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,

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.

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

Election Date: March 3, 2026 Candidates who responded to the questionnaire* have their names in color and underlined. Click on the name to be directed to their responses. Displayed below are candidates for both Pender and Onslow County elections. Seats for election restricted to one county instead of both will be noted. US Senate Margot Dupre (R) Richard Dansie (R) Donald M. (Don) Brown (R) Michael Whatley (R) Elizabeth A. Temple (R) Michele Morrow (R) Thomas Johnson (R) D

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

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 Camille Costin Harrell, and I am running for Pender County Clerk of Superior Court. I am a lifelong resident of Pender County. My husband, Randy, and I have been married for 34 years. We have two children and one grandchild. I was raised in a humble home of hard-working parents. By their example, I learned that har

A mushroom that has a link to fairy tales? Could be. In the Chinese Province of Yunnan, the Lanmaoa asiatica mushroom, considered a popular food, has been known to lead to hallucinations of seeing little people if the mushroom is eaten partially uncooked. If visiting this area of China, remember to cook your mushrooms for 15 minutes (or more) to avoid seeing lots of little people, described as tiny elves, that are seen on clothing, walls and furnishings. The most interesting

Cape Fear Community College has entered into a new articulation agreement with Johnson & Wales University, creating clear transfer pathways for culinary students to continue their education and earn bachelor’s degrees in food-focused fields. The agreement established multiple transfer options for CFCC students pursuing careers in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and food and beverage leadership. Through the partnership, eligible CFCC graduates can transfer into the fo

By Tom Dareneau For many, the holiday season means full tables and familiar faces. For others, it can be the loneliest — and hungriest — time of year. Each winter, when the regular Meals on Wheels deliveries pause over the Christmas and New Year holidays, a community effort begins. For the eighth consecutive year, the Coastal Pender Rotary Club has partnered with the Topsail Senior Center and Share the Table to deliver holiday food baskets to local residents in need. This p

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 Thomas Johnson, and I am running for United States Senate in North Carolina's 2026 Republican primary. My story is one of overcoming. I was born into foster care and adopted at age five, arriving in my new home with a stutter, undernourished, and filled with fear. Through my mother's prayers and my own determination, I rose