Local News
Friends of SP Library celebrates National Friends of Libraries Week
Southern Pines Public Library and the Town of Southern Pines are celebrating the Friends of the Library during the week of Oct. 19–25, as part of the 20th annual National Friends of Libraries Week.
Established in 1974, the Friends of Southern Pines Public Library is composed of community members who are deeply invested in promoting literacy and lifelong learning. Over the years, the Friends have played a major role in the library’s continued success—providing funding for programs, advocating for library services, and volunteering their time to support community initiatives such as the annual Summer Reading Program.
Friends President Frances Wilson reflected on her experience as a member of the group: “Like many opportunities in life, it was through the invitation and encouragement of a friend that I became a part of the Friends of the Southern Pines Public Library. From my youth until today, going to the local public library has been a special part of my life. Because of this lifelong love, it felt right and important to devote time to support this vital community resource.”
Wilson added, “The Board members of the Friends work closely with our devoted library director and staff to determine how we can help enrich the programs offered to our community. Annual membership contributions to the Friends of SPPL help sustain these programs. In addition to financial assistance, members have opportunities to volunteer at library events and activities supported by the Friends.”
Wilson shared that some of her favorite memories from this past year include hosting a cocoa and cookies event at the library to celebrate the end of a successful Winter Reading Challenge, participating in the Book Distribution Program at a local elementary school and watching children select a book to take home, and greeting families at the Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration on the Sunrise green. Other highlights included welcoming attendees to Pages of the Pines, a festival celebrating local authors, and enjoying fellowship with patrons during a Tea with Friends event.
“The amazing variety of programs for citizens of all ages offered at our library makes me grateful to be part of a volunteer group that champions this beloved local institution,” she added. “For all who love and appreciate the library, I invite and encourage you to join the Friends and help ensure that our library continues to thrive and make a difference in the lives of our community.”
To learn more about the Friends of Southern Pines Public Library or to become a member, please visit www.sppl.net.
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Contributed article/photo.
Two people were arrested in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins linked to a Felony Lane Gang operating across multiple states.
According to the Aberdeen Police Department, officers responded to OrangeTheory Fitness on August 4 after a vehicle was broken into and items were reportedly stolen.
“Investigators began following leads and linked the case to similar cases in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Foxfire, Pittsboro, High Point, and Fuquay-Varina,” states the Aberdeen Police Department in a press release. “A multi-jurisdictional investigation began, and investigators verified suspects in this case were part of a Felony Lane Gang that was targeting vehicles at gyms across several states.”
Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a rental car and located it at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Surveillance footage from a bank in Cary helped investigators identify Victoria Tudor, 48, of Raleigh, and Ethan Smith, 33, of Youngsville, as suspects.
Warrants were issued on September 26. Smith is facing charges of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and Tudor is facing charges of felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. On November 7, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and the Raleigh Fugitive Task Force located the pair. Both were taken before a Wake County magistrate and received $5,000 secured bonds.
Police said the case remains open as investigators continue working with surrounding agencies to identify additional suspects.
All suspects and persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
Via Aberdeen Police Department.
Three people were arrested Thursday after Moore County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Bell Fork Road in the Heflin Mobile Home Park in Aberdeen.
Detectives conducted the search on Nov. 13 and seized suspected cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, multiple items of drug and marijuana paraphernalia, thirteen firearms, and more than $2,800 in cash.
Investigators arrested Jose Sanchez, 26, of Aberdeen, and charged him with felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance; possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine; felony possession of cocaine; possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana; felony possession of marijuana; two counts of maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Moore County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in district court on Dec.10.
Tabitha Sanchez, 56, of Aberdeen, was charged with felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was held at the Moore County Detention Center under a $5,500 secured bond and is also scheduled to appear in district court on Dec.10.
Brandy Grice, 50, of Aberdeen, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under a $5,500 secured bond and has the same Dec. 10 district court date.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Via Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
Two people were arrested in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins linked to a Felony Lane Gang operating across multiple states.
According to the Aberdeen Police Department, officers responded to OrangeTheory Fitness on August 4 after a vehicle was broken into and items were reportedly stolen.
“Investigators began following leads and linked the case to similar cases in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Foxfire, Pittsboro, High Point, and Fuquay-Varina,” states the Aberdeen Police Department in a press release. “A multi-jurisdictional investigation began, and investigators verified suspects in this case were part of a Felony Lane Gang that was targeting vehicles at gyms across several states.”
Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a rental car and located it at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Surveillance footage from a bank in Cary helped investigators identify Victoria Tudor, 48, of Raleigh, and Ethan Smith, 33, of Youngsville, as suspects.
Warrants were issued on September 26. Smith is facing charges of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and Tudor is facing charges of felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. On November 7, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and the Raleigh Fugitive Task Force located the pair. Both were taken before a Wake County magistrate and received $5,000 secured bonds.
Police said the case remains open as investigators continue working with surrounding agencies to identify additional suspects.
All suspects and persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
Via Aberdeen Police Department.
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