Good morning. Construction is underway on a $12 million water project designed to deliver drinking water to Gray’s Creek Elementary School and Alderman Road Elementary School—an investment in school safety as Cumberland County Schools continues evaluating long-term facility needs across the district.
Both schools are currently outside the public water system and do not have access to state and federally protected drinking water. Read more in today’s lead story.
Welcome to CityView Today. This week, we’ve asked our staff to highlight a few of their best stories from the year—required reading for 2026 or reporting they were just really proud of.
I’m Valeria Cloës, the magazine editor and lead copy editor at CityView, and I lead the production of our monthly and annual magazines.
The first story I want to highlight from all of our magazines last year is our story on Fayetteville-raised actress and military kid Molly Griggs. 2025 was a breakout year for her: She starred in Netflix’s hit comedy mini-seriesThe Residence and on Broadway’sJohn Proctor is the Villain. I had the pleasure of sitting in on the interview with Molly, who is a testament to the talent in our community and the strength of our arts organizations.
Next is a story about the Orange Street School’s state-of-the-art recording studio and music programs. After the school’s renovation was complete in February last year, the school launched its Youth Music Workshop. As a result of the story, the Fayetteville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated donated $1,100 to the school.
The last story I want to highlight is focused on our military community. An urban educational farm owned by a military family in Fayetteville that teaches agricultural skills to service members transitioning to civilian life opened a marketplace in early July.
Thanks for reading,
Valeria Cloës
Magazine Editor & Lead Copy Editor
Construction Begins on $12 Million Water Project for Two Elementary Schools
The state-funded upgrade aims to improve access to safe drinking water at Gray’s Creek and Alderman Road elementary schools.
More from CityView
‘Kismet’ brought Molly Griggs to Fayetteville. Acting talent is taking her everywhere else
With major roles on Broadway and in a hit Netflix series, Cape Fear Regional Theatre alum Molly Griggs had a watershed year.
In the historic Orange Street School, new music programs and a state-of-the-art recording studio give Fayetteville children new opportunities
The school launched its Youth Music Workshop in late August, teaching kids the basics of drumming, and tested out the recording studio’s equipment.
Fayetteville urban educational farm opens a farm-to-table marketplace
Farms Helping Families also assists military service members transition into civilian life.
Events
COMPLIMENTARY WINE TASTING
- Where: The Wine Thief, 432 E. Cornelius Harnett Blvd., Lillington
- When: 5-7 p.m. today
- What: Come expand your palette and try four new wines every Friday!
PADDY’S PUBLIC HOUSE PARTY
- Where: Paddy’s Irish Pub, 2606 Raeford Road, Fayetteville
- When: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. today
- What: From wild dance-offs to cozy gatherings, we all cherish memories of unforgettable house parties!
NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL
- Where: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary
- When: 6 p.m. today
- What: Experience the magic of the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival.
Obituaries
Laura ((Kohlstedt)) Downing
A loving wife, mother, daughter and daughter-in-law, Laura Kohlstedt Downing, 60, died Dec. 27, 2025, […]
John Hugh Bryan
John Hugh Bryan was born January 9, 1944, to James Herman Bryan and Edna Pearl […]
Dr. John Hugh Bryan
John Hugh Bryan was born January 9, 1944, to James Herman Bryan and Edna Pearl […]
Until tomorrow!
✍️ As I prepare to return to Fayetteville—I’m in Maine at the moment visiting my family—I’m excited to continue telling the wonderful lifestyle stories of our communities through our magazine. What do you think we should write about this year? Email me your story ideas.
~ Valeria
