![SCC charging station](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SCC-Charging-station-600x381.jpg)
COLUMBUS COUNTY NEWS – TODAY’S FRONT PAGE HEADLINES
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Front Page
WHS Asks Students to ‘Remain Vigilant’
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Front Page
Gunshot Victim Crashes in Whiteville
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Front Page
High Speed Chase Ends at Prior Crime Scene
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Front Page
Wallace to Address Genealogical Society
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Elections
Kennedy Sues SBOE Over Ballot Decision
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Front Page
Bladen Authorities Search for Two Missing Men
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Business
Grant to Fund EV Stations, Classes at Colleges
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Front Page
County Touts Preparedness for September
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Front Page
Man Threatens to Burn Mother’s Home
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Commentary
Partnership for Children celebrates Smart Start Month
![SCC charging station](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SCC-Charging-station-600x381.jpg)
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WHS-Logo-600x381.png)
WHS Asks Students to ‘Remain Vigilant’
by Jefferson Weaver in Front Page Comments Off on WHS Asks Students to ‘Remain Vigilant’
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Vote-600x381.png)
Kennedy Sues SBOE Over Ballot Decision
by Jefferson Weaver in Elections Comments Off on Kennedy Sues SBOE Over Ballot Decision
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/honey-fest-e1725240780169-429x381.png)
The Good News for Sept. 6
by Jefferson Weaver in Life in Columbus Comments Off on The Good News for Sept. 6
COLUMBUS COUNTY NEWS – LOCAL OBITUARIES
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Obituaries
Rev. Alvin Joseph Morris
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Obituaries
Elbert Gordon Holloman
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Obituaries
Rev. Daniel “Junior” Tyler
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Obituaries
Rev. Paul Lambert
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Obituaries
Patricia Hermina (Ryan) Hammond
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Obituaries
Jimmy Lee Frink
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Obituaries
Larry Clark Baldwin
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Obituaries
Mary Lee (Williams) Freeman
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Obituaries
Willie Elbert Jacobs (PAP)
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Obituaries
Mr. John A. Willis
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Obituaries
Judy Lane Watts
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Obituaries
Lonnie Lee Sessions
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Obituaries
James “Jimmy” Allen Nobles
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Obituaries
Ethel Mae (Jones) Ward
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Obituaries
Taylor G. Patterson
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Obituaries
Charles Vernon Wallace, Jr.
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Obituaries
Judy Lane Watts
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Obituaries
Mark Rabon
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Obituaries
George Hubert Soles Jr.
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Obituaries
James “Ricky” Derrick Harrelson
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Obituaries
Kenneth Ray Odom
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Obituaries
James Lavon Walker
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Obituaries
Regina Lee (Moffitt) Hovaldt
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Obituaries
Joyce Marie (Smith) Stanley
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Obituaries
Henry James Taylor
COLUMBUS COUNTY NEWS – COMMENTARY
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Commentary
Partnership for Children celebrates Smart Start Month
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Commentary
Jefferson Weaver • Barking at Thunderstorms
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Commentary
Saving on School Lunches
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Commentary
Jefferson Weaver • A Blue Sky Over a Golden Field
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Business
Tabor Talk for Aug. 26
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Commentary
Jefferson Weaver • Spider-People and Smiley Faces
COLUMBUS COUNTY NEWS – News From Across the County
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WHS-Logo-326x245.png)
WHS Asks Students to ‘Remain Vigilant’
Updated 4:30 p.m. Sept. 6 Whiteville High School has additional security today after a report of “secondhand social media” posts about a possible threat to the school today. Security at schools across the nation [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Bullets-326x245.jpg)
