Patience, Pooch, Homes and Help

Good Morning, Leland, Town Creek, Navassa and more! Did you survive yesterday without getting pinched? Now on to Tuesday!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Brunswick County Sues Over Delays To Water Treatment Plant

• Oak Island Mobility Mats Replaced After Being Damaged by Bafoonery

• Habitat for Humanity Application Window to Open for Home Ownership

• Brunswick County Gets New K9 for Sheriff’s Department

• Winnabow VFD Puts Out Fire

THE NEWS

Brunswick County Sues Over Delays To Water Treatment Plant

Brunswick County is suing contractor Oscar Renda Contracting, Inc. for breach of contract and repeated delays on its $122.6 million Northwest Water Treatment Plant expansion, aimed at removing PFAS contamination. The project, originally set for completion in December 2023, faced multiple missed deadlines, poor workmanship, and system failures. After issuing default notices and forbearance agreements, the county terminated the contract on July 25, 2025, and is now seeking damages to cover project completion costs and daily penalties of $5,500 since June 2023.

The lawsuit also targets Zurich American Insurance Company and Federal Insurance Company, holding them liable as project sureties. Brunswick County is working with engineering firm CDM Smith to oversee the project while searching for a new contractor, without raising customer water rates.

The Northwest Plant expansion is Brunswick’s largest capital project, designed to double capacity and install a reverse osmosis system to remove PFAS and 1,4-dioxane from the Cape Fear River. Current PFOS levels in the water still exceed EPA limits.

Oscar Renda has a history of similar legal disputes, including lawsuits in Biloxi, MS, and El Paso, TX, over project delays and property damage. Brunswick County is also part of an ongoing lawsuit against DuPont and Chemours over PFAS pollution, with a trial expected in 2026.

The county is determined to complete the project “as planned and designed” to protect residents' health, despite continued setbacks. (Port City Daily)

Oak Island Mobility Mats Replaced After Being Damaged by Bafoonery

The Town of Oak Island has replaced a Mobility Assistance Mat (Mobi-Mat) at SE 40th Street beach access after it was damaged by vehicles illegally driving on the beach and getting stuck on July 28. Public Works quickly sourced and installed a replacement, restoring access. The Town is seeking compensation from the drivers responsible for the damage. For a list of all Mobi-Mat locations, visit OakIslandNC.gov/ACCESS. (WWAY)

Habitat for Humanity Application Window to Open for Home Ownership

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity will open applications for its homeownership program on August 11. Five affordable homes are available in the Highland Hills subdivision in Leland. The program is for low-to-moderate income individuals and families, offering an affordable mortgage. Participants contribute sweat equity, attend financial education classes, and partner with Habitat during construction. This follows a well-attended information session on July 24, highlighting the community’s need for affordable housing. (WECT)

Brunswick County Gets New K9 for Sheriff’s Department

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has added K9 Pepper to its team, working with Deputy Forbes. Donated by Paul Coley and Scent Evidence K9s, Pepper joins the department after the passing of K9 Bayard and is already proving to be a valuable asset in supporting the office’s mission to serve and protect the community. (WWAY)

Winnabow VFD Puts Out Fire

On August 2, 2025, Winnabow Fire Department responded to a shed and grass fire in Winnabow, quickly extinguishing the blaze with assistance from Bolivia Volunteer Fire Department. Mutual aid from Leland, Navassa, N.W. Volunteer, and Boiling Spring Lakes Fire Departments was dispatched but stood down enroute. There were no injuries or damage to nearby homes, and all resident Beagle puppies were safe. Firefighter O’Connor was seen giving one of the puppies a hug after the incident. (Facebook)

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Music Bingo at Local’s Tavern

Every Wednesday at Local’s Tavern Sherri so Very hosts music trivia starting at 630pm. They are located at 1107 New Pointe Blvd. (The strip in front of the Leland Wal-Mart).

Gio Fund Bingo Tomorrow

Join the fun every Wednesday at the Gio Fund Event Center, located at 117 Village Rd NE, Unit G, Leland, NC 28451. Doors open at 5 p.m., with early bird games starting at 6 p.m. and regular Bingo beginning at 6:30 p.m. All participants must purchase a six-pack of ten games for $20. Additional sheets, food, and drinks are available for purchase. Prizes for each game are based on the number of cards sold, with a top prize of up to $500 for Game 10. No outside food, drinks, or Gio Card discounts are allowed.

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

WEATHER

Tuesday

82 🌡️ 70 | 🌧️ | 35% | 🌬️ ENE 9 mph | Humidity 73%

Wednesday

82 🌡️71 | 🌧️ | 45% | 🌬️ ENE 8 mph | Humidity 79%

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

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See you tomorrow!