Local News

Fayetteville’s Goodyear Tire Factory to close in 2027

Details

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Written by Paul Woolverton, CityView Today

The massive Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. factory on Ramsey Street north of Fayetteville is set to close in 2027, the company said on Tuesday.
“After extensive efforts to make the Fayetteville, North Carolina facility competitive, Goodyear is in discussions with the United Steelworkers to close the facility by the end of 2027,” Kylie Ulanski, the senior director of Global Manufacturing & Supply Chain Communications, told CityView by email.
“This difficult action is necessary to strengthen Goodyear’s ability to compete in today’s marketplace and support the long‑term health of the business. Our focus is on treating all impacted associates fairly and communicating openly as discussions move forward,” Ulanski said.
Efforts to reach United Steelworkers Local 959 were unsuccessful on May 12.
The plant has about 1,700 hourly and salaried employees, Ulanski said.
Goodyear this month announced that it lost $249 million in the first quarter of 2026.
“The first quarter reflected a challenging environment, marked by weak consumer industry demand in both OE and replacement across the majority of our key geographies,” Goodyear President and CEO Mark Stewart said in a news release on May 6. “OE” stands for “original equipment,” and refers to tires that vehicle manufacturers include with new vehicles.
“Looking ahead, increased pressure on industry demand and higher raw material costs stemming from the conflict in the Middle East require that we continue to take meaningful actions to strengthen our cost structure,” Stewart said.
Community Leaders Brace for Loss
The Fayetteville factory opened in late 1969 after the Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., a Goodyear subsidiary, chose Cumberland County for the plant. The companies merged in 1996. In 2005, the plant took on the Goodyear name, Tyrepress.com reported.
Goodyear has long been one of Cumberland County’s largest and better-paying private employers, and a relatively rare manufacturing operation in a community with an economy dominated by lower-wage retail, rental, real estate, and service businesses that cater to the military families and defense workers of Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the world.
In a joint press release from the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, local elected leaders said they are preparing for the loss.
“While this news is disappointing, Fayetteville has always risen to meet challenges head-on,” Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “We are redoubling our efforts to connect our workforce to new opportunities and ensure our residents are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Our commitment to building a Next Generation workforce has never been more critical.”
Kirk deViere, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, said the city and county will help support employees at the plant.
“Cumberland County cares deeply about every worker and family impacted by this closure,” deViere said. “Together, with our partners at NCWorks, Mid-Carolina Regional Workforce Development Board, Fayetteville Technical Community College, and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the City and County are committed to providing support and resources to those affected.”
The FCEDC will help, too, said Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the economic development agency.
“Assuming the closure proceeds, FCEDC will work in close coordination with state and local workforce development partners to ensure that all impacted employees have seamless access to training programs, job placement services, and other forms of support,” he said.
Key Moments in Goodyear’s Fayetteville History
The archives of The Fayetteville Observer—available online to anyone with a Cumberland County library card—outline the Goodyear factory’s long history. Here are some milestones:
• 1969: In March, Kelly-Springfield selected Cumberland County for a new factory. The $12 million project began making tires in December. It employed 575 people and made 12,500 tires daily.
• 1970: A $40 million expansion was announced that would bring the workforce to 1,700. Later expansions and upgrades followed over the next 25 years.
• 1988: The plant announced a $19 million modernization and expansion. It employed 2,900 people and produced 52,000 tires a day.
• 1994: $33 million in upgrades announced to increase capacity to 65,000 tires a day.
• 2004: Goodyear invested $50 million for upgrades and a new warehouse.
• 2007: The North Carolina General Assembly allocated $60 million for grants to be split between the Goodyear plant in Fayetteville and a Bridgestone Firestone tire factory in Wilson.
Each plant was required to spend $200 million in upgrades and maintain employment of at least 2,000 full-time workers.

Serving spirit, supporting whole person at LIFE

Details

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Written by John Riggio

At LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines, chaplain Robert Wilson starts each day with a simple intention: to help older adults feel seen, supported, and hopeful.

