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Sports 4FFQBHF# ThePublished News since 1890 every Monday and Tursday forReporter the County of Columbus and her people. Monday, September 24,2012 Waterbrooke
Volume 122, Number 25 facility granted Whiteville, North Carolina reprieve for now 75 Cents nWaterbrooke Assisted Living facili- ty granted restraining order in forced removal of residents and license sus- Inside Today pension, but many leave.
2-A By NICOLE CARTRETTE r8BUFSUBQEJTDPVOUT Staff Writer FOE0DU Friday morning, Sept. 21, Jessie Cooper, 78, of Conway, S.C. and a family friend were pack- ing up her son’s belongings at Waterbrooke Assisted Living Facility in Tabor City. He had been unexpectedly moved to another facility the night before. The widow of a sharecropper had cared for her son at home as long as she could and in De- cember of 2011 the facility became his home.
See Waterbrooke, page 3-A
Today’s Waterbrooke American Profle Staff photo by Mark Gilchrist residents caused features “Powers Music appreciation Boothe.” Te vet- Addison Grant of Evergreen enjoys the Live After Five concert at Vineland Station in Whiteville numerous calls eran actor comes on Thursday evening as people dance to The Shakers. Holding Addison is grandmother Crystal John- strong in new ABC- son as Anna Johnson watches. to Tabor police TV series ‘Nashville.’ By BOB HIGH Aging fnancial Hutchens leaving Staff Writer DIDYOB? Residents of Waterbrooke Assisted Living Did you observe ... in Tabor City were the subjects of numer- situation is ‘tight’ Whiteville chamber ous calls for police to go the facility along By NICOLE CARTRETTE By JEFFERSON WEAVER Elizabeth Street ovre the past year. The calls Dr. Sam Wheat- ranged from attempted suicides and thefts to Staff Writer Staff Writer ley starting the numerous assaults. Wrightsville Beach Columbus County Department of Aging officials told Interim chamber leader Kim Hutchens will leave Tabor City Police Chief Donald Dowless commissioners recently that financially the department the post this week for a new job in Kinston. said Friday the residents of Waterbrooke – or- Triathlon swim with came out ahead in July with revenues of about $8,000 over Hutchens was tapped as interim director after Mary dered closed by state health officials – caused his Crocs sandals expenses. Lee Eveleigh Hudson abruptly resigned earlier this many problems during the past year. It is not exactly the turnaround officials had hoped for summer. Hudson replaced longtime chamber director State and county social service workers on? ... Kate Carter but they remain confident they can reverse two years of Janice Young. were given a stack of criminal reports – hosting the White- losses. Although he was named interim director, many in reports they requested – as they moved in Deputy Director Amanda Jernigan said the collection the community hoped Hutchens would take the job See Police calls, page 4-A ville First Baptist rate of 98 to 98.5 percent for billing remained strong. permanently. A former vice president with Waccamaw Chuch youth at her “We are still getting in money from previous months’ Bank, Hutchens had previously served with the Lee home and building billings,” Jernigan said. County Chamber. “At the end of last year we were in the red,” Jernigan He said he hates leaving Whiteville, especially since a really hot fre for said of losses that totaled about $200,000 – less than half the community and chamber work so closely together. Tree weeks the youngsters to of losses experienced in 2010. “This is an excellent opportunity,” he said. “All Jernigan said pay raises to take effect on Oct. 1 could things happen for a reason. When it became evident I roast their hot dogs impact the overall financial picture but she couldn’t say wouldn’t be employed at the bank anymore, the cham- lef for voters on? ... Dogwood to what extent. ber came calling, and I was happy to answer. Whiteville “I haven’t had a chance to look at it,” she told commis- is a special place, and I have enjoyed working for the leaves beginning to sioners. chamber.” turn red? ... Joggers, Jernigan said increased rates for certain services going Hutchens will lead the human resources depart- to register into effect Jan. 1 would have a positive impact. ment at Lenoir Community College in Kinston. The walkers and cyclists “That will help us out,” Jernigan said, but she did not post is a continuation of a career that has focused on nNew voter numbers continue to rise. enjoying cool eve- yet know what the rate would be. HR work, from his time with Granite Falls Bank and Cutting holiday benefits, travel expenses and pay 8 later, Waccamaw. By JEFFERSON WEAVER