Arts celebration Baseball Students get creative and show off their WHS defeats rival West skills at East Columbus High School Columbus 12-2 uuSEE CELEBRATE, 2A uuSEE SPORTS, 1B The News Reporter Published since 1890 every Monday and Thursday for the County of Columbus and her people. WWW.NRCOLUMBUS.COM Monday, March 26, 2018 75 CENTS

EASTER EGG DROP Testimony gets started in Canady beating trial

By Jefferson Weaver [email protected]

Jurors in the first degree mur- der trial of Amanda Canady were riveted on Johnny Tyler Thursday as he described the night Antwan Johnson, Derrick Pierce and Ca- nady allegedly beat Keisha Ward to death, and nearly killed Tyler. “They finally got to where they were just hitting on us,” Tyler said, “and you couldn’t tell who was hit- ting who. It was like somebody got tired and started beating on some- one else.” Canady is the last of the three co-defendants in the New Year’s Day 2014 torture death of Ward. Johnson pleaded to second degree murder almost three years to the day after being arrested. Pierce was found guilty of first degree murder and attempted murder last summer and sentenced to life plus 20 years. Canady was subpoenaed to testify in the Pierce trial, but invoked her Staff photo by Grant Merritt Fifth Amendment privilege. Pierce – described by Tyler as Bryson Davis runs to catch raining eggs at the Easter egg drop at Galloway Farms on Saturday afternoon. Youngsters raced to find the his drug dealer – frequently used golden lucky eggs as the helicoptor dropped 10,000 eggs. See more photos under “Galleries” at nrcolumbus.com. Tyler’s truck in exchange for drugs, Tyler said. Tyler explained that he and Ward were frequent users of crack and powdered cocaine, and at Tyler’s request, Pierce had started DHHS approves county’s request to disengage supplying Tyler with opiates as a replacement for the cocaine. Tyler described how Pierce, John- from Eastpointe; provider considering ‘next steps’ son and Canady came to the Tyler- Ward home on Bussey Road shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day. By Allen Turner Health Resources as a service pro- a contract with the county. County the form of a letter to County Man- The family had hosted a bonfire [email protected] vider effective July 1. commissioners have for some time ager Mike Stephens. and cookout earlier, and their three However, Eastpointe CEO Sarah voiced discontent with the level “Based upon our review and in ac- children, along with another boy, Dr. Mandy Cohen, N.C. Secretary Stroud said in response that East- of services provided and last year cordance with the NCGS l 22C- l l 5(a3) were asleep in a bedroom when the of Health and Human Services pointe might not accept the decision requested permission from DHHS and the county disengagement rules, assault began. (DHHS), notified Columbus County without a fight and is “considering to “disengage” from Eastpointe and I am approving Columbus County’s Tyler said the visit started out Manager Mike Stephens in a letter next steps.” begin using Trillium as a provider request to disengage from Eastpointe friendly, with just the two men com- Wednesday that she has approved the Eastpointe has been providing instead. and realign with Trillium, with an ef- ing inside while Tyler continued county’s request to disengage from human services, including mental Secretary Cohen’s notification to fective date of July 1, 2018,” she wrote cooking. using Eastpointe Human Services health services, to Columbus County Columbus County last week that its uu EASTPOINTE uuSEE BEATING 4A and, instead, engage with Trillium residents for several years under request had been approved came in SEE 3A ‘MEET ME AT THE MUSEUM’ Biologist gives talk on box turtle survival strategies By Diana Matthews he said. “I’ve tracked the same where there has been no fire in [email protected] individuals for years, and I 40 years, the turtles preferred to could keep tracking them for a dig their homes in the sandier John Roe, Ph.D, presented long time.” high ground. an informative talk on the sur- Roe passed a turtle’s top shell A fact that amazed the lis- vival strategies of box turtles around the classroom so that teners was that, “Some species to an audience of more than the children and adults could of turtles can breathe through three dozen children and adults see how its parts corresponded their butts,” said Roe. “They March 17 at the N.C. Museum of to a human’s vertebrae and ribs. have blood vessels that absorb Natural Science at Whiteville. The outer surface of the shell is oxygen from water the way a Roe has used radio trans- similar to a human’s skin and fish’s gills do. These vessels mitters to track turtles at both nails, he said, and it helps the are clustered around their Weymouth Woods and Lumber turtle to stay hydrated. cloaca. That’s the correct term River state parks for seven Roe shared some surprising I should have used instead of years. WWSP is managed with information with his listeners. butt.” Roe’s research has not yet controlled burns while LRSP is Although box turtles are ter- proven that box turtles can take not. Roe’s results show how the restrial reptiles, some of the in oxygen that way, but it could turtles in WWSP have adopted individuals in his study have help explain how some could different survival strategies spent months underwater. “I stay underwater for lengthy that usually allow them to es- thought they had died or that periods. cape death by forest fires. Roe their transmitters had fallen Roe showed photos of turtles used pictures and graphs to off in a stream,” he said, “but who had slept through Wey- explain the hazards that cause in the spring I found them mouth Woods’ controlled fires danger to turtles, ranging from again,” alive and still wearing in their burrows or who had their devices. been injured in a fire but sur- disease to car accidents. If able Staff photo by Diana Matthews to escape those hardships, Roe The turtles in the fire-man- vived and recovered by soaking said, box turtles can live for aged park spent almost all of in a stream until their shell Biologist John Roe shows the parts of a box turtle’s upper shell to a group of museum- decades. “That’s one of the nice their time either in water or goers Saturday afternoon. His talk on box turtles was the latest installment in the “Meet things about studying turtles,” very close to it; at the park uuSEE BOX TURTLE 5A Me at the Museum” series. Roe is on the UNC-Pembroke faculty.

Volume 127, Number 76 Fourth grader Creek Hyatt winning the “Exemplary” award at the North Carolina Science and En- Whiteville, North Carolina DIDYOB gineering Fair in Raleigh on Saturday?... Members of the Carolyn T. High Garden Club picking up DID YOU OBSERVE? trash on the south ends of Lee and Franklin streets Saturday?... 8 95297 00000 6 2A • The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 CELEBRATE THE ARTS

Staff photos by Grant Merritt East Columbus High School hosted the 26th annual Celebrate the Arts on Saturday night where local students performed in general music, chorus, dance, theatre and band with visual art displays in the gym. See more photos under “Galleries” at nrcolumbus.com.

WDDC director endorses council idea ‘MicroCosmos’ is feature at By Jefferson Weaver folks to Vineland, the WDDC tirement community are the love to see open and expand. Museum’s Science Cinema [email protected] and the city’s economic devel- same things that benefit a Whiteville is a great place for opment office.” small business. We have good a business to get its start, or to The North Carolina Mu- programming is funded by a Gene Merritt said Friday Merritt, who has been schools, and a lower cost of expand with an eye on the fu- seum of Natural Sciences at grant from the International that the city council’s idea credited as one of the major living. It’s a nice city, a safe ture – not just downtown, but Whiteville will present Sci- Paper Foundation. of adding economic develop- forces in revitalizing down- city, with a lot to offer.” the entire city. The business ence Cinema, Saturday, March Science Cinema films are ment to the Whiteville Down- town Wilmington, has been The era of the “smoke- owners need to understand 31, featuring “MicroCosmos.” designed to educate and en- town Development Commis- the executive director of stack industries” is largely that when they are looking Kristen Scott Thomas nar- lighten as much as entertain. sion’s job description is a WDDC for three years. He over, Merritt said. for a new home. They need to rates this one-of-a-kind film To extend the learning experi- good idea. moved into the post after the “That isn’t to say nobody know about what Whiteville that allows us to peer deeply ence of “MicroCosmos,” visit “We have to find ways to death of his friend, longtime should welcome a 500-job has to offer, and an economic into the insect world while giv- the education booth after the think outside the box,” the WDDC director Tom Stanley. industry,” he said. “But the development office for the city ing us a reminder that Mother film. director of the WDDC said. Merritt said that if the city reality is you’re much more could do just that.” Nature remains the greatest For more information, con- “We can’t break the city down creates the new department, likely to attract 10 or 15 50-job As the middle class has special effects wizard of all. tact the museum at 910-914-4185 into sections and areas. Ev- he wouldn’t be the one for industries and businesses continued to shrink and the This free 72-minute film will or Whiteville@naturalscienc- erybody has to work together the job. these days. I think we need to slowly-recovering economy, be shown at 10 a.m., noon and es.org. in the modern economy.” “We need someone with a keep working on attracting Merritt said innovation and 2 p.m. and is rated G. Admis- At its strategic planning younger person’s energy and those big employers, but let’s forward-thinking are needed. sion is free. Science Cinema meeting last week, the White- perspective,” he said. “I still be practical. The businesses A robust economic develop- ville city council named as have my business in Wilming- that are thriving these days ment office promoting the Vineland one its priorities the possible ton. Putting all this together are the smaller firms, the tech entire city, while still serving FRANK THEATRES merger of the WDDC and would mean the city would and service related business- the needs of downtown busi- COASTAL Station Vineland Station, adding need someone who is on fire es. Those are the employers nesses, could fill that role. STADIUM 10 Available for wedding economic development for the for Whiteville’s future.” that can go anywhere – why “This city has assets that it receptions & other entire city to the post. The wave of the future is not make them want to come can use to grow,” he said. “We Showtimes (910) 754-7469 www.FRANKTHEATRES.com events Vineland Station, which small business, Merritt said, to Whiteville?” have to get away from some of 642-3157 is owned by the city, and R.J. and Whiteville could become The changing face of retail the old business models and 5200 Bridgers Road Corman Railroad, is popular a small business hub with the also has to be addressed and look to the future. It won’t for meetings, weddings, and right combination of incen- encouraged, Merritt said. happen overnight, but I can gatherings, but Merritt said tives and marketing. “Look at Furniture Depot,” see a busy downtown in a that with consistent market- “Look, the city is conve- he said. “They just expanded thriving city – the city just ing, it could be even more nient to everything,” he said. to meet a consumer need. has to be able to attract the LUNCH BUFFET successful. “We have first class medical That’s a traditional down- right businesses to make that “Right now it’s close, but care. We aren’t that far from town retailer of the kind we happen.” Tues. thru Fri. it’s not meeting its full poten- the beaches or other destina- $ 50 tial,” he said. “I would love to tions. The very things that 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. see a sign out front pointing make it attractive for a re- Do You Suffer From 5 Severe Asthma Attacks? TUES. NITE BUFFET Pizza, If you do, you may qualify for a clinical research study if you (or your child who is at least 12 years Spaghetti, Cerro Gordo Elementary School old) have been hospitalized or required treatment Now & Salad $ 50 with oral corticosteroids (like prednisone) at least Enrolling 5-8 P.M. Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration!!! twice in the past year for an asthma attack. 6 The LUSTER studies are testing an experimental WE HONOR LOCAL Tuesday, March 27th medicine for severe uncontrolled asthma. PIZZA COUPONS. 4:00-6:00 To learn about the LUSTER studies call After you register your child, 910-642-7463 Ext. 4304 642-5812 please go enjoy a slice of A LUSTER study coordinator can tell you more PIZZA pizza. If you register on about the studies and help determine whether 701 Bus. • Whiteville this day, your child you are eligible to participate. “Established 1982” will receive a surprise! *Women who are pregnant or breast feeding a baby may not take part in these studies. VILLAGE The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 • 3A ‘Burning spring’ destroyed thousands in timber

By Jefferson Weaver woods. his own pocket. in America. [email protected] Columbus is now headquar- While the warden’s job was The winter of 1940-41 was ters for N.C. Forest Service a county position, Edmunds somewhat drier than usual, The ‘Burning Spring’ of District 8. Workers from the was responsible for coordinat- but not critically so. The pre- 1941 was how reporters re- county work across the region, ing and commanding firefight- ceding tropical season didn’t ferred to the rash of wildfires and have at their disposal off- ers, workers from the fledgling bring any storms to the Cape that destroyed thousands of road vehicles, heavy equip- Forest Resources division, Fear region, and records indi- acres of woodland in eastern ment such as fire plows, and workers from the Civilian cate rainfall amounts were two North Carolina. While the fire-suppression aircraft. Conservation Corps and any to three inches below normal melodramatic language may In 1941, however, the county other personnel he could find at the beginning of the year. seem a bit much today, the had only one man to deal with to fight woods fires. In 1941, the South was in description wasn’t inaccurate. forest management and coor- Before the year was over, the middle of a La Nina cycle, Forest fires were every- dinating firefighting efforts. Edmunds would have his which brought lower than where in Southeastern North Williams S. Edmunds Jr., hands full. average rainfall. The 1940-42 Carolina, where the geography the county’s sole full-time For- weather pattern closely mir- of the state makes Columbus, est Warden, would be a busy Dry winter, dry spring rored another big fire season Brunswick, Pender, New Ha- man as the spring fire season While firefighting and for- in Southeastern North Caro- nover, Onslow and Bladen es- began with a vengeance across est management have changed lina – that of the spring fire pecially susceptible to onshore Columbus County. He drove dramatically since 1941, dan- season of 2011, when huge winds that can push wildfires, his own truck, paid for his own gerous burning conditions wildfires burned from the while preventing rainstorms fuel, and usually bought most have been the same since be- from soaking the ground and of his supplies and tools out of fore the first Europeans landed uuSEE BURNING 6A

Photo courtesy of NCFS The Forest Service in 1941 was still a growing state agency. This photo shows the entire fleet of vehicles assigned to W.S. Edmunds, forest king the department for the state. The cars were surplus Highway Patrol cruisers.

steps to preserve…Eastpointe time.” that this will provide many ments, “It’s going to be a little pointe or Trillium would talk EASTPOINTE remains committed to Co- We also asked her, but got of the services our residents awkward for me.” Prevatte about which or how many Continued from 1A lumbus County members and no response, when Eastpointe’s desperately need. Trillium will remain as a member of current Eastpointe contract citizens and will make sure request for reconsideration has a proven record and serves the Eastpointe board through providers might sign on with Stephens on Wednesday. that they continue to receive will go to Cohen, whether East- many of our neighbors whom midnight on June 30. He will Trillium to continue providing Her letter said, “In order high quality behavioral health pointe will submit by April 15 we are eager to partner with in become a member of one of services here. to complete this process, the services.” as directed by Cohen a detailed the future.” three Trillium regional boards Eleven of Eastpointe’s more formal legal documents must While Stroud’s email didn’t plan that includes milestone The county commissioner on July 1. than 200 employees are Colum- be drafted and submitted to the talk about possible litigation dates for accomplishing the said by telephone Thursday “We (Columbus County gov- bus residents, Prevatte said. He Department for review. In ad- to forestall the decision, East- transition, or what the “next that he was not surprised by ernment) weren’t happy with added that most or all of them dition, no later than April 15, pointe filed a lawsuit which steps” referred to in Stroud’s Cohen’s decision. Instead, he Eastpointe, and we followed the probably can obtain employ- Eastpointe and Trillium will has yet to be resolved in a email to Berg might be. said he would have been sur- rules when we asked to disen- ment with Trillium when the need to complete and submit to similar situation last year in- The newspaper has request- prised if the county’s request gage,” Prevatte said. He point- change occurs. both DMH/DD/SAS and DMA volving Nash County. ed from both Eastpointe and had not been approved. ed out that while Eastpointe a detailed plan to accomplish In an official Eastpointe Trillium copies of whatever “I’ve been expecting the sued because of a similar de- the full realignment, including press release dated Thurs- detailed transitional plans are decision since the first of the cision by Nash County, the Submit your news milestone dates. day, Stroud said Eastpointe is developed. year,” he said. “I needed to Nash County disengagement This detailed plan must “troubled” by Trillium know because we’re moving request came under some older It’s easy to submit your detail how Trillium and East- the decision CEO Leza into a budget period and we DHHS rules, while Columbus news to The News Reporter pointe will ensure that there and they are Wainwright need to know whether we’re County’s request came under and NRcolumbus.com. are no gaps in service cover- Columbus County Com- requesting Co- said, “Trillium going to be doing business with more current rules. Simply go to the “Submit” age for recipients. DMH/DD/ hen to recon- missioner James Prevatte looks forward Eastpointe or if we’re going to “I wouldn’t be surprised if tab at NRcolumbus.com and SAS and DMA staff will also sider. to serving budget with Trillium, instead. Eastpointe drags their feet, but you’ll see several categories, create their work plan for has represented the coun- The press the residents We need to know who to budget they can’t drag them but for so from Letters to the Editor to the work that the department release con- ty on Eastpointe’s board of Colum- for what.” long, “Prevatte said. “I expect Classifieds. must undertake to achieve the tinued, “While bus County. Scheduled to attend an them to try and disrupt us The News Reporter wel- transition.” of directors for several North Caroli- Through new Eastpointe board of directors and treat us like junk, because comes all kinds of news, from She concluded, “I expect all na’s behavior- years and has been a fre- relationships meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) we’ve already been treated that big fish caught to wedding parties to cooperate fully in al health sys- quent and vocal critic of with providers in Mount Olive, Prevatte said way.” engagements. this realignment process and tem is facing and expanding that, in light of recent develop- No one from either East- to ensure a smooth transition unprecedent- the level of services East- current part- without disruption for the ed challenges, pointe has provided here. nerships, Tril- providers and consumers in Eastpointe has lium will con- Columbus County.” served its Co- tinue our mis- Copies of that letter were lumbus mem- sion of trans- sent to all county commis- bers with distinction and forming the lives of people in sioners, Rep. Brenden Jones, made substantial investments need by providing them with R-Columbus, Sen. Danny Britt, in the County. The public is ready access to quality care.” R-Robeson, and several other entitled to a stable and reliable Columbus County Com- legislators, as well as to Tril- behavioral health system. If missioner James Prevatte has lium and Eastpointe. Secretary Cohen’s decision represented the county on An internal Eastpointe stands, there is a risk of fur- Eastpointe’s board of directors email after the secretary’s ther destabilization of the for several years and has been a decision was announced sug- behavioral health system and frequent and vocal critic of the gests that Eastpointe is “con- the Medicaid program that level of services Eastpointe has sidering next steps.” CEO Sar- support our most vulnerable provided here. ah Stroud told Richard Berg in citizens.” “Yeah, they (Eastpointe) a Wednesday email furnished Kathy Baker of Fair Bluff probably will fight it,” Prevatte to this newspaper by Berg, “We is Eastpointe’s public infor- said Thursday, “but I don’t see are evaluating Secretary Co- mation officer and she did not they have any choice about the hen’s decision and considering respond to follow-up questions decision.” next steps. Eastpointe’s mem- after the press release went Prevatte was quoted in a bers, employees, and other out, which is not surprising Trillium-issued press release stakeholders deserve a stable because she said at the time Thursday, “Columbus County behavioral health care system, of the release, “This is the is excited about our move to which we will take appropriate only statement we have at this align with Trillium. We feel

