The Pilot

After the state adjusted its population growth projections, the Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization debated the expected rate it set for its own project planning. Reporter Ana Risano explains the State Office of Budget and Management projections and how the SMPO responded. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Caro...

Union Pines’ wreslting teams are the first to accomplish a sweep in the NCHSAA girls and boys championships. Reporter Jonathan Bym talks about the program’s growth and the wrestlers’ dedication. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

A recent law passed by the General Assembly restricts some municipal regulations, including street design standards, flagpole placement and size limitations for the U.S. and N.C. flags. Reporter Elena Marsh relayed discussion at the town’s recent board of commissioners meeting about how the law affects Carthage. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in down...

The ongoing legal challenges surrounding a defamation suit filed last month by incumbent Clerk of Superior Court Todd Maness has grown into a series of court filings that lay out accusations involving several attorneys and Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Michael Stone. Reporter Matt Lamb outlines the current state of the actions and the web of filings. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, a...

A verdict in the case involving the death of Allisha Watts has been reached, but her community sees the approved plea deal as an injustice for their dear friend and family member. Reporter Ana Risano recounts the history of the case and the outcome of its most recent hearing. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina....

The State Board of Election has sent letters to so-called legacy voters seeking missing data. Reporter Elena Marsh explains who qualifies as a legacy voter and the effort's roots in a lawsuit challenging the results of a State Supreme Court election. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

Following months of discussion about the potential sale of the former Robbins police station, another part of the building could change hands. Reporter Jonathan Bym shares details of a purchase agreement presented by the Northern Moore Family Resource Center. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepi...

The Moore County Board of Education plans to ask the county commissioners for state lottery funds to build new information technology building on the district’s recently acquired property on Vass-Carthage Road. Reporter Matt Lamb explains the decision and potential implications for the much-contested site. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown S...

A proposal to rezone land and allow a faith-based group care facility in Vass recently received a positive recommendation from the Moore County Planning Board. Reporter Elena Marsh explains the decision and project The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

The High Falls dam has been cleared for removal after a yearslong effort by the Unique Places to Save non profit, but barriers still remain. Reporter Jonathan Bym explains the history of the dam, the effort to remove it and the challenges remaining befor the removal process can move forward. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines,...

The corner of W Connecticut Avenue and Northwest Broad Street in Southern Pines has been the home of Doug’s Auto Center for more than 30 years, though that will soon change. Reporters Frank Daniels IV and Ana Risano share the plans for the business and the property moving forward. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carol...

After the initial filing of a lawsuit alleging libel and slander involving local judicial officials, the defendants have responded. Reporter Matt Lamb reviews the suit and explains Judge Beth Tanner and Deborah Duerring's responses. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

An annual fundraising event for the Friend to Friend non profit is celebrating 10 years, and a new name. Reporter Emilee Phillips shares the rebranding and explains how the organization hopes the change will drive increased engagement. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

The Southern Pines Police Department is looking for a civilian crash investigator to work in the department. Reporter Jonathan Bym explains the role and what residents can expect. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

Cameron has built momentum toward revitalization in recent years, through changing storefronts, a bed and breakfast along the main road, the opening of a restaurant and increased interest in its charm. Reporter Ana Risano shares a potential next step for Moore County's smallest municipality, with plans for a new event space. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper...

A legal battle involving local judicial officials includes claims of libel and slander per se continues ahead of this year's primary election. Reporter Matt Lamb details the lawsuit between Moore County Clerk of Superior Court Todd Maness and defendants District Court Judge Beth Tanner and Deborah Duerring. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown...

Sediment and water runoff have been plaguing residents of Moore County increasingly as growth has led to more development in recent years. Reporter Elena Marsh shares how the topic was discussed during a recent meeting of the county commissioners. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

Law enforcement agencies often offer training as a recruitment tool, leading to a smaller pool of graduates who aren't already employed by a department. Reporter Jonathan Bym describes how a new partnership between Sandhills Community College and the Samarcand Training Academy is creating more public safety officers at police departments in colleges and universities across the UNC System. The Pilo...

After the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 382, a planned Southern Pines zoning change to establish tree protection areas early in the development process could not move forward. Reporter Ana Risano outlines how town planners aim to continue that work under the new law. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. htt...

After a short winter storm update, reporter Matt Lamb discusses the Village Council's plans to establish a Senior Advisory Committee — to advise on matters affecting the village’s aging population. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

Moore County is expected to receive significant accumulation of ice this weekend. Reporters Elena Marsh and Frank Daniels IV outline available services and closures announced as of Thursday afternoon. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

The County Board of Commissioners directed the Board of Education to allocate funds meant for unfilled school resource officer positions to supplement a promise to bankroll a new artificial turf field at Union Pines High School. Reporter Jonathan Bym explains the background and details the seemingly conflicting goals for the funds announced this week. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-w...

The Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization is gearing up to create a transportation plan that will guide recommendations for the coming decades. Reporter Ana Risano explains the process and how residents can give feedback. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

The Board of Education has officially elevated Ricky Gooch to be the next chief of the Moore County Schools Police Department. Reporter Matt Lamb explains his background and the board’s decision to elevate him from interim chief. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/

At the recent Aberdeen Board of Commissioners meeting, town planner Pam Graham asked the board to consider ways to streamline the development application process. Reporter Frank Daniels IV outlines some of the ways the board is considering. The Pilot Newspaper is a twice-weekly, award-winning community newspaper based in downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina. https://www.thepilot.com/