Gunshot Victim Crashes in Whiteville
Whiteville first responders discovered the driver in a single car wreck Wednesday night had been shot. Whiteville Police Chief Douglas Ipock said the call came in around 1130 p.m. A car had crashed into a [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/shug-norris-road-326x245.jpg)
High Speed Chase Ends at Prior Crime Scene
Deputies had deja vu after arresting two female suspects and the resident on a variety of charges at a Shug Norris Road home over the course of three days. One suspect allegedly led law enforcement [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dr-Howard-Wallace-326x245.jpeg)
Wallace to Address Genealogical Society
The Southeastern North Carolina Genealogical Society will learn about the history of sweet potatoes in Columbus County when they meet Sept. 14. Our speaker will be Dr. Howard Wallace, speaking on the history sweet potato [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Vote-326x245.png)
Kennedy Sues SBOE Over Ballot Decision
Robert Kennedy Jr. sued to get on the North Carolina ballot in October, and now he is suing to be removed from the ballot. Kennedy withdrew his bid for President Aug. 23 to support Donald [Read More]
![William Lowery and James Nicholas are missing in Bladen County. (BCSO)](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/missing-bladen-men-326x245.jpg)
Bladen Authorities Search for Two Missing Men
An Ammon resident and a Raleigh man are missing in Bladen County. James Cole Nicholas, 37, was seen on video surveillance in Garner early Sunday. His car was found abandoned at N.C. 87 and Airport [Read More]
![SCC charging station](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SCC-Charging-station-326x245.jpg)
Grant to Fund EV Stations, Classes at Colleges
North Carolina will be able to expand its electric vehicle charging network to 10 community colleges and better train the next generation of students on clean vehicle technologies, thanks to a $1 million Charging and Fueling [Read More]
![Fowler Town 904 6822](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Resized_20220608_165308-e1725468984233-326x245.jpg)
County Touts Preparedness for September
September is Preparedness Month in North Carolina and Columbus County Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents and businesses to be prepared for any disaster by reviewing their emergency plans and updating their emergency supply kits. [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/090424.-whiteman.-arsonist-326x245.jpg)
Man Threatens to Burn Mother’s Home
Deputies had to put out two fires before arresting a man Saturday for allegedly threatening his mother. James Earl Whitman, 41, was released on a $1,500 unsecured bond on charges of communicating threats and burning [Read More]
![Books (file)](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/books-326x245.jpg)
Partnership for Children celebrates Smart Start Month
By Kayla Henson Columbus County Partnership for Children Governor Roy Cooper proclaims September as Smart Start Month. This proclamation acknowledges the Smart Start Network’s commitment for over 30 years to ensuring all North Carolina’s young [Read More]
![Anthony Mantreal Jones](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Anthony-Mantreal-Jones-copy-326x245.jpg)
Deputy Injured in Friday School Fight
A School Resource Officer is back at work after she was assaulted while breaking up a fight at West Columbus High School Friday. Dep. V. Lancaster sustained a head injury and is expected to recover, [Read More]
![Good News Columbus County](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Good-News-326x245.jpg)
The Good News for Aug. 30
Family Fur Day is today at the fairgrounds. You can adopt shelter pets for free, get free rabies shots for your animals. Enjoy the petting zoo, check out area food trucks, and join in the [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/082924.-Randy.-22-a-day-marker-326x245.jpg)
New Monument Puts Spotlight on Suicides
When a local veteran committed suicide last year, Angela Norris wanted to do something. As one of the founders of the Veterans Memorial Park of America, Norris is familiar with the stories of veterans. The [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/kitchen-knives-stabbing-326x245.jpg)
Reward Offered in Cold Case Murder
The state is offering a reward for information about a 1994 murder in Elizabethtown. Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday (today) that the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) will pay up to $25,000 for new information [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Police-Lights-326x245.png)
One Killed, One Charged in Wednesday Crash
A three car collision claimed the life of a Tabor City man Wednesday afternoon. George Soles Jr., 80, was killed when the vintage 1936 truck he was driving was struck at the intersection of Peacock [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Police-Lights-326x245.png)
Deputy Catches Break-in Suspect at Scene
