Public Notices
Pender County Commissioners Support America 250 NC Initiative to Commemorate National Heritage
Pender County, NC – In a significant move towards celebrating the rich history of the United States and North Carolina’s pivotal role within it, Pender County has officially endorsed the America 250 NC Committee. This endorsement comes as part of the county’s commitment to recognizing and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The America 250 NC Committee, established by Governor Roy Cooper, aims to plan, encourage, and coordinate the commemoration of this historic milestone. With a mission to engage all North Carolinians and each of its 100 counties, the committee seeks to inspire future leaders and honor North Carolina’s contributions to the nation over the past 250 years.
Embracing the mission of America 250 NC, Pender County will form its own committee dedicated to achieving the goals outlined by this initiative. The committee will comprise diverse citizens who will volunteer their time and expertise to collaborate on various activities and events.
The resolution, passed by the Pender County Board of Commissioners on March 11, 2024, emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical milestones such as the victory at Moore’s Creek in 1776, a pivotal event in the nation’s history.
“We take great pride in endorsing America 250 NC and its mission to honor our nation’s history, particularly emphasizing North Carolina’s significant contributions,” states Brad George, Chair of the Pender County Board of County Commissioners. “The victory at Moore’s Creek in 1776 symbolizes the courage and resilience of our predecessors in Pender County and throughout North Carolina. It marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s story that merits recognition and remembrance as we reflect on the sacrifices made by those who paved the way for our freedoms. Volunteering our time and efforts to commemorate such milestones is not an obligation; it’s a meaningful endeavor in preserving our heritage and ensuring its passage to future generations.”
Statewide Second Primaries Scheduled for May 14, 2024: Important Details and Early Voting Information
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has ordered a statewide second primary for Republican candidates for Lieutenant Governor and State Auditor.
This upcoming second primary is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2024. On election day, polling stations will open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters are required to visit their designated precinct to cast their vote.
Voters will be asked to show photo ID when they vote. All voters will be allowed to vote with or without ID. Voters without ID can get one for free from the Pender County Board of Elections. Find out more at BringltNC.com.
Early voting will be held at the following location from Thursday, April 25, 2024, until Saturday, May 11, 2024:
Pender County Cooperative Extension Auditorium, located at 801 S. Walker Street Burgaw, NC 28425
Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Friday, April 26, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Monday, April 29, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Thursday, May 2, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Friday, May 3, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Monday, May 6, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Thursday, May 9, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Friday, May 10, 2024 | 8:00am-5:00pm |
Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 8:00am-3:00pm |
Voters wishing to use absentee ballots must have their requests submitted by 5 p.m. on May 7, 2024, either through the official website at votebymail.ncsbe.gov or by completing a form available from the board of elections. Absentee ballots will be distributed to those who have requested them as soon as they become available.
Eligibility to vote in the second primary extends to all voters registered under the political party of the candidates appearing on the ballot. Additionally, unaffiliated voters who either abstained from voting in the first primary or who voted on a ballot from the party conducting the second primary are also eligible to vote. For instance, in a Republican second primary for the nomination of Lieutenant Governor, all registered Republicans, along with unaffiliated voters who either did not vote in the first primary or who voted on a Republican ballot, would be eligible to vote.
Questions? Call the Pender County Board of Elections Office at (910) 259 – 1220 or send an email to PenderBOE@pendercountync.gov.
Pesticide Collection Day
Burgaw, NC – North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Pender County Cooperative Extension are holding a Pesticide Collection Day for residents in Pender and surrounding counties. Collection will be day, April 25, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 801 S. Walker Street, Burgaw, North Carolina. The collection station will be in the driveway behind the Ag Building with the entrance to that driveway off Progress Drive. The local site manager will be Mr. Mark Seitz, County Extension Director, and Agriculture Agent for Pender County.
The goal of this program is to help homeowners and farmers remove unwanted and unused pesticides from their garages, storage sheds and barns. Over time, unused and improperly stored pesticides can cause significant structural and environmental damage, costing thousands of dollars to clean up. This program helps homeowners alleviate that risk.
Nearly all pesticide products will be accepted. For liquid pesticide containers larger than five gallon or for unlabeled pesticides, please contact the Cooperative Extension Office for information before bringing them to the collection event. No gas cylinders are accepted at the event; however, assistance information on how to dispose of these cylinders can be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity in Pender County.
