Happy Holidays from staff of The Laurinburg Exchange 224TH EDITION OUR 128TH YEAR WE PRINT ON 100% RECYCLED NewSPRINT Saturday Today’s weather Sports What’s inside: Contact us Classified Ads . .9A Main number: 276-2311 61 HIGH Fighting Scots Comics. .6A Subscription/Delivery Community Calendar. 3A concerns . Ext. 18 24 bring cheer to Obituaries. .2A Classifieds. .Ext. 10 Service Directory . .6B Announcements. Ext. 15 December annual toy drive Letters to Santa . .1B Missing your paper? see page 7A Your TV . .2B Call Ext. 18 by 10 a.m. 2011 39 LOW The Voice of Scotland County | Established 1882 | www.LaurinburgExchange.com | 50 Cents FirstBank hit again Mary Katherine Murphy weapons,” Jones said. “He left the bank on foot.” [email protected] The thief left the building with $220 in cash. Staff reporter In a photograph captured by the bank’s secu- rity camera, the thief appears to be wearing dark Perhaps hoping to stuff his holiday stocking full clothing, sunglasses, a scarf, and a cap. of cash, a man robbed the Firstbank in Laurel Hill Two bank clerks were working at the time. three days before Christmas. They were not injured, according to authorities. Authorities say the man entered the bank just Bank representatives declined comment at this before 5 p.m. on Thursday and gave a teller a note time. demanding money. Law enforcement quickly descended on the Sheriff Shep Jones described the bank robber Morgan Street bank following the heist. A as a white male in his mid to late 20s. Contributed photo “He demanded money, but did not display any Thursday afternoon's robbery suspect as captured by a security camera. See AGAIN | 2A Christmas compassion John Lentz | Laurinburg Exchange Retiring Laurinburg City Clerk Dee Hammond shares a laugh with Rep. Garland Pierce as she receives the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at her retirement party. City clerk gets send off John Lentz [email protected] Photos by Mary Katherine Murphy | Laurinburg Exchange Staff Reporter The staff of Bradford Faulkenberry's family medical practice, assembled in Christmas regalia. Long-time Laurinburg City Clerk Dee Hammond was honored Thursday in what she called a “bit- Medical firm provides holiday cheer tersweet” event to celebrate her 26 years in city government. Mary Katherine Murphy Hired as city clerk in May 1999, Hammond [email protected] began her career with the city in March 1985 Staff reporter as an administrative assistant to the community development department. Her last day on the job While those employed in offices through- will be Dec. 30. out Laurinburg were enjoying office parties The celebration took place a day after Hammond’s and bequeathing gifts to co-workers, the staff husband Roylin, the EMS director for Scotland at Bradford Faulkenberry’s medical practice County, was hospitalized with a serious heart decided to direct their Christmas spirit to attack on Wednesday. Hammond remains in stable those who needed it more. condition at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital “Usually we always have a big Christmas in Pinehurst. party,” said office manager Shelly Coble. “Things happen for a reason,” Hammond said Indeed, Wednesday afternoon saw the office as she fought back tears. “Maybe retirement at staff dressed in festive elf costumes, but to this time has opened the door to taking care of bring Christmas cheer to the family of co- my family.” worker Joyce Covington. Laurinburg Mayor Tommy Parker began the “When Ms. Joyce was informed earlier this informal, drop-in event by praising Hammond for year that her daughter-in-law had cancer, she her service. thought she might have to leave the practice,” “Dee has been a dutiful servant to the citizens said Coble. “When her daughter-in-law died and workers of Laurinburg,” Parker said. “Her two months ago, she left behind a son, a work ethic, her smile, and her ‘can do it’ attitude daughter, and a husband.” Siblings Justin and Jessica Walters open Christmas gifts of clothing from the made her the consummate professional. Covington’s co-workers wanted to do some- staff at Dr. Faulkenberry's office. “On behalf of the Laurinburg City Council and thing to brighten the Christmas season for the citizens of Laurinburg we thank you, Dee, for Covington’s son Bryan Walters and grandchil- a job well done.” dren Justin, 17, and Jessica, 13, after the loss Rep. Garland Pierce presented Hammond with of wife and mother Angie. the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, an honor given “We do love you guys and we know it will to North Carolina citizens who have a record of be a different Christmas this year,” office exemplary service to the state. More than 30 years assistant