 as the date for the annual dinner meeting of the entire membership of the Chamber. The reading plan, as worked out by Principal J.W. Turlington and teachers at the McLauchlin Elementary School, is similar in many aspects to the famous “Joplin Plan,” originated in Joplin, Missouri and used with great success in several midwestern states in recent years.

schools. The board of education requested and received the approval Monday of the county commissioners to call an election on the same date of the Democratic Primary which will put before the people the issuance of bonds amounting to $920,000. The proposed expansion to Hoke schools will include a new high school and a new Negro elementary school located just outside Raeford and Rockfish Road. Improvements will be made to several existing schools in the county. Both the Hoke Indian School and he Upchurch High School will have extensive improvements made. The bulk of the money, $484,000, would be used for the construction of a new high school located on twenty acres in southwest Raeford The property is between Harris Avenue and Bethel Road. Dr. David Whitehead, optometrist, has opened an office on West Elwood in the old Page Trust Building. He formerly practiced in Fayetteville with his brother, Dr. William B. Whitehead. One of five brothers all of whom as optometrists, Dr. Whitehead is a native of Kansas City, Missouri. “I was drunk, I didn’t know what I was doing” a suspect told the court as he pled guilty to assault with a deadly weapon in Recorder’s Court. The plaintiff was his wife, who maintained that her husband had assaulted her with a knife, cutting her on the back and shoulders. He was sent to the roads for six months.

47 Years Ago April 8, 1976

Hoke voters will decide May 31 if $920,000 will be spend for the construction of new schools and improvements to existing

Hoke County is set to receive $460,000 in discretionary community development funds for three projects to serve low-income persons after a preliminary application approved by federal officials last week. The funds, awarded under the Community Development Act through the Department of Housing and

News and Observer and the Charlotte Observer earned him credit for his way with words – whether humorous or serious in nature. In one letter from May 1920, he eloquently delved into the topic of the League of Nations Treaty. “What shall America do, wash her hands of the sordid world’s misfortunes and calamities, or roll up her sleeves, turn under her collar and to go join in the fight for restoration and relief, just as she sent her sons to do?” Gore wrote. In a column that hit close to home, in May 1922 he wrote of a boll weevil infestation threatening the livelihoods of farmers. “This is no fanciful play of words, this boll weevil story. It is a strange something which seems to have been predestined by the great Creator of all things; like an unheralded army in the darkness, by stealth and softness of approach, this pest has mocked the skill and science of man and driven the hand of agriculture to learn another art,” he wrote. Even nearing the end of his life, Gore continued sharing his writing with others. A letter from March 1958, written during a hospital stay, showed his sense of humor. “At last either hit the ceiling or bottom in this important matter of living and turning around and looking back over my shoulder in a sort of scared and shuddery way.

I’ve been living on vari-colored little berries labeled and stamped out in various shapes and sizes and very soon I’m either going to turn in the keys or into some sort of rare bird, part of the time not particularly caring which,” he wrote. “One gear-shift my medico has planned is for my wife to be chauffer, which as you can well imagine, is a darksome adventure for me. It is sort of like being ordered to choose which way one must commit his last rites and ritual!” “Put out the word, therefore, that if I’m fit to let loose, I might come home riding on an Easter bunny next thing folks hear.” Gore married three times, surviving his first wife Katherine McQueen and his second wife Annie Black McFadyen; and then marrying his third wife, Annie Virginia Horner. The Gore family welcomed children Arthur D. Gore Jr., Hal Gore, Elizabeth Tingle, Gwendolyn Shaw, Fannette Ollendorff and Anne Hostetler, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gore died September 17, 1958 at the age of 72, after a stay at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville due to a heart ailment. He was buried in Raeford Cemetery. His headstone displays a quote of his own: “Death is life’s eternity.” “Essays on the coming of Spring or Fall, on religion, love

Urban Development (HUD), are expected to be released after the final application detailing the three target areas is submitted. Three city residents were dead following an early morning collision with a tractor trailer last Friday at a Prospect St. intersection. A 43-year-old man and a 28-yearold man were killed instantly, and a 31-year-old man died after being taken to Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville. The driver of the truck, a man from West End, was not injured. The city council, with councilman Benny McLeod absent,

founders of the Crimestoppers program there, told 30 people who gathered to organize the crime prevention and solving program here, “Crimestoppers is one of the most important organizations I have ever been associated with.” The Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce called the meeting at the public library last week and invited representatives from Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crimestoppers to speak with them. Creating a Crimestoppers program here was the idea of Fire Marshal Terry Tapp, Raeford Public Works Director Bobby Strother and Carolina Power &

Carson Davis, representative of Woodmen of the World, presented to TexElastic Corporation a flag in a ceremony Tuesday, March 30. Accepting the flag is Horace Stogner, plant manager. (From April 1976) split 2-2 on a vote to approve a 50 cent per month Cablevision rate increase Monday night with Mayor John K. McNeill Jr. breaking the tie and voting in favor of the increase. The action came after spectators at the public hearing required to be held before any rate increases voiced opposition, with councilmen Sam C. Morris and David Lovette, who cast the “no” votes, agreeing. Robert Banks Lewis, retired banker who was a leader in about every facet of this community’s life since he came here in 1919, died in Moore Memorial Hospital Saturday following a heart attack suffered on March 25. He was 82 years of age. Kathy McMillan posted wins in the 100 yard dash, the 220, and the long jump Wednesday to lead the Hoke High girls track team to victory over Sanford Central and Scotland County at Scotland County. Final tally was the Bucks’ 80 points, with Sanford’s 46 and a half, and Scotland’s 18 and a half.

Light Company’s Pat Kelly. The Hoke County Health Center, formally known as the Hoke County Health Department, now provides primary care for Medicaid recipients. The Health Center became an authorized primary care provider for Carolina ACCESS on April 1. At their regularly scheduled meeting Monday night, City Council members considered two important areas of growth in the City – industrial and residential. Raeford residents can expect to see both types of growth in the near future, but the real issues include how to manage the inevitable development of the City.

Clyde Sessions, a St. Pauls businessman who is one of the

After listening to five people speak at a public hearing on when Hoke County Board meetings should be held, commissioners voted 3-2 to meet at night only. For years, the board meetings have been held the first Monday at 7:30 p.m. and the third Monday at 9 a.m. The morning meetings were held to accommodate those people who work different shifts. The majority of business was conducted at the night meetings, when most people are able to attend.

or politics, the flutter of a bird’s wing or the twinkle in a youngster’s eye – all these will be missed by many residents of North and South Carolina who have read with interest the contributions of Arthur D. Gore to the columns of the News and Observer and the Charlotte Observer during the past half century,” an editorial in the News-Journal said at the time of Gore’s passing. “Mr. Gore saw things through his own eyes, and often showed us much that was fine in the commonplace, everyday things. He was a master of the English language with great capacity for beautiful and descriptive expression. Through his writings and his living shone his love of life and people, and his accurate discernment of the little things that make both attractive. Mr. Gore loved his community and its people, and through his illness he fought as hard as he could to get back to it. Failing, as we all eventually will, he took

some of it with him. A big link with the younger days of this community is gone.” In May 1961 the Gore family presented the county with a portrait of Gore, painted by artist T.C. Pridgen of Troy, to display in the Hoke County Courthouse at the request of the Hoke bar association. During a ceremony, his son-in-law Charles Hostetler described Gore as a “peacemaker in his profession.” Even many years after Gore’s passing, family and friends would sometimes discover another of Gore’s writings and send it in to the News-Journal. Editor Sam C. Morris wrote of one such document discovered in 1989, “As all of Mr. Gore’s letters, it is a masterpiece.” Gore’s son and namesake, Arthur D. Gore Jr., went on to become a widely-acclaimed writer, artist and photographer. See next week’s News-Journal for more about him.

