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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in New Bern, NC
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in New Bern, NC You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in New Bern, NC
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in New Bern, NC
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in New Bern, NC that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in New Bern, NC
This Low-cost Airline Just Launched Flights to Its 50th Airport — and Is Celebrating With Discounted Fares
Alison Foxhttps://www.travelandleisure.com/breeze-airways-new-bern-north-carolina-budget-airline-routes-8594610
Breeze Airways will add its 50th destination this spring with new flights from the coast of North Carolina, and is putting fares on sale across its network to celebrate.Starting May 24, the low-cost airline will launch flights between the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern, North Carolina, and both Hartford, Connecticut, and Orlando, Florida the airline shared with Travel + Leisure.The new airport — Breeze’s fifth in the Carolinas — is the 14th new destination the carrier has added for this...
Breeze Airways will add its 50th destination this spring with new flights from the coast of North Carolina, and is putting fares on sale across its network to celebrate.
Starting May 24, the low-cost airline will launch flights between the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern, North Carolina, and both Hartford, Connecticut, and Orlando, Florida the airline shared with Travel + Leisure.
The new airport — Breeze’s fifth in the Carolinas — is the 14th new destination the carrier has added for this year, joining other cities like Denver, Madison, WI, and San Diego.
“This is really impressive in less than three years: Breeze now offers more nonstop destinations than any other airline from 11 of our cities,” Breeze CEO David Neeleman said during a news conference on Tuesday, adding New Bern is “a great place to go.”
In addition to its new city, Breeze will also add new flights between Huntsville, Alabama, and Los Angeles, California on June 14. That new route will mark the first nonstop flight between these two cities in 50 years, according to the airline.
To celebrate the new flights, Breeze is offering 20 percent off all roundtrip base fares for travelers who book by 11:59 p.m. PT on Feb. 21 by using the promo code “A220” at checkout. The sale is valid for travel from March 6 through Sept. 3.
Breeze, which was first created in 2021 by former JetBlue founder Neeleman, has rapidly expanded in the years since and now flies to 50 cities across 27 states. And the airline isn’t done growing with plans to fly to international destinations in the near future.
“That will really expand our business because there’s some great destinations out there that our guests would love to go to,” Neeleman said on Tuesday.
The new routes come as Breeze committed to using an all-Airbus A220 fleet for its scheduled service by the end of 2024. The airline currently operates a fleet of both the Airbus A220-300 aircraft as well as the Embraer 190 and 195 aircraft, which Neeleman said would transition to being used for charter service.
The airline uses a low-cost model and offers three fare options: “Nice,” “Nicer,” and “Nicest,” which includes Breeze Ascent complete with perks like checked baggage, complimentary snacks and beverages, and in-seat AC power and USB and USB-C charging ports.
Biscuitville grand opening set for New Bern location, offering free breakfast for a year to ten guests
The Sun Journal Staffhttps://www.newbernsj.com/news/biscuitville-grand-opening-set-for-new-bern-location-offering-free-breakfast-for-a-year-to/article_025a54f6-f995-5e82-a797-47b293b07b83.html
Biscuitville Fresh Southern is pleased to announce that it will celebrate the grand opening of its New Bern, North Carolina, restaurant on March 19, at 3571 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.“Our New Bern restaurant will be Biscuitville’s easternmost location in the state, and we are so excited to bring our fresh biscuits into the New Bern community and eastern North Carolina,” said Biscuitville President and CEO Kathie Niven. “We can’t wait to see you in our dining room and introduce you to our classic So...
Biscuitville Fresh Southern is pleased to announce that it will celebrate the grand opening of its New Bern, North Carolina, restaurant on March 19, at 3571 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
“Our New Bern restaurant will be Biscuitville’s easternmost location in the state, and we are so excited to bring our fresh biscuits into the New Bern community and eastern North Carolina,” said Biscuitville President and CEO Kathie Niven. “We can’t wait to see you in our dining room and introduce you to our classic Southern breakfast.”
Known for its Fresh Southern flavor, Biscuitville is a family-owned business with more than 75 locations across North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. Since opening its first location in 1966, Biscuitville has been committed to sourcing its ingredients from local and/or family-owned partners.
Biscuitville will award Free Breakfast for a Year by randomly selecting up to ten of the entries received prior to opening day. No purchase is necessary to enter. Limited to one entry per person.
Known as Home of the Biscuit Window Since 1966, the New Bern restaurant features a large biscuit window that enables guests to view Biscuitville’s one-of-a-kind biscuit-making process. In addition to this iconic feature of Biscuitville, other highlights of the restaurant include:
● Exterior features resembling a reclaimed southern barn with a tin roof, barn doors and gooseneck lights.
● Interior features combining a modern feel with southern heritage through industrial hardware, blue painted ceilings inspired by southern porches and mixed materials like wood, metal and tile.
● A large photo mural wall capturing the local New Bern neighborhoods and communities.
● A dual-lane drive-thru designed to minimize wait times.
