Local News

When inspiration becomes art: Book, song inspired by Pope’s Jubilee Message created by local author

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Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Written by Dr. Shanessa Fenner

Karen Reid had a vision fueled by purpose, passion, and a desire to make a lasting impact. The power and profound message of the Pope’s Jubilee inspired her to write both a book and a song that invites others to discover that hope is not merely a feeling, but a force that can transform hearts and illuminate the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.
Pope Leo XIV proclaimed 2025 as the Holy Year of Jubilee for the Catholic Church, a sacred observance that takes place every 25 years as a time of grace, renewal and spiritual reflection.
The Jubilee invites the faithful to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, pilgrimage, reconciliation, and acts of charity.
The theme of the 2025 Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” offered a profound invitation to rediscover the source of our hope, which is the enduring love and mercy of God. Through the principles of Catholic social teaching, the faithful were encouraged to transform hope into action by caring for our common home and standing in solidarity with sisters and brothers facing the devastating realities of war, hunger and poverty.
“The book, It’s a Jubilee Year! Keep Hope Alive, is based off of the 2025 Jubilee year, and I decided to write the book after reading an article that the Pope had written about the Jubilee year,” said Reid, children’s book author and singer-songwriter. “He called it Pilgrims of Hope, and it came to me to write about it.”
She added, “I looked to see if there were any books about it and there were not any. It took me a day to write the story, and it is for the children to have something they can look to, learn all about the Jubilee year, and think about the small acts of kindness that they can do to help others, such as feeding the poor, helping those in need, helping the community or church, and using your talents to help others.”
Reid’s creative vision extended beyond the pages of her book. She was inspired to bring its message to life through a song as well.
“I wanted to expand on the message of the book and do more with the book for those that can’t read, so I wrote a song that did not take long to write,” said Reid. “My brother, Kelvin Underwood, is a musician, so I knew that I had someone that I could go to with the song.”
She added, “I was just sitting at home, and the lyrics came to me. I had to teach myself how to record using Apple’s GarageBand and Logic Pro, and how to set the equipment up in my closet to record. I had Leroy Hyson, acclaimed music director, to help with my vocals on the single, and he also did the background vocals for me.”
The soul-stirring track, "It’s a Jubilee Year! Keep Hope Alive", launched Aug. 14.
“The song is not written like a normal children’s song; I wanted it to be relatable to parents and adults as well,” said Reid. “They can listen to it along with their kid, and it is something they can enjoy.”
It is especially vital for young people to embrace this message, for they are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the architects of the future they will inherit and shape.
“The children are the ones who can change the world and fix the problems that we are encountering today,” said Reid. “They can bring back that kindness is important, as well as getting along with others, and they can put the message out there and do wonders.”
Reid has been exploring meaningful ways to share the powerful message of hope and service.
“I have been trying to find as many ways as I can to get the message of hope and helping others out there,” said Reid.
Her ultimate goal is for the book and single to inspire others to embrace hope, serve with compassion, and recognize the power they have to make a difference in the world. One person’s willingness to serve can create a ripple of change that reaches far beyond themselves.
“I just want to get the book into as many hands as possible and the song to be heard,” said Reid.
“I also want the message of hope to reach hearts everywhere and inspire people to believe that one act of kindness and one voice can create a lasting impact on the world.
The song is available on all platforms and can be accessed at https://kmreid.hearnow.com/.
The book can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble,
and Walmart.
For more information, visit www.reidforread.com or email reidforread@gmail.com.

Autism Academy holds resource fair, activity day

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Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Written by Mahalia Cooks

