ARCHIVE 2006
ARCHIVE 2006
POSTED DECEMBER 12, 2006
***UPDATE: PARADISE LANDING BAR CASE
ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2006, SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE JACK JENKINS ISSUED A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AGAINST PARADISE LANDING BAR, IN FULCHER'S LANDING. THE BAR IS REQUIRED TO REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL THE CASE GOES TO TRIAL ON JANUARY 16, 2007.
POSTED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2006
***INCORPORATION PACKAGE***
According to members of the Village Interim Council, today, a copy of the complete incorporation package will be placed in the Sneads Ferry library sometime during the week of December 11, 2006.
POSTED DECEMBER 5, 2006
***INTERIM COUNCIL MEETINGS***
Beginning in January 2007, all public meetings will be held in the Sneads Ferry Community Building on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, at 7:00 p.m.
POSTED THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2006
SNEADS FERRY CITIZENS IN ACTION (SFCIA) MEETING TONIGHT: CLEANING UP THE "VILLAGE"
The Sneads Ferry Citizens In Action, better know as the SFCIA, met tonight at the Sneads Ferry Community Center at 7:00 p.m. Lynn Hinnant opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. Hinnant's welcome was followed with a prayer by Pastor Steve Allen.
After the prayer, Glynn Queen shared some of the history of the SFCIA. He said it was started about four years ago by himself and Joe Rigby. One thousand dollars was provided by the Rotary Club to help out. He said, "we tried to get some direction why people getting arrested for drugs are out a couple of weeks later." He said he asked Sheriff Ed Brown, how this happens and the sheriff told him, it's the system, i.e. plea bargains, etc. Queen said, "you have to be convicted of possession of cocaine before you get jail time." He said we're under state and county guidelines; we don't need new laws, we need to enforce the laws we have. "Drugs are the worst thing in this country," he said. The motto of the SFCIA is "TURN AWARENESS INTO ACTION!" He said everyone needs to contact Senator Harry Brown and Representative Robert Grady, to let them know how we feel about drugs in our community and encourage them to take action. Queen said two adult entertainment businesses in Sneads Ferry, were served this week for violation of the zoning ordinance. Queen was followed up by Joe Rigby, stating that everytime they clean up the roadside, they find at least fifty to sixty ecstacy bags, which have been discarded.
Hinnant then chimed in stating that "a lot of crime is drug related. One of my main goals is children. It's easier to keep somebody off the road to destruction than to get them off after they're there." Hinnant indicated that awareness is a problem and that some of the people in our gated communities are unaware. He said that Paradise Landing Bar was a place where drug users and dealers gathered and reminded everyone how important it is to be in the courtroom on December 11, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., for the Paradise Landing Bar case. The judge will decide whether or not the bar stays open while the trial takes place. He said if anyone has information to provide, to get in touch with Deputy Coltrane, of the Onslow County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Coltrane is on duty in Sneads Ferry almost every day. Anonymous tips may also be mailed to P.O. Box 1115. Hinnant said the court ruling can be anywhere from a slap on the wrist to land being turned over to the county and the court can also consider monetary damages to the community. He said if the bar is closed, Mercer can't open next door.
Hinnant said the two adult businesses, Cherry's and Southern Comfort, served for violation of the zoning ordinance, were out of compliance in three areas. They are as follows: No adult business (1) shall be located within one thousand (1000) feet in any direction from a building used as a dwelling, (2) within one thousand (1000) feet in any direction from a building in which an adult business or a sexually oriented business is located, (3) within one thousand (1000) feet in any direction of a building used as a church, synagogue or other house of worship. An adult business is defined as any business activity, club or other establishment which permits any employee, member, patron or guest on its premises to exhibit any specified anatomical areas before any other person or persons.
