Front Page
‘Caught the Country’
Local girl moving up on American Idol Ryleigh Madison Bunch had to teach the American Idol judges how to speak “country,” but the local singer is on her way to Hollywood. Miss Bunch’s audition for [Read More]
Articles by Jefferson Weaver
Front Page
The Good News for March 12-20
This week, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Cadets traveled to Lake Waccamaw Fire Department to tour the station and learn CPR training. Chief Brandy Nance took time out of her busy schedule to teach these youngsters [Read More]
Front Page
Bad ‘Luck’ for Trafficker
The combined efforts of Whiteville Police and both state and federal agents sent an Asheboro man to prison this week. Steven Thomas Luck, 47, of Asheboro, was found guilty of trafficking heroin and sentenced to [Read More]
Front Page
Man Charged with Indecent Liberties
Tabor City Police have charged a man with having sex with an underage girl. David Oryan Eckert III, 31, of Tabor City, was arrested Thursday (March 10) on one count each of indecent liberties with [Read More]
Front Page
Jefferson Weaver • Dreams of Green
I was focused on lunch at Sue’s Diner when I almost ran into Spring. I was making my way up the street from my office, and halfway noticing the windows of the stores. I admit [Read More]
Front Page
‘Missing’ Man Arrested with Drugs
Deputies responding to a suspicious vehicle call found a man who was reported missing hours before – and arrested him. Jarred Randall Little, 24, was held under a secured bond of $8,500 on charges of [Read More]
Front Page
Bats Returning to Area for Spring
If you suspect bats may be living in your home, biologists at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission ask that you relocate them responsibly before pup rearing season begins on May 1. Bats hibernate or migrate south during [Read More]
Business
Deadly Crossing to See Changes
An off-center crossroads that has been the scene of multiple car crashes will soon get a major renovation. Old Lumberton Road at N.C. 410, sometimes called Oakdale Crossroads, will be cut off on the eastern [Read More]
Front Page
Two Shot in Sunday Attack
• Both victims recovering. The two victims of Sunday’s shooting in Whiteville are recovering, according to police. Paul Register Jr., 41, and Shamika McAllister, 41, were both struck by gunfire in the incident. WPD reported [Read More]
Front Page
Murder Suspect Caught After High Speed Chase in Clinton
The Elizabethtown man charged in the county’s first murder of 2022 was arrested the same day after a high speed chase in Clinton. Lawrence Thomas, 69, of Jones Street, Elizabethtown, is being held under no [Read More]
Elections
Incumbents Dominate Filings for May Primary
A number of local and state offices will be decided in the May 17 primary election, since there are no challengers. A special meeting of the county Board of Elections has been called for today [Read More]
Elections
Whiteville Council Race has Vacancy
Elections Board to meet this afternoon to determine next step. No one filed to run for the Whiteville City Council seat held by Tim Blackmon by the noon deadline today. The county Board of Elections [Read More]
Front Page
Ash Man Charged with Exposure, Assault
A midnight quest for a cigarette ended badly for an Ash man Tuesday morning. Ivan Yanez, 21, was arrested and charged with assault on a government official, resisting an officer, indecent exposure and simple assault, according [Read More]
Front Page
Couple Could Soon Reunite — in Court
A local couple with four children could soon be reunited – in court. Heliodoro Noyola Jr., 34, was returned to Columbus County Wednesday after he was arrested in Conway Feb. 6. Noyola faces charges of [Read More]
Business
Private Firm Bringing Jobs to Prison
As prisons fight to recruit and keep corrections officers across the state, a Salisbury company will soon bring a number of high-paying jobs to Columbus Correctional. P&G Kiker Security has provided private guards to the [Read More]
Front Page
Strickland Says She Did Nothing Wrong
Former Elections Supervisor said she “did not know” she was filing retirement papers. Carla Strickland said she is “not worried” about a computer drive turned over to federal investigators Tuesday. “I’m not worried,” Strickland emphasized, [Read More]