The childhood of Hamlet’s own John Coltrane, jazz musician extraordinaire, was typical of African-Americans of his time.

HAMLET - The April meeting of the Hamlet City Council was relatively straightforward and free of any major issues or debate as needs and requirements were efficiently addressed.

PINEHURST – FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital has recently announced that it is one of the first nonacademic hospitals in North Carolina to offer the world’s smallest pacemaker for patients with bradycardia.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act(H.R. 1864) into law, which was co-sponsored by Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09).

ROCKINGHAM - Willoughby “Sonny” Bradley, 60, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018 at Kindred Hospital in Greensboro, NC.  He was the husband of Aileen Matthews Bradley, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage.

He was a member of Temple Baptist Church and enjoyed his many years teaching and coaching at Temple Christian School.  He will be remembered for his fun, outgoing personality as well as the guidance and wisdom that he provided to the students of Temple.

Sonny is survived by his wife, sons: Richard, Jonathan and Alexander, daughters-in-law: Meredith, Adrianne, and Megan, grandchildren: Sophie and Simon, and siblings: Patricia Jenkins, Deborah Huss, Darlene Rees, Donald Bradley, Scott Bradley, David Bradley, and Mike Riley. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 14 at Temple Baptist Church in Rockingham, NC.  Greeting of the family will begin at 2:00 pm with the service following at 3:00 pm.

Because of Sonny’s beliefs, unwavering faith, and interest in helping continue mission work, the family has requested donations be made to Salem Baptist Church for their summer missions trip program in lieu of flowers.

RICHMOND COUNTY, NC - North Carolina sportsmen will have to keep a hunter’s watchful eye on the new 2018-2019 hunting regulations.

ELLERBE - The Rockingham Middle School baseball team made its trip to Ellerbe worthwhile Monday, as it defeated the host Wildcats 14-1.

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 10, 2018 Southern Pines Police Department Announces: Homicide Investigation - Update Southern Pines, NC - On Sunday, April 8, 2018, at approximately 7:45 pm, the Southern Pines Police Department responded to a report of a deceased female in a vehicle located on a dirt road extending south off of South Gaines Street in Southern Pines.

Raleigh, NC – North Carolina’s momentum continues to grow in support of legislation to strengthen victims’ rights statewide coinciding with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 8-14).  The Marsy’s Law for North Carolina campaign is building support for a constitutional amendment to strengthen language in the state constitution - giving crime victims an equal level of protection already given to the accused and convicted.

RICHMOND COUNTY - April’s First Friday Luncheon with the Chamber of Commerce President Emily Tucker and Operations Assistant Taylor Player was held April 6th at Pizza Inn in Rockingham.   In this casual atmosphere, Chamber members shared information about their respective companies.