05 Aerial ViewThe North Carolina Department of Transportation has begun distributing more than $147.5 million in state aid to municipalities. Powell Bill funds are distributed twice annually to 508 cities and towns across the state. The initial allocation of $73.8 million was sent out in late September. The next allocation in the same amount will be paid by Dec. 31. Powell Bill funds are used primarily for the resurfacing of streets within the corporate limits of municipalities but can also help pay for construction, improvements, repairs of streets and public thoroughfares — including bridges, drainage systems and curbs and gutters, as well as bikeways, greenways and sidewalks.

“Funding provided through the Powell Bill helps cities and towns pay for needed repairs, maintenance and construction of their transportation network,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon. The amount each municipality receives is based on a formula set by the North Carolina General Assembly, with 75% of it based on population, and 25% based on the number of local street miles. Charlotte is receiving $20.5 million. Fayetteville’s allocation is $5.2 million.
 
School bus driver award

For Ellen Swinson, student safety is always her top priority. As a bus driver for Ashley Elementary School, she is constantly going the extra mile to ensure all students make it to and from school safely — even students who ride other buses. Recently, after finishing her route for the day, Swinson noticed a bus from Vanstory Hills Elementary had pulled over due to mechanical issues. She immediately stopped to help, offering the students an air-conditioned place to wait. After speaking with Vanstory’s administration, Swinson ended up finishing the bus route so that the students would arrive home on time. For literally going the extra mile, Swinson is Cumberland County Schools’ Extra Mile Award recipient for October. She was nominated under the Compassion category by Carolyn Ortiz, a teacher’s assistant at Ashley Elementary, who praised Swinson for putting children first. Swinson received a certificate and was recognized at the October Cumberland County Board of Education meeting.
 
Getting to sleep isn’t easy for everyone

Cape Fear Valley Health System has opened a fourth sleep center lab to help area residents get a good night’s rest. The new four-bed lab is now open at Hoke Hospital, located at 210 Medical Pavilion Dr. near Raeford. Cape Fear Valley Sleep Center in Fayetteville already serves a growing number of civilian and military patients in the region. The sleep centers treat a variety of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement, restless legs syndrome and more. The new Hoke sleep lab offers a wide array of testing, including Polysomnography, CPAP titration, daytime studies, multiple sleep latency tests and more. Cape Fear Valley also has sleep labs at Health Pavilion North in Fayetteville, Bladen Hospital in Elizabethtown and the main Sleep Center on Owen Drive in Fayetteville. Cape Fear Valley Sleep Centers are accredited by the American Association of Sleep Medicine and The Joint Commission.
 
The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum

The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum is a hub for history in downtown Fayetteville. From the history enthusiast to families looking for fun, there is something for everyone. Deep within the museum collection are artifacts that are a bit unusual. Many of these items are job-specific tools or household items that have become obsolete. Do you think you can identify them? Museum Collection Oddities is an exciting and interactive exhibit that opened Oct. 8 and will run into the 2020 calendar year. The museum is located 325 Franklin St. and is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free.

Energy Action Month

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin has declared October Energy Action Month in the city. The proclamation acknowledges national Energy Action Month, a federal campaign by the U.S. Department of Energy to increase public awareness about energy conservation, efficiency and technology.

“Energy is one of our most vital resources,” Colvin said. “Accessible, viable, dependable and affordable energy resources are critical to the city of Fayetteville and to each and every one of our residents.” City employees and Fayetteville residents can support the mayor’s proclamation by being mindful of their energy use — not only during October but throughout the year.
 
31 Days of Love

The Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center system is participating in the 31 Days of Love campaign. Each branch is hosting pet-related programs and accepting donations of pet supplies for animals at the Cumberland County Animal Control Shelter. For animals at the shelter, responsible pet owners can make a difference by adopting animals. For those who are unable to adopt, donations are greatly appreciated and needed. The library is working to increase awareness of animal control services and to facilitate the donation drive. Donations can be delivered to any library location. Pet food, cat litter, toys, flea-control products, treats, shampoo, plastic crates and carriers are accepted.

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