Fayetteville City Manager Doug Hewett is poised to introduce us today to the city’s 26th police chief since 1832. Our next top cop will succeed Kem Braden, who retired March 31 after 25 months as chief and a distinguished 29-year career with the Fayetteville Police Department. A press conference is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at City Hall.
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Whatever is happening with the $145 million Crown Event Center downtown, scheduled for construction in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, it’s not much. The proposed site is nothing but a graded-out pile of dirt and rubble, and nothing more. If you don’t believe me, take a drive along Gillespie Street and see for yourself.
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When Eric Bracy takes over on July 1 as superintendent of Cumberland County Schools, the 52-year-old educator, according to a county schools’ spokesperson, will earn an annual salary of $300,000. Bracy, who is superintendent of Johnston County Schools and brings a strong education resume, signed a four-year contract. He replaces the retiring Marvin Connelly Jr.
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When it comes to raising funds for United Way, Scott Embry is singing praises for Jacqueline “Jackie” Abbott, who is the community development specialist for the City of Fayetteville. “What truly sets Jackie apart is her ability to lead without authority,” Embry, executive director of the United Way of Cumberland County, said in a news release about Abbott, who is the recipient of the Spirit of North Carolina Award from United Way of North Carolina. “She brings people together — not by title, but by example. With conviction, compassion and collaboration, she has elevated not only the campaign’s success but the entire spirit of giving within the city.” Under Abbott’s leadership, city employees raised $49,847.31 for the 2024 United Way of Cumberland County campaign, according to the release, which was a 219% increase from 2023.
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“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the chamber’s leadership team,” said Nat Robertson, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, in a news release about Matt Stone, who has been appointed as the chamber’s director of member engagement and the consumer protection division. “His expertise in building meaningful strategic relationships and delivering value to key stakeholders will be essential as we expand our impact and continue to serve the evolving needs of our largest members and Cumberland County’s largest industry and businesses.” As director of consumer protection, according to the release, Stone will be responsible for leading initiatives that uphold fair business practices, promote consumer awareness and protect the interests of businesses and consumers in the community.
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Kennon Jackson Jr. has been elected to the Board of Directors of Arts North Carolina. “Being elected to the Arts NC Board is both an honor and a responsibility,” Jackson, who is chief of staff for the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, said in a news release. “I believe in the power of the arts to shape vibrant, healthy communities and I look forward to representing Fayetteville and Cumberland County as we work to build broader access and support for the arts across North Carolina.” Arts North Carolina, according to the release, is an advocacy organization calling for statewide representation and access to the arts for all state residents and advancing public funding and policy for the arts and arts education.
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Folks interested in purchasing a hard cover version of Rescue at the Reef: The Miraculous True Story of a Little Boy with Big Faith can visit rescueatthereef.com about 13-year-old Jameson Reeder Jr., who lost his right leg below the kneecap from a shark attack on Aug. 13, 2022, while vacationing with his family in the Florida Keys. It’s a compelling story, co-authored by the youngster’s parents, about their son’s courage and faith.
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Led by NCAA Division III PING All-American First Team seniors Chase Walts and Haden Ruby, Methodist University won its second consecutive and 15th overall 2025 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Men’s Golf National Championship held May 20-23 at Midvale Country Club and Cobblestone Creek Country Club in Penfield, N.Y. “I am super proud of my team for winning the 2025 NCAA DIII Men’s Golf Championship for the 15th time,” Coach Steve Conley said. “To see my guys battle all the way to the top after being in 19th place after round one is a testament to their desire to win. I told them after round one it was going to be a heck of a story, and it is.” The Monarchs posted scores 303-298-292-282 – 1,175, 23 over par, in competition over the two courses. Illinois Wesleyan University was runner-up at 290-305-290-295–1,180 and Emory University third at 300-305-285-292 – 1,182. Other Methodist team members were Beau Brewer, Caleb Ryan and Aiden Spampinato. Methodist University has won the team title in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2022, 2024 and 2025. The school has been runner-up in 1984, 1989, 2000, 2001 and 2021.
Coming Sunday: “I always wanted to know where my girls were at 15 years old at 11 o’clock.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961
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