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Fayetteville City Council reverses decision to implement review process for deadly police shootings

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Tuesday, 14 January 2025
Written by Evey Weisblat, CityView Today

7More than six months after the Fayetteville City Council voted to establish a review process for unanticipated events involving city employees that result in the loss of life or serious harm to individuals, including deadly police use-of-force incidents, the council has stepped back from implementing such a process.
The process, known as a sentinel event review, is a public examination of a serious, or “sentinel” event, in which an organization — in this case, the city — analyzes the event to understand its root causes and develop preventative recommendations moving forward. SERs are commonly used in the health care and aviation industries, but they have also been used by city police departments responding to critical incidents in recent years, such as in Seattle, Tucson, Arizona and Madison, Wisconsin.
The Fayetteville City Council initially voted 7-3 to establish a sentinel event review process last June. At the time, the council also voted to provide legal representation to the FPD officers who detained and fatally shot Jada Johnson in her home in 2022. Josh Stein, then the N.C. attorney general, formally recommended in 2023 that the City of Fayetteville complete an SER of the incident and the results be released to the public.
At the Jan. 6 work session, the council received a report from the City Attorney’s Office about SERs as a follow-up to its direction last June. Moses Brown, with the city attorney’s office, emphasized that the process was not a “blame game,” but rather a “review of the system” to understand where things went wrong along the way and how they could be improved.
“It’s not here for finger-pointing or anything to that nature,” Brown said.
Following a 45-minute discussion that was at times heated, the council voted 8-2 against moving forward with an SER at Monday’s meeting. Council Members Mario Benavente and Deno Hondros voted in favor. Benavente had proposed the motion.
The council’s decision represents a blow to local activists who have repeatedly called on the city council to implement an SER protocol amid fatal police shootings of Fayetteville residents in recent years with cases such as Justin Livesay, Jason Walker and DeMarcus Brodie.
Most recently, activists urged the council to pursue an SER in regard to the 2023 death of Lawrence Artis while in police custody.
Mayor Mitch Colvin, who repeatedly argued against establishing the process on Monday, said while he wasn’t against the idea of an SER, he didn’t think it was necessary given the steps the city has already taken to develop a holistic approach to public safety with the new Office of Community Safety.
The OCS is designed to prioritize community safety over policing by addressing underlying causes of violence, such as mental health, homelessness and youth disengagement.
“I think when Attorney General Stein said that [the recommendation for an SER] he had no idea we were already one of the communities leaning into the [community safety] space,” Colvin said.
“So I think we’re on the right path. Let’s not complicate or get in our way to trip it up before we hire the people that we’re going to trust to build this out that may include all of this. That can bring those partnerships that won’t be political-related partnerships — they’ll be real because those are the people that’s got to do the work.”
The city council earmarked $2.3 million in funding for the OCS when it approved the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget last summer. Despite multiple searches, the city has had difficulty filling the OCS director position since beginning the search in the summer of 2023.
According to the latest update, provided by city staff at the Dec. 12 council meeting, the city is now aiming to hire two people for initial program management and looking to explore partnerships through contracts for alternative response service providers.
Alternative response teams typically involve social workers, peer support specialists and mental health professionals responding to non-violent 911 calls, like for mental health support, that have historically been handled by police.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville City Council's Facebook Page)

Students can rebound in second half of school year

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025
Written by Staff Report

19bStudents begin a new school year hoping to do their best in the classroom. When those hopes are overcome by academic struggles, students may need a little help to get back on track.
Students and their parents must keep in mind that poor performance in the year's opening months derails no school year. There's plenty of time for students to rebound, and the following are some ways for students to get back on strong academic footing.
• Make it a collective effort. Rebounding from a difficult start to the school year may require a collective effort on the part of students, their parents and educators. Concerned parents can reach out to teachers to learn where students are struggling and seek recommendations about what to do to help them rebound.
Once those areas are identified, students, parents and educators can work together to devise a plan to help kids improve.
• Ask to move seats. A 2020 study published in the journal PLOS One found that sitting further from the instructor negatively impacted students' grades. The authors of the study, which examined the responses of more than 1,360 students, concluded that, while the evidence is mixed, students who choose to sit nearer to the front of the classroom will do better than those who sit in the back. Students who are struggling can ask to move seats if they have been sitting in the back of the class.
• Go over class notes each day. Lectures require significant note-taking, and many students scribble notes as fast as possible so they can keep up. Scribbled notes may be hard to decipher days after a lecture, but they are more likely to be understood immediately after class or when students arrive home at night.
Going over notes at the end of the day or after each class, and even transcribing them from notebooks into typed documents, can help students grasp the material more effectively. Typed notes also can make study sessions the night before a test more effective.
• Reserve daily quiet study time. Rebounding from a difficult start to the school year will likely require a daily commitment to performing better in the classroom.
Daily study time in a quiet setting, whether that's at home or at the library, can provide the time students need to focus on their studies without distractions getting in the way. Turn smartphone and device notifications off during study time. Students can even keep a study log to track what they're studying and the amount of time they study each day. This log can be useful if students need to determine which areas require more time down the road.
A school year is long, so students who struggle at the start of the year still have plenty of time to get back on track and achieve their academic goals.