Parents and caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder have access to a new center that provides resources to help kids thrive in happy and fulfilled lives.
The Fayetteville Life Skills Autism Academy is one of many centers run by the applied behavior analysis therapy provider Centria Autism. The center opened in December 2025 at 2814 Procurement Circle and operates Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., serving children ages 1 to 12. ABA therapy helps children with autism or other developmental disorders learn necessary skills in communication, behavior and social interaction by increasing positive behaviors while decreasing negative ones.
Life Skills Autism Academy will hold a free Resource Fair & Activity Day on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist Fayetteville families with connecting to community partners and discovering effective ABA strategies. This event will also be the perfect opportunity for children with autism to enjoy sensory-friendly activities and connect with each other. Kids can engage with low-stimulation, go-at-your-own-pace amusements such as a bubble zone, an indoor gym, sensory tables and an arts and crafts station.
Attendees can find out what options they have for autism support, gain educational resources or simply meet others who’ve had similar life experiences.
The first 50 families to arrive will receive a free Centria swag bag, so be sure to get in early. Items include fidget tools and stress balls for the children and information packets about Centria Autism’s services. RSVP for the event by filling out the Google form at https://bit.ly/4wSAO0V
Area Operations Director Carol Nentwig says the Resource Fair & Activity Day will provide a range of tools and expert advice for families.
“In addition to receiving information on specialized services for individuals on the autism spectrum and those in need of other pediatric therapy, we’ll also be providing education on accessing Medicaid and SNAP benefit support, best practices for addressing at-home behavioral challenges and strengthening familial bonds, and recommending local recreational community programs for folks of all abilities to engage in fitness, sports, music and more,” she said.
Numerous service providers will be on-site to present tailored programming, including information on “developmental counseling and emotional wellness support,” assistance for military families and guidance for “strengthening family and community support systems,” according to Nentwig. The full list includes these partners:
• Beyond the Spectrum Institute
• Follow the Spectrum
• ShineLight
• Carolina Counseling Services
• The Haymount Institute
• Therapy Playground
• Healing Hearts Therapeutic Services, PLLC
• Cumberland County Department of Social Services
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
• Youth Villages
• Child Incorporated
• Community Life Development Center
• Dorothy D. Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center
• Special Olympics Cumberland County
• Cumberland County Public Library
• Voices Together
• Fun City Adventure Park
The choice to open a new center in Fayetteville was motivated by Centria’s ongoing dedication to supporting families across the nation.
“Early intervention changes lives,” said Nentwig. “By creating a safe, play-focused environment, we're giving children the tools to build independence, supporting families and strengthening the foundation of our entire community.”
Though Life Skills Autism Academy only serves children up to age 12, they work with their many community partners to enable a smooth transition into other services and help children avoid experiencing gaps in support once they age out of the program.
By offering access to diverse service providers under one roof, the Resource Fair & Activity Day is a standout example of how therapists and other healthcare providers are foundational elements that sustain the behavioral wellness of communities.
Visit Life Skills Autism Academy at 2814 Procurement Circle or call them at 888-975-4557 to connect with their healthcare professionals and learn more about their services for Fayetteville families.

Government Watch: Police chief reveals drop in homicides; County Board holds work session; CFVH opens new emergency department parking entrance

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Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Written by Jami McLaughlin

Fayetteville Police Chief Roberto Bryan Jr. presented the 2026 2nd Quarter Report, revealing a 54% drop in homicide incidents from Jan. 1 through June 30 compared to last year. Additionally, the department maintained a 100% case clearance rate for homicides, while robberies fell 21% and motor vehicle thefts dropped 23%.
The council also approved allocating $1.53 million in Geo bond premiums and remaining project funds to move forward with rebuilding Fire Station No. 4 on Bragg Boulevard. The site preparation overseen by the Cumming Group is slated to begin this fall.
And calling all Fayetteville Woodpecker fans! The City of Fayetteville has introduced a prepaid parking program for Segra Stadium events, powered by ParkWhiz, allowing fans to secure spots in select city-owned garages and lots. This system lets fans book in advance through the app or website to improve traffic flow and reduce wait times. A $5 flat rate applies to game days, with a $1.50 service fee, though traditional payment options remain available. On-street parking operates under standard rules with no special event fees applied.
With even more good recreation news, the city held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for $744,382 worth of upgrades to the tennis and pickleball courts at Tokay Park using federal community block grants. This comes ahead of Cumberland County co-hosting the USTA North Carolina Singles State Championships this October.
City officials also opened the North Street Park Splash Pad on Aug. 21 as part of a larger neighborhood revitalization project at 201 Brinkley Street. The $205,000 project features a new water play area alongside security fencing, field upgrades, a repaved parking lot and fresh landscaping. Managed by Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation, this addition marks the 15th free public splash pad in Cumberland County. It will remain open daily through Sept. 30.

Cumberland County
On Aug. 17, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing regarding a rezoning from an A1 agricultural district to a R40 residential district. Board members voted 5-1 to send the 36.6-acre rezoning proposal in Wade back to the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board, citing concerns from residents about losing the area's rural character. Commissioners are seeking a middle-ground solution, such as conditional zoning, to allow the property owner to sell the land while protecting the surrounding community.
The board also voted unanimously to hire outside counsel with specialized public construction law expertise. This legal team will represent Cumberland County in an active lawsuit brought by Draughon Brothers, Inc., the contractor initially tasked with replacing the netting and curtain trusses at the Crown Complex.
And the board voted 4-2 not to approve a resolution supporting "Tobacco 21.” The NC House Bill 430 aimed to establish a tobacco retailer permitting system and increase the minimum purchase age to 21.
At their work session on Aug. 13, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners received a progress update from County Manager Clarence Grier regarding the county's upcoming Unhoused Support Center. The project team entered its design development phase, drawing feedback from similar facilities like the Salvation Army in Wilmington.
The board also reviewed and officially approved the updated Cumberland County Detention Center Jail Health Plan and supported ongoing interagency collaboration on behavioral health and public health initiatives with a presentation from Cape Fear Valley Health President and CEO Dan Weatherly.
They also considered a request from the Cumberland County Civic Center Commission for an economic impact study for the Crown Complex and directed staff to look at a scope and available partners like the Fayetteville State University business school and the Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority.