After Hinnant, Officer Tim Coltrane spoke and said he wanted to thank everyone, personally for being there and supporting this cause. Coltrane repeatedly stated that law enforcement can not do it alone. He said, "you people have to do it." He said to be aware of the signs, such as a lot of traffic going in and out of certain places at night and to write down the tag number. He stressed the importance of a Community Watch Program and posting signs in highly visible places. He said community watch is about neighbor looking after neighbor, friend looking after friend, and family looking after family. He said, "what are we going to do about drugs? Get rid of demand. It's going to take all of you people. Our hands are tied by two little words; probable cause." Coltrane said, "most kids start with prescription drugs, they get at home. If we don't take care of our kids now, who is going to take care of us?" He also discussed involuntary commitment for drug treatment, if someone is unwilling to get help. He said the law's hands are tied in such a case and it's a family issue. He said the family must go to the magistrate's office to have an involuntary commitment done. He said they then take them to detox at the mental health department and they decide what to do with them. He said, "95% don't have private health insurance. Who picks up the tab? You do. It effects everybody."
The meeting concluded with Pastor Steve Allen informing everyone that the churches are working together to train individuals to work with individuals and families affected by drugs. He said, "we don't hate drug dealers, we hate what they do." He said there are some faith-based treatment programs available. "This is a spiritual battle," he said. "Call on God in prayer." He said, "Sneads Ferry is one of the finest places on earth to live, but there is a dark side. But, I believe if we all stand up, we can change it."
Sign-up sheets were passed around for anyone interested in working with the SFCIA or a Community Watch Program. Information was also provided about getting community watch signs to put on your property. Signs may be ordered from the sheriff's department. Forms are available there. The phone number is 455-3113.
POSTED NOVEMBER 22, 2006
***FEDERAL RESERVE BANK, LOOKING AT SNEADS FERRY***
On November 21, 2006, an article about Sneads Ferry was published in Region Focus, a weekly online publication, owned by the Federal Reserve Bank. The article focused on the pros and cons of incorporation, in Sneads Ferry, and the economic impact on the community.The article may be found at the following link: http://richmondfed.org/publications/ (As of November 29, this article is no longer available online, since Region Focus is a weekly update.)
POSTED NOVEMBER 21, 2006
BRIEF: INTERIM COUNCIL MEETING: HOT TIME IN TOWN TONIGHT!
Something similar to a small volcanic eruption occurred at the interim council meeting tonight. The council finally elected an interim mayor and mayor pro-tem. Scotty Everett was nominated for interim mayor by Lynn Hinnant and Bob Bryant was nominated by Carolyn Lankas. Scotty Everett was elected interim mayor. There were five votes for Everett and one vote for Bryant. However, Bob Bryant was elected mayor pro-tem.
Prior to the election of interim mayor and mayor pro-tem, some of the attendees asked to provide input before a mayor was selected. However Pat Resch, chairwoman, said there would be no input from the public, but it could be put in the form of a motion by someone on the committee. Angie Edens made a motion for public input, before the election of a mayor. The council voted four to two, for no discussion or input from the public.
By this time, the tension in the room was heating up. A number of citizens jumped up, angrily expressing themselves, over no input from the public. Some disagreed with the selection of Everett and one stated that Angie Edens had worked very hard, appearing to prefer Edens over Everett. The angry protestors made a hasty exit into the pouring rain, carrying their angst outside. The newly elected mayor also went outside behind them, and the exchange continued on.
A break was taken and after everyone returned, with the exception of about half the crowd, the chairwoman welcomed Everett as interim mayor and passed the gavel to her. Everett thanked everyone and asked if there were any questions on the incorporation package, which was at the back of the room and had been reviewed, informally by attendees, before the meeting began. The incorporation package was approved, by the council, and is ready to be submitted to Raleigh. No copies of the charter were available due to technical problems. According to the council, an updated charter is available on their website.
