Local News

On-Demand kayak rentals available at Hope Mills Lake

Hope Mills Lake is now offering a revolutionary way to experience lake adventures with on-demand kayak rentals. In partnership with Whenever Watersports, Hope Mills Lake Park provides a hassle-free way for residents and visitors to enjoy kayaking at their convenience. No more waiting in lines or dealing with complicated rental processes, just pure, unadulterated lakeside fun.
Seasoned kayakers and first-timers can experience this new service, designed to make their outdoor experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. The fully automated rental kiosk is located conveniently by the water, so kayakers can get on the lake in no time.
15Renting a kayak at Hope Mills Lake is simple using Whenever Watersports' self-serve rental system. All hopeful kayakers need to do is scan the QR code at the kiosk, book the kayak from a smartphone, and they're ready to hit the water.
The process is entirely automated, which means water enthusiasts can rent a kayak any time from 6 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week. Just choose the rental duration, select the equipment, and enjoy the day on the lake without any hassle.
Hope Mills Lake is a gem in North Carolina, offering 73 acres of natural beauty, including the lake itself. The lake is perfect for kayaking, with its calm waters and scenic surroundings. It's an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.
Hope Mills Lake Park features amenities like a boat ramp, a gazebo, a playground, and even an observation dock. Whether you're looking to swim, fish, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, Hope Mills Lake has something for everyone.
Whenever Watersports offers a range of rental options to suit your needs. Single kayaks are available for $19.99 for one hour, $29.99 for two hours, and $49.99 for a full day. Tandem kayaks are priced at $39.99 for one hour, $59.99 for two hours, and $79.99 for a full day. Additional hours are charged at $14.99 per hour for single kayaks and $29.99 per hour for tandems. A full day rental is eight hours or until sunset.
All rentals include paddles, personal flotation devices of various sizes, and whistles. With nine single kayaks and three tandem kayaks available, there's plenty of equipment to go around.
Whenever Watersports was founded in 2022 by Mike Ulitsch and Aran Gillette, two outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for making water recreation more accessible. Their mission is to provide an easy, hassle-free way for people to enjoy kayaking and other water activities.
Driven by their love for the outdoors, Mike and Aran have created a service that allows anyone to experience the beauty and fun of kayaking without the usual complications. Their vision is to make on-water recreation a possibility for everyone, one kayak rental at a time.
Ready to hit the water? Check out this great step-by-step video on how to rent and return kayaks before heading out to the lake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO1qhPMOgz8&t=2s

Cumberland County EMS team makes history

Earlier this month, two paramedics with Cumberland County EMS made history as the first all-female team to win the NC Emergency Medical Services Expo’s annual EM Today Paramedic Competition in its 33-year history.
9Paramedics Hannah Thompson and Jessica Haines represented Cumberland County EMS as one of the top six teams from across the state on May 4 at Greensboro. The expo is an educational conference for paramedics, EMTs and county emergency services directors to sharpen their skills with presentations from faculty from across the state and the U.S.
“We’re very proud of Hannah and Jessica’s win,” said Brian Langston, Corporate Director Patient Logistics and Mobile Integrated Health. “These competitions prepare our paramedics to improve the treatment of real patients in our community and set the benchmarks for our paramedics to have a high level of medical knowledge.”
The Cumberland EMS team outperformed the 2024 returning champions, as well as four other regional champion duos who earned their respective spots following competitions in March in Brunswick, Catawba, Cumberland, Johnston and Surry counties. Those teams included Mecklenburg EMS and Whiteville Rescue as well as two Surry County EMS crews.
Originally from Wyoming, Haines has been with Cape Fear Valley for a year and became a paramedic in September, but she has been in EMS for over two years.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Campbell University. Before going to college, Haines was a member of the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. She is also a mother with a three-year-old son.
“When Hannah and I said we were going to do the competition, we did it to learn and have fun,” Haines said. “We had no expectation of actually winning. Then we won the regionals, and it got a little more serious. When we were training, we learned that no all-female team had ever won the competition, and that no Cape Fear Valley team had ever won, either. That was our motivator, once we found that out.”
Thompson is originally from New Mexico, where she previously worked as a paramedic before moving to Fayetteville. She’s been with Cumberland County EMS since 2022 and worked in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department for a year.
She holds an associate’s degree in emergency medical services and a bachelor’s degree in organismal biology. Additionally, she is an adjunct instructor with Fayetteville Technical Community College, where the two spent much of April practicing complicated patient and logistic scenarios before the final competition.
“From complex cardiac cases, extensive traumatic injuries, and a plethora of complicated overdoses, we used scenarios that always had two, if not three or more patients,” Thompson said. “We fine-tuned our assessment skills and critical thinking. Our dedication and shared perfectionistic traits made our teamwork and patient care smooth and methodical.”
At the preliminary competition site, teams are judged and scored in three categories: a practical scenario, a short written examination, and professionalism.
During the final competition, teams are graded on professionalism, didactic knowledge, and their clinical management as they face realistic scenarios, environments and simulations within a set time limit.
This year’s scenario involved managing three critical patients at the scene of a high school football game. They initially had to manage a seriously injured player with a collapsed lung on the field. Soon after, the coach became ill after having taken too much of his blood pressure medication.
Finally, an argument broke out between the inebriated father and mother of the injured player, resulting in the mother being stabbed.
Competing teams were challenged to respond to all of these individual crises as part of the mock emergency.
"These incredible EMS teams work hard all year to prepare for this event and for their day-to-day duties,” said Tom Mitchell, chief of the N.C. Office of Emergency Medical Services. “Just like in this competition, these paramedics never know what they may face when responding to the needs of North Carolinians. Their extensive training results in improved quality of care for all residents and visitors who may experience illness or injury in an emergency situation."

