Welcome to CityView Today! As we hit midweek, stay weather aware. The chance for a winter storm reaching Fayetteville continues to rise. The forecast calls for some mix of rain, ice, snow, and bitter temperatures over the weekend.
In today’s newsletter: Senior Columnist Bill Kirby digs deeper into the leadership crisis swirling around the Fayetteville‑Cumberland County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. The annual MLK parade was postponed, the committee chair has resigned, and millions of dollars in funding for the MLK Park project is in jeopardy.
Also, Enrique Roberto “Ranger Rick” Murillo—a veteran and suicide awareness activist who briefly ran for the Fayetteville City Council last year—was charged over the weekend with misdemeanor assault of a female. It’s his latest run-in with police. And, parents are raising questions about school policies around high-profile guests in the wake of U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon’s recent visit to a high school. So we asked for an explanation.
Thanks for reading,
Matt Hennie
Editor-in-Chief
THE KIRBY FILE: Where Does the Fayetteville MLK Committee Go From Here?
Stanley Ford says he resigned as the committee chair on November 12, 2025, and Charlisa Davis now is leading the committee.
More from CityView
‘Ranger Rick,’ Former Fayetteville City Council Candidate, Charged with Assault
Enrique Roberto ‘Ranger Rick’ Murillo is accused of shoving a woman in the face, knocking her out of a chair at Charlie Mike’s Pub.
How Cumberland County Schools Handles High-Profile Visitors
A stop in Fayetteville by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon prompted questions from parents about how Cumberland County Schools plans, communicates, and secures visits from high-profile officials.
Events
VIRTUAL SEMINAR: FISHING ROD BUILDING PRIMER
- Where: John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, 7489 Raeford Road, Fayetteville
- When: 6-8 p.m. today
- What: Join us for an exciting, hands-on introduction to the art of rod building.
WELLNESS & CO-WORKING WEDNESDAY
- Where: Sunshine Beauty & Bliss, 414 Ray Ave., Fayetteville
- When: 7-10 p.m. today
- What: Build momentum mid-month with community, caffeine, and restorative wellness.
WINTER HIGH TEA
- Where: Anchor Allies, 1204 Bragg Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 1-5 p.m. today
- What: Join us for a winter-themed high tea in our Sirens Lounge!
Obituaries
Robert Carroll Dudley
Robert Carroll Dudley, 84, passed away on Saturday, January 17.
Betsy Nunnamaker Muncy
Betsy Tyndall Nunnamaker Muncy passed away on Friday, January 16.
Mary Lou Turlington
Mary Lou Turlington, 90, passed away Thursday, January 15.
Until tomorrow!
👶🏻 Apply now! The pre-k program from Cumberland County Schools opened applications today for the 2026-27 school year. Priority is given to applications submitted by March 31. To qualify, children must be 4 years old by August 31. The district’s pre-k website offers more details and an online application.
