Local News

FTCC announces transfer agreements with leading universities

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Loutricia J. Nelson

Thinking About Transferring? We’re Here to Help!
For many students, the process of transferring to a four-year institution can seem overwhelming. That’s where the Office of University Outreach at Fayetteville Technical Community College comes in. We provide the guidance, support, and resources you need to make your transfer journey as smooth as possible.
Whether you're completing an Associate of Applied Science degree or exploring options for further education, our office maintains articulation agreements designed to help you transition into an advanced degree program efficiently.
We also offer Guaranteed Acceptance Programs with several partner universities, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a clear path forward. These programs offer direct admittance to participating schools, provided certain criteria are met.
FTCC GAP Program Partners include:
• UNC-Chapel Hill – C-STEP
• NC State University – C-3
• East Carolina University – Pirate Promise
• UNC-Wilmington – Pathways
• North Carolina A&T State University – Aggie Plus
• Methodist University – A to B
Student Success
FTCC student Jeff-Michael Fowe’s journey has taken him from his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts, to his ancestral home of Cameroon and back stateside to Fayetteville.
While living in Cameroon, Jeff-Michael’s father fell ill and needed emergency care. He was airlifted to a French-run hospital where he received the critical care he needed.
That event sparked Jeff-Michael’s interest in aviation, which he eventually broadened into an education path set on aerospace engineering.
Now, the 19-year-old is Raleigh-bound. He’ll leave FTCC with two associate degrees and begin his journey at N.C. State this fall as a member of the Goodnight Transfer Scholars Program Class of 2028.
The prestigious Goodnight Scholarships, established by N.C. State alumni Jim and Ann Goodnight, provide full-tuition scholarships and comprehensive student development programs designed to develop scholars into leaders within the STEM and STEM-education fields.
Jeff-Michael will pursue a degree in aerospace engineering, an interest he developed following a harrowing childhood incident.
He credits FTCC’s University Outreach coordinator Loutricia Nelson with providing key guidance as he navigated the first stage of his undergraduate journey.
“Ms. Nelson has been a tremendous help to me ever since I met her,” Jeff-Michael said. “When I met her, I was still searching for my pathway. She helped guide me, and she helped me pick my courses to make sure I was on track.”
Jeff-Michael was also a member of FTCC’s on-campus mentoring program, the YES Initiative, and utilized resources provided by his designated Success Coach, Tim Scott.
https://www.faytechcc.edu/blog/ftcc-student-is-nc-state-bound-with-prestigious-goodnight-scholarship/
Are you ready to learn more?
Visit the Outreach office at Horace Sisk Building, Room 610H, 2204 Hull Road, Fayetteville, or call 910-678-8205. Office hours are Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Or, reach out to the University Outreach Coordinator Loutricia J. Nelson at nelsonl@faytechcc.edu

(Photo: Jeff-Michael Fowe is a success story from FTCC. Photo courtesy of FTCC)

