Good morning. Despite a dramatic reduction in homicides in 2024, there were eight homicides in the first 24 days of the new year in Fayetteville.
But the crimes were not “random acts of violence,” according to Fayetteville Police Chief Kemberle Braden, who addressed concerns about the recent murders at the Fayetteville City Council meeting on Monday. “Like anything else, there’s going to be the ebbs and flows of what happens within our community,” Braden said. “We just have to be ready and prepared to adjust the way we handle those things.” Read more in our lead story today.
Welcome to CityView Today. Also in today’s newsletter: Cumberland County plans to install PFAS “forever chemical” filters at Gray’s Creek Elementary and Alderman Road Elementary, and possibly dig new drinking water supply wells for the schools. The county will also allocate $350,000 to the Sheriff’s Office to help in retainment and recruitment efforts. Spring Lake commissioners this week unanimously approved a $26,000 budget amendment, the majority of which is earmarked for the Spring Lake Police Department. And read Bill Kirby Jr.’s latest column on the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, which celebrated 30 years of philanthropy.
Thanks for reading,
Maydha Devarajan
Interim Editor-in-Chief
Fayetteville police chief says January homicides not ‘random acts of violence’
Despite a dramatic reduction in homicides in 2024, eight homicides occurred in the first 24 days of the new year in the City of Fayetteville.
More from CityView
PFAS filters to be installed at Gray’s Creek, Alderman Road elementary schools
GenX chemical contamination has made the schools’ water unsafe for years.
County gives $350,000 to sheriff to help hire and keep deputies and officers
But Sheriff Wright says better long-term benefits are needed to compete with other agencies.
Spring Lake commissioners pass new budget amendment
Funds to be moved to police budget, used for town legal fees in ongoing proceedings against Plush Sports Bar.
THE KIRBY FILE: Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation celebrates 30 years of philanthropy
“This was more than just another gala of fitting into your glittery ball gown or your tuxedo and black-tie best. This was a testament to community health care,” writes columnist Bill Kirby Jr.
Events
TODDLER SENSORY TIME
- Where: Main Library, 455 McKinney Parkway, Lillington
- When: 10 a.m. – noon today
- What: Toddlers will explore textures, sounds, and colors through engaging activities designed to stimulate their senses and foster creativity.
ANALYZING DATA WITH EXCEL
- Where: North Regional Branch Library, 855 McArthur Road, Fayetteville
- When: 3-4:30 p.m. today
- What: Join the library’s Digital Navigators to learn ways to analyze your data in Microsoft Excel. Learn to sort, filter, use conditional formatting and more.
NEW MOON MEDITATION & YOGA CLASS
- Where: Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center, 124 Anderson Street, Fayetteville
- When: 6-7 p.m. today
- What: The new moon marks a time of stillness, reflection, and infinite potential. It’s a perfect moment to align your mind, body, and spirit.
Obituaries
Thomas Earl Hilburn Sr.
Thomas Earl Hilburn Sr., 66, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 18.
Nancy Ann Davidson
Nancy Ann Davidson, 71, of Fayetteville, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Wesley Hardin Turner
Wesley Hardin Turner, 47, of Wade, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Until tomorrow!
🏆 I attended the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s 2025 Annual Awards last night, where I got to meet some of the movers and shakers in our community. If you were there and we didn’t get to chat, shoot me a message! Let’s get coffee.
~ Maydha
