Sen. Val Applewhite, who represents Dist. 19 and Cumberland County in the N.C. Senate, was pulling for Gov. Roy Cooper to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice for the Democratic Party presidential campaign ticket. “I was hopeful he would be the vice-presidential pick,” Applewhite says about the 67-year-old, two-term governor who has withdrawn his name for consideration. There have been published reports that Cooper did not want to leave the state in the hands of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the 55-year-old Republican from Greensboro bidding for the governor’s mansion. “But just the same, I am glad to have him here to help turn North Carolina blue and break the (Republican) supermajorities in the legislature. I’m not sure why he withdrew, but I, too, would be concerned about leaving the state in the hands of Lt Gov. Robinson. When he occasionally presides over the Senate, he messes that up. Imagine what he would do to our state.” Whatever the governor’s reason for opting out is political conjecture, and a moot point now.
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Methodist University Coach Steve Conley and Monarch golfers Chase Walts and Caleb Ryan were honored July 22 when Vice President Kamala Harris recognized NCAA national championship teams from all sports in all divisions in the 2023-24 season. “I say to our athletes, congratulations again on all you have accomplished and good luck on all that is to come wherever you all go from here,” the vice president said in a YouTube clip shared by the university. “You will always be champions, and we will always be so proud of you.” Methodist won its 14th Division III golf title in May at Las Vegas. Conley was named national coach of the year for the ninth time, while Ryan, a senior, and Walts, a junior, earned All-American honors. Members of the PGA Golf Management program, including Methodist women’s golf coach Kelsie Warren, also attended.
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“We are pleased to receive this recognition from U.S. News & World Report,” Mike Nagowski, chief executive officer for Cape Fear Valley Health, says in a news release about Cape Fear Valley Medical Center receiving “high performance” ratings in providing care for chronic obstructive disease, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure and stroke. “Providing exceptional health care for all our patients has always been our top priority. Our team of caregivers is committed to the highest standards for quality and safety, and this recognition is a result of that commitment.” Hoke Hospital also received a “High Performing” rating for pneumonia treatment and care. U.S. News evaluated about 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions, according to the release. In the 15 specialty areas, only 160 hospitals were nationally ranked in at least one specialty.
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You’ve heard money is the root of all evil. No, some of us believe, irresponsible social media has become the root of all evil.
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The old A&P grocery store and the former BB&T bank adjacent to Talleywood Shopping Center on Raeford Road have succumbed to the wrecking ball. A Sheetz convenience store with multiple fuel pumps, according to previously published reports, is planned. It will create for sure a lot of traffic congestion along the already busy roadway.
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Cumberland County Animal Services needs the community’s help with financial donations to its animal medical fund. “This fund is a lifeline for so many animals that come through our doors,” Elaine Smith, county animal services director, says in a news release. “It allows us to provide urgent care and gives the animals in need a chance at recovery and finding their forever homes.” The fund provides financial assistance for emergency veterinary care for animals. For more information, visit here or call 910-483-7727.
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“I had known Shirley since the ‘70s,” Sandy Hurley writes in an email about The Kirby File’s Wednesday remembrance of the late Shirley Malzone. Her husband John Malzone says she was always there to support his downtown business ventures as well as his civic activities promoting Fayetteville. “What an amazing couple they were,” Hurley shares. The couple was married 56 years. Shirley Vnensak Malzone died July 5 at age 74 at her Pinehurst home.
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“Bill, you wonderfully captured his life, legacy, calling and public service,” former Fayetteville Observer reporter Andrew Barksdale writes in an email about The Kirby File’s July 21 column on Talmage S. Baggett Jr., the late Cumberland County commissioner from 1998-2006 and later Cumberland County District Court judge for the 12th Judicial District. “A well-written column, one that many people across the Sandhills surely read with keen interest. Glad you are still writing and reporting. Cumberland County needs your venerable voice, perspective and command of history and context.” Talmage Sherrill Baggett Jr. died at age 74 July 13.
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Julia Snellgroves was the gifted mathematics teacher who began her career in 1968 under late principal Loyd E. Auman at Seventy-First High School, and Snellgroves would acquit herself as one of Cumberland County’s finest classroom teachers over the ensuing 43 years, including time at Douglas Byrd High School. She was firm, fair and knew how to teach numbers to thousands upon thousands of students blessed to be in her classrooms. Julia Maxwell Snellgroves died at age 80 on July 22 in Cary.
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Ten classroom teachers representing their respective districts have been named as finalists for Teacher of the Year for the Cumberland County School System, according to a news release. They are Shannon Edwards, Cape Fear High School, Cape Fear Attendance Area; Matthew Grant, Montclair Elementary School, Douglas Byrd Attendance Area; Tyera Avery, Margaret Williams Elementary School, E.E. Smith Attendance Area; Janet Knotts, Alderman Road Elementary School, Gray’s Creek Attendance Area; Brittany Savoy, John Griffin Middle School, Jack Britt Attendance Area; Sara Coursey, Long Hill Elementary School, Pine Forest Attendance Area; Carlos Erepol, Seventy-First Classical Middle School, Seventy-First Attendance Area; Alianna Sigler, Elizabeth Cashwell Elementary School, South View Attendance Area; Charlon Long, Cumberland Academy 6-12 Virtual, Terry Sanford Attendance Area; and Shelly Atkinson, Ponderosa Elementary School, Westover Attendance Area.
Next: One abused child is one too many, says new director of Child Advocacy Center
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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