Selena Rowell, executive director of the Columbus County Partnership for Children, discusses why early childhood education matters and highlights resources for families and childcare providers, including the Early Learning and Family Resource Center, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, weekly story times, lending materials and support for early educators.

How does someone go from protecting the nation's leaders and investigating nuclear security cases to leading a small-town police department in Columbus County? Tabor City Police Chief Kevin Fowler joins On the Record to discuss his remarkable career, why he returned home after nearly 30 years in federal law enforcement, and his vision for the future of the Tabor City Police Department. He also talks about recruiting officers, community policing, new technology and the lessons he brought back from the Secret Service to his hometown.

Day of Hope is coming to the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina campus on June 13, bringing health screenings, food assistance, family resources, children's activities and community partners together for a free public event. Chief Mission Officer Pamela Young-Jacobs joins On the Record to explain why the organization created Day of Hope and how Boys and Girls Homes is serving children and families.

What challenges are facing young people in rural southeastern North Carolina — and what can communities do about it?On this episode of On the Record, Justin Smith talks with Edwrin Sutton of Men and Women United for Youth and Families about workforce development, mental health, food insecurity, opportunity youth, and the work being done across Columbus, Brunswick, Bladen and New Hanover counties.Sutton also shares his own personal story and explains why creating opportunities for young people remains at the center of the organization’s mission.

Columbus County Schools has officially broken ground on the long-awaited East View Elementary-Middle School in Bolton. Superintendent Eddie Beck joins On the Record to break down what this $54.6 million project means for students, why the eastern end of the county needed it, and what families can expect when the doors open in 2027.

New Whiteville City Manager Sean Martin joins On the Record to talk about returning home and stepping into the city’s top administrative role.He discusses how his local roots and experience in Whiteville and White Lake shaped his leadership style, along with early priorities like improving communication, building partnerships and pursuing funding opportunities. Martin also touches on projects already in motion, including a 200-job downtown development.

Justin Smith, publisher of The News Reporter, hosts this episode of On the Record focused on the Republican primary for the District 6 seat on the Columbus County Board of Commissioners.Incumbent Ricky Bullard, who has served on the board for a decade, is facing two challengers in the March primary: Jody (“JL”) Hinson and Jeanne McPherson.With no Democrats having filed to run, the winner of the District 6 Republican primary could be unchallenged in the November general election.

Justin Smith, publisher of The News Reporter, hosts this episode of On the Record focused on the Democratic primary for the District 7 seat on the Columbus County Board of Commissioners.Two former local officeholders are competing in the March primary: Alonzo McArthur, a former Brunswick town commissioner, and Jeff Register, former chair of the Columbus County Board of Elections.The winner of the Democratic primary will advance to face Republican incumbent Scott Floyd in the November general election. Floyd is unchallenged in the Republican primary.The News Reporter invited both Democratic candidates to participate in this interview series. McArthur and Register accepted the invitation and appear in this video.Candidates are presented in alphabetical order by last name. This series is part of The News Reporter’s ongoing coverage of contested local races ahead of early voting and the March primary.

Justin Smith, publisher of The News Reporter, hosts this episode of On the Record focused on the Republican primary for Columbus County sheriff.With no Democrat on the ballot, the March primary is likely to determine who will lead the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. Four Republicans filed to run for sheriff: incumbent Bill Rogers and challengers Ken Elliott, Joshua McPherson and Kevin Norris.The News Reporter invited all four candidates to participate in this interview series. Rogers, Elliott and McPherson accepted the invitation and appear in this video. Norris did not schedule an interview.Candidates are presented in the order they will appear on the ballot. This series is part of The News Reporter’s ongoing coverage of the sheriff’s race ahead of early voting and the March primary.

One of the most significant races on the local ballot this year is for district attorney.Voters in Columbus, Bladen and Brunswick counties will elect a successor to District Attorney Jon David, who announced in November that he would not seek re-election after 15 years in office.David, a Republican, endorsed First Assistant District Attorney Jenna Earley as his successor. Earley and J.K. Somers are running in the Republican primary for the seat. No Democrats filed.The News Reporter invited both candidates to participate in interviews. Jenna Earley accepted the invitation. J.K. Somers declined.Early voting begins Feb. 12.This video features Jenna Earley’s full, unedited interview, presented in her own words.