Border Belt Independent
WEBThe abandoned pools of Columbus County. By Ben Rappaport benrappaport@borderbelt.org This story is published in partnership with The Assembly. It was a sight that ruined Lauren Cole’s childhood memories: cracked concrete filled with murky green water, overgrown weeds, and hundreds of waterbugs. “This is hard to look at,” said Cole, now 71.
Bagpipes, kilts and shared history shine at Scotland County …
WEB23 hours ago · benrappaport@borderbelt.org. When the voluminous melody of bagpipes began to play, Bob Stewart felt a stirring in his blood. The rich, haunting sound connected him to his ancestors in the southern Scottish Highlands dating back to 1654. “I used to wonder why the pipes got my blood pumping,” Stewart …
What the Trillium merger means for Medicaid recipients in NC's …
WEBJan 3, 2024 · The merger comes after the General Assembly voted to expand Medicaid as of Dec. 1. Most adults who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty rate may now be eligible for the federal health care coverage program run by the state. “The consolidation agreement prioritizes doing what is best for members and providers,” Trillium said in a statement.
Mark Robinson, under-fire candidate for NC governor, finds …
WEB1 day ago · By Ben Rappaport. benrappaport@borderbelt.org. Dot Gore knows Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has a history of making controversial comments. But Gore said she believes Robinson is a good person at his core, which is why she plans to vote for him for governor in November.
In one of America's most diverse counties, the wounds of racism …
WEBFeb 23, 2022 · Watch this documentary that accompanies our story about racial tensions in Robeson County. By Sarah Nagem. sarahnagem@borderbelt.org. Tyrone Watson ducked as rocks and bottles arced over his head. It was June 2020 and Watson, president of the Robeson County chapter of the NAACP, gathered among a crowd of about 150 in Pembroke, North Carolina ...
Elizabethtown has big plans, including a mixed-use project and …
WEBMar 30, 2023 · By Ivey Schofield. iveyschofield@borderbelt.org. Elizabethtown has plans for four major projects that could help transform the small Bladen County community into a hub for growth and innovation.
Border Belt People: Greg Martin retires after 25 years as Bladen ...
WEBJan 10, 2024 · kerriaweaver@borderbelt.org. Bladen County Manager Greg Martin, who has been working in local government for almost 30 years, is retiring. He first worked in local government starting in early 1996. The Border Belt Independent spoke with Martin about his time in the position and his decision to retire. Q.
Rachel Baldauf, Author at Border Belt Independent
WEBSep 18, 2024 · By Rachel Baldauf rachelbaldauf@borderbelt.org At least 37 people, including four children, have died in homicides in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties so far this year, according to an analysis by the Border Belt Independent. Robeson County has seen at least 25 homicides since Jan. 1. Scotland County has reported at least 8 ...
How did hospitals in NC's Border Belt fare in latest safety grades?
WEBNov 7, 2023 · Hospitals in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties received B and C safety grades from The Leapfrog Group.
'Sitting on a goldmine.' Chadbourn makes gains toward a …
WEBMar 3, 2023 · By Ivey Schofield . iveyschofield@borderbelt.org. Chadbourn Mayor Phillip Britt has been keeping a secret: The small Columbus County town, he says, is on the cusp of a downtown resurgence.