Police chief gets

suspended, demoted

PEMBROKE — Pembroke Police Chief Grant Florita has been suspended for three days without pay and will return to work at the department in another position.

Florita was suspended Monday, according to Town Manager Tyler Thomas, who said it has not been determined what rank Florita will hold when he returns to work.

Thomas said that he cannot discuss the circumstances that led to Florita’s suspension and demotion as they are covered by North Carolina privacy laws relating to personnel decisions.

Florita is a 17-year veteran of Pembroke Police Department who began as chief on Jan 1, 2013.

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Nurse practitioner

arrested for drugs

LAKE WACCAMAW — A nurse practitioner from Lake Waccamaw has been charged with maintaining a place for drug activity and possession of marijuana.

Amy Rebecca Pharr, 55, an employee at a Whiteville medical facility, was arrested by county drug agents at her home on Monday.

Deputies found approximately 2 grams of marijuana and a quantity of brownies made with the drug.

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City to borrow

to build stadium

FAYETTEVILLE — City officials say they plan to borrow $9 million from the Risk Management fund to help finance their baseball stadium.

Because the state’s Local Government Commission wouldn’t allow the city to finance bond debt for 30 years, city officials revamped how they intend to retire $31 million they will borrow through what are called limited-obligation bonds.

Now, the city proposes to retire the bond debt in 20 years. They will use the $9 million from the Risk Management fund to help make the bond payments.

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Sampson schools

mull Latin system

CLINTON — Officials from Sampson County Schools are continuing to explore ways to honor the best students during high school graduations.

School officials would like to use a Latin system, which is used by colleges. But some leaders would like to keep the valedictorian and salutatorian format in place.

Latin honors uses Cum Laude (with praise), Magna Cum Laude (with great praise) and Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor) distinctions. The current system honors one valedictorian, one salutatorian and the top 10 seniors. Marshals from the junior class are also honored during the process.

If adopted the Latin system would not affect current junior and seniors.

From staff and wire reports.

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