Mandy Quick told them. “It won’t be of service to the state is required. the same.” “Dee has been a great person to associate with The office hosted a Christmas party for the in helping the city and state governments work Walters family, complete with gifts. E.J. Moody, together,” Pierce said. who formerly worked with the Laurinburg Fire “She is concerned with whatever issue we con- department before being diagnosed with a tact her about, which has created a good partner- brain tumor, was also a guest of honor. ship between her office and mine. My ongoing “Ms. Joyce works here and her family went wish is for the best to her and hers as she moves through so much this year that we wanted to forward. Great things are yet to come for Ms. bring them some Christmas cheer, and E.J.’s Hammond.” birthday was today, so we wanted to surprise Visitors at the event represented a “who’s who” him,” said Leslie Gibson, one of the 15 employ- of county and regional dignitaries. Attendees ees in Faulkenberry’s office. See CHEER | 2A Leslie Gibson and Mandy Quick present a birthday cake to E.J. Moody. See SEND OFF | 2A PAGE 2A THE LAURINBURG EXCHANGE WWW.LAURINBURGEXCHANGE.COM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2011 OBITUARIES Lower gas drives higher travel Mary Ruth Tucker Hayes Staff report affect traffic flow: Ruth Tucker Hayes, 87, of Laurinburg passed away Air travel is expected to be down slightly, with to her Heavenly home on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011.. North Carolina’s gasoline prices have dropped airfares up 21% over last year, triggered by higher Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, 64 cents a gallon since peaking May 6, provid- jet fuel costs and reduced capacity as airlines try Dec. 26, 2011 at the East Laurinburg ing a Christmas present for the 2.4 million North to increase profits. Church of God, officiated by Rev. Carolina motorists expected to drive more than 50 The lowest round-trip airfare average for 40 city- Jeffery McGirt and Rev. Harry miles from home this holiday season, according to to-city trips is $210 this year, compared to $174 Clark. Burial will follow at Hillside AAA Carolinas. last year, according to HIS Global Insight, which Memorial Park. The 11-day year-end holiday will see 2,592,000 does holiday travel forecasting research for AAA. Visitation will be held from 1:30 North Carolinians traveling with 92 percent driv- Many flights have been sold out since mid-Decem- p.m. until 3 p.m. prior to the service ing (2.38 million), 6percent flying (155,600) and 2 ber, according to AAA travel agents. However, on Monday at the East Laurinburg percent traveling by other means (51,800) – a 3.6 those who do fly will find car rental rates lower Church of God. percent increase over last year’s travel totals. by 21% this year, dropping to an average $40 for a Ruth was born in Richmond “The drop in gasoline prices, higher air fares and daily rate. HAYES County on Oct. 29, 1924, daughter fewer available flights on smaller planes, and the Carolina travelers are expected to log an average of the late Peter and Lula Bolton. slowly improving economy mean more people will trip of 726 miles from home, a dramatic drop from She was the beloved wife of 45 years travel to visit family, friends and holiday destina- an average 1,050 miles roundtrip last year, reflect- to the late John Henry Tucker and loving wife to tions,” said David E. Parsons, president and CEO ing shorter airline flights and shorter drives. her second husband, the late Rev. Joseph E. Hayes. of AAA Carolinas. Holiday spending is expected to increase slightly She worked in textiles retiring from Waverly Mills This is the longest holiday travel season, extend- from $694 to $718 for fuel, accommodations, shop- after many years of service. Ruth loved the Lord ing from December 23rd through January 2nd. The ping, entertainment and other travel related costs. and served Him faithfully her entire life. She was a average price in North Carolina is the cheapest Hotel rates are expected to be flat for AAA Three member of the East Laurinburg Church of God and since early February this year when gasoline was Diamond (mid-range) properties, the most popu- served in Rest Home Ministries. She also enjoyed $3.14 a gallon and the lowest since peaking at lar, at $126 a night. cooking and puzzles. Ruth was a precious and loving $3.877 on May 6. North Carolina highways were the scene of more mother and friend that will truly be missed. Motorists can expect to find the cheapest gaso- than 65 fatalities during the 2008-2010 winter In addition to her parents and husband, she was line in North Carolina in High Point at $3.148 holiday seasons.