2011 | imagesharnettcounty.

com
®

What’s
Online 
Get a bird’s eye view
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harnett county, north carolina

MOVE IT,
MOVE IT
Recreation options are
new and improved

SECURE AND
SAFEGUARD
Defense, protection
companies move in

Home Improvement
Downtowns revamp to boost appeal

Sponsored by the Harnett County Chambers of Commerce

Paid Advertisement

HARNETT County Schools

Mission Statement: The mission of Harnett County Schools is to educate students in a safe environment
empowering them to focus on lifelong learning, responsible citizenship and global awareness.

FaSt FactS
SchoolS (2010-2011)
Total Number of Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Elementary Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Middle Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
High Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Alternative Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
EnrollMEnt (2010-2011 3rd Mo.)
Total Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,444
Elementary (K-5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,235
Middle (6-8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,469
High (9-12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,373
GraduatES (2010)
Total Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,057
aBcS rEcoGnition (2009)
Expected Growth/Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
High Growth/Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safe Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100%
Ethnic diStriBution
(2009-2010 5th Mo.)
African American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.9%
Asian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6% Above: Michelle Cline, Harnett County Schools Teacher of the Year, with some of her
Caucasian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.6% sixth grade students at Western Hamett Middle School.
Hispanic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.9%
Multi-Racial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.3%
For over a century and a half, the Harnett County School System has been educating
Native American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0%
its students and preparing them for productive and successful futures. We are proud
tranSportation (Fall 2009)
Total Number of Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
of our sense of community and the deep-rooted traditions and principles for which the
Students Transported Daily . . . . . . . . . . . 11,775 school system was founded. Although we continue to grow at a rapid pace, we still find
Miles Traveled Daily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,021 a strong sense of community and pride in our schools today.
Number of Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Food SErvicE
The tremendous growth has made it necessary to have an aggressive and ongoing
(2008-2009 School yEar avEraGE) building plan in place to add new school sites and continue the updating process of
Student Breakfasts Served Daily . . . . . . . 5,371 some of the older facilities. Much of the growth in the western part of the county can
Student Lunches Served Daily . . . . . . . . 12,569 be attributed to the influx of military families moving to our area through the Base
Per Pupil Expenditures for 2009 . . . . . . . $1,150 Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). We face the challenge of having enough
EMployEES (octoBEr 2008) space in schools and classrooms to house all of our students and the system has seen
Number of Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,241 a steady increase of pupils each year. We expect between 500-600 new students this
Number of Administrators . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 year alone – bringing our student population to over 20,000.
National Board-Certified Teachers (2008) . . . 72
Doctoral Degree Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 In the past nine years, Harnett County Schools has added seven new facilities, including
State Funded Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,600
four elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Each of these sites
Federal Funded Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Local Funded Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 was built to address the needs of students today with extensive instructional space,
Total HCS Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,233 state-of-the-art technology and lab classrooms, and adequate space to ensure safety
and security for students, teachers and staff.
• All middle and high schools accredited by the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. There have also been substantial updates and additions to five existing elementary
schools and one high school to provide updated technology, more classroom space,
• Collaborations with Campbell University, Central
Carolina Community College and Fayetteville
larger media centers, cafeterias and computer labs. All of these projects, coupled
Technical Community College. with hard working custodians and maintenance staff members, have produced clean,
orderly, and safe schools with neat and inviting grounds that serve our students well.
• One of the first counties in the state to have
100% participation in crisis management program, Long-range construction plans also include another elementary school, middle school
initiated by State Attorney General, Roy Cooper. and high school.
• Partnerships with businesses and industry county Updates in facilities continue to provide even better learning environments for our
wide and the Harnett County Business
Education Partnership.
children and quality spaces for our teachers. Community support has provided mentors,
resources, funding and over 80,000 volunteer hours with children in our schools.
• Active member of the Base Realignment and
The two together have provided a winning combination to help our team as they strive
Closure Commission (BRAC) Regional Task Force
as we continue to meet the needs of incoming to provide a future-ready learning experience that will prepare our students to be
military families and their children. 21st-Century leaders!

Visit us online at www.harnett.k12.nc.us

Welcome Home to Harnett County! Experience …
Southern hospitality at its best.
Peaceful and safe living.
The history and heritage that makes us proud to be here.
Convenience of big-city amenities without all the traffic and stress.
Quality of life – from education to recreation.

“We stand as the voice of business.

We support our members’ success.
We champion community prosperity.”

127 S. McKinley St.

P.O. Box 667
Coats, NC 27521
(910) 897-6213
E-mail: chamber@coatschamber.com
www.coatschamber.com

Home of
the 98th
Annual Coats
Farmer’s Day
Celebration!

Erwin Chamber of Commerce

Erwin, North Carolina

Ideally located between

Pride in Our Past – Hope in Our Future
Proud Hometown of Adrienne Core, Miss North Carolina 2010
Fayetteville-Fort Bragg and Raleigh-Durham.
Dunn offers affordable living,
friendly people and great quality of life.
We invite you to experience
our Southern charm, great
hospitality and rich history.
Find the perfect place for
your home or business.

Welcome Home
E-mail: contact@erwinchamber.org • www.erwinchamber.org
to Dunn!
Cape Fear River Trail 100 W. F St.
209 W. Divine St. • P.O. Box 548 • Dunn, NC 28335
Denim Days Celebration P.O. Box 655
(910) 892-4113
Dunn Erwin Trail Erwin, NC 28339
www.dunnchamber.com (910) 897-7300 (910) 897-5543 Fax

24 W. Front St.
P.O. Box 967
Lillington, NC 27546
(910) 893-3751
E-mail:
Home of the County Seat contact@lillingtonchamber.org
Located on the scenic Cape Fear River www.lillingtonchamber.org
 Need a place to host a meeting or a special
event? Call on us! We offer flexible space
for up to 80 people, full audiovisual support
and full catering services.

Complimentary Breakfast • FREE Wireless Internet

FREE Local Calls • Business Center • Outdoor Pool
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Check Out Our Specials …
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Romance Package to Pamper Yourself and the One You Love
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Enjoy the Hampton Experience 100 Jesse Tart Circle

Dunn, NC 28334
While Visiting Harnett County (910) 892-4333
We Love Having You Here! www.dunn.hamptoninn.com
 2011 edition | volume 4
®

Harnett County, North Carolina

co nte nt s

F e atu r e s

10 move it, move it

32 Recreation options
are new and improved.

14 home improvement
Downtowns revamp
to boost appeal.

