Local News

Prevent hot car emergencies with children

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Tuesday, 02 July 2024

Written by Staff Report

Parents often do everything within their means to keep their children safe in and outside of their homes. Throughout the years, child safety seats have helped reduce the risk of serious injuries to children while riding in vehicles. However, incidents of hot car injuries and deaths have increased.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates about 40 children a year die from heatstroke after they were left or became trapped in a car. Roughly one child every 10 days loses his or her life in a hot car. The NHTSA also says there have been more than 950 hot car deaths among children since 1998. The National Safety Council says nearly every state has experienced at least one death of a child succumbing to heat stroke in a hot car since 1998. The agency reports that a record number of 53 children died after being left in hot vehicles in 2018 and 2019.
Pediatric vehicular heatstroke (PVH) poses a serious threat. Health experts warn that a child's body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult 's. When a child remains in a vehicle without ample ventilation, that child's body temperature can rise quickly, turning into a dangerous situation. Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 F.
Many children who were injured or killed in PVH incidents have parents and caregivers who are thoughtful guardians. No one sets out to forget their child in a car. Since younger children sit rear-facing in safety seats, sometimes their presence is obscured. Those who are rushing around or parents with miscommunication may not realize their child is in the car seat. It is essential that parents and caregivers get in the habit of always checking the back seat before locking the car doors. Heeding some additional tips also can prevent PVH.
• Leave your purse, wallet or another item in the back seat so you are forced to go in the back to retrieve it. This is an added security measure to check the back seat and ensure the car seat is empty.
• Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time, even if you only intend to run into a store for a few minutes. Rolling down the windows or parking the car in the shade does little to adjust the interior temperature of the vehicle.
• Write a note or place a stuffed animal in the passenger's seat to remind you that a child is in the back seat.
• Keep the car locked and keys out of reach. Children being forgotten in the car is not the only cause of PVH incidences. Sometimes kids hide or play in cars and become trapped. The NHTSA says 25 percent of PVH deaths occur after kids gain access to unattended vehicles.
• Be an observant bystander at all times. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, make sure the child is alright and responsive, then attempt to locate the parents. If the child seems in distress, attempt to break the window of the car and call for emergency services immediately.
Instances of PVH and similar accidents are not exclusive to summertime. A car can become hot quickly even if the temperature outdoors seems relatively mild, says Consumer Reports.
Various strategies can help prevent hot car injuries and deaths in children.

Amazon hiring for local facility; Arts Council awards grants

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Tuesday, 02 July 2024

Written by Staff Report

Amazon Now Hiring for Fayetteville Inbound Cross Dock Facility
New employment opportunities are posted each Friday after 7 p.m.
Amazon has begun hiring for its completed Inbound Cross Dock facility in Fayetteville. Interested applicants can apply by going to amazon.com/flexiblejobs. The company will be hiring in phases, with additional positions posted each Friday evening (jobs will not be posted before 7:00 p.m.). Pay for these positions starts at $17.00 per hour, with benefits including medical, dental, and vision effective on the first day of employment.
At full operation, the 1.3 million square-foot facility, located in the Military Business Park, will employ more than 1,000 workers in full and part-time positions. Applications must be made online and will not be taken on site.
Those without internet access are encouraged to visit any of Cumberland County’s eight library locations. Residents are advised to be wary of potential hiring scams. Applications are only accepted through Amazon’s job portal on their website, amazon.com/flexiblejobs.
“This project is a tremendous milestone for our community, bringing essential job opportunities and a positive economic impact that will benefit all our residents. The introduction of hundreds of new jobs will invigorate our local economy, support families, and drive the growth of our city,” said Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone for their patience and support throughout the completion of this project. Together, we are forging a brighter future for Fayetteville.”
When combined with their existing last mile delivery facility at 1005 Dunn Road, Amazon will soon be one of the largest private sector employers in Cumberland County, contributing millions of dollars in wages to the local economy, as well as property tax revenue to the City and County.
“When we’re able to bring economic development projects like this to Cumberland County, it’s not just an investment in buildings and equipment – it’s an investment in our community and our workforce to provide life-changing opportunities, and we are seeing that investment multiplied throughout our county. We can build a brighter future, where innovation and collaboration make a way for prosperity," said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams.
The project is the culmination of strong collaborative efforts from multiple public and private organizations including the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, Amazon, Fayetteville, Public Works Commission, Piedmont Natural Gas, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Broadwell Construction Company, Cape Fear Commercial Real Estate, Ryan Companies and FCEDC.

Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County awards $182,679 in spring cycle funding
The Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County is pleased to announce the distribution of $182,679 in funding during the Spring 2024 grant cycle. This funding includes $147,376 in Project Support grants and $35,303 in Mini Grants.
These two grant programs are designed to stimulate the local arts economy and support the livelihoods and career development of local artists and arts, culture, and history-focused programming.
The Project Support grants provide substantial funding for organizations with programs beginning on July 1, 2024, ensuring a broad range of artistic and cultural activities can flourish in the community. The Mini Grants, awarded to local artists, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and municipal offices, emphasize the Arts Council's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation at all levels.
Michael Curtis Houck, the Arts Council’s Director of Grants and Allocations, expressed his enthusiasm about the impact of these grants.
"We are incredibly proud to support our local artists and organizations through these vital funding programs. The arts are a crucial part of our community's identity and economic vitality, and this funding ensures that creativity continues to thrive across Cumberland County."
In FY25, the Arts Council has shifted to two Project Support Grant cycles; a second opportunity is now accepting applications with a due date of August 15 to support activity in winter/spring 2025; Mini Grants for individual artists will continue on a quarterly basis with the next cycle accepting applications through August 1.
The Arts Council awarded Project Support Grants to the following organizations for Arts, Culture, and History-focused projects and programs:
• Artist Village Community Theatre will produce a theater series consisting of three productions between October 2024 and May 2025.
• Cape Fear Studios, Inc. will produce ten gallery exhibitions across the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Cape Fear Valley Medical Foundation, Inc. will provide art therapy sessions in the Adult Behavioral Health Unit & the Youth Behavioral Health Unit (two awards).
• Cape Fear Valley Medical Foundation, Inc. will provide art therapy sessions for patients and caregivers in the Cancer Center.
• City of Fayetteville/Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation will produce the annual Independence Day Concert on July 4 in Festival Park featuring the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.
• Community Concerts of Fayetteville, Inc. will produce a series of concerts taking place at Crown Theatre during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Crossroads Outreach Alternative Program Ministries will produce Arts Ex'Posion, weekly after-school courses with a multi-disciplinary arts focus.
• Cumberland Choral Arts will produce a choral series with six concerts over the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Cumberland Choral Arts will produce a youth choral series with concerts and public presentations across the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
• Fayetteville State University will produce The Sound that Jazz Makes, a year-long new play development project with a premiere in 2025 during Juneteenth.
• Friends of the Skateparks Foundation will produce the One People Reggae & Arts Music Festival, a one-day music and vendor festival with performances by Inner Circle, Etana, and The Wailers.
• FTCC Foundation, Inc. will continue their Guest Artist Series with professional musician workshops and masterclasses across the 2024-2025 year.
• Groundswell Pictures will produce the 2024 Indigo Moon Film Festival, a three-day international film festival in downtown Fayetteville.
• Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will produce History Live! Fall 2024, an annual live series with events between Halloween and Christmas.
• Service Source will continue Community Inclusion Days - Bloom Art Therapy, art therapy sessions for adults with disabilities.
• The Tulsa Initiative, Inc. will produce the Tulsa Leadership and Entrepreneurship Academy, a creative arts mentorship program for BIPOC entrepreneurs.
The Arts Council awarded Mini Grants to individual artists and organizations for Arts, Culture, and History-focused projects and programs. For a full list, visit their website.
The next Project Support and Mini Grant cycles open in July with dates due in August. For more information about the Arts Council grants programs, visit theartscouncil.com/grants or email Michael Houck, Director of Grants and Allocations, at michaelh@theartscouncil.com.
For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow this organization @artscouncilfay on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and/or YouTube.

