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Poplar Grove Plantation’s Halloween Festival

Submitted — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:49:52 +0000

North Carolina’s favorite Halloween Festival has something for everyone. From haunts that’ll take your breath away, to idyllic, afternoon hayrides through scenic Abbey Nature Preserve, you’re sure to have a great time.

Since 1981, Poplar Grove Plantation has been scaring up heart pounding hysteria for fright fans. Students from Topsail High School keep it fresh and fiendish for 2011. Pandora’s Psychotic Circus has taken control of the rickety old barn. Tortured spirits, deranged clowns and outcast, sideshow freaks lurk in the claustrophobic darkness.

When night falls, the hay-wagons rumble off the path into Scary Tale Forest, where the diabolical Queen of Hearts plays with innocent captives. She doesn’t like to share so, newcomers to the forest like Audrey II, have their own inescapable traps. Laugh your head off if you like, both the Queen and Audrey are carnivorous.

Halloween fun doesn’t get any better than this. Kids love the inflatable rides, carnival games, and pony rides. For tiny tots the Kiddie Funhouse has a charming puppet show and spellbinding storyteller. Worried about the future? Visit the fortune tellers Madams Von Sloopenstien or Deborah. Lots of folks come out to the festival just to stroll around the beautiful grounds and watch the fun.

Curtis Wright, host of WAAV’s The Morning Beat is official emcee of the costume contest, Saturday, October 22nd.   Registration for all ages begins at 6:00PM, the contest starts at 7:00PM. Last year’s winners included Fred & Wilma, a trapped mouse and an alien abduction.  You’ll see little ones as cute-as-a-button and adult demons who are frighteningly real.

If you work up an appetite, there’s plenty of food and beverages.  You can treat yourself to funnel cakes, sausage sandwiches and candy apples.

This event is a fund-raiser for Poplar Grove Foundation, Hampstead Fire Department, Topsail High School(THS) Drama Club, THS National Honor Society, New Hanover County Pop Warner Cheerleaders and other local non-profit organizations. Admission is free. Activities are individually priced.

For a good scare and for old fashioned family fun come on out to Poplar Grove’s Halloween Festival,  Oct. 14-16 and 21-23.    Additional information: www.poplargrove.com, 910-686-9518 ext. 26 or pgp@poplargrove.com.

