Local News

Cape Fear Valley Health earns "A" safety rating; United Way partners to end food insecurity

8aCape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital Earns Fifth Consecutive ‘A’ Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group
Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital has earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for the fifth consecutive time from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization committed to improving healthcare quality and safety.
The “A” rating recognizes the hospital’s ongoing commitment to preventing medical errors, reducing infections, and delivering safe, high-quality care to patients.
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade evaluates nearly 3,000 hospitals nationwide and assigns grades based on up to 30 evidence-based measures of patient safety. Grades are determined under the guidance of a national expert panel and are publicly available to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions.
“Earning another ‘A’ from The Leapfrog Group is a reflection of the extraordinary teamwork and dedication of our staff,” said Sonja McLendon, Hoke Healthcare President. “Every department, every shift, and every role contributes to a culture that puts patient safety first. We’re proud to provide care that our community trusts. Receiving this distinction for the fifth time in a row shows that safety is not just a goal, it’s part of who we are. Our team continues to raise the bar to ensure our patients receive the safest, most reliable care possible.”
Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital’s success in earning this top grade stems from several key initiatives, including:
• Advanced infection control practices: Evidence-based protocols to prevent hospital-acquired infections.
• Technology-driven safety measures: Bar Code Medication Administration and Computerized Physician Order Entry systems to reduce medication errors.
• Comprehensive staff training: Ongoing education focused on patient safety, teamwork, and hand hygiene compliance.
About The Leapfrog Group
Founded in 2000, The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit organization that advances healthcare quality and safety through transparency and accountability. Its Hospital Safety Grade, launched in 2012, assigns letter grades to general hospitals nationwide based on their prevention of medical errors, injuries, and infections. Grades are updated each spring and fall and are publicly available at HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
About Cape Fear Valley Health System
Cape Fear Valley is a 1,000+ bed, 8-hospital regional health system, with more than 1 million inpatient and outpatient visits annually. A private not-for-profit organization with 8,000 employees and more than 1,000 providers on the medical staff, it includes Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital, Cape Fear Valley Rehabilitation Center, Behavioral Health Care, Bladen County Hospital, Hoke Hospital, Health Pavilion North, Health Pavilion Hoke and Harnett Health. For more information, visit www.CapeFearValley.com.

8United Way of Cumberland County Partners with the Community Stand Down Information & Resources Fair to Host a “Community Food Collection” Supporting Local Food Pantries
In response to the growing food insecurity crisis affecting families across our community, United Way of Cumberland County is partnering with the Community Stand Down Information & Resources Fair to host a Community Food Collection Drive benefiting local food pantries.
• When: Friday, Nov. 21
• Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until trucks are filled)
• 2 Drop Off Locations:
• Catholic Charities: Cross Creek Commons parking lot, 726 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC
• Fayetteville Urban Ministry: 701 Whitfield St., Fayetteville, NC
All food collected will be donated to the Catholic Charities Fayetteville Region Food Pantry and Fayetteville Urban Ministry Food Pantry.
Representatives from both agencies will be on site to receive donations. Community volunteers will assist with unloading vehicles and loading agency trucks. Donors are encouraged to remain in their vehicles while items are being unloaded.
The community is invited to contribute the following suggested items to support neighbors in need:
• Canned foods: meats, vegetables, pasta, soups, and fruits (preferably pop-top cans)
• Frozen foods: meats, vegetables, and fruits
• Pantry staples: peanut butter, rice, pasta, cereal, crackers, dry or canned milk
• Baby items: baby food, formula, diapers/pull-ups, wet wipes
• Beverages: water, milk, juice, powdered drinks
• Other necessities: hygiene products, laundry pods
For more information, contact United Way of Cumberland County at 910-483-1179. Individuals in need of food assistance should contact the food pantries directly:
• Catholic Charities: 910-424-2020
• Fayetteville Urban Ministry: 910-483-5944
Monetary donations can also be made through the Cumberland Cares Fund at https://unitedway-cc.networkforgood.com/projects/262136-cumberland-cares-fund
About United Way of Cumberland County
The mission of United Way of Cumberland County is to improve lives across Cumberland County by strategically raising and investing resources that address critical human service and health needs while fostering effective and innovative partnerships with direct service agencies.

