Local News

Don’t drain our future: Stop Cape Fear Interbasin Transfer

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Written by Richard King, Chairman, PWC Board

As the main source of drinking water for Fayetteville and Cumberland County, the Cape Fear River serves as the lifeline for the residents of our community and the surrounding areas. The Town of Fuquay-Varina is seeking state approval for an Interbasin Transfer certificate that would authorize withdrawal of 6.17 million gallons of water from the Cape Fear River.
An Interbasin Transfer refers to the process of withdrawing surface water from one river basin and subsequently discharging the wastewater into a different basin. Under this proposal, rather than returning treated wastewater to the Cape Fear River Basin, the discharge would occur in the Neuse River Basin.
This approach will almost certainly have implications for the long-term stability of our region's primary water source.
Every day, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission delivers safe and reliable drinking water to over 250,000 residents within our service territory, while also supporting nearby communities like Fort Bragg, Hoke County, the Town of Spring Lake, and the Town of Stedman. This river, a limited and essential resource, must be managed with care and responsibility. It doesn’t belong to any one person or group; instead, the Cape Fear River is a vital, shared resource that sustains life throughout our region.
Since PWC was chartered in 1905 and began offering water services, our mission has been to help manage this river carefully for the wellbeing of all communities, both local and downstream. As a regional water supplier, we recognize and acknowledge statewide water needs, however our focus remains in delivering safe, affordable, regulation-compliant water with enough supply for current residents and future growth.
Responsible resource stewardship is returning water to the river promptly, which supports all local communities' growth, sustainability, and ultimate viability.
When water is permanently diverted and not returned, the river’s flow decreases, straining the ability of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, Fort Bragg, and other downstream communities to access the water they need for drinking, sanitation, industry, agriculture, and recreation. Over time, the ongoing loss of this volume of water will lead to water shortages, hamper economic growth, and reduce the Cape Fear River’s capacity to support healthy ecosystems, ultimately threatening the wellbeing and prosperity of our entire region.
The absence of returning water to the basin from which it was taken should raise alarm for all who depend on the Cape Fear River’s enduring vitality. PWC keeps water in the Cape Fear River Basin by withdrawing, treating, and returning it to the same source.
This closed loop supports both local and downstream communities. When water is removed without being returned, river levels drop over time, especially during droughts, impacting drinking water, industry, recreation and PWC's infrastructure.
These risks are especially important because the basin currently provides resources to hundreds of thousands of people as well as a key military facility.
The Cape Fear River has sustained our region for generations, supporting families, businesses, and national defense. It is a shared resource, not a commodity to be moved from one basin to another for convenience. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Management Commission must reject this Interbasin Transfer request as proposed and uphold a principle that has served this state well: water drawn from the Cape Fear River Basin should stay in the
Cape Fear River Basin.
No one can predict what river conditions will look like decades from now. Climate change, population growth, and industrial demand make it even more important to protect what we have. Once water is allowed to leave the basin, it does not come back.
PWC has a long history of defending the Cape Fear River from similar proposals. With your help, we have successfully challenged past attempts to move water out of the Cape Fear River Basin, ensuring that this essential resource remains available for the people who depend on it.
Those efforts reflect our responsibility not only to our current customers but also to future generations.
We need your help again; our community’s future depends on it.
How You Can Help
Protecting the Cape Fear River Basin requires community action. Attending public hearings on the Interbasin Transfer proposal is a direct way to make an impact and show support for preserving our water source.
Join a hearing to voice your concerns and advocate for responsible stewardship.
Public Hearing Details
• Fayetteville, N.C.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 4, 2025
Where: Fayetteville Technology Community College, Cumberland Hall Auditorium, 2220 Hull Road, Fayetteville, N.C.
Register: Sign-in and speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
• Raleigh, N.C.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 9, 2025
Where: Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building, 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, N.C., 27604
Register: Sign-in and speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Parking information: Public parking will be available after 5 p.m. at Parking Deck 64, which is located across North Salisbury Street from the Archdale Building. Please see the Interactive State Parking Map for additional parking options: https://www.doa.nc.gov/divisions/state-parking/interactive-state-parking-map
• Pittsboro, N.C.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 11, 2025
Where: Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 U.S. Hwy 64 West Business, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312
Register: Sign-in and speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.
By attending a public hearing, registering to speak, and sharing your perspective, you will help ensure that our community's concerns are heard and considered. Together, we can protect the Cape Fear River Basin and the future of our region.
Help us Save Our Water.
Very truly yours,
Fayetteville Public Works
Commission
Richard King, Chairman, PWC Board of Commissioners

