Area News

By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      An accounting error made on Columbus County government books in 2015 and just reconciled in a new audit for the year that ended June 30, 2022, shows three of the county’s five water districts without the resources to pay their debts.      County commissioners accepted the long overdue audit during a called…

By JENN BOYD tribjenn@tabor-loris.com      Kelli Gerald secured a seat on Loris City Council with a decisive 236 to 154 victory over former council member Jan Vescovi in Tuesday’s special election run-off.      “I am elated, and I am thankful for all the citizens that voted for me,” Gerald said after the voters were counted. “Thank you…

By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      There are no Fowler’s left at the helm of the burger and hot dog businesses the late C.M. Fowler established in Loris and Tabor City.      His daughter, Rhonda Tyner, said the offer form Kyle and Lindsey Bell for the Broad Street business in Loris came at the right time. Rhonda has…

By JENN BOYD tribjenn@tabor-loris.com      A political newcomer and Loris City Council veteran are headed for an April 9 runoff to fill a vacancy on the panel following Tuesday’s special election.      Kelli Gerald claimed 145 votes in her first bid for public office, ahead of former council member Jan Vescovi with 128 votes, unofficial totals from…

By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      Town Council members have approved a $585,000 purchase of the former Tabor City Family Medicine offices on Pireway Road with plans to make it a new Town Hall.      Council approved the purchase Tuesday following a closed session, four months after approving a 180-day option on the property.      Al Leonard, who was…

A flatbed truck overturned on US 701 Bypass at Complex Street in Tabor City Monday morning, leaving a pallet full of molding, some damaged, on the pavement. No other vehicle was involved, and the driver suffered an apparent minor injury in the crash, shortly before 11 a.m., said Capt. Christopher Hilburn of the Tabor City…

By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      Truett S. Beasley Jr. has never been to Tabor City, but the comic better known as Killer Beaz says he knows small towns, and he’s looking forward to his performance here Friday.      His 8 p.m. performance will last about 90 minutes. Doors at The Ritz Center on Hickman Road open at…

By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      Deborah Connor feared she has lost her son, critically injured in an auto crash nearly two decades ago.      A new father just beginning his adult life, Jason Andrew Nealey was motionless in a hospital bed, machines keeping him alive, the prognosis was grim.      “He had a severe brain injury,” Connor, 60,…

Story & Photos By DEUCE NIVEN tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com      Developer and businessman Allen Strickland was awarded the Tabor Medal as the 2024 Citizen of the Year during the 78th annual banquet of the Greater Tabor City Chamber of Commerce Tuesday.      Recently retired town Public Works Director Donald James was given the chamber’s inaugural longevity award while former…