ning workouts? ... percent for all Aging employees helped curb losses at the I am going to miss this place and this chamber,” Staff Writer Dean Lewis stopped department last year, officials said. he said. “People have been more than willing to offer While personal care services (PCS) has about half the constructive criticism—and I don’t mean complaining. Registration cards are going across the desk at three checkpoints number of clients they had anticipated, the community They will offer ideas on how they think things can be at the Columbus County Board of Elections at for seatbelts? He alternatives program has gained more than expected, better. You need that type of feedback. I enjoyed meet- a record pace. Jernigan said. ing the people I have had the chance to spend time with, Supervisor Carla Strickland said Friday was wearing his at PCS has 57 clients. and I just regret I didn’t get to meet and interact with the county will likely top 37,000 registered each one. ... “We were hoping for 92,” Jernigan told the board. “We more of them.” voters by the first of this week. There were are still not where we really need to be with PCS.” The chamber keeps its executive director busy, 36,914 registered voters Friday afternoon, and “It sounds tight,” Columbus County Board Chairman See Hutchins, page 2-A See Voters, page 3-A Amon McKenzie said. “We need to monitor it.” County Deaths Evergreen Horace McRoy Bass Ceremony to honor twins Millie-Christine Clarendon By RAY WYCHE “Come, Ye Disconsolate,” one of the twins’ favorite tion of the state Department of Archives and His- Elbert Royce Norris Staff Writer hymns, plus one of the many poems that she com- tory, to the well-maintained present Welches Creek posed will be next on the program. Cemetery. Descendants of renowned conjoined twins Millie- The Rev. Larry D. McKoy of Rocky Mount, a great- A granite grave marker carrying the same in- Christine McKoy, who died in 1912, will stage a great-great nephew, will make remarks and a floral scription as the old marker was erected by the society Index remembrance ceremony at 10 a. m. Saturday, Oct. tribute will be placed on the grave. A pair of doves, and placed over the reburial site in a donated plot in &EJUPSJBMT" 13 to mark the centennial year of her death in the facing in opposite directions, will be released at this the Welches Creek Cemetery. Welches Creek community. point in the ceremony. The twins were joined by a band of flesh at a 0CJUVBSJFT" The twins were world-famous entertainers dur- A responsive reading by those attending will also point just beneath the shoulders. The question of 4QPSUT# ing the last half of the 19th century, traveling over be included in the event. The public is invited to the surgically separating the two had been discussed $SJNF" most of Europe and giving command performances ceremony. among medical people, but in those early days when -JGFTUZMFT" for royalty. Family and friends will gather at the dwelling of advancements in medical science were elementary, Millie-Christine, who referred to herself as a the late Homer McCoy, a great-great nephew, near the no one was sure what was contained within the band singular person, was born in slavery in the Welches cemetery after the graveside ceremony. of flesh connecting the two. Creek community and upon retirement returned Millie-Christine was first buried in a community Millie-Christine was noted for her singing voice, to live in the area until her death Oct. 8 and 9, 1912. cemetery near her home. A few years later, this cem- one alto and one soprano, and her above average The ceremony has been arranged by great-great- etery was no longer being used and her grave marker, intelligence. She reportedly spoke French, German great nieces Brenda Troy and Selena McKoy Rowell, made of wood covered with a lead-like metal alloy, and Russian fluently. and great-great-great nephew Wilson Spaulding. was partly destroyed in a forest fire. Despite have two distinct personalities (Millie The remembrance ceremony will begin at the In the early 1970s, the now-defunct Columbus was the more outspoken of the two), the twins got grave of the twins in the Welches Creek Cemetery County Historic Society undertook as a project the along well with each other and were in agreement off Millie-Christine Road with a welcome from placing of a state roadside historical marker beside on most issues. Her gravestone reads, “Two hearts 91-year-old Fred P. McKoy, Jr., a great-great nephew old Highway 74-76 designating the nearby gravesite. of the twins. Work began on relocating the grave, under the direc- See Twins, page 2-A 2-A – The News Reporter, Monday, September 24, 2012
This week, on...
