OurTown

NEWSLETTER
Our T own
Published weekly by the Town of Burgaw | December 8-12, 2025
On Tuesday, December 9, the Town of Burgaw proudly held its swearing -in ceremony
during the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners, marking both the
continuation of trusted leadership and the beginning of new service.
Mayor Olivia Dawson and Commissioner James Malloy were officially sworn in to serve
another term on the Board of Commissioners. The Town is grateful for their continued
dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving the residents of Burgaw, and we
look forward to the work ahead under their guidance.
The Town also welcomed Commissioner Myra McDuffie, who was sworn in to serve her
first term on the Board. Commissioner McDuffie fills the seat previously held by
Commissioner Jan Dawson, and we are excited to welcome her perspective, energy, and
willingness to serve our community.
Town of Burgaw Holds Swearing-In Ceremony and Recognizes the Dedicated
Service of Former Commissioner Jan Dawson
Happening
this weekend:
Movie in the Park
Christmas Vacation
December 12 | 6:30 PM
Dees Park
Christmas Parade
December 13 | 5:30 PM
Downtown
Santa’s Workshop
December 13 | 1:00-3:00 PM
Burgaw Town Center
NOTI CE OF ROAD CLOSURES
The following road closures have been approved by the Town of Burgaw Board of
Commissioners for the annual Christmas Parade hosted by the Burgaw Area Chamber of
Commerce on Saturday, December 13, 2025:
• Industrial Drive from Dickerson Street to Progress Drive—4:30 pm-end of event
• Dickerson Street from Enterprise Drive to Bridgers Street—5:00 pm-end of event
• Fremont Street from Dudley Street to Walker Street—5:00 pm-end of event
• Wright Street from Bridgers Street to Williams Street—5:00 pm-end of event
• Wilmington Street from Dudley Street to Cowan Street—5:00 pm-end of event
• Walker Street from East Hayes Street to Bridgers Street—5:00 pm-end of event
• Walker Street from East Hayes Street to Bickett Street—5:30 pm-end of event
In addition, the Board and Town staff had the honor of
recognizing Commissioner Jan Dawson for 21 years of
exceptional service to the Town of Burgaw. Her leadership,
steadfast dedication, and long -standing commitment have
made a lasting impact on our community, and the Town
extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude for her many
years of service.
Thank you, Mrs. Dawson, for your dedicated service to our town!

December 12 | 6:30 PM
Movie in the Park: Christmas Vacation
Dees Park
December 13 | 1:00-3:00 PM
Santa’s Workshop
Burgaw Town Center
December 13 | 5:30 PM
Annual Christmas Parade
Downtown
December 17 | 12:00 PM
Senior Christmas Luncheon
Pre-registration required.
Burgaw Town Center
December 18 | 5:30 PM
Planning Board Regular Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
December 20 | 8-11 AM
Breakfast with Santa
Pre-registration required.
Historic Train Depot
December 20 | 10 AM-4 PM
Christmas on the Square
Downtown
December 24-26
Town offices closed in observance of Christmas
December 31 | 5-7:30 PM
New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop
Downtown
Our Town | Page 2
UPCOMING
M E E T I N G N O T I C E
Due to the upcoming New Year holiday, the regular
meetings of the Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
and the Beautification Committee—typically held on
the first Thursday and Friday of the month—have
been rescheduled to the second week of January.
The Tourism Development Authority (TDA) will meet
on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 8:30 AM, and the
Beautification Committee will meet on Friday, January
9, 2026, at 8:30 AM.
Aerial photo of Burgaw, captured by
Flight Instructor Michael Pirozzolo
Last Call for Letters to
Santa and Toy Donations!
Time is running out to take part in two special
holiday traditions in the Town of Burgaw.
Children are invited to drop off their letters to
Santa at the official mailbox located next to
the big Christmas tree on the Courthouse Square by December
14. Be sure to include a name and return address so Santa can
write back.
In addition, the Town ’s Christmas Toy Drive concludes on
December 17, and residents are encouraged to donate new,
unwrapped toys to help brighten the season for local families in
need. Your participation helps spread joy and holiday cheer
throughout our community.

