Custodians recognized by Columbus County Schools

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Saturday, June 25th, 2011, 1:56pm

Custodians recognized by Columbus County Schools

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) — The annual Custodial Banquet was held recently for Columbus County Schools.

According to the schools’ website, the following awards were given out:

Top Elementary School: Hallsboro Artesia
Top Middle School: Hallsboro
Top High School: West Columbus
Top Custodian: Grady Ward, Hallsboro
Most Improved Custodian: Wayne Edge

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More strong storms developing this afternoon

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Friday, June 24th, 2011, 4:52pm

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for eastern Robeson, western Bladen County and northwest Columbus County until 5:30pm.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected for much of southeastern North Carolina this afternoon, especially inland.

Severe thunderstorms can contain gusty winds, hail, frequent lightning and heavy rain.

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NC forest rangers uses plane to spot wildfires

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Friday, June 24th, 2011, 4:51pm

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Despite rainfall in the area Thursday, 45 acres of land are still burning in the Green Swamp area near the Crusoe Island Community.

According to forestry rangers, several trees are falling because of the flames, causing the area to become smokier.

Lightning strikes have sparked several other fires in the area, but thanks to aerial views fire crews were able to stop them from spreading. Forest rangers say their forest pilot is vital in spotting the five other smaller fires.

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Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Columbus Co.

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011, 5:44pm

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) — The rain is pouring at this Harris Teeter in Riegelwood.

There is a severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Columbus County, so stay safe.

To keep track of what the weather is going to be like in your area, go to the WECT Weather page.

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Five fires caused by lightning strikes in five days

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011, 5:23pm

Five fires caused by lightning strikes in five days

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - While 45 acres in the Green Swamp continue to burn in the Crusoe Island community, several smaller fires caused by lightning strikes are popping up.

Forestry rangers tell us, around 1:30 p.m. today a fire was spotted off Klondyke Road, a few miles north of Chadbourn. It burned 30 acres and is contained.

According to rangers, as of right now there have been five fires caused by lightning strikes in five days in the county. Due to lightning strikes causing several fires, forestry rangers have an airplane flying over all the counties in our area frequently.

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19-year-old robs gas station with BB gun

Submitted by Ashley Barker, Community Web Producer

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011, 4:33pm

19-year-old robs gas station with BB gun

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) — A 19-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after robbing a gas station in Columbus County and leading officials on a brief chase.

According to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Quinton Alexander Young entered the Time Saver gas station and pointed a BB gun at employees. He reportedly escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash and was apprehended after a brief car chase.

Young was charged with robbery and kidnapping. He is being held under a $106,000 bond.

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Mayor willing to lower cost of sewer treatment contract

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011, 7:37pm

WHITEVILLE, NC (WECT) – Town council members in Lake Waccamaw are looking to end a sewer treatment contract they have with the city of Whiteville.

City council members say they were notified last week that Lake Waccamaw wanted to terminate the contract.

Under the agreement Whiteville treats 70,000 gallons of sewer per day.

If the current contract stays intact, the Whiteville will charge around $111,000 for water treatment, but the mayor said they're willing to lower the amount to $50,000.

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