Well, folks, we have collectively survived the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries, and love them or loathe them, we now have our candidates for this year’s mid-term elections.
Brace yourself.
North Carolina, once a longtime Democratic state that ceded control to Republican legislators in 2010, is now a brilliant shade of purple at the statewide level. And with an open US Senate seat and the clout that comes with it up for grabs, North Carolina is one of only two states with open Senate seats and is rated a toss-up by political observers. We are sitting on Ground Zero in a hot political war.
The party nominees are very different people.
Roy Cooper, the Democratic nominee, is a former legislator, a 4-term Attorney General, and 2-time Governor who has never lost an election. Michael Whatley, the Republican nominee, is a Trump-endorsed party operative who has never held any elective office in any area of government. The great leveler here may be Trump’s endorsement, which relieves his MAGA supporters from having to assess the candidates for themselves.
We voters, as well as those among us who choose not to exercise that civic responsibility, are already feeling the effects of this contest, still 8 months away. Talking heads are going at it, and paid advertising has begun on both traditional media and in social media posts. Stuffed mailboxes are only a matter of time.
While the US Senate race is clearly North Carolina’s marquee contest for 2026, other offices are up for grabs as well and have profound consequences for local communities and our state.
Legislators and those who serve in local positions make decisions that affect all of us daily and that are generally less partisan than decisions made in the US Senate. School funding, for example, should not be a partisan issue, although it has become that in recent years as the General Assembly has siphoned public money away from public schools into private institutions. I care about that. Environmental issues, including PFASs, commonly called “forever chemicals,” found in the Cape Fear River and nearby ground waters, affect hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians, and it matters how state and local governments deal with the problem. I care about that as well, along with other critical issues that will be addressed, or not, by elected officials closer to home than a U.S. senator.
As we go through the coming months, which might feel like years, leading to Nov. 3, pay attention to messages from candidates for the US Senate to legislators to local offices. Do you think they are presenting the truth both about themselves and about their political opponents? Do you think their messages are fair, or are they cleverly misleading? Is that person thinking for himself/herself, or is he/she following the directives of others? Based on their records, can they be trusted?
Pundits reliably assert that “this election” is the most important ever, and while there is no Presidential contest in 2026, this election is indeed important for both North Carolina and the United States. It will help determine the direction of the U.S. Senate and whether the NC General Assembly continues channeling public money to private, often religious, schools.
The choices we voters make in 2026 will prove yet again that elections do have consequences.

Cumberland County school officials must confront significant challenges as they prepare for the 2026-27 school year. A critical decision lies in the $670.8 million budget request from the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, which includes a crucial $6.5 million increase for employee raises. This budget will directly affect the quality of education and community resources, making it essential for residents to understand its impact.
Cumberland County Schools proposes consolidating eight or more schools, including five elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, to address over $800 million in facility repair needs and save an estimated $31 million to $36.5 million annually. This plan aims to strengthen our community's educational future together.
Closing aging schools is a sensitive issue, and school officials must adopt constructive approaches when communicating this information to the community. Emphasizing respect and understanding can help residents feel valued and reassure them that their concerns are acknowledged. While it may sound insensitive, some citizens believe that certain changes are necessary to provide students and staff with access to modern learning environments. The community should focus on a brighter future rather than dwelling on the past.
A significant concern for part of the community is the proposed closure of Anne Chestnutt Middle School. Anne Chestnutt has historical significance in Cumberland County, as it was one of only two high schools for African American students during segregation. The last high school graduating class at Chestnutt was in 1969, meaning the youngest alums are now likely in their mid 70s.
Alums of Anne Chestnutt are understandably opposed to the proposed school closure. Their resistance reflects a deep emotional connection, and the school represents much more to them than a building. It is a place where they formed lifelong relationships and cherished memories. Closing the school would erase a part of their personal history and the community's identity. Additionally, given the school's ties to segregation, its closure would further symbolize the loss of an important aspect of its history.
While the community may empathize with Anne Chestnutt's alumni, it is crucial to consider an alternative perspective. School officials report that Chestnutt has the lowest facility rating among the 13 middle schools in the county, having received an unsatisfactory rating. The school requires $6,604,825 in deferred maintenance. In contrast, the neighboring school, Lewis Chapel, built in 1950 and expanded in 1973 with a 34,000-square-foot addition, has a fair facility rating and only needs $1,164,079 in deferred maintenance. The decision to close Chestnutt was likely very difficult, and on the surface, it seems necessary.
In the Broadell subdivision off the Murchison Road corridor, there is a proposal to build a new E.E. Smith High School and a new Ferguson-Easley Elementary School at their respective locations. What may be seen as a loss for some could be considered a significant win for the Black community in Broadell.
Modern education is vastly different from what it was 40 to 60 years ago. Students now require technology-ready classrooms, STEM labs, media spaces, flexible learning areas, and appropriate lighting and acoustics. Older buildings were not designed to accommodate contemporary teaching methods.
It's time to start looking forward instead of looking back.

Friday, March 6, at the Crown Arena was nothing short of electric. The Fayetteville Liberty tipped off their inaugural season in The Basketball League with a 93–86 victory over the Raleigh Firebirds, and the energy inside the building was undeniable. The Hoke County High School Marching Band set the tone early, filling the arena with excitement as fans, sponsors, city and county officials, and community leaders packed the stands to witness the arrival of professional basketball—done right—in Fayetteville.
For those who have lived here long enough, the story of local sports teams is familiar. Over the past 40 years, we’ve seen team after team come and go—basketball, hockey, indoor football, you name it. Even the Fayetteville Patriots, our NBA Development League team, came in with promise in 2001 and folded by 2006. And the reason was always the same: they never truly connected with the heart of this community: Its people.
Enter Robert Edwards.
In January 2025, I sat down with Robert Edwards, a 17-year U.S. military veteran who founded the Fayetteville Liberty in December 2024. I remember that conversation vividly. I laid out the history—the pitfalls, the rabbit holes, the mistakes that had doomed so many teams before. And Robert listened. Not because he was worried, but because he was committed.
From the beginning, Edwards made it clear he wasn’t just building a basketball team. He was building an organization rooted in community engagement, youth development, values, and opportunity—a franchise that reflects the identity and spirit of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
And he has delivered.
Robert Edwards and his team have honored every commitment they made to this community. Now it’s our turn. Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents must step up and support the Liberty. Edwards has given us something of quality, something that reflects positively on our community across the country. It’s up to us to sustain it.
Community Leaders Agree
Cumberland County Commission Chairman Kirk deViere, seated courtside with his wife Jenny and son Greyson, summed it up perfectly.
“The Fayetteville Liberty opening game was bigger than basketball. When Robert Edwards brought the Liberty to Cumberland County, he gave this community something powerful: a reason to come together, cheer together, and believe in what we are building here together. This game was not just the start of a season. It was the start of something that belongs to all of us.”
Also seated courtside and weighing in on the Fayetteville Liberty’s inaugural debut, representing the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce was George Breece, Director Emeritus of the Chamber Board of Directors.
“Our community is very fortunate to have this Liberty team ownership whose focus is not just great basketball but community outreach. A good team, great fans on opening night, a great venue in the Crown Arena with a very supportive Crown management and staff. Now that’s a recipe for success in our Can Do County,” he said.
George is right about the Crown team. The Crown Complex has always taken risks to support local sports, often losing money in the process, because they understand how important a successful sports venue is to a thriving community. Crown General Manager Seth Benalt is fully committed to the Liberty because he knows professional basketball fills a major gap in our local entertainment landscape.
So What Now? Everyone who attended the March 6 game will tell you the same thing: it was fun, exciting, and just the beginning. But for this team to thrive, we must do our part. Partner. Sponsor. Buy a ticket. Bring a friend. Bring a group or just show up! The next home game is March 21 against the DMV Soldiers (not the Dept. of Motor Vehicles), a first-year team representing Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, and coached by Maryland Terrapins National Champion Byron Mouton.
This is our moment, Fayetteville. Robert Edwards has done his part. The team is doing theirs. Seth Benalt and the Crown Complex are doing theirs. The stage is set. Now it’s up to us. Follow the Fayetteville Liberty all season long in Up & Coming Weekly—the official newspaper of the Fayetteville Liberty. We couldn’t be prouder to support the Liberty in this community.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Liberty)

