Fay at 5: Bladen County Woman Charged in Murder, Fire Department Welcomes New K9, and More
Bladen County Woman Faces Murder Charge
A Bladen County woman appeared in court today for the first time since being charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband. Charlotte Brandy Smith, 45, of Elizabethtown, was arrested early Wednesday morning. Authorities report that her husband, Aaron Daine Smith, 42, also of Elizabethtown, sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by Bladen County authorities that Smith was believed to be traveling into their jurisdiction, leading to her arrest by Mount Gilead officers.
Fayetteville Fire Department Introduces Crisis Response Dog GRIFFITH
The Fayetteville Fire Department held a special vesting ceremony today for their new Crisis Response Dog, GRIFFITH. This initiative, funded by BowenStrong, the Fayetteville Professional Fire Fighters Association, and the Fayetteville Firefighters Benevolent Association, aims to provide vital support to emergency responders. GRIFFITH will help firefighters decompress after challenging calls, ease station tension, lower anxiety levels, reduce the long-term impacts of PTSD, and boost overall heart health. With 50 hours of specialized training, GRIFFITH will be assigned to Fayetteville Fire Station 5 on A-shift, working during his shift and residing with his firefighter handler when off duty. The department plans to acquire two more Crisis Response Dogs to ensure support across all shifts.
Cumberland County Schools to Welcome New Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy
Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is preparing to officially welcome Dr. Eric C. Bracy as its new superintendent with a swearing-in ceremony and reception. The event, titled “Bracy on Board: Anchored in Excellence, Ready to Lead,” is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Dr. William “Bill” Harrison Educational Resource Center, located at 396 Elementary Drive in Fayetteville. The oath of office will be administered at 5 p.m. The public is invited to attend, with an RSVP requested via bit.ly/bracyonboard. Dr. Bracy brings a wealth of experience to CCS, with 25 years in public education, including 17 years as a superintendent in North Carolina.6
Ritz Cracker Recall Issued Over Peanut Allergy Risk
A recall has been issued for certain Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker sandwiches due to a critical labeling error.7 Mondelez Global LLC is voluntarily recalling eight, 20, and 40 packs of cartons of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker sandwiches, as well as the 20-pack variety carton.8 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that while the outer packaging indicates peanuts, some individually wrapped sandwiches within these cartons may be mislabeled as cheese crackers, posing a severe or even fatal risk to individuals with peanut allergies. Consumers who have purchased these recalled items are advised to discard them immediately.
Municipal Election Filing Closes Tomorrow
Prospective candidates for the upcoming municipal elections have until tomorrow at noon to file their intent to run. The Board of Elections office is the designated location for filing. As of today, 14 candidates have filed for city elections, and 32 candidates have filed across the county.
Fayetteville Forecast
Tonight: Mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly in the evening. Heavy rainfall is possible with some thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 70s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Friday: Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then showers likely with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 90s. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Weekend Outlook: Expect partly sunny skies with a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout Saturday and Sunday, with highs in the lower 90s and lows in the mid 70s. The chance of rain for the weekend is 50 percent.
