Cumberland County
There’s a new sheriff in town! On Aug. 11, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners appointed Major Johnathan Morgan as Sheriff to complete the unexpired term of Sheriff Ennis Wright. Wright retired on June 30 after serving since 2017. Morgan will serve through December 2026.
He was one of nine candidates who submitted applications for the appointment. The majority spoke at the meeting, each declaring their qualifications and desire for the post. The other candidates included Joseph Bailer, James Barnes, James Black, former City of Fayetteville Police Chief Kemberle Braden, Brian Delrosario, Terry Ray, Ronald Starling and LaRue Windham.
Cumberland County Commissioner Chair Kirk deViere released a statement, which included the following: “Our primary goal throughout this process has been to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations within the Sheriff's Office. The Board of Commissioners collectively felt that Major Morgan's experience and understanding of current operations and procedures make him uniquely positioned to maintain the high standards of public safety our citizens expect and deserve.”
He also thanked all of the candidates for their commitment to public service.
The board opened the application process on July 15 with an Aug. 4 deadline. Requirements for the position included being at least 21 years old and having voted in Cumberland County without prior felony convictions.
At their Aug. 14 meeting, the County announced a North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management Grant for $500,000 for Rhodes Pond Improvement and Renovation Project. The project includes enhancing the park by improving the parking area and trail, as well as renovating the restroom facilities, to support overall park operations and improve visitor experience. Rhodes Mill Pond is adjacent to state game land where people can hunt deer, raccoons and ducks.
Another topic of discussion was an emergency management overview of the County’s flood monitoring network and public alerting capabilities in light of recent flooding events in Texas and North Carolina. Both events have “underscored the urgent need for reliable, real-time data to support decision-making around high-water events,” according to Garry Crumpler, the interim emergency services director.
The board also pulled the Request for Qualifications/Proposals for modernization and renovation of the Crown Theatre and Arena and the County Courthouse Parking Lot for future use by their September Infrastructure Committee for more discussion.

City of Fayetteville
On Aug. 11, the Fayetteville City Council voted to pull a rezoning request at the intersection of McArthur Road and Stacy Weaver Drive for a public hearing on Aug. 25. The request was for a new 7-11 convenience store with fuel sales. The request was for consent to approve based on the Zoning Commission and Professional Planning staff recommendation. Reasoning included that the property aligned with the Future Land Use Plan and the Unified Development Ordinance, that the permitted uses and development standards for the district are appropriate for the site, given surrounding zoning and land uses, and there are no anticipated negative impacts to public health, safety, morals or general welfare.
Some concerns from residents included an increase in traffic and safety issues. According to city records, the property has had commercial activity since 1995. The intersection also has a public library, a grocery store and a Circle K convenience store.
In other news, the Fayetteville Regional Airport hosted 27 local students from grades 7 through 12 to learn about careers in the aviation industry during the Aviation Career Education Academy. The two-day immersive program included interactive workshops, aircraft demonstrations and presentations from the Civil Air Patrol, NASA and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

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 Commissioner Chair Kirk deViere, left, Commissioner Henry Tyson, new Cumberland County Sheriff Johnathan Morgan, and Commissioner Pavan Patel pose for a photo at Sheriff Morgan's swearing in ceremony. Photo courtesy of Cumberland County NC, Government's Facebook page)