News Highlights for December 18, 2024
On Monday, a motorcyclist tragically became the second road fatality in the county within a span of three days. James Dicicco, 57, from Evergreen lost control and crashed on a curve on Princess Ann Road around 2:30 p.m. His motorcycle veered off the road, resulting in Dicicco being ejected from his 2013 Harley Davidson. Authorities found no signs of substance impairment.
A child molester involved in a standoff with Bladen County deputies has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Wilton Edwards Jr., 42 years old, pleaded guilty to statutory rape during a court session on Monday in Bladen County Superior Court. According to the district attorney’s office, Edwards assaulted the victim for over a year and threatened deputies with a firearm when they arrived to execute a search warrant at his residence.
A festive tradition spanning fifteen years just south of Whiteville is so grand it can nearly be seen from space. Since 2009, Corey Lee’s family has illuminated their home at 7020 New Britton Highway with what might be the largest Christmas display in Columbus County. The Leesville Show is open to the public at no cost, with lights turning on at dusk every evening leading up to Christmas. 
