In regards to The News-Journal lawsuit against Hoke County (story is here, records are here) I want to extend a special thank you to the Hoke County community for your support and encouragement throughout this lawsuit. This is the second time in the last 25 years that The News-Journal has sued Hoke County over public...
Month: January 2025
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“Not taking ‘crickets’ for an answer” : News-Journal receives info on commissioner salaries, dismisses lawsuit
By Catharin Shepard • Editor • After 16 months of seeking public records from Hoke County, and nine months after The News-Journal filed a lawsuit against the county when those records weren’t produced, last week an attorney provided the final documents that the newspaper requested. Having successfully obtained the last of the records, The News-Journal...
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Records show Hoke County Commissioners making $37,388, plus Christmas bonuses and travel
By Catharin Shepard • Editor • How much do Hoke County Commissioners make for serving as elected officials? According to documents provided to The News-Journal last week, in 2024 they each received a stipend that totaled $37,388. Commissioners have also been receiving a Christmas bonus that full-time county employees get each year, plus monthly travel...
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Editorial Column: Water, water everywhere…? What about in Hoke County? A look at our infrastructure, and where it’s going
This is an editorial column by The News-Journal Editor Catharin Shepard. It solely reflects her opinion. By Catharin ShepardEditor Let’s talk about water. In 2025, Hoke County is going to work with the company Benchmark to help the county update its land use plan. That makes now a good time to take a long, hard...
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Two members removed from Hoke County Planning Board
By Catharin Shepard • Editor • Two members of the Hoke County Planning Board were apparently replaced last month, with one of the two men saying they haven’t gotten an explanation why they were removed. Ricky Locklear and Tim Locklear were both members of the seven-person Hoke County Planning Board until December 2024, when they...
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“It’s sad news that I bring…” | Brittany Locklear’s murder in 1998 remains unsolved in 2025, case still open in Hoke County
In January 1998, Hoke County was rocked by a violent, unspeakable crime that shook its foundations and left countless people mourning five-year-old Brittany Locklear. She would have turned 32 years old in 2025. Instead, those who loved her must mark a terrible anniversary: 27 years without her. Authorities have never closed the case. As recently...
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Former Hoke County Commissioner Charles Daniels dies
Former Hoke County Commissioner Charles Daniels died Monday, December 30, 2024. Daniels, founder of Daniels Service Center in Raeford, served on the commission for eight years including serving three years as chairman. An influential leader in local politics and business, he also served on the Raeford Downtown Revitalization committee and the Hoke-Raeford Economic Development board....