Families across Cumberland County are invited to step into a world built just for kids at Little Land: BIG Play for Families, hosted by Partnership for Children of Cumberland County. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Crown Expo Center. And the best part? This high-energy, memory-making day is completely free for families.
From the moment guests arrive, Little Land lives up to its name — where tiny humans have BIG fun. The first 300 children through the doors will receive a free superhero cape, setting the tone for a day filled with imagination, adventure, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Families can strut their stuff down the event’s Red Carpet, with photos later shared on Facebook, or capture a keepsake at the on-site photo booth to take home the same day.
Inside, the Expo Center transforms into an ultimate kid-powered adventure zone. “Jumbo Land” features oversized obstacle courses and larger-than-life activities that let children climb, jump, and explore in a safe, energetic environment. For younger participants, a separate Tot-Sized Jumbo Land ensures little explorers can play comfortably at their own pace. Free train rides, pickleball fun, face painting, hands-on creativity stations, story time, and playgroups with Kaleidoscope Play & Learn round out the action-packed lineup.
Families can also head over to Safety Land, where local safety experts make learning interactive and engaging. The Fayetteville Police Department will be on site with an impressive array of hands-on experiences, including meet-and-greets with law enforcement officers, a visit from Buster the mascot, drone demonstrations, forensics activities, crime prevention tips, and the chance to meet Archie the K-9. Children can even explore a police motorcycle up close — an experience sure to spark curiosity and excitement.
Character Land brings beloved characters to life for unforgettable photo opportunities, while hourly scavenger hunts add an extra layer of adventure. At 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m., families can join age-appropriate hunts for a chance to win one of four exciting prizes. Participants who find the “picture of the hour” and race back to the rainbow arch could take home giveaways designed to keep kids active all year long.
And yes — there are giveaways galore. From books to games and other treasures, many children will leave with something special in hand. Organizers promise mess-free creativity for parents, big-energy play for kids, and the kind of happy-tired smiles that only come after a day well spent.
Beyond the fun, Little Land supports an important mission. One hundred percent of proceeds from the event benefit the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded through Smart Start, NC Pre-K, grants, tax-deductible donations, and community support. The organization works to ensure every child in Cumberland County has the opportunity for a strong start in life.
Bring your little explorer, embrace the extreme cuteness, and come play the Little Land way — where fun is kind of a BIG deal. The Crown Expo Center is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. For more information on the Partnership for Children, visit their website at https://ccpfc.org/.

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Side-by-Side Concert on Sunday, March 15, at Methodist University’s Huff Concert Hall. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the performance beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are affordably priced at $8 for all attendees and can be purchased online at fayettevillesymphony.org, by calling the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the day of the concert.
A highlight of the symphony’s education initiatives, the Side-by-Side Concert brings together members of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and professional FSO musicians for a shared performance experience. The event celebrates both the dedication of young musicians and the educators who mentor them while showcasing the vibrant musical community in Fayetteville.
Throughout the academic year, FSYO students rehearse weekly under the guidance of experienced instructors — many of whom also perform with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. These rehearsals prepare students not only for this collaborative concert but also for other performances that build their technical skills, confidence, and ensemble experience. During the Side-by-Side Concert, those same teachers and professional musicians perform alongside the students, creating a rare opportunity for emerging artists to experience orchestral performance at a professional level.
Daniel McCloud, conductor of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra, emphasizes the significance of the event for young performers.
“The opportunity for our students to perform side-by-side with masterful musicians is a profound bridge between education and artistry,” McCloud said. “It moves the learning process beyond the rehearsal room and into a live experience where students don’t just hear excellence in performance — they participate in it. This collaboration highlights the FSO’s commitment to high-level mentorship, building the next generation of musical artists.”
The concert will open with selections performed independently by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, giving youth orchestra members and audience members a chance to hear the professional ensemble before the joint performance begins. The program promises an engaging musical afternoon designed to inspire listeners of all ages.
This event forms part of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s broader education and community outreach programs, which aim to foster a lifelong appreciation for music while providing meaningful learning opportunities for young performers. Community support plays a vital role in sustaining these initiatives. The concert is made possible in part through grants from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council, along with support from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal.
The March 15 concert also marks an important moment in the orchestra’s season as Music Director Stefan Sanders continues his tenure with the FSO. Additional information regarding Sanders’ upcoming departure can be found on the symphony’s website. Looking ahead, the orchestra’s final concert of the 2025–2026 season will feature the beloved film music of John Williams, and Sanders will also conduct a special performance at Cape Fear Botanical Garden on March 22, with further details expected soon.
For Fayetteville residents and music lovers alike, the Side-by-Side Concert offers an inspiring afternoon of collaboration, mentorship, and community celebration through the power of live orchestral music.

A model steps into the spotlight and confidently walks the runway. This is their moment. Training, preparation, styling—classic fashion show precursors—but one thing is different. The models here are blind or visually impaired. This is the Vision Resource Center’s second annual fashion show for the blind and visually impaired. In a world often void of accommodations, Vision Resource Center is rolling out the red carpet to support independence and essential services for the visually impaired in Cumberland County. In the process, models find support and empowerment, blossoming to their greatest potential.
Vision Resource Center, which began in 1939 as the Cumberland County Association of the Blind, serves the special needs population of Cumberland County by providing a centralized place for education, vocational training, civic engagement, health programs, and recreational activities. They seek to address the social, economic, and vocational isolation that many visually impaired individuals face by offering accessible, comprehensive services in one place. They are one of the first four agencies of the United Way of Cumberland County and operate in conjunction with the Cumberland County Department of Social Services.
Last year, their inaugural fashion show, Blind to Boundaries: Eyes Closed, Style Open, was initiated by VRC member D. Wayne Gille, supported by volunteer Patty Nusbaum, Katherine Gill, and Shona Philips. The show sold out.
This year, a new theme is taking shape, inspired by springtime.
“After seeing the confidence and creativity that emerged during the 2025 debut, we felt drawn to a theme that celebrates personal growth, resilience, and the inner strength within our visually impaired community,” said Maureen Pacheco, community outreach and engagement specialist for Vision Resource Center. “The theme Full Bloom: Cultivating Confidence was inspired by the beginning of spring, a time when everything starts to open up, grow, and reveal new possibilities. That sense of renewal felt like the perfect reflection of what we want this show to represent.”
Pacheco says that behind the scenes, the concept developed through conversations exploring what confidence looks like for each individual.
“We were inspired by the life of a flower, from seed to bloom, and how that journey mirrors our own paths toward self-assurance,” she explained. “This imagery shaped our styling choices, visual design, and the atmosphere we set out to create. Our goal was for every model to feel supported and empowered to step into their own full bloom, much like the world coming alive at the start of spring.”
She shared two models’ stories that exemplify what this theme means on a personal level. Latasha Smith, who lost her sight nearly a decade ago due to a surgical complication, has chosen not to let the challenge define her. Instead, she has embraced joy, music, dance, and living fully.
“For Latasha, participating in the fashion show is a celebration of that resilience. When she steps onto the runway, she isn’t defined by her blindness. The event allows her to showcase her personality and strength, reminding herself and everyone watching that life doesn’t stop after loss,” shared Pacheco.
The second model, Tina Jacobs, is a proud Native American. She works as a childcare director, living with low vision due to diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
Pacheco explained, “Tina sees the show as a platform to share her journey, advocate for inclusion, and demonstrate that her abilities and leadership extend far beyond her visual impairment.”
The fashion show changes its participants in lasting ways. Pacheco says that last year, they saw powerful shifts in the way models carried themselves once they were styled, supported and guided onto the runway.
“Their posture changed, their presence strengthened, and the way they expressed themselves radiated a new sense of pride,” she said. “Even after the event, many shared how their self-esteem had grown and how empowering the experience was.”
In addition to the show’s impact on models, Pacheco says they learned a lot from the wider community’s response. The 2025 show was held in a small venue and Pacheco says the turnout exceeded all expectations, an outcome she calls “remarkable.” This year, they’ve expanded both their venue and volunteer team, making it possible to “welcome everyone who wants to enjoy the show with us,“ according to Pacheco.
When community members attend, Pacheco says they leave with a deeper appreciation for the talent, creativity and confidence within the visually impaired community.
“Many people may not realize the range of abilities our models have or the incredible things they are capable of. This show is a chance to see them not defined by their disability, but by their courage, self-expression, and artistry,” she explained. “We want attendees to understand that the visually impaired community is fully present, active, and part of the same community they live in. They are capable of wonderful and beautiful things, and this event is a celebration of that.”
Attend Full Bloom: Cultivating Confidence, Saturday, March 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 614 Oakridge Ave. Tickets start at $26 and can be purchased online at visionresourcecentercc.org

Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families will gather March 26 for a special luncheon hosted by VFW Post 670 and the Cumberland County Veterans Council, an event designed to honor service, sacrifice and lasting impact.
The Vietnam Veteran & Gold Star Family Lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at VFW Post 670 at 3928 Doc Bennett Rd. Organizers are inviting all Vietnam-era veterans and families who have lost loved ones in military service to attend the annual gathering, which has become a meaningful tradition in Cumberland County’s military community.
The luncheon coincides with National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, a day set aside to recognize the nearly 2.7 million Americans who served in Vietnam between 1955 and 1975. Many of those service members returned home without the public appreciation extended to veterans of other wars. In recent years, communities across the country have worked to ensure that their service is acknowledged and remembered.
In Fayetteville, home to Fort Bragg and one of the nation’s largest military populations, the recognition carries particular weight. Generations of soldiers and their families live in the region, creating a strong network of veterans' organizations and support groups dedicated to serving those who served.
This year’s luncheon will also feature a representative from the Orange Heart Foundation, who will provide information about resources available to veterans and families affected by Agent Orange exposure. Agent Orange, a tactical herbicide used during the Vietnam War, has been linked to a range of serious health conditions. Decades after the conflict ended, many veterans continue to face medical challenges associated with that exposure.
The Orange Heart Foundation works to raise awareness about the long-term effects of Agent Orange and to connect individuals with educational materials, advocacy efforts and available benefits. Organizers say the presentation will help ensure attendees are informed about support systems and programs designed to assist those navigating health or benefits concerns tied to their service.
For Gold Star families, the luncheon offers a space of remembrance and community. The term “Gold Star” refers to families who have lost a loved one in military service. Events like this provide an opportunity to honor those sacrifices while fostering connection among families who share similar experiences.
Beyond the formal program, the luncheon is intended to create an atmosphere of fellowship. Attendees will share a meal, reconnect with fellow veterans and families, and reflect on the legacy of those who served during one of the most complex chapters in American military history.
VFW Post 670 is asking guests to RSVP by March 13. Reservations can be made in person at the post, by emailing ccvcssecretary@yahoo.com or by texting 910-709-8306. Early responses will help organizers prepare seating and meals.
Community leaders say the annual event serves as both a gesture of gratitude and a reminder that the effects of war extend far beyond the battlefield. While decades have passed since the end of the Vietnam War, the stories, sacrifices and health challenges associated with that era remain present in many families.
As Cumberland County prepares to observe Vietnam War Commemoration Day later this month, the luncheon stands as a local expression of appreciation, ensuring that Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families know their service and sacrifice are neither forgotten nor overlooked.

(Photo: Vietnam Veterans visit the VFW Post 670 during a luncheon. The VFW Post is holding their annual Vietnam Veterans and Gold Star Families Luncheon on March 26. Photo courtesy of Amelia Smith)

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved to read. Being an introvert makes it easy to become completely absorbed and joyfully immersed in the pages of a good book. My Saturday trips to Barnes & Noble reflect a deep personal appreciation for literacy, which is why I value Read Across America for its dedication to promoting the essential role of reading in our lives.
Read Across America was launched in 1997 by the National Education Association, and it was first celebrated in March 1998. The initiative was created to address concerns about declining reading engagement among children, promote literacy nationwide and to encourage families and communities to read with children.
For many years, the initiative was centered around Dr. Seuss’ books and characters. In recent years, the NEA expanded its focus beyond Dr. Seuss, and the program now promotes diverse authors, cultures, and inclusive books.
This year, Read Across America week is now, March 2 to March 6, and the theme is “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Learners.” Schools and libraries will host themed reading days and events throughout this week. Cumberland County Schools will mark the week with a collaborative Read Across America and Social Emotional Learning Spirit Week celebration.
“We are really excited about this week, and the schools do a lot of the heavy lifting,” said Dr. Julia Pabst, K-5 ELA Curriculum Specialist for Cumberland County Schools. “Every school usually plans something from spirit days, mystery readers, having students sit and read with one another and really just enjoy and build that love of reading.”
She added, “We really want to empower schools to make that week their own and to celebrate reading in the way that their school culture already celebrates reading. This just makes it a lot more engaging for their students for the specific group of people that they serve.”
On Monday, the spotlight was on books featuring characters who face challenges and grow through adversity. Tuesday highlighted #OwnVoices titles, including memoirs and stories centered on identity.
Wednesday focuses on books that showcase acts of kindness, allyship and compassion. Thursday celebrates stories about young leaders, activists, inventors and changemakers. Friday wraps up the week with stories that emphasize friendship, teamwork and community.
Literacy is the foundation of formal education. It equips individuals with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that empower them to make informed decisions. Strong literacy skills are essential for personal growth and lifelong success.
“Literacy is a fundamental right, and it is one of the most important things that we can do for our children and our society,” said Pabst. “Reading not only helps us learn and grow, but it also helps us escape into different worlds and see things from different perspectives.”
Pabst added, “It gives us opportunities to come alongside people that we may not know their walk and see what it might be like to be like them or to experience things like them just through books. There’s so much that we can do because we read. It’s just one of those really exciting things.”
Learning starts at home, where parents serve as their child’s first and most important teacher. Children who grow up in literacy-rich homes recognize sounds and letters earlier, have larger vocabularies, develop better listening skills and understand how books work.
“One of the most important things that parents can do is just sit and read with their child, and it does not have to stop at reading; it can be just by sitting and having a conversation,” said Pabst.
“Not only is the literacy piece important, but listening comprehension and just sitting and having dialogue with one another builds vocabulary and builds all of those things that feed into that reading.”
Pabst added, “Just talking at the dinner table about their day using really high-level vocabulary with their children is a great way to help build great reading skills without ever picking up a book.”
A literacy-rich environment does not require expensive materials or elaborate resources. It can be created through simple, everyday activities that expose children to reading and language. This may include storytelling, singing songs, reading aloud each day, bedtime stories, access to books and magazines and more.
For parents looking to create a literacy-rich environment at home, Pabst offers a few helpful suggestions.
“Our public libraries are a great place to start,” said Pabst. “There is also the Dolly Parton Imagination Library from birth to age 5, and they will send books for free in both English and Spanish.”
She added, “There are so many online options of places to get books, so it doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. You can always reach out to your child’s school to see if they have any books that they are discarding to help build that literacy-rich home environment.”
It is essential to ignite a love of reading in our future leaders.
“One of the biggest things is to find what they are interested in, what are students curious about and that is the jumping off point,” said Pabst. “So, if I am curious about a science concept like weather, or I really love my dog and I want to learn more about the breed, what is that interest and how can I bring in different types of genres?”
She added, “Let the child take their curiosity and build different ways to build that literacy because it is not just about picking up a book, it is about combining all of the different skills that we need, and that all starts with being curious.”
Pabst’s concluding reflections about literacy directed toward parents are both profound and insightful.
“I want to encourage parents that even if they are not readers, keep asking what makes me curious and find one article or book that brings that curiosity and answers just one question that they have,” said Pabst. “Reading is so much more than just sitting and trying to get through the words.”
For more information about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, visit www.https://imaginationlibrary.com.

