Jerome T. Scott will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award when the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations stages its 2026 Community Awards scheduled for 11 a.m. on February 12 at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. “The nomination states, ‘In 2025, Jerome Scott ‘The Insurance Guy,’ demonstrated exceptional leadership in race and human relations through his commitment to civility, tolerance, diversity, and community cooperation,” said Yamile Nazar, director of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Department. “‘Throughout the year, he served as a unifying force across Cumberland County, partnering with diverse organizations, schools, and civic groups to promote inclusion, financial literacy, and equitable access to resources.’” Nazar said Scott is “deserving and worthy of the recognition.” Others being honored, according to a news release, are Carlos Sanchez with the humanitarian award; Erika McCormick with the individual award; Carmen Nichols-McFarlin with the educator award; Ignacio “Iggy” Suarez with the military award; Chaplain Asnage Castelly with the religious award; Zamiah Robinson with the youth award; and Fayetteville NOW with the organization award. Funds raised at the award reception go toward the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations scholarship for county high school students pursuing college degrees. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at Fayettevillenc.gov/HumanRelations or at the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations Department, located at the Festival Park Building, 225 Ray Ave., Suite 100, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Deadline to purchase tickets is February 4.
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The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, which was scheduled for January 17 downtown, has been postponed until further notice. “It is with sincere care and thoughtful consideration that we share the decision to postpone the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, originally scheduled for January 17th, 2026, due to safety issues,” according to a notice from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. “This decision was not made lightly. Our hearts remain committed to honoring the legacy of Dr. King: however, the well-being and safety of our participants, volunteers, elders, children, and community members must come first. Out of an abundance of caution and respect for everyone involved, we believe postponement is the most responsible course of action. We understand the disappointment this news may bring and deeply appreciate your patience and grace. Our committee is already working diligently to secure a new date so that we may gather in the spirit of unity, service and celebration.” No response from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee about just what the safety concerns are, but the Fayetteville Police Department has not been contacted about safety issues regarding the parade. “This was never brought to our attention,” Maj. Shawn Strepay, chief of staff for the FPD, said Thursday. “If it would have been, we are more than prepared to mitigate and address any concerns in order for this event to move forward. We take event safety seriously and have prepared a comprehensive Operational Plan, as we do for all special events. Our Crime Information Center, officers, professional staff, and resources were fully prepared and capable to provide police services for the event footprint, just as we have in years past.” Mayor Mitch Colvin said he has not received information about safety concerns. “Hopefully, it will be rescheduled soon,” he said. “The community has grown to look forward to and appreciate this event.”
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Diane Pfeifer has been appointed director of Animal Services for Cumberland County, where she will be responsible for animal shelter operations, field services, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. “Animal Services plays a critical role in public safety, animal welfare, and community well-being,” Pfeifer said in a news release. “I am honored to step into this role and work alongside dedicated team members who are committed to compassionate care, ethical leadership, and continuous improvement.” Pfeifer more recently served as an innovation strategist with the county, where she advised executive leadership on enterprise planning, risk management, and service delivery improvement.
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City police officers responded to reports of a shooting at 6:59 p.m. on January 23, where they found two brothers, ages 45 and 43, suffering from fatal gunshot wounds at Mac’s Speed Shop, 482 N. McPherson Church Road, according to the Fayetteville Police Department. One brother, according to the news release, died at the scene. The other brother died at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. The preliminary investigation, according to the FPD, has revealed a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation inside the business, which culminated in the fatal gunfire. The homicides are the first and second of 2026. There were 37 city homicides in 2025, according to the FPD.
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Some welcome news from Cape Fear Valley Health as it stages a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. today for the OB/GYN & Midwifery Clinic at 1201 Walter Reed Road on the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center campus. “The opening of the OB/GYN & Midwifery Clinic is especially meaningful because it reflects our commitment to meeting women where they are and supporting them through every stage of life,” Tasia McClain, service line director for women’s health, said in a news release. “This space was designed with intention to provide compassionate, high-quality care that honors choice, promotes continuity, and expands access to comprehensive women’s health services within our community.” The clinic will be accepting patients on January 12.
