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Sports 4FFQBHF# ThePublished News since 1890 every Monday and Tursday forReporter the County of Columbus and her people. Monday, November 21, 2011 Ofcials Furloughs, pay
Volume 121, Number 41 cite need cuts for aging Whiteville, North Carolina for fu shots considered 75 Cents By RAY WYCHE Staff Writer By NICOLE CARTRETTE Staff Writer The week of Dec. 4-10 has Inside Today been declared National In- Curbing financial losses at the Columbus fluenza Vaccination Week, County Department of Aging may come in 4-A according to information re- the form of furloughs for full-time employees r8PNBOêSFTTIPU ceived by the local county but nurse aides still face significant pay cuts. health department. In his latest recommendation to reduce the BUCVSHMBS Columbus County Health shortfall at the department, County Manager Department Director Kim Bill Clark in an email Friday to commissioners Smith emphasized the need for and others recommends a 15-hour per month residents to receive the immu- furlough for all full-time employees at the de- DIDYOB? nization and issued a reminder partment for the remainder of the fiscal year. Did you observe ... to people that “we are in the Those brief unpaid leaves of absence paired beginning of the season when with an 8 percent cut to all nurse aides will influenza cases are most likely still leave the department with a shortfall for Jubilant South Co- to occur. the second consecutive fiscal year but a much lumbus football “We will give flu vaccina- smaller one than last year. tions during the morning as “The county will contribute $112,000 from fans traveling home well as the afternoon hours at our fund balance to eliminate the remaining Friday night in the our clinic in the Miller Build- shortfall,” Clark told the board in the email. ing (old hospital),” Smith said Under the plan, the county will pay retire- southbound lane of of the health department’s ment for all personnel who work more than U.S. 701 following efforts to ensure all residents 1,000 hours per year, as required by federal receive shots. law. The county will continue to deduct fed- the Stallions’ third- Vaccinations are also avail- eral, state and FICA taxes for nurse aides they round playof victory able at some pharmacies and See Aging, page 3-A at private physicians’ offices. over East Bladen? … Cost of the influenza vac- Tirty people eating cination at the health depart- Staff photo by Mark Gilchrist ment is $31, and the cost is Commissioners 10 bushels of oysters covered by most Medicare and Tool time at the Wildlife Ac- Medicaid insurance policies. Bob Crutchfeld of Whiteville Plywood, left, and Columbus County Com- The Health Department will missioner Edwin Russ, center, look over a tool head manufactured at to consider tion Headquarters be closed Thursday and Friday Council Tool Co. during a tour of the Lake Waccamaw plant Wednes- recently? ... A dessert of this week in observance of day by dozens of regional manufacturers through N.C. State University. crisis at Our Place Council Tool employee Wayne Inman, right, points out the tool’s features. voter ID bill See Flu shots, page 3-A Family Restaurant nPart of lengthy agenda. during Friday’s Bear killing By NICOLE CARTRETTE Families First beneft Sixth annual Festival of Staff Writer luncheon? More pie investigated Columbus County commissioners will be was found to save asked tonight to call on the state legislature By JEFFERSON WEAVER Trees slated for Dec. 3-7 for local legislation related to voters being re- the day. ... White- Staff Writer quired to show photo identification at the polls. ville City manager Lower Cape Fear also conducts humor The measure follows the governor’s veto of Wildlife Enforcement of- Hospice & LifeCare- workshops through the such a bill passed by the legislature this year. Larry Faison fnding ficials are looking for the per- Center will present the Osher Lifelong Learning Supporters say the new voter ID legislation himself persona non son who poached a black bear sixth annual Festival of program at UNCW. would restore integrity to the voting process recently in the Dothan area. Trees Saturday through Moulin has been de- but opponents argue it is unnecessary and will grata afer his be- Investigators said the paws Wednesday, Dec. 3-7, at scribed as a combina- negatively impact minority voters. loved Virginia Hok- were cut off, but the rest of the the newly renovated tion of Lucille Ball and In June, Gov. Bev Perdue vetoed the GOP-led ies beat UNC Chapel carcass was left on a roadside. North Carolina