Meet Our Team - Sandhills Sentinel

Ever wondered who’s behind the story? Who’s out of bed and on scene late at night when news breaks? The team at Sandhills Sentinel is made up of dedicated writers, photographers, and editors who work behind the scenes to bring you the news as it happens.

Locally owned and operated, Sandhills Sentinel, Inc. is a digital news outlet that provides fast, accurate, and unbiased news in Moore and surrounding counties.

Established in 2017, Sandhills Sentinel is committed to delivering news at your fingertips with transparency and factual reporting. Our goal is to enlighten you and provide a clearer understanding of what is happening in our community. Sandhills Sentinel is your free source for local news that shapes the Sandhills; no subscription or account required to access what’s happening in your community.

Thank you to all our readers and advertisers for making us your source for news in Moore County and the Sandhills area of North Carolina.

BJ Goodridge
Publisher | Stories

Hi, I’m BJ, and I founded Sandhills Sentinel nearly a decade ago. It has been quite a journey, and my thanks to all of you who have come along for the ride. I have lived in Aberdeen almost all my life, and I love it here. There is just something about this place. My days usually start with coffee (lots of coffee), and everyone who knows me will agree that I cannot even speak coherently without coffee. One of my favorite things to do is sit on my back porch in the mornings, watching the birds and squirrels play…and drinking coffee! I am also a Jeep girl, and I have always been. You have probably seen me out in my orange Jeep around the area. It is hard to miss. Most of all, I love this community and being able to tell the stories of those who live here. We have assembled this wonderful team at Sandhills Sentinel, and I am ever so grateful for every one of them. If you see me out, stop and say hi. Who knows, we may even grab a coffee together.

Lori McFarland
Editor

Having lived in North Carolina for a quarter of a century, I spent most of those years in Aberdeen. I enjoy spending time at the Atlantic Ocean in North Myrtle Beach and at Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio. I also enjoy walking before starting my workdays and going out for coffee with friends.

Abegail Murphy
Assistant Editor | Stories

Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember—ever since I was old enough to hold a crayon, at least. I’ve been part of the Sandhills Sentinel team for years and can’t see myself anywhere else, but I’ve also worked as a freelance writer, ghostwriter, and proofreader. I’m right at home here at the Sentinel, where I can be found hiding behind my computer screen or my camera. When I’m not Sentinel-ing, I’m usually curled up with a book (either reading one or writing one) or frollicking around outside. I love hiking, kayaking, and exploring with my dogs. If there’s an animal nearby, chances are I’ll be stopping to say hello. I grew up on a farm, and that lifelong love of animals and the outdoors has never left me. At the bottom of everything, though, I clearly love a good story, no matter how it’s told.

Daniel Gwyn
Reporter | Stories

I’ve been a part of the Sentinel family since 2020. I started as a scanner enthusiast before transitioning to an on-scene reporter. In my spare time, when I’m not working full-time for Moore County or responding to breaking news, I can be found hanging around the house or flying my drone. Growing up, I never thought I would be a reporter or even a writer for that matter. Nowadays, when I get to interview people and tell their stories or respond to calls and capture the dedicated work of first responders, it’s a journey that I’m so glad to be a part of.

Curtis Self
Reporter | Stories

I began my journalism career with Sandhills Sentinel in 2019 as a breaking news reporter, staying close to the action after a neurological disorder ended my ability to serve as a firefighter a few years earlier. What started as a way to remain connected to public service quickly grew into a passion for writing and storytelling. In 2022, I combined my love of sports with my passion for local journalism to launch Moore Daily Sports, a local source for sports coverage throughout Moore County. Originally from Aberdeen, I now call Robbins home, a town I deeply love and proudly represent. When I’m not on the sidelines covering games or working on the next story, I love spending time with my wife and grown children, whether it’s grilling, fishing, or watching a movie. My wife Stacy and I enjoy fishing, especially along Bear Creek or the Deep River in northern Moore County.

Dave Lukow
Reporter | Stories

In addition to being a journalist at Sandhills Sentinel, I have been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications I’ve contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.

Megan Hall
Reporter | Stories

I joined the Sandhills Sentinel team in July of 2024. I am a mom of 3 boys, and I love reading, yoga, cats, and traveling with my family to new places.

Alex Juarez
Reporter | Stories

I’m Alex! When I’m not reporting, I’m a full-time director of food for the Sandhills Moore Coalition, dedicating most of my time to feeding our wonderful county. I’m also a proud father of a beautiful little girl and a dog. I’m nearing the completion of college and plan to continue working with charities and community-related projects. My past has been a mix of good and bad experiences, but I’ve learned many valuable lessons. I enjoy true crime documentaries, books, and country music, which helps me through the day! Beach vacations are my passion!

Melissa Schaub
Reporter & Photographer | Stories

My husband and I ditched the frozen tundra of Cleveland, Ohio, and made the genius move to Pinehurst 10 years ago, because, let’s be real, golf. My husband is obsessed, and I’m just obsessed with not being cold. I’m not a golfer (yawn), so I had to find a new hobby that didn’t put me to sleep. Luckily, I’ve always loved photography, and I scored a hole-in-one (pun intended) when I snapped a lucky shot of a golfer at the North & South Amateur. Since then, I’ve been living my best life taking pics at local tournaments, US Kids, and even meeting the infamous Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open. I’m stoked to be part of the Sandhills Sentinel Team – it’s like having a second family, minus the family drama. We share laughs, photos of our kids, and are always there to support each other.

Wendy Hodges
Photographer

I am a Business Development Analyst for a government contractor and have a side passion for photography. I own The Pines Media and specialize in sports and marketing photography. I love running, being outdoors, and volunteering in the community.

Karlye Sink
Reporter | Stories

I’m Karlye, reporter for Sandhills Sentinel, and the woman behind the lens at Karlye Alana Photography! Lover of sunshine, slow mornings (with my coffee!), and all things scenic. When I’m not shooting, reporting, or editing the latest photos, I’ll be found cuddled up with my fur babe Charlie, at the farm with my guy, or loving on our grass puppies: Buddy, Boy, and Della Ruth. I’ve been in photography since 2018 and started my business professionally in 2020. Sandhills Sentinel caught my interest, and I enjoy capturing firsthand news reports for the community. Everyone on the team is highly supportive and uniquely aligned in their work, each playing a role in keeping you connected to the latest updates on matters that matter to Moore County. I enjoy working with SHS and look forward to many days ahead!

Jess Christian
Reporter | Stories

My name is Jessica Christian. I am a mom to three energetic boys, a wife, and a very passionate home baker who finds joy in creating delicious pastries from scratch. Whether I’m rolling out dough for a new recipe or crafting something special, creativity is the center of everything I do. I love exploring stories that connect to real-world experiences. Writing allows me to share meaningful moments, community events, and information that informs others. When I am not in the kitchen or behind the keyboard, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. These moments of laughter, new adventures, and togetherness fuel my work and remind me of what matters most. Through baking, writing, crafting, and parenting, I embrace a life full of creativity, curiosity, and connections, and I look forward to continuing that journey every day.

Angela Atkinson
Reporter | Stories

Bio coming soon! Stay tuned for an update on the latest member of the Sandhills Sentinel team.

Are you interested in seeing your name on this list? We are, too! Please contact [email protected] to learn more about freelance Breaking News Reporter openings.