West-MEC expands business partnerships as campus growth accelerates

Megan Mills from West-MEC, presents a partnership plan to local businesses interested in recruiting high school graduates. David Kennard | InBuckeye.com

As it prepares to open its largest campus and expand career training across the West Valley, West-MEC is strengthening ties with local businesses through a new strategic partnership program designed to create a direct pipeline between employers and students.

West-MEC officials outlined the initiative during a business partnership meeting Thursday, where representatives from banks, chambers of commerce, manufacturers, healthcare providers and other industries learned about procurement opportunities and new ways to engage with students.

The effort comes as West-MEC continues rapid growth fueled by a $240 million bond approved by voters in November. The funding is supporting construction of new facilities and expansion of career and technical education programs across the region.

Megan Mills, assistant superintendent of strategic partnerships and government relations, said demand for West-MEC's more than 30 career training programs continues to outpace available space, with waiting lists already forming for several programs.

“As we know, K-12 or public education is an integral part of the workforce development space,” Mills said. “It's great when we bring … both industry and educators together. Because together, we develop the workforce system.”

A major milestone is the opening next month of the district's new Southeast Campus near the Westgate area and Loop 101. The facility will become West-MEC's largest campus, although district leaders said future expansion will focus less on large centralized campuses and more on academy-style programs located on or near traditional high school campuses.

The academy model is intended to reduce transportation barriers while allowing more students to access career training programs in fields including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, construction, transportation and public safety.

Mills also encouraged businesses to become approved vendors for the district.

“Today is an example of how we like to partner with our business community to make sure that West-MEC is producing the workforce that you need to make your businesses thrive.”

To better accomplish that partnership, West-MEC is launching a formal strategic partnership program that asks businesses to become more actively involved in preparing students for the workforce.

Participating companies will serve on advisory councils, host workplace tours, conduct mock interviews, judge student competitions, provide internships and offer instructor externships that help teachers remain current with industry practices.

The program also includes financial support through the West-MEC Alliance, a nonprofit organization that helps offset costs for industry certifications and student program fees.

In return, strategic partners will receive priority access to student talent, early opportunities to recruit graduates, invitations to exclusive district events and increased marketing exposure through West-MEC initiatives.

“We have over 30 different programs that we offer,” Mills said. “These are different workforce programs, where our students can get industry certifications to be able to enter the workforce, and so you'll see everything from construction trades to healthcare, transportation, law and public safety. So if you have an interest in any particular program, we'd be happy to get you connected with those students in those classrooms.”

Those who attended Thursday’s event represented a broad cross-section of the West Valley business community, including financial institutions, chambers of commerce, healthcare organizations, manufacturers, educational suppliers and workforce partners.

District leaders said the expanded partnerships are intended to strengthen the connection between education and industry while ensuring employers have access to a skilled workforce as the West Valley continues its rapid economic growth.

This story was originally published on May 24, 2025 at https://www.robesonian.com/news/320026/baptists-building-homes

Above: Jay Baughm, Director of the Baptist On Mission Lumberton Rebuild Center, shows the statement that staff and volunteers work under while they serve Lumberton residents. David Kennard | The Robesonian

Baptists building homes: Army of volunteers helps with hurricane recovery

David Kennard 

The Robesonian

LUMBERTON — Four gentlemen worked quietly Wednesday morning to put the finishing touches on a kitchen in a newly built home; it was a replacement for a home submerged by Hurricane Florence flooding in 2018. 

That was seven years ago. In that time, Baptists on Mission has mobilized a small army made up mostly of volunteers from around the country who answered a call to come serve in Lumberton. 

Baptist on Mission has demolished and constructed 24 new homes locally since Florence slogged through Robeson County. 

“We can build about five homes a year,” said Jay Baughm, Director of Baptist On Mission Lumberton Rebuild Center. “If we get things rolling well. We can do a lot of good for a lot of people here.” 

Part of Baughm’s job is coordinating the swell of volunteers that, like the storms before them, flood Lumberton with big hearts and tool belts ready to serve. The local outreach is an auxiliary to the Baptist State Convention of NC, which is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. 

The Lumberton Disaster Relief Center can house up to 150 volunteers at any one time, but Baughm said it’s more typical to have about 90 people working on projects around the area. 

When the call went out after Florence put much of the city under water, the local disaster relief center set up shop in a vacant warehouse in Lumberton and went to work. 

In the beginning teams went out looking for work to do — repairing roofs, mucking out mud, and general repair to local properties. Total house replacement is a bigger endeavor — primarily because of the price of building materials. The organization works with home owners to secure funding from FEMA, North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) and other state or federal agencies. 

With post-Florence work beginning to wind down, Baughm is taking on a new mission outside of the Lumberton region. 

In his place Sam Otten has stepped up to answer the call of service in Lumberton. The 22-year-old has already been very hands on working with the local operation. 

“We have five more homes on our list for demolition,” Otten said. On Wednesday, Otten was operating a tractor in preparation for a new foundation. 

“We contract out some work,” Otten said, who has a background in construction. 

