Local News

FTCC now accepting applications for Fire Academy Program

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Tuesday, 11 March 2025

Written by Dr. Christopher Thrasher, FTCC Social Science Instructor

The Fire Academy Skill Bridge Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College helps veterans and active-duty military personnel in their last 180 days of active service become civilian firefighters. The 14-week academy provides candidates with the knowledge, skills, and ability to satisfy the requirements of:
• National Fire Protection Association 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications
• Emergency Medical requirements of NFPA 1001 Chapter 6
• NFPA 1072 Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Qualifications
Certifications earned in the academy are fully transferrable to all 50 states.
The Bureau of Labor reports that firefighters earn a median annual salary of $57,120, typically enjoy excellent benefits, and can expect strong growth in the next decade.
Successful graduates of the FTCC Fire Academy may become eligible for other training opportunities at FTCC including emergency medical training and courses at the Swift Water Training Facility, FTCC’s new, state-of-the-art, nationally recognized training center.
In addition to the firefighter academy, FTCC’s Transition Tech Program also provides short-term workforce training that can prepare you for employment in many other career fields including:
• Law Enforcement
• Building Construction
• Bio Work Process Technician
• Certified Logistics Technician
• Certified Production Technician
• Computer Security (CompTIA Security+)
• Electric Line Worker
• CDL Truck Driver
• Collision Repair & more!
Transition Tech programs at FTCC are open to servicemembers and veterans from every military occupational specialty and every rank. The programs are available at no
charge to the participants.
“Attending Caliber Collision Academy has been a highly valuable experience as I build a strong foundation in the collision repair industry. As part of the collision training program, I am learning under the expert guidance of instructors Jon, Everett, Mike, and Louis, who collectively bring over 80 years of experience to the program. Their wealth of knowledge and practical skills are crucial to my success. Caliber Academy covers key areas such as collision repair, glass installation, ProTech systems, and estimators training, ensuring that I not only acquire the technical skills required but also gain a deep understanding of industry standards, safety protocols, and customer service. Through the Military Skill Bridge program, I am able to access this invaluable training. With the expertise of my instructors and the hands-on training available in the program, I will be fully prepared to excel in this fast-paced and evolving field,” said Kip Johnson, Veteran and FTCC Bridge Program Student.
We invite you to learn more by contacting Transition Tech Recruiter Pendy Eldridge at transtech@faytechcc.edu or by calling 910-486-3626

(Photo courtesy of FTCC)

Help is Here: A Game-Changing Tool for Families

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Tuesday, 11 March 2025

Written by Dr. Lindsay Whitely

Cumberland County Schools is making it easier than ever for families to stay informed, engaged and supported in their child’s education. With the launch of Family Engagement On Demand, families now have instant access to critical resources - anytime, anywhere and on any device.
Through Cumberland Family Academy, CCS’ family engagement initiative, FEOD provides expert guidance, interactive learning videos and live-streamed content covering essential topics for student success. Whether a parent needs help understanding math homework, addressing attendance challenges or navigating online safety, FEOD delivers a comprehensive, on-demand solution.
A Resource Designed for Busy Families
Recognizing the demands of today’s families, CCS partnered with Successful Innovations Inc., a leader in strategic family engagement, to develop a user-friendly, cloud-based platform for Pre-K through 12th-grade students and their families. FEOD offers flexible access to expert-led sessions on a range of topics, including:
• Supporting Your Child with ADHD
• Strategies to Address Chronic Absenteeism
• Safe Clicks: Navigating Online Safety
• AI Demystified: What Parents Need to Know for Their Kids
Sessions are archived for on-demand viewing, allowing families to access resources at home, in the car-rider line or on the go.
What Parents Are Saying
CCS invited families to explore FEOD and share their feedback and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
"As the parent who often helps my son with his fourth-grade math homework, I see that the Family Engagement on Demand videos and tools can refresh my math knowledge and skills. They seem streamlined and quite easy to find and understand. I love it!"
— Brent Goad, E.E. Miller Elementary Parent
"For Hispanic families, time, transportation, and language barriers often make engagement difficult. Having access to FEOD allows us to take a more proactive role in our kids' success, and the resources are provided in Spanish."
— Zenaida Cranford, CCS Parent of Three Students
"I feel the sessions are real and informative. They’ll help parents guide high schoolers into adulthood, a stage often overlooked in family engagement."
— Njeri Fikes, Seventy-First High School Parent
Meeting Families Where They Are
At CCS, we recognize that families are busy, juggling responsibilities at home, work and in the community. That’s why we’ve designed FEOD to be a truly parent-friendly resource. Whether parents are waiting in the car-rider line, grocery shopping or picking up their child from practice, they can easily access learning tools, expert advice and community resources on their own schedule.
Family engagement isn’t just about attending school events - it’s about having the right tools at the right time to support student success. With Family Engagement On Demand, we are removing barriers and making educational support more accessible than ever.
This is a game changer in how we engage, support and empower families every step of the way.
To learn more about Family Engagement On Demand, visit www.ccs.k12.nc.us/familyacademy