Beach music and shag dancing run deep in the Carolinas, and this year’s 2nd Annual CARE Clinic Beach Blast is bringing that heritage front and center. On March 15 at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, attendees will enjoy an afternoon filled with legendary music, championship dancing, classic cookout fare and a celebration of community spirit — all while supporting one of Cumberland County’s most vital nonprofit healthcare providers.
The highlight of the event is the appearance of Chairmen of the Board, one of the most iconic names in Carolina Beach Music. Known for timeless hits like Give Me Just a Little More Time, Carolina Girls, and Gone Fishin’, the group continues to captivate audiences across generations.
Today’s lineup features Thomas Hunter, Patrick McGuire, and original member Ken Knox, whose unmistakable voice and stage presence have kept the group’s legacy alive. Their newest international hit, Baby You’re the Melody, written by Motown legend Lamont Dozier, is currently climbing the Top 10 charts in England and France — proving their sound is as powerful as ever.
“It’s a tremendous, high‑energy show,” said Warren McDonald, head of The CARE Clinic Development Committee and organizer of the Beach Blast. “Ken … gave us a tremendous price, and we’re going to have a good time while raising money for the CARE Clinic.”
Before Chairmen of the Board takes the stage, attendees will enjoy a performance by Classic Soul, featuring three icons of the Beach Music world: McDonald, founder of The Expressions and longtime contributor to the Carolina Beach Music scene; Terri Gore, the “Original Carolina Girl,” daughter of Jackie Gore, the “Father of Beach Music”; and Keith Pollard, veteran musician and music director known for his work with the band Time Machine.
Together, they deliver a rich, soulful sound that honors the roots of Carolina music while keeping the tradition alive for new generations.
The Beach Blast event proudly welcomes a signature rum-based spirit from Cape Fear Winery & Distillery: the Beach Blast Coconut Cream Rum. Cape Fear Winery & Distillery is based in neighboring Elizabethtown, NC, and crafted the special drink to embody the easygoing, coastal spirit of the Carolinas. Beach Blast Coconut Cream Rum is the perfect match for this celebration of beach music, Shag dancing, and Southern hospitality.
Distillery owner Alex Munroe has supported The CARE Clinic for years, recognizing the vital medical services the clinic provides to residents of Fayetteville, Elizabethtown and the surrounding region. His continued commitment makes Beach Blast not just a co-sponsor, but a meaningful partner in the clinic’s mission.
Guests will quite literally be “serving up Beach Blast Coconut Cream Rum at the Beach Blast,” enjoying this smooth, coastal‑style rum known for its fun, approachable flavor profile. Whether sipped straight, mixed into cocktails, or featured in themed tastings, Beach Blast fits seamlessly into the relaxed, festive atmosphere of this event. Its branding and flavor make it a natural fit for the CARE Clinic’s Beach Blast fundraiser, reinforcing the theme while supporting a great cause.
During the event, Cape Fear Winery & Distillery will offer a special tribute and toast using mini‑bottles of Beach Blast—honoring the dedicated medical volunteers and celebrating the life‑changing work The CARE Clinic provides to our community.
No Beach Blast would be complete without shag dancing, a cultural staple throughout the region.
This year’s event features a special demonstration by Tucker and Easton Brown, championship shag dancers from Harnett County. The brothers, sons of award‑winning Beach Music singer Gary Brown and National Shag Dance Champion Nickie Brown, both earned first‑place honors at the 2024 National Shag Dance Championships in North Myrtle Beach.
“They are fabulous,” McDonald said. “People are going to love watching them.”
According to the North Carolina Museum of History, beach music is “the defining sound of the Carolinas.” Born from African American rhythm and blues in the 1950s and 60s, it inspired a culture all its own — complete with its signature dance, the Shag, and beloved groups like The Embers, The Catalinas, The Tams, and Chairmen of the Board. For many Carolinians, beach music isn’t just entertainment — it’s a shared memory, a tradition, and a reminder of home.
While the music and dancing take center stage, the heart of the Beach Blast is its purpose: raising funds for The CARE Clinic, which has provided free, quality healthcare to uninsured and low‑income adults in Cumberland County for more than 30 years.
“These people do such good work,” McDonald said. “In our metro area alone, about 38,000 people have no health insurance.”
The CARE Clinic offers basic medical care, laboratory and diagnostic testing, pharmacy services, specialist referrals, dental care, and general health education, all delivered by volunteer physicians, nurses, dentists, and medical professionals who give their time to ensure no one is left without care.
“You would be surprised how many people in the community don’t even know the CARE Clinic exists,” McDonald said. “But they’re learning.”
The 2nd Annual CARE Clinic Beach Blast will be held at Gates Four Golf & Country Club at 6775 Irongate Dr. on March 15. Doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $100 per couple, and can purchased at https://bit.ly/4r70q7u.
Attendees can expect great music, championship dancing, classic cookout favorites — “hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixin’s,” McDonald promises — and an afternoon filled with energy, nostalgia, and community pride. “The Chairmen of the Board know it’s for a good cause or they wouldn’t be here,” McDonald said. “We’ll leave them with a great memory, and they will enjoy this show immensely.”

The YMCA of the Sandhills has opened registration for their annual summer camp for kids. Four locations will be open for day campers. Two are in Cumberland County (4028 Legion Rd. in Hope Mills, 2717 Fort Bragg Rd. in Fayetteville) and two are in Harnett County (Carlette Cagle Dr. in Cameron and 80 Word Church Ln. in Lillington). Camp runs from June 1 to Aug. 14. Registration opened March 3. The Cumberland County camps run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are open to ages 5-11. The Harnett County camps run from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Saleeby Day camp is open to ages 5-11, while the Saleeby Outdoor camp is for ages 7-11.
Registration is paid for on a weekly basis. For members, registration costs $175 per week. For non-members, the cost is $190. Each week requires a $20 deposit. Non-members also have a $50 registration fee. For more information, visit https://ymcaofthesandhills.org/day-camp
The YMCA of the Sandhills Day Camp will give kids the opportunity for swimming, craft time, STEM activities and play time.
“Summer Day Camp at the Y gives kids a place to make new friends, stay active, learn new skills, swim, unplug from screens, and just have fun in a safe, supportive, welcoming place all summer long,” said Chealsea Sias, Association Director of Youth Development for YMCA of the Sandhills. “The Y also provides peace of mind for working parents while school is out that their children are making memories, off of their devices for the day, and just being kids while they play with their peers and learn from our trained staff. There’s no place like the Y when it comes to summer fun and kids.”
The YMCA is also offering experiences for teens throughout the summer. The Get Summer memberships for 12-18 year olds includes teen only workouts, swim times and activities. Local mentors will be on hand to help out with real-world skills like interviewing for jobs and money management. Registration for the Get Summer memberships opens May 5. For more information, visit https://ymcaofthesandhills.org/teens
Teens can also participate in Leaders in Training and Counselors in Training programs. These courses allow younger teens the opportunity to learn from Day Camp counselors and help out with the younger kids throughout their activities. The cost is $80 a week for members and $85 a week for non-members. Teens can apply using the link above. The YMCA provides physical and mental well being supports for teens. Teens and parents can use the Teen Mental Health Resource Hub, a tool for learning more and getting help if it is needed.
The United Way of Cumberland County has worked closely with the Y to create a space for mental health for teenagers in the area.
The YMCA of the Sandhills has been a member of the greater Fayetteville community since 1922. The location on 2717 Fort Bragg Rd. offers a pool, pickleball, saunas, basketball courts, personal training and childcare. For more information about the Y, visit https://ymcaofthesandhills.org/

(Photo: Kids play during the YMCA of the Sandhills Summer Camp in 2025. Photo courtesy of Michelle McKinley, Director of Communications and Grant Administration, YMCA of the Sandhills)

