Local News

County seeking new estimate for downtown Event Center

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Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Written by Paul Woolverton, CityView Today

The costs for building Cumberland County’s downtown Crown Event Center could exceed the $145 million budgeted for the project, so the county’s Board of Commissioners is seeking a new construction estimate, Commissioners Chair Kirk deViere announced on Monday.
And the county has hired the DavisKane architecture firm of Raleigh, deViere said, to see what it would cost to rehabilitate and modernize the old Crown Arena and Crown Theatre on U.S. 301 — the facilities that the 3,000-seat Event Center performing arts and meeting facility is supposed to replace.
DeViere announced these plans after the commissioners met in a behind-closed-doors session for about 3 hours and 25 minutes. This followed previous closed-to-the-public meetings last week for discussion on the Event Center. The commissioners’ vote to exclude the public from their Monday deliberations was 6-1, with Commissioner Glenn Adams voting against going into secret session.
In early March, construction of the Event Center was paused 30 days so that lawyer J. Scott Flowers of Fayetteville could investigate a $1.9 million architect’s fee from the EwingCole firm. After receiving what deViere said was a 1,000-plus page report on the fee, the commissioners voted April 7 to lift the pause on the project.
County Attorney Rick Moorefield told CityView by email last week that the 1,000-page Flowers report is considered to be an attorney work product and is not a public record, meaning members of the general public won’t be allowed to read it or get a copy. “When the legal matter it was prepared for is resolved, it will become available,” Moorefield said.
Site preparation for the Event Center, on Gillespie Street on a parking lot in front of the County Courthouse, began in October.
The next phase is the construction of the building, deViere said. Before the county starts that phase, it is seeking updates on the cost and how long it will take to complete. Plans had been to finish the Event Center in April 2027.
DeViere estimated information on new costs and new completion dates will come back in 30 to 60 days.
Further, deViere said, the commissioners received an update on the financing plan to pay for the Event Center.
“As you can imagine, with what’s happening across the nation right now and what’s happening with the construction costs, we wanted to have a better understanding with a couple scenarios of what are — what the financing package would sustain,” he said. “And we got some good feedback on that as well.
“So we wanted to clearly understand, if the Crown Event Center is built downtown, that the financing model that was put in place previously sustains any expected increase in cost, and we were satisfied with that.”
With that and a new estimate for the next phase of construction, “that will give us a total updated cost,” he said.
The 4,500-to-5,000 seat Crown Arena and the 2,400-seat Crown Theatre opened in the late 1960s. They used to be known as the Cumberland County Memorial Arena and Auditorium. The county began considering around 2015 whether to rehabilitate or update the facilities when it settled an Americans With Disabilities Act lawsuit from a Fayetteville woman who used a wheelchair. The woman sued in 2014 because she had difficulty getting around and using the properties in her wheelchair.
DeViere said there has not been an assessment of upgrading the Arena and Theatre since 2015. So now the county hired DavisKane to look into that.
Does this mean the commissioners are considering canceling the Event Center and instead will modernize the Crown Arena and Crown Theatre?
“We are asking for an updated cost to modernize and renovate the theater and the arena. Nothing more, nothing less,” deViere said. “When you look at all the information that’s been provided over three years — from community input, to parking studies, to all these things — the one piece of data point that wasn’t there except from 2015, was an updated renovation and modernization for that.”
Members of the public and press have asked about renovating the old facilities, he said, “and we feel that it’s a responsible action by the board to have that number [of the estimated cost].”

Salvation Army abruptly closes Fayetteville homeless shelter

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Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Written by Evey Weisblat, CityView Today