20 secure and Safeguard

Defense, protection
companies move in.

d e pa r tm e nt s

6 Almanac
16 Image Gallery
22 Biz Briefs
24 Economic Profile
29 Health & Wellness
30 Arts & Culture
32 Sports & Recreation
35 Education
36 Local Flavor
39 Community Profile
40 Through the Lens

on the cover Photo by Todd Bennett

Kivett Hall at Campbell University

All or part of this magazine is

14
printed on recycled paper containing
10% post-consumer waste.
Please recycle this magazine

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 3
 ®

Your child
Digital Edition
deserves
to learn.
Whether gifted, hurting
or disadvantaged,
your child deserves
Home
IMPROVEMENT
HARNETT COUNTY CITIES REVAMP DOWNTOWNS,

to learn. There is IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE TO BOOST APPEAL

STORY BY JOE MORRIS

a school where both

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD BENNETT

W
ant to walk from Dunn Plans Major 2011. The facility will have exercise
one end of Angier Downtown Development space and rooms for technology, as well
to another? Feel like The shops in downtown Dunn as arts and crafts, a fully functioning
doing some shopping also are taking advantage of an kitchen and meeting space for more

gifted and at-risk

in Dunn? How about a nice workout in
Lillington, or maybe getting schooled
on productivity by a third grader?
All that and more is on tap as Harnett
County’s towns revitalize, renovate
and add to their quality of life.
improvement program, one of
many major developments being
overseen by the Dunn Downtown
Development Corporation, says
Dal Snipes, chairman.
“We instigated a municipal tax
than 200 people. The facility will also
have smaller breakout rooms and some
city offices.
“Our big emphasis with this was to
improve our quality of life offerings,”
says Tommy Burns, town manager.

students can get

Angier Adds Sidewalks,
Redoes Façades
In Angier, several major projects
are literally tying the city together.
New drainage, curbs, sidewalks,
district for downtown three years ago,
and have been keeping that money back
so we can participate with the city on
a planned $3 million streetscape
improvement program,” Snipes says.
“The city has gone through a major
“The building is on 13th Street,
within walking distance of most
of our neighborhoods. It’s something
we’ve needed for a long time.”
Harnett Primary Rolls Out

personal attention …
lampposts and other enhancements
are now in place on Broad Street
through downtown and also along
Highway 55. Similar upgrades
are under way at the new Angier
Elementary School, and renovations
water and sewer upgrade, and now
we hope to bury power lines, add
new sidewalks and more.”
The city and development board
have applied for USDA funding, but
will work with private businesses and
Leadership Program
All this well-planned activity is
being reflected by the area’s younger
citizens as well. Harnett Primary has
implemented The Leader In Me, a
program to develop strong habits and

side by side in
and modifications to Jack Marley Park
will include a multipurpose field, disc
golf course, walking trails and more.
“We are connecting all these
areas, making a more walkable, safe
community,” says Coley Price, Angier
other partners to cover any shortfall.
“With the remodeling, it’s just
remarkable how gorgeous some of
these buildings are. We have a beautiful
downtown and everyone is on board,”
Snipes says.
skills to be successful. Spearheaded by
Principal Sabrina Hendley, the program
is already achieving remarkable results
within a year of its rollout.
“Every child has the potential to be
a leader,” Hendley says. “And they have

the same room …

town manager. “We also have given
grants for façade improvements to our
downtown businesses, and so far have
had 18 businesses put up new paint,
signage and awnings. It’s a real breath
of fresh air.”
Lillington to Open
Community Center in 2011
Over in Lillington, all eyes are on
a new 10,100-square-foot, $2.3 million
community center set to open in July
just embraced it. In fact, I have some
parents saying they are a little tired
of these seven habits, because they’re
being used against them! When we can
start something at school and see kids
take it home, it’s just fabulous.”

and both will excel. Clockwise from top: Frox, a boutique on East Broad Street in downtown Dunn; A neighborhood in Lillington
within walking distance to the new community center; One of the new lampposts in downtown Angier

14 HARNET T COUNT Y IIM

MAG
AGE
ESSH
HAAR
RNNE
ETTT
TCCO
OUUN
NTTY.
Y.CCO
OMM 15

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4 Harnet t Count y
 ®

Harnett Count y,
North Carolina
What’s Online 
imagesharnettcounty.com
Project Manager mitch kline
audience development director Lisa Battles
Proofreading Manager Raven Petty
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Staff Writer Kevin Litwin
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Chairman Greg Thurman

President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman
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Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky 2011 | IMAGESHARNETTCOUNTy.COM

Controller Chris Dudley

®

What’s
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Content Director/Travel Publications Get a bird’s eye view
of Harnett County
with a quick video
from the sky.

Susan Chappell
Content Director/Business Publications
Bill McMeekin
See more photos in
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HARNETT COUNTy, NORTH CAROlINA
Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris
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Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan
Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake
Get the inside scoop from
Receptionist Linda Bishop our photographers’ blog
MOVE IT,
MOVE IT
Recreation options are
new and improved

Facts & Stats

Images Harnett County is published annually by SECURE AND
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companies move in
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and their member businesses. Home Improvement
For advertising information or to direct questions
or comments about the magazine, contact
Dig deeper with in-depth data Downtowns revamp to boost appeal

on industries, schools and more

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or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

Digital
For more information, contact:

Video
Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce
209 West Divine Street, Dunn, NC 28335
Phone: (910) 892-4113 • Fax: (910) 892-4071

edition
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i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 5
 Almanac

Welcome to
Harnett County
An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

Historic Sundays
If the mysteries of history intrigue you, check out the
Coats Museum.
Located at 109 South McKinley Street, the museum is
dedicated to preserving the history of this small community
through interpretive exhibits, data banks, genealogies and a
chronological history of the area. The museum is only open
on Sunday afternoons and by appointment, and also keeps
an ongoing record of significant events relevant to the
history of Coats’ families.

Cold Sweat Ice Cream

No need to scream: There are 90 different
flavors available at Sunni Sky’s Homemade
Ice Cream in Angier.
Perhaps the most interesting flavor is called
Cold Sweat, which contains hot peppers and
extracts. Cold Sweat was featured on ABC’s
Good Morning America and the Food Network,
and before he will serve someone a bowl or
cone of Cold Sweat, owner Scott Wilson
requires patrons to sign a waiver.
Besides the 90 flavors, Sunni Sky’s also
serves sherbets, sorbets, no-sugar-with-cream
selections, and no-fat-no-sugar flavors.

