It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Oak Island Pier gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Oak Island, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your loved ones. Always Best Care makes it possible to stay in home, and stay as independent as possible. ABC staff are there to assist in keeping you or your loved ones safe, healthy and happy. If you are looking for top quality care, you have found the right place!”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Middleton Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Island Way or visit Battery Madison, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Oak Island, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Oak Island, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Oak Island, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The driver of a pickup truck allegedly ran over the legs of a 15-year-old girl lying on the beach in Oak Island, North Carolina.Oak Island Public Safety officials were dispatched to a public beach on Monday just after 2 p.m. while responding to reports of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle driving on...
The driver of a pickup truck allegedly ran over the legs of a 15-year-old girl lying on the beach in Oak Island, North Carolina.
Oak Island Public Safety officials were dispatched to a public beach on Monday just after 2 p.m. while responding to reports of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle driving on the beach, according to a press release.
Upon arrival, authorities located the victim, who was evaluated on-scene for "possible non-life-threatening injuries" after the vehicle apparently ran over her legs.
Authorities transported the victim to a nearby hospital "out of caution," city officials said in the press release.
"The vehicle, a 2020 model GMC pickup truck, belongs to TI Coastal Services, a private contractor conducting Beach Survey work for engineering firm Moffatt & Nichol, in preparation for the upcoming 2025 / 26 Beach Nourishment Project," Oak Island said in the press release. "The Survey began on July 7 and is intended to last two weeks."
Fox News Digital reached out to TI Coastal Services for comment.
The project, which includes both land and sea surveying, was scheduled to take place between June 30 and July 7.
The city quashed false reports that the town's Beach Safety Unit caused the accident, saying that information spread on social media and other platforms is "FALSE and should NOT be shared if viewed online."
"Claims such as this can quickly cause the spread of misinformation, and lead to a dangerous lack of trust in first responders," the city said. "As with any claim of such a serious nature, it is always important to remember to evaluate the source of the information before sharing or forming opinions."
EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (WBTV) - Multiple Portuguese Man o’ War stings have been reported at a popular North Carolina beach recently.Sister-station WITN said officials in Emerald Isle confirmed that they had been “quite a few” sting reports. The sea creatures’ presence prompted a warning to beachgoers on Friday, July 11.Man o’ Wars have posed a r...
EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (WBTV) - Multiple Portuguese Man o’ War stings have been reported at a popular North Carolina beach recently.
Sister-station WITN said officials in Emerald Isle confirmed that they had been “quite a few” sting reports. The sea creatures’ presence prompted a warning to beachgoers on Friday, July 11.
Man o’ Wars have posed a risk in North Carolina for several months now, as a warning was issued by the Cape Lookout National Seashore in late March. Cape Lookout is not far north of Emerald Isle on the North Carolina coast.
Stings have also been reported at Oak Island -- which is not far south of Emerald Isle -- in recent weeks.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, Portuguese Man o’ Wars are similar to jellyfish and can deliver painful stings.
Man o’ Wars look similar to jellyfish but have dark blue or violet tentacles that can stretch 30 feet down. Their balloon-like tops can stick up several inches out of the water and help propel them through the water.
The stinging ocean creatures are most often found in tropical and subtropical waters.
NOAA said Man o’ War stings are rarely deadly to humans, but can pack “a painful punch” and cause welts.
If stung by a Man o’ War, researchers at the University of Hawai‘i – M?noa said the wound should be treated the same as any other jellyfish. The affected area should first be washed with vinegar, then immersed in hot water or put under a hot pack for 45 minutes.
It is important to know that Man o’ Wars can still sting weeks after having washed ashore.
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The North Carolina Supreme Court has rejected Bald Head Island’s request to take up a legal dispute involving the sale of the ferry system that serves the island. A lower court ruling last year permitted the $56 million sale over island officials’ objection.The state Supreme Court ...
The North Carolina Supreme Court has rejected Bald Head Island’s request to take up a legal dispute involving the sale of the ferry system that serves the island. A lower court ruling last year permitted the $56 million sale over island officials’ objection.
The state Supreme Court petitions list released Friday indicated that justices denied island officials’ petition to review a November 2024 ruling from the state Court of Appeals.
Appellate judges had affirmed the state Utilities Commission’s decision to permit the ferry system’s sale to a new private owner. The Village of Bald Head Island had opposed the sale.
