If an architect’s design of a new animal shelter is approved, the Moore County Board of Commissioners is expected to authorize advertisement for construction bids during a meeting tonight.

The board will discuss the proposed design plans with the architect during a work session preceding the regular 6 p.m. meeting.

Plans call for the new shelter to be built on county-owned land at the public utilities complex on U.S. 15-501 in the Hillcrest community.

HOLSHOUSER — Alice Keeney of Swan Quarter is the recipient of the first Gov. James E. Holshouser Scholarship.

The award was presented during the North Carolina Economic Developers Association midwinter conference in Pinehurst last week.

Keeney is Hyde County planner and economic developer, serving one of the state’s most rural counties.

Her principal goal is protecting the natural environment while encouraging feasible, aesthetically attractive development. Keeney is also responsible for attracting new business and nurturing small and start-up business while implementing and maintaining economic development programs concerned with retaining existing business and industry.

The award provides $1,000 a year for three years, covering the cost of attending the Economic Development Institute.

The EDI is the premier, nationally renowned educational program for economic development professionals, according to the NCEDA.

Holshouser, who maintains law practices in Pinehurst and Raleigh, lives in Moore County. He was the first Republican governor elected in North Carolina in the 20th Century.

DEER — State Rep. Richard Morgan met with state wildlife officials last week to discuss issues relating to proposed laws to ban deer hunting with dogs in Moore County and to change the county’s deer-hunting seasons.

Morgan told Pilot Light that he is continuing to receive letters, e-mail and telephone calls from constituents expressing both points of view. He added that another public meeting may be needed before he decides whether to introduce the bill.

At a March 8 public hearing in Carthage, opponents outnumbered those in favor of changing the laws. However, Morgan said, his decision to call the hearing was prompted by the number of letters from constituents who want the law changed.

“I want to execute good judgment, and I’ll make a decision as soon as I’m able to do that,” he said.

The Republican legislator said he has met the deadline for submitting local bill requests to the legislature’s bill drafting attorneys. March 28 is the deadline to submit local legislation.

CAMERON DEMOS — The Democrats of Cameron Precinct will hold their annual precinct meeting Monday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at the home of Earl and Juanita Harbour (245-7527), 213 Red Hill Road, Cameron.

Moore County Democrats will hold their county convention April 28 and also plan a special rally on that date.

VALUE — The value of the water and sewer system serving Pinehurst, Jackson Hamlet, Pinewild and Pinesage is also on the agenda for tonight’s meeting of the Moore County commissioners.

The board will consider whether the county wants to partner with the Village of Pinehurst in selecting a qualified accounting or consulting firm to determine the system’s value.

Water is on the agenda for the commissioners’ work session this afternoon, but in a different context.

The board will receive an update on progress being made with the proposed East Moore Water District and may hear a recommended date for a district referendum.

Another item on the work session agenda is a report on an inflow and infiltration study for Pinehurst.