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then returned to the living BEATING room. Continued from 1A A short time later, Bel- lamy said, she heard a male “We stood there, just talk- voice tell Ward and Tyler to ing,” Tyler said. “I offered disrobe, “because he wanted them something to eat. Then to take a picture.” they went back outside.” Bellamy said her sister When Pierce couldn’t find woke up, but their broth- a cell phone he had left in er and his friend remained Tyler’s truck, Johnson and asleep during the two-hour Pierce began beating him nightmare. At one point, she in the yard, then dragged said, Tyler burst into the him inside. Canady came in bedroom, naked and bleeding. sometime during the beating, “Derrick followed him in Tyler said. and told him that ‘the kids When Ward came out of don’t need to see this,’” Bel- the bedroom to beg Pierce to lamy said. “Johnny fell down, stop beating Tyler, the victim and Derrick dragged him out said Pierce told Canady to and shut the door.” “get her a—too.” A short time later, Bellamy Canady allegedly grabbed said, Canady opened the door a youth baseball bat Tyler had and looked inside. given to his son for Christmas, “She was holding a piece and began striking Ward. of a bar stool,” Bellamy said. The three assailants trad- “Derrick had told her to look ed victims, in and check Tyler said, on us.” using the Bellamy aluminum said she knew bat, plus a all three sus- bar stool, pects from then pieces their visits to of the bar the home, and stool, to beat recognized the man and their voices. woman in She said she the dining did not know area and liv- Canady as Stanley Wayman, pictured center left, donated the original of a print that hangs in many local homes and businesses. ing room of well as the two The painting, “Uptown 50’s,” is being placed in the current courthouse but will find a permanent home in the historic their home. men, but had courthouse when it is renovated. Pictured with Wayman, a Whiteville native who now lives in South Carolina, are At one seen her sev- County Manager Mike Stephens, Sheriff Louis Hatcher, County Commissioner James Prevatte and Clerk of Court point, Tyler Amanda Kay Canady eral times and said, Pierce recognized her Jess Hill. ordered Ty- voice. ler to perform a sex act on The next day, Bellamy said, Ward. the four children found Tyler “I don’t know if she was beaten, bleeding and incoher- conscious or not,” Tyler said. ent in the living room. They Rico remains identified Inmates charged in “I couldn’t – all I could do was were awakened by Tyler call- hug her and tell her I loved ing for a drink of water. Be- The skeletal remains found Investigators found clothing her.” fore she could get out of bed, deep in a forest Feb. 15 have and personal items that helped been identified. identify the remains. contraband cases At one point, Tyler said, Bellamy said, she had to put Johnson held Tyler while on a pair of shoes. Sheriff Lewis Hatcher said Heyward apparently died Pierce shone a “bright light, “The floor was bloody and in a press release that the state of natural causes after leaving Four more inmates were him with a quantity of the like the flashlight on a cell wet,” she said. Medical Examiner’s Office his home, Hatcher said. He was charged with having narcotics drug on the same day. phone” in his face while de- Tyler was calling for a have confirmed that the bones unable to make his way home and electronics at Columbus Victor Galaria Diaz, 28, was manding money. drink of water, Bellamy said, belonged to Arthur Heyward, due to the dense nature of the Correctional in Brunswick. also charged with marijuana “He kept asking how much and asking where “was Kei- 77, of Annie’s Way. Heyward woods and medical conditions Warrants show that Larry possession in a prison March I owed him,” Tyler said. “I sha.” was reported missing Aug. 21 that left him disoriented. Smith, 60, was charged with 20. didn’t know how much I was The children found Ward’s around 2 p.m. from his home Sheriff ’s reports indicated possession of K2 “Spice,” a Dominick Lamar Fore, 27, telling him – fifty, a hundred, dead, nude body in a front several miles from where his that Heyward was last seen at synthetic form of marijuana, was charged with possession a thousand. I told him if bedroom. Bellamy’s younger remains were discovered. his mailbox Aug. 21, but when on March 22. of a cellular phone while in- he’d let Keisha go, I’d get the brother used a Disney Prin- A logging crew found the his brother went to check on Jonathan Adrian Fuller, 27, carcerated. money from my family.” cess blanket to cover their bones in a remote area off him, Heyward was nowhere to was charged with marijuana All four were charged and Tyler described “some- mother, and the children fled Hallsboro Road, more than a be found. The victim’s vehicle possession after officers found returned to custody. thing cold, then something the room, Bellamy said. mile from the highway and was still at home. burning hot” being poured on After calling their aunt, east of the Rico racetrack. his legs as he lay on the floor, Stephanie Fowler, the chil- shortly before he was hit with dren went outside to wait. “something else that was real Fowler described finding heavy, like a table.” Ward non-responsive and Suspect sold drugs at Prince Law Firm, PLLC Tyler said he saw Canady horribly beaten. She also strike him with the bat, then said Tyler was on a couch in P continue beating Ward as she the living room, and at first courthouse, warrant says lay on the floor. she did not think he was still Ward’s face was turned alive. A suspect who allegedly on an unrelated matter on away from his, and she lay “He had gashes all over sold drugs outside the court- March 7. The defendant left near his feet in the dining his head, and his eyes – he house is back in jail. her court hearing and met room while the beating con- couldn’t open them,” she said. Amanda Grant Cartrette, an undercover operative in tinued, he said. The three Fowler and her mother 37, was charged with posses- the courthouse parking lot, Amanda B. Prince Sherry Dew Prince assailants eventually dragged got the children outside, and sion with intent to sell and then allegedly sold Adderall [email protected] [email protected] Ward and Tyler to the front called 911. deliver Adderall and Subox- and Suboxone tablets to the bedroom of the home. Around Friday’s testimony includ- one on March 21. Her address operative. •Child Custody & Support that time, he said, he heard ed Crime Scene Technician was listed as 3485 J.B. White At the conclusion of the •Divorce & Equitable Distribution the children screaming and Trina Worley of the sheriff ’s Hwy. South. Her bond was set investigation, the Columbus •Traffic Tickets • Criminal Defense •Personal Injury crying. office, who took jurors on a at $30,000, according to court County Sheriff ’s Office Vice/ Phone (910) 207-6609 Tyler said he remembered photographic tour of the resi- records. Narcotics Detectives took Car- 100 Memory Plaza (910) 641-1980 passing out, and someone say- dence and described bloody According to the sheriff ’s trette into custody on the Whiteville, NC 28472 Fax (910) 207-6610 ing “They’re dead. Let’s go.” pieces of fabric, clothing, and office, Cartrette was at the felony charges. Tyler said he woke up on children’s homework papers Columbus County Courthouse his son’s bed in the bedroom, found throughout the home. for a Superior Court hearing and couldn’t walk or use one Several jurors covered arm. As he pushed himself their eyes when Worley and off the bed, Tyler said, he fell Gentry displayed pieces of SHORT on or near Ward, whose body the barstool used with the he had to crawl over. baseball bat in the assault. BROS. MARCH “I tried to tell her to get Testimony continues today help,” he said, “but she just in the trial. Superior court RENT-A-CAR laid there.” Judge Douglas Sasser is pre- Tyler then managed to siding. Chris Gentry and $ 95 SPECIALS crawl over the woman and Alan Adams are representing DAILY drag himself to the living the state, while Mike Ramos 19 Hwy. 701, South of Whiteville room, where he made his way of Shallotte is representing Open Prices Good to the couch. He was still on Canady. 642-4175 the couch, naked and bleed- St. Patty’s Day March 1-31, 2018 ing, when the children found him later that morning. Tyler testified that he spent nearly a month in the Bud & Bud Light Winston Nat. 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Energy saving radiant Shortly after the assault began, Ward went into the barrier to reduce attic temp bedroom crying and awak- $ 72 $ 16 ened her oldest daughter, up to 40 degrees 2/$ Bellamy, who testified Thurs- day that her mother told her Free Estimates “They’ve got Johnny.” 22 15 14 Bellamy described listen- Financing Available ing to the shouts and violence from the living and dining room areas of the house, and Corbett Enterprises Sam’s Pit Stop how at one point Pierce and WHITEVILLE - 2 Locations: 503 Jefferson Street & 1707 South Madison Street BOLTON: 1128 Green Swamp Road • HALLSBORO: 4236 Sam Potts Hwy. Tyler went into the adjoining • DELCO: Hwy. 74-76 • LAKE WACCAMAW: Old Hwy. 74, across from post office bathroom together. The men 910-840-2475 • CHADBOURN: 101 Strawberry Blvd. The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 • 5A PUBLISHED BY N.C. READING ASSOCIATION SMALL RETIREMENT

Staff photos by Allen Turner

Staff photo by Diana Matthews Joesph L. Small, left, a nearly 27-year employee of the Columbus County Health Depart- ment, enjoys a laugh with Chairman Amon McKenzie of the Columbus County board Second graders and eighth graders who had won state-level writing awards from the of commissioners before McKenzie presents him with a plaque recognizing Small’s N.C. Reading Association were honored at the March 12 city school board meeting. service to the county. Tonnye Fletcher sponsors the writing group at Whiteville Primary School. Local students achieve writing honors By Diana Matthews WPS students, four Central students, saying that writing is [email protected] Middle School students and an important skill that should one homeschooled student. continue to be encouraged Whiteville Primary School Fletcher herself won an award even though sometimes “the music teacher Tonnye Fletch- in the adult category. All the other R’s” receive more atten- er and nine students were hon- winning pieces will be in- tion in school accountability ored guests of the city board of cluded in a book printed by the measurements. education Monday, March 12, association. Winners for the district as administrators recognized A ceremony will be held were Chasyn Cribb, Serenity state-level winners in the N.C. at the Raleigh Convention Pratt, Nathan Merritt, Abigail Reading Association’s annual Center, at which winners will Greene, Janya Dawson, Tes- writing contest. receive copies of the book. salyn Nicholson, Rebecca Mar- Fletcher announced that Members of the board con- tinez, Kyrah White, Madeline the winners included four gratulated Fletcher and the Mencer, and Tonnye Fletcher. Sixth annual Light the Lake set for April 10 Columbus County commissioners Monday night passed a resolution permanently des- The Sixth Annual Light the Flemington Drive and turn tion Month. ignating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans’ Day in the county. County commission Chair- Lake Walk for Child Abuse onto Lake Shore Drive before According to North Caro- Prevention is set for Tuesday, turning onto Cameron Street. lina’s Children 2016 report, man Amon McKenzie, who served two tours in Vietnam during his U.S. Army career, April 10 in Lake Waccamaw. A short walk down Church there are more than 21,000 vic- presented the resolution to representatives of the county’s Vietnam veterans organiza- This special event, coor- Street will bring the group tims of child abuse or neglect tion. Pictured, from left, are Larry Sellers, Anita Adams, Michael Creen and McKenzie. dinated by the Community back to campus. Light refresh- annually in North Carolina. Based Services Department ments will follow along with “Together, we can bring at Boys and Girls Homes of a new addition to this year’s awareness to the devastating North Carolina, will start at event. reality of child abuse and ne- 6 p.m. at 160 Rube McCray The annual event collab- glect,” said Yalch. Circle. orates with Pinwheels for For more information, The public is warmly in- Prevention throughout the please contact Amber Mor- vited to attend. month of April, which is also gan at 910-646-3083 or amber. The walk will proceed down National Child Abuse Preven- [email protected].

BOX TURTLE Continued from 1A covers mended. Make your picks to win it all! “Do box turtles learn from their experiences?” asked Zayda Zimmerman, 9, after hearing some of the amazing ways in which the creatures overcome obstacles to stay alive. “We haven’t proved that yet,” Final Roe told her, but scientists con- tinue working to answer that question and many others. The turtles he studies do seem to return to the same place where they found food or water or a mate in the past, he said. FOUR Other members of the audi- Weighted picks means you still have a chance to win! ence asked how often turtles need to eat (at least every other day), whether they fight each other (males do when compet- ing for territory) and how fast they can move (it depends on whether they are being chased Presented by by a competitor). Cash Prizes Roe’s work is helping state park resource managers to take Angela Slagle Agency good care of the animals in their forests by understanding The News Reporter how fires and other occurrences affect the ecosystem. Go to nrcolumbus.com to play Whiteville Primary School Kindergarten Registration Sponsored by 2018-2019 School Year Domino’s and these other fine businesses When: March 29, 2018 Time: 8:00-3:00 Where: S. Preston Douglas

Whiteville Primary School & Associates, LLP SUPER LOW PRICES Ted & Sheila Williams 122 Memory Plaza (910) 840-0863 910-642-6692 Hills Food Stores 2601 Peacock Rd. Whiteville, NC Call or visit to schedule Matthew S. McLean, CPA an appointment! spdouglas.com hillsfoodstores.com Find us on Facebook 910-642-4119 805 Barbcrest Ave.

Please join us on May 1st for Kindergarten Transition Night at 6:00! Baldwin Woods • Learn about kindergarten guidelines and readiness Black’s Tire Pharmacy • Meet our kindergarten staff and other important school employees & Auto baldwinwoods • Learn about staggered enrollment Sam’s Pit Stop blackstire.com pharmacy.com 6A • The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 Local women presented YWCA Women of Achievement awards By Clara Cartrette events, cleaning the town and nover County Schools in 2015, [email protected] performing random acts of she has served on the Virgo kindness. Mary Grayson is Advisory Board and Commu- Two women and a young also the treasurer of the Stal- nity Partnership, the Virgo leader from Columbus County lion Crazies Club, whose pur- Parent-Teacher Association, were among the 39 females pose is to get students more in- the Blue Ribbon Commission from New Hanover, Pender, volved in school activities and and she was appointed to the Brunswick and Columbus she is a member of the SCHS UNCW-New Hanover County counties who were celebrat- women’s tennis team where Schools lab consortium. ed at the YWCA Women of she serves as a role model for As a volunteer, Clark acts Achievement Awards presen- younger students. She is also as the liaison with Virgo ad- tation in Wilmington March a two-time conference tennis ministration to identify and 8, which was International player of the year. assess students’ needs beyond Women’s Day. It was a good In addition, Mary Grayson the classroom, as well as to way to spend International is involved with Reclaim, a connect these students with Women’s Day, with more than Christian outreach program much needed support from 500 business leaders, officials that focuses on volunteer work community organizations. and community members at homeless shelters, food She has been instrumental in attending to recognize the kitchens, cleanup activities planning and coordination of accomplishments of the 39 and clothing drives. Action Based Learning Camps nominees and to honor the at Virgo, and has even assisted 14 recipients of this year’s Rebecca Clark with grant proposals to sup- awards. Rebecca Clark is a national port the camps’ initiatives. board certified public school She mentors students in the Mary Grayson Koonce teacher with 30 years in edu- Lion Buddy program, primar- The locals who were pre- cation. She earned Teacher ily young women of color, of- sented awards for service to of the Year at three different fering support beyond school their communities were Mary schools throughout her career, walls. Her work improving Grayson Koonce, Rebecca including numerous Teacher the quality of life for families Clark and Rhonda Bullard- of the Year accolades from through her volunteerism is Dutton. Wake County, New Hanover matched by a lifelong commit- Mary Grayson is a senior at County, the N.C. Alliance for ment to supporting the health South Columbus High School Athletics, health, physical and well being of local youth. and the daughter of Sterling education, recreation and and Caroline Koonce of Tabor dance-sport management. Rhonda Bullard-Dutton City. She received the Young Clark is a native of Co- Rhonda Bullard-Dutton Leader Award. lumbus County and went to received the Social Justice & Mary Grayson helped found Hallsboro High School (Class Community Empowerment encouraging children to read. management camp for youth to She has been recognized by an all-female community- of 1977). Her mother, Alma Award. She recently retired Rhonda volunteers with the the county. Her leadership has several state and county or- based service organization Robinson, still resides in Halls- from Whiteville City Schools Columbus County Youth and brought attention to the lack ganizations for contributions called the Stallionettes at boro. Clark presently lives in after 30 years of service. She Families Association with the of wellness-focused initiatives to her community. She works South Columbus High whose Wilmington, and is married to coordinated the Rural Child goal to support and improve in Columbus County and led to to increase opportunities for members do volunteer service Kendell Harris Clark. Clark’s Poverty Nutrition grant as the lives of children and fami- collaborative program efforts women, youth and families in in the community. award was for volunteerism, well as the Literacy Van Com- lies living in Columbus Coun- from the Columbus County her community and empow- With the Stallionettes, she and she continues to volun- munity Outreach program, ty. Over the years her work Health Department, Columbus ers them to take steps toward collects materials and mon- teer at her former school, D.C. “Reading on Wheels,” which has helped bring enriching Regional Healthcare and N.C. healthy and full lives, despite etary donations for people in Virgo Preparatory Academy. traveled to schools and pre- programs like youth camps, State University Cooperative perceived disadvantages or need by volunteering at local Since retiring from New Ha- schools, lending books and computer classes and a money Extension Agency. lack of resources.

