HAMLET — Two Richmond County Schools’ employees were honored for excellence Tuesday during the Board of Education’s monthly meeting.

Roscoe McDonald has been with the Richmond County Schools’ Maintenance Department for more than 27 years. He began as a school painter, and through hard work and dedication now serves in the leadership role as a crew supervisor.

According to his director, Glenn Sims, “Roscoe tackles any task with a smile and is always willing to help others. Plus, he’s quick to exhibit a positive attitude and great work ethic.”

McDonald often completes projects before Sims even has the chance to ask him. He takes pride in his work and continuously sets the bar high.

Since joining the Richmond County School’s Maintenance Department as its officer manager, Melinda Hefferan has created and implemented many new software platforms. These newly developed forms, spreadsheets and programs have made the department more effective and efficient.

“Her creative and outside-the-box thinking has aided the tracking of supplies and labor, thus reducing spending while improving the quality of products purchased,” said Sims.

He also commended Hefferan’s perfect customer service, adding that regardless of whether she’s speaking with someone on the phone or in person, she always has a smile on her face.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Roscoe McDonald, pictured with Richmond County Board of Education Chairman Wiley Mabe and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jeff Maples, was awarded the inspiring excellence award for May.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSCN6875.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Roscoe McDonald, pictured with Richmond County Board of Education Chairman Wiley Mabe and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jeff Maples, was awarded the inspiring excellence award for May.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Melinda Hefferan, office manager for Richmond County Schools’ Maintenance Department, is pictured accepting her award Tuesday night during the Board of Education’s monthly meeting.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSCN6877.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Melinda Hefferan, office manager for Richmond County Schools’ Maintenance Department, is pictured accepting her award Tuesday night during the Board of Education’s monthly meeting.

ROCKINGHAM — Pat’s Kitchen, aside from its buffet, is famous in Richmond County for hosting fundraisers for groups or individuals that are in need of additional funding for whatever the case may be.

The restaurant will keep that tradition going Saturday when it’s slated to host an event to raise funds for the Place of Grace Rescue Mission.

This will be the second year the restaurant and homeless shelter have teamed up for a fundraiser, according to the Rev. Gary Richardson, pastor of New Life Church and CEO of the Place of Grace Rescue Mission.

“When Gary came to me about doing one, I said, ‘Let’s do this one,’” said Marshall Berry, co-owner of Pat’s Kitchen. “I feel like this is going to be our last boat going out. I’d love to see it be one good one.”

Richardson broke ground on the new facility back in September and is hoping that with some additional funding the new building can be completed sooner rather than later.

“This place will house 16 men,” Richardson said in August. “We’re hoping to do as much as we can in this building, but we’re keeping it close to the church. We’re building it closer to the highway for visibility. What I envision is a campus. This building will be first, but it’s not fair to only have a place that can help men. Back behind where this one will be, we’ll build another facility for women. And then even closer to the church, a facility for families. It’s not fair to separate families during times when they need help.”

With 26.25 acres of land to build and expand on, Richardson said costs can get rather expensive. For that reason, he’s looking to Berry and co-owner Pat Britt’s help with Saturday’s event.

The day’s festivities will take place from noon to 6 p.m. with barbecue or fried chicken plates available for $7 until 5 p.m. Afterwards, there will be and auction and several raffles, with items up for grabs including a grill, a 42” TV and a John Deere 650 tractor that’s been donated in mint condition.

“That’s gonna be really nice, but we’re still needing items to come in for the auction,” Richardson said. “And people to buy them.”

The Reverend added that country and gospel music performers are lined up to entertain while everyone eats and bids. The lineup so far includes Vickie Daniel, the Cameronian Quartet and New Life Church singers.

Richardson said they hope and expect to have the new building project done “as soon as possible,” but it depends on funding.

“We’ll close the building we’re renting because when we finish this building, we’re gonna finish this building debt free,” he said. “So we won’t have the overhead, so then we can start on the next project for the women’s shelter.”

The new facility will be more up-to-date with newer showers and toilet facilities.

If a business or individual wants to donate one or multiple items for the cause, they are encouraged to call Berry at 910-331-4204 or Pat’s Kitchen at 910-895-0683 or simply stop by the restaurant. A storage building sits in the front parking lot for items that won’t fit inside the entrance of the eatery.

“I’d like to add that the dedication and the loyalty that the customers of Pat’s Kitchen, they have helped Place of Grace a great, great, great deal, and we really appreciate the loyalty that they have. They’ve shared that with the Place of Grace, also,” said Pastor Chris Kemper, coordinator of Place of Grace. “They’ve been amazing, and they’ve helped the Place of Grace so many times, and with their loyalty it’s spread to us too.”

Berry said he wasn’t sure how many benefits he’d put on over the past 15 years, nor did he know how much money has been raised over during that time period.

Richardson pointed out that he didn’t think a benefit had been held at the restaurant that hadn’t netted at least $10,000, adding last year’s Place of Grace fundraiser brought in $16,000.

“We appreciate Pat and Marshall and everything they do and their dedication to our community,” Richardson said. “It really means a lot. A lot of folks have been helped because of these guys.”

“I get the greatest feeling when we do one like this and it turns out to be a success,” said Berry. “I am a happy camper.”

Reach reporter Matt Harrelson at 910-817-2674 and follow him on Twitter @mattyharrelson.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Pat’s Kitchen and Place of Grace will team up for a fundraiser on Saturday at the restaurant to help raise money to complete the rescue mission’s new building on Airport Road outside Rockingham.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0017.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Pat’s Kitchen and Place of Grace will team up for a fundraiser on Saturday at the restaurant to help raise money to complete the rescue mission’s new building on Airport Road outside Rockingham.

ROCKINGHAM — Buddy Roebuck was inspired by his niece, Lisa Horner — an active participant in the Richmond County Special Olympics — to start giving back to the organization that means so much to her.

This will mark the seventh year that Roebuck has sponsored and organized a motorcycle ride to benefit the organization.

“That’s why he does this every year, to honor his niece,” said Sarah Thompson, coordinator for this year’s ride. “We always get the community’s support. We have several biker chapters that participate such as The Wingmen Members Club, Ghost Riders (Motorcycle Club), Carolina’s Finest MC, Ol Skool Tribe, Playaz Elite and Steel Wheels.”

