i*TBXXIFSFTPNFPOFIBE Look inside Sports UPEBZTJTTVFGPS their picture in the paper rPack boys take road win at North US with a rattlesnake they Te Professional Brunswick. rLady Stallions top West LJMMFE"SFOUSBUUMFTOBLFT 'PSVN, our new #MBEFOJOPWFSUJNFr)BNQUPOTDPSFT an endangered species and XFFLMZ2" 35 in Lady Gator win. r8JMMJBNTUSJQMF Ask JTOUJUJMMFHBMUPLJMMUIFN u double leads Viking victory. 4FFBOTXFSPOQBHF" series. See page 1-B. ThePublished News since 1896 every Monday and Tursday forReporter the County of Columbus and her people. Monday, January 24, 2011 County native dies in Afghanistan attack nSinkler is the first active-duty last year, she was re-assigned to Fort A gunner for the mission, she was Volume 114, Number 60 soldier from Columbus County Richardson, Alaska. in the exposed turret of an armored Whiteville, North Carolina to die in combat since 1991’s Des- Last year, Sinkler married fellow MRAP vehicle when it was struck by a ert Storm when a Scud missile WCHS graduate Doug Sinkler. They rocket-propelled grenade. She was on 50 Cents attack took the life of Kenneth started dating in high school. The her second mission of the evening, her Perry. couple had made Anchorage their home. father said. Sinkler served in the 109th Trans- Insurgents hit the vehicle with a Chadbourn native Amy Renee Sin- portation Co., 17th Combat Sustain- rocket-propelled grenade at 11:40 p.m. Inside Today kler, a private first class in the U.S. ment Support Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Three other soldiers were in the 3-A Army, was killed Thursday by a rocket- Enhancement Brigade, based at Fort vehicle, but the others weren’t injured. propelled grenade in Afghanistan’s Richardson. Sinkler died at 3:15 a.m., Thursday, Af- rTree students travel Baghlan Province, according to the A motor transport operator, she went ghanistan time. across nation. Army. with her company to Afghanistan last “Amy was the kind of girl who, when 4-A Sinkler, 23, was a 2006 graduate of July for a one-year tour. she wanted to do something, she did r"SSFTUTNBEFJO West Columbus High School. She was In a story published Jan. 21 in the it,” said Thompson, who added that his the daughter of Jackie Bullock and Anchorage Daily News, Sinkler was the daughter had turned down an offer to be rape, copper thefs. Randolph Thompson of Chadbourn. second female soldier and third overall a model to join the Army Sinkler joined the Army in August from the 109th, known as the “Rough At press time, funeral services are of 2009. She was initially stationed at Riders,” to die in combat since the pending. The family said that a service Pfc. Amy Renee Sinkler in Au- Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. In January of 150-soldier unit deployed in July. See Sinkler, page 2-A gust, 2009. David vows Columbus ofers change here county attorney to in prosecution by DA’s staf advise DSS board By NICOLE CARTRETTE nNew DA says jail over- Staff Writer Today’s crowding, old cases are American Profle his first priorities here. Commissioners voted after a closed session features “Te Write held Monday night to offer that County Attor- By BOB HIGH ney Mike Stephens serve as the legal advisor Stuf.” Saluting 20 Staff Writer to the Columbus County Social Service Board of America’s iconic via a memorandum of understanding. District Attorney Jon Da- The DSS board voted recently to seek the authors and poets. vid, in office for 20 days, said advice of an attorney after a closed person- Friday what a Superior Court- nel session that The News Reporter learned room full of supporters wanted involved DSS Director Gerald Fogle taking DIDYOB? to hear – the way crime is a vacation during his probationary period Did you observe ... handled in a Columbus County and questions about vacation time earned courtroom for nearly 20 years and used. Fogle did not want to comment on Flamingos with black will change. the nature of the closed sessions he has been “Today is when the Colum- involved in but did say that he had not done ribbons in Rev. Da- See DA, page 4-A anything that would warrant termination. vid Heller’s yard for Stephens said under state law he can serve his 50th birthday? ... See DSS, page 2-A Daniel Boren mak- Defnitions ing the Dean’s List at lake need at N.C. State his frst Committee picks semester back afer redefning three sites for new serving his country nLake hopes to elimi- as an 82nd Airborne nate future problems by courthouse annex tweaking camper ordi- paratrooper for fve nAll three keep the annex within nance. years? ... Muriel Hill walking distance of historic court- house having her name By JEFFERSON WEAVER drawn as the winner Staff Writer By NICOLE CARTRETTE Staff Writer of a Hill’s Food Stores Changes in camper trailers, gif certifcate at the campgrounds and construc- The Columbus County Courthouse commit- Lake Waccamaw tion codes will likely lead to tee will recommend three site options for the a renovation of sorts with location of a new, two-story, 40,000 square foot Woman’s Club dinner Lake Waccamaw’s camper court annex building to be used in conjunction ordinance. with the historic courthouse. Friday night? ... Area Staff photo by Mark Gilchrist The board of commission- Renovation of the old courthouse and con- residents relieved that ers last week instructed the struction of the new one alone would total Saturday’s anticipated planning board to review the On guard about $16 to $17 million and does not include ordinance, especially the por- National Guard soldiers in Bravo Company based in Whiteville and forzen precipitation land acquisition costs. tion dealing with porches and Lumberton marched fve miles from the armory through downtown All