September 24, 2012
Whiteville.com Biser Ball Sports Trivia Question #156: Who were the coaches of West Co- lumbus High School’s boys state championship track and feld teams of 1991 and 1992? Answer: Find the answer today, at Whiteville.com, in our Sports Section.
Whiteville.com Poll Question of the Week What should we do about the Whiteville High School campus?
More than a third of our re- Staff photo by Fuller Royal spondents (38 percent) said they would like to “renovate Shiny floors the current buildings,” while A custodial staff member at South Columbus High School pushes a mop bucket up the main hall of the school recently. The foors in the more than a quarter (27 20-year-old facility are as polished as they were on day one. percent) would like to “Start fresh, and build a new high school at a new site.” Nearly one out of fve respondents (19 percent) would like to “Demolish all or most of Water tap discount ends Oct. 1 Statewide jobless the buildings and rebuild at By NICOLE CARTRETTE districts have picked up 107 ning by their home can con- current site,” and 16 percent Staff Writer new customers. nect to the county water for rate increases would like to “Leave the The largest gains were in a fraction of the county’s ac- By RAY WYCHE percent. school as it is.” the county’s first water Dis- tual cost of installing a meter. Residents in Columbus Staff Writer The statewide rate for This Week: Got Power? County’s five water districts trict I, where 37 customers It is an offer that is typi- August 2011 was 10.7 percent. have until Oct. 1 to take ad- were added. District II picked cally only available during The statewide unemploy- Total non-farm jobs in vantage of a discounted ta- up 24 customers. District III the construction phase of a ment rate rose to 9.7 percent the state have increased by pon fee of $100. added five. water district project. in August, the second con- 27,800 since August 2011, ac- The price is normally $500. District IV added 17 and The public utilities office secutive month that the rate cording to figures released Columbus County com- District V gained 24 new is located at 612 North Madi- showed an increase. by the N.C. Department of missioners, eager to add new customers. son Street in Whiteville and The August rate compares Commerce. customers to the county’s “I think it’s been worth- can be contacted at 642-5257. to the July rate of 9.6 per- The county jobless rate Your questions answered water system, began offering while,” County Commis- at Whiteville.com cent and the June rate of 9.4 will be released Friday. the discount April 1. sioner Ricky Bullard said. Nicole Cartrette Columbus County Public Under the discounted cam- 910-642-4104 ext. 225 Utilities Director Kip Mc- paign, potential customers [email protected] Clary said since that time the who have a water main run- Top honors for Team SECU Whiteville.com With Team State Employ- SECU uses a variety Photos ees’ Credit Union (SECU) of financial education pro- of the Week leading the charge, North grams to reach children Carolina earned top hon- and young adults, including ors at the National Youth SECU’s FAT CAT program Williams Township School beneft Oct. 4 The Williams Township purchased from a student or school. A courtyard, land- Involvement Board (NYIB) for elementary-age students, Educational Foundation will at the door. scaping, a new sound system conference held this month the middle school Biz Kid$ host its annual Performing This year marks the 76th and lockers, are among those in New Orleans. curriculum, the National Arts Dinner, Oct. 4 at Williams anniversary of the school. improvements. For the second consecu- Endowment for Financial Township School. New for this year’s benefit The foundation’s next ma- tive year, North Carolina Education High School Fi- The chicken bog meal will is a separate take out line for jor project goal is to secure air placed first in the number nancial Planning Program, be served from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. to go orders in addition to the conditioning for the school’s of students reached through and SECU-created young Student performances be- dine-in line. gym. youth presentations, teach- adult presentations for col- gin at 6:30 p.m. and a cake auc- Since its inception the non- Special engraved bricks ing financial literacy to lege-age students. tion and cash prize give away profit group, through the sup- may also be purchased for $100 55,604 students. SECU’s relationship will follow. port of the community has in the courtyard. In the event Team SECU also