There is something timeless about a child holding a book, the quiet anticipation before the first page turns, the spark of imagination that follows. The Kids Book Bash, hosted by Shon’s Stories, celebrates that magic by bringing stories off the page and into the heart of the community.
The Kids Book Bash was designed as a free, family-friendly event centered on children’s literature to bring together local authors, families and young readers for a day rooted in storytelling and connection. More than a traditional book fair, it is meant to be an experience. For Shon, author and creator of Shon’s Stories, a children’s literacy platform that includes books, read-alouds and educational content, the idea grew from experience.
“As an author, I’ve attended a lot of book fairs that were for everyone. And while those are great, children’s authors were often just sprinkled in,” she shared. “I wanted to create something intentionally centered around kids, a space where they could meet authors who truly have a heart for children and storytelling.”
Unlike a typical book fair, this event invites children to engage directly. Young readers participate in a scavenger hunt-style activity, visiting authors’ tables and working toward earning a Shon’s Super Reader Certificate. Live read-alouds and giveaways donated by authors and sponsors add to the festive atmosphere.
“It’s a celebration of stories, not just a shopping event,” she said.
Shon’s motivation is also personal.
“When I was a stay-at-home mom, I was always looking for something to do just to get out of the house,” she explained. “I don’t want guests to come just because they need somewhere to go. I want them to leave feeling like they had an experience, something joyful, something memorable, something that makes reading feel fun instead of forced.”
She describes the Kids Book Bash as an extension of her larger mission.
“It’s one way we bring literacy to life in our community, not just online, but face-to-face, where children can experience the joy of books in a real and tangible way.”
Meeting authors in person can be especially powerful for children.
“When children meet an author, it opens their eyes. It becomes real. It’s like, ‘Wait… I can actually do that?’ Those interactions matter. They make big dreams feel possible.”
During the event, Shon will read her own book, Tell the Truth, Timmy. Inspired by her experience as both a mother and an elementary special education teacher, the story uses rhyme and bright visuals to teach social-emotional lessons.
“There are consequences for being dishonest, but there is peace that comes with telling the truth,” she said.
At its core, the Kids Book Bash is about more than books. It is about imagination, community and helping children connect reading with joy.
When asked what she hopes children remember most, Shon said, “I hope they remember that they had fun. If they can remember, ‘There were books, and I was happy,’ that connects reading with joy. And when reading becomes tied to a happy memory, that sticks.” Kids Book Bash presented by Shon's Stories will be held at Cliffdale Recreation Center at 10 a.m. If you have questions, you can email shonsstoriestoday@gmail.com. 

(Photo: Kids listen to a story during a Shon's Stories event. Photo courtesy of Shon's Stories' Facebook page)

PWC begins annual water treatment changeover
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission will begin its annual water treatment disinfectant changeover on Sunday, March 1. This temporary, month-long change is an annual requirement by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for all public water systems that normally use chloramines for disinfection.
Throughout March, PWC will shift from its standard chloramine disinfectant to free chlorine. Customers may notice a slight chlorine smell or experience temporary changes in water taste or appearance. These effects are normal and are not harmful.
This annual changeover includes all PWC customers: residential, commercial, and wholesale consumers- including those in Fort Bragg, the Town of Spring Lake, Hoke County, and the Town of Stedman. PWC will continuously monitor disinfectant levels to ensure safety and reliability.
PWC will return to using chloramines on April 1, 2026. Customers who normally pre-treat their water to remove chloramines (including manufacturers, dialysis providers, and aquatic pet owners) should continue pre-treatment during the month of March.
Hydrant flushing may occur during this period, which can cause temporary low pressure or mild discoloration. These conditions are cosmetic only and go away as the system is flushed.
More information about PWC’s water quality and testing practices is available in the Annual Water Quality Report, published online at: FayPWC.com/Water-Quality-Report/.

PWC adopts electric rate adjustments
At the February 25, Fayetteville Public Works Commission meeting, a public hearing was held regarding adjusting electric rates and PWC fees. Following public comment, the Board voted to adopt new rates and fees over a two-year period. The updated rates will apply to bills sent on or after May 1, while adjusted fees will be effective immediately.
The rates are anticipated to increase PWC’s overall revenue by 5.5% in each of the next two years to cover the actual cost of providing utility services. PWC rates and fees are set as low as possible while still covering actual costs.
According to J.D. Power, average utility prices have risen 34% since 2020. PWC electric rates, including the May 1 increase, have risen 16.5% since then, about half of the national average, as a result of continuing to cut costs whenever possible before raising rates.
PWC’s cost of delivering safe and reliable electric services has increased, which requires rate and fee adjustments to keep pace. Projected increases include:
• $16 million annual increase in Purchased Power from Duke Energy
• $6 million in debt service costs for Capital Projects
• $4 million in electrical systems & operating expenses
“Our priority at PWC is to continue delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electric, water, and wastewater services to all of our customers” said Timothy Bryant, P.E. CEO/General Manager of Fayetteville PWC. “Before PWC considered any rate increase, staff was intentional about spending and implemented significant cost saving measures across the business. Unfortunately, uncontrollable cost increases are out-pacing cost savings exponentially.”
PWC revenue has remained relatively flat, increasing only 3.26% over the last 7 years. Over the past four years, PWC has reduced costs below its budget on average by $15.8 million per year in operations and maintenance costs in addition to another $7.6 million per year in project deferments and job scope reclassifications.
A residential customer using 1000 kWh per month may see increases of $8.02 in May 2026 and $8.59 in May 2027. Even with the approved rate changes, PWC residential customers continue to pay less than the state average and less than all other electric providers in Cumberland County. Additionally, PWC reliability, measured in minutes of outage time, continues to be the best among all Cumberland County electric utilities and among the best in North Carolina.
The approved rates include a new non-residential rate designed to support economic development for large power users requiring more than 5 megawatts of capacity.
The proposed adjustments follow an independent, third-party cost-of-service study conducted every two years to ensure rates fairly reflect the actual cost of providing reliable electric service. The temporary Power Supply Adjustment (PSA) that has been in place since August 2025 will end in August 2026. The PSA is approximately $5.41 per 1000 kWh.
For additional information about the rate adjustments, visit FayPWC.com.

City seeks community partners for Safe Spaces Activation initiative
The City’s Office of Community Safety is seeking to partner with community-based organizations to lead trauma-informed, community-led events to support youth, young adults and families, prioritizing communities identified for violence prevention, resource connection and strengthening community trust.
Qualified organizations are encouraged to apply to the Safe Spaces Activation request for proposal.
Safe Space Activations are intended to activate public and community spaces to support community engagement, resource coordination and community violence intervention strategies. The total funding available under this RFP is $100,000. The City will award up to four contracts, each for $25,000.
Proposals are due by Friday, March 12 at 2 p.m.
"Our goal is to partner with local organizations to build a network of support so we can provide safe events for all young residents and families,” says OCS Director John Jones.

On Feb. 23, the Fayetteville City Council rejected a proposal 9-1 that would have allowed residents to petition for “no parking” zones in residential multi-use lanes after residents said that the change could negatively impact property values. The proposed plan required a 70% neighbor approval threshold to ban parking on designated residential blocks.
Police Chief Roberto Bryan Jr. presented the 2025 Fourth Quarter Review. While overall crime dropped and property crime saw a 9% decrease (including a 12% dip in motor vehicle thefts), the report highlighted a troubling rise in youth-related violent crime, specifically assaults and robberies involving juveniles.
The city also announced the awarding of $115,500 in micro-grants to 22 community-led organizations aimed at preventing crime and violence through the Empowering Community Safety Microgrant Program.
In other news, the Office of Community Safety is looking for local, community-based organizations to partner with for activities and events. The Safe Space Activations initiative is currently accepting proposals due March 12 to fund community events designed to foster trust and reduce cycles of violence.
Safe Space Activations are intended to activate public and community spaces to support community engagement, resource coordination and community violence intervention strategies. The total funding available under this RFP is $100,000. The City will award up to four contracts, each for $25,000.
For more information and to find out more via a virtual information session on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., visit fayettevillenc.gov/OCS.
If you would like to sign up for public comment at the Fayetteville City Council meetings, the public forum will be held on the first Monday of every month at 6:15 a.m., following announcements and recognitions, according to City staff.
It has also been changed from 30 minutes to one hour to accommodate more citizen speakers. Sign-ups may be completed in person with the City Clerk at City Hall, 433 Hay Street, by phone at (910) 433-1992, by email at PublicComments@fayettevillenc.gov or by using the online form at FayettevilleNC.gov/Clerk.

Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Workshop on Thursday, Feb. 26, marking the start of the county's formal budget planning cycle.
Commissioners met to discuss revenue strategies for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions focused on property tax rate adjustments, potential new fees and evaluating the fund balance and reserve targets.
According to staff, the Board provided direction on key initiatives, including:

• Water and sewer infrastructure expansion
• School construction and operations
• Unhoused Support Center
• Crown Complex redevelopment
• Regional Aquatic Center
• Mental Health Diversion Center
• 911 consolidation
• Parks and recreation
• County facilities and parking
• Future planning opportunities for the Gillespie Street lot
The board will receive the manager’s recommended budget in May and budget workshops and public hearing dates will be announced.
The process will include additional budget workshops and public engagement opportunities. All Budget Workshops will be also livestreamed on the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov and on YouTube.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels.
We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together.
To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

(Photo: Cumberland County Commissioners chat during a budget workshop held on Feb. 26. The meeting marked the start of the County's formal budget planning cycle. Photo courtesy of Cumberland County NC Government's Facebook page)

I want to address something about the Republican Primary for House District 43. There seems to be some people who want to claim that Clarence Goins, Jr. is the person who will make things happen in our county and state. I wish to point out that in all the years he has been in Cumberland County, that would be all of his life, he has not done anything to help anyone except himself.
He has never volunteered to work with any civic organization to better the community. He has never joined any organization within the community that would give him the knowledge or experience to understand just what the community needs and the different ways that we as a community can accomplish those goals.
He can say that he is for conservative values but, without having ever done anything to help the community or the state to push for those values, the words are empty rhetoric.
I would like to ask everyone to do some research before deciding who is the best Republican Candidate to represent us in Raleigh. Look at the website “justfacts.votesmart.org” and compare what is on there about Clarence Goins and what is on there about Diane Wheatley.
I believe you will see a big difference and understand that while Clarence Goins talks about wanting to do things, Diane Wheatley actually goes out and does them.
https://justfacts.votesmart.org/.../92358/diane-wheatley
https://justfacts.votesmart.org/.../178289/clarence-goins-jr

Barbara Porter
Fayetteville, NC

Many families in Cumberland County believe the time has come to decide whether faith is simply professed or actively lived out. For them, the issue at hand is not only political but spiritual, moral, and deeply personal. It centers on protecting children, empowering parents, and standing for truth when systems fall short.
Supporters argue that faith driven responsibility begins with stewardship. Scripture teaches that parents are entrusted with their children’s development, and when educational systems fail to recognize legitimate needs or delay support, families carry the burden. Believers, they say, cannot remain silent when policies or practices deny children the help they need to thrive.
A recent case before the Office of Administrative Hearings reflects what many parents say they experience quietly. One mother reports seeking an Individualized Education Program, called an IEP, for nearly three years. According to her complaint, she alleges repeated denials and claims that grades were altered to make her son appear more successful than he was.
Advocates say her story mirrors a broader pattern across North Carolina.
“Here we go again”
Parents point to a July 25, 2025 decision from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, which found Cumberland County Schools in violation of federal regulations and state policies regarding Child Find obligations, timely referrals, and evaluation procedures. Child Find laws require schools to identify and evaluate students suspected of having disabilities. DPI concluded that delays and failures to open referrals did not meet legal requirements.
Families say similar concerns continue today.
Faith and advocacy
For many believers, the debate extends beyond policy into questions of justice. Faith leaders emphasize Scripture’s call to defend those who cannot defend themselves. When a child struggles academically or medically, they argue that child deserves timely support—not delay.
The complaint filed Jan. 20, 2026, alleges that verbal requests for evaluation were made over multiple school years but were not acted upon within required timelines. Parents navigating the system often describe feeling overwhelmed or unheard, making community awareness essential.
A statewide effort for accountability
The issue now reaches beyond Cumberland County. A federal lawsuit, Cynthia Lee, et al. v. Cumberland County Schools, et al. (EDNC No. 5:25 cv 746), seeks certification that could include families statewide who experienced similar delays or denials.
Parents or guardians who requested testing, asked for an IEP referral meeting but were denied, or received a meeting after the 90 day legal timeline may contact attorney Robert Ekstrand at 919-452 4647 or rce@ninthstreetlaw.com for information about their rights.
Advocates say help often begins with a single phone call or email.
They argue that strong families build strong communities—and protecting children must become a clear priority. When systems drift from accountability, they say faithful citizens must respond with courage and conviction. Kingdom influence means standing in the gap for parents who feel unheard and for children whose futures depend on timely support.
The question before the community, advocates say, is simple: Will citizens remain silent, or will they lead?

Editor's note: Tracy C. Pelt-Waterford is PR chair for the Cumberland County Republican Women’s Club and writes on parental rights, education accountability, religious liberty and community leadership. She is founder of C2C Equipping Institute and advocates for civic engagement rooted in God, country, family and freedom.

When the U.S. Supreme Court released its long-awaited ruling in the “emergency tariff” case, President Donald Trump called the decision “ridiculous,” its reasoning “stupid,” and the justices who wrote or supported it “fools,” “lapdogs,” and the agents of nefarious foreign powers.
At the same time, Trump and other defenders of his protectionist policies insisted that the 6-3 decision was “irrelevant” and that “all of those tariffs remain,” because the administration has or will soon cite other statutory authority to reapply them.
These two sets of claims are, at best, in tension. The president does, indeed, possess some legal authority to impose taxes on imported goods, authority specifically assigned to the executive branch to address national security or concerns about illegal trade practices. But these tariff powers are more cumbersome to exercise and limited in scope than the “Liberation Day” taxes he initially sought to impose.
And the latest 15% tax on most imports Trump is now seeking to apply to replace much of the revenue loss from the Supreme Court decision, relies on a 1974 law that gives a president the power to impose tariffs for up to 150 days to address “balance-of-payments deficits.” But the United States does not have a balance-of-payment deficit. We haven’t had such a deficit in more than 50 years, ever since we let the value of the dollar float on international currency markets rather than fixing the exchange rate to gold or some other standard.
A balance-of-payments deficit isn’t equivalent to a trade deficit. The latter exists when Americans buy more goods and services produced in other countries than Americans sell to consumers in other countries. Under floating exchange rates, the flipside of a trade deficit — formally called a current-account deficit — is almost always going to be a capital-account surplus. That is, virtually to the dollar, every $100 billion in trade deficit is offset by a net inflow of $100 billion in investment.
That’s why, contrary to popular belief, a trade deficit isn’t a signal of economic weakness. If you’re a net importer of capital investment, you will also be a net importer of goods and services. That’s what a balance of payments looks like under a system of floating exchange rates. Only when exchange rates are fixed can there be the kind of currency crisis for which the 1974 Trade Act was enacted (unnecessarily, as it turned out).
In short, Trump’s new global tariff is also illegal. When it is legally challenged, it will go poof. Ideally, the federal courts will intervene to block it.
For long-suffering North Carolina households — and for businesses that sell foreign-made goods or use them as components to produce their own goods and services — such legal relief would be most welcome. According to the Yale Budget Lab, the United States taxed imports at an average rate of about 16% before the Supreme Court ruling, generating about $2.62 trillion over the next 10 years (collected mostly from Americans in the form of higher prices and other costs). After the ruling, the average tariff rate should have dropped to 9.1%. Over time, that would have saved North Carolinians alone many billions of dollars a year.
Lower import taxes would serve our interests in other ways, as well. In a recent report published by the John Locke Foundation, North Carolina State University economist Jeffrey Dorfman observed that foreign governments often respond to American tariffs by levying their own taxes or restrictions on American imports — including pork, poultry, lumber, tobacco, cotton, sweet potatoes, and other goods produced for export by North Carolina farmers and agribusinesses. Using scenarios based on historical examples, he estimated that retaliation to American tariffs could eliminate 8,000 North Carolina jobs and impose $1.9 billion in direct and indirect costs on the state’s economy.
“The easiest way to avoid the risks from countries retaliating against the U.S. for placing restrictions on international trade,” Dorfman wrote, “is not to put restrictions on international trade in the first place.”