The suspect in a break-in was caught by a deputy on the property Saturday. Deputy Z. Morris was called to 310 big Branch Road after a caller reported a break-in in progress, a report said. [Read More]
![A matchstick with flame](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/arson-fire.jpeg)
Woman Dies in Morning Blaze
Multiple fire departments were called to a structure fire that claimed the life of a Roseland woman Wednesday. Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman said the fire was spotted at 8347 Old Stake Road by [Read More]
![staff art](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bullets-326x245.png)
Shooting, Fire Might Have Been ‘Targeted’, CCSO Says
A car was destroyed and a home damaged on Hoover Road early Friday in what investigators think could have been a “targeted attack.” Deputies were called t0 737 Hoover Road around 1:15 a.m. to a [Read More]
![Michael Fishburn (CCSO)](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/42222.-fishburn-326x245.jpg)
Plea Deal Reached in Child Sex Case
A plea deal has been reached in the case of a man charged with child sex offenses. Michael John Fishburn, 46, formerly of White Pine Rd., Lake Waccamaw, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/031424.-check-station-1-326x245.jpg)
Labor Day Enforcement Campaign Underway
Statewide law enforcement will increase patrols to keep impaired drivers off the roads during the Labor Day holiday weekend, which remains one of the deadliest times of year for alcohol and drug-related traffic deaths, officials [Read More]
![Leroy Moore Jr. (CCSO Detention)](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Leroy-Moore.-sandy-ridge-murder-326x245.jpg)
Jury Selection Underway in Moore Retrial
Jury selection is underway in the retrial of Leroy Moore for the 2021 shooting of Tony Baker at a Whiteville apartment complex. Moore allegedly shot Baker on Oct. 25, 2021, as the District Attorney’s office [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Vote-326x245.png)
State Board of Elections Offers Registration Advice
With voter registration drives in full force across the state, as well as two lawsuits to remove illegal voters from the state rolls, the State Board of Elections (SBOE) is offering advice to voters in [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Tabor-City-Arch-for-Chamber-326x245.png)
Tabor Talk for Aug. 26
By Diane Ward Nobles Tabor City Chamber Wow! Where did our summertime go? All of our area kids are back in school. We hope they stay safe and have the best year. Our youth are [Read More]
![Kenyan Hayes (CCSO)](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/082624.-Kenyan-Hayes.-car-theft-chase-manhunt-326x245.jpg)
Update: Three Charged in Weekend Chase, Manhunt
Updated 2:40 p.m. Aug. 29 A third suspect faces charges in a car theft that led to a high speed chase, a wreck and two manhunts Sunday. Kenyan Hayes, 18, of Montego Court, Wilmington, [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Bullets-326x245.jpg)
Firearms Confiscated After Shots Fired
A handgun and a rifle were confiscated by Whiteville Police early Saturday after a shots fired call in Brookberry Apartments. No one has been charged in the case. Lt. Andrew Jackson said WPD was called [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ajax-hound-puppy-shelter-326x245.jpeg)
Adoption Fees Waived at Shelter
As part of the Clear the Shelters campaign, all adoption fees are being waived at Columbus Animal Protective Services. Clear the Shelters is a national effort to rehome unwanted dogs and cats. Columbus County’s shelter [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240808_124740-326x245.jpg)
Drainage Fills Agenda Tuesday
Beavers, stormwater and flooding are ion the agenda for Whiteville’s city council meeting Tuesday. John Deans of the county Beaver Bounty program will give a presentation on beaver management and the program. Deans was part [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/082624.-carjack-swamp-326x245.jpg)
Carjack Suspect Tries to Catch Ride After Long Night in the Swamp
Two carjacking suspects who spent the night in the swamp near Lake Waccamaw are in custody facing multiple charges. One of the suspects was arrested while trying to flag down motorists on U.S. 74. Keko [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Hong-Kong-Okra-Aug-25-2012-Okra-Wikipedia-copy-326x245.jpg)
The Good News for Aug. 23
Saturday Aug. 24 is Okra Fest at the Columbus County farmers market. Whether you like it stewed, fried or in soups and gumbo, the lowly okra is a healthy, easily grown and prolific part of [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/378127422_709493577889286_3895162708746088758_n-326x245.jpg)
West Nile Virus Confirmed Here
West Nile Virus has been confirmed in three patients in Columbus County. Health Department Director Kim Smith said the cases have been verified by the state. “All three cases have occurred since July,” a press [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fair-Bluff-dowbntown.-Debby.-flooded-scaled-e1723229984286-326x245.jpg)
Cleanup Help Deadline Extended
