Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1174966
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM OCTOBER 9-15, 2019 UCW 9 The North Carolina Department of Transpor- tation has begun distributing more than $147.5 million in state aid to municipalities. Powell Bill funds are distributed twice annually to 508 cit- ies and towns across the state. The initial alloca- tion of $73.8 million was sent out in late Sep- tember. The next allocation in the same amount will be paid by Dec. 31. Powell Bill funds are used primarily for the resurfacing of streets within the corporate limits of municipalities but can also help pay for construction, improve- ments, repairs of streets and public thorough- fares — including bridges, drainage systems and curbs and gutters, as well as bikeways, green- ways and sidewalks. "Funding provided through the Powell Bill helps cities and towns pay for needed repairs, maintenance and construction of their trans- portation network," said Transportation Sec- retary Jim Trogdon. The amount each munici- pality receives is based on a formula set by the North Carolina General Assembly, with 75% of it based on population, and 25% based on the number of local street miles. Charlotte is receiv- ing $20.5 million. Fayetteville's allocation is $5.2 million. School bus driver award For Ellen Swinson, student safety is always her top priority. As a bus driver for Ashley Elemen- tary School, she is constantly going the extra mile to ensure all students make it to and from school safely — even students who ride other buses. Recently, after finishing her route for the day, Swinson noticed a bus from Vanstory Hills Elementary had pulled over due to mechanical issues. She immediately stopped to help, of- fering the students an air-conditioned place to wait. After speaking with Vanstory's administra- tion, Swinson ended up finishing the bus route so that the students would arrive home on time. For literally going the extra mile, Swinson is Cumberland County Schools' Extra Mile Award recipient for October. She was nominated under the Compassion category by Carolyn Ortiz, a teacher's assistant at Ashley Elementary, who praised Swinson for putting children first. Swin- son received a certificate and was recognized at the October Cumberland County Board of Education meeting. Getting to sleep isn't easy for everyone Cape Fear Valley Health System has opened a fourth sleep center lab to help area residents get a good night's rest. The new four-bed lab is now open at Hoke Hospital, located at 210 Medi- cal Pavilion Dr. near Raeford. Cape Fear Valley Sleep Center in Fayetteville already serves a growing number of civilian and military patients in the region. The sleep centers treat a vari- ety of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement, restless legs syndrome and more. The new Hoke sleep lab offers a wide array of testing, includ- ing Polysomnography, CPAP titration, daytime studies, multiple sleep latency tests and more. Cape Fear Valley also has sleep labs at Health Pavilion North in Fayetteville, Bladen Hospital in Elizabethtown and the main Sleep Center on Owen Drive in Fayetteville. Cape Fear Valley Sleep Centers are accredited by the American Association of Sleep Medicine and The Joint Commission. The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum is a hub for history in downtown Fayetteville. From the history enthu- siast to families looking for fun, there is some- thing for everyone. Deep within the museum collection are artifacts that are a bit unusual. Many of these items are job-specific tools or household items that have become obsolete. Do you think you can identify them? Museum Col- lection Oddities is an exciting and interactive exhibit that opened Oct. 8 and will run into the 2020 calendar year. The museum is located 325 Franklin St. and is open to the public Tuesday- Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. Energy Action Month Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin has declared October Energy Action Month in the city. The proclamation acknowledges national Energy Action Month, a federal campaign by the U.S. Department of Energy to increase public aware- ness about energy conservation, efficiency and technology. "Energy is one of our most vital resources," Colvin said. "Accessible, viable, dependable and affordable energy resources are critical to the city of Fayetteville and to each and every one of our residents." City employees and Fayetteville residents can support the mayor's proclamation by being mindful of their energy use — not only during October but throughout the year. 31 Days of Love The Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center system is participating in the 31 Days of Love campaign. Each branch is hosting pet-related programs and accepting donations of pet supplies for animals at the Cumberland County Animal Control Shelter. For animals at the shelter, responsible pet owners can make a difference by adopting animals. For those who are unable to adopt, donations are greatly appreciated and needed. The library is working to increase awareness of animal control services and to facilitate the donation drive. Do- nations can be delivered to any library location. Pet food, cat litter, toys, flea-control products, treats, shampoo, plastic crates and carriers are accepted. State funding released by JEFF THOMPSON NEWS DIGEST JEFF THOMPSON, Reporter. COMMENTS? 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