Today, April 5, 2020, is Palm Sunday, also called Passion Sunday, and it is the first day of the Holy Week.  Palm Sunday serves as memorial of Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  Palm branches, which in ancient times symbolized goodness and victory, were placed in Jesus’ path when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. 

The observance of Palm Sunday dates back to the late 3rd century when people traveled Jerusalem and visited many of the holy sites within the town, sang hymns, prayed, and read the Bible.  When they arrived at the place where Jesus ascended into heaven, they recited the Bible Story of the Ascension of Jesus. 

In the Western World however, the earliest evidence of the observance of Palm Sunday can be found in the 8^th century in the Bobbio Missal, a Christian liturgical codex that most likely originated in France. During the Middle Ages, the ritual observances and procedures performed for the blessings of the palms were grand. After reforms of the Roman Catholic Church in the mid-20^th century, the ceremonies were simplified and the focus was directed more toward the suffering and death of Jesus.

This year however, the commemoration of Palm Sunday is very different because due to the pending COVID-19 pandemic, our churches are closed and people are prohibited from gathering for any purpose.  Congregations in Southeastern North Carolina, in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties, turn to social media and virtual platforms like Zoom, they share devotions, and post pictures of arts and crafts which they created in celebration of Palm Sunday.

By Jana H. Collins

As of Wednesday, April 1, New Hanover County has 34 confirmed cases of COVID-19.  Some good news, among all of the negative, is that there is a new rapid response test made by Abbott.  Since receiving emergency-use authorization, Abbott has been kicking production into high gear, in order to deliver 50,000 ID NOW COVID-19 tests per day to small doctor’s offices and healthcare sites throughout the United States beginning next week.

Also, Governor Roy Cooper issued another Executive Order on March 31, 2020, that prohibits utility companies from disconnecting services to customers who are unable to pay their bills for the next 60 days.  The order also directs utility companies to give residential customers at least 6 months to pay their outstanding balance, with no threat of fees, penalties, or interest for late payment.  Governor Cooper also urges North Carolina -licensed or -regulated banks not to charge for overdraft fees, late fees or any other penalties in this time of crisis.  The NC Department of Revenue also announced tax relief measures today, relieving taxpayers of penalties for late filing. 

Apart from the assistance offered to citizens with respect to their utility bills, bank fees, and taxes, there is also a strong sense of community being formed and upheld here in New Hanover County.  There have been stories of caravans of teachers who parade by their student’s houses with decorated cars to let them know they are missed, groups of volunteers are passing out food and other essentials to older people or individuals who are more at risk of catching the virus, and there are several stations set up around the County where people can pick up free breakfast and lunch for underprivileged students. 

Stay safe, everyone! 

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

Robert D. Raiford was a well-known radio personality on the John Boy and Billy Big Show.  He suffered a stroke in August of 2015, and retired from the show the next summer.  He died in 2017 at age 89.  He was known for being against handshaking, and he wrote in a viewpoint in the Charlotte Observer titled “For everyone’s good health, let’s stop shaking hands”  published on October 23, 2014:  “No matter how much hand sanitizer is used nor how many times the hands are washed, the contact is instantaneous. In these days of international air travel it becomes an exponential issue. You don’t know how many hands that hand extended to you has shaken before it is presented in all its bareness for you to squeeze and shake vigorously … and vice versa.  If you must have some body contact, make a quick fist bump or elbow bump. Best move is eye contact and a snappy salute. Just resist the Pavlovian move to shake hands.”

As of Monday, March 30, 2020 at 5:30 p.m., there were 30 positive cases of the virus in New Hanover County.  Currently, as are most other states, North Carolina is struggling to receive the appropriate testing equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) to be able to perform proper testing.   However, new testing is being made available daily, as well as the promise of a new rapid response test for the virus.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently gave Abbott, the maker of a new test, emergency-use authorization of their test, with hopes it will be available for the public soon.

