Local News

BOLIVIA—Brunswick Community College officials have expressed interest in partnering with Brunswick County Schools to further explore using the soon-to-be-vacant Brunswick Community Hospital as an educational center.

Tuesday night, Brunswick County Board of Education members instructed Superintendent Edward Pruden to draft a statement of agreement to collaborate with college officials to participate in a feasibility study. No costs were agreed upon at this time.

ASH—There are three large reflective crosses on the side of N.C. 130, and last week someone decided to tear them down.

On the morning of Tuesday, March 29, Frances Carlisle of Ash woke up and looked out her front door to check the day’s weather. She knew right away something was wrong.

She saw the three large crosses that have guided her home in the dark and the fog for the past five years torn out of the ground and broken in her yard. The large cross was pulled out of the ground, and the smaller ones were broken off their reinforced bases.

OCEAN ISLE BEACH—Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Sloane Smith has been recognized among her peers for her leadership.

The Cape Fear Council of Governments recently presented the 2010 Lynwood Norris Regional Champion Award to Smith. Each year the council presents the award to an elected local government official who demonstrates leadership in both their jurisdiction and throughout the Cape Fear region. The council encompasses Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.

SUPPLY—Is the real estate market turning around?

That is the $10 million question.

The Brunswick County Association of Realtors is optimistic that recent trends in activity mean things are beginning to look up.

“We see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not a train,” said Pete Frandano, president of BCAR during the organization’s legislative media breakfast Monday. “We are turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s successes.”