All six clubs donated $100 each — as did some local businesses including Don’s Locksmith, Dieffenbach, Family Cycles, Sports Cycles and Hardwick Vision — which helped make up the 38 sponsors for the event.

Registration for the ride will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Buddy Roe’s Private Club, located at 188 Billy Covington Road off U.S. 220, in Rockingham. Kickstands will go up at 1 p.m. and riders will take a scenic tour around Richmond County.

Donations for single riders will be $15 or $20 for doubles. Commemorative T-shirts will be sold for $10 each.

Two special packages will also be offered:

• $30 — includes entry for single riders, a T-shirt and 10 50/50 raffle tickets; or

• $45 — includes entry for double riders, two T-shirts and 10 50/50 tickets.

In addition to the raffle, there will be door prizes and an auction after the ride.

“We have what people donate,” Thompson said in regards to items in the auction, raffle and door prizes. “Gift certificates, Harley Davidson items. It just depends on what people donate. They’re all local donations.”

For those who don’t want to ride, but want to stop by and support the cause, barbecue pork or chicken plates will be sold for $7. Five or more plates can be delivered by calling 910-410-0344.

All proceeds will benefit Richmond County Special Olympics, which is set to start at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 12 on the football field of Richmond Senior High School.

“On behalf of the Special Olympics, we appreciate them specifically, but anyone that steps up to help us, but specifically them and the bike ride,” Special Olympics coordinator Theressa Smith said of the Buddy Roe benefit. “I know they’ve done this for several years and have been a big support for our spring games that are coming up.”

Reach reporter Matt Harrelson at 910-817-2674 and follow him on Twitter @mattyharrelson.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Bike clubs from across Richmond County will take part in Saturday’s seventh annual Buddy Roe’s bike ride to benefit the county’s upcoming Special Olympics spring games.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_1118-2-.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Bike clubs from across Richmond County will take part in Saturday’s seventh annual Buddy Roe’s bike ride to benefit the county’s upcoming Special Olympics spring games.

RALEIGH, (AP) — A North Carolina law limiting protections to LGBT people violates federal civil rights laws and can’t be enforced, the U.S. Justice Department said Wednesday, putting the state on notice that it is in danger of being sued and losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.

The law, which also requires transgender people to use public bathrooms that conform to the sex on their birth certificate, has been broadly condemned by gay-rights groups, businesses and entertainers, some of whom have relocated offices or canceled shows in the state. Several other states have proposed similar laws limiting LGBT protections in recent months.

In a letter to Gov. Pat McCrory, the Justice Department said federal officials view the state law as violating federal Civil Rights Act protections barring workplace discrimination based on sex. Provisions of the state law directed at transgender state employees violate their anti-discrimination protections, the letter said.

“The State is engaging in a pattern or practice of discrimination against transgender state employees and both you, in your official capacity, and the state are engaging in a pattern or practice of resistance” of their rights, the letter said.

McCrory’s spokesmen did not respond to email and text messages Wednesday. In the past the governor, who signed the bill into law in March, has defended it and said he didn’t think it would have any financial impact, either on the economy in general or on federal school funding in particular.

But shortly after it was passed, PayPal reversed plans to open a 400-employee operation center in Charlotte, Deutsche Bank froze expansion plans near Raleigh and convention officials reported some meetings were avoiding the state. Nearly 200 corporate leaders from around the country, including Charlotte-based Bank of America, have urged the law’s repeal, arguing it’s bad for business because it makes it more difficult to recruit talented employees.

House Speaker Tim Moore, who helped pass the law known as House Bill 2, said he would speak with McCrory and Senate leader Phil Berger about the state’s legal options. Moore told reporters the letter was an attempt by President Barack Obama’s administration to “continue its radical left agenda” in his final months in office.

“This is a gross overreach by the Obama Justice Department that deserves to be struck down in federal court,” Berger said in a news release.

The Justice Department also said in its letter that it has notified the 17-campus University of North Carolina system that the state law violates Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, which bars discrimination in education based on sex. That could lead to North Carolina losing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal school funding.

The letter effectively serves as a warning to the state to proceed at its own peril or risk being sued. Civil-rights groups and several individuals sued in North Carolina federal court in late March seeking to overturn the law.

McCrory and GOP legislators “were warned about these dire consequences, but they ignored the law and the North Carolinians it would harm and passed the bill anyway,” said a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal, which helped filed the lawsuit. “The only way to reverse the ongoing damage H.B. 2 is causing to North Carolina’s people, economy, and reputation is a full repeal.”

It has not been uncommon during the administration of President Barack Obama for the Justice Department to weigh in on hot-button civil rights issues. In March, the department sharply discouraged state court administrators from jailing defendants who can’t pay court fines for petty offenses. The letter to North Carolina doesn’t have the force of law, but it puts the state on notice that its actions are being watched and run afoul of federal civil rights laws.

The letter seeks confirmation by Monday that “the State will not comply with or implement H.B. 2, and that it has notified employees of the State and public agencies that, consistent with federal law, they are permitted to access bathrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity.”

The government could file a lawsuit to protect state employees from discrimination, the letter said.

The Justice Department’s intervention could affect similar laws passed in other states.

Mississippi’s House Bill 1523, which becomes law July 1, says government and business workers can deny services to people by citing their own religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman and that a person’s gender is set at birth and is unchangeable.

The day after Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed the bill, Democratic U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, asking her to block what he called the “overreaching, unconstitutional, and blatantly discriminatory piece of legislation.” Thompson told The Associated Press in a text message Wednesday that he had heard about the Justice Department’s letter to North Carolina.

“I would expect a similar letter to be sent to Mississippi in the near future,” Thompson said. “The circumstances in both states are closely aligned. Discrimination in the name of religion is illegal.”

Officials from Bryant’s office and the Mississippi attorney general’s office said they had not received a letter from the Justice Department by Wednesday.

“Mississippi’s law prevents state agencies and political subdivisions from punishing employers that opt to have gender-specific standards” for employees’ dress or restroom use, Chandler said. “This law does not establish or mandate a specific policy for restroom facilities.”

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ROCKINGHAM — For the second time in a decade, Rockingham Speedway is going up for auction.

The historic track, adored by fans and drivers, is scheduled to be sold “to the highest bidder for cash” at 11 a.m. today at the Richmond County Judicial Center, according to documents filed in superior court last month.

