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Lending Paws a Hand returns as finalist for national service award

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Lending Paws a Hand has fetched a spot as a finalist for the 2025 Defender Service Awards, which recognize nonprofit organizations across the United States and Canada that demonstrate outstanding service and community impact.

The volunteer-led rescue group, based in Lee County, was selected in the Honorees Category for its work rescuing animals from the county’s small rural shelter and helping local pet owners in need. Lending Paws a Hand pulls dogs and cats at risk of euthanasia while also supporting Sandhills residents with veterinary care and resources to keep their pets safe and healthy.

“I founded Lending Paws a Hand in 2013 in response to the plight of animals at the Lee County shelter,” writes President Mary Ashburn. “I diligently network with a variety of rescue organizations to help the dogs and cats at the Lee County shelter and respond to community requests to help animals in our area. Animals are our passion and we work tirelessly.”

Finalists belong to one of five categories: Animal, Wildlife and Marine Welfare Award; Community Services Award; Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services Award; Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach Award; and Outdoor Accessibility & Education Award.

A sixth category, Defender Service Honorees, recognizes past finalists from 2021 to 2024 and gives them another opportunity to win a custom Defender 130 vehicle and award funding. While these organizations did not win in their original categories, their ongoing impact and continued need for a capable vehicle make them strong candidates for a second chance at winning.

Lending Paws a Hand falls under this sixth category.

“We continue to be inspired by the missions and people of nonprofit and charitable organizations across North America,” said Sam Allen, U.S. Brand Director for Defender. “Their unwavering dedication to service reflects the spirit of the Defender brand and our commitment to supporting those who drive real change in their communities.”

The category winners will be chosen through a public vote open from October 3 to October 19 and announced on November 15 during the Destination Defender event in Temecula, California. Being named winner would make a much-appreciated pawsitive change in the organization’s operations.

Six winners will each receive a new customized Defender 130 vehicle and a $30,000 prize to help advance their work. The customized Defender will help the organizations reach more people (and animals!) with its “off-road capability and go-anywhere spirit.”

Please click here to vote and watch the finalists’ videos. 

If you would like to read more feel-good stories, please email your news or ideas to [email protected].

~ Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.

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2 arrested in ‘Felony Lane Gang’ case targeting cars at gyms

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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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Three facing charges after Aberdeen drug search

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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.

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Two arrested in multi-county ‘Felony Lane Gang’ case targeting cars at gyms

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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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