Hope Mills town manager receives contract extension

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Tuesday, 11 March 2025

Written by Jason Canady, CityView Today

Following a closed session, the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to extend Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin’s contract for another two years. The new contract takes effect March 1 of this year and runs through March 1, 2027, with an annual salary of $140,000.
The minutes from the closed session, which lasted about 35 minutes, were sealed, with no action taken.
According to ZipRecruiter, as of February 2025, the average salary for a town manager in North Carolina was $108,407 per year. Most salaries range from $96,800 to $128,600, with top earners making $144,953.
According to a CityView report, McLaughlin has been with the town since 2015, previously serving as the town’s planning director, economic development director and development services director, overseeing code enforcement while also serving as interim town manager.
Regarding the promotion and contract extension, Bellflowers told CityView they have confidence in McLaughlin.
“The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners reviewed Town Manager Chancer Mclaughlin’s past year accomplishments and next year’s opportunities toward building a culture of continuous improvement for residents and businesses,” said Bellflowers. “During the review, Mr. Mclaughlin expressed the confidence he has in our community and the board agreed by having confidence in his leadership abilities, dedication, work ethic; and, looks forward to continuing a productive relationship in coming years.”
At the start of the commissioners’ meeting, McLaughlin provided an update on last Monday’s 20-acre brush fire near Jack Britt High School.
“The deputy fire chief has indicated the fire is under control and has been handed over to the North Carolina Forestry Service, which will be monitoring the area for the next few days until it is completely extinguished,” McLaughlin said. “The N.C. Forestry Service has also placed a double fireline around the fire to keep it contained, and it is expected to smolder for the next few days, possibly a week.”
According to ncagr.gov, North Carolina’s Forest Service reported 1,935 wildfires in the state since January 1, burning just over 5,179 acres.
Town Deputy Fire Chief Robert Hurlburt told CityView that wildfires are common this time of year due to dry weather and a lack of rain.
“It just takes a spark,” Hurlburt said. He added that the fire was near a homeless encampment but could not confirm the cause, as the investigation is still ongoing.
Other town business
The board unanimously approved a non-contiguous annexation of 4.96 acres at 140 Missy Byrd Drive, which encompasses Lot 7 of the All American Business Park. The town’s planning staff intends to zone the property as a planned commercial district with conditional zoning.
Additionally, the board reviewed an initial zoning request for 10.06 acres of undeveloped land on Applebury Lane off Cumberland Road. The request proposed zoning the land as a residential and planned commercial district, with plans for future town home construction. The board unanimously approved the zoning request.
The board also heard budget requests from various town committees. These requests will help guide funding decisions during the upcoming budget retreat on Thursday at the John W. Hodges Public Safety Center.