A notice of foreclosure, dated April 7, states the sale will include “the real property, together with all rights, privileges and appurtenances thereto…and the personal property described in the deed of trust.”

The 244-acre property, which includes the 1.017-mile oval track as well as a half-mile track, is valued at $6.85 million, according to Richmond County tax records.

The notice goes on to state that the property will be sold subject to any and all matters superior to the lien of the deed of trust, including: superior mortgages, deeds of trust, liens and assessments, if any; the lien of unpaid ad valorem taxes; valid and enforceable easements and restrictions of record; and matters which would be revealed by a current and accurate survey of the property.

“The property will be sold ‘as is, where is,’ the notice continues. “Neither the substitute trustee nor the holder of the debt secured by the deed of trust, nor their respective officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representatives, make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or any way relating to any such conditions expressly are disclaimed.”

Raleigh attorney Louis E. Wooten Jr. was named substitute trustee in February, according to records filed with the Richmond County Register of Deeds.

Although the sale is today, it will be held open for 10 days for upset bids as required by law.

SILAS BREAKS HIS SILENCE

Former driver Andy Hillenburg bought the track at auction in 2007, but in late 2014 — a year and a half after the last race — Salisbury-based Farmers and Merchants Bank began foreclosure proceedings against him and Bill Silas.

Court records show more than $3.7 million on the $4.2-million loan was still owed in December 2012 when changes were made to the loan’s term.

Silas broke his silence last month, telling the racing news blog GodfatherMotorsports.com that he has never been a partner in the speedway and that he thought his name was off the note.

“I co-signed the note for Andy to purchase the track,” he told the blog, run by Dave Moody. “I saw it as something for my son Bryan to have a hand in at some point in the future, but I was never involved in the day-to-day operation of the track.

“I never thought we’d make a ton of money, but I didn’t think we’d lose a ton, either,” Silas continued.

He said trying to bring the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series to the track was “a complete financial failure.”

Silas went on to tell the blog that the track should have been put back “on the auction block a long time ago.”

That was made evident in emails exchanged during the foreclosure case that were included in court documents.

Silas’ attorney, Alan I. Armour, wrote to David Schilli, who was representing the bank, that the Silas members wanted to list the speedway with Iron Horse Auction Company.

“The Silas members have previously suggested a $2 million minimum bid, however did not get any response from the Bank with respect to minimum bid,” he wrote on Aug. 12, 2014.

A consent order signed Oct. 8 of that year by Presiding Superior Court Judge W. David Lee states the historic racetrack should have been sold or auctioned off by March 15, 2015.

The agreement to sell or auction the property was made to stave off foreclosure proceedings. That date came and went with no word on any action.

Silas told the motorsports blog that he’s tired of the financial strain the track has had on him the past few years.

“I’ve spent more than $200,000 on attorney’s fees alone since the last race there,” he said. “I bought the note from the bank. I have spent millions of dollars. I’m spending money right now to get the track as operational as possible for a future buyer.

“I’m not trying to kill the speedway,” Silas added, “I’m trying to save it.”

According to Silas, all previous debts have been paid or forgiven by the courts, so the new owner will have it debt free.

Records with the Richmond County tax office show a payment on 2015 taxes of $11,350.61 — $9,324.91 for taxes plus $1,965.70 in interest and a $60 lien cost — was made March 21. Another payment of $47,189 was made April 5, zeroing out the speedway tax bill.

Previous records indicated that the $712.02 tax bill on the speedway equipment was paid on Nov. 16. — three days after the bank’s lien on the property was purchased by BK Rock Holdings.

“There is an opportunity here for someone to make a clean start and do what it takes to make Rockingham Speedway successful again,” Silas told Godfather Motorsports. “All it takes is for the right person to step forward.”

Kenneth Robinette, chairman of the Richmond County Board of Commissioners, told the Daily Journal last month that he was hopeful that a team with “deep pockets” would purchase Rockingham Speedway and “promote it like it needs to be promoted.”

“It’s a specialized use,” he said. “It was built as a track, and that’s what it needs to be used for.”

However, Robinette said he wouldn’t be opposed to lower-tiered races or non-racing events, such as concerts.

“I’d be in favor of anything that could bring activity out there and money into the county,” he said, comparing Steve Earwood’s scheduling of 98 events plus private testing this year at Rockingham Dragway.

Several comments left on the Daily Journal’s Facebook page Wednesday night indicated that Richmond County race fans would like NASCAR to purchase the property and bring an event back to the legendary track. Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was also suggested as a hopeful buyer.

Multiple attempts by the Daily Journal to reach Silas through his attorney and to contact Hillenburg and representatives of the bank since last January were unsuccesful.

Reach reporter William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_Toler.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal A driver rounds the track during a March tire test for a Super Cup Stock Car Series race scheduled for October at Rockingham Speedway, which is set to be auctioned to the highest bidder today at the Richmond County Judicial Center.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_speedway_testbothcarsr-1.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal A driver rounds the track during a March tire test for a Super Cup Stock Car Series race scheduled for October at Rockingham Speedway, which is set to be auctioned to the highest bidder today at the Richmond County Judicial Center.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal The offices of Rockingham Speedway may soon be open again once the track is sold.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Rocksale-1.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal The offices of Rockingham Speedway may soon be open again once the track is sold.

Who will be the next Mother of the Year?

Find out this weekend as the Richmond County NAACP holds its 38th annual Mother of the Year banquet on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the East Hamlet Community Center.

The highlight of the program is the crowning of the Mother of the Year. The event also serves as a membership drive for the local branch.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door.

In addition to the contest, the event features food, entertainment and inspiring remarks from a guest speaker.

This year, Minister Michelle Laws, the former executive director of the N.C. State Conference of the NAACP, will serve up food for thought.

Laws is a licensed minister, public speaker and a passionate advocate for the poor, women and children. She is an associate minister at Union Baptist Church in Durham, where her pastor is the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Ray Hammond.

Laws said she has devoted her life’s work as a laborer in God’s vineyard, preaching the gospel to the poor, healing the broken and proclaiming liberation and justice for the oppressed.

Professionally, she is a consultant specializing in health disparities research, program development and evaluation with a focus on improving health outcomes for the poor and African-American women and children.

A native of Chapel Hill, Laws earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and a master’s degree in sociology from North Carolina Central University, where she graduated magna cum laude; and is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Social and Behavioral Health at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.