Mu- Sophia Loren. initiative to require a photo ID, but in recent Charles Hinson of the Wild- seum of Forestry, 415 One cannot spend weeks some boards of commissioners are Hill? Tar Heel loyalty life Resources Commission S. Madison St. in White- more than 10 minutes seeking local legislation. Some, such as Craven is very strong in his said the bear was dead for ville. Admission is $5 at with this talented per- County, are considering letting their respective “a day or two” before he was the door. former without chuck- counties take on the cost of providing a photo new hometown. ... contacted. The bear was found Holiday luncheons ling or giggling. Her ID to voters. At one time, the cost for the state on Howard Cox Road in the on Thursday and Fri- humor is unique – some- to provide ID’s to non-voters across North Dothan community. day, Dec. 8-9 from 11:30 times sarcastic, occa- Carolina was estimated to be $1.4 million. “It died of a gunshot,” he a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Vine- sionally silly, often biting Opponents such as Democracy North Caro- County Deaths said, “but we couldn’t tell what land Station are a high- and always unpredict- lina claim that more than 140,000 minority kind of weapon it was.” light of this year’s fes- able. voters in the state have no photo ID. Whiteville The bear was definitely not tival. Luncheon tickets Sandra Moulin To reserve tickets Advocates say it is needed to prevent voter struck by a vehicle, Hinson are $35 per person and for these entertaining fraud. Peter Joseph Ashley said. $250 for tables of eight. luncheons, call 910-796- North Carolina is one of nearly 20 states Bolton Bear season opens in Colum- The luncheons, catered by South- 8099 #6 or visit www.hospicefesti- with no voter ID requirements, according to James W. Hufam bus and Brunswick counties in ern Kitchen, will feature keynote valoftrees.org. the National Conference of State Legislators. Fair Bluf December. The season opened speaker Sandra Moulin, author of Lower Cape Fear Hospice & Lif- There are eight states with “strict” laws that Adron “Jimmy” Blackwell Jr. in Bladen and other neighbor- “Before and Laughter, A Humor- eCareCenter is a nonprofit agency make no exceptions for a photo ID. They in- ing counties last week. ous Perspective of the Mundane.” that provides the highest level of clude Kansas, Wisconsin, Texas, Mississippi, Juanita Bullock The state’s bear manage- Moulin writes regularly for Wilma care and comfort to people with life- Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia. At the Chadbourn ment model is used as an ex- Magazine and Livin’ Out Loud in limiting illness; support and counsel- beginning of 2011, only two states were noted Maude Lee Smith ample nationally for successful Wilmington where fans enjoy her ing to families and education to the as having such requirements. Jenetta Carter Gillespie column, “Laughin’ Out Loud.” She community. Six other states require a photo ID or other Tabor City See Bear death, page 2-A See ID bill, page 2-A Barbara Graham Gracie Chestnut Cerro Gordo Carol Ann Giobbi SCC grant to connect unemployed with jobs By NICOLE CARTRETTE on-the-job training opportunities for Workforce Investment Act, this one can “Some need to be more educated Staff Writer the unemployed in manufacturing. It serve a broader population because it in how to perform expectations of Index benefits the worker because they gain is not limited to only “very, very low” the employer and how to keep a job,” On-the-job experience. valuable experience and have a chance income, officials say. Nance said. &EJUPSJBMT" It really means something in a at new careers. “Very few would not be eligible for The college originally asked for 0CJUVBSJFT" struggling economy where employ- It benefits the employer because it this job training,” Triplett said of the $90,000 and had hoped to serve more 4QPSUT# ment opportunities are often scarce. helps to reduce training costs by pro- program that may include participants dislocated workers but is pleased that Officials at Southeastern Commu- viding up to 50 percent reimbursement at 200 percent of the poverty level. 