Good morning. A hearing is scheduled for January 16 in an ongoing dispute that could lead to the cancellation of the November election results for the Godwin town commissioners. Read more in today’s lead story.

Welcome to CityView Today. In today’s newsletter, the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners’ first regular meeting of 2026, Lamarco Morrison, the town’s Parks and Recreation Director, presented a beautification project that would enhance Lake Park. Plus, for the first time in state history, North Carolina has more registered Republicans than Democrats.

Thanks for reading,
Emily McCord
Editor for CityView

Credit: Town of Godwin Facebook page

County Board to Again Consider Throwing Out Godwin’s November Election Results

A new hearing is scheduled for January 16 to consider Dennis Smith Sr.’s allegation that the town clerk illegally influenced voters.

More from CityView

Credit: Jason Canady / CityView

Hope Mills Steps Closer to $1.5 Million Lake Park Beautification Project

Beautifying and upgrading Lake Park has always been part of the Hope Mills master plan. On Monday, the board took a step toward making the plan a reality.

N.C. Republicans Overtake Democrats in Voter Registration

Midterm elections often don’t bode well for the party in the White House. State GOP Chair Jason Simmons wants to change that.

Events

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME

  • Where: Vass Area Library, 128 Seaboard St., Vass
  • When: 10-11 a.m. today
  • What: The Vass Area Library is hosting Preschool Story Time every Thursday!

FLY FISHING BASICS; CREATING HAND-TIED LEADERS

  • Where: John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, 7489 Raeford Road, Fayetteville
  • When: 6-8 p.m. today
  • What: Customize your setup to perfectly match your fishing conditions and target species by learning to tie your own fly leaders!

MUSIC BINGO AT JAMES CREEK CIDER HOUSE

  • Where: James Creek Cider House, 172 U.S. 1 Highway, Cameron
  • When: 7 p.m. today
  • What: Looking for the perfect midweek pick-me-up? Join us every Thursday for Music Bingo in the cider garden!

Find more events here.

Obituaries

Gordon Herring

Gordon Herring, 70, passed away on Saturday, December 27.

Wanda Lee Christian

Wanda Lee Christian, 63, passed away on Monday, January 5.

Barbara Ann Beard Ferrell

Barbara Ann Beard Ferrell, 84, passed away on Sunday, January 4.

Find complete listings here.

Until tomorrow!

🚔 Cumberland County is seeking input from the community through a survey on a potential joint 911 operations center, according to a press release. Click here for more information and the survey link. For CityView’s coverage on this topic, click here.

~ Valeria Cloës

Emily McCord is senior regional editor of The Assembly Network, working with our local teams around the state. She was previously news director at WFDD in Winston-Salem.