Good morning. Accusations of secrecy, mismanagement, and withheld documents have fractured the nonprofit Fayetteville‑Cumberland County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, putting the future of the taxpayer‑funded MLK Park project in jeopardy.
Some city leaders are even calling for committee chair Stanley Ford to resign. Read more in today’s lead story.
Welcome to CityView Today. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Jack Britt High School on Wednesday as part of the Department of Education’s nationwide History Rocks! “Trail to Independence” tour. McMahon highlighted civics education and North Carolina’s role in American history as the nation prepares for its 250th anniversary this year. Also, Cumberland County is asking for public input as it continues a years-long, on-again-off-again discussion with Fayetteville about merging their 911 centers.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Nagem
Editor for CityView
Leadership Crisis Threatens Decades‑Long Vision for MLK Park
City and county officials warned that unless the committee chair turns over financial records, bylaws, and membership lists, the MLK Park project could collapse, and millions of taxpayer dollars would have to be accounted for and returned to the state.
More from CityView
U.S. Education Secretary Visits Fayetteville as Part of ‘History Rocks!’ Tour
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s visit to Jack Britt High School on Wednesday focused on civics education, student engagement, and North Carolina’s role in American history ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Do you have an opinion on 911 service in Cumberland County? There’s a survey for that
Cumberland County is seeking public input as county commissioners and the Fayetteville City Council discuss merging their two 911 call centers into one joint operation.
Events
ART EXHIBIT: THE WINTER BLUES
- Where: The Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines
- When: 6-8 p.m. today
- What: Join the Arts Council of Moore County for its juried art exhibit, The Winter Blues.
YOGA AT THE GARDEN
- Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 6-7 p.m today
- What: Practice this calm eastern exercise taught by Ashley Clayton. All levels welcome!
FAMILY ART NIGHT: SNOW GLOBES
- Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 6-7:30 p.m. today
- What: Bring a little winter magic home! In this cozy and creative evening, families will design their very own handmade snow globes using jars, figurines, glitter, and seasonal flair.
Obituaries
Deborah Naomi Borner
Deborah Naomi Borner, 36, passed away on Saturday, January 10.
Danny Martin Parker
Danny Martin Parker, 77, passed away on Sunday, January 11.
David F. Ralston
David F. Ralston passed away on Sunday, January 11.
Until tomorrow!
⚔️ The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina will host a ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, January 16, to honor those who pushed back against the Ku Klux Klan 68 years ago at the Battle of Hayes Pond. The event will be at the tribe’s Boys & Girls Club at 120 Youth Drive, Pembroke.
