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: https://www.epageflip.net/i/621048
8 DECEMBER 30 - JANUARY 5, 2016 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Road Deaths Down The holiday season is not only one of the busiest travel times, but this year's low gas prices mean many people are probably choosing to drive to holiday destinations. More cars on the road means a higher chance of fatal crashes, according to a University of Alabama study. So it's important that drivers stay alert, and learn to spot and avoid hazards and to drive carefully. Fayetteville Police hope they can close out the year with no further fatal auto accidents. In the first 11 months of this year there were 16 high- way fatalities, according to police records. Three of the victims were pedestrians. Both numbers are fewer than had been record- ed during the corresponding period of 2014. Police Chief Harold Medlock made a reduction in traffic deaths a goal of his this year. Traffic enforcement officers have placed special emphasis on the Cross Creek Mall retail hub this holiday season. Resource Officers in Public Schools When a video of a South Carolina school resource officer force- fully removing a student from her desk went viral, a debate on the presence of law enforcement of- ficers in schools lit up social media. The officer was fired. Many years ago, then-Fayetteville Police Chief Ron Hansen agreed to turn security at county schools over to the sheriff 's office. Up & Coming Weekly asked Cumberland County Sheriff Moose Butler's spokesman about the changing role of school resource officers, but he declined to comment. Sgt. Sean Swain did tell us that the sheriff 's office provides 45 deputies for local high schools and middle schools. The National Association of School Resource Of- ficers says "The goal of SRO programs is to provide safe learning environments in our nation's schools, provide valuable resources to school staff, foster a positive relationship with our nation's youth,and develop strategies to resolve problems affecting our youth with the goal of protecting every child so they can reach their fullest potential." According to Education World, SROs not only help students feel safe but also give them someone in whom to confide, which was among the initial hallmarks of placing officers in schools. Child Death Baffling The parents of a young child who died at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center early this month have been jailed, but an investigation into the baby's death is ongoing. It's the second child the parents have lost in less than two years. Police say the three-year-old girl was found unresponsive on Dec. 1 at 520 Regency Drive in Fayetteville "due to injuries she suffered at the hands of her father, Jamarkus Smith," said Police Lt. David McLaurin. The 26-year-old Smith and his wife Octavia Bennett-Smith, 27, face multiple charges. Despite the evidence McLaurin cites, neither of them has been charged with the death itself. The father faces two counts of first-degree statu- tory sex offense and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child. Smith's bond is $3 million. Bennett-Smith is charged with fel- ony child abuse and she's being held in lieu of $1 million bail. Youth Services Detectives are also reviewing a child death investigation from February 2014, at the same address. It too involved the Smiths, according to police. That death was initially ruled a case of sudden infant death syndrome. News Digest by JEFF THOMPSON JEFF THOMPSON, Senior News Reporter. COMMENTS? news@upandcomingweekly. com. 910.484.6200. NEWS Be the rst to see the newest in prom and formal wear fashions from Jovani, Sherri Hill, and more! Special guest Johnathan Kayne from Project Runway showcasing his latest designs! 2016 Runway Extravaganza! Doors open at 5:30pm Show starts at 7pm. Tickets $10 in advance $15 at the door VIP seating is available Perfect ladies'night out! contact us at 910-486-5323 for additional information. January 7 and 8, 2016 Crown Expo Center