Mary Warnell, president of the North Bryan Chamber of Commerce and former Bryan County Board of Education member, announced Monday her plans to run for mayor of Pembroke in this year's municipal election.

"Keeping a small town presence while at the same time moving forward with communication and services are of utmost importance to me," she said Monday in a prepared statement.

Current Mayor Judy Cook announced previously that she will not be seeking re-election in November.

For more, pick up a copy of the May 11 edition of the News.