Pittenger fights for

Lumbee recognition

WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs on Tuesday in support of his Lumbee Recognition Act (H.R. 3650).

“First and foremost, this is an issue of fairness. In heritage, culture, and many times in their relationship with state and federal government, the Lumbee are every bit as Indian as any other tribe in this country,” Pittenger said. “Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, passing this bill is simply the right thing to do.”

Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

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Confederate statue

gets vandalized

LUMBERTON — County Manager Ricky Harris said Monday that a pressure washer will be used this weekend in an attempt to erase vandalism that was done to the monument of the Confederate soldier that stands above the steps at the Robeson County Courthouse.

County officials already have covered the vandals’ words by painting over them with primer.

The vandals use black spray paint to write “Feather for Heather,” “Jesus” and “Love” on three sides of the square base of the monument. Two words — “Glory” and “Confederate” — were blackened. There was a cross spray-painted beside “Jesus.”

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Lip sync battle

to benefit autism

FAYETTEVILLE — Performers are ready to compete at a Fayetteville Lip Sync Battle on Saturday to benefit the Autism Society of Cumberland County. The event starts at 6 p.m. in the Crown Ballroom, 1960 Coliseum Drive.

More than a dozen scheduled performers will reportedly lip sync to Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”

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Ex-police officer

is arrested

WHITEVILLE — A former Whiteville police officer was reportedly arrested Sunday for impersonating an officer in Brunswick County.

Sergio Hakeem Reed, 30, was stopped by Whiteville officers Sunday on a window tint violation, according to WPD records. A routine check showed Reed was wanted in Brunswick County after he allegedly showed an old Whiteville Police identification card during a traffic stop there for speeding on Sept. 21.

Reed was booked and released on a $2,000 secured bond.

— From staff and wire reports.

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