Market Watch
Out of collard greens? Running low on potatoes and tomatoes?
West Produce is a third-generation farm that grows fruits and vegetables
on 50 acres along Hayes Road in Spring Lake. The farm includes a market
that is fully stocked with items such as sweet corn, tomatoes, squash,
cucumbers, peppers, sweet potatoes and melons.
In September and October, West Produce hosts tours, pumpkin
patches, hayrides and classes on American agriculture. The market
and farm are open from April 15 to Thanksgiving.

6 Harnet t Count y
 Fast Facts
n Besides Dunn,
the other towns in
Harnett County are
Angier, Coats, Erwin
and Lillington, which
is the county seat.

What a Unincorporated
communities include
Blessing Anderson Creek,
Buies Creek and
Summerville Presbyterian Johnsonville.
Church and Cemetery is listed
on the National Register of n The Dunn Farmers
Historic Places, and is known Market is open every
for its beautiful interiors. Saturday from May
The church in Lillington was through October,
built in 1845-46, and has kept and sells a variety of
its original architectural design produce in addition
without alterations. Its style is to plants and crafts.
Greek and Gothic Revival, and it
is one of the most photographed n The Erwin History
landmarks in Harnett County. Museum documents
The church’s cemetery the history of the
contains the grave of a small town with
mysterious stranger who was old photographs
found dead on the steps of the and artifacts.
church in the early 1900s. Since
n The 5.3-mile
that time, the doors of the
Dunn-Erwin Rail
church have never been locked.
Trail is popular with
outdoor enthusiasts
who like to walk,
bike and hike.
Park it Here n There are 27
Rock on, Raven Rock State Park. schools in the Harnett
This outdoor destination in County Schools
Harnett County is situated high system. The newest
above the Cape Fear River, and one, Overhills
spans 4,667 acres. Activities here Elementary School,
include camping, canoeing, fishing, opened in fall 2009.
picnicking and walking trails, and
several education seminars and n Lillington is home
events are scheduled on a monthly to one of the newest
basis by park officials. Raven Rock courthouses in the
is known for its wildflowers and country, having
pine forestry. It’s also home to opened in 2003
reptiles and amphibians like to replace an old,
salamanders, snakes and lizards. cramped building.
There are several species of birds
along with wild animals such as n Coats is the home
beavers, muskrats and raccoons of the oldest farm
that visitors routinely see. The day festival in the
park is located nine miles west of Southeast, the
Lillington and 20 miles east of Coats Farmers
Sanford, off US Highway 421. Day, which was
established in 1912.

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 7
 J.E. WOMBLE & SONS
300 N. 10th St. • Lillington, NC 27546 • (910) 893-2289 • (910) 893-2702 Fax
womblerealty@charter.net • www.womblerealtync.com • www.lillingtonrentals.com
Our company has been servicing the area real estate needs for over 20 years.
We offer a full range of service which includes: sales of new and existing homes; land sales;
sales of commercial real estate; apartment or home rentals; and property management.
We look forward to serving you in any real estate need.
The righT ageNT makeS aLL The diFFereNCe iN The WOrLd.

8 Harnet t Count y
 Harnett County On With the Show
At A Glance The downtown Dunn district has been undergoing
plenty of revitalization in recent years, and a big project
recently completed was the renovation of Stewart Theatre.
POPULATION (2009 Estimate) The historic landmark on North Wilson Avenue has
Harnett County: 115,761 undergone extensive work and occasionally presents
Dunn: 10,173 movies on its one big screen.
In addition, Stewart Theatre serves as home to Harnett
LOCATION
Regional Theatre, a performing arts troupe that puts on
Harnett County is in central North Carolina,
five productions each year. Their plays include musicals,
near the junction of interstates 40 and 95. dramas, comedies and documentaries.
BEGINNINGS
The county was officially established in 1855
and named for Revolutionary War patriot
Cornelius Harnett.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce
209 W. Divine St., Dunn, NC 28335
Phone: (910) 892-4113, Fax: (910) 892-4071
www.dunnchamber.com

Harnett County

Durham
Du
urh Wake
W ke For
k Fo
ore
or
o rrest
re
Chapel
ha
ape Hill

Raleigh
Ralei
Ra
ale
a eigh

210
10

Ca
pe
Fe
arR Angier
421 iv
er

Lillington Coats
Erwin
4
40
You’re Kidding
Dunn
HARNE T T Have a blast, kids – and parents.
210 Kid Blast Family Fun Zone is a 19,000-square-foot
421
indoor amusement destination in Angier. The facility
95
95
includes giant slides, an obstacle course, a nine-hole
miniature golf course, toddler town and a Circus City.
There is also a large laser tag arena equipped with
ramps, platforms and decorated barrels under black
lights. Parents can either join their children in the fun
What’s Online  zone areas or relax in a parents’ seating area to enjoy
Take a virtual tour of Harnett County, courtesy a cup of coffee while watching TV. Kid Blast is
of our award-winning photographers, at committed to child safety and uses a numbered
imagesharnettcounty.com. bracelet method to ensure children leave with the
same adult they came in with.

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 9
 Jeffrey S. OTTO

10 Harnet t Count y
 Move It,
Move It
Harnett County has new and
improved recreation options

Story By kevin litwin

A What’s
dventures from mild to a bit wild
are all part of the outdoor scene
in Harnett County, especially since Online 
several recreation improvements Go to imagesharnett
have been made recently. county.com and click on
One of them is a $1 million renovation to “recreation” to read more
Barbecue Creek Park in the western part of
Todd Bennett

about Harnett County’s

the county. The upgrade included installing sports and recreational
top-grade lighting to baseball diamonds, activities.
softball fields and tennis courts, plus adding
a multipurpose building and a playground.
Cape Fear River Park
Also undergoing recent upgrades was
Cape Fear River Trail Park, which now features
a pedestrian trail along the river, as well as
kayak access points.
“During the warm weather, the parking lot
is full of cars and trucks with kayak and canoe
trailers attached,” says Carl Davis, recreation
program supervisor for Harnett County Parks

Clockwise from top: Bowlers participate

Todd Bennett

in a league at Buffaloe Lanes in Erwin;

