WWW.YOURDAILYJOURNAL.COM Friday, April 12, 2013 Rockingham, NC 50 cents Bill lowers pot possession penalty Dawn M. Kurry to the House Committee on juana possession should entail ly less harmful than alcohol. Richmond County Daily Journal Judiciary. only a fine, according to a Police and prosecutors’ time A new bill could make the HB 637 would replace crimi- Public Policy Polling survey of and resources would be bet- possession of less than one nal penalties for the posses- 611 voters released in March. ter spent focusing on violent time to read the bill himself, ounce of marijuana no longer sion of less than one ounce of Robert Capecchi, Deputy and otherwise serious crimes but feels there are bigger bills a misdemeanor, but a civil marijuana with a civil infrac- Director of State Policies for the instead of enforcing criminal coming down the line that will infraction, if the bill passes and tion similar to a traffic ticket. Marijuana Policy Project, said, penalties for simple marijuana affect more people in North becomes law. Simple marijuana possession is “We applaud Rep. Alexander possession.” Carolina. A bill introduced by State currently classified as a Class and his House colleagues for With only eight weeks left Vietnam veteran, medi- Rep. Kelly Alexander Jr. 3 criminal misdemeanor and championing a more sensible in legislative session, and (D-Mecklenburg) to downgrade is punishable by a suspended marijuana policy for the Tar between 600 and 700 bills to cal cannabis advocate and the penalty for simple pos- sentence and a $200 fine. Heel State. Nobody should be go through, State Rep. Ken President of the North Carolina session of marijuana in North A majority — 56 percent subject to life-altering crimi- Goodman of Richmond County Cannabis Patients Network Carolina passed first reading — of North Carolina voters nal penalties simply for using said he isn’t sure the bill will (NCCPN) Perry Parks said this Wednesday and was referred believe the penalty for mari- a substance that is objective- be read. He said he hasn’t had See POT | 3A Spring cleaning Lawmakers ask gov. to support CCNC in Medicaid reform Staff Report vices of the Community State Sen. Gene Care of North Carolina McLaurin joined Rep. (CCNC) program, a col- Ken Goodman this week laborative effort already in calling on Governor in existence in North Pat McCrory to protect Carolina between hospi- and support a cru- tals, doctors, and cial, state-based Medicaid that has public-private saved the state partnership as he millions of dol- attempts to reform lars. North Carolina’s The legislators Medicaid system. described CCNC McLaurin and as an example of Goodman are a North Carolina- from Rockingham. Gene McLaurin based solution In a letter sent that’s really work- to the governor ing for the state. on Tuesday, the Just last week, Democratic leg- Republican U.S. islators acknowl- Senator Richard edged that recent Burr joined cost-overruns the Healthcare indicate a need for Leadership comprehensive Council to pres- reform. However, ent the program they expressed Ken Goodman with a national concern that award for its suc- the total privatization cess with North Carolina’s of Medicaid would send Medicaid system. Cassidy Odom | Daily Journal crucial funds out-of-state. “While I appreciate Daren A. Dawkins works on getting the fallen straw from a yard near Hamlet after a long winter. Rather, McLaurin and the governor’s efforts to Goodman urged the gov- ernor to employ the ser- See MEDICAID | 3A Locals stock up on Bud Light for race weekend and Beer Month Dawn M. Kurry is the favorite,” said Diane with its inaugural Beer Month Month, brewery owner Mike Richmond County Daily Journal Masterson at Hudson Brother’s. — April — as a testament Ratkowsky will hold several With race weekend approach- “I ordered double or more to the state’s influence in the events. The first will be a beer ing Richmond County, many cases for ThunderFest. People craft beer business. Sponsored dinner, four courses served at people are stocking up on beer love the taste the most. It’s by the North Carolina Brewers the Bell Tree Tavern in down- for their cookouts. So what our number one selling beer — Guild and the North Carolina town Southern Pines. Another is Richmond County’s most nothing else compares.” Division of Tourism, Beer will be a home brewers tutorial, beloved brew? Masterson said they offer all Month takes in special tours, free to the public, on April 20. Hudson Brother’s Deli and sorts of brew from other popu- tastings, dinners, classes, festi- At the event, attendees will FATZ Cafe in Rockingham lar beers to darker ales with vals and lodging packages cel- learn what they need to make agree that Bud Light takes the more robust flavors like Sam ebrating local variations on this 10 gallons of beer. cake. They have ordered extra Adams. Coors and Bud Light are the heady beverage. Ratkowsky said he will be cases this week to prepare for Betsy Cluff, manager at top favorites, but according to Just up the road in Moore camping at the Rockingham ThunderFest and the tourists FATZ, said last year’s race Cluff, Bud Light beats out the County, the Railhouse Brewery Speedway on Saturday and he getting ready to swarm the weekend was a very busy time other beers. sits off of Highway U.S. 1, and is a race fan. The track on county. at the restaurant located on E. Brewing a new tradition, features house brews and drafts Sunday will host the NASCAR “Hands down, Bud Light Broad Avenue in Rockingham. North Carolina rings in spring of all kinds. To celebrate Beer See BEER | 3A Locals raise expectations for annual St. Jude benefit Cassidy Odom Karaoke, corn hole, a bouncy p.m. for an afternoon ride to Richmond County Daily Journal house and games will be avail- Morrow Mountain. Tammy and Roger Messer, able for the kids. “We try to pick something owners of the Southern “Since the benefit is for chil- a little different each year, Roadhouse Saloon in dren, we want to keep the chil- but everyone seems to real- Rockingham, along with dren involved,” said Lawhorn. ly enjoy the ride to Morrow Danny Hayes of House of “Our goal this year is to reach Mountain,” said Tammy Fish and Oma Lawhorn of $10,000.” Messer. “We have confirmed Ellerbe, are hosting their Last year around 90 bikers at least three motorcycle clubs annual Crusin for St. Jude from the Rockingham and sur- for attendance such as the Children’s Research Hospital rounding areas helped to raise Wingmen, Ghostriders and and Carnival this weekend. about $4,000 for the hospital. the Ole Skool. It grows a little The team decided to step it This weekend’s event team more every year.” up this year with a carnival for is excited and hopeful to see In an effort to help, Danny all children in the area to be many friends and supporters. Hayes and House of Fish staff involved in such a good cause. Bikers will meet Saturday, will be serving up $5 bowls It will be at the Southern April 13, at the House of of shrimp and grits as well as Roadhouse, 640 McNair Road, Fish, 801 E. Broad Ave., fish and grits Saturday morn- Rockingham, from 1 to 5 p.m. Rockingham. Registration ing, during registration. Fifty Saturday. Entry will cost $3 will be from 8 a.m. to noon. Contributed photo per child, excluding children The ride donation will be $25 percent of proceeds from the bowl sales will be donated to Oma Lawhorn (left), Danny Hayes and Tammy Messer (right), are combining younger than 6 who will be per person or $30 per couple. their efforts this year for St. Jude children. Hopefully, their united determi- admitted free. Children’s Kickstands will be up by 12:30 See BENEFIT | 3A nation and extended event will bring them to $10,000 for the hospital. Obituaries 5A INSIDE NEWS, 6A Vol. 82, No. 74 Index Opinion 4A Deaths ON THE WEB: www.yourdailyjournal.com Calendar 2A Puzzles 3B Jeffery Deberry, 44, Hamlet Police: Ga. gunman E-MAIL: [email protected] Classified 4B Sports 1B Elizabeth McNair, 83, Hamlet lured firefighters into Goldie Draper, 83, Rockingham Comics 3B TV Listings 3A home The Daily Journal is published with pride five Obituaries can be found on Page 5A. days a week for the people of Richmond County, Material inside this edition is N.C. The Daily Journal is committed to editorial © Richmond County Daily Journal. integrity and excellence. Reproduction without expressed consent of the If you spot an error, please contact us at Richmond County Daily Journal is prohibited. (910) 997-3111, ext. 13. Page 2A Richmond County Daily Journal, Rockingham, N.C. Friday, April 12, 2013 www.yourdailyjournal.com LOCAL COMMUNITY CALENDAR The deadline for all Community 1237 Rozier Siding Road, MD. The programs are baked beans, hush pup- Calendar items is 4:30 p.m. the day St. Pauls, NC 28384. free and refreshments pies and dessert for $7. prior to publishing. To list your event, Bring a hot covered dish, will be served. To reserve Will deliver five plates email Cassidy at codom@civitasmedia. dessert and a beverage. seating call 417-3772. or more. Call Jackie at com or call 910-997-3111, ext. 16. For questions contact BUY LOCAL 334-2722 or Tony at 206- Caleb Chavis at 910-865- BUSINESS EXPO will be 1933. Proceeds go to 5287 or Jerry Chavis at at the Cole Auditorium Paraguay Mission Trip. 910-843-8326.