received with local educators and Tickets are $6 per person, donated thousands to fund of rain the dinner will be held two NYIB team awards --- the the North Carolina Depart- Highest Number of Students ment of Public Instruction SCHS @ WCHS include the meal and can be projects that improve the Oct. 11. Reached by a Team (55,038) is critical in expanding its Football and the Highest Number of educational reach across Presentations Conducted by the State. Grief program is Oct. 16 a Team (855). SECU Member Educa- NYIB was created in 1972, tion Specialist Kelli Cheath- Lower Cape Fear Hospice & pice Care Center, 206 Warrior phases of grief, the grieving establishing a national sys- am represented the Credit LifeCareCenter presents Liv- Trail Road in Whiteville. process, and other areas of tem to distribute informa- Union at the NYIB confer- ing With Grief, a one-session This session is designed concern for participants. tion regarding youth. ence and serves as North workshop for adults experi- to provide grief education Often being around others This grassroots concept Carolina’s NYIB delegate. encing grief, from 2 to 4 p.m. and support that enable par- who have been through a simi- has evolved into a vehicle to She comments, “SECU Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Colum- ticipants to work through lar experience enables par- help today’s youth become fi- places great focus on finan- bus County Angel House Hos- grief. Discussions include the ticipants to talk about what nancially savvy individuals. cial education, training staff they are experiencing. Grief The annual NYIB confer- statewide to reach, teach, groups help emphasize that ence brings together credit and engage youth through SCHS @ WHS participants are not grieving union volunteers and profes- various programs offered in Tennis Hutchins Continued from page 1-A alone and others understand sionals to share ideas on best our local schools and com- and can support them on their practices and relevant youth munities. grief journey. Hutchens said. for the new director, and the financial education topics. It is rewarding to help This program is free and “The fall of the year never selection committee has met For over a decade, the North Carolina’s students pre-registration is required seems to stop,” he said. “Shuck and is hard at work. Credit Union has taught obtain the skills necessary by calling Bereavement Coun- and Shag, Pecan Harvest Fes- “Whoever gets this job, they students of all ages about to become financially suc- selor Katelyn Kivett at 642-9051 tival, Christmas Parade—ev- will be working with a great the importance of savings cessful adults, and we are ext. 504. erything is in the planning chamber in a great town,” and responsible money man- thrilled to be honored for When leaving a message, stages, and as soon as one task Hutchens said. agement. these efforts by NYIB.” please leave your name and is complete, there’s another phone number and indicate waiting. It never stops.” Jefferson Weaver you wish to register for the Hutchens said interviews 910-642-4104 ext. 227 Columbus Charter Whiteville Living With Grief SCHS @ WHS have already been scheduled [email protected] Volleyball program. Middle School Student Of The Week FREE Twins standard Continued from page 1-A Columbus Charter Middle School SHIPPING Student of the Week Chandler Gage on all orders over $20 Green is the 11-year-old son of Sa- that beat as one.” later the big home burned, ing her sought advice from at Latest Photos, brina Green. “I have the best teach- She was very dignified along with some valuable Johns Hopkins Hospital in ers and headmaster ever. They are Whiteville.com. and refined, and met people, gifts of jewelry given to her Baltimore. always ready and willing to help me. including European royalty, by admirers, including Queen The local doctor was told The three-week breaks are pretty awe- Want two copies of the very easily and in a confident Victoria of England. to give Christine unlimited some, too.” Math (one of his stronger same print? Just select manner. Even though Millie-Chris- morphine as there was noth- subjects) and social studies are his fa- from the double-print pack- Millie-Christine was gener- tine was financially successful ing that could be done to save vorite classes. “I enjoy learning about ages listed at the bottom of history.” He plays football, soccer and the product menus. ous, giving her relatives tracts as a show attraction to which her upon Millie’s death. of land in her home commu- people paid to attend, after Christine lingered