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/1340284
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM FEBRUARY 17-23, 2021 UCW 9 Denis McDonough has been selected as the new Veterans Affairs secretary, making him only the second non-veteran ever confirmed to lead the department. McDonough, who served as White House Chief of Staff under former President Barack Obama, was chosen by President Joe Biden to succeed Robert Wilkie. Wilkie was named to the post in early 2018 by former President Donald Trump. "I understand how to untangle and solve large, complex challenges, both across and within large agencies," he told members of the Sen- ate Veterans' Affairs Committee during his confirmation hearing. McDonough received unanimous support from members of the committee following that appearance. His full Senate vote wasn't as unified, but he was still easily confirmed by an 87-7 margin. e senators who voted against McDonough were Republicans. None publicly indicated reasons for their opposition, although several have voted against most or all of Biden's Cabinet nominees thus far. Volunteers needed for Red Cross Disaster Teams e American Red Cross is seeking Disaster Action Team volunteers to provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, par- ticularly house fires. DAT volunteers ensure that those affected have access to resources for necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. e Red Cross says compassionate individuals who want to help families that are affected by disasters of all sizes, from house fires to hurricanes, are needed. DAT respond- ers need to be able to do initial casework virtually, including over the phone and using video conferencing. e Red Cross provides training as to how to use the software, but volunteers need access to a smartphone and or computer and should be comfortable with technology. For more information visit www. redcross.org/volunteer/disaster-action-team. html. Local library branch remains closed One of Cumberland County's Public Library branches remains closed for facility repairs. e Cliffdale Regional Library will be closed through March 8 to replace carpet throughout the building. Curbside pickup services have been moved to nearby locations. Library pa- trons can take advantage of curbside services at all branches Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Library locations include: Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Lane; Bordeaux Branch at 3711 Village Dr.; East Re- gional Branch at 4809 Clinton Rd.; Hope Mills Branch at 3411 Golfview Rd.; North Regional Branch at 855 McArthur Rd.; and West Re- gional Branch at 7469 Century Circle. Bonuses are being granted to local school employees Some Cumberland County school employ- ees will receive bonuses at the end of the month. Superintendent Marvin Connelly Jr. asked the board of education to provide one time $350 bonuses for staff members who were not included in the October 2020 bonuses granted teachers. Eligible employ- ees who were on the job on Dec. 1, 2020, will receive the gratuities. ey include administrative leadership and support staff. "For almost a year now, our employees have worked extremely hard to overcome the chal- lenges associated with COVID-19," said Dr. Connelly. "rough it all, they have provided resources to support students' academic and social-emotional needs, prepared and served meals to students, cleaned school facilities, and supported a variety of district initiatives." e Cumberland County School district is the fourth largest system in North Carolina em- ploying more than 3,200 staff members and 3,500 teachers. Army wants soldiers to help prevent sexual assaults Fort Bragg's 18th Airborne Corps wants soldiers to share their ideas for improving the Army's sexual assault and harassment prevention program, according to an an- nouncement last week. At least two soldiers will have an opportunity to personally pitch their ideas Feb. 22 to Corps leaders as part of an Army innovation-focused competition called "Dragon's Lair," which is based on the popular television series "Shark Tank." e winning pitch could be implemented across the 18th Airborne Corps, which includes 92,000 soldiers at numerous Army posts. e Defense Department has long been search- ing for solutions to overcome sexual assault and harassment in the ranks. Calls for action from lawmakers have intensified in recent months following sexual assault accusations at Fort Hood, Texas. A probe into the murder of Spc. Vanessa Guillen in April 2020, at the Texas post found poor leadership was the problem. Fourteen leaders at Fort Hood were fired or suspended as a result of that investi- gation. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who as a three-star general once commanded Fort Bragg, has ordered a review of the military's sexual assault and harassment prevention ef- forts. At the direction of President Joe Biden, Austin intends to install a 90-day commission to study the issue across the Defense Department. New VA Secretary is confirmed for Biden Administration by JEFF THOMPSON NEWS DIGEST JEFF THOMPSON, Reporter. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcom- ingweekly.com. 910-484-6200. Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs