Cumberland County Superior Court Senior Resident Judge Jim Ammons can oversee a courtroom with respect and dignity for all. He even has, in some instances, a light-hearted perspective. He’s fair, and he rules by the law.
Bill Kirby Jr.
Bill Kirby Jr. is a veteran journalist who spent 49 years as a newspaper editor, reporter and columnist covering Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the Cape Fear Region for The Fayetteville Observer. He most recently has written for CityView Magazine.
Posted inThe Kirby File
Column: Former police chiefs validate Kemberle Braden as city’s top cop
You knew for certain Kemberle Braden was the right choice to become the 25th chief of police for this city when two former chiefs arrived on Feb. 3 for Braden’s swearing-in at City …
Posted inThe Kirby File
Column: Billy Packer forever a part of college basketball, and a part of us, too
From the basketball arenas to the broadcast booth, he became an icon in sports for 34 years along Tobacco Road and every March Madness. Billy Packer died at age 82 from kidney failure on Jan. 26.
Posted inThe Kirby File
Column: Kemberle Braden to take oath as 25th police chief in city’s history
When it comes to fighting crime in this city, residents are expecting only the best from Kemberle Braden. Freddie de la Cruz is one of those residents.
Posted inThe Kirby File
Column: Residents haven’t given up fight to halt halfway house on Cain Road
For residents of Greenwood Homes, Scotty Hills, Forest Hills and Eutaw Heights near Cain Road, apparently their efforts to fight a halfway house for federal inmates in transition from incarceration is becoming an unwelcome reality, with grading of the landscape and slaying the old trees for the arrival of Dismas Charities that will back right up to homes along Shamrock Drive in the Scotty Hills neighborhoods and an apartment complex.
Posted inThe Kirby File
Column: First graduating class of Fayetteville Academy celebrates 50 years
Once upon a time, they were just teenagers and settling into the single building surrounded by pine trees along Morganton Road. You might say they were a touch apprehensive.
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Column: Pastor’s wife is bringing history of city’s oldest AME church to life
All of us have a story to tell. Author Annette C. Billie first told the story in 2006 about the Rev. Henry Evans and his founding of Evans Metropolitan AME Zion Church, the oldest place of worship in this city that was chartered in 1801. Berthenia Lindo is bringing the author’s story to life in the stage production of “A Glimpse Into Evans,”
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Column: The world is the Massey Hill Lions Club’s oyster, and the 2023 oysters are golden
This Massey Hill Lions Club annual oyster roast may be bigger than ever Saturday when the service organization celebrates its golden anniversary of shucking the saltwater bivalve mollusks from …
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Column: ‘My Dear Bonnie’: A husband bids heartfelt farewell to golfing wife
SOUTHEN PINES — You could, even in her absence, feel her presence. A husband would know Bonnie Bell McGowan was there in spirit, and Pat McGowan would have no doubt.
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Column: They put their money and their hearts into community health care
There is something to be said for those giving back to health care in this community, and the new $33 million Center for Medical Education & Neuroscience Institute at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center is lined with labs, rooms and offices bearing the names of those who have given generously. They put their money where their hearts are.