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Some welcome news, too, for Cape Fear Valley Health’s new Adolescent Behavioral Health Center at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, where First Federal Bank has pledged $100,000 in support of mental and behavioral health services for adolescents and youth in Harnett County and surrounding communities. “Quality health care in Harnett County is vital to our economic growth and quality of life,” Jeff Whittington, president and chief executive officer for the bank, said in a news release. “We are proud to support the Adolescent Behavioral Health Center and invest in a project that will make a lasting difference for families and for the future of our community.” The bank, circa 1934, according to the release, is committed to supporting local initiatives, which promote economic development, education, and community well-being.
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“Bill, I remember the governor coming down here and speaking at our (April 2018) groundbreaking for the history center,” Mac Healy writes in an email about our December 21 column about the late and former Gov. Jim Hunt, who was a staunch supporter of the N.C. History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction under construction along Arsenal Avenue in Haymount. “We asked him to be a co-chair, and after explaining what we were doing, he embraced the project. He was always willing to help any way he could, because he believed in our mission. While many politicians used it as an opportunity to divide the community, he saw the need for the center.” Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. died at age 88 on December 18.
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“Bill, I was just looking through some boxes of stuff and found a handwritten copy of ‘A Little Parable to Mothers’ by Temple Bailey written by my mother years ago,” Greg Parks writes in an email about the late author’s parable (circa 1933). “I thought it was interesting that you wrote that as an article as well.” I’ve referenced Temple Bailey’s tribute to mothers just about every Mother’s Day for more than 50 years. Hold on to the parable, Mr. Parks. Your late mother would want you to keep it close to your heart. Temple Bailey’s work is the finest tribute to a mother you’ll ever read.
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“Bill, just wanted to say thank you so much for the beautiful piece you wrote on Laura,” Anna Haley writes about my January 7 column on Laura Kohlstedt Downing, who died at age 60 on December 27. “She was a special person and will be deeply missed by her family and all who loved her. Was lucky to call her my cousin, and will miss her dearly, but your words brought comfort in the heartache.”
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“Bill, thank you so much for including Steve and my dad in your memorial column,” Vicki Smith writes in an email about my December 30 “Let Us Remember, They Walk Among Us” column in remembrance of those who died in 2025. “Your words captured the essence of these two men, who were so special to my family.” Richard James “Dick” Perry was 96 when he died June 6. Stephen Gilbert Smith was 73 when he died June 19. Steve and Vicki Smith were married 51 years.
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“Bill, to see Mackie included, and to read your wonderful words of tribute to her, filled my heart with joy,” Mayon Weeks writes in an email about my “Let Us Remember, They Walk Among Us” column. “Mackie always enjoyed seeing you, and especially talking about, and laughing over, some of the escapades of the FHS (Fayetteville High School) Class of ’65. I recently moved from Fayetteville to our lake home at Lake Waccamaw, so I am not as keenly aware of local news as I have been in the past. I have always looked forward to your articles and insight about our community, and I hope to continue to keep watch at a distance through your eyes and words.” Barbara Maclyn “Mackie” McDaniel Weeks, who was married to Mayon Weeks for 57 years, died age 77 on January 2, 2025.
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Analeia Rhoads Simpson is Fayetteville’s newest resident. Weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring at 20 inches in length, Analeia was the first baby born at 4:17 a.m. on January 1 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, according to a news release from Cape Fear Valley Health. Analeia is the daughter of Jasmine Rhoads Simpson and Michael Rhoads Simpson of Fayetteville. Welcome Analeia.
Coming Sunday: “Quite an honor to be inducted into the N.C. Hall of Fame,” Chip Beck says
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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