Poplar Grove Plantation
10200 US Highway 17
Wilmington, NC 28411

Things are just duc(t)y

Submitted — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:49:29 +0000

With the outside of our new 13,008 sq. ft. building basically completed contractors have shifted their focus to the inside. One of the things we’re really excited about is getting heat and air conditioning. Sounds like something everyone takes for granted, but believe it or not we have neither in our current building. During the winter our heat comes from our hard-working volunteers, the toasty warm turtle water and whatever space heaters we can squeeze in among the tanks. Air conditioning happens when we open the doors and hopefully catch some kind of a breeze.
That’s why we’re so thrilled to see all that glorious, shiny metal hanging from the ceilings. The way it snakes and twists throughout the tall spaces makes it look more space-age sculpture than utilitarian. And the “artists” just happen to be our new neighbors (or more accurately, we’re their new neighbors) Gideon Heating & Air. They’ve come to rescue us many times over the years, often in the dead of winter. So when it came time to let the contract for the work on our new building we knew who we could trust to care as much about our turtles as we do. And if they happen to get a taste for calamari some afternoon they can just pop over and borrow a cup of squid!
So just how much HVAC equipment do we need to take care of the new hospital? For any HVAC groupies and lovers of stats here’s the scoop: eight separate systems, with a total of 37.5 tons of heating/cooling capacity; one-half mile of duct and flex; and finally, a fan for the turtle bay that can exhaust 1,800 cfm. Not all of the duct and flex will remain exposed, and as the walls and ceilings go in a lot of it will be tucked behind them. We’re really looking forward to living in a building that’s comfortable for turtles, volunteers and visitors all year round.
We’re officially closed for tours
Unless you’re a sick or injured sea turtle you won’t be seeing the inside of our hospital for the balance of 2011, with the exception of one weekend in October. We plan to open to the public at our current location on Saturday and Sunday (October 15 & 16) during Autumn with Topsail. Our gift shop will also be open, so start gathering your sizes and putting together your list. We’ll have some special items we’re bringing in just for the holidays, and our exclusive turtle hospital stuff looks good on everybody! If you miss us that weekend you can always order from our online gift shop, open 24/7/365 at: HYPERLINK “http://www.seaturtlehospital.org” www.seaturtlehospital.org. Watch this column for a reminder of our days and hours during the festival.
Topsail Turtle Project
Our volunteers continue to monitor the remaining nests for any signs of activity. As noted last week, Hurricane Irene did over-wash all of the nests, but the extent of damage to hatchlings and/or eggs remains to be seen. Both residents and visitors can play a vital role in our efforts by being observant and notifying us of any sea turtle events. Please report any and all sea turtle activity (nesting, strandings, injured or sick turtles) immediately to our Director of Beach Operations, Terry Meyer at 910-470-2880. Please reach her at: HYPERLINK “mailto:topsailseaturtle@aol.com” topsailseaturtle@aol.com for non-emergencies. All sea turtles are federally protected and harassing or harming them in any way will result in hefty fines and/or imprisonment.
Visit us online
Stop by our website: HYPERLINK “http://www.seaturtlehospital.org” www.seaturtlehospital.org where we never close. Keep up with our patients and our new building; follow the links to “Adopt-A-Sea-Turtle;” read or sign up for the newsletter; order exclusive hospital merchandise from our gift shop or take our “Family Giving Challenge.”
Questions, comments & e-newsletter
Contact me at: HYPERLINK “mailto:flippers@att.net” flippers@att.net with any questions, comments or suggestions. This column appears on a weekly basis. To be added to our mailing list (newsletter, announcements, etc.) send your name and e-mail information to me at the same address: HYPERLINK “mailto:flippers@att.net” flippers@att.net.

City/county consider new life for old jail

Deb Norton — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:48:44 +0000

It probably wouldn’t be too hard to break out of the old Burgaw jail these days.
In a throwback to the old movies, a spoon might actually do it. Or stepping in the wrong place.
Speaking of movies, the jailhouse was the location of a movie, released last year, of the same name. Producers said they needed a spooky setting for “The Jailhouse.” It actually became the inspiration for the film.
The iconic landmark in downtown Burgaw is in an advanced state of decay and city officials want county officials to allow them to get private officials to change that.
According to Burgaw Manager Chad McEwen the city has been in discussions with a private firm, which has asked to remain unnamed, that wants to turn the old building into new private offices.
It’s the “private” part that may pose a problem.
McEwen went before the county commissioners last week to propose a public/private plan that potentially could save the city taxpayers the estimated $250,000-$300,000 it would take to refurbish the building.
“We want to preserve the building, but we don’t want it to be a drag on the taxpayers,” McEwen said. “We’re looking into all options.”
This particular option was tabled by the commissioners to be reconsidered at its Sept. 19 meeting because the plan would turn a public facility into a private one.
The city leases the jail from the county and the terms of the lease favor its continued use for public purposes.
The problem, McEwen said, is that public organizations haven’t shown an interest in the property in recent years.
“We had some tenants a while ago and they patched it up,” he said. “It needs more than that, though.”

Topsail booming after hurricane

capefear — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:23:57 +0000

Cameron Britt (L) of Lumberton poses for a picture with his granddaughter Presleigh. Photo by Trevor Normile

by Trevor Normile

A windy and warm afternoon graced Topsail Island Saturday September 3, and patrons wouldn’t be denied the last beach days of summer. For many, Labor Day weekend is the final warm respite before the drudgery between vacation and the holidays.

Even with a hurricane still fresh in their minds, tourists and citizens still flocked to the island for a weekend of fun in the sun. Local resident Kirsten Davis was on the beach with her husband and son, soaking up some sun rays.

“We have fun out here. I thought people coming on vacation would leave because of the hurricane,” she said.