North Carolina General Assembly
The North Carolina General Assembly has remained officially adjourned from active voting sessions. Lawmakers left Raleigh on Aug. 5 and are not scheduled to return to the floor until planned post-election sessions in mid-to-late November.
While voting is suspended, lawmakers continue to negotiate overlapping bills via conference committees. Legislative focus has intensified on House Bill 301, which seeks to ban children under 14 from certain platforms and require explicit parental approval for 14 and 15 year-olds. Lawmakers are working through a conference committee to merge House and Senate versions. Several heavily debated items remain parked in conference committees, including House Bill 328 (vape and hemp product restrictions), budget adjustments and health and human services changes.

In other community news
Cape Fear Valley Health announced it is opening a new emergency department parking entrance on Sunday, Aug. 30. The change will allow drivers to turn directly from Village Drive into the ER lot to improve patient access.

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.

N.C. Elections Board rejects early voting in Spring Lake

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Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Written by Paul Woolverton, CityView Today

Cumberland County will have seven early voting locations ahead of the November 3 election, the N.C. State Board of Elections decided. None of them will be in Spring Lake.
The state election board’s decision followed disagreement between the five-member Cumberland County Board of Elections over early voting sites. The three Republicans wanted seven locations; the two Democrats wanted eight, with one of them in Spring Lake.
Spring Lake Mayor Kia Anthony criticized the decision to exclude her town from early voting this fall.
“Our residents deserved better than what they got today,” she said via text message.
In-person early voting for the midterm election will run October 15–31. Voters may also vote early by mail starting in early September.
Spring Lake is a town of 11,252 as of 2025, according to the U.S. census, surrounded by Fort Bragg and Carver’s Creek State Park in Cumberland County’s northwest corner. It has about 5,700 registered voters.
Under state law, when a county Board of Elections fails to reach a unanimous decision on early voting days, hours, and locations, the state Board of Elections makes the decision. This summer, the Cumberland County Board of Elections was among 20 of the state’s 100 county boards that failed to reach unanimous decisions. The state board took them up on Thursday.
Linda Devore, the Republican chair of the county elections board, and Democratic board member Irene Grimes each made their case to the state board.
Devore said too few voters use the Spring Lake early voting site to make it worth the $35,000 expense of operating the site. In 2022 and 2024, early voting was conducted in the Spring Lake Multipurpose Community Center on Ruth Street.
In 2022, the most-recent midterm election, about 45,000 Cumberland County voters used in-person early voting, Devore said.
“Of those who voted early—the 45,000—only 1,200, or 2.5% of those, voted at the Spring Lake site," she said.
It cost the county about $30 per ballot in Spring Lake, Devore said, versus about $4 per ballot for the rest of the voting sites. Grimes countered that county elections staff set up a contingency fund to cover the cost of eight voting sites. Spring Lake’s early voting numbers have been low, she argued, because it hasn’t been used consistently enough or long enough for voters to develop a habit of going there.
“The numbers will not be exorbitant or something to write home about,” Grimes said. “However, Spring Lake is relatively isolated in the northern part of our county. The voters up there deserve a site to vote.”
Among the other seven early voting sites in Cumberland County, the nearest one to Spring Lake will be Smith Recreation Center on Slater Avenue by Fayetteville State University. It’s about a 15-minute, 9-mile drive along Murchison Road from the middle of Spring Lake.
The state Board of Elections voted 3-2 in favor of the Republican, seven-site plan for Cumberland County. Republicans Francis X. De Luca, Stacy “Four” Eggers IV, and Angela Hawkins voted for Devore’s plan. Democrats Jeff Carmon and Siobhan O’Duffy Millen voted against it.
Anthony thanked Grimes for bringing Spring Lake’s case to the state board meeting in Raleigh.
“She laid out a clear, fact-based case for why our community needs an early voting site,” the mayor said. “What is frustrating is that the need was clear. We have residents who depend on having that access close to home, and today the majority of the State Board decided that was not enough.”
In Cumberland County, early in-person voting runs October 15 through October 31, but not on Sunday, October 25. Weekday hours will be 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday hours will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday voting will be 2–5 p.m. on October 18.
The early voting sites are:
• Cliffdale Recreation Center, 6404 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville.
• East Regional Library, 4809 Clinton Road, Fayetteville.
• Smith Recreation Center, 1520 Slater Ave., Fayetteville.
• Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers St., Fayetteville.
• J.D. Pone Recreation Center, 2964 School Road, Hope Mills.
• Stoney Point Recreation Center, 7411 Rockfish Road, Fayetteville.
• College Lakes Recreation Center, 4945 Rosehill Road, Fayetteville.