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Subscribe to our free newsletter and never miss a story
By Les High Publisher There’s a line from the Apple TV series Ted Lasso in which Ted is told: “The truth will set you free, but first, it will really piss you off.” The truth, however, is hard to come by today. That’s one of the reasons why we founded the Border Belt Independent in May, and why we need your continued support. Newsrooms like …Read more Continue reading Subscribe to our free newsletter and never miss a story
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Home prices in rural Columbus County show the housing boom extends beyond NC cities
The median home sale price in Columbus County rose nearly 82% during a two-year span, showing the housing boom extends beyond NC’s cities.Read more Continue reading Home prices in rural Columbus County show the housing boom extends beyond NC cities
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Between place and party
Charles Graham has rejected party orthodoxy, gone internet viral, and run a dozen points ahead of the Democratic ticket. Now, his bid for an upset congressional victory highlights the challenge for North Carolina’s moderate rural Democrats.Read more Continue reading Between place and party
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Here’s what to know ahead of the May 17 primary election in NC’s Border Belt
Here’s what to know ahead of the May 17 primary election in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties in NC.Read more Continue reading Here’s what to know ahead of the May 17 primary election in NC’s Border Belt
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What should become of a Confederate monument in diverse Robeson County?
Some are calling for the removal of the Confederate monument in front of the courthouse in Robeson County, one of the most counties in NC.Read more Continue reading What should become of a Confederate monument in diverse Robeson County?
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Active Energy’s departure from Robeson County is met with relief from local leaders
Active Energy faced local opposition and lawsuits over concerns that the company’s technology was polluting the Lumber River. Read more Continue reading Active Energy’s departure from Robeson County is met with relief from local leaders
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Full federal recognition for Lumbees left out of Senate spending bill. What’s next?
The Lumbee Native American tribe’s quest for full federal recognition was left out of the Senate’s new spending bill. Read more Continue reading Full federal recognition for Lumbees left out of Senate spending bill. What’s next?
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Bladen County, shrinking but hopeful, creates a plan for its future
Bladen County has a new strategic plan meant to guide the rural county in southeastern North Carolina for the next decade.Read more Continue reading Bladen County, shrinking but hopeful, creates a plan for its future
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Here’s how one North Carolina town is bringing its downtown back to life
The Scotland County town of Laurinburg is focusing on public-private partnerships to revive its downtown. It’s working, local leaders say. Read more Continue reading Here’s how one North Carolina town is bringing its downtown back to life
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He was convicted of a crime at 18. Now he says he should get to run for sheriff in NC
Scottie Deese, a former Robeson County sheriff’s deputy, says a state law that prevents him from running for sheriff is too harsh.Read more Continue reading He was convicted of a crime at 18. Now he says he should get to run for sheriff in NC
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Lots of witnesses, but no one is talking in latest Robeson County homicides
A 20-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy were shot and killed in Robeson County over the weekend. Read more Continue reading Lots of witnesses, but no one is talking in latest Robeson County homicides
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NC’s Border Belt counties will get millions from opioid fund. How should they spend it?
North Carolina counties will get millions of dollars from the $26 billion opioid settlement. In the Border Belt, how could it be spent? Read more Continue reading NC’s Border Belt counties will get millions from opioid fund. How should they spend it?
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Low pay, high stress: EMS agencies in rural NC struggle to recruit workers and volunteers
EMS agencies in rural North Carolina say they are struggling to recruit paramedics, EMTs and volunteers. Low pay and high stress, particularly during the COVID pandemic, are likely factors. Read more Continue reading Low pay, high stress: EMS agencies in rural NC struggle to recruit workers and volunteers
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In one of America’s most diverse counties, the wounds of racism run deep
In Robeson County in southeastern North Carolina, the wounds of racism run deep for the Lumbee Native American tribe and African Americans.Read more Continue reading In one of America’s most diverse counties, the wounds of racism run deep
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Violence at affordable housing complex in rural NC raises question: Who’s to blame?
Violence has plagued the Sandy Ridge apartment complex in Whiteville, NC. Residents say they’re stuck in the middle. Read more Continue reading Violence at affordable housing complex in rural NC raises question: Who’s to blame?
