Fayetteville Public Works Commission recognized more than 200 employees Wednesday morning for their hard work and dedication as the front line of environmental defense during the inaugural Wastewater Professionals Day.
“Our employees are the heart of Fayetteville PWC,” said Ronna Rowe Garrett, PWC’s chairwoman. “Wastewater professionals work hard, are passionate and committed in the critical work they do, and we are proud to recognize their efforts.”
PWC’s Water Resources Division is responsible for ensuring sewer mains flow freely and wastewater is properly treated before being returned to the Cape Fear River. There are 209 wastewater professionals at PWC, according to a news release.
PWC maintains more than 1,300 miles of sewer mains, 78 sanitary sewer lift stations, and more than 32,000 sewer manholes. The utility’s two water reclamation facilities treat more than 9 billion gallons of wastewater a year and return it to the Cape Fear River.
“Our wastewater workers are dedicated professionals working in our treatment facilities, the lab, or out in the field. They work around the clock to protect the ecological health of Fayetteville’s waterways, including the Cape Fear River,” said Misty Manning, interim chief operations officer of the Water Resources Division. “From being called out in the middle of the night to work in undesirable conditions clearing sewer mains clogged by grease and wipes, to working around the clock restoring essential services during and after storms, they protect our environment and PWC customers from the effects of main breaks and sanitary sewer overflows.”
Cumberland County earns award for technology practices
Cumberland County has been designated a 2023 Digital Counties Survey winner by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties.
The county was ranked seventh in the 250,000-499,999 population category, according to a county news release. Its Innovation & Technology Services Department, along with county commissioners and the management staff, were recognized at the Digital County Survey Awards reception on July 21 in Austin, Texas.
The Digital Counties Survey identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services; provide data analytics to allow decisions based on performance and outcomes; enhance cybersecurity; and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities.
Cumberland County was recognized for several achievements:
“Excellence in technology practices is not just about mastering tools and techniques; it’s about a commitment to constant learning, adaptability, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” said ITS Director Keith Todd. “This award recognizes those who are paving the way for a smarter future.”
In 2019, Cumberland County was ranked ninth in for best technology practices in the 250,000-499,999 population category of counties. Read more about Cumberland County’s recognition and the Center for Digital Government at this web page.
SECU helps send 185 youth members to summer camp with scholarships
RALEIGH — State Employees’ Credit Union completed its second annual Summer Camp Awards campaign, sending 185 of youth members to their favorite camps with a $500 scholarship each.
SECU received more than 300 eligible applications from youths who entered the statewide contest using their artistic skills or writing talents to share their dream summer camp experience, according to a news release. Scholarships awarded this year totaled $92,500.
SECU’s program was begun in 2022. Year-over-year results show a 34% increase in eligible applications received and a 24% growth in the number of scholarships awarded. The cumulative two-year award total is $162,500, the news release said.
Nora Beasley says her daughter received a Summer Camp scholarship award.
“I wanted to share some exciting news: I just noticed that there’s $500 in Caroline’s account. We were able to use it to pay for her summer camp today. I can’t thank you enough for your support and generosity,” Beasley said in a message to SECU.
Leigh Brady, SECU chief executive officer, said the scholarships are a benefit of the Fat Cat and Zard programs.
“It’s a great vehicle to further connect and engage with youth in a way that will help fulfill their dreams. We are so pleased with the success of the program,” Brady said.
Pinehurst Medical Clinic welcomes new primary care physician
PINEHURST— Dr. Kara Coleman has joined Pinehurst Medical’s primary care department and will specialize in family medicine at PMC North in Pinehurst.
She joins Drs. John Jameson and Stephanie McCrery and advanced practice providers Melissa Barnett, Connie Hall, Jeffery Short, and Jessica Sinclair Glossip, according to a news release.
Coleman received her doctorate in osteopathic medicine from A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, Arizona, and her bachelor of science and psychology from the University of Iowa. She completed a family medicine residency at Duke/Southern Regional AHEC program.
Coleman says she strives to create strong provider-patient relationships to help her patients achieve their health care goals for a better quality of life, the release said.
Coleman moved to the area as her husband, an active duty soldier at Fort Liberty.
Coleman is accepting new patients at PMC Primary Care North, located at 8 Regional Circle in Pinehurst. To schedule an appointment, call 910-215-5555.
Editor Bobby Parker can be contacted at editor@cityviewnc.com.