The Skoolie Xpress: A Journey of creativity, faith

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Anna White

A former police officer and military veteran who loves crafting has created a colorful oasis for others to join in the fun. Stacy Anderson’s “Skoolie Xpress” is a remodeled school bus, packed with crafting supplies, decorated with Bible verses and rainbow colors, and complemented by Anderson’s expansive arts and crafts expertise.
As a child, she learned needlepoint and cross stitching from her grandmother and painting and coloring from her mother. But when she joined the U.S. Army, she took a break from the creative outlets she loved. Especially while deployed, she didn’t have access to supplies, and pursuing higher education kept her too busy.
Eventually, Anderson transitioned from the Army to the police force, a change that gave her more time to pursue the hobbies she loved. During that time, she became a consultant with Creative Memories, and even found that creative outlets helped her and others cope with job stress. She and several female officers would go to crafting events together, events that Stacy said, “took your mind off of what police officers call the normal day, which can be anything, every day is different.”
Nearing the end of a 22-year career in the police force in the early 2000s, Anderson found her home overflowing with craft supplies.
“I just kept dibbling and dabbling in the arts. I just couldn't get enough, I enjoyed it so much,” she shared. She had two full art studios in the house and the rest was spilling into her garage.
“I just started looking around and praying, saying ‘alright Lord, what do you have for me next?’” she shared.
She and her husband discussed moving to the D.C. area so she could be closer to the arts scene there, but decided against it due to the cost of living. Instead, she decided to pursue a storefront.
“I said, ‘I want people to be able to come in and finish their projects.’ You know, if they were stuck on a scrapbook, just bring it on in and we’ll sit down and figure it out.”
They started looking at storefronts around Fayetteville, but the COVID-19 pandemic quickly waylaid their plans. Anderson prayed, asking, “What’s the next step?”
The amount of mobile services surfacing during the pandemic caught her attention. She started researching and dreaming.
“The Lord speaks to me in dreams a lot,” she said. “So I just kept seeing this mobile operation of a mobile art studio.”
Through research, she found others with similar ideas, but on a small scale - mobile art buses that accommodated 2-3 people.
“I wanted something bigger than that, something to service 10-12 people, and that’s when I said, ‘What about a school bus?’”
The next step was getting her husband on board.
“Everything went so smooth,” she explained. “That’s how I knew it was from God.” She told her husband she wanted to go look at some school buses in a nearby county.
“He was like, ‘Okay, let’s go!’ and I was like, ‘Oh, wow!”
The trip was a success. With one look, her husband knew immediately which bus was for her. “He said, ‘this is the one, Stacy,’ and I said, ‘What?’ and he said, ‘I want you to get this one.’”
Anderson said the clarity shocked her, but it was an answered prayer.
From there, renovations began. Electric, plumbing, woodwork, barn doors, a bathroom install, benches, cubby holes - her husband, a retired helicopter mechanic with no experience as a handyman, did it all, calling in professionals only at the end to double-check things like plumbing and electric.
“It was just amazing,” said Anderson.
The process took four years from start to finish.
Now, Anderson’s weeks are fuller than she ever imagined. After a 3-day long grand-opening at the Dogwood Festival, she thought that one or two events a week would fit her retirement lifestyle, but the community thought differently.
“It's actually turned into three or four events a week,” she explained, “so it’s really picking up.”
Her events include a range of environments, from bringing crafting experiences to recreation centers and events like the Family Fun Day with the Kiwanis Club, to festivals, to hosting private events.
One thing is the same everywhere she goes. Adults and children who enter the bus are thrilled, sharing responses like, “Oh my gosh, I’ve never seen anything like this, especially here in Fayetteville!” according to Anderson. She chose the eye-catching rainbow theme as a reminder of “God’s covenant,” making sure the colors are front and center.
While crafting, she loves finding opportunities to share about her faith. At faith-based children’s programs, when children become discouraged by their mistakes, she reminds them that mistakes are just proof that they’re trying.
“I say, ‘you know, there was only one perfect human being that I’ve ever known in the whole wide world, who could that be?’ and they’re like ‘Oh, that’s Jesus.’”
Anderson’s goal is making arts and crafts accessible for all, and does her best to fit Skoolie Xpress experiences into each client’s budget.
“We can make it happen,” she said of individuals who want to book the Skoolie Xpress, but might feel cost is a deterrent.
Reach Stacy Anderson via her website at SkoolieXpress.com

(Photo courtesy of Stacy Anderson)

New to the Neighborhood

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Staff Report

CURRY & GRILL
2064 Strickland Bridge Rd.
MON.-SUN. 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
910-366-7561
Curry & Grill, a new Indo-American restaurant, serve a blend of Southern favorites and Indian cuisine, including vegetarian options and rotating specials.

THE VILLE WINGS & BAR
1911 Murchison Rd.
Hours To Be Announced
910-229-3195
https://www.thevillewings.com/
The Ville Wings & Bar will offer 20 different flavors of chicken wings, specialized drinks, and cocktails. Be sure to check their website for updates on hours once they officially open.

LEVEL 88
5112 Yadkin Rd.
MON. 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WED. 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
THURS.-SAT. 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
SUN. Noon to 7 p.m.
910-500-3092
https://level-88.com/
Level 88 is a newly opened soul food restaurant and bar this month. Their goal is to offer a family-friendly atmosphere during the day and transform into a lively social spot for adults in the evening.

NORTH SOUTH BREWING COMPANY
304 Williams St.
MON.-SAT. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
SUN. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
https://www.northsouthbrew.com/
North South Brewing Company celebrated its grand opening on May 31st. Boosting the largest tap room in the area, they are cultivating a dog-friendly and kid-friendly establishment. They will also have Bella Nonna food truck as a permanent food vendor on site. They will feature their own brews, as well as cider, wine, and soft drinks.

AROWANA SEAFOOD & RAMEN BAR
8598 Fayetteville Rd.
MON.-THURS. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
FRI. & SAT. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
SUN Noon to 8 p.m.
910-248-6486
https://www.arowanamenu.com/
Arowana blends the vibrant flavors of Chinese and Japanese culinary traditions with a modern fusion approach. From classic favorites to creative new dishes, each plate is made with top-quality ingredients and a dedication to excellence.

HABIBI GRILL & BAKERY
2724 Bragg Blvd.
MON.-SUN. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
910-491-0950
https://habibigrill.com/
Habibi Grill & Bakery is a new Middle Eastern spot in the Eutaw Shopping Center that officially opened on May 7. They have uniquely blended a grocery store, bakery, and restaurant in one location.