Now, to some of the more uneventful points of the meeting. The final draft of the charter was voted on and approved. Some items from the charter, were read by Don Howell. Term limits have been put in the charter. Council members may not serve more than two consecutive terms. They may skip two years and may then run again and serve two more terms. The ad valorem tax is set at $.05 per $100 valuation with no increase prior to 2012. Then the council will have the option to increase the tax up to $.15 per $100 valuation. After that, then there must be a referendum to increase the ad valorem tax.
The budget was discussed and Carolyn Lankas said it was "a bare bones budget." Some citizens expressed some concerns about street lights and where they were going to be placed and how it would be determined. Concerns about waste collection were also expressed, i.e., how much would it cost, who would have the contract, would the service be mandatory or optional. The council stated that whether waste collection was mandatory or optional would be decided by the elected council. Concerns were also expressed, by the citizens, as to whether or not they would be required to have permits or licenses to operate their businesses. Again, the council said this would be decided after incorporation. Pat Resch made a motion to pass the proposed budget and everyone approved it.
There will be no interim council meeting in December. Beginning in January 2007, all public meetings will be held at the Sneads Ferry Community Center on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
POSTED NOVEMBER 20, 2006
***FIVE-WONDERS-OF-THE WORLD!!
Well, once again tonight, the five Onslow County Commissioners have shirked their duty and failed to render a decision in the Johnny Wayne Midgett case. As a matter of fact, they did not even allow any input from the public.The Strickland Court Room was packed with Midgett's supporters, Eastwood property owners and developers, as well as other interested persons, who came out, in the rain, hoping for some kind of closure in this case. This was a public meeting in which the public was not allowed to participate. The seven county officials (five county commissioners and two from planning and zoning) carried on their meeting, between the seven of them, as if no one else were present. Commissioner, Lionel Midgett, made a motion that the hearing be postponed until June 2007. The motion was seconded and all voted in favor of the postponement.
Now, this leaves Mr. Midgett and the Eastwood property owners, sitting on the fence, for several more months. According to some of those present, they anticipated such a maneuver by the commissioners, since Midgett's case is such a popular cause.
POSTED NOVEMBER 19, 2006
***PROPERTY OWNERS FIGHT BACK!!
On Tuesday, November 14th, at noon, a meeting was held regarding Johnny Wayne Midgett's business operation in Eastwood Subdivision and the complaining property owners. The meeting was requested by the Jacksonville Daily News. Several property owners and a reporter, Micah Massei, were present at the meeting. The property owners present at the meeting were Jean Clement, Will Jones, Cathy Howell, Don Howell, Harry Pleasants and Fran Hollowell. A number of property owners were unable to attend the meeting, due to their work schedule, but submitted their names and input regarding Midgett's business operation, in their neighborhood, which is deed restricted as well as zoned residential only. The Daily News published comments made by only two of the property owners at the meeting, even though comments were made by all attendees. The Daily News also stated that Hollowell was one of the residents against Midgett's operation. Hollowell said she had never complained about Midgett's business operation but she was opposed to changing the zoning ordinance to allow business in Eastwood Subdivision.
The property owners very clearly stated that they had nothing personal against Johnny Wayne Midgett, and most of them had never complained about his business operation, but did not want the zoning changed in their neighborhood. It seems that when this issue first began, only a few property owners complained, but since it has reached a point where they feel their "property rights" might be threatened, by a change in the zoning, now the majority of Eastwood property owners are coming forth and speaking up. Some believe that this could be the first step in the commercialization of Eastwood and Fulcher's Landing. One property owner said "the next thing I know, there will be a gas station on the corner beside my home."
The Onslow County Board of Commissioners will be meeting on November 20th, at 7:00 p.m., in the Superior Court House in Jacksonville. Hopefully, a decision will be rendered in this case, at that time.
POSTED NOVEMBER 19, 2006
***PROPERTY RIGHTS UNDER SIEGE!
This article will be coming soon!!