30 to 40 individuals will be served with $SJNF" nity College know that and have been of those costs. “Small manufacturing is going to be the appropriated funds. -JGFTUZMFT" selected for a $40,000 grant that will be “It is a community-driven work- our focus,” Triplett said. The 12-month grant will be avail- used to pair unemployed and dislocat- force development strategy,” Teresa Beverlee Nance, vice president of able for 2012 with no administrative ed workers with small manufacturers Triplett, associate dean of continuing continuing education and economic or overhead costs involved. who need good employees. education, said of the JOBS Project. development, said the training empha- “It goes directly to services,” Nance As of Friday, the college had no of- Triplett said the college worked sizes what it takes to keep a job and be said. “In partnership with JobLink we ficial notification of the grant award closely with Columbus County Eco- valued as an employee. will identify additional potential par- but Rep. Dewey Hill had received word nomic Development, the DREAM “A piece of that is good job retention ticipants and those people interested from the N.C. Rural Center of the grant Center and Cape Fear Workforce De- skills,” Nance said, pointing out that can contact the JobLink center. and others earmarked for the county. velopment in determining community the plan is to help employers “make a “We certainly appreciate the Rural The community mobilization grant needs. good match with the first hiring.” Center continuing to show an inter- that focuses on rural areas in eco- While the program is similar to an Nance said many employers see that nomic distress will be used to create existing one provided as part of the area as one in need of improvement. See SCC grant, page 2-A 2-A – The News Reporter, Momday, November 21, 2011
Investigators are looking into the death of this bear. Bear death Continued from page 1-A
growth of a wild population. people who will do this type kind of waste,” Hinson said. North Carolina’s bear popu- of thing. “If someone was trying to feed lation has exploded in recent “There is a big black mar- his family—it’s still illegal, years due to tight conserva- ket in some foreign countries but that’s a different matter tion efforts by state biologists. for internal organs and other entirely. This was just greed.” The population has grown to bear parts,” he said. Paws are If you have any informa- the point in Columbus County also often taken so the claws tion about the incident, or that hunters regularly petition and bones can be used in jew- suspect poaching of wildlife in the Wildlife Resources Com- elry making. your area, call 1-800-662-7137. mission to extend the local sea- The 250-pound plus bear son to match other counties. was healthy, Hinson said, and Sale of any part of a bear is would have made a good prize Jefferson Weaver illegal under state law, Hinson for a lucky hunter. 910-642-4104 ext. 227 said, “but that doesn’t stop the “It’s senseless to see this [email protected] SCC grant Microwave Tips Continued from page 1-A One can microwave meat balls in 6 to 8 minutes. A est in Columbus County and They include a nurse aide, a pound of beef, one egg, half Staff photo by Mark Gilchrist continuing to help its citizens,” welder and a medical billing and cup of bread crumbs, salt, she added. coding employee. pepper, and paprika. Season opening Two years ago, SCC was the For more information about Microwave on High, rotate Tonya Yarusinsky of Whiteville admires a small Christmas tree at The Farm Store in recipient of the same type of the program contact the JobLink dish one fourth turn after 3 minutes. Whiteville Saturday. One of the frst indications that the holiday season is upon us is grant. Center at SCC, which offers job “We had many success sto- seekers and employers career FRANK THEATRES the arrival of live trees on lots around the county. ries,” Nance said. training and job placement Three Columbus County services at 642-7141 ext. 318. COASTAL residents who benefited from STADIUM 10 ID bill the program will be featured in a Nicole Cartrette Showtimes (910) 754-7469 Continued from page 1-A video that will be released at a fu- 910-642-4104 ext. 225 www.FRANKTHEATRES.com ture state meeting, officials said. [email protected] 5200 Bridgers Road method of identification such Southern Regional Local Man- Town of Chadbourn and sev- as signature by affidavit or agement Entities in response eral former Chadbourn Rural other proof. to state mandates and cuts and Water customers. The county Many more require identi- consideration of additional was deeded water lines two fication in the form of lesser bids on the landfill gas project, years ago that belonged to the means such as a utility bill approval of grant funds for the now dissolved association but or check. Aging Department. Chadbourn had been main- This year Perdue was one s2EVISED INSURANCE DISTRICT taining and operating the lines of three governors to veto such