cessible to loggers for the first before the strengthening of near Wananish was blamed est Service was miniscule their counterparts in Bruns- BURNING time in memory. Low levels the La Nina weather pattern in part on smoky conditions compared to today’s agency. wick and Bladen counties via Continued from 3A in rivers, swamps and creeks brought late, heavy snows to caused by a smoldering woods Fire spotters were stationed at radio, and later by telephone. opened up new farmland as the Midwest – and intensified fire. A teenaged girl died in the fire towers at Chadbourn The standard procedure South Carolina line to Jack- well as the logging woods, the pending drought in North the multi-vehicle wreck that and on Old Lake Road during was for a tower lookout to note sonville, and as far west as but water levels in ponds and Carolina and other Southern occurred on a Sunday after- the season. The towers were the coordinates of any smoke Cumberland County. streams used for irrigation states. noon. A similar crash in the built in 1931 and 1929 as part plumes using a large table Like the 2009-2011 drought, and livestock were not consid- Due to a heavily agricultur- 1950s would also take a life, and of a statewide effort to erect built around an azimuth, a the La Nina drought of 1941 ered threatened. al readership at the time, The the cause was listed as heavy hundreds of towers across device that lets the user fix the started small, with rainfall By January 1941, Lake Wac- News Reporter devoted quite a smoke obscuring the roadway. the state. direction, if not the distance, amounts an inch or two, then camaw had dropped to the bit of space to weather and its Throughout March and ear- At 99’9”, the “Waccamaw of a known object. Volunteer three or four, below normal. point that old discussions of effects on crops. Brief warn- ly April, La Nina’s strengthen- Tower” had a commanding firemen, sheriff ’s deputies Some areas of Big Swamp in building a concrete dam at ings about the continuing ing winds and the usual spring view of the Green Swamp or reliable citizens were then Bladen County, along with the headwaters of the river shortage of rainfall are scat- weather patterns helped push from the west. The Chadbourn contacted and asked to check White Marsh, the Green were revived. The General tered throughout the paper in a fire or two per week. Many tower covered an area from the on the smoke plumes. Swamp, Crusoe and Old Dock Assembly and county would the winter and spring of ’41. forest fires at the time were southwest to northwest. Spot- in Columbus were readily ac- later fund the project, but not On Feb. 24, a tragic collision never reported, since the For- ters could communicate with uuSEE BURNING 9A FREE Maj. Charlyne Jacobs earns certification EVENT While serving as the Safety nicians collectively employing ing, quantitative methods, General. and Occupational Health Man- thirty-eight aircraft and four and flow-charting using a va- Other traditional assign- ager for the North Carolina thousand three hundred and riety of methods that include ments include: Battalion Com- Chamber sets Army National Guard, Maj. nine tracked and wheeled records review, audits, and mander, Battalion Executive Charlyne Jacobs was awarded vehicles located in more than management control reviews. Officer, Battalion Operations candidates the Manager of Environmen- 100 NCARNG facilities. She coordinates with mul- Officer, Company Commander, tal Safety and Health Pro- Maj. Jacobs manages the tiple units and subordinate Company Executive Officer, forum April 9 grams certification. NCARNG Safety Council and commands on the appointment and Engineer Platoon Lead- She is the daughter of Barty the Safety and Occupational and support of accident inves- er. Her education includes: BS at SCC and Mary Jacobs of Lake Health Program inputs for tigations, safety assessments Biology, University of North Waccamaw. She manages the the Installation Status Report, and training, and development Carolina at Pembroke; MBA, The Columbus Chamber safety and occupational health both providing solid analytical of safety policy. Trident University, Cypress, of Commerce & Tourism will program to improve the safety evaluations focusing on haz- Previous full-time assign- Ca.; MS, North Carolina State host a Candidates’ Forum on and working environment ard mitigation and accident ments include: NCARNG State University, (in progress); man- Monday, April 9 at Southeast- and reduce preventable ac- prevention. She analyzes and Safety Specialist, Battalion ager of Environmental Safety ern Community College. The cidents for approximately evaluates processes and trends Administrative Officer, Bat- and Health, North Carolina forum will begin at 5:30 in the Maj. Charlyne Jacobs 10,000 NCARNG personnel, based on statistical analysis talion Training Officer, and State University. auditorium. including 1,000 full-time tech- of historical data, forecast- Deputy Assistant Inspector Candidates with primary opposition for the following races have been invited to at- tend: U.S. House of Represen- tatives- 7th District, N.C. Sen- roudly serving olumbus ounty ate, Columbus County sheriff, P C C and county commissioner- and surrounding areas sinCe districts 1 and 7. Candidates 2013, without primary opposition will be given an opportunity to and for deCades to Come introduce themselves but will not be invited to participate in the panel and take ques- Dr. Sutton graduated from UNC Chapel Hill Medical School tions. The Chamber will host With Distinction at the top of his class. He is also a nationally another forum prior to the award-winning cataract surgeon. Dr. Sutton is the only full-time general election. “The Chamber is proud to Board Certified Ophthalmologist in all of Columbus County. host this event for our busi- ness leaders and community,” said Jennifer Holcomb, presi- dent of the Columbus Cham- ber of Commerce and Tour- 810 Spivey Rd. Over 90% of our patient visits have ism. “It’s our goal, as the voice Whiteville, N.C. 28472 of business, to provide our less than a 10 minute wait time. members and the general pub- 910-642-9850 lic with as much information As a comprehensive ophthalmologist, Dr. Sutton specializes in: as possible in order for them Visit our website to make informed decisions on . Routine eye exams for children and adults issues critical to our business www.WhitevilleEye.com . Glasses and contact lenses climate and community well- . Eye exams for diabetics being. What better way to do so Accepting all major . Treatment of glaucoma and macular degeneration than to have a forum where we health insurance plans can discuss these issues with . Treatment of dry eyes, itchy/red eyes, and eye discomfort including Medicare and those that could potentially . Surgery of the eye and eyelids represent us?” Medicaid Questions for candidates in . Urgent and Emergency eye care any of the above races may be submitted prior to the event via email, info@thecolum- buschamber.com or by calling the Chamber at 642-3171. The We are available to schedule your appointment “Professional eye care, forum is open to the public and will also be broadcast live on now by calling 910-642-9850. where you’re treated like family.” the Chamber’s Facebook page. The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 • Page 7A Obituaries

JIMMIE SUE MCMILLAN WARD CHADBOURN -- Jimmie Sue McMillan Ward, 87, died Friday, March 23, 2018 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeC- are Center in Whiteville. She was the daughter of the late Daniel Adam McMillan and Bessie Williamson and was preceded in death by her sister, Ruby Rabon Spivey. Jimmie Sue was employed Ervin J. and Peggy Duncan by the Columbus County Board of Education from 1953 un- Duncans married til 1993 and was was a mem- ber of Chadbourn Baptist 50 years ago Church. She served on the March 24 would have been Chadbourn Town Council our 50th wedding anniversary, from 1996 through 2009. For but we only had 48 years and many years, she was an active four months as husband and member of the Chadbourn wife. Those were the most Strawberry Festival Asso- wonderful years of my life and ciation and former president I am so thankful God chose you of the Association. She was for me, four ours is a great love also a former member of the story. I cherish your loving and Chadbourn Klondyke Order happy smile, big laughs, big of the Eastern Star. She at- sweet bear hugs, your playful- tended Campbell College and ness, tenderness, compassion, graduated from East Carolina sternness, your love for God, University. family and me. No formal visitation will I miss our time together, be held; however family and whether it be at home or out friends are welcome at the shopping or eating out, run- home at 702 N. Elm St., Chad- ning into friends and family to bourn. A graveside service have a short chat and exchange Two children milk a “cow” at Galloway Farms in Hallsboro Saturday at festivities held during the Easter Egg drop by will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, hugs. You were my husband, fa- helicopter. March 25 at Chadbourn Me- ther of my children, my lover, morial Cemetery with Rev. my best friend, my soft place Coastal Museum Charles Franklin McDowell to fall, my assurance that you III of Chadbourn Presbyterian would always be there for me. open March 26-31 Church officiating. I will always cherish the The Museum of Coastal Survivors include her hus- wonderful memories of our Carolina will be open for band, Thomas Tucker Ward, of life together. I pray that all Brunswick County spring the home; one son, Tucker Mc- married couples would have so break week (March 26-30) from Millan Ward, and his wife, Ava, great a love as ours. I miss that 10 to 3. March 31 is Family Day, of Chadbourn; one daughter, long, soft beard that I could lay a day of fun and games, with Susan Ward Carroll, and her my head against your chest free museum admission for husband, Dale, of Cary. and hear your sweet, loving Brunswick County residents The family requests in lieu heart beating. I cherish you, with valid IDs. Family Day of flowers, memorials be made I miss you, I love you and I’ll museum admission for non- to Lower Cape Fear Hospice see you soon. Happy Golden residents is $3 per person. and LifeCare Center, 206 War- Anniversary, The Museum of Coastal Car- rior Trail, Whiteville, N.C. Your Loving Wife, Peggy olina is a natural history muse- 28472. um that focuses on North Caroli- na coastal history, environment MAZELL CLEWIS INMAN MICHAEL A. NASSO JR. and culture. There are galleries WHITEVILLE -- Mazell WHITEVILLE -- Michael with exhibits and natural his- A. Nasso Jr., 61, died Monday, Clewis Inman, 65, died Satur- tory dioramas, aquariums with March 26, 2018 at Lower Cape day March 24, 2018 at Lower live sea creatures and a touch Cape Fear Hospice and LifeC- Fear Hospice and LifeCare tank. The museum’s Coastal are Center. Born Oct. 1, 1952 Center. Gallery currently features an in Columbus County, she was Arrangements are incom- art exhibit, “The World Through the daughter of the late Isaac plete and will be announced by My Eyes” by local photographer Clewis and Litha Spivey Clew- McKenzie Mortuary. Mark D. Head. is. In addition to her parents, The Museum of Coastal she was preceded in death by LUIS ERNIESTO DONAYRE Carolina is located one block one son, James Alton Long; WHITEVILLE -- Dr. Luis from the Atlantic Ocean at 21 one sister, Jurleen Clewis; and East Second Street, Ocean Isle Ernesto Donayre, 78, died two brothers, Tony Clewis and Beach. For more information Sunday, March 25, 2018 at his Lonnie Clewis. about the museum, call 910- residence. A graveside service will be 579-1016 or visit www.Museum- Arrangements are incom- held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March Planetarium.org. plete and will be announced by 27 in Alton Long Cemetery, 2390 McKenzie Mortuary. Crusoe Island Road, White- Fort Fisher needs ville. The family will receive friends after the service at the Honey Hill MBC Easter Park Day volunteers gravesite. Inman Ward Funeral egg hunt Fort Fisher State Historic Home is handling the arrange- Site will host Park Day, an annu- ments. Honey Hill Missionary Baptist al hands-on event sponsored by She is survived by one son, Church will hold its Easter egg hung the Civil War Trust on Saturday, Glenn Long of Whiteville, Saturday, March 31 at 2 p.m. April 7. This event brings his- NC; one sister, Beatrice Long The church is located at 6140 tory enthusiasts together with of Whiteville; and one step- Honey Hill Road. staff members to help preserve grandson. Troy Little is the pastor. the nation’s heritage sites. Fort Fisher welcomes vol- unteers of all ages and skill levels. This year’s activities will Late April could include painting the artillery guns and carriages around the site and assist in cleaning up see finished bridge brush, leaves, and debris. Vol- The Hodges family in front of their Sweet Tea Station in the new Farmhnouse Market unteers are asked to register in By Jefferson Weaver or hole, had to be individu- Shop in Reidville, S.C. advance by calling 910-251-7340. Staff Writer ally measured, and the pilings The program runs from 9 a.m. to After numerous weather pounded into place using a noon, but volunteers are asked and material delays, the long- specialized dredge. Columbus County couple finds to assemble in the parking lot by awaited pedestrian bridge More than 120 of the pilings 8:30 a.m. Tools and gloves will at Lake Waccamaw could be were required to construct the be provided. completed by late April. bridge. a home and a business in S.C. For their efforts, volunteers Park officials hope the ad- will receive a free Park Day “It won’t be finished by Former Columbus County er service owned by Gowan’s University in the fall. dition of the bridge – which T-shirt and lunch provided by Easter,” said DOT District residents Darryle and Sa- grandparents who built the Living in the Upstate for connects two areas main- Friends of Fort Fisher, the sup- Engineer Kenneth Clark, “but brina Hodges have opened a business in 1948. It has been a 22 years, they now call Reids- tained by the State Parks – will port group that supports the site it should be done mid- to late business in South Carolina cafe for the past seven or eight ville/Woodruff, S.C. home. Sa- encourage more visitors to and its programming. April.” — Sweet Tea Station in a new years but recently closed. brina’s cousin, Jennie Black- the Waccamaw River portion Fort Fisher State Historic Construction began last Farmhouse Market shop in the Sabrina developed a con- man, is part of her family’s of the park. Plans are in place Site is located at 1610 Fort Fisher year on the bridge, which small community of Reidville, nection to the store because business in Whiteville, Coun- to establish a canoe/kayak Blvd S at Kure Beach. roughly parallels the dam. The S.C. near Spartanburg. Their it brought back memories of try Boy Outfitters. landing, additional primitive bridge will provide a walkway shop features farmhouse style her grandparents’ business in campsite, and other improve- between the State Park and decor items and gifts and cus- the Iron Hill Community for ments in the newest section of Waccamaw Shores Drive, and tomers can also have a glass many years … Long’s Grocery the park, which can now only will feature fishing platforms of sweet tea while they shop. and Gas station, operated by be accessed by boat or hiking and other amenities. Darryle is the son of Tabor Roy and Estaleen Long. There from the main park facility. The $360,000 bridge is be- City Fire Chief Jerry Hodges seemed to be a great need in Organizers of the Take The ing funded by the Department and his wife Estalene and the community for something Lake Personal Fitness chal- of Transportation, and man- graduated from Tabor City new and fresh. Reidville has a lenge are already planning aged and designed through the High School. He has worked lot of history and is listed on to add the bridge to the TTL Division of State Parks. J.E. for the Lowe’s Company for 28 the Historical Registry. course. In previous years, Thompson Co. of Whiteville is years. Sabrina, the daughter This is truly a family busi- when the dam could not be constructing the 364-foot bridge. of Ronnie and Betty Long, ness for the Hodges family. safely crossed due to high While the bridge itself is grew up in Tabor City and The couple’s two girls help at water or other conditions, weather-resistant, standing graduated from Hallsboro the shop in the afternoons and the challenge require partici- taller than the highest record- High School. She also gradu- weekends. Reidville is a small, pants to make a U-turn at the ed floodwaters, the effects of ated from UNC Wilmington tight knit community, a lot like dam and work their way back tropical weather still delayed and holds a South Carolina where Darryle and Sabrina up Waccamaw Shores. The the project last summer. The real estate license. grew up in Tabor City. Their event, which includes both a plant manufacturing the cus- Sabrina decided to open her daughters are Blake, a junior walk/run and a bicycle por- 112 Jefferson St. • Whiteville, NC 28472 tom-made pilings was briefly shop about four months ago af- at Anderson University, and tion through the state park, is 910.642.2128 offline due to Hurricane Har- ter meeting with the owner of Kassidy is a senior at James expected to make the full loop vey, then had to redirect pro- the building, Chris Gowan. It F. Byrnes High School. She www.mckenziemortuary.net of the lake this year, due to the duction to emergency relief is a former gas station/wreck- will attend North Greenville efforts. Each piling “bed,” new bridge. Editorials

The News Reporter, Monday, March 26, 2018, 8A Economic development office idea well worth consideration

