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PCS report alleges Title IX violations, safety issues on Topsail High School wrestling team
Last February, Pete Smith's dismissal from his role as Topsail High School wrestling coach came as a shock to many parents. This week, PCS is finally explaining why. On Tuesday night, the Pender County Board of Education released a 212-page report from the Raleigh legal firm Schwartz Law, who the board hired in March to investigate Smith's dismissal. The firm concluded that PCS had grounds to fire Smith.
Investigation into Topsail wrestling program claims bullying, NCHSAA violations
Months after the Pender County Board of Education announced it would launch an independent investigation into the dismissal of Topsail wrestling coach Pete Smith, findings have been revealed. Pender County Schools distributed a press release on Tuesday that contained hundreds of pages of information, many of which were heavily redacted. The release included a 27-page report from Schwartz Law P.L.L.C., a Raleigh-based law firm hired to conduct the independent investigation into the Topsail wrestling program and Smith. ...
'Context matters': Former Topsail wrestling coach Pete Smith responds to investigation
Former Topsail High School wrestling coach Pete Smith has responded to a report shared by Pender County Schools on Tuesday. “I wholeheartedly disagree with the overall assessment of the Topsail Wrestling program as it was outlined in this recent report,” Smith said in a statement to the StarNews on Wednesday. “Context matters. Any content presented in a specific narrative that conveniently leaves out pertinent information that would alter the interpretation of the content is what this report is riddled with, unfortunately.”
Athletic director demoted along with coach dismissal in Topsail High wrestling investigation
PENDER COUNTY — Almost three months after Pender County Schools booted Topsail High School’s wrestling coach and announced an investigation into the program, the school’s athletic director has been removed from his position. The district released the final report from an investigation by Schwartz Law on Tuesday;...
Suspect in custody after high-speed chase in stolen Amazon Prime truck that ended near Hwy 210
HAMPSTEAD, N.C. (WECT) - One person is in custody after a high-speed chase that ended near Island Creek Road and Harrison Creek Road. 26-year-old Sydney Ojiambo, from Raleigh, is accused of stealing an Amazon Prime delivery truck Tuesday morning. Law enforcement officials say the truck was spotted in Wilmington, and...
Pender Co. Utilities issues extended boil water advisory for parts of Hampstead, Surf City
HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — Pender County officials are asking a portion of Hampstead and Surf City to continue boiling water after a water issue last week. According to a post on the Pender County government website on Monday, customers from Sloop Point Loop Rd. (South End) to Surf City are still required to boil water. Samples have been collected this morning. This process usually takes 24 – 48 hours to receive results from the lab. As soon as the advisory is lifted, Pender County Utilities will share an update.
Sweet history: How Burgaw found its thrill on the hill of the NC Blueberry Festival
Blueberry farming has been a thing in Pender County for nearly a century, and wild blueberries have been growing in Southeastern North Carolina since time immemorial. But it's been just since 2004 that folks have flocked to Burgaw for the annual N.C. Blueberry Festival each June. The festival returns for its 19th celebration (two festivals were lost to the pandemic) June 14-15 in Burgaw, with live music, vendors, a recipe contest and of course lots and lots of blueberries, while supplies last of course.
Suspect in custody after high-speed chase in stolen Amazon Prime truck that ended near Highway 210
One person is in custody after a high-speed chase that ended near Island Creek Road and Harrison Creek Road. Sydney Ojiambo, 26, is accused of stealing an Amazon Prime delivery truck Tuesday morning. Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here. Law enforcement officials said the truck was...
New principal announced at Surf City
PENDER COUNTY — A new principal will be taking over at Pender County Schools in time for a new school year. Trey Bailey will join Surf City Elementary bringing in 14 years of experience in public education. Bailey has worked for elementary, middle, and high schools. “His extensive experience...
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