Retired Cumberland County Sheriff Ennis Wright endorsed Maj. Johnathan Morgan as his successor, and the Cumberland Board of County Commissioners took Wright at his word. “Our primary goal throughout this process has been to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations within the Sheriff’s Office,” Commissioners Chair Kirk deViere said about Morgan’s appointment Monday to succeed Wright as the county’s top cop. “The board of commissioners collectively felt that Maj. Morgan’s experience and understanding of current operations and procedures make him uniquely positioned to maintain the high standards of public safety our citizens expect and deserve.” Morgan, 50, has been with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office for 28 years. Morgan, who will carry out Wright’s term through December 2026, will earn an annual salary of $195,000. Commissioners got it right about the “smooth transition” when choosing Morgan over eight other candidates. Morgan was sworn in Wednesday by Cumberland County Chief Superior Court Judge Jim Ammons at the old county courthouse.
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Eric C. Bracy, 52, was sworn in as superintendent of Cumberland County Schools on Aug. 5 at the Dr. William “Bill” Harrison Educational Resource Center. “We have much to be proud of in Cumberland County Schools,” said Bracy, according to a news release. “This is a flagship district, one that I’ve followed from afar for years. I know the work that’s been done. I’ve seen the progress. And now, I’m ready to help build on that legacy and move us even further. I’m not coming in with all the answers, but I am coming in ready to listen, ready to learn and ready to work side-by-side with our amazing team.” Retired District 11 Judge Addie Rawls, who presided over Harnett, Johnston and Lee counties, administered the oath of office to Bracy. Bracy previously was superintendent of Johnston County Schools.
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Stefan Sanders is taking his leave after nine years as music director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra at the conclusion of the 2025-2016 season. “It has been an honor to work alongside the incredibly dedicated board, passionate and hard-working staff and the exceptionally talented musicians who bring this orchestra to life,” Sanders said in a news release. “Together, we’ve built programs that inspired, expanded our audience and deepened our connection to the community. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and am excited for what lies ahead for this remarkable organization.” Sanders is leaving the FSO, according to the release, to devote more time as music director to the Central Texas Philharmonic organization, which he has served since 2018.
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Folks heading to Saturday’s unveiling of a historic marker commemorating the Virginia live oak “Liberty Tree” in front of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum on Hay Street also will have an opportunity to get a sneak peek of a virtual reality experience, which will transport participants into the heart of airborne operations in commemoration of National Airborne Day. “Thanks to the ASOM Foundation, we’re upgrading how soldiers and the public engage with our exhibits … deepening the stories our exhibits and artifacts tell of the Army’s elite Airborne and Special Operations soldiers, not replacing them,” Jim Bartlinski, director of the ASOM and the Fort Bragg Museum, said in a news release about Mass Virtual out of Orlando, Fla., which, according to the release, has spent more than 15 years designing immersive virtual reality experiences for the U.S. Department of Defense. “VR is the ASOM’s first step toward a more immersive, 21st-century museum.” The U.S. Army Center of Military History, in partnership with the ASOM Foundation, embarked on a multiyear project to modernize the museum’s 25-year-old exhibits. You can check it out from 8:30 a.m. until mid-afternoon, according to Renee Lane, executive director of the ASOM Foundation.
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More than 300 motorcycles are scheduled to roll into Fayetteville on Sunday as part of the American Legion Legacy Run, according to a news release, in support of the American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation, which raises funds for children of fallen and disabled veterans. You will find the motorcyclists at the Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson dealership at 3950 Sycamore Dairy Road. American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at 5 p.m. at a Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball game at Segra Stadium.
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Cumberland Board of County Commissioner Glenn Adams is the new chair for the Fayetteville State University board of trustees. “I am honored to be appointed chair of the FSU board of trustees and take seriously the roles and responsibilities that come with confidence in my leadership,” Adams said in a news release. “’Bronco Pride’ is community pride. I am excited to continue working with my fellow trustees and Chancellor [Darrell] Allison to ensure Fayetteville State University remains a world-class university that will help students exceed their potential, attain their dreams and enter an increasingly competitive world with the tools to succeed.” Adams is the immediate past vice chair of the board and was chair in 2022-2023. Adams has been a county commissioner since 2014.
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“Bill, wonderful piece on Harry Shaw,” Drew Ziegler writes in an email about my Aug. 6 column on the late visionary of Harry Shaw Linear Trail in downtown Fayetteville, which now carries Shaw’s name in honor and memory of his work to develop the downtown trails. “I enjoyed getting to know him during the time we worked together on the original board for the Lura S. Tally Leadership Center at Methodist University.”
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“Bill, the CityView article was outstanding,” Tom Austin writes in an email about my Aug. 10 column chronicling his retirement in July as head coach in a distinguished career after 46 seasons with Methodist University. “Thank you so much for the accolades. You had my wife in tears, and I was misty eyed. A lot of people have contacted me about it. Your following is really impressive. Thank you again.” Now, coach, remember Tom Hanks’ words in the 1992 film A League of Their Own to his weeping Rockford Peach right fielder. “There’s no crying in baseball.” You were an outstanding baseball coach, Tom Austin, and in a league of your own.
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“That was a great write-up,” Vincent Ayala writes in an email about the column on the retirement of Tom Austin, who led Methodist University baseball teams for 46 years and won more than 1,300 games. “I am a coach in southern California, and I just happened to stumble upon your writing. That was quite a description of Coach Austin. I hope I can have the same satisfaction at the end” of his coaching career.
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Cumberland County Schools is implementing a clear bag policy regarding all athletic events beginning Aug. 22. “These guidelines were designed with families in mind,” Chad Barbour, director of student activities, said in a news release. “We want our athletic events to be welcoming, secure and easy to access for everyone who comes to support our student-athletes.” One clear bag no larger than 12 inches by 15 inches by 3 inches is acceptable, according to the release. Also acceptable will be one small clutch or wristlet (no larger than 4 inches by 6 inches by 1 inch); one clear, one-gallon Ziploc bag; a diaper bag, when accompanied by a child; and a medical bag or medically necessary item, such as an oxygen tank or epinephrine. Attendees may bring coats and jackets; however, pockets or compartments must be left open and empty. Other allowances include blankets, soft baby carriers or slings, strollers and medical assistance equipment, i.e. walkers and wheelchairs. Not a bad initiative on the part of the school system. If you wish to know more about the policy, call (910) 678-2445.
Coming Sunday: “This is not the Hope Mills that I decided to make my home in 2014.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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