The shift in rural southeastern North Carolina, once a stronghold for Democratic candidates, reflects statewide trends.
Columbus County
Posted inK-12 Education
ScoutReach Program in Columbus County Hopes to Expand Access
The Scouting America Cape Fear Council launched a free after-school program at Chadbourn Elementary School.
Posted inWeather
Storm brings heavy snow, bitter cold to southeastern N.C.
Officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads. Some schools will close Monday or switch to remote learning.
Posted inHealth
Are Border Belt Schools at Risk of a Measles Outbreak?
A 95% vaccination threshold is necessary to protect against the highly contagious disease, according to the CDC.
Posted inWeather
Shelters Serve as Warm Havens During Bitter Cold
Below-normal temperatures are expected to linger in the Border Belt for at least the next week, forecasters say.
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 inHealth
Some N.C. Counties Have Reduced Hepatitis B Cases, But New Guidelines Spark Concerns
Local health officials say updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put babies at risk.
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 inOutdoors & Recreation
Hikers Ring in New Year at Lake Waccamaw State Park
About 60 people hiked 1.5-mile at Lake Waccamaw State Park in Columbus County on January 1 to start the new year.
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.