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Public Notices

July 2, 2018 Public Hearing – Postponed to July 23, 2018

Pender County has rescheduled the public hearing related to the System Development Fee Study conducted by Stantec Consulting Services Inc.  During last year’s session of the North Carolina General Assembly, House Bill 436 was passed and provides local governments the authority to adopt system development fees for public water and sewer systems.  Following its passage, the County commissioned the report as required by the new legislation in the review and determination of appropriate system development fees.

At the regular Board Meeting on Monday July 23, 2018, at 4:00 PM, members of the County Board will receive comments from all interested parties. The Board Meeting will be held at 805 S. Walker St., Burgaw, in the Public Assembly room.

Pender County officials applaud House bill that fights opioid addiction

BURGAW – Congress passed legislation June 22 that would give several federal agencies more tools to fight opioid addiction and death in the U.S. The bill, Patients and Communities Act will also open the door to more treatment and prevention for the public.

“The opioid crisis touches communities across Pender County and our nation,” said Pender County Chairman George Brown. “Often when I attend leadership conferences, I hear from other communities about the toll this crisis takes upon our families.”

The legislation will direct an estimated $4 billion in funding for the opioid crisis.

“We have lost three lives this year from opioid and heroin use. While unfortunate, we have many individuals, families and children suffering from the consequences of substance use disorders. This is a public health issue that requires a community response,” said Carolyn Moser, Pender County’s director of health and human services.

“I applaud Congress for improving access to addiction treatment,” said Brown. “This legislation will block illegal drugs from entering the country too.”

The bill will fund research on nonaddictive medications to treat pain and reduce the number painkiller prescriptions.

“Pender County is fortunate to have a Board of Commissioners that stay informed about the opioid crisis and its impact on our county residents,” said Moser.

-END-

New flood gauge in Pender County increases public safety, expand flood prediction capacity

BURGAW – When river levels began rising last year after a late-April storm dumped five to eight inches of rain across North Carolina’s Piedmont, North Carolina Emergency Management warned community leaders along the Neuse River what day and time the river would crest and just how high-water levels would reach in their community. A series of flood gauges provided that critical data.

In Pender County, along the Black River, a new gauge has been installed.

“This state-of-the-art gauge provides real time data,” said Tom Collins, Pender County Emergency Manger. “This gauge is a part of the FIMAN system – Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network.”

“Time and again over the last several years, we’ve used data from these flood gauges to warn residents and communities about dangerous flood conditions,” said Mike Sprayberry, state emergency management director.

The new gauge in Pender County will join the state’s network of more than 560 strategically positioned river and coastal gauges that measure water levels to warn first responders and residents who live and work near flood-prone areas. As the backbone of the state’s FIMAN system, the gauges provide real-time data that’s used to formulate forecasts, issue alerts and predict the flood’s impact to buildings and infrastructure. The data collected by emergency management is also available to NOAA and the National Weather Service to be incorporated into their flood forecasts.

During Hurricane Matthew, FIMAN was used to accurately direct evacuations and deploy resources. It can show precisely which buildings and homes will flood when local rivers or streams reach certain flood levels.

Sprayberry said much of the flood data is available in real time through the ReadyNC mobile app developed by NCEM. App users can click on Flood Gauges to check the current status of creeks and rivers nearby to see if the stream is at normal levels or minor, moderate or major flood stage.

While the state has purchased and installed most of the gauges, several communities also have bought devices to add to the state’s flood-warning system.

“The Board of Pender County Commissioners paid $20,000 for the installation of the gauge,” said Collins. “It will be state maintained and will provide us important information before, during, and after a flood event.”

“Adding new gauges in these areas will help communities be more aware and prepared for flooding, and will allow for better warning when floods are coming,” said State Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry.  “FIMAN is a powerful tool that helps us predict very accurately what areas will be affected by flood waters, so emergency managers and local officials can take the appropriate actions to keep people safe.”

-END-

Pender County Community Health Forum

YOU’RE INVITED!

Pender County conducts a Community Health Assessment every four years to identify the health status, concerns and resources of the community as part of a strategic health planning process. Please join us to learn more about the health of your community and provide your input!

Monday, July 16th, 2018 
Burgaw Public Library from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Hampstead Public Library from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm

Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless Recognized On May 10

During a September 2017 Pender County Board of Commissioners resoundingly approved the idea of naming a portion of US Hwy 17 after Ambassador Mattie R. Sharpless, a Hampstead native.

On May 10, Pender County turned out to honor one of their own as the idea became a reality.

A dedication ceremony, conducted on the steps of Manhollow Missionary Baptist Church, named a portion of US Hwy 17 was named in honor of Sharpless.

Sharpless, a graduate of Pender County Training School in Rocky Point, was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as Ambassador to the Central African Republic. She was nominated Oct. 1, 2001 and just weeks later was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. She began working from the Central African Republic’s capital, Bangui, by mid-December of the same year. She served as the U.S. Ambassador for two years.

