WHAT’S HAPPENED
Hampstead Bypass Groundbreaking
over the years has posed these needs to meet the demands of our growing service area. Over the last six years, the Pender County EMS staff has been through so much: working through two major hurricanes, COVID, a paramedic shortage, inf lation, supply chain shortage, long hospital ER wait times, lack of reimbursements and lower pay scales.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Pender County and N.C. Department of Transportation officials recently broke ground on the long-awaited U.S. Highway 17 Hampstead Bypass project. Environmental studies for the project began in 2005, but delays held the project up for nearly 17 years. The bypass will improve traffic and safety along the U.S. 17 corridor around the Hampstead area. NCDOT estimates the project will cost $429 million. Construction will be in two sections, and is slated to finish by 2030. The project's first section is from N.C. 210 to north of Hampstead. The second section is from N.C. 140 to N.C. 210. It will bring connections to Pender, New Hanover, Brunswick and Onslow counties via U.S. 17 and I-40. NCDOT Secretary Eric Boyette commented at the groundbreaking ceremony: “I think there are about 43,000 cars a day on that highway so being able to have the opportunity to make it less congested to make it safer is what the department's about.”
Pender EMS & Fire, Inc. Celebrates National EMS Week Pender EMS & Fire, Inc. celebrated National EMS Week in May. Established in 1974, National EMS Week is an annual campaign that serves to honor professionals who provide emergency medical services in communities across the country. The 2022 theme was “Rising to the Challenge” – a fitting sentiment as the EMS industry has encountered a multitude of hardships during recent years. Growth in Pender County created the need to staff three volunteer stations with paid personnel 24/7, and Pender EMS & Fire, Inc. has built and staffed three additional stations. Additionally, Pender staffs Union Rescue Squad, Maple Hill VFD and Penderlea VFD with paid personnel. The steady increase in call volume and decline in volunteers
The population growth in Pender County also has put a strain on EMS as they try to keep up with the increase in call volume. Pender EMS & Fire, Inc. responded to more than 10,000 calls this fiscal year, and projections suggest that the total number of calls for the current year will surpass last year’s total. When you factor in tourist season at the beach, longer transport times due to traffic, and delays at the hospital, there are days when crews are running nonstop for 24hour shifts. Yet they have continued to show up and accept the challenge to save lives and preserve property. Pender EMS and Fire Inc. provides eight EMS units, covers six Pender Fire districts, provides paid staff for two Volunteer Fire Stations, Rescue and multiple special operations that are available 24 hours a day. They have limited volunteers in EMS and Fire because of today’s cost of living and the continued educational requirements/demands that each position requires. They are a private nonprofit agency that is contracted by Pender County to provide this level of service, and their main goal as the EMS agency since 2003 that started as three separate entities to our current standing of Pender EMS and Fire Inc. and Union Rescue is to provide the highest level of service in a timely manner. They merged with three Volunteer Fire Departments nine years ago again to improve the staffing and coverage to the citizens. Chief Everett Baysden says, “It’s important to recognize all first responders for their commitment and care. Especially during these recent trying times. We’re so proud and pleased of the job all of members of Pender EMS and Fire has provided to the citizens and visitors of Pender County.”
Ribbon Cutting for Saltwater Suites On July 6 Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newest luxury beachside resort in Surf City. The hotel offers 24 units designed with convenience and luxury in mind. This resort is located at 605 N. Topsail Drive in Surf City.
Summer 2022
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