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Police accountability group calls for removal of Robeson County district attorney
Fayetteville PACT is calling for the removal of Robeson County District Attorney Matthew Scott for his handling of a case last year. Read more Continue reading Police accountability group calls for removal of Robeson County district attorney
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In an effort to keep Robeson County red, GOP makes big push to win over Lumbee voters
The Republican National Committee opened an office in Robeson County as part of its initiative to woo minority voters. Read more Continue reading In an effort to keep Robeson County red, GOP makes big push to win over Lumbee voters
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Shortages at North Carolina schools lead to stress, exhaustion and some creativity
Throughout southeastern North Carolina, staff shortages at schools have led to exhaustion and frustration. Read more Continue reading Shortages at North Carolina schools lead to stress, exhaustion and some creativity
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Robeson County school board likely violated state law by banning public, attorney says
The full Robeson County school board has met several times in person while barring the public from attending, which is a violation of state law, an attorney says. Read more Continue reading Robeson County school board likely violated state law by banning public, attorney says
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How the latest COVID surge compares to previous spikes in NC’s Border belt
The number of new COVID-19 cases has been surging for weeks. We looked at how cases, hospitalizations, deaths and more compare to previous spikes. Read more Continue reading How the latest COVID surge compares to previous spikes in NC’s Border belt
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Opioids take heavy toll on Columbus County; solutions are hard to come by
Overdoses and overdose deaths from opioids have increased in Columbus County in the last five years, an analysis shows. Read more Continue reading Opioids take heavy toll on Columbus County; solutions are hard to come by
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Coalition hopes to coordinate efforts to combat opioid crisis in Columbus County
By Henry Hawthorne IV While overdoses underscore the opioid crisis in Columbus County, county leaders still have a long way to go to understand the core causes and provide effective prevention programs, says Lauren Cole. “The first two weeks of April we had 14 overdoses at Columbus Regional,” Cole said. “One mother overdosed and left three preschool children sitting in the emergency room. No one …Read more Continue reading Coalition hopes to coordinate efforts to combat opioid crisis in Columbus County
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New Lumbee leader talks about NC tribe’s future – and federal recognition
John Lowery, who is the new chairman of the Lumbee tribe in North Carolina, said he will continue to push for full federal recognition. Read more Continue reading New Lumbee leader talks about NC tribe’s future – and federal recognition
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Rural NC health care system sees huge spike in quarantined workers as COVID cases rise
The number of staff members at Scotland Health Care in North Carolina who are quarantined jumped from five to 55 in less than a week, a sign of the strain put on hospitals as COVID-19 cases rise. Read more Continue reading Rural NC health care system sees huge spike in quarantined workers as COVID cases rise
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Abuse, neglect of children often goes hand-in-hand with parents’ drug use
Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a multi-part series where the Border Belt Independent looks at what has changed since The News Reporter’s six-part series in 2017 that reported on the opioid crisis and associated mental health issues. Today, Reporter Ivey Schofield looks at how children are impacted by parents’ drug use and how schools, social services, Boys and Girls Homes and other agencies …Read more Continue reading Abuse, neglect of children often goes hand-in-hand with parents’ drug use
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Drug treatment program leads to sobriety, sisterhood
Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a multi-part series where the Border Belt Independent looks at what has changed since The News Reporter’s six-part series in 2017 that reported on the opioid crisis and associated mental health issues. Today, Reporter Ivey Schofield looks at how women at the Rose House in Whiteville work to overcome addiction. By Ivey SchofieldBBI Writer Eleven women gather in …Read more Continue reading Drug treatment program leads to sobriety, sisterhood
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A puppy – and a hope for justice – for Robeson County family recovering from shooting
Estrella Sosa, now 10, is recovering after she was shot in the head while riding in a car with her family in September in their neighborhood near Pembroke. Read more Continue reading A puppy – and a hope for justice – for Robeson County family recovering from shooting
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Hospital, EMS seeing ‘a lot more’ overdose deaths
Publisher’s note: This is the third in a multi-part series where the Border Belt Independent looks at what has changed since The News Reporter’s six-part series in 2017 that reported on the opioid crisis and associated mental health issues. Today, Publisher Les High looks at the increase in overdose deaths, particularly during the pandemic, and how overdoses and mental crises strain the resources of the …Read more Continue reading Hospital, EMS seeing ‘a lot more’ overdose deaths
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COVID cases rise across NC’s Border Belt as concerns about omicron variant grow
The number of new COVID-19 cases is on the rise across North Carolina’s Border Belt counties as concerns about the omicron variant grow.Read more Continue reading COVID cases rise across NC’s Border Belt as concerns about omicron variant grow
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Sheriff: Columbus drug crime is a ‘bad situation’
Editor’s note: This is the second in a multi-part series where the Border Belt Independent looks at what has changed since The News Reporter’s six-part 2017 series on the opioid crisis and associated mental health issues. Today, Reporter Ivey Schofield looks at how law enforcement officials, an attorney and local support agencies view drugs through the lens of crime. Ivey SchofieldBBI Writer Drugs in …Read more Continue reading Sheriff: Columbus drug crime is a ‘bad situation’
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Murder and a police scandal gripped this small NC town. Can Chadbourn find its way?