Our Town | Page 3
The 2025 Town of Burgaw Christmas Ornaments
are now available for purchase!
Historic Pender County Courthouse
Ornaments are $20 and can be purchased at Town Hall, 109 N. Walker
Street, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. There are also limited quantity of 2023
and 2024 ornaments available to purchase as well for $10. These make great
gifts for friends and family this Christmas. All proceeds go towards
beautification projects around town.
Mayor Dawson, Mayor Pro-Tem Malloy, and Commissioners Pearsall
and McDuffie attended Elected Officials Training hosted by the North
Carolina League of Municipalities in Durham on Wednesday,
December 10, 2025. Commissioners Rivenbark and George will be
attending the training virtually on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
The training provided a full day of learning, discussion, and
collaboration focused on effective, transparent local governance.
Sessions covered topics ranging from rules of procedure to the
practical responsibilities of elected office, reinforcing the importance
of preparation, accountability, and a shared commitment to serving
the community with integrity. Photo credit: NC League of Municipalities
Town officials attend Elected Officials Training in Durham
The Town of Burgaw reminds residents that all golf cart registrations with the
Burgaw Police Department expire on December 31, 2025. The Town ’s annual
Golf Cart Registration Program allows registered golf carts to operate on
streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, helping promote safety,
compliance with local regulations, and convenient transportation within town
limits.
Unless a golf cart is registered with a valid North Carolina Division of Motor
Vehicles (NCDMV) license tag, owners are required to complete annual
registration with the Town of Burgaw. Registration includes an inspection by
the Burgaw Police Department to ensure all safety requirements are met,
proof of ownership, and current liability insurance meeting or exceeding
North Carolina motor vehicle insurance requirements. Owners must also
complete a waiver of liability releasing the Town of Burgaw from any claims
arising from golf cart operation, pay the annual registration fee of $25
(subject to change per the annual fee schedule), and display the issued
permit or sticker on the driver’s side windshield of the cart.
Residents are encouraged to renew early to avoid any lapse in registration
and to ensure continued lawful operation of golf carts within the Town of
Burgaw. For questions or to renew your registration, please call the Burgaw
Police Department at 910-259-4924.
Reminder: Renew Golf Cart Registrations by
December 31st
The Town of Burgaw is currently
accepting applications to fill one
(1) vacancy on the Parks &
Recreation Advisory Committee.
This is a volunteer position and
applicants must reside within the
corporate limits of Burgaw. Visit
burgawnc.gov for more
information and application to
apply. Applications may also be
picked up at Town Hall, located
at 109 N. Walker Street.
Completed applications must be
submitted to the Town Clerk,
109 N. Walker Street.
NOW ACCEPTING
APPLICATIONS

Our Town | Page 4
Town Administrative Offices will be closed Wednesday, December 24th
through Friday, December 26th for the Christmas Holiday.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
The Town of Burgaw proudly held a ribbon
cutting ceremony to celebrate the official
opening of the Burgaw Visitor Center and
the new Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Offices. Community members, elected
officials, and staff gathered at the historic
Old Jail building to mark this exciting
milestone, which represents an important
step in enhancing visitor services,
preserving local history, and promoting
Burgaw as a welcoming destination year -
round.
Burgaw Celebrates the
Official Opening of the
Burgaw Visitor Center
Community joins Tunnel to Towers
Foundation to Honor a True American Hero
A proud and meaningful day in Burgaw as the community came
together to honor U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jesus “Chuy” Vasquez
Jr. on Wednesday, December 10th.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation presented Sgt. Vasquez and his
family with a mortgage -free smart home, located right here in
Burgaw, serving as a powerful tribute to his service, sacrifice, and
heroism, and a heartfelt welcome home.

POWERED BY WV @ GROSB
CRANE RENTAL
DECEMBER 31ST | 5:00 - 7:30 PM
Our Town | Page 5

Mayor
Olivia Dawson
Mayor Pro Tem
James Malloy
Commissioners
Bill George
William Rivenbark
Michael Pearsall
Myra McDuffie
Town Manager
James H. Gantt
Town Clerk
Kristin J. Wells
Town Attorney
Norwood P. Blanchard, III
Town Hall
109 N. Walker St.
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-259-2151
mail@burgawnc.gov
www.burgawnc.gov
Office Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday-Friday
PUBLIC WORKS
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
NUMBER
PHONE # 910-470-0457
This phone is only answered after
hours, between 4:30 PM - 7:30 AM,
and is for water and sewer
emergencies only . Unless Public
Works has been given prior notice
from Town Hall, Public Works
cannot turn your water on due to
non-payment shut off.
Utilities
663-3445
Parks & Town Events
300-6401
Human Resources
663-3444
Permitting & Inspections
663-3452
Public Works Department
259-2901
Police Department
Non-Emergency
259-4924
Fire Department
Non-Emergency
259-7494
Elected & Appointed
Officials
Connect with us!
Board of Commissioners Meetings
Second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 PM
Public Forum/Public Hearings at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
Planning Board Meetings
Third Thursday of every month at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
Tourism Development Authority Meetings
First Thursday of every month at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Visitor Center (Old Jail)
106 E. Wilmington St.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
Meetings
Second Monday of February, May, August,
November at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Visitor Center (Old Jail)
106 E. Wilmington St.
Beautification Committee Meetings
First Friday of every month at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
CURRENT MEETI NG
SCHED ULE
All meetings listed above are open to
the public; oral and written
comments always welcome.
Meeting agendas can be found on the
town’s website at BurgawNC.gov.
Notices for cancelations and special
called meetings will be posted on the
town’s website and weekly
newsletter when necessary.
For questions or assistance, please
contact the Town Clerk at 910-663-
3441 or kwells@burgawnc.gov.