for a participates in Battle of the Books. He nity, land she had purchased her retirement she welcomed day, spending her last hours is active with the youth at his church and is a junior usher. He said the most with the considerable money visitors without charge. in prayer and hymn singing. interesting thing about him is he has Check back here, on page 2-A of Te she had earned on the show Blacks and whites alike News Reporter each week for the latest never missed a day of school. “I would love to be a professional on Whiteville.com. and entertainment circuit. were welcomed to the big soccer player.” His backup plan is to attend college to be a game She was known for her house Mondays through Sat- Ray Wyche warden. His favorite musical group is Casting Crowns. His fa- charitable acts; in addition to urdays, but Sunday after- 910-642-4104 ext. 229 vorite book is “Space Cowboy” and his favorite movie is “Tooth procuring land for her rela- noons were reserved for black Fairy.” He likes pizza, hunting, sports and the Duke Blue Devils. tives, she shared her wealth visitors only. with all her neighbors, includ- She was a very religious FRANK THEATRES Sponsored By ing whites to whom she made person, regularly attending COASTAL gifts of money if their situa- church services. STADIUM 10 tion indicated a need. Millie was stricken by tu- CCI ROOFING In-home and on Location Commercial & Residential After retirement, she built berculosis and when death Showtimes (910) 754-7469 www.FRANKTHEATRES.com [email protected] 770.1834 a large two-story house near was obviously imminent, the 5200 Bridgers Road www.fullerroyalphoto.com her birthplace. A few years Whiteville physician attend- Charles Coleman (910) 770-2476 The News Reporter, Monday, September 24, 2012 – 3-A Waterbrooke Continued from page 1-A
“I took care of him a good cials have not provided results the facility license,” Judge while,” she said of her son of the inspection to the facility Gray asserted in the order. who suffers from mental and that it could take 15 to 30 The facility is licensed for health issues and other medi- days for the facility to receive 80 beds and has a three star cal problems. the inspection report. rating, according to the DHHS Trying to find a place for “These people are not being website. That site lists no- him in Horry County was moved by their families but by tice of certain violations and difficult. DSS,” Crawford said. penalties against adult care “We checked around Con- Jim Jones is a spokesper- homes since 2006 but none for way and couldn’t find a bed for son for the Division of Health Waterbrooke. him anywhere,” Cooper said. Service Regulation Adult Care A records request turned With only disability income Licensure Section. It is a divi- up a number of complaint- and no insurance other than sion of the DHHS. driven and routine investi- Medicaid his options were Jones said Friday that the gation reports. Many were limited. The adult care facility state had arranged the trans- returned by state or county at Lake Waccamaw seemed to fer of 15 patients and the facil- social services officials “un- be a good alternative. ity had arranged the transfer substantiated.” Under doctor’s care and of about the same number of A few called for corrective with certain nutritional sup- patients. action. Among those was a plements he was doing well, Jones said the division had June 18 monitoring report Cooper said. not received a written copy that noted a staff qualification Her son, who once looked of the temporary restraining violation. The facility was giv- like a “skeleton,” had gained order but was notified of the en five days to produce records weight, she said. Monday, Coo- order. showing an employee job title per had not yet seen or ever A clerk with the N.C. Office description and signature of been to the facility at Lake of Administrative Hearings a resident’s rights statement. Waccamaw where her son told The News Reporter the On that same June visit was transferred but she had order was entered verbally housekeeping and furnishing spoken with him on the phone. with both parties consenting deficiencies in the resident’s The same morning that to the language in that order rooms was noted. Cooper was packing items, to be drafted. It will tentatively “Five rooms are missing Waterbrooke obtained a tem- expire within 10 days. required items per rule being porary restraining order at 11 The News Reporter obtained monitored,” the report read. a.m. to prevent state officials a copy of the order late Friday. “Some furniture is broken or and local