three of those sites would keep the new turned out to be noth- See Lake, page 7-A Whiteville and back Saturday morning as part of their regular training. See Courthouse, page 9-A ing? ... County schools table decision on lottery funds County Deaths By FULLER ROYAL The first project, at Old time will be about $750,000. beams are giving up. ing at a cost of $150,000. Staff Writer Dock Elementary School, is He said said that if the “It is an expensive project,” Nance emphasized that Whiteville for the total replacement of board approves the project, Nance said. “If the entire those items cannot wait. Louise Hyatt Whittington The Columbus County half of the main building’s crews would have to start in school (main building) was The other big project Bolton Board of Education has found floors and floor supports. June with a completion date done it would cost $1.6 mil- Another ongoing project, Toby Keith Lewis itself stuck between a rock Nance explained that the in mid-October. lion.” Nance explained, was the and a hard place in trying to timbers under the floor in “The noisy work would be School board member Wor- construction of a new athletic decide how to spend upcoming the 75-year-old building have done in the summer,” he said. ley Edwards asked if the cost complex at West Columbus lottery funds. rotted to the point they have Nance said the project cov- of a new building would be $6 High School. Phase 1 of that Index Tommy Nance, who over- to be replaced. He said that ers about 6,000 square feet. million. project is nearly complete – sees maintenance and const- an architect and an engineer School board member Monte Nance said a new 12-class- the preparation of the site &EJUPSJBMT" tuction projects for the county report that timbers and the ex- Herring asked if money had room building would cost $3.9 for new athletic fields for the 0CJUVBSJFT" schools, told the board during isting floor and its supporting been spent on a project last million. school, including a football Sports ...... 1-B its Jan. 18 meeting, that as structure had to be replaced. year. “I’d rather spend the money stadium with a track and new $SJNF" of Jan. 11, the lottery fund Nance said that the worst Nance said yes. The timber to replace it than spend it on a bleachers. balance for the county was section of the building in- supports had been shored up floor and then have to go back Nance said that the cost of -JGFTUZMFT" $686,000. cludes the six classrooms and some wood replaced in and fix the roof,” Herring said. Phase 2 of the project would He said that another nearest the gymnasium. one room. “I’m unsure of what we’ll run about $620,000. $400,000 in lottery funding is Included in that expense Nance said that the doors have in the future,” Board The cost includes $125,000 anticipated by June 30, giv- would be the creation of drain- are not closing and that the Chairman Norris Ebron said. for lights, $175,000 for new ing the county more than $1 age beneath the floor and door jams are warping as the Other needs bleachers, $90,000 to move million for construction and the removal of a long-term floor sags. Nance went on to explain existing bleachers to the visi- renovation projects. moisture problem that is the Herring, shaking his head, that Tabor City Middle School tors’ side, and either $152,000 Nance explained to the primary cause of the rot in said it’s hard to believe that has a roof that needs replacing for a paved track or $200,000 board that two major projects the timbers. they are considering putting at a cost of $100,000. for rubber track. are pending, each costing Nance said the cost of re- a new floor in a 75-year-old And at Tabor City Elemen- Ebron asked if there were about more than half of the placing the floors and timbers building. tary School, there are three avalable funds. of the six classrooms at one Nance said simply the buildings that need new roof- See Lottery funds, page 2-A 2-A – The News Reporter, Monday, January 24, 2011
This week, on... AskUS I saw where someone had their picture in the paper with a rattlesnake they killed. Aren’t rattlesnakes an endangered species and isn’t it illegal to kill them? Poisonous snakes are pro- “The best thing you can January 24, 2010 tected in North Carolina, and do with any snake is simply may only be killed if human leave it alone,” Long said. life is threatened. “The rattlesnake buzzes his
Whiteville.com Lt. Matt Long of the Wild- rattle to warn you that he’s life Resources Commission there, and that he doesn’t Reader pointed out that in winter, want a confrontation. Take Photos most snakes are lethargic due his advice and carefully leave to colder temperatures. Rattle- the area. He has a right to be snakes kill their prey using there, too, and in winter their venom because they don’t have metabolism makes snakes so the speed of other snakes that slow they aren’t likely to bite constrict their meals. or be very territorial. DSS Continued from page 1-A
