Good morning. We’re kicking off December with an arts feature from former CityView Executive Editor Bill Horner III on legendary rock ‘n’ roll band Kansas. The group performs Dec. 5 at the Crown Theatre as one of the final stops on its 50th anniversary tour. Bill, who did most of his growing up in Kansas, had a lively conversation with the band’s lead singer, Ronnie Platt. Check it out below.
Welcome to CityView Today. We’ve also got a round-up of the top headlines in Cumberland County to get your week started. And we preview tonight’s government meetings from the county, city of Fayetteville and town of Hope Mills. County commissioners-elect will be sworn in at the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners meeting.
Thanks for reading,
Maydha Devarajan
Interim Editor-in-Chief
1 | 50 years down the road, rock’s Kansas continues to carry on
Toward the end of my conversation with Kansas lead singer Ronnie Platt, our cell phone connection got squirrelly.
I’d asked Platt, who comes to Fayetteville on Dec. 5 with his bandmates as part of Kansas’ 50th anniversary tour, about Kansas’ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame snub.
“I’m sorry, what was that?” he asked.
“I was asking about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame …” I repeated.
2 | Crime in Fayetteville this year projected to be lowest in a decade as homicides plummet
While six of the ten largest cities in North Carolina experienced an increase in crime in 2023, Fayetteville’s rate declined by 8% — a decrease second only to Winston-Salem’s rate.
3 | Jumpstart your New Year’s financial goals: 9 military policy updates
HomeFront columnist Aria Spears writes about improving your quality of life in 2025 with these policy changes for military service members and their families.
4 | THE KIRBY FILE: Clifton McNeill Jr. becomes 59th inductee into Cumberland County Agricultural Hall of Fame
Kevin Riddle also recognized as the 2024 Young Farmer of the Year at the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville annual Farm City Week luncheon.
5 | Spring Lake commissioners approve hikes to some water and sewer fees
But board tables discussion on rate increases for later date.
TODAY’S GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
Fayetteville City Council
If you’re going: 2 p.m. at City Hall, 433 Hay St.
On the agenda: Updates on city projects including Cape Fear River Park and North Carolina Veterans Park, and an innovation and technology district.
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners
If you’re going: 7 p.m. at the Crown Coliseum Ballroom, 1960 Coliseum Drive.
On the agenda: Administer oaths of office to new commissioners, elect chair and vice chair positions, and present a plaque to outgoing Chair Glenn Adams. The board will also consider approval of public official bonds.
Hope Mills Board of Commissioners
If you’re going: 7 p.m. at the Town Hall Building, Bill Luther Board Room, 5770 Rockfish Road.
On the agenda: Presentation from the North Carolina Center for Economic Empowerment and Development and swearing-in of Hope Mills police officers.
Events
TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: DANCING DECEMBER
- Where: Bordeaux Community Library, 3711 Village Drive, Fayetteville
- When: 10:30-11:15 a.m. today
- What: Join us for stories, songs and more. We will have a craft and a coloring sheet at the end.
EVENING FAMILY STORY TIME: COOKIE DAY
- Where: Cumberland County Public Library Headquarters Branch, 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville
- When: 5:30-6:15 p.m. today
- What: Join us for a delightful evening of story time and crafts for children aged 0-11.
SNOWBALL LAUNCHER CRAFT KIT
- Where: Hope Mills Community Library, 3411 Golfview Road, Hope Mills
- When: Available for pickup during the month of December
- What: Make your very own snowball launcher.
Obituaries
Deloise A. Lucy
Deloise A. Lucy, 74, of Elizabethtown, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
Ruth Ledford Ruppe
Ruth Ledford Ruppe, 93, of Fayetteville, passed away on Monday, Nov. 25.
Dorothy Margaret LaRock
Dorothy Margaret LaRock, 82, of White Oak, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
