Fair Bluff Chamber hears about economic development, recognizes several citizens for service at annual banquet

By Allen Turner, The News Reporter

The Greater Fair Bluff Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet Thursday night, the fourth since the town suffered from flooding following hurricanes Matthew and Florence in 2016 and 2018 that have left the business district a commercial desert but failed to kill the chamber, which is in at least its fourth decade of  promoting the community and its businesses.

In addition to recognizing several citizens for special service, the chamber heard a report on economic development news in Columbus County and installed new queens to represent the town in the coming year.

Columbus County Economic Development Director Dr. Gary Lanier and Columbus Jobs Foundation President Les High were the featured speakers.

Columbus Economic Developer Gary Lanier, center, and Les High, left, of the Columbus Jobs Foundation are featured speakers at Thursday’s Greater Fair Bluff Chamber of Commerce banquet. Chamber president Kathy Ashley is seen on the right.

Lanier talked about positive economic indicators in the county, such as 286 more people being employed here currently than in 2018 and the unemployment rate dropping from 5 percent to 4.6 percent during the same time period. However, the county’s population has declined by 1,674 over the last eight years, from 58,098 in 2010 to an estimated 56,424 in 2018. A small portion of that loss can be attributed to the fact there were 661 deaths in the county but only 566 births.

The economic developer, who had been plant manager at Penn Ventilator but chose to remain in Columbus County when the company moved years ago, said that while Columbus County’s unemployment rate of 4.6 percent in December 2019 was much better than its record high of 15.1 percent in January 2010 and almost as good as its record 4.4 percent rate in April of 2018, the county is competing for new manufacturers and other employers against places like Wake County, which has a current unemployment rate of 2.7 percent and Mecklenburg, with a rate of 3.1 percent.

“Although we’ve got 1,031 people in Columbus County who are available to go to work right now,” Lanier said, “Wake County has 16,970 available employees and Mecklenburg has 19,432. If you were a CEO looking at putting a new facility that would employ 500 people, you’d look more favorably at a place that had 32 potential employees available for every position  than you would with a place like us with just two potential employees available for every position.”

Lanier said his office has been actively recruiting agriculture-related businesses and tech sector industries.

Both Lanier and Jobs Foundation President High said that Columbus County came “just this close” to getting an Atlanta-based IT company to locate a 130-person expansion here last year that would have paid annual wages averaging $38,000, but that South Carolina gained the facility because the state was able to provide economic incentives that North Carolina does not.

Lanier praised the Columbus County commissioners. “Every time I’ve gone to them asking for their support in recruiting a company, I have been told, ‘You do whatever it takes,’ and that’s what we’ve done. This computer software company came down to us and South Carolina and we didn’t lose that because of anything we’ve done or didn’t do at the local level. They were extremely impressed with us at the local level, but our state level incentives versus South Carolina are lacking.”

“We threw the kitchen sink at them, we offered them everything we had to offer, but we lost out.”

High said that the Jobs Foundation is a voluntary, private non-government team with a 24-member board of directors that works with Lanier’s government office for economic development in Columbus County. “What has surprised me,” said High, “is how often Columbus County has had some pretty big chances and makes it to the final three,  six or seven locations. We’re close and getting closer. We’ll start to pick up some wins.”

Les High, president of the Columbus Jobs Foundation, addresses members of the Fair Bluff Chamber of Commerce.

For instance, High said Columbus Jobs Foundation board members were meeting Friday with a group of investors who are looking to build a 100,000-sq. ft. facility in the industrial park. “We’re among their final three choices  so we’re going to work very hard to bring them to Columbus County,” he said.

He touted the Foundation’s revolving loan fund, which has helped Shizzy’s Wild Cat Rescue under construction in Fair Bluff, among others. “That’s a nontraditional business loan, but Shizzy’s has an opportunity to make a difference in Fair Bluff and I think it’ll be a real attraction, particularly if we can pair it with the state park. He will perhaps have some animals here in the next year.”

High added, “Again, that’s a nontraditional type business, but our board made it a point after Fair Bluff went through Matthew and Florence that, if we could direct money to Fair Bluff, we were going to do so.”

The Jobs Foundation has five goals this year, High said. An entrepreneurial center is planned for downtown Whiteville. The Foundation also wants to establish a workspace there where people who work from home can use the center. “Instead of just being at home all day and not seeing anybody, they can work at the center and interact with other people and entrepreneurs. They can live in a great, small town like those we have but work for a company in California and make a really good living doing it.”

John Scott receives the community service award from Carol Williams.

High said the Foundation sees housing as a big opportunity as beach populations begin to come closer but said the area has to be amenable to change. Bobby Harrelson, a native of a Green Sea, S.C., who spoke at the Columbus Jobs Foundation annual meeting and has been a major player in economic development in Brunswick County, told the group, “If it weren’t for Yankees, I’d still be picking cotton. You have to embrace change.”

Having clean communities, thriving downtowns and sewer service are critical. “We do have sewer in Columbus County into Old Dock, Pireway, and Nakina and we hope to build capacity in other areas,” High said.

He added, “Housing growth means we can create small business jobs like landscapers, plumbers, electricians and others. Those are not jobs that will just go away. In addition to creating jobs, housing developments will increase our population and add to the tax base.”

Jeff Prince, left, owner of Fair Bluff Auto, receives the “Business of the Year” award from Gene Martin as Chamber President Kathy Ashley, center, looks on.

Natural resources provide non-traditional routes for economic development that fit into the Foundation’s goals, High said, especially the Lumber River and Lake Waccamaw state parks.

“Fair Bluff is a priority of ours. We all know that retail was struggling here even before the storms and we know the downtown will probably have to be torn down. That’s a shame, but at least the town has a clear vision for the future.”

High compared Fair Bluff to Damascus, Va., a town that repurposed its vision and has grown since the loss of textile industries made it a ghost town. Damascus is home to the Virginia Creeper trail, a bikeway that utilizes a former railroad bed running 20 miles from atop a nearby mountain. Hundreds of people ride the Virginia Creeper every week. The scenery is stunning and cyclist rarely have to pedal. “Damascus is now a major tourist destination. T’he town is full of bread and breakfasts, outfitters, restaurants and shops all because its citizens had a nontraditional vision for the future and embraced change.”

“What if Fair Bluff partnered with Lumberton and Conway and created a terrific blue trail that people come to every weekend?  If you dream big, I think it can.”

The fifth goal is the continuing to recruit the tech company that Lanier mentioned.  “This would have been a game-changer. When we saw this opportunity, we flew eight people to Alabama on short notice. It would have affected every corner of Columbus County because our kids could get good jobs right here at home. We threw the kitchen sink at those folks and, even though we didn’t win the day, you would be pleased at how the county commissioners, both school systems, the City of Whiteville – everybody who had some role in this – really came together and put forth the best package we could. It was heartbreaking to me but it’s an opportunity. We continue to maintain contact with that company. They’re going to expand again and, when they do, we’re going to try to make sure they come to Columbus County.”

Phyllis Elvington, left, who has led the Fair Bluff Baptist Church in the absence of a pastor for at least 18 months, receives this year’s special appreciation award from Gene Martin as Chamber President Kathy Ashley, center, looks on.

High noted the positive economic indicators for the county in the past year, such as a major expansion at Black’s Tire. He mentioned Carolina Botanicals in Tabor City and touted the $20 million investment BB&T will make under its new corporate name, Truist Bank. Five hundred employees will work at the center.

“That we have decided to rebuild our schools, despite population loss, is a big win. We’re putting $75 million of our own money into rebuilding our schools and building them better,” High said. ‘When we bring clients here and show them what we’re doing in education, you can imagine what a big difference that makes because a trained workforce is probably the most important thing they’re looking for. And that’s not bond money or grant money. That’s money that Columbus County citizens have chosen to spend on their schools. That commitment shows to potential investors.”

High also said that Columbus Regional Healthcare struggled after the two hurricanes but has a robotic surgical center, a wound care center, cancer and an orthopedic surgery center that draw people from miles around. “Their robotic center trains people from larger hospitals,” he said. “Thank goodness, the hospital has turned things around, because saving the 600 jobs they bring to the county is so incredibly important.”

High said 2019 was a better year than many people had thought it would be and that he sees positive things happening in the future. “It’s a two-pronged approach. We’re hitting the traditional and the nontraditional on every front. If we can keep this momentum going, and we do have momentum, then we’re going to have very successful years ahead. I think our best years are ahead of us.”

Several people were recognized by the Chamber with special awards.