Although many details still need to be worked out, creating an economic development office for the city is an idea worth serious consideration. Whiteville City Council identified combining the Whiteville Downtown Development, Vineland Station and a new economic development office as a possible priority for the city – not necessarily this year or even next, but for some time in the near future. The day of the 500-job “smoke- stack” industry is The point: largely gone, al- Today’s evolving econo- though such could my requires an evolving ap- still happen here proach to help all our commu- My Spin and it would be wel- nities stay competitive. The come. The modern proposal being considered by A promise of hope era is one of expand- the Whiteville City Council ing technology and could well be an idea whose By Jefferson Weaver ourselves that no matter what and it was given to us at a service, two areas [email protected] we have done, it isn’t as bad as place where the worst mem- that may not have as time has come. that sorry so-and-so over there. bers of society were killed in large an impact as The pictures tell part of We have handheld computers the most excruciating way a spinning mill or the story, but never the whole that allow us to communicate humans could imagine at the manufacturing plant, but development that is far more thing. instantly around the world, time. People like to be able likely to make their homes in a small city. After all, My Sister the Troll in an and the ability to cure diseases. to measure ourselves against when a company’s product is directly shipped to each Easter dress and hat holding a We help the poor and the hun- others – money, reputation, gry. We create machines and good or bad deeds, just plain individual customer, or is even composed of electronic fat toddler – me – on the porch of our home in Keener. An ways to power them. We can stuff – but we are not mea- code managed through cloud-based servers, a business older version of me (not quite turn a wilderness into a city. sured against each other in the can make its home anywhere. as fat) singing in church. My We want to be our own end. We are measured against Our county as a whole is still suffering from the loss father, brother Mike and my- one who outdistanced us all, of tobacco and textile jobs. Our best and brightest leave and the best we can ever do self in aprons cleaning up after Campbell home with no reason to stay in their home county un- a big family dinner. A friend on our own is but a poor, dim less they are part of one of the ever-shrinking number sitting in the center of a group reflection. What we do here of family businesses that are struggling to remake of little kids telling the story on Earth, good as it might be, Restoring themselves and hold on. All of our towns have particu- of Resurrection Day. My nieces is worthless if it isn’t for the right reasons. That’s why sac- lar needs and challenges, and it’s up to them to find racing across my in-laws’ yard, corporate hunting eggs we assiduously rifices were once so important, ways to meet those challenges. Tabor City has done hid a half-hour before. to atone as best as man could responsibility, an excellent job of attracting travelers as well as tech The pictures tell some of before a perfect God. And that’s jobs, and Fair Bluff has the opportunity to completely the story of Easter, but not the why there could only be one remake itself in new ways that we couldn’t dream of whole one. truly perfect sacrifice for all accountability even 20 years ago. Lake Waccamaw has its own asset We commonly use the term of mankind. That’s why Christ By Tom Campbell of course, and Chadbourn is in need of civic-minded “Easter,” despite its pagan had to die. And that’s why he N.C. SPIN strategies that could turn it into a natural stop for folks roots, because Resurrection rose again – because he loves passing through, as well as rebuilding the strong and Day is easily pinned down on us all the same, regardless of I knew Lynn was good. I what we have or have done, family-oriented community it once was. a calendar, much more so than Jefferson Weaver just didn’t know how good, Christmas. Some would call it whether it’s good or bad. Combining Whiteville’s downtown promotion, pro- until I read that Lynn Good’s coincidence that Passover, the Easter – Resurrection total compensation package tection and preservation efforts with an office designed Festival of Ishtar and Resur- masters, to think we are the Day – is not about the first of had doubled in the past two to help the city compete against similar small cities rection Day land around the smartest and mightiest of beach season, or time off from years. Lynn is the CEO of is a wise move. Headquartering the same at Vineland same time; I don’t believe in all. We humans are great and work, or fishing, or baseball, Duke Energy, the second larg- Station would help showcase the city’s heart, while still coincidences. powerful. or turkey hunting, or enjoy- est electricity producer in the making sure every section of the city gets a fair shake. Our society continues to But we really aren’t. ing watching little kids hunt nation and her 2017 compen- Some new businesses might be a perfect fit for down- drift farther from Christian- We think we can love – and for eggs and consume candy sation totaled $21.4 million. town, while others have different needs. ity and embrace more secular we do, in many ways – but we (which, let’s face it, most of Without question she’s can never show the love that us enjoy, too). It isn’t about a The county’s economic development office is respon- ideas; for many, the dogma has got a demanding job and is gotten in the way of the basic was shown by Jesus Christ as giant rabbit who presence was sible for the overall county; giving Whiteville its own extremely good at it. Our doctrine, and I am of the con- he willingly went to Calvary supposed to ensure good crops, concern is not so much how advocate, working side by side with other municipali- certed opinion that any time for the sins of every person good calves, and more children much compensation Good ties as well as the county, could indeed help usher in humans get to thinkin’ too ever born, who ever would be to tend those crops and ani- receives, but rather about a a new and stronger time for our struggling towns and much, nothing good comes of born. We tell ourselves, but mals. It’s about salvation, love system that unquestionably community. it. Sadly, some folks turn God’s I’m a good person. I’m much and forgiveness. out of control. We hope Whiteville’s leaders will approach this with word in the way they want it to better than other people. I’m Now, I will snatch a colored In 1965 the average CEO due caution as well as consideration, and find a way to read, and as such, other folks not a sinner. Nobody had to egg or two from my nieces; compensation in the U.S. was help the city – as well as the entire county – chart a new turn away from God for that die for me. I will likely even steal some 20 times greater than the Salvation can’t be earned, candy here and there along path that will benefit everyone. reason. average worker’s, according We want the easy, the com- folks. It was bought and paid the way. I’ll visit with my to the Economic Policy Insti- fortable, the palatable. We for by the only one who could tute. The average CEO earned uu PROMISE want to be able to convince ever truly live a sinless life, SEE 9A $843,000 compared to aver- age worker compensation of $40,000. That ratio exploded during the 70s. From 1978 to 2014 CEO compensation Quotes of increased by 997 percent, Hope while the average worker’s rose by only 11 percent. standers. One of our mutual thing was wrong; I just knew In 2016, the average CEO By Ray Lundy friends said, “Ray, Bud had it. He wouldn’t eat, and he compensation was reported Special to The News Reporter the Week some real problems. I knew couldn’t sleep. It was as if he to be $15.6 million, while the Few knew why Bud commit- this was going to happen, but had lost his mind.” average worker got $53,300. “As the number of horse shows increased, it became ted suicide— his best friend, I, I couldn’t do a thing about it. Mrs. Mary looked directly Were CEOs 997 percent more apparent that the small number of Lions Club members and God. Several of us stood Maybe I could have; I didn’t into my eyes and said, “Preach- valuable, smarter, produc- would be unable to continue to meet the demand of time on the dam of a large pond and want to stick my nose into his er, is my son going to Hell? Is tive or better leaders during needed to operate the facility. In 1995 the club gave the watched as the rescue squad business.” He continued, “Bud there anything you can say this period? Correspondingly, facility to Boys and Girls Homes.” pulled Bud’s stocky body from just learned a few weeks back that will give me hope? Please were workers less valuable - Bill Thompson, on expanding the horse arena at the Boys the water. Bud had driven onto that he had a disease that had tell me.” and productive? We think not. and Girls Homes the dam of the pond, taken a rendered him impotent. The I told her that I never had So what caused this gigantic double barrel shotgun, placed doctor told him he could help known anyone who committed pay gap? “We’re asking for the fire department to be able to the barrel in the middle of his him, but Bud refused. He was suicide that was completely Cue the corporate chorus supplement the rescue unit and be able to supplement them chest, placed the stock of the to be married, and he broke it sane at that moment. I think for a rousing verse of “we’ve if they are out of pocket, because they do have to respond gun against the side of his off. He was devastated, and God takes that into consider- got to offer competitive to other districts.” truck, and pulled both trig- Kate was too. She’s already ation. Temporary insanity compensation to get and keep - City Manager Darren Currie, on firefighters responding to gers at the same time—instant seeing another man. It’s so sad. happens to people all the time, qualified executives.” Who medical calls. death. It destroyed Bud emotionally.” and I think Bud was temporar- determines executive com- The 00 Buck shot had blown His mother never was to learn ily mentally incompetent. God pensation? Corporate boards “We started late fall last year. It was really a peak sea- a hole through him the size w h y. understands and forgives.” of directors, through a board son so I didn’t have time to do a grand opening because it of a man’s hand, blowing out I went to Bud’s mother’s “Oh, thank you, preacher. compensation committee that was about survival.” bone, flesh, and blood. When house, and when Mrs. Mary You have given me hope.” It frequently surveys competi- Furniture Depot owner Darian Ransom, on the grand open- they dragged him out and laid opened the door she said, “It’s was at Easter, and that is what tors and similarly sized com- ing of the store in downtown Whiteville after losing everything him on the ground, congealed Bud, isn’t it?” She placed her Easter is about—hope for all panies to learn what other from Hurricane Matthew flooding. blood ran from the wound. old head on my shoulder and of us. executives receive. “My God!” said one of the by- began to sob. “I knew some- uuSEE RESTORING 9A The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 • 9A Columbus County Academic Spotlight

WEST Columbus High School SOUTH Columbus High School

Ashlynn Dickerson is a West Columbus High Devan Clewis is a junior at South Columbus High School senior and the 17-year-old daughter of School and the 17-year-old son of Kristin Moore Paula Williamson and George Dickerson. She likes and Arthur Moore. He likes that the staff at SCHS that students at her school can go to teachers if is concerned for students’ futures and not just for they have any type of problem. Her favorite sub- grades. His favorite subject is history because he ject is American History. She loves to learning how likes to learn how the past has molded the world. America became the country it is today and one He is in the National Beta Club, plays varsity Stallion of the teacher’ that has been most inspiring to her football and is involved in HOSA. He participates in is WCSH history teacher, Mr. Browning. Dickerson teen court and plays the guitar. Clewis is a member is a Viking cheerleader and is on the soccer team. of Peace Baptist Church. The accomplishment he is She also dances at Amy’s Academy of Dance most proud of is being inducted into the National Arts. The accomplishment she is most proud of Honor Society. An emoji that describes him best is her cheer team winning nationals. The place is the smiley emoji because he always smiles, likes Dickerson would like to travel to most is Hawaii to to make others smile, and he doesn’t let things get enjoy the beaches. The emoji that she uses most him down. The one place he would like to travel to often is the laughing face because she is always is the Caribbean to do mission work with his church. laughing. Hashtags that describe her are #sum- Hashtags that he identifies with are #southstrong merwya, #columbuscountystrong, #beachlife. and #onmymama. His favorite app is snapchat, Her favorite app is twitter, favorite book and mov- favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird and favorite ie is The Great Gatsby, and when not is school, move is “Remember the Titans.” When not in school, her favorite activity is dance. After high school, Clewis enjoys football or playing basketball with Ashlynn Dickerson Dickerson plans to attend Cape Fear Community Devan Clewis friends. He also works part-time as a cashier at Wal- College to become an ultrasound technician. Mart. After high school, Clewis would like to attend UNC Chapel Hill to earn a medical degree and pur- sue a career as a sports medicine physician.

not a fan of trying to frighten that he rose victorious over PROMISE the devil out of people in order death and sin, and we can as Continued from 8A to scare them into Heaven. well. Can you imagine the joy UNC TV FILMING FIRST SEGMENT But none of that is what in the faces of the women at family, and talk about times Easter is all about. The real the Garden when they saw him gone by. I’ll enjoy the warming reason behind Resurrection that Sunday morning? Their weather – at least, if it ever gets Day is really simple: For God joy grew from the deepest of Public invited to opioid, mental warm and springlike again. I so loved the world, that he gave sorrow, the sorrow they felt might even take the time to go his only son, that whosoever after having watched someone fishing, since that was always believes in him will not perish, they loved, and who obviously health forum Monday at Vineland a tradition in our family. I but have everlasting life. Many loved everyone, die and be laid can’t sit still long enough to of us know versions of John in a tomb. A forum today will seek Panelists include Andy An- of Patient Care Services at watch a ballgame on TV, and 3:16 by heart, but we forget When they met Christ again an action plan for Columbus derson and reporter Sammy Columbus Regional Healthcare you couldn’t pay me enough to about John 3:17 – For God sent that morning, they knew there County to help people here who Feldblum, who covered the System, and Nicolle Karim, make me drive to the beach on not his Son into the world to was hope. suffer from opioid addiction crisis in a series published for who heads the North Carolina a normal weekend. condemn the world, but that And that, my friends, is and mental illness. The public The News Reporter and Scala- Chapter of the National Alli- I won’t be shaking a finger the world through him might what Resurrection Day – Eas- is invited. wag magazine in late 2017, Rep. ance on Mental Illness. and calling for hellfire and be saved. ter, if you prefer – is actually “Losing a Generation: Ad- The public forum will in- brimstone at anyone who poses There was only one way that all about. The promise that dressing the Mental Health clude a roundtable discus- their kid with someone in a every man, woman and child even in this mixed-up, danger- Care Crisis and Combatting sion with these panelists plus giant bunny suit. While I will could be assured eternity with ous, mean-spirited world, there the Opioid Epidemic” will be District Attorney Jon David, gently point out if someone God, and that was through the is a something much better to held at Vineland Station today Colton Reaves, who runs a faith- mixes the secular and the sa- willing sacrifice of His Son. come, a promise that no picture from 6-8 p.m. based treatment and interven- cred, and I won’t blow smoke to That’s his promise. could ever capture – a promise The forum will be held in tion program, Kim Smith of make someone feel better, I’m The beauty of the story is to everyone, a promise of hope. two parts. The first will be the Columbus County Health a 30-minute segment filmed Department, and Dr. Sara Koe- for UNC-TV that will focus nig from the UNC School of on opioid addiction. UNC-TV Medicine. how much good it might do individual’s monthly bill up welcomes an audience for its Forum sponsors are The RESTORING in the community it serves or to $18 per month. For those Continued from 8A segment. News Reporter, Scalawag even in the quality, safety or who might complain, a Duke The next segment will offer magazine, Columbus Regional dependability of it products. corporate counsel has a “let the public a chance to hear Brenden Jones and Alan Della- Healthcare and Blue Cross-Blue If this study shows others These large investors are only them eat cake” attitude, advis- from and talk with people who penna Jr., of the North Carolina Shield of North Carolina. are paying more the commit- interested in two things: what ing those worried about how are on the front lines of opioid Department of Health and Hu- Sandwiches will be served tee will recommend executive were the last quarter’s profits the increase impacts their addiction and mental illness man Services, Terri Veneziano, between filming and the open- raises. But it’s a rigged game. and what is the current price monthly budget to just elimi- treatment. Chief Nursing Officer and VP ing of the forum. Company A raises executive per share? Like major league nate one Big Mac, fries and a compensation, elevating the sports franchises they will drink each month. average so that company B reward those who deliver and Corporations are respon- Artesia to the Northeast Road ground. Some firefighting ap- must follow suit in the never- punish those who don’t. sible and accountable to at – several miles—and then from paratus had been modified ending race to the top. But this is a corporate re- least four stakeholders groups, BURNING the Northeast community to for off-road use by 1941, but During this same era we sponsibility issue, most espe- including shareholder owners, Continued from 6A Spaulding’s crossroads. Coun- how many of the new “woods saw a dramatic change in cially true for nonprofits and customers, their communities cil’s Game Preserve -- better pumpers” were in use here is corporate ownership. Insti- public utilities. In addition to and their employees. Execu- Edmunds was always known today as the North State unknown. Conventional fire tutional investors, namely generous executive compensa- tives are included in the latter called, and most times knew Hunting Club – was swept by trucks were often driven as mutual funds, pension plans tion, Duke declared a profit group, not a separate category, the owner of the property. He a fire that began near present- far into the woods as possible. and large financial managers last year of $3 billion. Making yet they obviously are getting would then contact the land- day U.S. 74 and stopped after There were no firefighting air- replaced individuals as the the optics of the situation preferential treatment. It is owner and tell him a fire had crossing the county line and craft in North Carolina in 1941. major shareholders in corpo- worse, the corporate giant time corporate boards show been reported. striking the railroad in yet Photographs show the state’s rations. These institutional has received approval from more balanced responsibility During the last week of another location. forest resources division sup- investors are not interested the North Carolina Utility and accountability. March, the spotters and the The largest fire, however, plying wardens and rangers in how a corporation treats Commission to raise rates for “smoke chasers” were busy. was in the Green Swamp. with former Highway Patrol its customers or employees, its customers, increasing an The forests of Southeastern North Carolina had exploded. More than 1,000 acres of cruisers in 1940 – the sedans mature pines, in addition to a wouldn’t be widely replaced by From Bladen to the border longleaf pine forest that had trucks for 20 years. On March 27, the newspa- produced pitch, rosin and tur- What Edmunds lacked in per reported that nine fires pentine until the early 1930s, equipment he made up for in were burning simultaneously erupted in flames. personnel. During the March in the county five days prior. That fire came into the town 22 outbreak, more than 200 Edmunds told the newspaper of Bolton, but was knocked workers from area CCC camps, that more than 3,000 acres had down and spread instead into as well as around 200 volunteer burned. Fires west of Chad- the woods near the headwaters firefighters, railroad workers, bourn had burned all the way of Big Creek. farmers, loggers, lumber mill to the railroad line at Butters While the fire was con- hands, and others turned out in Bladen County, destroying a tained, the fire worked its to help fight the flames across tool shed with more than $300 way into the organic subsoil, the area. Some came with their of equipment inside and ruin- known as peat, and continued own tools. ing a quarter-mile of track. At smoldering for months. The Many of those on the the other end of the county, peat fires sometimes collapsed ground wore the same clothes a fire to the south of Bolton the dirt sheltering the heart they were wearing on the burned all the way to the rail- of the flames, causing sparks farm or in the mill, although road in Bladen. to fly – and igniting additional some members of the Civil- The Bolton fire was the first wild fires. ian Conversation Corps (CCC) of several that spring to spread Firefighting in 1941 was a were issued heavy cotton coats from the Green Swamp toward more personal event for many designed to retard flames. A the town, igniting sawdust of the men and the few women traditional story about the piles, stacks of lumber and on the ground. Backfires were time describes how Edmunds other flammable wood prod- lit using drip torches exactly argued with a Freeman-area ucts. In each case, the town’s like those still used today. By resident who turned out to volunteer firefighters worked lighting a backfire inside the volunteer – barefooted. The with lumber mill workers and ring created by a hand-cut, erstwhile firefighter helped others to keep the flames from hand-cleared fire break, the fight the flames east of Bolton reaching the town itself. firefighters worked to deprive a despite his lack of proper Edmunds told The News wildfire of fuel. There were few footwear. Reporter that more than 100 if any tanker trucks, and virtu- Those firefighters would acres had burned in Western ally no track hoes in Columbus have their hands full in the Prong, damaging a tobacco bed County or Southeastern North coming weeks. For the entire that was being prepared for Carolina that were equipped month of April, two or more spring planting. D.H. Brown for firefighting. fires burned daily in Columbus lost 200 acres of “valuable Firefighters carried pres- County. A brief spell of rain timber,” and other fires burned surized soda canisters on their brought some relief in early unchecked through the farm backs, and used manual saws, May, but the showers were not fields, bays and swamps from axes and hand tools to clear enough. (To be continued). 10A • The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 Economic development grants approved with little discussion

