Up & Coming Weekly

September 08, 2020

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.

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8 UCW SEPTEMBER 9-15, 2020 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM It has been reported that over 40 arrests have been made so far in the destruction and loot- ing of the Walmart store located on Skibo Rd. during the violent pro- tests and riots that raged in Fayetteville on May 30. More arrests are ex- pected as the Fayetteville Police Department continues its ongoing investigation as to who was involved in the looting and destruction of personal property in downtown Fayetteville and the attempt to burn down Fayetteville's National Historic Landmark Market House. e protest that began in downtown Fayetteville moved swiftly that evening to Cross Creek Mall, where J.C. Penney and other stores were looted and damaged. City residents were able to watch the melee on televison and the internet as glass doors were broken and items such as televisons, electronics and clothing were carried out of stores. Forty arrests are just the beginning of this enormous undertaking. Fayetteville law enforcement officers are working diligently sifting through hundreds of videos and photos trying to identify the suspects. Even with overtime and the publics assistance, it will likely take months to complete the full investigation. A myriad criminal charges could result from the rioting, breaking and entering, larceny and destruction of public and private property. Penalties for these crimes could draw up to two years in prison depending on a person's criminal record. Many local residents and business owners are curious to find out whether these criminal perpetrators were local resi- dents or outside agitators like Antifa brought in to cause chaos and mayhem in support of the emerging Marxist/Socialist movement. According to local news sources, District Attorney Billy West is on the record as being committed to handling each case individually to assure the rule of law is applied evenly and fairly to keep the process free of political influence. Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin agrees. "While the city is committed to the First Amend- ment rights of free speech and peaceful protest, this sends a clear message that we are equally committed to holding those accountable who chose to engage in riotous and unlawful activities in our great city." ese are reassuring words to Fayetteville citizens who are witnessing in real time the rioting, destruction, devasta- tion and chaos taking place in cities where crime is ignored, police and law enforcement are disrespected, criminals go un- punished and crime victims are ignored as collateral damage. It is refreshing to know that our mayor, police chief, dis- trict attorney and the men and women of the Fayetteville Police Department are working dili- gently together to pursue justice and keep our community safe and out of harm's way during these very trying times. OPINION AUTHOR Melody Foote Director of Communications Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau B U L L E T I N Download a mobile app for exploring Cumberland County. DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS RECEIVES NATIONAL HR ACCREDITATION Kelly Brill, Director of Opera ons at the Faye eville Area Conven on & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) recently received The Society of Human Resources Management Cer fied Profes- sional (SHRM-CP) accredita on. Kelly took several prepara on classes last winter and studied for six months in prepara on for the final examina on. The SHRM-CP accredita on is offered by the SHRM, the largest HR membership organiza on in the world. SHRM has sup- ported more than 100,000 employers represen ng 115 million employees worldwide. "The FACVB is commi ed to employee educa on to main- tain the highest standards in all areas of our business," says John Meroski, FACVB President and CEO. "I am proud to add Kelly to the list of employees with cer fica ons from industry organiza ons." Other staff with industry cer fica ons: Angie Brady, Director of Tourism: Travel Marke ng Professional (TMP) Cer fica on from Southeastern Travel Associa on. David Nash, Research and Database Manager: Cer fied Sim- pleview CMS Mentor, from Simpleview. Melody Foote, Director of Communica ons: Cer fied Des- na on Management Execu ve (CDME), from Des na ons Interna onal. John Meroski, President and CEO: Cer fied Des na on Man- agement Execu ve (CDME), from Des na ons Interna onal. Addi onally, the FACVB recently renewed its Des na on Mar- ke ng Accredita on Program (DMAP) recogni on from Des - na ons Interna onal. This means the FACVB meets or exceeds performance and repor ng standards outlined by Des na ons Interna onal. BILL BOWMAN, Publisher, UP & COMING WEEKLY. COM- MENTS? BILL@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200. Fayetteville Police arrest 40-plus following riots, more to follow by BILL BOWMAN

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