According the Davis family, their property wasn’t badly

Families flocked to Topsail Island for labor day weekend. Photo by Trevor Normile

damaged. And though a storm like Irene would seem to put a damper on any vacation, it couldn’t keep like minded beach-goers away.

Percy Sasser of Youngsville, N.C. owns a house on the beach, and said he expected visitors.

“I’m not really surprised. I’ve got a house down here like a lot of these folks, and you can always come back to your place. Even if you can’t get on the beach, you can still have fun,” he said.

Ryan Petersen chose to spend the day surf fishing. He was visiting the beach with his grandparents, who are Boone residents. Photo by Trevor Normile

Hundreds lined the sandy beach, indulging in every conceivable activity. Some tossed footballs, others built sand castles; small children ran circles around parents who were more than happy to forget the rhythm of workaday blues for a long weekend.

Boone resident Linda Bach was watching her grandson surf fish. She was glad her beach home survived Irene.

“We were a little concerned there would be some damage, but I was in contact with out neighbor here, who let us know it wasn’t substantial,” she said.

If one thing could be said of Topsail Islanders, they’re a dedicated bunch. Matthew Calhoun of Jacksonville was hunting for coral, and said a measly storm couldn’t scare him off.

“I was on the beach when the hurricane came through, the police had to throw me off,” he said with a laugh. “I just like coming here, I’ve lived around here my whole life. It’s a habit for me.”

Contact Trevor at 910.285.2178 or at tjnormile@readcapefear.com.

Burgaw plans communitywide commemoration

Michael Staton — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 01:32:47 +0000

Folks in Burgaw, Rocky Point, Hampstead and the beach towns, all of you no doubt remember where you were and what you were thinking when the passenger jets smashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
Normal work stopped that Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. Everyone stayed glued to the television watching the Twin Towers crumble and create that awful gray dust cloud.
Later, we as a nation watched the jet crash into the Pentagon and then learned that the fourth plane – this one believed to be bound for Washington, D.C. – had crashed into that Pennsylvania farm field.
It was the most horrible day in the lives of Americans since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy almost half a century ago.
Fittingly, Burgaw officials are planning a communitywide 9/11 commemoration at the Courthouse Square gazebo on Sunday, Sept. 11.
The memorial service, entitled “Songs, Poems and Prayers for the Nation, will be held at 5:30 p.m.
Schoolchildren will participate and sing two songs: “Jesus Loves Me” and “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”
Children who want to participate and sing need to be at the gazebo by 5 p.m. to practice. They’ll be led by Shannon Humphrey.
The “Gospel Lites” also will sing and poems of remembrance and inspiration will be shared.
First Responders will be recognized for the courageous efforts they make daily to protect others. Among the 2,753 victims who died in the World Trade Center were 343 firefighters and 60 police officers from New York City and the Port Authority, and eight private emergency medical technicians and paramedics, all doing their best to save lives down to the last few seconds of their lives.
During the week leading up to Sept. 11, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program at Pender Adult Services, 901 S. Walker St., will collect food and paper products for Pender Christian Services. A box will be set up in the lobby for dropoff. Canned goods and paper products will be accepted at the memorial service.
The commemoration and memorial service probably will summon memories of that day 10 years ago when acts of terror changed the course of American history, charting a future that would come to be known as the “War on Terror.” It would come to encompass two wars and an air action in Libya. As the years passed, our hunt for Osama bin Laden finally was successful with his death in Pakistan, and the “Arab Spring” gave rise to revolutions throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
Who would have known back on Sept. 11, 2001 how the world would look in September 2011?
In case you want to immerse yourself in that world of Sept. 11, 2001, there will be a host of specials on TV on Saturday and Sunday that will focus on 9/11-related subjects.

