The Pilot Newspaper

08/15/2025

In the smoky aftermath of a morning house fire on Aug. 6, a small miracle emerged as the lone survivor of tragedy: a black 6-week-old kitten.

Tori and Justin McLeod, both volunteers with the Westmoore Fire Department, were on the way to an appointment when the call came across the scanner: a structure fire on Tarry Church Road, just two miles from their own home — and animals were inside.

They hit the gas.

Read more about this kitten’s harrowing story at the link below.

The Kitten Who Lived

08/15/2025

All three Moore County football teams are in action on the same field tonight at Pinecrest for the third-annual Moore County Kickoff. The schedule and the matchups:

Those wanting to see all three Moore County football teams, but don’t want to make a cross-county trip on a Friday night and miss the action, can get a glimpse

08/15/2025

Three weeks ago, North Carolina joined more than 30 states that allow the concealed carry of a handgun on school property. The distinction of the North Carolina law is that it will only be permitted for private schools.

A Republican majority in the North Carolina General Assembly overrode Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of House Bill 193, which allows that “certain employees and volunteers at nonpublic schools may carry certain weapons on educational property.” The new law provides individual schools with the option of implementation, leaving private schools in Moore County to decide whether to avail themselves of the new option.

Three weeks ago, North Carolina joined more than 30 states that allow the concealed carry of a handgun on school property. The distinction of the North Carolina law is that

08/15/2025

The Moore County Airport Authority is pursuing a loan agreement for $7.5 million to construct two to three airplane hangars.

The authority on Wednesday approved the first step toward approval for a loan from Truist bank. The Local Government Commission must review and approve the request before the airport can move forward with the project.

“ We’re approving a resolution to go after this financing in the form of a loan,” said Airport Director Rick Cloutier. “Obviously at some point we’ll have to approve the loan agreement later on once we have all the particulars in place. This is just resolutions stating we are seeking this financing for LGC purposes written up to not to exceed $7.5 million.”

The Moore County Airport Authority is pursuing a loan agreement for $7.5 million to construct two to three airplane hangars.

08/15/2025

The Taylortown Council, concluding a tumultuous six-month process that spurred at least one lawsuit and special state legislation, has approved two new hotel projects planned to rise across the highway from Pinehurst

Parks Hospitality Group, a Raleigh-based hotel development and management company, has proposed building a four-story Residence Inn by Marriott at 4224 Murdocksville Road.

Separately, the Summit Hospitality Group, a hotel management and consulting firm also based in Raleigh, submitted plans to build a 150-room AC Hotel by Marriott with an outdoor pavilion space behind the current Homewood Suites on Central Park Avenue.

The Taylortown Council, concluding a tumultuous six-month process that spurred at least one lawsuit and special state legislation, has approved two new hotel projects planned to rise across the highway

08/14/2025

A proposal from Penick Village to expand its footprint further and provide more housing as a senior living community has met strong resistance from its immediate neighbors.

On Tuesday, roughly two dozen people attended the Southern Pines Town Council meeting to learn about the project: a rezoning to a planned development district under a proposed conceptual development plan. About 10 residents spoke about the project, with the majority opposed.

A proposal from Penick Village to expand its footprint further and provide more housing as a senior living community has met strong resistance from its immediate neighbors.

08/14/2025

“Indigo Creek,” a watercolor by Gretchen Moore, was selected for the Sara Wilson Hodgkins Best in Show award for this year's Fine Arts Festival, sponsored by the Arts Council of Moore County.

The exhibition will remain on display at the Campbell House Galleries, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, through Aug. 27, weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 16, 12 to 2 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public. Stop by to see all the works and awards, and cast your vote for the Lee Barrett “People’s Choice” award.

The Arts Council of Moore County is exhibiting over 240 unique pieces for its 45th annual Fine Arts Festival.

08/14/2025

The North Carolina Lottery announced Debra Long, of Vass, has won a $1 million top prize. She purchased her lucky $10 scratch-off Jumbo Bucks ticket from the Harris Teeter on U.S. 15-501 in Aberdeen.

The North Carolina Lottery announced Debra Long, of Vass, has won a $1 million top prize.

08/14/2025

Two candidates have removed themselves from the ballot for the upcoming November municipal elections.

Jim Nash, a candidate for Pinehurst Village Council, and Sandra Cameron, a candidate for Foxfire Village Council, both requested to remove their names from the ballot.

"Mr. Nash gave plenty of time for his name not to appear on the ballot," said Elections Director Towanna Dixon in an email.

However, according to Dixon, Cameron just completed her paperwork and ballot proofing.

"I am waiting to see if her name can be removed or if it will stay and she will be responsible to let others know that she is not running for the council seat in Foxfire," said Dixon.

Edit: This story's headline was updated for clarity.

Two candidates have removed themselves from the ballot for the upcoming November municipal elections.

08/13/2025

Meet Mako! The Pilot's Pet of the Week is a 44 pound, 2– to 3-year-old husky. Mako loves exploring his surroundings and meeting new friends. He is also small kid tested and approved! Mako is a gentle soul with a sweet temperament looking for a family to share adventures and a couch with. If you are looking for a fluffy friend with gorgeous blue eyes to share your life, contact the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Services, 5235 U.S. 15-501, Carthage, or call (910) 947-2858. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
https://www.thepilot.com/news/features/pet-of-the-week-mako/article_d6ab2cf7-8c32-4239-8bfe-16bcbc3fd229.html

08/13/2025

JoAn Moses grows milkweed, colorful perennials and annuals in her home garden, and carefully tends to the caterpillars and young butterflies that thrive there.

Mature monarchs live just two to five weeks during the summer months, reproducing until the fourth generation is ready to migrate south. The ones in this area will be leaving in late September or early October.

A spritely JoAn Moses takes tender steps across her gravel patio. Lined with containers boasting jovial black-eyed Susans, sturdy zinnia, scarlet coneflower and spires of blue salvia, it sits along

08/13/2025

“The community of Moore County has been so good to us, and we just want to try to give back to them,” said Nate Lonnen, co-owner of The Workshop Tavern. “But the biggest reason is for the kids.”

The Pilot's Restaurant Week, benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills, starts Monday.

Restaurant weeks are common in metropolitan areas around the country. This month, local restaurateurs will bring that opportunity to Moore County: For The Pilot’s Restaurant Week, 22 locations are joining