If You Miss This Week’s Onslow Insider… You’ll Hear It Secondhand 😅

Privatize NC's Liquor Sales?

Leader of DOGE-style group wants to explore the cost

A leader of a legislative group formed to improve government efficiency wants to explore the cost of privatizing North Carolina’s system for liquor sales.

The state-controlled ABC system generates revenue for local governments, helps protect against underage drinking, and generally allows for greater oversight of alcoholic products than a private system might offer, Hank Bauer, the ABC commission’s chairman, told lawmakers.

Some committee members said they’re fine with the state’s current setup for liquor sales, while others suggested it . . . continued

IRS Shifts Tax Brackets

The IRS has set the 2026 tax brackets and standard deductions, keeping seven rates in place while shifting the income thresholds upward to account for inflation and to reflect changes enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, meaning many paychecks will see . . . read more

This newsletter sponsored by

Will Be Handy, LLC

Beat the storms. Impress the guests. Get it painted - now.

Most paint jobs fail before the first coat: weak prep, sloppy edges, no clean-up.

We do it the right way:

Protect everything: floors, furniture, fixtures
Prep right: patch • sand • caulk
Apply clean: straight cut-ins, even coverage
Daily clean-up + final walkthrough

Interior: walls, ceilings, trim, doors ·

Exterior: siding, brick, porches, shutters

Local. Reliable. No Drama. On-time scheduling.

Free, no-pressure estimate.
CALL/TEXT 910-284-4272

willbehandy.com

(Mention you saw this in the "Onslow Insider")

Onslow County Forms Task Force For Child Care and Education

Nonprofit One Place and the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce have launched a Child Care and Early Education Task Force to address the child care crisis in Onslow County.

The child care crisis in Onslow County is considered . . .continued

SHERIFF CHRIS THOMAS ISSUES SAFETY REMINDER FOLLOWING ROADSIDE COLLISION INVOLVING PATROL CAR

Onslow County Sheriff Chris Thomas is urging drivers to follow North Carolina’s “Move Over Law” after a deputy’s patrol vehicle was struck by a driver while on a call for service this past weekend.

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, an Onslow County deputy was assisting a motorist on the side of the road in the area of 1326 Blue Creek Road.

Upon arrival, the deputy located the vehicle off the roadway and parked his marked patrol vehicle in the left lane of travel with emergency lights activated to protect the scene.

While speaking with the driver and her husband on the roadside, a dark-colored Ford F-150 crossed the center line, narrowly missing another vehicle before striking the rear of the deputy’s patrol car and pushing it into the ditch.

The driver of the Ford F-150, Halena Marie Pena, 27, was charged with No Operator's License, Driving Left of Center, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Move Over for Emergency Vehicle.

The husband of the motorist originally involved in the roadside assistance was struck during the collision and treated by EMS on scene.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded and is investigating the crash.

Sheriff Thomas reminds all drivers of the importance of North Carolina’s Move Over Law (G.S. 20-157), which requires motorists to move over one lane or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles and towing service vehicles with flashing lights activated. This law is designed to protect law enforcement officers, first responders, and tow truck operators.

“Every time someone fails to move over or slow down, they put lives at risk,” said Sheriff Thomas. “Our deputies, troopers, and first responders are out there trying to help others—please do your part to keep them safe.”

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office urges all drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and obey the Move Over Law to prevent tragedies on our roadways.

Shop Local. Support Our Sponsors.

Our sponsors make this newsletter free for everyone in Onslow County. When you need a product or service, start with them.

👉 See this week’s sponsors:

Will Be Handy, LLC

Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions

👉 Become a sponsor: Sponsor Onslow Insider

Have something to share?

Place a classified (services, for sale, jobs, rentals, events).

👉 Place a classified: onslowinsider@gmail.com
(Subject line: “Classified – [Your Item/Service/Job]”)

Tip: Send classifieds by Wednesday 12:00 NOON ET for Thursday’s issue.

Subscribe to Onslow Insider Here

11 Toxic Items Found in Dollar Stores

There was a time when “dollar store” conjured images of dusty shelves heaped with expired off-brand items, but those days are largely in the past. That said, Consumer Reports advises using care when shopping at these stores. In the past few years, even while . . . continue reading

Smart Money Moves

by Roy Shipley

💼 Bookkeeping & Tax Tips for Contractors, Realtors & Tradesmen

If you run a contracting business, sell homes, or work in the trades - your books aren’t just “paperwork.” They’re the difference between paying too much in taxes and keeping more of what you earn.

