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

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.