Local News

Government Watch: Cumberland County, City of Fayetteville updates

7Cumberland 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

19The 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!

Up & Coming Weekly Dining Guide

14This month, in honor of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting women-owned restaurants in the area. 
 
Vibe Gastropub
131 Hay St. #101
Mon.-Sat. Noon-8 p.m.
910-491-8259
Savor hearty plant-based comfort dishes including flavorful lentil tacos, satisfying breakfast burritos, and delicious veggie burgers served in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
 
Vagabond Cafe
108 Hay St., Suite 1B
Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
910-500-3009
A welcoming cafe offering freshly brewed coffee, specialty teas, delectable baked goods, and a warm, inviting environment.
 
Antonella's Italian Ristorante
300 Hay St.
Wed.-Sat. 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sun. 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
910-486-0046
Elegant dining establishment offering classic Italian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood specialties, thoughtful vegan options, and expertly crafted signature cocktails.
 
Circa 1800
108 Person St.
Wed. & Thurs. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sun. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
910-568-4725
A welcoming restaurant offering juicy steaks, classic American dishes, and an extensive drink selection in a casual atmosphere.
 
Gaston Brewing Restaurant
124 Hay St.
Tues. & Wed. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Thurs.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
910-748-0580
A welcoming establishment serving hearty comfort dishes alongside house-brewed beers and mixed drinks, perfect for families and groups.
 
Rude Awakening Coffee House
227 Hay St.
Mon.-Thurs. 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 7:30 a.m.-Midnight
Sun. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
910-223-7833
This charming historic cafe offers artisanal coffee beverages, freshly baked pastries, and diverse menu items, with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
 
Taste Of West Africa
116 Person St.
910-779-2375
Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
A cozy African restaurant serving authentic cuisine in a bright, welcoming space featuring comfortable booth seating and a stylish bar area.
 
The Sip Room
106 Hay St.
Wed. & Thurs. 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 1 p.m.-11 p.m.
Sun. Noon-6 p.m.
910-920-3442
Upscale wine and champagne lounge featuring gourmet charcuterie boards, exotic hookah flavors, and nightly live music performances.
 
Henley's Vintage Kitchen
1911-A Murchison Rd.
910-745-9816
Welcoming family restaurant specializing in authentic Southern comfort food, featuring perfectly seasoned fried catfish, creamy mac 'n' cheese, sweet candied yams, and other homestyle favorites in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
 
Bees & Boards Restaurant + Provision Company
225 Green St.
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
910-263-8754
A modern, laid-back restaurant serving traditional Southern comfort dishes in a welcoming atmosphere with contemporary design elements.
 
Melvin's At Riverside
1130 Person St.
Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat .11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
910-339-3059
In a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, diners can savor traditional Southern comfort dishes including crispy fried chicken, slow-cooked collard greens, and homemade golden cornbread.
 
Anchor Allie's
1204 Bragg Blvd.
Mon. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tues.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
910-229-3490
A laid-back eatery serving hearty comfort dishes like juicy burgers and flavorful tacos, alongside a diverse drink menu featuring craft cocktails, beer, and signature espresso martinis.

