FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
POLLOCKSVILLE, N.C. – Oct. 8, 2026 – Residents, amateur radio operators, and emergency responders in Jones County and surrounding areas now have expanded radio coverage after The Filling Station installed new antennas on its Pollocksville tower on Sept. 30. The installation completes a repeater upgrade funded by a $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation.
The new antenna system serves two repeaters: a 2-meter VHF amateur radio repeater and a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) repeater.
A repeater sits high on a tower and rebroadcasts signals from handheld and vehicle radios, which greatly extends how far those radios can reach. The repeaters give The Filling Station, the New Bern Amateur Radio Club, Jones County Emergency Services, and local residents another way to communicate, especially when cell service, internet, or power fail during a disaster.
“Our strategic plan for 2026-2029 highlights our goal to maintain and improve the buildings, grounds, and real property to better serve the people of Jones County. The investment from Duke Energy supports the priority of connection, especially during times of disaster when our normal channels are impacted. Our partner, the New Bern Amateur Radio Club, oversees the operations of the radio equipment here at The Filling Station,” said Mary Ann LeRay, executive director.
The grant funded a new repeater with supporting equipment, backup battery power, and the crane-assisted tower climb by Hightower Communications Inc. needed to mount the antennas.
“The Duke Energy Foundation is proud to support The Filling Station’s efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness in Jones County. By investing in critical communications equipment, we’re helping ensure the organization is prepared to coordinate response efforts, share timely information and serve as a trusted community resource during hurricanes and other emergencies. Strong local preparedness helps communities stay connected, respond effectively and recover more quickly,” said Lauren Wargo, District Manager, Government & Community Relations for Duke Energy.
Local amateur radio operators and community supporters donated the GMRS repeater, antennas, and other equipment for the project.
The new 2-meter antenna roughly doubles the repeater’s effective radiated power compared with the previous antenna, extending its reach and improving signal reliability across a 25-mile radius from Pollocksville, including New Bern, Jacksonville, Kinston, and Havelock.
The GMRS repeater opens the system to residents who are not licensed amateur radio operators. GMRS requires an FCC license but no exam, and a single license covers an entire household, which makes it an accessible option for families who want a backup way to stay in touch during storms and outages.
Since 2024, The Filling Station and the New Bern Amateur Radio Club have partnered to offer ham radio classes to the community. The program has helped more than 50 people from Jones, Craven, Lenoir, Carteret, and Onslow counties earn FCC Technician-class amateur radio licenses.
“The New Bern Amateur Radio Club is proud to continue our partnership with The Filling Station and the work they are doing in our community,” said Danny Garris, president, New Bern Amateur Radio Club.
Residents interested in getting licensed can call or email the Filling Station office for more info.
About The Filling Station
The Filling Station is the premier connector of people and resources in Jones County and the world. Its mission is to assist with filling unmet needs in the areas of Nutrition, Education, and Connection, serving the residents of Jones County.
Contact:
Mary Ann LeRay
Executive Director
Jeremy LeRay
NBWD Media | PR
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Photo credit: NBWD Media
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