By Allen Turner for Helena Chemical Company until the end of June. not to authorize work without that each employee’s annual Phil Edwards and DSS Direc- [email protected] on the former Georgia-Pacific Commissioners took no further study. salary needs to be increased tor Algernon McKenzie. property. The project involves action on Hayes’ proposal to For the second meeting in by at least $10,000. They held a closed session The Columbus County a $3.5 million investment by move the housing office back a row, county DSS employ- Commissioners approved at the end of the open meeting board of commissioners ap- Helena Chemical over three to Legion Drive. ee JaShawna Bellamy spoke the certification and member- to discuss personnel matters proved with little discussion years and is expected to re- Commissioner James Pre- during the public comments ship roster of the Juvenile but took no action. Commis- Monday night two economic sult in the creation of at least vatte pointed out that the coun- portion of the meeting to Crime and Prevention Council sioners are seeking a county development grants and heard five new full time jobs in the ty has not identified a place implore commissioners to and passed a resolution ask- attorney to replace Stephens, unexpected remarks about the county. for the board of elections to make DSS employee salaries ing the federal government to who was elevated to the post old board of elections/hous- In the “department heads move when the lease with the here competitive with sala- reinstate the Seniors’ Health of county manager several ing office building on Legion comments” portion of the city schools expires. County ries in neighboring counties. Insurance Information Pro- months ago and has since been Drive. meeting, Maintenance Direc- Manager Mike Stephens told Flanked by more than a dozen gram and heard departmental fulfilling the duties of both Commissioners unani- tor Larry Hayes surprised just the board there have been no co-workers, Bellamy suggested updates from Airport Manager positions. mously authorized Economic about everyone on the board discussions with the schools Developer Gary Lanier to when he proposed returning about either extending the complete application paper- the public housing office to lease or even purchasing the work for a wastewater infra- the Legion Drive location it building from the school sys- structure grant of $2,120,938 had shared with the board of tem, although school officials Western Prong Baptist Church for the International Logistics elections before the facility are said to be receptive to the Park project on the Columbus/ had to be shut down last fall idea of a sale to the county. Brunswick county line at the due to mold. Stephens said there has eastern end of the county. Hayes proposed moving the been an informal proposal The funding will come from housing office to Legion Drive, from the owner of a building the N.C. Dept. of Commerce giving them more space and on East Jefferson Street for- industrial development fund using additional space in the mally used by the Employment building for a maintenance Security Commission to sell Easter and no local monies will be required. closet for janitorial supplies that building to the county for Commissioners also ap- to be used in several county- $625,000, a price that Stephens proved an economic develop- owned buildings in the area. indicated he thinks is too high. ment incentive grant that will Mold forced the board of In another matter, commis- Service result in tax credits totaling an elections and the housing sioners directed Hayes to seek estimated $80,035 over a five- office to move to the former bids for roof replacement, year period for “Project Dry,” North Whiteville Academy window repairs, and removal which involves the construc- building, which the county has of old carpet and tile at the his- April 1 tion of a new operating facility leased from the city schools toric courthouse, but told him Under the tent 7:30 am Highway of Veterans event Come as youBreakfast are after the service starts March 30 at park Sunday School 9:45 Regular Worship Service 11:00 The second 24-hour fund- movie Friday night. Park is a 501c3 non-profit or- raiser for the Veterans Memo- Miss North Carolina USA, ganization that is building rial Park in New Hope is set for Caelyn Miller Keyes, will be a a park, museum and other March 30-31 at the park. special guest. Music from the facilities beside J.B. White A free luncheon for all area New Believers, Winnie Pearl, Highway South in the New veterans will kick off the Peter Yurgel and Friends, Hope community. The park event at noon. Veterans of any and others will be featured will be the largest of its kind branch of service during any throughout the weekend. Hon- on the east coast, and is being time period are welcome, but or laps for veterans and their built entirely with donations. pre-registration is required. families, active duty military, Static displays, walking trails, Call 840.3848 to reserve a seat. motorcyclists and kids will be- and a Hall of Honor with pho- The fundraiser is a “Relay gin after opening ceremonies. tographs of every Columbus for Life” style event, with all The weekend will be full County veteran of every pe- proceeds going to the park. of activities for young people, riod are planned. Entertainment, food, an Eas- including an obstacle course, For more information, call ter egg hunt, and a ceremony corn hole, face painting and 840.3848 or contact any mem- honoring POW/MIAs will be other fun. ber of the park. featured, along with a free The Veterans Memorial 167 Peacock Rd., Whiteville Sports

The News Reporter, Monday, March 26, 2018 -1B Gators top Fairmont to move record to 4-2 in Three Rivers play

LAKE WACCAMAW- The to two runs the rest of the way. big question mark that hov- “We still have a ways to go, ered over the East Columbus but things have been encour- Gator baseball team during aging,” said Smith, now in his pre-season apparently exists third year at the Gator helm. no more. Over the past two “We’re mixing experience and weeks, Coach Brad Smith’s youth this year and the players Gators are now putting up a are doing an outstanding job. serious challenge as a strong “Getting a win over Fair- finisher in the Three Rivers mont today is a boost to our Conference race, and they program and our kids showed are definitely carrying the a lot confidence,” Smith said. “spoiler” tag again this season. “Now we have to get ready for On Friday night, the Gators a really good West Columbus pulled out a 7-6 Three Riv- team on Monday.” ers Conference victory over In Thursday’s win over longtime league stronghold Pender, Alex Ellis came out as Fairmont. This came right the winning pitcher while Gar- after the Gators’ 9-6 non-con- rett Jacobs and Fisher Reeves ference road win over Pender each had two hits. Kenji Bow- Thursday. en kept up his hot hitting pace The Gators got a strong with a two-run double. relief pitching performance In the girls softball game by J.T. Junious in chalking up on Friday, East Columbus their fourth conference win in stormed to a 26-6 win over the six outings. Junious came on Lady Tornadoe. ECHS scored in the third inning in relief 15 runs in the third inning. of Daniel Wells and held the (See photo on Page 2B). formidable Fairmont line-up

Staff photo by Grant Merritt Whiteville’s Logan Hooks takes a cut at a pitch in Thursday night’s Three Rivers Conference baseball game with West Columbus at Cerro Gordo. Hooks, the Wolfpack catcher, reached base in all four of his at-bats at West Columbus as Whiteville took a 12-2 win (see story on Page 2B). Then on Friday night, in a home game against St. Pauls, Hooks reached base in all three of his at-bats as Whiteville came away with a 4-0 victory. The Wolfpack travels to play South Columbus tonight at 7 in a battle of longtime county rivals. Pitching, defense spark Pack to win over St. Pauls By Franklin Davis nab the Bulldog runner who wood’s ground out. Ransom’s Whiteville improves to 7-0 [email protected] had rounded the bag a step too sac fly to left scored Hamilton. in TRC play 7-1 overall. The far, ending the inning. Hinson’s single to right scored Wolfpack will travel to South Whiteville received strong The final two outs of the Baldwin, giving Whiteville a Columbus Monday and East pitching performances from game came on a 5-3-6 double 2-0 lead. Bladen Wednesday. Whiteville Dylan Lawson and Lincoln play. Dylan Hamilton fielded After Lawson finished his will take its annual journey to Ransom to go with heady de- a high chopper to third and night on the mound by striking the Greenville area during the fensive play in a 4-0 win over fired to Jacob Allgood at first to out the side in the top of the Easter break to face Greenville St. Pauls Friday night at Le- retire the batter. The St. Pauls fourth, Whiteville threatened Rose, Edenton Holmes and gion Stadium. runner from first was steal- again. Logan Hooks doubled. Powhatan, Va. Lawson started and pitched ing on the play and mistak- Joey Kurtyka singled to cen- four innings to earn the win. enly thought the ball had been ter. Coach Brett Harwood held Lady Pack wins The junior righty struck out popped up. He started to return courtesy runner Matthew In the softball game, White- six, walked one and allowed to first before he realized his Smith at third and Kurtyka ville came away with its second the only one Bulldog hit, an mistake. Allgood alertly fired advanced to second when the 13-0 win in as many nights as Photo by Hannah Bullock infield single in the second. to Brooks Baldwin at short and throw home missed the cut off the Lady Wolfpack shut out Freshman J.T. Junious pitches the East Columbus Gators Ransom pitched the final three Baldwin tagged the runner out man. Marcus Johnson came Lady Bulldogs in five innings to a 7-6 win in Friday night high school baseball action at innings, holding St. Pauls hit- to end the game. on in relief, retiring the next for its seventh straight confer- “The Swamp” The win put the Gators’ Three Rivers Confer- less and scoreless. Whiteville missed a scoring two batters without allowing ence win. ence record at 4-2. The defensive play of the opportunity in the first. Ham- a score. Whiteville scored three night came during St. Pauls’ ilton doubled. Jake Harwood Harwood opened the fifth runs in each of the first two lone hit. With a runner on sec- singled, but Hamilton was held with a walk. Harwood stole sec- innings before putting things ond and two outs, Tyler Bak- at third. Harwood advanced ond. Hinson’s one-out ground- away in the fourth with a er’s weak pop up fell beyond to second on the throw to the er caromed off the second Stallion trio paces seven-run outburst. the mound but too shallow plate. However, the next two baseman into short right field Coach Oliva Williams’ for Wolfpack second baseman Wolfpack hitters were retired. allowing Harwood to score. WHS squad holds the lead in Will Hinson to grab. Hinson Hamilton and Baldwin drew Hinson scored later in the in- the Three Rivers Conference TRC golf victory saw there wasn’t an opportu- walks to lead off the third ning on Hooks’ single for the standings with a 7-0 record. nity to retire Baker at first, but frame. Each advanced on Har- final margin of 4-0. FAIRMONT - Caleb Click, took runnerup with an 84 while quickly threw to third base to Landon Rising and Paxton Stewart finished with an 86. Stewart led the way for South Whiteville turned in its Columbus High School Thurs- best showing of the season, day as the Stallions held off finishing just four back at 355, Vikings bounce back with win at Red Springs a strong bid by Whiteville to Matthew Townsend and Brent capture another Three Riv- Davis each shot 86s while Jared RED SPRINGS - After en- ers Conference Golf match at Burris carded an 87. during a 12-2 home field loss to Fairmont Country Club. Fairmont came in third Whiteville Thursday, the West South Columbus, which with a 379 total, followed by Columbus Vikings baseball remains undefeated in TRC West Bladen with a 404, East team went on the road Friday play this season, scored a 351 Bladen with a 428, West Colum- to take on the Red Springs Red total with Click landing medal- bus with a 444 and Red Springs Devils. ist honors with an 83. Rising with a 459. Coach Jason Jones’ team came home with a 4-3 win that keeps them in a tie for second place in the Three Rivers Con- Gators, Eagles capture ference baseball race. West Columbus never trailed against the Red Devils, TRC tennis matches jumping to a 2-0 lead in the top DOUBLES: Jarman-Sellers def. of the first inning and then FIRST MATCH Barber-McGill, 8-5; Hanna-Cox added two more runs in the S. Columbus 9, East Bladen 0 def. Bostic-Norton, 9-0; Zheng- third inning for a 4-2 lead. at East Bladen Ranson def. Hill-Esteva, 8-2. Red Springs put up a strong SINGLES: Griffin Hanna def. comeback bid in the seventh Jacob Barber 8-1; Noah Jarman inning, scoring one run before def. Jay McGill, 8-2; Will Sellers East Columbus 5, Whiteville 4 the final out was made. def. Jackson Bostic, 8-2; Brandon at Whiteville The win left West Colum- Cox def. Tucker Norton, 8-2; Andy SINGLES: M. Borja (EC) def. bus’ conference record at 6-2 Zheng def. Will Hester, 8-3; Car- A. Gamble, 6-2, 6-4; J. Palacios while Red Springs dipped to son Ransom def. Hoyt Register, (EC) def. B. Warlick, 6-1, 6-2; 4-4. DOUBLES: Jarman-Sellers T. Floyd (W) def. D. Young, 6-4, The Vikings will go on the def. Barber-McGill, 8-2; Hanna- 5-6, 10-8; T. Hester (W) def. R. Cox def. Bostic-Norton, 8-2; road again tonight to take on Bordeaux, 6-3, 6-2; J. McKoy Zheng-Ransom def. Hill - Esteva, cross-county rival East Co- (EC) def. B. Russell, 7-5, -6, 10- 8-2 lumbus in a 7 p.m. match-up 4; L. Salmeron (EC) def. E. Stoll, at “The Swamp.” SECOND MATCH 6-0, 6-0. Borja-Palacios In the girls softball game, S. Columbus 9, East Bladen 0 DOUBLES: Red Springs picked up its first SINGLES: Hanna def. Barber, (EC) def. Gamble-Russell, 8-3; conference win of the season 8-0; Jarman def. McGill, 8-2; Floyd-Hester, (W) def. Young- Staff photos by Grant Merritt with an 11-4 win over the Lady Sellers def. Bostic, 8-1; Cox def. Strickland, 8-2; McKoy-Locklear Viking team. The WCHS TRC Dawson Butler Nigel Ceesay Norton, 8-4; Zheng def. Hester, (EC) def. Warlick-Stoll, 8 2. softball record now stands at WCHS first baseman WCHS shorstop 8-1; Ransom def. Register, 8-2. 2-6.

