News Lines from June 8-14, 2026, in Moore, Lee & Harnett

On June 8, The Village of Pinehurst shared it will review a project proposal for seven residential lots for Mid South Palmer Drive Subdivision at 3 Palmer Drive in Southern Pines.

The property is zoned RA30 and will not need rezoning. It will have access to Moore County water and sewer and is on a private road. It is not in a flood zone or watershed overlay district.

The red-cockaded woodpecker is on the site.  Read details at Pinehurst to review seven-lot Mid-South Palmer Drive Subdivision proposal.

Lee County Commissioners admitted they want a data center. PointeOne Data Center is proposed for 4079 Lower Moncure Road in Lee County, North Carolina.

Applicant Jonathon Rhine proposed the 428.85-acre light industrial data center with a fire water tank, fire pump house and associated infrastructure.

Read the article, Lee County to review proposal for PointOne Data Center.

Attend the next commissioners’ meeting on Monday, June 15, at 6 p.m when they hold a public hearing for your opportunity to speak on proposed UDO changes.

Read details here.

The most significant long-term policy shift proposal eliminating both the Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) districts are their replacement with a new Village Neighborhood Development (VND) district for large-scale subdivisions requiring rezoning, those of 125 lots or more.

For Lee County residents concerned about rapid growth, this change deserves the closest scrutiny because TNDs and PUDs were the county’s primary tools for requiring developers to build something more than a standard subdivision.

The TND language aims for compact residential development linked to amenities like pedestrian facilities, shopping, and employment, fostering community.

The VND framework might reduce negotiation options.

The county claims VND combines PUD and TND for large developments. The elimination of traditional and planned unit developments will speed up subdivision reviews, streamline administrative processes for both county staff and developers.

Read Lee County to review 618 acres in project proposals published on June 8.

Moore County Schools cleaned house at the end of the school year when it replaced seven principals.

Read who replaced whom in Moore County Board of Education announces 7 new principals.

The replacements did not occur without argument. Read Moore County Schools honors Union Pines Navy JROTC, staff and students amid hiring complaint.

Moore County Schools honored young Americans. The Moore County Board of Education recognized championship athletics, staff, students and the nationally ranked Union Pines Navy JROTC program during its June 8 meeting. Public comments praised Jennifer Purvis as the newly appointed superintendent and raised concerns about principal hiring decisions.

The Union Pines High School Navy JROTC Program earned the title of Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors. For the second consecutive year, the cadets proved themselves to be one of the top programs in the nation.

Read Harnett County barks down animal shelter’s negative energy to learn how commissioners are working to rectify nearly a year of harms. On June 9, Harnett County Commissioners reviewed the county animal shelter updates after a $19,500 violation fine.

Deputy County Manager Coley Price and General Services Director Barry Blevins presented the update on correcting violations.

Coley said they will conduct internal interviews this week to investigate.

Blevins said they will recertify staff for euthanasia procedures through Wake County on Monday, June 15.

With passion, Blevins said the shelter had come a long way from euthanizing every dog on Wednesday mornings and works now to find adoptive partners, like Petco.

Read Lee County Schools announces Deep River Elementary School leadership transition to learn how the new principal will work with the current one during the transition. Lee County Schools announced a leadership transition at Deep River Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026.  Emily Coggins will step down as principal of Deep River Elementary effective June 30 to focus on personal and family priorities. Coggins has served the Deep River community with dedication and has provided strong leadership for the school’s students, staff and families.

Sandhills Community College announced a training opportunity. ATEX Technologies offers pre-employment workshop with Sandhills Community College

Sandhills Community College announces graduations and honors

Moore County Schools’ Connect Academy announces 2026 graduates

Moore County Schools announces high school graduations and honors

Lee County Schools approve cell phone policy changes

Moore County Airport to build two corporate hangers

North Carolina General Assembly

A proposed property tax reappraisal moratorium heads to Gov. Josh Stein, lawmakers advance child welfare reforms, cryptocurrency kiosk regulations and anti-gang legislation, while Moore County election changes and litigation funding restrictions move closer to becoming law.

North Carolina property tax moratorium, farm bill and child welfare reforms lead week in state politics

Sunday, June 14, former 40-year attorney Robert Levy’s editorial showcases his expertise in the juvenile court system to show how two teenagers may be viewed as victims when only one died in his work, Karmelo Anthony: expendable race bait.

Enjoy the Teen News Video!

June 14, 2026

Stephanie M. Sellers

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Sandhills News is plain-English local government reporting that explains how decisions affect your land, taxes, schools and rights.