Pender ABC Board see sales decline in poor economy

Deb Norton — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:06:52 +0000

The slumping economy apparently is not driving people to drink as the Pender County ABC Board reported decreased sales over the year even as efforts to save money by shortening the Atkinson store’s hours have failed to work.
In July the board started new hours in Atkinson, which now operates four days per week instead of six. New store hours are 1-7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
But sales decreased about 12 percent during the month – about the same percentage as the hours were cut – while many of the expenses remained the same.
Board members were disheartened by the outcome of their experiment, but decided to give the trial another two months before reconsidering their options.
Overall, gross sales were down by nearly $200,000 or the year ended June 30, according to an audit report by Murray, Blackburn and Rode CPA. During the 2011 fiscal year, the five ABC stores in the county earned about $4.57 million, down nearly 4 percent from $4.75 million a year earlier.
Bottle sales were down by nearly 18,000 to 277,589 while mixed beverage bottles and miniature bottles sales increased slightly.
Also, according to the auditors, sales tended toward lower priced bottles, also decreasing revenues.
“But looking at the results across the state, Pender County is not in a boat by themselves,” said auditor Mary Graham. In fact, she said, the local board does a good job of managing where it spends money.
On a quarterly profit of $70,872, the ABC Board contributed more than $45,000 to the county’s General Fund as per state law. Surf City, the site of the store with the county’s most sales revenue, received $10,000.
Year-end sales figures for the individual stores were:
• Burgaw, $663,705, up $10,260;
• Surf City, $1.379,000, up $93,572;
• Atkinson, $206,411, down $57,742;
• Hampstead, $1.439,792, up $73,436;
• Rocky Point, $532,424, down $17,751.
Rocky Point’s location is suffering from the reopening of the Castle Hayne store in New Hanover County, the auditors said. The board, however, recently renegotiated its lease for the location, lowering overhead costs there.

Planners consider new land use plan

Deb Norton — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:06:21 +0000

Burgaw’s Planning Board and staff continue to gather information and shuffle through details in the hopes of having a revamped master land use plan within a year.
The current plan has not been redone since it was completed in 1997, according to Rebekah Costin, town planner.
“The fact that ours is not up-to-date makes it harder to determine if we’re going in the right direction,” Costin said. “It’s not good information. The town has changed a lot since 1997.”
The plan that’s currently guiding Burgaw’s development decisions was put together by an outside consulting firm. This time around it is being cobbled together in-house.
“This will be a cost savings and we’ll have better quality information,” Costin said.
There are plans for public input through surveys and hearings that should begin in October or November.
Costin said the public will be asked to help paint a vision of what the town should be in 2030.
“We have to take in population growth, utilities, storm water drainage – a whole host of things,” Costin said.

State panel hears complaints from mine neighbors

Deb Norton — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:05:55 +0000

Despite being denied a special use permit by the county, a mining company still is pursuing state permission to dig and haul dirt at a site in the Hampstead area.
About two dozen neighbors of the mine site off Hoover Road attended a public hearing Aug. 22 to opposed plans by J.J. Morton and Sons Construction to mine 8.4 acres of a 110 tract.
Pender County commissioners a week earlier denied the company’s request for a special use permit because part of the land on J.A. Drive is in a conservation zone. The rest is zoned rural agricultural.
The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which oversee mining operations in the state, held the hearing at the Topsail High School Media Center.
According to DENR officials, approval of the mine by the state will not supercede local zoning decisions, meaning that the commissioners’ denial holds sway and the mine will likely not be able to operate. The company, however, can appeal both the county’s decision and any made at the state level.
“So basically all the state’s permit does is nothing but sit and gather dust,” one audience member questioned.
“That’s right,” said moderator Dr. Kenneth Taylor.
During the hearing, several members of the public spoke of concerns about the dangers posed by truck traffic, particularly in the area of South Topsail Elementary School. Others complained of dust kicked up by the trucks and damage to the roadway they may cause.
Frank Morton told the DENR panel his company has “a perfect safety record.”
He had conducted mining operations at the site under what he termed limited permits, but had been forced to shut down “at least two or three times.”
That, he said, was why he was seeking a more encompassing special use permit from the county and final permission from the state.
In a description of the project written by county staff, the pit would be excavated to a maximum depth of 25 feet. It would require dewatering, which would consist of pumping water from one side of the pit to the other and back.
Chris Millis, a civil engineer hired for the project, said the operation would not affect the water table. He also has complained that the company had never been notified of the conservation zoning issue prior to applying to the county.
Under the state mining law, DENR cannot take truck traffic, noise or property values into consideration in deciding on issuing a permit. It will consider environmental concerns such as groundwater protection, reclamation plans, screening and highwall and other physical safety issues.
The department has 30 days after the hearing or after it received the last of its requested information from the company to makes its decision known.

