KEY INFORMATION:
- NC Ports Authority suspends the Wilmington Harbor deepening project.
- The likelihood of multiple potential weather hazards for this weekend is increasing.
- The annual change from chloramines to chlorine has started on Brunswick County Public Utility’s end, with Village Utilities to follow the week of October 12.
- Call for applications to fill a vacancy on the Planning Board.
- Beach bonfire season set to begin when burn ban is lifted – Brunswick County remains under Stage 1 restrictions, drought update.
- Construction activity on weekends.
- November election information.
REMINDERS & EVENTS:
- Join us for the PSA’s BBQ fundraiser on Friday, October 9, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
- The 2nd annual BHI Surf Fishing Tournament is scheduled for October 9-11.
- The next Badwater Marathon & Half is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026. Islanders should expect some road closures/traffic delays.
- The next regular Village Council meeting is on Friday, October 23, 2026.
- Dosher Memorial Hospital will be having a flu shot clinic on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
- Trick-or-treating on BHI will take place on Saturday, October 31, from 1-3 p.m.
- Hazardous waste drop-off days are coming up on November 19 & 20.
Wilmington Harbor Deepening Project
The North Carolina State Ports Authority has suspended its proposed $1.35 billion Wilmington Harbor Navigation Improvement Project, which aimed to deepen the Cape Fear River channel from 42 to 47 feet to accommodate larger vessels. NC Ports cited the need for additional study of environmental impacts, including the potential disturbance of PFAS “forever chemicals” in the Cape Fear River. This follows objections from residents, researchers, environmental groups, and local governments (including the Village of Bald Head Island) who were concerned about the project’s impact on erosion, marine habitat, drinking water quality, and insufficient mitigation plans. NC Ports plans to shift focus to a new strategic plan aimed at increasing port capacity without moving forward with the deepening effort.
Weekend Weather Hazards
The National Weather Service Wilmington office indicates that the chances of multiple weather hazards through this weekend are increasing. This includes:
- Coastal/surge flooding
- Localized heavy rain bringing a risk of flash flooding
- Severe storms, including tornadoes
- Dangerous marine/surf conditions
Rainfall is expected Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon in amounts of 3-5” with locally higher amounts possible, which could lead to isolated flash flooding. High/moderate risk of dangerous rip currents is forecast mainly for east-facing (East Beach) beaches on Saturday and all beaches on Sunday.
The Village’s public works crews are already proactively cleaning/clearing stormwater drainage areas. Please check NWS Wilmington’s latest briefing for the most up-to-date forecast. Be sure to check BHI Transportation Inc.’s app or website for the latest information on ferry service.
Annual Change from Chloramines to Chlorine
As announced, Brunswick County Public Utilities changed its disinfection method for water from chloramines to chlorine on October 1. The Village will follow next week (the week of October 12). These conditions are not harmful and are temporary.
Along with this change, the Village will be blowing out dead ends to “burn out” the free chlorine. This may cause some ponding on Village roads. Consumers may notice some discoloration, which can be cleared by running outside spigots. Call (910) 457-9700 ext. 1000 for assistance.
For more information, view the County’s full statement and the Village’s full notice, which is posted on the Village Utilities webpage.
Call for Applications
There is a new vacancy on the Planning Board, and the Village Council is requesting applications to fill the vacant alternate member position with a term ending on June 2027. Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 16. To learn more about the Planning Board and its responsibilities, view the Village’s Planning Board webpage.
The application form can be downloaded online, and hard copies are available at Village Hall.
Completed applications may be submitted via email to Darcy Sperry, Village Clerk, at village.clerk@villagebhi.org or hand-delivered to the receptionist at Village Hall. Any questions can go to Ms. Sperry at her email address or by calling (910) 457-9700 ext. 1001.
Beach Bonfire Season
Coinciding with Brunswick County’s June 8 burn ban, the Village of Bald Head Island remains under a burn ban. All burning within 100 ft. of any structure is banned on BHI.
Once the burn ban is lifted, the Village will start accepting beach bonfire permit applications. If you recall, last year was the first year the Village started basing the season start time on turtle nesting activity. The last nest was set to be excavated today (10/8). For more information and updates, check out our beach bonfire permit webpage.
Brunswick County remains under a Stage 1 voluntary water conservation alert. Please review the County’s announcement for details.
The Drought Management Advisory Council’s most recent report indicates Brunswick County remains in D3 – extreme drought conditions.
Updates to the water conservation alerts will be posted to our Village Utilities webpage. Updates for the burn ban are posted to our Public Safety webpage. Both updates will appear on our social media channels.
