Local News

Gray’s Creek schools will get city water by 2026

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Tuesday, 01 April 2025

Written by Paul Woolverton, CityView Today

Children at two schools in Gray’s Creek have not been allowed to drink from the water fountains since it was discovered in 2017 that the schools’ well water is contaminated with cancer-causing PFAS “forever chemicals.”
The schools have instead used bottled water.
Now two things are happening to help the students and staff at Gray’s Creek Elementary and Alderman Road Elementary:
As a temporary measure, Cumberland County this summer is putting filters on the schools’ water systems to extract the PFAS chemicals. The County Board of Commissioners approved this plan in January.
By June 2026, more than 3.3 miles of water lines from the Fayetteville Public Works Commission should reach the schools. The project will cost $11.82 million, including the design, purchase of right-of-way, construction and other expenses. Construction is to begin in September.
The well water contamination of the schools — plus many other properties in the area — is thought to have come from the Chemours chemical plant about 4 miles from the schools. The county is suing Chemours because of its emissions of GenX and PFAS chemicals over the years.
The PWC’s board received an update on the water line plans on Wednesday from PWC Water Resources Engineer A.J. Riddle. The Fayetteville Public Works Commission is the city-owned utility company that provides electricity, water and sewer service to much of Fayetteville and surrounding communities.
This extension of water service to the schools is being paid for with a $12 million grant that the N.C. General Assembly included in the biennial state budget in 2023. The money was released to PWC in April 2024, PWC CEO Tim Bryant said.
Also in April of last year the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and PWC announced their partnership to bring water to Gray’s Creek Elementary and Alderman Road Elementary.
It was difficult to arrange to get the $12 million grant, PWC Commissioner Ronna Rowe Garrett said following Riddle’s presentation.
“This has been going on for years, guys, so we’re at a climax, if you will. So I’m happy to see some movement,” she said. “It took a minute to get the people to the table, to have some agreement and to have some movement.” She praised the staff of PWC who helped make it happen.
Fayetteville City Council Member Derrick Thompson, who attended the PWC meeting Wednesday as the city council’s liaison, asked whether property owners along the route will be allowed to connect to the new water lines.
This is part of an effort to bring water to the community overall, CEO Bryant told him. “We’re working on it,” he said.
Four Cumberland lawmakers voted against the grant
The legislature in September 2023 approved a $29.6 billion state budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The $12 million grant to PWC for the Gray’s Creek water main was one line of a 625-page document. The budget was drafted by the Republican leaders of the General Assembly, and all but five Democratic lawmakers voted against it.
Then-Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, had disagreements with other items in the budget. For example, he felt it did not sufficiently support public schools, it had new laws that weakened the power of North Carolina governors, and it had a new law to hide lawmaker emails from the public. Cooper allowed the budget bill to become law without his signature.
The Democratic lawmakers who voted against the budget — and the $12 million PWC grant — included four Democrats from Cumberland County.
They are Democratic state Sen. Val Applewhite of Fayetteville, Rep. Charles Smith of Fayetteville, Rep. Frances Jackson of Hope Mills, and now-former Rep. Marvin Lucas of Spring Lake.
Republican state Sen. Tom McInnis of Pinehurst and Republican House Rep. Diane Wheatley of Cumberland County voted for the budget and the $12 million grant.

Editor's note: This article has been edited down for space. To see the article in its entirety, visit http://bit.ly/3E1LDZe

