Local News

Sex trafficker convicted

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Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Written by Jeff Thompson

Markus Odon McCormick, 36, was sentenced to serve at least 24 years in state prison following his conviction this month on human trafficking charges. In 2018, police officers conducted a traffic stop which led to an interview with a victim of human trafficking. Fayetteville Police detectives spent three years gathering evidence that resulted in McCormick’s trial. Det. D. Graham had arrested the accused for trafficking two victims for the purpose of sexual servitude. McCormick was found guilty by a jury on two counts of human trafficking, five counts of felony promotion of prostitution, and one count of possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine.

Recylcing schedule change delayed

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Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Written by Jeff Thompson

Bi-weekly recycling has been delayed until August. City officials say material unavailability and production issues caused the delay. Every other week recycling was scheduled to begin this month and was heavily promoted. The delay wasn’t announced until July 1. Recycling customers who have not yet received their new, blue 96-gallon recycling carts should continue using the small carts.

Residents who haven’t received the new ones by Aug. 1 should call 910-433-1329. City crews will eventually collect the old carts which should be left at the curb. “We appreciate your patience as we work to deliver new carts,” Public Services Director Sheila Thomas-Ambat said. “This is a change, but the new schedule will be in line with the industry standard, and we will see cost savings in the future.” She didn’t explain what industry standards govern the use of bigger recycling implements.

New day center for homeless to be built in Fayetteville

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Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Written by Jeff Thompson

The city of Fayetteville is purchasing a warehouse at 128 King St. off Person Street (formerly the Rock Shop) for conversion to a homeless day center. The design contract was awarded to Raleigh-based architectural firm IBI Group which designed Oak City Cares, the Raleigh day center that’s being used as a model for Fayetteville's day center. The building is a 12,800-square-foot warehouse that was built in 2006. $4 million has been provided by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s disaster recovery program. The money will be used to purchase the property, construction, design and equipment. Windows will be installed in the front of the building.
The center will also function as an emergency shelter when needed. Chris Cauley, the city's director of economic and community development said preliminary plans for the day center include shower and laundry facilities, a large community room for people to use computers and charge their devices, plus a warming kitchen and offices.

Curbside pickup now available at Fort Bragg commissaries

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Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Written by Keyuri Parab

Fort Bragg commissaries are now offering their ‘CLICK2GO’ curbside grocery pick up services to all Department of Defense ID card holders.

Both the North and South post commissaries will offer the service and allow customers to order up to 6 days in advance, with the option to make changes to their order for up to 6 hours before pickup time.

You can find this service at the local commissary website as well as commissaries.com or go to shopcommisaries.com, where customers can order and pay online, and pick a time for curbside pickup.

“With the system, we have signage to identify designated parking spaces,” said Tanya Cooksey, business analyst/product coordinator for Defense Commissary Agency.

“When the customer pulls up into a designated parking space, there’s a phone number on the sign, and the sign rings inside and alerts the commissary team member who will dispatch someone to retrieve
the order.”

The ‘CLICK2GO’ service provides contactless delivery to the customers, where, after showing them your ID, the team member will place the items in the backseat or trunk of the car, Cooksey said.

“The hours vary by store but the average operating hours by store is Tuesday through Friday and the operating hours are usually between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.,” Cooksey said. “For the past year or so there was a $4.95 service fee but as of recently waived so customers no longer have to pay the service fee.”

The curbside pickup is a part of DeCa’s e-commerce initiative which began in 2013 as an incentive to attract millennials with commissary privileges to use the services.

“But we are finding that everyone loves this service, retirees, new enlistees, everyone,” Cooksey said. “It’s just convenient.”

Last year the service added eight stores in the program but are now aiming at adding all 236 stores to the service by the end of the year, she said.

For more information on the program or to check store hours visit www.commissaries.com/shopping/click-2-go.