Mayor: Run-off between Mouton and West.Councilmember At-Large: Turner and Williams Ward 1: CrenshawWard 2: HilliardWard:3 Sherwood Warren — A former Lumberton High School football player is remembered as a loving son 19-year-old Zachary Morris died early Wednesday morning in a Hardin County collision crashing into a utility pole and then a large tree He leaves behind his loving family who shared photos with KFDM You can see Zac in the middle wearing his Lumberton Raiders jersey Another photo shows Zac with his father and family They all played a critical role in his life He graduated from Lumberton High School and worked offshore for Transocean and also for a restaurant in Lumberton Zac's grandparents shared some of their photos with KFDM playing football for Lumberton High School telling us "we're all missing him." Visitation is Monday at Broussard's in Silsbee This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page (WPDE) — Police are awaiting toxicology results on a man found dead in a storage shed Tuesday afternoon on 36th Street in Lumberton officials said they're not sure how the man passed away they said it's standard operating procedure to have a toxicology report to determine if the death was the result of anything outside of natural causes Lumberton — Police are investigating a student's threat of potential violence against Lumberton Middle School The district says a report was made to Lumberton Middle School staff about a social media post in which a student made a threat of potential violence "The situation was immediately addressed in accordance with district policy and the Lumberton Police Department was notified," according to the district The case has been turned over to law enforcement for a criminal investigation The Lumberton Police Department has determined the campus is safe "Student and staff safety remains our top priority and we will continue to take all necessary measures to maintain a secure school environment," said the district in its release Jasper County — A Jasper County Sheriff's Office deputy on overnight patrol spotted an erratic driver and it led to the arrest of several teens for weapons violations The deputy was patrolling on Reese Road between Buna and Evadale at about 12:30 a.m saw a driver traveling erratically and thought he may be intoxicated the deputy developed probable cause to search the vehicle one of which was confirmed stolen out of Hardin County The deputy also discovered items that may be connected to other crimes Marceaux was charged with Theft of a Firearm and the juvenile were all charged with Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon The three older teens were placed in the Jasper County Jail while the juvenile was transported to the Hardin County Juvenile Detention Facility Sheriff Chuck Havard says his office is committed to combating criminal activity in Jasper County Sheriff Havard wants to thank JCSO employees for being vigilant and patrolling the neighborhoods of Jasper County Lumberton — Lumberton City Council is giving Live Oak Environmental 30 days to come into compliance following a torrent of complaints about its service in Hardin County and beyond Council voted 6-0 Monday night to issue a 30 day notice to Live Oak KFDM's Tre Sanchez covered the meeting and he'll have a report at 10 Several commissioners voiced concerns about service problems KFDM anchor Aaron Drawhorn investigated Live Oak's problems and aired a special report last week Lumberton — KFDM/Fox 4 News has obtained the City of Lumberton's waste collection contract with Live Oak Environmental The city is looking at its options after trash collection has been delayed for days outraging citizens who pay for the service The Lumberton City Hall this week has received more than 200 complaints about the city's trash provider Live Oak Environmental It's beginning to attract animals and they're very very unhappy as anyone would be," said Darla Harrington KFDM/Fox 4 News asked City Manager Steve Clark if he thought Live Oak was potentially in breach of its contract "I think based on the number of complaints they are in a position where we have the legal right to go out to them and notify them you are in breach of contract," Clark said According to the 14-page contract that expires in September 2028 the city and Live Oak must give written notice and 30 days to cure any potential breach The problems will be before council Monday night The City of Lumberton for years had a contract with Piney Woods Sanitation with few complaints about garbage service but Live Oak Environmental acquired Piney Woods "I had them in my office Tuesday morning," Clark said "And what did you tell them?" KFDM anchor Aaron Drawhorn asked Their attitude was very humble," Clark said Live Oak Environmental Vice President of Operations Dwight Robinson assures Lumberton residents that the company will be caught up by Friday evening He says a driver shortage created a domino effect and they have brought in additional workers and trucks to remedy the problem this week This is nowhere near how we do business," Robinson told KFDM/Fox 4 by phone "It's just something that bubbled up and it was kind of the imperfect storm," he said Robinson confirmed he will attend the council meeting Monday night Live Oak Environmental is owned by Kinderhook Industries New York City-based Kinderhook's portfolio includes 15 environmental and industrial companies Kinderhook acquired Piney Woods in May 2023 noting the East Texas area's "population growth coupled with a business-friendly environment and a supportive government creates an extremely appealing environmental services market.” "They didn't make any cuts or anything to try to make the company more profitable?" KFDM anchor Aaron Drawhorn asked Robinson we probably