LAURINBURG - In the Lady Scots’ (9-6) last three contests, two of them ended up going to five sets. The script would continue Wednesday night as the Lady Scots defeated the Union Pines Vikings (10-7) in five sets. The set scores were 25-27, 25-22, 25-13, 14-25, and 15-12.

LAURINBURG — The Scotland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a badly decomposed body that was found Tuesday evening.

WEST POINT, G.A. - The Knights continued their AAC Conference schedule against the Point University Skyhawks in West Point, Georgia. Although the Knights remained in the match in all three sets, they weren’t able to capitalize on a set victory and fell at the hands of the Skyhawks in 3-0 fashion.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Knights traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to take on AAC Conference foe the Columbia Koalas. The Knights were continuing their run of solid results from AAC play and earned a demanding 7-1 win against the Koalas. A variety of goalscorers were on the cards Tuesday night for St. Andrews and a healthy part of the team that has shown itself as of late, that it can beat anyone on any day, contributing goals for the Knights.

LAURINBURG - The Scotland coed cross-country team met at James L. Morgan Recreation Complex on Tuesday afternoon, as the Scots competed against racers from Union Pines and Hoke County High Schools.

SANFORD - The Lady Scots volleyball team (8-6) took the one-hour trip up north to Sanford Tuesday evening, as they squared off with the Southern Lee Cavaliers (5-10). The Lady Scots would win in four sets, with scores of 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, and 25-12.

Beginning in the early 1970s, Boy Scout Troop 420 sponsored by the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church started an annual tradition of traveling from Laurinburg to the Uwharrie National Forest to challenge Scouts physically and mentally on the Dutchman Creek and Uwharrie Trails. Over the years the troop has had many leader changes and Scouts have walked through the troop meeting doors. Without exception the greatest memories a Scout takes with him are those memories of the Troop’s annual Uwharrie trip. A teen Scout faces many challenges in today’s world. Learning how to manage and meet challenges head on are skills taught in the Boy Scout program. Backpacking especially creates a great challenge for a Scout. Scouts plan the hike, plan their equipment, personal lists and food needs. They look at the weather and the time of year to make sure that their plan will be adequate for their trip. They normally arrive at a trailhead on Friday night just after dark and with headlamps hit the trail for a short hike to a makeshift campsite. For the first time, some Scouts experience the bright stars and quiet woods. Up early the next morning, they begin a hike to enjoy God’s creation with every few steps along the trail. It is not unusual to come across some wonderful people on a day hike or out for the weekend. Many times, they pass another Boy Scout Troop and exchange questions like, where are ya’ll from? Or where are you heading? Backpacking can produce the unexpected many times along the trail. I high swollen creek needing to be crossed, a sudden hailstorm at supper time or the unexpected drop in temperature and much more may reveal that the hike plan may not prepared for everything. Two nights on the trail followed by a Sunday morning hike back to another trailhead bring a since of accomplishment for the young Scouts. Nothing in their lives will challenge them more than a backpacking trip. No other activity will require they develop a plan that will yield a safe and comfortable experience like backpacking will. A few days later there will be a Troop meeting where Scouts will review their trip and critique their hike plan. Some will note their individual shortcomings like not having fresh batteries in their head lamp of not bringing rain gear. The group will grade their troop plan to find things that can be approved upon next time. Many thanks to the Uwharrie Trail Club for keeping the trails open and safe. Their work is greatly appreciated.