as the attorney for the Social but he said that he had partici- Services Board. Assistant pated in other closed personnel County Attorney Terri Martin sessions with the board. “Jeremy Bryan (my son handles matters such as child Social Services did not re- in law)” support and child protective spond to an email request Brinda Tyler services, according to the for the timecard records. The terms of a memorandum of county later turned over DSS understanding with DSS. timekeeping spreadsheets Whiteville.com County commissioner Ed- submitted to the finance office Biser Ball win Russ serves on the DSS but not individual timecards. Sports Trivia board and said Wednesday that Fogle said in terms of Question #82: In 1986, DSS will meet again in its next annual leave and vacation this Whiteville High regularly scheduled meeting policies that County Personnel School athlete won the on Tuesday. Feb. 8. Officer Virginia Taylor would While the Columbus Coun- need to be contacted. 200-meter dash at the Staff photo by Mark Gilchrist state 2A track and feld ty Board of Commissioners “There is a policy and Vir- meet at Chapel Hill. Who approves the salary for the DSS ginia Taylor would be the one Making the cut was it? director, the director serves to ask. My understanding for at the will of the DSS board the first six months you are Ronald Stanley cuts asphalt Thursday to prepare for installation of handicap access Answer: Find it today, made up of a commissioner, asked not to take leave,” Fogle ramps at the corner of Madison and Wyche streets in Whiteville. N.C. DOT is ramping at Whiteville.com, in our and state- and DSS-appointed said. all corners along Madison Street that it plans to regrade. Sports Section. members. Fogle said he had taken The county’s more than 150- “vacation days, yes; my term page employee policy manual is annual leave.” Whiteville.com states that “new” employees Fogle said he has never Lottery funds Poll Question are subject to a probation- accumulated hours on a time Continued from page 1-A ary period and can take no sheet not earned nor has he of the Week any other options for Old past fall. needed for jobs “I hate to ob- vacations during that period. ever “falsified” a timesheet. Dock. Director of Finance Terry ligate those funds and see us Freeze! Which TV cops DSS employees, according to “I’ve certainly not done any- Nance said that the mainte- Dudney said that it is possible lose jobs.” would you rather ride a beat the manual, are subject to a thing to warrant termination,” nance crews could continue to that the General Assembly Superintendent Dan Strick- with? 24-month probation while most Fogle said. patch and mend. again will approve such a move lin asked Nance how late the other employees are subject Fogle said the closed ses- Maybe it was because “But when you get your to use unobligated funds for decision could be made. to what appears to be a three- sion and decision to seek legal those crime scene investi- main timbers the only thing to personnel. Nancy said that in order to month probation period. advice by the board did not gators are everywhere – in do is to tear out and replace,” Dudney said the state actu- open the Old Dock project for County Manager Bill Clark appear to be a red flag to him. Vegas, Miami and New Nance said ally took lottery funds at the bids, a decision would have to has no authority over the DSS “I didn’t all of a sudden be- York – but C.S.I. swept this Windows at WTS beginning of the school year for be made by the board no later director who serves at the will come afraid or have my blood poll, uncovering nearly one Nance said that Williams just that purpose but had since than February. of a five-member Social Ser- pressure rise. I think they are third of the votes. Another Township School foundation reinstated those funds. Nance said that as for the vices board but said recently doing the right thing to get franchise serial, Law and had requested $60,000 to replace Nance was asked which other smaller projects, he con- the county’s policy is not a legal advice, though I am not Order, came in second, ap- windows in the old high school project he would choose – the siders roofs a number one good one. sure what the nature of the le- prehending 18 percent of annex and that the WTS Educa- Old Dock floors or the West priority. “For you to hire someone gal advice would be. I just don’t the votes. Most of the oth- tion Foundation was willing to Columbus athletic complex. He added that he doesn’t and not let them have a vaca- have any idea,” Fogle said. ers – Dragnet, Columbo, kick in $5,000 of the total. “As much as you want to consider the students at Old tion for two years is not reason- Fogle came to the county Starsky & Hutch, Nash Returning to the subject of do the other projects, I would Dock to be in any danger. able,” Clark said. with 33 years of experience as Bridges / Miami Vice, Ha- Old Dock, Edwards asked “Will not bat an eye. I would do the “No one is going to go After a lengthy closed ses- a social services area director waii 5-0 and Monk – drew the floor fall in this year?” floors,” Nance said. through the floor,” he said. sion called for personnel Jan. and county director who had just under 10 percent, while “Not this year,” Nance re- Edwards said the situa- “They might encounter a soft 6, the Columbus County Social worked his way up through the only comedy on the plied. “We don’t want to push tion just wasn’t fair and asked spot.” Services Board announced the ranks. force, Barney Miller, ar- our luck too much.” Nance how long the remaining that it planned to consult the Fogle was hired in March rested a mere 3 percent. Edwards wanted to know, (lesser damaged) floor at Old Fuller Royal county attorney regarding a of 2010 but didn’t immediately in light of potentially drastic Dock would be good for. 910-642-4104 ext. 228 This Week: Courthouse personnel matter. start work. cuts coming to the school sys- “We think the rest of the [email protected] rehab redux Details have remained out He was a regional state tem from the state, if the state floor will carry through the life of the pubic view for months director and interim director might allow school systems of the building,” Nance said. due to the board holding a with Horry County Depart- to use lottery funds to pay for Edwards said that with a Whiteville.com series of unpublicized, closed ment of Social Services in teaching positions as it did this chance of the money being Sinkler Photos meetings both at the Social South Carolina at the time. Continued from page 1-A of the Week Services office and at the coun- He does not appear on county ty administration building. vacation and sick leave docu- of some type will be held in the Board member Ruth Storms ments until June as his start Financial workshop at SCHS auditorium at West Columbus read the general account after date was delayed. A financial aid workshop will aid administrator at South- High School. Soldiers from the meeting on Jan. 6 confirm- Records show that he has be held at South Columbus High eastern Community College, Fort Bragg will assist. ing that Russ requested that earned 6.25 hours vacation School on Thursday, Jan. 27, at will make the presentation. Thompson went to Dover the board consult an attorney. and 7.5 hours of sick leave 6:30 p.m. in the media center. All South Columbus seniors Air Force Base in Maryland to Special called meetings each month under the county’s Glen Hanson, financial and parents are invited. complete paperwork. were announced via a paper policy according to his years of About 200 people attended posting on the back door of the service. Some employees earn a vigil in memory of Sinkler social services facility but the more sick and vacation time DIDYOUKNOW? on the lawn in front of Chad- media was not been notified based on more years of ser- bourn’s Food Lion Sunday of any such meetings under a vice. A November time record evening. 48-hour notice as stated in the shows that he used 37.5 hours The presidency is now a such a bastarding thing, half state’s Open Meeting Law. of vacation time and 7.5 hours • HMS Basketball cross between a popularity royalty and half democracy, FRANK THEATRES Tournament DSS Chairman Michael of sick leave. contest and a high school de- that nobody knows whether Lewis said a few meetings have While the Social Services bate, with an encyclopaedia to genuflect or spit. COASTAL • GIRLS been held away from the Social board has the sole authority Acme-Delco vs Halls- of clichés the first prize. Jimmy Breslin STADIUM 10 boro Services offices and failure to to hire or terminate the direc- Saul Bellow ––––––––– Showtimes (910) 754-7469 notify the media was uninten- tor, commissioners approve www.FRANKTHEATRES.com Central vs Hallsboro ––––––––– George Washington’s profile tional. the salary, which is 50 percent The office of the President is appears on the Purple Heart. 5200 Bridgers Road Chadbourn vs Lewis believed that posting funded through state and fed- Williams Township the meeting notice on the door eral dollars. Fogle manages 141 Evergreen vs. was sufficient and adhered to employees at the county Social Williams Township the state’s Open Meetings Law. Services office. Body Beautiful Medi-Spa & Salon • BOYS “We’ve had a couple of County Social Services board Central vs meetings away from DSS. We members include commissioner invites you to our Williams Township are dealing with a personnel is- appointees Lewis and Russ, So- Nakina vs sue,” Lewis said, pointing out cial Services board appointee Williams Township that the board was not having Ruth Storms, and state appoint- “secret meetings.” ments Guilermo Noguera and RE-GRAND OPENING Lewis said he was aware Peggy Gerald. Gerald was not that there are numerous ru- present at the Jan. 6 meeting. Wednesday, January 26th at 11:00 am mors and questions about why There will be Drawings & Refreshments! the board has held meetings Nicole Cartrette away from social services, but Come Help us Celebrate! he does not intend to recom- 910-642-4104 ext. 225 [email protected] mend any meetings be held Take advantage of our February Specials a week early! away from the designated loca- tion (a public room at the back Our “New” 1 Hour Oil Candle Massage - $75 of the social services building) DEBT RELIEF in the future. 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Main St. • Back Entrance: 125 Harris St. The News Reporter, Monday, January 24, 2011 – 3-A Tree high school students travel across nation By FULLER ROYAL land said. leadership conference to study Staff Writer “The best part was the abroad in England, Scotland, people you get to meet,” Royal Wales and Ireland this sum- Last summer, three area said. “TWB is made up of so mer. high school students were many unique and good indi- Royal is a Scholastic Arts among 80 North Carolina viduals.” Gold Key Award winner with teens who spent more than “The hardest part of the two additional Silver Keys. three weeks covering nearly trip was going 23 days without Her work has received a 8,500 miles of America with a cell phone and not being able Best in Show honor at the Teens Westward Bound. to pick up the phone and call Columbus County Arts Coun- Whiteville High School home whenever I wanted to,” cil’s Celebrate the Arts as well junior Emily Ward, 16, South Ward said. as two Gold Awards and two Columbus High School senior “The hardest part of my Silver Awards. Kramer Paige Strickland, 18, trip was having to spend 23 She was named most artis- and WHS senior Allison Royal, long days from my loved ones,” tic by the senior class. 