Carol Williams, left, was scheduled to get a special appreciation award at last year’s Fair Bluff Chamber of Commerce banquet but illness prevented her attendance. Gene Martin makes the presentation Thursday night. Williams, long active in church and civic work, probably is best known as being the force behind the successful Building Bridges Afterschool Learning Program that was established several years ago. Chamber of Commerce President Kathy Ashley is pictured in the center.

John Scott, a Fair Bluff native who moved up north for his working career but returned home to retire several decades ago, received the “Community Service” award.  “Ever since he came back home, he has demonstrated that he believes in doing for others,” Martin said. “He’s very sincere and helpful and, if he tells you he’s going to do something, you can take it to the bank. He’s been the handyman to this community and if he doesn’t see a friend or neighbor every day or so, he calls and checks on them. He’s been active in Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years, including service as an usher.”

Instead of a single “Citizen of the Year,” the chamber chose to honor a married couple, Brice “Buddy” and Carolyn Elvington. “They are givers and they give from the heart,” said Chamber Director Rev. Neill Smith. “That comes because they know they are blessed people and a town no matter its size needs a bunch of Mr. Buddys and Miss Carolyns. People like them make a town click as they serve others with a smile on their face.”

Jeff Prince, owner of Fair Bluff Auto, was presented the “Business of the Year” honor after having lost not one, but two, businesses in two different floods and coming back to reopen both times. “We thank him for his enduring partnership and tremendous support of the town, which has been demonstrated by his dedication and service,” said Chamber President Kathy Ashley.

Making a Difference

A “Making a Difference” Award was supposed to have been given at last year’s dinner but, because the recipient was ill, the chamber held over the presentation until this year’s dinner. Carol Williams is very active in civic and church affairs and is perhaps best known as the driving force behind the Building Bridges Afterschool Learning Program, which has been in successful operation for several years. “She has worked with many children and has made and is making a huge difference for the good in our town,” said Ashley. “She makes a difference every day.”

Chamber President Kathy Ashley presents a check for a donation to the Fair Bluff Depot Museum to Dr. Ray Thigpen, president of the Fair Bluff Historical Society.

Ashley also recognized Phyllis Elvington with a special presentation award for her “faithful, dedicated service and labor of love to the Fair Bluff Baptist Church.” Elvington and her husband, Charles, moved to Fair Bluff before the first flood and since have been flooded out of their home twice but have remained and contributed to the community. Most recently, Elvington has led the Baptist church while it is without a pastor. “She brought the church back to life and she has given us the will to go on,” said Ashley.

Ashley also presented a check to the Fair Bluff Historical Society for the Depot Museum in memory of Betty Willis, who died last month. Accepting on behalf of the society was its president, Fair Bluff native Dr. Ray Thigpen, who exhorted attendees to join the Historical Society as it prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary. He said that he, David Small and Dr. Dan Strickland are already planning anniversary events which will occur during the next Watermelon Festival. In addition, he and Small are authoring a book on the history of Fair Bluff that will be released at about the same time.

New royalty to represent the town at festivals and other events for the coming year were installed during the Fair Bluff Chamber of Commerce banquet Thursday night. Leah Redwine was crowned Fair Bluff Queen and Katherine Edwards was crowned Princess, succeeding outgoing Queen Jada Faison and Princess Kellyn Jarvis. Pictured, from left, are Jarvis, Edwards, Redwine and Faison.

The town’s unofficial royalty, Queen Jada Faison and Princess Kellyn Jarvis also relinquished their crowns during the dinner to new Queen Leah Redwine and Princess Katherine Edwards, who will represent the town at festivals and other events throughout the state in the coming year.

Company seeks rezoning that would allow second asphalt plant on Georgia Pacific Rd.

By The News Reporter

The Columbus County Planning Board Tuesday night received, but took no action on, an application for rezoning a parcel of land at 2085 Georgia Pacific Rd. to allow construction of an asphalt plant. If the rezoning eventually is approved, it would mark the second time in two years that land has been rezoned for an asphalt plant in the same general area, and several nearby property owners voiced opposition during the public comments portion of Tuesday’s meeting.

The planning board will make findings at its March 25 meeting about whether the rezoning would be consistent with the county’s land use plan, whether it would be reasonable and whether it would be in the public interest. The board will forward the recommendations to the county commissioners, who will have final say on whether the property is rezoned.

Lumberton-based TACA Equipment Company wants its 15.18-acre parcel rezoned from general use to heavy industrial, which would permit an asphalt plant. Company Vice President Charlie Andrews said in a letter to County Planner Samantha Alsup, “We have plans for future growth which includes installation of a railroad spur and possibility (sic) of the construction of a ready-mix concrete plant or asphalt plant. TACA is requesting the same opportunities that exist across and down the street that others already have. This location was picked due to the railroad (R.J. Corman) being in our front yard.”

Andrews’ mention of the  “same opportunities” enjoyed by others referred to the fact that in mid-2018, county commissioners in a 4-3 split vote rezoned property owned by Dial and Betty Gray to allow Barnhill Construction to build an asphalt plant, despite hearing from several residents of the community who opposed that zoning change. The TACA property and the proposed Barnhill asphalt plant, which is not yet in operation, are in close proximity to each other.

The planning board’s findings next month on the TACA request eventually will end up before the county commissioners, who would have to hold a public hearing on the matter before taking any action.

In other action Tuesday, the planning board voted unanimously to recommend to the board of adjustment that two special use permits (SUPs) be granted. The board of adjustment will consider those requests at their March 17 meeting.

Cox Composting is seeking an SUP that would allow composting on an 80-acre at 1176 Shug Norris Rd., Tabor City. The current use of the property is agricultural.  Jonathan Kyle Cox made application for the SUP, in which he said granting of the request would not result in any unpleasant odors, heavy traffic or contaminate any soil or air. The area is not located in a flood plain. He also said composting on the site will not injure the values of adjoining land.

The planning board also recommended the modification of another SUP for Trojan Solar on property owned by Kenneth and Tilda Myers at 26481 E. Andrew Jackson Hwy in Delco. The board of adjustments previously approved an SUP for a solar farm encompassing the entire 46.9-acre parcel, but Trojan Solar wants to scale back the size of the solar farm and the new SUP recommended Tuesday night would reduce the size by four acres.

The Columbus County Planning Board Tuesday night received an application for rezoning a parcel of land at 2085 Georgia Pacific Rd. to allow construction of an asphalt plant.

County plans major water expansion

By Allen Turner, The News Reporter

Columbus County is about to embark on a major expansion of its water service, growing the number of customers served by about 18 percent. Most of the growth planned, both in numbers of customers and amount of money to be spent, will occur in the eastern end of the county, which residents have long complained has been neglected. 

If enough people sign up for service – and that’s a big “if” – the county projects that 1,038 new customers could join the system.

Public Utilities Director Harold Nobles said that letters will go out to unserved residents in the areas being expanded asking them to sign up for service. “We’ll ask them to sign up within 90 days of receiving their letters,” Nobles said. If residents agree to hook up and the project is feasible to complete, the hookup fee will be $150 per customer during the construction phase, according to Nobles.

Work on the east end, Water District IV, will not begin as soon as work in the other districts because financing and grants to pay for the District IV improvements still are in the application phase. “We’re still applying and we’ll have to wait for [USDA] Rural Development for our answers,” said Nobles. “That could push us into November before we even get an answer from them, so no contracts have been let, and nothing’s concrete. District IV is still in the development and planning process.”

Work in the other districts will happen sooner, since it’s going to be accomplished with funds balances already set aside in each district. “Hopefully, we’ll get started in Districts I, II, III and V this summer,” Nobles said, “but that’s not certain.”

About three-fourths of the planned expenditures will be in District IV, with the remainder spent in the rest of the county. East end projected costs are $13.14 million, with $4.15 million slated to be spent elsewhere. Similarly, more of the new water customers – 829 – would be in District IV, while 209 would be spread among Districts I, II, III and V.

There currently are 5,845 water customers on the county system, according to Amanda Davis, executive assistant in the Public Utilities Department, so the addition of another 1,038 would result in an increase of 17.76 percent. District I currently has 1,253 customers, while there are 1,851 in District II, 1,108 in District III, 1,074 in District IV and 561 in District V.

Projects, with the projected number of users, total cost and average cost per user, are as follows:

District I (52 users, $583,311 total cost, $11,410 average cost per user): Wright Rd., 20 users; Cedar Tree Rd., 10 users; Sandy Pitt Rd., 6 users; and Frank Norris Rd. 16 users.

District II (56 users, $1,173796 total cost, $20,961 per user): Clarendon-Chadbourn Rd., 20 users; Otto Nance Rd., 20 users and Joe Piver/Arthur Graham Rd., 16 users;

District III (16 users, $1,148,577 total cost, $71,786 average cost per user): Lynn Hill Rd., 6 users and Inman N. Lake Dr., 10 users.