With the pandemic of COVID-19, there has been stories of people panic-buying all of the cleaning supplies in every store in town, and fear mongering by way of misinformation whether it be about a cure, the testing results, or the virus itself.  We encourage you to make sure the information you are reading and sharing is reputable with credible sources.  

Steps that everyone can take to slow the spread of COVID-19 include: 

• Comply with the Governor’s Stay at Home Order and New Hanover County restrictions. 
• Follow proper social distancing protocols. Don’t gather in groups of more than 10 and stay at least 6 feet away from others.
• Stay home if you are sick, even if you are an essential worker. And cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched (like your phone, tablet, countertops and daily work surfaces).
• Check credible resources, such as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), for new and evolving information. 

Stay well!

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

New Hanover County was founded in 1729 and was named after the House of Hanover.  It has an estimated population of 228,657 as of 2019.  

New Hanover County is known for its history – two of the biggest historic attractions are the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the USS North Carolina. The Fort Fisher Battlefield is located in Fort Fisher. At Fort Fisher, visitors have a chance to get up close and see where the Battle of Fort Fisher was held. Visitors can also go inside the USS North Carolina, which became one of the first ten fastest battleships to join the American Fleet in World War II.

In addition to the Fort Fisher Battlefield and the Battleship, there is historic Downtown Wilmington with its mile-long Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River. It was named “Best American Riverfront” by USA Today in 2014.  There are various local shops, and restaurants and bars, where you can watch the passersby while enjoying a nice meal or drink in this beautiful scenery. 

New Hanover County has a countless other attractions which make it a very popular location to visit in Southeastern North Carolina.  The most popular locations to visit are the beautiful beaches: Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach.  Especially when the weather is nice, visitors as well as residents enjoy these beautiful beaches and beach towns, and take advantage of countless opportunities like boating, scuba diving, and surfing—Wrightsville Beach was named one of the “World’s 20 Best Surf Towns” by National Geographic Magazine.

Usually, around this time of year, New Hanover County’s residents as well as visitors, would be preparing for the Azalea Festival, where thousands of people flock to celebrate by attending concerts, the Garden Party, art shows, and other exciting festivities.  However, for the first time in it’s 73-year history, the Azalea Festival has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

Pender County was established in 1875 and named after the Confederate Army General William D. Pender who was honored for fighting in many battles for this country. Pender County currently holds a population of 62,162 as of the 2018 U.S. census, and has grown approximately 15% since 1990, when the population was 34,000. This has made Pender County one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina.  

Known best for its beautiful scenery, voluminous forest areas, and flat terrain with a land area of 869.80 square miles, Pender County is able to grow an assortment of different crops such as sweet potatoes, peanuts, grapes, soybeans, corn, tobacco, and blueberries which generates a major portion of the county’s economic base. Burgaw has their annual Blueberry Festival where more than 30,000 people have been estimated to attend each year for their one-day event, where locals and tourist enjoy family entertainment all day and experience their southern hospitality.  

In addition to the flat terrain in Pender County, there are two rivers that run through the county, the Cape Fear River and the Black River. Running along the Northeast of the Cape Fear River is the Holly Shelter Game Land, where you can hunt during September 8^th through January 1^st and hike through the off season. The Black River is unique due to it being one of only two rivers that are pollution free in North Carolina. Pender County is also home to Topsail Beach, which attracts visitors all year long because of its small town feel and the beautiful beach.     

Pender County has several major highways surrounding it such as I-40, U.S. 17, U.S. 421, and U.S. 117. These highways can help make an easier commute to surrounding cities such as Wilmington, Jacksonville, or Myrtle Beach.

With all the traveling and sightseeing, make sure you are following the rules of the road – always wear your seatbelt, drive at safe speeds, and never drive impaired.

However, if you or someone you know received a traffic ticket, or face a criminal charge in or around Burgaw, NC, in Pender County, in New Hanover or Brunswick Counties, then Attorney David Collins can help.  He has over 25 years of experience in the legal field, and has successfully handled scores of criminal and traffic cases.

Call us for a confidential consultation at (910) 793-9000.  Collins Law Firm is available 24/7 by appointment.