He’s slowly been taking on more of the duties required at the Lumberton Disaster Relief Center, including visiting work sites, running down material needed and working with local building code inspectors. 

“We’ve got a good relationship with the city,” Otten said. “They’ve said they like that we are helping people move back to Lumberton.” 

The local Baptist on Mission center is one of thousands scattered around the world, including six centers opened in Western North Carolina, when Hurricane Helene tore through the region last year. 

Like so many displaced by disaster, the staff and volunteers push forward with faith. 

“We trust in God to provide,” Otten said. Lumberton residents who have been the recipients of that faith say their lives have changed. 

“When the water came in, there was no stopping it,” said Verneeta Butler for an article in Baptists on Mission magazine. She said water gushed through the kitchen. “Water was everywhere.” 

It’s been almost a year ago today that the Butlers took possession of their new home, which was built in the same Lumberton location. The new house, however, sits on top of a 4-foot foundation, higher than the highest floodwaters to ever visit their south Lumberton neighborhood. 

“There’s a reason God wanted us to rebuild right here,” John Butler said. “He wanted us to be a lighthouse to this community.” 

Like the Butlers, dozens more residents smile when volunteers, clad in work jeans and yellow T-shirts show up to start working. 

Community moved by Robeson Community College Memorial Day Event

The following was originally published on May 24, 2025 at https://www.robesonian.com/news/319957/community-moved-by-robeson-community-college-memorial-day-event 

Above: Retired military, local residents and Robeson Community College officials attend a Memorial Day event Thursday that included a presentation from Tom Martin, who, because of his service during two tours in Vietnam and a tour in Bosnia, is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart. David Kennard | The Robesonian

Community moved by Robeson Community College Memorial Day Event 

Martin: ‘They’ve handed us a torch, and we have a responsibility to see to it that they did not die in vain.’ 

David Kennard 

The Robesonian 

LUMBERTON — Retired Army officer Tom Martin delivered the keynote address Thursday at Robeson Community College, where several dozen community members joined retired service members for a Memorial Day Program. 

Martin served 21 years, including two tours in Vietnam as well as a tour in Bosnia. He retired as the chief warrant officer and has received the following awards, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart. 

The following is his address: 

“Today, we remember those who sacrificed so that we can live in freedom. 

“I want to remember two names specifically, after two tours in Vietnam, two combat tours. I could name a lot of people, but I just wanted to name two.

“One, Wade Ellen was a young warrant officer, about five or six years younger than me, but he had a profound influence on me as a Christian. He was a great example as a Christian, and he gave his life in Vietnam for our freedoms. 

“The other, one that I want to remember, is Richard Wylie. Richard was my crew chief. We were shot down up near the A Shau Valley. I survived; Richard did not, but always on Memorial Day or near Memorial Day, I try to remember those two, if none else, but there’s so many that we ought to remember. 

“This is Thursday, Memorial Day is not ‘til Monday, and we say, 'Well, is it appropriate that we do this three or four days early?' I think so. 

“If we can give a month to some groups to recognize their accomplishments, if we can give a week, so that others can show their pride, certainly we can give a weekend to those who paid the price for our freedoms.

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow 

“Between the crosses, row on row,

“That mark our place; and in the sky

“The larks, still bravely singing, fly

“Scarce heard amid the guns below. 

“We are the Dead. Short days ago 

“We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, 

“Loved and were loved, and now we lie, 

“In Flanders fields.

“Take up our quarrel with the foe:

“To you from failing hands we throw

“The torch; be yours to hold it high.

“If ye break faith with us who die

“We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

“In Flanders fields. John McCrae

“Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was a Canadian soldier, physician and poet.

“He was inspired to write

“In Flander’s Field” on May 3rd, 1915, after presiding for the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier. “This Memorial Day, we’re thankful for those who gave their lives while serving.

“We’re thinking of those who’ve lost someone that they love.

“You’re here today and someone that you loved or know, family member, friend, who was lost in combat. We thank you for your sacrifice.

“Did you know that Memorial Day has been observed since 1868? We’re proud to continue honoring and remembering those that served and sacrificed for our freedoms. 

“When President Eisenhower was touring the battlefields of Valley Forge and was being shown from historic site to historic site, at the conclusion of the tour, he made this remark: ‘This is where they got it for us. This is where they got it for us.'” 

“What did he mean? He meant that those men and thousands of others and all the wars in America have fought, purchased by their blood, the freedoms that we enjoy today in the land of the free and the home of the braves. 

 “These battlefields of the world today are hallowed and holy ground to every American. 

 “And we pause to give our highest honor and humbly realizing the sacred trust that our war dead have handed to us. 

 “The Lord Jesus Christ said, ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ “The freedoms that we enjoy today and take so much for granted, the freedoms that we so often trifle with were bought, not by the gold of the millionaires and billionaires; not by the genius of scientists; Nor even the sacrifices of people at home, though they did make sacrifices. “But primarily by the blood, sweat and agony of those that we honor today, those who die, that we might live. “They found, as did brave men, all through the ages, that there are principles worth dying for. And their noble, unselfish sacrifice is a silent, eloquent review to this self centered generation. 