At least 50 people who were staying at the emergency homeless shelter run by the Salvation Army in downtown Fayetteville were told to leave upon waking up Tuesday morning, as the shelter would be closed immediately and indefinitely.
The Salvation Army shared the news in a press release on Tuesday, citing a lack of funding to support its operations at the Pathway to Hope shelter, located at 245 Alexander St.
“We have no funding partners, and we cannot continue to offer shelter without funding,” said Aaron Goldfarb of The Salvation Army of the Sandhills Region. “This difficult decision weighs heavily on all of us as we understand the vital role this shelter plays in our community.”
Fifty to sixty individuals were discharged from the shelter Tuesday morning, according to Assistant County Manager Heather Skeens, who shared the news at a Cumberland-Fayetteville Opioid Response Team meeting on Tuesday. Residents of the shelter were taken to the Day Resource Center following the Salvation Army’s closure Tuesday morning. Staffers of Coordinated Entry, a referral service that helps unhoused individuals find permanent housing, were stationed at the center on South King Street to assist those discharged from the shelter.
“We have rerouted Coordinated Entry staff over to the Day Resource Center to try to assist those individuals,” Skeens said. “They are offering transportation to the Salvation Army in Raleigh for those individuals who want to go to that shelter.”
The shelter’s closing is especially significant because it was one of the largest homeless shelters in Cumberland County and the primary emergency shelter for people to get quick access to a bed. While the other shelters in the county cater to specific groups of people, the Salvation Army shelter accepted families, as well as single men and single women. The 2024 Point in Time count located 374 people experiencing homelessness in the county, though determining the exact number of individuals is difficult. The real number is likely much higher as the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Continuum of Care provided services to 800 individuals between fall of 2022 and 2023.
Local government officials expressed concern about Pathway to Hope’s sudden closure.
“We are deeply concerned about the Salvation Army’s announcement regarding the immediate closure of the emergency shelter in Fayetteville,” said Kirk deViere, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, in a statement provided to CityView. “This shelter has been a vital resource for our most vulnerable residents, and its closure creates a gap in our community’s safety net. We recognize the critical importance of emergency shelters in our region and will work with the Salvation Army and alongside community partners to address this vital need.”
Pathway to Hope includes a year-round temporary shelter. Pathway to Hope was also used by the county as a “White Flag” shelter for people experiencing homelessness during freezing nights. A White Flag shelter is a heated space for unsheltered people to escape dangerously cold temperatures.
The organization has faced challenges in the last year around its White Flag program. In November, as freezing temperatures ramped up, the Salvation Army of the Sandhills announced it would no longer be able to serve as a White Flag shelter for Cumberland County.
The Salvation Army said a “lack of funding partners” drove its decision to close its doors Tuesday.
“The Salvation Army has been operating at a deficit for months, with no hope of new funding for the shelter,” the press release states.
At the end of last year, however, the City of Fayetteville had offered $50,000 through a proposed city contract to support continued White Flag nights there, which continued throughout winter 2024. According to Loren Bymer, the city’s marketing and communications director, the city had also provided information about available funding sources to the Salvation Army.
“The City educated the Salvation Army on potential funding sources available to apply for and provided assistance as requested,” Bymer said in an email to CityView.
What will happen to those who were staying in the shelter?
Kevin, a man who had been staying at the shelter for the past month, told CityView he and other occupants were informed of the plans to close the shelter early Tuesday morning, and told they had until 9 a.m. to pack up their belongings. He said he was returning from work to change his clothes when he was informed of the evictions.
Kevin said staff did not initially provide a reason for dislodging the residents.
“But they didn’t give no explanation or nothing, just said everybody gotta be packed up by 9,” he told CityView.
When Kevin pressed a shelter manager for a reason, he said the manager told him “funding was gone” and there was a shortage of employees. Like other single men and women staying at the shelter, Kevin was not provided with immediate accommodations and was directed to Coordinated Entry.
“I’m out here searching for another place,” Kevin said. “I don’t got nowhere to go, and hopefully I won’t lose my job because I got to find a bed to stay in.”
The Salvation Army declined to comment beyond what was available in the press release. Jamie Goldfarb of the Salvation Army of the Sandhills told CityView she did not immediately recall how many individuals were staying at the shelter Tuesday morning. The press release states that 26 single men and women were staying there, in addition to several families.
Several nonprofit organizations that work with the homeless community, as well as local governments, said they were informed of the closure either late Monday night or Tuesday morning.
Debbie Brown, chair of the CoC’s board of directors, said her program had been informed of the shelter’s closing but could not provide additional information to CityView. CoC oversees the Coordinated Entry program. The Salvation Army said it had “secured alternative housing arrangements” for the families who were staying at the shelter. The nonprofit organization also said it was working with the CoC to find housing for the 26 single men and women who were staying at the shelter.
Several local nonprofits and individuals who support people experiencing homelessness took to social media, offering assistance in the wake of the closure. The City of Fayetteville also said it is working to support the CoC in responding to the shelter’s closing.
“Recognizing the critical role the Salvation Army played in serving vulnerable populations [in] our community, city officials have been working alongside other leaders to ensure that displaced residents receive essential services,” Bymer said. “Collaborative efforts with the CoC and County include coordinating with TruVine Ministry, Manna Church, and Cornerstone Empowerment Center for at-risk individuals.
“By proactively combining resources and expertise, Fayetteville aims to support Cumberland County and the community’s response to bridge the gap left by the Salvation Army’s closure and maintain a safety net that upholds the community’s well-being.”