District IV (829 users, $13,114,625 total cost, $15,856 average cost per user): Riegelwood Sanitary District Internal, 180 users; Gen. Howe Hwy., 10 users; Oscar Blanks Rd., 9 users; Livingston Chapel Rd., 60 users; Horseshoe Rd., 31 users; Water Tank Rd., 8 users; Lennon Rd., 23 users; Delco Prosper Rd., 26 users; Swimming Hole Rd., 38 users; Hallsboro Rd., 106 users; Rico Rd.,16 users; Baldwin Rd., 9 users; Jenkins Rd., 19 users; Millie-Christine Rd., 31 users; Farmers Union Rd., 23 users; Rehobeth Church Rd., 8 users; Craver Moore Rd., 40 users; Old North East Rd., 39 users; Chauncey Town Rd., 34 users; Curn Spaulding Rd., 23 users; Whitehold Rd., 50 users; Kellys Tr., 5 users; Byrdville Freeman Rd., 16 users; Millers Dr., 10 users; Matt Dale Rd., 14 users;

District V (85 users, $1,234,558 total cost, : $14,524 average cost per user): Seven Creeks Rd Hwy 905, 85 users.

‘Creativity is medicine’ – State Poet Laureate visits Columbus

By Grant Merritt, The News Reporter

Fulfilling her duty to hold conversations on crossing boundaries, love and stewardship as North Carolina Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green celebrated her one-year anniversary in her honorary role with a visit to Columbus County where she spoke to children, teens and adults. Tuesday’s schedule involved interacting with high school students and teachers at the Columbus County Arts Center. That night, she led a public recitation and lecture in the Southeastern Community College auditorium. 

“Creativity is medicine,” Green said. “We can re-imagine a different kind of world through the arts. That’s been the most poignant thing about being here – just being here with good people.” 

Green’s visit to Columbus County was coordinated by the Reuben Brown House Preservation Society, which sponsors the annual A.R. Ammons Poetry Contest. She spoke to students at the DREAM Center and Central Middle School on Monday about special objects in a person’s life having a story. 

Gov. Roy Cooper selected Green in June 2019 to become the first African American woman North Carolina Poet Laureate. Due to a hurricane and ice storm, she was not installed until Feb. 18, 2019. She told the audience Tuesday night that it felt good to be starting her second year as the poet laureate. 

Growing up in rural North Carolina in the 1950s and 1960s, Green said she attended segregated schools and was raised in a nurturing and compassionate family that provided her with childhood stories she could write about. Education was at the center of her childhood, and she “never questioned if I was going to college but where I was going to college,” she said.   

Even though Green loves teaching documentary poetry at Duke University, she said her most powerful experiences come from working with marginalized writers – people on death row, the incarcerated, homeless, and abused women who have found the power of their voices. Being a documentary poet, Green uses primary and secondary resources to re-frame or retell a historical, current or personal event through a particular person’s voice. 

“It is the role of the artist, the poet, to agitate or bring forth the possibilities of a re-imagination of a safer world, a kinder world, a more compassionate world, a more just world for all us, the unborn and the generations. That’s my job,” Green said as she introduced herself to the audience Tuesday night. “And I have accepted it, and I know what I have to do.”  

Green explained that as the N.C. Poet Laureate, she travels the state to create safe spaces for people to hold conversations. She said that truth-telling is dangerous, but someone has to do it. She discovered that the more people tell stories to each other, the more people find themselves inside each other’s stories – that there are things in our humanity that connect and divide us. 

North Carolina Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green meets with students at the Dream Center in Whiteville.

 Green’s favorite experience in her honorary role was a visit to a Biscuitville restaurant where four men wearing Make America Great Again hats wanted to hug her and take a selfie photo with her after discovering she was the Poet Laureate. Even though she differed with the men politically, she could sense their sincerity in the interaction. She said it has been her most important moment as poet laureate – to be in that space and let them cross whatever boundaries, real or imagined in their minds – to just address another human being.   

“Their hats are not my business,” Green said. “How I respond to their humanity is my business. So we can get rid of our symbols and tags and badges and just meet people in their humanness. And that’s the beauty of art, and that happened because I am the poet laureate.” 

Pat Ray, co-chair of the literacy committee of the RBHPS, extended a special thanks to the Columbus County Arts Council and Executive Director Sally Mann for funding and providing space for Green to speak to high school students. Ray described Green’s visit and love of poetry as a “unifying bridge” for communities. In turn, Green said she thoroughly enjoyed her visit to Whiteville and applauded Ray’s organization and transparency with keeping her up to date on her duties and expectations. 

This project was funded by The North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and The North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, a state agency. 

Tabor City to receive $2 million in sewer improvements

Tabor City will receive $2 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds to improve sewer infrastructure, Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Columbus, Robeson) announced Wednesday.

Tabor-Loris Tribune reported that the funds will address the town’s top priority for its aging sewer lines, replacing leaking pipe in the Fair Bluff Road area and upgrading the sewage pump station there.

“Working with the Town and ensuring that the available funds are being allocated appropriately is something I am happy to have played a small role in,” said Jones. “It remains a top priority of mine that Tabor City and all of Columbus County continues to be considered for grants that can improve the lives of our citizens.”

Commissioners hire architect for renovation of historic courthouse

By Allen Turner, The News Reporter

Columbus County commissioners have approved a contract with a Morehead City architect for design and interior demolition plans for the historic courthouse and added Clerk of Court Jess Hill and Sheriff Jody Greene to a committee that has been involved in the project since last year.

Commissioners also heard pleas from two representatives of the Reuben Brown House Preservation Society (RBHPS) that additional architectural firms that have experience in renovation of historic buildings be considered for the project but took no action on those requests.

Both Donna Scott and Janice Young of the RBHPS ran out of time during their allotted three minutes each during public comments before they could make their strongest arguments for another architect to be considered. “We do need an architect who is familiar with historic restorations,” Scott said. “It is a specialty in the field of architecture.” She also suggested that more members be added to the Historic Courthouse Committee.

Young urged commissioners, if other architects can’t be considered as the primary architect for the project, to either seek additional free help from the State Historic Preservation Office or to hire an additional preservationist to consult with the architect that is hired.

File photo of the historic Columbus County Courthouse.

Commissioners unanimously voted to hire Coastal Architecture, headed by Lee Dixon of Morehead City, for the project. The contract calls for Coastal to be paid $16,000 for demolition planning — primarily removal of some ceilings and interior walls — and $267,000 for general architectural fees that will include building design and administering construction contracts that will eventually be awarded for a project that is expected to cost around $4 million.

County Maintenance Director Larry Hayes had said earlier that the “demolition” portion of the architect’s proposal doesn’t represent a major project. “Some walls and doors have to be moved,” Hayes said, “and some walls have to be completely taken out. That building has three ceilings in it and they’re going to take those out and go back to the original configuration. They’re not going to gut the building.”

Review of architects 

County Manager Mike Stephens said that requests for proposals from architects were solicited last year and that eight proposals were received. The Historic Courthouse Committee reviewed those proposals and selected the top five for interviews, ranking each. The committee at the time consisted of Stephens, his Executive Assistant Gail Edwards, County Attorney Amanda Prince, Purchasing Agent Stuart Carroll, Finance Director Bobbie Faircloth, and Commissioners James Prevatte and Trent Burroughs. Burroughs since rotated off the committee and was replaced by Commissioner Charles McDowell. After negotiations for the top-ranking firm failed, the committee began negotiations with Coastal, which has done previous architectural work for Columbus County in the past, specifically the building housing the Columbus County Tax Office and Register of Deeds.

It was based on those negotiations that the committee recommended approval of Coastal Architecture. Stephens said, “He (Dixon) talks plain language. He doesn’t flower it up. I’m confident this man can do the job.”

Hearing that, commissioners unanimously adopted a motion entered by Charles McDowell and seconded by Burroughs to approve the contract with Coastal Architecture. Commissioners also unanimously agreed to an earlier motion entered by Ricky Bullard and seconded by Jerome McMillian to add Hill and Greene to the committee overseeing renovation of the historic courthouse.

Master developer addresses county’s future

Experienced real estate developer Bobby Harrelson told about 60 listeners  last night (Tuesday) that Columbus County is “on the brink” of economic opportunities if the right conditions can be met.

Harrelson, who built Waterford, Compass Pointe and 100 other properties in and around Brunswick County, was the guest speaker at the Columbus Jobs Foundation at the group’s annual meeting at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville.

Les High, president of Columbus Jobs Foundation, presented Bobby Harrelson with a throwing axe from Council Tool at Monday's meeting.