 “Those who want peace at any price, let us remember that thousands have died for honor and freedom. And that what we have today comes at a price; that price is shed blood. 

 “What right have thousands of pleasures seeking Americans to go on living while young men in the flower of their youth had to die? If they had to die for America, some of us ought to live for America. 

 “Sometimes it’s more difficult to live than it is to die. 

 “They’ve handed us a torch, and we have a responsibility to see to it that they did not die in vain. And even though the sacrifices of our war dead have been great, yet the greatest sacrifice of all time was made by a man on a cross who died that men might live. 

 “And we’ve neglected him for too long. 

 “We’ve rejected his plan for peace, and as a result, we’ve fought and bled and died for centuries. 

 “And I challenge you today to accept his program of regeneration, that can transform a society, and we can know the meaning of genuine peace in our time. “The bells of liberty ring in America today, because these men that we honor today pay the price. “The sacred memory of their sacrifice will always live in our hearts, and we have a sacred and holy trust, and we cannot fail them. 

“Thank you for your time today.” 

David Kennard is the executive editor of the Robesonian. Reach him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com.

Teen suspect in Walmart shooting to be tried as an adult

Brian Campbell, 18, left, and Ezekiel Burden, 17. LUMBERTON — The 17-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting at Walmart on Dec. 30 will be tried as an adult according to Matt Scott, Robeson County District Attorney. Ezekiel Burden, 17, is expected to be extradited from Chicago back to Robeson County where he will make his first court appearance on Thursday, Scott told The Robesonian. “We take violent crime very seriously,” Scott said on Tuesday, explaining that the “nature of the crime” is the deciding factor on how a juvenile might be tried. The teen was arrested last week at a Greyhound Bus Station in Chicago, Illinois, by the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. On Dec. 20, Brandy Nicole Olson of Lumberton was shot and killed while waiting in line at the Woodforest Bank, inside of Walmart. Burden, 17, and Brian Campbell, 18, both of Lumberton, fired toward two people known by the suspects. Instead, Olson was struck and killed, Lumberton Police said following the shooting. On Dec. 23, LPD and the SBI arrested Campbell and charged him with accessory after the fact to a felony. “In the pursuit of justice, the SBI utilized multiple internal assets: Special Agents from the Southeastern and Coastal Districts, the Special Response Team (SRT), the Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT), and the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAAC) Intelligence Analysts,” a statement last week from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. “The SBI conducted interviews and searches, issued subpoenas, served search warrants, and deployed numerous specialized electronic surveillance techniques.” The SBI, stated that multiple law enforcement agencies have been working the case, including the Lumberton PD, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Marshals Service and Chicago Police Department. David Kennard is the executive editor of the Robesonian. Reach him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com.

Wawa opens new store in Lumberton as part of expansion plan in North Carolina

PHOTO: A new Wawa store opened in Lumberton Thursday. (David Kennard | The Robesonian) David Kennard The Robesonian - LUMBERTON — Officials from Wawa cut a ribbon Thursday to celebrate the opening of its expansion in North Carolina. Festivities started at 7:45 a.m. with Wawa General Manager Ryan Weinsheimer counting down the moment when the doors opened at 8 a.m., with free “Coffee and Connections,” t-shirts for the first 100 customers and a number of other giveaways. According to Wawa officials, the company is continuing “to spread its wings West with its first store opening in Robeson County in Lumberton.” By the end of 2025, Wawa is expected to open up to 10 new stores in North Carolina including its first Travel Center in Hope Mills, and stores in Garner, Fayetteville, Jacksonville and additional stores in Greenville, Wilson and Goldsboro. Officials said Thursday that during the the next eight to 10 years, Wawa plans to build and open up to eight stores per year reaching a total of 90 stores in North Carolina.

State Rep. Jarrod Lowery points to an ongoing Cherokee agenda to smear the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. Photo from Jarrod Lowery’s X account. 

STORY UPDATE: North Carolina Department of Indian Affairs condemns Cherokee for ‘distorted narratives’ toward Lumbee

Rep. Lowery questions new governor’s motives related to Lumbee

By David Kennard 

The Robesonian 

December 9, 2024

RALEIGH — The state’s Department of Indian Affairs (NCDOA) on Monday condemned the actions of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians “that question the legitimacy of other Tribal Nations,” specifically, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

A letter dated Monday addressed to Michell Hicks, EBCI chief, stated that the “actions reflect a troubling pattern of behavior in which the EBCI has positioned itself as an oppressor toward fellow tribes in North Carolina and neighboring states.

 “Their repeated dissemination of false accusations and distorted narratives serves only the EBCI’s interests, and the validity of these claims must be critically examined,” stated Ricky Burnett, chairman of the North Carolina Department of Indian Affairs in Monday’s letter that also was copied to Gov. Roy Cooper and Governor-elect Josh Stein, as well as all members of the North Carolina General Assembly.

The NCDOA’s letter to the Cherokee chief followed a letter of complaint issued Friday by State Rep. Jarrod Lowery, R-Dist. 47 (Robeson County), directed to Stein, who recently named Hicks as chairman of the incoming governor’s transition team.