boundaries for Acme-Delco- for decades. The town stands to bills. In recent years, voter ID Riegelwood Fire District are lose $65,000 annually and has a laws have been challenged in on the agenda for approval, sewer plant that is on the lines the courts with some being along with approval of grant in question. County officials reduced from strict to more applications for the county say financially struggling and flexible, as is the case in Mis- recreation department and a taxed county water District II souri. Others have been upheld departmental update on DSS will see a reduction in special as is the U.S. Supreme Courts by Joan Stephens, interim taxes with the addition of the decision to vacate a court of director. customers. appeals decision to suspend s#OUNTY MAINTENANCE IS Chadbourn has called a Arizona’s requirements. seeking approval of a natural special called meeting for Nov. Other agenda items include gas commercial agreement 22 to discuss “potential litiga- a 5:30 p.m. workshop to discuss and approval of a bid to pave tion” though it is unclear if the the county land use plan rec- a lot at the district attorney’s two sessions are related to the ommended by the planning office. A closed session for water litigation. board. While the workshop is attorney-client privilege is planned, the item is not on the also on the agenda and comes Nicole Cartrette agenda for adoption. just days before a scheduled 910-642-4104 ext. 225 s!PPROVAL OF MERGER OF 4HE court date in the ongoing [email protected] Beacon Center, Eastpointe and litigation involving the county,
Farmers can win $2,500 for a nonproft
One farmer in each of share their holiday cheer lected at random from each North Carolina’s 43 participat- with food pantries, fire de- eligible county, and the Mon- ing counties will win $2,500 for partments, students at local santo Fund will announce their favorite local nonprofit schools and others by signing winning farmers and recipi- organizations through the up and designating an orga- ent nonprofits in January America’s Farmer’s Grow nization in their community. 2012. The addition of 41 new Communities program spon- Columbus County is among counties will result in an ad- sored by the Monsanto Fund. the state’s 43 participating ditional $102,500 in donations. The winning farmers can counties, and farmers can In North Carolina, the Mon- sign up to win through Nov. santo Fund will invest $107,500 30 by applying online at www. toward nonprofit organiza- The News Reporter growcommunities.com, or tions in rural communities. (USPS 387-600) call 1-877-267-3332 to apply Visit www.growcommuni- by phone. A $1 donation will ties.com to sign up and to Published twice weekly by be made to local United Way learn more about America’s The News Reporter Co. Inc. chapters for each farmer who Farmers Grow Communi- 127 W. Columbus St. signs up, to further enhance ties. This program is part Whiteville N.C. 28472 the investment in rural com- of a broad commitment by Mailing address: munities. Monsanto Fund to invest in P.O. Box 707, Farmers who meet pro- farm communities, in order Whiteville, N.C. 28472-0707 gram eligibility requirements to highlight the important Periodical postage paid at may enter, regardless of in- contributions farmers make Whiteville, N.C., 28472-0707 volvement with previous Grow every day to our society. Communities programs. Postmaster: send address “Grow Communities is changes to P.O. Box 707, great,” said Ellen Futrell, Book Your Whiteville, N.C. 28472 a former Scotland County Jim High, Publisher farmer winner. “I think as long Christmas Party Mail Subscriptions as Monsanto Fund can give the (Columbus County) money to these communities Now! $30.00 year and organizations like the Whiteville Country Other N.C. Counties Spring Hill Fire Department, $46.00 year we’ll all benefit.” Club This year, the program Home Delivery $40.00 year has expanded to include 1,245 642-3623 Out of State $65.00 year counties throughout the na- ©2011, The News Reporter Co., Inc. tion. One winner will be se- 207-6410 The News Reporter, Monday, November 21, 2011 – 3-A County’s mobile home park rules loophole tightened By NICOLE CARTRETTE feet of any property “under move. If you guys are going to Staff Writer common ownership” will now make rules you need to enforce be viewed as a park and must the ones you have. There are Commissioners recently comply with setbacks, road mobile home parks in this tightened a loophole in the requirements and other such county that are the next thing county’s mobile home park rules. to a county landfill. ordinance. The