Cape Fear River Trail Park; Cape Fear
River at the Raven Rock State Park

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 11
 and Recreation. “Meanwhile, the
county also has a master plan in
place for Anderson Creek Park, with
proposed walking trails, equestrian
trails, a playground and mountain
bike trails.”
Erwin
In the town of Erwin, the name of
Erwin Municipal Park was changed
to Al Woodall Municipal Park in 2010.
Woodall played high school football
in Erwin during the 1960s before
12 Harnet t Count y
ultimately quarterbacking Duke
University and the New York Jets.
“We received a North Carolina state
grant of $395,000 for Woodall Park, and
the town matched it,” says Jeff Harmon,
athletic program director for the town
of Erwin. “Additions to the park include
a walking trail around the whole
facility, a skateboard park, new tennis
courts, an additional multipurpose
baseball/softball field, an additional
soccer field and new scoreboards.”
Another recreation destination
in Erwin is Buffaloe Lanes Bowling
Center, located in a former grocery
store that closed in the late 1990s and
sat vacant for a decade. There is also the
5.3-mile Dunn-Erwin Rail-Trail that is
popular with outdoor enthusiasts who
like to walk, bike and hike.
“The crushed stone trail has
trailheads located in both downtown
Erwin and Dunn, with restaurants
and shops at both ends,” Harmon says.
 Dunn and Lillington
Speaking of Dunn, the Dunn
Recreation Center gives residents
access to a gymnasium, exercise room,
meeting facilities, racquetball courts
and tennis courts. In Lillington, a new
community and recreation center is
being constructed to feature a fitness
center, gymnasium and craft rooms.
Lillington is also home to Raven
Rock State Park, which, at 5,000 acres,
is the area’s biggest and best-known
park. The park, by the Cape Fear River,
attracts more than 12 million visitors
a year for hiking, fishing, canoeing,
kayaking and camping.
Angier
The town of Angier recently tackled
a $1.4 million improvement project at
Jack Marley Park, with upgrades that
included a lighted walking trail, disc
golf course, sand volleyball court,
batting cages, two new playgrounds
and a skateboard park.
“There is also new signage throughout
the entire facility, and we redid the
entrance area,” says Derek McLean,
Angier parks and recreation director.
“It’s quite an amazing recreation spot
for a town of 4,300 residents.”
Clockwise from left: Coble Water
Ski & Wakeboard Camp; A new
community center is under
construction in Lillington;
Dunn Recreation Center

The Wilder Side

Harnett County is known for outdoor adventure,
and some places go beyond hiking and biking:

Black River
Paintball
Black River Paintball in Angier is a 55-acre field divided
into seven paintball courses. It is open Saturdays and
Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.brpaintball.com

Carolina
Skate Land
Carolina Skate Land in Dunn features family nights on
Thursdays, TGIF roller skating on Friday evenings and
three separate open skating sessions on Saturdays.
www.carolinaskateland.com

Coble Water Ski &

Wakeboard Camp
Coble Water Ski in Lillington offers private lessons on lakes,
as well as all-inclusive overnight camps. Children, adults,
families, college skiers and groups are welcome.
www.cobleskischool.com

Noah’s Landing
This non-profit nature center is home to a variety of rare
and exotic animals. Visitors are treated to many close
encounters and educational opportunities. There is also
a mobile nature center that brings animals to local schools
and community groups. ww.noahslanding2x2.com

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 13
 14 Harnet t Count y
 Home
Improvement
Harnett County cities revamp downtowns,
improve infrastructure to boost appeal
Story By Joe Morris
Photography By todd bennett
W
ant to walk from
one end of Angier
to another? Feel like
doing some shopping
in Dunn? How about a nice workout in
Lillington, or maybe getting schooled
on productivity by a third grader?
All that and more is on tap as Harnett
County’s towns revitalize, renovate
and add to their quality of life.
Angier Adds Sidewalks,
Redoes Façades
In Angier, several major projects
are literally tying the city together.
New drainage, curbs, sidewalks,
lampposts and other enhancements
are now in place on Broad Street
through downtown and also along
Highway 55. Similar upgrades
are under way at the new Angier
Elementary School, and renovations
and modifications to Jack Marley Park
will include a multipurpose field, disc
golf course, walking trails and more.
“We are connecting all these
areas, making a more walkable, safe
community,” says Coley Price, Angier
town manager. “We also have given
grants for façade improvements to our
downtown businesses, and so far have
had 18 businesses put up new paint,
signage and awnings. It’s a real breath
of fresh air.”
Clockwise from top: Frox, a boutique on East Broad Street in downtown Dunn; A neighborhood in Lillington
within walking distance to the new community center; One of the new lampposts in downtown Angier
Dunn Plans Major
Downtown Development
The shops in downtown Dunn
also are taking advantage of an
improvement program, one of
many major developments being
overseen by the Dunn Downtown
Development Corporation, says
Dal Snipes, chairman.
“We instigated a municipal tax
district for downtown three years ago,
and have been keeping that money back
so we can participate with the city on
a planned $3 million streetscape
improvement program,” Snipes says.
“The city has gone through a major
water and sewer upgrade, and now
we hope to bury power lines, add
new sidewalks and more.”
The city and development board
have applied for USDA funding, but
will work with private businesses and
other partners to cover any shortfall.
“With the remodeling, it’s just
remarkable how gorgeous some of
these buildings are. We have a beautiful
downtown and everyone is on board,”
Snipes says.
Lillington to Open
Community Center in 2011
Over in Lillington, all eyes are on
a new 10,100-square-foot, $2.3 million
community center set to open in July
2011. The facility will have exercise
space and rooms for technology, as well
as arts and crafts, a fully functioning
kitchen and meeting space for more
than 200 people. The facility will also
have smaller breakout rooms and some
city offices.
“Our big emphasis with this was to
improve our quality of life offerings,”
says Tommy Burns, town manager.
“The building is on 13th Street,
within walking distance of most
of our neighborhoods. It’s something
we’ve needed for a long time.”
Harnett Primary Rolls Out
Leadership Program
All this well-planned activity is
being reflected by the area’s younger
citizens as well. Harnett Primary has
implemented The Leader In Me, a
program to develop strong habits and
skills to be successful. Spearheaded by
Principal Sabrina Hendley, the program
is already achieving remarkable results
within a year of its rollout.
“Every child has the potential to be
a leader,” Hendley says. “And they have
just embraced it. In fact, I have some
parents saying they are a little tired
of these seven habits, because they’re
being used against them! When we can
start something at school and see kids
take it home, it’s just fabulous.”
i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 15
 Historic house in Dunn
Photo by Todd Bennett

