Garner Lake Benson Boathouse Opens May 16 for Season
Come on out to the lake starting May 16! That's when the Lake Benson Boathouse opens for the season.
Come on out to the lake starting May 16! That's when the Lake Benson Boathouse opens for the season. The popular amenity offers a variety of boat, kayak and canoe rentals and provides the opportunity to fish from the dock during boathouse hours.
Lake Benson Boathouse
975 Buffaloe Road
Garner, NC 27529
919.247.3446Lake Benson Boathouse is located just down the road from Lake Benson Park. Jon boats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent. There is no charge to fish from the dock. Dock fishing is only available when the boathouse is open. All rentals are on a first come, first served basis.via Town of Garner
Town of Garner’s New Open Data Site Provides One-Stop Shop for Interactive Maps and Data Sets
The Town has launched a new open data portal, making exploration of interactive maps and data about our community easier than ever.
The Town has launched a new open data portal, making exploration of interactive maps and data about our community easier than ever.
The site features information on parks and facilities, development activity, capital improvement projects, sidewalks, town limits and road maintenance responsibilities. The new platform is a valuable resource for residents, developers and anyone else interested in learning more about Garner’s growth and infrastructure.
Garner Cars and Coffee Building Community and Momentum in Downtown Garner
Garner’s Cars and Coffee is bringing a chill vibe and a variety of cars and car enthusiasts to Downtown Garner.
On the 3rd Sunday of each month between 8:30 and 11am if you hop down to Downtown Garner next to Fullbloom Coffee Roasters and the Garner Rec Center there’s no telling what kind of cars you’ll run into.
From 60’s classics to the latest EVs to classics that are now EVs and from Mustangs and Broncos to Civics and Super Bees.
Garner’s Cars and Coffee is building a reputation for relaxing and chill time for regulars and new folks to spend a Sunday morning talking cars.
General theme is Pre-2000 but other vintage, unique, rare or interesting cars and projects are welcome.
Follow Garner Cars and Coffee on Facebook HERE
GBI: Garner Youth Baseball Celebrates 70 Years
Garner Baseball, Incorporated (GBI) has an over 70 year presence in the Garner community.
Garner Baseball, Incorporated (GBI) has an over 70 year presence in the Garner community.
GBI is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to providing baseball opportunities for children from a wide geographic area.
It also underscores the intergenerational involvement within the program, with families spanning three generations participating and fostering strong community bonds and friendships.
Read More at NBC17: HERE
District 33 Legislative Update from Representative Monika Johnson-Hostler
Thank you for staying engaged with the work we're doing for District 33. Our goal is to keep you informed about key legislative updates, community initiatives, and opportunities that impact our district.
Dear Constituents,
Thank you for staying engaged with the work we're doing for District 33. Our goal is to keep you informed about key legislative updates, community initiatives, and opportunities that impact our district. Your voice is essential in shaping a stronger future, and we encourage you to stay involved, share your thoughts, and reach out with any concerns. Together, we can continue making meaningful progress for our community.
If you would like to schedule a visit please email or call our office at monika.johnson-hostler@ncleg.gov or 919-733-5880.
Rep. Monika Johnston-Hostler: House Standing Committee Assignments
2025-2026 Session
Appropriations
Education Appropriations
Emergency Management And Disaster Recovery
Higher Education
I had a fantastic time meeting with the students and teachers from Creech Road Elementary School during their visit to the Capitol! They were so well prepared, I think they aced my pop quiz on government!
Senate to begin State Budget Process
This year the State Senate will began the budget process for North Carolina’s two-year budget plan. We are currently in the Long Session, where the state budget is the main project for both Chambers to complete. Next year during the Short Session, we will take up a smaller budget that tweaks funding depending on needs that arise or correct technical issues.
The budget process begins in the Senate and after they pass a spending package, it will come to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Chambers typically end up passing different packages, requiring a need for a conference committee to iron out the details. The final spending agreement is then voted on by both Chambers and sent to the Governor for him to sign, veto or let it become law without his signature.
