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Troy's Perspective: Saying goodbye to a dear friend

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Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Written by Troy Williams

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, a sunny and bright day, relatives and friends gathered at Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church to offer their condolences and pay their final respects to Mr. Billy Ray King, one of Cumberland County's most respected political figures and community leaders, in recognition of his contributions over the past five decades.

King, affectionately known as "B.R.," a proud country boy from Wilson County and the eldest of ten siblings, embodied a remarkable work ethic and a passionate commitment to education, economic growth, healthcare, and community empowerment. His inspiring upbringing beautifully illustrates the values that drive positive change in our society. Beginning his journey in tobacco fields and ultimately being awarded North Carolina's prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine is truly remarkable. It proudly highlights the impactful legacy he built throughout his career.

King developed a strong educational foundation in the Wilson County School system, proudly graduating from Springfield High School in Lucama, North Carolina, in 1965. His journey continued at Elizabeth City State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in social studies in 1969, marking a significant milestone in his academic career.

King began his remarkable journey as a social studies teacher, a role he cherished deeply. Just weeks before his passing, he expressed how teaching ignited his passion. In 1975, he and his wonderful wife, Margaret, also an educator, moved to Fayetteville, where he eagerly took on the role of Field Representative for the North Carolina Association of Educators, making a positive impact on the lives of many students and teachers.

It is possible that all the above factors ignited King's passion for public service. While we may never fully understand his motivations, his legacy of community service remains undeniably strong. For an impressive 24 years, he served as a Cumberland County Commissioner, proudly holding the positions of both Chairman and Vice-Chairman. His remarkable leadership journey included serving in vital roles on the Cape Fear Valley Hospital Board of Trustees and the Cumberland County Board of Elections, and as a past President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Beyond these achievements, he passionately engaged with Kingdom Community Development and countless church, civic, and community initiatives, making a meaningful impact in the lives of many.

King was a devoted husband to Margaret for 52 years and a wonderful father to his daughters, Gwendolyn Golden (married to Gerald) and Jennifer Harris, Ph.D. (married to Aaron). He was also a familiar face at the barber shop and various political gathering spots downtown. I have fond memories of King and his best friend, the late Wilson Lacy, engaging in lively political discussions with the guys at Archie McMillan's shoeshine shop on Person Street. One had to be thick-skinned to hold one's own in that crowd, but it was a routine we enjoyed almost every day after work for several decades.

We remember and celebrate the incredible life of Mr. Billy Ray King. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and a dedicated servant to Cumberland County. His spirit and friendship will always inspire us. Rest in peace, dear friend—you will be deeply missed!

Publisher's Pen: Data centers in Cumberland County: Pros, cons

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Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Written by Bill Bowman

As North Carolina continues to emerge as a major hub for technology infrastructure, the debate over data centers has arrived in Fayetteville and Cumberland   County. These massive digital facilities—quiet, high security homes for the servers that power banking, retail, communications, and entertainment—are expanding rapidly across our state.

With interest percolating here in Cumberland County, residents and community leaders are asking an important question: Do data centers represent a smart long term investment for Cumberland County, or do they come with trade offs that outweigh the benefits?

This is an important quality of life issue, so we have put together a simple, easy-to-read side by side comparison of the key advantages and disadvantages, tailored to the priorities of our community.

Economic Impact: Investment vs. Jobs

PRO: Major Capital Investment & Tax Base Growth

Data centers bring enormous upfront investment—often hundreds of millions of dollars. Even with incentives, they add substantial taxable value that can support schools, public safety, and infrastructure.

Construction generates a surge of economic activity, employing local contractors, engineers, and tradespeople.

CON: Limited Permanent Job Creation

Once built, data centers employ relatively few people—typically 20 to 50 full time staff.

For a county focused on workforce development and upward mobility, some argue that other industries may offer a better long term return in job creation.

Local Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrades vs. Strain

PRO: Upgrading Community Wide Infrastructure 

To support data centers, counties often receive improvements to:

• Power grids

• Water and sewer systems

• Broadband capacity

• Road access

These upgrades strengthen the county’s overall infrastructure and can accelerate broader economic development.

CON: Enormous Energy Consumption

A single data center can consume as much electricity as a small town.

Local residents have concerns that include:

• A strain on the electrical grid

• Need for new substations or transmission lines

• Potential PWC rate increases

• Whether industrial demand limits future growth

Energy capacity is already a sensitive issue in many communities in North Carolina.

Economic Diversification: Stability vs. Resource Allocation

PRO: Diversifying Cumberland County’s Economy

Data centers will help broaden Cumberland County’s economy, which has long been anchored by the military, healthcare, education and small business. Some signal that the county is ready for modern, high tech investment and can help stabilize the local economy during downturns.

