Local News

Health & Wellness: Measles awareness: Symptoms, prevention, when to seek care

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Lia Tremblay

Measles is once again making headlines as cases and exposures are reported in parts of North Carolina, including Cumberland County. Health experts say the best way to protect yourself and your family is to stay informed and make sure vaccinations are up to date.
Nikki Carter, an Infection Preventionist with Infection Control at Cape Fear Valley Health, says measles is much more than a rash.
“People often think of the rash first, but measles actually starts much like other viral illnesses,” Carter said. “Fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes are often some of the first symptoms people notice.”
Measles is an acute respiratory virus that spreads very easily from person to person through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even breathes. It is considered highly contagious because the virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
“People can spread measles before they even know they are sick,” Carter said. “That is one of the reasons it can move so quickly through a community.”
Early symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure. A rash usually develops three to five days later, often beginning on the face before spreading down the body. A person with measles is contagious for about four days before[AC1.1] the rash appears through four days after it develops.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person with measles can infect 12 to 18 other people who are not immune. While anyone can get measles, some people are at greater risk for serious illness and complications, including children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Complications can range from ear infections and diarrhea to more serious conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and swelling of the brain. The good news is that measles is largely preventable through vaccination. The measles vaccine is given as part of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
According to the CDC, one dose of the vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective.
“Most people are already protected because the vaccine has been part of the childhood vaccination schedule for many years,” Carter said. “If you are not sure whether you have been vaccinated, talk with your medical provider.”
If you think you may have been exposed to measles, contact your healthcare provider or local health department right away. People who are not vaccinated or do not have immunity may need to stay home from work, school and public places for up to 21 days after exposure.
If you develop symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, confusion or extreme weakness, seek medical care right away. Before visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care facility, or emergency department, call ahead and inform the staff that you may have measles, so they can take steps to protect other patients and staff.
“Staying informed and staying protected is the best thing you can do for yourself, your family and your community,” Carter said.

Gates Four to host 2028 Women’s Golf Championship

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Erin C. Healy

Gates Four Golf & Country Club on Irongate Drive in Fayetteville is adding another event to its prestigious lineup. The National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Women’s Golf Championship will be held at the classically designed course in 2028. The Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau aided with the club’s winning proposal. Approximately 150 golfers will participate over the week-long event, held May 8-11, 2028. Accompanying coaches, parents, and spectators will not only be supporting women’s golf and junior college athletics in general, but also area hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Gates Four opened in 1967. Since 1974, it’s been under the ownership of the Riddle family, starting with the late J.P. Riddle. The family took a deliberately strategic approach to the development of its golfing community. Originally slated for 900 homes, it is just now opening 300 lots in its final phase. Architect Willard Byrd designed the 18-hole course in 1967, and in 2011, it was redesigned by Kris Spence. New bent-grass greens, restored bunkers and pine-tree-lined fairways keep it on the list of top courses. In particular, the U.S. Golf Association-specified greens area consists of a blend of A1/A4 bent grass, providing optimum putting surfaces throughout, no matter the season.
Kevin Lavertu has been the club’s general manager for 15 years. Originally from Maine and a PGA golf professional, his position affords him the means to make a living while indulging his love for golf. PGA golf pros are certified experts in golf instruction, management and operations. He’s been instrumental in hosting other top golfing events at Gates Four, including the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Men’s National Golf Championship, the Cumberland County Golf Championship, plus charity and social golf outings.
Preparations for the 72-hole tournament will begin two to three months before the event. Cleaning, laying sod, adding sand to the bunkers, designing T-shirts, collecting gifts and arranging a possible tour of Fort Bragg are all on the list of things to do. When the golfers arrive, they will have Sunday to practice, followed by four days of 18-holes each.
The charitable contribution made by Gates Four is closing its club to members for the duration of the competition. In addition, rules officials and volunteers need to be organized. There seems to be little standing in the way of Gates Four hosting even larger events in the future. The club has previously handled golf competitions with $200,000 purses. Lavertu’s is confident the club, its knowledgeable staff and the community at large can entertain even larger events going forward.
The NJCAA moves its Division I championship to different locations across the country each year, ensuring it’s fair to all participants and that no golfer has a home-course advantage. The NJCAA is the governing body for two-year college athletics in the U.S. It is the second largest intercollegiate athletic organization in the country behind the National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA. The NJCAA was founded in 1938, and it includes over 500 member colleges in 44 states with over 70,000 students receiving athletic opportunities in 28 sports.
During the bidding process, the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau escorted the NJCAA representatives around the area. They saw that Fayetteville had the accommodations and amenities to comfortably serve the influx of people. The military connection was another draw. Lavertu conducted the tour of Gates Four for the NJCAA officials. The conclusion was that the course is attractive, and it offered an every-club-in-the-bag challenge for their golfers.
Up & Coming Weekly is excited to follow Gates Four’s journey and provide updates to the community about this wonderful event.

