Lightning and Electricity

Good Morning, Leland, Winnabow, Belville and more! One more day closer to the fourth! Remember to handle your fireworks safely!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Changes Coming in Brunswick EMC Member’s Bills

• North Carolina - Be Careful Around Lightning!

• Brunswick Southport Leland Fire Rescue Service Dog Passes Away

THE NEWS

Changes Coming in Brunswick EMC Member’s Bills

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) announced it will implement a time-based rate structure and increase the residential Base Facility Charge starting November 1. The new structure allows members to lower energy costs by shifting usage to off-peak hours—mornings in winter (6–9 a.m.) and afternoons in summer (2–6 p.m.). The Base Facility Charge will rise from $29.75 to $35 to cover growing operational and infrastructure costs. BEMC says the changes aim to give members more control over their energy bills while maintaining reliable service. (WWAY).

North Carolina - Be Careful Around Lightning!

July is the deadliest month for lightning-related injuries and deaths in the U.S., with North Carolina now ranking in the top five states for such fatalities. A recent local incident involved a 53-year-old man struck by lightning while in a boat near Marsh Creek. Over the past decade, North Carolina has recorded 11 lightning deaths, while Florida leads the nation with 50. Men are four times more likely than women to be struck, particularly during weekend afternoons. Most lightning deaths occur during outdoor leisure activities like boating, fishing, golfing, or beach outings. Only 18% happen during work, with farming and ranching being the most at-risk occupations. For safety tips dealing with lightning - visit cdc.gov. (WWAY)

Brunswick Southport Leland Fire Rescue Service Dog Passes Away

Brunswick Southport Leland Fire Rescue (BSLFR) has announced the passing of EMBER, a longtime crisis response dog who served with compassion and dedication. EMBER supported both first responders and citizens through countless emotional moments, offering comfort during crises. She began her service with BSLFR and eventually extended her reach to other agencies in the region.

EMBER was specially bred for this role and was paired with her handler, former Assistant Chief McConnell, through the paws4people foundation. As the area’s first crisis response dog, she paved the way for others, not only through her work but also as a nurturing mother to future service dogs.

Her legacy continues through her offspring, including GARNER—named after former BSLFR Assistant Chief Eddie Garner—and HEATH, named in honor of Wilmington Captain David Heath, who died in the line of duty.

Though EMBER has crossed the rainbow bridge, her impact and memory live on in the lives she touched and the work she inspired. (Facebook)

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Live Music at Local’s Tavern Tonight

Two Bigs, One Gig will play tonight at 6:00 pm at Local’s Tavern located at 1107 New Pointe Blvd in Leland.

BBX Open for the Fourth of July

Brunswick Beer XChange – BBX-Bottle Shoppe in Leland, NC will be open on the 4th of July from 12–4 p.m. Guests are invited to stop by before heading to the beach or cookout to enjoy special holiday deals, including \$6 drafts all day, $2 off all 32oz crowlers, and 15% off all to-go packages.

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

WEATHER

Thursday

88 🌡️ 73 | 🌧️ | 20% | 🌬️ NE 6 mph | Humidity 70%

Friday 🇺🇸🎇

88 🌡️ 74 | ⛅ | 25% | 🌬️ ENE 11 mph | Humidity 64%

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

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See you tomorrow!