definition now makes “I know you know it and The amended definition it clear that regardless of you need to clean up what you of a manufactured or mobile renting spaces and homes or have in place,” Floyd said. home park prevents develop- only spaces, all are considered All parks in the county were ers from subdividing land to parks, if there are more than given an opportunity to regis- avoid regulation as a mobile two homes. ter, meet minimal signage and home park. Exemptions remain in other such requirements to Under the ordinance that place for family members avoid major requirements was in place, mobile or manu- placing homes on family land related to roads, setbacks and factured home parks were along with certain farm work- other rules included in the defined as any place, tract or er exemptions. ordinance. are with three or more homes. Only one person spoke in While the number of homes opposition to the amendment. Nicole Cartrette that triggers regulation has “I don’t think it’s fair,” 910-642-4104 ext. 225 not changed, placement of a Leamon Owen Floyd said. “I [email protected] third mobile home within 500 don’t feel like this is a smart Acme Delco Middle principal out as board shifs personnel
By FULLER ROYAL She is being replaced by lic Instruction. Staff Writer Christie Brown, who had origi- Columbus Career and Col- nally been hired to replace lege Academy math instruc- Acme Delco Middle School Columbus Career and College tor Nicky Hobbs has been principal Miriam Davis has Academy principal Laura named interim principal of been removed from her post Davis. that school, which is based in and reassigned as an alterna- Davis left several weeks ago Fair Bluff and on the South- tive academy teacher at East to take a job with the North eastern Community College Columbus High School, effec- Carolina Department of Pub- campus. tive Nov. 21.
Microwave Tips An easily prepared and quickly prepared appetizer Staff photo by Mark Gilchrist or canape is the microwaved cracker with filling atop. © 2011 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. © 2011 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Brown gold One popular choice is a Ken Brewer collects pecans near his Lake Waccamaw home recently. The nuts are round cracker topped with falling heavily this year, pleasing tree owners and pie lovers everywhere. ham salad, or cheese or a cheese spread. Microwave on high just a few seconds. Aging Microwaving bread prod- Merle Norman Cosmetics Merle Norman Cosmetics Continued from page 1-A ucts or making bread is not 4118 Railroad Ave. 4519-1 Main St. recommended. contemplated trying to treat assistance programs will be tied to management issues at Microwaved breads ap- Loris, SC 29569 Shallotte, NC 28459 as independent contractors short $14,698. Other in-home the department. pear dry, are not brown or 843-756-8134 910-754-7960 in recent months. Holiday, services programs noted as County commissioner crusty. vacation, sick and travel “Title IIIB, XX, Project Care Ricky Bullard earlier this Cook your favorite bread pay won’t be offered to nurse and Family Caregiver” are month expressed concern recipes conventionally. aides. expected to bring in $331,436 over Director Ed Worley tell- The county will contrib- but have expenses of $358,239 ing various people and in ute $112,000 from the General and leaving a shortfall of meetings that there was no Fund to the shortfall. $26,803 in those areas. loss. The changes if approved The proposal comes after “They don’t think they will go into effect Dec. 1. months of discussion, con- have lost money. I’m not com- Clark and his staff esti- troversy and limited informa- fortable that they even know mate with the recommended tion about where the depart- what to do themselves,” Bull- Collier’s Jewelers reductions that Medicaid ment was coming up short in ard said, at which time, Clark funded programs that pro- funding. promised to bring new rec- vide in-home services and C o m m i s s i o n e r s we re ommendations to the board. Gifts & Bridal administration such as the caught off guard a few months Community Alternatives Pro- ago when they were first told Nicole Cartrette gram and Personal Care Ser- the department had a short- 910-642-4104 ext. 225 cordially invites you to attend our vices will bring in about $1.9 fall of more than $500,000 last [email protected] million this year with a little fiscal year. more than $1.8 million going While billing troubles, the to expenses. While a profit of absence of the director due $95,326 is projected, the cost to to health