An image of a text message that Godwin Town Clerk Jacqueline K. Cooper-Kelley said she sent to two voters on Election Day in Godwin, which was November 4, 2025. The text message led to an an official protest from candidate Dennis Smith Sr., who lost the election by five votes. Credit: Cumberland County Board of Elections

Good morning. Dennis Smith Sr., the father of professional basketball player Dennis Smith Jr., says the Godwin town clerk illegally told voters to cast ballots for his opponents on Election Day, potentially causing his defeat in the Board of Commissioners race.

After local election officials ruled against him on Tuesday, Smith said he plans to appeal to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. He hopes the board will cancel the results and hold a new election. Read more in today’s lead story.

Also in today’s newsletter: Four newly elected members of the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners were sworn into office during a night of celebration, transition, and recognition. Also, Najoua Ben Ramak talks about how she built an Arabic program at Seventy-First High School—and her journey to become the 2025 Foreign Language Association of North Carolina Teacher of the Year.

Thanks for reading,
Sarah Nagem
Editor for CityView

Credit: Cumberland County Board of Elections

Did Godwin’s Town Clerk Illegally Tell Voters Who to Vote For?

Dennis Smith Sr., who lost his bid for a seat on the Godwin Board of Commissioners, wants the state to order a new election.

Continue reading.

More from CityView

Credit: Jason Canady / CityView

Hope Mills Swears In New Board, Honors Outgoing Members

Reelected Mayor Jessie Bellflowers was sworn in alongside returning commissioner Bryan Marley and newcomers Cynthia Hamilton, Grilley Mitchell, Hope Page, and Lisa Tremmel.

Credit: Cumberland County Schools / Cumberland County Schools

Seventy-First High School Arabic Educator Named Foreign Language Teacher of The Year

Since joining the school in 2023, Najoua Ben Ramak has built an Arabic program that students describe as welcoming, challenging, and rooted in cultural connection.

Events

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: CHRISTMAS

  • Where: East Regional Branch Library, 4809 Clinton Road, Fayetteville
  • When: 10-11 a.m. today
  • What: Story time for children up to 5 years old. This week’s theme is Christmas!

BEGINNERS’ BRIDGE: THE BASICS

  • Where: North Regional Branch Library, 855 McArthur Road, Fayetteville
  • When: 12:30-1:30 p.m. today
  • What: Want to learn bridge? Join us for Beginners’ Bridge: The Basics.

TEEN SCENE ARTISTRY: COOKIE DECORATING

  • Where: Cumberland County Public Library Headquarters Branch, 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville
  • When: 3-4:30 p.m. today
  • What: Experiment with colorful icing, fun toppings, and creative designs while learning simple decorating techniques.

Find more events here.

Obituaries

Henry Lee Stallworth Jr.

Henry Lee Stallworth, 87, passed away on Sunday, November 30.

Michael Brown

Michael Brown, 70, passed away on Saturday, October 18.

Barbara Gurganious Schultz

Barbara Gurganious Schultz, 85, passed away on Sunday, November 30.

Find complete listings here.

Sarah Nagem is editor of the Border Belt Independent. She previously worked for The News & Observer and currently attends graduate school at Duke University.