From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson July 2, 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:
House Bill 1173 โ Jaleeyah's Law
The Senate passed House Bill 1173, Jaleeyah's Law, on third reading this week. The legislation strengthens North Carolina's response to gang-related crime by increasing penalties for gang activity, enhancing protections against the recruitment of minors into gangs, and providing law enforcement and prosecutors with additional tools to combat organized crime. The bill now returns to the House for concurrence in the Senate changes before heading to the Governor's desk.
SB 257- 2026 State Budget Agreement Reached
Legislative leaders released a final budget agreement that includes tax relief for North Carolina families, average teacher pay raises of 8%, salary increases for state employees and law enforcement officers, more than $700 million for Hurricane Helene recovery, additional funding for farmland preservation, workforce development investments, and infrastructure improvements. The House and Senate have passed the budget and it now is heading to the Governor's desk for signature.
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| | Here I am speaking on the Senate floor about the Appropriations act of 2026. | | Here I am visiting the North Carolina State Capitol where we held ceremonial session in honor of America's 250th birthday! | |
Battle of Elizabethtown at Tory Hole
On August 27, 1781, a small group of Patriot militia secured a remarkable victory during the Battle of Elizabethtown, helping break Loyalist control in North Carolina's Cape Fear region.
Outnumbered by an estimated 300 to 400 Loyalist troops, Patriot leaders Thomas Brown and Thomas Robeson relied on strategy rather than strength. By shouting commands to imaginary soldiers hidden in the woods, they convinced the enemy that a much larger Patriot force was advancing. The deception threw the Loyalists into confusion, allowing the Patriots to launch a surprise attack across the Cape Fear River.
The battle ended with 17 Loyalists killed or mortally wounded, while the Patriots suffered no fatalities and only four wounded. During the retreat, many Loyalists fled into a deep ravine that became known as "Tory Hole," a landmark that remains part of Elizabethtown's Revolutionary War history.
The Battle of Elizabethtown proved that courage and ingenuity could overcome overwhelming odds, marking a turning point in securing Patriot control of southeastern North Carolina.
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Duplin County Considers Easing Restrictions on Family Land Divisions
Duplin County commissioners are considering revisions to the county's Unified Development Ordinance following concerns from residents about residential setback requirements near livestock operations.
The proposed amendments would reduce the required setback for some new residential subdivisions, create exemptions for certain family land divisions, and clarify that homes destroyed by natural disasters may be rebuilt. County officials also emphasized that the setback applies only to new residential lots created through subdivision after Aug. 4, 2025. Existing lots created before that date are exempt and remain eligible for building permits.
Additional changes would establish a formal definition of "immediate family" to provide greater flexibility for families wishing to divide property among relatives. The county also clarified that the setback applies only to new residential development and does not affect commercial subdivisions.
The Duplin County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments on July 13 before considering any changes to the ordinance.
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Jones County Heritage Festival Returns Sept. 26
The Jones County Heritage Festival will return on Saturday, Sept. 26, bringing a full day of family-friendly activities, historical demonstrations, and community celebration to downtown Trenton and the Jones County Civic Center.
The festival will begin with a downtown parade before activities continue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Civic Center. A free movie night on Friday, Sept. 25, will replace the traditional Friday evening concert, with additional details to be announced.
New this year is a Kids Zone, featuring hands-on activities designed to teach children about Jones County's agricultural heritage and rural traditions. Young visitors will have the opportunity to make biscuits and rag dolls, create pine cone bird feeders, play old-fashioned games, dig for potatoes, and learn how farming has evolved over the years. Organizers are also planning a hayride to a pumpkin patch featuring pumpkins, watermelons, cantaloupes, and flowers.
The annual Heritage Festival celebrates the history, culture, and traditions that have shaped Jones County while offering residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy educational exhibits, local activities, and family fun.
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Pender High Agriculture Teacher Receives Prestigious State FFA Honor
Pender High School agriculture teacher Tom Herren has been awarded the North Carolina FFA Honorary State Degree, one of the highest honors presented by the North Carolina FFA Association to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to agricultural education and the success of FFA students.