Shop local on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29

15Each year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving marks Small Business Saturday, a national movement that shines a spotlight on locally owned shops and entrepreneurs. The campaign began in 2010, launched by American Express to encourage shoppers to support small businesses during the busiest shopping season of the year.
Falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s a day dedicated to celebrating the unique charm, craftsmanship, and community spirit found in small businesses across America.
Over the years, Small Business Saturday has grown into a powerful tradition. This is an opportunity for residents to invest directly in their neighbors, helping sustain local jobs and preserve the area’s distinctive culture. Shopping local means that more money stays within the community—supporting schools, public services, and other small business owners who in turn help make the local area thrive.
This holiday season, shopping at small businesses is easier than ever. From skincare and clothes to craft beer and stationery, locally owned shops have a range of gifts for everyone on your nice list. Several boutiques, gift shops, and specialty grocers offer online shopping for delivery or curbside pickup, with many featuring special discounts and deals.
Here’s a sampling of some of the many small businesses in the area to explore this Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29:
• A Bit of Carolina-Local Gifts, Souvenirs & Art-306 Hay St., 910-551-6537
• Cursive-Unique Gifts & Accessories-223 Franklin St., 910-482-0005
• Stevies on Hay-Clothing Boutique-318 Hay St., 910-229-2577
• Turner Lane-Home Decor & Gifts-242-A Hay St., 910-818-2157
• Reverie Goods and Gifts-Goods and Gifts-101 Hay St., Suite 1
• Raeford Flowers & Gifts-Florist & Gift Shop133 Harris Ave., Raeford, 910-354-3540
• Fulfillity Books & More-Bookstore-5548 Trade Street, Hope Mills, 480-808-7074
• Parliament Quilts & Crafts-Quilting Supplies & Crafts-307 S. Main Street, Raeford, 910-240-2075
• Skyland Florist & Gifts-Florist, Gifts & Accessories-105 North Bragg Boulevard, Spring Lake
• The Old Hardware Vintage Depot-Antiques & Vintage Goods-485 Carthage St., Cameron, 910-882-3690
• Wisdom Well Coffee Shop & Christian Boutique-Cafe, Boutique & Bookstore-1566 NC-24 #87, Cameron, 910-229-2692
Don’t miss the Shop Small Saturday Vendors Market, also happening on Saturday, Nov. 29, at North South Brewing Company on 304 Williams St. There will be many great local vendors there selling handmade items that make perfect gifts. The market will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Supporting these small shops helps strengthen Fayetteville’s economy while giving holiday shoppers the chance to find gifts that truly stand out. Whether you prefer browsing the charming stores downtown or shopping online in cozy pajamas, each purchase makes a difference.
Be sure to follow your favorite shops on social media for any deals or specials they will be running for the holiday season. Don’t forget about all the great bakeries, cafes, and restaurants that need some local love as well!
For even more local businesses, visit the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s business directory at chamber.faybiz.com/list. Raeford-Hoke Chamber of Commerce’s website with their business directory is at https://rhchamber.com/business-directory/, and Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce’s list of great businesses can be found at https://www.hopemillschamber.org/membership/member-directory.
Support small businesses this month, on Nov. 29, and all year round.

Cumberland County food resources, assistance guide

12Food insecurity affects many families in our community, especially during challenging economic times and throughout the holiday season.
Thankfully, Cumberland County is home to a network of compassionate churches, nonprofits, and service organizations dedicated to making sure no one goes hungry. From neighborhood food pantries and free meal programs to seasonal holiday outreach events, these local resources provide essential support to individuals and families in need.
Whether you’re seeking assistance or know someone who is, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the places working every day to nourish hope, dignity, and connection across our community.

