Public Safety

Charges are pending after someone allegedly left graffiti on the walls of a restroom at West Columbus High School. The Sheriff’s Office reported that school staff  contacted the School Resource Officer after the vandalism was discovered. The SRO and staff investigated, and juvenile petitions are being sought.  Under state law, even simple graffiti is considered vandalism if it occur on school grounds or property.

Child abuse charges have been filed against a Whiteville man after an Edgewood Elementary student allegedly had beer in her Thermos at school. Anthony Ray Rhodes, 50, of 146 Cooks Dr., Whiteville, was held on a single charge of misdemeanor child abuse, according to Detention Center reports. His bond was set at $5,000. Deputies were contacted after a student was reported having an alcoholic beverage at Edgewood Elementary...