25 Years Ago April 8, 1998

Legend (Continued from page 1) to newspapers of the day with his letters, columns and poetry, and drew acclaim for his talent. More than 60 years after his passing, his writing and his efforts to serve the citizens of Raeford remain a testament to his life. Gore was born July 7, 1886 in Columbus County, to parents William Cromwell Gore and Dorcas Gore. He attended Wake Forest University – known at the time as Wake Forest College – where he was Senior Class poet and graduated cum laude. “Few can equal him at work and make as little racket,” a quote from his senior annual said, according to a biography. He went on to study law at Columbia University in New York before returning to North Carolina. Gore came to Raeford around 1915, just a few years after Hoke became a county. He set up a law practice downtown and shared his first office with Dr. R.B. Wilkins, according to newspaper archives. During World War I, Gore went into the United States Army and served overseas. After the war he returned to Hoke County, where he once again took up his profession as an attorney. An advertisement from 1918 proclaimed that Raeford citizens could find Gore working as a lawyer in the Pratt Building on Main Street. He later moved his

office to the second floor of the Bank of Raeford building, where it remained for decades. Gore served as dean of the Hoke County bar association, a position he held for over 20 years. He was elected judge of the recorder’s court. Gore also served as both county and city attorney. “He served the county as the counselor who ‘charged the least and listened the longest,’ to clients who lined up outside his office to hear the soft-voiced lawyer,” his daughter Anne Hostetler wrote of her father in a 1976 biography. Gore was also an early member of Raeford Savings and Loan. Beginning in the 1920s, he served as the secretary and attorney for the association. Besides his professional work, Gore was active in public service. He served as Chairman of the Hoke County Board of Elections, and was town clerk of Raeford under Mayor G.B. Rowland. Gore additionally served as the city of Raeford’s treasurer. Active with his fellow veterans, Gore was one of the charter members of American Legion Post 20. His name was among those signed to the documents for Post 20, which was chartered September 17, 1919, according to archives. Gore was a prolific and proclaimed writer in his day. His columns published in the Raleigh

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Alphonse Mawabi

Alphonse Mawabi Alphonse Mawabi, formerly of Elizabeth, New Jersey, died March 28, 2023 at the age of 89. He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on

January 15, 1934 to the late Albert Malonga and Marie Diakala. His hobbies included bowling, political and world events, and traveling when possible. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Esther Mawabi. He is survived by his children, Eric, and Albertine Mawabi; grandchildren, Juvenal, Erica, Kadi, Lianna, Lisette, and Cecilio; nephew, Robert Lumbi; niece, Aline Lumbi; great nieces and nephews, Yemimah Ndoyi, John Levi Ndoyi, and Eunice Ndoyi. A visitation was held at 1:15

Obituaries

p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Crumpler Funeral Home. A service was held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial followed in the Raeford Cemetery.

William Price III William Harry Price III died quietly in his home March 28, 2023 at the age of 69. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia on September 28, 1953 to the late William H. Price II and Dot Price. He loved Duke basketball and animals. When he was younger,

THE NEWS-JOURNAL

Raeford, N.C

3

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sarah P. Heath. He is survived by his niece, Dorothy Schultz (Joseph); and nephew William Christopher Heath (Yvette); several great nieces and nephews, and his cousins.

William Price III he managed Triple R Ranch. He also worked with AAA and eventually started his own company, B&D Locksmithing which was named after his parents. He loved his family.

Emma Watts Emma Watts died March 27, 2023 at the age of 95. She was born February 15, 1928. She is survived by her Niece, Deborah Coley; nephews: Steven Wallace, Mack Wallace Jr., Archie

Emma Watts Wallace, James E. Johnson, Ricky Carter, Eric Carter along with a host of other family and friends. A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 31 at East Lawn cemetery.

Adult Easter egg hunt underway The Downtown Raeford Business Association (DRBA) is helping adults get into the fun of Easter egg hunting with a little fun for the grown-ups this Easter. Eggs filled with raffle tickets

have been hidden downtown throughout the week. People who find an egg can turn it in at the local downtown business listed on the ticket to redeem the prize. The hunt started Tuesday,

April 4 and ends Saturday, April 8. The egg hunt is for people ages 18 and up only, with one entry per person. For more information on DRBA, visit the website at https:// www.downtownraeford.com.

EHMS exhibit will showcase young artists April 19 Joyce Bullard and Paula Oldham joined Rick Sandy of the Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce and John Jordan of the Raeford City Council to cut the ribbon at Oopsie Daisy florist on Harris Avenue.

Oopsie Daisy Florist celebrates grand opening By Catharin Shepard Editor

Joyce Bullard and Paula Oldham stood outside their new shop Saturday and carefully snipped the red ribbon, their smiles echoed by applause from supporters who gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Oopsie Daisy Florist. The florists at Oopsie Daisy have years of experience of working in flower shops, and the time was right to open their own. “We decided to go out on our own and try it ourselves, so we just got started,” Oldham said. Her daughter and Bullard have a combined 20-plus years of experience in making silk and floral arrangements. Oopsie Daisy can accommodate just about any kind of customers’ floral needs. “We do funeral work, we can do casket sprays, standing sprays, we do birthdays, we do anniversaries. Anything that goes into the floral gift side,” Oldham said. “We do custom

pieces. If you have something you want, if you have a picture, we can usually duplicate it. We do a lot of custom work.” The shop offers both live and silk arrangements, and has potted plants for sale. They’ll be getting more potted plants in for Mother’s Day gifts as the holiday approaches. The business can also provide wedding arrangements and just about any other type of floral arrangement, Bullard said. “We hope to stay in the community a really long time…any way we can serve and take care of people,” she said. Rick Sandy offered words of welcome to the new business during the grand opening. “On behalf of the Chamber I want to welcome this business. I hate to admit it but part of them I’ve known since they were babies,” he said. “I love doing business with people I know, and thank goodness there’s

still some of that around in a town I love – Raeford. We still have some of that.” “We wish you wealth and prosperity and good friendship,” Sandy said. Raeford City Councilman John also greeted the new business owners on the special occasion. “On behalf of the City Council I want to welcome you all. I’ve known Joyce and Paula forever. I appreciate that friendship and relationship and I know you’re going to do great,” he said. “If there’s ever anything we can do from the city’s standpoint, just let us know.” Several members of the RaefordHoke Chamber of Commerce attended the opening to support the new business. Oopsie Daisy Florist is located at 788 Harris Avenue. Right now the business is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (910) 248-6017.

The East Hoke Middle School Arts Department, Media Center and various community members will celebrate the talent of students in grades six through eight for the upcoming Student Art Exhibition, set for later this month. The art exhibition at East Hoke Middle will take place Wednesday, April 19 from 5-6 p.m. in the Media Center at the school, located at 4702 Fayetteville Road. “We invite our family, friends, school and community to join us for a casual reception (refreshments/lobby) after sign in and entering the gallery (in the Media Center),” an announcement said. The school kicked off the first year Advanced Art program and the students are excited to display their works of art for the community, family and friends, Daryl L. Evans of EHMS Visual Arts said.

