Maj. Freddy L. Johnson Jr., a longtime law enforcement officer and Deputy Fire Chief at Stoney Point Fire Department, will serve as the new North Carolina State Highway Patrol Commander. Gov. Roy Cooper announced Johnson’s appointment Wednesday. Johnson is the son of former Hoke Sheriff’s Office Maj. Freddy Johnson Sr., who retired from the office...
Year: 2021
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$40 million subdivision gets Raeford approval
[Photo: Tex Deaton addresses the City Council. Ken MacDonald photo.] By Ken MacDonald • Publisher • Raeford City Council gave its unanimous approval to preliminary plans for a nearly 200-lot subdivision off Palmer Street behind West Hoke Middle School. At its regular monthly meeting Monday night, the board heard a handful of citizens who live...
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County approves RFQ for courthouse and new admin building, hires lobbying firm
By Catharin Shepard • Staff writer • Hoke leaders voted Monday to solicit proposals from design-build companies that can engineer and construct not only a new courthouse, but also a county administrative building. Commissioners additionally voted to hire a lobbying firm to represent Hoke County in Raleigh, with the goal of securing state dollars to...
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Young artist premiers first solo art show
By Catharin Shepard • Staff writer • Stephanie Slack is only 20 years old, but she’s already an accomplished artist with a job at a Southern Pines gallery and her first solo art show coming up this month. Born and raised in Raeford by her parents, Chuck and Brenda Slack, the young woman took an...
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Rockfish gets new traffic lights
Rockfish is getting some new traffic lights in problem areas known for vehicle accidents. Davis Bridge Road at Arabia Road (at the Dollar General), and Gillis Hill Road at Lindsay Road are getting new traffic lights. “It’s been overdue,” Rockfish resident and longtime supporter Larry Chason said. Rockfish residents have organized for years to push...
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Blood donor center facing “critical” shortage
The Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center, which helps provide blood supplies to hospitals in the region, is facing a “critical blood shortage” due to the pandemic, and hopes to help build up supplies with upcoming blood drives in Hoke County. There will be a blood drive at Rockfish Fire Department at 7600 Philippi Church...
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Carolina Eye Associates acquires Raeford Eye Clinic
Carolina Eye Associates, a medical and surgical eye care practice headquartered in Southern Pines, announced its acquisition of Raeford Eye Clinic effective April 2021. Established in 1986 by Dr. Tom Inman, the practice specializes in comprehensive eye care, surgical co-management, and features a state-of-the-art optical shop. “We have had a long-standing relationship with Dr. Inman...