On the Record with The News Reporter

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 alr...

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...

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 th...

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. T...

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...

The Columbus County Health Department is preparing for one of the biggest transitions in its history, leaving a building it has occupied for generations and spreading services across several temporary locations. In this episode of On the Record, Health Director Daniel Buck explains what pushed the move from long-discussed problem to urgent reality — and why staying put was no longer an option. Buc...

Columbus County’s new economic development director, Dylan Bowen, goes “On the Record" to discuss the state of growth and job creation in the county. Bowen explains workforce challenges, infrastructure needs, and why shell buildings and speed-to-market matter when attracting industry. He also talks about recent job announcements, investment in sewer infrastructure at the Southeast Regional Pa...

Regional Teacher of the Year Anthony Martin of East Columbus Jr.-Sr. High School joins On the Record to discuss his path from administrator to classroom teacher, the impact of career and technical education, and how students are gaining real-world skills through hands-on IT support on campus. Martin also shares his perspective on artificial intelligence in education and clears up common misconcept...

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 mea...

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 conne...

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...

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 h...

On the Record with Focus Broadband Business Development Director Kris Ward

On the Record with Pamela Young-Jacobs

What’s being done after a child was injured by an alligator at Lake Waccamaw? Mayor Matt Wilson discusses how the town and state are responding in the latest episode of On the Record.

4,500 homes coming to Old Lake Road? We asked engineer Andy Mills of Colliers Engineering & Design everything you want to know about the proposal. Justin Smith, publisher of The News Reporter, conducted this interview on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

On the Record with Chadbourn Police Chief Ken Elliott

Appointed more than two years ago to finish Jody Greene’s term, Sheriff Bill Rogers now faces a pivotal election. In 2026, Columbus County voters will decide whether he stays in office. Hear what Rogers says about his leadership and why he wants to stay on the job. On May 15, 2025, Rogers sat down with News Reporter Publisher Justin Smith for an in-depth interview.

On the Record with Columbus County Economic Development Director Gary Lanier