Hope For The Warriors 9/11 Weekend remembers ultimate sacrifices

Michael Staton — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:03:04 +0000

Ten years ago folks went to work to discover the horror of airline jets flying into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Nothing has been the same since.
Folks in Duplin County as well as neighboring counties like Pender and Duplin will get the rare opportunity to do something extra special to honor those lost in the attacks of 9/11 and the military heroes that have been called into action since.
That’s because Hope For The Warriors 9/11 Weekend will be held at River Landing near Wallace. Events including a music festival, memorial service and motorcycle run are planned for Saturday and Sunday.
Proceeds from the weekend will benefit Hope For The Warriors, a national nonprofit organization that supports wounded U.S. service members, their families and families of the fallen. Pepsi and CVS are the presenting sponsors for the Hope For The Warriors 9/11 Weekend.
Gates open at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 for the music festival headlined by country performer James Wesley. The festival will be held at The Vineyards of River Landing.
Wesley is famous for the hit single “Real.” Since his debut, Wesley has been involved in a myriad of charity projects and local tours. Visit HYPERLINK “http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org” www.hopeforthewarriors.org to purchase tickets.
Southern Fried Musicians Association will play that evening. The band’s drummer, Staff Sgt. Dale Beatty, NCARNG (Ret.), was injured by a roadside landmine while serving in Iraq. Since his rehabilitation from a double amputation and return to the band, they have been performing and writing music.
Local rock band Bald Fury also will perform.
“We are proud and excited for this weekend of honor and tribute to our military heroes,” said Robin Kelleher, president of Hope For The Warriors. “Although this was a tragic event in our history, we learned the strength of our police and firefighters that day. And since that day, we have seen the dedication of our military forces who continue to enlist and serve proudly.”
The concert and memorial ceremony are just two of the weekend events. The 9/11 Classic Golf Tournament and the 9/11 Run For The Warriors 5K kick off the festivities on Saturday morning.
Sunday morning begins with a worship service and is followed by the 9/11 Hope Ride, a motorcycle poker run created to honor those lost on 9/11 and the thousands of local service members.
“It’s humbling to work alongside the amazing staff at Hope For The Warriors,” said Richard Phaneuf, general manager of The River Landing Companies. “With unity of purpose, we come together to honor and support those who have and are continuing to serve and defend our great nation.”
The mission of Hope For The Warriors is to enhance quality of life for U.S. service members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet.

NCDOT Hurricane Irene update

capefear — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:25:08 +0000

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation today has about 2,000 members of its staff working to clear roads and bridges of the debris left behind from Hurricane Irene. Most coastal counties are awaiting official disaster declarations before debris can be hauled. Here are details from the regions affected by the storm:

Beaufort County:

The primary roads on the north side of the river are open, and primary roads on the south side of the river are all passable, but several locations have power lines entangled with trees.
All secondary roads are open on the north side of the river except for localized power line issues; work to clear debris is under way on the south side of the river.
The bridge going toward the Aurora ferry terminal has been severely damaged and is not crossable at this time.
The dock at the Aurora ferry terminal, which was damaged in the storm, should be repaired on Wednesday. The shoulder and some pavement is washed out along a section of N.C. 306 leading to the ferry terminal.

Bertie County

· N.C. 308 at Brimerage Road has shoulder washout over a pipe and water line.

· Six secondary routes remain flooded.

· NCDOT expects to clear all routes by the end of the day today, with the exception of five secondary routes and two primary routes, U.S. 13 and N.C. 45, where power crews have to clear lines tangled in downed trees. Crews are cutting back debris and clearing it from the right of way.

· There is guardrail damage on at least three primary routes due to fallen trees. Guardrail damage is still being assessed on secondary routes.

Camden County: All roads are open.

Carteret County: All primary and secondary roads are open to traffic. There is no known infrastructure damage at this time.