2024-25 FAFSA: Start early to maximize opportunities

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025
Written by Dr. Lindsay Whitely

19aThe 2024-2025 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open. Students and families across Cumberland County are encouraged to complete it as soon as possible.Submitting the FAFSA early isn’t just a task to check off—it ensures students receive the maximum financial aid available, making college more affordable.
This year, completing the FAFSA early is especially critical. Due to delays in its release, students have a shorter timeframe to make informed financial decisions about college. Many institutions have priority deadlines for financial aid and submitting the FAFSA early increases the chances of securing grants, scholarships and other assistance. Missing these deadlines could mean missing out on essential funding.
Why FAFSA Matters
The FAFSA serves as the gateway to federal financial aid, including grants, work-study programs and loans. It also determines eligibility for state and institutional aid, as well as scholarships requiring a completed FAFSA for consideration. Even if families think they may not qualify for aid, submitting the FAFSA ensures no potential funds are overlooked.
This year, Cumberland County Schools (CCS) and the Cumberland Community Foundation (CCF) have partnered to boost FAFSA completion rates across the county. This partnership aims to increase awareness, improve submissions and connect students to the financial resources they need to pursue higher education.
“We are excited to announce this partnership with Cumberland Community Foundation,” said Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. Superintendent, Cumberland County Schools. “This collaboration helps students and families navigate the FAFSA process and highlights scholarship opportunities that can turn college dreams into reality.”
The Role of Cumberland Community Foundation
The Cumberland Community Foundation is a key resource for local students, offering scholarship programs directly supporting higher education. Together, CCS and CCF aim to ensure families are aware of these opportunities and take full advantage of available financial support.
Many students are unaware of how much funding is accessible just by completing the FAFSA. For example, grants like the federal Pell Grant—funding that doesn’t need to be repaid—can significantly reduce tuition costs. Additionally, many scholarships require a FAFSA submission as part of the eligibility process.
Start Early, Stay Ahead
Completing the FAFSA early gives students more time to make thoughtful decisions about their education. With priority deadlines for many colleges quickly approaching, waiting too long could impact the financial aid packages students receive. Families are encouraged to check their target institution’s deadlines and start the process immediately.
Submitting the FAFSA is more than just securing financial support; it empowers students to pursue their dreams without unnecessary financial stress. Early submission allows students to compare offers and choose the best path for their future.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4iHX6fI. The time to act is now—apply for the 2024-2025 FAFSA today and take the first step toward funding your future.

Fayetteville's new fitness venue: Core Ambitions

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025
Written by Sheila D. Barker

