Post & Voice 12.14.2017

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Volume 48, No.10

POST Voice

The Pender-Topsail

&

Thursday, December 14, 2017

After more than three weeks since the death of five-year-old Paitin Fields, Pender County Sheriff ’s Office Capt. James Rowell says the investigation is active. According to Rowell, the department has detectives assigned solely to the investigation. Since Fields death, her family and the community have raised questions about the investigation. Rowell says further information will be shared with the community when possible. In a statement released Dec. 8, Rowell said The investigation into the death of 5-year-old Paitin Fields is a very active investigation. This became a homicide investigation early in the investigative process. We have detectives that are dedicated solely to this investigation. We are actively working this case. We want to be able to determine the truth surrounding Paitin’s death, while protecting

the integrity of our investigation in a manner that will allow the correct individual(s) to face charges and ultimately be convicted for the crimes they have committed. We understand there are many different opinions circulating in our community as to why more information has not been released concerning this investigation. Our detectives have remained in contact with Paitin’s immediate family and will continue to communicate with them concerning the investigation. When the investigation is to a point that further information can be shared with our community we will do so. I can tell you that at this point in our investigation, there is nothing to indicate that any other member of the community may be in jeopardy as this appears to be an isolated incident. Anyone with information concerning this investigation is asked to contact the Pender County Sheriff ’s Office at 910259-1212.

Two candidates announce for Pender Sheriff’s race By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher With the 2018 election less than a year away, two candidates have announced intentions to run for Sheriff of Pender County Sheriff Carson Smith will not seek reelection after four terms in the office and will

The Courthouse Square will be ďŹ lled with unique craft vendors on Dec. 16. It’s Christmas on the Square. Read more about this special event below on page 1A and see the ad on page 14A for a list of the vendors. The Trask Titan cagers are holding on to an unbeaten start this season on the hardwood. Read more in Sports on page 9A.

The Media of Record for the People of Pender County

Investigation into death of child is ‘very active’ By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher

In this edition...

run for the 16th District seat in the N.C. House of Representatives. Joseph A. Cina, a former lieutenant with the New Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office and current small business owner in Pender County, announced Dec.8 intentions to

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50 Cents

A Christmas flamingo

Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew

The rain stopped early in the afternoon and the annual Burgaw Christmas Parade was another big hit with lights, children, and plenty of excitement. This beautiful Volkswagen bus was decorated for the holidays. See more photos of the event on Facebook.

Christmas on the Square Saturday in Burgaw From Staff Reports The Christmas season has arrived in Burgaw following the tree lighting ceremony and holiday parade. But the fun is not over yet with two new events. The Town of Burgaw and Pender County, along with the

Pender-Topsail Post & Voice will present Christmas on the Square Dec. 16. Christmas on the Square will be a special holiday market featuring more than 50 arts and crafts vendors set up around the Pender County Courthouse, all personally selected in order to offer the public a wide and varied selection of handmade holiday gifts. Among the artisans will be

those who specialize in pottery, jewelry, woodworking, candles, soaps and more. Each vendor was invited to make Christmas on the Square an opportunity to purchase unique and one of a kind holiday gifts. Local entertainment will feature students from the Pender County Schools. Shopping hours for Christmas on the Square will be from 10 a.m.until 4 p.m. on the

Pender County Courthouse Square. Later in the day, the Burgaw Parks and Recreation Department will hold a special presentation of the holiday favorite “Polar Express� at the historic train depot. The Polar Express is sold out. Come out Saturday for a special day of holiday activities in historic downtown Burgaw.

Officials urge public comment on flood insurance hike

Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew

Breakfast with Santa at the Surf City Community Center Dec. 9 was a big event. This young elf just ďŹ nished visiting with Santa.

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From Staff Reports Pender County Commissioners unanimously supported a resolution opposing a rate increase requested by the North Carolina Rate Bureau. The request was filed with the North Carolina Department of Insurance on Dec. 4 in Raleigh. “The rate increase would s e ve r e l y i m p a c t P e n d e r County homeowners,� said George Brown, chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioners. According to the NC Department of Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, the highest increases would be in parts of Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover, and Pender counties. The requested in-

crease in Pender County is 80.5 percent for homes along the coast and 54.2 percent inland. “We are urging the NC Department of Insurance to review this matter and we’re urging our residents to participate in this government process by filing complaints,� Brown said. Public comments will be received in person, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Department of Insurance in the Albemarle Building, 325 N. Salisbury St. in Raleigh. Emailed public comments should be sent by Dec. 29 to 2017HomeInsurance@ncdoi. gov. Written public comments should be mailed to Tricia

Ford, 1201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1201. Written responses must be received by Dec. 29. NC Department of Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is being asked by the NC Rate Bureau to increase rates on average 18.7 percent statewide. “If the Bureau wins out, the changes range from 7.1 percent in Wester n North Carolina to a 25 percent increase in the middle of the state,� said Brown. “The loss experience does not justify the statewide rate disparity. Homeowners in our coastal counties have received rate increases in 2002, 2005, 2009,

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