News – Moore County Edition

Aug

22

2024

Trump, Harris crisscross NC as election heats up

Newsdonald trump, Kamala Harris

ASHEVILLE — As the 2024 presidential campaign progresses, North Carolina is taking center stage as a crucial swing state. In the last week, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have made significant campaign stops, underscoring the state’s importance in the upcoming electoral contest. Trump made appearances in Asheville last week and Asheboro on Wednesday, while Harris spoke in Raleigh on Aug. 16. These high-profile visits highlight North Carolina’s status as a must-win state for both campaigns. The significance of North Carolina in presidential politics has grown in recent elections. In 2020, Trump narrowly carried the state with…

Aug

21

2024

By Ryan Henkel

Commissioners interested in supporting teacher’s “out-of-pocket” costs

NewsMoore County Board of Commissioners

CARTHAGE – The Moore County Board of Commissioners will potentially consider providing a bit of kickback to county teachers following the latest local sales tax report provided to the board. At the board’s Aug. 20 regular business meeting, Board Chairman Nick Picerno urged the board to consider providing supplemental funding to school teachers in order to cover supply costs. “Every year, we hear the story of local teachers having to go into their own pocket to produce supplies and needs – especially in K through three,” Picerno said. Picerno’s initial idea is to send the Moore County Schools Board of…

Aug

14

2024

By Ryan Henkel

Board of Education approves continuation of partnership with Public Impact

NewsMoore County Board of Education

CARTHAGE – The Moore County Schools Board of Education met Monday, Aug. 12. After a lengthy discussion, the board approved the Advanced Teaching Roles Partnership contract with Public Impact for the 2024-25 school year. “We were very excited to share last year that we received the advanced teaching roles grant which is a multi-year grant with the purpose of building systems and structures in place for advanced teaching roles,” said Superintendent Tim Locklair. “These are roles in which our teachers would have the opportunity to stay in the classroom and continue to work and have an impact on a greater…

Aug

07

2024

By North State Journal Staff

Volleyball schedules for Moore County’s varsity teams, key games

NewsMoore County sports

The 2024 high school volleyball season will begin Friday, setting off what should be another exciting year for volleyball fans in Moore County. All three county teams are coming off playoff appearances from last year and will look to build on their respective successes. Before those athletes hit the court for another season, here’s a look at each team’s schedule and matchups to look out for: Pinecrest (19-8 in 2023, 14-0 in the Sandhills Conference) Aug. 12 (vs. Purnell Swett); Aug. 14 (at Ashley); Aug. 22 (vs. Chapel Hill); Aug. 29 (vs. Richmond); Sept. 3 (at Southern Lee); Sept. 5…

Jul

30

2024

By Asheebo Rojas

NCHSAA reports increase in overall participation, lower participation in baseball across last two sports seasons

NewsMoore County sports

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association reported a 4.73 percent increase in overall student athlete participation during the 2023-24 season, per a release sent out Monday. Based on the information reported to the NCHSAA by its member schools, a total of 208,722 student athletes participated in NCHSAA sanctioned sports last year which is over 10,000 more student athletes than the 2022-23 sports season (198,025 athletes). Every sport, except for baseball, saw an increase in participation. Although the five new baseball programs were added to the NCHSAA, the sport saw 153 less players (a 1.4% drop) participate in 2024. Many…

Jun

25

2024

By Ryan Henkel

School playgrounds and auditoriums to see improvements

NewsMoore County Board of Education

PINEHURST — The Moore County Schools Board approved new contracts that will see upgrades and new equipment coming to school playgrounds and auditoriums at its Monday, June 10 meeting. A $650,000 contract with Creative Playscapes will see updates to all elementary school playgrounds, covered by bond premium funding. The schools will be getting fresh layers of engineered wood fiber mulch, and some schools will see completely new equipment while others will see repairs to existing playgrounds. The new equipment is expected to last between 15 to 20 years. A $138,000 contract with Stage and Gymnasium Specialties will cover the replacement…

Jun

14

2024

By North State Journal Staff

U.S. Open at Pinehurst: How will residents be impacted?

NewsPinehurst, US Open

he village of Pinehurst plans to continue with business as usual. Businesses will be open, and residential services, such as trash pick up, will continue on the regular schedule. Some parks and recreation facilities may have limited or no parking. The Village Center will have 3-hour parking restrictions from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and officials say time limits will be strictly enforced. Street parking will also be prohibited on roads close to Pinehurst, including Azalea Road, Campbell Road, Cherokee Road, Chinquapin Road, Community Road, Craig Road, Dalyrmple Road, Dundee Road, Everett Road, Fields Road, Kelly Road, Laurel Road, Magnolia…

Jun

14

2024

By North State Journal Staff

Hundreds of students participate in local high school graduations

NewsMoore County Schools

Congrats to all graduates! Pinecrest High School Acevedo, Anahi Rose Alford, Lou Alice Mishell Allbrooks, Donelle Shauntis' Ambrose, Caroline Olivia Andrade Rodriguez, Michelle Archer, Sarah Paulina* Ardinger, Nate James Aria, Luke Thomas Arpin, Locke Thomas Arroyo, Yahaira Yicel Arters, Andrew David Attia, Amerah Mahmoud Augustine, Quinn Delaney Ayars, James Matthew Azad, Lahur Hiwa Badgett, Anna Rose Bailey, Brielle Elizabeth Bailey, Sarah Marie Baker, Nathan Ward Baker, Tay'jon Malik Baldwin, Patricia Tichina Shiann Ballard, Allison Nicole Baptist, Jadin Daniel Barber, Stephen Nash Barnett, Chelsea Marie Bartel, Aaron Elijah Bates, Annabelle Virginia Batten, Connor Skyler Harvey Baxley, Nathan Lyle Beane, Chloe Taylor…

Jun

14

2024

By North State Journal Staff

Randolph Communications awards eight scholarships to local students

NewsMoore County Schools

ASHEBORO — Randolph Communications has awarded scholarships to eight local high school students as part of its annual scholarship program. The scholarships, each valued at $1,000, aim to support the students’ educational pursuits and encourage them to make positive contributions to their communities. The eight recipients were selected based on their exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to creating positive change in their communities: Jasmine Nichole Moody from Eastern Randolph HS Katherine Grace Oldham from Chatham Central HS Kelsey Deanna Hussey from Chatham Central HS Kristen Ashley Garner from North Moore HS Lauren Rachel Caviness from Chatham Central HS…

Jun

14

2024

By Ryan Henkel

Upcoming budget may see reduction in tax rate

NewsMoore County Board of Commissioners

CARTHAGE — Moore County residents could see (slightly) lower property tax bills, next year. The Moore County Board of Commissioners received the recommended county budget for the next fiscal year at its May 21 meeting and it includes a proposed $0.01 reduction in the general fund tax rate. “The budget really illuminates the county’s mission, vision and values,” said Moore County Manager Wayne Vest in a presentation to the board. “It walks the talk by ensuring funding for exceptional services, governing conservatively, demonstrating respect and compassion for our citizens and visitors, it is fiscally sound and it prioritizes a safe…