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Public Notices

Internet connectivity available to Pender County residents

Burgaw – Pender County Board of Commissioners remind Pender County citizens that the Atkinson, Burgaw, and Hampstead libraries will continue to provide FREE public Wi-Fi Internet access.

“Under the recommendations of state health officials, social distancing is a must,” said Erik Harvey, Pender County IT director. “This FREE resource is available for both students and citizens who don’t have Internet access to stay connected and informed of the latest news on COVID-19.”

Available locations for wireless networks:
Atkinson Municipal Library
300 W Henry St.
Atkinson, NC 28421

Pender County Burgaw Library
103 S. Cowan St.
Burgaw, NC 28425

Pender County Hampstead Library
75 Library Dr.
Hampstead, NC 28443

Here’s what you need to know to access the Pender County Library Wi-Fi:

• Provide your own Wi-Fi enabled laptop or device
• Power on your own computer
• Select and connect to the appropriate Wi-Fi wireless network
• Open your Internet browser

Additionally, Spectrum is providing free Internet Service at all their hotspot locations. To locate a Spectrum hotspot in nearest you, go to https://www.ncbroadband.gov/covid19broadband/ and type in your address.

Starting on Tuesday, March 24, Pender County Schools will have designated “hotspots” for students to utilize in school parking lots.

For the safety of the public, the Pender County Sheriff’s Department will routinely patrol the area’s “hotspots.”

“We are working to bring better Internet connectivity to our county,” said Harvey. “In the interim, we urge our students and residents to utilize these free resources to stay connected to school and county updates.”

Resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19

Helpful links for your business

Wednesdy, March 25, 2-3:30 p.m. take a free online class from the Small Business Center entitled “Preparing Your Business for the Threat of Coronavirus.”

You must register online for this online panel discussion. Access is limited, so please, register today.

If COVID-19 has impacted your business, there’s assistance available.

Businesses and individuals may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Here’s a link for more information on low interest loans.

Be sure to visit SCORE, a free service with helpful links designed for your success.

The Small Business Administration offers information for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Click here for the link.

Misinformation and panic are two viruses you can control. Be informed. When in doubt, go to the CDC  or the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for COVID-19 information.

Protecting Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak

It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events.We can always choose our response. If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty:

We are in this together, and help is always available. If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

For more information click the link: https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/  

 

Pender County Board of Elections warns of voter registration scam

State Board Investigating Possible Text Messaging Scam

Raleigh, N.C. – The State Board of Elections is investigating a possible scam targeting North Carolinians with unsolicited text messages regarding their voter registration status or asking them to register to vote.

Recipients of the text messages should not click on the link embedded in the text and delete any such text messages from their phone.

The link sends recipients to what purports to be Vote.org’s website, but Vote.org officials confirmed Thursday that they are not sending the text messages.

The State Board is investigating and will alert state and federal authorities about the issue.

The State and County Boards of Elections have received numerous calls and emails from concerned recipients of the text messages.

“We know these texts can be confusing to voters, and we take this situation very seriously,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections. “We urge all North Carolinians to get information about voting and voter registration from trusted, reliable sources, including your state and county boards of elections.”

Voters can check their registration status at any time using the State Board voter lookup tool here: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/.

If you would like to register to vote, the voter registration application can be found here: https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering

For more information on voter registration in North Carolina, visit the State Board website at https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voters/Registering-to-Vote.

Vote.org also released a statement on Thursday:

“We at Vote.org take voter integrity and protection very seriously and ask that voters reach out directly to officials if they believe they have been contacted without solicitation. Text messages received in the last week were not that of Vote.org. We will continue to protect your vote, stay in communication with the North Carolina State Board of Elections and encourage voters to reference state registration websites and our official platforms at Vote.org. All communications received from Vote.org are marked as being such and can be found on official platforms.”

Pender County residents with questions regarding voter registration may call the Pender County Board of Elections at 910-259-1220. Due to COVID-19 CDC recommendations, the office is closed to the public, but staff is working. Residents with paperwork to complete can leave it in the drop box at the Board of Election on South Walker St.

 

 

NC 2-1-1 available for health information

NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service that families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services resources within their community.

“Services like NC 2-1-1 are critical during times of emergency,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “North Carolinians can now call 2-1-1 to get the information they need while we continue working together to prevent the spread of this virus.”

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in North Carolina, go to ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.

Due to anticipated high call volume, those seeking general information about COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to sign up for texts. People who are trying to locate specific services would benefit by calling. To learn more about NC 2-1-1, visit nc211.org.

 

North Carolinians can text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19. Sign up now to get regular alerts on the rapidly evolving situation and North Carolina’s response.

SBA loans available to local businesses

U.S. Small Business Administration Grants Governor Cooper’s Request for Disaster Declaration to Support Small Businesses

RALEIGH: The U.S. Small Business Administration granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration for small businesses that are suffering economic losses due to the new Coronavirus, COVID-19.

“Many small businesses are desperate right now and this SBA approval will help,” said Governor Cooper. “Even more is needed and we will continue to push for additional assistance while we work to protect the health of North Carolinians.”