17, returned from the trip with Strickland said. “Six days Ward said she plans to at- an appreciation of America without talking to my parents tend college for dentistry. and newfound friends. almost drove me insane.” Strickland plans to attend “Teens Westward Bound “Adjusting to life once it’s Campbell University for its was an experience of a life over,” has been the hardest ac- pharmacy program and to time,” said Ward, the daugh- cording to Royal. “TWB was so cheer at the school. ter of Keith and Candy Ward. high-paced, fun and amazing, Royal plans to earn a fine “Who knew you could make that when I got into the car to arts degree in animation and 81 new best friends, explore go home, I felt out of place. I game design. America and discover your- expected to be woken up the Ward said that her favorite self in only 23 days.” next morning by ‘The V’ (trip class has been honors chem- “The trip was definitely counselor Vikki) and imme- istry because “I have always a life-changing experience,” diately commence what had enjoyed science and working said Strickland, the daughter Emily Ward Kramer Strickland Allison Royal become my morning routine. “ with hands on activities and of Mark and Robin Barnhill. “The Grand Canyon was experiments.” “I learned responsibility and the most beautiful sight be- Strickland’s favorite class commented, calling the season discovered we did not miss,” all had to get up early and go independence. It was chal- cause it is breath-taking and has been anatomy, because “I ‘gloom June.’ she said. to bed late, which took some lenging, both physically and pictures do not do it justice,” am fascinated by what hap- “The next day we were in Finally we made it back time to adjust to. emotionally. I had the time of Ward said pens in the human and why.” Anaheim, famously known for home, and had tearful re- “However, we worked to- my life.” “The most incredible sight Royal’s favorite class has the location of Disneyland,” unions with family and gether to create new ways to “It was the best ‘once-in- in the whole trip was watching been art. Royal said. “I bet I was the hap- friends, and even more tear- sleep comfortably on the ve- a-lifetime opportunity’ any the sunrise over the Grand “It has always been my piest person there; I absolutely ful goodbyes to all our new hicles, and your neighbor was person could ever take,” said Canyon,” Strickland said. “No life,” she said. “I love to create loved Disneyland, and at this friends who honestly had better known as your ‘pillow.” Royal, the daughter of Fuller words can express what I saw. and experiment, and my two point in the trip I had so many become family. Everyone was “A lot of the time, we had to and Janet Royal. “It lasted for “The Church of the Trans- favorite mediums are colored friends to share it with. reluctant to leave, but we learn how to cooperate with 23 days, which ended up being figuration in Wyoming was the pencils and digital art. My fa- “We went to many big name would keep out memories of each other. Groups would ro- too little time.” most incredible sight,” Royal vorite subjects are characters cities in California, including this trip forever. tate through different tasks, Teens Westward Bound, said. “It was so humbling. A of my own design. “ Hollywood and San Francisco, “A few of the activities were and if one group slacked up, which departs from the col- little log-cabin church in the “If you are one of the lucky and then we went into the Red- hiking the Grand Canyon, and it affected everyone. lege town of Davidson, has middle of the most beautiful ones chosen to go on Teens wood Forest and Yosemite.” walking across the Golden “The same went for the peo- been hosting trips since the valley you will ever see. Be- Westward Bound, do it,” Ward Royal said that for most Gate Bridge.” Ward said. “We ple within the groups. We all mid 1970s. hind the church, huge snow- said. “I promise you won’t re- of the trip, the campers slept went whitewater rafting in had to be a team. Through this, High school students apply capped mountains overlook gret one moment because you outside. the Shoshone River, watched I developed some patience for spots each spring. the valley, and create a scene will never forget the lifelong “The night we were in Yo- a taping of a television game while working, and confidence For the trip, the campers worthy for a National Geo- friends and memories you semite was the coldest night I show (“Don’t Forget The Lyr- to voice my opinion in differ- divide into groups – named graphic photography book.” make while on this journey.” ever experienced, and we were ics”) in Hollywood and went ent situations. after Snow White’s Seven In high school, Ward is ac- “My trip was absolutely sleeping in ‘bear country.’” up in the arch of the Gateway “You also become very Dwarfs – taking turns cook- tive with the National Honor amazing, and one to never for- “On July the 4th, it was to the West. close to the people around ing, cleaning, buying food and Society, is secretary for the Fu- get,” Strickland said. “Noth- nearly 30 degrees outside,” “We attended a rodeo in you,” Royal said. “I developed setting up camp. ture Farmers of America and ing can ever replace the mem- she said. Wyoming, visited the Ken- friendships I expect to keep for Ward was in the Happy is in the Spanish and HOSA ories that I have, the friends She said that in Salt Lake tucky Derby and spent the day the rest of my life.” group, Strickland was in the clubs. She also plays softball. I’ve made and the things I’ve City, the group visited the in Disneyland.” “I learned that I was a stron- Bashful group and Royal was Strickland is co-captain experienced.” Mormons and learned a thing “We had lots of fun compet- ger person than I thought,” in the Grumpy group. of the cheerleading squad “It will always be some- or two about them at the Salt ing in group challenges, sing- Ward said. “I never believed “We traveled over 8,000 and a member of Students thing I’m proud to say I did,” Lake Tabernacle. a-longs, and getting to know that I could leave home for miles, across 21 states to see Against Drunk Driving and Royal said. “What I learned “From Utah, we then went the other groups,” Strickland so long, live with complete the most beautiful