Sandhills Daily News
North Carolina Text-to-911 Campaign Explains Emergency Lifeline
A new statewide awareness campaign is reminding residents that a voice call is not the only way to reach emergency dispatchers. North Carolina Text-to-911 allows someone to send a text message to 911 when speaking by phone is unsafe or impossible. The N.C. 911 Board, which operates within the North Carolina Department of Information Technology, launched the 16-week public-service campaign in collaboration with Spectrum Reach. The announcements will appear on traditional television, streaming and connected-TV platforms, and mobile streaming services.
Sandhills 2055 Transportation Plan Seeks Public Input
Residents have a new opportunity to influence the roads, sidewalks, transit connections and other transportation projects that could shape Moore County for decades. The Sandhills 2055 transportation plan is entering an important public-feedback period before its scheduled adoption in December 2026. The Sandhills Metropolitan Planning Organization is developing the long-range plan for Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Whispering Pines, Pinebluff, Taylortown, Foxfire and surrounding portions of Moore County. What the Sandhills 2055 Transportation Plan Covers The plan looks beyond highways and
Michael Swinton Funeral Procession Honors Fallen Fort Bragg Soldier
The Michael Swinton funeral procession is scheduled to travel from Fayetteville to Sandhills National Cemetery on Monday as family members, friends and the community honor a North Carolina soldier killed while serving in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, died July 19 at Erbil Air Base during the controlled detonation of a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. ABC11 reports that the procession will depart from the funeral home with a full escort, although a public departure time was not
SCC Hoke County Trades Building Will Expand Training in Raeford
A new SCC Hoke County trades building will bring hands-on workforce training closer to Raeford residents and area employers. The Sandhills Community College Board of Trustees voted unanimously August 4 to lease the facility at 2550 Aberdeen Road, just west of Raeford. The first programs planned for the site are Small Engine Repair and Electrical Level 1. The college expects the courses to begin around September 14, 2026, although final class and registration details have not yet been released. SCC
Southern Pines Library Closure Follows Water Leak in Building
The Southern Pines Library closure remains in effect until further notice after a water leak was discovered inside the building Saturday afternoon. Town officials expect the interruption to be short-term, but an exact reopening date has not yet been announced. Facilities employees responded August 8 to limit the water intrusion and begin assessing the affected parts of the building. At the same time, library staff moved quickly to protect books, computers, technology and other materials used by the public. Southern
Dunrovin Country Store Fire Heavily Damages Longtime Vass Landmark
The Dunrovin Country Store fire heavily damaged one of Moore County’s best-known roadside businesses Saturday evening, drawing about 70 firefighters to U.S. 1 near Vass. The four-alarm response lasted more than six hours as crews worked through heavy smoke, extreme heat and a complex building layout. The fire was reported at approximately 6:30 p.m. on August 8. Dunrovin Country Store and Deli had already closed for the day, and the owner told reporters that no people or animals were inside