The budget is perhaps the most important legislation this body considers because it sets the funding amounts for state agencies, salaries for state employees and teachers, and more. It is often a place where other policies that did not pass as standalone bills can be inserted, so the budget can become contentious given it is usually one of the last opportunities to enact new policies before the General Assembly winds down for the year.
According to WUNC reporter Colin Campbell, leadership in the House and Senate have agreed to the amount of spending increases for the 25-26 and 26-27 fiscal years.
Those amounts are $800 million more for 25-26 and $700 million more in 26-27. The budget process comes as Governor Stein has warned about an impending “fiscal cliff” as state revenue is projected to decline over the next few years. There are also concerns about how cuts from the federal government will impact critical funding for various state agencies.
The State Senate will release their budget before the Easter break. The Senate budget bill can be found here. The House leadership has begin its work on the budget. You can read Governor Stein’s proposed budget here.
First Robotics. Thank you First Robotics for the invitation to be opening speaker. FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION! FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organization that inspires young minds to explore careers in STEM through thrilling robotics challenges. Teams of students design, build, and program robots to compete in high energy matches, demonstrating not only their engineering skills but also their teamwork and problem-solving abilities. It was amazing to see the passion and creativity of these future innovators in action!
No Woman No Girl Initiative. This year, we had the privilege of attending the No Women, No Girl Women’s Day event in Raleigh, NC, organized by Shirnetta Harrell. No Women, No Girl is dedicated to advocating for the personal hygiene needs of women and girls, ensuring that everyone has access to the products they need to maintain their health and dignity. The event brought together passionate voices to raise awareness and promote equality, reinforcing the belief that every woman and girl deserves dignity and the basic right to proper hygiene.
Legislative Bill Tracking
The 2025 legislative session is well underway and lawmakers are filing bills that will shape the future of North Carolina. If you are interested in the legislative bill tracking process the North Carolina General Assembly website provides information to keep you informed.
Below, we've outlined a step-by-step guide on how to track bills, follow legislative votes, and stay up to date on the policies that impact you.
Visit the NCGA Website & Find Your Legislator
1. Go to the NCGA homepage at www.ncleg.gov
2. On the top right of the page, click “Find Your Legislators.”
3. Enter your street address in the search box to find your State Representative and Senator. You'll see their names, districts, and contact information.
Search for a Specific Bill
1. On the NCGA homepage, find the search bar at the top right.
2. Type in the bill number (e.g., H1 or S1), a keyword, or the sponsor's name to search for specific bills.
3. Press Enter to see the list of results. Click on a bill to view more details.
View Bill Details
1. When you click on a bill, you will be taken to the bill's official page.
2. On the bill page, you’ll see the bill text, a summary of what the bill does, its sponsors, its status, and how legislators have voted on it.
3. Review the vote history to see how different legislators voted on the bill in the past.
Tracking What Your Legislator Does in Raleigh:
To keep track of the bills your legislator is introducing, and how they are voting, use the legislators profile page.
1. Search for Your Legislator’s Profile
2. View Legislator Details
o Under the “Introduced Bills” tab you can see the list of bills they have filed as a primary sponsor, or signed on as a co-sponsor.
o Under the “Votes” tab you can see the list of bills they have voted on, with their specific vote (Yes, No, Abstain).
Mental Health Advocacy Day. It was an honor to meet with Keelie Jones and Camben Lee to discuss the critical issues of mental health and bullying in schools. We had an open, impactful conversation about the challenges students face and how we can work together to create positive change. Their insights and passion for fostering safer, more supportive school environments are truly inspiring, and I’m committed to advocating for solutions that prioritize the well-being of all students
Chief Lorie Smith to Retire from Police Department Effective May 1
Garner Police Chief Lorie Smith has announced that she is retiring effective May 1, 2025, after 30 years of creditable law-enforcement service—all in her hometown with the Garner Police Department.
