On the Record with The News Reporter

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Columbus County newsmakers sit down with publisher Justin Smith in The News Reporter's public affairs program 'On the Record' for a one-on-one conversation. © Copyright 2025 The News Reporter

  1. Apr 2

    Whiteville City Manager Sean Martin on coming home to serve

    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.

    22 min

  2. Feb 26

    Meet the candidates: GOP primary for Columbus County commissioner District 6

    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.

    44 min

  3. Feb 11

    Meet the candidates: Democratic primary for District 7 Columbus County commissioner

    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.

    30 min

  4. Feb 5

    Columbus County sheriff’s race: GOP primary candidates go On the Record

    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.

    39 min

  5. Jan 23

    A closer look at the GOP primary for district attorney

    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.

    21 min

  6. Jan 12

    Inside the move: Columbus County Health Department’s next chapter

    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. Buck walks The News Reporter’s Justin Smith through where key services are going, how the department is trying to minimize disruption and what patients need to know as the transition unfolds. He also shares his long-term vision for bringing public health back under one roof and building trust and access in a rural county.

    24 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    How does Columbus County plan to compete for jobs in 2026?

    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 Park, the future of International Paper in Riegelwood and what’s next for Columbus County.

    27 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Regional Teacher of the Year Anthony Martin on AI, career education and today’s classroom

    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 misconceptions about what really happens inside today’s classrooms.

    24 min
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Columbus County newsmakers sit down with publisher Justin Smith in The News Reporter's public affairs program 'On the Record' for a one-on-one conversation. © Copyright 2025 The News Reporter

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