***EDITORIAL: NOVEMBER 12, 2006 - "POPULAR CAUSES, POLITICS AND POWER" (Click on menu at the top of page - Editorial)
***MEDIA RELEASE: (November 9, 2006) Onslow County has launched an online tax search, view and pay option via their county website.You may now pay your taxes online.To access, visit www.co.onslow.nc.us. From the main menu on the left, move your mouse over "Tax Office/GIS Maps" and select "Online Tax, Search, View, andy Pay."
POSTED NOVEMBER 17, 2006
***PARADISE LANDING COURT CASE POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 11, 2006
POSTED NOVEMBER 9, 2006, 9:30 p.m.
***PARADISE LANDING BAR RESTRAINING ORDER ISSUED!
A SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE HAS ISSUED A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST PARADISE LANDING BAR AND ITS OWNER. THE ORDER PHOHIBITS ANY ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AT PARADISE LANDING. THIS IS THE FIRST STEP IN A CIVIL NUISANCE ABATEMENT CASE BROUGHT BY ONSLOW COUNTY. THE BAR HAS BEEN UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR SOMETIME AND 146 WARRANTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR DRUG-RELATED CRIMES.
EDITOR'S COMMENT: THIS EVENING A NUMBER OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WERE SEEN AT PARADISE LANDING BAR AND THE BAR HAS BEEN CLOSED.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 10, 2006 - THE PARADISE LANDING BAR COMPLAINT WILL GO BEFORE JUDGE HENRY, IN SUPERIOR COURT, ON NOVEMBER 17, 2006, AT 9:00 A.M. THE BAR IS PROHIBITED FROM SELLING ALCOHOL UNTIL THAT TIME. JUDGE HENRY WILL DECIDE IF THE BAR WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL THE CASE GOES TO COURT.
EDITOR'S COMMENT: THE BAR REMAINED CLOSED THIS EVENING.
POSTED NOVEMBER 8, 2006, 12:42 a.m.
COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2006, 7:00 P.M.
SUPERIOR COURTHOUSE
JAMES R. STRICKLAND SUPERIOR COURT ROOM
JACKSONVILLE, NC
POSTED NOVEMBER 8, 2006, 6:25 p.m.
THERE WILL BE AN INTERIM COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2006, AT 7:00 P.M., AT THE DIXON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA. SINCE THE COUNCIL WILL BE FINALIZING THE VILLAGE CHARTER AT THIS MEETING, IT WILL BE IMPORTANT TO ALL CITIZENS OF SNEADS FERRY. THE INCORPORATION PACKAGE IS DUE IN RALEIGH ON NOVEMBER 25, 2006.
POSTED NOVEMBER 4, 2006
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO DELIVER MEALS TO OLDER ADULTS IN SNEADS FERRY. FOR INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER CALL 455-2747.
****MOVED TO EDITORIAL PAGE****
ENTERTAINMENT IN SNEADS FERRY: INTERIM COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2006
***UPDATE: PARADISE LANDING BAR CASE
ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2006, SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE JACK JENKINS ISSUED A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AGAINST PARADISE LANDING BAR, IN FULCHER'S LANDING. THE BAR IS REQUIRED TO REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL THE CASE GOES TO TRIAL ON JANUARY 16, 2007.
POSTED FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2006
***INCORPORATION PACKAGE***
According to members of the Village Interim Council, today, a copy of the complete incorporation package will be placed in the Sneads Ferry library sometime during the week of December 11, 2006.
POSTED DECEMBER 5, 2006
***INTERIM COUNCIL MEETINGS***
Beginning in January 2007, all public meetings will be held in the Sneads Ferry Community Building on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, at 7:00 p.m.
POSTED THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2006
SNEADS FERRY CITIZENS IN ACTION (SFCIA) MEETING TONIGHT: CLEANING UP THE "VILLAGE"
The Sneads Ferry Citizens In Action, better know as the SFCIA, met tonight at the Sneads Ferry Community Center at 7:00 p.m. Lynn Hinnant opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. Hinnant's welcome was followed with a prayer by Pastor Steve Allen.