In the letter, Lowery — an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina — points to the significance of the NCDOA and its representation of North Carolina’s eight recognized tribes. Lowery pointed to “Chief Hicks’ history and leadership approach, which is painted by racially inflammatory remarks” toward all tribes other than the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Lowery’s letter urged Stein to clarify his intentions regarding Hicks’s influence on tribal policy, particularly in relation to gaming compacts and sovereignty issues. Lowery also raised concerns about the significant financial contributions made by the Eastern Band to Stein’s campaign and its potential influence on policy decisions.

Monday’s letter condemning Hicks’ EBCI pointed specifically to actions and language targeting the Lumbee.

“In particular, the defamatory statements made by the EBCI regarding the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina are baseless and have been disproven on numerous occasions,” the NCDOA’s letter states “These unfounded assertions not only tarnish the reputation of the Lumbee Tribe but also perpetuate unnecessary division,” the NCDOA letter states. “Unfortunately, the EBCI has increasingly targeted the Lumbee Tribe and other state-recognized tribes, using its platforms-including their official tribal website-to propagate prejudicial and misleading information. This deliberate spread of misinformation is unprovoked. disheartening, and contradictory to the principles of unity and mutual respect that the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs advocates for among all tribes.”

The EBCI failed to return repeated calls by the Robesonian.

On Tuesday, John Lowery, chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, told the Robesonian that the Lumbee “continue to fight against a multi-million dollar fueled opposition led by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians EBCI, owner of several casinos in North Carolina and nearby states like Virginia.”

“The Eastern Band’s highly paid lobbyists profit mightily while the Eastern Band leadership complain incessantly about the housing dollars the Lumbee are eligible to receive from the Federal government,” John Lowery said.

For nearly 140 years, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has petitioned the United States government for “full and unconditional recognition as a federally recognized Indian tribe,” he said. “An injustice the Lumbee people do not want to see carried on any longer.”

John Lowery said U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, who sponsord the Lumbee Fairness Act — S.521-Lumbee Fairness Act — which has sat idle for most of 2024 in the Senate’s Committee on Indian Affairs., recently spoke on the floor of the United States Senate about the importance of passing the legislation.

“Senator Tillis, a strong advocate for the Lumbee people, continues to work tirelessly to right this centuries old wrong,” John Lowetry said. “This will finally bring to an end Termination Era policy and grant our tribe the full federal recognition that we deserve and have long been denied.

“Sadly, the Eastern Band is waging a public relations assault against Senator Tillis, slandering and smearing him in an effort to stop his advocacy for the Lumbee. These tactics will not work,” John Lowery said. “These are the same tactics they used before in their attempt to block the Catawba Nation from receiving land-into-trust in North Carolina. They smeared the Catawba Nation, Senator Tillis, and former Senator Richard Burr, in their failed attempt to stop the forward progress of the Catawba people.”

“The EBCI fought against the Catawba at the federal level and they continue to fight against the Lumbee Tribe in a despicable manner,” said Catawba Chief Brian Harris. “The EBCI will go as low as they can to block other tribal nations from achieving success and it is time for them to stop these actions and stop being the bully of Indian Country.”

John Lowery said on the Tuesday that the Lumbee people have stood up against “colonialism, the Confederate Home Guard, the Ku Klux Klan, and our fight continues as we stand up against Eastern Band leaders and their superiority complex.

Monday’s letter from the Department of Indian Affairs to Hicks stated that the NCDOA “calls on the EBCI to immediately cease its divisive behavior.

“We urge EBCI leadership to refrain from further intimidation, misinformation campaigns, and defamatory remarks against the Lumbee Tribe and other recognized tribes in the state. Moving forward, we ask the EBCI to act in the spirit of harmony and collaboration, recognizing that our collective strength as Indigenous peoples lies in unity, not division,” the letter states.

“Have no illusions, the Eastern Band’s leadership feels they are superior to Lumbee and act as if they have some perceived moral high ground because their legislative recognition was prior to ours or because their history is more widely known,” John Lowery told the Robesonian on Tuesday. “They are mistaken on all accounts and history will paint them as wrong once the ink dries on this time period in our lives!”

On Monday, Jarrod Lowery issued a statement that applauded the NCDOA for issuing a strong statement condemning divisive actions and rhetoric by the Cherokees (EBCI). He praised the NCDOA for taking its strong stance.

“As Native peoples, we have endured too much to allow infighting to weaken our collective voice and sovereignty,” Jarrod Lowery said. “I stand with the commission in calling for an end to this divisive behavior and urge all tribal leaders to prioritize respect and collaboration. The future of Indian Country in North Carolina depends on our ability to uplift one another, not tear each other down.”

On a national stage, the Lumbee Tribe has sought full federal recognition for decades, most recently hearing support from both the Biden Administration as well from President Elect Donald Trump.

