Tom Embrey

Aberdeen Chief Search Down to 7 Candidates

The search for the next Aberdeen police chief is down to seven candidates, including three who are chiefs at other departments, Town Manager Bill Zell said.

Top Hats: Two Youngsters Stand In as Police Chiefs

The students spent Wednesday afternoon with the Southern Pines police. They and their families ate pizza with members of the department, toured the police station, observed training exercise with all five of the department's K-9 officers, and then participated in a building search by the department's Special Response Team.

Final Piece of Arboretum Ready to Open

The Timmel Pavilion at the Meadow is a 30-foot by 60-foot covered structure open on three sides that has rocking chairs, an outdoor patio, a fireplace, ceiling fans, tables and interior storage space. Designed and constructed to reflect the principles of Frederick Law Olmsted, the open-air pavilion is located in the upper part of the Meadow.

Aberdeen Supporting Officer

The Aberdeen police and fire departments are reaching out to the community to help the family of Bryan Lett, an Aberdeen police lieutenant who is battling cancer.

Behind the Badge: Godfrey Settles in to Role as Sheriff

After serving as chief deputy for a decade, Neil Godfrey learned a great deal from his friend and mentor, Sheriff Lane Carter. Now, for at least the next 18 months, Godfrey will get to apply those lessons.

Car Event Includes Full Lineup of Rare, Vintage Autos

The first Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance will feature an international field of vintage automobiles with plenty of local representation.

New Homes Promise 'Traditional' Look

Owner Pat Molamphy, of Citadel Development Group LLC, is proposing a development with 46 detached single family homes and 24 townhomes. The property is designed so that one- and two-story cottage homes will be on the exterior of the development and would surround the townhomes. The proposed density is 4.3 dwelling units per acre.

Village Assesses 2014 Priorities

Moving forward in 2014 with the construction of a two-tier parking deck and the final phase of a development plan for Village Place isn't financially feasible, Assistant Village Manager Natalie Dean told the Pinehurst Village Council Tuesday.

Students Revved Up for Car Judging

Eric Doby's love of automobiles goes back to when he was a little boy spending time with his grandfather and his Ford Model T. "The first time he cranked it up I slid across the seat and he let me drive it," said Doby, a Union Pines senior. "I was a little kid, barely able to reach the pedal. Those were the best times."

Village to Test New Review Process for Historic District

When it comes to a proposal to streamline the review process of projects within the Pinehurst historic district, the Village Council hopes to try it before it buys it, so to speak.

Pinehurst to Host Farmers Market Again

The market, which features fresh local produce, pasture-raised meats, eggs, artisanal baked goods, children's activities and live music, will again be held at two locations this year.

Don't Postpone Joy: Faith, Family, Friends Help Woman Fight Cancer

Instead of sulking or feeling sorry for herself, Brenda Hiscott has chosen to be strong; to live life to the fullest and be a source of strength and

Auto Event Lands Future Resort Dates

Flanked by a quintet of classic and muscle cars at the Pinehurst Country Club, Jay Howard, executive director of the Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance, announced Wednesday that the resort has already agreed to host the event for two more years through 2015.

Suspect Left Hospital Amid Mix-Up by Police, Hospital

UNC Hospitals police were on their way to detain an Aberdeen man with an arrest warrant Saturday, but he left the hospital minutes before police could get to him, said Tom Smith, director of the UNC Hospitals police.

Planner Suggests More Study of Village Place Concept

A section of Pinehurst between Village Hall and downtown has development potential, but those specifics need more study, according to a village consultant.

Have Needles, Will Travel: S.P. Vet Specializes in Holistic Practices for Pets

Doctors eschewed traditional medical treatments for Hershey and referred the dog to Dr. Megan Ross, a Southern Pines veterinarian who specializes in holistic practices, including pet acupuncture.

Suspect Turns Himself In to Police

Southern Pines police have filed additional drug and gun charges against an Aberdeen man who fled a Chapel Hill hospital this past weekend after he was involved in a shooting on Friday at Brookwood Park Apartments.

Patterson Shares Importance of Storytelling

Author James Patterson talked about how he and others have changed their stories and improved their lives by finding their passion, reaching for goals and living life to the fullest.

Aberdeen Man Arrested for Fourth Time in Two Weeks

On Saturday, police officers arrested Nico-Lechad Rickenan Monroe, 22, of 153 Hazelwood Drive, and charged him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana with intent to sell/deliver, possession of marijuana and possession of a stolen firearm.

'She Was Our Trophy': Aberdeen Woman Given Firefighter's Send-Off

A volunteer firefighter with the Pinehill Fire Department in Hoke County, Sarah Stonesifer received a full firefighter's burial at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen.