CON: Large Land Requirements

Data centers often require 50 to 200 acres of well located land. Once built, they occupy that land for decades while providing relatively few jobs. Some argue that mixed use development, housing, or light manufacturing could generate more community benefit per acre.

Community Impact: Low Impact Neighbors vs. Environmental Concerns

PRO: Quiet, Low Impact Industrial Use

Data centers in general produce minimal noise, generate little traffic, operate quietly 24/7, and do not emit pollutants. For residents concerned about preserving neighborhood character, data centers are among the least disruptive industrial uses.

CON: Water Usage & Environmental Questions

It is well known that data centers use significant amounts of water for cooling, especially in summer.

While Cumberland County’s water supply is stable, large industrial users can strain long term capacity and raise environmental concerns for neighborhoods, agriculture, and future growth. 

Local Business Ecosystem: Opportunity vs. Incentive Concerns

PRO: Support for Local Tech & Service Businesses

Data centers attract an ecosystem of supporting industries:

• Cybersecurity firms

• Fiber optic and networking companies

• HVAC and electrical specialists

• Backup power and battery suppliers

This can create new opportunities for local businesses already serving Fort Bragg and the region’s tech needs.

CON: Public Skepticism Over Incentives

To attract data centers, counties often offer tax incentives.

Cumberland County residents want transparency and assurance that these incentives don’t shortchange schools or public services, and that the long term benefits outweigh the concessions. County residents need assurance that the county isn’t giving away too much for too little return

Well, without a doubt, this will be a decision that will shape Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s growth in the future. Data centers offer real advantages—investment, infrastructure, diversification, and low impact operation. But they also raise valid concerns about energy use, land allocation, water resources, and public incentives. As Cumberland County continues to grow, the community must consider:

• What kind of growth do we want?

• How should we allocate land, water, and energy?

• What mix of industries best supports long term prosperity?

The North Carolina General Assembly is currently advancing Senate Bill 730 (the Ratepayer Protection Act), which would regulate large data centers. Earlier this month, the House voted to approve the bill. It now awaits the Senate's approval. This bill addresses most of the concerns mentioned earlier in this article. So while the state legislature finishes debating the bill, Fayetteville and other municipalities and counties across North Carolina have enacted temporary local moratoriums on data center construction.   

Data centers are reshaping North Carolina’s economic landscape. Whether they become part of Cumberland County’s future will depend on how well our local leadership evaluates the benefits and how well they align with the values and vision of the people who call Cumberland County home. 

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

This, That, and the Other—North Carolina Edition

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Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Written by Margaret Dickson

The Scripps National Spelling Bee, held each year around Memorial Day, is a sure sign that summer is upon us. Eight North Carolina students made it to the Bee this year, with a 13-year-old girl from a Raleigh magnet school coming in at 8th place. A 14-year-old California boy took top honors by spelling the word “bromocriptine” correctly.  I had to look up that one, and my spellcheck maintains it is not a word at all. The dictionary, nevertheless, defines it as a complicated alkaloid, which does not help me in the least.

With spelling on my mind, I was interested in a post from an online outfit named unscrambler.com, which reports that “studies show that reliance on autocorrect and AI deteriorate the authors’ spelling ability over time.” It urges us to double check spelling ourselves, adding that this is a “use it or lose it situation.”  

Amen to that.

unscrambler.com goes on to tell us that the most misspelled words in North Carolina are spaghetti, because, color, through, character, business, favorite, beautiful, science, and graduation. Who knew? 

And how on earth does unscrambler.com know?

According to unscrambler.com and based on the number of internet searches, Americans in general wonder how to spell bougie, favorite, through, business, tomorrow, because, definitely, beautiful, niece, and separate. Apparently, we Tar Heels are fairly normal when it comes to spelling.

Also, according to unscrambler.com, our neighbors have their spelling issues as well. 

Virginia struggles with spaghetti (just like us!). South Carolina cannot quite handle quite. Tennessee wrestles with through, and Florida is irked by school.  Georgia—bless her heart!—stumbles over Chihuahua, as do Wyoming and Oklahoma.  If we are honest, the rest of us probably do as well. Same for ukulele, Minnesota’s Achilles' heel.

All to remind us that nothing works like a good dictionary, even if it is online.

And then there is the whole North Carolina pork barbecue thing, which has been going on since before Duke hated Carolina and both hated NC State.

East versus west. Vinegar (east) versus tomato (west) sauce. Chopped pork (west) versus pulled (pork) east, although the lines are always somewhat blurred. Whole hog barbecue is a category unto itself but generally served in the east. All of the above have been and remain staples of church suppers, wedding celebrations, and, Lord help us, political events both right and left. Apparently barbecue is apolitical.

