Columbus Co. braces for possible impact of Hurricane Irene

Thursday, August 25th, 2011, 9:42am

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Although Columbus County is miles away off the coast, emergency workers and people living there are preparing for whatever Hurricane Irene may possibly bring.

In Lake Waccamaw, people have started pulling boats out the water and taking plants inside.

Jeremy Jernigan, Columbus County's emergency management director says most of the county floods easily and they're keeping an on strong wind.

Emergency workers are hoping people who have not signed up for the county's free Code Red emergency program will go to the county's website and sign up for it.

Code Red allows emergency workers to call people from the 911 center and give them instant updates.

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Summer break is over, students are going back to school today

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Thursday, August 25th, 2011, 8:37am

Summer break is over, students are going back to school today

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) — Summer break is officially over for students in the Columbus County Schools system and a new school year is kicking off on Thursday, Aug. 25.

No more sleeping in late, watching television all day and avoiding homework. School is back in session and it’s time for some learning.

We want to see all of those cute new clothes, stylish backpacks and packs of pencils. If you have back to school photos, share them with us by emailing pics@wect.com.

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Four County EMC preparing for power outages

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011, 5:24pm

Four County EMC preparing for power outages

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) — Four County Electric Membership Corporation has crews on standby and ready to restore power in the event Hurricane Irene causes outages.

According to Gay Johnson with the company, personnel are stocking up on supplies and checking equipment. Officials remind residents to never touch a fallen power line.

If outages affect your area and you are a member of Four County, report your outage to 1-888-368-7289.

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Sandyfield gets new Town Hall and Fire Station

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011, 5:18pm

Sandyfield gets new Town Hall and Fire Station

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A new Town Hall and Fire Station opened in Sandyfield a few weeks ago and could cut down response times in an emergency.

Before the new facility was built, town hall was a mobile home and the closest fire station was six miles away in Riegelwood.

Town officials said the new building is better insulated so they’ll save money heating and cooling it.

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Lake Waccamaw camping facility to close for Hurricane Irene

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011, 3:10pm

Lake Waccamaw camping facility to close for Hurricane Irene

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) — Campgrounds at eight state parks in eastern North Carolina will close in anticipation of the passage of Hurricane Irene, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

The Lake Waccamaw camping facility will close on Friday and Saturday nights. Visitors with reservations at those campgrounds are being notified of the closures.

State parks could close on short notice depending on the anticipated path of the storm.

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North Whiteville Academy plans open house for Wednesday night

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011, 1:52pm

North Whiteville Academy plans open house for Wednesday night

WHITEVILLE, NC (WECT) — Open house for North Whiteville Academy has been scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 4 until 6 p.m., according to Whiteville City Schools.

The school is located at 2322 James B. White Hwy. North in Whiteville.

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Nursing instructor receives grant from SCC Foundation

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011, 9:18am

Nursing instructor receives grant from SCC Foundation

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) — A nursing instructor is the first person to receive the Clare R. Bailey Professional Development Grant.

Myra Thompson has taught nursing for 16 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Education, according to SCC’s Justin Smith. Along with eight other SCC faculty members, Thompson was required to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree to comply with a recent decision by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission.

“It was quite a shock to realize that an additional degree was necessary for me to remain as an instructor at SCC. Without this generous grant, returning to graduate school would have been a significant financial burden,” said Thompson in a news release.

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