OurTown

NEWSLETTER
Our T own
Published weekly by the Town of Burgaw | February 9-13, 2026
This past snowstorm reminded us that while
weather can be unpredictable, one thing
remains constant: the dedication and
commitment of our town staff.
We sincerely thank our staff members who
were on call, worked long hours, adjusted
schedules, and stepped up—often behind the
scenes—to ensure our town and residents
were safe and supported. From public works
and utilities to emergency coordination,
administration, and support staff, their
willingness to serve did not go unnoticed.
Staff were answering phones, checking
conditions, clearing areas as needed, and
standing ready in case help was required.
That kind of commitment speaks volumes
about the pride they take in serving the
town.
Snowstorms may be rare for us, but staff
showed exactly why our residents can have
confidence in their local government —no
matter the conditions.
With appreciation,
Mayor Dawson
Thank You to Our Staff
Mayor Dawson’s Latest Message from the Community
Connection Blog on the Town Website
Board Meeting Recap
FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Adopted
The Board adopted the Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan,
reinforcing the Town ’s commitment to proactive planning, emergency
preparedness, and long-term resiliency.
2026 Pender County Reappraisal Update
Pender County Manager Colby Sawyer provided an overview of the 2026
County reappraisal process, offering insight into how property values are
assessed and what residents can expect moving forward.
Mayor’s Proclamation — America’s 250th Anniversary
Mayor Olivia Dawson recognized the upcoming 250th Anniversary of America
with a formal proclamation, honoring this historic milestone and encouraging
community awareness and celebration.
Enhanced Communication Tools Coming Soon
Town staff announced plans to implement a new mass notification system
that will provide timely alerts and important updates to residents.
Hankins Park Pavilion Mural Project
Parks, Recreation & Tourism staff announced plans for a mural at the Hankins
Park pavilion, an initiative aimed at enhancing the park ’s appearance and
celebrating community pride.
West Side Trail Project Progress
The West Side Trail project is nearing completion. Staff are taking additional
measures to ensure safety remains a top priority as the project moves
toward the finish line.
Recognition of Town Staff
The Board expressed appreciation to Town staff for their dedication and
service to the community during the recent winter storm response.
Budget Preparation Underway
Town staff are actively preparing for the upcoming fiscal year budget,
focusing on responsible planning and continued service delivery.
Board & Committee Appointments
Three members were appointed to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board,
and one new member was appointed to the Beautification Committee,
strengthening community involvement in Town initiatives.

Our Town | Page 2
February 17 | 8:30 AM
Coffee & Conversation
Burgaw Town Center
(Rescheduled from February 3)
February 18 | 12:00 PM
Senior Lunch & Learn
Burgaw Town Center
February 21 | 8:00-11:00 AM
Annual NC Blueberry Pancake Breakfast
Burgaw Fire Station
March 2-3 | 9:00 AM
Board of Commissioners Special Meeting:
Strategic Planning Retreat
Burgaw Town Center
March 5 | 8:30 AM
Tourism Development Authority Regular
Meeting
Burgaw Visitor Center
March 6 | 8:30 AM
Beautification Committee Regular Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
March 6 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Puzzle Palooza
(Sold out event)
Burgaw Town Center
March 10 | 4:30 PM
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
March 14 | 7:00-10:00 PM
Mayor’s Gala hosted by The Parks
Foundation of Burgaw
(Tickets required)
Historic Train Depot
March 18 | 12:00 PM
Senior Lunch & Learn
Burgaw Town Center
March 19 | 5:30 PM
Planning Board Regular Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
UPCOMING
MEETING CANCELLATION NOTICE
Connecting neighbors. Sharing ideas. Building community.
The regular Planning Board meeting scheduled for
February 19, 2026 has been canceled. The next regular
Planning Board meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2026 at
5:30 PM at the Burgaw Town Center.
Coffee & Conversation
Tuesday, February 17 at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Town Center
Whether you’re looking to stay informed, connect with others
in the community, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee and great
conversation, all are welcome to attend. This casual morning
gathering offers an opportunity for town staff, community
partners, and residents to come together to share updates,
exchange ideas, and discuss upcoming events and projects
happening throughout the community. Big thanks to Brown Dog
Coffee for generously providing coffee for the event.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Pender County Sheriff's Office is hosting a Master
the Manhunts training in Burgaw. The training utilizes
canines and drones to locate individuals. February 23
-25, officers with canines and drone operators will
train in techniques used in urban areas. Please do not
be alarmed to see an increased law enforcement
presence in the downtown area of Burgaw, during this
training. If you have any questions or concerns,
please contact the Pender County Sheriff's Office.