The organizers wished congratulations to all the students whose art will be featured in the show for a job well done. This year’s focus is placed on emphasis, an announcement about the exhibition said. “In art class through differentiation, project-based learning and teamwork the students are provided many ways to stimulate their creativity, express ideas and emotions within the visual language of the arts. Throughout the semester students are introduced to a wide variety of media and advanced techniques in drawing, pastels and mixed media. They are given instructions and demonstrations on the use of these materials and encouraged to explore a variety of media in the making of their compositions,” an exhibit description said. “Students

Squier takes stage in Steel Magnolias

Beck Squier of Hoke County recently appeared on stage for the first time as the understudy of Annelle in the Fayetteville Technical Community College Fine Arts production of Steel Magnolias. They are currently enrolled in the culinary program at FTCC and hope to run their own café/library one day.(Contributed photo)

Subdivision (Continued from page 1) close to being an R-6 subdivision, as it is to be an R-8, right?” he asked. It has those parameters, Dockery confirmed. Hunt explained his thoughts: that the county already effectively has a method in place for developers to get close to the size of an R-6 lot within the urban service area, even though there isn’t an R-6 zoning on the county’s books. “Basically, we could almost say we already have R-6 in our ordinance, right, close to it? Would you say that?” Hunt asked Dockery. It is close to it, but the R-6 isn’t officially part of the ordinance,

Dockery said in response. “When we go to look to start changing our ordinance and changing R-8 to allow R-6, if we already have something in our ordinance that will accommodate developers to be able to do that, then I don’t foresee the reason of trying to get into redoing for the R-6. But I guess that’s a battle for later on,” Hunt said. If the county were to add R-6 to the ordinance, with the combination of both R-6 and the high-density option, lots could go down to 5,100 square feet as a minimum size, Dockery said. Commissioners could consider the R-6 zoning option again at a

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later date. A representative or the developer said the Tranquil Meadows subdivision has been in the works for over a year. All of the lots in the subdivision will meet the minimum size as specified under the zoning ordinance, “at that or over” the representative said. The development will have curb and gutter and sidewalks. The commissioners unanimously approved the request. The Planning Board recommended approval 4-0, during a meeting with two members absent and one member no longer serving on the board. In another planning matter, the board unanimously approved a general zoning request submitted by Felix Moore to rezone a 1.16acre parcel of land on the corner of Dunrobin Drive from Residential Manufactured Homes (RMH) to Neighborhood Business (NB). The applicant plans to build a church on the property to serve the Hoke County members of a church with its headquarters in Harnett County, representatives said. The church will also offer daycare services to support its members.

become aquatinted with a wide range of art theory, art forms and styles. Viewing examples of art created by emerging artists, established masters and having theory-based discussions with scaffolded assignments nurture their growth.” “This year EHMS students are having an opportunity to present their hard work in a professionally simulated setting in the schools’ Media Center with an extra special opportunity for our newly implemented Advanced Arts program to present their works of art, showcasing their development, growth and commitment to excellence in art.” The Advanced Visual Arts motto is “Quality over Quantity.” For more information about the exhibition, contact Daryl Evans at (910) 875-5048.

Opioids (Continued from page 1) took the following action: •Approved a seven-item consent agenda, including renewal of mutual aid fire protection with Fort Bragg’s fire and emergency services; reappointment of Chairman Allen Thomas and Commissioner Tony Hunt to the Southeastern Economic Development Board; and appointment of Commissioner Bobby Wright to the Health Board

and Fire Commission •Heard a presentation about the North Carolina Department of Transportation Grant County Share, which was tabled for future discussion •Approved FTA certifications and assurances for fiscal year 2024 applicants for HATS •Appointed Economic Developer Will Wright, Planner Jeff Dockery and Utilities Director

James McQueen to the Lumber River RPO Transportation Coordinating Committee •Approved changing the county tax office online payment system to Autoagent iPayments •Appointed Ricky Locklear to serve on the Hoke County Planning Board •Appointed Doug Baker to serve on the Hoke County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

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THE 4 NEWS-JOURNAL THE NEWS-JOURNAL

Raeford, N.C. N.C.

April 5, 2023

Adoptable Pets of the week

These three cuties are border collie, labrador retriever mix puppies born on Christmas 2022. They get along with other dogs, cats, children and large farm animals. They are currently being fostered by are available for adoption from the Hoke County Animal Shelter. Adoption hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm on a first come first serve basis. Adoption fees are $100 cash only and covers rabies vaccination, microchip and spay/neuter. A $25 payment made by card is also required and covers the vet deposit. If you have any questions about these puppies or would like to set up a meet and greet, please call the shelter at 910-875-4827. The Hoke County Animal Shelter is located at 353 CC, Steele Rd, Raeford, NC 28376.

Parking (Continued from page 1) The two buildings are set to go up on the empty lot next to the existing, historic Hoke County Courthouse. Currently the lot is used for courthouse parking, and without it, the county will have to find other parking solutions. East ElwoodAvenue at the construction site could also experience impacts during construction. Representatives from businesses are invited to come to the meeting to talk about the upcoming construction and discuss possible impacts. Commissioners have been looking into parking options, though nothing official has been announced yet. The county could break ground on the new courthouse and administration building as soon as this summer, as local leaders look toward what will be the county’s next big construction project. “The courthouse and administration building is a $40 million impact

to the downtown Raeford area, but before we get to the good of being built, there will be some growing pains,” Commission Chairman Allen Thomas said. “We’re going to work together and hear from all the business owners. We won’t be making any decisions in committee, but we’ll be listening and hearing from all affected parties to make sure we have no blind spots, to make sure we’re aware what your needs are.” Hoke County Commissioner Harry Southerland, who has been working with stakeholders on the project since 2019, said last month the county hopes to break ground on the new courthouse as soon as June or July this year. The commissioners recently held a meeting to discuss the project with Silling Architects, which is progressing with designs for the facility. Commissioners plan to build the courthouse using just over $30

million in grant funding from the state, provided specifically for the purpose, along with a few million extra provided from local funds. The historic Hoke County Courthouse on Main Street, which is over 100 years old, likely won’t be used for court proceedings anymore but the county could use it for other purposes, officials have discussed. There are no plans to tear down the old courthouse. District Attorney Michael Hardin’s offices won’t be moving into the new courthouse. Hardin raised concerns about a lack of sufficient space in the new courthouse, based on plans presented for the design. Instead, the DA’s office will remain in the Hoke County courthouse annex across the street and expand into the space there, once other offices housed in the annex move into the new courthouse.

the children. “Myself and my staff have had to work shifts after hours from 5 o’clock p.m. to 8 a.m. the next morning, and also weekends 24/7, so my staff and I have had to work our normal eight hours, go home and some of us come back, and also on the weekends,” Stanton said. Sandhills Mental Health has been assisting in trying to find placements for the children, and have largely been unsuccessful, the director said. They are still working on finding placements. The funds for the respite care pay at a rate of $25 an hour will come from the existing budget, through

lapse salary money. Stanton said he checked with surrounding counties on their policies. “This is not just a Hoke County issue. It’s in every county you call and check on,” Stanton said. The North Carolina Department of Social Services just recently sent out a message trying to get providers to step up for the children, he added. Commissioners unanimously approved the pay request. “They are really going beyond when they have to stay and give up their weekends and their time with their families, that is really asking a lot,” Commissioner Tony Hunt said.

Respite (Continued from page 1) away from everywhere we put in applications to try and get them placed, because of their behavior.” The situation started with one child and grew to include five children with nowhere else to go, Stanton said. The children in question are considered a danger to themselves and require constant supervision, officials discussed. Several of the children have been living at the DSS office 24/7 because they were not in school, Stanton said. Staff could not leave them alone, and so have been working during the day and then taking turns staying overnight and on weekends with

Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice. Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you and your family.

