Volume 5 Issue 22: Apr 24, 2026

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May 4, 2026

Empowering Veterans: The 2026 Fayetteville Veterans Business Expo aims to close the opportunity gap

This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th ...

May 4, 2026

Bee-lieve the hype: Local apiarists and entrepreneurs share handmade crafts and helpful knowledge about our most important pollinators

Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle ...

May 4, 2026

The Hive of Hope Mills is open for business: Big T's serves as anchor tenant

Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week. ...

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fayetteville-state-university dr-michelle-e-bates-lcsw headshot

Dr. Michelle E. Bates, LCSW
Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University embraces a new era of social work training

Posted Jul 29, 2026
Fayetteville State University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program serves as one of the region’s strongest pipelines for well-prepared social workers, particularly in high-need areas like child welfare and public health.Fayetteville State’s hybrid M
  ...read entire article
May 1, 2026

Publisher's note: Spring shopping

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOMI JAISWAL/UNSPLASH Spring has sprung, and as we finally enter the warmer months, we will begin seeing local farmers markets come alive with fresh produce, plants, local rarities and more. North Carolina’s agriculture in ...

May 1, 2026

Where agritourism meets agriculture: Taking a look at the working ranch behind Sweet Valley Ranch

What began as the desire for a horse expanded into one of Fayetteville’s main hospitality and agro-tourism attractions thanks to the passion and love of animals from the Ranch’s founders Anita and Fred Surgeon. Photos provided by Sweet Valley Ranch.S ...

May 1, 2026

Sprouting new markets: Jackson Family Farms provides homegrown crops to Fayetteville and the surrounding areas

Jackson Family Farms is open seven days a week at 5818 Ramsey St. They sell homegrown produce, fresh-baked goods, home decor, seasonal plants and other responsibly sourced food products. Photos provided by Jackson Family Farms.—photosJackson Family F ...


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In The Current Issue

Building better solutions: Dragon's Lair Competition champions military innovation at Fort Bragg

U.S. Army soldiers gather for a group photo after the conclusion of Dragon’s Lair 12 at the Lieutenant General Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Dragon’s Lair 12 event offered soldiers a platform to pitch their ideas d


Fayetteville selected to co-host the USTA NC 2026 Singles State Championship

Photo by Brooks HoffmanThe Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) is pleased to announce that the destination has been selected to co-host the Singles State Championships for USTA North Carolina, Oct. 1-4, 2026. Eight tennis


Recognizing entrepreneurial spirit: FSU prepares to host inaugural Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala

Fayetteville State University is set to embark on what university leaders hope will lead to a new tradition for the regional business community in Cumberland County and beyond. The university will host its inaugural Entrepreneurial Impact Awards Gala