Sharpless was not a career diplomat. She started her government career in 1965 with the Department of Agriculture (USDA).  She worked with the United States Foreign Agriculture Service.

The child of a tobacco farmer, Sharpless lost her father, James Sharpless, when she was just 11 years old. Her mother, Lecola, made money from selling the tobacco from the 12 rows left by her father.

“I washed dishes at the restaurant and I scrubbed the church,” said Sharpless at the May 10 ceremony at Manhollow Missionary Baptist Church.

Sharpless pursued higher education and attended North Carolina College in Durham, a historically black college, in which she earned a degree in business education. The school became North Carolina Central University and she returned to Durham to earn a M.A. in business administration and economics.

Sharpless is an example of a person who dreams and works hard to achieve great things, said Pender County Commissioner David Williams.

“It’s a pleasure to honor one of our own,” said Williams. “In September 2017, the board of commissioners read about Ambassador Sharpless’ accomplishments. We were asked to pass a resolution to honor her. It was a no-brainer to honor this humble, confident, and genuine lady. This is a big deal to have a portion of US Hwy 17 named in her honor.”

“This highway was only two lanes as we grew up,” recalled Glorious Leaven, sister of Mattie Sharpless. “We walked this way to the schoolhouse and the church and we didn’t see many cars on the highway.”

Today the North Carolina Department of Transportation dedicated signs along the highway from Union Bethel Road to the Pender/Onslow county line in honor of Mattie R. Sharpless. Her life’s journey has taken her to Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, France, and points beyond.

Joining in the dedication ceremony were Landon Zimmer, a member of the NC Board of Transportation; NC District 5 Court Judge James H. Faison III, NC Attorney General Josh Stein, Pender County Commissioner David Williams, Surf City Mayor Doug Medlin, Warsaw Mayor A.J. Conners, Chief of Staff at North Carolina Central University Dr. Al Zow, NAACP Director District 16 Deborah Dicks-Maxwell, and Manhollow Missionary Baptist’s Rev. Dante A. Murphy. Also attending the ceremony was Sharpless’ 96 year old mother, Lecola.

“Ambassador Sharpless has raised the level of education in North Central Africa,” said Stein. He commended Sharpless for her efforts of stressing education for girls. “She was extremely influential and a school in Africa was named after her.”

Surf City Mayor Doug Medlin said it was the “perfect day to honor a perfect lady.”

“You make us proud,” Medlin said. “You have given our students, especially our girls, an example to look up to.”

Topsail High School Jazz Band performed during the ceremony. The Pender High School JROTC presented the colors. Christa G. Faison played Amazing Grace on a violin as a musical tribute to Sharpless.

Sharpless thanked her many friends, colleagues from Washington DC, high school and college classmates, and her family for their support. She especially thanked Rev. Dante A. Murphy for spearheading the effort with NCDOT to have the honorary signs installed.

She joked that there were more steps and regulations regarding getting signage along the state highway than there were steps in a career in the federal government.

Sharpless retired in 2005 but she remains active in community projects, especially projects involving education, youth, and the elderly.

Illnesses from Mosquito, Tick, and Flea Bites Increasing in the US

Illnesses from mosquito, tick, and flea bites have tripled in the U.S., with more than 640,000 cases reported during the 13 years from 2004 through 2016.  Nine new germs spread by mosquitoes and ticks were discovered or introduced into the United States during this time.

These findings are in the latest Vital Signs(https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/index.html) report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is CDC’s first summary collectively examining data trends for all nationally notifiable diseases caused by the bite of an infected mosquito, tick, or flea. It provides detailed information on the growing burden of mosquito-borne and tickborne illnesses in the U.S.

“Zika, West Nile, Lyme, and chikungunya—a growing list of diseases caused by the bite of an infected mosquito, tick, or flea—have confronted the U.S. in recent years, making a lot of people sick. And we don’t know what will threaten Americans next,” said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. “Our Nation’s first lines of defense are state and local health departments and vector control organizations, and we must continue to enhance our investment in their ability to fight against these diseases.”

Read full article here: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p0501-vs-vector-borne.html

Public Notice: Water & Sewer System Development Fee Analysis Available for Review and Comment

In accordance with the Public Water and Sewer System Development Fee Act, also known as House Bill 436, Pender County is seeking public review and comment on an analysis that has been prepared by Stantec Consulting Services Inc. which analyzes the maximum fee the County may charge for System Development Fees on new water and sewer connections.

This report presents the results of the comprehensive study, including background information, legal requirements, an explanation of the calculation methodology employed, and the results of the analysis. This analysis is strictly for water and sewer System Development Fees that are designed to recover the cost of water and sewer capacity collected from new connectors to each system. This analysis does not include the evaluation of water and sewer rates paid monthly by existing customers.