Harrelson emphasized that vision without execution does little good. “I’m not going to tell you anything you don’t already know,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what you know if you don’t do it.” Communities must invest in infrastructure and advertise their advantages, neither of which is cheap, he said.

Once a town is doing the right things to attract business and new residents, he said, “You’ve got to keep at it, keep at it, keep at it.” That includes enforcing ordinances against litter and protecting other signs of a town’s quality of life.

“People buy looks,” said Harrelson. Visitors to a town judge a place by what they see. A bad impression is hard to live down because, “People have a lasting memory of what they saw.” Harrelson emphasized that downtown is the crucial starting point for revitalization.

Audience member Chris Petrone said afterward that Harrelson’s practical advice was “what needed to be said.”

Major real estate deals will remain out of reach, said landlord and builder J.E. Thompson, until sewer service becomes available countywide.

“I was glad to hear him emphasize the importance of downtown,” said store owner and Whiteville Mayor Terry Mann.

Columbus Jobs Foundation President Les High said that Harrelson’s message aligned with the volunteer group’s goals for  2020 to make Columbus County a good place to live, grow crops, do business, enjoy recreation and retire. High stressed that momentum is already building and urged his listeners to join and support the foundation.

County gets glowing audit; recommendations will be coming soon on historic courthouse

By Allen Turner, The News Reporter

Columbus County commissioners Monday night received a glowing audit report from an independent auditor, heard from the county maintenance director that recommendations will soon be forthcoming from an eight-person committee on the renovation of the historic courthouse, approved an additional part-time career coach at Southeastern Community College and authorized the pre-order of flu vaccine by the health department.

Interim Southeastern Community College President William C. Aiken was introduced to county commissioners Monday night by SCC Board Chair Henry Edmund, right. Commissioners unanimously approved a request from Aiken to use already-allocated fund for an additional part-time career coach at the college.

CPA Alan Thompson of Thompson, Price, Scott, and Adams told commissioners that the county was “really healthy” financially at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, citing a total fund balance of $39.7 million, a small increase over a year ago and more than $4 million more than in 2015.

The county’s unassigned fund balance — or rainy day savings not already committed for other purposes — represented 50.1 percent of total general fund expenditures, well above the 8.33 percent mandated by state law, Thompson said.

In the five years since 2015, the county’s unassigned fund balance has increased by $7 million while the total general fund budget grew by only $1.6 million in the same period. However, that unassigned fund balance amount does not factor in future obligations the county has committed itself to for education, Thompson said in response to a question from Commissioner Trent Burroughs.

Total general fund expenditures for the year ending June 30 were $53.7 million, the largest chunks went to human services, $16.4 million; public safety, $12.4 million; and education, $12.3 million.

Thompson pointed out that ad valorem property taxes represent the biggest source of income for the county, 55 percent, that the county tax rate has remained the same, 80.5 cents per $100 valuation, for the past five years and that the tax collection rate is high, 97.95 percent.

Historic courthouse 

A lengthy departmental update by Maintenance Director Larry Hayes was highlighted by his revelation that an eight-member team named to study recommendations for renovations of the historic courthouse has been meeting regularly and should have proposed budget figures for presentation to commissioners at one of the next “two or three” meetings. “To prevent obstacles, setbacks and surprises…an array of information is being gathered,” Hayes said. “Input from other outside sources also is being requested.”

By consensus, the team placed the project on hold for a short time due to some unforeseen “issues,” about which Hayes did not elaborate. However, Hayes said those issues have been resolved. “The project will be regaining its momentum very quick,” Hayes said. “With the assistance of outside sources, as well as with the team’s input, we are getting cost quotes and estimates to determine the needed budget.”

The half-hour report by Hayes touched on many other issues involving lots of other county facilities and many of those details will be reported on in Friday’s print edition of The News Reporter.

Other business 

In what was a formality to complete a decision reached last month, commissioners set Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. as the date and time for a required public hearing that most be held before they can adopt an ordinance authorizing the installment financing of a $4.9 million VIPER radio system to replace the troubled current emergency services radio system utilized by the sheriff’s department and fire and rescue units in the county.

Commissioners also met Dr. William Aiken, interim president of Southeastern Community College, and approved his request to use previously-allocated N.C. Career Coach grant funds for the hiring of an additional part-time career coach.

More details on these and other items of discussion by commissioners will appear in Friday’s print edition of The News Reporter.

Columbus Jobs Foundation sets annual meeting Jan. 21

The Columbus Jobs Foundation, the volunteer arm of economic development in Columbus County, will hold its annual business meeting Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville at 5:30 p.m.

New officers and directors will be announced. Les High is currently chairman.

The Jobs Foundation has three major initiatives this year, to continue recruiting the computer coding company that nearly chose Columbus County in the fall, to work on establishing a small business entrepreneur incubator, and to promote new quality housing developments.

Bobby Harrelson, who developed Waterford and Compass Pointe, among others in Brunswick County, will be the guest speaker and will talk about how Columbus County might lure developers.

To join the Columbus Jobs Foundation, email Madison Ward at the Columbus County Economic Development Commission office at mward@columbusco.org, or go to the organization’s website, columbusjobsfoundation.org.

There are number of membership levels for residents and businessmen to help with economic development, including one level for millennials, those under 40, for only $75.

The Columbus Jobs Foundation is a 501-C-3 non-profit.

ATMC completes fiber optic expansion to South Whiteville

ATMC announced Friday that it has completed a $4.5 million-dollar project to bring the company’s FOCUS fiber optic network to south Whiteville. Residents and businesses there can sign up for ATMC service to receive symmetrical broadband speeds of up to 1Gig, as well as digital cable TV, home telephone, and home security and automation services from the Brunswick County based company.

As part of the project, fiber optics were also made available to the Town of Brunswick. Other Whiteville areas are planned for the near future, according to an ATMC press release.

“This expansion has allowed us to make fiber optic service available to more than 1,500 residents and businesses in the Town of Brunswick and south Whiteville,” said Keith Holden, ATMC CEO. “While the response from those looking to take ATMC service has been tremendous, we want to make it as convenient as possible for customers to do business with us. We are currently working on a new Columbus County customer care location at the Brunswick Electric office on Highway 130 that will allow us to better serve our growing number of Columbus County customers. We anticipate this opening in late February.”

Though ATMC service is new to residents and businesses in Whiteville, ATMC has served parts of Columbus County for nearly a decade. In 2010, ATMC received a $12 million grant through the United States Department of Agriculture to build a fiber optic network to over 2,000 residents and businesses in the Columbus County communities of Nakina and Old Dock. Earlier this year ATMC received a $1 million-dollar grant from the NC GREAT Grant Program to bring faster internet to over 750 households in the Columbus County community of Beaverdam. In Beaverdam, ATMC will make an additional investment of up to $2 million dollars to the project to include additional areas that were not eligible for grant funding.

In early December, ATMC announced that it was awarded a $7.9 million-dollar USDA ReConnect Grant to serve over 4,000 Columbus County homes in the rural areas near Tabor City, Hallsboro, Bolton, Lake Waccamaw, and areas north of Whiteville. ATMC will match the USDA grant dollar-for-dollar for a total investment of $15.8 million dollars. At the completion of the ReConnect project, ATMC will have completed over $40 million in rural broadband expansion in Columbus County since 2011.

ATMC is currently in the process of applying for additional grant funds to be made available through the second year of the NC GREAT Grant Program. Columbus County residents and business owners living in areas west of Whiteville are encouraged to visit www.fastercolumbus.com and take the broadband needs survey in order to help ATMC identify areas that are still in need of reliable, high-speed internet service. The application due date is in March and community support and accurate data are critical to submitting a successful application, ATMC said.

Residents and businesses located in south Whiteville can sign up for ATMC service by calling, 910-754-4311. For more information on ATMC FOCUS fiber optics, or to find out where ATMC service is already available, please visit FasterColumbus.com.

Local leaders share 2019 accomplishments and goals for the new year

The News Reporter asked some local government, non-profit and education leaders to share their proudest accomplishments of 2019 and their goals for 2020. Not all of them responded, but we understand, given the holidays. We asked them to limit each response to 150 words. We welcome other organizations to send their accomplishments and goals as letters to the editor at NRcolumbus.com/sumit.

Edwin Russ, chair of the Columbus County Board of Commissioners

Proudest accomplishment: no response

Top priority: My first priority for 2020 is education and our school systems.  We have two new schools being built for the county and new construction for city schools after securing more funding in 2019.  We are continuously working with Dr. Meadows and the board’s recommendations as to the betterment of county schools.   

My second priority is to get more industry in this county.  Black’s Tire and Carolina Botanical received incentive grants this past year and added over 40 jobs in the county.  I am looking forward to beginning the renovations on the courthouse.  This historical building is going to be utilized and help provide much needed space for our personnel.