Pender County Emergency Management Introduces New Smartphone App for Enhanced Public Safety
Pender County, NC – Pender County Emergency Management is thrilled to unveil its latest initiative with the launch of a tailored smartphone application, designed to transform the way the agency interacts with Pender County residents, businesses, and visitors. Developed in collaboration with myEMAapp.com, a distinguished brand of OCV, LLC., specializing in mobile app solutions for emergency management entities nationwide, this innovative app promises swift and efficient delivery of essential information to smartphone users across the region.
The Pender County Emergency Management smartphone application offers a user-friendly interface and convenient access to a plethora of features aimed at promoting public safety and community awareness. Among its key functionalities are:
- About Us: Learn more about Pender County Emergency Management and its mission to safeguard the community.
- Current Conditions: Stay informed about real-time updates on weather conditions, traffic advisories, and other pertinent information.
- Hurricane/Storm Readiness: Access comprehensive resources and guidelines to prepare for and respond to hurricanes and storms.
- News: Stay abreast of the latest news and developments from Pender County Emergency Management.
- Report Damage: Report any damage or incidents directly through the app for swift response and assistance.
- Request Service/Permit: Streamline the process of requesting services or permits from Pender County Emergency Management.
- Be Prepared: Access valuable tips and resources to enhance personal and community preparedness for emergencies.
- Active Events: Stay informed about ongoing events and initiatives organized by Pender County Emergency Management.
- And more!
Pender County Emergency Management Director Tommy Batson expressed enthusiasm for the new smartphone application, stating, “This offers an excellent means to deliver emergency information directly to smartphones without requiring personal details. It’s straightforward: simply scan and download the app today.” He continued, “This app represents a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance communication, preparedness, and response capabilities, ultimately fostering a more resilient and connected community.”
The Pender County Emergency Management smartphone application is now available for download on [App Store/Google Play], free of charge. For further information and updates, follow Pender County Emergency Management on facebook.com/penderem or visit pendercountync.gov/em/.
PENDER COUNTY ‘VERY CONFIDENT’ THAT PRIMARY ELECTION WAS ADMINISTERED APPROPRIATELY DESPITE LATE REPORT
PENDER COUNTY, NC – On Primary Day, in Pender County all precincts opened on time and voters were able to cast their ballots. “Our most important job is to ensure that every voter’s votes are counted, and that elections in Pender County are administered in accordance with state law. Ensuring the integrity of the election results is more important than reporting results quickly,” said Pender County Elections Director Greg Jackson.
When Jackson learned early Tuesday morning that computers and printers at some precincts were not functioning properly, he immediately moved to put contingency plans in place to conduct the election.
“We are required to have these plans in place and to train precinct officials on how to implement contingency plans. We always hope that we don’t need to use our contingency plans, but yesterday we did. I am proud of the work that our elections officials did to ensure the integrity of the Primary Election in Pender County in the face of unexpected technical difficulties,” Jackson added.
The Pender County Board of Elections is made up of three Democrats and two Republicans. Carol Ann Johnson a Democratic appointee, and board chair “It is the solemn duty of the members of the Board of Elections to oversee the County elections staff and all precinct officials, and to ensure that every vote is appropriately counted.” She added, “We don’t need to wait for the dust to settle on this election, as every vote was counted properly.”
In total, 10,506 ballots were cast in the Primary Election in Pender County across 18 precincts in the County, including early voting. The results are unofficial until the Pender County Board of Elections completes the ballot canvass later this month. Those results will be certified to the State Board of Elections.
Pender County was the last County in the State to report results on Primary Day, but County officials are very confident that the election was administered appropriately despite the timing of the results being reported. A State Board of Elections official was in Pender County on Primary Day and observed and assisted Pender County officials with election processes.
Pender County Department of Social Services Hampstead Office Extends Office Hours to Better Serve Community
HAMPSTEAD – Effective March 1st, the Pender County Department of Social Services (DSS) is pleased to announce the extension of office hours for its Hampstead Annex Building services to five days a week from 9 am to 4 pm. The department has a dedicated team of three full-time employees specifically serving the Hampstead area, known for their knowledge, compassion, and unwavering commitment to providing essential assistance and support to the community.
The primary objective of this expansion is to enhance accessibility and convenience for clients. The department is confident that the extended hours will prove to be a valuable resource for the community and those in need.
For any inquiries or concerns about these changes, please get in touch with the department directly.
According to Wesley Stewart, the Director of the Pender County Department of Social Services, “We aim to improve the quality of living for the citizens of Pender County by empowering them to meet their human needs and by promoting self-sufficiency. We believe that providing assistance closer to citizens’ homes is one of the ways we can help.”
To learn more about Pender County DSS, click here.