18Since its opening in November 2024, Core Ambitions has been dedicated to becoming the leading Pilates and Fitness studio in Fayetteville. Situated at 2949 Town Center Drive, this state-of-the-art facility is committed to helping you achieve your fitness aspirations.
Core Ambitions offers a wide variety of fitness classes and services designed to meet the needs of everyone, from beginners to seasoned fitness enthusiasts. Whether you want to improve your strength, flexibility, or overall wellness, Core Ambitions has something tailored just for you.
Janice Corbin, the owner of Core Ambitions, is a highly experienced fitness professional with over 15 years in the industry. Her passion for fitness and helping others achieve their health goals is evident in every aspect of the studio.
Certified as a STOTT Pilates and Fitness Instructor, Janice offers a variety of group classes and private training sessions for clients of all fitness levels. Her expertise and enthusiasm make her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to embark on or continue their fitness journey.
Core Ambitions prides itself on offering a wide range of fitness classes that cater to all experience levels. From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Zumba to yoga, Pilates Matwork, TRX-Barre Fusion, Lesmills, and Pilates machine classes, there is something for everyone.
Here are some of the classes that Core Ambitions provides:
LESMILLS BODYPUMP
This signature barbell program is the perfect workout for those seeking to quickly achieve a lean, sculpted, and fit physique. This class incorporates light to medium weights with high repetitions and delivers a comprehensive full-body workout.
TRX-BARRE FUSION
TRX Barre Fusion combines varying intensity levels by blending barre movements with TRX suspension training to engage muscles in unique ways. This complete body-strengthening class promises effective muscle-toning results.
REFORMER PILATES
This class employs authentic Pilates equipment alongside stability chairs and various props to develop core movement patterns and establish essential Pilates principles.
REFORMER BOUNCE
This class combines Pilates with jumpboard exercises. This gentle-impact training focuses on enhancing cardio fitness and building muscle definition.
PILATES MATWORK
Pilates Matwork delivers fundamental Pilates training that builds and elongates core muscles while engaging arms and legs. This session features traditional Pilates exercises enhanced with tools like bands, dumbbells, gliders, and additional equipment.
For a full list of classes and services offered, visit https://www.coreambitions.com/
Core Ambitions' knowledgeable instructors will provide guidance and encouragement throughout your fitness journey, ensuring that each class is both challenging and rewarding. Regardless of your fitness background, you'll find a class that suits your needs and helps you achieve your goals.
Core Ambitions boasts state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, providing a top-notch environment for all your fitness needs. The studio is equipped with the latest fitness technology and amenities to help you get the most out of your workouts.
From cutting-edge Pilates machines to spacious workout areas and comfortable changing rooms, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to enhance your fitness experience. Core Ambitions ensures you have everything you need to succeed on your fitness journey.
Whether you're looking to join group classes, seek personalized training, or simply want to explore a new fitness venue, Core Ambitions is the place to be.

3 short-term fitness goals for long-term success

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Tuesday, 07 January 2025
Written by Staff Report

17As New Year's Day came to a close, millions of individuals were preparing to make changes they hoped would improve their fitness. In a Forbes Health/One Poll survey of 1,000 adults in the months leading up to the start of 2024, nearly half (48 percent) of respondents indicated improving their physical fitness would be a top priority over the course of the new year.
Fitness-based resolutions are popular every year, but people who aspire to make such changes recognize how difficult it can be to achieve them. In fact, the Forbes Health/One Poll survey found that roughly 44 percent of respondents indicated their resolutions flamed out at the two- or three-month marker.
Though there's no one-size-fits-all strategy for sticking with and ultimately achieving a resolution, identifying short-term goals that can help people stay motivated can lead to long-term progress. Individuals who want to improve their physical fitness can consider these three short-term goals and use them as measuring sticks as they pursue more long-term objectives.
1. Aspire for incremental weight loss. Weight loss goals were the fourth most popular New Year's resolution for 2024 among participants in the Forbes Health/One Poll survey. Though that survey separated fitness goals from weight loss goals, the two are certainly linked. Individuals who aspire to lose 10 pounds undoubtedly recognize that such a goal cannot be achieved overnight, so why not aspire to lose small amounts of weight at predetermined intervals?
For example, if the end goal is losing 10 pounds, aim to lose two pounds by the end of January. Incremental progress can motivate individuals to stay the course and ultimately propel them toward achieving a more substantial, long-term goal.
2. Exercise for a predetermined number of days each week. Another way to gradually build toward achieving long-term fitness goals is to establish monthly minimum exercise sessions. Individuals accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle can resolve to exercise three days per week in the first month of their resolution, and then increase that by a day in the second month. A consistent schedule when designing this goal is imperative, which is why it can make more sense to plan for three days per week as opposed to 12 days per month.
3. Resolve to walk a mile per day. Walking is an accessible cardiovascular activity that can have a profound effect on overall health. Walking also can help condition sedentary individuals' bodies for more strenuous activity, which is a transition many people aspire to make when setting long-term fitness goals.
A daily one-mile walk won't require a significant commitment of time, but it can help acclimate the body to routine exercise. As the effects of a daily walk begin to take hold, individuals may find it easier to engage in more strenuous physical activities, making this an ideal stepping stone on the way to achieving long-term fitness goals.
Short-term goals can help people remain motivated as they pursue more substantial goals that take longer to achieve. Such an approach can be especially useful for individuals resolving to improve their physical fitness at the start of a new year.

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