Fire, Funding and Future

Good Morning, Leland area friends! TGIF! We have a long weekend ahead of us but remember the reason!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• The Burn Ban is Back

• Historic Church Damaged

• Food!!

THE NEWS

Memorial Day

Remember the reason for Memorial Day and if you are fortunate enough to have the day off remember to:

• pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces and,

• reflect on the cost of freedom and the lives lost in wars and conflicts throughout American history.

Take a moment of silence at 3:00pm to remember that freedom is not free.

There will be no issue on Monday. - We’ll see you again on Tuesday! 🇺🇸

Future of Navassa Police Department Still Uncertain

WWAY covered the Navassa special meeting last night.

The Town of Navassa remains undecided on the future of its police department following a special meeting Thursday night. The town has had no active police force since May 5, after its last three full-time officers resigned, following the departure of Chief Dale Thomas to the City of Northwest.

During the meeting, council members reviewed Northwest's contract with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, which pays deputies $40 per hour for 20 hours of patrol each week. However, some Navassa council members expressed concerns over the lack of prior discussion about a suitable contract for their town and questioned the financial feasibility.

Councilwoman Ida Dixon highlighted the inconsistency in funding, noting the town couldn’t afford raises for its own officers but may now consider paying for outside services. A workshop to discuss a potential contract with the Sheriff’s Office will be held during Navassa’s budget meeting on June 3.

Brunswick County Considering Emergency Response Changes

Brunswick County officials are grappling with emergency response concerns following a major wildfire in Boiling Spring Lakes that burned 1,500 acres and led to evacuations and a temporary state of emergency. The fire, now 95% contained, highlighted ongoing issues with fire service funding, infrastructure, and coordination.

Commissioner Randy Thompson raised concerns about the county’s limited emergency resources and proposed shifting from a fire fee system to a fire tax based on property values. While the county plans to implement this change next year, Thompson urged immediate funding increases for volunteer departments. Some commissioners asked for more time to consider the proposal.

St. James Mayor Jean Toner and advocacy groups, including the NAACP and EarthRights, are calling for expanded water infrastructure to improve fire safety, noting many areas lack access to fire hydrants. They’ve urged the county to apply for state water grants to support underserved communities.

The wildfire, started by a resident burning debris during drought conditions, also raised concerns about climate change’s impact on fire risks. A federal report recently found the nearby Brunswick Nuclear Plant is among several at high wildfire risk, warning that regulatory agencies may not be adequately accounting for future climate threats.

Residents and officials continue to express concern about the pace of development, inadequate evacuation routes, and the strain on emergency response systems, urging the county to act quickly to improve safety and preparedness.

Rock Creek Rd in Winnabow Reopened

On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Winnabow Volunteer Fire Department responded to two major incidents. Around 2:30 p.m., crews assisted in a coastal boat rescue. An hour later, they were dispatched to a fast-moving brush fire near Rock Creek Rd. Multiple units and personnel responded to contain the fire and protect nearby homes, with support from mutual aid partners and North Carolina Forestry. Thanks to coordinated effort no structures were impacted. The department commended all involved for their strong teamwork on a demanding day. The road has been re-opened and the fire is at 0% containment.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

"Baseball, Brews & BBQ" Fundraiser to Support Rock Solid 12U White Team

The Rock Solid 12U White baseball team is preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cooperstown, and the community is invited to help make it happen at a special fundraising event.

Join the team at Leland Brewing on Saturday, May 24th from 3–6 PM (Memorial Day Weekend) for an afternoon filled with great food, cold drinks, and community spirit—all in support of these young athletes.

Ways to support the team:

• Enjoy BBQ from Rub & Grub Mexicue: A portion of all food sales will benefit the team.

• Drink a Leland Light beer: \$1 from every Leland Light sold will be donated to Rock Solid 12U White.

• Enter the 50/50 raffle: Take a chance to win while supporting a meaningful cause.

Friends, families, and baseball fans are encouraged to come out, enjoy some delicious BBQ, and help these dedicated players reach the legendary fields of Cooperstown.

Let’s make their dream a reality—see you at Leland Brewing!

Free Slow Flow Yoga Event & Local Wellness Showcase

Eternal Fitness Leland invites the community to a free Slow Flow Yoga event, open to all experience levels. Led by instructor Lily Ann, this gentle, breath-centered class offers a chance to relax, reset, and reconnect with both body and mind in a welcoming outdoor environment.

The class will take place at Sunday at 11am in the facility’s private gated outdoor area. No registration is required—participants are encouraged to simply show up and enjoy a rejuvenating, community-focused experience.

Do you have an event? Reach out to us! [email protected]

WEATHER

Friday

79 🌡️ 58 | ⛅ | 0% | 🌬️ WNW 13 mph

Saturday

77 🌡️ 59 | ⛅ | 20% | 🌬️ NW 8 mph

Sunday

78 🌡️ 63 | 🌧️ | 50% | 🌬️ SW 8 mph

Monday

73 🌡️ 61 | ☁️ | 25% | 🌬️ NE 11 mph

Thank you for taking the time to read this and every issue of Live, Laugh, Love Leland!

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See you Tuesday!