It’s a rematch between Jackie Warner, the six-term mayor of Hope Mills, and challenger Jessie Bellflowers, a former town commissioner. “As mayor of Hope Mills, I am committed to building a team to include partnerships inside and outside of Hope Mills for the betterment of our quality of life, planning for economic development, improving our infrastructure and recreational resources along with providing a safe environment for all our citizens,” says Warner, who defeated Bellflowers in 2021 with 51.6% of the vote to 47.9% for Bellflowers. She says the town has accomplished growth through infrastructure, road and environmental improvements in her time as mayor. “I am a full-time mayor, spending my time and efforts to network and facilitate the strategic plan and vision of our town. My calendar is full, but I would not have it any other way. I serve because I love Hope Mills for my children and grandchildren, and, most important, for all Hope Mills citizens. Our team is working together to ‘move Hope Mills forward.’” Growth is a part of Bellflowers’ campaign platform, too, but not to the exclusion of its hometown character. “Hope Mills is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in North Carolina with over 18,000 residents,” Bellflowers says. “Like many small towns, the Hope Mills community has three main challenges, like residential and economic development growth and traffic congestion. Managing residential and economic development growth, while maintaining the sense of small-town charm, is one of the town’s biggest challenges to continue to build a family-oriented community all of us are proud of today and in years to come. Communities deserve professional leadership. Our community deserves an effective town board, one that can work and communicate together with a collective vision for future prosperity and one that demonstrates unselfish representation and preeminent leadership. As mayor, I would like to work with town commissioners and town staff to develop a sustainable strategic plan to address both a short- and long-term vision to address fast-moving residential and economic development growth and infrastructure. I am committed every day on enriching the lives of our town citizens by creating an exceptional community to work and live in while providing exemplary town services that enable our community to thrive and prosper, while leading our community as one we are proud to call home. This is my compass.” Warner is on course to becoming the longest-serving mayor in Hope Mills history, serving as mayor since 2011. She was a town commissioner from 2007 to 2009. The late Al Brafford was mayor from 1983 to 1992 and 1995 to 1997. He was a town commissioner for 13 terms from 1955 to 1999. The general election for Hope Mills Nov. 7.
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Thirty-three homicides in the city in 2023, with the latest victim identified as a 22-year-old man from Fayetteville, according to the Fayetteville Police Department, which says it responded to reports of a shooting at 11:48 a.m. July 29 in the area of Stanberry Street and Primrose Drive. The victim was taken to a local hospital, where he died. Two brothers, ages 20 and 18, were arrested and charged with murder. There were, according to the FPD, 28 homicides at this time in 2022. There were 44 homicides in 2022.
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Let me see if I understand this right: Gunfire breaks out at Seabrook Park about 8 p.m. Wednesday, and, according to a news release, Fayetteville police respond to a 911 call only to find a man along Slater Avenue in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound — and a vehicle all but submerged in a swimming pool. Police said Thursday that the disturbance came at the end of a balloon release in memory of Lorenzo McLaughlin Jr., that 22-year-old who was shot and killed on Stanberry Street on July 29. The victim of Wednesday’s shooting was flown by helicopter to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where he was reported in stable condition. Police Chief Kimberle Braden appealed for an end to the violence. “We are experiencing a cycle of violence that our community has the power to stop,” Braden said in a news release. “It will take the cooperation of our community to help solve this crime and prevent further acts of violence.” I give up. I completely give up.
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Brenda Gordon writes in an email about how she liked our Wednesday column on National Night Out that featured Cynthia Leeks, president of the Seabrook-Broadell Neighborhood Community Watch. “Have you considered interviewing and featuring every community watch leader in Fayetteville?” asks Gordon, who is coordinator of the Arran Lake Community Watch in west Fayetteville. “We all volunteer. We serve with passion and pride. Each neighborhood is unique with different challenges.” Well, Mrs. Gordon, I’m just one man. I can’t be everywhere. Nevertheless, I’m of the persuasion that every neighborhood should have a community watch, through which neighbors look out for one another. I like your suggestion, and I am aware of your good works for the Arran Lake Community Watch.
