By Drew Brooks, The Fayetteville Observer, N.C. Aug. 7--Jason Hurd started speaking out against the Army's involvement in Iraq after he returned from that country in 2005. The Asheville native said he quickly found a shared view and camaraderie with a group called Iraq Veterans Against the War.

By Michael Futch, The Fayetteville Observer, N.C. Aug.

By The Fayetteville Observer, N.C. Aug. 4--LUMBERTON -- A Lumberton man has been charged with raping a 12-year-old girl who is now pregnant with his child, according to authorities.

By Jennifer Calhoun, The Fayetteville Observer, N.C. Aug. 4--RAEFORD -- Hoke County's ethanol plant is on schedule for a June opening, the plant's owner said last week .

By John Ramsey, The Fayetteville Observer, N.C. Aug. 2--Cumberland County will have three sites for people to cast their ballots after church on the third Sunday in October.