Stray cats are

causing problems

ST. PAULS — Commissioners were told Thursday that new provisions are needed to address stray cats in town.

Mike Roberts, St. Pauls’ Animal Control officer, told commissioners that the town’s ordinance addresses roaming dogs, but not cats. Roberts said stronger provisions like fees and penalties are needed to address the problem of feral cats.

“If you got a no roaming law for dogs, why can’t you have one for cats?” he asked commissioners.

The Animal Control officer said he has tried everything from using fish to lure cats into the traps to even disguising traps as bushes, but some cats just don’t fall for it.

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Reward offered

in robbery cases

CHARLOTTE – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced Thursday a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to the location arrest, and conviction of the person(s) responsible for a series of violent armed robberies at several convenience stores in Lumberton.

“Since the start of the year, there have been multiple armed robberies targeting Hispanic convenience stores within the city limits of Lumberton …” according to a press release from the ATF.

Anyone with information should contact the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3845 or the ATF Charlotte Field Division at 1-800-ATF-TIPS or 1-800-283-8477. All tips will remain anonymous.

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Accelerator program

a joint effort

Partnering with the NC Principals and Assistant Principals’ Association and the Belk Foundation, the NC Department of Public Instruction and its partners will establish the Assistant Principal Accelerator Program, a statewide leadership initiative for rigorously selected assistant principals with a high potential for being fast-tracked into principalship.

Assistant Principals, who typically spend 3-5 years in the role, will enter the AP Accelerator Program and receive targeted leadership development and coaching from proven practitioners in the field.

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VFW honors

award winners

ROCKINGHAM — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4203 honored two students and a teacher for their annual essay and teacher awards ceremony Thursday evening.

Jude Howard, a senior at Richmond Senior High School, received the Voice of Democracy award for his essay, along with a $100 check and certificate.

Hannah English was awarded the Patriot’s Pen and Victoria James was recognized as the Teacher of the Year.

From Champion Media reports