r4UBMMJPOTUSJQ(BUPSTJOPWFSUJNF r8BSSJPSTRVBETTXFFQ"OUJPDI$ISJTUJBO r&$)4HJSMTSPMMUPXJO Sports 4FFQBHF# ThePublished News since 1890 every Monday and Tursday forReporter the County of Columbus and her people. Tursday, January 19, 2012 Lake post County general ofce safe Volume 121, Number 58 fund exceeds Whiteville, North Carolina from closing $28 million 75 Cents By JEFFERSON WEAVER Staff Writer By NICOLE CARTRETTE Staff Writer Inside Today Lake Waccamaw postal pa- trons won’t have to go to Halls- The county’s general fund at $28.1 million 4-A boro in the near future to mail has doubled since 2007, according to the coun- r.JDIBFM-BOF a letter. ty’s audit presented by CPA Alan Thompson U.S. Representative Mike Tuesday. #VѥJOGBDFTNPSF McIntyre announced Tuesday The county’s unassigned fund balance or DIBSHFT that the Lake Waccamaw Post savings not obligated to any future expenses is Office has been removed from more than $18.8 million or about 36.5 percent the closure list by the United of the general fund expenses. States Postal Service (USPS). That is a significant increase in comparison Next Issue Plans originally called for to 2007 when the county’s savings was below the Lake office to be combined $3.5 million and made up just 6.22 percent of with the Hallsboro Post Office. the general fund. After the USPS received hun- The county’s savings has increased steadily dreds of cards, letters, emails over the last five years and Thompson told and phone calls about the commissioners it was no accident. potential closure, the sugges- “In 2007, we as a county had a problem,” tion was withdrawn Tuesday, Thompson reminded commissioners. While according to McIntyre. the Local Government Commission somewhat “This is a great victory for mandates savings equal to at least 8.33 percent the residents of Lake Wac- of the expenditures, the county’s was danger- camaw,” McIntyre said. “The ously low at 6.22 percent. Lake Waccamaw Post Office is The county’s solid waste fund is being an essential component in day- subsidized by the general fund, there are Monday’s to-day living and in business cash flow issues in some water funds, and American Profle operations, and its removal the Department of Aging financials show a features “No Two from the USPS closure list decline in revenues, leaving the department reinforces that. I have been with a negative fund balance as noted earlier Are Alike,” How a honored to work with Mayor in the year, but overall, the county’s financial Vermont farmer dis- Ivan Wilson, and he is to be picture looks healthy. commended for his leadership, Thompson said a decline in spending con- covered the unique and the entire Lake Waccamaw tributed to the current financial position and beauty of snowfakes. community is to be applauded puts the county ahead of similar-sized coun- for their efforts to keep this ties in the state. DIDYOB? facility open. Indeed, this is “In 2007 you were below the group weighted a gold star day for Lake Wac- Staff photo by Mark Gilchrist average and now you are above the group Did you observe ... weighted average,” Thompson said. “That’s See Post office, page 7-A MLK march See General fund, page 7-A Brennan Ivey almost Several dozen people participated in the oldest march in the county speechless when his celebrating the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monday, walking from Uncle Ricky told him by the First Baptist Church in Chadbourn, through downtown and back to long-distance speaker Christian the church. County board phone that he had front row seats for him man marks adopts revised at the Duke-Virginia his 100th Tech game? ... Danica Lake Waccamaw woman district maps Honeycutt’s “New Guy” birthday By NICOLE CARTRETTE music video on Youtube Staff Writer n is head of national group hitting almost 7,000 Delco resident, native of Freeman community, Adam Mitchell has worked on more than views by yesterday af- hit milestone Sunday. By RAY WYCHE house in Al- 100 redistricting plans, shifting lines and ternoon? ... Trey Nealey Staff Writer e x a n d r i a , analyzing population figures with the use of of Whiteville and a By BOB HIGH Va., owned census blocks but he told Columbus County Staff Writer A Lake Waccamaw resident who by the as- Commissioners Tuesday he has not seen student at Campbell is a rural mail carrier out of the At- s o c i a t i o n anything like the census blocks in Columbus University, on “Ameri- His son, several nieces, and kinson post office has been elected na- a n d s a y s County. can Idol” Wednesday several friends were at Roley tional president of the 106,000-mem- she tries to Typically, census lines run along visible ber National Rural Letter Carriers’ r e t u r n t o night? He tried out for a W a l l a c e ’ s boundaries such as rivers, roads and even Delco home Association (NRLCA). her home at property lines but that is not the case in many spot in Charleston and early Sunday Jeanette Pierce Dwyer, the first Lake Wacca- instances across the county. pretended to be angry to help him woman ever elected to the post, is maw at least When county officials in the elections of- with the cameraman m a r k h i s presently engaged in the contract ne- once each fice started geo-coding the new district maps 100th birth- gotiations with the U.S. Postal Service month. adopted in November, they discovered houses when he got cut. ... day. on behalf of the membership of the Jeanette Dwyer Dwyer is divided across several districts. Wallace, association. She had served as na- the wife of Mitchell said he initially told Columbus who is blind, tional vice president of the rural mail Larry Dwyer and is the daughter of County Board of Elections Director Carla but manages carriers’ group for three years and the late William T. “Bill” and Gladys Strickland that it “wasn’t possible” for houses County Deaths to get around Wallace was elected to the association’s top Watts Pierce who lived on the Dupree or properties to be divided but he soon learned his clean, neat home quite well, position last August at the NRLCA Landing Road southeast of Hallsboro. it was the case. Whiteville said he owed his long life to national convention in Savannah, Ga. Dwyer has one son, Andy, and one “There are census block lines in Columbus Berneese McPherson Gore “the good Lord.” She served for six years on the grandson. County that are essentially imaginary lines. organization’s executive committee. Willie Ray Jabber He’s obviously been eating See Dwyer, page 3-A They are not streets, not rivers, not anything,” Sandra Peterson Chapman She is currently residing in a town- See 100 years, page 6-A See Maps, page 9-A Clarendon Wilbur Ray Holden Tabor City Dennis L. Vereen Dogs, inmates get second chance Nakina Nellie Mae Smith By JEFFERSON WEAVER the statewide program when it started in 2004. Staff Writer Bladen County had no humane society at the Edwin Stanley time, and Lambert and other volunteers brought of Whiteville, a Index Phoenix was chained to a tree. dogs from Columbus County to the White Lake volunteer with Izzy’s owner has a chronic illness, and was told unit to be socialized and trained. the Cape Fear &EJUPSJBMT" he could no longer have a dog. The program isn’t a make-work detail, but a 0CJUVBSJFT" Rescue League, Stout was abandoned at a place where dogs reward for exceptional prisoners, Chavis said. helps Izzy work Only inmates who have good records in prison, 4QPSUT# go to play. off some excess with no infractions or violations, may apply for $SJNF" The three dogs moved to their newest tempo- energy before the program. They must have at least a sixth rary home Tuesday – the Bladen Correctional the dog is turned -JWJOH$ grade reading level, and complete the interview Center, where they will be trained, fed, bathed, over to her new socialized, and loved by a group of inmates with process before being chosen. Competition is high for the program, Chavis trainer at the their own hard stories to tell. Bladen Correc- Randy Chavis is the coordinator for the New said, and it’s a big incentive for the participants to further improve themselves while incarcerated. tional Facility. Leash on Life program at White Lake. The three Izzy was given dogs are the latest to join the eight-week program “They receive credit for participating,” he to Columbus since Pat Lambert of Columbus County began said, “and it has encouraged some of them to County Animal working with the prison system. improve their reading levels as well. We see a Control when “This makes an incredible difference for both change in everyone who participates.” her owner could the dogs and the men,” Chavis said. Each dog has a primary trainer, Chavis said, Bladen Correctional was the pilot location for no longer care See Second chance, page 2-A for her. 2-A – The News Reporter, Thursday, January 19, 2012 County, DREAM Center give back $50,000 in grants nHomebuyer hopefuls said, pointing out her agency had no extra funds to was not alone in struggling to benefit from grant match. find eligible participants. She said her counterparts By NICOLE CARTRETTE across the state were experi- Staff Writer encing the same challenge. No funds had been used De-obligate. from the grant, but $1,648 was It is a word County Com- expended on education class- mission Chairman Amon es, materials and planning. McKenzie said he hated to Caldwell hopes the county hear this week. will allow the DREAM Cen- Two years ago the DREAM ter to keep the funds already Center was awarded a grant used, but if not, the DREAM through the N.C. Division of Center will reimburse the Community Assistance to county for the $1,648. provide homebuyer education In a letter to the N.C. classes. It would also estab- Department of Commerce lish a program where those Caldwell explained the situa- low-income individuals who tion and in closing wrote: “We have savings can have those hope that we will be able to matched for use as a down pursue funding at a later time payment on a home. when the economic situation “In two years we have had is not quite so dire.” only one person commit to In 2010, Columbus Coun- saving,” DREAM Center Di- ty was one of two counties rector Carol Caldwell said. awarded Community Develop- McKenzie said the idea ment Block Grants to provide of letting the funds go was down-payment assistance and painful. financial education to first- Staff photo by Mark Gilchrist “It is painful,” Caldwell time homebuyers. Columbus Participants in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day March through downtown Chadbourn were given a police escort. said, pointing out it was “a County received $50,000 to reflection” of the economic establish Individual Develop- times families are facing. ment Accounts for 20 families. Under the program, fami- Second chance The DREAM Center suc- Continued from page 1-A cessfully recruited several lies or individuals who quali- people who participated in fied would deposit $1,000 in a the classes but found that the savings account over a three- and there are two secondary accepting treats. economy had not been good. year period with those funds trainers on the New Leash “She is a handful, and her Many of those students said matched with block grants on Life team. The secondary owner was very dedicated they simply did not have any and the funding assistance trainers can eventually move to her.” money they could save. of three banks — Waccamaw, up to be primary handlers. Chavis said the program “People just don’t have RBC and BB&T. “It’s like an apprentice- helps many of the partici- the extra cash and it’s sad,” Block grant funding is al- ship,” Chavis said. “It pre- pants learn life-skills, as well Caldwell said. She said she located to the state via the U.S. pares the secondary trainer as building their own confi- had been told by some that Department of Housing and to move up if the primary is dence. They will start formal they had not had a pay raise Urban Development. transferred, is removed from dog training and care classes in five years but had endured the program, or goes home.” next week with Jutta King, an increase in living expenses The dogs have their own an AKC-certified trainer. Nicole Cartrette fenced-in area near the pris- King uses only positive re- and bills. 