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

As of today, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 here in New Hanover County.  However, over the weekend, a person in Brunswick County received a positive diagnosis for the virus. 

In response to the pandemic, the Brunswick County Courthouse is closed until at least Friday, March 20, 2020.  The New Hanover and Pender County Courthouses are currently open, but not to the general public and with restrictions. 

On a national level, the PGA Golf Tour has been cancelled, and the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS) are all suspending their seasons.  Even Disney Parks have all been closed to try to halt the spread of the virus.  With respect to events local to our area, the Azalea Festival has been cancelled, as well as the Southport Spring Festival.  The Cameron Art Museum will be closed from March 17 through March 30, 2020.  Grocery stores will have shorter hours, such as Publix closing at 8 p.m., and Walmart will now only be open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., regardless of whether or not they are a 24-hour store. 

So far, K-12 schools across the State have cancelled classes until at least March 30, 2020.  However, there are options for children to pick up breakfast and lunch from different locations in their area.  All schools within the UNC School System have cancelled in-person classes by March 20, with online courses beginning March 23.

These cancellations and closures have been in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus, which in turn will help keep our healthcare system from being overloaded, similar to what is currently happening in Italy. 

We urge everyone to continue to practice excellent hygiene, such as properly washing your hands often, practice social distancing, and stay home if you have symptoms, and check for updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  If you have the option, please consider to conduct business remotely if possible.  Also, if you intent to see your healthcare provider because you suspect you may have contracted the virus, please call then first so they can take precautions and prepare to see you. 

North Carolina residents who have questions and concerns about coronavirus may call the Coronavirus Line at 1-866-462-3821. 

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread around the United States, we try to hope for the best and plan for the worst, as far as preparing for a potential outbreak here in our area.  Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

As of today, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in New Hanover County, but there is one case confirmed in nearby Onslow County, at Camp Lejeune. 

The New Hanover County Courthouse released a statement today with respect to their actions against spreading the virus. 

As a precaution, the Azalea Festival has been cancelled, and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has decided to cancel all high school sporting events starting midnight on Friday, March 13, until at least April 6, 2020. 

Officials say that practicing proper hygiene and handwashing techniques can help prevent spread of COVID-19, but also to get in the habit of practicing “social distancing,” which can best be described as keeping 6-10 feet away from others, not going to crowded events, avoiding shaking hands with people, and if you have any respiratory symptoms, use your best judgment to self-monitor your symptoms and contact your medical provider, and to decide whether you should stay home from work and other activities.

As we stay as prepared as possible, as well as wait to hear additional information on how our daily lives will be affected, we urge you all to continue to use caution when out in public, wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, and wipe down areas that are frequently touched by multiple people – phones, TV remotes, laptops, tablets, doorknobs, and light switches. 

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

As the summer season comes to a close this year, there are more cars on the road –schools are fully back in session, and New Hanover County has had a continuously increasing number of residents which is currently at 227,000+.  And, events such as the Wilmington Riverfest and the Cape Fear Fair and Expo attract tourists to add even more to our already crowded streets.

WECT reported this week that there have been three pedestrians hit and killed in a ten day period here in Wilmington, North Carolina.  Wilmington Police Department (WPD) was shocked at the high rate of occurrence of deadly hit and runs in our area recently, even considering the perpetual construction and awful traffic.  The WPD urges pedestrians to be extra cautious and mindful of the laws, especially considering that traffic has the right of way if a pedestrian is crossing the street mid-block.

Police say these pedestrian safety tips could save lives:

• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• When possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street.
• Look for cars in all directions, including those turning right or left.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
• Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Another common cause of car accidents is distracted driving, whether that is texting, eating, or simply not paying attention to their surroundings.  Only a partial second of distraction is needed for a potentially life-changing accident to occur.  Giving it a second thought before texting while driving could be what it takes to save your life, or someone else’s!  However, eliminating distractions while you’re driving is only half the battle when considering being a safe driver – you also have to be aware of other driver’s movements, and anticipate possible traffic violations, such as running a red light, or failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision.