Here are a few quick tips to help:

✅ Separate your business and personal accounts.
It’s one of the biggest red flags during tax season. Keep all business income and expenses in their own account.

✅ Track vehicle and mileage costs properly.
Whether you’re showing homes, hauling materials, or visiting job sites - mileage deductions add up fast when logged consistently.

✅ Don’t ignore your quarterly taxes.
Skipping them now means paying penalties later. Set aside a portion of every deposit for taxes — and make those payments on time.

✅ Know what you can write off.
Tools, uniforms, marketing, phone bills, even part of your home office - they all add up. Keep digital receipts and categorize expenses monthly.

✅ Get professional help.
A good bookkeeper or tax pro will not only clean up your books but can often save you thousands by spotting missed deductions and restructuring your setup.

EVENTS

Drive In Movie Night

(The Goonies)

HEEEEEY YOOOU GUUUUUYS!! We are going to try this one again. We will be showing The Goonies on a new, taller screen. You'll be able to see and hear the movie right from your car! We will have refreshments available.

WHEN: Friday, Oct 17 at 6:00 PM

WHERE: 1001 Piney Green Rd., Jacksonville, NC

Event by WOHS Viking Auto Club

Jacksonville Run For The Warriors

The 18th Annual Jacksonville Run For The Warriors will now coincide with the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors' Trunk or Treat event on October 17! ‍

Join us for an incredible day of community, fun, and support for our military families. This FREE event will include the First Mile - a 1-mile walk/run - and a Trunk or Treat party featuring entertainment, inflatables, and games for the whole family.

WHEN: Friday, Oct 17 - from 5 PM to 7 PM

WHERE: 3313 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546

2nd Annual Fall Festival

Join Us for the 2nd Annual Fall Festival at Fantastic Finds Vendor Mall!

Get ready for a day of fun, shopping, and local flavors at the 2nd Annual Fall Festival hosted by Fantastic Finds Vendor Mall in Richlands, NC!

Date: October 18th during normal business hours (10-6)
Location: Fantastic Finds Vendor Mall, Richlands, NC

What to Expect:

Local Vendors offering unique handmade goods, art, & more

Delicious Food Trucks

Live Music from The Studio G Project

Special Sales from our everyday vendors – don’t miss out on exclusive event-day-only deals around the shop!

Don't miss out on this amazing day of shopping, entertainment, and community!

Vendor List:
Rebel Craft Co.
Spellbound Treasures & Trinkets
Seabreeze Crafting
Fast Track Designs
Inspired by Jenstones
Detourthirty9
Flamazing Scents
Better Day Crochet
Lucky Ladybugs Corner
Sew Blessed
PFWOODCRAFTZ
Stapleton-Huff Creations

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 18 from 10 AM to 6 PM

WHERE: 8699 Richlands Hwy , Richlands, NC

Boo & Bloom Halloween Party and Market

GUYS AND GHOULS

Join us for the first ever Blonde and Bloom Hair Salon Halloween Party!!
We will be having vendors, flash tattoos, giveaways, carnival style games, face painting, fairy hair, and more!
We will also be doing our first ever
COSTUME CONTEST
Where the winner will receive a FREE service.
So show up in your scariest, silliest, or most creative costume to score a free service!
Stay tuned to see our vendor spotlights for the event.
We can’t wait to see y’all at our first ever fall festival!

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 18 from 4 PM to 7 PM

WHERE: 199 Country Club Blvd, Jacksonville, NC

Event by Angsty Libra Candle Co and Blonde & Bloom Hair Salon

Bike Safe Rider Skills Day

WHEN:If you are a motorcyclist, or know someone who is, we are hosting a Rider Skills Day as part of our BikeSafe initiative to help ensure motorcyclists stay safe on the road. This course takes a hybrid approach with both classroom-based instruction as well as on the road assessments.

All registrants must have a legal Motorcycle Endorsement or Learner’s Permit and the motorcycle must be insured. Deadline to register online is Thursday, October 16.

To learn more about the course and to register, visit bikesafenc.com

Any questions about this course can be directed to JPD BikeSafe Instructor, Sergeant Smallwood, at jsmallwood@jacksonvillenc.gov.

