Et 29:11 

Today is Sunday, September 17th.   260th  105 left in 2023 

On Sept. 17, 1978, after meeting at Camp David, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin (men-AH’-kem BAY’-gihn) and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat signed a framework for a peace treaty. 

On this date: 

In 1787, the Constitution of the United States was completed and signed by a majority of delegates attending the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. 

Fay Police Chief Kim Braden who’s been on the job just a bit over 7 months.  We’ll start a conversation with him today. 

He’s an interesting individual.  You’ll come to understand as we attempt to lay out  his story.  There’s no doubt he’s actively trying to make a difference in his hometown. 

Just two examples: 

According to police There’s been a  surge in Car Thefts –  driven by a challenge on TikTok attracting  joy-riding auto thieves (mostly teens) who have been tempted by, believe it or not, TikTok videos showing how to quickly steal certain Kia and Hyundai model vehicles with very modest tools.   

To put the brakes on those car thefts, Fayetteville Police teamed with local Kia and Hyundai dealerships to in hope of making it make it easier for residents to protect their vehicles by upgrading antitheft software in Kias and Hyundais.  On Labor Day weekend , a free event at Manna Church, expected to draw perhaps 100 car owner, drew more than 250.    Each car’s anti-theft software was upgraded to prevent easy theft – and decals to deter “would-be  thieves” were applied.  Affected car owners who missed the event have been asked to see their respective dealerships for the free upgrade. 

Meanwhile, according to a Fayetteville Observer report, tension dominated the conversation on recent Tuesday night as the Fayetteville City Council voted to place a citywide curfew for minors on this coming week’s meeting agenda. 

The proposed curfew, which mirrors a countywide curfew that has been in place since 2015, was introduced by Police Chief Kemberle Braden at the Aug. 29 council meeting after several recent shootings and Police Department data showed a concerning level of juvenile involvement in serious crimes. 

Braden told council members last month that at least 460 juveniles were involved in crimes from January to June, with two juveniles charged with murder, eight charged with attempted murder, 25 charged with assaults inflicting serious injury, 11 charged with shooting into occupied property and 11 charged with speeding to elude arrest. 

According to a memo to the City Council from Michael Whyte, attorney for the Police Department, the proposed curfew would serve a dual purpose of keeping minors safe and encouraging accountability for their guardians. 

Several Council members objected, asking for proof that curfews actually work at reducing crime – also wondering if curfews would be fairly enforced or exercised unfairly with regard to minority youth.  

Braden says they would be enforced fairly. 

Several more council  members, including one whose daughter was lost to gun violence, says something must be done to lower the chance of poor conflict resolution resulting in more injuries and deaths.  

STATE SENATOR VAL APPLEWHITE was among THE LATEST HIGH-PROFILE FIGURE TO WEIGH IN ON THE DEBATE OVER WHETHER FAYETTEVILLE SHOULD ADOPT A CURFEW FOR YOUNG PEOPLE…EXPRESSING HER SUPPORT FOR THE MEASURE. 

SOME CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXPERTS SAY CITY OFFICIALS SHOULD CONSIDER OTHER SOLUTIONS TO KEEP YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE. 

THE CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE IS SCHEDULED FOR DEBATE AT A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING this MONDAY night. 

With no further adieu, let’s begin our conversation. 

(Interview Chief Braden Pt1.) 

That’s where we’ll end Part 1 of our two part discussion with Fayetteville Police Chief Kim Braden.  We’ll pick it up again next Sunday (at this same time) on Talkback.   

Meanwhile, two festivals emphasing cultural heritage (and both feature great tasting food) are taking place over two consecutive weekends in Fayetteville.  Today marks the last day of the Greek Festival at St Helen and Constantine Greek Orthodox Church at 614 Oak Ridge in Fayetteville.  Free admission and Free Parking from 12noon to 6  today.  Free dancing and tours.  But the Food  will cost you!  Don’t worry though – The Greek Festival IS  Affordable AND Delicious!   

Next weekend brings us Fayetteville’s International Folk Festival   Bob Pinson  Exec Dir Arts Council 

Interview 2 Bob Pinson

Enjoy the IFF Sept 22-24