She has taught undergraduate sociology courses at NCCU, North Carolina State University, and in federal and state prisons.

She also served several years as the legislative liaison for the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services; and is the former CEO and senior associate of MACLaws & Associates, a private consulting firm specializing in social and human services policy development and program evaluation.

She is the founder and owner of Christian Tees Inc. a web-based T-shirt company catering to Christian women.

Laws said she believes one of the greatest tragedies of social progress is for people to ascend the social and economic ladder and forget those who are left behind by ignoring the plight of the poor and less privileged.

Her service to the community has won her several prestigious awards, including: the 2010 NAACP President’s Award for Outstanding Leadership; 2010 Women on the Move award from the Charlotte Mecklenburg NAACP; 2010 Woman of Distinction Award; the 2009 Village Pride Award; and the 2009 Indy Award.

Laws is married to Karl Quintin Laws, also from Chapel Hill. She describes her husband as “one of the best God created.”

Laws

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Michelle-Laws.jpegLaws

ROCKINGHAM — The highest of the two bids made for Rockingham Speedway Thursday morning came from the company that owns the lien.

James M. Hash, a Raleigh attorney representing BK Rock Holdings, placed a $3 million credit bid during a public auction at the Richmond County Judicial Center.

According to court documents, Billy R. Silas is the manager of the Florida-based limited liability company that purchased the promissory note from Farmers and Merchants Bank on Nov. 17, 2015.

The auction was announced in a notice of foreclosure filed in Richmond County Superior Court on April 7.

Because of the cold wind and rain from a thunderstorm moving through the area, the sale was moved inside the lobby between the front desk shortly after 11 a.m.

Melodie Rinker, a paralegal from Wooten Law Firm in Raleigh, read the notice aloud before opening the bidding process. Louis E. Wooten III was named substitute trustee in documents filed with the Richmond County Register of Deeds’ office on Feb. 16.

Several members of the community, including Richmond County Chamber of Commerce President Emily Tucker and the leaders from the Hamlet Fire Department, stopped by just to see what would happen.

Assistant Chief Richard Lassiter confirmed that the department is owed money related to track operations. He added that the department is working on getting the final figure together and is in the process of trying to collect.

An initial bid of $100,000 was made at 11:12 a.m., then, after no other offers were made, Hash stepped up to announce his client’s bid.

If it turns out to be the prevailing bid, then BK Rock Holdings would own the property and net proceeds from the sale would be credited toward the debt, he said.

Documents show the original loan taken out when former driver Andy Hillenburg bought the track in 2008 was for $4.2 million at 6.875 percent interest. The loan was set up to be paid with 59 monthly payments of $32,497.85 starting Nov. 16, 2008 and being paid in full by Oct. 16, 2013.

A letter sent to Hillenburg — as well as Bryan and Kim Silas, who are listed as member/managers of Rockingham Raceway Park, LLC — by Hash on Feb. 17, shows the total owed on the October note as $4,305,593.92 and that of a July 2008 note as $617,827.44.

The amounts include principle and accrued interest, but not attorneys’ fees and costs.

According to the letter, interest was continuing to accrue on the October note at the rate of $1,225.93 per day and $179.90 per day on the July note until paid in full.

Per statute, the clock started ticking on a 10-day period for an upset bid once the bid was filed with the Richmond County Clerk of Superior Court’s Office.

“Any person may submit an upset bid,” Hash said. “It makes no difference whether the person attended today’s sale.”

An upset bid — which must exceed the sale price by a minimum of five percent — must be filed with the clerk’s office, with the bidder making a deposit of at least five percent, he said.

“Upset bids can themselves be upset, meaning that there may be successive upset bids,” Hash said. “Each upset bid starts a new 10-day period. The sale becomes ‘fixed’ once 10 days pass without a new bid being submitted.”

If, on the rare chance, the sale winds up being more than the debt and expenses — which must be approved by the clerk of court — then the remaining funds will go back to the debtor as compensation for the loss of the property, Hash said.

As it currently stands, an upset bid of $3.15 million with a $157,500 deposit must be made by May 16.

Reach William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_Toler.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal Raleigh attorney James Hash, left, and paralegal Melodie Rinker stand in the Richmond County Judicial Center following a public auction where Hash, representing BK Rock Holdings, placed a $3 million credit bid on Rockingham Speedway.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_speedwayauction-1.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal Raleigh attorney James Hash, left, and paralegal Melodie Rinker stand in the Richmond County Judicial Center following a public auction where Hash, representing BK Rock Holdings, placed a $3 million credit bid on Rockingham Speedway.

ROCKINGHAM — More than 150 Richmond County residents braved the cold wind and light rain to come together in front of the old courthouse to unite in prayer Thursday.

A 45-minute program, which was broadcast live on G104.3 FM, featured multiple prayers and gospel performances celebrating the National Day of Prayer.

Although she wasn’t on the list, Kandace Frye wheeled up to the podium to share her story of faith.

Frye told the crowd that she had pushed God aside in her life until a wreck, resulting in a spinal cord injury, left her wheelchair-bound.

“No matter what situation you’re going through…God’s gonna help you,” she said.

“I will walk again,” she concluded, to thunderous applause. “Whether it’s on this Earth or in Heaven.”

Prior to Frye’s testimony, the Rev. Mike Childers delivered a scripture and devotion and the Rev. Jason Moore led those gathered in the second prayer of the event.

Mary Catherine Coltrane, a college-bound Richmond Senior High School cheerleader, also gave her testimony.

Following a soulful song from the Rev. Albert Everett, Richmond County Sheriff James E. Clemmons Jr. stepped up to the microphone.

“Everyone here today wants change,” he said. “But what we have to be willing to do is change ourselves.”

The sheriff continued, saying he never thought he’d see the day when God needed an attorney, with legal battles being fought regarding prayer in schools and public meetings.

But despite that, he said, “We will pray and pray and pray.”

Clemmons said the powers that be could send an army to arrest him, but asked, “What jail they gonna put me in?”

Lee Wallace sang a few verses of “Give me Jesus,” before having the crowd to join him.

During the closing prayer, led by Frank McQuage, all students were called to come up front and join together, while everyone else prayed around them.