WHEN: Sat, Oct 18 from 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM

WHERE: 200 Marine Blvd, Jacksonville, NC

This newsletter sponsored by

Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions

🚨 Business Owners: Stop Losing Thousands to Bad Bookkeeping 🚨

You wouldn’t build a house on a crooked foundation -
so why are you running your business on one?

👉 Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions handles your books, taxes, and payroll remotely -
so you stay focused on growing profit, not chasing paperwork.

✅ Flat-rate monthly fees (no surprise invoices)
✅ Tax-ready books all year long
✅ Payroll, AP/AR & advisory support
✅ Secure. Confidential. Done right.

💥 Most owners overpay taxes by $5K–$15K a year because of bookkeeping errors. Don’t be one of them.

📞 Call 252-369-8380 or visit shipleybookkeeping.com
Only 3 new client spots available this month - first come, first served.

Pumpkin Festival

Come celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall at our annual Pumpkin Festival!

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by the warmth of the season - fields of pumpkins, the smell of fresh cider and donuts, and the joyful energy of families enjoying time together. Wander through the pumpkin patch to pick your perfect pumpkin. Kids can enjoy games, crafts, and seasonal activities, while adults browse local artisan booths and sample delicious fall treats.

With live music, festive food, and plenty of autumn magic, the Pumpkin Festival is the perfect way to enjoy a cozy day outdoors with the people you love.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 18 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

WHERE: 599 Bear Creek Rd, Hubert, NC

It's Fall Y'all Festival

It’s Fall Y’all
Family Fun Event!
On Saturday, October 18th
10:00 to 4:00!

Jacksonville Fire Department will be with us with a Firetruck Displayed & to share info for Holiday Light Safety!

Chili Cookoff Judging Starts at 11!
Additional Bowls will be Sold for $5 each:

All Proceeds Go to Our A2C Free Community Thanksgiving Meal!

Free S’mores Station (While Supplies Last)!

Pumpkin Carving Contest!

Be Sure to Vote for Your Favorite Oct 18th to 24th!

Pumpkin Treats with Amazing Graes!

Guessing Game & Crafts for Kids!

Live Music from 11:00 until 5:00!

Free Petting Zoo!

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 18 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

WHERE: 2501 Onslow Dr, Jacksonville, NC

Event by Antique 2 Chic Vendor Market

Mullet Festival 2025

(Rescheduled from last Saturday)

Get ready for everything you love about the Mullet Festival - just a little smaller! The Finger Mullet Festival, presented by Team Chevrolet of Swansboro, will take place on Saturday, October 18th, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Swansboro Municipal Park.

This bite-sized celebration packs all the fun of the original Mullet Festival into one exciting day! Enjoy over 40 vendors, a Mullet Fry from Crystal Coast Assembly of God, and a free shuttle from Ward Farm to the park.

Family-friendly activities include the 12 PM Mullet Toss, 2 PM Mullet Hair Competition, and plenty of Little Mullet activities for the kids. Don’t forget to grab your limited-edition “What the Fin” Mullet Festival T-shirt while supplies last!

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the festivities, the Finger Mullet Festival is a can’t-miss event. Come celebrate Swansboro style - with music, food, fun, and, of course, mullets!

For more information, visit swansborofestivals.com or call 910-326-2600.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 18 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

WHERE: 830 Main Street Ext, Swansboro, NC

Event by Town of Swansboro and Swansboro Festivals

Bobby Watson Memorial

(Rescheduled from last Saturday)

Saturday, October 18th, We are Rolling It Back with the Islander Hotel & Resort Bobby Watson Memorial Presented by Morehead Motor Company Tire Pros!

The East Coast Flathead Ford Racing Association Presented by B&S Body Shop Inc, The Virginia Vintage Racers, Chargers, Battlefield Tire Pros Mini Stocks, Legends, Jr Mini Cups & Juiceboxes hit the track in memory of Bobby Watson!

Fan Gates Open at 4pm

Driver Meet n Greet at 5pm

Green Flag Drops at 6pm #

General Admission Adults- $10
General Admission Kids 6-10- $5
General Admission Kids 5 & Under- FREE!

