Good morning, Fayetteville.

Former soldier James Hartman, named 2024 Small Farmer of the Year, runs the Secret Garden Bees apiary on his 23-acre farm in north Cumberland County (he and his wife began beekeeping in 2020 to help manage his PTSD).

His honey now reaches 180 stores across 27 states (local officials praise his blend of tradition and innovation) as his growing business boosts the regional agricultural scene.

Vernon Dial Jr., 33, was charged with felony littering after he dumped over 500 pounds of trash from a Fayetteville remodel project to a site on Front Street in Red Springs—he was jailed and set with a $1,000 bond.

After several weeks of voting, a Fayetteville reader poll from The Fayetteville Observer named Kusinera Filipino Cuisine as Cumberland County’s top locally owned restaurant with (62.76% of 717 votes) at 3047 Legion Road.

The restaurant is known for serving authentic Filipino dishes (including lumpia, pancit and calderetta).

Beginning today, the DMV is expanding weekday hours at 42 offices from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, which makes 80% of its 115 offices open longer as residents hurry to get a REAL ID before May 7.

Twenty offices — including Fayetteville’s at 831 Elm St — will offer walk-in services on Saturdays this summer.

Fort Bragg neighbors may hear loud booming sounds during live-fire training this month.

Army and Marine Corps field artillery units are conducting training from April 5 to 16—part of Operation Rolling Thunder for the 10th Marines—to boost combat readiness while limiting nighttime firing, and residents can file anonymous complaints online.

Fayetteville officials are changing contractor evaluation rules after setbacks stalled work on the Mazarick Park tennis center and delayed a new fire station on Bragg Boulevard.

The new process—requiring contractors to show experience, financial strength and diversity—will improve oversight and boost transparency with a dedicated projects page on the city website.

Sixteen Cumberland County high school athletes were nominated for the 910Preps Athlete of the Week award based on standout performances last week in baseball, softball, track and field, and soccer—nominees include Kayleigh Brewington and Victoria Bryant—and the poll will close at 8 p.m. on April 10 with winners announced Friday.

All American Tattoo Convention - Friday

12-4 p.m. — Crown Complex — Affordable tickets available — Discover the vibrant world of tattoo artistry at this exciting convention.

Grudge Race Car and Bike Show

12-8 p.m. — Fayetteville Motor Speedway — Resale marketplace tickets available — Experience thrilling races and an impressive bike show at this exciting event.

Digital Marketing Certificate Program

Apr 14 — Image Graphics Inc. — Tuition details available — Gain essential digital marketing skills with personalized mentoring in a small class setting.

Goat Yoga at Ithíka Acres

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Ithíka Acres Creamery — $20 — Enjoy a morning of laughter and yoga amid friendly goats.

Easter at Manna

Experience Easter at Manna as we journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ life-changing sacrifice and resurrection that continues to transform lives.

Easter at Manna

Experience Easter at Manna as we journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ life-changing sacrifice and resurrection that continues to transform lives.

AAC Meet #5

4:00 p.m. — Pine Forest High School — Free entry — Experience the excitement of track and field as local athletes compete in various events.

Art in the Allie

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Anchor Allie’s Fayetteville — Experience local artistry — Enjoy an intimate evening of live jazz and community vibes.

RedCup HoDown Southern Soul Jam

12 PM – 12 AM — Thaggards pick N go — Kids 12 and under free, Ages 13-20 $10 — Experience a lively Southern Soul Jam with multiple DJs and local artists showcasing their talents.

Come Sunday Jazz Series: John Brown

2-4 p.m. — Weymouth Center For The Arts & Humanities — Cost info not provided — Experience the talent of Grammy and Emmy nominee John Brown in an afternoon of soulful jazz.

Annual Prayer Breakfast

9:30 a.m. — Christian Cultural Center — Free entry — Refresh and rejuvenate with the theme 'Restore - Revive - Renew'.