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

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

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

Pender County is inviting residents to attend a series of community meetings and town hall presentations to learn more about the county’s 2026 property reappraisal and what it may mean for property owners. The meetings will be held at locations throughout the county and are intended to provide educational information and opportunities for residents to ask questions. County staff and contracted reappraisal professionals will be available at each session. Additional dates and l

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 proud single father of 3 children growing up in the Pender County School System. I am a homeowner and a business owner in Pender County. I am also a volunteer and servant in our community and have been for decades, not just because I am running for office. A graduate of UNCW with 20 years dedicated to law enforcement in

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 running for Pender County Commissioner, District 4 . I come from a family with a strong military tradition, and after high school I followed that path by joining the United States Marine Corps. I served two tours in Afghanistan as a 1371 Combat Engineer , conducting route clearance, demolitions, and counter-IED operations. Th

As part of the national America 250 commemoration, North Carolina will spotlight its uniquely Scottish-influenced path to independence during the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival , culminating in the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge , February 26–28, 2026, at  Moores Creek National Battlefield .  Fought on February 27, 1776, the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge was a decisive Patriot victory and an early turning point in the American Revolution. T

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the United States Secret Service, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, has arrested a Jacksonville man following a multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation.  Brandon Allyn Nelson, 40, of Jacksonville, was arrested on Friday, January 23, 2026, and charged with 10 counts of Felony Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor .  Nelson r

I wanted you to know my goals, my experience and my personal history in my run for Pender County Board of Education District 2. My Goals: More parental involvement and participation in schools and School Board meetings. Focus on academic achievement - no CRT, no DEI in curriculum - improve standardized test scores, emphasize the 3R's. Public safety in schools, on buses and on campus - SRO officers in every school - only 2 unlocked doors, front door and back door, each with ar

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office is devastated to report the tragic loss of two children following a water-related incident on Sunday.  Around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2026, deputies responded to Mayberry Lane after receiving a 911 call regarding two 7-year-old juveniles who had fallen into a frozen pond.  Deputies, along with officers from the Richlands Police Department, firefighters from Hargett’s Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department and Back Swamp Volunteer Fir