910-642-4104 ext. 225 on maintenance area at Blad- inforcement training, which “I think a lot of it has to do [email protected] with the economy,” Caldwell en Correctional, but most of Chavis said is a benefit for the time, they are working prisoners as well as rescue with their trainers. The dogs dogs. also stay in kennels in the Although inmates who McIntyre coming Monday to recreation building during drop out of the course or inclement weather. are removed may not get a celebrate high-speed Internet Darion Cole said he signed second chance, none of the up for the program because dogs are returned to shelters, U.S. Congressman Mike Mc- County, including the commu- “I have always loved animals. Chavis said. Intyre will be at Gore Trailers nities of Sandy Plain, Dothan, “The dogs help,” he said. At the end of the eight- in Whiteville Monday, Jan. 23 Guideway, Crusoe, Bug Hill, Michael Austin said the week course, Chavis said, at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the Old Dock, Antioch, Nakina, program helps him stay fo- the dogs will either go to new connectivity of high speed and Pireway. cused on “a new life” when permanent homes, or return Internet service to Columbus The Monday event is to cel- he gets out of prison. to foster care. Most of the County. Gore Trailers is lo- ebrate and examine the now “Having a dog is a step animals have successfully cated at 305 Gore Trailer Road. installed high speed Internet closer to home,” he said. “You graduated the course, along In October 2010, McIntyre service at Gore Trailers and are responsible, and you have with their handlers. was at Gore Trailers to an- discuss the difference it is to take care of him.” Austin said the program nounce that Atlantic Tele- making for this business and The dogs spend six to eight has made a big difference in phone Membership Corpora- the surrounding community. hours a day “on the yard” his life, and helps him think tion (ATMC) had received Joining McIntyre for this with their handlers, said about the future. His fellow $16 million in federal funds event will be officials from the Clint Gainey. He transferred handlers agreed. to bring high-speed Internet USDA and local community to the White Lake unit from “It’s helped me learn a service to Southern Columbus leaders. Burgaw to participate in the lot,” Austin said. program. “I’d like to get a job doing “I enjoy it,” Gainey said something like this when I as he fussed over Phoenix. get out,” said Cole. “At the VA Rural Health Team The Plott hound mix was shy very least I want to volunteer when Lambert and her volun- somewhere. I’ve thought coming to Whiteville teers first arrived at White about it a lot, and working Lake Wednesday, but within with dogs is something I Veterans in the Whiteville tips on controlling hyperten- minutes Gainey had Phoenix really want to do. You feel community can enroll in the sion and cholesterol levels. rolling over, playing and ex- good about what you’re doing Clint Gainey and Phoenix make friends Tuesday at the VA health care system, receive An eligibility and enrollment changing kisses. “When you when you help one of them.” White Lake Correctional Facility. health information, and find specialist will be on hand to have one that is shy around Editor’s note: Watch for out about various services discuss VA health benefits and people, it’s tough to get them further updates and photos available to them through the accept Veterans’ enrollments to open up, but it’s really re- any particular preferences anybody could.” online and in The News Re- Veterans Health Administra- while there. warding,” Gainey said. or issues. Izzy was turned in to the porter as we follow this latest tion from representatives of Anyone who served in the Chavis said that exclu- Stout was dropped at a Columbus County Animal group of dogs and their han- the Fayetteville VA Medical U.S. military is invited. Veter- sively working with rescue Wilmington dog park, where Shelter when her owner dlers through the eight-week Center. ans are highly encouraged to and shelter dogs gives the he wandered for two days could no longer care for her. course. The center’s Rural Health bring a copy of their DD Form participants even more in- looking for a new home be- “That one is going to be Team will be set up at the 214 (discharge paperwork) and centive to work harder with fore being rescued by a Cape lonely,” Lambert said as the Jefferson Weaver Vietnam Veterans of America last year’s financial informa- their charges. Fear volunteer. Carol Hulbert dog with a rapidly-wagging 910-642-4104 ext. 227 Building, 1028 S. Madison St., tion to expedite enrollment in “These dogs all have a spotted Phoenix when he was tail bounced from person to [email protected] Whiteville, on Wednesday, the system. second chance, just like these just a few days before death, person, sniffing hands and Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, con- men,” he said. and talked his owner into giv- The team consists of a nurse tact the Fayetteville Veterans Lambert, who leads the ing the dog up for adoption. educator who can provide ma- Medical Center Public Affairs Cape Fear Rescue League, “I didn’t have a way to pay terials and discuss such issues Officer, Robin DeMark, at 910- helped with the first New his vet bills or anything” as diabetes management and 488-2120, ext. 5991. Leash on Life when she