Food Pantries
• The Beatitude House Ministries of the NSRBA
2341 Downing Rd., Fayetteville (New South River Baptist Association)
Thur–Fri 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 910-496-0925
• Beatitude House
102 N. Main St., Spring Lake
Thur–Fri 10:30 a.m.–Noon., 1–3 p.m., 910-496-0925
• Operation Blessing of Fayetteville
1337 Ramsey St., Fayetteville
Mon–Thur 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (closed noon–1 p.m. for lunch), 910-483-1119
• Salvation Army of Fayetteville
245 Alexander St., Fayetteville
By appointment Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–noon, & 1–4 p.m., 910-483-8119
• Catholic Charities – Fayetteville Regional Office
726 Ramsey St., Suites 10 & 11, Fayetteville
Mon–Wed 9 a.m.–Noon, 910-424-2020 ext. 2601
• Cliffdale Church / Cliffdale Food Bank
6427 Cliffdale Rd., Fayetteville
3rd Wed monthly (dates may vary); 4–5 p.m., 910-864-4911
• Christ United Methodist Church
3101 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville
Tue 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 910-484-3340
• Fayetteville Dream Center
336 Ray Ave., Fayetteville
1st & 3rd Thu 10 a.m.–Noon, 910-568-3897
• First Baptist Church
302 Moore St., Fayetteville
3rd Wed 10 a.m., 910-483-6505
• Gray’s Creek Christian Center
3028 School Rd., Hope Mills
Mon, Wed, Fri 9 a.m.–Noon, 910-485-3005
• Harry Hosier United Methodist Church
6201 Milford Rd., Fayetteville
1st & 3rd Fri 10 a.m.–Noon, 910-864-6019
• Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church
118 Johnson St., Fayetteville
Tue–Thu 10 a.m.–Noon, 910-868-2770
• Person Street United Methodist Church
509 Person St., Fayetteville
1st & 3rd Sat 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 910-483-4714
• Seth’s Wish
330 S. Cool Spring St., Fayetteville
Tue & Thu 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 910-476-6613
• Simon Temple AME Zion Church
441 Donray Dr., Fayetteville
Tue & Thu 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
910-867-1183
• St. Matthews United Methodist Church
202 Hope Mills Rd., Fayetteville
Tue 10 a.m.–Noon, 910-425-0401
• True Vine Ministries
5301 Morganton Rd., Fayetteville
Tue & Thu 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 910-867-6762
• The Food Pantry (Reilly Road Presbyterian Church)
208 S. Reilly Rd., Fayetteville
Mon & Wed 9 a.m.–Noon, 910-867-5773
• Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
1601 Raeford Rd., Fayetteville
Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 910-484-2134
• Fayetteville Urban Ministry
701 Whitfield St., Fayetteville
Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–5 p.m., 910-483-5944
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC
406 Deep Creek Rd., Fayetteville
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 910-485-6923
• ALMS House
3909 Ellison St., Hope Mills
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m. / Tue–Thu 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m., 910-425-0902
• Anderson Creek Community Church
2085 Ray Rd., Spring Lake
Thu 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 910-436-0548
• Cruciform Church of Christ
360 Pinetree Ln., Spring Lake
Twice monthly (call for dates), 910-447-2767
• HAND-EE
12254 Hwy 210 S., Spring Lake
Call for details, 910-497-7100
• Saint Pauls United Methodist Church
406 W. Main St., St. Pauls
2nd & 4th Tue monthly, 910-865-4301
• Loft Assistance Center
62 Joint Rd., Spring Lake
Tue & Thu 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 919-495-1415
• New Hope Baptist Church
293 Bethel Baptist Rd., Spring Lake
1st & 3rd Mon 2 p.m.–3 p.m., 910-497-1033
• Jehovah Jireh Christian Church
1913 Harris St., Fayetteville
Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (by appointment), 910-423-1600
• Abney Chapel Community Services Center
330 Old Wilmington Rd., Fayetteville, 910-483-4384
• Abney Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Church
2996 Rosehill Rd., Fayetteville
Call ahead for schedule, 910-488-8146
• Galatia Presbyterian Church
8800 Galatia Church Rd., Fayetteville
Fri 9 a.m.–11 a.m., 910-867-0656
• Veterans Empowering Veterans
325 B St., Fayetteville
Call for hours, 910-223-3213
• City Rescue Mission
331 Adam St., Fayetteville
Call for details, 910-323-0446
• The Church at Cedar Creek
4010 Cedar Creek Rd., Fayetteville
Wed & Thu 9:30 a.m.–Noon, 910-483-6895

