Editor’s note: Bill Kirby Jr.’s column returns October 28.
Doug Hewett plans to step aside as Fayetteville’s city manager by year’s end after 10 years on the job and 18 years with the city, including serving as assistant manager.
“It has been an honor to serve alongside the mayor and City Council and to work with so many committed employees, community partners and residents over the years,” Hewett, 55, said in an October 8 news release. “I am equally grateful for the citizens of Fayetteville—those who supported our work, those who challenged us to do better. Together, we have accomplished a great deal, navigated difficult challenges, advanced important priorities and worked to make Fayetteville stronger and better positioned for the future. I leave this role with gratitude for the opportunity to serve, pride in what we have accomplished together and confidence in the city’s continued success.”
Hewett said Wednesday that “December 31 is my anticipated last day as city manager.” He plans to take a respite with family and friends, and travel before pursuing other career moves. “I think I’m a little too young to sit on the porch and watch the world go by,” Hewett said. “I’m sure there’s another chapter ahead, although I haven’t decided exactly what it looks like. My faith has carried me this far, and I trust it will carry me into whatever comes next.” An interim city manager will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the news release.
Mary Hales, a member of the Cumberland County Board of Education, said Monday it was “nothing personal” about the late Tim Kinlaw, but she did question the timing of an effort to name the school system’s Operations Center for the former associate superintendent for auxiliary services. And board members Tara Jordan and Deanna Jones said the school system has more pressing issues than naming a building.
Board member Greg West made the motion to approve the request, which was made by several former school district leaders. The board voted it down 5-3, with Jacquelyn Brown, Delores Bell, Hales, Jordan, and Jones voting against it. Those in favor were Jackie Warner, West, and Williams. Honestly, five board members denied naming a building for Kinlaw, who twice served as interim superintendent in his distinguished 25-year career with Cumberland County Schools? Kinlaw retired in 2019 and died of cancer at age 71 on September 18, 2023.
A 17-year-old male was discovered suffering from a gunshot around 3:15 p.m. on October 10 after Fayetteville police were dispatched to Maloney Avenue and Lamon Street near downtown, according to a news release. The teenager was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he died. It is the 23rd homicide, according to a Fayetteville Police Department spokesperson, in the city this year.
“Our younger daughter, Rachel, took three years of German from Herr Bowman at Terry Sanford,” Drew Ziegler wrote in an email about my October 7 and October 14 columns on the Terry Sanford High School Booster Club Hall of Fame inductions held October 10 at Highland Country Club. “She lives in Virginia now. I sent her your two articles on the hall of fame, and she loved them. Thank you for keeping hometown journalism alive in Fayetteville.” Gil Bowman, who coached boys and girls tennis teams and the girls basketball teams for 40 years, was among the inductees.
Minda Fleishman touched the lives of thousands of children in this community in a 33-year career as founder and director of Prime Time for Cumberland County Schools. “Accolades,” if you will, to a woman who gave her heart for the love of children. Minda “Sue” Fleishman died at age 70 on October 13.
The Child Advocacy Center has scheduled its “Turning Awareness Into Action” fall gala from 6–10 p.m. Saturday at the Crown Coliseum. “Awareness helps us recognize the problem, but action is what creates change,” Genique Freeman, a board member and gala chair, said in a news release. “Every child deserves to be heard, believed and supported. This event is an opportunity for our community to come together and ensure children and families have access to the services they need.” Ticket and sponsorship information is available online, by emailing coachwithg@gmail.com, or calling 910-964-2002.
The North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance is hosting its “28th annual NCDSA Buddy Walk” from 1–5 p.m. on Sunday at Sugg Farm, 2401 Grigsby Ave., in Holly Springs. “We’re thrilled to bring all our families together—along with the greater community that supports them—for another year of celebrating inclusion,” Amy Navejas, NCDSA executive director, said in a news release. “The Buddy Walk has great food from a variety of vendors, games for all ages, booths by vendors who support the Down syndrome community and businesses run by entrepreneurs with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and much more. It’s one of my favorite days of the year.” There is no cost to attend.
“Thank you for opening your doors to people struggling with addiction,” Lisa Hinnant said in a newsletter about how the Myrover-Reese Recovery Homes helps people coping with alcohol and substance abuse. “Thank you for giving people an opportunity to get back on their feet. Thank you for providing hope when many of us couldn’t yet see hope for ourselves. I am living proof that a foundation can change a life.” The nonprofit at 560 Wilkes Road has scheduled its 65th anniversary celebration from noon–5 p.m. on October 24.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
