Robeson County Fair detour in place

LUMBERTON – Those attending the Robeson County Fair between Sept. 29 and Oct. 8 will need to take a detour due to a culvert replacement on N.C. 41.

Traffic coming from points east should follow the signed detour route along N.C. 72 to West Fifth Street to Starlite Drive to N.C. 41.

Traffic coming from points north and west of Lumberton from Exit 17 at I-95, turn right on West Fifth Street, then follow the signed detour to Starlite Drive.

The project, which should be completed by mid-December, will upgrade the sidewalk and pedestrian rails to accommodate current design standards. A temporary pedestrian bridge will be constructed.

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Former trooper killed in wreck

LUMBERTON — A Robeson resident and retired Highway Patrol major was killed in a single-vehicle wreck on Wednesday night, according to the state Highway Patrol.

William Bruce Bullock, 63, served with the Highway Patrol for more than 24 years, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol Retirees’ Association.

According to Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Jeff Gordon, Bullock was traveling east on N.C. 130 at about 7:15 p.m. when his Toyota SUV ran off of the road and struck a ditch. The accident occurred east of Maxton.

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SCC offering free tuition program

WHITEVILLE — Southeastern Community College has unveiled a scholarship program that will make college accessible to all high school students in Columbus County.

The SCC Success Scholarship program will begin during the fall semester of 2017.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must earn a C or better in at least two courses offered through SCC’s Career and College Promise program during their high school career. The program will provide up to two years of tuition and fees for Columbus County students enrolling at SCC directly following graduation. The scholarship also requires continuous enrollment in the fall and spring semesters.

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Teacher remains on paid leave

FAYETTEVILLE — The Cumberland County teacher whose lesson on freedom of speech included stepping on the American flag met with school administrators for more than an hour Thursday.

Afterward, the instructor, Lee Francis, declined to publicly discuss what transpired, other than to say he will remain on paid administrative leave until school officials complete an investigation. No further meetings have been scheduled.

Dr. Frank Till Jr., superintendent of Cumberland County Schools, declined to comment while the investigation continues.

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