Opinion

It appears, finally, the towns of Oak Island and St. James are ready to come to an agreement about Midway Road property both towns had intended to annex.

The proposed annexation sparked outcry from residents and sent lawsuits into Brunswick County courts.

Now, it appears the towns are ready to settle the matter.

It’s about time.

When the 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on Tuesday, Jan. 12, thousands of people were killed and even more were injured.

With little sound infrastructure in place, it was immediately clear rescue and relief efforts originating beyond Haiti’s borders would be key in survival for a country devastated by this natural disaster.

Here in Brunswick County, many residents wanted to know how they could help. Some took to aiding national organizations, like the American Red Cross, with fundraising efforts aimed at assisting those in need.

Last week we said we were waiting to see what would happen next for North Carolina Sen. R.C. Soles Jr.

We were quick to find out.

Soles, North Carolina’s longest serving legislator, was indicted Thursday, Jan. 7, for the Aug. 23, 2009, shooting of Thomas Kyle Blackburn at Soles’ Branchwater estate in Tabor City.

He was indicted on one count of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Soles has maintained the shooting was in self defense.

State Sen. R.C. Soles Jr. announced last week he would not seek re-election.

We think it is the right decision.

Soles, the state’s longest serving senator, was first elected in 1968. He served as a state representative until 1976. In 1977, he began his stint as a state senator.

During his 42 years of service, Soles has done a number of good things for North Carolina and the people of Brunswick, Columbus and Pender counties.

Accountability, loyalty, respect, integrity, professionalism, teamwork, mentor, counselor and friend.

Those are words friends and co-workers use to describe Brunswick County Emergency Management Director Randy Thompson.

After serving Brunswick County since 2000, Thompson is poised to leave behind that position as he retires from the county agency.

For many, the holiday season is a time filled with joy. From gatherings of friends and family to participation in religious and civic activities, the months of November and December provide much to do.

But the holidays can also be an unfortunate time—a time when ne’er-do-wells are all too intent on dashing holiday spirits.

The law in North Carolina is clear. Public records belong to the public.

We oppose any attempts by any public body to impose fees that would discourage access to public documents.

We believe if the proposal before the Brunswick County Board of Education moves forward, that’s exactly what will happen.

Last week, Brunswick County Schools’ Policy Committee discussed adopting fees for “excessive public records requests.” Board members will review this at their Dec. 1 meeting.

Being a parent is a tough job, and it’s one that doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Parents learn by doing and drawing on their own experiences and from those around them. Many look for positive role models to help them along the way.

That’s why programs like the Communities in Schools Parenting Education Program are so important.

For 12 weeks, any parent in Brunswick County can be a part of the program that uses trained facilitators to work with parents and children. They focus on parenting, life and family skills.

When Brunswick County Schools Superintendent Katie McGee first met Bob Grimes, he left a lasting impression, she recalled.

Since then, Grimes appears to be leaving an impression on just about everyone he meets, including his peers in the school district.

Friday, Grimes, the North Brunswick High School principal, was named Brunswick County’s Principal of the Year.

Grimes was bestowed the honor for a number of achievements, including leading NBHS from being a school in turnaround status to one that had the largest increase in proficiencies for 2008-2009.