social services offi- In that order, Administra- inoperable at this time.” cials from continuing to act on tive Law Judge Beecher Gray The facility was given 30 the notice of license suspen- finds that “residents of the days to comply. sion issued Sept. 20. Waterbrooke Assisted Living resident Jessie Cooper facility and the petitioner will A Feb. 24 report noted con- That notice appeared to re- suffer immediate and irrepu- cerns with a patient who had quire the immediate removal care and supervision, health Facility officials said many hardship,” she said. table harm if the respondent potentially “suicidal/homi- of residents. care, medication and resident of those transfers took place “This was unneeded for is allowed to remove or cause cidal” thoughts threatening The North Carolina Depart- rights deficiencies but did not late in the night and early into the state to come in with- to be removed residents from other residents. ment of Health and Human detail those specific problems. the morning hours. out letting us know why and the facility. A follow-up report sug- Services issued the suspen- Columbus County health An error on the suspension move some patients as late at “The likely harm to the gested a change in medication sion of the facility’s license officials confirmed a bed bug notice called for the suspen- 12:15 a.m.” The process began residents of the facility from improved the patient’s mental via hand delivery and certified problem at the facility this sion to take effect no later at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday their forced removal may state and he was no longer a mail on Friday, Sept. 20. week. than 5 p.m. on Saturday Sept. night, Crawford said. outweigh any likelihood of threat. It came on the heels of a Officials with the facility, 20. Saturday was Sept. 22 and “It was scary,” Crawford harm caused by the residents An Aug. 30 inspection found complaint-driven investiga- opened in 1987 under a differ- state officials say that it should said, adding that some had remaining in the facility pend- a “lack of sufficient” evidence tion that found “evidence of ent name and management, have read Sept. 22. been living there for decades. ing an opportunity for the par- related to a complaint regard- neglect and failure to pro- say they had no warning and “Everybody is upset,” facil- Residents were in tears ties to be heard in this matter,” ing a lack of supervision. tect residents from potential the findings of the inspection ity manager Sharon Crawford and many distraught to be the order reads. A June 20 inspection re- harm that presents an im- have not been shared with said. Friday morning, she said ripped away from their home, The order suggests that port noted that two of five minent danger to the health them. that of 77 residents who lived she said. known “alleged deficiencies” thermostats in the building and safety of residents of The pulling of the license at Waterbrooke, as few as 30 “It hurt my heart,” said had been corrected but the were “above 80 degrees.” The the home,” according to the led DHHS to transfer 15 resi- remained. Crawford, who has managed petitioners (the facility) have facility was given 24 hours to notice. It suggested personal dents Sept. 20. “This has caused a lot of the facility for two years. She received “no communication” comply with fixing them. said the events created a “mad on deficiencies that need to be house” at the facility. corrected. Voters “I love my job. I love my res- “There appears no immi- Nicole Cartrette Continued from page 1-A idents and I want to do what is nent danger to the health or 910-642-4104 ext. 225 best for them,” Crawford said. welfare of the residents that [email protected] Crawford said DHHS offi- would justify suspension of 100 cards waiting to be sorted “We also have quite a few place during early voting, and filed. people making sure their but must cast a ballot in their “It’s phenomenal,” Strick- information is correct, or home precinct on Election land said. “It’s as busy as it changing addresses,” she Day. was during the last presiden- said. “We love seeing people Early voting sites are: tial election.” take an interest in the election s " O L T O N 4 O W N ( A L L To date, the county has process.” 221 Ninth St., Bolton 23,878 registered Democrats. Absentee ballots have also s #HADBOURN -UNICIPAL !N- Republicans tally 6,134. The been steadily coming in by nex, 208 E. 1st Ave., Chad- group with the largest growth mail, Strickland said, with 234 bourn is unaffiliated voters, with as of Friday. Twelve of those s&AIR