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The Media of Record for the People of Pender County
Volume 48, No.29
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Surf City Fire Department asks for fire tax increase
Farm fun
New gator hunting rules detailed
By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher
By Jefferson Weaver Contributing Writer Municipalities that sign up for an alligator season this fall have a new deadline – June 1 – but there is no guarantee a request will be approved. A special permit only hunting season for alligators has been approved by the Wildlife Resources Commission for this September. The Wildlife Resources Commission had been instructed by the General Assembly in 2015 to create such a season in areas with large gator populations. The state’s blue ribbon alligator committee recommended that before a general gator hunting season be established, municipalities with alligator problems be allowed to request permit hunts within the municipal limits. Most complaints to the WRC about alligators come from developed waterfront areas and towns. Lake Waccamaw in Columbus County is still the only municipality to welcome an alligator hunting season this fall, although several in the Alligator Management Zone One, which includes Pender County, are considering making a request. This will be the first legal gator hunting season in the state since the 1960s, but
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Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew
This youngster enjoys spending time with friendly goats at the Old River Farms Spring Festival Saturday. See more photos of the event on Facebook.
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The Surf City Fire Department is asking Pender County Commissioners for a threecent increase in the first tax for the North East Pender Fire District. The Surf City department took over coverage of the district in 2013. Based on the most recent figures, Surf City spent more to cover emergency calls in the district than the current fire tax covers. The three-cent increase would bring the tax in the district to 10 cents and would generate approximately $70,450 in additional revenue. “It’s obvious that the North East Pender Fire District has gotten way more in service than they have paid for,� said Pender County Commissioner David Williams, who represents the district. It’s been a good deal for the county, which is ultimately responsible for the fire coverage.� Williams says the Surf City department needs the extra funds to keep their ISO rating and continue to provide the good service the district has enjoyed from the town’s fire department. “The fire tax in the North East District has been seven cents for a very long time. I think anyone in the district would have a hard time making the argument they are not better off with their fire service than they were before,� Williams said. In a letter to the Board of
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Surf City Fire Chief Allen Wilson speaks during a public meeting last week in Surf City. Commissioners requesting the fire tax increase, Surf City Chief Allan Wilson said “a rate of $.10 is still not the highest rate in the county, but the department provides arguably the highest level of fire protection service in the county. Along with emergency response capabilities, the department invests significantresources in nonsuppression activities that increase the quality of life in the community. This increase would be a large step to bridging the gap between revenues and expenses in the fire district.� Fire taxes in the various districts across Pender
County are set by commissioners in each year’s budget. Fire department officials can request changes in their respective district’s tax, but the final decision rests with commissioners. The Surf City Fire Department took over coverage of the North East Pender Fire District in 2013 when the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department was dissolved. Surf City’s town limits extended to U.S. 17, taking in much of the existing fire district. The total cost of delivering fire service to the North East Pender Fire District was $361,859, resulting in a nearly $200,000 shortfall.
Early voting underway
American Legion contributes to Smith Field press box By Tammy Proctor Special to the Post & Voice
Let’s play ball! It’s that season – spring – when youth from four-year old t-ball players to senior leagues take to the fields at Hampstead Kiwanis Park. New to Smith Field is a press box, thanks to an $8,000 contribution from the American Legion Post 167 in Hampstead. Recently a plaque was installed on the side of the press box to acknowledge the contribution of the local post. “One of our four pillars in the Legion is Youth,� said Jim Williams, who oversees the athletic committee in the local American Legion. “We sponsor at least one baseball team per season.� This year the post will sponsor a junior team for ages 1317. Smith Field, a lighted field,
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Pictured above are (right to left) David Williams, Brad Fisher, and Jim Williams. is the team’s home field. Pender County Commissioner David Williams said the press box is a welcomed
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addition to Smith Field. “It’s a multipurpose press box,� David Williams explained.
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“The upper level is a press box and the lower level is storage,â€? said Jim Williams. “We will use one section of the lower level to sell snacks and drinks during games.â€? Jim Williams said the Legion sponsored team will play against eight to 10 teams during the baseball season. Admission see the games PushtoMowers • Lawn Tractors • Zero Turn Mowers are $5. Proceeds are used to Trimmers & Chainsaws fund Legion projects in the community. “They play seven inning games. We hire professional umpires,â€? said Jim Williams. “We start every game with the American Legion creed, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. Our goal is to teach good sportsman- Early voting continues in Pender County. Vote at the Board of Elections ofďŹ ce, 807 S. Walker Street in Burgaw ship.â€? Williams said the head or the Pender County Government Annex, U.S. 17 in Hampcoach is Chris Bass and his stead across from McDonalds. Hours are 8 a.m. until 5 assistant coach is Matt Floto. p.m. Monday through Friday, May 4. You may also vote
Saturday May 5 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Primary election day is Tuesday May 8.
THE BEST FOR LESS Continued on page 12A
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