Baptist Pittman Grove Baptist Church 4921 Pittman Grove Church Rd. 875-5045

ChuRCh seRviCes

sunday school 9:45 a.m. sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. sunday Night Worship 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Meal & Bible study 6:30 p.m. Pastor Ken Williams

apostolic holy tabernacle of jesus christ 166 S. Vass Rd. • Raeford, NC

Pastor Venita Brannigan Sundy School - 9:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 11 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study & Prayer - 7 p.m. “A House of Praise Where all are Welcome”

Barber cuts sharp with old-fashioned service Twenty-five years ago, I was building commercial buildings in Fayetteville. The structure and exterior of the buildings were often built not knowing what businesses would occupy them. When a business decided to lease, we would design the interior space to their specifications. This is how I first met HB, a Vietnamese immigrant who is a cosmetologist. I built out a fancy spa for her and became a customer. I could call her most any time and run in for a haircut on short notice. This system worked well until I recently retired, making haircuts in Fayetteville inconvenient. I had been needing a haircut for a few weeks and was trimming my hair myself until I started looking as scruffy as our puppy Dahling. It was time for a change though I was reluctant. I had a dental appointment at 8 a.m. one morning and decided to ride through Aberdeen afterward and see if I could walk in to a barber shop without an appointment. I had seen a shop there for several years, although it often looked unoccupied. The barber pole was spinning though the shop looked dark. The sign said walkins were welcome, so I pulled on the door and it opened. Stirring around inside was a single barber who welcomed me in. The shop is very nice with antique floors, a nice sitting area, a coffee bar and a barber chair positioned like a throne behind open French doors. I was directed to the throne and took a seat. Having cut my hair for 25 years, HB could perform her magic in five minutes. Time was always tight as she squeezed me between customers. I got used to the quick cut and run, which always seemed rushed, but fit my schedule. The results were good and consistent and inexpensive. Now I sat on a throne with the full attention of a barber who was in no rush and who was cutting my unruly, and very thin, hair for the first time. He went gingerly on the attack, carefully nipping at the ends making a swishing sound

Frog Holler Philosopher Ron Huff with each pass of the scissors. As he was meticulously working around my head, he engaged me in conversation, which is pretty easy, but he was careful with his words and topics, not knowing anything about me except that I am much, and I mean much, older than him. Barbers are part therapist and must be conversationalists to keep their customers interested. He fit the bill although the therapy will have to wait for future visits. The shop is within a few feet of the barber shop that my Grandaddy Sinclair would often take me to when I was a young kid. He would pick me and brother Ralph up, often visit the original Burney Hardware on South Street for something or other and take us by to let Mr. Harrington cut our hair. I can see his face with his slightly oiled hair, glasses and the short, white barber coat that he wore. He was a very nice man and always remembered my name. I asked Cody, the new barber, if he knew the history of the old, long-gone shop. He replied that another customer had mentioned it and had remembered Mr. Harrington. These are the things that make small town life fun. Ten minutes had passed and Cody was not nearly finished. We checked the mirror and decided that I needed a little more off the top, so he kept clipping. It now appeared that this was a leisurely cut, meant to be an event as well as a necessity. I was thrilled when he reached for the shaving soap and razor to clean up my neck and edges. I had not had this done for years and the pleasure of the razor is unforgettable. It was probably Mitchell Sports at his shop in Raeford who first gave me this treatment. After the straight razor, which was very delicately wielded, Cody

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finished up with a brush and that was that. I had not asked about the price. It was more than I have been paying, but the experience was worth it. When he gave me his card, I realized that he is from the Boahn family of Hoke County who are in the concrete business. “This is definitely lighter work than pouring concrete!” I quipped. He heartily agreed. I expect I will be back in the future. More later.

Legal

CREDITORS’ NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN KEVIN HELLINGER 2023 E 000095 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against John Kevin Hellinger, deceased, are hereby notified to exhibit them to Emma Aycoth as Administratrix of the Estate of the decedent at P.O. Box 126 Raeford, NC 28376, on or before the 5th day of July 2023, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Administratrix. This the Fifth of April, 2023. Emma Aycoth, Administratrix Of the Estate of John Kevin Hellinger. Willcox, McFadyen, Fields & Sutherland, PLLC Attorneys at Law P.O. Box 126 Raeford, North Carolina 28376 6-9C NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF HOKE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO.: 23 CVD 175 COUNTY OF HOKE, a political subdivision of the State of North Carolina, Plaintiff, v. FLORA BULLOCK; STEVE ARMSTRONG; ROBERT V. ARMSTRONG; WILLIAM OTIS ARMSTRONG; ROBERTA A. MCNEILL; ALL HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF ALBERT ARMSTRONG a/k/a JAMES ALBERT ARMSTRONG including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of ALBERT ARMSTRONG a/k/a JAMES ALBERT ARMSTRONG; ALL HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF DAN ARMSTRONG a/k/a DANIEL ARMSTRONG SR. including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of DAN ARMSTRONG a/k/a DANIEL ARMSTRONG SR.; ALL HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF LEWISARMSTRONG including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of LEWISARMSTRONG;ALL HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF DONNIE ARMSTRONG including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of DONNIE ARMSTRONG; Defendants; FLORA BULLOCK; STEVEARMSTRONG; ROBERT V. ARMSTRONG; WILLIAM OTIS ARMSTRONG; ROBERTA A. MCNEILL; ALL HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF ALBERT ARMSTRONG a/k/a JAMES ALBERT ARMSTRONG including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of ALBERT ARMSTRONG a/k/a JAMES ALBERT ARMSTRONG; ALL HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF DAN ARMSTRONG a/k/a DANIEL ARMSTRONG SR. including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of DAN ARMSTRONG a/k/a DANIEL ARMSTRONG SR.; ALL HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF LEWIS ARMSTRONG including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of LEWIS ARMSTRONG; ALL HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF DONNIE ARMSTRONG including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of DONNIE ARMSTRONG; Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: foreclosure sale to satisfy unpaid property taxes on your interest in the property described in Book 290 Page 126, Hoke County North Carolina, which is more completely described in the complaint. All that certain tract or parcel of land situated in Hoke County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: PIN: 58486-00-01-115 Property Location: Elk Drive, Raeford, NC Plaintiff seeks to extinguish any and all claim that you may have in the property. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than May 8th, 2023 and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 21st day of March, 2023. RUDOLPH K. SMITH RKS Law Attorney for Plaintiff Post Office Box 2095, Fayetteville, NC 28302 (910) 486-3230 Publication Dates: 3/29/2023; 4/5/2023; 4/12/2023 5-7C

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April 5, 2023

April 5, 2023

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View legals online at www.thenews-journal.com

CREDITOR’S NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Before The Clerk COUNTY OF HOKE IN THE MATTER OF Raymond Troy Westfall, Jr. 22 E 323 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Raymond Troy Westfall, Jr., deceased, are hereby notified to exhibit them to Patricia Ann Knight, Administratrix, of the estate of the decedent at 7861 Turnpike Rd., Raeford, NC 28376, on or before the 17th day of June, 2023, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above named Administratrix. This the 15th day of March, 2023. Patricia Ann Knight, Administratrix Of the estate of Raymond Troy Westfall, Jr. 7861 Turnpike Road Raeford, NC 28376 3-6P CREDITOR’S NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Before The Clerk COUNTY OF HOKE IN THE MATTER OF BILLIE COOK 22 E 253 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Billie Cook, deceased, are hereby notified to exhibit them to Lisa Cook, Administratrix, of the estate of the decedent at 4827 Canyon Crst Cir., Apt. 5E, Fayetteville, NC 28314, on or before the 7th day of July, 2023, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above named Administratrix. This the 5th day of April, 2023. Lisa Cook, Administratrix For the estate of Billie Cook 4827 Canyon Crst Cir. Apt. 5E Fayetteville, NC 28314 6-9P CREDITOR’S NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Before The Clerk COUNTY OF HOKE IN THE MATTER OF Ben Wall, Jr. 21 E 28 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Ben Wall, Jr., deceased, are hereby notified to exhibit them to Sequana Harrington, Co-Administratrix, of the estate of the decedent at 802 Edinbourgh Rd., Red Springs, NC 28377 and Terrell Wall, Co-Administrator at 802 Edinbourgh Rd., Red Springs, NC 28377, on or before the 7th day of July, 2023, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above named Co-Administrators. This the 5th day of April, 2023. Sequana Harrington, Co-Administratrix For the estate of Ben Wall, Jr. 802 Edinbourgh Rd. Red Springs, NC 28377 And Terrell Wall, Co-Administrator 802 Edinbourgh Rd. Red Springs, NC 28377 6-9P LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING HOKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to G.S. 153A-323, that the following Public Hearings will be held before the Hoke County Planning Board on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 7:00 pm, in the Pratt Building located at 227 North Main Street, Raeford, NC, for the purpose of hearing the following: Application for General Use Rezoning RZ-23-3 submitted by Sidney L. Palen and John O. Hill III to rezone the 93.6 acres of the unaddressed parcel located on Philippi Church Road also known as Hoke County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 494740001068. The property is currently zoned Residential Agricultural-20 (RA-20) and the applicant request to rezone the property to Residential-8 (R-8). Application for General Use Rezoning RZ-23-4 submitted by Jacob Joby to rezone the 2.99 acres of the addressed parcel located at 1970 Wayside Road also known as Hoke County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 494670401032. The property is currently zoned Residential Agricultural-20 (RA-20) and the applicant request to rezone the property to Neighborhood Business (NB). All interested citizens are invited to attend this hearing and be heard. Changes may be made in the advertised proposal, which reflect information presented at the hearing. The above listed items may be viewed in the Planning & Zoning Department, 423 E. Central Avenue, Raeford, NC. Jeffery M. Dockery, Planning Director 5-6C

