Local News

Callie Tisdale wins regional Civics Bee Competition hosted by Greater Fayetteville Chamber

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Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Written by Staff Report

The Greater Fayetteville Chamber hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee in Fayetteville, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers that increases civic knowledge, skills and disposition among young Americans, their families, and communities.
The regional competition took place on Friday, May 15 at the Fayetteville Technical Community College Horace Sisk Gymnasium, bringing together outstanding middle school students from across the region to demonstrate their knowledge of civics, government, and community engagement. The competition was sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Yellow Crayons, the Trophy House and FTCC.
Students across the country submitted essays on issues in their communities, which were then reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges. Top students were selected to compete in the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s Regional Competition: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics quiz questions followed by a Q&A in which students discussed their proposals for improving their communities.
Callie Tisdale, an 8th grader at Fayetteville Academy, took first place, followed by Gisela Momodu, also an 8th grader at Fayetteville Academy and Rebekah Starling, a 7th grader at Village Christian Academy, for second and third places, respectively. The judges for this year’s competition were Susan Dees from Cape Fear Valley Health, Emmanuel Emekaekwue from First Command, Anastasia “AJ” Jennings from Firsthealth of the Carolinas, Linda McAlister of Up & Coming Weekly, Anna Deaton Ricuard of The Crown Complex, Jackson Spears of Holmes Security Systems and Toni Wildhaber of the United Way of Cumberland County.
The top three finalists impressed the judges with their essay topics ranging from human trafficking, walkable communities and controlling litter.
“Seeing the immense talent, critical thinking and community-minded solutions presented by these outstanding middle school students was incredibly inspiring,” said Nat Robertson, president and CEO of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. “We were honored to host our region’s National Civics Bee competition and proud of our top finalists as they prepare to represent our community at the state championship. Elevating civic education is vital for our future and these young leaders have proven that Fayetteville's tomorrow is in very capable hands.”
The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize, a trophy and a personal tablet and will advance to the state competition with other top finalists. Second and third place winners won trophies and personal tablets along with $250 and $125 cash prizes, respectively. The three finalists will advance to the North Carolina State Finals, which will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, at NC State University's James B. Hunt Jr. Library, Duke Energy Hall, Rooms 2011A-D, located at 1070 Partners Way in Raleigh, NC.
During the State Finals, students will compete for prizes and the first-place winner will advance to the National Civics Bee National Championship in Washington, D.C. in Fall 2026 for the chance to win cash prizes, national recognition and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution. Thanks to the generous support of the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.
“Each year, the National Civics Bee reminds us how much promise and talent exists in communities across the country. Students step up with thoughtful solutions, bold ideas, and a willingness to participate—exactly the qualities our democracy and workforce need. We’re proud to support a program that strengthens civic knowledge and skills for all young people and helps build the foundation for a stronger future,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
This year’s regional competitors also included Avital A. from John R. Griffin Middle School; Anay A. from Rea Farms STEAM Academy; Advik A., Sebastian F., Saavi K., Marjorie V. and Callaghan Y. from Fayetteville Academy; Aarav M. and Mridul T. from Union Day School; Abigail M. and Maia S. from Overhills Middle School; Smriti P. from Rea Farms STEAM Academy; Donald R. from Village Christian Academy; Demi O. from John R. Griffin Middle School; and Henry R. from Moore Montessori Community School.
For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org.

(Photo: Gisela Momodu, left, took second place in the regional Civics Bee. Callie Tisdale, center, took home the top prize and Rebekah Starling, right, rounded out the top three. The winners took home trophies and prize money, and advanced to the North Carolina State Finals to be held in June. Photo courtesy of Greater Fayetteville Chamber.)

