Southeastern Integrated Care will operate the center, which is funded by Trillium and is expected to open by the end of 2025.

Schools in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties could lose more than $6 million as part a freeze on federal funding.

A 12-year-old girl was injured by an alligator in the Columbus County lake in June. But Wildlife officials say alligators encounters are rare.

Candidate have until noon on July 18 to file for municipal elections in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties.