KEY INFORMATION:
- Island Package Center & Post Office lobby refresh continues.
- Annual hydrant flow testing is now underway.
- Golf cart registration annual renewal letters to be sent to cart owners with January 2027 expirations.
- Concrete septic tank replacement project – a note for homeowners regarding project cleanup.
- Tips for preparing for the first fall freeze and winter weather.
REMINDERS & EVENTS:
- Village offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
- There’s still time to participate in Public Safety’s community survey!
- Project Longevity is hosting the second BHI Transportation Authority Forum on November 17 from 1:30 – 4 p.m.
- Angel bags for Village Chapel’s Angel Tree project are available at the IPC/PO.
- Hazardous waste drop-off days are coming up on November 18 & 19.
- The next regular Village Council meeting is on Friday, November 20, 2026.
- The annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade is set for Friday, November 27.
- Brunswick County Utilities and Village Utilities have made the annual change from chloramines to chlorine; the change back is expected to be toward the end of November.
- Burn ban is still in effect; beach bonfire season is delayed until the ban is lifted.
- Stormwater StoryMap is now available online.
- The PSA is selling limited-edition challenge coins to raise funds for Public Safety – no shipping option available; must pick up at DPS.
IPC/PO Lobby Refresh
The refresh project in the Island Package Center/Post Office lobby has begun. Everything was removed from the bulletin boards, and only items per these new guidelines are being posted. Please note, in the future, this space may be used for additional post office boxes or other use at the Village’s discretion at any time.
Business cards and other commercial/for profit items have been removed and can be picked up at the service counter.
Painting of the lobby will take place next weekend (11/14 and 11/15). Customers arriving at the IPC/PO on Saturday to pick up packages will need to go to the double doors to the right of the building for service. Please do not enter the secure area. Employees will be able to see you and assist you as you arrive. Post office boxes will not be accessible on Saturday or Sunday, but IPC/PO staff will be able to retrieve the contents if necessary during operating hours on Saturday (10-3, closed from 12:00-12:30). No monetary transactions can take place on Saturday, 11/14. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Hydrant Flow Testing
Public Safety began hydrant flow testing last week (week of 10/26) and will continue through mid-November. Annual hydrant flushing ensures they work properly during a fire and helps identify hydrants that need maintenance. During testing, you may notice slight discoloration in tap water from disturbed sediment. If this happens, please refer to our guide.
Golf Cart Registration Renewals
The Village’s vendor will soon be sending registration invitations to golf cart owners who have carts with registrations expiring in January 2027. As you may recall, last year’s registration fees were prorated based on the original registration date of each golf cart, so you likely paid $30 for 2026 and an additional prorated amount up to the expiration date of each cart.
Each registration invitation will include the unique PIN to access your profile, the online registration link, and instructions for updating your profile, if needed. A new PIN is assigned each year and you will need to hold onto your invitation letter in case you need to make changes to your profile, such as address/insurance changes and indicating you no longer own your cart (mark carts as SOLD if you sell it, it is no longer roadworthy, or has been taken off-island permanently).
Concrete Septic Tank Replacements
Village Utilities has been working with homeowners to replace aging concrete septic tanks with fiberglass tanks and snorkels to address infiltration and inflow (I&I) in the sewer system during storm events. This should significantly slow the flow of water to the wastewater treatment plant during these events.
The replacement often requires some excavation work on the properties. Village Utilities would like to let property owners know that they intend to come back and “dress” (level the area and apply grass seed) the excavated areas as soon as the ground is dry enough to do so.
After this work is complete, homeowners may also wish to screen the new tanks with vegetation. We recommend planting at least two feet from all sides of the tank for access and to prevent roots from damaging the equipment.
Tips to Prepare for Colder Weather
According to the National Weather Service’s Wilmington office, the first fall freeze for our area occurs between late October and mid-to-late November. For the closest specific location to Bald Head Island, Southport, November 12 is the average first fall freeze (with a 50% probability by November 12, ranging from October 23 at 10% and December 1 at 90%).
Your pipes are at risk of freezing anytime the temperature drops below 32°F. However, it’s much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F. The longer the weather remains below freezing, the more likely it is that your pipes can freeze if not properly protected and winterized.
Village Utilities often tries to help remind customers when we know that the risk of frozen pipes is likely. We push this information out on our communication channels. There are some things you can do ahead of time to prevent frozen pipes. This information sheet provides tips for prevention and how to address a frozen pipe if it occurs.
Additional winter weather preparation tips:
- Keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping, and replace them when they deteriorate.
- Clean out gutters.
- Make sure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are working.
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power (medication, pet supplies, extra batteries, radios, flashlights, blankets, etc.) – the island has lost power during ice storms.
- Heating is a leading cause of US home fires and home fire injuries, and the third leading cause of home fire deaths. View the National Fire Prevention Association’s winter fire safety tips.
