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/792825
12 UCW MARCH 1-7, 2017 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM The search to replace retired Police Chief Harold Medlock hasn't begun yet. But background information is being gathered by headhunters from Developmental Associates of Durham. Steve Straus, president of the firm, has been speaking with members of the police department's command staff, community representatives and citizen groups. "We'll recruit for 30 days, followed by two screenings," he said. Straus says he expects at least 50 police executives to apply. His firm will narrow the field to 15 who will be thoroughly vetted and referred to City Manager Doug Hewett. He will likely narrow the field to two or three before holding community meetings for introductions. Straus says he hopes to refer his recommendations to Hewett by mid-May. Medlock retired the end of last year after spending three-and-a-half years as chief. Haymount Grill Boarded Up It's been 10 months since the Haymount Grill & Steak House was destroyed by fire. The cause of the blaze remains unknown and the Skentaris family, which owns the restaurant, has not indicated whether they will rebuild. Meanwhile, it has not gone unnoticed by the city that the owners have failed to board up the property according to code. "Code enforcement is aware of the violation," said City of Fayetteville spokesman Nathan Walls. "When you board up a building, by Chapter 14, the boards are supposed to match the color of the building and fit in place," he said "Some boards don't match the color of the building, and some don't fit in place," Bridge to Replace Hurricane Damage The North Carolina Department of Transportation is replacing a local underground highway culvert destroyed during the recent hurricane with a bridge. The culvert was on Bingham Road near North Carolina 162. Sanford Contractors, Inc. was awarded what's called a $1 million express design-build contract. The express design-build method allows for faster construction and earlier completion by combining the work into one contract. DOT says the project should be wrapped up by Aug. 8. This is one of eight road and bridge projects approved by the State Board of Transportation this month, totaling $73.2 million. A New Fayetteville Business Co-op Sustainable Sandhills is delighted to be one of the founding private office members of Revolutionary Coworking, a collaborative workspace that acts as an incubator for the business community. The organization has relocated to the sixth floor of the Self Help building at 100 Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville. It's designed to encompass small and startup businesses, independent professionals and students. Revolutionary Coworking fosters a green business environment that promotes education, innovation and collaboration. A ribbon-cutting presented by the Downtown Alliance was held Feb. 23 and was followed by a tour of the shared workspace. For more information about Revolutionary Coworking, visit www.revolutionarycoworking.com. New V.A. Secretary The Senate has confirmed Dr. David Shulkin as the new Veterans Affairs Secretary, making him the first non-veteran ever to serve in the post. Shulkin currently serves as the head of VA health programs. He was approved by a remarkable vote of 100-0. The 57-year-old physician was praised by lawmakers from both parties and veterans advocates as a leader with inside knowledge of ways to reform the agency. Shulkin is the only member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet to be held over from former President Obama's administration. His parents both served in the Army. He has repeatedly promised not to "privatize" VA services and told lawmakers he would not have accepted Trump's nomination if it came with such a requirement. NEWS DIGEST Preparations Underway for Police Chief Search by DR. SHANESSA FENNER Dr. David Shulkin