The Scouting America Cape Fear Council launched a free after-school program at Chadbourn Elementary School.
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 inK-12 Education
Public School Districts Continue to See Enrollment Drops in N.C.’s Border Belt
The decline in traditional public schools has outpaced overall population losses in rural southeastern North Carolina, data shows.
Posted inWeather
Winter Storm Could Bring Ice, Power Outages to Southeastern N.C. Here’s the Latest.
State officials are urging residents to stay off the roads. Shelters and warming centers will open across the Border Belt.
Posted inElections
State Elections Board Rejects Sunday Voting in Columbus County
The Republican chair of the Columbus County board supported Sunday voting, but the Republican majority on the state board voted against it.
Posted inEducation
N.C. Schools That Rely on International Teachers Brace for Visa Changes
The federal government approved more H-1B visas for K-12 education for North Carolina in 2025 than any other state except Texas.
Posted inFaith & Religion
Robeson County Faith Group Opposes Plan to Move Confederate Statue to a Public Park
The Ministers for Justice group says the courthouse monument should not be in a highly visible location.
Posted inElections
State Board of Elections Will Set Early-Voting Schedule in Columbus County
The local elections board disagreed on whether to offer Sunday early voting for the 2026 primary in March.
Posted inEducation
Bladen Community College to Host Child Care Academies to Train Future Teachers
North Carolina awarded grants to 15 colleges to offer free training to child care specialists to address the statewide shortage.
Posted inBusiness & Economy
Manufacturer to Bring 44 Jobs to Bladen County
VectorTex USA will invest more than $7 million in a 25,000-square-foot site at the Elizabethtown Industrial Park
Posted inEducation
Head Start Closures Leave Robeson County Families Scrambling for Child Care
Southeastern Community Action Partnership closed three Head Start sites in Robeson County because of the government shutdown.