From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson June 12, 2026 | | |
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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This week was a busy, yet exciting week in the North Carolina General Assembly. North Carolina law makers were able to get a lot done, including:
Senate Bill 401 โ North Carolina Farm Act
The North Carolina Farm Act has passed the General Assembly and is now awaiting the Governor's signature. The legislation includes a variety of measures to support farmers, strengthen agricultural operations, reduce regulatory burdens, and help ensure agriculture remains a strong economic driver across North Carolina.
Senate Bill 889 โ Property Tax Relief
Senate Bill 889 received final legislative approval and now heads to the Governor's desk. The bill would temporarily pause certain county property reappraisals while lawmakers continue evaluating long-term property tax reform options aimed at protecting homeowners from sharp increases in property tax bills.
State Budget Discussions-
Budget negotiations remain ongoing as House and Senate leaders work toward a final spending plan. Discussions continue on investments in teacher and state employee pay raises, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and continued tax relief for North Carolina families.
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Relay For Life Brings Hope and Support to Bladen County
Cancer survivors, caregivers, and community members gathered at Elizabethtown Middle School on June 6 for Bladen County's annual Relay For Life event. Participants spent the day walking laps, raising funds, and honoring those who have battled cancer.
The event featured food vendors, craft booths, games for children, live music, and the traditional Survivor Lap and Luminaria Ceremony. As evening fell, luminaria bags lined the track, each representing a loved one impacted by cancer and serving as a powerful reminder of the event's mission of hope.
Local volunteers emphasized that funds raised through Relay For Life support cancer research and patient assistance programs, including transportation services for those receiving treatment. Many participants shared personal stories of loved ones affected by cancer, highlighting the importance of community support during difficult times.
Organizers noted that while Relay For Life has been a longstanding tradition in Bladen County, they hope to increase volunteer participation and community involvement in future years. The event continues to serve as both a celebration of survivorship and a tribute to those lost, while raising awareness and support for the ongoing fight against cancer.
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Duplin County Advances Wastewater Project for Calico Bay and East Log Cabin
Duplin County officials are moving forward with plans to establish a sewer authority for the Calico Bay and East Log Cabin communities as they pursue funding for a permanent wastewater system. The project would provide an alternative to aging septic systems that many residents currently rely on.
County leaders are exploring the creation of a sewer authority that would oversee the system, manage operations, and serve as the applicant for state and federal grant funding. Officials report growing community support for the project, with participation increasing following recent public meetings.
If funding is secured, grant dollars would help cover construction and initial connection costs, while residents would pay a monthly sewer fee and maintain grinder pumps installed on their properties. County officials are also working with the Towns of Wallace and Teachey to explore future operational partnerships.
Commissioners also reviewed a proposed $79.5 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, which includes employee pay raises, capital improvements, public safety investments, and additional funding for several county services. County officials noted that revenues remain strong and do not expect to utilize any of the $7.7 million fund balance appropriated in the current fiscal year.
Additionally, the board approved an agreement with Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties to establish a new Rural Transportation Planning Organization, ensuring the region maintains a strong voice in transportation planning and funding decisions with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
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Jones County Commissioners Reject Proposed Fire Protection Service District
The Jones County Board of Commissioners voted to reject a proposed Fire Protection Service District following public concerns about the structure of the tax, how revenues would be distributed, and whether residents had received enough information before a decision was made.
During a June 1 public hearing, residents expressed support for local fire departments but raised questions about how the proposed tax would be applied and managed. Commissioners ultimately agreed that additional public education and discussion would be beneficial before moving forward with any changes to fire service funding.
The board also tabled the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget ordinance, fee schedule, and five-year capital improvement plan. Commissioners scheduled a special budget work session to continue discussions and evaluate options for future fire department funding.
In other business, commissioners approved efforts to pursue grant funding for industrial sewer infrastructure, authorized the purchase of a new sheriff's patrol vehicle, advanced planning work for the proposed Jones County Recreation and Wellness Center, and approved an option to purchase 201 acres for future commercial and industrial development.
County officials also announced upcoming community events, including the Jones County Heritage Festival in September and a senior fraud prevention program scheduled for June 10.
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Pender County Hosts Disaster Preparedness Expo Ahead of Hurricane Season
As hurricane season begins, Pender County residents had the opportunity to learn valuable preparedness and recovery information during the 2026 Pender County Disaster Preparedness Expo held June 6 at Burgaw Middle School.