sights in the Fellowship of Christian from this experience makes to Wyoming and saw some said. strangers and take care of America from the East Coast Athletes. She is also captain of me feel prepared for my fu- of America’s most fantastic “The first activity we did myself without the help of my to the West Coast,” Ward said. the varsity dance team. ture. I no longer have very landscapes. Jackson Hole and was a series of races against parents.” “We visited historical land- Royal has been active many fears about leaving Cody, Wyoming were two very the other groups,” Royal said. “I learned that no matter marks, colleges, and huge cit- with art, tennis and bowling. home for college because I real Western towns, and to top “My group, the Grumpies, how tough things may be I ies,” Strickland said. A member of the National know that more than likely it all off we went to see a rodeo. won, and we won several more. have to keep pushing myself, “We first traveled down Honor Society and a junior someone from this trip will “Cody, Wyoming was by far “The funniest activity was and keep my head up,” Strick- to New Orleans, and then marshal, she is president of be nearby. my favorite place to visit, and a group dance-off. Each group land said. “Always be open- through Texas into some of the art club. “The trip also let me expe- I agree with a local in saying, had to make up a routine to minded to new things.” America’s own deserts,” Royal Ward was a N.C. Pecan rience how it is to be without ‘It’s a real American town, ‘Right Round’ and every group “I learned different ways said. “We visited the Carlsbad Belle and winner of the D.A.R. my parents, which was intimi- the way America is supposed decided to have costumes. that I could make friends with Caverns, which were far too Essay Contest and the most dating at first, but I managed to be.’” “One group wanted to cross people, and the best way was magnificent to describe. outstanding sophomore FFA to get over my little bit of At Yellowstone, the TWB dress, which resulted in half to just be myself,” Royal said. “Even the size of the Grand Member. A Whiteville City homesickness and I ended up travelers waited “for what the guys dressed in dresses, “Before the trip I had always Canyon left us all lost for Schools Academic Superstar, having a blast.” seemed like half an eternity tank tops, skirts, leggings and been a little shy about my words, and the many pictures she is a member of the WHS for Old Faithful to erupt.” even bras stuffed with toilet interests, my art and my opin- on our cameras didn’t do it National Honor Society. “We then drove through the paper.” ions. But, I discovered that Fuller Royal justice. Strickland was accepted many valleys, and got great “I discovered America and people have more in common 910-642-4104 ext. 228 “We spent a night out in to CheerHawaii 2010 and se- pictures of bison and elk,” myself,” Ward said of her than you think and that my [email protected] Las Vegas, sneaking into (but lected for the People-to-People Royal said. experience. differences were appreciated not gambling in) the casinos On the way home, the group “I learned to take respon- many. I feel like I became more and scrambling to watch the stopped at landmarks such as sibility, such as helping cook, confident, and I noticed that fountains at the Bellagio. Mt. Rushmore and the Gate- clean and even learning to change in myself later on.” “After a full night’s drive FINAL WEEK OF OUR way Arch as well as the U.S. manage my own money,” “The best parts of the trip through the desert, we woke Olympic training center. Strickland said. “I also learned were our ‘special moments’ be- up in Santa Monica, Cal., BIG SALE “Our final stop was in Ken- independence from my family, cause they allowed us to open where we spent all day hang- tucky,” Royal said. “We spent and learned to venture out to up, be ourselves and connect ing around the Santa Monica ‘a day at the races’ in Churchill experience new people and with one another,” Ward said. Pier and beach. Take an extra Downs, and that night, we ate new things.” “The best part of the trip “Believe it or not, Califor- at Colonel Sanders’ very first “Of personal accomplish- was seeing things that many nia is actually cool during Kentucky Fried Chicken. ments, I learned, for lack of people will never see in their the summer. While in Santa “We stayed the night in cab- better words, ‘survival meth- lifetime, as well as the amaz- Monica it was overcast and ins, and the muggy weather of ods’ to keep up with the pace ing friends that I have gained chilly; a local fisherman even the south was something we of this trip,” Royal said. “We from my experience,” Strick- 10% OFF Weather impacts blood drives, donors needed on All Sale Items The American Red Cross type B blood donors. “Although the winter The American Red Cross reports that recent inclem- Following is a schedule weather has been challeng- Carolina Blood Services Re- ent weather resulted in more of blood drives in Columbus ing, the Red Cross is working gion provides lifesaving blood than 2,700 units of blood that County: diligently to meet the needs to 103 hospitals and must Our could not be collected due to Sunday, Jan. 30 from 11 of patients in our hospitals,” have 1,600 people give blood blood donation center clo- a.m. - 4 p.m. at Old Dock Cy- commented Joyce H. Bren- each weekday to meet hospi- sures, cancelled blood drives press Creek Volunteer Fire del, chief executive officer tal demand. and the inability of donors to Department. of the American Red Cross Blood can be safely do- attend blood drives. Monday, Jan. 31 from 1:30 Carolinas Blood Services nated every 56 days. th Donors are encouraged to - 6 p.m. at Columbus County Region. “We are counting Most healthy people age 17 donate as soon as weather Correctional Institute. on generous blood donors and older, or 16 with parental and travel conditions permit. Donors may contact Lt. to make sure that the blood consent, who weigh at least All blood types are urgently Scott Kurtyka at 642-3285 for supply is at an adequate level 110 pounds, are eligible to needed, although there is a appointments. Walk-ins are to continue to meet patients’ donate blood. special need for type O and welcome. needs.” Donors who are 18 and younger must also meet spe- cific height and weight re- 80 quirements. Anniversary Guidepost scam didn’t work here To schedule an appoint- A local woman called She called Guidepost and information a day earlier had ment or locate a nearby blood Thursday to report that she was told there were no on- called her again, stating that donation opportunity, call Sale had been ripped off by some- going Guidepost telephone there was a problem with 1-800-Red Cross or visit red- one claiming to be a represen- promotions, and that whoever the credit card number. She crossblood.org. tative of Guidepost magazine. called her was an imposter. informed the caller that she Storewide Savings A subscriber of the popular The woman was disappointed did not appreciate being taken magazine, she was interested that she had fallen for the advantage of and hung up. She in the offer of a discount rate ruse, but was happy that her had beaten them at their scam Vineland Sale ends Saturday, Jan. 29 by renewing her subscription Guidepost had arrived the game by putting a freeze on for three years. However, later same day the fraud occurred her credit card before they had in the day when her newest so she could put a freeze on a chance to collect on it. Station copy of Guidepost arrived in her credit card charges. She wanted to make the Available for wedding the mail, she realized she had The woman called back Fri- public aware of the fraud to receptions & other Collier’s“Whiteville’s Leading Jewelers” been ripped off. The price she day to report that the people assure that no one falls for events "7 /"7 Ê7/ 6 ÊUÊ/ , -Ê -9Ê,, had been told was no bargain. who had taken her credit card the scam. 640-2030 È{ÓΣnÎÊUÊÜÜÜ°ViÀÃiÜiiÀðV 4A - The News Reporter, Monday, January 24, 2011
Assistant district attorneys taking a ceremonial oath of offce here Friday were, Riel, Lee Bollinger, Chris Gentry, Elizabeth Prince, Gina Essey, Cathy Radford, from left, Heath Nance and Fred Gore, both to begin work in February, Irene Kristen Kelley, and Joy Easley. Crime briefs Youth arrested here Copper Marijuana in thefs of copper Copper guttering has been John Bur- Thurman Devon tective Tedd Dixon stolen from the Highest Praise vie Spivey Jr., Jones, 17, of Pine- s h ow Jo n e s s t o l e Church located along North 20, of Sandy wood Drive, White- downspouts from the Madison Street here, according Acres Drive, ville, was arrested post office on Jan. 17, to a Jan. 20 police report. W h i t ev i l l e, was arrested Jan. 21 by local po- and the school offices Jan. 20 for lice on six counts on Jan. 13, plus resi- Cocaine p o s s e s s i o n of breaking and en- dences of Paul Leder, tering, and stealing Alton Maurice Graham, 28, of marijuana Spivey Josh Shelly and Lori copper – including of Graham Lane, Tabor City, with intent to sell, plus main- Jones Hinson along West downspouts from the was arrested Jan. 20 for pos- taining his vehicle as a place Lewis Street on Jan. 2. session of crack cocaine, and to keep and sell illegal drugs. post office, Whiteville City The sixth case involved the School’s administrative of- maintaining his vehicle as a Sheriff’s Drug Detective theft of copper water pipes Staff photos by Mark Gilchrist place to keep and use illegal Aaron Herring obtained the fice building, and four resi- under the Esther Shipman DA’s oath drugs. warrants. Spivey was also dences. home along Burkhead Street District Attorney Jon David took a ceremonial oath of of- Warrants obtained by De- Sheriff’s Drug Detective charged with possession of on Jan. 1. fce here Friday in a packed Superior Courtroom. Barbara Aaron Herring obtained the drug paraphernalia – digital Garrell, chairman of the Columbus County Republican warrant after a vehicle stop at scales and small plastic bags. Party, held the Bible. the intersection of N.C. 410 and Spivey had a small amount of She had stolen pickup Chadbourn-Clarendon Road. marijuana in a pocket, and a T h e C o l u m b u s and a blank check in Graham had just purchased large “bundle” of the drug was County Sheriff ’s Of- Williams’ possession. the cocaine in Chadbourn, in a bag under the driver’s seat, fice received a call The items were in the DA Herring said. Herring reported. Jan. 20 from OnStar, same name as the Continued from page 1-A the anti-theft system owner of the pickup, in many vehicles. Au- Currie Milligan of bus County courthouse has the late Lee Greer, said Greer, Dismissed Computers thorities were told a Ash, who reported been returned to the commu- former governor Mike Easley A charge At least 16 computers – 14 stolen pickup truck the theft. nity. I and my staff will fight and Rex Gore – all Democrats of posses- Williams of them laptop models – were was parked in the Williams, now liv- for victims, and we’ll treat – preceded David. sion of co- stolen from Acme-Delco El- Green Acres community south- ing in the Ash community, has criminals with fairness,” the “This job is not for one caine with ementary School along U.S. east of Tabor City. been convicted of less offenses Republican DA said. who’s not ready, but Jon Da- intent to sell 74-76 in Delco, according