2B - The News Reporter, Monday, March 26, 2018

Three Rivers Conference Three Rivers Conference baseball standings softball standings Conf. Overall Conf. Overall W-L W-L W-L W-L Whiteville 7-0 7-1 Whiteville 7-0 7-1 West Columbus 6-2 6-4 South Columbus 6-1 7-1 East Columbus 4-2 5-2 East Columbus 4-2 4-3 Fairmont 5-3 6-3 West Bladen 5-3 5-4 South Columbus 4-3 4--3 Fairmont 4-4 4-5 Red Springs 4-4 6-4 St. Pauls 4-4 5-4 South Robeson 2-5 2-7 East Bladen 3-4 4-4 East Bladen 2-5 2-5 West Columbus 2-6 2-7 St. Pauls 2-6 3-6 South Robeson 1-6 1-6 West Bladen 1-7 1-8 Red Springs 1-7 3-7

Thursday’s results Thursday’s results Whiteville 13, West Columbus 0 (5 inn.) Whiteville 12, West Columbus 2 (5 inn.) Fairmont 8, Red Springs 7 Fairmont 6, Red Springs 2 Pender 11, East Columbus 6 East Columbus 9, Pender 6 Friday’s results Friday’s results Whiteville 13, St. Pauls 0 Whiteville 4, St. Pauls 0 Red Springs 11, West Columbus 4 Final standings West Columbus 4, Red Springs 3 East Columbus 26, Fairmont 6 (5 inn.) East Columbus 7, Fairmont 6 East Bladen 17, South Robeson, 0 (5 inn.) East Bladen 8 South Robeson 1 West Bladen 4, South Columbus 0 South Columbus 11, West Bladen 0 Tonight’s games Staff photo by Grant Merritt Tonight’s games Whiteville’s Jake Inman puts down a bunt in the Wolfpack’s Three Rivers Conference Whiteville at South Columbus, 7 Whiteville at South Columbus, 7 baseball game with West Columbus at Cerro Gordo. Whiteville won 12-2 to remain West Columbus at East Columbus, 6 West Columbus at East Columbus, 7 unbeaten in conference play. West Bladen at East Bladen, 7 West Bladen at East Bladen, 7 St. Pauls at Red Springs, 7 St. Pauls at Red Springs 7 Wolfpack bumps Vikings in rivalry match-up South Robeson at Fairmont, 6 South Robeson at Fairmont, 6 Wednesday games CERRO GORDO - Brooks plagued by errors and other third-inning scoring surge. Wednesday’s games Baldwin had another steady miscues, saw its conference In the bottom of the first, Whiteville at East Bladen 7 Whiteville at East Bladen, 6 performance on the pitcher’s record slip to 5-2. The Vikings the Vikings’ Shawn Tyson led West Columbus at South Robeson, 6 West Columbus at South Robeson, 6 South Columbus at Red Springs, 7 mound and Dylan Lawson got a 3-for-3 performance at the off with a walk and Dylan South Columbus at Red Springs, 7 West Bladen at Fairmont, 7 ripped a double and a home plate by catcher Cody Benton. Blackwell reached on an error. West Bladen at Fairmont, 7 run Thursday in leading the The Vikings scored both their Both runners advanced on a St. Pauls at East Columbus, 6 St. Pauls at East Columbus, 7 Whiteville Wolfpack to a 12-2 runs in the first inning after sacrifice bunt by Nigel Ceesay. win over West Columbus in a Coach Brett Harwood’s White- Tyson scored moments later key Three Rivers Conference ville team had taken a 3-0 lead on wild pitch and Ceesay raced baseball game at the West Co- in the top of the frame. home on Cody Benton’s first hit lumbus field. WCHS lefthander Cole Ben- of the night. Whiteville track teams claim first place finishes The game was halted after ton was tagged with the pitch- Lawson pounded his home five innings by the 10-run rule. ing loss as he was relieved by run to left field with one out in in Three Rivers Conference meet at Red Springs The win put the Wolfpack’s Jerry Locklear in the fourth the fourth to start another WHS RED SPRINGS - The 100-meter dash and 300-meter ter run, Fatima Reyes in the TRC record at 6-0 as it brought inning. Shawn Tyson came on scoring surge. A dropped fly Whiteville High School boys hurdles, Jamais Black in the 1600-meter run, Molly Creech across three runs each in of to pitch in the fifth for Coach ball off the bat of Logan Hooks and girls track and field teams 800-meter run, Christopher in the 3200-meter run, Daedra the first, third, fourth and fifth Jason Jones’ Vikings. The loss near the fence in left field led to registered first-place finishes Cliff in the 110-meter hurdles Pollard in the discus throw, innings. snapped a four-game Viking the final three runs in the fifth. in team point totals Thursday and Tyjuana Anderson in Ziliyah Lewis in the long jump, Baldwin allowed six hits winning streak. West Columbus, still look- at a Three Rivers Conference the long jump. Coach Jerry Marquasia Smith in the triple and struck out eight batters A double by Lincoln Ransom ing for its first win over the meet. Singletary’s WHS boys team jump and Sekyah Chestnut in and also contributed key hits was the big hit for Whiteville Wolfpack since the 2014 season, Other schools competing also took first places in three the high jump. from his lead-off position in the in its three-run first inning, advanced only one runner past were East Columbus, Fair- relay events with Grimes, Coach Wiil Dorn’s White- third and fourth innings. and Lawson’s double off the first base in the final three in- mont, South Robeson and host Tovante Smith, J’Vonte Davis ville girls squad also post- West Columbus, which was centerfield fence ignited the nings. Red Springs. and Nickolus Bellamy team- ed first places in three relay The Whiteville boys scored ming to win both 4x100 and events. 123 total points, followed by 4x200 events. Black, Kristopher Marquasia Smith, Shane- Red Springs with 85, East Diaz, Xavier Spaulding, Adron kera Faulk, Destiny McKoy White’s pitching helps lead Columbus with 54, , Fairmont Ferguson took first in the 4x800 and Ziliyah Lewis combined with 49 and South Robeson relay. to win the 4x100; Tulsi Patel SCHS to shut-out over Knights with 27. For East Columbus, Andrew Ashley Dinh, Molly Creech and The Whiteville girls turned Robinson chalked up first place Fatima Reyes copped the 4x800 DUBLIN - Kannon White unloaded on a three-run double double. in a first-place total of 126 first- wins in the 1600 and 3200 meter relay; and Sekyah Chestunut, pitched a one-hitter as the to highlight the Stallions’ first- Logan West was the losing place points, followed by Red runs, and Lavarr Jones won Bri Kemp, Iyanna Williams South Columbus Stallions inning fireworks. pitcher for West Bladen, whose Springs with 51, South Robe- the 400-meter dash. and Davina Mitchell teammed scored seven first -inning runs Long and Harrison Gore conference record fell to 1-7. son with 47, Fairmont with 46 to win the 4x200 relay. en route to an 11-0 Three Riv- each had two hits for Coach and East Columbus with 17, Bringing home first places Whiteville will play host to ers Conference baseball shut- Scott Johnson’s Stallions, who The South Columbus soft- The Whiteville boys got first for the Whiteville girls squad a TRC track and fied meet on out over the host West Bladen put their conference record at ball team suffered its first loss places by Tony Grimes in the were Tulsi Patel in the 800-me- Tuesday at 4 p.m. Knights. The game was halted 4-3. White struck out five bat- of the season in a 4-0 shut-out after five innings by the 10-run ters and walked one. decision. West Bladen pitched rule. West Bladen’s Dawson Bry- a five-hit shut-out while strik- Austin Long drove a two-run an broke up White’s bid for a ing out seven batters. Showdown set for Pack, Eagle soccer teams double and catcher Tate Lee no-hitter with a fifth inning East Bladen and Whiteville doled out two assists. Logan East Bladen shut out West each took care of business Schultz scored and assisted Columbus 5-0. South Colum- Thursday and Friday to set twice. Lexi Gore had a brace bus earned its first win of the up a 6 p.m., Monday contest of goals and added one assist. season, 2-1 over Red Springs. between the two squads unde- Trinity Sibbett and Cam- Friday, East Bladen shut feated in TRC action. ryn Ray also scored goals out East Columbus 9-0. The Whiteville had five players for Whiteville. Claire Smith Eagles enter Monday’s contest score in Thursday’s 9-0 win assisted on two scores. The with Whiteville 5-0 overall, over East Columbus. Olivia Whiteville junior varsity de- outscoring their opponents Smith scored three goals and feated the Gators 4-0. 35-1. Area retired coaches association now being formed

The BCR Retired Coaches liamson, Frank Jernigan, meetings on the first Friday Association will hold an or- Dean Saffos and Junior Nance. of each month, with the excep- ganizational meeting Friday, They invite any retired coach tion of June, July and August. April 6 at Dale’s Lakefront who worked or lived in the The meeting place will rotate Restaurant in Lake Waccamaw three counties to enjoy a meal among the three counties. beginning at 11:30 a.m. The (dutch) and fellowship. The Williamson said, “This will BCR stands for Bladen, Colum- group also will discuss future be a great opportunity to re- bus and Robeson counties as plans for fund-raising events to kindle old friendships while coaches from those counties raise monies to assist retired benefitting those from our are working to form the as- coaches or their family mem- profession who have suffered sociation. bers in need of assistance. hardships.” For more infor- Retired coaches heading Williamson stated the group mation, Williamson may be up the effort are Wayne Wil- plans to set a schedule with reached at 840-1294

Photo by Hannah Bullock East Columbus’ Alexis Swain (3) battles an East Bladen player for the ball in Friday’s Three Rivers Conference soccer match at Lake Waccmaw. In foreground left is ECHS player Shynicquel Watson. East Bladen won the match 9-0. Middle school softball, baseball report Unfavorable playing condi- stroked a two-run double in tions caused the Central at the bottom of the sixth in- Softball Tabor City and Acme-Delco at ning to invoke the 10-run rule. Cerro Gordo picked up its Evergreen games to be post- Cerro Gordo hosts Acme-Delco first softball win of the season, poned. Results of games that Tuesday. The Trojans earned a outscoring Chadbourn 31-14. were played follow. 2-1 win when the teams met on Alyssa Strickland was the March 19. winning pitcher. The contest Baseball Williams downed Nakina featured a Stinger triple play. Cerro Gordo defeated Chad- 18-6. Ridgeway had three hits A fly ball was caught in center, bourn Thursday 10-0. Ian Wil- to lead the Aggies. Stocks the Chadbourn runner at- liamson and Brian Stewart added two hits. Zokal and tempting to score was thrown combined to throw a no-hitter. Thompson contributed one out and the runner trying to Troy Greene led Cerro Gordo each. Gavin McRae, Carter move from first to second was at the plate with 3 hits. Ty Lee and Cole Edge had hits for also retired. Bowen, J.T. Pate and William- Nakina. Williams defeated Nakina Photo by Hannah Bullock son provided two hits for the Clarkton edged Hallsboro 17-6. Hallsboro defeated Clark- East Columbus base-runner Diamond Porter (right) looks to score as the ball gets by Stingers. Jackson Matheson 9-8 in a non-league contest. ton 11-2. the catcher in Friday’s Three Rivers softball game at Lake Waccamaw. East Columbus won the game 26-6 over Fairmont behind a 15-run third inning. The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 • 3B Highlights from WCHS vs. WHS baseball

Staff photos by Grant Merritt Presented by Sports of all Sorts 4B • The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 Sell it, find it...in the Classifieds NOTICES 180 Farm Supplies AUTOMOTIVE 435 Water Front Homes 010 Found 190 Farm Equipment 320 Cars 440 Commercial 020 Lost 200 Computers/Software 330 Trucks 460 Lots 030 Personals 210 Heaters & Firewood 335 Vans & SUVs 470 Land 060 Special Notices 230 Miscellaneous 340 Vehicle Accessories 480 Farms WANTED 240 Produce 350 Travel Trailers 490 Auctions 360 Motorcycles SELL YOUR HOME 070 Wanted To Buy EMPLOYMENT RENTALS 365 ATVs In the classifieds... 080 Wanted To Rent 250 General Employment 500 Houses SALE ITEMS 255 Drivers & Delivery MARINE 510 Resort Homes 370 Boats 085 Auctions 260 Health/Medical 520 Apartments 375 Jet Skis $ 95 090 Lawn Mowers 270 Employment Wanted 530 Manufactured Housing 380 Trailers 100 Pets & Animals SERVICES 540 Condominiums 110 Appliances 390 Motors 550 Rooms 29 120 Antiques 275 Financial Services 400 Accessories 570 Commercial Your ad runs 3 times (twice in the News Reporter, and SAMPLE 130 Yard & Garage Sales 280 Child Care REAL ESTATE 580 Land once inCorrectly the News Times) countand reaches the practically Easter all the eggs “hidden” 290 Business Opportunities households in Columbus County. It’s working for others; 140 Clothing SALES 590 Equipment 2000 Redman Silverlake double- 295 Schools/Institutions 150 Furniture 410 Permanent Homes 600 Farms whyin notthe give classifiedsit a try? section of Thewide. News 1680 sq. ft. WindReporter Zone 2. To 160 Musical Items 300 Insurance 420 Manufactured Housing 610 Manufactured be moved. $30,000.00 or best offer. 170 Televisions, Satellites 310 Business Services 430 Resort Homes Housing Lots between March 1st and MarchSerious 29th, inquiries 2018.* 910-840-4107. 315 Farm Services Call*Do not count the642-4104 eggs in promotional ads about the contest. Only count eggs hidden in the Classified ads. The News Reporter View classified and legals online at nrcolumbus.com

Simple To Pay! Don’t Wait To Call... CORRECTIONS CLASSIFIEDSPersons should check their adver- Ext. 221 Call All major credit cards accepted Monday tisement for accuracy the first time it Ext. 237 as well as Visa debit cards. appears in the newspaper so that any Us... Deadline: Friday, 2 pm necessary changes can be made. The 642-4104 newspaper will not be liable for mis- Fax 642-1856 • www.nrcolumbus.com Thursday takes in an ad beyond the first issue. If a mistake is found, please notify e-mail: [email protected] Deadline: Wednesday, 10 am WANDA or HANNE at 642-4104.

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Bobby Hinson Construction ****Publisher’s Notice**** Lot clearing, pond building, bushhog- Equal Housing Cypress Village Apartments ging, lots and hedge rows with mini Opportunity 197 Orange St., Fair Bluff, N.C. Med Aide- 7p - 7A. Must be certi- excavator. Call 640-7606. All real estate advertised herein is ****Publisher’s Notice**** 1 and 2 bedrooms with Handicap subject to the Federal Fair Housing Corbett Timber Company fied for skilled level of care Equal Housing accessible units available. Buyers of land and timber. We buy LARRY HINSON’S BACKHOE Act, North Carolina and Columbus Opportunity LPN 7 pm-7am and 7 am-7pm Fair Housing Law which makes it ille- Laundry facilities + Community pine saw timber, hardwood saw tim- RN part time house 7 pm - 7 am All types of backhoe work, lot clear- All real estate advertised herein is gal to advertise any preference, limita- subject to the Federal Fair Housing room **24 hour maintenance** ber, and pulpwood - 5 acres or great- CNA 11 pm -7 am. ing, sand, top soil and marl. tion, or discrimination based on race, Section 8 Assistance Available er. Call days 642-2909. Hiring bonuses for qualified candi- Call 654-4503. Act, North Carolina and Columbus color, religion, sex, handicap, familial Fair Housing Law which makes it ille- Income Restrictions may apply dates and qualifying positions. status or national origin, or intention gal to advertise any preference, limita- Seniors 62 years and older We Buy junk Cars or unwanted Apply in person at Shoreland, 200 Southern Roots Lawn Care. to make any such preferences, limi- Free estimates. Reasonable rates. tion, or discrimination based on race, 910-649-7971 cars, trucks, etc... Paying top $$ for Flowers Pridgen Dr. Whiteville. tation or discrimination. We will not Call 910 269-1177 color, religion, sex, handicap, familial Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 am-2 pm anything. 910-770-3131.* knowingly accept any advertising for status or national origin, or intention We need a dependable, caring in real estate which is in violation of the Professionally Managed by to make any such preferences, limi- dividual with NA experience to pro- Stewart’s Painting & Home law. All persons are hereby informed M & M Properties Repair. 25 years experience. Call tation or discrimination. We will not vide personal care and meal prep- that all dwellings advertised are avail- knowingly accept any advertising for 910-207-3169. able on an equal opportunity basis. To aration for an older couple in their real estate which is in violation of the complain of discrimination, call HUD law. All persons are hereby informed home in Brunswick. Hours 9a - 12p toll-free at 1-800-765-9372. 100 Pets & Animals M-F. Do not apply if not dependable that all dwellings advertised are avail- - with transportation to get to work. able on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD Call 910-840-6769 between 5:30 pm For sale - Dachshund pup- toll-free at 1-800-765-9372. Furnished 2nd floor, 1 br. pies. 2 males, 2 females. Call 910- - 7:30 pm. M-F for interview. 3 bedroom house in Whiteville. apt near Courthouse. $600/mo.; plus 840-1869. PREMIER LIVING & REHAB 3 BR, 1 bath home w/carport in electric. No pets. 642-2409 Whiteville. Deposit & references Please call nine10-four70-240zero. CENTER No text. Lake Waccamaw required. $650 mo. 910-640-2597 Full-Time Positions Available: 3 br, 2 ba house, James B White 3 bedroom, 1 bath brick home for rent. $700 mo. References and dep. Ray’s Used Furniture 2.5 miles Hwy N. Completely remodeled with LPNs - Days & Nights- 8 hr & 12 hr. garage. $120,000. 910-914-1384. required. Call 910-368-6652. 2 bedroom mobile Home for from 701 by BEMC, Hwy 130. Living shifts rent. Located in Eastover Park White- & dining rooms, bedrooms, tables, RNs - Days & Nights- 8 hr & 12 hr. 3 bedroom, 2 bath house for rent, ville. JL Powell. Call 642-4049. chairs, & more. We buy used furni- near Williams School. $750 rent. shifts 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara, ture & do estate sales! 9-6pm. 840- CNAs - Days, Evenings, Nights- 7.5 Good condition & good neighbor- 3 bedroom, 2 bath double- 5356 auto, 82K miles. Excellent con - hr. shifts dition. Clean Car Fax. $18,000. hood. Application, references, & $750 wide, Whitehall Road. Very nice. Shift differentials - nights & weekends Call 6450-7467. deposit required. No pets. Call 910- Partly furnished. No pets. $600 Full benefits package offered; Health, 234-9273. month, plus deposit. References 18 wheeler and dental, vision and supplemental insur- 205 Freight Liner required. Call after 6 pm. 840-6032. trailer. Good condition. Low miles. ances, Paid-Time Off, Holiday Pay, 735 Washington St, Whiteville. 910-654-5883 after 8 pm. 1776 sq ft, 3BR, 2 bath brick, stor - Horse quality Coastal Bermuda Nurse On-Call Pay. Hay. Round bales. Call 910-840-0887 age bldg, 2 carports, generator. Part-Time and PRN positions also $115,000. Call 910-642-5405 or 910-641-7832. available. Apartment for rent Hallsboro Competitive Pay Rates! 2 BR very spacious, CH/A J.L. Pow- Commercial Building for rent By Owner - 3 br, 2 full bath brick Apply in person to: 106 Cameron St., ell & Co., Inc. 642-4049. 40x90 Body Shop. 9 C.O. Moss Rd., Ranch house, Located on Nancy Lake Waccamaw or email resume to: Whiteville. $850 mo. 910-579-1996. St., Lake Waccamaw, over 1/2 acre. Apartment for rent Whiteville [email protected] One row Lillingston and Pitts- Attached carport. $140,000. Call 252- 2 BR very spacious, CH/A J.L. Pow- burg Cultivators. Ideal for gardening. 327-1122. ell & Co., Inc. 642-4049. Call 910-317-7128. SERVICES Home for Sale by owner, brick Available NOW - 1 & 2 bedroom CLASSIFIED DEADLINES apartment for rent in Whiteville. All 2000+ sq ft, 3 BR. 2 bath, large den. For Monday’s Paper - 2:00 p.m. Friday Great shape. Priced to sell!! Call 910- utilities included. Central heat/air. 230 Miscellaneous For Thursday’s Paper - 9:00 a.m. Wednesday 640-7192. Completely renovated. Very nice loca- REDUCED from $16,995 to tion. $850 & $950 per month. All appli- Call Wanda or Hanne $15,995 1995 Newmar Kountry ances. Some furniture if needed. Call 642-4104 Local Long Term established Star. 63,000 miles, washer/ Clint Grainger 910-234-4676. business for sale due to age of owner. dryer/ 1 slide out. Excellent con - Only serious inquiries call 910-234- dition. Call 910-499-5625 0883 between 1pm-4pm. SHORT Over 45 Yrs. Experience DIAMOND RING FOR SALE. Appraised at $3,000. Asking BROS. $1,500. Call 910-499-5625 **Watts Backhoe & Tree Service* LLC. Insured, tree removal, bucket RENT-A-CAR truck, top soil, fill dirt, marl for drive- way, land clearing, stump grinding. $ 95 Interior & Exterior • Commercial & Residential Free estimates. 640-2463 or mobile DAILY Pressure Washing • Drywall Repair • Window Cleaning 770-0534. 2005 Harley Super Glide, 19 $7,500, negotiable. 30,000 Hwy. 701, South of Whiteville miles. Never wrecked, Extra FREE Estimates Mobile: (910) 840-9924 Carpenter helper needed. clean, new tires. One owner. 642-4175 Call 654-5725 leave a message. 910-654-4440. www.johnsmithpaintingcontractor.com Housekeepers needed. 590 River Oaks Dr, Myrtle Bch. Must have FOREST GLEN reliable transportation. 843-492-2609. & FOREST EDGE mowing and landscaping for McQueen’s Nursery, part time. Call APARTMENTS 840-6756. 106 Forest Glen Drive Hiring CDL Drivers Tabor City, NC for Brunswick County Facility are now accepting Our beautiful apartment complex features on-site laundry applications for one, Ask for Joe McCarthy facilities, picnic area, playground, business center, on-site two, and three, bedroom 910-253-4177 or 1-800-814-4544 management and maintenance staff. Make sure to call or apartment homes. stop by today to find out about our move in specials and We are located at 106 our availability. Let us help you move into your new home! Propane Refills Forest Glen Drive and/ Now Under New Management or 125 Forest Edge Circle Covey Run Apartments OR to obtain an application. KENT PLACE APARTMENTS Income restrictions apply. 116 Tram Road • Whiteville, NC 910-640-1656 SAVE MORE Now Accepting Applications for For additional 20% information please call: 2 Bedroom Apartments Covey Run II Apartments From exchange prices Waiving Application Fees 910-640-2438 910-653-6010 Limited Rental Assistance • Certain Restrictions Apply or 910-653-2073. Office Hours are: Professionally managed by Water, Sewer and Trash Pick-Up included in Rent. Monday-Thursday 8:00am-3:00pm Excel Property Management, Inc. HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE • EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY 106 Quality Street, Whiteville 1004 Bullard Court, Suite 106 Raleigh, NC 27615 Call Today! 910-642-8891 *rental rates depend on availability; apartments are income to qualify EQUAL HOUSING 910-640-FAST (640-3278) OPPORTUNITY The News Reporter • Monday, March 26, 2018 • 5B