Terry Mann, mayor of Whiteville

Proudest accomplishment:  I think we have had a very successful year in the City of Whiteville. We have initiated several new projects. The flooding issue has been at the top of the list and I think council and our city staff have been involved in several projects that could potentially provide some relief to the flooding problem. Our staff has also been very persistent in identifying and pursuing grant and low interest loan possibilities.

However, I think the biggest accomplishment we had in 2019 was the completion of our City Hall project. Although we started in mid 2018, the bulk of the project was done in this past year. I think we have a facility that is very useful and an attractive addition to our city. Our staff worked hard and kept this project basically on schedule and most importantly within budget.  I am very proud and I hope our citizens are as well.

Top priority: I think going into 2020 we must still keep the flooding issue at the top of our list. This is going to be a long-term issue that we are going to have to keep working on in several directions and over several years. In addition to the flooding issue, I think economic development, especially in the downtown area, must remain a priority. We have several projects now going on, and with the inclusion into the N.C. Associate Main Street program through the Department of Commerce, we must continue to make our downtown more vibrant. We have had tremendous momentum in the last two months or so with the help of several groups of volunteers who have visually improved the looks of our downtown area.

I am excited about the things going on and we must continue to ensure that our downtown stays active as it is the lifeline of our community.

John Young, CEO Columbus Regional Healthcare System

Proudest accomplishment: As we close out calendar year 2019 and head into a new decade, Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS) is on the move.

2019 was a difficult year from a patient volume and financial perspective, because of hurricanes Florence and Dorian. What makes me most proud is that we survived these turbulent waters together; this was possible because we have a strong culture of caring for others regardless of the challenges.

Additionally, CRHS purchased two surgical robots to fuel the growth of our surgical services programs; we offer technology to our patients that most hospitals our size simply do not have access to. We replaced our Electronic Medical Record system, which will allow us to better care for patients by assuring all providers have immediate access to needed patient information.

Finally, we substantially improved our Emergency Department wait times and we significantly grew our cancer and wound care service offerings.

Top priority: In 2020, we expect the strategies and investments of 2019 to bring substantial growth to CRHS.

CRHS is blessed to have such a talented medical staff.  We have nine excellent surgeons who are also robotically trained; we have plans to expand this high-tech robotically assisted surgery.  Gynecology, general surgery, bariatric surgery and orthopedics all have the latest technology, literally, at their fingertips.  We also have plans for growth in urology, ENT, and podiatry.

2020 is a year for focusing on the CRHS obstetrics program.  With a designated Baby Friendly delivery service at the hospital and superb obstetrics and pediatrics practices in the community, bringing precious new life into Columbus County will be a primary strategy.

None of this would be possible without the support and talent of the CRHS board, medical staff and hospital family.

As we enter 2020 and a new decade, CRHS is on the move!

Marc Whichard, superintendent of Whiteville City Schools

Proudest accomplishment: Whiteville City Schools is proud of the academic commitment put forth by our dedicated community of educators, parents, and students.  Perhaps the most memorable accomplishment for our community has been the groundbreaking for the new Whiteville High School facility.  This new facility will be rooted in the soil that raised generations of productive and responsible citizens of Whiteville.  We look forward to strengthening our commitment and pride in educational excellence for all students in the new year.

Top priority: Our top goal for our community is to provide the highest quality education to all of our students in a cost effective manner.  The top priority is for each student to reach their maximum potential in each grade level, and at minimum, attain a year of academic growth.

Dr. William Aiken, SCC interim president, with collaboration from Henry Edmund, chair of the SCC Board of Trustees

Proudest accomplishment: Several accomplishments have occurred at Southeastern Community College during 2019.  One accomplishment is the construction of a new facility on the campus.  The Advanced Manufacturing Center assists us in meeting our goal of a well-trained workforce.  The college plays an important role in attracting new industry to the area, and we hope that the new facility will assist in accomplishing this objective.  State-of-the-art equipment will mirror that of industry, making the transition from training to employment more effective.

Nationally, community colleges have seen a decline in enrollment during recent years.  However, Southeastern Community College has reversed that trend by showing a growth in enrollment.  This growth is attributable to growing confidence in the programs we offer.  In addition, parents continue to view community colleges as a more cost effective alternative to rising costs of higher education.   

SCC is pleased to have strengthened our relationship with the Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools.  This is evidenced by the increase in the number of students who have enrolled in the Career and College Promise (CCP) program.  Students are able to complete high school graduation requirements while simultaneously accumulating college credits.  Furthermore, 40 percent of CCP students selected SCC as their college of choice after high school graduation.

Top priority: Southeastern Community College’s top priority for 2020 is the selection of a new president.  A search committee has been appointed, and the college is currently selecting a search firm to direct the process.  This is perhaps the most important task the board of trustees undertakes.  This individual not only oversees the day-to-day operations of the college, but they chart the future of the institution.  The president is an integral part of the entire community.

The accrediting agency for SCC is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges.  Rigorous standards are written that the college is expected to meet.  This multi-year project includes a self study, an off-site review, and an on-campus evaluation.  Steps will be taken in 2020 to begin the re-accreditation process, which occurs every 10 years; SCC’s reaffirmation takes place in 2021.

The Advanced Manufacturing Center will allow us to greatly expand our program offerings in the new year. We are in constant dialogue with industry in helping set our priorities.  Official opening of the building is expected in early 2020.

The college’s role in economic development will be a major focus in 2020.  Working with other agencies, we will increase our efforts in attracting new industry.  Preliminary steps have already been taken to expand our approach to a more regional concept.   

Jennifer Holcomb, president of Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

Proudest accomplishment: The Chamber’s proudest accomplishment of 2019 is the creation of a three-year strategic plan that focuses our efforts in a more streamlined manner to address workforce preparedness, business development, and pro-business policy at the local, state, and federal levels.  What we realized over the previous several years is that the Chamber was involved in so many areas that our impact was being diluted and gauging success was nearly impossible.  Historically, we looked at membership numbers alone, but the work that we do is so much more important than that.  Getting what we do, why we do it, and how we measure success down on paper is an incredible tool for guiding our work.  And, incidentally, it has also helped us recruit new members.  Our staff and volunteer board of directors are dedicated to the Chamber’s 83-year history of promoting, supporting, and developing businesses in Columbus County.

Top priority: The Chamber’s top priority for 2020 is to expand our advocacy efforts.  As the voice of business, the Chamber speaks on behalf, and in support of, the business community in Columbus County.  While we are proud of our existing program, there is so much more to be accomplished.  We have worked diligently to keep our membership informed of proposed state legislation and local ordinances that will have an effect on the business community.  In 2020, we want to provide additional opportunities for business leaders to engage elected officials, and when appropriate, our Chamber will stand ready to take legislative action on items of significant impact.  In this often contentious environment, the Chamber has a responsibility to keep the focus on pro-business policy.  It’s policy, not politics, that drives our economic future.

Les High, chairman of Columbus Jobs Foundation

Proudest accomplishment: The Columbus Jobs Foundation had both its proudest and most disappointing moments in three weeks’ time.

A well-established computer coding company notified the state that it needed to move quickly on a site for a 130-employee center in a rural city. Average salary: $38,000.

We immediately realized this was a transformative project that would give our young people a reason to stay at home. We assembled a team of eight key people and flew them to meet company officials in Alabama.

We just missed being selected because of the one variable we couldn’t control – better incentives from South Carolina, but I think people would be proud how the school systems, SCC, the county commissioners and Whiteville city council, North Carolina’s Southeast, the city and county economic development offices and others coalesced as one unified team to put together what  one state official called the strongest package of its type he’d seen in years.

Top priority: Our top priority is the continuing recruitment of this growing computer coding company. We believe they will expand, and when they do, we will be ready. We have already had positive correspondence with them.

A second priority will be an entrepreneurial center, perhaps in partnership with the SCC Small Business Center. Entrepreneurial centers provide shared services and expertise for small businesses to find their footing before they go out on their own. We have passed the first cut in a competitive grant process and are hopeful.

We also plan to be more aggressive in recruiting. If we have to put a board member on a plane to sell a company on the virtues of Columbus County, we’ll do so. We’ll also lend support in efforts to reinvent Fair Bluff and promote quality housing developments, among other things.

Gary Faircloth, president of Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina

Proudest accomplishment: Our proudest accomplishment of 2019 is the creation of Carolyn’s Kaleidoscope Child Advocacy Center, providing services to child victims of sexual abuse that help them heal and holding the perpetrator accountable. I truly believe that since the founding of our organization in 1954, this may be the next greatest initiative we’ve taken. It is truly a collaborative initiative in Columbus and Bladen counties and something the community has needed for so long.