pay $6 or $7 more an hour than Piney Woods did for the employees that we have now we did not cut back employees," Robinson said "Our mayor went without his garbage being picked up for nearly a week I don't want to get rid of them if they can comply and start doing their job," Clark said we're going through the first step Monday night," he said the first step is to give Live Oak written notice and 30 days to address the problem We also have learned that Live Oak Environmental has also had service delays in other areas in the small Grimes County town of Richards some citizens late last year waited for two months for pickup even though they paid their bills in full near Lufkin and former regional headquarters of Piney Woods the city council considered ending the Live Oak waste management contract in January he's had meetings and discussions with Live Oak "They are working to resolve the issues," said Bill Stewart KFDM/Fox 4 also reached out to the Livingston city manager Bill Wiggins said it got so bad at one point the city had to go up in the Live Oak chain for "a heart to heart." Wiggins said Livingston considered doing its own sanitation but was not confident they could provide the proper level of service for Livingston residents it's improved quite a bit," Wiggins said and Nederland are similar-sized cities to Lumberton and do their own trash collection But city manager Steve Clark says without a city tax to buy a fleet of trucks it would just be too expensive for Lumberton to get into the sanitation business The city council meeting in Lumberton starts at 7 p.m Monday at city hall located at 836 North Main Street (WPDE) — A Lumberton ABC store theft incident led to the arrest of three men involved in stealing alcohol and drug trafficking ALE Special Agents observed an individual parked near the rear loading dock at Lumberton ABC Store Feb was seen loading mass amounts of alcohol into his vehicle with the help of an ABC employee The employee was identified as Collin Montes TODAY: 11 dogs seized from Florence home after neighbors complained for 2 years Faulk then left the store location and drove to Huffham Street in Chadbourn ALE Special Agents determined Montes conspired with Faulk to steal approximately $2,000 worth of liquor from Lumberton ABC Feb in conjunction with the Chadbourn Police Department executed two search warrants at 214 Huffham Street The investigation resulted in the recovery of 600 bottles of spirituous liquor 378 Oxycodone tablets and 50 Methadone tablets Criminal charges stemming from the joint investigation are as follows: was charged with possession of stolen goods (Felony) possessing for sale alcoholic beverages without an ABC permit possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver a schedule III controlled substance possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver a schedule II controlled substance and possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine has been charged with possession of stolen goods (Felony) possession for sale alcoholic beverages without an ABC permit possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana was charged with larceny by an employee (Felony) This is an on-going investigation and additional charges are expected Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInLUMBERTON (WMBF) - A reward is still being offered for information regarding the deaths of three North Carolina women nearly a decade ago The FBI said Friday that it’s still investigating the 2017 deaths of Kristin Bennett Rhonda Jones and Megan Oxendine - all of Lumberton Friday marked eight years since Bennett was found dead inside a home on Peachtree Street and Jones was found dead on East 5th Street Oxendine was found dead outside a home on East 8th Street in June 2017 The FBI noted Friday that it does not consider the deaths a cold case “We continue to actively develop and follow leads We will utilize every possible resource to uncover the facts These women deserve justice and we will not stop until they get it,” Lumberton Police Chief Michael McNeill said in a statement provided by the FBI Friday’s statement from the FBI also came two years after the agency increased its reward for any information leading to the discovery and arrest of suspects responsible for the deaths to $75,000 Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3845, or online at tips.fbi.gov Lumberton — Texas school districts are all struggling with lack of state funding That's why district leaders are anxiously awaiting action from the state legislature when it comes to public school funding Right now sixty percent of Texas school districts are operating on deficit budgets For years now Lumberton has been seen as a booming city but that growth is not reflective in the school district Ed.D told us that Lumberton ISD had experienced a loss of fifty students.. that enrollment decline has doubled to over 100 students Mathews says the state is projecting an additional loss of 30 students for the Lumberton school district next year Enrollment declines in Texas public schools are contributing to budget shortfalls and forcing districts to cut programs So where are these students that are leaving Lumberton ISD going we have neighboring districts that do have transfer policies we have students leaving here and transferring for other districts." Lumberton ISD doesn't have a transfer policy in place in which it can accept transfers Mathews did bring it up to the school board as a way of increasing revenue Leaving Mathews and other school officials searching for ways to tighten spending as they wait to see what the Texas legislature decides to do with school funding Mathews says that over the past couple of years Lumberton ISD departments have dropped budgets by twenty percent