was Hulbert said, “but I called Pat. I knew she could help if HUNGRY? still affiliated with the Co- lumbus County Humane SUBS . . . Society. Interest among some groups waned when the state SALADS . . . Lake park will study considered cutting the pro- COASTAL STADIUM 10 SOUP . . . gram. Chavis said without www.franktheatres.com CHILI . . . the dedication of animal 6OEFSXPSME"XBLFOJOH 3 % (11:15am) sky animals Saturday rescue group volunteers, “we 6OEFSXPSME"XBLFOJOH 3 % COOKIES . . . couldn’t do it. tQNtQNtQNtQNtQN SUBSATIONAL! There are animals — lions, plaining how certain stars, at “She is a special lady,” .Z8FFLXJUI.BSJMZO 3 BN tQNtQNtQN tigers and bears — in the sky, certain times of the year, are Chavis said. “The welfare 5IF%FWJM*OTJEF 3 tQNtQN outlined by the positions of grouped so as to outline the of the animals, any animal, stars in the heavenly constel- shape of an animal. )BZXJSF 3 BN tQN is her first concern, and it tQNtQNtQN lations, and you may get to see The program will begin shows.” &YUSFNFMZ-PVE*ODSFEJCMZ$MPTF 1( them Saturday. with a power point program Lambert greeted several BN tQNtQNtQNtQN If the weather is clear in the Visitors Center at 4:30 of the men like they were 3FE5BJMT 1( BN (clouds and possible rains are p.m. Saturday that will show tQNtQNtQNtQN Buy 1 Whole #18 & Get One #18 relatives as she introduced #FBVUZBOEUIF#FBTU ( % (10:00am) predicted) those attending the how the stars form the shapes the dogs to their new han- program will venture outside of certain animals and objects. #FBVUZBOEUIF#FBTU ( % dlers. She quickly recited tQNtQNtQNtQNtQN to study the constellations The show is scheduled to each dog’s background, and +PZGVM/PJTF 1( BN with a seasonal ranger ex- conclude a 6 p.m. tQNtQNtQNtQNtQN FREE! instructed the handlers on No substitutions. Additional charge for extras added $POUSBCBOE 3 (10:10am) to subs. Not valid with any other promotion. tQNtQNtQNtQNtQN Must present coupon. Expires January 25, 2012 Coming Soon: Joyful Noise 4IFSMPDL)PMNFT 1( tQNtQN CINEMA III 8F#PVHIU";PP 1( BN tQNtQN War Horse Devil Inside (JSMXJUIUIF%SBHPO5BUUPP 3 tQNtQN Deli & Sub Shop Alvin & The Chipmunks • 1 • 4 • 7 • 10 Fri. - Sun. • 1 • 4 • 7 • 10 Fri. - Sun. • 1 • 4 • 7 • 10 Fri. - Sun. 8BSIPSTF 1( BN tQNtQN 4 • 7 • 10 Mon. - Thurs. S. Madison St. 4 • 7 • 10 Mon. - Thurs. 4 • 7 • 10 Mon. - Thurs. (R) 24 Hr. Movie Hotline: 910-754-7469 Whiteville (G) (PG13) SHOWTIMES: JANUARY 20th - January 26th /P1BTTFT"DDFQUFEt4IPXUJNFTJO 'SJ4VO0OMZ 642-3930 MOVIE LINE 910-642-6025 Daytime: $5.50 • Nighttime: $7.50 4QFDJBM4VSDIBSHFJT"QQMJDBCMFGPS"MM%'FBUVSFT The News Reporter, Thursday, January 19, 2012 – 3-A Tyndall interns in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom By FULLER ROYAL provided by Disney. Staff Writer “There were three com- plexes located less than five For most fans of Walt Dis- miles from Disney property,” ney World, working in the she said. “Each apartment Magic Kingdom is a far-off has one to four bedrooms and dream. two people per room. They are For Whiteville native furnished apartments. There Jayme Tyndall, the daughter is also 24-hour security and of Mike and Mary Anne Tyn- only Disney College Program dall, it became a reality when participants can go in and out she was invited to spend the of the complexes.” second half of 2011 working Tyndall said visitors were in the most popular tourist allowed, but they had to be destination on Earth. signed in by the person they The 2007 Whiteville High were visiting. School graduate earned a Transportation was also degree last spring in hospital- provided that would take in- ity and tourism management terns to and from work and from Appalachian State Uni- there were shuttles that went Staff photos by Fuller Royal versity. to certain places around town, With the tail end of Disney’s main Street Electrical Pa- “In college I worked at the so having a car was not neces- rade (above) disappearing into the back of Frontier Land, front desk of a hotel for a little sary to be in the program. Jayme Tyndall checks on her co-workers as they quickly while and really enjoyed it and “One of my roommates remove the stanchions and ropes used to secure the pa- it made me think about hotel also went to ASU and she was rade’s route. Tyndall, below, wears a Disney-made rig that management,” she said. “So I from Raleigh,” Tyndall said. rolls up all of the rope used in the half-mile parade route. decided go into hospitality.” “Another roommate was from Tyndall said she has always Georgia and the other one was liked Disney, but had never from Maryland.” thought about working there. Tyndall worked with Pa- “I heard about the intern- rade Audience Control in the ship when I was a junior at Magic Kingdom from August ASU, but I didn’t want to take 2011 until January. a semester off from school “Depending on the day, the to work at Disney, so I really Magic Kingdom has between never pursued the idea,” she six and eight parades and a said. “During my last semes- big fireworks show at night,” ter of college, a friend of mine she said. “We would set up and said she was applying for the break down for the parades internship and that I should and do crowd control during too, so I did.” the fireworks shows. Photo courtesy of Jayme Tyndall They were both accepted Jayme Tyndall stands ready to meet thousands of daily “When we weren’t doing and moved to Orlando, Fla. visitors to the Magic Kingdom. that, we would be on Main after graduation. Street USA talking to guests, She said the internship was answering questions, hang- part of the Disney College line interview is completed, enrolled in a college or uni- ing out with the kids and Program. Disney will call to set up a versity. just having a good time with “It is a five to seven-month phone interview if they are “It’s designed so students everyone,” she said. internship, depending on