Vietnam Veterans honored at pin ceremony on Fort Bragg

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Tuesday, 01 April 2025

Written by April Olsen, Fort Bragg Public Affairs

Garrison Commander Col. Chad Mixon and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Scott presented lapel pins to Vietnam Veterans in a ceremony hosted by the North Post Exchange March 28, the day before National Vietnam Veterans Day is celebrated in communities across the country.
“It means somebody recognizes us, we were there, we did serve,” said retired Master Sgt. Carl Day, 83, who attended the ceremony. “Back in the day, we came home and people spit on us.”
It was a vastly different reception in the 1960s and 70s than what many Veterans today receive when they rotate back stateside after a combat tour, he said.
Day retired after 27 years in the Army, serving a total of 5 years in Vietnam.
“My first trip over there, I was a straight leg infantryman,” Day recalled, adding that he served the rest of his career as a supply sergeant. He retired in 1986 and now lives in Anderson Creek, N.C.
Unlike many other Veterans from the local area who attended the ceremony, Day was never assigned to Fort Bragg. He chose this area after retirement partly because of the access to military health care and local Veterans Administration facilities.
“I didn’t initially go to the VA,” Day said. It wasn’t until a cancer diagnosis from a civilian doctor convinced Day to seek out VA services.
Reluctance to seek assistance is not uncommon for Veterans, said Tridell Winder, who works in Fort Bragg’s Veterans Benefits Office located in the Soldier Support Center on Normandy Drive. Her office addresses this through outreach at events like the pinning ceremony, where she provided information on resources available as she answered questions from Veterans and family members.
“Our primary focus is pre-discharge as Soldiers are transitioning out of service,” Winder said. “But we help everybody that comes into the office.”
For Soldiers leaving service, assistance usually involves helping them file claims, appeals or re-evaluations. They also help family members apply for death benefits.
For outreach events like the pinning ceremony, Winder said she provides information on presumptive conditions associated with service in Vietnam, such as Agent Orange, and the PACT Act.
In addition to recognition and gratitude for their service, Veterans at the ceremony also received an AAFES gift bag, gift card, and a gift certificate for the North Post Food Court.
“The ceremony and pin presentation aims to thank and honor the 6.6 million living Veterans and their families,” said Dawn Holland, the North Post AAFES Main Store Manager, who hosted the event.
The U.S.A. Vietnam War Commemoration was authorized by Congress and launched in 2012 to honor the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam on March 29, 1973. By Presidential proclamation, the Commemoration continues through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025.
“Today’s ceremony is a ‘thank you’ to our Veterans and their families,” said Mixon during the event. “This is the last year we’ll have the ceremony … we’re honored to be part of this [Commemoration], which has given out over 3 million pins.”
Vietnam era Veterans who served at any time during the period from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible to receive a lapel pin. Those who have not been able to attend a ceremony in person, can request one be mailed to them by visiting www.army.mil/vietnamwar/ for information.

(Photo: Fort Bragg Garrison Commander Col. Chad Mixon (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Scott (center) thank retired Sgt.1st Class Jimmy Kirby for his service during the Vietnam Veterans Pin Ceremony on March 28. Photo by April Olsen, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs)

Government Watch: Cumberland County, City of Fayetteville updates

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Tuesday, 01 April 2025

Written by Jami McLaughlin

Cumberland County
On March 17, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners met in the Historic County Courthouse and voted unanimously to ratify a contract with Hutchens Law Firm to investigate the contracts and financials related to the Crown Event Center project.
The Board of Commissioners voted on March 5 to suspend all work on the Crown Event Center, approved in 2022, for 30 days in order to review and investigate the scope, schedule and budget for the project. Currently, it is budgeted at $144.5 million and is scheduled to open Spring 2027.
The board also approved a water services agreement for Grays Creek Phase 1, which helps address access to essential water services, including getting public potable water to Alderman Road and Gray’s Creek Elementary Schools and allowing connections from residents along the route impacted by PFAS contamination.

City of Fayetteville
On March 24, the Fayetteville City Council authorized staff to move forward with applying for a North Carolina 911 grant utilizing professional services for a stand-alone 911 Call Center.
The 21,000 square foot facility project, which was identified as a top priority in 2022, was recently put on hold as the board discussed either consolidating with Cumberland County and their new facility built in 2022, or building a second building for the City of Fayetteville. Neither government agency could agree on a satisfactory merger of the two public safety answering points, according to the 911 Center & Schrader Group Architecture report in the agenda packet.
City Manager Doug Hewett also updated the City Council on their 2025 strategic plan priorities:
• Integrate a comprehensive approach to violence reduction and mental health response
• Continue the City's commitment to revitalization efforts, emphasizing affordable housing needs
• Increase Parks & Recreation opportunities for youth engagement and interaction
• Use City-owned property to enhance economic growth opportunities throughout the City
• Articulate & define who we are as a City, to tell our story in Fayetteville & beyond
Hewett gave an overview of the 2025 financial performance through the end of 2024. He reported that the City’s financial health is strong, and the general fund is performing as expected. He also said that while the City is saving $13 million through staff vacancies, the City is also experiencing higher than expected use of overtime, temporary labor and seasonal help. As of Dec. 30, the City had 186 vacancies, or 10.8%. Lastly, the staff is monitoring federal funding restrictions on programming along with economic and trade policy shifts.

