From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson July 23, 2025 | | |
Dear Friend of Senate District 9,
Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter and staying connected with the latest news from District Nine and our efforts in the General Assembly.
My team and I are committed to serving our community and our state, working hard each day to bring about positive change. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue addressing the important issues impacting our district! Your voices and concerns continue to guide our efforts in the General Assembly, and we remain focused on bringing your priorities to the forefront.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
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It was a quiet week at the North Carolina General Assembly with no formal sessions, but lawmakers are set to reconvene on July 29 to take up several veto overrides on key bills:
- Senate Bill 50: Freedom to Carry Act, allowing permitless concealed carry for law-abiding adults
- Senate Bill 153: North Carolina Border Protection Act, requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities
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Senate Bill 227: Eliminating DEI in public K-12 education
- Senate Bill 254: Charter school changes to expand access and streamline operations
- Senate Bill 266: Power Bill Reduction Act, aimed at lowering energy costs through regulatory reform
- Senate Bill 416: Personal Privacy Protection Act, protecting donor privacy for nonprofits
- Senate Bill 558: Eliminating DEI in higher education, ending DEI offices in public universities and community colleges
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| | North Carolina has once again been named the United States' top state for business. This is a result of sound policy out of the General Assembly strengthening our workforce, creating a business-friendly atmosphere, and investing in infrastructure. Being a top state for business opens doors for all citizens of North Carolina to obtain good paying jobs and strive for the American dream. I am proud of the work the General Assembly has accomplished over the past 15 years to achieve this recognition and look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the success of North Carolina. | | GO Grants are a great way to get our students outdoors! Apply for a GO Grant today! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and there is no deadline to apply! | | Cape Fear River Bridge Construction Reaches Completion | | The NCDOT announced in 2022 that the new U.S. 701 bridge over the Cape Fear River in Bladen County would reach a major milestone with the placement of 42 concrete girders that spring. Now, as of last weekend, all construction markers and excess cement abutments have been cleared, signaling that the 701 Cape Fear Bridge project is finally complete. | | Beulaville Post 511 Makes States for First Time Since 2009 | | |
Congratulations to the Beulaville Post 511 baseball team on making history by advancing to the American Legion N.C. State Tournament for the first time since 2009! With a 3-0 series sweep over Tabor City Post 507 in the Area II Semifinals, Post 511 secured their spot as one of just eight teams in the state to qualify.
Led by head coach Brandon Thigpen, a former player on the 2009 state tournament team, the squad showcased determination and grit. Their 9-6 victory in Game 3 was fueled by timely hitting, strong pitching, and clutch plays, despite some defensive challenges.
Beulaville now looks ahead to the Area II Championship game on July 21 against Wilmington Post 10 Red, with both teams advancing to the state tournament in Cherryville starting July 26. Congratulations again to Post 511 on this incredible achievement—best of luck in the championship and beyond!
| | Jones, Craven, Pamlico Livestock Show Registration Now Open | | Registration is now open for the 2025 Jones-Craven-Pamlico Livestock Show! Youth exhibitors are encouraged to sign up and be part of the event, which will take place August 15-16, 2025, at the Lenoir County Livestock Arena in Kinston, NC (1791 NC-55). Register online at https://showman.app/shows. For questions, contact Livestock Agent Kristi Welke at kristi_welke@ncsu.edu or 229-402-2403. | | "Cram the Cruiser" is Back with Burgaw Police Department | | The Burgaw Police Department is hosting its annual Cram the Cruiser back-to-school giveaway to support local families. They are collecting school supplies to help ensure students are prepared for the upcoming school year. Families in need can apply for assistance by visiting the Burgaw Police Department Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Applications are due by August 8th. | | Star Communications set to Open New Building | | Star Communications, led by CEO Donna Bullard, has opened a new 42,000-square-foot headquarters in Sampson County after years of operating across multiple locations due to severe flooding from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Funded through disaster relief and not customer rates, the LEED-certified building consolidates staff under one roof to improve efficiency and collaboration. The new facility includes a community-accessible conference room, a drive-thru for customer convenience, and a studio space for media production. Employees expressed relief and excitement about the unified workspace. The building was constructed by Daniels & Daniels Construction with JKF Architecture, emphasizing sustainability. Bullard affirmed that the project was completed without raising customer rates and remains committed to the cooperative mission of serving underserved communities. | | 2025 N.C. State Fair Competition Entries Now Open | | The N.C. State Fair is now accepting competition entries for the 2025 fair, scheduled for October 16-26. Categories include arts, photography, culinary, livestock, flowers, hobbies, handicrafts, LEGOS, and more. Fair Director Kent Yelverton encourages all North Carolinians to showcase their talents, noting updates to the popular Flower Show that will highlight different plant varieties across three shows. Livestock shows also feature a range of junior and open classes. Most competition deadlines are September 15, with entry details, rules, and forms available at ncstatefair.org under the "Competitions" tab. For questions, email ncsfcompetitions@ncagr.gov. | | July 1587: Establishment of Roanoke Colony | | |
In July 1587, the Lost Colony of Roanoke was established when around 115 English settlers, led by John White, landed on Roanoke Island, in present-day North Carolina. This was England’s second attempt to establish a permanent settlement in the New World. The settlers included men, women, and children, including White’s granddaughter, Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the Americas.
Later that summer, White returned to England for supplies, but due to the Anglo-Spanish War, he was unable to return to Roanoke until August 1590. When he finally arrived, the colony was deserted with no clear sign of struggle or survival. The word "CROATOAN" was carved into a post, suggesting the settlers may have moved to nearby Croatoan Island (now Hatteras Island), but they were never found.
The fate of the Roanoke colonists remains one of the greatest mysteries in American history.
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