Some residents say violence is too common in the Columbus County town of Chadbourn, where three people were killed in July. Read more Continue reading Murder and a police scandal gripped this small NC town. Can Chadbourn find its way?
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Could pay raise help this rural NC school district find teachers? Leaders hope so
The Bladen County school system has money to hire teachers and teacher assistants. But it’s struggling to find people who want the job. Read more Continue reading Could pay raise help this rural NC school district find teachers? Leaders hope so
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UNC Pembroke gets record investment from state, a sign of the school’s rising reputation
UNC Pembroke is set to get a record investment from the state budget. Chancellor Cummings says it will be “transformative” for the school.Read more Continue reading UNC Pembroke gets record investment from state, a sign of the school’s rising reputation
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Rural North Carolina could benefit most from infrastructure plan. But leaders are wary
Rural North Carolina stands to benefit from the federal infrastructure plan. But some local leaders are wary of the spending. Read more Continue reading Rural North Carolina could benefit most from infrastructure plan. But leaders are wary
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As Lumbee tribe picks a new leader, will this be the year for full federal recognition?
The Lumbee tribe will elect a new leader on Nov. 9, about a week after the U.S. House voted in favor of full recognition for the tribe.Read more Continue reading As Lumbee tribe picks a new leader, will this be the year for full federal recognition?
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How would proposed legislative districts affect southeastern NC? Here’s a breakdown
Here’s a look at what the proposed North Carolina legislative maps would mean for Robeson, Columbus, Scotland and Bladen counties.Read more Continue reading How would proposed legislative districts affect southeastern NC? Here’s a breakdown
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Here’s what the proposed congressional map would mean for southeastern North Carolina
A committee of the NC Senate passed a congressional map with redrawn district lines for the U.S. House of Representatives. Read more Continue reading Here’s what the proposed congressional map would mean for southeastern North Carolina
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Robeson County sheriff’s deputies get body-worn cameras
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina said it bought 75 body-worn cameras at a cost of more than $220,0000.Read more Continue reading Robeson County sheriff’s deputies get body-worn cameras
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This North Carolina town is mapping a more hurricane-resistant future, brick by brick
Fair Bluff, NC, has been mapping out what it hopes will be a more hurricane-resistant future after hurricanes Matthew and Florence.Read more Continue reading This North Carolina town is mapping a more hurricane-resistant future, brick by brick
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Laurinburg’s quest for a new fire station after Hurricane Florence still isn’t over
Laurinburg, NC, wants to build a new fire station after its North Side Station was damaged by Hurricane Florence. But the rising cost of building materials is yet another barrier. Read more Continue reading Laurinburg’s quest for a new fire station after Hurricane Florence still isn’t over
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Don’t let your guard down as COVID cases drop in southeastern NC, health experts say
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org COVID-19 cases are falling across southeastern North Carolina, and fewer people are hospitalized with the virus. But now is not the time to stop taking precautions, health officials say. “I don’t believe for a minute we can let our guard down,” said Renae Taylor, vice president and chief nurse executive at UNC Health Southeastern in Robeson County. “The last thing I …Read more Continue reading Don’t let your guard down as COVID cases drop in southeastern NC, health experts say
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NC candidate for Congress recalls KKK rally – and Jan. 6 riot
Charles Graham, a Democrat running for NC’s 9th congressional district, gaining attention for a campaign video in which he recalls the night in 1958 when the Ku Klux Klan planned a rally in Robeson County, where he grew up in a Native American community. Read more Continue reading NC candidate for Congress recalls KKK rally – and Jan. 6 riot
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‘Lean on God, but lean on science as well.’ Lumbee medical workers push for vaccine
Doctors and nurses who are members of the Lumbee tribe are urging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and some are evoking faith and science in their message.Read more Continue reading ‘Lean on God, but lean on science as well.’ Lumbee medical workers push for vaccine
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How one family’s entrepreneurial spirit endures in Scotland County. ‘We’re overflowing’