LEGAL DEADLINE: FRIDAY pRIoR to pubLIcAtIoN DAtE E-mail legals to: [email protected]

CREDITOR’S NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Before The Clerk COUNTY OF HOKE Bob Knight 23 E 76 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Bob Knight, deceased, are hereby notified to exhibit them to Katrina Bratcher, Administratrix, of the estate of the decedent at 106 Alexander Lane, Spring Lake, NC 28390, on or before the 17th day of June, 2023, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above named Administratrix. This the 15th day of March, 2023. Katrina Bratcher, Administratrix For the estate of Bob Knight 106 Alexander Lane Spring Lake, NC 28390 3-6P NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF HOKE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO.: 23 CVD 174 COUNTY OF HOKE, a political subdivision of the State of North Carolina, Plaintiff, v.ALL HEIRSAND ASSIGNS OF DAN ARMSTRONG, including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of DAN ARMSTRONG; Defendants; ALL HEIRS AND ASSIGNS OF DAN ARMSTRONG, including all unknown heirs, devisees, legatees, creditors, debtors, and all those claiming by and through the Estate of DAN ARMSTRONG; Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: foreclosure sale to satisfy unpaid property taxes on your interest in the property described in Book 171 Page 160, Hoke County North Carolina, which is more completely described in the complaint. All that certain tract or parcel of land situated in Hoke County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: PIN: 58486-00-01-056 Property Location: RD 1233, Raeford, NC Plaintiff seeks to extinguish any and all claim that you may have in the property. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than May 8th, 2023 and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 21st day of March, 2023. RUDOLPH K. SMITH RKS Law Attorney for Plaintiff Post Office Box 2095, Fayetteville, NC 28302 (910) 486-3230 Publication Dates: 3/29/2023; 4/5/2023; 4/12/2023 5-7C NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, HOKE COUNTY 23 SP 3 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kevin Mitchell and Cynthia M. Mitchell, in the original amount of $340,760.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Certainty Home Loans, LLC, dated July 30, 2019 and recorded on July 30, 2019 in Book 1273, Page 296, Hoke County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Hoke County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Hoke County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on April 18, 2023, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: BEING all of Lot Number 22 in a subdivision known as BRENTHAVEN, SECTION ONE, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Cabinet 3, Slide 3-83, Page 3, Hoke County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 183 Sedona Court, Raeford, NC 28376. Tax ID: 494560301339 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five

Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are Kevin Mitchell and Cynthia M. Mitchell. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee John P. Fetner, Bar #41811 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) [email protected] 6-7C NOTICE OF SALE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION HOKE COUNTY 23sp1 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BETHINA LILLY AND CHARLES JONES LILLY DATED NOVEMBER 30, 2004 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 646 AT PAGE 542 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED APRIL 25, 2022 IN BOOK 1438, PAGE 132 IN THE HOKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Hoke County courthouse at 10:00AM on April 12, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Hoke County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Bethina Lilly and Charles Jones Lilly, dated November 30, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $98,719.00, and recorded in Book 646 at Page 542 of the Hoke County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 186 Richie Ln, Aberdeen, NC 28315 Tax Parcel ID: 584770001222 Present Record Owners: Bethina Lilly and Charles Lilly The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the

Public Notice

the Hoke county Department of Social Services is accepting bids for the 2023-2024 chore level 1 contract. Any Home Health agency interested in bidding for this contract should submit a bid that details the hourly rate they will charge to provide this service along with a copy of their license. This information should be submitted to the attention of Nazel Spears, Jr., Adult Services SW or Ms. Tammy Chaney, Adult Services Social Work Supervisor at 314 S. Magnolia Street Raeford, NC 28376 or via mail at Post Office Box 340 Raeford, NC 28376. Bids must be submitted by Monday, April 4, 2023 for consideration. Please do not submit multiple bids. If you have questions regarding this process, please call Mr. Spears at 878-1963 or Ms. Chaney at 878-1935.

Register of Deeds, is/are Bethina Lilly and Charles Lilly. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is March 23, 2023. Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Morgan R. Lewis, NCSB# 57732 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax www.LOGS.com 11-022808 5-6C NOTICE OF SALE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION HOKE COUNTY 22sp204 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DALE WINFORD JONES AND CONNIE HENDERSON JONES DATED OCTOBER 31, 2003 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 586 AT PAGE 70 IN THE HOKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Hoke County courthouse at 10:00AM on April 12, 2023, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Hoke County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Dale Winford Jones and Connie Henderson Jones, dated October 31, 2003 to secure the original principal amount of $39,499.22, and recorded in Book 586 at Page 70 of the Hoke County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 4991 St Pauls Rd, Raeford, NC 28376 Tax Parcel ID: 794530001072 Present Record Owners: Dale Winford Jones and Connie Henderson Jones The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Dale

Winford Jones and Connie Henderson Jones. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. S P E C I A L N OT I C E F O R LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is March 23, 2023. Jason K. Purser, NCSB# 28031 Morgan R. Lewis, NCSB# 57732 Attorney for LLG Trustee, LLC, Substitute Trustee LOGS Legal Group LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 | (704) 333-8156 Fax www.LOGS.com 22-114835 5-6C NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF HOKE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 22 SP 171 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST from Todd W Rutkowski to Shapiro & Kreisman, Trustee, dated August 22, 2003, recorded in Book 00573, Page 0071, Hoke County Registry Pursuant to an order entered January 26, 2023, in the Superior Court for Hoke County, and the power of sale contained in the captioned Deed of Trust (the “Deed of Trust”), the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at auction (the “Sale”), to the highest bidder for cash, APRIL 6, 2023, AT 12:00 P.M. HOKE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 304 N MAIN STREET, RAEFORD, NORTH CAROLINA 28376 the real estate and the improvements thereon secured by the Deed of Trust, less and except any of such property released from the lien of the Deed of Trust prior to the date of said sale, lying and being in Hoke County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows (the “Property”): BEGINNING at an old iron pipe