16 Harnet t Count y
 Image Gallery

Anderson Creek Golf Club

Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 17
 18 Harnet t Count y
 Image Gallery

Cape Fear River in Erwin

Photo by Todd Bennett

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 19
 20 Harnet t Count y
 Secure
Safeguard
County attracts defense and protection companies
Story By Kevin Litwin
R
uss Scales is pleased
that Harnett County
has a talented workforce
of military-trained,
college-educated and manufacturing-
experienced personnel.
For that reason and many others,
the president of American Physical
Security Group in Lillington says that
the numerous defense and protection
companies that operate in Harnett
County continue to thrive even in
difficult economic times.
“Harnett County is uniquely situated
at the midpoint between Fort Bragg and
the Research Triangle Park, and it
offers easy access to Raleigh-Durham
International Airport, as well as
the regional airport in Fayetteville,
and the ports at Wilmington and
Morehead City,” Scales says.
What Does APSG Do?
American Physical Security Group
produces a complete line of antiram
vehicle barriers, and also manufactures
forced entry, ballistic-resistant and
blast mitigation doors, louvers, security
stations and windows that are used
for government, commercial and
From top left: Saab Barracuda LLC; Lillington’s Boon Edam created these revolving doors (top right)
located in Trenton, New Jersey, as well as the turnstiles shown here (bottom) that are found in London.
&
architectural applications. The
company’s product installations
are featured in numerous major
commercial, financial and industrial
centers, as well as military bases and
embassies throughout the world.
Meanwhile, Harnett County
is also home to a number of other
defense and protection companies:
ATG Access Inc.
ATG Access Inc. is an engineering
and manufacturing company in
Lillington whose product line mostly
involves bollards, which are small and
strong vertical posts installed in front
of buildings for security purposes.
Boon Edam
Boon Edam has a manufacturing
facility in Lillington that produces
items such as manual and automatic
revolving doors, security doors and
portals, turnstiles and more.
Esterline Defense
Technologies
Esterline Defense Technologies
in Lillington manufactures a variety
of defense industry products that
include infrared decoy flares,
torpedo decoy systems, radar
countermeasure equipment and
anti ship-missile countermeasures.
“Because of the evolving nature
of countermeasures, Esterline is in
constant communication with the
Armed Forces to address any new
threat technology,” says Jim Finnegan,
vice president of operations. “And,
we enjoy doing business in Harnett
County because this area offers
reasonable tax rates and is central
for shipping and receiving our
raw materials and end product.”
Ruhl Tech Engineering
Owner Andrew Ruhland is a trained
tool and die maker with a military
background, and Ruhl Tech
Engineering in Spring Lake designs
and manufactures a variety of
defense and protection items.
Saab Barracuda LLC
Saab Barracuda supplies America’s
war fighters with the most advanced
camouflage and heat-reduction
products. All items manufactured
at its Lillington plant are designed for
concealment and deception purposes
to aid all branches of the U.S. military.
i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 21
 Biz Briefs
A sampling of businesses – large and small – that helps define
Harnett County’s strong and well-balanced economic climate.

Scorecard
Business At
A Glance

$560 million
Annual retail sales

$5,778
Retail sales
per capita

$49 million
Annual hotel
and food sales

5,674
Total number
of firms
Source: U.S. Census
QuickFacts

GARY A. HOUSE, CPA, P.A. KIDDE FIRE FIGHTING INC.

Biz: Public accounting and tax firm
Buzz: Assisting individuals and businesses with
finances and taxes, this full-service firm serves
Harnett County and the surrounding areas.
Gary A. House, CPA, P.A. ensures each client
receives individual attention and offers income
tax, accounting and payroll services. QuickBook
consultations, aid and training sessions are
available to the public, as well.
www.ghousecpa.com
Biz: UTC Fire and Security Company
Buzz: Kidde Fire Fighting manufactures
a variety of products, such as portable and
rechargable extinguishers, as well as nozzles
and rubber and plastic hoses. The company also
supplies materials for airport crash rescue and
layflat hose solutions for multiple fluid transfer
applications, including municipal water and
wastewater, agriculture, groundwater and more.
www.kidde-fire.com

22 Harnet t Count y
 INDIGO ROOM
Biz: Event venue
Buzz: Hosting events such as weddings,
receptions, meetings and parties, the
Indigo Room opened in October 2010
and is housed in a building built in 1925,
which was located near a denim mill.
The Indigo Room is named for the color
blue used to make denim. The space can
accommodate up to 212 individuals, and
offers 20 tables that can seat 150 people.
www.indigonc.com
JERNIGAN’S NURSERY
& TRADING POST
Biz: Garden and gift shop
Buzz: Located in Dunn, Jernigan’s
Nursery & Trading Post began as
a small plant stand. The nursery is
home to a variety of plants, including
annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and
roses. Customers also enjoy Jernigan’s
gift shop, which offers handbags,
jewelry and many other items.
www.jernigansnursery.com
Coats community
building
Biz: Event space and meeting area
Buzz: The Coats Community Building
was built in 1950 and has served many
organizations. The Coats Area Chamber
of Commerce moved into the building in
1989. The building is used for and by the
citizens of Coats and is a very important
asset to the community. Parts of the
building can be rented for events.
www.coatschamber.com

LEE PEST
L.P
S
.S. OLUTIONS

Kenneth Lee, Owner

“The solution to
your pest problems!”

Locally Owned & Operated • Over 40 Years of Experience

“Quality Without Question”

608 N. Ellis Ave.

Dunn, NC 28334 910-892-6312
i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 23
 economic profile
Business climate
Harnett County is a progressive business community with a
dedi­cated workforce. It is part of the Research Triangle Regional
Partnership and is close to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

Harnett Correctional CSX Corp. Inc.

