COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Leaders in Columbus County say they are closer to bringing new business into that part of the state.

Three county commissioners, the econmic director, and a business owner went on the trip. 

Gary Lanier, the county's economic director says while in China they toured several factories and are close to officially having a sister city in the country.

Summer like conditions are expected today with high temperatures moving into the mid to upper 80's this afternoon. 

Dry high pressure will keep the shower chances at bay today, but Saturday increasing moisture ahead of a southward diving cold front, will bring shower and thunderstorm chances for the overnight hours.

As the cold front moves through on Sunday we will start Mother's Day with scattered showers and thunderstorms.  This moves off shore during a breezy Sunday afternoon with temperatures taking a nosedive into the early work week.

Friday – Awesome – Sunny Hi: 86F
Saturday – Early, clouds build. Afternoon/evening showers and thunderstorms. Hi: 81F
Sunday – Early showers and thunderstorms. Afternoon, breezy. Hi: 80F

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COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Members of Columbus County's Board of Education will hold a public hearing next month and will vote to end ties with the NC Boys and Girls Home School in Lake Waccamaw.

Administrators at the Boys and Girls School are changing it to a charter school called Flemington Academy Boys and Girls Home School.

Superintendent Alan Faulk says that state law requires board members to hold a public hearing and vote to close the school. 

According to the organization's website, Boys and Girls Home School opened in 1954 as a place for children who have been removed from their homes and offers temporary placements for children in crisis.

An average of 150 children are cared for daily by the Homes, ranging in ages 6-21.

The public hearing will be held Monday, June 3 in the Board of Education conference room.