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/1504399
4 UCW JULY 26 - AUGUST 1, 2023 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM STAFF PUBLISHER Bill Bowman Bill@upandcomingweekly.com OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Paulette Naylor accounting@upandcomingweekly.com MANAGING EDITOR April Olsen editor@upandcomingweekly.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Hannah Lee assistanteditor@upandcomingweekly. com ART DIRECTOR Courtney Sapp-Scott art@upandcomingweekly.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Isaiah Jones graphics@upandcomingweekly.com STAFF WRITERS Alyson Hansen Kathleen Ramsey Chayenne Burns Katrina Wilson Aubrette Reid Laura Browne CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sen. Michael Lazarra, John Hood, Dr. Shanessa Fenner, David Teter, Andrew Norris, D.G. Martin, Muriel Brooks MARKETING ASSOCIATE Linda McAlister linda@upandcomingweekly.com SALES ASSISTANT Sheila Barker salesassistant@upandcomingweekly. com COVER Dr. Norma McLauchlin, Chosen Pen Publishing Cover photo and design by Isaiah Jones Up & Coming Weekly www.upandcomingweekly.com 208 Rowan St. P.O. Box 53461 Fayetteville, NC 28305 PHONE: 910-484-6200- FAX: 910-484-9218 Up & Coming Weekly is a "Quality of Life" publication with local features, news and information on what's happening in and around the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community. Published weekly on Wednesdays, Up & Coming Weekly welcomes manuscripts, photographs and artwork for publication consideration, but assumes no responsibility for them. We cannot accept responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or material. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject copy submitted for publication. Up & Coming Weekly is free of charge and distributed at indoor and outdoor locations throughout Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Pope Army Airfield, Hope Mills and Spring Lake. Readers are limited to one copy per person. © 2020 by F&B Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or advertisements without permission is strictly prohibited. Various ads with art graphics designed with elements from: vecteezy.com and freepik.com. Association of Community Publishers Letters to the Editor Do YOU have something to say? We want YOU to be heard! We want EVERYONE to be able to voice their opinions on current community events. Let us be a place to start much needed conversations. ALL VOICES WELCOMED! EMAIL: editor@upandcomingweekly.com CALL: 910-484-6200 PUBLISHER'S PEN Saving lives by strengthening laws by SEN. MICHAEL LAZZARA, Courtesy The Carolina Journal A dangerous threat hides in the shad- ows, inflicting devastation upon our communities and claiming the lives of our loved ones — parents, siblings, chil- dren, and friends. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, has emerged as a deadly force in the ongoing battle against drug abuse and overdose. To combat this threat, the urgent need for comprehensive legislation becomes undeniable. rough the enforcement of strict regulations, targeted law enforce- ment efforts, and the implementation of harm-reduction strategies, legislation can serve as a formidable defense in safeguarding public safety. By enhanc- ing education and awareness, partner- ing with law enforcement, investing in research, and tightening regulations, we can create a comprehensive strategy to fight against this chemical warfare. is is why I am proud to present legislation that tackles the fentanyl crisis head-on. Senate Bill 189 would increase fines for trafficking controlled substances like fentanyl, sending a clear message that illicit trade in the deadly drug will not be tolerated in our state. Furthermore, we are introducing new of- fenses that specifically target those who distribute certain substances resulting in death, ensuring that individuals respon- sible for fatal outcomes face more severe penalties. Recognizing the importance of en- couraging individuals to seek help, we have expanded limited immunity for the possession of small amounts of fentanyl. is provision offers protection from prosecution, empowering individuals to come forward and access the assis- tance they need without the fear of legal consequences. Additionally, this comprehensive legislation establishes a dedicated Task Force to bring together a team of experts that will enhance law enforcement efforts in combating the illegal manu- facturing, importation and distribution of fentanyl and heroin. By promoting a coordinated and strategic approach, we aim to effectively confront the crisis at its core. We cannot continue to be reactive to the ongoing fentanyl crisis; we must be proactive in adopting sensible measures to stem the alarming influx of these drugs through our southern border. e illicit trafficking and distribution of these substances is a form of chemical warfare, and we must fight to prosecute the individuals who are trafficking and distributing this deadly poison. We must get drugs off the street before they end up in the hands of our children. is legislation takes significant steps forward in our efforts to combat the fen- tanyl crisis, safeguard our communities, and offer support and solutions to those affected by this devastating epidemic. On average, eight North Carolinians die every day due to fentanyl. e time to act is now, and I strongly urge my colleagues in the N.C. House of Repre- sentatives to pass this important legisla- tion and send it to the governor for his signature. We cannot wait another day. Editor's note: Sen. Michael Lazzara is a Republican who represents District 6, Onslow County in the North Carolina Senate. According to the DEA, in 2022 the agency seized more than 58.4 million fentanyl-lace fake pills and more than 13,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. e 2022 seizures are equivalent to more than 387.6 million lethal doses of fentanyl. So far in 2023, the DEA has seized 39 million pills and 6,500 pounds of fentanyl powder. (Photos courtesy www.dea.gov) SEN. MICHAEL LAZARRA, North Carolina Senate. COMMENTS? Editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. 910-484-6200 According to the DEA, 2 mg of fentanyl equates to a potentially deadly dose (Photo illustration courtesy www.dea.gov)