Chief Smith has led the Police Department since December 2021. She joined it in 1997 as a member of the Patrol Division and started her ascent in the department when she was promoted to sergeant in 2004.
Garner Police Chief Lorie Smith has announced that she is retiring effective May 1, 2025, after 30 years of creditable law-enforcement service—all in her hometown with the Garner Police Department.
Chief Smith has led the Police Department since December 2021. She joined it in 1997 as a member of the Patrol Division and started her ascent in the department when she was promoted to sergeant in 2004.
Chief Smith has been a trailblazer throughout her stellar career. She became the first sworn female member of the Police Department’s command staff when she was promoted to lieutenant in 2015. She then became the department’s first female captain in 2017 and subsequently moved into her current role as the agency's first female chief.
“For me, it has never been about being the police chief or being the first female chief,” said Chief Smith. “I saw this opportunity as a way to advocate for the men and women of the Garner Police Department. I wanted to support a culture where employees felt valued and supported and wanted to come to work each day."
“It has always been my priority to ensure that all GPD employees have the resources, opportunities, training and equipment they need to grow and develop professionally," she said. "I hope that my achievements during my career will inspire others to work hard and persevere through difficult challenges to achieve their goals.”
Reflecting on her career, Chief Smith put primary focus on the exceptional team of which she has been a part.
“I am most proud of the dedicated professionals who serve the Garner community, the high standards we achieve, the exceptional level of service we provide and the positive reputation we have established within the Garner and law enforcement communities,” she said.
Chief Smith’s service to the Police Department has been wide ranging. As a lieutenant, she commanded the Criminal Investigations Division. As a captain, she commanded the Administration Bureau through 2020, serving as the department’s backup public information officer (PIO), primary internal affairs investigator and administrator overseeing the department’s annual budget.
Before her appointment as chief, Smith led the department’s Operations Bureau with oversight of the Patrol, Support Services and Criminal Investigations Divisions. She also was the department’s primary PIO.
In addition, Chief Smith has been a field training officer, general instructor, Crisis Intervention Team officer, negotiator, team leader and team commander for the department’s Crisis Negotiations Team. She also served as a board member of the North Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network from 2016 through 2021.
Grassroots engagement here in Garner has always been a critically important facet of her work, Chief Smith said.
“The people and sense of community are what make Garner special,” she said. “The relationships I developed and nurtured over the years helped build a strong sense of community where people genuinely care about and come together to support each other.”
Chief Smith has been a member of the Garner Educational Foundation since 2015 and has volunteered with the Schools and Community Organized to Read (SCOR) program at Timber Drive Elementary.
She also has been an active volunteer with the Garner Police Athletics and Activities League (PAAL) since its inception and has served as a PAAL coordinator at Rand Road and East Garner Elementary Schools.
“I am proud of the fact I spent my entire career serving with the Garner Police Department," Chief Smith said. “It is a testament to my level of commitment to the Garner community and the law enforcement profession. I will forever be grateful for the great role models and mentors who believed in, encouraged and supported me throughout my career.”
Chief Smith will be recognized for her exemplary service to Garner at the April 1 Town Council meeting.
For more information about the Garner Police Department, please visit GarnerPD.org and follow the department on Facebook and Instagram (@garner_police_department).
via Town of Garner
Town Council Member Demian Dellinger Named a 2024 NC Main Street Champion
Town Council Member Demian Dellinger was honored as a 2024 North Carolina Main Street Champion at this year's NC Main Street Conference. Mr. Dellinger was recognized for his exceptional contributions to Downtown Garner.
Town Council Member Demian Dellinger was honored as a 2024 North Carolina Main Street Champion at this year's NC Main Street Conference. Mr. Dellinger was recognized for his exceptional contributions to Downtown Garner.
Mr. Dellinger has served on the Downtown Garner Association board for six years, including a term as board chair of the Main Street organization. During his leadership, he was instrumental in launching key initiatives that revitalized the downtown area.