In an unsigned, unpublished opinion, a unanimous three-judge appellate panel rejected the village’s arguments. The decision paved the way for the sale of the ferry, a barge system, and a related mainland parking area to SharpVue Capital.
“The Village argues that the Commission erroneously ‘accorded only minimal consideration to competent evidence’ of multiple risks of the proposed transfer that have bearing on whether the transfer is justified by public convenience and necessity,” appellate judges wrote. “The Village, otherwise, does not challenge the Commission’s findings as to the benefits of the transfer. We have carefully reviewed the Commission’s order and conclude that the Commission made ample findings supported by the evidence, taking all testimony and evidence into consideration when concluding that both standards are met in this case, and that the findings support the Commission’s conclusions of law.”
“In sum, the Commission directly addressed the potential risks identified by the Village and stated that ‘although [Intervenor] identified several risks it believes are associated with the transaction, the Commission concludes that ratepayers are reasonably protected from these risks and that they are outweighed by the benefits of the Transfer,’” the Appeals Court decision continued. “The Commission noted that the matter was not about rates and that the current rates being charged remain reasonable and that there was no request at this time to change those rates.”
Chief Judge Chris Dillon and Judges Allegra Collins and Julee Flood served as the panel hearing the case.
In a separate legal dispute before a different panel, the state Appeals Court upheld in October 2024 the state Utilities Commission’s decision to regulate a mainland parking lot tied to the Bald Head Island ferry. But appellate judges rejected the commission’s regulation of a related barge operation that transports goods to the island.
The ruling was tied to the ongoing legal dispute over the 2022 sale of the ferry system, barge, and associated parking.
Bald Head Island Limited owns Bald Head Island Transportation, a regulated public utility that operates the island’s ferry service. Based on a 2022 complaint from the Village of Bald Head Island, the Utilities Commission determined that it had authority to regulate the mainland parking lot and barge service that BHIL owns and operates along with the ferry.
“The Village’s complaint conferred jurisdiction upon the Commission to enter a judgment declaring the utility status of BHIL and its Parking and Barge Operations through their relationships with BHIT and its Ferry Operations,” wrote Judge Hunter Murphy for the Appeals Court’s majority. “The Commission properly concluded that it may regulate the sale of BHIL’s Parking Operations because BHIL, as parent, utilizes the unregulated Parking Operations to service its wholly-owned subsidiary’s regulated Ferry Operations, and this relationship has an effect on the rates and service of the regulated ferry utility.”
“The Commission erred in concluding that BHIL’s non-utility Barge Operations are ancillary to BHIT’s utility Ferry Operations and in concluding that it may regulate the sale of these non-utility assets and operations,” Murphy added. “We affirm the Commission’s order as to the Parking Operations as modified, … and we reverse the Commission’s order as to the Barge Operations.”
Judge Fred Gore joined Murphy’s opinion. Dillon agreed with Murphy and Gore about upholding Utilities Commission regulation of the Bald Head Island parking lot. Dillon would have asked the commission to revisit its decision about the barge.
“I agree with the majority that the Barge Operation is not ancillary to the Ferry Operation, in that the Barge Operation is not integral in providing residents ferry transportation to the Island,” Dillon wrote in a partial dissent. “However, it may be that the Barge Operation, to the extent it provides transportation of household goods or passengers for compensation, is itself a public utility, subject to regulation by the Commission for those activities.”
Murphy, Gore, and Dillon heard oral arguments in the case in November 2023. The dispute arose after the estate owning the parking lot and barge looked into selling the operations.
“The Village of Bald Head Island expressed interest in purchasing both the utility and nonutility functions but did not offer a market-value price,” argued Kip Nelson, the lawyer representing Bald Head Island Transportation. “That’s really the impetus of how this case started. After the village was unwilling to offer a market-value price, the owners turned to and announced their intention to sell the operations to SharpVue Capital.”
Lee Roberts, now chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, served as managing partner for Raleigh-based SharpVue during much of the legal dispute.
“At that point, the village turned to the Utilities Commission and asked it to regulate what had never been regulated before,” Nelson argued in 2023. “The commission, of course, accepted that invitation and — in an unprecedented decision — held that it could expand its jurisdiction to cover what it deems important or in the public interest.”
The village’s attorney, Marcus Trathen, defended the commission’s decision. “What they said was it’s an integrated service,” he argued. “There’s no need for the ferry if you don’t have the barge. People aren’t going to come over [to the island] if they can’t eat, if there’s nothing in their house, if they can’t get supplies. They’re not going to come on the ferry. It’s an interconnected service. You’ve got to have one to have the other.”
