Kudos to Ms. Blue the third grade teacher! She is INDEED teaching an important lesson. We are so fortunate to live in a Democracy and what better way to make that real to a child than to encourage the students to express their voice to effect change! The O'Neal School is very fortunate to have a teacher of this caliber who thinks beyond a lesson plan.
.
Dr. Ross is patient, thorough and tough! She was able to handle my 17.3 hand terrified horse that had already reared through the ceiling of my barn and had become dangerous to himself and anyone that was trying to help him. Dr. Ross quickly identified the source of his pain and through chiropractic work has alleviated it. I have my horse back! He is once again sane (non-dangerous), happy and free moving. I highly recommend Dr. Ross!
AFCHIEF, asking questions, expecting answers and demonstrating a commitment to the long term viability of this community and economy is hardly being a busy body. Town officials should be expected to always consider the best interest of the community ahead of the interest of one individual party. I agree, an individual landowner should be allowed, in fact encouraged, to develop their property as they choose BUT ONLY IF such development doesn't negatively affect the community. Creating temporary construction jobs is not enough. The Town Council/Officials must require that traffic, water and economic impact studies be completed BEFORE approval is granted. Right now, no one knows the answers since those questions have never been asked or addressed.
Wow! It's the good cop, bad cop charade. This is all an act, the developer and Mr. Miller aren't at odds with each other. This is what they'd like us to believe so that Mr. Miller can slip this through by looking like the good cop. With the current composition of The Town Council, it's quite obvious that Mr. Miller has made promises that he'll handle the approvals - they're already in his back pocket. No doubt, everyone's playing a few more rounds at Pine Needles. Here we go again......... small town ole boy cronyism at its best.
Take a drive along Camp Easter Road, Niagara Carthage Road, McDeeds Creek and look at the ponds in Pine Needles - there is no water, the ponds are at historical lows. If a development like this is built, where is the water going to come from? It's all one source out there and the water table is extremely low and vulnerable and continues to drop despite afternoon downpours. High density housing, manicured lawns, another golf course, outlet center....... no mention of protecting our resources, the resources that affect our entire community. Why should one developer and greedy landowner have the right to to lower the water table even more? Here's an idea Mr. Miller....... how about building a reservoir and a park on your property - something that gives back to the community in a meaningful way. That would be a real legacy for Mrs. Bell and The Bell Family.
MCNative, Thank you for your considerable service to our community. It is unfortunate that there are not more amongst us that recognize the need for community service. However, it appears that you have formed your opinion based on erroneous information. Mr. Later aptly points out that the traffic studies indicate that the majority of the Southern Pines/Aberdeen traffic is in fact local traffic and would therefore still exist even with a bypass. Furthermore, as Siya correctly points out new construction would not bypass Pinebluff. In essence, you have unknowingly made a very strong argument for opposing the bypass. It is clear based on Mr. Later's thorough analysis that the bypass, as described by the NCDOT, serves no benefit to this county and certainly not at the tremendous financial cost to the State and the priceless cost to natural resources and a unique way of life that makes Moore County so different from every other small community in this State or Country. Just because Moore County citizens might have ignored this threat several years ago, doesn't mean we should discard now a desire to preserve the wonderful character of our community. We must NOT assume that the bureaucrats, with a budget to spend, will appreciate and understand what is best for us and this community.
Mr. Later we are fortunate that you have taken the time to so carefully outline the various issues- thank you!
Thank you for providing such a terrific event! Who knows what ideas might have been seeded in the clouds last weekend. For our 8 year old little girl who has been on lots of commercial airliners, big and small and whose Daddy is a Captain on the "big giant" MD11 at FedEx, this too was a very special and exciting flight - this was her very first time in a little single seat plane and she sat shotgun as the only passenger. After her flight, she announced that she's going to be the first astronaut to go to Saturn. I bet she wasn't the only one who left SOP with such a lofty dream!
It's obvious that this was the plan all along. This is exactly the Town Council we can expect. Mike Fields chose not to run as he knew his good old boy network would ask him to re-join them once the council was seated. How clever that Mr. Fields didn't have to spend the time, energy, money or more importantly didn't have to address any questions from voters. This is a Town Council that lacks integrity. Are they really so arrogant that they don't understand the optics here? A Town Council that doesn't care about integrity is one that doesn't deserve respect.
Thank you for your service to our community. You are correct that the time has come for you to vacate the Council and let someone else pick up the heavy lifting. We respectfully, but ardently disagree with your parting words and choice to lead Southern Pines and to serve on the Town Council.
