Administration buildings still in limbo

LUMBERTON — Robeson County Schools Superintendent Tommy Lowry doesn’t believe the system’s central office, flooded by Hurricane Matthew, can be occupied again, but as of now no decision has been made on whether there will be efforts to rehabilitate it.

The central office, which is just west of Exit 17 on Interstate 95, was swamped by the nearby Lumber River when Matthew dumped as much as a foot to 18 inches of rain on an already saturated Robeson County. Students in the Public Schools of Robeson County missed three weeks of classes, and the Board of Education has been meeting at COMtech.

Despite the damage, the buildings have not been condemned.

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Former firefighter arrest for theft

CHADBOURN — A former Chadbourn firefighter has been arrested for stealing four chainsaws from Klondyke Fire Station.

Corey Pinyan, 32, was arrested by Chadbourn Police on Nov. 22 and released on a secured bond.

Chadbourn Chief Darrell Trivette said officers were called Monday after Klondyke firefighters discovered that four chainsaws were missing from the department. The chainsaws were last used during the hurricane, Trivette said.

The investigation uncovered that Pinyan allegedly took the chainsaws and sold at least two. Officers also found indications that Pinyan was involved in a break-in at the Enroh Gas office in Chadbourn.

Additional charges are pending, Trivette said.

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Angier man charged with felonies

CLINTON — A yearlong undercover operation in Sampson County has yielded the arrest of an Angier man, charged with several felony meth-related offenses.

Skylar Vinson Barefoot, 33, was charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, selling methamphetamine, delivering methamphetamine and maintaining a vehicle for the storage of a controlled substance. He was arrested at his residence on Nov. 22.

He was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center under $75,000 secured bond.

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Golf pioneer dead at age 95

SOUTHERN PINES – Peggy Kirk Bell, a charter member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association and one of the most respected golf instructors and ambassadors in the United States, died Wednesday in her home at the age of 95.

Bell and her husband, Warren “Bullett” Bell, who preceded her in death, bought Pine Needles in 1953. Mrs. Bell and her family bought Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club across Midland Road in 1994.

From staff and wire reports.

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