In Loving Memory of Merrilyn Bowman

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Sheila Barker

Editor's Note: This last week, the Up & Coming Weekly family lost a special person. Merrilyn Bowman always had a smile on her face and a kind word for those of us in the office.
Merrilyn was a major supporter of children's literacy and served as the Chair of the Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation. She also served as President of Merrigold Publishing Inc., the publishing company behind Kidsville News!
She made us all feel special by showing up to our birthday celebrations and holiday lunches, and her support of the UCW team made us all feel valued.
She will be incredibly missed.
As the UCW family mourns, we thank the community for your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly community newspaper.
— Aly Hansen, Editor

Merrilyn Elaine Harrison Bowman, 78, of Fayetteville, died on April 30, 2026 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center after a brief illness.
Merrilyn was born in Kyoto, Japan where her father was stationed, but spent most of her life in Fayetteville. She is the daughter of Colonel Merrit and Doris Harrison. She is a graduate of Fayetteville Senior High School.
She worked with and retired from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Cumberland County Center. She enjoyed her work with the growers and farmers of Cumberland County and the relationships she made with coworkers over the years.
Merrilyn enjoyed visits with her sons and grandchildren, the arts, yardwork and reading. She excelled at managing a well-kept home. William (Bill) Bowman was the love of her life. They were married in 1980 in Fayetteville where they made their home.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Bill; son Leonard Thagard Jr. and his wife, Donna, of Raleigh, and their sons, Nicholas and John; son Grady McLeod Bowman and his wife, Kate, and their daughter, Guthrie, of Decatur, Georgia; and her sisters, Gail Joyner of Wake Forest and Kathy Bass of Fayetteville.
She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Merrit Harrison Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Worth Joyner.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at 11 a.m. at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home, 500 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville North Carolina with Rev. Archie Barringer officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at Two Brothers Catering located at 806 Katie St. in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kidsville News Literacy and Education Foundation, c/o Up & Coming Weekly, 225 Ray Avenue, Suite 204, Fayetteville North Carolina 28301.

New to the Neighborhood

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Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Written by Staff Report

Fayetteville and its surrounding communities continue to see a wave of new energy as recently opened businesses bring fresh opportunities to shop, dine, and connect. Major retailers and incoming brands are investing in the region, signaling continued confidence in the local economy and offering residents even more reasons to explore what’s new around town.

QDOBA Mexican Eats
4401 Ramsey St.
910-912-1003
https://tinyurl.com/bde8nzt2
QDOBA announced the opening of its newest location in Fayetteville on March 11.
QDOBA Mexican Eats is a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in customizable Mexican-inspired dishes. Renowned for its modern atmosphere and efficient service, it has become a popular choice for both quick sit-down meals and takeout. Guests can create their own burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas, selecting from a variety of proteins, salsas, and toppings. One of the standout features of QDOBA is that guacamole and the signature 3-cheese queso are typically included at no extra cost with most entrees.
In addition to dine-in options, this location will offer online ordering for pickup and provide catering services for larger groups or events.

Kandle Queens Candle Company
8164 Fayetteville Rd., Raeford
910-565-2040
https://kandlequeens.com/
Kandle Queens proudly celebrated its grand opening on April 18. Located in Raeford, Kandle Queens Candle Company is a boutique retailer specializing in handcrafted home fragrance products. The shop is designed to be a destination for high-quality, artisanal candles and related accessories.
Kandle Queens focuses on small-batch production, offering a diverse selection of scented candles and wax melts, each crafted with unique fragrance profiles. In addition to their charming storefront, customers can explore their full collection online.

Cleopatra Ink Tattoo & Piercing Studio
150 Francam Dr., #112
910-797-0185
https://tinyurl.com/ewphtcsc
Cleopatra Ink proudly celebrated its grand opening on March 24. The studio is committed to maintaining high hygiene standards and creating a professional, modern environment that offers a personalized art experience. Their talented artists specialize in a diverse array of techniques, including black and gray realism, fine line work, minimalist designs, and custom cover-ups. They offer customers free design consultations, where you can collaborate directly with their artists to develop unique concepts tailored to their vision.

Keep An Eye Open For…
• Dutch Bros is set to open at 3619 Ramsey St. While the building and signage are already in place, an official opening date has yet to be announced. The new location has taken over the former Clutch Coffee space and is designed for efficiency, featuring a drive-thru that prioritizes high-volume service rather than a sit-down coffee experience.
In addition to a wide variety of coffee options, the menu includes iced drinks, blended coffees, teas, lemonades, and their popular Rebel energy drinks, all of which can be highly customized to suit your taste. Stay tuned for more updates.
• The Back Nine is excited to announce its expansion into the Fayetteville market with a new location at the Westwood Shopping Center. This facility operates as a 24/7 indoor golf center dedicated to its members. It boasts state-of-the-art Full Swing simulators, renowned for their exceptional realism and utilized by professional golfers such as Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm.
These simulators offer detailed insights into ball flight and swing mechanics, making them ideal for both serious practice and casual play. Unlike typical "entertainment-first" venues, The Back Nine emphasizes a focused, private club atmosphere where golfers can enjoy iconic courses or engage in virtual leagues.
• A new Publix is going up in the new Rockfish Village at the intersection of Rockfish Road and King Road. This store will be unlike other Publix in the area, because it will have a second story. Scheduled to open in Fall 2026. In addition to Publix, the Rockfish Village will have nearly 28,500 square feet of space for other smaller retail shops and restaurants.