At the Governor’s request, the SBA granted a disaster declaration to small businesses across the state, allowing affected businesses to apply for low interest SBA disaster loans.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Loan application forms can also be downloaded at disasterloan.sba.gov.

NC 2-1-1 to Provide Assistance for COVID-19

NC 2-1-1 to Provide Assistance for COVID-19

Statewide service can refer people to organizations in their community that are helping with health and human service resources

Governor Roy Cooper today announced NC 2-1-1 by United Way of North Carolina as a resource for people to call for assistance related to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service that families and individuals can call to obtain free and confidential information on health and human services resources within their community. NC 2-1-1 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and resources are available in most languages.

“Services like NC 2-1-1 are critical during times of emergency,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolinians can now call 2-1-1 to get the information they need while we continue working together to prevent the spread of this virus.”

North Carolinians can text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19. Sign up now to get regular alerts on the rapidly evolving situation and North Carolina’s response.

NC 2-1-1 can refer callers to the organizations in their local community best equipped to address their specific health and human services needs including food, shelter, energy assistance, housing, parenting resources, health care, employment, substance abuse treatment, as well as specific resources for older adults and for persons with disabilities, and much more. Simply dial 2-1-1 or TTY 888-892-1162 for assistance.

NC 2-1-1 cannot provide direct medical services, and COVID-19 can only be diagnosed by a health care professional. If you suspect you or someone you care for may have symptoms or have been exposed to the virus, you should contact your health care provider. If you do not have a provider, you can call your local health department, free and charitable clinics or a Federally Qualified Health Clinic for guidance.

People should only call 9-1-1 if they are experiencing an emergency. 9-1-1 centers across North Carolina have been receiving general questions and other non-emergency calls related to COVID-19. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you have an emergency.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in North Carolina, go to ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.
Due to anticipated high call volume, those seeking general information about COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to sign up for texts. People who are trying to locate specific services would benefit by calling. To learn more about NC 2-1-1, visit nc211.org.

Pender County response to COVID-19

The Pender County Board of Commissioners are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and health of Pender County residents and employees are of great concern.

Pender County officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. As of this morning, there are 33 cases of COVID-19 in the State of North Carolina. Currently there are no cases in Pender County.

Pender County Health and Human Services is monitoring the pandemic and providing updated information to our communications personnel.

Consistent with state and CDC guidance, Pender County officials are following protocols to prevent the impact of COVID-19.

County operations and events

Pender County Government business will continue to operate, but several programs and services are impacted in order to help reduce risk to our community:

• All county-sponsored group activities and events have been suspended.

• All organized sports in Pender County parks have been suspended. Parks are not yet closed to the public, but that is a day to day situation to monitor.

• The facilities department is paying special attention to disinfecting all doorknobs, surfaces, etc. Each employee is also responsible for their cleansing workspace and equipment.

• Pender Fire and EMS has issued protective measures for personnel.

• At this time, the Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, and most other official government meetings will continue as scheduled.

• Additionally, county employees will not travel out of town for business, will hold meetings, as much as possible, by conference call, webinar or a virtual platform.

• Visitation in the Pender County Jail has been suspended until further notice.

• Cooperative Extension will postpone all educational programs until the end of April. The state is encouraging the department to work from home.

• Utilities and solid waste will continue normal and emergency staffing.

• The Board of Commissioners authorized Pender County Utilities to temporarily suspend cutoffs during this event however, late fees and penalties will still accrue.

• The Pender County Sheriff offers a wellness check service called “Are You Okay?” To request a wellness check through the Sheriff’s Department call 910-259-1212.

• The Pender County Tax Office urges anyone paying business or personal property taxes to use the return envelope to mail in payments. The return address is Mt. Airy, which is where the county’s print vendor is located, which will in turn report all payments to Pender County.

• Pender County Housing will continue by appointment only. All waiting lists are closed. All paperwork needed for housing assistance is available near the housing department entrance. Completed paperwork should be left in the drop box in front of the housing department office.

• PAS-TRAN will run medical appointments only for transportation, effective March 20. This will be in effect until April 2, unless otherwise notified.

• Pender Adult Services are suspending all senior center activities effective March 19. The last congregate meal will be served March 18 and Shelf Meals will be provided for the remainder of the week for Home Delivered Meals. Effective March 24, one hot meal will be provided for current congregate meal clients on a drive-thru basis only. Call PAS for information at 910-259-9119.

• Home Delivered Meal clients through Pender Adult Services and van rider congregate clients will receive one hot and one cold meal delivered with shelf meals for the week, effective March 24 and each following Tuesday until further notice. For questions call 910259-9119.

  • Pender County Board of Elections is operating as normal except the office is closed to public entrance. Elections staff can be reached by phone 910-259-1220, email penderboe@pendercountync.gov. or visit our webpage for documents or forms.A Drop box will be located at the front door if anyone wishes to drop off a form in person

Visit CDC.gov for more information. The State of North Carolina has set up a Coronavirus hotline at 1-866-462-3821. Watch the Pender County Government website for local updates and information.

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