Institution (877) 744-7279
381 employees www.csx.com

Edwards Brothers, Inc. Norfolk & Southern Railway

280 employees (404) 529-1591
www.nscorp.com
Wal-Mart
270 employees
Economic
Carlie C’s IGA Resources
185 employees
SAAB Barracuda, LLC Angier Area Chamber
167 employees of Commerce
Taxes (919) 639-2500
www.angierchamber.org
income
6.75% Coats Chamber
$19,091
Total Sales Tax
of Commerce
(910) 897-6213
major employers Per Capita Income
www.coatschamber.com

Harnett County
Public Schools $41,996 Dunn Area Chamber
of Commerce
2,221 employees Average Annual (910) 892-4113
Household Expenditure www.dunnchamber.com
Harnett County Government
887 employees
Transportation Erwin Chamber
Food Lion Distribution Center of Commerce
758 employees Harnett Regional Jetport (910) 897-7300
(910) 814-2740 www.erwinchamber.org
Campbell University
750 employees www.harnett.org/airport
Lillington Chamber
Betsy Johnson HARTS of Commerce
Regional Hospital (910) 814-4019 (910) 893-3751
709 employees www.harnett.org/harts www.lillingtonchamber.org

Homes  Condos  Golf  lodGinG

Gated, Family Community

866.465.3568
125 Whispering Pines Dr. • Anderson Creek, NC 28390
info@andersoncreekclub.com
www.andersoncreekclub.com

24 Harnet t Count y

 Health & Wellness

Get Healthy Here

Neurology & Pain Management
Center works with patients
suffering from a variety of physical
County grows with health-care options and neurological disorders,
including arthritis, chronic
headaches, sleep disorders, carpal
tunnel, Alzheimer’s and memory
As Harnett County grows, so does its health care. loss. The center’s goal is to decrease
The region already offers comprehensive services in pain through a treatment plan that
fields such as pain management, rehabilitation, pediatrics is designed specifically for each
and women’s services. And recently the Harnett Health individual patient following
a thorough evaluation.
System was selected to receive a $25 million federal loan
for the construction of a 50-bed acute care hospital and Total Body Therapy
central campus in Lillington. & Wellness
At Total Body Therapy &
Wellness, patients of all ages can
receive professional therapeutic
care intended to prevent injury,
correct work-related injuries and
post-surgery pain, and more. The
facility’s sport-specific athletic
training and weight-loss programs
provide clients with customized
exercise programs based on
individual goals. Yoga classes,
cold laser therapy, prenatal
wellness, and nutritional consults
and supplements also are offered.

Carolina Regional
Radiology Imaging
Todd Bennett

Doctors and nurses at Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital
Harnett
Health System
Science and technology
laboratories and other education-
related organizations will be part
of the 128-acre Central Hospital
Campus. The facility will enable
Harnett County residents to
have even better access to top
specialists and the latest medical
treatments. HHS officials say the
number of physicians will increase
in many areas.
“Access to quality health care
is a critical issue in rural North
Carolina, and the new Central
Hospital Campus will increase
quality health care and bring
jobs to Harnett County,” U.S. Rep.
Bob Etheridge says in announcing
the loan for the project.
Betsy Johnson
Regional Hospital
The locally owned, not-for-
profit Harnett Health System also
owns Betsy Johnson Regional
Hospital in Dunn. The 101-bed
facility is an area leader in
cardiopulmonary, critical care,
emergency services, outpatient
and inpatient surgical services,
medical imaging and digital
mammography.
Neurology & Pain
Management Center
Lillington has two facilities that
specialize in pain treatment. The
Center
The Carolina Regional
Radiology Imaging Center
provides the latest in imaging
technology, from MRI and
CT scans to ultrasounds and
mammography. The Angier
facility is part of Fayetteville-
based Carolina Regional
Radiology, which is one of the
largest radiology practices in
North Carolina. Among the state-
of-the-art equipment at the CRR
Imaging Center is a computed
radiology system that generates
high-resolution images in
approximately 40 seconds.
Instead of using standard X-ray
film, images are formed digitally
and can be output on a disk and
shown on a high-resolution
monitor. This allows for quicker
interpretation and comparison
by the radiologist, and shortens
the patient’s testing time.
 – Cary Estes

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 29
 Arts & Culture

Photo Courtesy of Gregory Taylor Photography

See It All Here

Arts and festivals are plentiful in Harnett County

Harnett County has a vibrant arts scene and an array with exhibitions of cotton being
of annual festivals. From Dunn’s Touchstone Energy ginned and baled.
In recent years, Dunn also
Cotton Festival to the Fourth of July extravaganza has been the site of a series of
in Lillington, there’s plenty to celebrate year round. free nighttime street concerts
dubbed Boogie on Broad. Held
in the heart of downtown, the
Harnett County organizations that preserve the periodic event takes place in
arts council county’s history. Heritage is also the spring and fall in order to
preserved in Harnett County’s take advantage of the ideal
The Harnett County Arts
frequent festivals. evening weather.
Council promotes area artists
In September, the Angier Crepe
with exhibits, receptions, dinners Festivals, Events Myrtle Festival offers a number of
and even a featured artist of the The Touchstone Energy Cotton classic activities worthy of the old
month. The organization works Festival, held each November state fairs, such as square dancing
with visual, performing and in Dunn, celebrates one of the and a hot-dog eating contest.
literary artists, as well as region’s most important crops The Crepe Myrtle Festival used

30 Harnet t Count y

to include a motorcycle show, but
that part of the festival became
so popular that it spun off into
a separate entity held in June
called the Angier Bike Fest.
One of the area’s oldest
celebrations is the Farmer’s Day
and Wagon Train Festival in
Coats, which began more than
98 years ago as a way for farmers
to celebrate after their crops had
been harvested and sold. Other
festivals include Erwin Denim
Days, which honors the era when
Harnett County was home to one
of the largest Levi Strauss plants
in the country.
Photo Courtesy of Gregory Taylor Photography
Clockwise from far left: A performance at the Harnett
Regional Theatre; A work by Tonia Michno; Actors at the
Harnett Regional Theatre; Crepe Myrtle Festival
Theaters and Live performing and visual arts. Aspiring
Performances actors in Harnett County can take
to the stage at the Harnett Regional
Children in Harnett County
Theatre in Dunn and the Heart of
quickly become accustomed to
Harnett Playhouse in Lillington,
the cultural scene by taking part in
where productions range from
Harnett Off Broadway, a festival that
locally written plays to such
showcases the musical, dancing and Broadway smash hits as
artistic abilities of Harnett County Beauty and the Beast.
School students. Months of And for those who prefer to
preparation and practice culminate look instead of participate, there
with performances and art showings are nearly a dozen museums in
over a two-weekend span in March. Harnett, including the Gourd
The school district also holds Museum in the Angier Library,
an annual Very Special Arts with hundreds of gourds from
Celebration that exposes students throughout the world on display.
with disabilities to a variety of  – Cary Estes
i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 31
 Sports & Recreation

32 Harnet t Count y
 photos by Jeffrey S. OTTO
Always Something To Do
golf courses, parks, natural assets offer fun for all ages

Harnett County may lack a major city – with a population of a little more than
10,000, Dunn is the county's largest – but it does not lack in things to do.
Visitors and residents have a variety of outdoor activities, from golf to horseback
riding. Area parks provide an outlet for leisurely afternoons, while the Cape Fear
River is a great place for paddling.