Reach William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_Toler.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal A group of students from Richmond Senior High School join hands during the closing prayer.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_prayer.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal A group of students from Richmond Senior High School join hands during the closing prayer.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal Lee Wallace sings “Give Me Jesus” during the National Day of Prayer event in front of the old Richmond County courthouse on Thursday.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0977-2-.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal Lee Wallace sings “Give Me Jesus” during the National Day of Prayer event in front of the old Richmond County courthouse on Thursday.

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ELLERBE — Richmond County’s third-largest municipality has become a Purple Heart town, local leaders announced Monday.

Town Councilmember Elsie Freeman said that signs are in the process of being made for everywhere an Ellerbe city limits sign is located for when visitors and residents come into town.

“Wendell Robinson (city maintenance worker) worked with a vendor and had the signs made,” said Freeman. “Wendell ordered eight of them.”

Freeman added that county commissioners are working to make Richmond County a Purple Heart county, but in the meantime she said any town can do this. After the council approved the signs in March and filled out the proclamation, it was full steam ahead on painting the town purple. The signs should be installed within the next week.

Freeman — who’s husband is received the Purple Heart — said that Timbers Crossing Free Will Baptist Church Pastor Charlie Tyler — another Purple Heart recipient — helped with the process.

In an email to the Daily Journal, Tyler said the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 647 approached the Town Council of Ellerbe requesting a proclamation in support of a Purple Heart town out of honor for those who were injured or lost their lives while serving their country.

“There is not a current Purple Heart member count in the Town of Ellerbe, but there are a few that live here,” Tyler said.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still in present use, and it was initially created by George Washington in 1782 as the “Badge of Military Merit,” Tyler said. The Purple Heart was the first American Service Award made available to the common soldier, he added, and it was awarded to any member of the United States Armed Services wounded or killed in combat with a declared enemy of the United States.

“It honors the Purple Heart recipients in defending our freedoms, acknowledge their courage and shows them the honor and support they have earned,” said Tyler.

The organization is now known as the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc. and was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration.

“It’s just a way we wanted to honor our veterans,” said Freeman. “We don’t have the money to do a park and things that other towns do so that was the way we could honor the veterans.”

Reach reporter Matt Harrelson at 910-817-2674 and follow him on Twitter @mattyharrelson.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Ellerbe Town Councilwoman Elsie Freeman holds one of eight Purple Heart Town signs that will be installed with every Ellerbe town limit sign next week.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSCN6871.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Ellerbe Town Councilwoman Elsie Freeman holds one of eight Purple Heart Town signs that will be installed with every Ellerbe town limit sign next week.

HAMLET — Worldwide leaders in the electric utility industry know where Hamlet, N.C., is thanks to Richmond Community College’s Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technology program.

“We are a small college but we are making a big impact within the electric utility industry,” said Steve Lampley, lead instructor for the EUSRT program. “I’m taking calls daily from companies asking about hiring our graduates or wanting to make site visits to our campus or donate equipment to this program. The biggest problem is explaining to them we’re in a little town in Richmond County, N.C. — not in Richmond, Virginia.”

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories is a global leader in the invention, design and manufacture of digital protective relay systems that protect high voltage power grids around the world. Headquartered in Pullman, Washington, the company opened a third office in Saudia Arabia this past December. This same company recently donated relay systems to RichmondCC to be used in the classroom for the EUSRT program.

“This is top of the line equipment that our students are getting to use and learn to operate,” Lampley said. “This donation from Schweitzer is worth well over $70,000.”

Schweitzer also hired two EUSRT graduates and placed them in jobs in Tampa, Florida, and Charlotte.

Schweitzer joins a growing list of companies that want to hire the relay technicians that are graduating from RichmondCC. Duke Energy, Dominion Resources, Power Grid Engineering, Lumber River Electric Membership Cooperative, PowerServices, South Carolina Electric & Gas, Central Electric Power Cooperative, SPX Waukesha, American Electric Testing Company, NAPC and North American Substation Services are some of the companies.

“Ninety percent of our current graduating class already have jobs; the other 10 percent are interviewing for jobs. Most are receiving multiple job offers,” Lampley said.

When RichmondCC instructors attend international utility conferences in places such as Boston and Atlanta people know about the EUSRT program and want more information, Lampley added.

Established in partnership between RichmondCC, Doble Engineering Boston, Mass., and Duke Energy, the EUSRT prepares students for lifelong careers in the electric utility industry and other industries that rely on complex control systems. The EUSRT program was the first of its kind in the United States. A second college in Florida was encouraged by Duke Energy to copy the RichmondCC model.

“When the College recognized the power industry’s need to train the next generation of utility workers to replace those approaching retirement age, we were on board to establish a program that would meet a demand and offer our students an opportunity for high skill, high wage jobs,” said Dr. Dale McInnis, RichmondCC president.

In the utility industry, entry level technicians with two or four-year degrees in electronics engineering require five years of training to be capable of maintaining and supporting substations and the relay equipment associated with them. The EUSRT degree program, however, was crafted specifically to develop technicians with the training and skills to begin work immediately in the utility industry and cut the normal training time in half. Salaries for this two-year degree typically start around $60,000 a year.

This year some of the 2016 EUSRT graduates are starting at $70,000 with full benefits.

RichmondCC is also offering a diploma program for an Electric Utility Transformer Test specialist, which can be completed in four semesters.

RichmondCC is currently accepting new students for summer and fall classes. Applications can be completed online at www.richmondcc.edu, or by visiting the Main Campus in Hamlet or the Honeycutt Center in Laurinburg.

Summer classes start May 23. For more information, call (910) 410-1700.

Wylie D. Bell is director of marketing and communications at Richmond Community College.

Contributed photo Richmond Community College instructor Morteza Talebi points to a diagram in a class of Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technology students.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_RCCEUSRT_Inside8-1.jpgContributed photo Richmond Community College instructor Morteza Talebi points to a diagram in a class of Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technology students.

ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has made four more arrests — and is actively seeking another suspect — in connection a March shooting spree that left one man injured and resulted in property damage in the Little Philadelphia community.

Now facing charges are 42-year-old Maurice Wall, 32-year-old Cassandra Dione Wall, 19-year-old Traquan Dominic Wall and 20-year-old Trevon Ibe-Deonte Leslie, for their alleged roles in the incident. The arrests were made April 27-May 2.

Deputies say Sajuan Deangelo Leslie, 27, of Cauthen Drive in Rockingham, is still wanted.

In late April, 22-year-old Winford Thomas Dawkins Jr. and 18-year-old Marion Devonte Ellerbe were charged.