● An enhanced beverage area with expanded drink options, including Salisbury, N.C. based Cheerwine.
● Proudly serving Community Coffee, a family-owned and the nation’s top retail coffee brand since 1919.
● Conveniences such as free Wi-Fi and electrical access.
About Biscuitville Fresh SouthernHeadquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Biscuitville Fresh Southern® is a family-owned company serving authentic Southern food made fresh daily from locally sourced ingredients.
Known as the Home of the Biscuit Window Since 1966, Biscuitville serves scratch-made biscuits baked fresh every 15 minutes. Today, the company sources its ingredients from local and family-owned partners to serve guests classic Southern breakfast.
Biscuitville employs over 2,400 people and operates more than 75 restaurants in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina.
In July 2023, Biscuitville was voted the nation’s Best Fast Food Breakfast & Best Regional Fast Food restaurant in the 2023 USA Today Readers’ Choice 10 Best contest.
Biscuitville serves guests from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. For more information about Biscuitville Fresh Southern, visit the company’s website at https://biscuitville.com/.
Up to 10 free breakfast winners will be awarded combo coupons for a total of 52 coupons per prize.
Flying out of New Bern just became a 'Breeze': New airline to call EWN home
Caramia Valentin The Sun Journalhttps://www.newbernsj.com/news/flying-out-of-new-bern-just-became-a-breeze-new-airline-to-call-ewn-home/article_5f007289-45d0-5ada-8a0c-5103618fc84c.html
Beginning May 24, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) will be the only airport in the region to offer nonstop “nice low cost carrier flights”, as a result of a new partnership with Breeze Airways.Breeze Airways will offer nonstop routes to two destinations via EWN; Orlando, FL., and Hartford, CT. Initially, the new airline will offer flights twice weekly, with fares starting at $49 one-way.Bud Hafer, Director of Government and Airport Affairs, Breeze Airways, said the airline is excited to offer flights to and f...
Beginning May 24, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) will be the only airport in the region to offer nonstop “nice low cost carrier flights”, as a result of a new partnership with Breeze Airways.
Breeze Airways will offer nonstop routes to two destinations via EWN; Orlando, FL., and Hartford, CT. Initially, the new airline will offer flights twice weekly, with fares starting at $49 one-way.
Bud Hafer, Director of Government and Airport Affairs, Breeze Airways, said the airline is excited to offer flights to and from New Bern.
“This is a good area for us, here in New Bern, because we have a nice product, I say nice a lot, but it’s because we have a nice, nicer, and nicest product,” Hafer said. “We really emphasize trying to be a nice airline, despite all the difficulties with traveling,”
Breeze Airways will fly their 137-seat Airbus A220 aircraft, the most recent model of the Airbus fleet. This aircraft will offer three seat classes; nice, nicer, and nicest.
New Bern is the 50th market Breeze Airways has joined to offer a mix of more than 150 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes in 27 states. The airline is known for its commitment to making travel simple, affordable, and enjoyable.
EWN Airport Director, Andy Shorter, said the partnership between Breeze and EWN is a “match made in heaven.”
“We’re also a low cost airport, we have the lowest parking [cost] for airports, so people can come here, take advantage of a low cost flight, take advantage of the low cost parking, and have a great trip that maybe they had not expected to have this year,” Shorter said. “That’s what this airline kind of specializes in, it opens up opportunity for people to travel that may not have thought they could afford it, now they can do that.”
According to Shorter, this airline could actually stimulate more traffic than other legacy airlines could for EWN.
“Not only do you have this low cost service, which is a first for this region, but these direct flights to something other than large hubs where you have to change airplanes, that’s another new option that we have,” Shorter said.
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, Craven County Government, the Craven 100 Alliance (C1A), and the Craven County Tourism Development Authority worked together to bring this airline to New Bern.
Not only will this new airline provide an opportunity for local residents to get on direct flights close to home, it will also be an amazing opportunity for tourism and visitor economy, according to the Tourism Development Authority Executive Director, Melissa Riggle.
“This is a big day for our entire community, its not just for tourism, its for our region as a whole, but what this stands to do for tourism for Craven County is nothing short of transformative,” Riggle said. “Our visitor economy is going to be impacted by markets and audiences that we’ve never been able to reach before, people will have more access to us in a way that we’ve never had possible.”
Travelers can visit FlyEWN.com and www.flybreeze.com to research flight options and fares.
Through Feb. 21 at midnight, travelers can use the code “A220” to receive 20% off their Breeze Airways fare at EWN.
About Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways began service in May of 2021 and has been ranked as one of the U.S.’ best domestic airlines for the last two years by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Awards. Breeze offers a mix of more than 150 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between 50 cities in 27 states. Founded by aviation entrepreneur, David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with a focus on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features — including complimentary family seating — delivered via a sleek and simple app.
This Small Town in North Carolina Has the Most Picturesque Skyline in the U.S.