Helping with the winter blues: Shine a light on vitamin D

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Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Written by Staff Report

Many vitamins are important for personal health, but come the wintertime, vitamin D may dominate the headlines. That's because hours of sunlight dwindle in the winter, which can lower levels of vitamin D in the body.
Vitamin D is sometimes referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" because of its ties to the sun. The Cleveland Clinic says sun exposure on the skin is one way for people to get vitamin D. However, people with darker skin or those in certain geographical locations that do not get enough sunlight may not get sufficient vitamin D. Supplementation with foods that contain vitamin D or through pills may be necessary.
Vitamin D helps maintain a balance of calcium in the body and facilitates the building and maintaining of strong bones. The Mayo Clinic says low vitamin D levels have been tied to cancer, cognitive decline, multiple sclerosis, rickets, and psoriasis. But how much vitamin D does a person need? The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for those ages one to 70 years old, and 800 IU for people over 70 years of age. However, some doctors recommend people take higher amounts. The Endocrine Society, for example, suggests higher daily doses of 1,500 to 2,000 IU may be needed for some adults.
Although vitamin D deficiency may compromise health, it's important to note that going too far in the other direction also is unhealthy. Harvard Health advises against taking more than 4,000 IU per day, which is considered the safe upper limit. High doses of vitamin D can cause too much calcium to form in the blood, a condition called hypercalcemia. This raises the risk of fatal heart conditions. Increasing vitamin D intake also increases the risk for kidney stones, so the pros and cons must be weighed. Symptoms of too much vitamin D can include vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, increased thirst, and frequent urination.
Getting vitamin D naturally through sunlight and food sources is preferable to supplements. Fatty fish, mushrooms, liver, shrimp, and oysters are some foods that are excellent sources of vitamin D. UCLA Health says eight to 10 minutes of sun exposure at noon produces the recommended amount of vitamin D. However, in the winter when only 10 percent of the body is exposed, nearly two hours of sun exposure at noon is needed to produce a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Geographic regions may produce different rates of exposure needed to ensure sufficient vitamin D production.
Vitamin D is necessary for health, but many people are not getting enough. Increasing exposure to the sun, eating the right foods and supplementation when needed can improve vitamin D levels.

Simulation, Game Development and Digital Media at FTCC

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Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Written by Tori Quismundo

At Fayetteville Technical Community College, creativity and technology converge under the Computer Information Technology Department, where the Simulation & Game Development and Digital Media programs are redefining what it means to prepare students for the modern digital world. Both programs empower students to transform imagination into interactive experiences and visual storytelling. Students learn to blend technical precision with artistic innovation. Together, these departments serve as a hub for aspiring creators, programmers, and designers eager to shape the future of entertainment, education, and digital communication.
The Simulation & Game Development program provides hands-on experience in designing and programming interactive 2D and 3D environments, from video games to virtual training simulations. Students learn industry-relevant tools and techniques in areas such as game design, 3D modeling, level development, motion graphics, and artificial intelligence. By combining creativity with critical thinking, the program prepares graduates for a variety of careers—not just in gaming, but in fields such as defense, education, healthcare, and corporate simulation. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that FTCC students are ready to meet the growing demand for immersive and interactive digital experiences.
Meanwhile, the Digital Media program focuses on the art and technology of visual communication. Students master digital video production, user interface, animation, figma, and multimedia storytelling, using industry-standard software to bring their ideas to life. Through collaborative projects and real-world assignments, they learn to communicate effectively through visuals, sound, and motion—skills that are increasingly vital in marketing, entertainment, and online content creation. The program encourages students to merge artistic expression with technical proficiency, preparing them to thrive in a fast-paced and media-rich professional landscape.
The excellence of FTCC’s Simulation & Game Development and Digital Media students has also been recognized at both state and national levels. Most recently, FTCC students earned third place in a national competition for game development, showcasing their talent and innovation on a major stage for SKILLS in Atlanta, GA. In addition, they achieved impressive placements in animation, video editing, and audio editing categories at state competitions, demonstrating the department’s comprehensive strength across multiple digital disciplines. These achievements highlight not only the skill and dedication of FTCC students but also the strong mentorship and collaborative learning environment fostered by the department.
Students from both areas often collaborate on projects, combining animation, coding, and design to produce professional-quality digital content. This synergy fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity—key competencies for success in today’s digital industries. As technology continues to evolve, FTCC’s Simulation & Game Development and Digital Media departments stand at the forefront, shaping the next generation of digital storytellers and interactive creators.
Are you ready to learn more?
Please contact Torie Quismundo, department chair, at FTCC. Spring classes begin in January, and registration is now open. The start of a new year is a great time to explore something new. Quismundo’s office is located in the Advanced Technology Center, Room 220-D, 2300 Hull Rd., Fayetteville. Call 910-678-8331or email Quismundo at quismunt@faytechcc.edu.