After the prayer, Glynn Queen shared some of the history of the SFCIA. He said it was started about four years ago by himself and Joe Rigby. One thousand dollars was provided by the Rotary Club to help out. He said, "we tried to get some direction why people getting arrested for drugs are out a couple of weeks later." He said he asked Sheriff Ed Brown, how this happens and the sheriff told him, it's the system, i.e. plea bargains, etc. Queen said, "you have to be convicted of possession of cocaine before you get jail time." He said we're under state and county guidelines; we don't need new laws, we need to enforce the laws we have. "Drugs are the worst thing in this country," he said. The motto of the SFCIA is "TURN AWARENESS INTO ACTION!" He said everyone needs to contact Senator Harry Brown and Representative Robert Grady, to let them know how we feel about drugs in our community and encourage them to take action. Queen said two adult entertainment businesses in Sneads Ferry, were served this week for violation of the zoning ordinance. Queen was followed up by Joe Rigby, stating that everytime they clean up the roadside, they find at least fifty to sixty ecstacy bags, which have been discarded.
Hinnant then chimed in stating that "a lot of crime is drug related. One of my main goals is children. It's easier to keep somebody off the road to destruction than to get them off after they're there." Hinnant indicated that awareness is a problem and that some of the people in our gated communities are unaware. He said that Paradise Landing Bar was a place where drug users and dealers gathered and reminded everyone how important it is to be in the courtroom on December 11, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., for the Paradise Landing Bar case. The judge will decide whether or not the bar stays open while the trial takes place. He said if anyone has information to provide, to get in touch with Deputy Coltrane, of the Onslow County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Coltrane is on duty in Sneads Ferry almost every day. Anonymous tips may also be mailed to P.O. Box 1115. Hinnant said the court ruling can be anywhere from a slap on the wrist to land being turned over to the county and the court can also consider monetary damages to the community. He said if the bar is closed, Mercer can't open next door.
Hinnant said the two adult businesses, Cherry's and Southern Comfort, served for violation of the zoning ordinance, were out of compliance in three areas. They are as follows: No adult business (1) shall be located within one thousand (1000) feet in any direction from a building used as a dwelling, (2) within one thousand (1000) feet in any direction from a building in which an adult business or a sexually oriented business is located, (3) within one thousand (1000) feet in any direction of a building used as a church, synagogue or other house of worship. An adult business is defined as any business activity, club or other establishment which permits any employee, member, patron or guest on its premises to exhibit any specified anatomical areas before any other person or persons.
After Hinnant, Officer Tim Coltrane spoke and said he wanted to thank everyone, personally for being there and supporting this cause. Coltrane repeatedly stated that law enforcement can not do it alone. He said, "you people have to do it." He said to be aware of the signs, such as a lot of traffic going in and out of certain places at night and to write down the tag number. He stressed the importance of a Community Watch Program and posting signs in highly visible places. He said community watch is about neighbor looking after neighbor, friend looking after friend, and family looking after family. He said, "what are we going to do about drugs? Get rid of demand. It's going to take all of you people. Our hands are tied by two little words; probable cause." Coltrane said, "most kids start with prescription drugs, they get at home. If we don't take care of our kids now, who is going to take care of us?" He also discussed involuntary commitment for drug treatment, if someone is unwilling to get help. He said the law's hands are tied in such a case and it's a family issue. He said the family must go to the magistrate's office to have an involuntary commitment done. He said they then take them to detox at the mental health department and they decide what to do with them. He said, "95% don't have private health insurance. Who picks up the tab? You do. It effects everybody."
The meeting concluded with Pastor Steve Allen informing everyone that the churches are working together to train individuals to work with individuals and families affected by drugs. He said, "we don't hate drug dealers, we hate what they do." He said there are some faith-based treatment programs available. "This is a spiritual battle," he said. "Call on God in prayer." He said, "Sneads Ferry is one of the finest places on earth to live, but there is a dark side. But, I believe if we all stand up, we can change it."
