Updated: December 23, 2025 | Market: Moore County, NC • Sandhills Region | Station: Star 102.5 FM
A quick snapshot of what’s happening across Moore County and the Sandhills: Moore County Schools begins a superintendent search, a fast response contains a Carthage multifamily fire, and a lawsuit alleges abuse at a West End youth psychiatric facility.
Top Headlines in Moore County
- Youth psychiatric facility lawsuit: A Moore County filing alleges sexual abuse at Jackson Springs Treatment Center and raises broader oversight concerns.
- Moore County Schools superintendent search: The Board of Education selects a search firm as Superintendent Tim Locklair plans to retire in March.
- Carthage fire contained: First responders and a police officer’s quick action helped prevent major damage at a multifamily dwelling.
Lawsuit Filed in Moore County Alleges Sexual Abuse at Youth Psychiatric Facility in West End
A lawsuit filed in Moore County is bringing renewed attention to youth psychiatric residential treatment facilities in central North Carolina. The filing alleges a woman identified as C.T. was sexually abused by a male staff member at the Jackson Springs Treatment Center in West End in 2018, when she was 17. The lawsuit also raises questions about hiring practices and supervision, including claims that the staff member had access to female units overnight.
The facility’s owner, Surgeon & Associates, told North Carolina Health News that its pre-employment screening includes background checks and registry searches, and stated the checks returned satisfactory results at the time. The article notes that the accused staff member later died, and that the legal action has renewed scrutiny of safety concerns, oversight, and reporting procedures at similar facilities statewide.
Moore County Schools Superintendent Search Underway
Moore County Schools is beginning the process of hiring its next superintendent after Superintendent Tim Locklair announced plans to retire in March. Over two days, the Moore County Board of Education interviewed multiple consulting groups and ultimately chose BWP & Associates to assist with the search. The firm’s base cost was reported at $22,200 plus expenses, with preliminary steps expected to begin in the new year.
The board also announced that Jenny Purvis, the current assistant superintendent for operations, will serve as interim superintendent from March through the end of June. The search process is expected to include opportunities for input from community members and stakeholders, along with school staff, teachers, and students, as leaders look for a strong fit for the district’s top role.
Quick Response Helps Contain Carthage Multifamily Fire
First responders in Carthage were able to prevent a small fire from spreading at a multifamily dwelling earlier today, limiting damage and helping residents avoid displacement. The Carthage Fire Department reported that crews arrived to find the fire already being controlled by a Carthage police officer using a fire extinguisher. Firefighters then contained the blaze before it extended further into the building.
Officials used the incident to emphasize fire safety — especially regarding smoking materials — reminding residents to fully extinguish cigarettes before disposal. The department also noted that multifamily buildings can share attic space between units, which can allow flames to spread quickly if a fire reaches the ceiling area.
Source: Sandhills Sentinel.
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