(Photo: From left, Cape Fear Valley Health Vice President of Operations and Development Brian Pearce, Paramedics Hannah Thompson and Jessica Haines, and Corporate Director Patient Logistics and Mobile Integrated Health Brian Langston at the North Carolina Paramedic Competition State Championships held in Greensboro on May 4. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)

New public safety ordinance for sidewalks in effect; Cumberland County Schools hire new superintendent

City passes new sidewalk ordinance
A new city ordinance aimed at enhancing public safety by keeping city sidewalks and streets clear from unnecessary obstructions will go in effect on Monday, May 26. The ordinance prohibits actions that block or impede the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles along public streets and sidewalks.
"As the city continues to make unprecedented investments in improving pedestrian safety and walkability, this ordinance reflects our commitment to safer streets and sidewalks," Mayor Mitch Colvin stated. "It has been proven this improves the quality of life."
The ordinance reaffirms the city’s duty under a general statute to maintain open and unobstructed public passageways. It makes it unlawful for individuals to block or impede sidewalks, streets, or the entrances and exits of buildings, except where specifically permitted by property owners or city-issued permits.
Violations are classified as Class 3 misdemeanors and can be punishable by fines up to $50. These violations are applied only to city-controlled rights-of-way.
The city continues to make transformative investments, including expanding sidewalks throughout the city. These investments focus on moving Fayetteville forward, addressing needs related to safety and security and improving the quality of life for residents.
Residents can learn more about the ordinance at FayettevilleNC.gov/WalkingSafe.
City council adopted the proposed ordinance with a 7-3 vote on April 28.

Cumberland County Schools hire new
superintendent

A new superintendent has been chosen to head Cumberland County Schools, the Cumberland County Board of Education announced.
During a special meeting, the board moved to unanimously appoint Eric C. Bracy to lead the school system as Superintendent Marvin Connelly Jr. steps down. Connelly announced his retirement in December 2024.
Bracy is currently superintendent of Johnston County Schools, a position he has held since 2020, according to a Cumberland County Schools news release.
The school system pointed to Bracy’s experience in fiscal management and improving student outcomes as particular strengths.
“From the outset of our search process, Dr. Bracy stood out from a deep and talented pool of candidates as the right leader at the right time for Cumberland County Schools,” said Deanna Jones, chair of the Cumberland Board of Education. “His unwavering commitment to student achievement, consistent track record of results across multiple districts and ability to build meaningful relationships reflect the type of strong, student-centered leadership our community values. We are proud to welcome him and confident that he will help take CCS to the next level.”
Bracy is scheduled to take over the position in a four-year term on July 1, depending on his release date from Johnston County, the release said.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the next superintendent of Cumberland County Schools,” Bracy said. “This district has made tremendous progress, and I am excited to work alongside the board, staff, families and community partners to build on that momentum.”
Bracy’s top priorities are increasing student achievement and instructional excellence in each classroom, the release states.
In Johnston County, Bracy has been lauded for raising the school system’s rank from 83rd to 35th in the state in grade-level proficiency. The district was one of six in the state to see improvements in grade-level proficiency when compared to performance from before the Covid-19 pandemic, the release said.
Under Bracy’s leadership, 89% of Johnston County’s 48 schools earned A, B or C performance grades while the number of low-performing schools dropped from 14 to one.
“Student achievement improved across the district, with 33 schools exceeding academic growth expectations while 30 ranking in the top 20% statewide for academic growth,” the release said.
According to the release, Bracy worked with the Johnston County Board of Education and county commissioners for the passage of two bond referendums, $177 million in 2022 and $120 million in 2024, to support the district’s facility needs and growth.
Bracy also has experience understanding the needs of military families, having worked with many stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
His wife, Janelle, is a teacher; they have three daughters.
“My family and I are thrilled to begin this next chapter and look forward to becoming an engaged and visible part of the CCS community,” Bracy said. “I’m ready to get to work and help move the district to even greater heights.”
After Connelly announced his retirement last winter, the Board of Education in January selected McPherson and Jacobson LLC, a national executive search firm, to begin the search for his replacement.