13Soup Kitchens & Eat-In Programs
• Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch
531 Hillsboro St., Fayetteville
Breakfast Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m., 910-433-2161
• Salvation Army
245 Alexander St., Fayetteville
Lunch daily at Noon, 910-483-8119
• Seth’s Wish
330 S. Cool Spring St., Fayetteville
Hot meals Sundays 1 p.m., 910-476-6613
• Simon Temple AME Zion Church
5760 Yadkin Rd., Fayetteville
Breakfast Sat 7 a.m., 910-867-1182
• St. Matthews United Methodist Church
202 Hope Mills Rd., Fayetteville
Lunch last Wed monthly 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 910-425-0401
• Hoke County Open Door Soup Kitchen
308 N. Main St., Raeford
Tue & Thu 2 p.m. –4 p.m.; Sun 3 p.m.–4 p.m., 910-875-2111
• Manna Dream Center
128 S. King St., Fayetteville
Lunch served Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 910-568-3897

Holiday & Thanksgiving Assistance
• Rivers International Church
113 Foch St., Fayetteville
Thanksgiving meal (call for date/time), 910-670-1354
• We Are One Big Family
Fayetteville Day Resource Center, 128 S. King St., Fayetteville
Thanksgiving meals Nov 27–28, 910-708-0205
• Operation Turkey Fayetteville
606 Johnson St. and multiple locations (see PDF)
Meals Nov 23, 8 a.m.–Noon / 9 a.m.–1 p.m., 682-226-2724
• Robeson County Church and Community Center – Brighter Christmas Program
600 W. 5th St., Lumberton, 910-738-5204

Thanksgiving Boxes of Love Drive
• All About Fitness, Inc., 45 Treetop Dr., Fayetteville, 318-918-8580
• Harvest Family Church
6575 Fisher Rd., Fayetteville, 910-433-3036
• Gethsemane Baptist Church
4300 Blanton Rd., Fayetteville
Wed 6 p.m.–8 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 910-488-8725

Other Food Programs
• Meals on Wheels (Cumberland County Council on Older Adults)
339 Devers St., Fayetteville
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 910-484-0111
• Cumberland County Department of Social Services
1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville
Apply for Food & Nutrition Assistance Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., 910-677-2433


If you don’t see a resource near you, you can also use the following resources:
• For immediate assistance or to find local food pantries, dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org.
• Use the online tool https://foodfinder.foodbankcenc.org/ to help locate meal sources near you.
• Call your VA care team. If you’re enrolled for VA health care, talk to your doctor, nurse, or social worker, they can connect you directly to local food resources, pantry referrals, and nutrition support programs.

Chamber Military Affairs Council hosts Operation Patriot Pantry food drive for soldiers

8Recognizing the current financial pressures faced by military families and the need for immediate, tangible support within the Fort Bragg community, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber Military Affairs Council is hosting Operation Patriot Pantry, an installation food drive to support Fort Bragg soldiers and their families.
The community is invited to contribute non-perishable food items to support those who serve our nation.
• When: Wednesday, November 20, 2025
• Time: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (or until the trucks are full)
• Where: Highland Shopping Center parking lot at 2800 Raeford Rd.
A moving truck, generously provided by Two Men and a Truck, will be on-site to collect donations. Representatives will be available to assist with loading supplies. "Our mission is to support our military community, and right now, the most impactful way we can do that is by providing essential resources to those facing financial strain," said retired U.S. Army Gen. Ferd Irizarry, Military Affairs Council chair. "While we look forward to future socials when conditions improve, our priority today is ensuring our soldiers and their families have the support they need."
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber and its Military Affairs Council encourages businesses and individuals across the region to contribute to this vital effort.
“Our service members and their families support us every day of the year and preserve our country's freedom,” Greater Fayetteville Chamber President/CEO Nat Robertson said. “It's our turn to return that favor.”
For more information about the Greater Fayetteville Chamber Military Affairs Council or Operation Patriot Pantry, visit www.militaryaffairscouncil.com.