Splash pad, pool, parks & trails guide for this summer in Cumberland County

Details

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Memorial Day, May 25, signals the unofficial beginning of summer and the opening of all pools at Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's no better way to begin the season than by enjoying a cool swim in one of these pools or some water fun at the local splash pad.
With pools launching on Memorial Day, you can expect them to operate fully from Tuesday through Sunday until Labor Day in September.
If you cannot wait until Memorial Day to cool off, the good news is that splash pads are open now! Splash pads offer an excellent option for families to experience water entertainment without requiring a swimming pool.
Splash pads operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. During school sessions, operating hours are modified at specific locations to accommodate students. Most importantly, splash pad access is entirely free.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is dedicated to guaranteeing that all community members have access to enjoyable and safe recreational activities. At the Massey Hill Recreation Center Splash Pad, aquatic wheelchairs are available for checkout during center operating hours for onsite usage. This initiative guarantees that participants with mobility needs can experience the splash pad just like everyone else, making summer entertainment inclusive for all.
Splash Pad Locations
• Eastover Community Park, 2721 Ball Park Road, 910-323-0707
• E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary School, 4665 Lakewood Drive, 910-433-1435
• Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1600 Purdue Drive, 910-433-1569
• Gray's Creek Park, 5151 Celebration Drive, 910-433-1015
• J.S. Spivey Recreation Center, 500 Fisher Street, 910-433-1572
• Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers Street, 910-433-1568
• Lake Rim Recreation Center, 1455 Hoke Loop Road, 910-433-1175
• Linden Little River Community Park, 5010 Loop Road,
910-980-0119
• Mable C. Smith Park, 1367 Shadbush Lane, 910-433-1547
• Massey Hill Recreation Center, 1612 Camden Road, 910-433-1569
• Myers Recreation Center, 1018 Rochester Drive, 910-433-1570
• Spring Lake Recreation Center, 245 Ruth Street, 910-433-1350
• Wade Community Park, 4060 Church Street, 910-485-3502
• Willie J. Burnette Park (Godwin), 4924 Markham Street, 910-980-1000
FCPR pools will be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with operating hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Keith A. Bates, Sr. Pool has special hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.
For residents, the cost is $3 for ages 12 and under and $4 for ages 13 and up. Non-residents will be charged $6 for ages 12 and under and $8 for ages 13 and up. Safety is a top priority at all FCPR pools. Only Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed in the pools to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
Prohibited items include water wings, inner tubes, rafts, noodles, flotation suits, or any other non-Coast Guard-approved devices. Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Pool Locations
• Keith A. Bates, Sr., Pool, 4945 Rosehill Rd, 910-433-1382
This location has a kiddie pool, a larger lap pool with six lanes, and a 24-foot enclosed water slide.
• Ronnie "Chase" Chalmers Pool, 1520 Slater Ave, 910-433-1137
This location has a six-lane lap pool, a wading pool, and a water playground area.
• Lake Rim Aquatic Center, 2265 Tar Kiln Dr, 910-433-1456
This location features a wading pool, in-water playground, six-lane pool, and 18-foot-high water slide.
• Westover Aquatic Center, 266 Bonanza Dr, 910-433-1383
This location has an 8-lane pool, a wading pool, and a 12-foot-high water slide.
Summer also presents an excellent opportunity to spend extended time outdoors and fully take advantage of the wonderful parks and trails available throughout Cumberland County. Many of the parks in the area offer a range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. These include hiking trails, biking paths, fishing spots, boating opportunities, educational nature centers, and sports facilities.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or family-friendly recreation, Cumberland County's parks provide the perfect setting to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
• J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center, 631 Sherman Drive
Clark Park is the second-largest park in the city, featuring a natural woodland area dedicated to environmental preservation and educating the public about North Carolina's diverse plants and wildlife.
• Cross Creek Linear Park, 324 Ray Ave
Cross Creek Linear Park features a scenic walking path that allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the creek and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Spanning 2.8 miles, the park connects Festival Park to Riverside Dog Park, making it an ideal destination for a stroll.
• Lake Rim Park, 2214 Tar Kiln Drive
Explore the one-mile trail, enjoy a game of soccer, or have a delightful family picnic. Lake Rim Park truly has something for everyone.
• Cape Fear River Trail, 511 Sherman Dr
The Cape Fear River Trail is paved and 10 feet wide, making it not only a great option for walking but also accessible to bicycles, rollerblades, and other non-motorized transport. The trail stretches 7 miles along the Cape Fear River.
• Mazarick Park, 1400 Belvedere Ave
This park features a Disc Golf Course, picnic shelters, a playground, tennis courts, and more. Don't miss out on the paved trails around the lake.
• Mable C. Smith Park, 1367 Shadbush Lane
The Mable C. Smith Park has a variety of amenities, including a community center, picnic shelter, playground, splash pad, basketball courts, and a gravel walking trail.
For more information on the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers’ splash pads, pools, parks, and trails, visit their website at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov.

