North State Journal Staff – Moore County Edition

Dec

27

2023

LOVELL: Resolution

Recently, the Wall Street Journal published an article advising “How to Avoid Being Boring at 60”. The essay was authored by Rob LaZebnik, co-executive producer of “The Simpsons. This may explain everything. The suggested resolutions included: “make an announcement on an airplane”; “make a shirt” and “take a sound bath”. Seriously? These stultifying suggestions are ridiculous, no matter one’s age. The New Year tradition of making sound resolutions to improve personal and community enrichment is as old as the Babylonians. That tribe began the ritual by honoring their gods, “promising to pay their debts and return borrowed farming equipment.” The…

Dec

13

2023

By North State Journal Staff

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Colby Pennington

Sportsathlete of the week

Colby Pennington is a junior for the North Moore basketball team … among other things. Pennington just finished a football season that saw him earn first-team All-Conference honors after finishing as the leading receiver and second leading scorer for the Mustangs. He’s stepped things up on the hardwood, leading North Moore in scoring and rebounding so far this season. Last week, he was top scorer in all three of the Mustangs’ games. He scored 21 against Grey Stone Day, 16 of the team’s 30 points in a loss to Northwood and 30 points, including 4-of-6 from three, against South Stanly.…

Nov

29

2023

By North State Journal Staff

Moore farms report shows dynamics of county agriculture

News

The latest USDA Agricultural Census report, examining the agricultural landscape in Moore County for the year 2017, reveals significant changes since 2012, shedding light on the local farming community's resilience and adaptation. The report offers a detailed look into various aspects of agriculture in the county, provides valuable insights into the slow-moving agricultural market in Moore County. The Moore County report indicates a slight increase in the number of farms, now totaling 733, and an increase in the average farm size to 122 acres. This development is noteworthy, especially considering the reduction in farm numbers and land in some neighboring…

Nov

29

2023

By North State Journal Staff

Pinecrest boys post lone win for county schools this week

Sports

Before a brief break for the Thanksgiving holiday, four of the county’s six boys and girls basketball teams were in action last week, with mixed results. Union Pines boys, girls swept by South View After a season opening win over Montgomery Central, the Vikings dropped to 1-1 on the young campaign with a 85-72 loss to South View last week. Senior Trent Hilburn led the way for Union Pines, scoring 31 points on 10-of-25 shooting from the field. He was 4-of-8 from three-point range and had 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Junior Aiden Leonard was also in double figures with…

Nov

21

2023

By Ryan Henkel, North State Journal

Pinehurst council appoints historic preservation chair, approves ADU

NewsVillage of Pinehurst Council

PINEHURST – The Village of Pinehurst Council's meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14, addressed a variety of property and budgetary matters. The session began with the appointment of Richard Vincent as chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission. Village Manager Jeff Sanborn said, “With John Taylor’s election to Council, we have a need to replace him as the chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission. Richard Vincent has a vast amount of experience on our HPC and he is endorsed by John Taylor and we think he is the person best suited to fill that position from the candidates that are available.” The…

Nov

15

2023

By North State Journal Staff

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: William Miller

Sportsathlete of the week

Pinecrest, football William Miller is a junior kicker and defensive back on the Pinecrest football team. Pinecrest saw its undefeated season end after 11 straight wins with a loss to Clayton in the second round of the playoffs on Friday, but Miller did a bit of everything to try to carry his team into round three. Miller kicked a 30-yard field goal to move Pinecrest within one score of the lead, while also adding an extra point. On defense, he added an interception, returning it 29 yards. Miller led Pinecrest in interceptions this year and was third on the team…

Nov

15

2023

By Ryan Henkel, North State Journal

Moore school board reviews calendar, endorses grant application

NewsMoore County Schools

CAMERON – The Moore County Schools Board of Education convened on Monday, Nov. 6, to discuss multiple items, including a review of the 2024-25 school calendar and an endorsement of a grant application for school renovations. The board revisited the previously approved 2024-25 school calendar, which adheres to the state’s traditional calendar law. Board member David Hensley expressed his dissatisfaction with the mandated schedule, stating, “Everyone knows that I’m not a fan of this politically driven school calendar. I’ve advocated for this board to exhibit civil disobedience and do what’s best for the education of our children, not what’s best…

Nov

08

2023

By North State Journal Staff

Taylor, Ficklin claim seats on Pinehurst Village Council

Government, News

PINEHURST — In completed unofficial election results for Pinehurst Village Council, John Taylor and Barb Ficklin prevailed on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Taylor won the most votes with 2,727, nearly 28% in the five-person race. Ficklin's total was 2,412, nearly 25%. Finishing in third and fourth were Claire Berggren and Lydia Boesch. Boesch, an incumbent, was elected in 2019. Cara Mathis finished fifth in the contest.

Nov

08

2023

By North State Journal Staff

Pizzella wins Pinehurst mayoral race

Government, News

PINEHURST — Pinehurst Village Councilmember Patrick Pizzella was elected mayor in completed unofficial results on Tuesday, Nov. 7. With all five precincts in Pinehurst reporting, Pizzella earned 2,477 votes, good for 48% of the total. Councilmember Jeff Morgan finished second in the race, with 1,892 votes, around 37%, and Kevin Drum, a former member of the village council, finishing with 765 votes, around 15% of the total.

Oct

11

2023

By Asheebo Rojas

Athlete of the Week: Jakarey Gillis

Sportsathlete of the week, moore county football

Jakarey Gillis is a senior running back for the North Moore football team. The Mustangs won their third straight game last Friday, a 48-7 shellacking of Seaforth, and Gillis was a big reason why. He rushed for 244 yards on 18 carries and scored four touchdowns, giving him 14 on the season, one shy of his total for all of last year. Gillis has 998 rushing yards on the year and has more touchdowns than any two other Mustangs combined.