HAPPY HALLOWEEN

THANKSGIVING IS 28 DAYS AWAY

CHRISTMAS IS 56 DAYS AWAY

OF INTEREST

Shutdown Hits Home: Onslow County Feels the Impact of Washington’s Stalemate

Roy Shipley

Federal gridlock has halted pay for hundreds of local civilian workers, slowed base operations, and strained small businesses across the county as the government shutdown stretches on.

The U.S. federal government entered a shutdown on October 1, 2025, when Congress failed to pass full-year appropriations bills or a continuing resolution to keep agencies funded into the new fiscal year. Reuters+
Here’s a breakdown:

• Every year, Congress must pass 12 appropriations bills (or a stop-gap continuing resolution) to keep the government operating. 

• In this case, lawmakers were divided over key issues: Republicans pushed for funding at current levels with border and security  provisions, while Democrats insisted that health care subsidies (under the Affordable Care Act) and Medicaid funding be included in any deal.

• Because neither side agreed on the terms and deadlines passed, funding lapsed and many agencies began shutdown protocols. 

What’s the outlook: When and how could this end?

No one has a guaranteed timeline, but most analysts point to the following:

• The shutdown could end when Congress agrees on either full appropriations bills or a temporary funding measure.

• Political pressure tends to mount quickly - past shutdowns have lasted from days to a month or more, depending on how deeply substantive policy fights are tied to funding.

In this standoff:

• • Republicans want to keep spending levels largely flat but include new priorities.

• • Democrats say they won’t support a bill that doesn’t protect or extend key healthcare programs.

• Because both sides have strong incentives (and risks) tied to this, the direction could depend on who yields first, how public sentiment evolves, or whether external events (e.g., natural disasters, economic downturn) force a compromise.

What this means for everyday Americans

The effects nationwide

While “non-essential” services stop first, the ripple effect is wide:

• Federal workers: Hundreds of thousands are furloughed or working without pay, with paychecks delayed until the shutdown ends.

• Public services: National parks, licensing offices, and small business loan processing have been limited or closed.

• Air travel: Air traffic controllers and TSA officers continue working but without pay, increasing stress and absenteeism.

• Local economies: Small businesses that rely on government contracts or federal workers’ spending see an immediate downturn.

• The economy overall: Analysts estimate the shutdown costs the U.S. roughly $140 million per day, reducing U.S. GDP growth by roughly 0.1 to 0.15 percentage points, with consumer spending and business investment taking substantial hits. 

The impact here in Onslow County, North Carolina

Few places feel the federal shutdown like Onslow County. With Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, New River Air Station, Camp Johnson, and Stone Bay, the area’s economy and workforce are heavily tied to the Department of Defense.

Many civilian employees and contractors supporting these installations have been furloughed without pay since the shutdown began. Local businesses - from restaurants and barbershops to daycare centers and repair services - are already reporting slower sales and fewer customers.

Families depending on two federal incomes are tightening budgets, while landlords and small business owners brace for late payments.

In a community where the federal government is the largest employer, the effects of a prolonged shutdown go far beyond the gates of the bases. It touches nearly every part of daily life - from paychecks to morale - and reminds residents just how closely Onslow County’s economy is tied to Washington’s gridlock.

Why it matters

A government shutdown isn’t just a headline - it affects schools, small businesses, families, and local economies. Even if your paycheck is from the private sector, if the local economy slows or federal contracts falter, your community can feel the strain. Knowing how long the shutdown might last and which services are disrupted helps prepare and plan.

Bottom line:

Congress needs to pass funding to reopen - or at least keep things going temporarily. Until they do, the stand-off continues, and ordinary Americans are caught in the cross-fire of politics and policy. Beyond that, the ripple effects will continue - from D.C. all the way down to the local businesses in Onslow County.

My own take?

Once SNAP benefits dry up on November 1, things are going to move fast. When people can’t feed their families, the political heat in D.C. will turn up quick - and that might finally be what forces both sides back to the table. When the elderly, and the disabled can't eat, and people can't feed their families - that's when politicians start to move!

Oh, and you might want to remember which party kept voting "no" to reopening the government - the next time you're in a voting booth!

Calling All Photographers!

We’re gathering fall photos from across Onslow County - colorful leaves, cozy porches, and everything in between! Fall in Onslow County is one of the most beautiful times of year - and we want to see it through your eyes!

Send your favorite autumn photo, first name, and what part of Onslow County your pic is from to onslowinsider@gmail.com by 12 noon Wednesday for a chance to be featured in the Thursday’s Onslow Insider.

If no name is included, your photo will appear as anonymous.

Some of the First Pics We've Received:

"Abbey" from Sneads Ferry enjoying an October morning!

Shout out to Samantha for sending these pics!

Want to see your photo in next week’s edition?

