Good morning, Fayetteville.

Retired Fayetteville businessman Charlie Harrell was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Citizen Award on May 8 at the Tony Rand Student Center on FTCC campus.

He received the award for his strong integrity and service in growing his family business — contributions that have supported local groups and helped raise over $55,000 for the Scouting America Occoneechee Council.

Veterans, soldiers, and Gold Star families paid their respects at the 82nd Airborne Division memorial ceremony at Fort Bragg on May 20—part of All American Week—in honor of fallen comrades.

The event featured Taps and wreath placements to solemnly recognize those who served.

At around 2:30 a.m. on May 21, a single-car crash on Cedar Creek Road near N.C.

Highway 210 in Fayetteville killed the lone driver, whose identity is not being released until family is notified (the investigation is ongoing).

A 19-year-old Massachusetts college student pleaded guilty last Tuesday to hacking charges tied to the 2024 PowerSchool data breach that exposed sensitive information of millions of public school students & staff in North Carolina, with prosecutors stating he faced charges including cyber extortion and aggravated identity theft while free identity protection and credit monitoring is available until July 31.

Cumberland County Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green announced she will leave her position at the end-of-year because her spouse’s military relocation requires it - officials praised her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her work on opioid and maternal health programs and are developing a transition plan to support public health services. The department will continue its commitment to community health as it prepares for her departure.

Hope Mills Mayor Jessie Bellflowers delivered the town's first State of the Town address Tuesday at the Public Safety Center's fire truck bay with about 50 residents and community officials in attendance.

He outlined five planning goals and discussed a proposed new recreation building on Golfview Road—residents are invited to a budget workshop Monday, June 2 at Hope Mills Town Hall.

Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted to negotiate a memorandum of agreement with the Salvation Army to provide up to $563,000 annually to reopen its closed Pathway to Hope shelter — which left 50 to 60 people without shelter and raised the county’s emergency shelter shortage from 120 to 170 beds. County officials said negotiations will take two to three weeks with the shelter set to reopen in early June.

United 8 and All American soccer conferences for the 2025 girls' season have named 37 Fayetteville-area players, including award winners like Offensive Player of the Year Kaylen Sykes from Pine Forest.

The lists also recognized Coaches of the Year—honoring postseason efforts from teams such as Cape Fear and Pine Forest—and celebrated top local talent.

4th Friday Art & Music Festival

6-9 p.m. — Downtown Fayetteville — Free entry — Experience local arts, live music, and street performances in Fayetteville's vibrant district.

Sneaker Ball 'Golden Hour'

7-11:59 p.m. — The Moose Event Center — Check for entry fee — Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with music, food, and a showcase of the freshest sneakers.

2025 E.E. Smith Alumni Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet

5-9 p.m. — Crown Complex — Contact for ticket pricing — Celebrate and honor outstanding E.E. Smith alumni athletes in an evening of recognition and camaraderie.

PWC Pre-Registration for Public Works Art Exhibit

12-8 p.m. — Arts Council of Fayetteville — $15 for one artwork, $20 for two — Drop off your original art pieces for a chance to showcase them in a community-wide exhibit.

2025 Rockfish Open House

3-7 p.m. — Camp Rockfish — Free entry — Discover the beauty and fun of Camp Rockfish with delicious food options available.

Hills and Thrills Adventure Tour

12 PM – 1 PM — Sweet Valley Ranch — Tickets are Non Refundable — Experience a 60-minute guided ATV tour through the terrains of Sweet Valley Ranch!

2025 Monarch Baseball Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — Methodist University — Check website for pricing — Hone your baseball skills with expert coaching and competitive games.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

June 3-5 — Freedom Courts Sports Complex — $245 — Fast-track your basketball skills with expert coaching in Fayetteville.

Summer Day Camp - June Session II

8 AM – 4 PM — Methodist University — Registration required — Engage in a fun and educational basketball summer camp for boys.

Robin Hood

6:45 p.m. — Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County — $ — Experience thrilling sword fighting and daring escapes in a captivating tale of justice and rebellion.