in the southern right-of-way margin of State Road #1425 which has a rightof-way of 60 feet, said iron pipe being located North 77 degrees 00 minutes East 510 feet from the intersection of the southern margin of State Road #1425 with the eastern margin of State Road #1406 which also has a right-of-way of 60 feet; thence for a first call With the southern margin of State Road #1425 North 77 degrees 00 minutes East 296.19 feet to an existing concrete monument; thence South 19 degrees 02 minutes West 240.85 feet to a set iron pipe; thence South 75 degrees 26 minutes West 153.66 feet to an old iron pipe; thence North 17 degrees 02 minutes West 208.95 feet to the place and point of beginning, containing 1.06 acres as per plat of Jimmy Bunce, Registered Surveyor dated October, 1978. And being the same land described in a Deed dated May 14, 1974 to James R. Bundy and wife, Patricia A. Bundy duly recorded in Book 179, Page 247, Hoke County Registry and by Deed dated January 26, 1978 from Patricia G. Bundy to James R. Bundy duly recorded in Book 200, Page 836, Hoke County Registry and by Deed from Bud Weston Stephens and Mary Magdalene Stephens to James R. Bunds dated October 27, 1978 and recorded simultaneously with this instrument. The record owner(s) of the Property not more than ten (10) days prior to the date hereof is Todd W. Rutkowski. Parcel ID: 494840101092. In the Trustee’s sole discretion, the sale may be delayed for up to one (1) hour as provided in Section 4521.23 of the North Carolina General Statutes. A five percent cash deposit, or a cash deposit of $750.00, whichever is greater, will be required of the last and highest bidder. The balance of the bid purchase price shall be due in full in cash or certified funds at a closing to take place within thirty (30) days of the date of sale. The undersigned Substitute Trustee shall convey title to the property by nonwarranty deed. This sale will be made subject to all prior liens of record, if any, and to all unpaid (ad valorem) taxes and special assessments, if any, which became a lien subsequent to the recordation of the Deed of Trust. This sale will be further subject to the right, if any, of the United States of America to redeem the above-described property for a period of 120 days following the date when the final upset bid period has run. The purchaser of the property described above shall pay the Clerk’s Commissions in the amount of $.45 per $100.00 of the purchase price (up to a maximum amount of $500.00), required by Section 7A-308(a)(1) of the North Carolina General Statutes. If the purchaser of the above described property is someone other than the Beneficiary under the Deed of Trust, the purchaser shall also pay, to the extent applicable, the land transfer tax in the amount of one percent (1%) of the purchase price. To the extent this sale involves residential property with less than fifteen (15) rental units, you are hereby notified of the following: (a) An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to Section 45-21.29 of the North Carolina General Statutes in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold; and (b) Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. This the 26th day of January 2023. John W. Fletcher III, Substitute Trustee North Carolina State Bar No.: 15503 Fletcher, Tydings, Williams-Tracy & Gott, PLLC 831 East Morehead Street, Suite 255 Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 Telephone: (704) 334-3400 [email protected] 5-6C

ce i t o N c i l b u P The Hoke County Board of Hoke County Board of Health Meeting April 10, 6:30 p.m.

Health will meet on Monday, April 10, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Hoke County Health Department conference room. This meeting is open to the public.

InvItatIon ATTENTION HOKE COUNTY NON-PROFIT PRIVATE SCHOOLS PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with federal non-regulatory guidance on services to non-public schools, Hoke County Schools extends an invitation to a meeting for Hoke County non-profit private schools. This notice is to inform registered Private Schools that the Hoke County School System is planning to submit an application for the following federally funded programs: Title I Part A - Improving Academic Achievement of Disadvantaged Students, Basic Programs, Title II Part A - Professional Development for Teachers, Principals and others, Title III - Language Acquisition for English Learners, Title VI Part A - Student Support and Academic Enrichment, Title VI Part B - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act for the 2023-2024 school year. These Federal programs make provisions for the participation of children who live in the Hoke County attendance area but are currently enrolled in nonprofit private schools. In accordance with federal non-regulatory guidance guidelines on services to non-public schools, Hoke County Schools extends an invitation to a meeting on Friday, April 21st at 1:00 PM. During this meeting, we will further discuss the requirements and provisions of services to private schools. Please contact Jocelyn Ramos at the Hoke County Board of Education at 910-875-2416 ext 232 or [email protected], if you have any questions about the meeting. This meeting is only for those private schools within the Hoke County Schools attendance area and registered on the NC State Nonpublic School site.

6

THE NEWS-JOURNAL

Pool party

(Continued from page 1) entertainment by a live band. The evening featured words of welcome from commissioners and other elected officials, including Rep. Garland Pierce, Raeford Mayor John K. McNeill, City Councilwoman Mary Neill King and Board of Education Chairwoman Angela Southerland. Commission Chairman Allen Thomas said JALARC is more than just a swimming pool. “Hoke County, we’re moving on up,” the chairman said. “I say we’re moving on up, because many of us grew up here. Many of us grew up hearing that it was a poor county, many of us grew up without the things we saw other people in other counties have… here in Hoke County we were told over and over again that we were poor. This building named after Commissioner James Leach is more than just a recreation center. This building is a symbol. It’s a symbol that we’re making a turn from our past, and we’re daring someone to say we’re a poor county now.” Thomas went on to say that construction for JALARC, and the upcoming new county courthouse, county administration building and on-site replacement at Hoke High were all funded without raising taxes. “That’s unheard-of,” he said. JALARC, which officials called “the first of its kind for the Sandhills region of North Carolina,” features a competition-sized swimming pool with balcony seating for spectators, a family fun pool with a water slide that goes outside of the building and back indoors, a gymnasium with a second-floor gallery walking track, six multipurpose rooms, six offices for Hoke County Parks and Recreation and a concession stand, plus locker rooms. Phillips, construction manager with J&K General Contractors, spoke about the groundbreaking, two years ago now, when construction first got underway. “We talked about the vision. We were in a tent and it was raining and it was cold, and James was trying to get everybody to hurry up. And I said, if you look to your left…you’ll see nothing but a bank of red clay. And if you look to your right, there’s trees. I said, but in a few months, you’re going to see a beautiful facility there. It takes time, it takes patience, and it takes expertise,” Phillips said. He thanked Metcon for their collaboration with J&K General Contractors on the project. In remarks, Commissioner Harry Southerland addressed the commission’s decision in 2020 to name the center after Leach. Last year during the 2022 elections, some Hoke residents circulated a petition to change the center’s name and prevent any future public buildings from being named after sitting elected officials. “I want to respond to the elephant in the room. Over the last couple of years, everybody was asking the question, why are we naming this building the James A. Leach building,” Southerland said. There are two different concepts at work, he continued. “One is the concept of time and one is the concept of turn. Sometimes it may be your time in life, but at that moment it may not be your turn. And sometimes it may be your turn in life, but sometimes it may not be your time. But sometimes things line up and both of them come together, and it’s your time and your turn,” Southerland said. “When James Leach was growing up in the cut, walking those dirt roads…it was neither his time nor his turn. In 1992 when James Leach came on the board as commissioner, it was his time but not his turn.” After 30 years serving as a commissioner – and two days after his birthday – “It is his time and his turn,” Southerland said. The evening paid tribute to Leach. The youngest of 10 children born to the late Huland Sanders and Dora Leach, he is married to the former Valerie Purdie. The couple have two children, Christopher A. Leach and Taylor N. Leach, who joined their parents Friday night at the celebration. Leach holds a degree in theology and has been a pastor for three decades. He is a district elder in the Southern Pines District Union of the United American Free Will Baptist Denomination. He has served on many committees and boards across the state, including the Lumber River Council of Governments, Hoke County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Hoke Senior Services and others. In his time on the commission, he has

Raeford, N.C.