One of Mr. Dellinger’s significant achievements was his role in facilitating public art projects that enhanced Downtown Garner’s atmosphere. He also played a crucial role in spearheading efforts to provide financial relief to local businesses affected by COVID-19. His efforts helped sustain and strengthen Downtown Garner’s economy during challenging times.
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that have made significant contributions to the success of Main Street programs across the state. Every year, each NC Main Street program selects one individual or entity to receive the NC Main Street Champion designation, which honors extraordinary efforts to revitalize and sustain downtown areas.
For more information, including Mr. Dellinger's recognition video, visit https://www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/post/demian-dellinger-garner.
Town of Garner 2025-2026 Budget Portal Open for Feedback and Recommendations
The Town of Garner’s budget portal is open.
Do you have recommendations for Town Council for the 2025-2026 Budget?
The Town has opened its budget portal 2025-2026.
Do you have recommendations or suggestions for next year’s budget?
Garner Police Department Recognized for Reaching 30-Year Mark in Continuous Accreditation
The Garner Police Department has reached an impressive milestone, earning advanced law enforcement national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) for the 10th consecutive three-year period.
(From left) Accreditation Manager Dana Clay, Lt. Tyler Rose, Chief Lorie Smith, Deputy Chief Chris Adams, Capt. Michael Medlin and former chiefs Joe Binns and Tom Moss were on hand at the April 1 Garner Town Council meeting to celebrate the Police Department's 30 years of CALEA accreditation.
The Garner Police Department has reached an impressive milestone, earning advanced law enforcement national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) for the 10th consecutive three-year period.
The achievement was recognized last month at the CALEA annual conference in Garden Grove, Calif., and then here in Garner at the April 1 Town Council meeting. The department was first accredited in March 1994 under the leadership of former chief Tom Moss, who attended the Council meeting recognition.
Following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA assessors, Garner Police Department Chief Lorie Smith, Town Manager Jodi Miller and Accreditation Manager Dana Clay attended last month's CALEA conference for formal recognition of the department's reaccreditation.
CALEA President Marlon Lynch and Executive Director Craig Hartley awarded the Police Department with accreditation, signifying excellence in public safety and commitment to the Garner community. The department now moves into CALEA’s four-year accreditation cycle that includes four annual remote, web-based file reviews and a site-based assessment in the fourth year.
“I am very proud of the dedication and hard work of our team of professionals who helped us receive our 10th accreditation,” Chief Smith said. “Achieving more than 30 years of accreditation is a testament to the department’s commitment to excellence.”
This latest reaccreditation is a capstone achievement for Chief Smith, who will be retiring at the end of this month after 30 years of creditable service--all in her hometown with the Garner Police Department.
Chief Smith said Accreditation Manager Clay, who also is retiring, deserves special recognition.
“Ms. Clay has served as the Police Department’s accreditation manager since May 2003 and has been instrumental in helping us maintain our excellence in the accreditation process,” Chief Smith said. “Her knowledge and experience have been invaluable, and she will be greatly missed as she retires on April 4 after 22 years of service with the Town.”
The purpose of CALEA is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety, and to establish and administer the accreditation process. The accreditation process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates how it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.
The benefits of CALEA accreditation include:
Controlled Liability Insurance Costs: Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase liability insurance; allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more easily; and, in many cases, results in lower premiums.
Stronger Defense Against Lawsuits and Citizen Complaints: Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them once they become accredited.
Greater Accountability Within the Agency: Accreditation standards give the chief executive officer a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority and routine reports that support decision making and resource allocation.
Staunch Support from Government Officials: Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management and service delivery. As a result, government officials are more confident in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.
Increased Community Advocacy: Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and residents work together to prevent and control crime. This partnership helps residents understand the challenges confronting law enforcement and gives law enforcement clear direction about community expectations.
Improved Employee Morale: Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices; facilities and equipment to ensure employee safety; and processes to safeguard employee rights. Employees take pride in their agency, knowing it represents the very best in public safety.
CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; the National Sheriffs' Association; and the Police Executive Research Forum.
via Town of Garner
Garner Police Department Deputy Chief Adams to Serve as Interim Chief Starting April 26
Garner Police Deputy Chief Chris Adams will serve as the Police Department’s interim chief starting April 26 until a permanent replacement for the department's top leadership position is named.
Garner Police Deputy Chief Chris Adams will serve as the Police Department’s interim chief starting April 26 until a permanent replacement for the department's top leadership position is named.
Deputy Chief Adams will move into his new temporary role following the retirement of Chief Lorie Smith, who closes out her law-enforcement career on April 25 after 30 years of creditable service—all with the Garner Police Department.
The appointment of Deputy Chief Adams to his new interim role “will allow a seamless leadership transition in the Police Department when Chief Smith retires,” Town Manager Jodi Miller said.
Deputy Chief Adams is a proven community-minded leader with 26 years of experience in policing, all of which are with the Garner Police Department. Before starting his law-enforcement career, Deputy Chief Adams served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He has served as deputy chief in the Garner Police Department since July 2024. Prior to that, he served in various leadership roles for the department including support services captain, patrol lieutenant and several sergeant positions.
“I am honored to serve as interim chief of police for the Town of Garner,” Deputy Chief Adams said. “With 26 years of service with Garner PD, I remain deeply committed to our core values of commitment, integrity and professionalism. During this time of transition, my focus is on maintaining stability within the department, supporting our officers and continuing to build trust with the community we proudly serve. We look forward to working alongside our residents and partners to ensure Garner remains a safe and connected town for all.”
The Town of Garner is currently inviting residents’ input about the hire of the Police Department’s next permanent chief.
A short survey that takes about 3 minutes to complete is open until April 30 and can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GarnerCommunitySurvey
via Town of Garner
Garner Police Department Earns Statewide Award for Recruitment Video
The Town of Garner was among 27 North Carolina jurisdictions to earn recognition in the North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C) 2025 Excellence in Communications Awards. The Town won first-place honors in the category of promotional videos for an update to the Police Department’s recruitment video.
Communications Media Coordinator Kyle Kettler and Sgt. Joseph Gomes collaborated on the award-winning promotional video that Police uses for recruitment purposes.
The Town of Garner was among 27 North Carolina jurisdictions to earn recognition in the North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C) 2025 Excellence in Communications Awards. The Town won first-place honors in the category of promotional videos for an update to the Police Department’s recruitment video.
The video was filmed, directed and edited by Communications Media Coordinator Kyle Kettler in collaboration with Sgt. Joseph Gomes.
The objective of the video was to highlight the work-life balance that the Police Department offers, appeal to diverse applicants and showcase community-policing efforts. The video provides “evergreen” content that can be used at career fairs, school presentations and on social media to present the Police Department in an exciting and appealing light.
Produced over the course of four months, the video incorporated new footage from events, officer trainings, ridealongs and scenes from officers' home-life activities. The narration was recorded from officers featured in the video with additional voiceover narration by Chief Lorie Smith.
“I am so proud of the collaboration between Communications and Police on this video,” Chief Smith said. “We wanted an updated recruitment video that emphasized the community focus of our department, and this video succeeded in capturing that in a powerful way.”
The Town of Garner has won a total of 41 first- and second-place NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards since it started competing in the annual statewide contests in 2012.
The year's awards were announced on April 10 during NC3C’s annual conference. 179 award entries from 47 local government organizations were judged by professional communications peers from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators.
To learn more about the Garner Police Department, including how to apply for a position, visit GarnerPD.org.
via Town of Garner
Businesses Benefit as Downtown Garner’s Social District Catches On (CBS 17 Video)
Businesses benefit as Downtown Garner’s social district catches on (CBS 17 Video)
Businesses benefit as Downtown Garner’s social district catches on.
Garner Recreation Center Wins State Award for Best Infill Development
The bustling recreational facility, made possible in part by the 2013 Garner Bond Program, received recognition from the N.C. Main Street Program.
