By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      Fire that apparently began between the ceiling and roof of Tabor City’s Burger King heavily damaged the restaurant.      Restaurant workers entering the store on US 701 Bypass noticed the smell of smoke when they went to work before 6 a.m., Tabor City Fire Chief Jeff Fowler said.      “They were trying to…

By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      An investigation into nearly $70,000 missing from a Giving Hope Gardens bank account has resulted in the arrest of the non-profit group’s treasurer, who previously held the same post for the City of Loris and ran once for the City Council.      Todd Keith Massey, II, of Saint James Extension, Loris, surrendered…

By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      NOTE: This story has been edited to correct a description of the sex crime alleged against Jody Watts.      An allegation of “inappropriate communications” with a student at Thomas Academy in Lake Waccamaw has resulted in the arrest of a teacher from Green Sea on child sex charges.      Jody Watts, 49, of…

By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      State Rep. Brenden Jones of Tabor City has been elected Majority Leader of the North Carolina House or Representatives.      Jones election Tuesday was “by an overwhelming majority of his colleagues, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in leadership,” a news release from his office said. “With deep gratitude and…

     Sign up dates for the Toys for Tots program in Columbus County are set for two Saturdays, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7, organizers say.      Applications will be accepted at Believers Home Fellowship in Tabor City and Abundant Life Assembly of God in Whiteville from 10 a.m. to noon both days.      Residents of Tabor City, Fair…