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Lejeune Lights Back On + Pennies Say Goodbye: Holiday Hustle Hits Onslow!
Lejeune Lights Back On + Pennies Say Goodbye: Holiday Hustle Hits Onslow!
Lejeune Lights Back On + Pennies Say Goodbye: Holiday Hustle Hits Onslow!
Backpay bliss for families, FREE classifieds thru NYE (spots filling FAST!), your fall pics could star here, epic mint vid, hot events/weather—dive into the Insider buzz!
Roy Shipley
Nov 13, 2025
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Quote Of The Day |
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain |
Thanksgiving in 14 days🦃
Christmas is 42 days away! 🎅 |
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FREE CLASSIFIEDS
through Dec 31!
Got a small business, side hustle, or holiday sale?
List it for FREE in The Onslow Insider - our gift to local businesses
this season.
(Submissions must be received NO LATER than 12 noon on Wednesday to be included in Thursday's edition.) |
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Beat the storms. Impress the guests. Get it painted - now.
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
Free, no-pressure estimate.
(Mention you saw this in the "Onslow Insider") |
OF INTEREST |
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Government Shutdown Ends: Relief Washes Over Onslow County and the Nation |
November 13, 2025 – Jacksonville, NC
By the Onslow Insider Team After 43 grueling days - the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history - the lights flickered back on in Washington. Late yesterday, November 12, the House passed a bipartisan stopgap bill funding the government through March 2026, which President Trump signed by midnight.
What started as a partisan standoff over spending cuts and border security on October 1 finally cracked, thanks to a Senate compromise blending Republican priorities with Democratic concessions on disaster aid.
For Onslow County - where the Marine Corps bases pump $7 billion annually into the local economy - this wasn't abstract Beltway drama. It was paychecks, family stability, and the heartbeat of our military town. With the Insider dropping today, let's unpack what the shutdown's end meant for us here at home, and the ripple effects coast-to-coast.
National Snapshot: A $20 Billion Band-Aid on a Bruised Economy
The shutdown's tab? A staggering $18 billion shaved off fourth-quarter GDP, per the Congressional Budget Office, with up to $16 billion in weekly losses from idled federal workers, halted contracts, and spooked consumers. That wasn't just numbers - it was 800,000 furloughed feds missing paychecks (though backpay was guaranteed), national parks shuttered (bye-bye fall foliage crowds), and air travel snarled by unpaid TSA screeners. Economists pegged the permanent hit at $11 billion for the six-week saga, wiping out half a percent of growth in an already wobbly 2025 economy averaging just 1.6% annualized expansion.
The silver lining? The reopening dodged a recessionary cliff. Markets surged 2% on the news, signaling investor relief, and the Fed might hold off on rate hikes to let the rebound breathe. But scars lingered: Small businesses lost $3 billion in revenue, food stamp delays hit 40 million low-income families, and trust in government took another dent - polls showed 70% of Americans blamed both parties equally. Expect a short-term hiring and spending bump as backpay hits accounts, but experts warned of "shutdown fatigue": If brinkmanship returned in March, it could tip us into downturn.
Onslow's Front Lines: Camp Lejeune and Beyond Breathed Easier
Here in Onslow, the stakes had been sky-high. Camp Lejeune, our economic anchor employing 40,000+ active-duty Marines, civilians, and contractors, saw two-thirds of its workforce (65%) furloughed by day two - thousands of paychecks frozen, from mechanics at New River Air Station to instructors at Camp Geiger and Stone Bay. Local unions reported families dipping into savings for basics, while base services like child care centers, morale programs, and even some training ops ground to a halt. "It's not just lost wages - it's the uncertainty ripping through PCS season," said one Lejeune spouse in a viral base Facebook post, echoing the financial strain felt by 10,000+ federal workers across NC's military hubs.
The shutdown amplified our vulnerabilities: Onslow's 14% poverty rate (higher among vets) meant food banks at the VFW and Salvation Army in Jacksonville overflowed, with demand up 30% in October. Realtors stalled home sales for incoming families, and spots like Sneads Ferry's marinas saw tourist dips from closed federal sites. Governor Stein hammered this home in mid-October, warning Congress that NC's 300,000 military-linked jobs (including Camp Johnson's training pipelines) faced "devastating" hits without quick action.
Now, the thaw: Furloughed Lejeune personnel returned this morning, backpay processing started immediately (expect deposits by Nov 20), and base gates swung wide for full ops. Local eateries on Western Boulevard and contractors at Camp Lejeune's $500 million infrastructure projects could exhale - lost gigs resumed, injecting $50–$100 million back into county coffers over the next quarter. Congressman Greg Murphy, in a recent IG reel, assured constituents: "Shutdown's end meant packed claims and training back on track - no more delays for our Marines." Short-term, watch for a mini-boom: Holiday hiring at the PX and commissary, plus families splurging that backpay on Black Friday deals at the mall. But we're not out of the woods.
