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Today's News

  • Interest in using hospital for educational needs grows

    BOLIVIA—Brunswick Community College officials have expressed interest in partnering with Brunswick County Schools to further explore using the soon-to-be-vacant Brunswick Community Hospital as an educational center.

    Tuesday night, Brunswick County Board of Education members instructed Superintendent Edward Pruden to draft a statement of agreement to collaborate with college officials to participate in a feasibility study. No costs were agreed upon at this time.

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  • Delinquent taxes published

    State law requires county tax officials to publish delinquent taxpayers in local newspapers, and this year’s listing is in today’s issue of the Beacon.

    A Beacon review of local elected officials listed in the delinquent taxes show two local elected officials as well as a prominent developer as delinquent taxpayers reported in the Beacon as required by North Carolina General Statute 105-369.

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  • The meaning behind the crosses

    ASH—There are three large reflective crosses on the side of N.C. 130, and last week someone decided to tear them down.

    On the morning of Tuesday, March 29, Frances Carlisle of Ash woke up and looked out her front door to check the day’s weather. She knew right away something was wrong.

    She saw the three large crosses that have guided her home in the dark and the fog for the past five years torn out of the ground and broken in her yard. The large cross was pulled out of the ground, and the smaller ones were broken off their reinforced bases.

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  • Ocean Isle Beach mayor honored with award

    OCEAN ISLE BEACH—Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Sloane Smith has been recognized among her peers for her leadership.

    The Cape Fear Council of Governments recently presented the 2010 Lynwood Norris Regional Champion Award to Smith. Each year the council presents the award to an elected local government official who demonstrates leadership in both their jurisdiction and throughout the Cape Fear region. The council encompasses Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.

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  • Ocean Isle Beach mayor honored with award

    OCEAN ISLE BEACH—Ocean Isle Beach Mayor Debbie Sloane Smith has been recognized among her peers for her leadership.

    The Cape Fear Council of Governments recently presented the 2010 Lynwood Norris Regional Champion Award to Smith. Each year the council presents the award to an elected local government official who demonstrates leadership in both their jurisdiction and throughout the Cape Fear region. The council encompasses Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties.

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  • Shallotte swears in new mayor, seeks new board member

    The April 5 Shallotte board of aldermen meeting ended with a new mayor.

    Alan Lewis, former mayor pro tem, was sworn in as mayor of Shallotte.

    The vote was unanimous. Lewis was appointed to fill the vacancy of mayor created by the death of Mayor Buddy Kelly on March 2.

    The board was advised of proper procedure to fill the vacancy by Laura Thompson, town attorney. Lewis will serve as mayor until the next General Election in November. At that time he has the option to run for the position.

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  • A better year for real estate is predicted for 2011

    SUPPLY—Is the real estate market turning around?

    That is the $10 million question.

    The Brunswick County Association of Realtors is optimistic that recent trends in activity mean things are beginning to look up.

    “We see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s not a train,” said Pete Frandano, president of BCAR during the organization’s legislative media breakfast Monday. “We are turning today’s challenges into tomorrow’s successes.”

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  • Local religious leaders speak out about racism

    SHALLOTTE—Area religious leaders are set to speak in favor of the North Carolina Racial Justice Act.

    Several religious leaders from across southeastern North Carolina are participating in a press conference in conjunction with the Carrboro-based nonprofit organization People of Faith Against the Death Penalty to raise awareness about the N.C. Racial Justice Act. The meeting, hosted by Rev. Robert Ippolito, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 7, at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte.

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  • Local religious leaders speak out about racism

    SHALLOTTE—Area religious leaders are set to speak in favor of the North Carolina Racial Justice Act.

    Several religious leaders from across southeastern North Carolina are participating in a press conference in conjunction with the Carrboro-based nonprofit organization People of Faith Against the Death Penalty to raise awareness about the N.C. Racial Justice Act. The meeting, hosted by Rev. Robert Ippolito, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 7, at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte.

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  • Property values down, Ocean Isle Beach officials talk budget

    OCEAN ISLE BEACH—Balancing a budget is never easy, but this year it’s even harder for commissioners and town officials in Ocean Isle Beach.

    Recent tax revaluations hit the town hard. Ocean Isle Beach suffered a 33 percent decrease in property values. The goal of commissioners and staff is to create a revenue-neutral tax rate for the 2011-2012 fiscal year starting on July 1, 2011. They said that means tough budgeting decisions will have to be made.

    Last Thursday, the board and staff met for the first of several budget workshops.

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