In August 2021, the transformational Garner Recreation Center opened in historic downtown Garner. Construction began in 2017 for the 40,000 square feet facility that has enticed, 200 member sign-ups and has drawn more than 75,000 visitors to Downtown Garner since its opening. The project was funded by multiple partners, including a 2013 Garner bond referendum, the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Con Agra Corporation, Wake County, and the North Carolina General Assembly.
Downtown Garner staff helped assemble the properties to accommodate this facility and other projects. It has resulted in expanded athletic leagues, camps, after school programs, and fitness and specialty classes. It is an event center for the entire community, providing rental space for local activities and statewide sports tournaments. Garner’s Holiday Block Party and Movies on the Lawn events have been relocated to the recreation center campus.
Most impressive has been the economic development it has spurred in Downtown Garner. Three new downtown businesses opened prior to the recreation center’s opening. And there is a new mixed-use project under development that will include 101 new residential units, 5,500 square feet of new commercial space, and the expansion of the Main Street commercial footprint by 50%.
The recreation center has 8 full-time jobs and 40 part-time and seasonal jobs. A private company invested $2.7 million to renovate two downtown properties into a distillery and wedding venue, and other downtown businesses invested more than $1.5 million to improve existing properties.
Garner resident graduates from Campbell University School of Law
Garner, North Carolina, resident Christian Lunghi was among the graduates Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law conferred 145 Juris Doctor degrees on Friday, May 12, during its 45th hooding and graduation ceremony at the J.S. Dorton Arena. (Photo via FB Christian Lunghi)
RALEIGH — Garner, North Carolina, resident Christian Lunghi was among the graduates Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law conferred 145 Juris Doctor degrees on Friday, May 12, during its 45th hooding and graduation ceremony at the J.S. Dorton Arena.
Lunghi graduated cum laude, which is awarded for degrees earned with distinction. Lunghi also received the Order of Old Kivett which is awarded for exemplary representation in advocacy competitions while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
“Today is a transitional point in your lives,” Dean J. Rich Leonard told the graduates. “For the rest of your days, no matter what you are doing, whether you are a prosecutor or a public defender, a civil litigator or criminal defense attorney, a judge, a corporate officer, a government official, or a parent at home raising children, when the question is asked, 'What do you do?' you are entitled to proudly answer, 'I am a lawyer.'”
Nottingham Law School Deputy Dean Matthew Homewood on behalf of Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom, bestowed four Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees to Heidi M. High of Hankasalmi, Finland, Erin Leigh Basinger of Kannapolis, LeAnne McAbee of Wilkesboro and Judge Donna Elizabeth "Beth" Tanner of Kinston. "Enjoy every part of this day and take a moment to reflect on what you have achieved," Homewood said. "It's amazing."
Campbell University Board of Trustees Chairman Gene Lewis III '94,' 97 told the Class of 2023, who began their law school journey during the pandemic, they have risen to the challenge. "You are our future ... your tool chest is full and, with what you have learned during the pandemic, your class is best equipped to transform the legal profession ... seize your future and do great and good things."
North Carolina's First Lady Kristin Cooper '82 was the commencement speaker. In her entertaining and inspirational speech, Cooper encouraged the graduates to break out of their comfort zones and continue to challenge themselves by learning new things and seeking out those with whom they fundamentally disagree. "Your law degree gives you options," she explained. "I encourage you to go on to have lives that are not just about making money but finding joy. Don't fear failure. Seek justice and love mercy. You are all going to shine like diamonds. I can't wait to see what you are going to do."
Valedictorian Sofia Peri Baneth told her classmates that just .4 percent of the U.S. population works as a lawyer, making it a privilege that also comes with responsibilities, including explaining the law, working hard for clients, solving problems and continuing to support each other while representing the Campbell Law School community. She wrapped up her remarks with, "Guess what? Y'all, we did it!," which was received with a huge round of applause.
Find photos of the ceremony on the law school's Facebook page at this link and watch the graduation ceremony's Live Stream recording at this link.
