Front Page
Jefferson Weaver • I Saw My Mother
I saw my mother the other day, despite the fact that she went to Heaven 20 years ago. There was a pretty, intense and somewhat frazzled young mother holding hands with a handful of a [Read More]
Lead Story
Front Page
Dry Conditions Lead to Burn Advisory
Dry, windy conditions and low humidity have led emergency officials to discourage outdoor burning today (Tuesday). The advisory is not the same as a burning ban. No ban has been put in place, but conditions [Read More]
Front Page
Cain Guilty of Landreth Murder
Timothy Ray Cain II was found guilty this morning for the 2021 murder of Jacqueline “Lynn” Landreth of Clarkton. Cain was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole by Superior Court Judge Paul Holcombe. [Read More]
Front Page
Schools Receive $52 Million Grant
Developing story: The planned new K-8 school for East Columbus will now become a reality. In a press conference this morning in Whiteville, Rep. Brenden Jones and State Superintendent Catherine Truitt announced today (Monday) that [Read More]
Front Page
SC Man Jailed After Three-County Chase
A chase involving a stolen vehicle in Scotland County came to an end near Boardman Thursday. Bryan Wade Gunter, 47, of Leesville, S.C., was jailed under a $275,000 secured bond, according to a release from [Read More]
Front Page
Bird Count Feb. 18 at Fair Bluff
Birdwatchers of any skill level are invited to gather at Fair Bluff Feb. 18 to participate in a national effort. The Southeastern Swamp Stewards, a new local chapter of the N.C. Wildlife Federation, is hosting [Read More]
Front Page
Boys Had Fake ‘Weapon’ on Campus
The sheriff’s office reported that four boys, ages 10 to 12, were photographed posing with what appeared to be a “weapon” on the campus of West Columbus School. The incident was reported at 1:57 p.m. [Read More]
Front Page
Ownership Proof, ID Required with New APS Rule
New rules went into effect Tuesday for anyone attempting to surrender unwanted pets at Columbus Animal Protective Services. Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a social media post that proof of ownership is now required for [Read More]
Lead Story
Jefferson Weaver • February, Most Foul
I hate February. It wasn’t even February yet when I had my latest reminder, although the scurvy, splintered, spindly, slimy Month of Gloom loomed ominously omnipresent across the calendar and anything else it could leak [Read More]
Front Page
WPD Charges One in Block’s Shooting
Police have charged a Clarkton-area man with an early morning shooting that hurt two men and scattered patrons of a Whiteville bar and grill. D’Angelo Tyrek Lacy, 23, was arrested Monday on charges of assault [Read More]
Front Page
Remote Sports Gambling Begins March 11
The N.C. State Lottery Commission has set Monday, March 11, as the day that legal sports wagering can begin in North Carolina. Under the Sports Wagering Authorization approved by the commission, anyone 21 years of [Read More]
Front Page
Woman Charged with DUI, Endangering Children
A woman arrested for driving while impaired Sunday near Bolton had three children in her vehicle. Samantha Fletcher, 42, of 710 N. Franklin St., Whiteville, was held under $1,000 secured bond for driving while impaired, [Read More]
Front Page
Rapist Could Get Parole
A Columbus County man convicted of raping a child under 13 and sentenced to life in prison may be paroled next year. Terry E. Smith, 67, was convicted of rape of a child under 13 [Read More]
Business
Wilmington Bridge Closes Today
Travelling to and from Wilmington will be more complicated starting today. The N.C. Dept. of Transportation said both east bound lanes of U.S. 74-76 at the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge will close today (Jan. 29) [Read More]
Front Page
County Joins Free Spay/Neuter Program
Low-income residents of Columbus County may qualify for a new, free program to help reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats. Sheriff Bill Rogers said Animal Protective Services has partnered with the N.C. Dept. [Read More]
Front Page
Emails Reveal Alternate Courthouse Ideas
County leaders considered several alternatives to the plans for the original courthouse in Whiteville before settling on the one considered most consistent with a court order. One member of the board is still not satisfied [Read More]