The district must finalize next school year's budget by the end of August The Queen of Toxicity charged with child endangerment after a St Patrick’s Day hit-and-run with her son in the car Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested today and charged with endangering her child after being arrested at her home earlier this evening following allegations of a hit-and-run with her son in the car was resigned her job as the Neptune Township administrator earlier this month after local officials said they would fire her if she didn’t leave voluntarily The Queen of Toxicity allegedly hit a car while driving in Mount Laurel and left the scene of the accident A Lumberton police officer she had hired was sent to her home to arrest her Records show she was charged with Endangering-Abuse/Neglect of a Child by Caretaker and Cruelty and Neglect of Children She was also charged with operating her 2019 Blue BMW under the influence of liquor or drugs driving with an open container of alcohol or unsealed cannabis in her motor vehicle careless driving likely to endanger a person or property LaPlaca was arrested for assaulting her husband and the charges against LaPlaca were dropped An incident report filed in 2017 revealed a verbal argument after “LaPlaca arrived home intoxicated,” police records show left the house they shared with his young son voluntarily Carty told the New Jersey Globe in 2023 that he was “the bad guy in that incident.” she was the victim of domestic violence by her boyfriend Carty had also reported a previous domestic violence incident involving LaPlaca “I never reported any domestic violence incidents   The police came to the house for an argument and no was charged and no allegations were made,” he said at the time “I was the bad guy in that incident and I agreed to leave the house at the time.” LaPlaca was escorted out of a Mount Holly Fire Commission meeting after an outburst LaPlaca was the Democratic nominee for State Assembly in the 8th district in 2019 LaPlaca did not immediately respond to a voicemail message left on her cell phone “Millions of Americans struggle with addiction and never get help I  ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery  Please ignore the exaggerated political hyperbole and keep in mind her passion for helping others This should not erase all the things she has accomplished for our community,” he said “Gina is a loving and caring mother and step mom to our son and her step son  Our oldest is a teenager and can see the unkind things being said online  I ask simply that you respect our privacy be better humans and please show some compassion This story was updated on March 18 at 10:13 AM and again at 12:20 PM (WPDE) — Lumberton police are investigating a shooting on Monday at the Sun-Do on Elizabethtown Road a juvenile suffered a single gunshot wound to the abdomen and was transported for non-life-threatening injuries TRENDING: Man arrested in Darlington Co. after dog attacks bike rider The release states that the incident is under investigation and officials say that it appears to be accidental The Lumberton Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-tun according to the Lumberton Police Department (WPDE) — The Lumberton Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run Investigators said the suspect's vehicle is believed to be a dark-colored sedan from Lumberton was pronounced dead on the scene Johnson said the suspect fled the scene after hitting Tilley The LPD is asking anyone with information on this incident to call them at (910) 671-3845 (WMBF) - A Lumberton ABC store employee is among two people accused of recently stealing alcohol The North Carolina Department of Public Safety said James Faulk and Collin Montes have outstanding warrants in the case as of Friday night The agency said special agents with the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division saw Faulk loading “a substantial quantity of liquor into a vehicle” at a Lumberton ABC Store on Feb who authorities said was an employee at the store Faulk then reportedly left the store and traveled to a home on Huffman Street in Chadbourn The NCDPS said an investigation found Montes conspired with Faulk to steal nearly $2,000 of alcohol Authorities then expected a search warrant on March 13 at the home on Huffman Street The search resulted in the discovery of 600 bottles of liquor as well as other drugs including marijuana was arrested following the search and faces multiple alcohol and drug-related charges Faulk and Montes each face charges including larceny and conspiracy - with Faulk also wanted on several drug possession and trafficking charges (WPDE) — One person has died after a hit-and-run on Monday on East 2nd Street near the intersection of North Rozier Street Vernon Johnson with the Lumberton Police Department Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Officer Cedrique Bridges at (910) 671-3845 and investigators are working to identify the suspect's vehicle (WPDE) — Human remains were found at an abandoned water plant in Lumberton on Friday afternoon according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Investigators responded to the abandoned water plant on 609 Water Street after receiving a tip that someone saw possible human bones Officers on the scene saw skeletal remains submerged in a flooded pit beneath the abandoned water plant MORE: Man dies after being struck by pickup in Robeson Co., troopers say The Fayetteville Police Department Dive Team recovered the remains The remains are being sent to the North Carolina State Medical Examiner's Office to determine a cause of death and possible identification There is no further information at this time (WPDE) — Lakisha Locklear said she wants the Robeson County School District