Top priority: The top priority for Boys and Girls Homes in 2020 is to continue to ensure that the best programs possible are provided for our children to help ensure the best outcomes. This includes the launch of Success Coach Family Reunification Program. This program will work with families in the home to build skills in problem solving, self-advocacy, and crisis management to prevent a return to the child welfare system. It is truly the next step in meeting families where they are to make futures brighter for children, families and communities.

Vickie Pait, executive director of Families First

Proudest accomplishment: Our proudest accomplishment of 2019 is the number of students we educated with our prevention programming. In addition to providing services to 1,386 survivors of domestic violence and shelter to 203 women and children, we presented Hands are not for Hitting to 476 second graders, and Shifting Boundaries and Safe Dates to 791 seventh and ninth graders in Columbus County and Bladen County Schools. These programs are funded by the Rape Prevention Program of the Centers for Disease Control and administered by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.  The evaluation of the seventh and ninth grade programs saw an average of an 85 percent increase in knowledge of teen sexual violence and revealed where the middle school students felt most safe and most in danger. The seventh grade program also addresses bullying.

Top priority: In 2020, we will be working to remodel and make repairs to the newly acquired Help Mission building.  Our goal is to open our Columbus County advocacy office in that building.  This, along with continuing all of our programs, will be quite an undertaking but we are looking forward to moving into this space.  It will save the program over $14,000 per year in rent payments, which can be utilized for us to continue to provide the needed and frequently lifesaving services that we provide.

Selena Rowell, executive director of Columbus County Partnership for Children

Proudest accomplishment: In addition to providing services which support children ages birth to five, as well as their families, caregivers and teachers as they prepare them for kindergarten, the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) is pleased to be part of a county-wide movement to make Columbus County a trauma-informed, resilient community. Dozens of nonprofit and community services agencies as well as individuals have convened Resilient Columbus to discuss the topics of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma and how to become a resilient community through awareness and engagement activities to inform residents of the lifelong impact of trauma on one’s learning, health and longevity. When we identify and address the often hidden adversities and stressors in our community as well as in our personal lives, we all have the potential to learn, grow and thrive. There is hope, and we can learn to overcome adversity and live our best lives.

Top priority: The Columbus County Partnership for Children will continue to focus on our priority to serve every young child, their families, caregivers and teachers in Columbus County as they navigate through the early education experience. Specific emphasis will be placed on early reading/literacy. Working with the school systems in Columbus County, we are looking to make a countywide impact with a message about the importance of learning to read early and the benefits of early childhood education in general. The Partnership will also continue to focus on the efforts of Resilient Columbus, working with the various agencies leading this movement.

Carol Caldwell, executive director of DREAM Center

Proudest accomplishment: The enthusiasm of the community when we held the Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, 2019.  Juneteenth is a national celebration and is important to American history because it makes us all aware of the time when all slaves realized that they were free.  This happened on June 19, 1865, in Texas and has been celebrated subsequently.  Currently 46 states recognize Juneteenth.    DREAM Center has celebrated internally for several years, but this year was the first community celebration/recognition.  This was the first public celebration of Juneteenth since the mid-90s when it was observed at Southeastern Community College.  We were thrilled with the cooperation and support from the community.

Top priority: During 2020 we hope to keep and make the support for NETworX for Hope of Columbus County sustainable. NETworX is a national movement to measurably reduce all stages of poverty, and it offers opportunities for individuals to develop personal life plans. Individuals will receive tools to prepare them to set and achieve life goals and to participate in a support network that will identify and address challenges in the community and work to bring about positive change. NETworX will begin its weekly meetings Jan. 14, 2020, at First Baptist Church, Whiteville.

Wallyce Todd, executive director of Community CPR

Proudest accomplishment: This year, through the steadfast efforts of a dedicated, grant-funded and volunteer team, Community CPR (CCPR) helped over 1,300 neighbors in our community. More than 2,000 volunteer hours were contributed to our county from local folks and others who poured into our area to help after Hurricane Florence. CCPR personally impacted the lives of over 150 children in our community. With the help of donors and contributors of all kinds (from individuals, non-profits, churches, businesses and civic organizations), CCPR was able to give a sense of home and blessing to more than 600 households. We are most proud when we work together with others to Serve. Advocate. Volunteer. Educate (S.A.V.E.) within our community so that we are able to authentically address everyday issues as well as natural and man-made disasters in ways that bless our citizens in mind, body and spirit.  We are the most accomplished when we are: #neighborshelpingneighbors.

Top priority: In the upcoming year, the top priority of Community CPR is to continue to collaborate with others to help as many individuals and families as possible. Sadly, there will be more families in need than we have the funds to support. While we are blessed with storage space for donated items of all kinds, we will be unable to assist the numbers of people we’ve helped in previous years without an increase in financial assistance. It’s such a blessing to have received grants designated exclusively for a used box truck, used pick-up truck, and other specific projects. We also are always grateful for individual and corporate giving. Additionally, we have an amazingly committed team who care deeply for our community. However, our funds are quite limited for operating costs and salaries to support the very people who make it possible for us to effectively and efficiently continue to be #strongertogether.

Kim Smith, Columbus County health director

Proudest accomplishment: We provided Columbus County citizens with the best service possible or assisted with coordinating the needed care through partnerships formed throughout the years.

Top priority: We will continue to provide the required services needed to keep our citizens free of the many communicable diseases that are coming into and through our county on a daily basis.

Dr. Shelby Gull Laird, head, Whiteville Branch of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences

Proudest accomplishment: The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville is ecstatic to have such a hard-working and dedicated staff, who worked their hardest during a year of fluctuation to provide amazing programs and services to our community in 2019. We are of course proud of all our accomplishments and programs, but we are particularly proud of Meredith Morgan for her win as the N.C. Environmental Educator of the Year for 2019. Meredith’s dedication to the people she serves as an educator at the museum is truly amazing. We are very grateful to you, the people of Columbus County and beyond, for supporting us in our mission to connect people to nature and science, and especially for the votes as the best Museum in the Best of Columbus 2019 Awards. Thank you.

Top priority: The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville is committed to the mission of the museum, which is to illuminate the natural world and inspire its conservation. Our priorities for this year include expanding our offerings to include more interactive programming both in the museum and as outreach, increasing our volunteer base and opportunities, and reaching out to the citizens of Columbus County and the entire southeastern NC region to understand better the needs of the community and how we might better serve as a nature and science hub for the area. Some things we are looking forward to are the beautification of our grounds and building, creating new and exciting programs, and participating in festivals and downtown events. Please drop in for a visit soon.

Demolition begins to make way for new BB&T facility

Crews begin demolition of the former bowling alley on J.K. Powell Boulevard in Whiteville Monday morning to make way for construction of a $20 million BB&T facility that will consolidate the bank’s various Whiteville-area support operations under one roof. A building at the former flea market will also be torn down as part of the project.

RELATED: BB&T to consolidate local operations into new $20 million building along J.K. Powell Blvd.

Legislators named ‘Jobs Champions’

The chamber on Tuesday released the 2019 edition of its annual legislative scorecard, which “details lawmakers’ voting records on key bills identified as critical to preserving and enhancing a positive climate for business and job creation in North Carolina.”

Sen. Danny Britt (R-Lumberton) received a 94 percent score on the chamber’s “pro jobs” index, while Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Tabor City) received 93 percent and Rep. Carson Smith (R-Hampstead) received 91 percent.

Britt, Jones and Smith — all Republicans — have filed for re-election. None had any opposition as of Tuesday morning.

The chamber bills itself as “the state’s most industry-diverse, nonpartisan business advocacy group.”

left to right: Sen. Danny Britt (R-Lumberton), Rep. Brenden Jones (R-Tabor City), Rep. Carson Smith (R-Hampstead)

Another expansion: $15 million project to provide high-speed internet in several communities across Columbus

A $7.9 million federal grant and an equal matching investment by ATMC will expand high-speed internet to approximately 4,000 residential addresses in Columbus County, the Brunswick County based co-op announced Wednesday.

Chief Michael Jacobs of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe shares remarks during an announcement Wednesday that ATMC will expand high-speed internet to Buckhead and several other Columbus County communities.

The fiber-optic network will cover around 155 square miles, including communities near Tabor City, Hallsboro, Lake Waccamaw, Bolton and areas north of Whiteville. The network will allow the delivery of internet speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second as well as cable, TV, telephone, and home security and automation services, according to ATMC.

ATMC announced Wednesday that it will construct a fiber-optic network to serve areas shown in blue. A more detailed map is available at fastercolumbus.com.