Send it to onslowinsider@gmail.com with your first name and location (like “Sneads Ferry” or “Richlands”) by Wednesday at noon - we’d love to include it in next week's edition!

Will Be Handy

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

Toddler Safe After German Shepherd Tracks Her for Hours in Cold Dense Woods

A volunteer and his 7-year-old German shepherd named after a goddess have been hailed as heroes for finding a lost toddler amid plummeting temperatures.

In Dorchester, New Hampshire, temps were passing 40 on route to an expected 20°F when a mother called 911 to frantically explain that her 2-year-old daughter and the family dogs were missing.

A hole where a wooden fence joined a metal wire fence told of clever canines and a curious child in tow. Read more

THIS WEEKEND

Family Fun

United Way's Annual Trunk or Treat

Join us for a Toy-rific 🧸, Incredi-ble🦹‍♀️, Monster🧟‍♀️ of a good time at this year's Trunk or Treat --- PIXAR Style!

WHEN: Thursday,Oct 30 - 4 PM to 6 PM  

WHERE: Marine Chevrolet - 1408 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 

Fall at the Farm

Fall at the Farm- 7am -9:30pm

(100% FREE to attend, certain onsite activities cost)

- Parking (Free)
-Pumpkin Patch for photos and pumpkin sales
-Pumpkin Carving Station (Throw your pumpkin scraps to the pigs!!!)
-Kids haybale maze (FREE)
-Playground (FREE)
-Animal feedings
- barn market
-Food trucks and ice cream
-Local vendors to shop with
-Hay Ride
-And More

Evening Halloween/Fall Trail- 6pm-10pm (FREE)
The main trail is FAMILY friendly, just good decorations and lights, no jump scares. Be sure your kids bring their trick or treating baskets and if they can wear their costumes!!! There will be a candy stop on the trail.

All pumpkins carved onsite will be photographed and on the last night a winner will be chosen and awarded a custom “King/Queen of the carve” trophy.

On Halloween night we will also be hosting a costume contest, best costume will be awarded with a satchel of candy plus a one of a kind Pogies at the farm Certificate.

WHEN: Friday, Oct 31 - 7 AM to 9:30 PM

WHERE: Pogies at the Farm - 117 Williams Farm Rd, Maysville, NC

The Fuzzy Peach Trail Run (5K)

🍑 Ready, Set, Run! 🏃

Join us for the exhilarating Fuzzy Peach Trail Run 5K! This one-day extravaganza on November 1, 2025, at 1259 McCallister Rd, Jacksonville, NC, promises an unforgettable adventure for runners of all ages.

Dash through the scenic trails, experience the crisp autumn air, and soak up the stunning natural beauty that Hines Farm has to offer.

Whether you're a seasoned or a budding runner, this family-friendly event has something for everyone. Celebrate the joy of running, meet fellow enthusiasts, and maybe even set a new personal best! Don't miss the chance to be part of this vibrant running community.

Secure your spot today - registration is now open!

Enjoy FroYo at the finish line!

Lace up your shoes, and let’s make tracks at the Fuzzy Peach Trail Run.

Starts at $20 / Participant - Register here

WHEN: Sat, Nov 1st - 8 AM to 11 AM

WHERE: 1259 McCallister Rd, Jacksonville, NC

Introduction to Beekeeping

Veteran's Tribute

Trunk or Treat

CLUBS-CONCERTS-RESTAURANTS

Limelight Halloween Series 1

Halloween Bar Crawl

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.

WEATHER AHEAD

Bundle up tomorrow and Saturday night!

A Few Helpful Hacks

Help Us Grow the Onslow Insider Community!

If you love reading The Onslow Insider each week - with local news, weekend happenings, classifieds, inspirational quotes, and uplifting videos - help us spread the word!

👉 Share this newsletter with family, friends, and neighbors across Onslow County and invite them to subscribe. The more locals who join, the stronger our community becomes!

🏡 Realtors: Between now and November 26, you can post one FREE Open House listing in our classifieds. Don’t miss this chance to get your property in front of thousands of local readers - at no cost!

🍁 Fall Photos Wanted!
We’re also featuring autumn scenes from around Onslow County - from colorful leaves to cozy porches.

Send your photo, first name, and location to onslowinsider@gmail.com by Wednesday at noon for a chance to be featured in next week’s edition!

📩 Subscribe or share this link → onslow-insider-subscribe.eo.page

Thank You for Being Part of the Onslow Insider Family

Each week, more readers are joining us - and it’s because of you. Whether you’re here for the local news, the weekend events, the inspiring stories, or just to stay connected, we’re grateful to have you as part of the Onslow Insider community.

Your support, your shares, and your photos help keep this newsletter alive and local.

Until next Thursday - stay kind, stay informed, and stay connected, Onslow County!