Chowan County: All roads are open.

Craven County:

All primary roads will be clear of debris by this afternoon with the exception of locations with utility line issues.
Three roads in the Vanceboro are closed due to flooding.
There is no known infrastructure damage at this time.

Currituck County: All roads are open.

Dare County: Most roads in Dare, except in Rodanthe and Hatteras, are open. The following are status updates for individual sites:

U.S. 264 (Stumpy Point): Road currently closed due to collapsed culverts. A sinkhole has formed between Stumpy Point and the Hyde County line. Repairs are under way..

N.C. 12: Most areas of the road are clear, and crews are pushing up dunes.
N.C. 12 (Rodanthe Breach): Surveys are being done today.
N.C. 12 Hatteras: Clear, but repairs are being made to dunes and minor pavement issues.
N.C. 12 Duck: Open; rip rap is being put in place to stabilize the area.
Google map shows the key areas of interest on N.C. 12: http://g.co/maps/9y2w.

Gates County: All roads are open.

Greene County:

All roads are clear with the exception of a few locations with utility line issues.
There is no known infrastructure damage at this time.

Hertford County:

U.S. 258 is closed just north of Rose Road due to a pipe washout.
There is flooding on four secondary routes.
All routes are clear to the edge of pavement with the exception of seven secondary routes and one primary route where there are power lines in downed trees. The roads cannot be cleared until the power company removes the lines.
Debris is being cut back and cleared from the right of way.

Hyde County/Mainland:

All roads are open.
A large tree on N.C. 45 uprooted and damaged pavement.

On N.C. 94, a pipe has washed out to the edge of pavement on the canal side.
N.C. 94 has erosion to the edge of the pavement on the canal side.

Hyde County/Ocracoke: Crews are working to clear a 3-mile section of sand-covered pavement. It is not clear yet whether any pavement has been lost in the area.

Jones County:

All primary and secondary roads are clear and open to traffic.
There is no known infrastructure damage at this time.

Lenoir County:

All roads should be clear by this afternoon with the exception of the locations where power lines are entangled in trees.
There is no known infrastructure damage at this time.

Martin County: All primary roads are open; two secondary roads are still flooded.

Northampton County:

· Primary routes are all clear of debris at or beyond the edge of pavement.

· Trees and branches are being cut back and pushed into woods where possible. Engineers believe it could take a month to fully clear primary routes, not including debris brought to the roadway by property owners.

· No damage to any highway structures or pavement on the primary system.

· Nearly all secondary routes are clear of debris at or beyond the edge of pavement. There are a few routes with trees tangled in power lines that are partially blocking the roadway. All of these routes are still passible.

· One pipe will require replacement.

· Major shoulder washout at Doolittle Mill Road.

Pamlico County:

All roads will be clear of debris and open to traffic this afternoon with the exception of N.C. 55 between Stonewall and Oriental where there are several power poles across the road.
There is no known infrastructure damage at this time.

Pasquotank County: Creek Road closed due to high water. All other roads are open.

Perquimans County: All roads are open.

Pitt County:

All roads will be clear of debris by this afternoon with the exception of areas where power lines are entangled in trees.
There are three roads in the Grifton area and one in Grimesland closed because of flooding.
There is no major infrastructure damage, but there is some guardrail damage and shoulder washouts.

Tyrrell County:

All roads are open.

· Several areas are still flooded.

Washington County:

All roads are open.

· Low-lying areas in the Creswell/Cherry area are still under water.

Elsewhere:

Most roads and bridges are open in Division 4, which covers Edgecombe, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Wayne and Wilson counties. In Halifax County, crews are working on N.C. 903 in Scotland Neck to fix a pipe that was damaged. Crews continue to work on I-95 to be sure that the roadway is clear.

In Division 3, all primary roads in the southeastern counties are open, but several secondary roads remain closed because of trees and power lines on the roads. The division covers Brunswick, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender and Sampson counties. In Pender County, the North East Cape Fear River has not yet reached its crest. It is being monitored because of its potential to cause some flooding on N.C. 53.