The water contamination lawsuits at Lejeune (with 51,000 potential claimants) saw filings slow amid the chaos, and any March cliffhanger could reignite furloughs. Pro tip for families: Hit up the Fleet and Family Support Center for free financial counseling this week - they're ramping up sessions to unpack the stress.
Looking Ahead: Unity Over Urgency?
This shutdown's end felt like a truce, not a treaty - funding's patched till spring, but debt ceiling drama loomed. Nationally, it underscored a fractured system costing us all: From Wall Street jitters to Main Street empty chairs. In Onslow, it spotlighted our resilience - Marines don't quit, and neither do we. As one Reddit thread from r/CampLejeune put it: "Back to grinding."
Democrats voted 15 TIMES to keep the government shutdown, with the least bit of concern for the millions of Americans who were affected adversely and endured hardships because of this shutdown. We here at the Onslow Insider can only hope that this shutdown, the hardships it caused, and the party that voted to keep it shut down this long won't be just another faded memory in future elections.
Share your shutdown survival stories - did it hit your garage sale plans or holiday budget? Reply or DM us. And don't forget: Free classifieds are live through Dec 31 - perfect for offloading that extra gear now that pay's flowing again
(email onslowinsider@gmail.com by noon Wednesday).
Stay strong, stay local.
– Onslow Insider
(Sources: CBO, Reuters, WITN, NC Governor's Office, Federal News Network.) |
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The Top 5 Injuries and IllnessesWe See on Thanksgiving |
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The Penny's Last Press: A Fond (and Frugal) Farewell to America's Tiniest Coin |
By Roy Shipley, Onslow Insider Editor
November 13, 2025 - Jacksonville, NC Picture this: It was a crisp fall morning at the Philadelphia Mint, and the clanging presses fell silent for the final time on a humble one-cent piece. Yesterday, November 12, 2025, the U.S. Mint struck its last batch of circulating pennies - a bittersweet end to over two centuries of copper-clad history. For us here in Onslow County, where every dollar counts for military families stretching paychecks between base commissary runs and Jacksonville yard sales, this isn't just national news. It's a shift in the pocket change that buys our coffee, tips our baristas, and stuffs our kids' piggy banks.
As the Insider drops today, let's unpack the penny's storied past, what life sans-cent looks like ahead, and whether that jar of loose change in your glovebox is about to become a collector's goldmine.
A Quick Spin Through Penny History: From Colonial Copper to Lincoln's Legacy
The penny's roots run deeper than the swamps around Camp Lejeune. The concept of a small-denomination coin traces back to 790 A.D. in England, but America's version kicked off amid the chaos of the Revolutionary War. In 1787, private mints churned out the first "Fugios" cents - clunky, chain-linked designs screaming "Mind Your Business" to fend off British counterfeits. But it was the Coinage Act of 1792 that made it official: Congress greenlit the U.S. Mint, and by 1793, the first true pennies rolled out - massive, pure-copper discs nearly as big as a half-dollar, weighing in at a hefty 13 grams.
Fast-forward through the 19th century: These "large cents" shrank in the 1850s to fit better in pockets, and designs flipped from Liberty's flowing hair to Indian heads and wheat stalks. The real icon arrived in 1909, when President Teddy Roosevelt tapped sculptor Victor David Brenner to honor Abraham Lincoln on the centennial of his birth. That VDB-initialed Lincoln penny - wheat ears on the reverse - became a staple, enduring through world wars (when pennies briefly went zinc-coated in 1943 to save copper for bullets) and economic booms. By the 1980s, inflation had turned the penny from hero to headache. Copper prices soared, so the Mint switched to cheaper zinc cores plated with copper in 1982. Today, each penny costs a whopping 3.7 cents to make - a losing proposition that's fueled decades of "kill the penny" debates.
Enter President Trump's 2025 cost-cutting push: With the national debt clock ticking louder than a Mint press, the penny's production halted, saving taxpayers an estimated $50 million annually.
The Final Strike: What Yesterday's Ceremony Meant
Yesterday morning, as you sipped that brew at Sneads Ferry's finest, Mint workers in Philly boxed up the very last 2025-dated pennies for the Federal Reserve. No more new ones for circulation after that - though limited collector editions will trickle out for numismatists. It's the end of an era, but not the apocalypse. Pennies remain legal tender forever; you can still plunk one down at the Piggly Wiggly or tip your barber with a fistful. Banks will keep redeeming them, and vending machines? They'll adapt, one slot at a time.
Pocket Change Revolution: Life Without the Penny
So, what does a penny-less America feel like? Think subtle shifts, not seismic quakes. For cash transactions - the ones still alive in our tip-jar towns - prices will round to the nearest nickel. A $1.01 coffee? Bumps to $1.00. $1.03? Jumps to $1.05. Digital payments? Untouched - your Venmo or card swipe keeps the exact cent precision.