April 5, 2023

been “instrumental” in working on multiple projects, officials described; among them two elementary schools, Sandy Grove Middle School, the jail, several parks, the county industrial park, community buildings and the county wastewater treatment plant. Leach has received many recognitions, including the Order of the Long-leaf Pine and the LongTime County Service Award from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. The glamorous unveiling night was paid for through sponsorships. Platinum sponsors Metcon General Contractors and SFL+A Architects group gave $15,000, and J&K General Contractors gave $12,000. Shaw Office Supplies, Dial Insurance Agency and MSquare each gave $2,750 as gold sponsors, and Hometown Insurance and Bell Manley Real Estate each gave $2,000. The Hoke Area Transit Service (HATS) provided shuttle service. Hoke County High School Career and Technical Education culinary arts program students helped serve the meal. The last necessary equipment has gone into the facility and the

final inspections are pending, County Manager Letitia Edens said Monday. JALARC is set for a tentative opening day of May 1. Asked why the center will not be free to the public, Commission Chairman Allen Thomas said the money brought in from memberships and rental fees at JALARC will go to pay for the cost of running it without raising taxes. County finance staff have crunched the numbers and the county has an idea of how many memberships are needed to cover the expenses. Leach had previously said he wanted the center to be free to use, and this week still maintained that he does not want children turned away from an inability to pay. Memberships for Hoke residents will work out to about $30 a month, roughly, which is lower than at other facilities, the chairman said. Prices will be higher for people coming from out of the county who want to join the center. Full membership and rental information should be coming soon. Edens and commissioners thanked the county staff who worked to make the unveiling and open house possible.

Special Worship Events NOTICE: In order to keep our Special Worship up-to-date we are adding an expiration date to the following announcements. If you would like the event to continue in our listings after the expiration date, please call (875-2121), fax (875-7256) or email (robin@ thenews-journal.com) requesting this at least a week before its expiration. Word of Life Temple, Inc. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Morning Service 11 a.m. & on Facebook (mask are optional) (expires May 2023)

Hope in Jesus (Present Truth) Ministries Sabbath (Saturday) 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Wednesday 3 - 4:15 p.m.

inspirational & informational radio. Times every 4th Saturday from 9 - 9:30 a.m. on WMFA 1400 AM. Join us on facebook at NowGen Radio or website http://www.nowgenmedia.com/

(expires May 2023)

Community Church Open Saturdays from 11 - noon Offers bagged lunch and giveaways (expires May 2023)

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131 Harris Avenue Raeford, NC

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Dundarrach Community Church

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April April 5, 5, 2023 2023

THE THE NEWS-JOURNAL NEWS-JOURNAL

Daniel Pena-Laverde Prepares to Return Serve. (Photo by Scott Boucher)

Raeford, Raeford, N.C N.C

77

Angel Guzman Returning a Volley. (Photo by Scott

At the Net - Tennis Chica Amador Waits For Her Pitch. (Photo by Scott Boucher)

Scott Boucher Sports Writer

The Fighting Bucks softball team faced old conference foe Purnell Swett on the road to start the week. The Bucks were stymied by the Rams, resulting in a loss of 6-0. A single by Kyanna Hollingsworth in the first inning was a positive for Hoke County. Georgia Locklear pitched Purnell

Kamryn King Readies To Make a Play at 1st Base. (Photo by Scott Boucher)

Diamond Roundup

Swett to victory. The fireballer allowed seven hits and zero runs over seven innings, striking out four and walking zero. Adriana Miller took the loss for the Bucks. Miller went six innings, allowing six runs on ten hits, striking out four and walking zero. The Bucks collected seven hits in the game. Hollingsworth, Kamryn King, and Alaina Goins each managed two hits to lead the

Hoke County Bucks. The week ended with the fighting Bucks hosting the Scotland County Scots. The Bucks watched the game slip away early and couldn’t recover in a 10-0 loss to Scotland on Friday. Scotland took the lead in the first inning when A. Johnson scored after tagging up on a fly out to Bailey Mass. The Bucks struggled to put runs on the board and had a

tough time defensively containing Scotland, giving up ten runs. Avery Stutts earned the win for Scotland. The ace surrendered zero runs on zero hits over six innings, striking out 16 and walking zero. Adriana Miller took the loss for Hoke County Bucks Varsity. The pitcher allowed 11 hits and ten runs over five innings, striking out one and walking zero.

Hitting the Links - High School Golf

Scott Boucher Sports Writer

The Fighting Bucks tennis team went on the road to face the Lee County Yellow Jackets in their first match of the week. The Bucks played energized tennis taking an 8-1 victory on the road. John Tolentino-Perez (Sr.), Armando Zuniga (So.), Angel Guzman (Fr.), Abbi Khantivong (So.), and Nathan Burrows (Fr.) all won their singles matches. The Bucks then swept doubles play with John Tolentino-Perez (Sr.) & Angel Guzman (Fr.), Armando Zuniga (So.) & Iber Delacruz (So.), Nathan Burrows (Fr.) & Abiel Demeza-Soriano (Jr.) securing victories. The doubles matches were all straightset victories for the Bucks. On the singles side, John Tolentino-

Perez (Sr.) and Abbi Khantivong (So.) each won hard-fought, three-set matches. The second match of the week had the Bucks traveling to Pinehurst to take on the conference leader, Pinecrest High School (Patriots). The experienced Patriots team defeated the Fighting Bucks 6-0, maintaining their undefeated status in the SAC conference. In the last match of the week, the Bucks hosted the Raiders of Richmond County. There were several hard-fought contests in the match. Unfortunately, the Bucks didn’t have the ball bouncing their way and lost the overall match 8-1. Freshman Angel Guzman won his singles match by scores of 6-4, 6-6(10-4).

Sports News to Report? Email [email protected]

Around the Track Robert Reedy Prepares for his Fairway Iron Shot (Photo by Ivan Street)

Collin Turner Chipping from Behind the Green. (Photo by Scott Boucher)

HendersonTeets Putting From Just Off The Green. (Photo by Scott Boucher)

The Hoke County Men’s golf team traveled to Foxfire Village for their second match of the season. The team finished in a tie for sixth place with a score of 205. Individual scores were Robert Reedy 43, Collin Turner 47, Eric

Carter 53, and Henderson Teets 62. A last minute schedule change saw the Bucks playing a second match last week. The Bucks golf team traveled to Sanford for the third match of the season. The Bucks did not post a team score

due to only having three players. Individual scores were Robert Reedy 43, Eric Carter 52, and Henderson Teets 60. The Bucks next golf match will be on April 18th at Scotch Meadows in Laurinburg, NC.

Down on the Pitch - Women’s Soccer

Scott Boucher Sports Writer

The soccer team hit the field three times last week against three formidable opponents. The Fighting Bucks traveled to Moore County to take on the Vikings of Union Pines High School. The more experienced Vikings were too much for the Bucks, and secured an 8-0 win with 6 goals in the first half and 2 in the second. In a

Patriots. Both the varsity and JV teams played well against the Patriots. The Varsity Bucks had opportunities but could only find the back of the net once, and fell 3-1 to the Pats. In a hard fought Junior Varsity match, the team put in a lot of effort, but would eventually lose by a score of 2-0. Hoke’s JV and Varsity soccer teams are young, but a strong future for the Buck’s soccer program is clear.

midweek match-up the Bucks hosted the Purnell Swett Rams. The teams battled it out but ended the match with a 0-0 tie. Both teams pushed the offense, but neither team found the back of the net. The Bucks’ player of the game was Freshman Goalkeeper, Jianna Gomez, who recorded 5 saves and earned her first career clean sheet (shut-out). The week ended with a home match against the Pinecrest

Above: Logan Lupo leads the Bucks into the turn. Left: DeQuavious Mosley approaches the long jump. (Contributed photos) Scott Boucher Sports Writer

The Fighting Bucks Track & Field team traveled to Union Pines to face Pinecrest, and Southern Lee, and host Union Pines in SAC Meet #4. The girls from Hoke were led in the running events

by Breuna McKnight - 1st in the 200m and 4th in the 100m. Morgan Harrelson led the Bucks in the throwing events with a 1st in the discus and a 4th in the shot put. On the boys’ side, the Bucks were paced by DeQuavious Mosley 2nd in the 100m and

CJ Griffen 1st in the 400m. Logan Lupo took a 2nd in the800m and 3d in the 1600m events. Ja’Von Morrisey won the 300m hurdles. The relay teams took 1st in the 4x100 and 4x400. In the field events, Joey Castaneda took 1st in the shot put and 3rd in the discus.