Chris Smithson has demonstrated the integrity, energy, commitment and dogged determination to lead The Southern Pines Town Council. Like no other, Mr. Smithson has earned the title of Mayor. Through eight years on The Town Council, Mr. Smithson has spent thousands of hours outside Council meetings studying the issues, listening to his constituents, evaluating long range implications and voting to support the Town Plan to protect, preserve and grow our town and community.
Because Mr. Smithson truly studies the issues, he has at times put himself in adverse positions to the local old boy network and various special interest groups. Mr. Smithson has a history of focusing on not only the present implications, but how the Council's decisions will effect the community in the future. He has been true to the planning process and ensuring that others on The Council are mindful of their responsibility to work within the plan created by and for the community.
The Southern Pines community needs the leadership and proven stewardship of Chris Smithson. In addition, Dave Woodruff and Marsh Smith will add the necessary depth and critical thinking that is currently lacking.
Elect Chris Smithson Mayor of Southern Pines and Dave Woodruff and Marsh Smith
Councilmen.
Jane is a pistol! Can't wait to read the book - it sounds like there is a truth to be found within its pages for most of us. Jane, congratulations on your success and thanks for sharing your story.
LB67, With your balanced response, it's obvious that no matter what day is picked, "the wrong people" (who might they be?) are going to be "pissed" (nice word). I agree with Beentheredonethat, perhaps all this anger is a little misplaced. I suggest that perhaps there aren't "right" and "wrong" people here. All of us are equally effected - no right or wrong. I'm not sure that a hot soak will do anything but overheat you some more. Perhaps a nice cold walk outside would serve your anger and cabin fever better.
Thistle 2 weeks, 5 days ago
Third Graders Lobby to Keep House in the Horseshoe Open
Kudos to Ms. Blue the third grade teacher! She is INDEED teaching an important lesson. We are so fortunate to live in a Democracy and what better way to make that real to a child than to encourage the students to express their voice to effect change! The O'Neal School is very fortunate to have a teacher of this caliber who thinks beyond a lesson plan. .
Thistle 1 month, 1 week ago
Have Needles, Will Travel: S.P. Vet Specializes in Holistic Practices for Pets
Dr. Ross is patient, thorough and tough! She was able to handle my 17.3 hand terrified horse that had already reared through the ceiling of my barn and had become dangerous to himself and anyone that was trying to help him. Dr. Ross quickly identified the source of his pain and through chiropractic work has alleviated it. I have my horse back! He is once again sane (non-dangerous), happy and free moving. I highly recommend Dr. Ross!
Thistle 8 months, 4 weeks ago
Southern Pines Planning Board Gets First Look at Proposed Bell Project
AFCHIEF, asking questions, expecting answers and demonstrating a commitment to the long term viability of this community and economy is hardly being a busy body. Town officials should be expected to always consider the best interest of the community ahead of the interest of one individual party. I agree, an individual landowner should be allowed, in fact encouraged, to develop their property as they choose BUT ONLY IF such development doesn't negatively affect the community. Creating temporary construction jobs is not enough. The Town Council/Officials must require that traffic, water and economic impact studies be completed BEFORE approval is granted. Right now, no one knows the answers since those questions have never been asked or addressed.
Thistle 10 months, 2 weeks ago
Miller, Developer at Odds on Knollwood Partnership Claim
Wow! It's the good cop, bad cop charade. This is all an act, the developer and Mr. Miller aren't at odds with each other. This is what they'd like us to believe so that Mr. Miller can slip this through by looking like the good cop. With the current composition of The Town Council, it's quite obvious that Mr. Miller has made promises that he'll handle the approvals - they're already in his back pocket. No doubt, everyone's playing a few more rounds at Pine Needles. Here we go again......... small town ole boy cronyism at its best.
Take a drive along Camp Easter Road, Niagara Carthage Road, McDeeds Creek and look at the ponds in Pine Needles - there is no water, the ponds are at historical lows. If a development like this is built, where is the water going to come from? It's all one source out there and the water table is extremely low and vulnerable and continues to drop despite afternoon downpours. High density housing, manicured lawns, another golf course, outlet center....... no mention of protecting our resources, the resources that affect our entire community. Why should one developer and greedy landowner have the right to to lower the water table even more? Here's an idea Mr. Miller....... how about building a reservoir and a park on your property - something that gives back to the community in a meaningful way. That would be a real legacy for Mrs. Bell and The Bell Family.