Passing the torch: A new chapter at Fort Liberty

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Tuesday, 02 July 2024

Written by Jason Ragucci, Ft. Liberty Garrison Public Affairs Office

On a vibrant morning at the Main Post flagpole on June 27, officials held a significant change of command ceremony as Col. John Wilcox stepped down as Garrison Commander after his successful two-year tenure.
In his stead, Col. K. “Chad” Mixon assumed the helm, shouldering the responsibilities of leading the Fort Liberty Garrison.
A Legacy of Leadership
During his time as Garrison Commander, Wilcox navigated challenges with unwavering dedication, ensuring the smooth operation of the garrison. His leadership style, marked by precision and empathy, has left an indelible mark on all who served under him.
Wilcox oversaw the historic redesignation of the base from Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the garrison's future.
“The redesignation from Fort Bragg to Liberty was certainly met with concern, but this community came together to find a name befitting heroes, history, and culture,” said the outgoing garrison commander, Wilcox. “Sunset Liberty March was put in place simultaneously to ensure that we always honor history and culture and commit never to forget the sacrifices made to our great nation.”
As Wilcox prepares to step down from his role, he will embark on his next assignment with the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida.
Stepping into New Shoes
As Mixon assumes command, the garrison braces for a transition that promises continuity alongside fresh perspectives. The ceremony symbolizes the change in leadership and embodies the garrison's enduring legacy of excellence.
“I pledge to ensure this installation has the resources and support needed for our military families to thrive,” said incoming Garrison Commander Mixon. “Their sacrifices are the backbone of our community and face unique challenges with strength and grace.”
Mixon is no stranger to Fort Liberty, as he is returning to the installation after attending the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. As a former enlisted infantryman, Mixon brings a wealth of experience to his new position.
His previous assignments at Fort Liberty include serving with the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and Forces Command. His leadership skills and strategic vision make him well-suited to take on the responsibilities of garrison commander.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the military. It signifies the transfer of authority from one commander to another. It is a formal event that highlights the continuity of leadership within the organization. During the ceremony, the outgoing commander passes the unit's colors to the incoming commander, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility. This moment is steeped in tradition and serves as a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of military leaders.
“As we look to the future, I’m committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement,” said Mixon. “We will work together to address the challenges we face and seize all opportunities in my capability.”
As Col. John Wilcox passes the baton to Col. K. “Chad” Mixon, the Army Garrison stands poised at the threshold of a new chapter.
The ceremony is a tribute to the dedication, leadership, and camaraderie that define the essence of military service.
It is a moment that encapsulates the spirit of unity and resilience that binds the garrison together, ensuring its mission endures through the flow of change.
“What often goes unnoticed is that while our warfighters are preparing for the nation's needs, you [Garrison DOD Civilians] show up every single day and make certain that the lights are kept on at this installation,” said Wilcox. “Our children are enriched and protected; our roads are safe, and you continue to keep our community safe.”

(Top Photo: Patrick Appelman (right), the Director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Readiness, hands the Fort Liberty guidon to Incoming Garrison Commander Col. K. Chad Mixon in a change of command ceremony on Fort Liberty June 27. U.S. Army photo by Steven Frith. Bottom Photo: Col. K. Chad Mixon speaks to a crowd gathered for the Fort Liberty Garrison Change of Command ceremony on June 27. U.S. Army photo by Cheryle Rivas)

Residency Licensure Certificate promotes pathway to teach elementary education

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Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Written by Christopher Thrasher

NC Governor Roy Cooper once stated, “North Carolina is committed to living up to our responsibility to deliver a quality education to every student in every county.” (NC Gov, 2020).
To help fulfill Governor Cooper’s vision, Fayetteville Technical Community College has joined other community colleges around the state to recruit and prepare highly qualified teachers in every county in North Carolina.
FTCC is thrilled to offer a Residency Licensure Certificate Program. The Residency Licensure Certificate program is designed for college graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and desire to become an elementary education teacher.
The RLCP takes about three years to complete. The program includes 6 courses and 18 hours of study. Learners complete one course per semester while teaching full-time in the classroom. FTCC is currently serving teachers in Cumberland and Wake Counties.
Coursework includes classes in learning theory, instructional/educational technology, diverse learners, school policies and procedures, expectations and responsibilities of educators, teaching strategies/methods for specific content/specialty areas, formative/summative assessment, data-informed practice, and classroom organization/management to enhance learning. These classes, in combination with hands-on experience in the classroom, will provide students with the foundation they need to become successful professional educators.
Through the support of TeachNC, FTCC recently awarded over $17,000 in scholarships to 8 teachers currently teaching in elementary schools.
For admission into the program, the candidate must:
• be a U.S. citizen, or eligible for employment,
• have completed a bachelor’s degree with a 2.7 GPA or higher,
• have completed 24 hours of coursework in the requested licensure area or passed the North Carolina State Board of Education required content area examination(s) for the requested licensure area,
• provide a letter of employment or promised placement.
“I am thankful for the support of the (Residency Licensure) teacher program at FTCC because it has allowed me to have a virtual but hands-on experience with our advisor who has weekly check-ins and meetings to review information and encourages us toward our licensure goal,” said Kendall Carter, current student and teacher for Cumberland County Schools.
The key to the future economic and overall success of North Carolina lies in recruiting and retaining quality teachers to cultivate the next generation of North Carolinians. As a teacher, you will make more than a living. You will make a difference.
Are you ready to learn more? Please contact program director Heather Craven in the Education Department at cravenh@faytechcc.edu or call 910-678-9790 for more information.
The Education Department’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is located at Cumberland Hall 302, 2125 Hull Rd.