Editor’s Note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

What if you could launch a career in just 11 weeks? That's exactly what Fayetteville Technical Community College's new Utility Construction Technician (Underground) program offers—a fast track to a high-demand career with competitive pay and room to grow.
The underground utility construction field is experiencing significant labor shortages, with workers needed to install and maintain essential infrastructure such as water lines, sewer systems, electrical distribution systems and telecommunications networks. These aren't jobs that can be outsourced or automated—they're hands-on careers that keep our communities running. In North Carolina, entry-level utility construction workers typically earn between $38,000 and $46,000 annually, with experienced technicians earning $55,000 or more as they develop specialized skills.
FTCC's program is designed for people ready to roll up their sleeves and learn a trade that matters. Starting March 2 and running through May 13, this 306-hour course meets Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at FTCC's Fayetteville campus. Students gain real-world skills and industry-recognized certifications that employers are actively seeking.
Here's what makes this program unique: you're not just learning theory. You'll receive hands-on training in heavy equipment operation, master safety protocols through OSHA 10 certification, learn trenching and shoring techniques, and prepare for your Commercial Driver's License. The curriculum also covers confined space training, basic electrical and distribution systems, CPR/First Aid/AED certification, and even employability skills to help you succeed in job interviews and on the work site.
Every certification you earn opens doors. The NCCER CORE credential is nationally recognized in the construction industry. The work zone flagger certification allows you to immediately qualify for traffic control positions. These aren't just pieces of paper—they're proof to employers that you know what you're doing and can work safely.
What many people don't realize about utility construction is the variety it offers. One day you might operate an excavator, the next you could be working with fiber optic installations or water distribution systems. It's physical work that keeps you moving and problem-solving, perfect for those who prefer moving over sitting at a desk.
The best part? The registration fee is only $180, and funding is available through the FTCC Forward Scholarship for North Carolina residents. This scholarship was specifically established to help people access short-term workforce training that leads to real credentials and real jobs. Additional costs include a $2 insurance fee, $20 CPR/AED fee, $28.89 NCCER registration fee, and $10 OSHA card fee.
The industry needs you. Companies across North Carolina and beyond are competing for skilled underground utility workers. With infrastructure investments increasing nationwide, now is the ideal time to enter this field. After completing FTCC's program, you'll have the knowledge, certifications, and hands-on experience to start your career immediately.
If you're looking for a career change, want to learn a valuable trade, or simply need to get job-ready quickly, this program could be your answer. You'll be learning alongside others who share your goals, taught by instructors who know the industry inside and out.
For more information about the Utility Construction Technician (Underground) program, contact FTCC's Industry Training department at 910-678-8230 or email industrytraining@faytechcc.edu. Don't wait—registration is open now for the March 2 start date. Your future is underground, and it's calling.

When you meet Dr. Ora Mobley Sweeting, the first thing you notice is her kindness. Soon after, her quiet strength begins to shine. She grew up in Monroe, North Carolina, where she was raised by her aunt, Mama Cora. Mama Cora was a pillar of the community. She helped raise 19 children, including Dr. Sweeting and her twin, after their mother passed away. She also cared for Robert F. Williams, who later became a well‑known civil rights leader and author. In their family, education and Black history were part of daily life. Mama Cora often spoke to the children about the struggles of their community, which planted the first seeds of activism in Dr. Sweeting.
Dr. Sweeting’s father was one of six boys, all of whom went to college, which was rare at the time. Their strong belief in education shaped her early love of learning and her desire to teach. This family environment taught her to care for others and to speak up when things were unfair.
Dr. Sweeting attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, and after graduating, she went on to teach and moved to Whiteville. Following Mama Cora’s example, she “went off script,” as her daughter, Candida, says, and taught Black history, even when it was unsafe to do so. When the school board told her to stop teaching it, her students held a sit‑in to support her. This drew the attention of the Ku Klux Klan, and her life was threatened. She was arrested “for the crime of educating,” as her daughter explains. A group of Black doctors bailed her out, and she was told she could either stay in North Carolina and face jail time or leave the state. In 1951, she headed north for safety.
Dr. Sweeting moved to Harlem, where her activism grew even stronger. As a young mother, she wanted her community’s children to be safe, supported, and heard. She founded the Central Harlem Mothers’ Association. They worked tirelessly for nearly 30 years and focused on improving conditions around schools, shutting down unsafe bars, closing dangerous roads near school buildings, advocating for equal job opportunities, and making sure Black students were part of every important conversation.
During her time in Harlem, Dr. Sweeting also led the St. Nicholas Tenants’ Association, helping residents of public housing fight for safe, livable buildings and get access to state services like food assistance.
Dr. Sweeting believed children of color should be honored and celebrated. She created “The Pursuit of Excellence Pageant,” which invited students from kindergarten through 12th grade to wear caps and gowns and be recognized for their achievements. Every child received a “Certificate of Excellence,” because, to her, no success was too small to celebrate.
Her boldest moments have become part of Harlem’s history. After helping to rename her neighborhood school the Harriet Tubman School, she fought to protect children from speeding cars on unsafe roadways. When the city refused to act, she lay down in the street between two kitchen chairs to stop traffic. Candida recalls seeing her there, remembering a police officer stepping over her mother to arrest her. Sweeting told him, “When you stepped over me, you stepped over every mother in Harlem... That’s who you’re looking at right now.” Her protest was a success, and the city closed the nearby streets during school hours.
Over the course of roughly thirty years (1960’s – 1990’s), Dr. Sweeting pushed for decentralization by serving on the Executive Board of P.S. 157, a local public school. She helped organize the first Decentralization Community Control movement so schools would better reflect the needs of local families in Harlem’s schools. Due to threats connected to her advocacy work, Dr. Sweeting moved to California in 1990.
Candida says her mother’s story is a reminder today for young advocates to use their voices. In 2019, after nearly seven decades away, Dr. Sweeting finally returned to North Carolina.
Dr. Sweeting joined LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines in 2023. Her journey has since come full circle. The strength she once used to lift her community is now met with care, dignity, and support. As a PACE program, LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines helps seniors stay independent and connected to the places they love. Dr. Sweeting’s story reminds us that when one person stands with conviction, entire communities rise.
Today, she is surrounded by support, community, and peace. Her daughter says, “I must tell you, Mom is aging backwards. She said, “I feel like I'm 16 … So, something wonderful is happening here!”

(Photo: Dr. Ora Mobley Sweeting, a part of the LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines community, has been an activist and community leader her entire life. Photo courtesy of LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines)