Cumberland County Library has more than just books

7The local library is a treasure trove of resources beyond its vast collection of books. They provide numerous enriching programs and services for community members of all ages to explore and enjoy. Throughout the next couple of weeks, we will be highlighting some of these great programs, starting with Cumberland County Public Library’s newest addition.
Free Experience Passes For Local Attractions
The Cumberland County Public Library's new Experience Passes offer residents an incredible opportunity to visit the Cape Fear Botanical Garden and Fascinate-U Children's Museum for free. Thanks to a $852 grant from the Friends of the Cumberland County Public Library, Inc., these passes allow for unlimited visits to these attractions over a seven-day period.
This initiative is designed to make cultural and educational experiences more accessible to everyone in the community. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a parent looking for interactive learning for your children, the Experience Pass provides a cost-free way to explore and enjoy these local treasures.
The Cape Fear Botanical Garden, located at 536 Eastern Blvd., is a 77-acre haven of natural beauty, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With the Experience Pass, you can stroll through meticulously curated gardens, explore walking trails, and enjoy seasonal displays that showcase the region's flora.
The garden also features educational programs and workshops that cater to all ages, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and learning. Whether you're interested in horticulture or simply looking for a peaceful outing, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden has something for everyone.
Fascinate-U Children's Museum is located at 116 Green street, and is a hands-on, interactive museum designed to engage young minds and spark curiosity. With the Experience Pass, children can explore various exhibits that cover topics ranging from science and technology to arts and culture.
The museum offers a dynamic learning environment where kids can participate in activities such as role-playing in a mock city, building structures, and experimenting with different scientific principles. It's an ideal place for family fun and educational enrichment.
Obtaining an Experience Pass is simple and straightforward. Residents with a Cumberland County Public Library card can check out passes on a first-come, first-served basis at the Headquarters Library located at 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville. The passes are valid for seven days and offer unlimited visits to both attractions during this period.
If you don't have a library card, you can easily register for one at any branch or online at cumberlandcountync.gov/library. For more information, you can call the library at 910-483-7727.
Local residents have already started to take advantage of the Experience Passes and have shared their positive experiences.
Amanda Dekker, the Headquarters Library Branch Manager, expressed her excitement about the program, saying, 'We are thrilled to offer this fantastic opportunity for our residents to experience the wonders of our community's top attractions without worrying about the cost.'
Many families have found the passes to be a great way to explore local attractions without the financial burden.
“It's wonderful to have access to these amazing places for free,” said one resident. “My kids loved the children's museum, and we can't wait to visit the botanical garden next!”

Josephus Daniels in Christensen’s new book

Rob Christensen’s new book, “Southern News, Southern Politics: How a Newspaper Defined a State for a Century,” comes out March 4. It could be two separate books.
The first might be titled, “Josephus Daniels and his family from 1865 to the present.”
The second, “The Rise and Fall of The Raleigh News and Observer (N&O), 1865 to the present”
These two possible books are brought into one by Christensen, who knows both topics well. First, as a long serving and trusted reporter for the N&O, he worked during much of the paper’s most successful times and learned about its history from those who had earlier lived it.
At the same time, he got to know members of the Daniels family, most of whom treasured their connections to the newspaper.
First, Christensen concentrates on Josephus Daniels who, after owning several smaller papers and working in Washington, D.C., bought the N&O in 1894.
Christensen writes, “It is hard to overstate Daniels’s political influence.”
He became the state's Democratic National Committeeman and was a pivotal figure for the out-of-power party that had no governor or U.S. senator. “It is hard to decide whether Daniels was a newspaper man heavily involved in politics or politician who owned a newspaper.”
Christensen explains Daniel’s racist views. “Just as crucial as Democratic loyalty was Daniels’s segregationist world-view. Daniels, who had been born during the waning days of slavery, raised in the cotton cultu19re of the coastal plain, and spoon-fed tales of the Lost Cause and who had interacted with a partially illiterate Black population still emerging from generations of shackles, had views that firmly were rooted by the time he reached adulthood.”
Thus, Christensen writes, “Daniels left little doubt how he would use his newly acquired N&O. He immediately launched white supremacy campaigns that covered six years and reshaped North Carolina politics, resulting in the rise of a rigid Jim Crow system of segregation and sixty years of one-party Democratic control of the state.”
The N&O used two main devices to stir racial prejudice. In August 1898, it began running powerful racist cartoons on the front page and beginning in September it also ran front page stories highlighted with black borders outlining some purported “outrage” by African Americans.
Newspaper readers were told that Black people were preparing for a race war against whites and were planning to turn North Carolina into an independent territory for African Americans, and that Blacks were engaged in a black-on-white crimes--none of which was true.
Daniels used the 1898 Wilmington events “as one of several examples of the dangers of Black political agency.”
In the meantime, Daniels was establishing himself as a player in national politics. Christensen writes that “Daniels was an influential adviser in five of the next six democratic presidential campaigns--from 1896 to 1916.”
In the 1896 presidential campaign Daniels supported the Democrat, William Jennings Bryan, who lost to William McKinley. But Daniels did not think so.
“For the rest of his life, Daniels believed that Bryan had won and contended that the election was ‘stolen from him by padding registration, buying election officers and every method known to political chicanery.’”
Donald Trump would understand Daniels’s refusal to accept disappointing election results.
More about Daniels and the N&O in an upcoming column.

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