The number of reported crimes in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson, and Scotland counties fell from 2019 to 2025.
Heidi Perez-Moreno
Heidi Perez-Moreno covers education and more at the Border Belt Independent. She is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and previously worked at The Washington Post.
Posted inHigher Education
St. Andrews University Campus Can Be Sold Under Bankruptcy Deal
Unable to raise enough money, the Scotland Development Corporation will hand over the campus to creditors.
Posted inPolitics & Government
Local Government Commission Takes Over Rowland’s Finances
The watchdog group said the Robeson County town did not have a strong enough long-term plan to fix its money troubles.
Posted inK-12 Education
Columbus County Educators Want to Help Public School Students Through New Tax Program
The Columbus County Educational Opportunity Foundation hopes to garner tax-deductible donations so students can access tutoring and other services.
Posted inImmigration
Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Says it Worked with ICE on Traffic Checkpoint
A sheriff’s spokesperson said deputies arrested two people on drug charges on September 24. An immigration advocacy group says more people were detained.
Posted inK-12 Education
East Arcadia Residents Oppose Potential Sale of School Building
The Bladen County school board voted to sell East Arcadia School, which it closed in June. But the community is pushing back.
Posted inCulture
Data Point: Dolly Parton’s Legacy Lives on Through Imagination Library
More children in the Border Belt signed up for the free book program after the country music star died in August.
Posted inK-12 Education
Robeson County Parents Say Teacher Threw Objects at Students
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after two parents say a fifth-grade teacher at Pembroke Elementary acted aggressively.
Posted inK-12 Education
Data Point: Wheels on the Bus Go Round
Now that a new school year is underway, we looked at what it takes to transport thousands of Border Belt students .
Posted inK-12 Education
Robeson County Schools Are Off State’s Low-Performing List For First Time In Years
The public school district improved its state test scores and graduation rate. Other districts in the Border Belt also saw improvements.