OurTown

NEWSLETTER
Our T own
Published weekly by the Town of Burgaw | August 10-14, 2026
Back to School, Burgaw!
Mayor Dawson’s latest message from the Community Connection Blog on the Town Website
We are pleased to announce that Brian Kelly has been selected to serve as the next Fire
Marshal for the Burgaw Fire Department. Brian will officially begin his service with the Town
of Burgaw on August 17th.
Brian brings an impressive background that includes 28 years in the fire service with
approximately 20 being in Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement, numerous certifications
in fire investigations, and serving on several state and national boards. His extensive
background and experience will be a tremendous asset to the Burgaw Fire Department as
we provide excellent service to our citizens, while continuing to plan, prepare, and grow to
meet the future needs of our community.
The countdown is on ‘til the first day of school for our local schools!
It seems like summer always goes by a little too quickly, and before we know it, backpacks are packed, alarms are set,
buses are back on the roads, and another school year is beginning.
As a mom and as your Mayor, back -to-school season is always a reminder to me of just how important our young
people are to the future of our community. Our schools are filled with students who are learning, growing, discovering
their talents, and becoming the next generation of leaders, business owners, educators, first responders, and
community members.
As we begin another school year, I want to wish all of our students a wonderful year ahead. Work hard, be kind, try
something new, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Every new school year is an opportunity for a fresh start and
new possibilities.
I also want to recognize the teachers, administrators, school staff, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, coaches, and
everyone else who works behind the scenes to make each school day possible. Thank you for the time, patience, and
dedication you give to our children and families.
And to all of our parents and caregivers —good luck with those early mornings, packed lunches, homework
assignments, practices, activities, and busy schedules! I know firsthand that it takes a lot to keep everything moving.
As school begins, I also encourage everyone traveling throughout Burgaw to slow down, stay alert around school zones
and bus stops, and give yourself a little extra time in the mornings and afternoons. Let's all do our part to help keep our
students safe.
Here's to new classrooms, new friendships, new opportunities, and a great school year ahead.
Mayor Dawson
W elcoming Burgaw’s New Fire Marshal

Our Town | Page 2
UPCOMING
August 18 | 8:30 AM
Coffee & Conversation
Burgaw Town Center
August 19 | 12:00 PM
Senior Lunch & Learn
Advance registration required
Burgaw Town Center
August 19 | 4:00-6:00 PM
Drive-Thru Bookbag Giveaway
Burgaw Police Department
August 20 | 5:30 PM
Planning Board Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
August 27 | 9:00 AM
Tourism Development Authority Special
Meeting: Workshop
Burgaw Town Center
August 27 | 6:00 PM
Back-to-School Bingo
Advance registration required
Historic Train Depot
September 3 | 8:30 AM
Tourism Development Authority Meeting
Burgaw Visitor Center
September 4 | 8:30 AM
Beautification Committee Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
PLANNING BOARD
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following item will be heard for consideration at the
Burgaw Planning Board Meeting on August 20, 2026
beginning at 5:30 PM at the Burgaw Town Center, 108 E.
Wilmington Street, Burgaw. All interested parties are invited to
attend. Written and oral comments welcome.
Agenda Item 1: Consideration of a text amendment to amend
Unified Development Ordinance Section 9.26 Sign Regulations.
The request is to expand the use of electronic changeable copy
signs and create additional usage standards. Applicant: Staff;
Assigned Staff: Ron Meredith, rmeredith@burgawnc.gov,
910.663.3451
Coffee &
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.
August 18th at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Town Center
Conversation
Fall Shred & E-Recycle Event
SAVE THE DATE
October 8 | 11 AM - 1 PM
COMING
SOON!
Be on the lookout for a new version of
Our Town e-newsletter coming soon!

Our Town | Page 3
Several employees were recognized for recently completing professional training, certifications, and specialized
programs. These accomplishments reflect the continued commitment of Town employees to professional growth,
public safety, and providing quality service to the Burgaw community. Congratulations to each of the following on their
accomplishments and continued dedication to serving the Town of Burgaw!
Fire Department
• Jason Hawkins, Justin Decker, Jack Shortell, and Gunner Getz completed the Firefighter Task Book
• Caden Rhoades and Parker Brown completed EMT Basic training
Police Department
• Sgt. Padgett and Sgt. Kennedy completed Tactical Leadership Training
• Sgt. Padgett and Detective Vann completed Fundamentals of CSI Training
• Cpl. Farren completed Community Policing Training
• Officer Byrd completed Basic Narcotics Investigation Training
• Officer Valade completed a Firearm Skills Workshop
• Officer Williams completed Warrantless Searches Training
• Sgt. Kennedy, SRO Wilhelm, and SRO Murdock completed Intox Recertification
Highlights from the August 11, 2026 Town Council Meeting
COUNCIL MEETING RECAP
Recognizing those who serve our town
Planning for Burgaw’s Future: Council
Approvals & Community Updates
The Council approved the Town ’s updated Comprehensive Stormwater
Master Plan, replacing the previous plan adopted in 2015. The updated
plan provides a long -range framework for addressing flood risks,
drainage concerns, and stormwater infrastructure needs while guiding
future improvements, investments, and funding opportunities. The plan
will support proactive stormwater management and help
strengthen Burgaw’s resilience to future storm events.
Council also approved a resolution calling for improved cellular
service and signal coverage throughout Burgaw. Recognizing the
importance of reliable wireless service for public safety,
emergency communications, businesses, residents, visitors, and
economic growth, the resolution requests that local cellular
service providers evaluate service deficiencies and invest in
infrastructure and technology to improve coverage, reliability, and
connectivity.
A rezoning request from Anton Devries was approved for property
located on the south side of NC Highway 53 West, between Nash
Equipment and Tealbriar Subdivision. The property was rezoned
from R -20 Residential to RA Rural Agricultural, providing greater
flexibility for its future use while remaining consistent with the
rural character and planned development of the area.