Government Watch: Cumberland County elections results; County being sued by architecture firm over downtown Crown

7Congratulations to the newly elected officials!
In Fayetteville, Mayor Mitch Colvin was elected for his fifth term. Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Keefe Jensen will be stepping down from office.
In Fayetteville City Council results:
• In District 1, newcomer Stephon Ferguson will be sworn in a seat that had been held by Jensen for 12 years,
• In District 2, incumbent Malik Davis will serve his second term. Davis received 68% of the vote.
• In District 3, former City Councilman and U.S. Air Force veteran Antonio Jones will serve a second term. He previously served the remainder of Tisha Waddell’s term from 2021.
• In District 4, Councilman DJ Haire will serve his 13th term on the Fayetteville City Council. He received 82.44% of the vote.
• In District 5, Lynne Bissette Greene will serve her second term. She ran unopposed after her challenger Enrique “Ranger Rick” Murillo dropped out of the race.
• In District 6, incumbent Derrick Thompson will serve his third term. He received 76.94% of the vote.
• In District 7, City Councilwoman Brenda McNair will serve her third term.
• In District 8, newcomer and retired Army officer Shaun McMillan won the seat that was vacated by Courtney Banks-McLaughlin who ran for mayor.
• And in District 9, Deno Hondros kept his seat and will remain a council member for this third term.
Other Cumberland County election results include:
• Hope Mills - Mayor Jessie Bellflowers and Hope Page, Grilley J. Mitchell, Bryan A. Marley, Cynthia Hamilton and Lisa F. Tremmel
• Spring Lake - Mayor Kia Anthony and Sona Cooper, Fredericka Sutherland, Jackie Jackson, Tony Burgess and Adrian Thompson
• Eastover - Mayor Charles McLaurin and Kimberly McPhail, Wayne Beard, Jr. and Bruce Sykes
• Falcon - Mayor Clifton L. Turpin, Jr. and Chip Lucas, Sue Brigman, R. Dwayne Dunning and Phillip J. Walters
• Godwin - Mayor Willie Burnette and Joseph Smith, Scarlet McIntyre Hall, Ronald McNeill and George Cooper, Jr.
• Linden - Mayor Frances Collier and Ronnie S. Maness, Jonathan Collier, Barbara C. Denning and Michael Hough. Linden will need to appoint one more commissioner.
• Stedman - Mayor Martin (Mardy) Jones along with Louis Wood and Harvey L. Cain, Jr.
• Wade - Mayor Johnny Lanthorn and Kevin Herring, Beth Ritchie, George E. Strater, Johnny B. Sawyer and Jennifer Dixon Weaver
Cumberland County
EwingCole, an architectural firm based in Pennsylvania with an office in Raleigh, is suing Cumberland County for unpaid fees related to the Crown Event Center project which was halted in March 2025. According to the lawsuit, the county stopped paying invoices in July 2024 and, as of September 1, EwingCole was owed $2.3 million. The county later paid a portion of this, leaving a remaining disputed balance of approximately $1.32 million.
Cumberland County Commission Chair Kirk deViere said that “the billing disputes in question stem from actions that occurred before the [current] board took office in December 2024.”
He further stated that when the board was made aware of these issues in March 2025, they took immediate action by launching an independent investigation. They canceled the project four months later after receiving a comprehensive report from the Hutchens Law Firm. That report has not been made public. County officials have stated that the matter is in active litigation and cannot comment further.
National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will allow middle school students (6th, 7th and 8th grades) to participate for the first time in North Carolina this year and Fayetteville through the Greater Fayetteville Chamber was chosen as a regional site. Applications for students officially are open and students have until Feb. 3, 2026 to apply.
For more information about the program including educator resources and how to participate in the 2026 competition, visit www.faybiz.com/civicsbee.
About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

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