The Fore family knew it was risky to open a restaurant during the coronavirus pandemic. But they took a chance, like many new businesses owners have done recently – and it paid off. Read more Continue reading How one family’s entrepreneurial spirit endures in Scotland County. ‘We’re overflowing’
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Murders increased across southeastern North Carolina in 2020. Here are the numbers
Parts of southeastern North Carolina saw a spike in homicides and other violent crimes in 2020, while fewer property crimes were reported. Read more Continue reading Murders increased across southeastern North Carolina in 2020. Here are the numbers
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Teaching resilience in hurricane-battered southeastern North Carolina
Resilient Columbus, part of the Columbus County Partnership for Children, works to help communities better understand trauma. Read more Continue reading Teaching resilience in hurricane-battered southeastern North Carolina
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Surge in COVID cases is taking toll on Bladen EMS workers
The staff of Bladen County EMS are exhausted after 18 months of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Read more Continue reading Surge in COVID cases is taking toll on Bladen EMS workers
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Shooting of 9-year-old girl is latest in string of gun violence in Robeson County
At least 14 people have been shot in Robeson County, NC, since Aug. 1, including a 9-year-old girl. Recent shootings mark a violent end to summer. Read more Continue reading Shooting of 9-year-old girl is latest in string of gun violence in Robeson County
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UNC Pembroke wants to ‘grow our own’ business and health care workers, chancellor says
Dr. Robin Gary Cummings, chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, recently sat down with the Border Belt Independent to talk about what’s happening on campus and beyond.Read more Continue reading UNC Pembroke wants to ‘grow our own’ business and health care workers, chancellor says
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Rural North Carolina hospital leader emerges as outspoken critic of COVID ‘noise’
Joann Anderson, president and CEO of UNC Health Southeastern in Robeson County, has emerged as a Facebook-posting, say-it-how-it-is advocate for COVID vaccines and a fighter against misinformation, conspiracy theories and political divides.Read more Continue reading Rural North Carolina hospital leader emerges as outspoken critic of COVID ‘noise’
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Pastor keeps faith despite losing father, brother and son who died from COVID in 18 days
Pastor Jerome Bullard of the Bridge of Life Church in Leland, N.C., conducted the funerals of his father, brother and son, all of whom died from COVID within a span of 18 days in late July and August. Read more Continue reading Pastor keeps faith despite losing father, brother and son who died from COVID in 18 days
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Hospital gets mobile morgue as COVID deaths surge in southeastern North Carolina
UNC Health Southeastern has set up a mobile morgue to handle the increasing number of patients dying from COVID-19, the medical center’s top leader said Saturday. Read more Continue reading Hospital gets mobile morgue as COVID deaths surge in southeastern North Carolina
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COVID-19 death toll is spiking in southeastern North Carolina. Here’s the data
The death toll from COVID-19 in southeastern North Carolina is higher than it has been in months as hospitals fill up with people sick from the delta variant. Read more Continue reading COVID-19 death toll is spiking in southeastern North Carolina. Here’s the data
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New COVID surge takes a toll on southeastern North Carolina. Here are the numbers
A new wave of COVID-19 patients is straining rural hospitals in southeastern North Carolina. Read more Continue reading New COVID surge takes a toll on southeastern North Carolina. Here are the numbers
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Family calls for change after deputies shoot NC man struggling with mental illness, drugs
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org When Matthew Oxendine used drugs or had too much to drink, he would sometimes call 911 or the local sheriff’s office and say he was going to kill himself. He began making the calls years ago, long before he spent about a week in a psychiatric unit in 2016, said his brother, Greg Oxendine. Doctors diagnosed him with depression. So when …Read more Continue reading Family calls for change after deputies shoot NC man struggling with mental illness, drugs
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COVID vaccinations are climbing, slowly, in rural North Carolina. But skepticism remains
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Rita Watson had chosen not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. She was worried about what was in the shots and whether they were safe. But when her 41-year-old daughter contracted the virus and became severely ill, Watson reconsidered. She and her four sons went to the Robeson County Health Department on Thursday to be vaccinated. “I decided, seeing my daughter in …Read more Continue reading COVID vaccinations are climbing, slowly, in rural North Carolina. But skepticism remains
