Local News

Public encouraged to attend hearing; Joint 911 Call Center back in talks; Register for National Civics Bee

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Written by Jami McLaughlin

The community is encouraged to attend a public hearing and sign up to speak in opposition to a request from the Town of Fuquay-Varina to transfer up to 6.17 million gallons per day of water from the Cape Fear River Basin to the Neuse River Basin on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in the FTCC Cumberland Hall Auditorium.
On Nov. 17, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to oppose the transfer based on cited concerns, including “impacts to the limited water supply in the Cape Fear River Basin, increased pollutant concentration and potential restrictions on future County growth tied to State regulations.”
At the meeting, commissioners emphasized the importance of opposing this transfer, which would significantly impact the Cape Fear River Basin and the communities that depend on it as their main source of safe and reliable drinking water. The transfer of moving water would reduce river flow, threaten water availability and potentially damage vital infrastructure.
If anyone wishes to speak at the public hearing, sign-in begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/11/04/ncdeq-division-water-resources-hold-public-hearings-draft-environmental-impact-statement-fuquay.

City of Fayetteville
The Fayetteville City Council voted unanimously at their work session on Nov. 6 to request a state audit of six failed construction projects, some of which are under a separate criminal investigation by the District Attorney's office.
The projects include Fire Station No. 4, designed by the W.B. Brawley Company, and the Hay Street parking deck, previously handled by Prince Charles Holdings, Inc. The other four projects were contracted by Mohammad Mohammad and the Apex Contracting Group and include the Rosehill Road sidewalk, the Mable C. Smith Community Center, the Mazarick Park Tennis Center building and the new tennis courts at Mazarick Park. The criminal investigation is connected to those four projects.
The state audit, separate from the criminal investigation, is intended to provide an independent review and ensure transparency in the city's financial processes, particularly regarding the handling of millions of dollars in project funds.
In other news, council members approved an agreement (8-1 vote) at its regular scheduled meeting on Nov. 10 to complete the Stadium View Project with multi-family development residential units, hotel units, retail space and a long-awaited installation of elevators at 466 Hay Street downtown. The development is adjacent to Segra Stadium, home of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, and will be located above the current Hay Street parking deck.
The Stadium View Project began as Project Home Run back in 2016, but has since changed developers and is slated to begin construction in June 2026. Lansing Melbourne Group, operating locally as Fay Hay Master Venture, is anticipated to invest over $70 million to complete the space, according to city officials.

Joint 911 Call Center
The Fayetteville City Council and the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners both unanimously voted to merge 911 call services at a joint meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13, although the decision as to which agency would run the center is still up in the air.
The county proposed a joint board with three representatives from each the county and the city. The city, which now operates in City Hall downtown, would like to run the operation entirely. The costs are anticipated to be split evenly between the city and the county.
After much discussion, the decision ended in an impasse. The two governing bodies have attempted to combine 911 centers since 2007 and have been unable to agree due to “disagreements over governance and operational control,” according to officials.
The city and county managers have been directed to reconvene in January to “chart a path forward” for joint operations as they merge into the county’s current 911 center on Executive Place in Fayetteville.

National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will allow middle school students (6th, 7th and 8th grades) to participate for the first time in North Carolina this year, and Fayetteville, through the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, was chosen as a regional site. Applications for students are officially open. Students have until Feb. 3, 2026, to register.
For more information about the program, including educator resources and how to participate in the 2026 competition, visit www.faybiz.com/civicsbee.

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.

Don’t drain our future: Stop Cape Fear Interbasin Transfer

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Written by Richard King, Chairman, PWC Board

