1. Tell us a little about yourself, including the position you are running for and what are your qualifications for the position you are seeking. My name is Joshua Patti, and I am running for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 16. I am a father of eight, an educator with more than 20 years of experience, and a local elected official currently serving as Councilman of the Town of Holly Ridge. My background is rooted in public service, education, and commu

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, deputies responded to Richlands Elementary School involving an incident with an individual identified as Spencer Oluich, 29, when school staff were made aware of a potential conflict between Oluich and the mother of his children, who are students at the school.   Staff contacted the school resource officer after Oluich became agitated during the conversation. The SRO escorted Oluich outside, where it was determined that he had driven to the sc

The Moores Creek Battleground Association, in collaboration with regional partners and Moores Creek National Battlefield, is calling on volunteers to help launch a once-in-a-generation celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Volunteers have a rare opportunity to be part of history during the three-day First in Freedom Festival, February 26–28, at Moores Creek National Battlefield. Assignments include logistics support, book signings, visitor guides, and more—each playing

In late January 2026, North Carolina dealt with significant snow accumulations. For the first time in over a decade, measurable snow fell in all 100counties, according to the North Carolina State Climate Office. Greenville, for example, received 14 inches of snowfall, an amount not seen since a large storm in March 1980. Snow totals ranged from 6 to 12 inches for Charlotte. Longwood in Brunswick County received the most with nearly 18 inches. Wilmington reported 5.6 inches of

1. Tell us a little about yourself, including the position you are running for and what are your qualifications for the position you are seeking. I am a teacher and businesswoman, good writer. 2. If you are an incumbent, what have been your greatest accomplishments for the community while in office? If you are not an incumbent, what inspired you to run for this office and what changes would you make? National level you have a chance to make a difference. I will support the

Do you know why everyone needs this loyal friend? I think everyone should have a dog. Because dogs are fun. They're happy, energetic. They benefit in many ways. First, they help encourage activeness, taking you for a daily walk, a run, or even a game of fetch. Dogs motivate jumping, running, and playing. Do you go out every day? Dogs help you to get up, get out, and be more alive and active every day. These loving companions even reduce risk of chronic disease, heart attack,

VFW Post 9983 is happy to announce their 2025-2026 Youth, Education and Public Servant Awards. Starting with the Youth Awards, this year's Patriot's Pen Patriotic Written Essay Award winner is Dixon Middle Schools student Kohen Kelly. The Grand Prize for this Award is $5,000. Moving to the Voice of Democracy Patriotic Audio Essay Award, the honor goes to Benjamin Mills, a Dixon High School student. Benjamin also won at the District level. This Awards Grand Prize is a $35,000

Volume 6, Issue 2 features articles written by Dorothy Royal, Kim McGahey, Brandi Cobb, Faith Cho, Tom Dareneau, Walter Zabicki, and Onslow County Sheriff’s Department and Cape Fear Community College, as well as candidate responses.

Cape Fear Community College is launching a new Flooring Installation course beginning March 2, 2026, at the Surf City location . This new course addresses a critical workforce shortage in the growing floor-covering industry across southeastern North Carolina. Over the past decade, the Southeast has experienced a decline of approximately 4,000 to 6,000 flooring installers, even as residential and commercial development continues to expand in Pender and New Hanover counties. T

Cape Fear Community College is expanding access to education and employment through the Bridge to Independence Program, designed to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they prepare for more active roles in the community. The program will also educate local employers on inclusive hiring practices. The Bridge to Independence Program focuses on helping participants identify their strengths, explore career options, and build necessary employability

1. Tell us a little about yourself, including the position you are running for and what are your qualifications for the position you are seeking. Graduated Embry Riddle Aeronautical University 1987, Computer programmin University of North Florida 1990, Building Technologies Pender County Resident of 30 years Married 35 years, 3 kids, 6 grandkids Self employed 29 Years finish construction and cabinet installation and design. State Highschool basketball referee 33 years NCAA ba

The 2026 reappraisal is conducted to help ensure property taxes are distributed fairly and equitably across the county based on updated market values.