The co-op announced the grant during a ceremony Wednesday at the Waccamaw Siouan Tribal Administration Building in Buckhead.

“I can’t express how excited we at ATMC are to be a recipient of the ReConnect grant from the USDA,” said Keith Holden, ATMC CEO. “This grant has the potential to make a huge impact in Columbus County by helping us bring high speed internet to thousands of residents that have been without it for far too long.”

The network’s service area will include 4,057 households, 18 businesses, 22 farms, 15 educational facilities, three health care facilities and 10 critical care facilities, according to USDA. Construction of the fiber optic network is expected to begin in mid 2020, ATMC said.

The news comes on the heels of an announcement last week that ATMC was awarded $1 million in state grants to bring fiber optic service to the Beaverdam area. The co-op also self-funded a project to serve the Town of Brunswick and areas in south Whiteville.

Information about service availability can be found at fastercolumbus.com.

Cooper visits Columbus home to check on hurricane recovery

Governor Roy Cooper visited Sandra and Ronald Settle’s home off Whitehall Road north of Hallsboro Thursday. The home was damaged by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. The home is being repaired using Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. The Settles have been living in a local motel since construction began about two months ago.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, Cooper established the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) to streamline recovery programming and assistance. NCORR has hired staff experts with prior CDBG-DR experience and expanding capacity to move disaster funding more quickly to people who need it.

Jeff Enterline of Persons Services, left, talks about progress on Sandra and Ronald Settle’s home north of Hallsboro. At center are Gabriella Bonner, Settle’s daughter, Settle and Gov. Roy Cooper. Contractors say the project will be completed on Dec. 23, in time for Christmas. The governor was in Columbus County to inspect Settle’s renovated home as part of the state’s efforts to repair homes that were damaged in Hurricane Florence. The state has streamlined efforts to allocate federal funds for hurricane relief by moving primary responsibility from N.C. Emergency Management to a new agency, the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resistance. Cooper expects as much as $700 million to come from the federal government soon for Hurricane Florence long-term recovery. Approximately $74 million has been distributed in Columbus County for hurricane assistance. 

“The Office of Recovery and Resiliency has made tremendous progress in getting disaster money out to the people who need it, but recovery is always a long-term process for storm survivors,” said Cooper. “We know that a changing climate means we have to rebuild not just stronger but also smarter, and our state is focused on innovative ways to better withstand future storms.”

The state has put more than $3.2 billion on the ground to help North Carolinians recover from Hurricanes Matthew, Florence and Dorian.

The Year in Numbers

• NCORR has committed more than $156.9 million in CDBG-DR funds to help rebuild impacted communities, an increase of 972 percent from this time last year.

• To date, NCORR has issued 1,261 homeowner award letters to storm survivors. This equates to a 719 percent increase in awards since December of 2018.

• One year ago, 19 storm survivors’ homes were under construction. Today, the number of storm survivors’ homes with construction initiated or construction completed has increased to 541.

• NCORR stood up a state-funded Grant and Loan Program with the goal of providing financial assistance to communities needing cash flow to start federally reimbursable programs or address local capacity needs. In 2019, the program has disbursed over $7.9 million in grants and over $22.2 million in loans to 21 communities.

Governor Roy Cooper visited Sandra and Ronald Settle’s home off Whitehall Road north of Hallsboro.

NCORR is preparing to launch new Hurricane Matthew programs. These will include a homeowner buyout program to relocate individuals out of harm’s way and a small rental program to tackle the lack of affordable housing in impacted communities.

All of this work and effort has positioned NCORR to quickly pivot to Hurricane Florence CDBG-DR recovery when the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publishes the Hurricane Florence Federal Register notice giving North Carolina access to those additional funds. As of today, the state does not have access to the $542 million it will receive for Hurricane Florence recovery, despite the fact that the storm was 15 months ago.

Farm City Week honors Chandler Worley’s induction into the Extension Hall of Fame

By Grant Merritt, The News Reporter

Celebrating Farm City Week with a dinner and presentation Tuesday evening in the South Columbus High School cafeteria, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension 4-H and SCHS Future Farmers of America hosted Larry Wooten, Farm Bureau president, as keynote speaker for the evening.

Kevin Kinlaw of Cape Fear Farm Credit presents Chandler Worley (center) with the Extension Hall of Fame Award Tuesday evening at South Columbus High School. With them is Extension Director Dalton Dockery.

After Wooten’s speech, Kevin Kinlaw of Cape Fear Farm Credit presented the 2020 Extension Hall of Fame award to Chandler Worley.

Kinlaw described the recipient of the Hall of Fame award as someone who has contributed outstanding service to the Extension, agriculture, home economics, youth development and rural communities. Worley graduated from West Columbus High School in 1972, then graduated from N.C. State University with a bachelor of science in agronomy in 1977. He is a sixth generation farmer and the father of four children and grandfather of two children. Extension Director Dalton Dockery described Worley as a “bootleg extension agent.”

“I had a heart attack last year, and I’m not done yet,” Worley said after accepting the award. “I want to see this county bounce back. We used to be one of the most progressive counties in the state and we’ve got the bloodline to continue it.

We’ve got to re-invent the wheel because I love this county, I love my farm, I love my neighbors and I love y’all.”

During the keynote speech, Wooten said that over the 20-year history of the Farm City banquet celebration in Columbus County, it is important to recognize the interdependence of agriculture, farmers and rural communities with urban neighbors. With stepping down as president of Farm Bureau in December, Wooten does not plan to retire but instead to re-brand, refocus, redirect and refurbish his continued support of farmers in North Carolina.

“One of the most disturbing statistics that bothers me most is that 40 percent of all cooked and prepared food in the United States is thrown away,” Wooten said. “It’s amazing that 1 out of 5 children go to bed undernourished with all this tremendous amount of food going to waste.”

Wooten underscored how the change in North Carolina’s urban and rural population ratio, its increasing racial and ethnic diversity, and two catastrophic hurricanes have impacted agriculture. Wooten said that Farm Bureau wrote 800 $500 checks to farmers in North Carolina to help with hurricane relief.

Wooten explained that tariffs are “wreaking havoc” on farmers in North Carolina, and that farmers are dependent on solid foreign trade agreements. He said that China receives the most exports of tobacco, Mexico is the largest buyer of ham and Japan purchases the highest quality products made in the United States.

“There is no sustainability without profitability,” Wooten said. “With continued lawsuits against the livestock industry and droughts, I can say it’s been tough for farmers.” Wooten explained that it will take cutting-edge technology to meet the growing needs of farmers and the greatest commodity of all – people – working together to provide for the next generation of farmers.

He wants to create an environment in Columbus County that will make farmers want to stay here.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension Columbus County Center, Columbus County Community Farmers Market and Columbus County Schools sponsored the event.

New robot to assist with complex surgeries at CRHS

By Justin Smith, The News Reporter

Columbus Regional Healthcare System has a new tool to help perform minimally invasive surgeries with the recent addition of a da Vinci Xi Surgical System, the hospital announced Wednesday.

The da Vinci helps surgeons create smaller, more precise movements within the body and can be used in areas including bariatric, general surgery, and gynecology. The first surgery with the new system was scheduled for late this week.

CRHS acquired a da Vinci Si robot in 2011 and will continue to use it for some procedures, such as gynecological and urological surgeries, hospital officials said.

The new robot will be an asset for general surgeons, particularly with complex colon and hernia surgeries, said Dr. Sam Wheatley, gynecologist and CRHS chief medical officer.

“Our goal is to continue reducing the number of open surgeries by using minimally invasive techniques,” Wheatley said. “With this technology the benefits for patients include less pain, smaller incisions with less scarring than traditional open surgery, and ultimately patients can get back to their normal selves with reduced recovery periods.”

The new da Vinci provides surgeons with a greater range of motion within the body and is equipped with a 3D high-definition vision system that provides surgeons with a highly magnified view. An orthopedic robot that CRHS acquired last month also made its surgical debut this week. Dr. Craig Lippe used the hospital’s new ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) to perform a knee-replacement surgery Tuesday.

CRHS said it was the first time a ROSA had been used in the Carolinas.

“At Columbus Regional, we are proud to be on the front end of technology,” said John Young, president and CEO of CRHS. “We are dedicated to investing in the best, high quality technology so that we are able to provide the highest quality of care, right here at home. Our community can come to Columbus Regional and know that they are getting the best care.”

Young said the ROSA Knee System and new da Vinci provide a competitive advantage to Columbus Regional, which, like many rural hospitals in North Carolina, has faced financial challenges.