interested. can take a semester off from “Disney cares so much which one you apply for,” she “You tell Disney what jobs school and work at Disney,” about their guests and making said. we would be interested in, but Tyndall said. “While you are sure everyone has a wonder- family. Disney refers to its behind, and make sure the “There are several posi- they still place you in the posi- in the program, Disney offers ful experience,” Tyndall said. employees as ‘cast members’ guests had the best experience tions you can apply for from tion they think you would be classes that will transfer back “And they want to make sure and we were always on a first- they could while visiting with custodial to operations to best in,” she said. to your university and you can all their employees know name-basis only. Disney. merchandise,” she said. To participate in this pro- get college credit for them.” that as well. Disney wants us “Not only does Disney “The first thing we learned She said that once an on- gram, applicants must be Housing for the interns is to treat guests like they are watch out for their guests, when we started at Disney but they also take care of their is what we call the BASICS, cast members,” she said. “Ev- and it’s basically the goal for ery corporation should have every cast member,” she said. Dwyer the same morals and goals for “It helped us when we first Continued from page 1-A their company as Disney does. started and it is something we A graduate of the old Halls- present, the association is years. of matters concerning rural If they did, then every com- had to project every day when boro High School, Dwyer at- engaged in arbitration with Dwyer says the arbitra- carriers. pany would be successful. “ we were working.” tended Wilmington College the Postal Service concerning tion process is a lengthy one Dwyer says the rural car- Tyndall said that while She said she had to project that later became UNC-Wilm- a labor contract. with the Postal Service and riers’ group works well with at work, cast members had a positive image and energy; to leave their personal lives ington. Arbitration participants NRLCA presenting propos- postmasters’ and postal super- See Disney, page 7-A The Postal Service gener- include arbitrators named als and counter proposals, visors’ organizations. ally allows national presidents last month by the National but as a long-time member It’s a long way from the of employee groups to take a Academy of Arbitrators. of the group, she is familiar rural roads of Pender County, year away from their postal Dwyer is taking an active, with what is involved in the where she delivered mail for new colors bloom duties, without pay, to attend time-consuming part in the process. more than 30 years, to the halls to their organizations’ busi- contract negotiations, along “It’s back and forth,” Dwyer of government in Washington, ness. The national office of with other representatives of says of the items presented by but Dwyer has had the train- the National Rural Letter Car- NRLCA, including the NRLCA each side in the arbitration ing and experience, and has January 19! riers’ Association is located in director of labor relations sessions. “This is my second the native ability to handle the Alexandria. Joey Johnson who was ap- contract negotiation,” she transition. “We handle all membership pointed by Dwyer. adds. matters, all the money and all Negotiations are concerned Being head of an organiza- labor relations from this of- with discussions of cutting tion that has members in ev- Ray Wyche 910-642-4104 ext. 229 Spring 2012 Collection fice,” Dwyer says. mail deliveries from six to five ery state in the union requires GIFTS & INTERIORS 3 -ADISON 3T s All complaints, grievances days per week and the possibil- considerable traveling. in store today and concerns of the nation- ity of carriers losing the lay- “We do a lot of traveling to wide membership go through off protection they have had state conventions and to five the Alexandria headquarters, in previous contracts. Also regional conferences. I’ll be she added. on the table are changes to the at all five of those,” she says. “I would be the last person collective bargaining process Part of Dwyer’s duties as they would come to,” she said now in use by NRLCA and president of the group is to of rural carriers who might other postal workers’ unions. meet monthly with the post- have problems connected with The current contract ne- master general to discuss mat- their work. gotiations come at a time the ters of interest to the Postal As president of the NRL- Postal Service is experiencing Service as well as to NRLCA. CA, any aspects relating to the severe financial difficulties, She also attends numerous jobs of the 106,000 rural mail reporting billion-dollar losses meetings at Postal Service carrier members throughout in each of the last several headquarters for discussions the nation are handled under Dwyer’s leadership. At the It’sCollier’s Here! The News Reporter (USPS 387-600) Published twice weekly by The News Reporter Co. 