Detectives with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a fatal house fire that occurred early Monday morning in the Midway Park area. On Monday, June 8, 2026, at approximately 4:36 a.m., Onslow County Emergency Services received a 911 call regarding a fire at 6 Savage Court. When first responders arrived, the structure was fully engulfed. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and conducted a primary search of the home. Upon entering the home, fi

In a collaborative effort with the Swansboro Fire Department protecting our community means caring for both our two-legged and four-legged family members. The Shelby Program was created to provide emergency veterinary assistance for animals rescued during fires and other emergency incidents. When pets survive a crisis, they often need immediate medical care. This fund helps ensure those life-saving treatments are available when they are needed most. We were just recently pr

Walk into a gas station, vape shop or convenience store in Hampstead, Surf City, Holly Ridge or many other communities across Eastern North Carolina, and you will likely see products containing Delta-8, Delta-9 or Delta-10 THC. They are sold as gummies, drinks, vape cartridges, chocolates and other products. Many are marketed as legal, natural alternatives to marijuana. Because they are sold openly and are easy to purchase, many people assume they are safe. Over the past se

Last year, the Topsail Beach Board of Commissioners, in its tax and spend infinite wisdom, voted to spend an $8.5 million grant windfall on a new unnecessary town government building. A large group of local residents has questioned that shortsighted decision. The locals first suggested that the $8.5million be applied to a property tax reduction for all Topsail Beach residents. In light of upcoming increases in countywide property values and property taxes, this approach made

On the mainland side of the Surf City Bridge resides a traffic circle. Over the last few years, it is not uncommon to see the traffic and directional signs within the circle crushed, damaged or missing from non-observant drivers. Unfortunately, D.O.T. must have mistaken their new traffic observation camera apparatus as something too large to damage, but they were wrong. High tech and solar panel powered, the camera became the last victim of car vs. traffic circle. Sorry D.O.T

By The Sound Cat Veterinary Hospital, Facebook You may have seen recent news reports about the New World screwworm, a parasite that has recently been detected in parts of the southern United States. While this parasite can affect livestock, wildlife, pets, and, in rare cases, people, there is currently no reason for pet owners to panic. New World screwworm is the larval stage of a fly that lays eggs in open wounds or body openings. The larvae feed on living tissue, which ca

Volume 6, Issue 6 features articles written by Dorothy Royal, Kim McGahey, James Warner Smith, Cara Vitadamo, Kevin Borton and more, in regard to upcoming local events, crime, health, and other interesting facts about our area!

Cape Fear Community College is launching an exciting new Live House Project that will give students hands-on experience building residential homes from the ground up. In Fall 2026, CFCC students will begin construction on the first home as a part of a multi-semester project designed to mirror real-world residential construction timelines and industry standards. The college plans to build two to three homes at a time through this initiative. The first home will be constructe

Cape Fear Community College is expanding class offerings in high-demand technical programs for the fall semester. New offerings will include daytime and evening options, spanning several areas of study, including Criminal Justice, Electrical Systems, Plumbing, HVAC, Mechatronics, and Business Administration. “We are committed to providing students with flexible pathways to education and career training," said Jim Morton, CFCC President. “Expanding these course offerings provi

Through quiet dedication and community support, the LAMB Foundation is helping local students with intellectual disabilities thrive—one classroom at a time. By Kevin Borton In the Topsail area, community isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. It shows up in small gestures, familiar faces and neighbors who step in without being asked. And sometimes, it shows up in bright yellow aprons and a simple treat handed out with a smile. That’s where the story of the LAMB Foundation o

By James Warner Smith When Patrick and Brittany Brown looked at the 7-acre Holly Ridge property that would become Live Oaks Farm, they could see more than open ground. They saw room for chickens, goats and ducks. They saw space for flowers, pumpkins, Christmas trees and family projects. They saw old live oaks, a pond, a place for their children to grow up outdoors — and, eventually, a small way to welcome visitors without losing the quiet character of the land. At one poin

Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07), Chairman of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, joined the Committee in supporting passage of a bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization. The bill makes historic investments in America’s roads, bridges, transit systems, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs. The Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for Ame

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) was requested by North Carolina Department of Adult Correction personnel at the Pender Correctional Institution on March 10, 2026, to investigate allegations of impropriety by one of its staff members. Following a thorough investigation, SBI agents charged former Lt. Rannie Lee Boney with: 1 felony count of obtaining property by false pretense 1 felony count of embezzlement by a public official 1 felony count of uttering

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit has arrested two individuals following an investigation into methamphetamine exposure involving two juvenile children. On April 13, 2026, detectives initiated an investigation after receiving referrals from Onslow County Social Services concerning two juvenile victims reportedly exposed to methamphetamine. During the investigation, detectives determined the juveniles were residing in an environment contaminated with met

Cathy Mails, owner of Sea Green Natural Cleaning, has earned international recognition as a finalist in the International Impact Book Award for her book, The Detox Dwelling, a practical guide to nontoxic cleaning and healthier living. The International Impact Book Award is a global community dedicated to recognizing excellence in storytelling and elevating authors whose words create real impact. “The International Impact Award is such an honor,” said Mails. “It’s an award w

Happy 250th anniversary to the United States of America! I remember the 200th anniversary when my mother dressed me up like Betsy Ross and we went to Boston to celebrate. Family trips were cooler back then. Do you think all those years ago that I could ever have imagined that for the 250th Anniversary, states like New York and California would be trying to restrict a private citizen from certain shapes? Yes, shapes. Let me explain. Out of fear, that is not substantiated by a