problems, a reduc- Flu shots operate other programs will tion in Medicaid pay rates, Continued from page 1-A exceed revenues or appropria- and an increase in pay and Christmas tions in those areas despite benefits to employees were the Thanksgiving holidays. the recommended cuts. all mentioned by officials for The state health depart- The largest projected the loss it remains unclear in ment is conducting random shortfall of $148,522 is attrib- public circles at least exactly testing at some locations in uted to nutrition-based pro- what programs lost money the state to determine the grams that include congre- last year. extent of influenza illnesses Open House gate meals, home delivered Most offerings at the de- reported by medical providers meals and transportation partment are federally sup- at selected sites, Smith said. Now in Progress expenses. ported via Medicaid billing Flu cases reported thus far While those activities com- and state and federal sup- this year have been sporadic, bined will cost $437,507 in ported via grants. Smith said state officials re- through November 23rd revenue this fiscal year, offi- With the exception of in- port. cials expect revenues of just home services, which his- Influenza cases are not in- $288,984 and a loss of $148,522. torically has supplemented cluded in the list of diseases Come enjoy refreshments while you shop. Senior centers will be short all other programs in the that must be reported to local $17,301. Minor home repairs department, other programs health departments, even if and information care and do not generate business-like treatment is received from revenue. other sources. Only cases re- Breaking Bachelorhood The first quarter of this fis- sulting in deaths are reports cal year, the department lost made to state authorities. The News Reporter $65,000, officials said, which Diamond Engagement Sale (USPS 387-600) pushed commissioners to Ray Wyche Published twice weekly by seek new options from Clark. 910-642-4104 ext. 229 The News Reporter Co. Inc. Some see the issue as one 127 W. Columbus St. Whiteville N.C. 28472 25 to 50% off Mailing address: P.O. Box 707, %NGAGEMENT 2INGS s .OVEMBER Whiteville, N.C. 28472-0707 Periodical postage paid at Waccamaw Academy Whiteville, N.C., 28472-0707 Don’t Forget! Postmaster: send address Christmas Bazaar changes to P.O. Box 707, Ladies’ Night Out Whiteville, N.C. 28472 Saturday, December 3rd • 9:00-3:00 $ECEMBER s PM Jim High, Publisher 6x6 Booth Space Available - $35 Mail Subscriptions (Columbus County) Call for Information $30.00 year Other N.C. Counties Breakfast with Santa!! $46.00 year Collier’s Jewelers Call for Reservation Downtown Whiteville Home Delivery $40.00 year $5:00 Per Plate tXXXDPMMJFSTKFXFMFSTDPN Out of State $65.00 year ©2011, The News Reporter Co., Inc. 623 Warrior Trail • 642.7530 4A - The News Reporter, Monday, November 21, 2011 Crime briefs
Habitual Cocaine Robert Junior Surles, 48, of Rossie Dale Haynes Jr., 39, Benson, was sent to prison for of Porter Swamp Road, Cerro 17 to 24 months after he pleaded Gordo, was arrested Nov. 16 in Superior Court here to ha- for possession of cocaine, and bitual DWI. maintaining his vehicle as a Surles’ prior record shows place to keep and use illegal two convictions for DWI in drugs. 1996, two in 1992, and two more Sheriff’s Drug Detective in 2000, all in Harnett and Aaron Herring obtained the Staff photos by Les High Johnston counties. warrants after a vehicle stop His blood-alcohol level was the night of the arrest. Haynes Rescue personnel move some of the three children and a a seatbelt, but three passengers – including children ages 0.17 when arrested by Chad- also faces charges involving woman injured Friday morning in a one-vehicle wreck on 8 and 7, were not using safety equipment in the 1996 Ford, bourn police in June 2010. A possession of Percocet pills Old Pine Log Road west of Whiteville. The driver, Arren according to a Highway Patrol report. None of the three photograph was not available and cocaine in a May 2010 ar- Lou Cribb, 35, of Walter Todd Road, Clarendon, was using passengers nor the driver were ejected. from the Sheriffs Office. rest. Break-in at SCC Tree children, driver Fraud Quintil- Chadbourn woman fres Matthew ies Dawson, W a y n e 51, of White- shot at burglar, who fees hurt in Friday wreck Hurst, 18, ville, was An unknown black male fled a Mark’s Drive, Chadbourn !LL THREE CHILDREN n NONE USING SEATBELTS OR IN CHILD SAFETY of Coun- placed on home last Thursday afternoon after he forced entry to a SEATS n AND THE DRIVER WERE INJURED EARLY &RIDAY