Robert C. Pinson awarded Order of the Longleaf Pine

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Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Written by Staff Report

Robert C. “Bob” Pinson, President and CEO of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine May 18 during a special celebration attended by Arts Council Board members, family, elected officials and staff.
The award was presented by Representative Diane Wheatley and Cumberland County Commissioner Kirk deViere in recognition of Pinson’s longstanding leadership, service to the State of North Carolina, and transformative contributions to the arts, nonprofit, and civic sectors throughout Cumberland County and beyond.
The Order of the Longleaf Pine is among the most prestigious honors granted by the Governor of North Carolina and is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and dedication to their communities and the state.
Pinson has served the Arts Council for 15 years, including the last six years as President/CEO. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its role as a driver of arts, culture, tourism, and economic impact throughout the region. His tenure has included major investments in grantmaking, public art, arts education, cultural partnerships, and creative placemaking initiatives, including the development of ArtsXL, the Arts Council’s new downtown creative hub.
“Bob’s leadership has shaped the trajectory of arts and culture in Cumberland County for more than a decade,” said Incoming President/CEO Kennon Jackson, Jr. “His commitment to community, collaboration, and public service has strengthened our region and enriched the lives of countless residents.”
Board Chair Luis Collazo added, “Bob has been a tireless advocate for the role arts and culture play in economic development, tourism, education, and quality of life. This recognition reflects the deep appreciation our community has for his service and impact.”
During his career, Pinson has championed the role of the arts as essential infrastructure for thriving communities, helping position Fayetteville and Cumberland County as a regional destination for arts and culture.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful,” said Pinson. “I’m incredibly grateful to have served alongside dedicated artists, nonprofit leaders, educators, elected officials, board members, staff, and community partners who believe in the power of the arts to strengthen our community.”
The award presentation took place during a celebration held at Haymount Truck Stop in Fayetteville.
For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow the Arts Council on Facebook (@ArtsCouncilFay) or Instagram (@artscouncilfay).

(Photo: From Left to Right: County Commissioner Kirk deViere, Representative Diane Wheatley, and Bob Pinson pose after a ceremony awarding Pinson the Order of the Longleaf Pine. (Photo courtesy of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County)

Government Watch: State, County, City focus on budgets; New proposal for empty lot downtown presented to county Board of Commissioners

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Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Written by Jami McLaughlin

In recent state budget news, Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall announced in a joint press conference on May 12 that a budget agreement had been reached. The framework budget deal averages 8% raises for teachers and 3% for state employees. It also delays scheduled personal income tax cuts and includes a November ballot measure to cap future tax rates to 3.5%. Budget writers are currently hashing out the finer appropriations details for specific state agencies.

City of Fayetteville
The Fayetteville City Council voted to begin exploring a feasibility study for a downtown convention center.
Mayor Mitch Colvin said that Fayetteville is one of the only major cities in North Carolina without a dedicated downtown convention center, and after discussion, the council directed staff to gather feasibility details, including potential costs, locations and previous county studies for building a new downtown convention center.
The council also engaged in evaluations regarding municipal funding strategies for major local events. The core focus of this evaluation centered on "910 Future Fest", a community event proposed for September by the Fayetteville NEXT Advisory Commission. Council members specifically reviewed "activation days" leading up to core music and cultural events, mapping out how the city allocates its promotional and structural budgets relative to projected tourist attendance.
At the May 4 meeting, the council reviewed its $230,000 annual contract with the Cool Spring Downtown District. The City contracts with Cool Spring Downtown District to manage and activate the Downtown Municipal Service District as an Arts and Entertainment-focused district. The City has a separate $60,000 contract with the non-profit for downtown ambassadors.
City Manager Doug Hewett presented a recommended operating budget of $322.8 million, including a $0.01 tax increase to help maintain services. It funds public services featuring a $120 million public safety investment, new mental health response units, a 4% employee pay raise and a $10 solid waste fee adjustment. The plan also calls for a property tax rate increase of 0.1 cents per $100 valuation, to $.4595 cents, which city officials note is still one of the lowest in the City’s history.
Residents are encouraged to review the fiscal year 2027 budget at FayettevilleNC.gov/budget.

Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has focused on a proposed pause on data centers, ongoing fiscal planning and also looked at convention center space.
The board initiated discussions regarding a temporary moratorium on data center construction. This pause aims to give the county time to develop specific zoning and operational regulations, as Cumberland County currently has none in place.
During a public hearing on May 18, over 20 community members spoke, with a vast majority favoring the moratorium. Citizens voiced concerns over heavy resource consumption, including electricity and water, alongside noise and environmental impacts. The commissioners heard the feedback but took no action.
Also at the meeting, Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, presented a proposed mixed-use development on Gillespie Street featuring a six-story, 126-room upscale hotel, convention space, a restaurant with a rooftop bar and lounge and a 272-space parking garage. The plan, dubbed The Cumberland, aims to address a lack of downtown premium lodging and includes potential residential units and green space to replace the canceled Crown Event Center project.
Following a May 12 Board of Education decision to close Manchester and Coon elementary schools with a vote of 5-3, commissioners met with school board leaders in a joint session on May 19. Cumberland County Schools requested $100.28 million in local county funding for FY2027, marking a $6.5 million increase over the current year. Closing both facilities will save the district roughly $630,000 per school annually.

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.

XVIII Airborne Corps inducts 2026 Airborne Ambassadors

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Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Written by Staff SGT. Rene Ross, XVIII Airborne Corps Public Affairs

XVIII Airborne Corps recognized three community leaders during the 2026 Airborne Ambassador Induction Ceremony at the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost, April 30, honoring their continued service to Soldiers, families, veterans and the Fort Bragg community.
The Airborne Ambassador Program recognizes individuals from surrounding communities who have gone above and beyond to enhance the quality of life for Fort Bragg Soldiers, their families, veterans and Department of Defense civilians.
The ceremony included a welcome, the national anthem performed by the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Chorus, an invocation by Chaplain (Col.) Samuel Kim, XVIII Airborne Corps chaplain, a performance by the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Jazz Band, remarks from Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, XVIII Airborne Corps commanding general, and the formal induction of the 2026 Airborne Ambassadors.
This year’s inductees were Kirk deViere, chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners; retired Maj. Gen. Al Aycock, managing partner of Ramparts Group & President of the Fort Bragg Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA); and Barbara Whitehead, director of NC Support Our Troops.
DeViere was recognized for more than two decades of public service, business leadership and advocacy for the military community. A former U.S. Army Soldier with 10 years of honorable service, deViere made Fayetteville his home in 2000 and has remained committed to supporting Soldiers, veterans and families connected to Fort Bragg.
His public service includes two terms as a North Carolina state senator, one term as a Fayetteville City Council member and his current role as chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. He also serves on the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission, where he advocates for programs and policies that support service members and their families.
Aycock was recognized for a lifetime of service in and out of uniform. During his nearly 38-year Army career, he spent two decades at Fort Bragg and served as the installation’s garrison commander from 2003 to 2006.
His leadership helped Fort Bragg earn two Army Community of Excellence awards focused on Soldier and family support. He also helped pilot the one-day approval, $500 Army Emergency Relief loan at the company commander level, a program designed to speed critical financial assistance to Soldiers.
Following his retirement in 2016, Aycock and his wife, Sue, made Fayetteville their home and continued serving the region.
His civic leadership includes serving as Military Affairs Council chair for the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, president of the Fort Bragg Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, and in leadership roles supporting the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville, Methodist University, Fayetteville State University and other community organizations.
Whitehead was recognized for her long-standing commitment to caring for Soldiers and units through NC Support Our Troops. Her work includes coordinating care packages for deployed Soldiers and units in training, working with garrison unit ministry teams, and supporting Thanksgiving and Christmas initiatives, hygiene kits, snacks and other resources for service members.
Whitehead’s service began through a personal connection when her son, Jason, enlisted in the Army during the Global War on Terrorism.
What began as support for her son’s unit in 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, grew into broader service through Family Readiness Group leadership, Yellow Ribbon events and support to units across Fort Bragg and the surrounding military community.
The induction highlighted the enduring relationship between Fort Bragg and the surrounding community, recognizing leaders whose service strengthens the connection between Soldiers, families, veterans and the people who support them beyond the installation gates.
Through their advocacy, mentorship and service, the 2026 Airborne Ambassadors continue a tradition of community partnership that supports XVIII Airborne Corps’ mission and the people who make that mission possible.

(Photo: Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, commanding general of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, and Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Barker, senior enlisted adviser of XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, pose with Airborne Ambassadors during the 2026 Airborne Ambassador Induction Ceremony at the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost on Fort Bragg, N.C., April 30, 2026. The ceremony recognized community leaders for their continued service and support to Soldiers, families, veterans and the Fort Bragg community. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Austin Robertson)