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www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC Vineland www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC up to 50% OFF Station at point of purchase Available for wedding receptions & other Collier’s Jewelers events 717 South Madison Street, Downtown Whiteville • 642-3183 642-3157 4A - The News Reporter, Thursday, January 19, 2012 Crime briefs Bufin charged with more auto crimes Counterfeit Deer Michael Lane Buffkin, 38, of Ridgecrest lion bond, or $750,000 with electronic house Acres, Whiteville, is being held on a bond of Kris- Highway Patrol reports arrest, was set after his initial arrest. $1,141,500 after being charged with several ten Marie show 17 deer struck by rural Buffkin was also charged with breaking new crimes involving vehicles owned by Brown, 30, drivers in Columbus County into the Cherry Grove Baptist Church on Car City of Whiteville. of Raeford, through Jan. 17 plus there have Dec. 27, and stealing several construction Teeya Reaves of Car City estimates costs was arrest- been incidents reported with items and tools owned by Hoyt D. Graham of crimes at the used-vehicle business here ed recently an owl, fox and two dogs. Jr. of Green Sea, S.C. on a fraud is in excess of $25,000 in the past month, Reaves said other vehicle dealers, includ- including the theft of 26 catalytic convert- ing Southtowne Auto Sales, Truck Acces- charge in- Brown Grabbed volving a ers at the car lot by someone other than sories, D&F Body Shop, and Gary Harris’ A 44-year-old Whiteville counterfeit check she cashed Buffkin. business in South Whiteville, experienced man was arrested for assault on May 23, 2011 at Pawn South “We have a well-established, successful various crimes during the last several weeks here Tuesday after a 16-year- in Chadbourn. business, however, losses such as we’ve had of 2011. There have been no reports of ar- old boy told police the man Chadbourn Police Detective recently have a huge impact on our opera- rests in any of these other cases. “grabbed him in the genitals” Donald Britt obtained the war- tions. It is almost impossible to employ the Criminal history while both were at the local rant that shows Brown knew number of workers that we have, and suf- Buffkin’s criminal history shows several post office. the check was fraudulent when fer these significant damages due to theft,” Michael Lane Buffkin felony arrests and convictions. she presented the check. Reaves stated. His record, according to the N.C. Depart- Appeared again ment of Correction, shows jail time for a Richmond County Robbery Buffkin burst back onto the local crime scene at Christmas- conviction for several misdemeanor vehicle charges in 1996. Fraud Shiroski Myers of Lester time in 2011 after disappearing from Columbus County for He was also convicted in Robeson County in 2002 for felony A l y s s a Watts Road, Tabor City, was more than two years. He is believed to have been living in larceny. His probation was eventually revoked, and he was Ann Nobles, robbed by two armed black Bladen County during much of that time, and moved back sent to prison. 19, of Dewitt males inside Myers’ home at to Columbus County and began living with a family member Buffkin’s Columbus County criminal activity begins in White Lane, 11:20 p.m. Monday, after the in Ridgecrest Acres, according to Sheriff ’s Detective Trina January 2003, when he was charged with theft of pain medi- Chadbourn, men had forced their way into Worley. cation and the theft of tools from Chadbourn’s City Pawn h a s b e e n the residence, according to My- Buffkin was initially arrested on Dec. 27 after he was found business. a r r e s t e d ers’ report to a sheriff ’s deputy. inside a home in the Green Acres area southeast of Tabor City, Six more arrests on charges One of the robbers fired a with a vehicle stolen from Wilson’s Auto Sales of Hallsboro Before he was tried on the Chadbourn charges, Buffkin of identity shot inside the home before parked at the residence. was arrested six more times from April 2003 to March 2004 t h e f t a n d Myers gave the men his wallet. The suspect was charged with theft of the vehicle from for breaking and entering, theft, stealing a vehicle, and as- f r a u d o n Nobles Hallsboro, plus felony fleeing to elude arrest in a Christmas sault just inside the entrance to the Columbus County Jail. warrants obtained by Sheriff’s Stolen Eve incident involving Highway Patrol Trooper Brett Baxley. Buffkin pleaded to several crimes in March 2004, and was Deputy Tom Manolis. Car City pickup sent to prison for 12 to 16 months, with a recommendation he Brian Keith Nealey, 39, of Nobles is charged with mis- Buffkin was driving a 2008 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, undergo counseling for his use of drugs through the prison’s Buffkin Road, Green Sea, S.C., demeanor larceny on Jan. 9 in stolen from Car City, when he sped away from Baxley on program. was arrested recently in Co- the theft of a generator from Dessie Road, south of Chadbourn. The chase, with speeds Buffkin was arrested again on Dec. 1, 2005 for breaking lumbus County on a charge of Laverne Nobles of Chadbourn, reported as high as 95 mph, led into South Carolina from into a home near Fair Bluff the previous month and stealing fraud on a warrant obtained and fraud for pawning the Gapway Church Road south of Fair Bluff, where Buffkin several items. Four days later he was arrested for possession by Sheriff’s Detective Scott stolen item the same day, and wrecked, and fled on foot. of a vehicle that had been stolen in Marion County, S.C. Norris. getting $100. Reaves said the damage to the pickup truck was $4,800, and October 2007 Nealey is charged with sell- The ID theft involves the there was additional damages of “approximately $6,500” done He spent some time in the local jail in 2006 after being ing a washer and dryer to a theft of an identity card, owned to vehicles at Car City at the time of the theft of the pickup. arrested as a fugitive from South Carolina, where he was Columbus County woman in by Angela Marie Shields of Sheriff ’s Detective Trina Worley obtained warrants re- wanted for the vehicle theft. June 2011, although he knew Chadbourn, on Jan. 9 for pur- cently that charged Buffkin with breaking into a storage More than a year passed until Buffkin was arrested in they had been stolen. pose of obtaining cash. building at Car City during the Dec. 23-27 period, and stealing Tabor City in October 2007 in possession of a Freightliner six catalytic converters, with a total value of $1,500. truck, owned by Wagram Paperstock in Scotland County. Tree Burned Vehicle break-ins Buffkin was sent to