to a Deputy James Norris went twice in the theft of vehicles He said his staff would vid is ready and capable. His against John Jan. 22 sheriff ’s report. to Pine Circle Drive and found in Columbus County, records work immediately to relieve position is probably the most Kevin Bland, Officials said they found all a blue 2009 Chevrolet crew-cab show. She stole a vehicle in overcrowding in the new jail important post in the three- 24, of Lewis the lights in the school turned pickup at a residence. Keira 2006, and was placed on proba- – built to house 196 – where county district for the safety Street, Chad- Bland off when they arrived at 7 a.m., Ann Williams, 33, formerly of tion. She stole one in 2008, and defendants are sleeping on the of our citizens. bour n, was and doors that had been locked Chadbourn, approached the eventually went to prison when floor because of numbers more “He has immense power. dismissed in District Court on when the school closed on Jan. deputy and told Norris she was her probation was revoked. than 40 above capacity. He can indict a person if he Jan. 14 for an unknown reason. 21, were open. the driver. Norris arrested Williams 1,000 days chooses, based on evidence, There was no reason shown Eight ASUS laptops and Norris found two sets of for possession of stolen prop- David didn’t promise le- or he can decline to prosecute in the dismissal form, and six Dell laptops were stolen keys, a bankcard, a credit card erty. niency toward those in jail, someone, again based on what there was no subpoena in the from classrooms, plus one but their cases will be moved he considers not sufficient evi- court records for the arresting standard Dell computer and quickly. dence. It’s in his discretion,” Tabor City police officer. It was another desktop unit, the re- “We’ve got some people in Gore stated. the eighth setting for the case port showed. Local man arrested the jail here who’ve been wait- Integrity since Bland’s arrest on Feb. 10, ing 1,000 days for their time in “You want a man with legal 2010, when he was found with court. That’s incredible,” he experience and integrity, and 5.8 grams of cocaine. Birthday for statutory rape declared. Jon David has it,” Gore added. Both drivers in a Jan. 20 Terry Lane Auvil Jr., 26, of ing Oct. 17-23, and during the David said he was proud Carlton Prince, represent- Fraud wreck here at the intersection Hardy Road, Whiteville, has time of Oct. 24-30. of his relationship with law ing the Columbus County Bar of Lee and Calhoun streets been arrested on five counts This is the fourth arrest on enforcement and was cheered Association, presented David Larry Eugene Singleton, 54, have the same birthday – Dec. of statutory rape involving a felony charges of Auvil in the to see so many different de- to Superior Court Judge Jack living in an apartment along 18, records show. 15-year-old girl in October 2010 past 10 months, records show. partments represented in the Hooks Jr. for the swearing-in Tram Road, Whiteville, was The 11:15 a.m. crash was on warrants obtained by Sher- He was charged last March audience. ceremony. Joanne Garrell, arrested Jan. 22 on charges caused when Barney L. Best, iff ’s Detective Rene Trevino. with fleeing arrest by Tabor Sheriff Chris Batten and chairman of the Columbus of fraud and misdemeanor 64, of Fountain Inn, S.C., failed Auvil, who has a street City police, theft of a vehicle several of his staff, Sheriff County Republican Party, held larceny on warrants obtained to yield, and his 2000 Chev- name of “T Bone,” is charged in September, and taking in- John Ingram of Brunswick the Bible for the oath. by Whiteville Police Officer rolet was struck in the left with having sex with the girl decent liberties with a girl County and some of his of- Hooks administered the Andy Pate. rear side at 30 mph by a 2010 on Oct. 6, during the time of under the age of 16 in Tabor ficers, police from Tabor City, oath to David, his assistant Singleton is charged with Lexus driven by Lois Williams Oct. 7-9, during Oct. 10-16, dur- City last fall. Fair Bluff, Lake Waccamaw DAs and the support staff. theft of a ring, owned by Stacy Gerald, 78, of Old Farm Trail, and Whiteville, probation of- “I know what to expect from Tedder, on Jan. 5, and pawning Whiteville. Both were using ficers, Wildlife Commission you because I’ve been in the the stolen ring at Pawn USA seat belts, and there were no Break-ins, thefs noted officers, personnel from Lake courtroom with you on sev- here the same day. reported injuries. Waccamaw State Park, and the eral occasions, and I know you The following were victims Register, Red Bug Road, Halls- Highway Patrol attended the will do your best,” Hooks told of a break-in and/or theft re- boro – theft of vehicle transmis- afternoon ceremonial session. David. ported on date shown: sion, three Honda wheels. Victims’ voice New ADAs 2 hurt, belts not used s *AN n .ICE "LENDS )N- s *AN n $ICKIE 7RIGHT “I’m absolutely committed David introduced two new The driver and passenger Cedar Drive, Riegelwood, was dustrial Park off Chadbourn Ward, Trail’s End Lane, White- to a combined police-prosecu- assistant DAs – young local – both shown as not using the passenger. Highway – break-in, theft of ville – break-in, theft of York- tor approach in fighting crime. attorney Heath Nance from seat belts -- sustained serious There were minor injuries Miller welding unit, copper shire terrier. There have been four murders Cerro Gordo, and Fred Gore, an injuries on Jan. 19 after their in a Jan. 17 wreck at 12:05 p.m. wire. s *AN n /AKES 'RADING in Columbus County since I assistant DA in Durham, who’s vehicle wrecked on U.S. 74-76 on U.S. 76 in front of West s *AN n &ARRY