Our Town | Page 3
Local Wellhead Protection Program Plan
The Town of Burgaw, with assistance from the North Carolina
Rural Water Association, is in the process of updating a Local
Wellhead Protection Program Plan. This is a voluntary
program intended to assist us in protecting the system’s water
supply from contamination, and to identify vulnerable areas
around our wells called the “Wellhead Protection Areas ”.
Another goal of this program is to make residents and
businesses aware that chemicals and other pollutants spilled
or dumped in the vicinity of the “Wellhead Protection Areas”
can be drawn into the wells, possibly contaminating the
system’s drinking water supply.
The Town is asking for your assistance in developing this
program. A draft copy of the Wellhead Protection Plan will be
available for review and comment on the town ’s website and
at the Burgaw Town Hall, located at 109 North Walker Street,
Burgaw, NC 28425. You are invited to review the program and
submit any comments or suggestions to the Town of Burgaw.
All written public comments will be reviewed by the Wellhead
Protection Committee, and any suggestions or comments that
may be beneficial will be incorporated into the program.
Comments on the draft will be received for 30 days.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to
contact Town Hall at 910-259-2151.
PUBLI C NOTI CE
Mayor Dawson attended the North Carolina
Mayor’s Association Winter Meeting, where
mayors from across the state convened to
collaborate, exchange ideas, and discuss the
unique opportunities and challenges facing
their communities. These gatherings provide
a valuable forum for local leaders to learn
from one another, strengthen partnerships,
and explore innovative solutions. While
towns may differ in size, the shared
commitment to serving residents and
addressing common issues continues to unite
municipalities across North Carolina.

Our Town | Page 4
WHEREAS, the United States of America will commemorate the 250th anniversary of its founding in
2026, marking a quarter millennium since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4,
1776; and
WHEREAS, this historic milestone provides an opportunity to reflect upon the ideals of liberty,
democracy, and civic responsibility that have shaped our nation and continue to guide its future; and
WHEREAS, the 250th Anniversary, commonly known as America 250, encourages communities
across the nation to honor the diverse people, stories, cultures, and events that have contributed to the
American experience; and
WHEREAS, recognizing this anniversary fosters historical awareness, civic pride, and community
engagement while inspiring future generations to understand their role in preserving and strengthening
our democracy; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Burgaw has a rich local history that contributes to the broader story of our
nation and provides meaningful opportunities to educate residents and visitors through programs,
events, and partnerships;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the
Town of Burgaw do hereby express their support for the 250th Anniversary of the United States of
America and encourage residents, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and community partners to
participate in commemorative, educational, cultural, and historical activities leading up to and
throughout the year 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Town of Burgaw commits to promoting awareness of this
historic anniversary and exploring opportunities to celebrate our shared past, present, and future as part
of the America 250 commemoration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Burgaw to
be affixed this 10th day of February, 2026.
Mayor Olivia Dawson
MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION
Supporting the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America
Olivia Dawson
Town of Burgaw Honors America’s 250th Anniversary
During the February 10th Board of Commissioners meeting, Mayor Olivia Dawson
proudly presented a mayoral proclamation recognizing and supporting the
upcoming 250th anniversary of America. The proclamation highlighted the Town
of Burgaw’s commitment to honoring the nation ’s history, celebrating civic pride,
and encouraging community participation in commemorative events leading up
to this historic milestone. The recognition served as a meaningful reminder of
Burgaw’s role in preserving heritage while looking ahead to the future.

Our Town | Page 5
B U R G A W F I R E D E P A R T M E N T N E W S
We love sparks– just not the emergency kind!
Valentine’s Day is all about romance, candles, home -cooked meals, and spending time
with the people you love. While we ’re all for setting the mood, we ’d much rather see
sparks fly between sweethearts than from something that didn’t go as planned.
Simple things make a big difference — keeping candles away from anything that can burn,
staying nearby while cooking, giving space heaters a little breathing room, and making
sure smoke alarms are working and ready to do their job. It only takes a moment to
double-check, but it can prevent a night meant for love from turning into an unexpected
emergency.
This Valentine’s Day, enjoy the moments, enjoy each other, and help us keep Burgaw safe
by celebrating smart. After all, the best Valentine is getting home safely at the end of the
night.
Stay safe,
Hal and your Burgaw Fire
Department Friends
Wishing you a sweet
and Happy
Valentine’s Day!

Save the Date
Mayor’s
Gala
THE PARKS FOUNDATION OF
BURGAW PRESENTS THE
ANNUAL
Saturday, March 14th
7-10 PM
Historic Train Depot
Enjoy an elegant
evening featuring
dinner, live
entertainment, and
a celebration of
Burgaw—all while
supporting the
Burgaw Parks
Foundation and the
future community
splash pad.
Tickets are $100 per person and
include dinner, drinks, live DJ and
more. For ticket and sponsorship
information, visit
burgawparks.com/mayors-gala,
call 910-300-9011, or email
info@burgawparks.com.
Our Town | Page 6
Thanks to everyone who
joined us for a SWEET time
at the Daddy-Daughter
and Mother-Son Dances!
Burgaw Parks, Recreation & Tourism Activities and Events
Making SWEET Memories
Summer Camp 2026 SPOTS ARE FILLING FAST!
Ages 7-12 | June 1-July 24 | Five weeks of FUN!
VISIT BURGAWNC.GOV/CAMP FOR MORE INFORMATION
Arbor Day in Burgaw - March 20, 2026
Tree Planting Ceremony will be held at 4:00 PM at the corner of
Dudley Street and Bridgers Street
Visit BurgawNC.gov/trees for information on the tree giveaway

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.