The Pilot Newspaper

09/14/2026

Raise the spirits with the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation. The nonprofit will present “Costumes & Cocktails,” a frightfully fun evening, on Saturday, Oct. 24, 6-11 p.m., at the Pinehurst Fair Barn. The evening features a costume contest, raffles and a silent auction. Tickets are $125 per person and include dinner catered by Valenti’s, Railhouse Brewing b**r and drinks, and dancing.

Purchase tickets in advance at https://www.taskforcedagger.org/events-24-oct-2026-saturday-cocktails-costumes-time-600-pm-1100-pm/

09/14/2026

In an era of hyper-partisanship, Democrats and Republicans in North Carolina have found something to work on together: democracy.

The 60-minute bipartisan town halls feature county election directors and board of election members from both sides of the political aisle. The town halls address topics from public concerns about electronic voting machines to Artificial Intelligence, explain the secure process for collecting and counting votes, and lay out the checks and balances in the NC system that ensure the integrity of elections.

The town hall series will stop in Carthage on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Agriculture Building at 707 Pinehurst Ave., Carthage, Rooms 1 and 4.

In an era of hyper-partisanship, Democrats and Republicans in North Carolina have found something to work on together: democracy.

09/13/2026

Preserving Polish traditions is what Beth and Michael Skarbinski are all about. They are the duo behind Patty’s Pantry, a new Polish meal service company dishing out classics such as pierogi, golabaki, babka, Polish pickles, desserts and more — all made from scratch. Soon, they’ll have kielbasa available too.

The Skarbinskis felt called to share their family recipes despite not knowing how their business idea would be received. They quickly learned how many folks with Polish and German descent are in the area, as well as how many military connected individuals have tried something overseas and couldn’t find it locally.

“There’s nothing of the type around here,” says Beth Skarbinski.

Preserving Polish traditions is what Beth and Michael Skarbinski are all about. They are the duo behind Patty’s Pantry, a new Polish meal service company dishing out classics such as

09/13/2026

Following years of buildup statewide, the girls are ready to lace up their cleats to take to the gridiron for flag football this fall as part of one of the newest sports the N.C. High School Athletic Association puts on.

The first day for contests was Thursday, and play will continue between now and the end of October, when the state playoff brackets will be released. The inaugural state champion will be crowned on Nov. 14. The teams are allowed 18 games this season.

Union Pines and Pinecrest have rosters full of multi-sport athletes ready to take on the history-making first season of the sport in the area.

Following years of buildup statewide, the girls are ready to lace up their cleats to take to the gridiron for flag football this fall as part of one of the

09/13/2026

Hugh Foskey had just returned from his seventh deployment when he was injured during a Special Operations training jump. Landing in power lines, he was severely burned and experienced paralysis. Foskey spent weeks in the hospital recovering. At the time, his children were 5, 7 and 17.

“This changed our lives,” says his wife, Robin Foskey.

For those who serve in the elite military units of Special Operations Forces (SOF), the stress and sacrifice often extend far beyond the battlefield. Research indicates what those in this unique community have experienced for years: elevated risks associated with repeated blast exposure and environmental hazards; sleep disruption and chronic illness, higher rates of several types of cancer; and day-to-day stress from frequent absences and moves. The physical, psychological and neurological toll impacts the entire family.

Hugh medically retired from military service as a sergeant major in 2011. Robin served 23 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, and retired as a lieutenant colonel. More recently, she retired from a civilian position with the Joint Special Operations Command.

A decade ago, the Foskeys’ children were asked to speak about resilience at a conference sponsored by the Warrior Care Program, which is part of the Special Operations Command in Tampa, Fla. Soon after, the family was introduced to the Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation.

Hugh Foskey had just returned from his seventh deployment when he was injured during a Special Operations training jump. Landing in power lines, he was severely burned and experienced paralysis.

09/13/2026

It’s your life. Read all about it in Sunday’s Pilot newspaper.

09/12/2026

Water continues to be top of mind for Moore County as the government looks to address current and future infrastructure needs.

On Thursday, the Board of Commissioners held a special called work session to review a list of ongoing, planned and potential projects related to water and sewer. A main focus of the evening was on pinning down a future water source option. But no decisions were made, with Chair Nick Picerno saying more time is needed to parcel through the information.

The last major development regarding a water source for the county happened this spring, after the commissioners identified Crystal Lake — with an additional intake on Little River — as a water supply option to meet the county’s future needs.

Water continues to be top of mind for Moore County as the government looks to address current and future infrastructure needs.

09/12/2026

The Pilot secured first-place honors for general excellence in its division for the second consecutive year during the North Carolina Press Association’s (NCPA) convention held in Cary Thursday evening. This is the tenth time the newspaper has received this honor.

In addition, editorial and advertising staff took home 37 individual awards, almost double the amount from 2025 and the most awards of any newspaper across all divisions. The annual contest continues to be one of the largest in the country with over 4,000 entries from over 125 newspapers and news organizations.

The general excellence award is based, in part, on the paper’s overall ex*****on in news, photojournalism and advertising coverage and, in part, on its success in the contest’s other categories. The Pilot competes in a division of the largest community newspapers. The Pilot staff also won third-place accolades for community coverage.

The Pilot secured first-place honors for general excellence in its division for the second consecutive year during the North Carolina Press Association’s (NCPA) convention held in Cary Thursday evening. This

09/12/2026

Recaps from North Moore football's loss at Chatham Central and Pinecrest's win at South View from Week 4.

Having gone two weeks without playing a game, the North Moore football team and, because of injuries, its depth chart itself was tested to the limit at Chatham Central Friday.

09/12/2026

Finals from the road.