Several of those arrested are accused of shooting Brandon Montez Ratliff, firing into occupied homes, putting a hole in a bedroom mirror, as well as damaging a fence, storage shed and three vehicles.

Daniel Wall, of Ellen Road in Rockingham, Cassandra Wall, of Ledbetter Road in Rockingham, Trevon Leslie and Sajuan Leslie, both of Cauthen Drive in Rockingham, are accused of trying to arrange for the victim to be intimidated or paid not to testify, deputies said.

David and Cassandra Wall — charged with felony obstruction of justice — were booked into the Richmond County Jail, each under a $25,000 secured bond. Cassandra Wall was released Monday.

Like Dawkins and Ellerbe, Traquan Wall and Trevon Leslie each are charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, three counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied property, four counts of injury to real property and four counts of injury to personal property.

Sajuan Leslie has an outstanding warrant on those charges, as well as one felony count of obstruction of justice.

Trevon Leslie also faces the felony obstruction charge, in addition to a felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Dawkins, Ellerbe, Traquan Wall and Trevon Leslie are all in the Richmond County Jail under a $1 million secured bond.

Online court records show Cassandra Wall also has a pending misdemeanor worthless check charge.

David Wall was released from prison in February of last year after serving time for a 1997 second-degree murder conviction, according to records with the N.C. Department of Public Safety Division of Adult Correction.

He was previously convicted on two counts of misdemeanor assault in 1996.

Trevon Leslie was convicted on a misdemeanor count of possession of a schedule VI controlled substance in 2013 and a felony count of larceny from person the year before.

Anyone with information of Sarjuan Leslie’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at 910-895-3232 or Richmond County Crime Stoppers at 910-997-5454.

All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Reach reporter William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_Toler.

Clockwise, from left: Daniel Wall, Cassandra Wall, Trevon Leslie and Traquan Wall. These four have been charged in connection with a March shooting spree in the Little Philadelphia community.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_phillyarrests.jpgClockwise, from left: Daniel Wall, Cassandra Wall, Trevon Leslie and Traquan Wall. These four have been charged in connection with a March shooting spree in the Little Philadelphia community.

S. Leslie

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_sajuan-leslie.jpgS. Leslie

The Richmond County Amateur Radio Club has changed its May monthly meeting date to Saturday, May 7, 9:30 a.m. at Leath Memorial Library in Rockingham.

The change this month will enable the club to participate in the Train Day event in Hamlet, which will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The club will set up a booth where ham radio equipment, brochures, and discussion with members will be available.

Anyone interested in visiting the club meeting on Saturday is invited to attend, ask questions, meet the members and find out more about this hobby.

Those interested in testing for their initial licensure, upgrading or renewing an expired license can attend the next testing session, which will be Saturday, June 4, 9:30 a.m., at Leath Memorial Library.

Specific details are located on the club’s website, www.k4rnc.org, or any member can provide information at the May meeting or at Train Day booth.

PHOTOS: Cancer survivors celebrate life

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HAMLET —“Cancer is a terrible thing, but we must have hope.”

Those were the words of Johnny Clayton, a skin cancer survivor and the man who started off Friday night’s Relay for Life festivities in front of Cole Auditorium.

“To the caregivers I say this. May the Lord bless you and keep you and be gracious unto you,” he went on to say. “May the Lord give you strength.”

Thousands of people from all over Richmond County walked laps, chatted with their neighbors and kids took a run through the bounce house. Hot food was all around, letting everyone’s noses send them in the right direction.

Everyone in attendance had been affected by cancer in some shape or form. Everyone there will never forget what they’ve been through and that things could change in the future. But on this cool Friday night, everyone at Cole Auditorium had a great time.

Relay coordinator Cameron Whitley said during the middle of the event, the total amount raised was $43,000 — more than half way to the $70,000 goal that was set. A larger number was expected as the Relay wrapped up around midnight, Whitley said, and the Relay for Life website will track the total as it climbs.

A survivors’ lap began the night’s proceedings, followed by a lap for cancer caregivers and then a walk around the lot by the Relay for Life teams. Once everyone had walked the loop, others were allowed to join. Some people walked, some people ate and some people did both.

“It honors me because my mom is a breast cancer survivor so it makes me happy to see these people take their laps and to help those who have gone on and lost their survival with cancer,” said Event Lead Jamie Brooks, now in her second year in the position.

Whitley and her team considered the night a huge success. The main focus of the evening was to raise awareness about cancer and collect contributions for research, but everyone was still allowed to have some fun.

The Monroe Avenue Elementary School chorus sang a few numbers, and Washington Street School’s choir sang a few hits from its spring performance of the musical “Annie.” Chicken sandwiches from Perdue were gobbled up, several teenagers were putting their corn hole skills to the test on a few boards in the parking lot, and von Drehle Corp. let anyone with $2 spin win an assortment of paper products like tissues, napkins and paper towels.

There were many activities for kids of all ages, and although there is no age limit when it comes to cancer, there was also no limit for the amount of fun that residents of Richmond County experienced Friday night.

Reach reporter Matt Harrelson at 910-817-2674 and follow him on Twitter @mattyharrelson.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Richmond County cancer survivors were the first to take a lap around the Cole Auditorium parking lot Friday night for this year’s Relay for Life.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0161-1.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Richmond County cancer survivors were the first to take a lap around the Cole Auditorium parking lot Friday night for this year’s Relay for Life.

Matt Harrelson | Daily Journal Relay for Life Event Lead Jamie Brooks holds the microphone while every cancer survivor said their name and how long they’d been a survivor before walking a lap.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0171-1.jpgMatt Harrelson | Daily Journal Relay for Life Event Lead Jamie Brooks holds the microphone while every cancer survivor said their name and how long they’d been a survivor before walking a lap.

ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Daily Journal is unveiling a faster, cleaner website early next week.

The new yourdailyjournal.com, which will debut at about 9 p.m. on Monday, will be quicker to load and will feature more logical organization than the previous design.

“With the redesign, the goal was to make every view on our website a better experience for our visitors. With better load speeds and a cleaner design in particular, visitors should find navigating yourdailyjournal.com easier than ever,” said Rick Thomason, publisher for The Daily Journal.

Readers can still find top stories and the latest news updates at the top of the homepage, but more news, sports, features and opinion content will be visible as soon as the reader arrives at yourdailyjournal.com.

