If you haven’t made plans for New Year’s Eve, then you may wish to remember “A District New Year’s Eve Spectacular,” which is scheduled from 7:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. on December 31 at Fayetteville’s downtown Festival Park. Entertainment, according to a news release, includes rhythm and blues group 702 and rappers Bubba Sparxxx and Yung Joc. And you can ring in 2026 at midnight when Fayetteville’s 18-foot, multi-colored custom-built star rises into the air in a burst of fireworks. If the downtown New Year’s Eve celebration doesn’t strike your fancy, Eastover Mayor Pro Tem Stan Crumpler says there’s always the annual Flea Drop in Eastover, which is scheduled from 10 p.m.–midnight, and features Warren McDonald and Keith Pollard with Classic Soul at Eastover Community Park.
***
Some local activists are calling out the city about confusion concerning the Fayetteville City Council vote on December 1 regarding Councilman Deno Hondros’ nay vote for Councilman Derrick Thompson as mayor pro tem. Hondros says he wasn’t clear on the vote because of audio, which led to confusion from Mayor Mitch Colvin, who said the vote was 6-4, with the mayor and council members D.J. Haire, Malik Davis, Brenda McNair, Stephon Ferguson, and Thompson voting in favor, with Lynn Greene, Shaun McMillan, Anthony Jones, and Hondros voting in opposition. Hondros, after December 1, clarified his vote in favor of Thompson. Activists say confusion and how a city spokesman addressed it in a news release erodes the public trust. It’s all a moot point—7-3 or 6-4, Derrick Thompson is the mayor pro tem. Much ado, some political followers believe, about nothing.
***
Dr. Jennifer Green steps aside today as director of the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, a position Green has held since 2019. “Dr. Green’s expertise and leadership have been instrumental in advancing the health and well-being of our residents,” County Manager Clarence Grier says in a news release. While Assistant County Manager Heather Skeens will serve as interim public health director, Green will continue to serve the county in a part-time, remote capacity beginning in January and throughout 2026. “We are grateful she will continue to lend her knowledge and guidance,” Grier says, “even as she embarks on this new chapter.”
***
Alicia Marks Flowers has been appointed by Gov. Josh Stein to serve the Superior Court for Judicial District 14B, which serves part of Cumberland County, filling the vacancy because of the retirement of Judge Gail Adams. “With a strong record of public service and deep ties to Cumberland County, Alicia is well suited for this appointment,” Stein said in a news release. “Her legal knowledge and dedication to her community will serve the county and state well.” Flowers is associate dean of administration and external affairs and counsel to the dean at the N.C. Central University School of Law. She previously spent 15 years in the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office.
***
Just in case you are downtown for Christmas shopping, or whatever the reason, parking enforcement now is in effect at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, according to a news release from the county. Vehicles parked in restricted or unauthorized areas, including fire lanes, will be towed at the owner’s expense. Available free public parking can be found at First Presbyterian Church via the lot 200 block of Person Street; gravel lots at Person Street and 125 S. Kennedy St.; and designated ADA (American Disabilities Act) spaces near the rear of the courthouse entrance. Visit cumberlandcountync.gov/courthouseparking for a map of parking locations, towing zones, and additional information.
***
Officers responded to reports of a shooting around 4:28 a.m. on December 14 at the 5800 block of Cliffdale Road at a Circle K convenience store, where a 34-year-old man was discovered suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Fayetteville Police Department. Emergency Medical Service transported the victim to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he died from the injury. It is the 37th city homicide of 2025, according to the FPD. There were 30 city homicides, according to the FPD, in 2024.
***
Capt. John Benazzi with the Fayetteville Police Department recently graduated from the 296th session of the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, V.A., according to a news release. The academy is by invitation only for law enforcement officers worldwide, the release states, with less than half of 1% of law enforcement officers selected to attend the training course. Benazzi earned a “Yellow Brick” for completing a physically demanding 6.1-mile obstacle course at the end of the academy program.
***
Manzell Spencer Jr., who teaches Social Studies at Douglas Byrd Middle School, has been selected as the 2026 Sandhills Regional Teacher of the Year, according to a news release. Spencer now advances to represent the region in competition for the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year.
***
The Cumberland County Tax Administration is reminding property owners that January 5 is the deadline for paying 2025 real estate and personal property taxes, or else you’ll be delinquent, and interest will be accrued. Delinquency also could result in bank levies, rent or wage garnishments, and potential foreclosure. Bah humbug. Visit taxweb@cumberlandcountync.gov or call 910-678-7507 for how you can pay your property taxes.
***
Six days before old Saint Nick sets out on his annual midnight ride, and Santa says his North Pole elves have been busy and Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph are raring to go.
***
The 34th Annual Best Christmas Pageant Ever has been such a hit this season that Cape Fear Regional Theatre folks have added two more performances—one for 9:30 a.m. today, and another for 4 p.m. on Saturday. Final performances are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on December 21. All performances are at the old Holiday Inn Bordeaux at 1707 Owen Dr. Visit CFRT.org online or call the box office at 910-323-4233.
***
Sweet Valley Ranch in Cumberland County has awarded $30,000 in grants to seven nonprofits as part of its “Gives Back” Program. “By awarding our Gives Back grants to these organizations serving Cumberland County, we hope to enable them to continue their vital work,” Fred Surgeon, co-founder of Sweet Valley Ranch with his wife, Anita Surgeon, says in a news release. “We understand the challenges facing local nonprofits as they continue to serve those who need it most, and that’s where the strength of our community is most impactful.” Grant recipients are the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society – Sandhills Chapter, $5,000; Blue Star Families – Greater Fayetteville Region, $5,000; Greater Life of Fayetteville, $5,000; Follow the Spectrum, $5,000; the Two-Six Project, $5,000; One Church Covenant Fellowship, $2,500; and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh – Fayetteville Region, 2,500. Established in 2021, the benevolence has awarded more than $240,000 to more than 20 organizations serving Cumberland County.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
We’re nearing our fourth year of CityView Today, and so many of you have been with us from day one in our efforts to bring the news of the city, county, community, and Cape Fear region each day. We’re here with a purpose—to deliver the news that matters to you.