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Marvin Connelly Jr., superintendent of Cumberland County Schools, has been named Superintendent of the Year for the Sandhills Region. “This prestigious accolade is not solely a reflection of my individual efforts, but it is also a testament to the remarkable work of our entire school system,” Connelly says in a news release. “I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to every person who has played a role in our success. Together, we are rising and preparing lifelong learners to reach their maximum potential.” Connelly now is a candidate for N.C. Superintendent of the Year, an award that will be presented at the N.C. School Board Association conference this fall.
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Hallie Ross of Howard Hall Elementary, Jazzlyn Ford of Alderman Road Elementary, Crystal Wood of Mary McArthur Elementary, Kenneth Teal of Mac Williams Middle, Courtney Jacobs of Douglas Byrd Middle, Crystal Butler of Cumberland Academy 6-12 Virtual, and Sade Mangum of Seventy-First High are finalists for 2024 Beginning Teacher of the Year, according to a news release from Cumberland County Schools. The winner will be announced Aug. 15 during the school district’s convocation.
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Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has been recognized as a “high performing” hospital by U.S. News & World Report in seven areas of health care, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure and stroke. Hoke Hospital received recognition for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment. “We are pleased to receive this recognition from U.S. News & World Report,” Mike Nagowski, chief executive officer for Cape Fear Valley Health, says in a news release. “Providing exceptional health care for all our patients has always been our top priority. Our team of caregivers is committed to the highest standards for quality and safety, and this recognition is a result of that commitment.” U.S. News & World Report, according to the release, evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 15 specialties. Overall, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center ranked 17th in North Carolina.
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Mark L. Walberg will host “Wheel of Fortune Live” on Nov. 2 at the Crown Coliseum, according to a news release. Contestants will be randomly selected from the audience to spin the iconic wheel for the chance to call consonants, buy vowels and solve the puzzles for prizes and money. Walberg is host of USA Network and Peacock’s hit reality TV show “Temptation Island” and best known as the longtime host of “Antiques Roadshow,” which is PBS’ highest-rated primetime original program. OK, it’s not Mark Whalberg, the film actor. And longtime “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak isn’t coming, either. It’s Mark L. Walberg, the game show host.
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“Camp at Cape Fear Botanical Garden guides hundreds of children in discovering the joy of learning about nature,” Barbara Goldentyer, environmental education manager, says in a news release about the garden receiving a Summertime Kids grant of $7,000 from the Cumberland Community Foundation to support camp activities and scholarships. “Indoor and outdoor activities with STEAM themes include science experiments, art projects, outdoor explorations and interactive games on topics like Let’s Go Green, Radical Reptiles, and Weird and Wonderful Nature. Summer camp at the garden inspires children to become good stewards of Earth. Camp also provides opportunities for social and emotional growth while helping children improve skills, build friendships and enjoy a feeling of belonging.”
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Adel Johnson was an icon in the Stedman community all her life and the owner of Johnson Florist from the age of 19 until her death. She was a woman and a business owner with a compassionate heart for others. She was like that bridge over troubled waters, always there to listen. She cooked meals for those in need, paid utility bills for those financially struggling and gave casket sprays for those who couldn’t pay the cost of funeral bills. She was a woman of deep Christian faith at her beloved Stedman Baptist Church, where she played piano for 65 years. A visitation is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Stedman Baptist Church, with a 2 p.m. Saturday service at the church. Janice Adel Bunce Johnson died at age 91 on July 30.
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Family and friends will gather at Highland Presbyterian Church to remember and celebrate the life of Dr. P.W. Jessup Jr., the retired dentist who loved telling good stories, a good joke and just living life. The service is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the church on Haymount Hill. Dr. Percy Wells Jessup Jr. died July 31.
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The 2023 Annual Public Safety Valor Awards will be presented in a ceremony scheduled from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 12 at Manna Church, 5117 Cliffdale Road. “We believe that our first responders deserve recognition for the bravery that they demonstrate every time they put on their uniform,” says Nat Robertson, president and chief executive officer for the presenting Greater Fayetteville Chamber. “This is our way of giving back and recognizing the extreme efforts taken in our community to keep us safe.” You can nominate a first responder online here. Tickets are $25. Visit events@faybiz.com or call 910-483-8133.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