Joint City of Fayetteville — Cumberland County Liaison Committee
On Mar. 17, the Board of Commissioners met with the Fayetteville City Council in a Joint City of Fayetteville - Cumberland County Liaison Committee meeting. The committee received updates related to economic development from the Cumberland County Community Development department, the City of Fayetteville Economic and Community Development department. The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation and the Town of Hope Mills manager. The committee asked city and county staff to find collaborative programs aimed at poverty reduction and workforce development, to evaluate the current regional transportation plan and to explore solutions for child-care related issues. The next meeting will be held on April 21.

In other news
City Manager Doug Hewett named Assistant Police Chief C. Todd Joyce as the interim police chief as Police Chief Kemberle Braden retired on March 31. Joyce, a native of Fayetteville, has served the city for more than 26 years and joined the Fayetteville Police Department shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Joyce served as president of the North Carolina Police Executives Association and remains a board member. In December 2024, Joyce was appointed as a commissioner to the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com.

(Photo: Assistant Police Chief C. Todd Joyce has been named as the interim police chief to take over for Police Chief Kemberle Braden, who retired on March 31. Joyce is a native of Fayetteville and has been with the Fayetteville Police Department shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Photo courtesy of City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Police Department)

Unlock benefits of early FAFSA completion

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Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Written by Regina Mahoney, Director of Financial Aid, FTCC

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an essential step for students seeking financial assistance for college. As you consider institutions like Fayetteville Technical Community College for your higher education journey, it’s crucial to submit your FAFSA early to avoid delays in paying for educational expenses such as tuition, books, and supplies. Here are four reasons why you should submit your FAFSA as soon as possible and on a yearly basis:
1. Access to more Financial Aid
Many, but not all, financial aid programs at FTCC including federal, state, and institutional aid operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some types of aid, such as Federal Work-Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, state grants and scholarships, may have limited funding and are exhausted quickly. Submitting your FAFSA early increases your chances of securing the best financial aid package available and the type of aid you receive.
2. More time to compare and plan
Filing the FAFSA early gives students and families more time to compare financial aid packages from different colleges and universities. This allows for a well-informed decision about which school is the most affordable and offers the best financial support overall. Understanding your aid package early can also help you plan for other expenses, such as housing and transportation.
3. Less stress and fewer errors
Waiting until the last minute to complete the FAFSA can lead to rushed decisions and mistakes on the FAFSA. Errors can delay financial aid processing and may result in a lower aid package. Completing the FAFSA early at https://studentaid.gov/ allows both you and/or the school time to review and correct any mistakes before the school’s priority deadlines.
4. Quicker Financial Aid notifications
By submitting the FAFSA early, students can receive their financial aid packages sooner, giving them a clearer picture of their financial situation before deadlines. If loans are needed and offered at your desired college or university, knowing your options in advance will help you make informed borrowing decisions, potentially reducing student loan debt overall.
Completing the FAFSA early is one of the smartest financial moves a student can make when preparing for college. FTCC would love to help you complete your FAFSA. Come visit us in the Tony Rand Student Center, Room 3, at the Fayetteville campus, email finaid@faytechcc.edu, or call us at 910-678-8242 for more information.
Finally, we invite you to join with financial aid advisors to explore valuable educational resources and scholarship information from CFNC, MyFutureNC, and Cumberland Community Foundation. Discover the keys to funding your college education and securing a bright future, and let us at FTCC help you enrich your life and reimagine your future through education!