From the Desk of Senator Brent Jackson August 19, 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,
| | Now that the General Assembly is in the interim, the newsletter will be on a bi-weekly schedule. | | |
With the General Assembly now in an extended recess, lawmakers will spend the coming months working in their districts and assisting constituents. The legislature is expected to reconvene later this year to address any unfinished business and consider additional legislative matters as needed until next year's long session.
Legislation of the Week
Senate Bill 401 – NC Farm Act of 2025-2026
Sponsored by Senators Brent Jackson, Michael Lazzara and Vickie Sawyer
Senate Bill 401, the NC Farm Act of 2025-2026, continues North Carolina's efforts to support farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities by updating a wide range of laws affecting agriculture and forestry across the state.
The legislation addresses issues ranging from farmland and forestry protections to livestock, agricultural operations, food production, fisheries and other regulations affecting North Carolina producers.
Senator Jackson served as a primary sponsor of the Farm Act, which passed the General Assembly and became law on June 22, 2026.
As North Carolina's largest industry, agriculture plays an important role in communities across the state. The Farm Act helps modernize state law and address issues facing farmers and agricultural businesses while strengthening the industry for the future.
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Ever Wonder What Happens After a Bill Is Filed?
Before a bill can become North Carolina law, it has to make its way through several steps at the General Assembly.
After a bill is introduced, it is typically sent to one or more committees, where legislators can study, debate and make changes to the proposal. If it receives committee approval, it can head to the floor of the House or Senate for consideration.
Most bills must receive three readings in each chamber. If the House and Senate pass different versions, lawmakers must work out those differences before a final version can be sent to the Governor.
So, when you hear that a bill has been “filed,” that's only the beginning of its journey through the General Assembly!
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Eastern NC Honor Flight Accepting Veteran Applications
Eastern North Carolina Honor Flight is now accepting applications for upcoming missions honoring veterans who served during the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras.
The program provides veterans with the opportunity to visit the nation's memorials in Washington, D.C., recognizing their service and sacrifice. Applications are also being accepted for volunteer Guardians, who accompany veterans and provide assistance throughout the trip.
Veterans and prospective Guardians can apply online at www.enchf.org. Community members are encouraged to share this opportunity to help ensure eligible veterans receive the recognition they have earned.
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Patty Evers Inducted into NCHSAA Hall of Fame
Longtime East Bladen girls’ basketball coach Patty Evers was inducted into the N.C. High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame on August 15, recognizing a career that has made a lasting impact on high school athletics in Bladen County and across North Carolina.
Evers has compiled a remarkable 655-159 career record, including 580 victories at East Bladen. During her career, her teams have captured 15 conference championships, made 22 regional appearances, reached nine Final Fours and won five Eastern Regional championships.
Beyond the basketball court, Evers has spent 26 years as an educator and has served as an athletic director, member of the NCHSAA Board of Directors and president of the N.C. Coaches Association.
Evers becomes just the second Bladen County coach inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame and the first inductee to have spent her entire career in Bladen County. Her induction recognizes decades of leadership, achievement and dedication to generations of student-athletes.
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Warsaw Commissioners Address Wastewater Violations and Town Concerns
The Warsaw Board of Commissioners addressed several issues during its August 11 meeting, including wastewater violations, town procedures and the handling of sensitive employee information.
The board rescinded actions taken during an August 7 special meeting following concerns over whether proper public notice had been provided. Commissioners then formally appointed J. Blake Phillips as interim town attorney.
Officials also received an update on Warsaw’s wastewater system. The town is currently in violation of its state discharge permit after problems with the disinfection process contributed to elevated fecal coliform levels in Stewart’s Creek. Industrial wastewater has reportedly interfered with the facility’s ability to effectively disinfect wastewater, and additional testing and improvements are underway.
Commissioners also discussed the discovery of a personnel document containing sensitive employee information in the Town Hall parking lot. In response, the board voted to have the town manager research comprehensive credit protection for employees and board members.
The meeting also included discussion of public records requests, communication between town officials and other administrative concerns.