ADVERTISEMENT Sanford, NC 27330, Local Public Notice EXCEPTING 5 acres, more or less, and return the deposit. The purchaser CENTER OF A DITCH 165.00 FEET [email protected] described in a Deed dated 13 Octo- will have no further remedy. TO AN IRON PIPE IN THE EAST MAR- FOR BIDS Neither the Owner nor the Engineer for WENC(AM) ber, 1951 from John W. Blanks and Additional Notice for Residential GIN OF SAID STATE ROAD 1844, THE will be responsible for full or partial wife, Fannie E. Blanks to Ida Mae Property with Less than 15 rental POINT OF BEGINNING CONTAINING SEWER LINE AND LIFT STATION sets of Plans and Contract Docu- On March 8, 2018, an application Spaulding, registered in Book 191, units, including Single-Family Resi- .60 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. NC-DOT COLUMBUS COUNTY ments, including any Addenda, was tendered for filing with the Fed- Page 210, Columbus County Regis- dential Real Property BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CON- MAINTENANCE FACILITY obtained from any other sources. eral Communications Commission by try; and also EXCEPTING 1.6 acres, An order for possession of the prop- VEYED TO JAMES A. MCNEIL AND 1194 Prison Camp Road, Whiteville Only bids submitted in bid docu- DHA Communications, Inc., licensee more or less, described in a Deed erty may be issued pursuant to WIFE, LENA MCNEIL FROM IDELL NC 28472 ments obtained from the Engineer of Radio Station WENC(AM), White- dated 18 September, 1961 from John N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the CROMARTIE AND HUSBAND, WILLIE SCO Project No. 17-17776-01A will be accepted. ville, NC, requesting consent to the Blanks, widower to Sandra Spauld- purchaser and against the party or A. CROMARTIE BY DEED RECORD- SCOPE OF WORK: A pre-bid meeting will be held on assignment of the licenses of ing, single, registered in Book 223, parties in possession by the clerk of ED ON 03/12/1977 IN BOOK 314 AND Tuesday April 17, 2018, at 10:00 am, Installation of approximately 1,350 LF DHA Communications, Inc. to Godwin Page 381, Columbus County Registry. superior court of the county in which PAGE 435. BY FEE SIMPLE DEED at the PRE-BID MEETING LOCATION: of 4”, 6” and 8” gravity sewer mains, Communications, LLC. TRACT 2: Bounded on the south or the property is sold. FROM THE SAID LENA MCNEIL NCDOT Maintenance Facility in manholes with miscellaneous appur- Larry J. Ansell is the officer and stock- southwest by land described in Deed Any person who occupies the prop- HAVING CONVEYED HER INTEREST COLUMBUS COUNTY 1194 Prison tenances, abandonment of 6” sewer holder of DHA Communications, Inc. dated 20 October, 1964 from John erty pursuant to a rental agreement TO THE SAID JAMES A. MCNEIL , Camp Road, Whiteville, NC 28472. line, approximately 3,400 LF 4” force Jesse Lee Godwin is a member/man- Blanks, widower to Lula Beatrice B. entered into or renewed on or after DATED 04/01/2003 RECORDED ON Each proposal must be accompa- main and a Lift Station that includes ager and officer of Godwin Commu- Freeman, registered in Book 233, October 1, 2007, may after receiving nied by a certified check payable to 04/02/2003 IN BOOK 729, PAGE 607 two submersible pumps, precast nications, LLC and Ethel Godwin is Page 256, Columbus County Registry, the notice of foreclosure sale, termi- The North Carolina Department of IN COLUMBUS COUNTY RECORDS, wet well and precast valve vault. All a member of Godwin Communica- on the Northwest by lands of Henry nate the rental agreement by provid- Transportation, in an amount equal STATE OF NC. associated electrical, SCADA, pip- tions, LLC. to at least five (5) percent of his total L. Campbell, on the north by lands ing written notice of termination to Save and except any releases, deeds ing, valves, and site work. Sewer Radio Station WENC(AM) operates on aggregate bid. In lieu of a certified of Wilbur Moore (an old ditch being the landlord, to be effective on a date of release or prior conveyances of main materials to be PVC, and Duc- check, the bidder may submit a legal a frequency of 1220 MHz. the line), and on the east by the old stated in the notice that is at least 10 record. tile Iron Pipe. bid bond in the amount of five (5) per- A copy of the application, amend- Hallsboro and Elkton road. Said tract days but not more than 90 days, after Said property is commonly known Sealed proposals will be received cent of his total aggregate bid. ments and related materials is of land is more particularly described the sale date contained in this notice as 204 Oscar Blanks Road, Bolton, until 2:00 pm A performance bond and a separate available for public inspection in as follows: of sale, provided that the mortgagor NC 28423. DATE: Tuesday, May 1, 2018”“ payment bond will be required for WENC(AM)’s online public inspection Beginning at an iron stake, the north- has not cured the default at the time A cash deposit (no personal checks) LOCATION: NC-DOT, COLUMBUS one hundred percent (100%) of the file located at www.fcc.gov west corner of the tract described in the tenant provides the notice of ter- of five percent (5%) of the purchase COUNTY Maintenance Facility contract price. March 15, 19, 22, 26, 2018 said Deed in Book 233, page 256, mination. Upon termination of a rent- price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars Attention: Contractors bidding on this project Columbus County Registry, also al agreement, the tenant is liable for ($750.00), whichever is greater, will Mr. Drew Cox, PE are notified that Federal and North Notice of Henry L. Campbell’s corner; running rent due under the rental agreement be required at the time of the sale. 1194 Prison Camp Road Carolina state law and the regula- thence with the Campbell and Blanks prorated to the effective date of the Following the expiration of the statu- Whiteville, NC 28360, 910-642-7579 tions of various licensing boards will Foreclosure Sale line about Northeast 96 yards to the termination. tory upset bid period, all the remain- for the construction of:”“Sewer Line be observed in receiving and award- head of an old ditch; thence with the SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVIC- ing amounts are immediately due and and Lift Station at the ing contracts. Small, minority, and 17 SP 188 ditch, Wilbur Moore’s line, about East ES, INC. owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHAS- NCDOT COLUMBUS COUNTY Main- women’s businesses and labor sur- Under and by virtue of the power of 87 yards to the old Hallsboro and Elk- SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE ERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX tenance Facility plus area firms are encouraged to sale contained in a certain Deed of ton road; thence with said road about c/o Hutchens Law Firm AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR 1194 Prison Camp Road, Whiteville submit bid. Trust made by George D. Freeman South 67 yards to the northern line P.O. Box 1028 THEIR DEED. NC, 28472 Contractors are hereby notified that and Lula B. Freeman, (George Dally of said land described in said Deed 4317 Ramsey Street Said property to be offered pursuant SCO Project ID Number 17-17776- they must have proper license under Freeman aka George D. Freeman and in Book 233, Page 256, Columbus Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 to this Notice of Sale is being offered 01A at which time and place bids will the State laws governing their respec- Lula Beatrice B. Freeman aka Lula County Registry; thence with said line Phone No: (910) 864-3068 for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS be opened and read. tive trades and that North Carolina B. Freeman, Both Deceased) (Heirs of said tract described in said Deed https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com IS WHERE IS.” There are no repre- Complete digital plans and specifica- General Statute 87 will be observed of Lula Beatrice B. Freeman aka South 56 degrees West 174 yards Case No: 1227455 (FC.FAY) sentations of warranty relating to the tions for this project can be obtained in receiving and awarding contracts. Lula B. Freeman: Patricia A. Moore, to the Beginning; containing two (2) Mrch 19, 26, 2018 title or any physical, environmental, General Contractors must have gen- from: John H. Freeman, Frederick A. Free- acres, more or less. health or safety conditions existing in, eral license classification for Public Mr. Ken Bright, PE, man, Michael M. Freeman, George I. Together with improvements located on, at, or relating to the property being Utilities and Electrical Notice of [email protected] Freeman, Gregory D. Freeman and thereon; said property being located offered for sale. This sale is made No bid may be withdrawn after the 919-776-3444 Unknown Heirs of Lula Beatrice B. at 194 Farmers Union Road, Clarkton, Foreclosure Sale subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, opening of bids for a period of 30 Ken Bright Associates, PLLC Freeman aka Lula B. Freeman) (Greg- North Carolina. any unpaid land transfer taxes, spe- days. The Owner reserves the right to 2305 Carthage Street ory D. Freeman, Deceased) (Heirs of Said tract is a portion of a tract for- reject any or all bids and waive infor- 17 SP 136 cial assessments, easements, rights Sanford, NC 27330 merly owned by Fannie Blanks, malities. Bids shall be made only on Gregory D. Freeman: Unknown Heirs) NORTH CAROLINA of way, deeds of release, and any during normal office hours after daughter of Frances Moore, and is a the BID/ACCEPTANCE form provided (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Lula COLUMBUS COUNTY other encumbrances or exceptions of March 23, 2018 portion of the Mariah Moore dower herein with all blank spaces for bids Beatrice B. Freeman and George Under and by virtue of a Power of record. To the best of the knowledge Plan Deposit is $ 0.00 properly filled in and all signatures Dally Freeman) to BB&T Collateral Both Tract 1 Tract 2 above described Sale contained in that certain Deed and belief of the undersigned, the cur- Neither the Owner nor the Engineer properly executed. Service Corporation, Trustee(s), dated being the same property described of Trust executed by James A. McNeil rent owner(s) of the property is/are will be responsible for full or partial Please note on the envelope- Bid : the 21st day of February, 2013, and in a Deed dated ______May 1988 to Joyce Koleno, Trustee(s), which All Lawful Heirs of James A. McNeil. sets of Plans and Contract Docu- Attn: Mr. Drew Cox, PE recorded in Book RB 1053, Page 20, from Lula Beatrice B. Freeman to Lula was dated April 4, 2008 and record- An Order for possession of the prop- ments, including any Addenda, The North Carolina Department of in Columbus County Registry, North Beatrice B. Freeman and husband, ed on April 8, 2008 in Book RB 926 erty may be issued pursuant to G.S. obtained from any other sources. Transportation Carolina, default having been made George Dally Freeman, recorded 27 at Page 265, Columbus County Reg- 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and Only bids submitted in bid docu- PROJECT LOCATION: in the payment of the note thereby May, 1988 in Book 393 at Page 77, istry, North Carolina. against the party or parties in posses- ments obtained from the Engineer BLADEN COUNTY-WHITE LAKE secured by the said Deed of Trust and Columbus County Registry. Default having been made of the note sion by the clerk of superior court of will be accepted. SEWER PROJECT the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole dis- thereby secured by the said Deed of the county in which the property is The state reserves the unqualified 5749 US-701 White Lake, N.C. 28337 Services, Inc. having been substituted cretion, delay the sale for up to one Trust and the undersigned, Trustee sold. Any person who occupies the right to reject any and all proposals. NCDOT PROJ. No.:12993 as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23. Services of Carolina, LLC, having property pursuant to a rental agree- March 26, 2018 SCO ID# 16-12993-01A instrument duly recorded in the Office Should the property be purchased by been substituted as Trustee in said ment entered into or renewed on Bid Date, Tuesday May 1, 2018 of the Register of Deeds of Columbus a third party, that party must pay the Deed of Trust, and the holder of the or after October 1, 2007, may, after ADVERTISEMENT (Contractor Name) County, North Carolina and the holder excise tax, as well as the court costs note evidencing said default having receiving the notice of sale, termi- FOR BIDS (License Number) of the note evidencing said indebted- of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One directed that the Deed of Trust be nate the rental agreement by provid- March 26, 2018 ness having directed that the Deed of Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required foreclosed, the undersigned Substi- ing written notice of termination to FOR Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned by NCGS §7A-308(a)(1). tute Trustee will offer for sale at the the landlord, to be effective on a date City of Whiteville Substitute Trustee will offer for sale The property to be offered pursuant to courthouse door of the county court- stated in the notice that is at least 10 The North Carolina Department of Planning & at the courthouse door in the City of this notice of sale is being offered for house where the property is located, days, but no more than 90 days, after Transportation Whiteville, Columbus County, North sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, or the usual and customary location at the sale date contained in the notice NCDOT BLADEN COUNTY Mainte- Zoning Board Carolina, or the customary location WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the county courthouse for conducting of sale, provided that the mortgagor nance Facility Meeting Date designated for foreclosure sales, at the holder of the note secured by the the sale on April 10, 2018 at 11:00AM, has not cured the default at the time 5749 US-701, White Lake, N.C. 1:30 PM on April 3, 2018 and will sell deed of trust/security agreement, or and will sell to the highest bidder for the tenant provides the notice of ter- 28337 Change to the highest bidder for cash the both, being foreclosed, nor the offi- cash the following described property mination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. NCDOT PROJ. No.:12993 following real estate situated in the cers, directors, attorneys, employees, situated in Columbus County, North Upon termination of a rental agree- SCO ID# 16-12993-01A The April meeting of the Whiteville County of Columbus, North Carolina, agents or authorized representative of Carolina, to wit: ment, the tenant is liable for rent due Planning Board has been changed and being more particularly described either the Trustee or the holder of the THAT REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN under the rental agreement prorat- SCOPE OF WORK to Monday, as follows: note make any representation or war- RANSOM TOWNSHIP, COLUMBUS ed to the effective date of the ter- Installation of approximately 635 LF April 9th at 12:30 pm at City Hall due TRACT 1: In Welches Creek Town- ranty relating to the title or any physi- COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, BEING mination. of 4” and 6” sewer mains, manholes to the Easter Holiday. ship; being Lot Number Five in the cal, environmental, health or safety MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED f the trustee is unable to convey title with miscellaneous appurtenances, For more information contact: division of the Dower of Mariah conditions existing in, on, at or relat- AS FOLLOWS: BOUNDED ON THE to this property for any reason, the approximately 900 LF 3” force main Robert Lewis, III Moore, widow of Benjamin Spauld- ing to the property being offered for WEST BY STATE ROAD 1844 AND sole remedy of the purchaser is the and a Lift Station that includes two Planning Director ing, deceased; Beginning at a stake sale, and any and all responsibilities ON THE NORTH, EAST AND SOUTH return of the deposit. Reasons of submersible pumps, precast wet well 910-640-1380 and pine pointers in the old line, the or liabilities arising out of or in any BY WILLIE A. CROMARTIE AND WIFE such inability to convey include, but and precast valve vault, all piping, March 26, 2018 fourth corner of Lot Number Four and way relating to any such condition IDELL CROMARTIE AND BEING are not limited to, the filing of a bank- valves, and electrical. Sewer main runs with line of Lot Number Four expressly are disclaimed. Also, this MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED ruptcy petition prior to the confirma- materials to be PVC. Lake Waccamaw North 57 degrees West 22.20 chains property is being sold subject to all AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN tion of the sale and reinstatement of PROJECT LOCATION: NCDOT BLAD- to a stake and pine pointers, the third taxes, special assessments, and prior IRON PIPE IN A DITCH IN THE EAST the loan without the knowledge of the EN COUNTY Maintenance Facility Board Of corner of Lot Number Four; thence liens or prior encumbrances of record MARGIN OF STATE ROAD 1844 trustee. If the validity of the sale is 5749 US Hwy 701, White Lake, NC Commissions North 65 degrees East 8.95 chains and any recorded releases. Said SAID POINT OF BEGINNING BEING challenged by any party, the trustee, 28337 to a stake in the line of Lot Number property is also being sold subject LOCATED NORTH 77 DEGREES 35 in their sole discretion, if they believe NOTICE TO BIDDERS Notice Of Special Seven; thence South 58 degrees East to applicable Federal and State laws. MINUTES WEST 30 FEET FROM the challenge to have merit, may SUBMIT BIDS AND BID OPENING AT Called Meeting 4.45 chains to a stake and two pine A deposit of five percent (5%) of the A NAIL IN THE CENTER LINE OF request the court to declare the sale THIS LOCATION: pointers in the old line; thence with purchase price, or seven hundred fifty SAID ROAD AND SAID NAIL BEING to be void and return the deposit. The Sealed bid for this work will be For Immediate the old line South 15 degrees West dollars ($750.00), whichever is great- FURTHER LOCATED ON A TIE LINE purchaser will have no further remedy. received by: Release 5.70 chains to a stake and pointers er, is required and must be tendered NORTH 18 DEGREES 07 MINUTES Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Mr. Drew Cox, PE The Lake Waccamaw Board of Com- on old corner; thence with the old in the form of certified funds at the EAST 910 FEET FROM THE NORTH Substitute Trustee North Carolina Department of Trans- missioners will conduct a special line South 23 1/2 degrees East 14.42 time of the sale. INTERSECTION OF STATE ROAD Brock & Scott, PLLC portation called meeting on Wednesday, March chains to a stake in B.N. Spaulding’s If the trustee is unable to convey title 1844 AND U.S. HIGHWAY 74-76; Attorneys for Trustee Services of Car- COLUMBUS COUNTY MAINTE- 28, 2018 for the purpose of discuss- field, an old corner; thence with the to this property for any reason, the AND RUNS THENCE WITH THE olina, LLC NANCE FACILITY ing the budget/PARTF grant award old line South 65 degrees West 6.60 sole remedy of the purchaser is the EAST MARGIN OF STATE ROAD 1844 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 1194 Prison Camp Road, Whiteville for Elizabeth Brinkley Park Improve- chains to the Beginning Corner, con- return of the deposit. Reasons of such NORTH 18 DEGREES 07 MINUTES Wilmington, NC 28403 NC 28472 ments. The meeting will be held at taining sixteen (16) acres. inability to convey include, but are not EAST 179.00 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE; PHONE: (910) 392-4988 Phone: (910) 642-3760 up to 2:00 PM, the Lake Waccamaw Town Hall at Being same land described in a Deed limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy THENCE SOUTH 61 DEGREES 00 FAX: (910) 392-8587 on Tuesday May 1, 2018 and immedi- 6:00 p.m. The public is encouraged dated 19 November, 1934 from W.F. petition prior to the confirmation of MINUTES EAST AND ALONG THE File No.: 17-09959-FC01 ately thereafter publicly opened and to attend. Kelsey and other to John Blanks, the sale and reinstatement of the loan CENTER OF A DITCH 185.1 FEET TO March 26, April 2, 2018 read aloud. Complete digital project Mayor Daniel Hilburn registered in Book 138, Page 403, without the knowledge of the trustee. AN IRON PIPE; THENCE SOUTH 26 bidding documents can be obtained Town of Lake Waccamaw Columbus County Registry, and If the validity of the sale is challenged DEGREES 04 MINUTES WEST AND from the engineer Plan Deposit is 205 Flemington Drive including but not limited to, the one by any party, the trustee, in their sole CONTINUING WITH THE CENTER $ 0.00 Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 acre exception therein discussed discretion, if they believe the chal- OF A DITCH 129.0 FEET TO AN IRON Ken W. Bright, PE 910-646-3700 as well as all other lands within the lenge to have merit, may request the PIPE; THENCE NORTH 77 DEGREES court to declare the sale to be void nrcolumbus.com Ken Bright Associates, PLLC March 26, 2018. boundaries of the 16 acre (more or 35 MINUTES WEST AND WITH THE 2305 Carthage Street less) tract first above described. GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? DENTAL Insurance Do the humane thing. Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