CRHS had the added burden of costs incurred and revenue lost as a result of Hurricane Florence last year. “As the first in North and South Carolina with the ROSA Knee System, we are able to attract patients from outside of our traditional market for this highly specialized technology,” Young said. “Part of our strategic plan is growth in surgical procedures, and these advanced technologies will help us get there.”

Fair Bluff ’s downtown could become a park as a result of $6 million agreement with state

The Fair Bluff Board of Commissioners has authorized Mayor Billy Hammond to sign an agreement with the State of North Carolina for a $6 million disaster recovery package that could eventually result in the conversion of the downtown business district into a park and the establishment of a new business district elsewhere in the town limits.

Rep. Brenden Jones, R-Columbus, was present and smiled broadly as Hammond signed the agreement. Jones, along with Sen. Danny Britt, R-Robeson, and Sen. Bill Rabon, R-Brunswick, had been instrumental in getting the $6 million for Fair Bluff appropriated by the legislature.

Rep. Brenden Jones, left, addresses the Fair Bluff Board of Commissioners and staff Tuesday night.

Fair Bluff was devastated after floods following Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Florence in 2018. While some state-funded planning went into possible redevelopment of the business district after Matthew, leaders agreed after the second flood two years later that the idea simply isn’t viable.

Although no formal votes have been taken, Town Planner Al Leonard said the idea of repurposing the existing business district into a park and establishing a new business district outside the floodplain“ just sort of evolved.”

Town officials prepared a “scope of work” document to submit to the state outlining $1.6 million for establishment of a new business district, $1.5 million to acquire and develop existing downtown properties to be developed as a park, $500,000 for removal of hazardous materials from downtown buildings and for subsequent demolition of those buildings, another $500,000 for professional services to implement the projects, $250,000 for canal dredging, $800,000 in flood-related street repairs, $600,000 in repairs and renovations to the town’s water and sewer system and $250,000 for public works and police vehicles.

Before the town can embark on any demolition downtown, it must first acquire the property because public funds can’t be spent on private properties. Officials are hopeful that most, if not all, owners will give their now-essentially useless properties to the town so that the grant funds can be used for hazardous material removal and building demolition.

Additionally, officials hope that the $1.5 million for park development can be used as matching funds for a future grant from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. No site for a new business district has been identified. “We’re looking as several possibilities,” Leonard said.

No time frames have been established for any of the proposals. Fair Bluff is not getting a $6 million check from the state. Instead, the money will be reimbursed as the town makes the expenditures. Commissioner Randy Britt voiced mixed feelings after the meeting. “Emotionally, it’s a very sad moment,” he said. “I grew up in the hardware store (B.H. Small Company) and I’m very sad at the thought of the downtown being torn down, but I’m convinced that it’s a move in the right direction. There are a lot of unknowns and a lot of things have to happen, but I hope I live long enough to see them happen. If not, I hope it turns out well after I’m gone.”

Jones had some good disaster recovery news for commissioners. He said he sits on a legislative conference committee that is considering appropriating more than $120 million in additional disaster recovery relief and would be attending a session of that committee the next day. “We hope be able to make some announcements in the coming days,” he said.

Commissioners held a public hearing on a revised flood damage ordinance and new flood insurance rate maps. They unanimously adopted the amended ordinance and maps, something that had to happen before Dec. 6 if property owners are to be eligible to purchase federal flood insurance.

Commissioners also received a monthly financial report showing that, as of Sept. 30, the town’s general fund had expenses that were $128,701 more than revenue for July, August and September. The water and sewer fund also lost money, but not as much as the general fund. Water and sewer expenses exceeded income by $17,959.

In other business, commissioners are expected to approve an amendment to an engineering agreement with the Adams Company for addition work involved in enlarging the water lines necessary to get adequate fire protection to a new apartment complex on Rough and Ready Road.

The state is paying for the larger capacity lines. The board also approved Christmas bonuses equaling 10 percent of one month’s salary for town employees and changed the location of their December monthly meeting from the Town Hall to the Family Life Center at Fair Bluff Baptist Church, where they will hold their annual town Christmas dinner after the meeting.

That meeting will be underway with the swearing in of newly elected board members Kathy Horne Ashley and Ralph McCoy. Commissioners Carl Meares, who lost his bid for re-election, and Commissioner Jack Meares, who did not run for reelection, will come off the board at that time.

WHS grad to lead statewide education nonprofit

Cecilia Knight Holden, a 1981 graduate of Whiteville High School, has been named the first president and CEO of myFutureNC, a statewide nonprofit organization focused on educational attainment.

Cecilia Knight Holden, a 1981 graduate of Whiteville High School, is president and CEO of my FutureNC

Holden was formerly the director of government and community relations for the North Carolina State Board of Education.

At myFutureNC, Holden will work with the board of directors, commissioners and organization partners to advance the strategic direction and priorities for the organization; foster collaboration across the education and business sectors at both the state and local level to disseminate best practice and spark innovation; develop and advocate for policy that increases North Carolina’s level of education attainment; and build the overall capacity of the organization to deliver on North Carolina’s attainment goal.

“We are pleased to unanimously endorse Cecilia Holden as president & CEO of myFutureNC,” said Peter Hans, president of the NC Community College System and myFutureNC board co-chair. “Cecilia quickly rose to the top of our exhaustive nationwide search based on her extensive public- and private-sector leadership in driving outcomes for students in our schools and engaging with K-12, community colleges, UNC system universities, and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities organizations and leadership. We are thrilled to welcome Cecilia to the myFutureNC team.”

In Holden’s most recent role with the North Carolina State Board of Education, she was responsible for liaising with state and federal government officials and representing the board in external affairs. Prior to that role, she served as chief of staff for the North Carolina Department of Commerce. In this position, she represented the state in bringing jobs to North Carolina and working with existing businesses across the state. She was on the NC Works Commission, a body which recommends policies and strategies that enable the state’s workforce and businesses to compete in the global economy. Holden holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Duke University, a Bachelor of Science from UNC Wilmington and a Certification in Public Administration from UNC Chapel Hill. Holden also held positions at IBM, Guardian Capital Advisors and the Department of Public Instruction.

“As a native of rural North Carolina and a product of our public and private institutions, I am passionate about the education and economic prosperity of the people of our great state,” said Holden. “This position is the perfect place to combine this passion and my education and business background and put it to work for myFutureNC. As president & CEO, I look forward to building on the substantial work already accomplished by the myFutureNC board and commission as we work together to drive forward the organization’s bold educational attainment goal for the State of North Carolina.”

On Feb. 20, 2019, myFutureNC announced a statewide attainment goal of 2 million North Carolinians achieving a high-quality postsecondary degree or credential by the year 2030. As of 2016, about 1.3 million 25- to 44-year-olds met this goal. Without any changes, North Carolina is projected to have about 1.6 million adults who meet the attainment definition in 2030, which means the state will need to help an estimated 400,000 more citizens attain a high-quality, postsecondary credential or degree for our state to meet the labor demands of our economy and the businesses that drive it.

On June 26, 2019, following strong bipartisan leadership from the North Carolina General Assembly, Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB664 into law, codifying this goal and setting one of the highest educational attainment targets in the nation. Since the announcement of the goal in February, 21 statewide and regional organizations have endorsed the goal.

Fair Bluff to accept $6 million for disaster recovery projects

Rep. Brenden Jones and Sen. Danny Britt are expected to be on hand at the monthly meeting of the Fair Bluff Board of Commissioners Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. as the town accepts $6 million for various disaster recovery projects.

The money, authorized by the state’s 2019 Disaster Recovery Act, includes $1.6 million for property acquisition downtown, $500,000 for property acquisition uptown, $500,000 for professional services, $250,000 for canal dredging, $1.5 million for park development, $800,000 for street paving, $600,000 for additional infrastructure and $250,000 for equipment and vehicles.

Details about the projects were not available at press time but will be posted at NRcolumbus.com and in Friday’s edition of The News Reporter.

The meeting will begin with a previously-advertised public hearing on a revised flood damage ordinance and approval of new flood insurance rate maps. The town must adopt the amended ordinance and new maps before Dec. 6 or property owners will be unable to purchase federally-backed flood insurance, and commissioners are expected to act on the ordinance and maps later in the meeting.

The board also will receive a monthly financial report showing that, as of Sept. 30, the town’s general fund had expenses that were $128,701 more than revenue for July, August and September. The water and sewer fund also lost money, but not as much as the general fund. Water and sewer expenses exceeded income by $17,959.

In other business, commissioners are expected to approve an amendment to an engineering agreement with the Adams Company for addition work involved in enlarging the water lines necessary to get adequate fire protection to a new apartment complex on Rough and Ready Road. The state is paying for the larger capacity lines.

Commissioners also will consider the town’s annual Christmas party and bonus for employees.