Public Safety

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its upcoming Citizens Academy, scheduled to begin Sept. 16. This free, 10-week program offers citizens a behind-the-scenes look at how the Sheriff’s Office operates, with in-depth sessions led by deputies, investigators, detention staff, and specialized units. “We encourage local residents to take advantage of this unique opportunity to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community,” Sheriff Bill Rogers said....

The man who killed his roommate and dumped his body off the N.C. 11 bridge in 2020 has been found guilty of murder. James Robert Goins was found guilty of first degree murder and armed robbery today (July 31) in Bladen County Superior Court. Goins was sentenced to life without parole with an additional 100 months for the armed robbery charge. The jury was out for less than...

Updated 5 p.m. July 31 Authorities are searching for a girl and boy who ran away from the Boys and Girls Home on Saturday. Bree Alexandria Phillips, 15, has dark hair and is a white female. She was wearing a black hoody and black shorts when she disappeared. Miss Phillips is thought to be with Norton Owens, also 15. He is described as a black male, 5’10”, wearing...