Sandhills Jazz Society makes remarkable contributions to Orange Street School

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Tuesday, 11 March 2025

Written by Lisa Stevens

Orange Street School is not just a building but a beacon of hope and creativity for our community's youth. While many stories have emerged about the school's revival, it's essential to highlight one of its most significant collaborators: Sandhills Jazz Society. At the heart of our community, Sandhills Jazz Society is committed to fostering musical talent among students and has been nothing short of remarkable.
Founded in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and educational organization in Fayetteville, Sandhills Jazz Society has tirelessly worked to establish our city as a vibrant hub for musical exchange. The music is not just about jazz but about connecting with diverse interests to create innovative programs tailored for young individuals who may not find their passion in traditional sports.
Sandhills Jazz Society is excited about launching the Orange Street Music Education Lab, developed in collaboration with Fayetteville-Cumberland County Parks & Recreation. The lab represents a significant leap forward in providing youth with artistic expression and skill development. SJS will oversee all daily operations at the lab, ensuring that every aspect—from maintaining industry-leading equipment standards to offering expert technical support is handled with precision and care. SJS has meticulously designed the recording studio, adhering to the highest standards of acoustics, aesthetics, and functionality, with every detail thoughtfully planned to ensure an exceptional experience for artists, producers, and sound engineers.
Tina Turner is a passionate leader of the project. She is excited to share insights into their transformative work at Orange Street School.
“As one of the three founders of the Sandhills Jazz Society, I am thrilled to embark on this exciting project. Being an alumnus of E.E. Smith, I feel a deep sense of pride in being able to bring this initiative to Orange Street School. Our vision embraces a wide spectrum of music genres, including jazz, blues, and world music, as well as evolving forms influenced by modern technologies and media. This opportunity allows me to contribute to the community. It holds a unique and cherished place in my heart as I connect my past experiences with this vibrant musical endeavor,” she said.
Turner also shared that their mission is to promote interest in jazz music and engage new generations with their work while producing an enjoyable and financially viable annual All-American City Jazz Festival. They aimlessly strive to increase appreciation for jazz and strengthen the arts community through special projects such as artistic exchanges, partnerships, educational workshops, community programs, and collaborations that enhance the art form.
Tyshica Smith will be working alongside the Sandhills Jazz Society. With Smith at the helm as Youth Development and Cultural Arts Coordinator, there is confidence that her expertise will enrich their program significantly through her innovative approach to creating inspiring opportunities
for our youth.
In showcasing the contributions of the Sandhills Jazz Society, Up & Coming Weekly wanted to highlight SJS’s efforts of unwavering belief in nurturing our youth through music. Their work deserves recognition as they play an integral role in shaping future generations—one note at a time.
The Orange Street School is a testament to resilience and community spirit, having served generations of Black students since its inception in 1915. Originally one of the first publicly funded schools for Black children in Fayetteville, it played a pivotal role in the educational landscape, eventually becoming the birthplace of E.E. Smith High School, our historically Black public high school. However, after years of neglect and disrepair following its closure in 1953, this cherished institution was at risk of being forgotten.
Now, 110 years after it opened its doors, we are witnessing a remarkable revival. The revitalized two-story brick building at 600 Orange Street has undergone an impressive four-year renovation. This transformation is not only about restoring bricks and mortar, but about renewing hope and opportunity for our community’s children and teens.
The journey to this moment hasn’t been easy. Fueled by passionate advocacy from groups like the Orange Street School Historical Association and The Ville’s Voice during critical moments such as the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, their efforts highlight the importance of preserving this historic site for future generations.
With financial support from city, county, state, and significant contributions from partners like Google and Microsoft through The Two-Six Project—raising an additional $500,000 for Two-Six Labs—the Orange Street School is set to become more than just a building; it will be a beacon of empowerment for youth in our community.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Feb. 27 to celebrate its reopening. The school offers STEM educational activities and cultural arts geared toward youth in the city and Cumberland County that are dedicated to ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities for every student. By integrating fine arts and scientific resources into their curriculum, they are committed to delivering high-quality student outcomes that encompass mastery of essential 21st-century skills. These skills include proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math, and artistic endeavors that foster creativity and expression. Impressive!
The Orange Street School’s overall goal is to emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving abilities alongside effective communication and collaboration. They understand the importance of digital literacy in today’s world, equipping students with information and communication technologies necessary for success. We can all see why and thank all who contributed to the reopening of this remarkable school!

(Photo:The Music Education Lab in the Orange Street school will focus on creating artistic expression and skill development for students. Photo courtesy of Tina Turner, Sandhills Jazz Society)