DOT Looks to Consolidate in New Carthage Office

The current 8,000-square-foot office was built in the 1950s and is the oldest and smallest of the 14 DOT district offices.

Aberdeen Police Chief to Retire July 1

Mike Connor, who started his career with the department as a patrol officer in 1983 and moved through the ranks, has been chief for eight years. He will retire July 1.

Saved by Social Media: Residents Come to Aid of Sick Doberman

Community members through Facebook donated $700 to offset the care for the animal, and one family even agreed to adopt the dog.

Police Address Downtown Issues with Residents

Southern Pines Police Chief Bob Temme told members of the downtown neighborhood community watch group on Wednesday that there have been 30 such incidents in town since Jan. 1. That represents more than a 50 percent increase in similar crimes over the same period in an average year.

The Gentle Guides: Blind Children Train With Assistance Dogs

The cost for each child to go through the entire process, from application to evaluation, to training to receiving a dog, is $60,000. That cost is covered by MIRA Foundation USA, which is the only such group in the country that provides guide dogs for children.

Merchants Welcome First Bank Move

The total number of new workers downtown won't be huge - about 30 - but the prospect of serving top-level corporate executives and their guests has many Southern Pines businesses like Lula's excited.

Lawyers Say Jones Unaware of Auto Sales Problems

Attorneys for Steve Jones, the auto dealer accused by the Division of Motor Vehicles of improper sales, say their client has been "primarily a figurehead" for the dealership for the past several years and that he had no active role due to ongoing medical issues.

Village Council Rejects Condos Near Lake Pinehurst

The Pinehurst Village Council has rejected a request that would have allowed condominiums to be built on vacant property off Burning Tree Road and near Lake Pinehurst and the marina.

Aberdeen Residents Raise Concerns About Police Conduct

Several Aberdeen residents went before town officials and called for change Monday after they said minorities have been the victims of profiling and unnecessary use of force by town police.

AAA Reaches Out to Aberdeen Couple for Commercial

For Aberdeen resident Bob Hanley, a letter written to a reporter in Charlotte set in motion a chain of events that ensured his spot in a television commercial about home and auto insurance.

United Way Meets Fundraising Goal, Prepares to Give It Away

The United Way is in the process of determining how it will divide the $595,129 raised. Nineteen nonprofit organizations have requested funding from the United Way. The funds will be awarded in early June, said Linda Pearson, executive director of the United Way.

Apart at the Seams: Midland Crafters Building Comes Down

After 76 years, the building that once housed Anglo Tweeds and Midland Crafters on Midland Road is being demolished.

More Tickets Available for Patterson Event

Tickets are $20 and are available until they sell out. The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Moore Schools Evaluating Calendar Choices

Moore County Schools officials are studying whether one area school should abandon the traditional nine-month school year in place of a year-round calendar.

Spring Break for These Students? Building Community

This week, the students from Boston College are working on the home during their spring break as part of Habitat for Humanity's national alternative break program, Collegiate Challenge.

Aberdeen Seeking More Input From Midway Residents

Town commissioners on Thursday instructed the staff to move forward with creating a Midway Small Area Plan. The plan, which could be used as a model for other communities, would help the town identify community needs based on input from that community's residents.

Thriving on Fire: Burns Bring Life to the Pines

Prescribed burns reduce the buildup of vegetation that could fuel a wildfire. In addition, many plants and animals need fire to thrive. Prescribed burns can reduce competition among plants, release seeds, and add nutrients to benefit species.

Village Wrestles with Lake Condo Proposal

Residents living near Lake Pinehurst are mounting a protest against the proposed construction of three condominiums that would be built on vacant property near the lake and the marina.

Officer Kyran: 'A Role Model to the End'

During his career, Kyran averaged 120 misdemeanor convictions and 50 felony convictions per year. He was such a high-quality dog that his work stood up in cases at the county, state and federal level.

Head Start Staffers Honored After Attempted Kidnapping

"We have training every year so we will know what to do in those types of situations," McCormick said. "There was an instant where I wanted to panic, but then my instinct and training took over, and I knew I couldn't panic. I had to take care of my babies."

Hot Wheels: Tickets On Sale for Prestigious Car Event

The first-ever Concours show competition at Pinehurst Resort will feature the staging of 118 prestigious cars, some valued at more than $2 million, in celebration of the 118-year-old resort.

Beyond Borders: Group Reaches Out to War-Torn Children

Five Afghan children will travel to Moore County this summer and spend six weeks here. They will be accompanied by a translator. All six individuals will stay with host families. During their stay the children will receive necessary medical care provided by local doctors. In addition to the treatment, the children will be immersed in local culture and will spend time participating in a variety of activities.

Stories by Tom

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