Herren has taught agricultural education at Pender High School for the past 20 years, helping students develop leadership, career-readiness, and hands-on agricultural skills through classroom instruction and FFA participation. Under his leadership, students have consistently excelled in regional and state FFA competitions.
In addition to his classroom instruction, Herren has secured multiple grants to expand agricultural education opportunities. In 2024, he obtained funding to establish an on-campus farm at Pender High School, providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences that continue to strengthen the school's agriculture program.
Outside the classroom, Herren serves as a mentor through the local 4-H program and remains actively involved in the dairy industry. His dedication to agricultural education and youth development has made a lasting impact on generations of students and the Pender County community.
Congratulations to Mr. Herren on this well-deserved recognition and for his continued commitment to preparing the next generation of North Carolina's agricultural leaders.
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Newton Grove Moves Forward with Effort to Preserve Historic Monk House
The Town of Newton Grove has unanimously approved plans to pursue ownership of the historic Archibald Monk House, a 202-year-old landmark with deep ties to Sampson County's history.
Built in 1824 and relocated to Newton Grove in 1976, the Monk House has become increasingly difficult for the Monk family to maintain. Descendants recently asked the town to assume ownership to help preserve the structure, restore the property, and pursue grant funding for future renovations.
Mayor Craig Warren said the home's historical significance makes it a strong candidate for preservation grants, while members of the Monk family have pledged to assist with fundraising, grant applications, and volunteer labor.
Archibald Monk was a successful businessman, farmer, and public servant who represented Sampson County in the North Carolina House of Commons beginning in 1829. He also played an instrumental role in advancing education in the county by helping establish early academies and later serving as chairman of the Board of County Superintendents.
Town officials will now explore grant opportunities and other funding sources to restore and preserve the Monk House for future generations.
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| | | | | Agriculture Spotlight: Celebrating North Carolina's Beekeeping Industry | |
This month's Discovering NC Agriculture series highlights the important role North Carolina's beekeepers play at the N.C. State Fair's Bees & Honey Competition and Exhibit, where visitors can experience the state's thriving beekeeping industry firsthand.
Held each year in the Agri Supply Expo Center, the exhibit features hundreds of entries ranging from locally produced honey and beeswax products to photography, artwork, crafts, and cooking competitions. The competition welcomes both experienced beekeepers and first-time participants, with categories available for adults and youth alike.
Apiary Inspector Adolphus Leonard, who has helped oversee the exhibit for nearly three decades, says the competition serves as both a showcase for North Carolina honey and an educational opportunity for fairgoers. Visitors can watch live beekeeping demonstrations, observe honeybees in a glass observation hive, and learn about the vital role pollinators play in producing many of the crops grown across the state.
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The exhibit continues to celebrate North Carolina's rich agricultural heritage while educating thousands of visitors each year about the importance of honeybees, local honey production, and the state's growing beekeeping industry.
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| |  | Historical Spotlight: The Great Wagon Road | |
Long before North Carolina became one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, thousands of settlers traveled south on the Great Wagon Road, a 735-mile route that helped shape the state's history.
Beginning in Philadelphia and stretching to Augusta, Georgia, the Great Wagon Road served as the primary migration route for families seeking new opportunities during the 18th century. As farmland became scarce in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, many Scotch-Irish and German immigrants made the journey into North Carolina's Piedmont, helping establish communities that still thrive today.
By the 1750s, the influx of settlers transformed the backcountry into one of the colony's fastest-growing regions. Their diverse backgrounds brought new traditions, churches, schools, and agricultural practices that helped define North Carolina's cultural identity. Presbyterian, Lutheran, Moravian, Quaker, and Baptist congregations all took root along the route, creating a rich tapestry of faith and community.
One of the most notable settlements established along the Great Wagon Road was Bethabara in present-day Forsyth County. Founded by the Moravians in 1753, the community became known for its craftsmanship, farming, and commitment to education. Today, Historic Bethabara Park preserves this important chapter of North Carolina's colonial history.
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The Great Wagon Road was more than just a path through the wildernessโit was the highway that brought thousands of families to North Carolina, laying the foundation for many of the towns, farms, and communities that continue to shape our state today.
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