LAURINBURG — With youth violence on the rise in Scotland and Hoke counties, Rep. Garland Pierce recently convened two standing-room-only Town Halls to explore solutions and hear directly from the community.
Between 80 and 100 residents attended the events, which featured panelists from Raleigh and a broad representation of local organizations, including both sheriff’s offices, school superintendents, pastors, Stop the Violence Scotland County, the Hoke County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, the Old North State Medical Society, and numerous members of the public.
Panelists from Raleigh included William Lassiter, deputy secretary of the state Juvenile Justice Division (above, left); Caroline Farmer, executive director of the Governor’s Crime Commission; Siarra Scott, co-chair of the Governor’s Gang Task Force; and Community Programs Consultant Lance Britt (all pictured below)…