Sign-up sheets were passed around for anyone interested in working with the SFCIA or a Community Watch Program. Information was also provided about getting community watch signs to put on your property. Signs may be ordered from the sheriff's department. Forms are available there. The phone number is 455-3113.
POSTED NOVEMBER 22, 2006
***FEDERAL RESERVE BANK, LOOKING AT SNEADS FERRY***
On November 21, 2006, an article about Sneads Ferry was published in Region Focus, a weekly online publication, owned by the Federal Reserve Bank. The article focused on the pros and cons of incorporation, in Sneads Ferry, and the economic impact on the community.The article may be found at the following link: http://richmondfed.org/publications/ (As of November 29, this article is no longer available online, since Region Focus is a weekly update.)
POSTED NOVEMBER 21, 2006
BRIEF: INTERIM COUNCIL MEETING: HOT TIME IN TOWN TONIGHT!
Something similar to a small volcanic eruption occurred at the interim council meeting tonight. The council finally elected an interim mayor and mayor pro-tem. Scotty Everett was nominated for interim mayor by Lynn Hinnant and Bob Bryant was nominated by Carolyn Lankas. Scotty Everett was elected interim mayor. There were five votes for Everett and one vote for Bryant. However, Bob Bryant was elected mayor pro-tem.
Prior to the election of interim mayor and mayor pro-tem, some of the attendees asked to provide input before a mayor was selected. However Pat Resch, chairwoman, said there would be no input from the public, but it could be put in the form of a motion by someone on the committee. Angie Edens made a motion for public input, before the election of a mayor. The council voted four to two, for no discussion or input from the public.
By this time, the tension in the room was heating up. A number of citizens jumped up, angrily expressing themselves, over no input from the public. Some disagreed with the selection of Everett and one stated that Angie Edens had worked very hard, appearing to prefer Edens over Everett. The angry protestors made a hasty exit into the pouring rain, carrying their angst outside. The newly elected mayor also went outside behind them, and the exchange continued on.
A break was taken and after everyone returned, with the exception of about half the crowd, the chairwoman welcomed Everett as interim mayor and passed the gavel to her. Everett thanked everyone and asked if there were any questions on the incorporation package, which was at the back of the room and had been reviewed, informally by attendees, before the meeting began. The incorporation package was approved, by the council, and is ready to be submitted to Raleigh. No copies of the charter were available due to technical problems. According to the council, an updated charter is available on their website.
Now, to some of the more uneventful points of the meeting. The final draft of the charter was voted on and approved. Some items from the charter, were read by Don Howell. Term limits have been put in the charter. Council members may not serve more than two consecutive terms. They may skip two years and may then run again and serve two more terms. The ad valorem tax is set at $.05 per $100 valuation with no increase prior to 2012. Then the council will have the option to increase the tax up to $.15 per $100 valuation. After that, then there must be a referendum to increase the ad valorem tax.
The budget was discussed and Carolyn Lankas said it was "a bare bones budget." Some citizens expressed some concerns about street lights and where they were going to be placed and how it would be determined. Concerns about waste collection were also expressed, i.e., how much would it cost, who would have the contract, would the service be mandatory or optional. The council stated that whether waste collection was mandatory or optional would be decided by the elected council. Concerns were also expressed, by the citizens, as to whether or not they would be required to have permits or licenses to operate their businesses. Again, the council said this would be decided after incorporation. Pat Resch made a motion to pass the proposed budget and everyone approved it.