Pate's Farm Market: Fayetteville's ultimate one-stop shop

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Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Pate's Farm Market is the culmination of a lifelong dream for owner Michael Pate. Raised in the world of fresh produce and quality goods, Michael honed his skills working for his father, William Pate, at the Reilly Road Farmers Market. This humble beginning, which started as a roadside stand, has blossomed into a comprehensive market located at 6411 Raeford Road, Fayetteville.
In 2021, the Reilly Road Farmers Market and Carolina Market combined their offerings under one roof to form Pate's Farm Market. This new venture allowed Michael to expand his vision, providing the community with a rich variety of products and services, all while maintaining the quality and charm of its predecessors.
At Pate's Farm Market in Fayetteville, the community is in for a treat with the freshest produce around. This market features an outstanding variety of local fruits and vegetables, along with an array of tropical options and a selection of nuts. They also have a range of organic goods that are sure to please health-conscious shoppers. The dedication to excellence is evident in their meat shop as well, reminiscent of a time when visiting the neighborhood butcher for freshly cut, personalized meats was the norm.
Whether organizing a family meal or filling the pantry with the essentials for the week, Pate's guarantees customers receive nothing short of excellence. Their unwavering commitment to superior quality and a wide selection transforms grocery shopping into an enjoyable and satisfying activity.
Pate's Farm Market stands as a year-round destination, continually offering a diverse range of seasonal products. As spring and summer arrive, the nursery bursts into a lively display with a variety of flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs, catering to gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. When fall rolls in, the market takes on a new character, showcasing an impressive collection of pumpkins, mums, pansies and Halloween decorations, turning the entire place into a festive and enchanting wonderland.
As the winter season draws near, Pate's Tree Farm in Troutdale, Virginia, offers the finest Fraser Fir Trees available. These exceptional Christmas trees, coupled with an array of yard decorations, guarantee holiday celebrations will be filled with joy and cheer.
Pate's Farm Market isn't just a place to shop for groceries; it also boasts a convenient hot bar that makes life easier for its customers. Ideal for grabbing a quick lunch or dinner, this feature allows busy families to enjoy mouth-watering, country-style meals without the stress of preparing food at home.
Each day, the hot bar presents an assortment of dishes, ensuring there’s always something to appeal to everyone’s taste buds. This addition is just one of the many ways Pate's Farm Market enriches the shopping experience by merging convenience with top-notch quality.
Pate's Farm Market takes great pride in its commitment to uplifting the local community. They achieve this by obtaining fruits, vegetables, and other products from nearby farmers and sellers. This approach not only helps to strengthen the local economy but also encourages environmentally friendly practices. By prioritizing local sourcing, Pate's Farm Market ensures that their customers receive fresh, high-quality items while also fostering a sense of community and supporting small businesses.
Michael Pate's dedication to his community and the pursuit of excellence shines through in every detail of the market. From the warm and welcoming employees to the thoughtfully selected goods, Pate's Farm Market serves as a powerful example of the importance of championing local enterprises and eco-friendly agriculture. The market is more than just a place to shop; it's a celebration of community spirit and sustainable practices, where each visit offers a chance to experience the benefits of supporting homegrown businesses.

(Photo courtesy of Pate's Farm Market Facebook)