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Jones County Unveils New Revolutionary War Historical Markers
Jones County recently unveiled three new historical markers at the Jones County Courthouse highlighting Revolutionary War events that took place in the county.
The markers were created through a partnership with Visit Kinston as part of the America 250 commemoration, helping preserve and share Jones County’s role in the nation’s founding.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together the Jones County America 250 Committee, Jones County Historical Society, local preservation groups, the New Bern Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and Color Guard, county officials and community members.
The new markers are now on display on the courthouse grounds, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the Revolutionary War history that took place right here in Jones County.
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Surf City Moves Forward with Major Coastal Protection Project
Surf City has reached a major milestone in a nearly two-decade effort to strengthen its coastline and protect the community from future storms.
Town officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed a Project Partnership Agreement for the Surf City Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. The agreement establishes responsibilities between the town and Army Corps and allows the project to move from planning and design toward implementation.
First initiated in 2010, the project will include beach nourishment and construction of a new dune system designed to reduce coastal storm risks, protect critical infrastructure and improve Surf City’s long-term resilience.
Mayor Teresa Batts, representatives from the Army Corps and Congressman David Rouzer participated in the signing ceremony, marking an important step forward for a project years in the making.
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Sampson County Schools Earns Financial Reporting Excellence Award
Sampson County Schools has once again received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report, recognizing the district’s commitment to transparency and high-quality financial management.
The district has earned the recognition from the Association of School Business Officials International every year since it began applying in 2018.
The certificate for the 2025 fiscal year was presented to Chief Finance Officer Cyndi Mesimer on July 30. Mesimer, a Sampson County native, has served as the district’s CFO for five years after previously working as assistant finance officer.
Mesimer credited the district’s finance team and collaboration among school finance professionals across North Carolina for helping maintain the high standard. Sampson County Schools is already preparing its final audit for the 2026 fiscal year as it looks to continue its record of financial excellence.
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Agriculture Spotlight: State Budget Includes Major Investments in North Carolina Agriculture
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North Carolina’s new $34.4 billion state budget includes several significant investments in agriculture, farmland preservation and the N.C. Forest Service.
A major highlight is $46.91 million in one-time funding for the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, along with an additional $2 million in recurring funding, bringing annual funding for the program to $7 million. Since 2006, the trust fund has helped permanently preserve approximately 42,000 acres of working farm and forestland across North Carolina.
The budget also provides $7 million for wildfire mitigation in Hurricane Helene-impacted counties, $2 million for the Agriculture Cost Share Program, $1.5 million for the N.C. Wine and Grape Council and an additional $4.5 million in recurring funding for N.C. Forest Service equipment, operations and maintenance. Nearly $24 million was also included for improvements at agricultural research stations and Forest Service facilities.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler noted that the department continues to work with legislators on several remaining concerns, including the elimination of 45 vacant department positions and changes to the deadline for distributing Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program funding.
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| |  | Historical Spotlight: The Wilmington Campaign of 1781 | |
The Wilmington Campaign of 1781 marked the last major Revolutionary War campaign in North Carolina. Earlier that year, British forces under Major James H. Craig occupied Wilmington, establishing a supply base that supported British and Loyalist operations throughout the Cape Fear Valley. Following the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Wilmington also provided refuge for Lord Cornwallis and his battered army.
By the fall of 1781, North Carolina militia under General Griffith Rutherford began moving toward Wilmington to challenge the British presence. Rutherford's forces joined with troops under General John Butler, giving the Patriots roughly 1,400 infantry and cavalry. As they advanced through southeastern North Carolina, they engaged Loyalist forces at places including Rockfish Creek, McFall's Mill and Raft Swamp.
In October, Rutherford's army approached Wilmington from the north while a mounted force moved along the southwest side of the Cape Fear River to help isolate the British-held port. However, events hundreds of miles away soon determined Wilmington's fate. Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, leading British commanders to abandon their position in Wilmington.
On November 18, 1781, Rutherford and his men entered Wilmington as British transport ships sailed down the Cape Fear River toward the Atlantic. The evacuation effectively ended the last significant British military presence in North Carolina and brought the state's final major Revolutionary War campaign to a close.
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