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Volume 47, No. 35
POST Voice
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Inside this edition...
The Pender-Topsail
&
Sunshine Studio Stained Glass cut the ribbon on its new location above Burgaw Antiqueplace, the first of many artists and craftsmen there. Read more in Living on page 1B.
The school year ends this week, but sports continue this summer. A number of summer leagues are ready to begin. Read
more in Sports on page 8A.
Thursday, June 8, 2017
50 Cents
The Media of Record for the People of Pender County
Ministry money stolen from PCCS
Delicious barbecue
By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher
Staff photo by Andy Pettigrew
Festival goers try some delicious barbecue at the Port City Smokers tent during the Cape Fear BBQ Festival Saturday at Poplar Grove. The wonderful smell of barbecue filled the air, along with music, crafts and more. See photos of the event on page 16A and on Facebook.
Possible drug deal gone bad
Brothers charged with murder of Willard man
at PCCS on W. Fremont Street. PCCS operates a second-hand store, food pantry, and other relief ministries to those in need across Pender County. Despite the loss, Harris stays focused on the ministry to help others. “You can also help by coming in to shop with us. We have some really great sales going in both our Thrift Shop and Boutique. This will help us make up our deficit and continue our mission. PCCS is here for the community and its citizens and we are being very proactive in finding the individual or individuals that participated in this heinous act,” Harris wrote. “We will overcome this obstacle and continue to meet the needs of the people of Pender County.”
Late Easter, good weather combine for strong start to beach season
By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher Pender County deputies responded to what was reported as a motor vehicle accident June 1, and discovered a shooting incident that resulted in murder charges. At approximately 9:20 p.m. the Pender County Sheriff ’s Deputies responded to the area of Church Street and U.S. Hwy 117 north in the Willard community regarding a vehicle accident. Ar riving at the accident scene, officers found 23-year-old Deonte Jamal Pearsall of Willard suffering from a gunshot wound. Efforts to save Pearsall’s life were unsuccessful and he died at the scene. Pearsall was not involved in the motor vehicle accident. Brothers Austin Luke Young,
A break-in at Pender County Christian Services in Burgaw resulted in the theft of a safe containing about $800 – money earmarked for use in the organization’s ministry to those in need in Pender County. Burgaw Police Chief Ed Hock says it was reported May 25 that thieves broke into the building at 210 West Fremont Street and stole a safe containing the money. No arrests have been made as of Monday, but Hock says Burgaw Police are working hard on the case. “Someone forced entry into the rear of the building and took the safe,” Hock said. “It’s about a 16-inch square metal safe. Any information would be appreciated. They used the safe to hold money until it was deposited in the bank.” In a letter released by PCCS, Director Sandy Harris said “precautionary measures have been taken so this will not happen again, but it is hurtful to know that anyone would take from families in need.” Chief Hock says anyone with information regarding the break-in can contact the Burgaw Police Department at 259-4924. To help PCCS recover from the theft, visit their Facebook page to donate online. Donations may also be mailed to PCCS, P.O. Box 84, Burgaw NC 28425, or dropped off
By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher The 2017 beach season in Pender County is off to a good start, according to Surf City Mayor Doug Medlin. “We had a great Memorial Day on the island. The only thing we had were some folks compaining about the traffic,” Med-
Brent Adam Young
Austin Luke Young
20, and Brett Adam Young, 23 both of Teachey were arrested at the scene without incident. Both are currently being held without bond at the Pender County Jail and are each charged with first degree murder. Pearsall allegedly went to buy
drugs from the brothers the night of June 1, and when Pearsall arrived, he allegedly took the drugs and fled. The Young brothers pursued Pearsall in their car, crashing into a ditch near Hwy.
lin said. “The businesses I’ve talked to all say they have been up this spring.” Medlin says a late Easter helped tourism on the island. “Easter was late, so we caught most of the school’s spring breaks. With the weather being good, it has made for a good
Continued on page 2A
Continued on page 2A
Burgaw Police nearly back to full strength, chief says Push Mowers • Lawn Tractors • Zero Turn Mowers By Andy Pettigrew Post & Voice Publisher
After losing several officers and supervisors to other departments, Burgaw Police Chief Jim Hock says his department is almost back to full strength. “I have two new officers that started last week. One is going to be a new rookie officer, and the other is going to serve as our investigator,” Hock said. “We are just waiting for their paperwork
to come back from the state before swearing them in.” Hock says the last opening in the department is for a patrol sergeant and the job was posted Monday. “Once we will that position we will be fully staffed,” Hock said. “We are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.” Smaller police departments like Burgaw often experience difficult in keeping officers for the long term.
“Smaller agencies have been known to train young officers in the basics of law enforcement. In Burgaw, we have a lot of good young officers that are looking for the small town, more personal aspect of law enforcement,” said Hock. “Here you can stop and talk with the people as opposed to a large agency where an officer may just be one cog in a very big wheel. Some officers are looking for a place for experience, others it fits their personality.”
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Photo contributed
United States Marine Corps Sgt Major Edward S. Heyward II was the speaker at the Memorial Day service in Hampstead May 27. Seated are (left to right) Post 167 Commander Roger Kersey, Treasurer Jim Williams, and Adjutant Bob Andrews.
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