Crisis cleanup assistance will be available through Aug. 30 in Columbus County. Teresa Smith of Columbus Emergency Services said the deadline was extended to reach more people still dealing with debris, roof damage and flooding [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WPD-badge-300x245.jpg)
Juveniles charged in WHS Vandalism
Two teens are under juvenile petitions for a $10,000 vandalism spree at Whiteville High School July 29. Lt. Andre Jackson of the Whiteville Police said the suspects are 17 and 13 years old. Sgt. A. [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/378127422_709493577889286_3895162708746088758_n-326x245.jpg)
Officials Urge Mosquito Prevention
In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby and several heavy rain systems, mosquitoes are enjoying a baby boom across the area. County spaying trucks have been fogging communities across Columbus, based on the number about [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/India-Maps-Facts-World-Atlas-copy-e1724351848125-326x245.jpg)
BBQ Sale to Benefit India Mission Trip
A barbecue plate sale fundraiser next month will help a local mission team head for India in September. Rev. Robert Nealey will be leading the mission effort Sept. 23. A plate and Boston butt sale [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/money-326x245.jpg)
Crypto-Romance Scam Funds Seized
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina said investigators have seized nearly $5 million worth of a cryptocurrency from a scam known as “pig butchering.” The seized funds were from a legitimate crypto [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bagworms-326x245.jpeg)
Leafeaters a Common Fall Sight
Courtesy N.C. Forest Service As we enter the dog days of summer, you may notice the lush green foliage of many trees and shrubs becoming marred by unsightly webs or seeming to have skipped over [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/haircut.pexels-326x245.jpg)
Free Back to School Haircuts Available
Parents have two opportunities to get free haircuts for students this week. Southeastern Community College is offering free back to school cuts tomorrow (Thursday) from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the college. Call 910.642.7554 to make an [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/courthouse-interior-1-326x245.jpg)
Courthouse Open for Business
The newly restored Columbus County Courthouse is open for business. Clerk of Superior Court Jess Hill said the doors opened Monday. Staff of the clerk’s office and members of the Whiteville High football team completed [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FAIR-50-2-e1724265387111-326x245.jpg)
Fair Pageant Taking Entries
The Columbus County Fair Pageant is making its return this year. “I’m not sure how long it’s been since we had a fair pageant,” said organizer Jan Hardee, who was the Columbus County Fair Queen [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/gavel.court_-1-326x245.jpeg)
Felon Gets Federal Time
An armed Lumberton fentanyl trafficker was sentenced Wednesday (today) to 150 months in prison. The U.S. District Attorney’s Office said Charlton Townsend, 29, pled guilty on May 22 to one count of conspiracy with intent [Read More]
![County of Columbus](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/County-of-Columbus-326x245.jpg)
Board Nixes Grantwriter Position, Hear Well Test Update
County commissioners on Monday turned down a request from the sheriff’s office to replace an open staff position with a civilian grantwriter. Logistics Capt. Robert Creech of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office told the board [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DaPoPo.lights.png)
Browntown Home Struck by Multiple Shots
No one was injured when a home in Sandyfield was damaged by gunfire Monday. Deputies were called to 1043 Browntown Road, near the county line, at 4:30 p.m. Teresa Carter told deputies that two unidentified [Read More]
![Two more flood damaged homes will be demolished after county commissioners approved a low bid Monday (file photo).](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Idalea-downtown-Whiteville-flooding-326x245.jpg)
Homebuying Program for Hurricane Survivors Restarts
Financial assistance is available for some people still dealing with hurricanes Matthew and Florence. The Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) has reopened to assist eligible first-time and first-generation homebuyers in 16 eastern North Carolina counties, including Columbus. The [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Police-Car-Lights-326x245.jpg)
LPR Cameras Tag Murder Suspects
Two suspects in a Loris murder were arrested in Chadbourn with the help of the town’s Flock licenses plate reader cameras (LPR). Zarius Oshea Vereen, 31, and Ebony Shanell Vereen, 32, were arrested at 147 [Read More]
![](https://columbuscountynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/081924.-Jacobs.-drugs-326x245.jpg)
One Charged for Mushrooms, LSD, Pot
Mushrooms, LSD and around four pounds of marijuana were confiscated after a traffic stop Aug. 13. Randy Dakota Jacobs, 26, of Titus Road, Lumberton, was held under $125,000 secured bond on charges of possession with [Read More]