Members of the Campbell Law School Class of 2023 pose with Dean J. Rich Leonard.
ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW
Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law School has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation’s top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation’s best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts more than 4,800 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2023, Campbell Law is celebrating 45 years of graduating legal leaders and 14 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina’s Capital City.
WakeMed Officially Announces 'Whole Person' Health Facility in Garner
WakeMed Health & Hospitals joined Congresswoman Deborah Ross, retired Congressman David Price, and Wake County Government and Town of Garner, NC Government officials and leaders at Garner Town Hall to celebrate the $12 million in federal and county funding for the planned mental health and well-being hospital in Garner near White Oak Road and Timber Drive.
WakeMed Health & Hospitals joined Congresswoman Deborah Ross, retired Congressman David Price, and Wake County Government and Town of Garner, NC Government officials and leaders at Garner Town Hall to celebrate the $12 million in federal and county funding for the planned mental health and well-being hospital in Garner near White Oak Road and Timber Drive.
The hospital will meet a critical need for mental health and well-being care services and support our growing population.
Historic Downtown Garner Unveils New Social District
The Garner Social District went into effect on March 1. Visitors to the Historic Downtown Garner commercial district can enjoy alcoholic beverages in a defined public area, but some rules and restrictions apply
The new Garner Social District was launched in Historic Downtown Garner on March 1. See the map below for the district's boundaries. Hours for the district are Monday-Saturday noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Here are some do's and don't's for those who want to enjoy the district:
Please do:
Purchase your beverages only from permitted businesses.
Enjoy your beverages only within the Garner Social District boundaries (see map below).
Be responsible for your behavior. Follow all rules associated with the Garner Social District.
When enjoying your beverage in the Social District, enter only businesses with signage that permits alcoholic beverages and stay within the Social District.
Please don't:
Bring your own alcohol.
Bring or refill your own cups.
Take any alcoholic beverages outside of the designated Social District zone. Boundaries are designated by signage (also, see map below).
Take any alcoholic beverage onto Town-owned property (e.g. the Garner Recreation Center).
Assume that every business located within the Garner Social District zone participates. Please check for appropriate signage.
Spring Unprepared Yard Waste and Trash Collection Begins Mid-March
The Town special spring cleanup kicks off the week of March 20 for some solid-waste routes.
Get ready for the Town's 2023 spring special curbside pickup for unprepared yard waste and trash.
For this pickup, yard waste does not have to be bagged or bundled, and the usual size specifications for weekly pickup do not apply. Our hard-working Public Works crews also will be picking up excess trash and bulky items such as old furniture.
To accommodate different pickups, please separate your items by these categories: yard waste, bulky waste and mattresses (contact Public Works about mattress pickup).
The schedule for this special spring collection is as follows:
The department can be reached at publicworksservicedesk@garnernc.gov or at 919.772.7600.
There are some things our crews cannot collect—namely, waste generated by tree companies and contractors, household appliances, tires, paint, hazardous waste and electronics.
For information on Wake County's hazardous waste disposal locations, please visit https://maps.wakegov.com/sw/#/
Public Meeting on Draft Pedestrian Plan March 9th
Town staff and consultants will hold an open-house-style public forum to receive feedback on the draft Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan
The Town of Garner will hold an open-house-style public workshop on its draft Pedestrian Plan on Thursday, March 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the White Deer Park Nature Center meeting room (2400 Aversboro Road).
Staff and consultants at the workshop will solicit community input and provide a review of the draft plan, including a review of pedestrian network recommendations, policy and program recommendations, priority projects and cut sheets, and the action plan.
Jacob David Stevens, Garner Magnet High School Teacher Passed Away Unexpectedly. Jacob in His Father's Words.
Jacob David Stevens, 41, an automotive teacher at his beloved Garner Magnet High School, died unexpectedly at his home on Monday night. Our family appreciates the support we have received from the community. Your prayers help to relieve the pain.
