Community Corner

🌱 Why a small mall discount led to felony charges

Coming up on the Fayetteville Patch calendar: The Comedy Couch with the Locals Comedy and Heather Berube

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Good morning Fayetteville! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a small mall discount led to felony charges
  • Why Fayetteville’s city spokesperson is clashing with advocates and council members
  • What officers say they found inside this Tryon Drive home

Also on today's calendar: Fayetteville Holiday Lights and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Fort Braggfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Fort Braggfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Cloudy; p.m. rain, breezy, with a high of 65 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Friday: A morning shower; windy, temps: high: 65, low: 31.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 56 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Harnett County deputy accused of posing as veteran to get discount: Arrest warrant (abc11.com) — A Harnett County deputy is accused of using another woman’s identity to claim a small military discount at Buckle in Fayetteville’s Cross Creek Mall, according to an arrest warrant. She faces felony identity theft and false pretense charges, is on paid leave, and has a court hearing scheduled in Cumberland County next week.
   

2. Tased and Confused (theassemblync.com) — Fayetteville’s city spokesperson is facing pushback from a local advocacy group and some council members after a disputed press release, according to CityView’s reporting highlighted in this statewide newsletter. The piece also touches on broader North Carolina stories, from a lawsuit over Taser use to the Lumbee Tribe’s long quest for federal recognition, but the Fayetteville communications rift stands out for local readers.
   

3. Felon arrested as guns, fentanyl, marijuana found inside Fayetteville home, police say (cbs17.com) — Police say a recent search of a Tryon Drive home in Fayetteville turned up guns, fentanyl, and marijuana, leading to multiple drug and firearm charges for a 26-year-old man. Officers executed the warrant after his earlier arrest and note he has prior drug and firearm convictions, with bond now set at $20,000 in Cumberland County Detention Center.
   

4. Lumbee recognition means eastern North Carolina could get a casino (axios.com) — Fayetteville could see major changes after the Lumbee tribe cleared its last big hurdle to full federal recognition, opening the door to trust land in Cumberland County. While only Robeson County land would count as reservation, recognition could still bring new economic opportunities, federal resources, and potential casino-related development that may ripple into Fayetteville and nearby communities.
   

5. After 23 seasons, Heath Vandevender reaches 500 coaching wins (fayobserver.com) — A longtime Fayetteville fixture, Trinity Christian head coach Heath Vandevender just notched his 500th basketball win, adding his name to the city’s prep history books. He credits his late parents’ vision, faith, and service to the Fayetteville community for guiding a 23-year run that’s produced multiple Division I players and a 2016 NCISAA state title.
   

📸 Around Fayetteville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Y'all, please help me find my fur baby Jax.
    If he's still alive I am struggling to keep positive thoughts on finding him. He's 13 years old and has never been away from me since he adopted me… (Nextdoor Kingsland)
  • FOUND two male dogs at 11:45am on 12/15/2025
    They were found in a field on Graham rd. in Fayetteville. The larger dog has a microchip but the owners have not reached out. These two are bonded… (Nextdoor Wells)
  • FAYETTEVILLE NC Dec 16 Climate: High: 55 Low: 20 Precip:" Snow: Missing... (X: iembot_rah)
  • When does NC State play Memphis this week? Time, date, TV, prediction for Gasparilla Bowl... (X: fayobserver)
  • Planet Fitness Inc. posted a job opening for Day/Overnight Custodian in Fayetteville. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Fayetteville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fayetteville here.

Ok Fayetteville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
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