“The Lumbee tribe has been wrongfully denied federal recognition for more than a century,” Trump told the crowd in September during a campaign rally in Wilmington. “Today I am officially announcing that if I am elected in November, I will sign legislation granting the great Lumbee Tribe the federal recognition that it deserves.”

David Kennard is the executive editor of the Robesonian. Reach him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com.

Shannon Smith holds her diploma Monday at the Lumberton McDonald’s restaurant on Fayetteville Road. Smith recently earned her associate degree from Colorado Technical University through McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity free tuition program. David Kennard | The Robesonian

 Lumberton McDonald’s celebrates graduation of college graduate Shannon Smith

David Kennard 

The Robesonian 

LUMBERTON — City officials joined with local and corporate leaders from the McDonald’s Corporation Monday to celebrate Shannon Smith’s college graduation.

Officials from Colorado Technical University were also on hand to present Smith with her associate’s degree diploma. Smith is the latest graduate to take advantage of McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity program that covers 100% of an employee’s tuition to CTU.

Smith, 48, said that while she got a late start to her higher education dream, plans to pursue her bachelor’s, masters and even doctorate degrees through the CTU program, which has similar partnerships with companies around the country.

According to information provided by McDonald’s, more than 82,500 restaurant employees in the U.S. have enrolled in Archways to Opportunity since it was launched in 2015.

David Kennard is the executive editor of the Robesonian. Reach him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com.

EDITOR'S NOTES: Historical news provides context to reports

By David Kennard

   One of the fun parts of my job here at the Robesonian provides the opportunity I have to put together the “Our History” column. You can find it in today’s Robesonian.

But, before I go any further, I must acknowledge the Robeson County Public Library and the staff, who have been very helpful both in providing the Genealogical Room and the knowledge of how to find historical documents there.

Every couple of weeks I visit the library to use the microfilm machine to view past editions of the Robesonian. The library has full microfilm editions of the paper dating back to the early 1900s.

As Robeson County residents, we are blessed to have such a resource that provides a glimpse back in time.

David Kennard

We also have quite a few bound editions of the Robesonian here at the office, although they are not cataloged, or even sorted; rather, our bound editions are in a state of disarray and trying to find anything — even if I know the date I am looking for — is exhausting.

Additionally floodwaters a few years back soaked a good number of the editions, wiping out for good Robesonians from about 2010 to the present.

That’s one reason that the column in today’s Robesonian skips past the “10 Years Ago” time frame.

Other valuable resources are the daily essays published by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which posts “This Day in North Carolina History.” These short essays provide a wonderful look back at significant events from North Carolina days gone by.

The catch to this resource however, is that I almost always must check in daily to gather a complete view of our state’s history. If I miss a day, it takes some digging to find out what I missed. That’s why when you read my “Our History” compilation it says “This Week…”

For instance, If I miss the date that the specially-designed Fresnel lens of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was lit to mark Diamond Shoals, I may not get to see that information for another year. (Of course the answer is it was lit on Dec. 16, 1870 — but only amateur history buffs like me would know that — or at least know where to find that information.)

Another fun note about the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: The lighthouse lit in 1870 is counted as the second of three at Cape Hatteras, according to the Cultural Resources Department. Even more trivial info: Today there are seven standing lighthouses — Currituck, Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, Cape Lookout, Oak Island and Old Baldy (Bald Head Island).

Finally, my other source of information comes from the “Today In History” column made available to Associated Press members. That source documents key events in U.S. and World history, but like the NC Cultural Resources Department, the AP provides only a glimpse of history, one week at a time. And, if I miss the four- or five-day window to collect the data, it’s gone again until next year.

Missing moments in time is frustrating, especially to journalists who like to provide context to news events here in Robeson County and the rest of the region.

Robesonian readers know that periodically we’ll include short glimpses of history in stories about COVID-19, or the jobless rate, or the price of gasoline, or almost every story on the sports page.

History provides context to the events that take place throughout the year.

Here in another couple of weeks you’re going to start seeing our various “Year-end” reports that recap significant events and issues that we’ve published in The Robesonian during 2022. Each of these annual news reports will include short briefs listed in chronological order as they were reported.

And, while I’m still relatively new to the area, these recaps help me understand what’s important to Robeson County residents. Stay with us as 2022 ends and we begin another year of making history.

David Kennard is the executive editor of The Robesonian. Contact him at dkennard@robesonian.com.

OUR HISTORY: 100 years ago, school board selects site for Indian Normal school

Maggie Devane, of St. Pauls, celebrates her 109th birthday in this picture from Nov. 17, 2016. Devane and her sister Inez Womack, who died away nearly two weeks earlier at the age of 106, were among the oldest residents to live in Robeson County. Maggie Devane died on Sept. 12, 2017 at age 111. ROBESONIAN FILE PHOTO

THIS WEEK IN ROBESON COUNTY HISTORY

100 Years Ago: LUMBERTON — Sites Selected for 3 School Buildings; Location of Long Branch, Thomas Consolidated and Pembroke Indian School Buildings Determined by County Board of Education. The county board of education Friday selected a site about 400 yards north of the Indian Normal school building, on the Pembroake-Red Springs road, for the new Indian grammar school building to be erected at an early date. Bonds have been voted for erecting the building, which will cost around $15,000. Source: Dec. 11, 1922, Robesonian.