to take another look at how they handle serious incidents in schools when students are hurt Lakisha Locklear's 12-year-old daughter was recently involved in an assault at Lumberton Junior High School during which her teeth were partially knocked out “Kadaysia was on the floor and blood was everywhere She was covered from her face down with blood I pulled the clothing down from her to see her and I noticed my child’s teeth were out of her mouth And the only thing they were holding them there were the braces it was a feeling that I can’t even describe," said Locklear Lakisha Locklear said her daughter spent more than 12 hours in the emergency room before being sent to a trauma hospital because of her teeth Kadaysia Locklear said she and the boy were playing around And that's when I got my water bottle And I said I will literally put this water bottle out and I will squirt it on you That's when he took the water bottle out of my hand And that's when I took the rest of the water and I put it on him And that's when he got angry and started hitting me," Kadaysia Locklear said Lakisha Locklear said her daughter is lucky that doctors were able to save her teeth She's upset that school administrators didn't contact her about her daughter being assaulted and that the incident happened in a classroom in the presence of a teacher ABC 15 reached out to the Robeson County School District with Locklear's concerns but administrators referred us to the Robeson County Sheriff's Office for a comment on the matter Deputies said they've charged the 14-year-old with felony assault inflicting serious injury Officers said he remains in the custody of his parents Deputies said they also charged Kadaysia Locklear with misdemeanor simple assault for her role in the incident Lakisha Locklear said she plans to fight the charge against her daughter because she's a victim She also wants the Robeson County School District to take another look at how they handle serious incidents in schools when students are hurt "I can not let something like this go Because our kids are sent to school to be safe You sign up to protect and serve what you're doing for our kids Why didn't you call me," said Lakisha Locklear The North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention assisted the Robeson County Sheriff's Office in the investigation Residents in Mississippi cities will hold elections in June to determine their leadership for the next four years The candidates filed their intent to seek office by the Jan Their candidacies do not become official until they are certified Mississippi's municipal elections will take place in June the Republican and Democratic parties will hold elections to narrow down the field of candidates The party primary races will be held April 1 Below are the candidates seeking office in Petal Municipal elections: Hattiesburg will see some old and new faces in office after the June 3 election Only Republican candidates are seeking office in Petal so the municipal races will be determined in the April primary election or runoff The mayor's office and Ward 1 alderman positions are challenged this year Incumbent Mayor Tony Ducker will face challengers Emily Dawn Escolas and William E.J Miller.Alderman at Large Mike Lott is unopposed.In Ward 1 Josh Gipson is challenging incumbent Alderman Gerald Steele.Ward 2 Alderwoman Kim Stringer is unopposed.Ward 3 Alderman Blake Nobles is unopposed.Ward 4 Alderman Craig Strickland is unopposed.Ward 5 Alderman Drew Brickson is unopposed.Ward 6 Alderman Craig Bullock is unopposed.PurvisIncumbent officers currently serving the city are all running unopposed so the city will not hold an election this year The following officers will be sworn in for a new term in July Mayor Roger HerrinAlderman at Large Wendell HudsonWard 1 Alderwoman Donna BielsteinWard 2 Alderman Vernon HartfieldWard 3 Alderwoman Jerry SmithWard 4 Alderwoman Deborah FerrellSumrallCandidates are running as independents so Sumrall will not have a primary election in April to Jennifer Jane Welch Ard and Irvin Wayne Ard all of Lumberton; Dolton Coleman and his fiancé of Nederland; and Kensie Ard; Ethen Ard and his fiancé Gracie Gore; Newt Ard; Wyatt Ebert; and Zoe Ebert Marilyn and Jerome Welch of Lumberton; Wayne Ard and his wife Delphia Cansler of Lumberton; aunts and uncles Jared Welch of Lumberton; Ashlyn Kilpatrick and her husband of Silsbee; Jacob Ard of Silsbee; Latonya Ard of Buna; and Zach Ard of Silsbee; nephews both of Lumberton; and numerous other aunts A gathering of Draden’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. His interment will follow at Boykin Family Cemetery My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time I loved him just like he we my nephew and I am glad that I had a time in his life to watch him grow up I enjoyed the times that I would come over and spend at the house with yall I only a met you once but I have known your family since I was a young girl I pray for comfort for your family especially your momma and grandma!! it broke my heart when I heard about Draden I will be praying for you and your family Asking Jesus to comfort you like only he can but even though our hearts are full of sadness… They are also full of love and joy to have had Drayden in our lives but I’m so thankful there’s no sorrow on earth Heaven cannot heal!! and website in this browser for the next time I comment Beaumont - McFaddin Ave. Beaumont - Major Dr. Nederland ©Broussard's Mortuary 2017-2025 Built By Americom Marketing (WPDE) — Questions still linger eight years after the deaths of three women in Lumberton between April and June of 2017 police found the bodies of Rhonda Jones outside a house on East 5th Street in Lumberton and Christina "Kristin" Bennett on Peachtree Street in Lumberton