A paper copy is available at Pender County Utilities, 605 E. Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425.
This analysis is open for public comment for a period of 45 days and expires on Friday, June 22, 2018. Consideration of adopting the fees will take place on July 2, 2018 at the Pender County Commissioner’s Meeting.

Written comments can be submitted to Pender County Utilities prior to June 22, 2018 by mailing to:

Margaret Gray, Utilities Director
Attn: System Development Fee Comments
605 E. Fremont Street
Burgaw, NC 28425

Or by email to:

mgray@pendercountync.gov

Williams to represent Pender County in Cape Fear Forum

PRESS RELEASE

April 23, 2018

For Immediate Release

Contact Pender County Manager Randell Woodruff, 910-259-1200

 

PENDER COUNTY –  Pender County Commissioner David Williams will serve as an expert in the upcoming Cape Fear Forward, a panel on economic development on Wednesday, April 25, 5-7 p.m. in the auditorium of Cape Fear Community College’s Union Station, 502 N. Front St.

Williams will join Scott Satterfield of Wilmington Business Development, Natalie English of Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Scott Custer the president of Live Oak Bank, Dr. Adam Jones from the UNCW Cameron School of business regional economist, and Velva Jenkins, from Brunswick Community College’s VP for Continuing Education, Economic & Workforce Development on the panel.

“I consider it an honor to be asked by Chairman George Brown to serve on this regional panel,” said Williams. “I’ve worked on several committees which encourage economic development.”

Williams said Pender County has experienced a surge in economic development recently, with the addition of FedEx, Empire Distributing, and Acme Fish.

The forum is a community outreach program of the Star News.

For more information regarding the forum, please call Pender County Manager Randell Woodruff at 910-259-1200.

-END-

American Legion Contributes to Smith Field Press Box

HAMPSTEAD – Let’s play ball! It’s that season – spring – when youth from four-year old t-ball players to senior leagues take to the fields at Hampstead Kiwanis Park.

New to Smith Field is a press box, thanks to an $8,000 contribution from the American Legion Post 167 in Hampstead. Recently a plaque was installed on the side of the press box to acknowledge the contribution of the local post.

“One of our four pillars in the Legion is Youth,” said Jim Williams, who oversees the athletic committee in the local American Legion. “We sponsor at least one baseball team per season.”

This year the post will sponsor a junior team for ages 13-17. Smith Field, a lighted field, is the team’s home field.

Pender County Commissioner David Williams said the press box is a welcomed addition to Smith Field.

“It’s a multipurpose press box,” David Williams explained.

“The upper level is a press box and the lower level is storage,” said Jim Williams. “We will use one section of the lower level to sell snacks and drinks during games.”

Jim Williams said the Legion sponsored team will play against eight to 10 teams during the baseball season.

Admission to see the games are $5. Proceeds are used to fund Legion projects in the community.

“They play seven inning games. We hire professional umpires,” said Jim Williams. “We start every game with the American Legion creed, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. Our goal is to teach good sportsmanship.”

Williams said the head coach is Chris Bass and his assistant coach is Matt Floto. Fathers often help too. The junior team is for youth ages 13-17.

Try-outs for the American Legion team is April 29, 2 p.m. at Smith Field in Hampstead Kiwanis Park. The cost is $150 per player. Anyone with questions regarding the try-outs should call 704-906-9501 or email Williams.202@charter.net.

“The next project is a scoreboard and a public-address system,” said Jim Williams.

Commissioner David Williams said community contributions which benefit our parks are deeply appreciated. Donations, such the one made by Pluris for lighting at Smith Field, are community investments, he added.

“Our community is invested in our youth,” he added.

Jim Williams, Brad Fisher, and Pender County Commissioner David Williams in front of the press box

-END-

2018 Community Health Assessment-We need you

The Community Health Assessment is a door to door survey to see what residents of Pender County perceive as the biggest issues impacting health and how they view the health of the community.  Help your community’s voice be heard as we prioritize and plan for a healthier tomorrow.

*Volunteers age 18 and up needed to assist with a door to door survey about improving the health of your community.  Meet at the Pender County Cooperative Extension Conference room, 801 S. Walker Street, Burgaw, NC 28425

Thursday, March 22nd 9:00am-12:00pm (training) and 1:00-6:00pm
Friday, March 23rd 9:00am –1:00pm and 1:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday, March 24th 9:00am-1:00pm and 1:00pm-6:00pm

Sign up with link:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0945a5ad2da2fc1-volunteers1

*Volunteers must attend training on Thursday to participate in survey.   Volunteers do not need to be present all three days.  Lunch will be provided.  If you drive your own personal vehicle door-to-door and are not reimbursed by your employer, we will reimburse you with a gas card.

Every volunteer will receive a small thank you gift and the opportunity to win a Fitbit! For each day that you help interview your neighbors, your name will be entered into a drawing, so sign up for more days to increase your chances.

For questions, contact Pender County Health Department, Kerrie Bryant at 910-663-3762 or at kbryant@pendercountync.gov

 

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