50 Years Ago: Dean of Instruction, George Howard, has announced that twelve of the graduates of the 1972 class of the Practical Nursing Education Program al Robeson Technical Institute have passed the North Carolina State Board of Nursing examination which was given in September. By passing this examination, the graduate receives a license which allows her to practice her profession in North Carolina and various other states. Source: Dec. 15, 1972, Robesonian.

Eight Years Ago: ST. PAULS — Maggie Devane wakes up every day around 8 a.m., cooks breakfast and does little, odd jobs around the house if she’s up to it. Not bad for a woman who just turned 109. “I feel like I’ve always felt good,” said Devane, who celebrated her 109th birthday on Nov. 17. “I move a little slower but that’s the only difference.” Source: Dec. 14, 2014, Robesonian. Born in 1905 in nearby Rex, the St. Pauls resident is the daughter of a slave who was also a Civil War veteran, has lived for 91 years at her current home on Martin Luther King Street, and has the memories to match her age — having lived through the Great Depression, both World Wars, the Civil Rights movement, and 19 U.S. presidents, including seeing a black, like her, elected to the White House. EDITOR’S NOTE: Mrs. Devane died at age 111, on Sept. 12, 2017.

One Year Ago: LUMBERTON — “I know he is smiling down from heaven to see this beautiful facility and the revitalization.” Those were the words used Wednesday at the grand opening of the Robeson County Administration Center by Lyl MacLean Clinard, referring to her father, the late Hector MacLean. Source: Dec. 11, 2021 Robesonian.

Source: The Robesonian archives

THIS WEEK IN NORTH CAROLINA HISTORY

MECKLENBURG COUNTY — On Dec. 8, 1840, Sydenham Benoni Alexander, Confederate officer, legislator and agriculturalist, was born in Mecklenburg County. Though Alexander graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1860, the Civil War intervened before he could begin his professional life. He enlisted in the First North Carolina Volunteers in April 1861, saw action and was promoted through the ranks to captain before he joined the staff of General Robert Hoke as an inspector-general.

After the war, Alexander became a successful farmer. He was appointed the master of the Grange in North Carolina in 1877. Two years later he was elected as a Democrat to the state Senate, where he would go on to serve several terms.

As his involvement in state politics deepened, Alexander was fundamental in the formation of the college that would become North Carolina State University. He was appointed commissioner of the state board of agriculture, as well as president of the North Carolina State Fair and the North Carolina Railroad. That same year he became first president of the North Carolina Farmers’ Alliance.

Alexander was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for two successive terms. In 1901, he returned to the North Carolina Senate where he aided in the appropriation of $200,000 for public schools. 

Source: North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

THIS WEEK IN U.S. AND WORLD HISTORY

KITTY HAWK — On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, Ohio, conducted the first successful manned powered-airplane flights near Kitty Hawk, using their experimental craft, the Wright Flyer. Source: Associated Press.

WASHINTON, D.C. — On Dec. 18, 2019, the U.S. House impeached President Donald Trump on two charges, sending his case to the Senate for trial; the articles of impeachment accused him of abusing the power of the presidency to investigate rival Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 election and then obstructing Congress’ investigation. (It was the first of two Trump impeachment trials that would end in acquittal by the Senate.)

WASHINTON, D.C. — On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice. (Clinton was subsequently acquitted by the Senate.) 

Source: The Associated Press

The History Column is compiled by Executive Editor David Kennard. Contact him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com.