Golf Sandy Ridge Country Club and Parks & Water

Golf is one of Harnett County's
main attractions – and residents
and county officials take pride in it.
It may not be as nationally known
as its nearby neighbor Pinehurst,
but avid golfers know that Harnett
County is a great place to play
affordable golf while surrounded
by gorgeous scenery. The county
boasts a total of eight courses
that mix quality with affordability.
Included in the mix is Anderson
Creek Golf Club, a course that
was designed by 1997 PGA
Championship winner Davis
Love III and was named Best New
Course of 2001 upon its opening
by North Carolina Magazine.
Keith Hills Country Club I and
II are owned by local Campbell
University, and the courses are
ranked among the best in the state
for their mix of challenging holes
and fun playability. Pine Burr Golf
Course, Carolina Lakes Golf Club,
Todd Bennett
Chicora Golf Club can also be
found in Harnett County.
Fun For All Ages
The city of Dunn hosts the
outdoor concert series Boogie
on Broad, where families and
children are welcome. For another
fun family outing, parents and
kids head to Duffie’s Exotic Bird
Ranch, also in Dunn, which is
home to more than 1,000 colorful
live birds from all over the world.
Seniors in the area have plenty
to do, with county-sponsored
senior golf tournaments and bus
tours in addition to the many
community senior center’s
educational programs, craft
classes and more. Little league
and municipal sports leagues are
also offered throughout the county,
giving younger kids and adults
an opportunity to participate
in team activities.
Recreation
The Dunn-Erwin Trail was
converted from old train tracks
into a new destination for bikers,
hikers and casual walkers. The trail
stretches from downtown Erwin to
downtown Dunn, with plenty of
beautiful scenery on the way and
shops surrounding the trailheads.
The 5,000-acre Raven Rock State
Park attracts more than 12 million
visitors per year, who come for
a variety of activities, including
hiking, fishing, biking, paddling
and camping. Anderson Creek
Park and Jack Marley Park will
soon add to the already numerous
trails in Harnett County. The Cape
Fear River Trail Park is a great
place to access the Cape Fear
River for kayaking and canoeing.
The river has a stretch of 56 miles
set aside specifically for
recreational water travel.
 – Carson O’Shoney

From left: A kayaker travels down the Cape Fear River just outside of Lillington; Golf at Keith Hills Country Club;
Raven Rock State Park attracts more than 12 million visitors each year

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 33
 Brookfield is an assisted living health-care
community located in the heart of Harnett
County, adjacent to the soon-to-be new
Harnett Health Hospital. We live the three
“Cs” – Compassion, Concern and Caring.
Services and amenities available include,
but not limited to the following:
• Personal Care Director monitors all
resident’s care. All medications are
administered by State Certified
Medication Aides.
• Trained, experienced and certificated staff
assists with personal care, such as dressing,
grooming, bathing, eating, locomotion,
toileting, walking, wheelchairs, etc.
• Additional in-home health-care services
are available from Home Health for those
who may require specialized care, such as
physical and rehabilitation therapies, etc.
• Diets ordered by physician are supported,
including therapeutic, pureed diets
and others.
• Two in-house full-service beauty/barber
shops staffed with licensed professionals.
• Backup generator, and state-of-the-art
smoke and fire protection.
There are also 24 independent
living apartments serving all ages
behind Brookfield.
We are available to discuss your needs
at any time.
~Joe & Janet Boone, Owners/Administrators

2041 NC 210 N. | Lillington, NC 27546 | (910) 893-8181 | (910) 893-3612 Fax

brookfield@charter.net | www.brookfieldassisted.com

34 Harnet t Count y
 Education

photos by Todd Bennett

Central Carolina Community
Campbell University College’s Small Business Center

Learning Made Easy

Education in Harnett County prepares all students

Beginning in elementary school and continuing after college, Harnett County

provides education opportunities and advanced facilities that enable students
to grow and succeed no matter their goals or needs.

Harnett County Central Carolina Campbell University

School System
Students in the Harnett County
School System receive more than
an education. No matter the
student's interest or strength,
they are taught in a safe
environment and are prepared
to be lifelong learners and
responsible citizens. There are
several programs that cater to
any child's need, including an
ESL program, a gifted program,
exceptional children program,
and career and technical education
courses for high school students,
to name a few. With 27 schools
and a student population of
19,000, the system also maintains
strong bonds with the military,
local businesses and colleges
providing community awareness
and support. Due to the Base
Realignment and Closure
Commission, the area experiences
steady growth, allowing the
system to expand and offer
students updated facilities
and new technology.
Community College
There is much to learn at Central
Carolina Community College in
Harnett County. The two-year
public college, located in Lillington,
offers students smaller classes,
highly trained and skilled
professionals, as well as a variety
of credit and not-for-credit classes.
The 76,000-square-foot facility
has classrooms, labs, offices,
a full library and an Academic
Assistance Center. This campus
also houses the Harnett County
Small Business Center. Students
may acquire an associate degree
in the arts or sciences that can also
transfer to a four-year university.
For those who want to brush up
on a subject or learn something
new, the college offers non-credit
studies in basic education,
technical, vocational and more,
where students may receive a
certificate of completion, or they
can receive a diploma or certificate
through the Adult High School/
GED program.
For more than 120 years
Campbell University has been a
reputable source for quality higher
education. Located in Buies Creek,
Campbell University is a private
university that focuses on liberal
arts, sciences, business, education
and religion. Enrollment is
approximately 9,400, with students
not only from North Carolina but
also from all 50 states and more
than 40 countries. The faculty-to-
student ratio of 1:19 ensures that
students have smaller class sizes
and more personal attention, and
only professors are allowed to teach
classes. Offering approximately
100 majors and concentrations
for undergraduate students and
several for graduate students, the
university provides an education
experience that not only teaches
the mind, but also allows students
to grow in faith and experience.
The university works to prepare
students for professional areas
and also encourages them to lead
purposeful lives. – Raven Petty