- For more tips and information, visit ready.gov/winter-weather.
Please note, as communicated previously and frequently, starting this season, due to the increasing number of island property owners who have been requesting that Village Utilities shut off their water service temporarily for freezes, the Village will not be offering “on-demand” shut-offs for freezing events.
Alternatively, the Village has strongly recommended that property owners install an owner shutoff valve at their residences. This way, the owner or property manager can control the water service coming to the home without having to contact Village Utilities prior to a freezing event AND remember to contact us again when the home is occupied to turn the service back on.
Installing an owner shutoff also protects homeowners year-round in the case of a major water leak. The water can be shut off immediately to prevent serious property damage.
If you have not done so, please contact a licensed plumber to install your owner shutoff. A list of plumbers can be found on the BHA’s website. You may also be eligible for benefits from your home insurance provider for installing this equipment.
REMINDERS & EVENTS:
Veterans Day
Village offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. This includes the Island Package Center/Post Office and Public Safety administrative offices.
Community Survey
There is still time to participate in the Department of Public Safety’s community survey! Your feedback will help ensure the Department’s 3-year strategic plan reflects not only the operational needs of the department, but also the needs of the community we serve. Additional details and a link to the survey are on our Community Survey webpage. The DPS would like to thank everyone who has already completed the survey. We have had robust participation so far and are excited about that!
Second BHI Transportation Authority Forum
Project Longevity is hosting the second Bald Head Island Transportation Authority Forum at the Bald Head Association’s Community Center on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 1:30-4:00 p.m. at the BHA Association Center and via Zoom.
Transportation Authority Chairman, Robert Howard and Rex Cowdry, Vice-Chairman will be offering a review and updates of circumstances and efforts by the TA team since our first meeting, six months ago in May. All are welcome to attend.
As previously reported, the BHI Transportation Authority now has a website. Notices of meetings, agendas, and minutes are posted on this site.
Angel Tree Project
The Village Chapel’s Angel Tree project is now underway! Stop by the Island Package Center/Post Office or the Village Chapel to pick up an Angel Bag and help sponsor a family in need this Christmas. Through Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA), your generosity brings holiday joy to local families, children ages 16 and under, and seniors ages 60 and over who need a little extra help.
Each participating household also receives a food basket and a frozen turkey to help ensure everyone has a holiday meal.
All Angel Tree gifts must be delivered unwrapped to Munroe Properties, 6A Merchants Row, no later than November 18.
Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
The second of two hazardous waste drop-off periods in 2026 is coming up. Due to barge scheduling, the dates have changed from previous announcements. Hazardous waste will be accepted at Public Works, near the trash compactors, on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026 – 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday, November 19, 2026 – 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
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.
Next Regular Village Council Meeting
The next regular Village Council Meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 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.
Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade
The Annual Christmas Golf Cart Parade is set for Friday, November 27. Line-up begins at 3:30 p.m. at the Shoals Club. The parade will start at 4:00 p.m. and head down South Bald Head Wynd toward the BHI Club for the Club’s Winter Wonderland Festival, which will begin upon arrival of the parade. Our Department of Public Safety will be participating with Santa in tow! This year, all proceeds benefit Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in memory of one of the founding organizers of this parade, Melissa Pope. Registration details can be found in the description of the event on the Village calendar.
Annual Change from Chloramines to Chlorine
The annual change from chloramines to chlorine occurred earlier this month. Brunswick County Public Utilities changed on October 1, and Village Utilities followed on 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. Please call (910) 457-9700 ext. 1000 for assistance.
The change back to chloramines is expected to take place toward the end of November and will be announced.
For more information, view the County’s full statement and the Village’s full notice, which is posted on the Village Utilities webpage.
Burn Ban & 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 excavated on October 8. For additional information, check out our beach bonfire permit webpage.
The Drought Management Advisory Council’s most recent report indicates Brunswick County was downgraded to D2– severe drought conditions.
Stormwater StoryMap Now Available Online
The GIS StoryMap that was introduced at the August 13th Stormwater Education Event is now available for public view. The education session introduced a new stormwater master plan aimed at managing the island’s distinct drainage challenges. Funded by a state grant (LASII), this GIS StoryMap is a feature of the project and is designed to help residents visualize local elevation, soil types, and groundwater patterns on Bald Head Island.
A recording of the educational session is on the Village’s YouTube channel, and it can help you navigate the Village’s StoryMap.
Challenge Coin Fundraiser
You can help support the BHI Department of Public Safety by purchasing a limited-edition challenge coin. Proceeds go to the Public Service Auxiliary, which is a 501(c)(3) organization. They are $20 each, and you can order them online. PLEASE NOTE: There is no shipping option. Coins must be picked up at the Department of Public Safety. Please bring your receipt of payment.
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.