County employees, spouses and friends -- numbering 56 -- helped to build a Habitat for Humanity house this year.

And on Monday, the Moore County Board of Commission-ers paid tribute to the county volunteers. The five commissioners took turns presenting certificates to each employee who worked on the project. The ceremony was held at the beginning of the board's regular meeting.

Almost 650 hours were devoted to building the house, beginning May 29 and ending in early fall. The work was done on 16 Saturdays. The house, in the Needmore Road subdivision, was dedicated Oct. 13.

"That's why I love to live here," said Board Chairman Nick Picerno after the certificates had been presented.

PEASLEE -- Bill Peaslee, a member of the State Board of Elections, is a former chief of staff and special legal counsel for the North Carolina Republican Party.

He also has connections with Moore County. While still serving with the state GOP, he was asked to preside at the Moore County Republican Party county convention several years ago. He is an attorney with law offices in Cary.

Peaslee is one of two Republican members of the five-member state board and was an active participant in the board's hearing on issues raised in connection with former Gov. Mike Easley's campaign finance practices.

The board voted unanimously to refer the matter to the Wake County district attorney. The board also agreed to fine Easley's campaign committee $100,000 and the state Democratic Party $9,000 for violation of state campaign finance laws.

COBLE -- Trick or treat is not mentioned in Congressman Howard Coble's weekend schedule, but he did attend the Great Pumpkin event at the Commons Shopping Center in Oak Ridge Saturday afternoon.

The 6th District Republican attended worship services at Alamance Presbyterian Church in Greensboro on Sunday, then returned in the afternoon for the 90th birthday celebration for Runell Oliver Smith.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at (910) 693-2479 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.