Farmers’ Market opens The Farmers’ Market opens April 1 at Poplar Grove for another season of fresh produce and more. Read about the market on page 1B
POST Voice The Pender-Topsail
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Spring means sports With April nearly here, Pender County high school spring sports teams are busy with their schedules. Read about it on page 10A.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Volume 44, No. 26
50 Cents
The Media of Record for the People of Pender County
Zombie run at Cape Fear Middle School Topsail Beach hearing on paid parking April 7 Businesses worry paid parking could send day visitors elsewhere By Tammy Proctor Post & Voice Staff Writer Should the Town of Topsail Beach charge one-day visitors to park? On April 7, at 7 p.m. town officials are conducting a public hearing to answer that question. According to town officials, paid parking is a possible revenue that will help fund the town’s 30-year beach, inlet, and sound maintenance program. Currently there is no paid parking anywhere on Topsail Island, which invites many day trippers to the beach during the summer months. Topsail Beach business owners are concerned the possibility of paid parking could send beach visitors elsewhere on the island. During the Mar. 11 town meeting, commissioners said the idea of charging for parking is still in the “embryonic” stage. “It’s conceived but far from delivery yet,” said Mayor How-
ard Braxton. Commissioners said a contract with a third party supplier could possibly yield the town $60,000 to $100,000. Some of the ideas being considered by commissioners include a $10 per day charge for “one day trippers.” Commissioner Larry Combs said locals and vacation renters would be given passes. That was an option that was discussed. Another option considered is giving those who pay to park a discount at local merchants. Paid parking, according to town officials, is a way to get those who do not pay toward the upkeep of the beach to help support the beach program. The public hearing regarding paid parking fees will be conducted at 7 p.m. The regular meeting of the town commissioners will begin at 6 p.m., April 7. Anyone with questions regarding the public hearing should call the town hall at 910-328-5841.
Pender rate down from one year ago
Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew
Cape Fear Middle School drama teacher Noah Harrell and a group of student zombies put the fear in Cape Fear as they pursue other students in the school’s zombie run Mar. 21. See more photos of the event on Facebook.
Pardons of Innocence: The Wilmington 10
Film on Wilmington 10 at Burgaw Courthouse Saturday By Rochelle Whiteside Special to the Post & Voice The Pender Arts Council will sponsor the historic documentary, Pardons of Innocence: The Wilmington 10, produced by Cash Michaels and the National Newspaper Publishers Association Mar. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the main courtroom of the Pender County Courthouse in Burgaw. The admission is free. This comprehensive film traces the Civil Rights Movement, both nationally and locally, from the Supremacist Revo-
lution of 1898, in Wilmington through the trial, conviction and eventual pardon of the Wilmington 10. Film, as all art forms, is a reflection of a culture and a vehicle for change; with the capacity to teach us about our history so that we can understand our present, enabling us a to make a thoughtful plan for our future. By understanding the heavy price paid to secure our rights, we are inspired to work for a healthy, positive future. When we understand the struggle of those who have gone before us, it may
open our eyes to the responsibility which has been placed on our shoulders to work for the best world we can make. The Pender Arts Council is proud to show this Pender County Premiere in the very courtroom where the Civil Rights Activists, know as the Wilmington 10 were tried and convicted for offenses for which they were later pardoned. It is a story of a troubled time. It is our history. If viewed with the spirit of justice and forgiveness, it can be the catalyst for the bright future to which we all aspire.
Employment picture improves, official says By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher The Pender County unemployment rate has improved dramatically from one year ago, according to figures released last week by the N.C. Department of Commerce. The January 2015 rate was 6.4 percent, down from 8 percent a year ago. The January figure was up from the December figure of 5.2 percent. “That is typical for January to be up because of retail layoffs from the holiday season,” said Rosemary Pittman, director of the Burgaw office of the Division of Workforce Solutions. “The figure is down
from a year ago and we are fortunate to have a number of employers adding positions. We have the usual small employers that are adding a few employees here and there. We also have Acme Smoked Fish that have added many workers and Walmart is also hiring about 80 people. It is really picking up. We are getting ready to go into the tourism season and they will begin hiring.” P i t t m a n s ay s t h e n ew Burgaw Walmart is in the interviewing phase of hiring. “Walmart officials have been pleased with the number
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Wallace wants sewer rate hike; Burgaw asks for proof of costs By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher The town of Wallace is asking Burgaw for another sewer rate increase – a 7.5 percent increase on top of a 10 percent hike last year. Burgaw town manager Chad McEwen is asking Wallace to justify the rate increase. According to the contract between the towns, rate increases are tied to rising operational costs at the Wallace waste water facility. “Part of the contract spells out what our rate can be based on. It’s the operating expense of their plant plus the depreciation of their plant,” McEwen said. Wallace increased the rate by 10 percent last year but Burgaw did not pass the rate increase on to customers. Now, with a total of 17 percent
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in less than two years, McEwen is taking a close look at the contract. “We are asking Wallace for additional information as to why this increase is justified. We have had several conversations with them regarding the contract. There seems to be some differences of opinion on what can be factored into the rate,” McEwen said. “We are trying to work through those issues. It’s safe to assume there will be some sort of increase from Wallace to Burgaw. The board of commissioners will have to determine whether or Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew not there will be an increase to our customers. If we don’t go up on our rates, we will have to Members of the Burgaw Area Garden Club gathered at the Burgaw Depot Mar. 23 for look at cutting some expenses in the water and their annual spring luncheon. The luncheon helps support club projects such as landscaping and decorating at Safe Haven and the Pender County Museum, supporting sewer budget.”
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Burgaw Elementary School, the Burgaw Cops for Kids program and more. See more photos of the event on Facebook.
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