EDITOR'S NOTES: Coronavirus a gut punch to community

Before I get into things, I need to eat a little crow here. Last week I went home a little early from work with a sore throat and what I thought was the beginnings of a typical cold. I mean we are in the middle of cold and flu season here in Robeson County. Through the weekend, the sore throat persisted, then came a crippling cough that began feeling like I’d gone a few rounds with my father’s favorite boxer, Joe “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier. Growing up, I loved spending time with my dad on the living room couch watching boxing, football and anything that came on after Jim McKay’s famous announcement, “Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sports… the thrill of victory… and the agony o defeat.” That poor skier wiping out during a jump attempt in 1970 became one of the sporting world’s most famous athletes — although most didn’t even know his name. My father did. Vinko Bogataj was attempting a jump on the Heini Klopfer Hill in Oberstdorf, “West” Germany when he lost his balance and spun out of control to become one of the sporting world’ most notable images. Legend has it that Bogataj had no idea that his crash had cast him into the world spotlight until he was invited to a Wild World of Sports anniversary even 20 years later. According to one news report, “He received the loudest ovation of any athlete introduced at the gala, and attendees such as Muhammad Ali asked him for his autograph.” I never saw Muhammad Ali fight, but I did get the opportunity to watch Smokin’ Joe throw a few exhibition punches once at a fundraiser a few years back. Even then, those punches looked like they hurt, and I am sure whoever that poor sap was who was letting Frazier throw punches at him felt a little like I did after a couple of days of coughing. “Well, you have COVID-19,” my doctor said. I kinda figured that. But now, several days later on a course of prescription drugs and a few days of bed rest, I feel like going back to work. Of course I won’t until I get the all clear. Which brings me back to the “eating crow” statement. You see, I got all my vaccinations and boosters. I wore masks, washed my hands, gargled with bleach. The whole gamut of CDC recommendations. On top of that, I spent a significant amount of ink on The Robesonian Opinion Page during the past year scolding people in the Thumbs Down column that I compile each week. I’ll stand by my statement that we as a community can do more to beat back this coronavirus, as well as the host of other viruses besieging us. But I do have some empathy now for those who have silently suffered — many have suffered far, far worse than me during this pandemic. According to Bill Smith with the Robeson County Health Department, here in Robeson County we’ve seen 544 positive cases during the past three weeks, bringing the total of positive cases since March 2020 to 51,907. Of those cases, 578 were fatal. And, during the previous few weeks, we saw another death blamed on COVID-19. I am extremely grateful for the health care officials here in Robeson County who have helped me and my family through this uncertain time. I cannot even imagine the agony felt by those who have lost friends and family members to this coronavirus. I’ll make another plea to those who have not taken this seriously. Please do what you can to stop the spread of this still, very real threat. Vaccinations do work. If you feel ill, wear a mask, take a step back from a crowd, clean and disinfect yourself and your immediate environment. We are getting through this and we will get back to normal at some point. David Kennard is executive editor of The Robesonian. Contact him at dkennard@robesonian.com.

EDITOR'S NOTES: Some stories are harder to tell than others  

Early in my journalism career, I was assigned the job of obituary editor of a large newspaper out West. In that role I was directed to “punch up” some of the more bland obituaries and give readers better insight into the dearly departed.

While on such a mission, I came upon an extra bland obituary that contained almost no detail other than the individual was the recipient of a Bronze Star while serving in World War II.

I had to know more about Mr. Joy Ayres.

My queries often took me to local cemeteries to glean any information that may provide details on headstones. Often you can find additional names, dates, sometimes poetry, so I drove out to a small but meticulously groomed ceremony and began wandering among the “Ayres family gravesites.

Across the cemetery from Mr. Ayres grandparent’s marker, two small American flags had been pushed into the dirt next to a headstone. I had found Mr. Ayres.

A treble clef and a rose were carved into the granite next to his name and the date of his death — Independence Day, 2008.

Many people attending the Aug. 2 funeral service expected little more than a simple ceremony for a simple man who moved away from home to serve in World War II.

But after “Taps” was played and the flag that draped the casket was given to Waldtraut “Val” Ayres, his wife of 48 years, word began to spread about the man who served his country in three wars.

Joy, known by most people as a gentle man who loved to grow roses and listen to fine music, was born in a small Idaho town in 1914. He retired from service in 1970 at the age 56, serving for 24 years with the Army.

He worked as a medic and later in the finance corps.

Among the ribbons he wore on his uniform was a red ribbon with a single blue stripe, signifying he was decorated by the Army with a Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious action in conflict.

An oak leaf cluster he wore with his medal showed that it was the second time during his service in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam that he had been decorated with the honor.

An Army Commendation Medal, again with an oak leaf cluster, shows his sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Val told me that besides his medals and some handwritten journals, she had only limited information about his service.

“He never talked about it,” Val said.

The two met and married soon after the end of the Korean War while Joy was stationed in Berlin.

Another assignment took the couple back to America for a short time, but war soon took him to the other side of the world again.

Joy served in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in 1968 when the North Vietnamese army made a massive surge in an attempt to crush the South Vietnamese army and its allies.

A simple journal entry in his personal papers reads, “3 Jan. ‘68 “The Year of TET” - 4 Feb. ‘69, U.S. Army, Pacific (Vietnam).”

More medals — including the Vietnam Gallantry Cross given by South Vietnam to soldiers honoring deeds of valor in battle — recognize his service there.

Joy came home from war for the last time in January 1970 and went to work for a library district in Olympia, Wash.

His focus turned to Val, who sang opera as a young woman before the war destroyed Berlin.

“He loved good music. And we attended the opera often,” said Val. She chuckled and then said, “I wouldn’t have married him if he didn’t.”

Val also said Joy loved to play the piano. “It was his second hobby,” she said.

The two started growing roses and became well known for their work with the Centennial Rose Garden in downtown Olympia, Washington.

Joy and his wife raised the money for the garden, which today contains a collection of about 100 varieties of roses.

Although his 93 years took him around the world many times, Joy was returned home to be buried among the dozens of family members representing six generations of Ayres in a tiny Idaho cemetery.

David Kennard is the interim editor of The Bladen Journal and executive editor of The Robesonian in Robeson County. Contact him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com. 

EDITOR'S NOTES: On election, make voting a family affair 

Mothers teach us lots of things. Mine taught me to vote.

From my earliest memories, I recall my mother serving as an election judge. The voting precinct for my neighborhood was my elementary school. So, on every Election Day, I could count on seeing my mother sitting behind a desk outside the principal’s office helping people cast their vote.

