Topsail Gun Gal

 Looking for a new 9mm handgun to add to your collection? I got one thing to say- “Buy the bundle”. For some reason, both Springfield and S&W have gone crazy with amazing deals that include range bags, speed loaders, up to 5 magazines (some up to 17 rounds each) and to make it extra sweet– an optic. Yes, an optic. The latest craze for those, who like me, need a little bit extra on that quick eye acquisition. Springfield Hellcat bundles come with the optic at time of purchase and so does the Springfield Echelon Bundle. These are both 9mm handguns designed for range use and carry.

 S&W offers a large assortment of handguns that once you purchase the firearm, you fill out the form and they send you a green dot optic (worth $289). These are amazing deals for anyone looking in the $599- $699 category and wanting to get a lot for your money. Don’t hesitate, the Smith & Wesson deal ends April 30th and Springfield deal will end when supplies run out.

 Some people have forgotten how important freedom really is. Freedom of course comes in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes it comes in property rights. Thanks to State Representative Charlie Miller (Republican for District 19), the Brunswick County town of South Port has lost all power over property owners in the ETJ (Extra Territorial Jurisdiction). What does that mean exactly? Thanks to House Bill 911, the people that own property in the former ETJ no longer are subjected to the city’s rules and regulations, building permit fees or fines.

 Property owners in ETJ of any municipality do not pay city property taxes, they do not receive services (fire/police) from the municipality, do not vote in municipal elections and cannot serve on an elected board of commissioners, but they are ruled over through zoning and may be fined regarding zoning or other offenses. In government representation, all reality, taxation and it is without certainly government overreach.

For those of you who own property in the ETJ of Holly Ridge, you may be familiar with some of these issues. ETJ property owners only pay county taxes and receive emergency services from the county. In the case of Holly Ridge, the fire department is contracted to serve the county so there is no loss of services there. Law enforcement is provided by the Onslow County Sheriff’s department, and yes, they can reach out to local PD for assistance.

 Mississippi has joined the group of states that are doing away with income tax. In a pledge to the people of the state, Governor Tate Reeves will sign into law the reduction and eventual elimination of income tax for his constituents. Currently nine states do not have income tax, including; TN, FL, SD, NH, NV, WY, AK, WA and Texas. The Governor is hoping to boost economic growth through no longer taxing the work and earnings of the people of Mississippi.

 The Governor of Florida is working on a plan to end property taxes. His argument is that it is an “unfair tax”. This would require a vote to create a Constitutional Amendment and  would need the support of 60% of all voters. I don’t know about you, but I would vote for this!

Come on North Carolina, start listening to some of the other states, aren’t we taxed and taxed and taxed enough?

 Some very scary predictions are coming out about the major loss of honeybees this year across our country. Some reports are sounding the alarm that the bee population may decline up to 70% which could lead to a major reduction in agricultural products. How can you help? Simple, don’t mow all your lawn or native flowers until the end of May, don’t spray poisons on flowers and vegetation and plant more flowers! Sounds like an inconvenience? Try living without fruits and vegetables.

 Join us on April 26th for the 2nd Annual Holly Ridge Bee Festival on Sound Road and learn more about how we can save the amazing honeybee!

 Remember knowledge is power, bees are essential to our existence, and no one likes to pay taxes!