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All persons indebted to said estate March 26, April 5, 9, 19, 23, May 3, NOTICE is hereby given that the feet; thence West 35 feet to James or liabilities arising out of or in any will please make immediate payment. 7, 2018. COUNTY OF COLUMBUS and the Ward’s corner; thence North 131 way relating to any such condition This the 21st day of March, 2018. CITY OF WHITEVILLE as bodies pol- feet to James Ward’s Northwest cor- expressly are disclaimed. Sheryl Stanley VEGETATIVE itic incorporate of the State of North ner; thence East to the beginning. Also, this property is being sold free Notice of Sale 3323 Valley Grove Road Carolina, are exercising their power This being a part of lots #9 and 10 of and clear of all taxes, special assess- Charlotte, NC 28227 DEBRIS REMOVAL and authority to assess, levy and col- McCaskill Place, Block #2 as per plt ments, prior liens or encumbrances of Self Storage of Whiteville, will hold a ADMINISTRATRIX of the Estate of lect taxes against real and personal recorded in office of the Register of record against said property except public sale to dispose of various items BID Ernestine Farmer Stanley Williams property located within their bound- Deeds of Columbus County. Being as may have priority under Federal of personal property, pursuant to the March 26, April 2,9,16, 2018 ANNOUNCEMENT aries in accordance with the laws of a portion of the land conveyed by or State Law, if any. assertion of a lien for rental at Self the State of North Carolina and the James H. Ward to Clyde Ward, his A cash deposit of 20% of the pur- Storage of Whiteville facility. Items Public Notice The Columbus Soil and Water Con- Default Judgment and Order of Sale wife, by deed dated May 22, 1936, chase price, or $750 whichever is will be sold individually and in bulk. servation District will receive bids entered on the 9th day of February, and recorded in Book 138, Page 509, greater, will be required at the time of Sale will be conducted at Self Stor- until Friday, April 20, 2018 for debris 2018 and is foreclosing on the follow- in the office of the Register of Deeds the sale with the balance remaining The individuals with Disabilities Edu- age facility located at: removal on the following projects; ing land of MONCHE V. SIMMONS in of Columbus County. due to be paid in full by cash or cer- cation Act (IDEA-Part B, Public Law 2525 James B White Hwy, 701 N Cove Canal- Section 1 order to satisfy the properly assessed See Book 483, Page 430 Columbus tified funds at the Office of the Com- Whiteville, NC 108.446) Project is presently being Lumber River- Section 2 but unpaid taxes upon certain lands. County Registry. missioner within three (3) days after Date of Sale: March 31st, 2018 amended. The Project describes Lumber River- Section 3 Pursuant to the Judgment entered The property to be offered pursuant to the entry of the Judgment of Confir- Time of Sale: 9:00 AM the special education programs that These bid packets are posted on our on the 9th day of February, 2018, this Notice of Sale is being offered for mation by the Clerk of Court. Items to be sold: Personal belongings Columbus County Schools proposes website at; http://columbusco.org/ William E. Wood has been appoint- sale, transfer and conveyance: “AS Hearing before the Honorable Amy W. and furnishing belonging to: for Federal funding for the 2018-2019 Departments/SoilConservation.aspx ed Commissioner with the author- IS, WHERE IS”. Neither the Commis- Pridgen, Assistant Clerk of Superior 08 Ronald McKoy School Year. Interested persons are For more information, contact the Dis- ity to sell the following land at the sioner nor the County of Columbus, Court for Columbus County, North 102 Patricia Robinson Courthouse Door, Columbus County nor the officers, directors, attorneys, Carolina was held in connection with encouraged to review amendments trict office at 45B Government Com- 130 William Dean Jackson Courthouse in the City of Whiteville, employees, agents or authorized rep- this foreclosure on the 9th day of Feb- to the Project and make comments plex Road, Whiteville, NC or call 910- 16 Dominique Nealey 642-2196 Extension 3. Columbus County, North Carolina at resentatives of either the Commis- ruary, 2018 at which time Clerk Amy concerning the implementation of 17 William Robinson March 26, 29, April 2, 5, 2018 12:00 o’clock noon on the 10th day of sioner or the County of Columbus W. Pridgen authorized this foreclosure 33 Frank Pittman special education under this Federal April, 2018 and will sell to the highest make any representation of warranty sale as required by statute. 53 Sequanna Moore Program. All comments will be con- Notice of Tax bidder for cash all interest in the fol- relating to the title or any physical, This the 15th day of March, 2018. 55 Fredrick Rose sidered prior to submission of the lowing described real estate: environmental, health or safety con- WILLIAM E WOOD 56 Stephanie Cartrette Waley amended Project to the North Caro- Foreclosure Sale That certain lot or parcel of land situ- ditions existing in, on, at, or relat- COMMISSIONER 59 Sue Miller lina Department of Public Instruction ated in Whiteville Township, Colum- ing to the property being offered for 100 COURTHOUSE SQUARE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA 60 Joseph Gore in Raleigh, North Carolina. The IDEA- bus County, North Carolina and more sale, and any and all responsibilities WHITEVILLE, NC 28472 99 Gordon Mattingly COUNTY OF COLUMBUS particularly described as follows: Part-B Project is open to the public for 132 Anthony Butler IN THE GENERAL COURT OF Beginning at the northwest corner of review and comments during March Self Storage of Whiteville JUSTICE Joe Batey’s lot and runs South 131 March 22, 26, 29, 2018 19th, 2018 thru May 14, 2018 in the DISTRICT COURT DIVISION office of Jesse E. Beck, II, Director FILE NO. 17 CV 512 Notice of Sale of Special Education for Columbus COUNTY OF COLUMBUS and CITY OF WHITEVILLE, J. Lionel Todd Investments, Inc. Suc- County Schools located at 817 Wash- Plaintiffs cessor to The Storage Place, PO Box ington Street, Whiteville, NC 28472. Vs. MONCHE V. SIMMONS, 441, Whiteville, NC 28472, will hold Defendant a public sale to dispose of various items of personal property, pursuant to the assertion of a lien for rental at its storage facility. The support you need to fi nd quality The Sale will be conducted at the following Storage Facility locations: The Storage Place SENIOR LIVING SOLUTIONS 325 Strawberry Blvd. A Place for Mom has helped over one million families fi nd Chadbourn, NC 28431 senior living solutions that meet their unique needs. The Storage Place 210 7th Ave. Chadbourn, NC 28431 The Storage Place There’s no cost to you! 213 E. Main St. Whiteville, NC 28472 CALL (855) 399-9881 DATE OF SALE: April 7, 2018 ! We’re paid by our partner communities TIME OF SALE: 325 Strawberry Blvd.: 10:00 am 210 7th Ave. Immediately following NORTH # AMERICA’S Strawberry Blvd. Sale 1 Selling Walk-In Tub 213 E. Main St. Whiteville Immediately Presenting the all new following 7th Ave sale. Safe Step Walk-In Tub Unit #207 Tawana Willis featuring MicroSoothe.® Unit #208 Daniel Diehl It oxygenates, softens and Unit #209 Stephanie Jordan exfoliates skin, turning Unit #210 Marcus Blue your bath into a spa-like Unit # 214 Candace Duncan experience. Unit # 215 Kimberly Williams Unit #318 Vira Prince $1500 OFF when you mention this ad. Unit #W1 Denise Davis Call Today Unit #W7 Shelbia Wiley Toll-Free 1-800-807-7219 CSLB 983603 F13000002885 13HV08744300 Unit #W8 George Coleman Posted this the 16th day of March 2018. Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications? J. LIONEL TODD INVESTMENTS, Their Price You can save up to 97% when you fi ll your prescriptions with our Canadian and International prescription service. INC.(successor to The Storage Place) CrestorTM By: HENRIETTA TODD $914.18 Get An Extra $15 Off & Free March 26, April 2, 2018. Typical US Brand Price Shipping On Your 1st Order! for 40mg x 100 Call the number below and save an additional $15 plus get free shipping on your fi rst prescription order with Canada Drug Center. Notice Our Price Expires June 30, 2018. Offer is valid for prescription orders only and The Columbus County Board of Rosuvastatin* can not be used in conjunction with any other offers. Valid for new Equalization and Review will meet $ customers only. One time use per household. Use code 15FREE to the dates and hours indicated below: 148 receive this special offer. Generic equivalent of CrestorTM Monday, April 2, 2018 Time: 9:30 Generic price for for 40mg x 100 Call toll-free: 844-308-8364 am-12:00 Noon The meeting will be Please note that we do not carry controlled substances and a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication orders. held in the Columbus County Admin- Use of these services is subject to the Terms of Use and accompanying policies at www.canadadrugcenter.com. reclaim your weekend | visitnc.com/parks istrative Bldg. 111 Washington St., Whiteville, NC for the purpose of equalizing the valuation of all proper- ty in the County of Columbus, to the end that such property shall be list- ed on the tax records at the valuation required by law. Anyone requesting the appearance before the Board of Equalization and Review may obtain request forms from the Columbus County Tax Office, 125A Washington St., Whiteville, NC or by calling 910- 640-6635. The Board of Equalization and Review will adjourn on April 15, 2018 and in the event of earlier or later adjournment, notice to that effect will be published in this newspapers. Needom G. Hughes, IV Tax Adminis- trator ***This information can be found NCGS 105-322 (Machinery Act) March 26, 29, 2018

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA How to Play COUNTY OF COLUMBUS Prizes! Correctly count the easter eggs hidden The undersigned, Donna Faye God- • 1st Winner: Family in the classifieds section of The News win, has qualified as Administratrix of Mini Photo Session the Estate of Delilah Odessa Hamp- Reporter between Thursday, March 1, 2018 ton Burney deceased, late of Colum- - Thursday, March 29, 2018. by Photorad bus County, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons having claims TWO WAYS TO ENTER Photography against the estate of said decedent 1. Paper Entry: Fill out the entry form with to present them to the undersigned your egg count included in the March 29th • 2nd Winner: within three (3) months from the date publication of The News Reporter in the The Ultimate of the first publication, or this notice classified section. Return the completed Easter Basket will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. form by mail or in person (or in the mail All persons indebted to said estate slot) to The News Reporter, 127 W. Colum- • 3rd Winner: will please make immediate payment. bus St., Whiteville, NC 28472, no later than This the 22st day of March, 2018. midnight Tuesday, April 3, 2018. Spring fern from Donna Faye Godwin 722 Alexwood Dr. Ray’s Produce 2. Online Entry: Enter the contest online at Hope Mill, NC 28348 nrcolumbus.com/contests or online at ADMINISTRATRIX of the Estate of http://newsreporter.secondstreetapp. Delilah Odessa Hampton Burney March 26, April 2,9,16, 2018 com/2018-Easter-Egg-Contest/. Make Your Ad Register and submit your egg count online NOTICE TO CREDITORS no later than midnight Tuesday, April 3, Stand Out! STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA 2018. COUNTY OF COLUMBUS Take advantage of the The undersigned, Sheryl Stanley Pel- A random drawing for the three winners will be Egg Hunt and lom, has qualified as Administratrix of held on Wednesday, April 4th from all entrants who match the correct “overall” total of hidden get more attention. the Estate of Earnestine Farmer Stan- easter eggs. ley Williams, deceased, late of Colum- Place an egg in your classified ad! bus County, the undersigned hereby *Only count eggs hidden in the classified ads. Call Wanda or Hanne notifies all persons having claims Eggs found in The News Reporter ads promoting against the estate of said decedent the contest do not count. at 910.642.4104 to present them to the undersigned within three (3) months from the date of the first publication, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. The News Reporter | nrcolumbus.com/contests