DRIVE-THRU BACK TO SCHOOL BOOKBAG GIVEAWAY
BURGAW POLICE DEPART MENT CRAM THE CRUISER
Our Town | Page 4
School is almost here, and the Burgaw Police Department is helping families get
ready with a free Back-to-School Bookbag Giveaway!
Wednesday, August 19 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM
The drive-thru event will take place at the Police Department, 109 N. Walker
Street, and is designed to ensure students have the tools they need for a strong
start to the school year. Each bookbag will be filled with essential school
supplies, from notebooks and pencils to other classroom necessities.
The giveaway will be held while supplies last!
Children must be present to receive a bookbag.
For questions, call 910-259-4924.
COUNCI L MEETI NG RECAP
Finance Officer Tiffany Byrd also presented Council with the Town ’s new FY 2026–27
Budget in Brief, an easy -to-read snapshot designed to help residents and business
owners better understand the Town ’s budget. The guide highlights sewer and solid
waste fee changes, property tax information, major revenue sources, spending
priorities, and how Town funds support essential community services. As part of the
Town’s continued commitment to transparency, a copy of the Budget in Brief will be
included with the upcoming utility bill.
Following discussion at the recent Council Work Session, Council approved the Town ’s
updated Master List of Event Street Closures. The list establishes a coordinated plan for
temporary street closures associated with community events throughout the year and
is intended to improve advance planning and communication. The complete list will be published on the Town ’s
website, with additional notice distributed soon to affected residents and businesses.
The Council approved street closures for a new community Halloween event coming to Downtown Burgaw on
Halloween night, October 31. This event will transform Fremont Street and a portion of Wright Street into a downtown
Trunk-or-Treat experience, bringing the community together for a safe, family -friendly night of Halloween fun. Stay
tuned—more details will be coming soon!
Continued

Our Town | Page 5
Vendor Registration Now
October 17
10 AM - 4 PM
Downtown
B U R G AW N C . G O V/ R E G I S T ER
Attention Seniors!
The fun resumes on Fridays after a
quick summer break. Grab your
friends, enjoy some coffee and fun
games every Friday from 10am-12pm
at the Burgaw Town Center, 108 E.
Wilmington Street.
Friendly Reminder:
The green space at Hankins Park will be
temporarily closed until further notice due to the
construction of the GAF Community Splash Pad.
This exciting new addition will create
opportunities for families to cool off, play
together, and make lasting memories for years
to come. While the green space will be closed
during construction, the park's bathrooms and
pavilion will remain open and available for
public use.
We appreciate everyone's patience and
understanding as this exciting project moves
forward.
S AV E T H E D AT E S
Fall Concerts
September 17 & October 15
Dees Park
Kick off the new school year with a little family
fun! The Town of Burgaw Parks, Recreation &
Tourism Department invites families to Back-to
-School Bingo on Thursday, August 27 at 6:00
p.m. at the Historic Burgaw Train Depot.
Enjoy an evening of bingo, fun prizes, and time
together as we celebrate the start of another
school year. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Cost is
$10 for residents and $12 for non-residents.
Pre-registration is required; tickets will not be
sold at the door. Visit burgawnc.gov/register.
For more information, contact the Recreation
Department at recreation@burgawnc.gov or
910-300-6401.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL
BINGO NIGHT

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OCTOBER 231 6:30 PM NOVEMBER 20 | 6:00 PM
Bring Blankets & Lawn Chairs
Q Dees Park | 105 W Courthouse Ave
burgawnc.gov | 910-300-6401 | recreation@burgawnc.gov
Our Town | Page 6

Mayor
Olivia Dawson
Mayor Pro Tem
James Malloy
Council Members
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 Services
Department
259-2901
Police Department
Non-Emergency
259-4924
Fire Department
Non-Emergency
259-7494
Elected & Appointed
Officials
Connect with us!
Town Council 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 Board
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.