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 35
 Local Flavor
Delicious Dining
County offers a variety of food choices
At its heart, Harnett County is farm country. For years
farming was the primary occupation among residents,
and it remains an important way of life for many.
Dunn Farmers Market
The city of Dunn celebrates
that farming tradition every
Saturday from May through mid-
October with the Dunn Farmers
Market. This is locally grown
produce at its most local. The
first item on the market’s official
list of rules and regulations states
that the vendors “must reside and
produce the items they sell within
a 50-mile radius of the City
of Dunn.”
The current version of the
Dunn Farmers Market began
in 2006, with only a half-dozen
or so vendors showing up each
week. By 2009, there were more
than 30 vendors setting up at the
market on any given Saturday.
The market sells much more
than just produce. Take a stroll
among the stalls and you are apt
to find vendors hawking cakes,
flowers, fresh honey, folk art,
jewelry, soap, dog cookies and
even butterfly houses. There
also is a farmers market held
in Lillington each Wednesday
afternoon during the late
spring and summer.
Sherry's Bakery
The Dunn Farmers Market is
located in a parking lot behind
another local institution, Sherry’s
Bakery, which refers to its location
as being the “sweetest smelling
corner in town.” Owned by
Bottom left: Sherry’s Bakery is well known for its 10-layer chocolate cake.
36 Harnet t Count y
Freddie and Mary Williford,
Sherry’s has been in business
for more than 40 years. In
addition to breakfast, lunch
and dinner, Sherry’s serves
all the bakery favorites such as
doughnuts, honey buns, cookies,
pies and cakes for all occasions.
Family Restaurant,
Japanese and Pizza
Over in Angier, the longtime
local eatery is called Family
Restaurant. The name is
appropriate, since so many
regulars show up week after week
that they might as well be family.
The restaurant is famous for its
buttermilk biscuits with country
ham and red-eye gravy at
Jeff Adkins
breakfast, and its seafood
dinners on Friday night.
A taste of Japan recently
arrived in Harnett County
with the opening of the Yamato
Japanese Steak & Seafood House
in Dunn. Area residents no longer
need to travel far in order to
have fresh sushi and classic
tempura dinners.
And of course, every town has
to have a favorite Mexican place.
One of the most popular in the
area can be found near Lillington
at Mi Casita. Owner Juan Macias,
the son of a butcher, grew up in
San Jose, Mexico and has spent
a lifetime refining traditional dishes.
 – Cary Estes
Todd Bennett
 Todd Bennett

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 37
 visit our
advertisers
Anderson Creek Realty
www.andersoncreekclub.com

Conveniently located along I-95

Brookfield Assisted
and I-40, just a few hours to the Living Center Inc.
www.brookfieldassisted.com
beach or the mountains, and just
minutes to your workplace. Campbell University
www.campbell.edu
We invite you to
unwind with us … Central Carolina Community College
www.cccc.edu
stay a few days,
or stay a lifetime.
Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce
www.dunnchamber.com
Welcome
Home … Dunn Travel & Tourism
www.dunntourism.org

City of Dunn Dunn Area Tourism Authority Faith Education Academy

(910) 230-3500 (910) 892-3282
www.dunn-nc.org www.dunntourism.org
Hampton Inn
www.dunn.hamptoninn.com

Harnett County Economic

Development Commission
www.harnettedc.org

Harnett County Schools

www.harnett.k12.nc.us

Harnett Health System

www.bjrh.org

Lee Pest Solutions

O’Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home

www.oquinnpeebles.com

Realty World – JE Womble & Sons

www.womblerealtync.com

South River Electric

Membership Cooperative
www.sremc.com

Southeastern Medical Center PC

www.centerformedicalweightloss.com

38 Harnet t Count y
 community profile
Snapshot
Harnett County is located in the central portion of North Carolina.
The area is two hours away from the Crystal Coast and less than
four hours away from the mountains.

time zone
Eastern
52%
Married

Land area
48%
595 Single
Square Miles

Climate cost of living

28%
Age 19 and Under

The coastal plain transitions

into the Piedmont region in
$44,165 50%
Median
Harnett County, giving the Age 20-54
Household Income
area four distinct seasons.
The climate is temperate for
the most part, with only a
$129,357 22%
Median Home Price Age 55 and Over
few days over 90 degrees
or below freezing.
$612 60%
29 F
Median Rent for a White
Two-Bedroom Apartment

18%
January Average Low Temperature
Household
information Black

89 F
July Average High Temperature
115,761 8%
Total Population Hispanic

48” 14%
Annual Rain Fall (vs. National 35
Average Annual Rain Fall of 37”) Median Resident Age Other

This section is sponsored by

1310 S. Main St.

Lillington, NC 27546
(910) 893-3232
www.oquinnpeebles.com

i m ag e s h a r n e t t c o u n t y. c o m 39
 Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo

Now that you’ve experienced Harnett County through our photos, see it through
the eyes of our photographers. Visit imagesharnettcounty.com to view our exclusive
photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog:

Harnett County
Driving past the airport while
shooting for Images Harnett
County, I spotted a glider being
towed into the air. I pulled in
to take a look and discovered
several more gliders on the infield.
I began taking pictures and struck
up a conversation with glider pilot
George Kiefer, who offered to
take me up in the air. I had flown
in a lot of different contraptions
over the years, but never a glider.
The ride was surprisingly noisy
and bumpy due to the high
temperatures that day, but it
was a thrill with breathtaking
views of Harnett County.

Posted by jeffrey s. otto

More Online 
See more favorite photos and read
the stories behind the shots at
imagesharnettcounty.com.

The Harnett County Broad Street

Courthouse Deli & Market

40 Harnet t Count y
 Ad Index
24 Anderson Creek Realty 25 Harnett Health System

34 Brookfield Assisted 23 Lee Pest Solutions

Living Center Inc.
39 O’Quinn –
38 Campbell University Peebles Funeral Home

34 Central Carolina 8 Realty World –

Community College JE Womble & Sons

1 Dunn Area Chamber C4 South River Electric

of Commerce Membership Cooperative

38 Dunn Travel & Tourism C3 Southeastern

Medical Center PC
4 Faith Education Academy

2 Hampton Inn

8 Harnett County Economic

Development Commission

C2 Harnett County Schools