Moore County Democrats are beginning the precinct meeting process required in preparation for their county convention, to be held April 18 at the Agricultural Center in Carthage.

Democratic Party Chairman Brian Deaton this week announced the first 11 precinct meetings, during which Democrats will elect precinct officers and delegates to the county convention. This is the year the party elects county party officers.

"These meetings will be an important start to building on the momentum achieved in the 2008 elections," Deaton said. "All registered Democrats are strongly encouraged to attend."

Meetings were scheduled as follows:

Bensalem, 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, Eagle Springs Fire Department. Tommy Blue is the contact person if additional information is needed. His telephone number is 673-5552.

Cameron, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, Harbour residence, 213 Red Hill Road. Juanita Harbour is the contact person (245-7527).

DHR, Robbins and Westmoore, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, Davis Community Center, 4788 NC 705, Robbins. Carolyn McDermott (948-9996) is the contact person.

East and West Aberdeen, 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, Aberdeen Town Hall, 115 N. Poplar St. Contact person is Aziz Ahmad (944-5604).

Eureka, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, Whispering Pines Fire Department, 16 Hardee Lane. Daniel Fletcher is the contact person (949-2607).

Little River, 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, Circle V Fire Department, 205 Murdock C Road, Vass. Contact person is Jim Heim (245-7625).

Pinedene, 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., Stewart residence, 185 Laurel Lane, Southern Pines. Contact person is Ellen Stewart (692-5921).

All Pinehurst precincts, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, Pinehurst Village Hall, 395 Magnolia Road. Brian Deaton is the contact person (295-9111).

Seven Lakes, 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, Seven Lakes fire station, 716 Seven Lakes Drive. Bill Schmidt is the contact person (673-0359).

South Southern Pines, 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, Coalition for Human Care office, 1500 W. Indiana Ave. Contact person is Earl Jones (692-3009).

Carthage, T6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, Democratic Party headquarters, 104 N. McNeill St. O'Linda Gillis is the contact person (910-603-4121).

GOP PRECINCTS -- Moore County Republicans are winding down their precinct meetings. Their county convention will be held March 14.

Carthage Precinct will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, at the McDonald Building in Carthage, it was announced by the chairman, Ronnie Fields (947-1801).

Local Republicans also issued these precinct meeting reminders: North Southern Pines, 7 p[.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at residence of chairwoman Peggy McKellar (692-7604), 239 Midlothian Dr.; Pinedene, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Train House at Campbell House in Southern Pines (Laura Rimbert, 629-7129); Pinehurst B2,4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at the Pinecrest High School media center (Joan Thurman, 215-0227); South Southern Pines, 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at residence of Chairwoman Cindy Little (692-6881), 30 Dungarvan Lane, National Golf Club, Pinehurst; Westmoore, 7 p.m . Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Westmoore Elementary School Auditorium (Noah Key, 464-3422).

COBLE -- Congressman Howard Coble engaged in a live interview by way of telephone with Southern Pines radio station WEEB-AM this morning.

It will be followed by a taped interview, again by telephone, with State Government Radio in Raleigh.

Coble is home for the Presidents Day congressional break. The 6th District Republican has a busy schedule, with appearances and events throughout the district.

Contact Florence Gilkeson by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.