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POST Voice Thursday, April 18, 2019
Vol. 49, No.27
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Weekend traffic accident claims two Pender County students From Staff Reports Two Pender County students were killed in a crash in New Hanover County Saturday afternoon after the vehicle in which they were riding hydroplaned during heavy rain. The accident occurred about 12:50 p.m. on I-140 near mile marker 19. The car, driven by Martha Holyfield of Willard, was traveling westbound when it hydroplaned and ran off to the right side of the road. The vehicle flipped and came to a rest on its roof in a drain culvert about four to five feet deep. The four-door passenger car was partially submerged in the culvert, Sanders said. Holyfield’s Brittany Holyfield, 16,
and Calvin Ennis Jr., 7, were passengers in the car and died. Martha Holyfield was admitted to New Hanover Regional Hospital Saturday with non-life threatening injuries. The Pender County School district released a statement on the accident Monday afternoon. “It is with profound sadness that Pender County Schools confirms the loss of two students from our district. Over the weekend, the lives of Pender High School junior Brittany Holyfield and Penderlea School second-grader Calvin Ennis Jr. were tragically cut short. Our heartfelt condolences are with their family and friends as they
mourn during this time. “A quiet but determined leader, Brittany Holyfield ascended the ranks of Pender High’s JROTC program quickly during her three years at the school, becoming a platoon leader with the Alpha Company. She helped oversee numerous charitable events, including blood drives and recycling days. Teachers labeled her as a motivated student who put the betterment of others ahead of herself. Her poised demeanor and leadership set an example for all. “Described by the staff at Penderlea School as a loving, joyful student, Calvin Ennis Jr. displayed a passion for uplifting
others. Each day, teachers say he began by kneeling next to his desk and saying a prayer. Throughout the day, he would hug his fellow students and the school’s staff, telling them he loved them. His knack for singing and dancing, his eagerness to learn and his beaming smile will be sorely missed by all. “When class resumes following spring break, grief counselors will be available at both schools to talk with during the healing process. Pender County Schools remains dedicated to providing the resources our students and staff need during this time of sorrow.�
Poplar Grove Farmers Market open this week
Azaleas in bloom
By Lori Kirkpatrick Post & Voice Staff Writer
Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew
It’s always easy to tell when spring has arrived in Burgaw – the Courthouse Square and many homes around town display beautiful, colorful azaleas in bloom.
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Surf City continues ordinance review
From Staff Reports With the Easter weekend conflicting with the regularly scheduled Surf City Town Council monthly workshop, the meeting was held a week early April 12. Portable signs In kee ping with the Council’s instructions for individual departments to review their ordinances, Steve Padgett, Building Inspector, and Mike Dickson, GIS Technician, presented the council a list of building code and zoning ordinance updates to bring Surf City ordinances into line with state regulations. One significant item served to modify the sign
ordinance prohibiting portable signs – which are defined as “Any sign which is not securely and permanently attached to the ground or building, which shall include any sign affixed to a trailer which is not incidental to the use of the business, pullable or towable cart, or vehicle.� These signs, which could be used to circumvent the sign ordinance, have been appearing with increasing frequency along Hwy. 210 and Hwy. 50. This ordinance clarification will enable the Code Enforcement Officer to work toward eliminating these items.
Open-air market In an effort to promote local Surf City businesses the town staff has been working on an idea for an open-air market. Ms. Chaundel Medlin presented the council with tentative plans for the market, to be open to Surf City businesses at no charge. While Pender and Onslow county businesses could possibly be permitted, there would be fees associated with their participation. The town would provide musical entertainment and children’s activities.
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Poplar Grove Plantation’s Farmers’ Market has opened for the 2019 season. The market kicked off with its opening day on the front lawn of the historic site April 17. It is scheduled to be held each Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. through Sept. 25. The weekly far mers’ market at Poplar Grove was established to provide a retail outlet for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to consumers. The market works to promote local farmers and the use of local products, educate consumers on conservation practices and provide the local community an opportunity to get to know their farmers, bakers and artisans. The event offers guests interaction with the farmers growing and producing fresh produce, landscaping and bedding plants; as well as a chance to meet herbalists growing herbs and mixing scented salves and oils, bakers creating
homemade cookies and desserts, and artisans making handmade soaps, jewelry and accessories. Events Director Suzette Cooper said that all of the old favorites will be back again along with some great new vendors. “New farm and greenhouse vendors this year include Red Tailed Farm, Novelty Garden with cut flowers and CG Nursery with vegetable bedding plants,� be g an Cooper. “We’re also happy to welcome back Steve and the Organic Underworld family with their natural fertilizer options. They were very hard hit during Matthew and then again in Florence - so we’re glad to have them
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