Litter, Littles, and Liars

Good Morning, Leland area friends! We’re in the home stretch to the weekend so buckle up!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Furniture Supplier Gets Handed a Massive Fine

• Child Abuse Prevention Month Event

• Litter Sweep is Almost Here!

THE NEWS

LeatherItaliaUSA Handed Massive Fine in PPP Loan Fraud Scandal

A furniture company based in Leland, Campbell Sales Group, Inc. (LeatherItaliaUSA), has agreed to pay $1.5 million in restitution and penalties after admitting to PPP loan fraud, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The company inflated payroll figures to qualify for forgiveness of two Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling over $470,000. They falsely claimed to have hired more employees and increased wages—some individuals listed never worked there, and current employees were required to return the wage increases.

Despite the fabricated data, both loans were forgiven. As part of a criminal settlement, the company will face a three-year prosecution deferral, during which it must comply with legal requirements and avoid further violations. See the whole story at WWAY’s website.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Event Today

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Brunswick County Department of Social Services will be holding a recognition event on this date in order to show our continued dedication to providing a safe and healthy environment for children.

This event will include the reading of the County Commissioner's Child Abuse Proclamation, Child Welfare Statistics, Celebration of Community partners, and planting of the annual Pinwheel garden. All are welcome to participate! It will be held TODAY from 10am to 11am at the Brunswick County Government located at 60 Government Center Drive in Bolivia.

Help Undo the Work of Litterbugs!

The 2025 Spring Litter Sweep will be held from April 12–26. This biannual event, organized by the N.C. Department of Transportation, encourages statewide roadside litter removal through community volunteer efforts.

In addition to volunteers, NCDOT maintenance crews will spend a week collecting litter and picking up orange bags left by volunteers. Cleanup supplies, including trash bags, gloves, and safety vests, are provided at local NCDOT County Maintenance Yard offices. For more information, visit the NCDOT website.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

School of Rock Band to Play at Leland Brewing Company Tomorrow Night

The School of Rock Band will be playing this Friday, April 11th from 6pm to 9pm at the Leland Brewing Company located at 2115 Ale Avenue.

Shag Night at Gio Fund Event Center This Evening

Come to the Gio Fund Event Center every Thursday at 5pm for a fun night of Carolina Shag Dancing. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or advanced, single or with a partner. There will be moves for everyone! No cover! Bar opens at 5pm. The Gio Fund Event Center is located at 117 Village Rd NE, Unit G, in Leland.

Do you have an event? Reach out to us! [email protected]

WEATHER

Thursday

71 🌡️ 60 | ⛅ | 15% | 🌬️ ESE 9 mph

Friday

73 🌡️ 50 | 🌧️ | 55% | 🌬️ SW 16 mph

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See you tomorrow!