As the main source of drinking water for Fayetteville and Cumberland County, the Cape Fear River serves as the lifeline for the residents of our community and the surrounding areas. The Town of Fuquay-Varina is seeking state approval for an Interbasin Transfer certificate that would authorize withdrawal of 6.17 million gallons of water from the Cape Fear River.
An Interbasin Transfer refers to the process of withdrawing surface water from one river basin and subsequently discharging the wastewater into a different basin. Under this proposal, rather than returning treated wastewater to the Cape Fear River Basin, the discharge would occur in the Neuse River Basin.
This approach will almost certainly have implications for the long-term stability of our region's primary water source.
Every day, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission delivers safe and reliable drinking water to over 250,000 residents within our service territory, while also supporting nearby communities like Fort Bragg, Hoke County, the Town of Spring Lake, and the Town of Stedman. This river, a limited and essential resource, must be managed with care and responsibility. It doesn’t belong to any one person or group; instead, the Cape Fear River is a vital, shared resource that sustains life throughout our region.
Since PWC was chartered in 1905 and began offering water services, our mission has been to help manage this river carefully for the wellbeing of all communities, both local and downstream. As a regional water supplier, we recognize and acknowledge statewide water needs, however our focus remains in delivering safe, affordable, regulation-compliant water with enough supply for current residents and future growth.
Responsible resource stewardship is returning water to the river promptly, which supports all local communities' growth, sustainability, and ultimate viability.
When water is permanently diverted and not returned, the river’s flow decreases, straining the ability of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, Fort Bragg, and other downstream communities to access the water they need for drinking, sanitation, industry, agriculture, and recreation. Over time, the ongoing loss of this volume of water will lead to water shortages, hamper economic growth, and reduce the Cape Fear River’s capacity to support healthy ecosystems, ultimately threatening the wellbeing and prosperity of our entire region.
The absence of returning water to the basin from which it was taken should raise alarm for all who depend on the Cape Fear River’s enduring vitality. PWC keeps water in the Cape Fear River Basin by withdrawing, treating, and returning it to the same source.
This closed loop supports both local and downstream communities. When water is removed without being returned, river levels drop over time, especially during droughts, impacting drinking water, industry, recreation and PWC's infrastructure.
These risks are especially important because the basin currently provides resources to hundreds of thousands of people as well as a key military facility.
The Cape Fear River has sustained our region for generations, supporting families, businesses, and national defense. It is a shared resource, not a commodity to be moved from one basin to another for convenience. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Management Commission must reject this Interbasin Transfer request as proposed and uphold a principle that has served this state well: water drawn from the Cape Fear River Basin should stay in the
Cape Fear River Basin.
No one can predict what river conditions will look like decades from now. Climate change, population growth, and industrial demand make it even more important to protect what we have. Once water is allowed to leave the basin, it does not come back.
PWC has a long history of defending the Cape Fear River from similar proposals. With your help, we have successfully challenged past attempts to move water out of the Cape Fear River Basin, ensuring that this essential resource remains available for the people who depend on it.
Those efforts reflect our responsibility not only to our current customers but also to future generations.
We need your help again; our community’s future depends on it.
How You Can Help
Protecting the Cape Fear River Basin requires community action. Attending public hearings on the Interbasin Transfer proposal is a direct way to make an impact and show support for preserving our water source.
Join a hearing to voice your concerns and advocate for responsible stewardship.
Public Hearing Details
• Fayetteville, N.C.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 4, 2025
Where: Fayetteville Technology Community College, Cumberland Hall Auditorium, 2220 Hull Road, Fayetteville, N.C.
Register: Sign-in and speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
• Raleigh, N.C.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 9, 2025
Where: Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, N.C., 27604
Register: Sign-in and speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Parking information: Public parking will be available after 5 p.m. at Parking Deck 64, which is located across North Salisbury Street from the Archdale Building. Please see the Interactive State Parking Map for additional parking options: https://www.doa.nc.gov/divisions/state-parking/interactive-state-parking-map
• Pittsboro, N.C.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 11, 2025
Where: Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 U.S. Hwy 64 West Business, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312
Register: Sign-in and speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
By attending a public hearing, registering to speak, and sharing your perspective, you will help ensure that our community's concerns are heard and considered. Together, we can protect the Cape Fear River Basin and the future of our region.
Help us Save Our Water.
Very truly yours,
Fayetteville Public Works
Commission
Richard King, Chairman, PWC Board of Commissioners

Helping with the winter blues: Shine a light on vitamin D

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Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Written by Staff Report