TWiB Notes -This Week in Baseball

Middle Schools Wednesday, April 05 4:00 PM Girls West Hoke Middle School Soccer vs. Ellerbe Junior High School Away 4:15 PM Boys Sandy Grove Middle School Baseball vs. Spring Hill Middle School Home 4:15 PM Girls Sandy Grove Middle School Softball vs. Spring Hill Middle School Home 5:00 PM Boys West Hoke High School

Catcher Joshua Shepherd Frames the Strike. (Photo by Breanna Grace) Scott Boucher Sports Writer

The Hoke County Bucks took to the field for two games this week against the Cavaliers of Southern Lee High School. The bats just couldn’t come alive Tuesday night when the Bucks hosted the Cavaliers resulting in a 10-0 loss for the Bucks. The Cavaliers took the lead on a single in the first inning. The Bucks had difficulty getting anything going against

Reynell Reyes Looks For a Pitch To Hit.(Photo by Breanna Grace)

Cavalier pitcher Kale Scruggs and the defensive miscues prevented the Bucks from containing Southern Lee, as they gave up 10 runs. Scruggs earned the win for Southern Lee going five innings, allowing no runs on no hits, while striking out eight and walking one. The Bucks sent Jr. Harvey Locklear to the mound lasting four innings, allowing eight hits and ten runs while striking out three and walking one. In the return match, the Bucks traveled

to Southern Lee. The Bucks had trouble keeping up with the Cavaliers resulting in a 10-0 loss. A single in the third inning by CF Noah Allen was positive for the Bucks. Harrington was the winning pitcher for Southern Lee. He went the distance giving up 2 hits, zero runs, striking out 6, and walking one. Slocumb took the loss for the Bucks. He went 5 innings allowing nine runs on seven hits and striking out two.

Wednesday, April 05 4:15 PM Coed Varsity Track SAC Track Meet Home 5:00 PM Boys Varsity Baseball vs. Union Pines HS Away 5:00 PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball vs. Union Pines HS Home Thursday, April 06 4:30 PM Girls Junior Varsity Softball vs. Richmond Senior HS Home 4:00 PM Boys Varsity Tennis vs. Union Pines HS Home 5:00PM Boys Junior Varsity Baseball vs. Union Pines HS

Middle School Soccer vs. Ellerbe Junior High School Away Thursday, April 06 4:15 PM Boys East Hoke Middle School Baseball vs. Ellerbe Junior High School Home 4:15 PM Girls East Hoke Middle School Softball vs. Ellerbe Junior High School Home 4:15 PM Girls Sandy Grove Middle School Softball vs. Cordova School Away

4:00 PM Girls Sandy Grove Middle School Soccer vs. Cordova School Home 4:00 PM Girls East Hoke Middle School Soccer vs. Ellerbe Junior High School Away 5:00 PM Boys Sandy Grove Middle School Soccer vs. Cordova School Home 5:00 PM Boys East Hoke Middle School Soccer vs. Ellerbe Junior High School Away

Away 5:00 PM Girls Junior Varsity Soccer vs. Scotland High School Home 6:00 PM Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Scotland High School Home 7:00 PM Girls Varsity Softball vs. Richmond Senior HS JV Var DH Home 7:00 PM Boys Varsity Baseball Union Pines HS Home Saturday, April 08 TBA Girls Varsity Softball OPEN Robeson County Slugfest @ Red Springs Away TBA Boys Varsity Baseball OPEN Robeson County Slugfest @ Red Springs Away

Monday, April 10 TBA Girls Varsity Softball OPEN Robeson County Slugfest @ Red Springs Away TBA Boys Varsity Baseball OPEN Robeson County Slugfest @ Red Springs Away Tuesday, April 11 TBA Boys Varsity Baseball OPEN Robeson County Slugfest @ Red Springs Away TBA Girls Varsity Softball OPEN Robeson County Slugfest @ Red Springs Away Saturday, April 15 9:00 AM Coed Varsity Track Kathy McMillan Invitational Home

88

THE NEWS-JOURNAL THE NEWS-JOURNAL

Raeford, N.C. Raeford, N.C.

School NewS April 5, April 5, 2023 2023

Carson Powe and family celebrate his signing to play football at Ferrum College. (Contributed photo)

Q&A Interview - College Signing

Senior WR Carson Powe Signs to Play Football at Ferrum College

Boucher: What position(s) did you play for the Hoke County Fighting Bucks football team? Powe: Tight end and wide receiver. Boucher: How long has this day, signing to play in college, been on your radar? Powe: It has been on my mind for a while, this is what I’ve been working for so I’m just appreciative that I have the opportunity to do so. Boucher: What got you interested in Ferrum College as a possible destination after high school? Powe: Honestly, it was the environment and the staff at Ferrum that drew me in. I love how they conduct themselves and how serious we are about this upcoming season. Boucher: How did your first meeting with Head Coach Cleive Adams go, what were your first impressions of him and the staff? Powe: When I first met him I thought he was a really strict coach but when he started talking more about God, I kind of gravitated towards that because he was so driven and passionate about his faith and his team. Boucher: How does Coach Adams envision you being in his program? How will your skills merge with their system? What

position(s) will you play at Ferrum College? Powe: They’re going to utilize me and my height the best way possible, that’s from running mesh routes to blocking to going up for 50/50 balls trusting in my ability to catch the ball. My skill set will help the team because I can get open on the field anywhere that I’m put. Boucher: All ¨Great” receivers run great routes, catch the ball, gain yardage after the catch, and block when needed. How do you fit into the model? Powe: I fit great. I have speed, I can break down quickly, I’m working on gaining weight so I can break off tackles easily, my route running is good but I’m also gonna be working on that so my game can be on another level. Boucher: There are many traits that observers use to describe a great receiver, they must have great athleticism, great hands, be very strong, have great stamina, be able to understand defenses, and have a great relationship with their quarterbacks. With these traits in mind, where do you see your strengths as you enter Ferrum College? Powe: I see my strengths to be my height, my ability to catch the ball, my athleticism and my ability to read the defense and know where to get on the field. I’m easy to work with so this new relationship with the quarterback

shouldn’t be a problem. Boucher: Along the same lines where do you see weaknesses that you will improve on while at Ferrum College? Powe: I plan to gain weight because I’m 185, and a lot of the weight I have could be turned into muscle, so that’s going to be one of my main focuses as I get to Ferrum. Boucher: Athleticism is a combination of several traits seen in the prototype wide receiver. How will Ferrum College see your athleticism on the field? Powe: They’re going to see me on the field no matter what. I plan to get my teammates open with my blocking and ability to get separation from defenders. Boucher: How do you feel about your blocking abilities going into college? Powe: I feel that they’re strong, but I can always get better at every aspect of the game physically and mentally. Boucher: What is your next goal in football? Powe: To go D1, but the ultimate goal is the NFL. Boucher: What did it mean to you to have your family, coaches, teammates, and friends present when you signed? Powe: I loved the support and I’m forever grateful for all the blessings God has given me with my family and friends.

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Don Steed Elementary School’s Battle of the Books team places 3rd The Don Steed Elementary School Battle of the Books Team, coached by Marian Elliott came in 3rd place at the Region IV/Sandhills Battle of the Books Competition held in Cumberland County on Friday March 31, 2023. Competing districts included Bladen, Clinton City, Cumberland, Robeson, Sampson, and Moore. “The competition was fierce and Don Steed Elementary School confidently took on the challenge!” Said a representative for Hoke County Schools.

Elementary students tour the CTE Department at Hoke County High School All of Hoke County Schools 5th-grade students have recently had the opportunity to visit the Career and Technical Education classes at Hoke County High School. “They’ve had so much fun seeing all the possible classes they could take and career choices they could explore once they get to high school,” said Meredith Bounds, Director of Public Relations for Hoke County Schools.

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