Election Day will be forever tied to memories of my mother and the lessons of civic responsibility that she taught me.

With a General Election upon us, I can hear my mother again reminding me to get out and vote.

Likewise, my father was the example that taught me the sacred nature of voting. Dad took a keen interest in elections and made sure I was a part of the voting process, often taking me with him as he marked his ballot.

His process of preparing for an election was almost ritualistic. He read newspapers, listened to the debates on the radio and television.

Dad almost always voted Republican, but he told me that I should understand the issues before I cast my vote for either party.

By the time I turned 18, voting had become almost second nature. It was a proud moment for both my parents to see me walk into the voting booth and pull that lever for the first time.

As Nov. 8 approaches those who wish to vote have many options to participate in the midterm election.

If we survive the rhetoric war, we may get through this highly contested midterm race.

Perhaps the dirtiest mudslinging is taking part in the race for a US Senate seat in North Carolina.

Cheri Beasley and Ted Budd have been going at it for weeks, each with campaign ads targeting the failures of their respective opponents.

Just once, I’d love to hear something like, “My opponent has served our state honorably, but I’m running because I have fresh ideas that will benefit North Carolina.”

A story in Thursday’s Charlotte Observer reported that the two have agreed to a debate.

“Beasley ‘is prepared and ready to meet Congressman Budd on his preferred debate stage — because she believes that every North Carolinian deserves to see the clear choice before them this Fall,’” said Travis Brimm, Beasley’s campaign manager.

Here at the paper, we’ll be watching the elections closely and we’ll be reporting throughout the day. Coverage, of course, will include statewide data as it comes in from the state.

Here are some key dates regarding the Nov. 8 election.

Sept. 9: The date by which the Robeson County boards of elections must make available absentee ballots. Note: You can vote absentee now if you are registered.

Oct. 14: Civilian voter registration deadline.This is the second most important day in the upcoming election. If you don’t register, you cannot vote. However if you miss the Oct. 14 deadline, you can still register when the one-stop early voting is available.

Oct. 20: One-stop, in-person early voting period begins. At this time you can still register if you have the required documents.

If you are like me, and are a relative newcomer to the state, time is running out

Nov. 1: Deadline for civilians to submit an absentee ballot request form.

Nov. 5: One-stop, in-person early voting period ends at 3 p.m.

Nov. 8: Election Day and civilian absentee ballot return deadline.

A note from the editor: When Election Day eventually arrives, it’s important to understand who you’re voting for before you go to vote. (Do you see how I am channeling my father there?)

Mother would say the same thing.

Mom’s gone now and my old elementary school where she helped so many people fulfill their civic responsibility is now a Jewish community center. But last I checked, the voting booths still appear there every Election Day.

Please register and vote.

David Kennard is the executive editor of the Robesonian. Contact him by email at dkennard@robesonian.com.

David Kennard, far left, stands with a team of Student Conservation Association volunteers in 1981 in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

EDITOR'S NOTES: Greetings from the Appalachians 

By strict definition, I am a tree-hugger, that is to say I have in the past hugged a tree … just before cutting it down.

I should qualify that.

If you are reading this column in today’s Robesonian, there is a good chance I’m somewhere in the backwoods of the Appalachian mountains — yes, by choice.

Years ago, the summer of 1981 to be precise, I had a high school counselor convince me to volunteer with the Student Conservation Association, a nationwide group of young people involved in conservation work throughout America’s public lands.

Each summer, small teams of young people, led by an adult “trail boss” head into the wilds to cut trails, improve damage from overuse, and generally create and maintain places for the public to enjoy.

If you’ve ever hiked along a nice section of backcountry trail, there’s a good chance a group of young people was there before you. If you’ve ever leapt over a muddy bog only to slip and fall, covering yourself in muck, there’s a good chance that a volunteer with the Student Conservation Association will at some point come along and put some riprap (Definition: A permanent layer of large, angular stone, cobbles or boulders) down to keep the next person from suffering your fate.

In 1981, as a recent high school graduate, I packed my waffle stompers and raincoat, boarded a plane and landed in Knoxville, Tennessee ready to meet my team of volunteers who had made similar trips from high schools across the country.

Together, we shared laughs, scratched mosquito bites, dodged timber rattlesnakes (Yes, the Great Smoky Mountains has rattlesnakes) and chased away raccoons and black bears.

We also managed to improve about five miles of the Deep Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Part of those improvements included cutting down trees — hugging them first to thank them for their sacrifice — peeling off their bark and cutting them into eight-foot sections for use as water bars along the heavily rutted trail. The idea was to replace what rainstorms had turned into slippery, muddy streams, with usable foot paths for hikers heading into the backcountry.

It’s been 41 years since I’ve set foot on that section of the Appellations, and I’m anxious to see if any of the work I did as a 17-year-old kid still remains. I’m especially anxious to see if the crude bridge we constructed over a small creek still exists.

My hope is to see a much bigger bridge built by SCA-volunteers where a log bridge built by Seth, Ellie, Regina, Julie and I once stood.