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County commissioners pass next year's budget

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013, 5:00pm

County commissioners pass next year's budget

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Monday night, Columbus County commissioners approved their budget for next year -- a little more than $71 millon.

There is no tax increase which is good news for citizens. But there is bad news for county employees -- they won't be seeing an increase in their pay.

That's despite commissioners spending $30,000 on a pay study last year, which revealed county workers are some of the lowest paid in this part of the state.

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Hydrilla treatment expected to start next week

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013, 4:07pm

Hydrilla treatment expected to start next week

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WECT) – Treatment is expected to start to kill a weed in Lake Waccamaw that officials say could damage the ecosystem starting next week.

According to Town Manager Darren Currie, rangers at Lake Waccamaw State Park should receive chemicals this week that are used to treat hydrilla.

Hydrilla is an underwater plant that can create nearly impenetrable mats of stems and leaves on a lake's surface.

According to a 2011 survey of the lake, more than 600 acres of the lake is infested with the plant.

The NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources said this is the first recorded hydrilla infestation of a Carolina bay lake.

According to park superintendent Toby Hall, hydrilla is contaminating 605 acres, but they're going to treat nearly 960.

Hall said the treatment will take at least seven years to complete.

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Commissioners to fund $50K for hyrdilla treatment

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013, 8:55am

Commissioners to fund $50K for hyrdilla treatment

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WECT) – Commissioners in Columbus County voted Monday night to give $50,000 to Lake Waccamaw for hydrilla treatment. Commissioners said the state will also give the town $100,000.

Hydrilla is an underwater plant that can create nearly impenetrable mats of stems and leaves on a lake's surface.

According to a 2011 survey of the lake, more than 600 acres of the lake is infested with the plant.

The NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources said this is the first recorded hydrilla infestation of a Carolina bay lake.

According to park superintendent Toby Hall, the goal is to begin treating for the plant in May. Hall said hydrilla is contaminating 605 acres, but they're going to treat nearly 960.

Hall said the treatment will take at least seven years to complete.

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Planning board makes several recommendations; pastor seeks to build ministry

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013, 1:00pm

Planning board makes several recommendations; pastor seeks to build ministry

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Members of Chadbourn’s planning board recommended Tuesday night that town council members approve several items.

The board is recommended that nearly 40 acres of land be annexed into the city. A pastor from Whiteville is asking for the annexation so she can build a ministry in the area.

They are also asking council members make it mandatory each home or mailbox has visible street numbers so they are easily identifiable.

Furthermore, board members are asking council members to approve a proposal from a company from Virginia to build a solar farm in town.

Council members are expected to discuss the items in future meetings.

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Demolition begins to clear way for new courthouse

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Tuesday, January 15th, 2013, 3:36pm

Demolition begins to clear way for new courthouse

WHITEVILLE, NC (WECT) – Demolition of an old jail in Whiteville began Tuesday to make room for the new county courthouse.

Crews were supposed to start demolishing the two old jails earlier this month, but the work was delayed because some power lines needed to be moved.

Officials expect it take about 18 months before the new building is complete.

The project will cost the county $15 million to build the new courthouse and renovate the current building, but they are saving $10 million by building it in Whiteville.

The new courthouse will provide security as inmates won’t have to enter through the main lobby.

West Smith Street will remain closed until construction on the new courthouse is complete, but there is an extra parking lot open to drivers behind the District Attorney’s Office.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Hallsboro Rd closed in both directions

Submitted by Caraline Waldrep, Traffic Reporter

Tuesday, December 11th, 2012, 10:19am

TRAFFIC ALERT: Hallsboro Rd closed in both directions

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) -If you are traveling in Columbus County you may experience some delays.

Hallsboro Rd. near Ward Town Rd. will be closed in both directions. Crews are replacing a crossline pipe along the road. Construction will take place on Monday, Dec. 10 through Friday, Dec. 14 from 7 a.m. through 5:30 p.m.

Plan an alternative route if you are traveling in the area.

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Rouzer RV tour comes to Wilmington Monday

Submitted by Sanah Sayani, Multimedia Journalist

Sunday, November 4th, 2012, 11:43pm

Rouzer RV tour comes to Wilmington Monday

SOUTH COLLEGE & WHITEVILLE, NC (WECT) - David Rouzer will travel to Wilmington and Whiteville on Monday as part of his RV tour to meet voters. The tour will start at Rex & Son's RV on S. College Rd at 7:30am. He will then travel to Sue's Diner in Columbus County.

The full itinerary:

7:30am New Hanover County - Rex & Son's RV

9:00am-9:45am Columbus County Stop - Sue's Diner in Columbus County

10:30-11:30am Robeson County Stop - Lumber Bridge Volunteer Fire Department

12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Cumberland County Stop - Stedman Soda Shop

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