Wife accused of killing retired SF husband denied bond

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Tuesday, 15 April 2025

Written by Bill Kirby Jr., CityView Today

You could feel the angst of family members on March 31 before the wife of a retired Special Forces soldier would stand in front of a Cumberland County District Court judge on charges of taking her husband’s life at the couple’s rural home in the Gray’s Creek community.
Stefanie Firkins, sister of the deceased Clinton “Clint” Bonnell, appeared apprehensive, occasionally fidgeting with the necklace around her neck as she awaited the appearance of Shana Lea Cloud, 50, who is accused of murdering her 50-year-old husband and concealing his death, since the former Green Beret first was reported missing on Jan. 28.
Seated behind Firkins was Razzie Cloud, daughter of Shana Cloud. She appeared stoic and somber, her lips often tightly clinched.
“You are charged with first-degree murder,” Judge Frances McDuffie Britt told the defendant.
Shana Cloud appeared calm and revealed little emotion.
She acknowledged to the judge that longtime Fayetteville lawyer James MacRae Jr. would be her defense attorney.
Otherwise, Shana Cloud appeared subdued throughout the first appearance proceeding.
District attorney details evidence
“I’m going to listen now to the district attorney,” the judge said, “about your bond.”
No bond, Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West Jr. argued.
Evidence, per the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office homicide unit detectives, points to Shana Cloud in the shooting death of her husband on the morning of Jan. 28, West said, when Clint Bonnell was scheduled for class in the physician assistant program at Methodist University in north Fayetteville.
Clinton Bonnell, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, last was seen on Jan. 27 at the Fit4Life health business along Owen Drive.
“They were together at the same time,” West said about Bonnell and his wife. “Mr. Bonnell then went to Methodist University.”
He told the judge that Bonnell never left his home on Jan. 28.
The defendant, West said, did not “file a missing person,” report about her husband. The prosecutor, as well as Assistant District Attorney Rob Thompson, told the judge Clint Bonnell’s book bag, as well as his laptop computer, revealed evidence of bullet holes consistent with his fatal injuries.
The soldier’s remains were discovered Feb. 25 at a home along Gainey Road, according to the CCSO, after a 911 call was made about a partial body floating in a pond behind the home. Gainey Road is about three miles from Clinton Bonnell’s home.
“It did not have legs or arms or a head,” West told the judge.
West said there is digital evidence of Shana Cloud near Gainey Road on Jan. 29, and not far from the pond.
DNA was obtained from the unidentified remains and sent to the North Carolina State Crime Lab to obtain a DNA profile, according to a news release from the CCSO. The DNA profile was then sent to the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System for comparison with his military service profile. The AFMES, according to the release, confirmed on March 28 that the DNA was a match for the missing military veteran.
Shana Lea Cloud was arrested and charged on March 28, according to the CCSO, without incident at her Butler Nursery Road home.
‘She very much loves her husband’
James MacRae argued his client is “a model citizen” with no prior criminal record, and she has cooperated “in every respect” with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
“She very much loves her husband,” MacRae said. “She is charged with first-degree murder, and we will defend her.”
Razzie Cloud, MacRae said, believes her mother is innocent.
“She does not believe her mother is involved in her father’s death,” he told the judge.
Shana Cloud, the defense lawyer said, is not a flight risk.
“She never tried to evade law enforcement,” MacRae said.
He argued that Shana Cloud should be granted bail and be monitored electronically by law enforcement, aka house arrest.
“We would ask that rather than [for her] to sit in a Cumberland County jail ‘for years,’” MacRae pleaded with the judge. “She is not a danger to the community. I have spoken to neighbors who are behind her.”
He said, too, that Cloud was terminated from her job as a traveling nurse at a Virginia Correctional Center in Troy, Virginia, as a result of her arrest.
‘A heinous case’
Judge Britt looked at Shana Cloud.
“Mr. MacRae has done an excellent job on your behalf,” she said. “You are considered innocent” unless proven otherwise.
But …
“This is a heinous case,” the judge said, and because it is a capital murder case, no bond. Britt scheduled Shana Lea Cloud’s next court appearance for April 17.
West, 50, later told media outside the detention center that the motivation behind Bonnell’s death may have been a pending divorce initiated by Bonnell the day before Bonnell went missing. CCSO detectives, he said, learned that Bonnell told his wife of his plans for divorce. His girlfriend, who reported Bonnell missing on Jan. 29, sat beside Bonnell’s sister during Monday’s hearing.
Defense attorney MacRae also met with the media.
“I want you to know that Mrs. Cloud is innocent,” he said, “and looks forward to her day in court.”
The day was traumatic for Stefanie Firkins, 47, who has believed all along that Shana Cloud is responsible for her brother’s death and disappearance. She sat about 10 feet, separated by a pane of glass, from the woman accused of taking her brother’s life. Shana Cloud did not appear to look Firkins’ way.
A traumatic day for a daughter who has written on her Facebook account about her love for her surrogate father, whom she says taught her to dance and sing and prepare for beauty pageants as a teenager and achieve her dreams.
A heart-wrenching day for a daughter who believes in her mother’s innocence. Heart-wrenching for a sister who had to learn not only details of a brother’s murder, but the dismemberment of a brother’s body after his death.
“Clint was an incredible human who sacrificed so much for others and dedicated his life to the betterment of this world,” Firkins wrote on her Facebook page on March 28. “To be taken from us prematurely at the hands of evil will never be understood … Our family will continue to fight for justice in Clint’s name.”

UCW Editor's Note: The Let's Walk it Out Ruck - 222 Mile Ruck March, written about for the March 19 edition of Up & Coming Weekly, dedicated the second leg of their march to Camp LeJeune on April 4 to the life and legacy of Special Forces Sgt. Clint Bonnell.
"A warrior, a leader, and a beloved brother, Clint dedicated his life to serving others­—both on and off the battlefield," their Facebook post said.