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in an accident, as a result of someone else’s fault or negligence, we can help you get maximum compensation, meaning money damages, for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.

If you are charged with any type of crime in Southeastern North Carolina, in or around Wilmington NC in New Hanover County, Brunswick County, or Pender County, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do for you.

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

Labor Day 2019 in Southeastern North Carolina is expected to be a busy and dangerous holiday.  Being the holiday weekend that traditionally wraps up the summer season, travelers are anxious to get their last beach trip of the year started, and Star News reported yesterday that nearly one-third more fatal accidents occur on Labor Day weekend than a typical three-day period.  In 2017 alone, 354 fatal car accidents occurred during the Labor Day weekend across the United States, leaving 374 people dead.

The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) has handled over 100 crashes per Labor Day weekend for the past 3 years, with none of those ending in fatalities.  However, DWI-related stops have become more frequent each year and in 2018 alone, WPD responded to 13 DWI-related incidents in the Wilmington area.  A larger and more widespread police presence will be on duty for the holiday weekend, so drivers should continue to be cautious, use turn signals, follow the speed limits, remove distractions like texting, and never drink and drive.  More people on the road simply means more opportunities for car wrecks, and it only takes a moment of distraction to cause a life-altering accident.

In addition to an already-expected increase in traffic, with Hurricane Dorian expected to hit land in Florida early next week, there is concern that evacuees from Florida could cause more traffic congestion on I-95, and some may head our way to escape the torment of the storm.

As well as opportunities for more car accidents, plenty of families will be celebrating this Labor Day weekend, and drinking alcohol is part of many of the events.  In the revelry many people will be charged with alcohol related crimes including open container, driving while impaired or driving under the influence (DWI/DUI), fake ID or counterfeit identification, underage drinking, and aiding and abetting these and other crimes.

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in an accident, as a result of someone else’s fault or negligence, we can help you get maximum compensation, meaning money damages, for your pain and suffering, medical bills,, and lost wages.

If you are charged with any type of crime in Southeastern North Carolina, in or around Wilmington NC in New Hanover County, Brunswick County, or Pender County, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do for you. In many cases, we are able to negotiate with the charging officer and the district attorney’s office to have a defendant perform volunteer service in order to have the charges dismissed.  Sometimes, that volunteer service can be served on the beach picking up trash, and helping keep our beautiful beaches clean, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Topsail Beach, Wilmington Beach, and Kure Beach.

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

The planning and design for the Cape Fear Crossing Project has been postponed indefinitely, as of August 13, 2019.

The Cape Fear Crossing would involve a 9.5 mile stretch of road and bridge that would help alleviate traffic congestion to and from the Port of Wilmington.  The cost of the bridge would be approximately $1 Billion, with 80% federal funding, and the other 20% coming from the State of North Carolina.  The Cape Fear Crossing would also impact neighborhoods on either side of the Cape Fear River, including Brunswick Forest and Mallory Creek.

The draft of the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) was released this month, which revealed that the Cape Fear Crossing did not score high enough on the plan to receive sufficient funds to continue moving forward with planning and design.

One deadline to pick a preferred roadway (out of six) set for June of this year was pushed back initially, because of the volume of input at a public hearing held in April of this year, where about 650 people attended at North Brunswick High School to voice their opinions on the new bridge.

To be reconsidered for funding in the future, the project will need to be submitted by the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.  The NCDOT will be releasing the next draft STIP in February 2022.  However, even if the project gets reentered by then, work would not actually begin until 2032 or even later.

When travelling back and forth between Brunswick and New Hanover Counties, be aware of other drivers, as well as construction hazards and emergency vehicles.  Pay attention, abide by the NC laws, and stay safe, especially as we head into this next school season.

However, should you or someone you know get injured in an accident, or receive a citation for a traffic violation in Southeastern North Carolina, in or around Wilmington, NC, in New Hanover County, Brunswick County, or Pender County, contact Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation.

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal