Retired Gen. William “Buck” Kernan is being remembered as every soldier’s soldier throughout his distinguished U.S. Army career, which saw him serve as commander of the U.S. Joint Forces Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander – Atlantic and also as commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps on Fort Bragg. “The Airborne and Special Operations Forces communities lost one of its greatest leaders and advocates this week with the passing of Gen. William “Buck” Kernan,” says Lt. Gen. Greg Anderson, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps. “He leaves behind a legacy of distinguished service to our nation and a deep commitment to soldiers and their families. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family as we mourn together.” A Vietnam War veteran, who in retirement called Moore County home, Gen. Kernan died at age 79 on Sept. 2. A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Oct. 3 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinehurst. A Celebration of Life is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville.
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Early primary voting for the Fayetteville mayoral and City Council District 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 races was at 1,473 as of Wednesday, according to the Cumberland County Board of Elections, and that is far less than some political pundits would have thought in the election season, where there are 10 candidates bidding for the mayoral gavel. Early primary voting began Sept. 18 and ends Oct. 4. Hours for early primary voting, according to a news release, are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the E. Newton Smith Center, 227 Fountainhead Lane. The primary is scheduled for Oct. 7. The top two mayoral candidates and those in the district races will be on the Nov. 4 general election ballots. Send email inquiries to boardofelections@cumberlandcountync.gov, visit the CCBOE website at cumberlandcountync.gov/elections or call (910) 678-7733 for more information.
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Spring Lake residents will have an opportunity Saturday to hear where candidates stand on issues regarding the town at a Spring Lake Candidates Forum, which is scheduled at 11 a.m. at the Spring Lake Recreation Center, according to Erika Burns, vice chair of the Cumberland County Democratic Party. Cerina Thomas will moderate the forum. Hopefully, residents might learn just what mayoral and commissioners’ candidates have in mind for revitalizing Main Street, long a town eyesore.
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A 32-year-old man was discovered suffering from a fatal gunshot wound at approximately 10:06 a.m. on Sept. 19, when Fayetteville Police officers responded to a home on the 1700 block of Veanna Drive near Murchison Road, according to a FPD news release. The victim was transported to Cape Fear Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. It is, according to the FPD, the 34th city homicide of 2025. A 26-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder.
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“I am very excited and hopeful to be serving here,” says the Rev. Mari Elena Wiles, who will be installed Sunday as senior pastor at First Baptist Church (circa 1837) on Anderson Street in downtown Fayetteville. “I served as minister to youth activities from 1989-1994, and during that time, the church ordained me to the gospel ministry. It feels like coming home.” Wiles previously served as minister to the University and Dean of Students at Chowan University in Murfreesboro and as pastor at Thomas Memorial Baptist Church in Drewryville, Va.
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“Earl was Christ’s devoted follower and servant,” the Rev. Jay Coker told those who gathered on Aug. 27 at LaFayette Memorial Park to bid farewell to the Rev. Earl Vaughan. “He had dedicated his life to be a pastor in Christ’s church, to proclaim good news, teach the Savior’s ways, administer the sacraments, marry our children and bury many in our families. He visited the sick, comforted the lonely, led churches in worship and mission, laughed with us, cried with us and forever shared Jesus’ powerful promise … He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. With Peggy (late wife) and son Earl Jr., with others in his family. With congregations, presbyteries, colleagues, and yes, the stranger, the broken, the wounded, the lost, those who were different, Earl’s witness was that of love – Christ’s love. Redeeming love. Selfless love.” Coker remembered the late preacher as a U.S. Army veteran who always wore a U.S. flag pin on his lapel. “Earl lived as one who knew how to die,” Coker said. “He died as one who knew how to live.” The Rev. Earl Monroe Vaughan was 95 when he died July 29.
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Cape Fear Botanical Garden has received a $21,500 grant from United Way of Cumberland County, and the CFBG says it will use the funds for Cumberland County elementary and middle school Title I students to visit the garden to learn about science and nature. Good for the youngsters and good for United Way.
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All of us should want a litter-free city. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to help keep our streets, parks and stormwater drains clean from litter throughout the city,” Jessica Howell, management analyst for the city, says about the Fayetteville Beautiful citywide fall cleanup, which is scheduled Oct. 4. Individuals or volunteer groups interested in participating may pick up supplies from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at 121 Lamon St. The litter picked up during the event will be collected on Oct. 6, according to a news release. Send email inquiries to JessicaHowell@FayettevilleNC.gov or call (910) 433-1397 for more information.
Coming Sunday: Former Fayetteville mayor honored as a trailblazer
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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