Questions have been raised about the recent decision to switch public notice advertising to the Wilmington Star News from the Pender-Topsail Post and Voice. County Staff contacted the UNC School of Government about potentially making the switch and were told it was within the authority of the Board of Commissioners to do so. In addition to that consultation, Staff Attorney Andre Hogan and County Attorney Trey Thurman reviewed NCGS 1-597, 598 and 599. Based on the wording of the statutes and the caselaw interpreting the statutes, the conclusion was that making the switch is legally permissible at the discretion of a majority of the Board. 

It should be further noted that Pender County has used the Star News for public notices in the past when publishing schedules made that choice beneficial. Other public notices also utilize the Star News. The Town of Topsail Beach ran notices of a Town meeting and public hearing to take place on March 12, 2025, in the Star News on February 29 and March 6 of 2025.