Price said it's always hard around the time of Jones' death She said she just feels an empty inside that grows with every passing year Megan Oxendine was found deceased outside a house on East 8th Street in Lumberton on June 3 Autopsy results show the causes and manner of death as undetermined MORE: Fatal shooting under investigation in Florence County Price formed the group Shatter the Silence It seeks to raise awareness of all of the unsolved deaths in Robeson County She admits they haven't done a lot in the past year Price said her health has started to fail and doesn't have ample help for her organization The police stated last April that this is not a cold case They are actively trying to develop leads and bring answers to the victim’s families the FBI released the following statement on the women's deaths: The reward for information in the women’s deaths has been raised from $40,000 to $75,000 in the past two years have worked relentlessly investigating these cases Contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3845 if you have any information surrounding the case Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. to Marilyn Jane Boykin Welch and Jerome Welch of Lumberton; Dolton Coleman and his fiancé of Nederland; and Dathan Ard and Braley Ard Marilyn and Jerome Welch; and Tim and Robin Skaggs Jared Welch of Lumberton; and Ashlyn Kilpatrick and her husband Amiee Day and Angela Mehl; nieces and nephew Jenna and Holton Kilpatrick; and numerous aunts Jennifer is preceded in death by her daughter A gathering of Jennifer’s family and friends will begin at 2:00 p.m. Her interment will follow at Boykin Family Cemetery What an impression you made on me of how strong of a woman of Faith you were! and your laugh you could hear across the room! My heart is broken and until we meet again watch over us Lumberton — Lumberton police are investigating an auto-pedestrian crash that left a man on a bicycle critically injured Police Chief Danny Sullins tells KFDM/Fox 4 News the man was crossing Highway 69 at about 7 p.m just north of Nice Guy Ricky's and close to FM 421 The victim was taken to a hospital in critical condition Chief Sullins is checking to get an update The governor said he hopes Gina LaPlaca reaches a better place Gov. Phil Murphy said Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca should step down after her arrest for driving under the influence and child endangerment Lumberton police arrested her last month after she allegedly struck a car while driving in Mount Laurel and left the scene of the accident LaPlaca’s son was allegedly in the car during the incident Murphy said he hopes she reaches a better place and thinks it would be best for her to step aside until she can improve “She’s been in my prayers since the moment I heard about this,” he told reporters “I wish her a speedy journey to a better place for her and her family I think it would be wise for her to put aside—until she can get to that better place—her public duties [I’m] praying for her and her family.” LaPlaca did not immediately respond to a voicemail message left on her cell phone last month did release a statement to the New Jersey Globe “Millions of Americans struggle with addiction and never get help I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery Please ignore the exaggerated political hyperbole and keep in mind her passion for helping others This should not erase all the things she has accomplished for our community,” he said “Gina is a loving and caring mother and step mom to our son and her step son Our oldest is a teenager and can see the unkind things being said online Records show she was charged with Endangering-Abuse/Neglect of a Child by Caretaker and Cruelty and Neglect of Children She was also charged with operating her BMW under the influence of liquor or drugs LaPlaca was arrested for assaulting her Carty Lumberton — A close friend of a Lumberton family that lost everything in a house fire is trying to help them with monetary donations and other essentials to help rebuild their lives The fire broke out Sunday afternoon at the home on Yellowood Lane Hardin County ESD#2 and the Silsbee Volunteer Fire Department fought the flames No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation Rebecka Sellers says her friends have experienced a devastating loss She set up venmo account for donations that'll go directly to Kriste: Rebecka is also asking for any clothing you can donate: Tx — The Lumberton Lady Raiders scored three goals in each half and pitched a post-season shutout to eliminate Needville in the 4A-DI Regional Semifinals (WPDE) — A fight at Lumberton High School on Tuesday night during a basketball game resulted in the removal of individuals in attendance Chief Communications Officer for the Public Schools of Robeson County Sealey said the incident took place in the bleachers during Tuesday's game Officers said if the district requests additional police at the next game Sealey reiterates that no players were involved and there were no reported injuries from the incident LUMBERTON — The Lumberton Raiders celebrated the achievements of twelve student-athletes who signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level Three football players made commitments: Jacob Marchuk is headed to Howard Payne University Ty Reyes signed with Texas Lutheran University and Tyler Breeden will join Trinity Valley Community College Gavin Harmse will stay close to home by signing with Lamar University while Jackson Pullen is set to attend Centenary College in the fall Four soccer players also signed: Logan Mason will attend Schreiner University and Will Scoggin is taking his talents to I2I International Academy and Northumbria University in Tyne Lady Raider soccer players Autumn Hopson