Cumberland County Begins Search for New Sheriff After Wright's Retirement

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has officially launched the search for a new Sheriff, following the retirement of Ennis W. Wright on June 30, 2025. Sheriff Wright, who served nearly three decades, leaves a significant legacy as the county's first African American Sheriff. He was initially appointed in 2017, then elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes 162-2 and 162-5, the Board of Commissioners will appoint a qualified resident to serve the remainder of the term. Prospective applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have no felony convictions in any state, and be a qualified voter in Cumberland County. Required application materials include a letter of interest with a statement of eligibility, a comprehensive resume, and a valid disclosure statement of no felony convictions or expungements, prepared by the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission. Seven complete copies of all materials must be hand-delivered to Andrea Tebbe, Clerk to the Board, at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, 5th Floor, 117 Dick St., Fayetteville. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025. The Board will make their appointment decision during their first meeting in August, scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. Applicants who submit all required materials will have the opportunity to speak before the Board at this meeting.

NCDA&CS Urges Farmers to Inspect Fields for Invasive Tropical Spiderwort

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Plant Industry Division is urging farmers statewide to check their fields for tropical spiderwort (Commelina benghalensis), an aggressive, invasive weed. The weed, recognized by the USDA as one of the world’s most troublesome, was recently discovered in a cotton field in Craven County.

Eradication efforts are currently underway. Tropical spiderwort, also known as Benghal dayflower, poses a serious threat to over 20 economically important crops, including soybeans and cotton. While most likely to be found in eastern North Carolina, the weed could establish in most of the state. Identifying tropical spiderwort can be challenging as it closely resembles native dayflower species. Key identification features include red hairs on leaf sheaths and the presence of underground flower structures. The NCDA&CS is calling on growers to help detect and eliminate this weed before it becomes a widespread and costly issue.

Shana Cloud Scheduled for Court Appearance Tomorrow in Bonnell Case

Fayetteville, NC – Shana Cloud is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow in connection with the case of missing person Clinton Bonnell. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office announced Cloud, Bonnell’s wife, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and concealment of death.

The investigation began on January 28, 2025, when a wellbeing check was requested for Clinton Bonnell, a Physician Assistant Program student at Methodist University, who had failed to attend class. Shana Cloud reported not seeing her husband since the previous day, though his vehicle and personal belongings were at the residence. Human remains discovered on February 25, 2025, were later identified as Clinton Bonnell on March 28, 2025, through DNA analysis. Cloud was taken into custody without incident and is being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond.

N.C. State Fair Competition Entries Now Open; Deadline September 15

Raleigh, NC – Aspiring blue-ribbon winners can now submit their entries for the 2025 N.C. State Fair, which runs from October 16 to 26. The fair offers a wide array of competition categories, including arts and photography, culinary, livestock, fruit and vegetable production, hobbies and handicrafts, flowers, and LEGOS.

This year, the State Fair Flower Show will feature changes, with each of the three shows highlighting different varieties of individual plants to accommodate more competitors. Both junior and open categories are available for livestock shows. Most competitions do not require an entry fee. Interested participants can find detailed information on categories, rules, and deadlines on the State Fair’s website, ncstatefair.org, under the “Competitions” tab. The deadline for entering most competitions is September 15.

Cumberland County Cooling Centers Open Amidst Heat Advisory

With heat index values forecast to reach 100 to 106 degrees through Monday, July 21, Cumberland County and the City of Fayetteville have designated multiple government buildings as cooling centers. These centers are open during normal business hours for residents without access to air conditioning.

Cooling Center Locations:

• Cumberland County Department of Social Services – Auxiliary Lobby: 1225 Ramsey St. (Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

• Cumberland County Department of Public Health – First Floor Lobby: 1235 Ramsey St. (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

• Cumberland County Public Libraries: All eight locations (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday (select locations): 2 – 6 p.m.)

• Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation – Recreation Center Lobbies: Various locations (Visit fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers for hours and locations.)

• Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) – Main Lobby: 505 Franklin St., Fayetteville (Open during regular operating hours; see hours at fayettevillenc.gov/transit)

Residents are reminded to drink plenty of water, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, avoid direct sun exposure during peak heat hours, limit outdoor activities, and take frequent breaks in the shade. It is crucial to check on elderly neighbors, young children, and pets, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

Fay News 10 Weather Forecast

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 100. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.