prison in August 2008 in the truck case, Buffkin was also charged with breaking into seven ve- for a term of 10 to 12 months, with a credit of 24 days. He was Three inmates at the Tabor A 1995 Oldsmobile burned hicles with intent to commit larceny during the same period released from prison on May 31, 2009, and DOC’s records show Correction unit have been ar- and was a total loss at 2:40 in December, and his bond was elevated $141,500. The $1 mil- no activity until his arrests last month. rested for possession of mari- a.m. Jan. 17 along U.S. 74 near juana in the prison on war- Boardman after the driver sud- rants obtained by Tabor City denly changed lanes, braked Police Detective Jerry Sarvis. and drove into a roadside ditch, Gilbert Wayne Rasnake Jr., according to a Highway Patrol Kidnapping count faces Man spit on deputy 34, is charged with the offense report. Jerry Allen “Chi- on her. on Nov. 11, 2011; William Mc- Jeremiah Rivera, 19, of na Man” Long, 50, of Avant told him Conway, S.C., was not injured man in assault incident Dougald, 43, possessed the drug James Ber nard head. She blew the Hunt Road, White- he was under arrest, in the incident. Heat from the on Jan. 8; and Billy Joseph Soles, 39, of Mollie car horn to get her ville, was arrested and began to hand- tires due to sudden braking Miles, 24, were charged with Road, Whiteville, was children’s attention, Jan. 11 on a charge of cuff him. He shoved was blamed for the fire. the offense for an incident on arrested recently for and when they went felonious malicious Avant, and tried to Dec. 23. kidnapping a woman to the door of the conduct for spitting hit her and they fell Rasnake is serving a term while assaulting her home, Soles drove on a sheriff ’s depu- against the porch for breaking and entering, rob- Assaulted away. ty at a home in the railing where the in a domestic inci- Long bery, drugs and theft from New Kayla Beth Hickman, 29, of dent south of Chad- Soles, according 7400 block of U.S. 701 side of her face and Hanover County. McDougald Burgaw, was assaulted by an bourn. to the report, as- South, Whiteville. her wrist were injured. Deputy Melanie Avant went is serving a life term for kid- East Arcadia man who hit her A sheriff ’s report Soles saulted, threatened Long lunged, and both fell to the home at 11:15 p.m., to an- napping and being a habitual in the head with a pistol sev- Jan. 12 showed Necolyia Yvette and choked Bell with both down the steps. He tried to swer a call about a disturbance, felon from Harnett County, and eral times on Jan. 14, accord- Bell, 37, of Williams Road, hands. He took her home, spit on her again. As they were and found Long, intoxicated, Miles is serving a term for ing to a report by a Columbus Clarendon, was kidnapped by and drove away. Soles is also headed to jail, Long tried to lying on a porch. She asked several crimes from Alamance County Sheriff ’s deputy. Soles after she agreed to talk charged with communicat- spit still again on Avant, and him if he was “all right,” and County. Hickman, accompanied by to him in his vehicle at her ing threats and assault on a she used a small mask over he jumped up, cursed and spit Patricia Rivenbark, 56, of At- home at 11 p.m. on that date. female. his mouth to stop his attempts. Arrested kinson, went to East Arcadia Bell and Soles have been in Soles has been convicted at night on Jan. 14, to borrow an “on and off relationship” twice for assault on a female James $20 from a man she knew. for 11 years. She got into his – Bell – in cases where he had 2 more Frostbite arrests Richard i l l e g a l l y. The women were returning car to “talk, and an argument been charged with felony as- B r e n d a W a r d S h i p m a n to Pender County on N.C. 11 began, and he grabbed her sault by strangulation. D e s i r e e J r. , 3 1 , northwest of Riegelwood when Jones, 53, is charged o f N e w a car “cut them off,” and made of Jen- with three H o p e them stop in Columbus County. kins Road, counts of S t r e e t , Two arrested for break-in trafficking, Hickman was dragged from Jona- get them, Whiteville, White- and main- the driver’s seat of her car than Lee and return and Win- ville, was taining his by the man she borrowed $20 Gray, 20, his money, fred Adolph arrested Ward vehicle. from, who was angry with her o f J . D . which the S h i p m a n , recently on charges of theft Jones’ of- for an unknown reason and Cartrette suspect did. also 53, of of a vehicle, and burning per- Jones Shipman fense date wanted his $100 back. The man R o a d , T h e r i m s Valley Lane, sonal property. drove her back to his apart- Chad- were then Hallsboro, have been arrested was Nov. 13, and Shipman’s Ward is charged with steal- ment where she again was as- b o u r n , taken to the on charges of trafficking in was July 15, according to war- ing a 1999 Ford pickup truck, saulted, the report noted. and An- Tabor City opium/heroin contained in rants, all obtained by Drug owned by Robert Dale Ward The Bladen County and Co- tonio De- Gray Goodman a r e a a n d pain medication. Detective Kevin Norris. Ship- of Gaston Sellers Road, during lumbus County sheriff’s offices wayne Goodman Jr., 19, of sold for $350 and some mari- Both were targets of un- man’s acts involved 100 indi- the Dec. 27-28 period, and burn- are investigating. Sidney-Cherry Grove Road, juana, according to Norris. The dercover purchases by law vidually packaged Percocet ing the pickup after stealing a Clarendon, have been arrested rims were recovered Tuesday. enforcement during the latter pills, Norris said. battery and other equipment in a break-in and theft case on months of 2011 in the Sheriff ’s owned by Ward. Interrupted warrants obtained by Sheriff’s Drug Unit’s Operation Frost- In addition, James Ward is Detective Scott Norris. Attempted burglary bite. More than 30 arrests were charged with breaking into a A break-in