There will be no interim council meeting in December. Beginning in January 2007, all public meetings will be held at the Sneads Ferry Community Center on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
POSTED NOVEMBER 20, 2006
***FIVE-WONDERS-OF-THE WORLD!!
Well, once again tonight, the five Onslow County Commissioners have shirked their duty and failed to render a decision in the Johnny Wayne Midgett case. As a matter of fact, they did not even allow any input from the public.The Strickland Court Room was packed with Midgett's supporters, Eastwood property owners and developers, as well as other interested persons, who came out, in the rain, hoping for some kind of closure in this case. This was a public meeting in which the public was not allowed to participate. The seven county officials (five county commissioners and two from planning and zoning) carried on their meeting, between the seven of them, as if no one else were present. Commissioner, Lionel Midgett, made a motion that the hearing be postponed until June 2007. The motion was seconded and all voted in favor of the postponement.
Now, this leaves Mr. Midgett and the Eastwood property owners, sitting on the fence, for several more months. According to some of those present, they anticipated such a maneuver by the commissioners, since Midgett's case is such a popular cause.
POSTED NOVEMBER 19, 2006
***PROPERTY OWNERS FIGHT BACK!!
On Tuesday, November 14th, at noon, a meeting was held regarding Johnny Wayne Midgett's business operation in Eastwood Subdivision and the complaining property owners. The meeting was requested by the Jacksonville Daily News. Several property owners and a reporter, Micah Massei, were present at the meeting. The property owners present at the meeting were Jean Clement, Will Jones, Cathy Howell, Don Howell, Harry Pleasants and Fran Hollowell. A number of property owners were unable to attend the meeting, due to their work schedule, but submitted their names and input regarding Midgett's business operation, in their neighborhood, which is deed restricted as well as zoned residential only. The Daily News published comments made by only two of the property owners at the meeting, even though comments were made by all attendees. The Daily News also stated that Hollowell was one of the residents against Midgett's operation. Hollowell said she had never complained about Midgett's business operation but she was opposed to changing the zoning ordinance to allow business in Eastwood Subdivision.
The property owners very clearly stated that they had nothing personal against Johnny Wayne Midgett, and most of them had never complained about his business operation, but did not want the zoning changed in their neighborhood. It seems that when this issue first began, only a few property owners complained, but since it has reached a point where they feel their "property rights" might be threatened, by a change in the zoning, now the majority of Eastwood property owners are coming forth and speaking up. Some believe that this could be the first step in the commercialization of Eastwood and Fulcher's Landing. One property owner said "the next thing I know, there will be a gas station on the corner beside my home."
The Onslow County Board of Commissioners will be meeting on November 20th, at 7:00 p.m., in the Superior Court House in Jacksonville. Hopefully, a decision will be rendered in this case, at that time.
POSTED NOVEMBER 19, 2006
***PROPERTY RIGHTS UNDER SIEGE!
This article will be coming soon!!
***EDITORIAL: NOVEMBER 12, 2006 - "POPULAR CAUSES, POLITICS AND POWER" (Click on menu at the top of page - Editorial)
***MEDIA RELEASE: (November 9, 2006) Onslow County has launched an online tax search, view and pay option via their county website.You may now pay your taxes online.To access, visit www.co.onslow.nc.us. From the main menu on the left, move your mouse over "Tax Office/GIS Maps" and select "Online Tax, Search, View, andy Pay."
POSTED NOVEMBER 17, 2006
***PARADISE LANDING COURT CASE POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 11, 2006
POSTED NOVEMBER 9, 2006, 9:30 p.m.
***PARADISE LANDING BAR RESTRAINING ORDER ISSUED!
A SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE HAS ISSUED A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST PARADISE LANDING BAR AND ITS OWNER. THE ORDER PHOHIBITS ANY ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AT PARADISE LANDING. THIS IS THE FIRST STEP IN A CIVIL NUISANCE ABATEMENT CASE BROUGHT BY ONSLOW COUNTY. THE BAR HAS BEEN UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR SOMETIME AND 146 WARRANTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR DRUG-RELATED CRIMES.
EDITOR'S COMMENT: THIS EVENING A NUMBER OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WERE SEEN AT PARADISE LANDING BAR AND THE BAR HAS BEEN CLOSED.