Economists predict minimal pain: The Richmond Fed crunched numbers and found rounding could cost consumers up to $56 million yearly if nickels follow suit, but for pennies alone, it's a wash - half the time you save a cent, half you spend one extra. Here in Onslow, where PCS moves mean garage sales galore and base families budget like pros, it might even simplify life. No more "keep the penny" haggling at checkout. Retailers like Walmart are already prepping software updates, and experts foresee a smoother rollout than Canada's 2013 penny purge, which saved them $11 million a year without sparking riots.Short-term hiccups? Maybe a penny shortage as folks hoard 'em - watch for that at laundromats or parking meters. Long-term? Cleaner pockets, fewer lost fortunes in couch cushions, and a nudge toward cashless everything. For our veteran-owned small businesses on Western Boulevard, it's a chance to streamline ops without the Mint's endless tab.
Hoarders' Delight: Will Your Pennies Turn to Treasure?
Ah, the million-dollar question (or at least the $1.01 one): Do these shiny relics skyrocket in value? Short answer: It depends on what's in your jar. Common circulating pennies? Probably not your retirement fund. With billions already out there - over 100 billion in U.S. hands alone - their face value holds steady at one cent. But discontinuation juices collector demand. Rare birds like the 1943 copper penny (a wartime flub) already fetch $100,000+, and yesterday's "last run" 2025 pennies could command $5–$20 uncirculated in the coming months. Wheat-back Lincolns (pre-1959) might nudge from a few cents to a quarter or more, especially in mint condition. Reddit coin forums are buzzing: "Simple economics - supply freezes, sentimental demand spikes," one collector posted.
Pro tip for Onslow hunters: Check your change from the Camp Lejeune PX or local estate sales. Apps like PCGS CoinFacts can appraise on the spot. If you're sitting on a stash, consider rolling and depositing most - but save a few keepers for the grandkids' stories.
Final Thoughts: One Cent's Worth of Wisdom
As the penny bows out, it's a reminder of change's double edge - frustrating yet freeing. We've clung to it through depressions, wars, and inflation spikes, a tiny testament to American grit. Now, in our fast-moving world, it's time to let go, round up our resilience, and focus on what really counts: community connections over copper clutter. |
P.S. Got penny tales from your Lejeune days? Or tips for ditching the coin jar? Hit reply or DM us - your stories fuel the Insider. And hey, while you're at it, snag those free classifieds for this week's edition (details in our teaser above).
Because in Onslow, every deal still counts.
Stay local, stay informed.
– The Onslow Insider Team |
A Video Showing How Coins Are Minted |
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CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! |
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We’re gathering fall and holiday photos from across Onslow County - colorful leaves, cozy porches, Christmas decorations, 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!
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Northern Lights As Seen From 👆 The International Space Station 👆 11/12/25 |
💸 TAX SEASON IS COMING -ARE YOUR BOOKS READY?
Most people wait until January. At Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions, every return - Individual, Business & Corporate - comes with:
If your books are a mess (or you’re not sure), let’s fix that before the IRS or your CPA has to.
Flat-rate fees. Tax-deductible. 100% confidential. |
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HAPPENINGS - THINGS TO DO |
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🎄 Richlands Tree Lighting Event 🎄 |
Richlands 5th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting 2025!!!!!
Please share and spread the word!!!
We have moved the event to November 15th in hopes of having more vendors and more entries in the car show.
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
I pray that this year’s event…is the BEST yet!!!!
WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 10 AM to 5:00 PM
WHERE: Richlands Town Hall
302 North Wilmington St
Richlands, NC |
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Annual Turkey Giveaway |
We’re giving back this season! 🦃 📅 November 15 📍 Steed Park, Richlands 🚗 Drive-thru event – one turkey per vehicle.
WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM WHERE: Steed Park, 278 Francktown Rd, Richlands, NC |
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2Hr Comedy Show |
2 hours of live comedy featuring local and touring comedians, plus open mic. Get ready to discover Jacksonville's newest hotspot: Playhouse Nightclub! This lively venue is not just a nightclub; it’s an exciting blend of entertainment and social interaction. So, start your evening in style at the fantastic bar, where you can enjoy creatively crafted cocktails and a delicious selection of beers.
But the fun doesn’t stop there - before and after the comedy shows, challenge your friends to a game of billiards! Whether you're in the mood for laughter or aiming for that perfect shot, Playhouse Nightclub provides the ideal setting for a memorable night out. Don’t miss the excitement that’s transforming Jacksonville’s nightlife - grab your date or friends and head to Playhouse for unforgettable moments filled with laughter, games, and amazing drinks!
WHEN: Friday November 14, 2025 from 8 PM to 10 PM WHERE: Playhouse Nightclub 531 Richlands Highway Jacksonville, NC |
THE WEEK IN WEATHER |
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CLASSIFIEDS |
🏡 Realtors - Get 1 Free Open House Listing!
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