Barefoot Brew and Barefoot Sandwich Shoppe in Elizabethtown employs about 75 Bladen County students who learn job skills. Read more Continue reading How a Bladen County coffee shop is brewing the next generation of workers
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The Lumbee tribe in North Carolina will receive an additional $4 million in federal money this year for its robust housing program. Read more Continue reading Lumbee tribe is on a home-building spree in a region that desperately needs housing
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Many towns in southeastern North Carolina are investing in their downtown districts, hoping to jumpstart their economies. Read more Continue reading Bringing southeastern North Carolina back to life, one downtown at a time
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Here is a list of organizations in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties that operate food pantries. Read more Continue reading Need help feeding your family? Here are some resources in North Carolina’s Border Belt
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North Carolina families are feeling the effects of inflation and high gas prices. Here’s how they’re getting by. Read more Continue reading Pain at the pump – and at the grocery store – hits hard in southeastern North Carolina
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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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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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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’
Much of southeastern North Carolina saw a drop in population over the last decade. What does that mean, and how can the area bounce back? Read more Continue reading Broadband, entrepreneurs, faith: What would it take for rural NC to regain population?
By Sarah Nagem sarahnagem@borderbelt.org As the United States ramped up its World War II efforts in the early 1940s, Fort Bragg grew to become the largest Army post in the country, accommodating 60,000 soldiers. But lesser-known military training was taking place about 40 miles southwest of Fort Bragg, at what is now the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport. Up to 10,000 soldiers were stationed at the site, which …Read more Continue reading Could the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport become a regional business hub in NC? Leaders hope so
