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Community work
Pender native Cleve Simpson returned home after serving in the Air Force to retire, but not to stop working. Read about Simpson’s work in Pender County and the Currie community on page 1B.
Volume 45, No. 18
The Pender-Topsail
&
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Unbeaten in conference The Trask Titan cagers continue their rip through the Four County Conference, remaining unbeaten, and only a single nonconference loss this season. Read more in sports on page 8A.
50 Cents
The Media of Record for the People of Pender County
Local interest rises in handguns, concealed carry By Jefferson Weaver Contributing Writer More and more area residents – some of whom have never owned a firearm—are buying handguns and opting for concealed carry permits. “Any time there is a mass shooting, or the federal government announces more plans to make more laws, people line up,” said Major Keith Hinkle of the Pender Sheriff ’s Office. “People want to be able to protect their families and their rights.” Hinkle, who in his spare time teaches a state approved concealed carry class, said the surprising ingredient is the number of first-time gunowners buying handguns and learning how to legally use them.
Refinance of old school bonds will save money
“We have a large number of people who have never shot a gun in their lives signing up for permits or the carry classes.” Major Keith Hinkle Pender County Sheriff’s Office “We have a large number of people who have never shot a gun in their lives signing up for permits or the carry classes,” he said. “Some haven’t fired a weapon in years, but they’re concerned.” Home invasions are a contributing factor, Hinkle said. While Pender hasn’t seen a major rise in such crimes, home invasions are on the rise across the state and the nation, according to U.S. Department
of Justice crime statistics. Neophyte gunowners should attend a safety class, whether they purchase a handgun, rifle or shotgun, Hinkle said. Safety classes are always good for experienced shooters as well, he said. “I have often said I’d rather teach a class full of ladies who have never fired a gun in
Continued on page 3A
virus Shiver recognized for county service Zika no threat to Pender residents
By Andy Pettigew Post & Voice Publisher Restructuring the 2007 county school bond will save Pender County more than $1 million in interest payment, according to Pender County’s bond council Bob Jessup. County Commissioners approved an application to the North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC) to refinance up to $15 million in remaining school bond debt from the 2007 bond . The board took action during Monday’s board meeting. “Because of the passage of time and the change in the market and interest rates, we can issue new bonds to pay off the old bonds and save some significant money,” Jessup said. “Right now, the estimates are more than $1.5 million. We have circulated proposals among banking institutions for the actual purchase of the bonds and they are due back Wednesday (Feb. 3). If they come back in a range we hope to get, we will be back Feb. 16 to ask the board to formally approve the proposal and the issue of the bonds.” Jessup said the process will not proceed unless there is an interest savings to the county. Commissioner David Williams thanked the bond representatives for meeting with the board in a small setting to help them better understand the process and the potential savings to the county. “I feel confident we will be asked about it and we can explain it, because when you start talking about dollars this large, it will raise eyebrows,” Williams said. “It will save us some money.”
Health Department says no need to worry By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher Pender County Health Director Carolyn Moser told county commissioners Monday the Zika virus, declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), poses no threat in Pender County. “The mosquito which carries the virus is not common to the United States. People who have visited areas where
Continued on page 2A
Pender Health Department to begin work on reaccredidation Photo by Donnie Johnson
Retiring Pender County DSS Director Dr. Reta Shiver (left) was honored with the North Carolina Cardinal Award for her more than 30 years of service. Shiver was recognized at a reception Jan. 30. Presenting the Cardinal Award to Shiver is Pender County Commissioner Demetrice Keith.
Retiring DSS director honored with reception From Staff Reports More than 400 friends, county employees, and county residents attended the retirement celebration of Pender County Department of Social Services Director Dr. Reta M. Shiver Jan. 29 at the Burgaw Middle School gym. Department of Social Services staff showered Dr. Shiver with a send off fit for a queen. The staff ’s rendition of New York-New York named their now ex-boss as queen of the hill. Shiver was recognized with numerous
awards, but the most prestigious award was presented to her by Pender County Commissioner Demetrice Keith. The Cardinal Award, which comes from the office of Governor Pat McCroy, is “in recognition of dedication and outstanding service as an exemplary employee of the Great State of North Carolina.” A number of state officials, DSS directors from other counties, and local officials attended the celebration. In addition to expressing appreciation to everyone for helping to create many
long-lasting memories, Dr. Shiver said that her career in public service “has been, and continues to be, one of the highlights in my resume of life.” She said retirement could be compared to taking a gargantuan step into an abyss of unknowns. For staff and director alike, her departure from county government is bittersweet. Dr. Shiver says she is not retiring per the usual definition of retirement, but after 33 years of service to the county, she is only shifting gears.
By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher The Pender County Health Department will be up for reaccredidation in August, 2016 and county officials are beginning work on the task. “We will receive our letter to submit our accreditation information in March and we have 90 days to submit it. It is all electronic and an enormous amount of information,” Health and Human Services Director Carolyn Moser told Pender County Commissioners Monday. “We have a lot of benchmarks and activities we have to go through for reaccre-
Continued on page 3A
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