Blog – Moore County Edition

Nov

15

2023

HORZEMPA: NC crime: a need for data-driven, targeted solutions

Opinionscrime, opinion

We’ve all felt the fear as we see media coverage hyper-focusing on crime-ridden cities like Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New York City. In North Carolina, even one crime victim is too many, but the emotional fearmongering of local and national media often dominates news and public opinion. We all want to know: Are our cities safe? What are the facts? Recent reports are debunking the perception that North Carolina is a state plagued by increasing violent crime while also exposing the complex issues shouldered by some of our biggest cities. According to the most recent FBI report, The 2022 Crime…

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 Randolph Record

Playoff roundup: North Moore football, soccer advance

Sports

Men’s Soccer playoffs North Moore got goals from Ricky and Christian Betancourt to defeat East Wake Academy in Zebulon, 2-0. The win earned the third-seeded Mustangs a berth in the NCHSAA 1A soccer playoffs final four, where they played the top seed, Hobbton, Tuesday night after press time. The game was marred by a fracas with just over 11 minutes to go. North Moore’s leading scorer, Ricky Betancourt was fouled on a play that occurred right in front of the Mustang bench. Several members of the team felt it was an overly violent foul, and a shoving match ensued. North…

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 Moore County Staff

Pinecrest, North Moore open playoff runs with victories

Sportsnorth moore football, pinecrest football

Both local teams were victorious in the first round of the state playoffs on Friday and will advance to round two this week. Pinecrest 45, South Garner 31 The Pinecrest Patriots stormed back in the second half to defeat South Garner 45-31 on Friday night in the first round of the state playoffs. Pinecrest trailed 24-14 at the half, with the scoring coming from two Jaylin Morgan touchdowns. The Patriots erupted for 21 points in the span of about three minutes in the third on two touchdowns by Zymire Spencer and a blocked punt in the end zone recovered by…

Nov

08

2023

By Ashley White

Film on Wilmington Massacre sheds light on forgotten history

Features

ASHEBORO — The John Locke Foundation held a screening of “In the Pines,” a short film about the Wilmington Massacre of 1898, at the Asheboro Public Library on November 2. Directed by Dugan Bridges, “In the Pines” is a piece of historical fiction following Scarlett Manning, played by Pandora Broadwater, as she shares her memories of the events leading up to the massacre. The younger Scarlett, portrayed by Amara Ayler, navigates the challenges of the time with her friends Ashleigh, played by Corrinne Mica, and Ashleigh’s love interest, Sam, played by John Potvin. The film provides a narrative framework for…

Nov

08

2023

By Randolph Record

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Christopher Betancourt

Sportsathlete of the week

Christopher Betancourt is a sophomore on the North Moore men’s soccer team. The younger brother of previous Athlete of the Week Ricky Betancourt, the duo has been the offensive spark for the Mustangs this season. Christopher ranks near the top of the team in goals and assists. His penalty kick goal gave North Moore the early lead in 4-1 win over Vance Charter in the second round of the state playoffs. The 3-seed Mustangs played Southside after press time for a berth in the round of 8.

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.