Sheriff's Office Move Begins Wednesday

The Columbus County Sheriff's Office takes the first step toward a new building Wednesday.

CCSO Spokeswoman Michele Tatum said the CCSO will begin moving to its temporary new facility in the old county schools building Wednesday. Some administrative services will not be available until Monday, Tatum said, but deputies will still be on patrol and all other typical duties will be performed as usual.

The old sheriff's office will eventually be demolished and replaced with a new building paid for in part by state funds. The current facility has mold throughout the walls and ceilings, as well as exposed wiring in some areas. Computer networking cables had to be hung on the walls in some offices.

The office will close Wednesday at noon, and reopen in the new facility on Monday.

The former county schools building has been vacant since the school system moved to its new offices Oct. 15. The system moved into part of the BB&T Campus north of Whiteville. That property is owned by the county, and also houses the Board of Elections.

A starting date for the new law enforcement center has not been announced.