Health & Wellness: Faith, love, healing: Husband and wife’s journey through cancer

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Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Written by Lia Tremblaya

Karen and Andre Wynn never expected to hear the word cancer and especially not at the same time in their lives. Being diagnosed a month apart, the married couple allowed their faith, love and the care they received at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center to carry them through their darkest days.
Their journey began with Karen’s routine yearly mammogram at Valley Regional Imaging. Because her mother had breast cancer, she made sure never to miss her screenings. This visit would be different; her doctor would call with difficult news.
“I was at work when she called,” Karen said. “She told me, ‘I hate to say this over the phone, but it’s breast cancer.’ Words can’t explain how I felt at that moment.”
Doctors found Karen’s cancer on the outside of her milk duct, which is the tube that carries milk to the nipple. The doctors decided to do a lumpectomy, a surgery to remove the cancer, and another surgery to take out lymph nodes under her right arm to make sure it hadn’t spread. Thankfully, it hadn’t.
Following the procedures, Karen began radiation treatments and started medicine to keep the cancer from coming back.
“Everyone at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center was wonderful,” she said. “They played the music I wanted during treatments and made me feel at ease. Now, follow-up mammograms show the cancer is gone, and I only go back once a year.”
While Karen was fighting her battle, Andre began his own. He noticed a growth in his neck that quickly became prominent. After an Ear, Nose and Throat evaluation and biopsy, he was diagnosed with stage-two throat cancer, which was located at the back of his tongue.
“The first day I stepped into the cancer center and saw the sign, that’s when reality really hit me,” Andre said. “But everyone there made me feel so loved and cared for.”
Andre began radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Halfway through, he lost his voice — a painful loss for a minister who loves preaching and singing. He also developed severe burns on his neck from radiation, with open sores that nearly exposed bone. His weight dropped from 250 to 170 pounds, and he eventually needed a feeding tube because he could no longer swallow.
“There were days I couldn’t walk or bathe myself. My wife took care of me through it all,” he said. “But honestly, watching her go through cancer, too, was the hardest part.”
Karen agreed. “My journey was hard, but seeing his burns, weight loss and pain was heartbreaking.”
Despite their challenges, they supported each other every step of the way, and the couple is grateful for all their doctors, including radiation oncologist, Dr. Sunjay Barton.
“He was amazing,” Karen said. “I also had Dr. Kenneth Manning for chemo, and Andre had Dr. Sajjad Malick. Both were wonderful. Whenever we needed anything, they were there for us. Dr. Barton always kept it real. He told us, ‘You can beat this.’”
Both Karen and Andre were touched by the kindness of volunteers and staff. “People offered us blankets and drinks, always checking on us,” Karen said. “When Andre had chemo on Mondays, I never worked those days so I could sit in the lobby and wait for him.”
The couple has lost many loved ones to cancer over the past year, making them even more grateful for each other and the care they received at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Treatment & CyberKnife Center.
“Early detection saved my life,” Karen said. “Many people skip their yearly screenings, especially in the Black community, but you have to go,” she insisted. “God is a healer, but we have to do our part, too.”
Andre added, “We men hesitate to go to the doctor, but if something feels different, get it checked out. It could save your life.”
Looking back, Andre says Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center gave them truth and hope.
“They treated us like family,” he shared. “They told us cancer is not a death sentence. Look at us now. We’re here!”
Their journey changed how they see life.
“We slow down and appreciate everything,” Andre said. “The flowers, the colors – it all feels more vibrant now.”
Karen nodded. “We spend more time with family. You never know when it’s your last day.”
Above all, Andre wants others to know:
“Cancer is not the end. You have to fight, believe you’re healed and trust the treatments. There’s a testimony on the other side.”

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)