Carolina barbecue is a hodgepodge of our history. Native Americans, European settlers, African Americans and modern methods of cooking are all in today’s mix. It resonates with Tar Heels from 1 to 100, a reality brought home to me when a grown up daddy of my acquaintance and his 9-year-old son ate their way across the state from east to west to determine the best barbecue ever for the boy’s 4th grade North Carolina project. I think he made an A.

As for me, no tomatoes please. My husband made the best vinegar sauce ever. Friends still ask for the secret recipe.

And, finally, North Carolina is one of the original 13 American colonies, so this year’s 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding resounds here as much or more than in most other places. The ladies of Edenton swore off tea in October 1774, an act of rebellion against King George. North Carolina was the first colony to call formally for independence from England with the Halifax Resolves in April of 1776. That original document is on display in Halifax through September. 

The are no shortages of birthday celebrations. The NC Department of Cultural Resources website lists more than 1000 commemorations across the state, including a day-long 4th of July wingding at the State Capitol in Raleigh.

Let the celebrations begin both for our past and for our future.

Anti-Weaponization Fund: Criming for dollars

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Tuesday, 09 June 2026

Written by Pitt Dickey

I recently got an email from Dewey, Cheatem, & Howe, an advertising agency for lawyers. I retired years ago, but once you are on a mailing list, you can never escape. It is a form of immortality.
Dewey, Cheatem, & Howe has developed an advertising campaign for lawyers who want to represent clients in President Trump’s $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund (AWF) for his supporters who feel they were wrongfully prosecuted for attacking police at the White House on January 6.
The email was mildly interesting. I will share some of the campaign’s highlights which you can expect to see on TV, print ads, and billboards if the AWF eventually goes through.
The AWF (pronounced AWFUL) has some pretty cool provisions; not only can you get paid but you can get an official apology suitable for framing, and an autographed picture of former US Attorney General Pam Bondi. The tax dollars and apologies will be handed out by a five-person committee of the Most Excellent Five Dude$ who are sensitive to the needs of felons, misdemeanants, and victims of civil lawfare by the former Biden administration. If you are represented by well-connected attorneys who have the Five Dude$ on speed dial, your chances of recovering big tax payer bucks are greatly enhanced.
Enjoy some of the copy the ad agency will deploy on behalf of attorneys seeking contingent fees from the sweet, sweet pile of tax dollars piled up in the AWFUL treasure chest.
Here we go: “Convicted of a felony? A misdemeanor? Assault a police officer with a flag pole or bear spray? Did you poop on the walls of the Capitol? Steal a podium? Break things in the Senate Chamber?
Did punishment for any of these things result in you feeling great mental anguish? Would the application of a substantial money poultice to your bank balance make you feel better? Then apply now for the AWFUL fund. There is no fee unless we win your case. (In which case, our fee is a mere 50% of the settlement.)
Settlements range in a Calabash fish house style buffet of benefits: Cold hard cash, delectable pardons, baffling commutations, and auto penned apologies. The bigger your crime, the longer your sentence, the bigger potential settlement you can win.
Don’t bother with Fan Duel or other sports betting, the real sure thing is to have a conviction to collect from the AWFUL fund.
Each mouthwatering settlement will capture the District of Columbia’s fresh aroma of political pay offs, cleverly delivered in a welter of words written in AI derived slop making it clear that you, the criminal were actually the victim. Let the irresistible smell of piles of tax payer cash pay outs ease the pain of being inconvenienced for being convicted of crimes that you committed.
Our firm offers unparalleled access to the Five Dude$ who will be handing out $1.8 billion worth of tax payer money. Grab all you can eat settlements from the tax payers’ trough before it is too late. Are you tired of working? Tired of reporting to your parole or probation officer? Come to the Super Happy Bonanza of AWFUL cash and pick up a cool million bucks or more depending on your crime.
Enjoy finally being compensated for your actions in trying to overturn the results of the 2024 election. Buckets of cash are calling your name. Let our firm help you grab your ticket to easy money as you get ready for the 2028 election excitement and incitement.
Make an appointment today for a free interview to see how much money you can extract from the AWFUL fund. Bring your court documents, your parole officer, and your significant other who can testify to the mental anguish you sustained due to your unlawful conviction for your actions on January 6th.
$1.8 billion dollars won’t last forever, so hurry on down while the Big Bucks last. Past performance does not guarantee future results in the 2028 election. He who hesitates is lost. Don’t miss out on your last best hope for a big pay day and we are not talking about a candy bar.
The AWFUL fund seems in jeopardy at present. But like a herd of Zombies, it may return from the dead. Be ready to cash in. Call today at B-549. Tell ‘em Junior Samples sent you. Eternal vigilance is the price of financial liberty.