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 […]
leshigh@borderbelt.org
Posted inHealth
Hospital, EMS seeing ‘a lot more’ overdose deaths
Columbus Regional Healthcare System Emergency Department Director Dr. John Penrose says the use of heroin and other street drugs has led to many more overdose deaths, especially during the pandemic. Photo by Les High Publisher’s note: This is the third in a multi-part series where the Border Belt Independent looks at what has changed since […]
Posted inHealth
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.
Posted inEnvironment
The Lumber is one of five ‘Wild and Scenic’ rivers in North Carolina
Dickson McLean is a long-time paddler on the river and a member of the Lumber River Conservancy board. Photos by Les High Editor’s note. This is the third of a three-part series on the Lumber River and its potential as an eco-tourism destination. Even though the Lumber River is one of only five rivers in […]
Posted inNews
The week in pictures
Part II of a three-part series on Fair Bluff and the lower Lumber River. The UNC Pembroke sustainable farming program. Photos by Les High. The UNC Pembroke Hub helps farmers innovate to meet a changing agricultural landscape Connie and Millard Locklear in one of their greenhouses. Tomatoes will run up twine attached to the roof […]
Posted inEnvironment
The Lumber River defines wilderness and serenity for those who love it
Editor’s note: This is the second of a three-part series that features the Lumber River. Part I covered ecotourism possibilities for Lumber River State Park and Fair Bluff. In this story, Publisher Les High talks with Fair Bluff residents who frequent the river. For the people of Fair Bluff, love of the Lumber River comes […]
Posted inEnvironment
A chill video to start your weekend
This video was taken at Red Belly Slough off the Lumber River near Fair Bluff. The BBI is doing a three-part series on the river and its ecotourism possibilities. Look for the second story in the series next week. Video by Les High
Posted inUncategorized
Sarah Nagem named editor of the Border Belt Independent
Sarah Nagem is the new editor of the Border Belt Independent Sarah Nagem will join the staff of the Border Belt Independent as editor June 1. “Sarah brings with her a passion for journalism that gives voice to the most vulnerable people in society,” said BBI Publisher Les High. “Growing up poor in West Virginia, […]
Posted inEnvironment
Reimagining Lumber River State Park and Fair Bluff to capture the growing trend of ecotourism
This is the first in a series of three stories about the lower section of the Lumber River and the revitalization of Fair Bluff. A future series will feature the upper Lumber River. A father and son from Trail Life Troop 1533 in the Raleigh-Durham area paddle downstream from Lumber River State Park’s Princess Ann […]
Posted inUncategorized
Welcome to the Border Belt Independent, ‘Journalism serving the greater good’ in four counties
Welcome to the Border Belt Independent, ‘Journalism serving the Greater Good’ in four counties