LUCIA'S COFFEE & TREATS
Inside Cape Fear Botanical Garden
536 N. EASTERN BLVD
MON. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
THURS.-SUN. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
910-315-2462
Cape Fear Botanical Garden has a new treat shop nestled in the corner of their lobby. A variety of sweet treats, coffee and lemonade are available for purchase.

Up & Coming Weekly Dining Guide

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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Written by Staff Report

This month, let’s explore some of the great places to eat in Raeford.

THE CREEKSIDE MILL
1825 Johnson Mill Rd., Raeford
TUES.-THURS.. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
FRI. & SAT. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
SUN. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
910-878-2376
https://thecreeksidemill.com/
The restaurant offers an extensive array of traditional favorites and international cuisine options, serving guests with varied dietary needs and preferences.

STEWART'S TAVERN
116 N Main St., Raeford
MON. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
WED.-SUN. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
910-479-1313
https://stewartstavern.com/
Laid-back restaurant serving smoked meats, barbecue favorites, classic comfort dishes, and brews.

CHEAP SHOTS ON MAIN
111 N. Main St., Raeford
TUES. & WED. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
THURS. & FRI. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SAT. Noon to 8 p.m.
910-479-1341
https://tinyurl.com/27rerhmv
Casual Italian eatery serving authentic NYC-style pizzas, sandwiches, and stuffed pockets and alcoholic beverages.

EDINBOROUGH FAMILY
RESTAURANT
234 S. Main St., Raeford
MON. & TUES. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
WED. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
THURS. & FRI. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
910-875-2826
Family-owned restaurant serving down-home comfort cooking, including popular pork chops.

MAIN STREET GRILL
121 N. Main St., Raeford
MON.-FRI. 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SAT. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
910-565-2083
https://tinyurl.com/5dh9e85p
Casual restaurant specializing in country fare, including an all-you-can-eat buffet option.

WANGZ BAR & GRILL AND POOL HALL
216 S. Main St., Raeford
MON.-THURS. Noon to 10 p.m.
FRI. & SAT. Noon to Midnight
SUN. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
910-479-3051
http://wangzbargrill.com/
Relaxed sports bar featuring burgers, seafood, karaoke nights, pool tables, and darts.

BUCK & GRILL LLC
416 E. Central Ave., Raeford
TUES.-FRI. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
910-248-6491
https://www.buckandgrill.com/
Veteran-owned establishment serving up a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner full of delicious home-cooked meals.

VIRGIL'S DRIVE-IN
RESTAURANT
2402 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford
WED. 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
THURS. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FRI. & SAT. 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
SUN. 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
910-875-2959
https://tinyurl.com/uwx6drsv
Casual restaurant dishing up generous portions of hearty, Southern soul food, including chitterlings and stew beef.

LAS PALMAS MEXICAN GRILL
783 Harris Ave., Raeford
MON.-FRI. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SAT. Noon to 9 p.m.
SUN. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
910-479-1061
Casual restaurant serving favorite Mexican dishes, including carnitas and fajitas.

TASTE OF NEW YORK
277 Flagstone Ln., Raeford
MON.-FRI. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SAT. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SUN. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
910-848-0850
https://tnydelipizza.com/
New York style deli specializing in made-to-order sandwiches & pizza as well as other Italian specialties.

EL ENCANTADOR TAQUERIA
685 Rockfish Rd., Raeford
MON.-FRI. 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
SAT. 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
SUN. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
910-248-6354
https://elencantadortaquerianc.com/
Bringing the true flavor of Mexican food to the area with a variety of dishes that are always fresh from the kitchen to you.

TAGINE MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
231 Flagstone Ln., Raeford
TUES.-SAT. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SUN. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
910-248-6397
https://taginekebab.com/
Offers a diverse menu featuring a variety of Mediterranean dishes like tagine, shawarma, kebab, lamb chops, and more.

DRAGON HOUSE
1132 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford
MON.-FRI. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
SAT. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
SUN. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
910-479-3676
Serving Asian cuisine such as House Special lo Mein, chicken chow Mein, roast pork with broccoli, and more.

DADDY MAC SEAFORD RESTAURANT
6065 Turnpike Rd., Raeford
WED. & THURS. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
FRI. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SAT. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
910-878-9900
Serving up seafood and Jamaican food and offering dine in or take out—also a sports bar with karaoke and outside events.

PK'S GRILL & PUB
155 Airport Dr., Raeford
MON.-THURS. 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
FRI. & SAT. 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
SUN. 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
910-904-6761
Casual bar and grill offering comfort food and live entertainment, plus skydiving views.