Columbus County Clerk of Superior Court Jess Hill continues to serve locally while also advocating for clerks across all 100 North Carolina counties during one of the biggest technological shifts in state judicial history.Hill sat down with The News Reporter’s Justin Smith to discuss his added role as president of the N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court and what statewide leadership means for communities like Columbus County.He explains how clerks are adapting to the new eCourts system, the challenges of moving to a paperless model and the opportunities it creates for public access.

Just in time for Veterans Day, The News Reporter’s Justin Smith sits down with Angela Norris — a founding board member of the Veterans Memorial Park of America — to discuss a major milestone: the opening of the Veterans Community Outreach Center in Columbus County.From helping local veterans access benefits to providing a peaceful gathering space, the new center south of Whiteville is about connection, healing and community. Norris shares the story behind the park’s growth, the upcoming dedication ceremony and what this new facility means for veterans and their families.

Meet the candidates for Lake Waccamaw mayor.

Meet the candidates for Whiteville mayor.

Mike Creen captured history through his lens as a combat photographer in Vietnam. Today, he’s a leader for veterans in Columbus County. On this episode of On the Record, he shares his story of service and support — and previews the upcoming Veterans Parade in downtown Whiteville.

Whiteville City Schools Superintendent Jonathan Williams goes “On the Record” to discuss his third year leading Whiteville City Schools, the district’s performance on state report cards and his push to be the best in the region. He shares how the new cell phone ban is changing student behavior, the urgent need for bus drivers and why recruiting and retaining quality teachers remains a top priority.Williams also weighs in on the value of having a small city school system, upcoming facility priorities and clears up common misconceptions about education funding.

From an escape room about the periodic table to fossil digs in the backyard, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville makes learning hands-on and fun. For 25 years, Kellie Lewis says, the branch has grown by tailoring programs to the needs of its community — and she shares her vision for how it could evolve over the next 25 years.

As Columbus County students return to class, Superintendent Eddie Beck joins Justin Smith On the Record to discuss a brand-new cell phone policy, the fight against chronic absenteeism, and filling key teaching positions — plus why he believes this year could be one of the best yet for local schools.

Whiteville’s flooding challenges run deeper than just a heavy rain. City Manager Darren Currie joins On the Record to break down the swampy geography, decades-old development decisions, and what the city is doing — from multi-million-dollar projects to daily stormwater crew work — to try to keep the water at bay.

“No child should have to testify in court in front of the person who harmed them,” says Marc Murphy, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina. That belief fuels the mission of BGHNC’s Carolyn’s Kaleidoscope Child Advocacy Center — and Murphy’s efforts to secure its continued funding.

In this episode of On the Record, Murphy talks with The News Reporter’s Justin Smith about his recent advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. He also shares updates on the reopening of BGHNC’s children’s emergency shelter at Lake Waccamaw and the expansion of its charter school, Thomas Academy, to serve elementary students.