Republished from Tim Stevens’s public Facebook Post
Jacob David Stevens, 41, an automotive teacher at his beloved Garner Magnet High School, died unexpectedly at his home on Monday night. Our family appreciates the support we have received from the community. Your prayers help to relieve the pain.
He was a good, caring person who loved his wife, Allison, and 15-year-old son Wade with all his being. He and Wade had worked together for more than a year to restore Jake’s first truck to become Wade's first car. Jake had so looked forward to watching Wade drive it. Jake didn’t quite get it finished, but friends plan to have Wade riding soon.
Jake could be found most weeks eating Sunday dinner with his parents, Donna and Tim Stevens, his sisters Susanna Stevens and Elizabeth Edwards and their families. He loved being an uncle to niece Hannah Edwards and nephew Hank Edwards. Family was paramount.
As a child, Jake loved going with his family to Disney World. Coordinating vacation time for four families had become difficult in recent years, but Jake had managed to plan a big family gathering in Florida in May. He knew people would have different agendas on the trip, but he said he wanted to get everybody together again at one of his favorite places.
Jake grew up around sports and he loved baseball. He was a starter for Garner Senior, but said he never realized that he wasn’t very good until he quit playing.
Football gradually became his athletic passion. He did not play football until his sophomore year in high school, but eventually was a quarterback, place kicker, and punter on the varsity. He broke his leg making a tackle during his senior season but rejoined the team for the state playoffs and helped the Trojans to the state 4-A championship game.
He became an assistant football coach at Garner Senior, working with his former coach Hal Stewart and Stewart’s successors, Nelson Smith, and Thurman Leach. He loved coaching and the opportunity the work with young men.
His biggest passion was helping people. He restored a 1950s Farmall tractor for his grandfather, James R. Stevens, rebuilt another old tractor to become the blue and gold Trojan tractor and kept the teachers’ cars running. He loved teaching auto mechanics. Every year his Christmas wish list was primarily tools and equipment to be used at school. He would open a package and say that the kids in class would appreciate this.
Jake was a strong advocate for vocational education, and he reveled in his former students who found well-paying jobs in mechanical fields. He worked at finding jobs for his former students. Many of his students say he was the best teacher that they ever had. Others said that he changed their lives.
He was a person of strong faith and strong opinions.
But there was never any question that he was most concerned about his students and his family.
He is survived by his wife Allison and son Wade; his mother and father Donna and Tim Stevens; sister Susanna; and sister Elizabeth Edwards, her husband Patrick and their two children Hank and Hannah.
The last words we heard him speak came as he was leaving our house. He kissed Donna as he always did and said, "I love you, momma."
Jake’s loss is devastating to us.
Town of Garner Town Welcomes New IT Director
Howley joins the Town with over 15 years of technology leadership experience and over 30 years of total experience providing technology solutions in public-sector environments.
The Town of Garner has welcomed Tom Howley to its team as its new information technology director.
Howley joins the Town with over 15 years of technology leadership experience and over 30 years of total experience providing technology solutions in public-sector environments.
“We are excited to have Tom join the Town’s Information Technology Department,” Assistant Town Manager John Hodges said. “His combination of public-sector experience and his leadership of technology and infrastructure projects make him well-prepared to help Garner deploy and support tools and services to enable our staff to provide excellent customer service to our community.”
The bulk of Howley’s career has been devoted to developing technology infrastructure projects and large data centers and networks to support K-12 learning in Michigan and Washington state.
As a leader in Washington, Howley was elected vice chair of a public regional fiber-optic-network cost-sharing consortium consisting of municipal, K-12, higher-ed, public safety, hospital and other non-profit organizations.
It was there that Howley discovered the satisfying, direct impact municipal governments can make in the communities they serve.
Howley maintains multiple certifications including certified government chief information officer (CGCIO).
Howley and his spouse, Karyn, are happy to be relocating to North Carolina where their children, grandchildren and parents reside.
“I’m very excited to start working with my professional team to provide technology solutions that help all Town departments provide high-quality services desired by our residents,” Howley said.