Thistle 1 year, 3 months ago
Arguments for Freeway Don't Make Sense
MCNative, Thank you for your considerable service to our community. It is unfortunate that there are not more amongst us that recognize the need for community service. However, it appears that you have formed your opinion based on erroneous information. Mr. Later aptly points out that the traffic studies indicate that the majority of the Southern Pines/Aberdeen traffic is in fact local traffic and would therefore still exist even with a bypass. Furthermore, as Siya correctly points out new construction would not bypass Pinebluff. In essence, you have unknowingly made a very strong argument for opposing the bypass. It is clear based on Mr. Later's thorough analysis that the bypass, as described by the NCDOT, serves no benefit to this county and certainly not at the tremendous financial cost to the State and the priceless cost to natural resources and a unique way of life that makes Moore County so different from every other small community in this State or Country. Just because Moore County citizens might have ignored this threat several years ago, doesn't mean we should discard now a desire to preserve the wonderful character of our community. We must NOT assume that the bureaucrats, with a budget to spend, will appreciate and understand what is best for us and this community.
Mr. Later we are fortunate that you have taken the time to so carefully outline the various issues- thank you!
Thistle 1 year, 5 months ago
Young Eagles Day Hailed a Success
Thank you for providing such a terrific event! Who knows what ideas might have been seeded in the clouds last weekend. For our 8 year old little girl who has been on lots of commercial airliners, big and small and whose Daddy is a Captain on the "big giant" MD11 at FedEx, this too was a very special and exciting flight - this was her very first time in a little single seat plane and she sat shotgun as the only passenger. After her flight, she announced that she's going to be the first astronaut to go to Saturn. I bet she wasn't the only one who left SOP with such a lofty dream!
Thistle 1 year, 5 months ago
Council Seeks to Appoint Fields, Smithson Says
THE FIX IS ON!
It's obvious that this was the plan all along. This is exactly the Town Council we can expect. Mike Fields chose not to run as he knew his good old boy network would ask him to re-join them once the council was seated. How clever that Mr. Fields didn't have to spend the time, energy, money or more importantly didn't have to address any questions from voters. This is a Town Council that lacks integrity. Are they really so arrogant that they don't understand the optics here? A Town Council that doesn't care about integrity is one that doesn't deserve respect.
Thistle 1 year, 6 months ago
The Mayor's Choice
Mr. Haney,
Thank you for your service to our community. You are correct that the time has come for you to vacate the Council and let someone else pick up the heavy lifting. We respectfully, but ardently disagree with your parting words and choice to lead Southern Pines and to serve on the Town Council.
Chris Smithson has demonstrated the integrity, energy, commitment and dogged determination to lead The Southern Pines Town Council. Like no other, Mr. Smithson has earned the title of Mayor. Through eight years on The Town Council, Mr. Smithson has spent thousands of hours outside Council meetings studying the issues, listening to his constituents, evaluating long range implications and voting to support the Town Plan to protect, preserve and grow our town and community.
Because Mr. Smithson truly studies the issues, he has at times put himself in adverse positions to the local old boy network and various special interest groups. Mr. Smithson has a history of focusing on not only the present implications, but how the Council's decisions will effect the community in the future. He has been true to the planning process and ensuring that others on The Council are mindful of their responsibility to work within the plan created by and for the community.
The Southern Pines community needs the leadership and proven stewardship of Chris Smithson. In addition, Dave Woodruff and Marsh Smith will add the necessary depth and critical thinking that is currently lacking.
Elect Chris Smithson Mayor of Southern Pines and Dave Woodruff and Marsh Smith Councilmen.
Sarah and Sean O'Leary Southern Pines
Thistle 2 years, 4 months ago
Local Author at Bookshop Today
Jane is a pistol! Can't wait to read the book - it sounds like there is a truth to be found within its pages for most of us. Jane, congratulations on your success and thanks for sharing your story.
Thistle 2 years, 4 months ago
County Schools Closed Wednesday
LB67, With your balanced response, it's obvious that no matter what day is picked, "the wrong people" (who might they be?) are going to be "pissed" (nice word). I agree with Beentheredonethat, perhaps all this anger is a little misplaced. I suggest that perhaps there aren't "right" and "wrong" people here. All of us are equally effected - no right or wrong. I'm not sure that a hot soak will do anything but overheat you some more. Perhaps a nice cold walk outside would serve your anger and cabin fever better.