Tomeka Sinclair

Reporter at The Robesonian

Articles

Less teachers are leaving rural schools

1 week ago | robesonian.com | Tomeka Sinclair

LUMBERTON — School districts across rural southeastern North Carolina saw lower teacher attrition rates in 2024 than in recent years, but vacancies continued to increase, state data shows. Fewer teachers left the profession in Robeson, Bladen, Columbus and Scotland counties compared to the 2022-2023 school year, mirroring statewide trends, according to the State of the Teaching Profession report released April 2 by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Second Chance offered in Scotland Co.

1 week ago | laurinburgexchange.com | Tomeka Sinclair

LAAURINBURG — After suffering through addiction, Amber Bullard found herself with a warrant out for her arrest. “I turned myself in … I did 15 months,” Bullard said. During this stint, Bullard was contacted by the Scotland County Reentry Program. “Reentry actually contacted me while I was inside. I got in contact again when I got out,” Bullard said. Bullard said Reentry helped her get back on her feet, providing her with toiletries and assisting her with job applications and resumes.
Nursing students gain life-saving skills through UNCP, Scotland Health Care partnership

1 week ago | laurinburgexchange.com | Tomeka Sinclair

PEMBROKE — A new partnership between the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Scotland Health Care System is providing nursing students with more than just classroom knowledge — it’s providing life-saving skills and a competitive edge through Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification training.
Richmond fed president engages with local voices at UNCP

1 week ago | laurinburgexchange.com | Tomeka Sinclair

PEMBROKE — In a rare visit to Robeson County, the head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond met with local business owners and community leaders to gain firsthand insight into the economic challenges facing rural America. The visit offered a “boots-on-the-ground” look at the day-to-day realities shaping small-town economies, from workforce shortages to rising costs.
Local Rotary hears of Habitat for Humanity’s needs

1 week ago | laurinburgexchange.com | Tomeka Sinclair

LAURINBURG — Ed Lemieux, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Scotland County, presented the program at the Laurinburg Rotary Club this week. Lemieux shared his years of nonprofit service prior to taking on the local role of Habitat. He also explained how the community can partner to help each other with local housing needs. Scotland County Habitat for Humanity has built 52 homes over the years, but demands for repairs have become a major focus, according to Lemieux..
Operation leads to 7 arrests in crimes involving internet exploitation of minors

1 week ago | laurinburgexchange.com | Tomeka Sinclair

Casteneda Brown Kaufman Chavis Thompson Torres Weaver ❮ ❯ LAURIBURG —Seven men have been arrested and face multiple charges relating to the exploitation of children, Lt. A. James Daigle said in a press conference held before the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday. Lt. Daigle said that between March 11-14, the Scotland County Sheriff’s Office led an in-depth, multi-jurisdictional operation, titled “Operation Lucky Charm,” to identify, investigate, and prosecute people seeking to...
Sycamore Lane Elementary, Primary classes cancelled due to water main break

1 week ago | laurinburgexchange.com | Tomeka Sinclair

LAURINBURG —Due to a water main break, Sycamore Lane Primary and Sycamore Lane Elementary Schools will not have water today, so there will no school for students at those two schools, said a spokesperson for Scotland County Schools on Thursday. Students who have already been picked up by the bus will be taken to school, allowed to go into the cafeteria for breakfast, and then placed back onto the bus to be returned home. Car riders will be informed of the situation as they arrive.
MOVIE IN REVIEW | ‘A Minecraft Movie’ is a mess

1 week ago | laurinburgexchange.com | Tomeka Sinclair

After a mere two weekends, “A Minecraft Movie” has claimed the top spot of the 2025 domestic box office. It’s not shocking that this franchise piece beat out January fare, but since then we’ve had an MCU entry and this movie just blew right past it. And I have to ask: Why? Okay, I know why. It’s because the video game is popular. But bad movies based on popular video games flop all the time, why is this one in particular bucking the trend?
3rd Suds and Swine is a smokin’ success

1 week ago | laurinburgexchange.com | Tomeka Sinclair |Katelin Gandee

This year’s barbecue competitions at the Suds and Swine BBQ Festival were a highlight once again. In the North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue Competition, Billy John Narron of Wicked Pig from Middlesex took home first place. Kevin Peterson of Showtime’s Legit BBQ from Benson, who won last year, came in second, while Kevin Wooten of Pickin & Grillin BBQ out of Raleigh rounded out the top three.
Rep. Pierce takes part in Legislators in Schools Week

1 week ago | laurinburgexchange.com | Tomeka Sinclair

LAUREL HILL— Legislators across North Carolina took part last week in North Carolina Legislators in Schools Week, sponsored by the NC Public School Forum. Representative Garland Pierce was no exception, visiting four schools in Scotland and Hoke counties between April 7-11. The 2023 NC Principal of the Year, Donna Bledsoe, shed light on the purpose of the week on the Forum’s website.