“Also with the new design, you will see a fairly simple layout compared to most of the web. That simplicity also means there is less back-end clutter that can cause browser crashes and freezes,” Thomason said.

The new design features more photos than The Daily Journal’s current website and makes it easier for readers to share articles on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Reddit.

“We know many of our hottest stories are shared via social media, particularly Facebook,” Thomason said. “We appreciate that our most avid readers share frequently and hope that they find the new design’s social media features several steps better and less cumbersome.”

The new design has already been deployed at some of Civitas Media’s other properties around the country.

It is yourdailyjournal.com’s first redesign since 2014.

“This should be a markedly better user experience for our readers and website visitors. If you experience problems with the site, please let us know. This design has been rolled out at sister properties for a couple of months and vetted there for functionality issues, but if you find bugs, please do not hesitate to shout,” Thomason said.

The Mount Airy News, another Civitas Media newspaper, has already changed the look of its website.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_MTAIRYWEBSITE.jpgThe Mount Airy News, another Civitas Media newspaper, has already changed the look of its website.

ROCKINGHAM — Lois Harrington’s love of reading and teaching others to read, her children say, inspired them on their paths in life.

Two of them majored in English, the other in journalism, and all three are graduates of UNC-Chapel Hill.

“My mom can teach a rock to read,” said Cliff Harrington, community news editor at the Charlotte Observer for Lake Norman, South Charlotte and ENCORE.

Throughout her career in education, Lois Harrington “gave her gift of reading” to students at Ashley Chapel Elementary, Rohanen Primary, L.J. Bell Elementary and Cordova Elementary, according to her other son, Dr. Brooksie Harrington, a professor in the Department of English and Foreign Languages at Fayetteville State University.

“I don’t care what field of expertise you go into, if you can’t read — forget it,” he said.

Dr. Harrington added that his mother also gave that gift to her church and her own children.

“We all have different reasons why we are grateful to our mother,” he said. “As recently as a few weeks ago, she was volunteering to read stories to students in an elementary school in High Point. She used to read to us that very same way.”

“With that said,” he continued, “I guess one of the most endearing qualities mom bequeathed to us is that we should never give up. Even when we failed at our attempts, we were encouraged to get up and try again.”

Dr. Kathi Harrington Gibson — who taught English at Richmond Senior High School and is a former superintendent in Cumberland and Northampton counties — said her mother gave her valuable life lessons that sustain her even today.

“I have acquired a work ethic that comes straight from the house of Lois,” she said. “It is because of the teachings of my mother that I am grounded in my faith and religion. My mother taught me to use all of my tickets in this circus of life. Need I say more?”

Gibson’s brothers also recalled their mother’s influence on their faith.

“We were all in elementary school and my dad worked the night shift,” Cliff Harrington said. “My mom had us all in bed by 8 p.m. Sometimes I would lay awake until my dad walked in the door. But most nights, my mom would gather us at the foot of the bed — to pray. Not the Lord’s Prayer, but her prayer. She talked to God with such sincerity that I one night I decided I wanted to know how to pray like that. So I started doing it. To this day, that’s what I do. Now I do it with my daughter.”

The first recitation Dr. Harrington said he remembers saying in church was: “I made a mistake today, dear Lord, you know the one I mean…”

“From that moment on, I have continued to try and try and try again,” he said. “So Happy Mother’s Day Mom, and as long as we live we will remember to read, and to treasure the lessons you taught us on our knees.”

Contributed photo Lois Harrington sits in front of a class doing what her children say she loves to do — share the gift of reading.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_harrington_mother.jpgContributed photo Lois Harrington sits in front of a class doing what her children say she loves to do — share the gift of reading.

Monroe Avenue Elementary School recently announced its honor roll for the third nine-week academic period.

Distinguished List

Third Grade: Kaylee Ludlum, Zoey Williams and David Woolsey

Fourth Grade: Kaylee Adcock, Alex Chappell, Chloe Foster, Campbell Gross and Deon Little

A-B Honor Roll

3rd Grade: Addison Baldwin, Jordan Bostick, Kylee Gibson, Ashton Gilmore, Lendon Graham, Jayla Keeny, Trinity Lockhart, Jori Patrick, Navaeh Young and Anayely Zapata Morales

4th Grade: Camron Bowden, Charles Cassidy, Madalyn Cowan, Kiersten Felts, Jaelyn Goebel, Bailey Kirk, Alyssa Kirkendall, Abigail Pierce and Naviyana Taylor

5th Grade: Brandon Cassidy, Dakota Chavis, Morgan Cowen, Brianna Dodson, Maria Garcia Hernandez, Charles Gross, Damarion Haliburton, Kadin Long, Shalioh Magee and Jessica Ryder

Terrific Tigers

Navaeh Alston, Brandon Brown, Jaylah Brown, Shiana Chapparo, Navaeh Chavis, Xander Chavis, Jazari Dawkins, Ella DuTart, JacQuall Fergueson, Caleb Freeman, Jason Garcia, Emely Valencia Gonzalea, LaSheena Goodwin, Maria Garcia Hernandez, Ruth Garcia Hernandez, Lucas Holliger, Kaylee Johnson, Tanner Kirkendallm Mallory Lance, Navaeh Ledbetter, Emmanuel Little, Johan Cortez Lopez, Kevin Lopez, Josh Mabe, Grayson McLean, Jayden McLean, Quadir McPherson, Bella Mikeska, Alexis Mosley, Gracie Murchison, Cassidy Robinson, Allison Sanchez Gael Onesto-Serrano, Tavius Sherrod, Adrianna Steen, Caitlyn Strickland, Anahi Gomez Velasquez, Lizbeth Vicente, Alexis Webster, Mack Williams, Gage Williams, Malani Wilson and Zion Wilson

Perfect Attendance

Samir Smith, David Rushing, Cardiyea Crank, Thomas Rogers, Amylynn Dodson, Mariah Wilson, Derriana Johnson Heggs, Aaliyah Williams, R’Neisha Covington, Miguel Martinez Huerta, Jamaurius Jackson, Malani Wilson, Robert Monroe, Tristan Dawkins, In’Treviyon Edwards, Kenneth Powell, Derek Jamison, Nevaeh Young, David Woolsey, Edward Contreras Dominguez, Tiara Samuels, Amir Vaughan, Kelligh Silva, Henry Hernandez Lopez, Lendon Graham, Filiberto Zapata Garcia, Campbell Gross, Ke’Asia Nelson, Mikaria Hunt, Alejandro Geronimo Morales, Alexandre Toledo, Gael Serrano Onesto, Rachel Martin, Charles Gross, Dakota Chavis and Tia Samuel

Contributed photo Students achieving distinguished list for the third nine-week academic period at Monroe Avenue Elementary School include, left to right, David Woolsey, Kaylee Ludlum, Zoey Williams, Deon Little, Alex Chappell, Chloe Foster and Campbell Gross.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Monroe-Ave..jpgContributed photo Students achieving distinguished list for the third nine-week academic period at Monroe Avenue Elementary School include, left to right, David Woolsey, Kaylee Ludlum, Zoey Williams, Deon Little, Alex Chappell, Chloe Foster and Campbell Gross.

