
Lena Simmons was sworn in as chair of the North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation District Area 7 during the district’s spring meeting held Feb. 28 at “The Barn” at Righteous Oaks Farm in Fayetteville. Simmons, who is currently chair of the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, was sworn in by National Association of Conservation Districts Executive Director Bryan Evans.
District 7 is made up of nine soil and water conservation districts including Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties.
In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, leaders from District 7 conducted a business session, to include policy updates, resolutions, and reports. Delegates also heard reports from partners including the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the N.C. Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts. Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Livestock Agent Liz Joseph gave a presentation about the Soldiers to Agriculture program.
“The important work of Soil and Water Conservation takes partnerships, innovation, strategic planning,” said Simmons in a press release. “Every person has something to contribute.”
Simmons holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree. Simmons is also on the Leadership Committee of the National Association of Conservation Districts.
The Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors is made up of five board members, three of whom are elected, and two who are appointed by the N.C. Soil and Water Conservation Commission.
For more information about Cumberland County Soil and Water, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/soil-water-group/soil-water.
 
 
       
          
          All smiles on graduation day! (From left to right: Back row: Col. Donald Kimbler, Cadet John Lopes, Cadet Priscilla Wright, Cadet Jakob Feaster, Maj. Cameron Player, Col. Guy St. Louis; Middle row: Capt. Carmen Williams, Cadet Nyah Marzan, Cadet Madi
 
          
          CFVH celebrated the groundbreaking for their new adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in Lillington on Jan. 31. The facility is estimated to be completed by December of this year and is located on the campus of Central Harnett Hospital at 215 Bright
 
          
           The 75th Anniversary Celebration featured remarks from hospital and community leaders, as well as historical displays showcasing the hospital’s journey. Photos by GFBJ.On Friday, Oct. 10, Sampson Regional Medical Center celebrated 75 years of s