Many vitamins are important for personal health, but come the wintertime, vitamin D may dominate the headlines. That's because hours of sunlight dwindle in the winter, which can lower levels of vitamin D in the body.
Vitamin D is sometimes referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" because of its ties to the sun. The Cleveland Clinic says sun exposure on the skin is one way for people to get vitamin D. However, people with darker skin or those in certain geographical locations that do not get enough sunlight may not get sufficient vitamin D. Supplementation with foods that contain vitamin D or through pills may be necessary.
Vitamin D helps maintain a balance of calcium in the body and facilitates the building and maintaining of strong bones. The Mayo Clinic says low vitamin D levels have been tied to cancer, cognitive decline, multiple sclerosis, rickets, and psoriasis. But how much vitamin D does a person need? The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for those ages one to 70 years old, and 800 IU for people over 70 years of age. However, some doctors recommend people take higher amounts. The Endocrine Society, for example, suggests higher daily doses of 1,500 to 2,000 IU may be needed for some adults.
Although vitamin D deficiency may compromise health, it's important to note that going too far in the other direction also is unhealthy. Harvard Health advises against taking more than 4,000 IU per day, which is considered the safe upper limit. High doses of vitamin D can cause too much calcium to form in the blood, a condition called hypercalcemia. This raises the risk of fatal heart conditions. Increasing vitamin D intake also increases the risk for kidney stones, so the pros and cons must be weighed. Symptoms of too much vitamin D can include vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, increased thirst, and frequent urination.
Getting vitamin D naturally through sunlight and food sources is preferable to supplements. Fatty fish, mushrooms, liver, shrimp, and oysters are some foods that are excellent sources of vitamin D. UCLA Health says eight to 10 minutes of sun exposure at noon produces the recommended amount of vitamin D. However, in the winter when only 10 percent of the body is exposed, nearly two hours of sun exposure at noon is needed to produce a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Geographic regions may produce different rates of exposure needed to ensure sufficient vitamin D production.
Vitamin D is necessary for health, but many people are not getting enough. Increasing exposure to the sun, eating the right foods and supplementation when needed can improve vitamin D levels.

Simulation, Game Development and Digital Media at FTCC

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Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Written by Tori Quismundo

At Fayetteville Technical Community College, creativity and technology converge under the Computer Information Technology Department, where the Simulation & Game Development and Digital Media programs are redefining what it means to prepare students for the modern digital world. Both programs empower students to transform imagination into interactive experiences and visual storytelling. Students learn to blend technical precision with artistic innovation. Together, these departments serve as a hub for aspiring creators, programmers, and designers eager to shape the future of entertainment, education, and digital communication.
The Simulation & Game Development program provides hands-on experience in designing and programming interactive 2D and 3D environments, from video games to virtual training simulations. Students learn industry-relevant tools and techniques in areas such as game design, 3D modeling, level development, motion graphics, and artificial intelligence. By combining creativity with critical thinking, the program prepares graduates for a variety of careers—not just in gaming, but in fields such as defense, education, healthcare, and corporate simulation. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that FTCC students are ready to meet the growing demand for immersive and interactive digital experiences.
Meanwhile, the Digital Media program focuses on the art and technology of visual communication. Students master digital video production, user interface, animation, figma, and multimedia storytelling, using industry-standard software to bring their ideas to life. Through collaborative projects and real-world assignments, they learn to communicate effectively through visuals, sound, and motion—skills that are increasingly vital in marketing, entertainment, and online content creation. The program encourages students to merge artistic expression with technical proficiency, preparing them to thrive in a fast-paced and media-rich professional landscape.
The excellence of FTCC’s Simulation & Game Development and Digital Media students has also been recognized at both state and national levels. Most recently, FTCC students earned third place in a national competition for game development, showcasing their talent and innovation on a major stage for SKILLS in Atlanta, GA. In addition, they achieved impressive placements in animation, video editing, and audio editing categories at state competitions, demonstrating the department’s comprehensive strength across multiple digital disciplines. These achievements highlight not only the skill and dedication of FTCC students but also the strong mentorship and collaborative learning environment fostered by the department.
Students from both areas often collaborate on projects, combining animation, coding, and design to produce professional-quality digital content. This synergy fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity—key competencies for success in today’s digital industries. As technology continues to evolve, FTCC’s Simulation & Game Development and Digital Media departments stand at the forefront, shaping the next generation of digital storytellers and interactive creators.
Are you ready to learn more?
Please contact Torie Quismundo, department chair, at FTCC. Spring classes begin in January, and registration is now open. The start of a new year is a great time to explore something new. Quismundo’s office is located in the Advanced Technology Center, Room 220-D, 2300 Hull Rd., Fayetteville. Call 910-678-8331or email Quismundo at quismunt@faytechcc.edu.