Rohanen honors roaring Rebels

Contributed photo Rohanen Middle School named its A-Honor Roll for the third nine-week grading period. Pictured are front row, left to right, Logan Bradshaw, Ke’Niyah Ingram and Kayla Luther; middle row, left to right, Renee Howlett, Robin Edwards, Carolina Mendez, Elizabeth Ollis and Briauna Wall; and last row, left to right, Jadyn Gomiller, Meredith Gerald, Mary Graham, Maggie Cook, Phoenix Darrien and James Brooks. Not pictured are Jade Sweeney, Bailey Clark and Niyquria Wall.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Rohanen-1.jpgContributed photo Rohanen Middle School named its A-Honor Roll for the third nine-week grading period. Pictured are front row, left to right, Logan Bradshaw, Ke’Niyah Ingram and Kayla Luther; middle row, left to right, Renee Howlett, Robin Edwards, Carolina Mendez, Elizabeth Ollis and Briauna Wall; and last row, left to right, Jadyn Gomiller, Meredith Gerald, Mary Graham, Maggie Cook, Phoenix Darrien and James Brooks. Not pictured are Jade Sweeney, Bailey Clark and Niyquria Wall.

HAMLET — Sandhills Regional Medical Center provided a luncheon on April 11, giving out certificates and gifts to all of its volunteers in appreciation for their time, talents and experiences to assist the hospital’s visitors and members of the community every day.

Renie Henslee, chief financial officer, briefly spoke to the group letting them know how much the hospital values the volunteers for their many years of dedication and service and giving more than 1,000 hours of their time annually to the facility.

Seated left to right: Catherine Smith, Mable Gatewood, and Mitch Greene. Standing left to right: Lynne Maner, Peggy Harrington, Glennie Chavis, Peggy Kellar, Sybil Pattan and Aletha Lanier.

Contributed photo Sandhills Regional Medical Center in Hamlet provided a luncheon on April 11, giving out certificates and gifts to all of its volunteers in appreciation for their time, talents and experiences to assist the hospital’s visitors and members of the community every day. Renie Henslee, chief financial officer, briefly spoke to the group letting them know how much the hospital values the volunteers for their many years of dedication and service and giving more than 1,000 hours of their time annually to the facility. Seated left to right: Catherine Smith, Mable Gatewood, and Mitch Greene. Standing left to right: Lynne Maner, Peggy Harrington, Glennie Chavis, Peggy Kellar, Sybil Pattan and Aletha Lanier.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_volunteerweek.jpgContributed photo Sandhills Regional Medical Center in Hamlet provided a luncheon on April 11, giving out certificates and gifts to all of its volunteers in appreciation for their time, talents and experiences to assist the hospital’s visitors and members of the community every day. Renie Henslee, chief financial officer, briefly spoke to the group letting them know how much the hospital values the volunteers for their many years of dedication and service and giving more than 1,000 hours of their time annually to the facility. Seated left to right: Catherine Smith, Mable Gatewood, and Mitch Greene. Standing left to right: Lynne Maner, Peggy Harrington, Glennie Chavis, Peggy Kellar, Sybil Pattan and Aletha Lanier.

ROCKINGHAM — Robert E. Hutchinson was recently honored for 50 years of continuous leadership in the American Legion by National Commander Dale Barnett.

He and son, John Hutchinson, were guests of American Legion Post 147, Rockingham, where Friday night Post Commander Wayne Johnson made the presentation on behalf of Barnett and National Legion Adjutant Daniel Wheeler.

John Hutchinson is a charter member of the Sons of American Legion Post 147.

Barnett in his citation said, “Hutchinson’s record of consistent loyalty to the American Legion ‘merits the honor of being cited as an outstanding contributor to the programs of the American Legion.’”

The citation was issued “in grateful appreciation for faithful and dedicated allegiance to the ideals of the American Legion,” and that he has been a member in good standing continuously for 50 years.

Hutchinson served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955 during the later years of the Korean War. After that period, he was assigned to a U.S. Navy Reserve unit in Charlotte for 10 years, rising to the rank of Lt. Commander.

First assigned to a tank-landing ship, Hutchinson was then assigned for the rest of his active duty to the USS Yellowstone, a Shenandoah-class destroyer tender stationed in Newport, Rhode Island.

While assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, the ship performed tasks keeping ships of the fleet in operational trim.

Hutchinson is senior vice president and branch manager of Wells Fargo Advisors in Rockingham. John Hutchinson is a senior vice present there, also.

Hutchinson said his service in the Navy “was a good experience for me. The feelings of being on a ship with others never leaves you.”

When Hutchinson returned to Rockingham from military service, he was included as one of a number of other young community leaders to emerge. Among his many services to the public was to be an elected member of the Rockingham City Council from 1975 to 1983.

Following his father’s example, John Hutchinson — after several years as a Rockingham city councilman — is now mayor pro tem of Rockingham.

Contributed photo Robert E. Hutchinson, center, of Rockingham, was honored Friday night at American Legion Post 147 for 50 years of consistent membership in the Legion. Post 147 Commander Wayne Johnson, right, made the presentation. With them is Hutchinson’s son, John, who is a charter member of Sons of American Legion Post 147.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Hutchinson-1.jpgContributed photo Robert E. Hutchinson, center, of Rockingham, was honored Friday night at American Legion Post 147 for 50 years of consistent membership in the Legion. Post 147 Commander Wayne Johnson, right, made the presentation. With them is Hutchinson’s son, John, who is a charter member of Sons of American Legion Post 147.