U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, Cumberland Board of County Commissioners Chair Kirk deViere, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, Cape Fear Valley Health Chief Executive Officer Mike Nagowski, Methodist University President Stanley Wearden and Longleaf Pine Realtors President David Zeitz are confirmed speakers for the 2025 Greater Fayetteville Chamber State of the Community luncheon scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Crown Exposition Center. “Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder, whether an elected official, small business owner, educator or community advocate has a seat at the table,” Nat Robertson, president and CEO, said in a news release. “This is where collective leadership meets actionable vision.” Robertson says more than 500 tickets have been sold. “If you haven’t already purchased your tickets, you will want to avoid the ‘sold out’ blues,” Robertson said. “Hope to see you there.”
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It’s been an eye-opening week for some county residents who have received their 2025 Cumberland County property tax notices, and they’re not at all happy with some hefty increases. A Southgate subdivision resident says on Nextdoor his property tax spiked “from $1,200 in 2024 to $2,200” for a 1,050 square-foot home. “Well folks, I just received my county taxes,” a Wendemere subdivision resident wrote. “They went up from last year $1,238.” An Eastover resident says his residential property increased $800. “Ok, these new tax bills on our homes is totally ridiculous,” a LaGrange resident decried. “Mine jumped from $981 last year to $1509 this year!!!” They’re not alone in their frustration. My residential property increased, too. It’s the price we pay for reevaluation.
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Fayetteville had something of a reprieve from homicides for about seven weeks until Fayetteville Police responded to three fatal homicides in four days — one on Aug. 15 on the 1900 block of Poplar Drive, according to the Fayetteville Police Department, another on Aug. 17 in the 7100 black of Chinoak Drive and the third on Aug. 18 in the 4600 block of Rosehill Road. A 53-year-old man was found at approximately 5:17 p.m. on Aug. 15 suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the FPD. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second homicide, according to the FPD, happened at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 17, when police discovered three people suffering gunshot wounds. One victim was a 29-year-old man who was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he died. A third homicide, according to the FPD, occurred at approximately 10:58 p.m. on Aug. 18, when a 33-year-old man was stabbed to death. City homicides, according to the FPD, are at 31 in 2025. There were, according to the FPD, 27 city homicides in 2024.
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Good riddance to the vacant Coliseum Inn on U.S. Business 301, as Cumberland County Chief Superior Court Judge Jim Ammons on Tuesday ordered demolition of the property, where drugs, prostitution and other suspicious activities took place, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, for years have been a locality of criminal conduct. “The demolition of the Coliseum Inn represents a significant step toward enhancing the safety and security of our community,” Sheriff Johnathan Morgan said in a news release.” It has been a long journey, but I am confident in the future of our county. I stand firmly with the survivors of human trafficking and substance abuse, the Bel-Air community, the 301 corridor and all those who were adversely affected by the criminal activities linked to this property. Working together, we create positive change.” Demolition, according to the release, is scheduled no later than Dec. 18.
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A Hope Mills Candidate Forum is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Oct. 11 at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, according to the hosting Cumberland County Democratic Party, and with many Hope Mills residents agitated with three town board members who voted on July 7 for four-year staggered commissioners’ terms, it likely will be a lively and interesting forum. Cerina Thomas, wife of Hoke County Commissioner Allen Thomas Jr., according to a spokesperson, will moderate the forum.
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David Williford has been elected chair of the Fayetteville Technical Community College board of trustees, according to a news release. Adam Phillips was elected vice chair and Dr. Andrea Dickerson, secretary. Michael Chandler, Semone Pemberton and Kenneth Smith Sr. also have been appointed to the board. Chandler was appointed by the N.C. House, replacing William Hedgepeth II. Pemberton and Smith were appointed by the N.C. Senate, replacing Ralph Huff and Tammy Thurman. Huff left the board in the spring after being appointed to the N.C. Board of Transportation. Other board members, according to the FTCC website, are Chandan Y. Shankar, Caroline Benavente, Christopher Bullard, Esther Thompson, Charles Koonce and Ronald Crosby Jr.
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“Buzz On Over to the Cumberland County Fair” is the theme of the annual entertainment event scheduled to kick off with a ribbon cutting at 4:45 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Crown Complex, according to a news release. How can you not love the county fair with midway rides and the hot dogs slathered in mustard, corn dogs, burgers, fried turkey legs, cotton candy, candy apples and funnel cakes with powdered sugar? And don’t forget the agricultural exhibits to include the homemade jellies and jams. Learn more at cumberlandcountyfair.org. The fair runs through Sept. 7.
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Mary Kate Burke is artistic director and Ella Wrenn is managing director for the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and they are beside themselves with excitement as 9 to 5 The Musical kicks off the theatre’s 63rd season at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 at the old Holiday Inn Bordeaux, 1707 Owen Drive.
Performances, which run through Sept. 28, feature Robert Newman of Guiding Light, General Hospital and The Young and the Restless television soap opera fame as Franklin Hart, the sexist boss of office workers Violet, played by Heather Setzler from Wilmington; Judy, played by Jodi Bluestein of New York; and Doralee, played by Livi Rose of New York. Sneak previews are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 4-5, with tickets selling for just $20, and that’s a bargain. Mary Kate Burke and Ella Wrenn do it right when it comes to this theater. Call (910) 323-4233 for more information.
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On the subject of television soap operas, unlike Robert Newman, I never had a part in The Young and the Restless, but I am a lead character in the real-life drama “The Old and the Weary.”
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“While Labor Day is a popular time for final summer getaways, it is also a very dangerous time to be on the roads,” Mark Ezzell, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, said in a news release. “Impaired driving is a thoroughly preventable crime. This campaign reminds everyone to make smart decisions behind the wheel and prioritize safety.” The 2024 campaign, according to the release, resulted in 444 alcohol-involved wrecks in North Carolina, and 11 of those wrecks resulted in fatalities. Be smart, don’t drink and drive a motor vehicle.
Coming Sunday: “A dream come true” with professional golf’s finest shot makers
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
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