Trathen emphasized the village’s concerns about the future of the parking lot and barge. “In an environment where these are piece parts, and you’re selling it to the highest bidder, who knows what happens to parking?” he asked. “Does a buyer care about whether the ferry is served? Or do they just want to build a hotel there?”
The village’s lawyer warned of the potential for “grave consequences for the island” if the Appeals Court reversed the Utilities Commission’s decision. “Would people invest in the island if they can’t be ensured fair and reasonable public access?”
Bald Head Island is the southernmost of North Carolina’s barrier islands. The public can access the island only by boat, according to court filings. The village bans most “personal-use” cars from the island. The village requires a special permit for most car operations.
The passenger ferry runs between Southport and Bald Head island. The Utilities Commission issued a certificate in 1995 for the ferry and its associated island tram system to operate as a regulated public utility.
FEATURESWilmington StarNewsSouthport will celebrate the 230th North Carolina 4th of July Festival. It's a tradition that dates back to 1795, making it one of the oldest recorded Fourth of July celebrations in the South. Each year more than 45,000 people gather from all walks of life to celebrate Independence Day.H...
FEATURES
Wilmington StarNews
Southport will celebrate the 230th North Carolina 4th of July Festival. It's a tradition that dates back to 1795, making it one of the oldest recorded Fourth of July celebrations in the South. Each year more than 45,000 people gather from all walks of life to celebrate Independence Day.
Here's what to know.
The NC 4th of July Festival will be held over several days ? Friday, June 27 to Friday, July 4 in Southport with Beach Day to be held Tuesday, July 1 on Oak Island. The festival celebrates patriotism with ceremonies honoring veterans, flag traditions, and a U.S. Naturalization Ceremony that has welcomed hundreds of new citizens since 1996.
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There will be 15 food vendors set up on South Howe Street. There also will be over 110 vendors set up on South Davis and Bay streets along with an arts and crafts market with a vibrant showcase of handcrafted treasures, from intricate ceramics to dazzling jewelry, all created by talented artisans.
Hop aboard the free park-and-ride trolley. The trolley will be available to transport people to downtown Southport for festival events from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2-4. The free trolley will run on a first-come, first-served basis, from Southport Elementary School, 701 W. Ninth St., to the designated "Trolley Stop" on Davis Street, where the arts and crafts vendors begin. For the Kid Zone event, July 3-4, an additional stop will be at Rhett Street near Taylor Field. During the hours of the parade, the stop will be on the corner of West Moore and North Lord streets.
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].
OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — After four people were swept thousands of feet offshore last week in Holden Beach, officials are warning about the dangers of inlet currents.“I’ll tell you, it’s extremely strong and can move you very long distances,” Terry Hoben with Oak Island Water Rescue said. Hoben notes inlet currents are similar to rip currents—a strong pull of water that can pull people out to sea.Inlets can amplify that movement of water, making them even stronger.Hoben says while water...
OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — After four people were swept thousands of feet offshore last week in Holden Beach, officials are warning about the dangers of inlet currents.
“I’ll tell you, it’s extremely strong and can move you very long distances,” Terry Hoben with Oak Island Water Rescue said. Hoben notes inlet currents are similar to rip currents—a strong pull of water that can pull people out to sea.
Inlets can amplify that movement of water, making them even stronger.
Hoben says while water along those inlets can appear calm, looks can be deceiving.
“People like to hang out at the point. It’s a beautiful area to be, they like to soak and be in the shallows,” Hoben explained. “Very quickly you could be pulled by that current, even from waist height, and before you know it, you’ll be thousands of feet offshore.”
Almost none of the people we asked on the beach had even heard of an inlet current.
“Not necessarily. I think I know what it is,” one visitor said, adding that he pays more attention when swimming near the inlet.
“Sometimes we take our little ones to the inlet and hang out in the little beach area there, and it gets pretty rough,” he said.
Hoben says if you find yourself in an inlet current, don’t try to fight it.
“Unfortunately, you don’t know which way that tide current is going for any particular day,” he explained. “The best practice is to try and remain calm, float, and then get your strength and swim parallel to the beach until you get out of that current.”
Hoben adds it’s also important to keep track of the flag colors on the beach.
Green means there is a low surf risk, but you should still use precaution. Yellow means there’s a moderate risk, and red means you should stay out of the water if you can.
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