Hosted by the Pender Long Term Recovery Group in partnership with local agencies, nonprofits, and emergency management organizations, the free event focused on helping families, businesses, and communities prepare for potential disasters before they occur. This year's theme, "Rebuilding Together," emphasized the importance of community resilience and proactive planning.
Attendees received disaster preparedness materials, family emergency planning guides, and information on recovery resources available following storms and other emergencies. Residents also learned about emergency alert systems, the county's Special Needs Registry, and the essential items needed for emergency supply kits.
Representatives from local organizations were available to answer questions and provide information about services available before, during, and after disasters. Organizers stressed that preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of emergencies and speed recovery efforts.
The annual expo serves as an important reminder for residents to review emergency plans, update supply kits, and stay informed throughout hurricane season.
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Sampson County Commissioners Continue Budget Discussions
Sampson County commissioners continue reviewing the proposed $84.9 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27, which includes no increase to the county property tax rate and fully funds the county's public education funding formula.
The proposed budget provides county employees with a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment, a one-time bonus, additional paid holidays, and a second floating holiday. County leaders say these measures are intended to help retain employees despite growing competition from neighboring counties that can offer higher salaries.
Other budget proposals include reducing the early property tax payment discount from 2 percent to 1 percent, increasing the county's contingency fund, and investing in economic development through a proposed 70,000-square-foot speculative industrial building at the Sampson Southeast Business Center.
Commissioners noted that the budget reflects months of compromise and careful planning, while also acknowledging uncertainty surrounding potential future state and federal mandates that could affect county finances.
A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for June 15, and county officials are encouraging residents to provide feedback before the budget is finalized.
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| | | | | Discovering NC Agriculture: Family Apiary Produces Honey and Trains Future Beekeepers | |
This month's Discovering NC Agriculture spotlight highlights Double B Apiary, a family-owned operation that has grown from a small hobby project into one of North Carolina's leading honey producers and beekeeping education centers.
Located in Wake Forest and Warren County, Double B Apiary was founded by Frank Bowman and his family after his daughters developed an interest in gardening and food production. What began with a single beehive to help pollinate their vegetable garden has expanded into an operation managing more than 400 hives across the state.
The apiary produces several varieties of honey, including local wildflower, sourwood, clary sage, cotton, and bourbon barrel honey. By strategically relocating hives throughout North Carolina, the family is able to collect unique honey varieties while also providing valuable pollination services to farmers.
Beyond honey production, Double B Apiary is helping grow the next generation of beekeepers through educational programs and hands-on training opportunities. The family offers classes through its Teaching Apiary and has partnered with NC State University to help educate students about honeybee management and honey production.
The Bowmans emphasize the critical role bees play in agriculture, noting that pollinators are essential to the success of many crops grown across North Carolina and the nation. Through their work, Double B Apiary continues to support agriculture while promoting awareness of the importance of honeybees and other pollinators.
As North Carolina celebrates National Pollinators Month, Double B Apiary serves as an example of how family farms can contribute to both agricultural production and agricultural education across the state.
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Historical Spotlight:
June, 1780-
๏ปฟThe Battle of Ramsour's Mill
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On June 20, 1780, one of the most important battles of the American Revolution fought in North Carolina took place at Ramsour's Mill in present-day Lincoln County.
๏ปฟFollowing the British capture of Charleston, South Carolina, British commanders looked to expand their control into North Carolina with the support of Loyalists, commonly known as Tories. More than 1,300 Loyalists gathered at Ramsour's Mill in preparation for aiding the British campaign.
In response, Patriot militia leaders Col. Francis Locke and Maj. Robert Wilson assembled approximately 400 volunteer militia members from Rowan, Mecklenburg, and Lincoln counties. Before sunrise on June 20, the Patriots launched a surprise attack on the Loyalist encampment.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Patriots prevailed after nearly two hours of fierce fighting. The battle was particularly notable because it pitted neighbors, friends, and even family members against one another. With no military uniforms to distinguish the sides, Patriots wore pieces of white paper in their hats while Loyalists identified themselves with green twigs.
๏ปฟThe Patriot victory at Ramsour's Mill disrupted Loyalist support for the British cause in western North Carolina and helped set the stage for the pivotal Patriot victory at Kings Mountain later that year. Historians consider the battle one of the most significant Revolutionary War engagements fought within North Carolina and an important turning point in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.
As we approach the anniversary of the battle, Ramsour's Mill serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by North Carolinians during the fight for American independence.
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