and Madilyn Huble are both headed to Angelina College Gaige Gordey is set to join the cross country team at the University of Texas at Tyler Jaycee Spears signed a volleyball scholarship with Wharton Junior College and Conner Prejean will be swimming at Cole College next year Storms in early November 2024 dropped more than a foot of rain on Lumberton causing the city to close the park for safety concerns “The creek that runs through the middle of the city park sometimes floods Clark says that the city attempted to file an insurance claim but later learned the park was not covered for flood damage although the surface beneath the original turf was dirt the city elected to lay a cement foundation this time to prevent shifting of underlying material in the future Nearly $50,000 in surface materials were delivered Jan with installation that could begin this week will supervise the installation of the ½” thick astroturf-like surface material installation will take approximately a week and result in the park’s re-opening early- to mid- February “We want that park open as much as anyone,” said Clark “It’s a blessing to our city and the people that live here and enjoy the park and it’s not been closed because we’ve been sitting back sitting on our hands Clark said funds for park repairs come from money reserved in the general budget and the Industrial Development Corporation fund Although park-goers have been able to continue walking playing tennis and pickle ball at the FM 421 park the city’s youngest citizens and guests from surrounding areas are eager to slide and swing again Clark noted that the next major project at the city park will likely involve adding extra lighting to the playground area Although Lumberton does not have an established drainage district an expansion of the current 30-acre detention pond has been discussed as a potential measure to reduce future flood damage local news has kept our communities informed and engaged and its demise strains the fabric of our society The Examiner with each and every issue informs it is expensive yet essential to maintain a free society 1 black belt in the world by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation who co-owns one of two jiu-jitsu studios in Southeast Texas with his brother attributes his success to the support of his family "It's how I spend 90% of my time with my family whether it's with my mom or my sister or my brother we all get to spend time training together every day," Oranday said The family decided to open the gyms after recognizing a need for competition in the community "I really want to cultivate that in Southeast Texas and give people a reason to get off the couch," he said Oranday has dedicated himself to intense training spending two to three hours a day training and seven to eight hours teaching "It doesn't mean I'm the best in the world," Oranday explained "It means I was the most active competing athlete that did the best so I competed 32 times over the year and I won more than anyone else that competed." Known as "Professor Gumby," Oranday is proud to be one of only five Americans to achieve this honor and the first from Texas and Southeast Texas "Put a little dot on the map in jiu-jitsu for Oranday hopes his success will inspire other families to engage in the sport that has brought so much joy to him and his family but you can't play football with them You can take your kids to jiu-jitsu and train with them every day," he said "It really means a lot to me to accomplish something not just big for myself but big for the area." Oranday Bros Jiu-Jitsu has two locations: one in Lumberton and one in Port Neches. For more information on classes, you can visit their website here (WPDE) — A Wawa store is opening in Lumberton with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30 a.m the store will announce community partnerships and support for local organizations They will also celebrate local heroes with their signature “Hoagies for Heroes” initiative TRENDING: Accused murderer takes stand in Nacho Hippo trial day 6 said the company is excited to continue their expansion into North Carolina “We look forward to continuing to bring our unique brand of fresh food beverages and convenience to new areas and to further our commitment to providing the community with not only a new level of convenience but a strong committed community partner," Dowgielewicz said NATIONAL: Gov. Stein to announce new plans for women's reproductive rights in NC Wawa will open 10 stores in North Carolina by the end of 2025 including a travel center in Hope Mills and stores in Garner They plan to open 90 stores in the state in the next eight to 10 years These stores are expected to create more than 3,000 jobs For career opportunities at Wawa, click here. LUMBERTON -- Mayor Gina LaPlaca, who just last week quit her job as business administrator in Neptune Township is facing multiple charges in municipal court including driving under the influence and child endangerment following an arrest on Monday on March 17 for allegedly driving while intoxicated with a 2-year-old child in the rear driver-side seat of her vehicle LaPlaca was charged with endangering/abuse/neglect of a child which is a second-degree crime that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison She was also charged with cruelty and neglect a fourth-degree crime that carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison LaPlaca was also cited for operating a vehicle under the influence driving with an expired license and an open container of alcohol a witness video showed a vehicle failing to maintain its lane in multiple instances and almost colliding with a utility pole After law enforcement made contact with LaPlaca she admitted to drinking and stated she had