and theft of Gray and Goodman are made in early December in the GMC vehicle, owned by Robert items at a Delco home was Cory James Goodman of charged with breaking into Mollie Road, Whiteville, told sting. LOST Ward, during the Dec. 26-29 interrupted by the victim’s Sherry Brown’s home along Jones is charged with traf- period, and stealing two cages father at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, a sheriff ’s deputy Jan. 17 that Ten Mile Road, Tabor City, dur- ficking by sale, delivery, pos- used to cover heating units, the but the suspect got away with someone broke a rear window LARGE ing the period of Dec. 30-31, and session and transportation, items valued at $1,400. two computer gaming systems, at his home at 7 p.m. while he stealing a TV. plus maintaining her vehicle Charges against James according to a sheriff ’s report. and his children were in the Gray is also charged with a as a place to keep and sell drugs Richard Ward Jr. of break- A man was seen throwing residence, but the suspect fled WHITE MALE break-in and theft reported on ing into Robert Dale Ward’s items into his car, and fleeing into some nearby woods when Oct. 8 by Wade “Dusty” Gray of storage building in January when Christina Ann Margus’ the family investigated the Chadbourn, Jonathan’s uncle. DOG (Pyrenees) 2009, and stealing $9,180 worth father appeared at her home noise. The suspect is charged with of electric motors, were dis- along Carroll’s Trail, Delco. Scheduling a stealing four tire rims, valued Last seen on missed here last month be- The suspect was followed west at $3,000, and selling them to a Bladen County cases cause the state was “unable to on U.S. 74-76 until the father Thompson- Chadbourn man while Wade Trevor Demon “Trouble community event? contact victim, with subpoenas lost sight of him near the Free- Gray was hospitalized. Man” Hall, 33, of Munn Lane, returned unserved.” man area. town Road Computer game consoles The buyer in Chadbourn, Riegelwood, was arrested Jan. Check out our made by Microsoft and Sony contacted by Wade Gray, noti- 15 on Bladen County warrants wearing a County Fatalities were stolen. fied Jonathan Gray to come and charging him with two counts To this date of burglary, two of felony lar- 24-hour Community green collar. ceny, and two of possession of 2012 ...... ….……...0 stolen property. Calendar at: 2011 ……...………1 Call Total 2011...... 17 FREE AD! www.whiteville.com www.whiteville.com Total 2010...... 26 For Free Stuff 840-4569 Name Minor injuries here Address City State Zip You may qualify for There were minor injuries Ad text (up to 4 lines, approx. 15 words, typed or printed clearly) here Wednesday to a passenger aCing in one of the vehicles involved F Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in a collision at the intersec- foreclosure? tion of Lee and Smith streets, to stop foreclosure. police said. *Name, address & phone # must be completed or coupon will not be accepted. Ad will run for 3 days. Law oFFiCeS oF Drivers were Doris But- The News Reporter Classifieds Work! We help people file for bankruptcy relief ler Tedder, 79, of Whiteville, Bruce F. JoBe, P.A. and Grace H. Clark, 83, of Restrictions: Applies to Lost & Found notices and items being given away for free. Private parties only. One item per ad. Limit of 2 free ads per family per 30-day period. Ads can be we are a debt reLieF agenCy under the United States Bankruptcy Code. Elizabethtown in the 12:03 p.m. submitted via coupon OR in person in our Advertising Dept. Mail to: Free Classified, The crash. News Reporter, PO Box 707, Whiteville, NC 28472. No phone calls please. 4312 Ludgate St. • Lumberton, nC • 910-739-1010 • toLL-Free 800.808.9695 The News Reporter, Thursday, January 19, 2012 - 5A Sherif seeks 4 EHA absconders $EPUTIES ARE TRYING TO lND FOUR MEN WHO BROKE ELEC- TRONIC HOUSE ARREST %(! AND DISAPPEARED 3OME OF the men were released on bond in child-support cases AND %(! WAS A PART OF THEIR bond requirement. $EPUTY #APT "OBBY 7OR- Brown Grissett LEY SAID 'ARRY , "ROWN "ARNAMAS - 'RISSETT +EL- VIN ,EROY 7ILLIAMS AND !N- THONY -C.AIR ARE WANTED "ROWN HAS AN ADDRESS OF 3MYRNA 2OAD 7HITEVILLE AND BROKE %(! ON $EC 'RISSETT FROM ,UM- BERTON DISAPPEARED ON *ULY Williams McNair 7ILLIAMS OF "AY 3TREET 4ABOR #ITY FLED SU- 7ORLEY ASKS THAT ANYONE PERVISION ON .OV WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE -C.AIR OF 7ILMING- MEN CALL HIM AT OR TON BROKE %(! ON !PRIL CONTACT
Some drivers are injured Staff photo by Mark Gilchrist Some rural drivers have been injured, plus pedestrian sus- A bulldozer is parked on a county lot southeast of the paved for parking spaces, many of which will be lost when tained serious injuries, in recent collisions and wrecks reported courthouse here in preparation for a lot to be cleared and the courthouse annex is constructed off west Smith Street. by Highway Patrol troopers. The incidents include: s *AN n 'ARRON 2APHAEL -ONROE OF !BERDEEN ESCAPED WITH MINOR INJURIES IN A AM WRECK ON 53 EAST OF "OLTON (E DROVE OFF THE ROAD INTO SOME TREES AND OVERTURNED Break-ins, thefs noted He was using his seatbelt. 46 MEDICATION s *AN n !N UNKNOWN DRIVER mED THE SCENE AT PM ON 4HE FOLLOWING WERE VICTIMS 7HITEVILLE n BREAK IN THEFT OF s *AN n "ILLIE 4HORNA- s *AN n #ATALINA 'ALAVIZ 4OM 3ESSIONS 2OAD AFTER HE WRECKED A VEHICLE OWNED BY *AMES OF A BREAK IN ANDOR THEFT RE- cash. SALECE &ITCHETT 4RAM 2OAD 0ORTER 3WAMP 2OAD #ERRO %DWARD (EWETT *R OF ,ELAND ported on date shown: s *AN n 2OBERT (OUSTON 7HITEVILLE n THEFT OF A REBATE 'ORDO n BREAK IN THEFT OF 3ONY s *AN n ,ACY *EAN (EWETT OF #LARENDON HAD MINOR s *AN n 'LENYCE 3TEWART *ORDAN .# (ALLSBORO n card. AND 3AMSUNG 46S (EWLETT INJURIES AFTER SHE DROVE A #HEVROLET THROUGH A STOP SIGN -INCEY 3YCAMORE ,ANE 7HITE- BREAK IN THEFT OF CASH s *AN n "OBBY 3TEVE Packard computer, Deskjet AT THE INTERSECTION OF .# AND &AIR