Matt Stone appointed to Greater Fayetteville Chamber position

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber is proud to announce the appointment of Matt Stone as the new Director of Member Engagement and the Consumer Protection Division.
In this dual leadership role, Matt will be responsible for developing and executing strategies designed to engage, retain, and deliver exceptional value to the membership’s largest employers and most influential stakeholders throughout the region.
8“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the Chamber’s leadership team,” said Nat Robertson, President/CEO of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. “His expertise in building meaningful, strategic relationships and delivering value to key stakeholders will be essential as we expand our impact and continue to serve the evolving needs of our largest members and Cumberland County’s largest industry and businesses.”
As Director of the Consumer Protection Division, Matt will also be responsible for leading initiatives that uphold fair business practices, promote consumer awareness, and protect the interests of both businesses and consumers within our community. To learn more about the Consumer Protection Division, please visit www.faycpd.com.
Matt brings a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. His appointment reflects the Chamber’s commitment to innovation, accountability, and a results-driven approach to member service and community trust.
“I am honored to join the Greater Fayetteville Chamber team and contribute to such a dynamic and forward thinking Chamber,” said Matt Stone. “I look forward to working closely with our members to create a more engaged, connected, and thriving business community.”
Please join us in welcoming Matt Stone to the Greater Fayetteville Chamber team.

 

FTCC’s Child Care Assistance promotes life balance

Fayetteville Technical Community College is excited to welcome new students to apply for the Parents for Higher Education Child Care Assistance Program.
The PFHE helps full-time FTCC students with childcare costs if they are enrolled in an approved program. The program is designed to support student-parents and help them succeed in school while balancing the challenges of family life. It’s a great opportunity for a brighter future. With PFHE, students can enjoy a fun and balanced college experience.
19Program Benefits:
• Meet and connect with other parents in the PFHE Club
• Build leadership skills by becoming an officer in the PFHE Club
• Learn helpful parenting and money management tips
• Find ways to reduce stress
• Participate in school activities, like the annual Spring Fling
• Get personalized tutoring sessions to help you succeed
Here’s what some FTCC students have to say about the program:
A Dental Assisting student: “PFHE has helped my family a lot, especially during this semester. Currently, my husband and I are in school, so having daycare for my son is relieving because we have a secure place he will be taken care of throughout the day while we’re in school. I hope people hear more about this program so they can get their education while having children.”
An Associate in Arts student: “The support from the Parents for Higher Education grant in covering my childcare expenses has been invaluable. This aid has enabled me to concentrate on my studies without the stress of securing affordable and reliable care for my child. Their kindness has not only alleviated my financial strain but also provided reassurance that my child is well taken care of while I continue my education. I am profoundly thankful for their assistance, which has greatly impacted my academic path.”
A Respiratory Therapy student: “The Parents for Higher Education Grant has allowed me to pursue my degree. As a first-generation college student, I felt lost on how to navigate the workload of my program, the cost of childcare, and make time to teach my children. Now that I have the PFHE grant, I am able to study and do homework while my children attend daycare and when I pick them up, I can spend all my attention on taking care of them and my household. This grant is so much more than providing childcare: it gives time, it gives relief, it provides opportunities that otherwise would not be available for parents. It felt like a life raft for me.”
PFHE is a comprehensive support system that can make a significant difference in the lives of FTCC student-parents and their families. We invite you to explore this invaluable opportunity and discover how PFHE can help pave the way for a brighter future.
Space is limited, and the fall 2025 application deadline is June 13, 2025.
Contact Dixie Canon, Family Support Services Associate at the Tony Rand Student Center Office 109 via email at canond@faytechcc.edu or by phone at 910-678-8486. For more information, visit https://www.faytechcc.edu/ccg

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