Roger Hall hands keys of DMV office to Jim Trogdon

Details

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Written by Aly Hansen

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles License Plate agency at 3333 N Main St. in Hope Mills has been a part of the community for decades. The agency is responsible for providing the community license plates for their cars, trucks, motorcycles and RVs. They issue handicap plates and placards, and will soon have NC FAST for customers to clear fees for toll roads within the state. They have done this under the direction of Roger Hall for 43 years.
Now however, Hall is taking a step back from the office. In his place will be Jim Trogdon, a Hope Mills native and former Secretary with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Hall took over the office in 1983.
“The DMV office in Hope Mills got shut down due to the previous contractor not abiding by several DMV rules,” he said. “At the time, I had an insurance agency on North Main Street in Hope Mills, and heard the DMV was accepting applications to operate the shut down office. I applied and after an interview, was chosen as the new contractor.”
License Plate Agencies in North Carolina are contracted agencies.
“The DMV is probably the largest state customer facing organization in government, and this is just a portion,” said Trogdon of his soon to be office. “This is the motor vehicle side, which is separate and it's the only part that is contracted. So the government employees do the drivers’ services but contractors run the license plate agency. This is an opportunity to help people with registration and all of those things that are involved with vehicle services.”
Trogdon has been involved with transportation in some form or another for all his life. A South View High School graduate, he decided to go to NC State for his civil engineering degree, where he signed up for ROTC. Trogdon became an engineering officer and spent most of his military career with the NC National Guard. He had several combat deployments and was deployed to 24 countries on humanitarian deployments.
“It was a good opportunity to see the world, and to do engineer missions all over the world,” he said.
Trogdon returned to NC State for graduate school, after which he got a job with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He served in that capacity for 27 years, starting out at the entry level and eventually becoming named Secretary of the NCDOT. He retired as secretary in 2020. He was instrumental in legislation concerning I-295.
“That was part of one of the things I worked on for the region with the DOT: How can we do things like accelerate 295. It had been built all the way to All American, and it was running into some significant funding challenges, and I was able to work on two things which helped,” he said. “One was to be able to start using some bonding programs, so that we could bond those projects and accelerate them instead of waiting ten years. Then we created something called the Strategic Transportation Investments Law, which allowed projects to be selected based on how much traffic they move and how much travel time could be saved, so 295 scored well.”
The Camden and Rockfish roads improvements were also beneficiaries of that law and its process.
“That’s what the region needs to support growth,” he said.
Trogdon isn’t done with transportation yet. This latest venture will see him at the Hope Mills DMV LPA office several times a week. While he currently lives in Pittsboro, his father still lives in Hope Mills, and Trogdon is still very much a part of that community.
“Memories [are my] favorite things about Hope Mills,” he said. “The tightness of the community, I still know a lot of people who live there. My dad still goes to Hope Mills Methodist Church. I can remember growing up, you couldn’t misbehave in public without a relative calling your parents or grandparents. It’s just a tight community. Today of course it is much bigger, and it’s really an opportunity for the community to grow, evolve and change but still support the needs of the residents who are moving in and those who have been there all their lives.”
The Hope Mills DMV office sees roughly 700 transactions a day, Trogdon said. That number of transactions speaks to the efficiency of the workers in the office. Trogdon and other LPA contractors, as well as the Drivers License agencies in the state, are working to modernize the systems and make visits to the DMV smoother and quicker.
But Hall said, the workers at his DMV are already doing a fantastic job.
“The most rewarding part of this job is knowing you helped an individual who struggled understanding what they did wrong concerning their license plate, and you are able to fix it for them. Our staff continuously receive flowers, candy, lunches, etc. from customers showing their appreciation for the fast and friendly service we provide,” he said.
For Trogdon, he’s excited to start this new adventure.
“Me and my wife are honored to serve Hope Mills. We are really excited and we are looking forward to expanding our capabilities and our contributions with this office, giving courtesy and friendly service that all our citizens deserve,” he said.
The Hope Mills DMV is located at 3333 N. Main St., and is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(Photo: The Hope Mills DMV office in June 1983, when Roger Hall took over the contract. Hall will be handing off his contract to Jim Trogdon. Photo courtesy of Roger Hall)