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 10, 2006 - THE PARADISE LANDING BAR COMPLAINT WILL GO BEFORE JUDGE HENRY, IN SUPERIOR COURT, ON NOVEMBER 17, 2006, AT 9:00 A.M. THE BAR IS PROHIBITED FROM SELLING ALCOHOL UNTIL THAT TIME. JUDGE HENRY WILL DECIDE IF THE BAR WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL THE CASE GOES TO COURT.
EDITOR'S COMMENT: THE BAR REMAINED CLOSED THIS EVENING.
POSTED NOVEMBER 8, 2006, 12:42 a.m.
COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2006, 7:00 P.M.
SUPERIOR COURTHOUSE
JAMES R. STRICKLAND SUPERIOR COURT ROOM
JACKSONVILLE, NC
POSTED NOVEMBER 8, 2006, 6:25 p.m.
THERE WILL BE AN INTERIM COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2006, AT 7:00 P.M., AT THE DIXON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA. SINCE THE COUNCIL WILL BE FINALIZING THE VILLAGE CHARTER AT THIS MEETING, IT WILL BE IMPORTANT TO ALL CITIZENS OF SNEADS FERRY. THE INCORPORATION PACKAGE IS DUE IN RALEIGH ON NOVEMBER 25, 2006.
POSTED NOVEMBER 4, 2006
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO DELIVER MEALS TO OLDER ADULTS IN SNEADS FERRY. FOR INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER CALL 455-2747.
POSTED OCTOBER 25, 2006
INTERIM COUNCIL MEETING
The Sneads Ferry interim council, held its meeting on Tuesday, October 24, 2006, at 7:00 p.m., at the Dixon Elementary School. The chairman announced that the incorporation petition had been accepted by the board of elections for certification. The proposed charter had been withdrawn and a new Draft of the Charter of the Village of Sneads Ferry was introduced.The charter was reviewed for the attendees at the meeting. The group was given an opportunity to vote on some items in the charter; one being the ad valorem tax, which is to be set at $.05 per $100.00 valuation until 2012, and whether or not an increase of $.10 per $100.00 would be in small increments of $.02 or increased by $.10 at one increase, after 2012. The group voted for the incremental increases. They also voted that anything over $.15 per $100.00 valuation, be done by referendum by qualified voters of Sneads Ferry. Another issue voted on was term limits for council members and mayor. By a show of hands, the attendees indicated that they support term limits for both.
The chairwoman of the finance committee stated that the budget was being worked on and three positions must be filled to meet state statutes. She also stated that the committee was doing a cost analysis which includes fire, zoning, police, garbage and street lights.
The council members voted twice on an applicant to fill the vacancy on the council left after Jeremy Edens resigned. After two tied votes, the council tabled the vote until November 7th, at their next open meeting. Also, tabled until November 7th was the selection of mayor and mayor pro-tem after selection of the new council member.
POSTED OCTOBER 23, 2006, 12:18 a.m.
INCORPORATION ISSUE!
There most likely won't be a lot of incorporation rhetoric in the community in the coming months, due to the prolonged delay of a referendum. According to the information provided at candidate's night on October 17th, it will be late 2007 or possibly 2008. The interim council is still preparing their package for submission and must have all of the signatures on the incorporation petition certified by the board of elections before it goes to Raleigh. However, the board of elections is extremely busy due to the upcoming November 7th election. SO, BE REGISTERED TO VOTE AND VOTE WHEN IT'S TIME!!
POSTED NOVEMBER 8, 2006, 12:42 a.m.
****MOVED TO EDITORIAL PAGE****
ENTERTAINMENT IN SNEADS FERRY: INTERIM COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2006
POSTED NOVEMBER 3, 2006, 12:03 a.m.
FATE OF JOHNNY WAYNE MIDGETT?
SEE NEXT PAGE (FISHERMEN) FOR ARTICLE.