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‘Can’t we all just get along?’ NC family pleads for answers in football player’s death
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org Marqueise Coleman was gunned down in the small southeastern North Carolina town where he was well-known as a good student, a standout on the football field and a young man with a bright future. Now, Coleman’s family is pleading with the community to share information about the shooting that left the 19-year-old dead in the early-morning hours of July 29. “I …Read more Continue reading ‘Can’t we all just get along?’ NC family pleads for answers in football player’s death
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New community center will serve Scotland County families in need
By Rebecca Woltz Young Dakoda Cribb was struggling in elementary school, earning C’s and D’s on his report cards. Then, in the third grade, he joined a program through Partners in Ministry in Scotland County that aims to help children improve their reading and math scores. Three years later, Dakoda is getting A’s and B’s, and he says he understands the importance of learning. “When …Read more Continue reading New community center will serve Scotland County families in need
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At Lumbee Homecoming, a celebration of culture and a look at a community in need
Laura Dial left Robeson County decades ago in search of new job opportunities. But Dial, 72, travels nearly 250 miles each year to attend Lumbee Homecoming, a celebration of family, food and Native American traditions that draws thousands of people to southeastern North Carolina. “This is always home,” said Dial, who now lives in Anderson, S.C. Some say this year’s event, which wrapped up Saturday …Read more Continue reading At Lumbee Homecoming, a celebration of culture and a look at a community in need
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One county’s struggle to control COVID-19 highlights challenges in rural North Carolina
Rufus Duckworth, the mayor of Bladenboro in southeastern North Carolina, said he was shocked when he learned about a COVID-19 cluster in his town. But, he said, “A lot of people are weary of the vaccination.” Bladen County, home to about 33,000 people, including 1,600 in Bladenboro, is the only North Carolina county currently designated by state health officials as having “critical spread” of COVID-19. …Read more Continue reading One county’s struggle to control COVID-19 highlights challenges in rural North Carolina
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‘Our children need more voices.’ Southeastern NC seeks volunteers to help kids in court
At 4 a.m. each weekday morning, attorney Bryan Wilson grabs a cup of coffee and looks over dozens of files of neglected and abused children from southeastern North Carolina. It’s his job to make sure they’re safe during the months — and sometimes years — that their cases trudge through the court system. Hours later at the Bladen County Courthouse, Wilson ticks through a series …Read more Continue reading ‘Our children need more voices.’ Southeastern NC seeks volunteers to help kids in court
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Workforce is key to capitalizing on agribusiness and population growth in Columbus
Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of stories that provides an overview of the economies of Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina. The 954 square miles of vast farmland and forests have shaped Columbus County’s economy for generations. “We can grow anything,” said Columbus County Economic Development Director Gary Lanier. “Because of our farming heritage, we also have …Read more Continue reading Workforce is key to capitalizing on agribusiness and population growth in Columbus
Here are races to watch as Scotland County voters go to the polls for May 17 primary
Scotland County voters will go to the polls on May 17 for a statewide primary. Here are races to watch. Read more Continue reading Here are races to watch as Scotland County voters go to the polls for May 17 primary
Robeson County voters will go to the polls May 17. Here are some primary races to watch
Robeson County voters will vote in the primary election on May 17. They will help set the stage for the 2022 midterm election in November. Read more Continue reading Robeson County voters will go to the polls May 17. Here are some primary races to watch
Columbus County voters will go to the polls in May. Here are some primary races to watch
Voters in Columbus County will head to the polls on May 17 for the primary election. Read more Continue reading Columbus County voters will go to the polls in May. Here are some primary races to watch
Here are some primary races to watch in Bladen County for May 17 election
When Bladen County voters go to the polls May 17, they will choose who they want to run next fall in the 2022 general election.Read more Continue reading Here are some primary races to watch in Bladen County for May 17 election