Construction Activity on Weekends
The Village has recently received inquiries about construction activity being performed on weekends.
While construction activity is not expressly prohibited on weekends, the noise division of the Village ordinances (Section 16-134) exempts construction and maintenance activities if work is performed on weekdays between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Contractors have been reminded that any construction activity outside of the weekday hours could be a violation of the noise ordinance and would be subject to enforcement. They have been asked to refrain from construction activities outside of defined weekdays and workday hours.
An example of weekend work activity that would not be in violation of the ordinance is interior work like painting, which would not create noise, and assuming the painting crew would travel to the worksite via electric vehicle/golf cart.
November Election Information
Brunswick County voters are able to request an absentee ballot through October 20. If you intend to have your ballot notarized by Village staff, please follow the instructions provided on the Board of Elections site.
Below are some key dates regarding the statewide general election:
- Friday, September 4 – Absentee ballots available
- Sunday, October 4 – Residency deadline
- Friday, October 9 – Voter registration deadline
- Thursday, October 15 – Saturday, October 31 – Early voting
- Tuesday, October 20, 5:00 p.m. – Last day to request an absentee ballot
- Tuesday, November 3, 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. – General Election Day
- Tuesday, November 3, 7:30 p.m. – Absentee ballots due at the Board of Elections office
- Tuesday, November 10 (Noon) – Deadline for provisional voters to show acceptable ID
- Friday, November 13, 11:00 a.m. – Canvass
For additional details, including early voting locations and schedule, sample ballots, and more, please go to the Brunswick County Board of Elections website. All inquiries about elections should be directed via email to the Brunswick County Board of Elections or by calling (910) 253-2620.
REMINDERS & EVENTS:
Public Service Auxiliary BBQ Fundraiser
The Public Service Auxiliary invites all Islanders to join them for a delicious BBQ dinner on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building (273 Edward Teach Wynd). All fundraising proceeds will support the Village’s first responders and community programs.
COST: $25 per plate (includes pork BBQ, slaw, baked beans, cornbread, & brownie). Take-out BBQ pints available for purchase!
2nd Annual BHI Surf Fishing Tournament
The second annual BHI Surf Fishing Tournament is scheduled for October 9 through October 11. The event is being organized by The Craftsmen Group, LLC. Details and registration for the tournament can be found on the event website.
Proceeds from the tournament will go to Kids Making It, Inc., a woodworking program for at-risk, low-income, and disadvantaged youth.
Badwater Marathon & Half
The Badwater Marathon & Half is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Approximately 150-165 runners are registered for the race. Traffic will be redirected along the Cape Fear Marathon & Half route. There will also be some road closures.
- The Timber Bridge will be closed to traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (motorists should use Keelson Row through Barge Landing to access North Bald Head Wynd/West Bald Head Wynd).
- The intersection of N Bald Head Wynd, W Bald Head Wynd/Marina Wynd will be closed during the race (traffic will be rerouted via W Bald Head Wynd).
- There will be a redirection of traffic near Loggerhead Trail (Beach Access 39) off South Bald Head Wynd, due to blind curves.
- All racers will be instructed to stay on the left side of the roadway (against oncoming traffic).
View the race map on our “Road Closures” webpage.
More information about the race can be found on the event website.
Next Regular Village Council Meeting
The next regular Village Council Meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Meetings are held in the multi-purpose room in the Department of Public Safety (273 Edward Teach Ext.). The agenda for the meeting will be posted on the agenda webpage. Zoom information for listening remotely can be found on the meeting schedule webpage. If you are unable to attend, we will be publishing a written recap on the Village Council meeting recap webpage, and there will be a podcast episode covering the highlights.
Flu Shot Clinic
Dosher Memorial Hospital will be having a flu shot clinic on BHI on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 10:00 to noon. The clinic will take place at the Department of Public Safety in the bays. Please pull around to the back of the building and park there. Don’t forget your ID and insurance card.
Trick or Treating
Trick or treating will take place on Saturday, October 31, from 1-3 p.m. If you want your home or business added to the map of trick-or-treat stops, please register by October 15.
Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
The second of two hazardous waste drop-off periods in 2026 is coming up on Thursday and Friday, November 19 & 20 (times are TBD). Hazardous waste will be accepted at Public Works, near the trash compactors. If there are barge delays or another circumstance in which the days need to be rescheduled, the Village will send out an announcement. Additional details can be found on the Village website.
Thank you for reading this Village’s Voice announcement and for taking the time to stay informed on Village news and events. If you have any questions about the content in this announcement or about the Village’s departments and services, please reach out to us at public.information@villagebhi.org or (910) 457-9700 ext. 1025.