The haze of smoky pool halls and the stereotype of greasy bar food are fading into history. In their place, a cultural revival is underway. With the pool table market projected to grow by nearly $85 million by the end of the decade, driven largely by a wave of younger enthusiasts, billiards is enjoying a renaissance that blends heritage with modern appeal.
Now, a new television series aims to capture that momentum by pairing legendary cue artists with the flavors that shaped their lives. Grace the Table is an episodic series that brings together world-class billiards players and the nostalgia of comfort food for intimate, revealing conversations far from the tournament spotlight. At its heart lies a simple, but compelling question: What happens when the greatest players in professional pool come “to the table” not to compete, but to connect, over meals rooted in childhood memory and tradition?
The series is hosted by Allison Fisher, widely regarded as the world’s top female billiards player and known globally as “The Duchess of Doom.” Over a career spanning decades, Fisher has built a legacy defined by precision, dominance and grace under pressure. Now, she steps into a new role; one that swaps the intensity of tournament play for the warmth of shared stories and shared plates.
“Billiards has given me a lifelong passion, and with Grace the Table, I get to celebrate the players who’ve defined it,” Fisher said. “Sharing great food and even better stories with these icons is an experience I’m thrilled to bring to audiences everywhere.”
Each episode invites a legendary figure in professional pool to sit down with Fisher for open, personal conversations about life, love, competition and cuisine. The atmosphere is intimate and reflective. The pool cues may be nearby, but they are secondary to the laughter, vulnerability and memories served alongside Southern staples and beloved family recipes.
Earl Strickland, winner of more than 100 championships and three world titles, brings decades of fiery competitiveness and unfiltered candor. Known for his intensity at the table, Strickland offers viewers a different side, reflecting on the sacrifices and passions that fueled his storied career. Jeanette Lee, famously dubbed “The Black Widow,” is recognized worldwide for her fierce competitive edge and magnetic presence. Ewa Mataya Laurance, known as “The Striking Viking,” brings the perspective of a trailblazer and Hall of Famer who helped redefine opportunities for women in billiards. And Mike Sigel, a Billiards Hall of Fame inductee and technical advisor on The Color of Money, shares stories from an era that helped propel pool into mainstream pop culture.
Behind the scenes, the series is produced by Dirty Laundry Picture Company, an independent, creator-led studio based in Clinton, North Carolina. Founded in 2025 by producer Monty Hobbs, DLPC was established as Sampson County’s first professional film studio, bringing high-end cinematic production capabilities to a region historically underserved by the entertainment industry. For Hobbs, the project is both professional and personal.
“Being from this area, I find food and billiards go hand in hand,” Hobbs said. “Producing a show with legends in the sport, talking about their lives while indulging in the food from their childhood that provides comfort is everything that I could ask for.”
From a producer’s standpoint, Hobbs believes Grace the Table stands apart from traditional sports programming or food-centric series.
“It has never been done before,” he said. “All these world-class legendary players under one roof. You’re not just watching highlights or recipes. You’re watching history sit down together.”
The Fayetteville and Clinton area was selected intentionally. According to Hobbs, Southeastern North Carolina’s deep roots in pool culture and its rich tradition of down-home cooking made it the perfect setting.
“The area has such deep roots to the pool and is rich in comfort food and down-home cooking,” he said. “Why not shed some light on the history of southeastern North Carolina?”
The series also carries emotional resonance beyond the spotlighted legends. One behind-the-scenes moment Hobbs described as especially meaningful involves Fisher and her mother, Christine, sharing in the experience together during filming; a reminder that even the fiercest competitors are grounded in family.
Beyond entertainment, Grace the Table represents an opportunity to elevate Eastern North Carolina’s growing film and television industry. With DLPC’s commitment to authentic storytelling grounded in real-world relevance, Hobbs hopes national audiences will take notice of the region’s creative potential.
“We hope big,” Hobbs said. “All my shows have national airings and followings. Hopefully, people can see the area’s beauty, and the legends can film here as well.”
An anticipated release is slated for late summer to early fall 2026. When audiences finally pull up a chair, Hobbs hopes they leave with more than admiration for the players’ accolades.
“Love, affection and a warm feeling,” he said. “A show that is geared toward relaxing in a world that we surely need.”
In an era defined by rapid content consumption and relentless competition, Grace the Table offers something slower and more nourishing… a reminder that behind every champion is a story, and behind every story, a table where it all began.

(Graphic courtesy of Dirty Laundry Picture Company)

The Blues Is Alright Tour will return to the Crown Coliseum on March 6 with a lineup rooted in blues, Southern soul and classic R&B, offering audiences a night defined by storytelling, rhythm and live musicianship.
The nationally touring showcase has built a reputation as one of the premier blues-centered concert experiences in the country. Rather than spotlighting a single headliner, the tour typically features multiple artists, creating a festival-style atmosphere under one roof.
For Crown Complex General Manager Gary Rogers, the tour’s appeal in Fayetteville is both cultural and generational.
“The Blues Is Alright Tour blends blues, Southern soul and R&B styles with deep roots in the Southeast and across the South,” Rogers said. “That musical heritage resonates well with audiences in Fayetteville and surrounding communities that appreciate soulful, storytelling-driven live music.”
Blues music has long served as a foundation for American popular music, influencing everything from rock to gospel to modern R&B. In the South, its influence runs especially deep. Rogers said that connection continues to draw consistent attendance at the Crown.
While some concert genres see demographic shifts over time, Rogers noted that blues and soul have experienced growth across age groups rather than decline.
“Honestly, the age of the audience continues to grow in both directions,” he said. “Great music will always be relevant at any age.”
That cross-generational appeal has become more noticeable in recent years, as younger listeners discover classic soul and blues artists through streaming platforms, family influence and live performances. At the same time, longtime fans continue to support the genre they grew up with.
What distinguishes the Blues Is Alright Tour, Rogers said, is the audience’s engagement.
“The Blues Is Alright Tour audience tends to be engaged, mature and deeply appreciative of authentic live music,” Rogers said. “They not only hear the music, but they also feel it — and throwing in Southern soul gets this audience up and moving. It’s always a great time
with this crowd.”
Concertgoers can expect powerful vocal performances, expressive guitar work and extended musical interplay that emphasizes musicianship. Unlike heavily choreographed pop productions, blues concerts often center on raw delivery and emotional connection.
From a venue standpoint, Rogers said attention to sound quality is critical.
“With blues and soul, clarity matters,” he said. “You want every instrument and every vocal line to come through clean.”
Events like the Blues Is Alright Tour also contribute to Fayetteville’s broader cultural landscape. The Crown Complex regularly hosts concerts spanning genres from country and hip hop to comedy and faith-based programming. Blues remains an important part of that rotation.
“Live music helps bring people together,” Rogers said. “It gives the community something to rally around.”
In addition to cultural impact, national tours bring economic activity to the region. Concert nights often increase traffic to nearby restaurants and hotels, generating revenue beyond the venue itself.
As anticipation builds, Rogers expects the Blues Is Alright Tour to once again deliver an evening defined by rhythm, nostalgia and connection.
“There’s something timeless about blues,” he said. “It speaks to experience. And when it’s performed live, you feel that.”
The Blues Is Alright Tour will take place at Crown Coliseum. Tickets start at $77, and can be purchased at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/the-3rd-annual-ville-city-blues-festival or by calling the Crown box office at 910-438-4100.

Contemporary Christian artist Anne Wilson will take the stage at Crown Coliseum, bringing a night of worship, modern country influence and personal storytelling to Fayetteville on March 13.
Wilson, whose breakout single “My Jesus” introduced her to a national audience, has quickly become one of Christian music’s most recognizable voices. Blending faith-centered lyrics with a contemporary country sound, she has built a following that extends beyond traditional church settings.
Crown Complex General Manager Gary Rogers said Wilson’s broad appeal made her a natural addition to the venue’s lineup.
“Anne Wilson’s Contemporary Christian Music and modern country appeal, major chart and streaming success, strong live draw and heartfelt storytelling make her a compelling addition to the Crown’s lineup,” Rogers said. “She brings both dedicated fans and broader audiences together for a memorable concert experience in Fayetteville.”
Faith-based concerts have long been part of the Crown’s annual programming. Rogers said those events often create a distinct atmosphere compared to other touring shows.
There is a noticeable sense of anticipation before the doors even open, he said, as many attendees arrive as organized groups rather than individual ticket buyers.
“Group sales and church participation play a huge role in concerts like this,” Rogers said. “When churches and community groups attend together, it helps us build strong energy in the room long before show day.”
That collective participation shapes the experience.
“These events become more than just concerts, they become shared experiences,” he said. “We see groups of all ages coming together, coordinating transportation and inviting others through word-of-mouth. That kind of engagement strengthens both attendance and the overall atmosphere.”
Rogers said those partnerships extend beyond a single performance.
“For us, it’s also about relationships. Working with local churches and community leaders helps position the Crown as a trusted gathering place, not just for one night, but for future events as well.”
Wilson’s performances are known for weaving personal testimony into her setlist. Between songs, she often shares stories about faith, loss and perseverance elements that have shaped her songwriting. Rogers said that combination of music and message resonates deeply with audiences.
“From what I’ve heard, Anne Wilson’s show is part concert, part testimony and part communal experience,” Rogers said. “She combines a high-energy performance, sincere storytelling and amazing moments that stay with you long after the show ends. I guess the fan will have to come to the show to find out.”
The Crown’s ability to host diverse programming from blues and country to comedy and Christian music reflects its broader mission, Rogers said. By offering a range of genres throughout the year, the venue serves a wide cross-section of Cumberland County residents.
Faith-centered concerts, in particular, often draw multigenerational audiences. Families attend together, church groups coordinate outings and community leaders encourage participation.
“It becomes something people share,” Rogers said.
As anticipation builds for Wilson’s performance, Rogers expects a strong turnout from both longtime fans and newcomers discovering her music through streaming platforms and radio airplay.
For the Crown team, the focus remains on creating an environment where the message and music can connect clearly with the audience.
“When people leave encouraged, that’s success,” Rogers said.
Anne Wilson will perform at Crown Coliseum, March 13. Tickets start at $40, and are available at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/anne-wilson-the-stars-tour or through the Crown box office at 91-438-4100.