Trackside- $50
Islander VIP Skybox (includes Pit Pass)- $50
Camping (30 & 50 Amp w/ full hook-up)- $60

Driver Registration: (Juiceboxes Please Register)
https://www.myracepass.com/tracks/3747/registrations/12247

Tickets Available at the Gate or Online at carteretspeedway.com

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 18 at 6:00 PM

WHERE: 501 Whitehouse Fork Rd, Swansboro, NC

Event by Carteret County Speedway

HAPPENINGS

Murder Mystery Ride

Join us for a “murder mystery “ ride/scavenger hunt. Find out The Who, what, when, where, why and how!

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 18 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

WHERE: New River Harley Davidson

2394 Wilmington Hwy, Jacksonville, NC

Event by Twisted Iron MC and New River Harley-Davidson

Halloween Season 1 White Trash Party

Limelight Halloween Series 1

This October The Limelight Jacksonville is bringing something new to Jacksonville and you do not want to miss out.

3 Friday Nights of Scary Fun and don't forget the contests.

Preparations begin now for individual and group awards.

Which one of you will win this year's Limelight Halloween Season 1 theme nights?

18 and Up are welcome with Valid ID and ALL ladies are Free Entry until midnight

WHEN: Friday, Oct 17 at 10:00 PM
WHERE: 145 Blue Creek School Rd, Jacksonville, NC

Event by The Lime Light Jacksonville

Bryson Banks at Playhouse

Tickets are selling fast! This show may sell out. Seating at the bar will be available to purchase day of show. First come first serve.

Big big comedy show with @brysonbankscomedy
Featuring @nicked_at_night @ohheyitsrjj and our host @fathersailorhoosier

$25 tickets online at www.playhousejax.com
$30 tickets at the door.
Doors open at 7pm. Showtime 8pm. Bar is open till 2am. 18+ to enter.

Open mic after the show.
Food truck on site.
This is a special event show and no free tickets will be accepted.

WHEN: Friday, Oct 17 at 8:00 PM
WHERE: 531 Richlands Hwy, Jacksonville, NC

Event by Playhouse Nightclub

The Switch and Blackbeards Triple Play

Restaurant & Sports Bar

Hey J-Ville, we're headin to your town for another amazing evening! Blackbeard's offers some of the best food around, and Saturdays are All You Can Eat Crab Legs from 6:00-9:00.......we take the stage around 8:30, so have another helping.....'cause we Help You work it off. HELL YEAH!

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 18 at 8:30 PM
WHERE: 302 Western Blvd, Jacksonville,NC

Dirty Blonde Band

Dirty Blonde Band LIVE : 7pm – 10pm.

As always, we’ll be serving beer, wine, and our own in-house-crafted spirits until 11! See you soon!

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 18 from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM

WHERE: Bogue Sound Distillery

108 Bogue Commercial Dr, Newport, NC

Event by Bogue Sound Distillery

If pharmacies and banks shut down

for weeks - would you be ready?

Learn how to start building a home apothecary with natural remedies in the latest Life After 55 episode - so you’re prepared for catastrophic shutdowns or you just want to rely less on synthetic drugs and pain relievers.

Watch Part 1: https://youtu.be/GuBTmzuNKzQ

What you’ll see: starter supplies, safe storage/labeling, and when to DIY vs. seek care.

CLASSIFIEDS

🏡 Realtors - Get 1 Free Open House Listing!
Promote your next open house in the Onslow Insider FREE
Limit: 1 free listing per realtor.
Listings must be submitted by 12 noon on Wednesday prior to your open house.
📅 Offer ends Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Email onslowinsider@gmail.com for details.

Announcements:

Open House:

For Sale:

For Rent:

Jobs:

Services:

Will Be Handy LLC - Remodels (kitchens, baths, flooring, drywall), custom decks, fence installs/repairs, interior/exterior painting. Local & reliable. Free, no-pressure estimate.

Call/Text 910-284-4272. Will Be Handy, LLC

Yard Sales:

Lost & Found:

A Short Inspirational Video

Interesting Facts:

Bird Migration

1,929,500 birds have crossed Onslow County overnight (est.)

Click on the image to enlarge and see more info.

Thanks for reading Onslow Insider!

We’re grateful to have you here.

Before you go, remember our Classifieds - a quick way to sell items, rent a place, find/post jobs, book local services, and promote yard sales.

Share with a friend

Got a tip or event?

Send an email (onslowinsider@gmail.com) and let us know.

See you next Thursday!