In this episode of Roundtable Talk, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland break down the largest county budget in Hoke County history and examine the portion designated for public education. They discuss the relationship between the Hoke County Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education, including who controls local school funding and how lottery money may be used for capital projects.The conversation also covers proposed and approved pay increases for teachers, assistant principals, state employees and law-enforcement personnel, along with changes included in the North Carolina state budget.Ruben and Chris question whether county budget documents provide enough detail for ordinary citizens to understand where local, state and federal funds originate and how they are allocated. They also point to conflicting language concerning the county property-tax rate and discuss the importance of elected officials verifying documents before signing them.The conversation concludes with a look at the Hoke County Board of Education election, the candidates who have filed, party affiliation, North Carolina’s primary system and why local elections deserve close public attention.Roundtable Talk brings the discussion home to Raeford and Hoke County, connecting statewide decisions with their local impact.Sponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.

Roundtable Talk Podcast | 161 | June 25, 2026 Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland break down four major Raleigh veto overrides, a property tax relief bill, the defense of women's spaces, and a Guilford County COVID-shot lawsuit headed back to court — all from right here in Raeford.Sponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.

Sponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.

In Episode 158 of the Roundtable Talk Podcast, hosts Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland open with good news from Hoke County Schools — celebrating outstanding athletes, dedicated coaches, a Rockfish Middle School Teacher of the Month, and seniors racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, including one student awarded over $500,000.As Chair of the Hoke County Board of Education, Ruben puts out a call for parents and especially teachers to weigh in on 22 new discipline and behavior policies currently posted for public comment. The hosts also break down the new driver's education commitment policy, then turn to Raleigh, where two constitutional amendments — capping the state income tax rate at 3.5% and authorizing statewide property tax guardrails — are headed to the November 2026 ballot.Plus: data center regulations, Memorial Day plans, and America 250 celebrations in Raeford.Sponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.

“Leadership failed at the school level when the mission to educate children stopped for activism.”— Ruben CastellonIn Episode 156, hosts Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down at the roundtable to break down the recent May Day rally that closed school districts across North Carolina.Was it a legitimate teacher protest or a political rally in disguise?Sponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.

In this episode of The Roundtable Talk Podcast, hosts Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland kick things off with an honest, lighthearted conversation about seasonal allergies, natural remedies, and how our bodies—and our communities—change over time.The discussion quickly turns to civic matters: from Virginia’s controversial redistricting to the broader effects of political reshaping across the United States. Ruben and Chris break down what “out‑of‑cycle” redistricting means, why some state maps have been struck down as unconstitutional, and how that impacts North Carolina voters.They compare state‑level politics in Virginia, California, and Texas; talk about low voter turnout in Hoke County, NC; and challenge faith‑minded citizens to get involved, vote their values, and protect constitutional representation. Toward the close, the hosts praise their local school’s Special Olympics event, salute area veterans, and celebrate true community unity.It’s another episode of neighborly wisdom, political insight, good humor, and grounded local perspective from Raeford’s own Roundtable.Sponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.

In this episode of Roundtable Talk, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland cut through the noise to discuss issues that matter most to Hoke County and North Carolina.They break down the North Carolina Supreme Court’s final word on the state’s voter ID law, explore the closure of the 32‑year Leandro education case, and examine ongoing debates over educational funding, local accountability, and growth management in our communities.They also tackle the latest discussion on state marijuana legalization, upcoming GOP meetings and civic events, and the importance of citizen engagement — reminding listeners that informed voters are the heartbeat of effective local government.Sponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.

Sponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.

The votes are in — now what?Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland unpack the Hoke County election results and what they mean for our community. Listen to The Roundtable — local voices, real talk, honest solutions.In this post‑election conversation, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down in Raeford to unpack the results, the surprises, and the stories behind Hoke County’s 2026 races. From voter turnout to school board shifts and county commission changes, they break down what the numbers really mean for local families and the community’s future. But it’s not just about politics. Ruben and Chris dig into the heartbeat of civic engagement—how faith, integrity, and personal responsibility belong right alongside campaign signs and polling booths. Their candid analysis invites neighbors to think, pray, and stay involved long after Election Day.For anyone trying to make sense of what’s next for Raeford and Hoke County, this is real local talk from people who live it every day.Episode Highlights: Honest breakdown of 2026 local election resultsDiscussion on voter engagement and turnout trendsThe role of church, family, and conscience in civic responsibilityEncouragement to serve, not just voteSponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.

In this episode of the Roundtable Talk Podcast, Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland sit down with Dr. Ralph Carter—a local physician, community leader, and candidate for public office—to discuss the issues shaping life in Hoke and Scotland Counties.Dr. Carter shares his vision for sustainable growth, smarter infrastructure, local healthcare improvements, and fiscal responsibility. The conversation ranges from challenges in local development to the impact of statewide leadership decisions and the need for voter involvement at every level. With early voting underway, the hosts and guest encourage citizens to stand up, speak out, and take an active role in shaping the future of southeastern North Carolina.This is a candid, hometown conversation about values, leadership, and what it will take to build a better, healthier, and more self‑sufficient Hoke County.Sponsors:Raeford GunsNorth State Journal (Hoke County edition)The LIBRE InitiativeChristian 105.7 FM.