Evie Carrickhttps://www.travelandleisure.com/new-bern-north-carolina-most-picturesque-small-city-skyline-in-united-states-8432017
When you think of skylines, you likely think of those found in New York City, Tokyo, or Shanghai, major world cities where sky-high architectural marvels like the Empire State Building, the Tokyo Skytree, or the ...
When you think of skylines, you likely think of those found in New York City, Tokyo, or Shanghai, major world cities where sky-high architectural marvels like the Empire State Building, the Tokyo Skytree, or the Shanghai Tower can be found. But beyond these iconic buildings and their surrounding cityscapes are noticeably smaller cities with noticeably different skylines — those that integrate elements of natural beauty and historic architecture into the mix.
In a recent roundup of picturesque, small-city skylines, one U.S. community stood out. New Bern, North Carolina, a small city of just over 30,000 people, topped the list, which was compiled by MovingFeedback.com via a poll of 1,000 travelers. According to the survey, the riverfront city, which sits near the North Carolina coast north of Wilmington, has a small-city skyline unlike any other.
“Awe-inspiring skylines are not exclusive to our major metropolises. Our survey reveals that the heart of America's architectural beauty often beats strongest in our smaller towns, where history and nature combine to create truly unforgettable vistas,” said Harrison Gough of MovingFeedback.com in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure.
Travelers called out New Bern’s particular blend of natural features and historical charm. It is surrounded by water thanks to its location by the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers, and the city has more than its fair share of greenery. The natural features of New Bern are bolstered by a historic downtown district that showcases well-maintained colonial architecture.
One of the city’s standout landmarks, Tryon Palace, is a replica of the 1760s Royal Governor's mansion and is surrounded by 16 acres of lush garden. This landmark, in addition to New Bern’s mix of natural and historic skyline components secured the city’s No. 1 ranking on the list.
Following New Bern in the top 10 small-city U.S. skylines (of 70 skylines total), were nine other small cities that captured travelers — including a second city in North Carolina and a couple in Colorado: Walla Walla, Washington; Estes Park, Colorado; Ojai, California; Hendersonville, North Carolina; Leadville, Colorado; Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; Valley City, North Dakota; Bath, Maine; and Jonesborough, Tennessee.
For the full list of 70 most picturesque small skylines in America, visit here.
New Bern mother and daughter plead guilty to attempting to steal more than $850,000 in COVID-19 relief funds
WITN Web Teamhttps://www.witn.com/2024/01/25/two-new-bern-plead-guilty-covid-19-housing-assistance-funds-fraud/
RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) - Two members of a New Bern family are facing federal prison time after pleading guilty to defrauding a program designed to help struggling North Carolina residents stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic of more than $850,000.According to United States Attorney Michael Easley’s office, 43-year-old Takeeia Hawkins and her daughter, 22-year-old Shanasia Hawkins both pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and face up to 30 years when they are sentenced later this year.Hawkins’ 24-...
RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) - Two members of a New Bern family are facing federal prison time after pleading guilty to defrauding a program designed to help struggling North Carolina residents stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic of more than $850,000.
According to United States Attorney Michael Easley’s office, 43-year-old Takeeia Hawkins and her daughter, 22-year-old Shanasia Hawkins both pled guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and face up to 30 years when they are sentenced later this year.
Hawkins’ 24-year-ols son Jmari Hawkins and 23-year-old Jonell Ojeda have also been indicted in the scheme to steal more than $850,000 in emergency rental assistance from the NC HOPE Program (North Carolina Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions).
“This case is yet another example of the greedy taking from the needy,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “These funds were meant to help struggling families pay their rent, and these defendants stole it. Our office will keep coming for fraudsters who used pandemic relief as a personal piggy bank.”
According to court documents, Takeeia and Shanasia Hawkins admitted to submitting fraudulent applications to the NC HOPE Program claiming to be the landlord of more than 50 properties requesting nearly $500,000 in relief funds. Court documents show that neither woman owned property nor served as a landlord of any property. Documents also show that the NC HOPE Program mailed funds totaling nearly $150,000 to the two women based on the fraudulent applications.
“Treasury OIG is committed to supporting these coordinated efforts to detect and prevent misuse of public funds,” said Acting Inspector General Rich Delmar. “This alleged scheme allowed the members of the Hawkins family and their associates to enrich themselves at the expense of North Carolina renters struggling with housing insecurity during the pandemic.”
The NC HOPE Program administered federal COVID-19 relief funds and provided emergency rental assistance to North Carolina renters who faced eviction and homelessness during the pandemic. The Program allowed renters to submit an online application for rental assistance. If approved, the Program paid the tenant’s rent, in checks sent directly to the landlord, for up to 15 months of overdue or future rent payments.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult time for so many families, including those in communities across North Carolina,” said NC State Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Schurmeier. “The purpose of emergency relief funds like the NC HOPE Program offered was to provide a lifeline to those struggling to keep a roof over their heads. It is beyond disappointing to know that individuals exploited the crisis for their own personal gain while some of their most vulnerable neighbors risked losing their homes. Such actions undermine the very support systems created to hold our communities together during a crisis or otherwise.”
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