Welcome to CityView Today! President Donald Trump, no stranger to Fort Bragg, is scheduled to visit the massive military installation again this afternoon. The White House hasn’t released many details of his visit, but did say he’ll spend time with military families and Special Forces members who played a role in capturing the Venezuelan president on January 3. That tops Senior Columnist Bill Kirby’s Friday notes column.
In today’s newsletter: It’s settled—at least for now. The Cumberland County school voted to replace E.E. Smith High School with a new facility on the same campus after more than a year of debate on where to build it. And, Methodist University President Stanley T. Wearden is stepping down to return to Ohio—and a new granddaughter. We take a look at some of his accomplishments.
Thanks for reading,
Matt Hennie
Editor-in-Chief
School District Asks Cumberland County for $610 Million in Construction, Repairs
Cumberland County Schools leaders are seeking $610 million from county commissioners for new school construction, major repairs, and facility upgrades as part of the district’s long-term facilities modernization plan.
More from CityView
Methodist University President Announces Plans to Retire in Summer 2027
Stanley T. Wearden has led the north Fayetteville university since 2019. As he prepares to leave, the school’s new medical school will be training its first doctors.
President, First Lady Calling on Fort Bragg with Gratitude to Special Forces Soldiers
Bill Kirby Jr.’s notes from the week, including strategic planning, a homicide, candidate forum, and the Fayetteville Sports Club Hall of Fame.
Events
FIRST IN FREEDOM FAMILY NIGHT
- Where: Hay Street United Methodist Church, 320 Hay St., Fayetteville
- When: 6–7 p.m. today
- What: The U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus proudly presents a musical tribute to America. Admission is free!
CATFISHING BASICS
- Where: John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, 7489 Raeford Road, Fayetteville
- When: 6-8:30 p.m. today
- What: Join us for an exciting, hands-on program where you’ll dive into everything catfish—from reeling in giants to cooking up your fresh catch.
THE REVOLUTIONISTS AT GILBERT THEATER
- Where: Gilbert Theater, 116 Green St., Fayetteville
- When: 8 p.m. today
- What: This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world.
Obituaries
Michael Wayne Collier
Michael Wayne Collier, 72, passed away on Saturday, February 7.
Daryl Kevin Chavis II
Daryl Kevin Chavis II, 41, passed away on Saturday, February 7.
Charles Hammonds
Charles Hammonds passed away on Sunday, February 8.
Until tomorrow!
☑️ Learn more about Cumberland County candidates in the March 3 primary at a candidates forum on Sunday. Voters will be given a chance to provide questions. Presented by local Democratic organizations, the hosts expect Democratic candidates for Cumberland County sheriff, the board of county commissioners, District Court judge, the N.C. Court of Appeals, the General Assembly, and Congress. The forum at Fayetteville State University is from 2 to 5 p.m. in room 120 of the Lyons Science Annex at 752 W.T. Brown Drive.
~ Paul Woolverton