picked up her toddler from daycare A search of her vehicle found an open container of alcohol according to the statement in the affidavit told the Asbury Park Press that she was admitted to a rehab facility the following day This is not a Republican or Democrat (issue) People suffer from addiction and many people don't get help She is finally getting the help she needs," Carty said "unfortunately you have to hit rock bottom before you get better This arrest came a week after LaPlaca informed Neptune officials of her resignation prior to the March 10 meeting of the Township Committee and in her statement to the Asbury Park Press cited the "changing political environment" as the reason Neptune news: Headliner, Sunsets could be replaced with new housing, stores, fishing pier The resignation came days after a 14-second video of LaPlaca being escorted out of a March 5 Mount Holly Fire Commissioners meeting was uploaded to a Neptune group on Facebook The clip shows LaPlaca in a heated back-and-forth with someone in the public while police escort her out of the room In an email to the Neptune Township Committee chairwoman of the Mount Holly Fire District No saying it was the audience members who had been heckling her and slandering her husband Saucier said LaPlaca was not asked to leave and police escorted her out for her own safety LaPlaca was elected to the Township Committee in Lumberton in Burlington County in 2020 and then re-elected in 2023 In 2023, LaPlaca was arrested at her home in late October after a domestic incident resulted in LaPlaca being accused of assaulting her husband. The charges filed against her would later be dismissed and she was granted an expungement, removing that October arrest from her record Carty said that he took responsibility for the incident and that his wife did nothing wrong LaPlaca handled day-to-day operations in Neptune since January 2022 As the business administrator she was involved in all aspects of town management and managing projects that fall in line with the town’s goals She did not elaborate on what changes had happened as are all five members of the Neptune Township Committee "I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery. Please ignore the exaggerated political hyperbole and keep in mind her passion for helping others. This should not erase all the things she has accomplished for our community," Carty said. He said LaPlaca is a "loving and caring" mother. "Our oldest is a teenager and can see the unkind things being said online. I ask simply that you respect our privacy, be better humans and please show some compassion, thank you," Carty said. Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: CDaye@gannettnj.com ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WPDE) — An investigation into the death of a Lumberton woman has resulted in an arrest. Maurice Tyquan Whitted, 35, of Lumberton, was taken into custody by investigators and charged with second-degree murder by distribution of drugs. The arrest follows the discovery of Britany M. McNeil, 34, who was found unresponsive at her residence on October 11, 2023. Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the scene at 279 Littlefield Acres Loop Rd. McNeil was later pronounced dead at UNC Southeastern Medical Center. Whitted is currently held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond. "Death by distribution cases are typically difficult to prove and to bring forth for prosecution. This makes it essential for law enforcement officers to conduct thorough investigations and follow all leads," said Sheriff Burnis Wilkins. Wilkins noted the challenges posed by delays in toxicology reports, stating, "Unfortunately as seen in this case, there are backlogs in receiving toxicology reports. However, when we receive them, and the results along with other evidence are such that we can bring forth criminal charges, we do so as quickly as possible. Families need closure and they deserve it." The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division is continuing its investigation. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. NAVASOTA — The Lumberton boys soccer team lost 2-1 in OT to Salado in the regionals in Navasota. KFDM/Fox 4 Sports congratulates the Raiders on a great season! KFDM Sports anchor Kierstin Lindkvist has followed the team this season and she was there for the Raiders' valiant effort through regulation and overtime. Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall. General AlertBeaumont Elections Final Results   Mayor: Run-off between Mouton and West.Councilmember At-Large: Turner and Williams Ward 1: CrenshawWard 2: HilliardWard:3 Sherwood Lumberton — A staff member who reported seeing a student with what appeared to be a weapon triggered a brief lockdown this morning at Lumberton Middle School and High School according to a statement from Lumberton ISD Lumberton Middle School and High School were placed on lockdown at 9:13 a.m Tuesday "out of an abundance of caution," according to the statement LISD says a staff member reported seeing a student with what appeared to be a weapon and immediately alerted administration school administrators ordered a lockdown of both campuses while Lumberton police and school resource officers arrived to check out the report They determined a high school CTE class was conducting a class activity under the supervision of their teacher and there was no real weapon or danger present "We understand that situations like these can be concerning and we appreciate the quick response of our staff and local authorities in ensuring everyone's safety," said the district in its statement the well-being of our students and staff remains our top priority please feel free to reach out to the school administration." NEPTUNE -- The township's business administrator Gina LaPlaca informed Neptune officials of her resignation prior to the March 10 meeting of the Township Committee and in a statement cited the "changing political environment" as the reason who also serves as mayor of Lumberton in Burlington County handled day-to-day operations in Neptune since January 2022 "I’m extremely proud of the work I’ve done for the past three plus years in Neptune Township and grateful for the opportunity to work with some of the best and most talented employees around," LaPlaca said in a statement to the Asbury Park Press but unfortunately the changing political environment in town compelled me to take my talents elsewhere I look forward to the next challenge and using my knowledge skills and abilities to the benefit of the public." Neptune news: Cops identify Freehold man found dead at former homeless camp in Neptune The Committee would not comment on the resignation said he and the Committee wished LaPlaca "the best in her next endeavors." The resignation came days after a 14-second video of LaPlaca being escorted out of a March 5 Mount Holly Fire Commissioners meeting was uploaded to a Neptune group on Facebook The 14-second clip shows LaPlaca in a heated back-and-forth with someone in the public while police escort her out of the room She can be heard saying "you don't know what I have been through" before cursing at someone the audience as she walks away her husband Carty said the short video clip showed only one side of the story "I personally asked Gina to leave the meeting due to the harassment she was being subjected to by the unruly crowd," he said "Of course only a short clip was posted that shows her clapping back at them but the truth is she was harassed for over an hour A few individuals made disgusting and misogynistic remarks to her and they should be ashamed of themselves." Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: CDaye@gannettnj.com TX — Buying a new home is supposed to be an exciting time but it was a nightmare for one Lumberton couple The Escobedos had their sights set on a quiet and safe Lumberton neighborhood when building their new home "We bought not even looking at the site it was just off of a plot,” Joe Escobedo said they signed the dotted line with a company to build their new home to over a year with several different project managers or we were questioning a lot of things that just didn't look quite right,” Escobedo said we hired a mechanical engineer and a structural engineer to come and investigate some of these issues." They ended up discovering major structural issues that would turn out to be very costly repairs Escobedo said they withheld their final payment but he said they tried to foreclose on them "We didn't want to lose half of the house that we've already paid for,” Escobedo said Escobedo said all he and his wife wanted was a livable home We brought these concerns to Dean Brinkley an attorney whom the Escobedos sought legal advice from and he said this is a common call his firm receives when you're investing this kind of money in a project to me it makes a lot of sense to have someone review the contract for you that can tell you what you're getting into so you'll know what you're getting into,” Brinkley said “And the other thing that I see a lot is people will enter into contracts and there will be modifications that are anticipated or being made but it doesn't get commenced to writing.” Brinkley said some contracts allow for termination if there is a breach of contract You have the right to file claims for breach of warranty through the Deceptive Trade Practices Act or breach of contract if you feel that the work is deficient through the Residential Liability Act "There's a process for that where you have to send a notice to the contractor and explain to them what the problems are “They have to be given an opportunity to cure those problems with some reasonable cure Brinkley said some people find that just making the repairs ends up the cheaper option than litigation they hope their experience will serve as a warning bring it to an attorney before you sign off on anything,” Escobedo said “There's a lot of little technicalities in these contracts that Brinkley said he also recommends that people be wary and aware of who they are working with He said you can search by county for lawsuits for a specific company to go one step further than just reading online reviews Lumberton police have one man in custody and are looking for another after a Walmart shooting that left a 42-year-old woman dead He is  charged with accessory after the fact and is being held on $1 million bond discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear and going armed to the terror of the people officers responded to reports of a shooting at Walmart police and other responding agencies found Olson with a gunshot wound at the Woodforest Bank inside the store According to police the suspects were targeting two individuals they knew Olson was an innocent bystander and not involved in the confrontation Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ezekiel Burden is urged to contact the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3845 (WPDE) — The suspect in a shooting at a Walmart Supercenter in Lumberton has been arrested at a Greyhound bus station in Chicago RELATED: Reward offered for tips leading to arrest in Lumberton Walmart shooting the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation United States Marshal Service (USMS) and Chicago Police Department partnered in the investigation and arrest the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Southeastern District Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating the homicide of Brandy Nicole Olson of Lumberton