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"Christmas is Only 21 Days Away! Readers Poll, Last Supermoon, New TSA Fee, New Laws in NC, Winter Events, Local Services & More!"

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"Christmas is Only 21 Days Away! Readers Poll, Last Supermoon, New TSA Fee, New Laws in NC, Winter Events, Local Services & More!"

"Christmas is Only 21 Days Away! Readers Poll, Last Supermoon, New TSA Fee, New Laws in NC, Winter Events, Local Services & More!"
Christmas is Only 21 Days Away! TSA introduces new $45 fee option, New Laws In North Carolina, Jacksonville Winterfest, Winterfest Artisan Market, Reindeer Stampede 5K, Tonight's Last Supermoon, Handyman Services, Boudoir & Portrait Studio, Bookkeeping Solutions, Household Hacks - Check it out! 🎄🌟🎅🏼🌙🔧💼📸💰🏡✨

Roy Shipley

Dec 4, 2025

Christmas is Only 21 Days Away!

Quote Of The Day

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."  - Hamilton Wright Mabie

If you’re not using the FREE classifieds in the Onslow Insider, you’re literally leaving money, customers, and eyeballs on the table.
 
FREE CLASSIFIEDS THROUGH NEW YEAR’S EVE
Jobs • Yard Sales • Small Biz Promos • Rentals • Events • Services
If you can type it, we’ll publish it.
But listen - DEADLINE is Wednesday at 12 NOON if you want it in Thursday’s issue.
Miss it? You’re waiting a whole week.
 
 👇BUSINESSES - READ THIS👇
Thousands of locals are opening the Onslow Insider every Thursday morning. If your business isn’t in there… your competitors are.
 
 👉Sponsor a spot.
 
 👉Get seen.
 
Own the attention your business deserves.
 
Let’s grow your reach, your brand, your sales - and this community.
Onslow County deserves better. We’re building it.

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS

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!

 

Send your favorite autumn and/or holiday 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 next Thursday edition of the Onslow Insider.


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

 

Looks like everyone is shy, so here's a couple of photos from yours truly! If anyone knows where I took the photos below, let us know. The first correct answer before next Wednesday (12/10) at 12 Noon wins a $25 gift card! Email your submissions to: onslowinsider@gmail.com

BEFORE 12 Noon on 12/10/25.

 

Hint: They were taken at a place that was featured in the "Events/Happenings" section of last weeks edition of The Onslow Insider.

 

If there is a winner, it will be announced in next weeks Onslow Insider. Winner will be notified by email. Good luck!

Local businesses and our sponsors help our community thrive. Stop by, show your support, and don’t forget to tell them you found them in The Onslow Insider.

OF INTEREST

TSA introduces new $45 fee

option for travelers without

REAL ID starting February 1

Monday, December 1, 2025
 

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026.

 

Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA Confirm.ID for a 10-day . . read more here

🏦 Onslow Insider Reader Poll

I’m exploring a short educational course on a strategy used by wealthy families to build long-term wealth and reduce taxes, often called “Buy, Borrow, Die.”

 

As someone who publishes The Onslow Insider and also provides bookkeeping, tax advisory, and tax preparation for local small business owners, I think this is something more people should know about.

 

Would you be interested?

  • 👍 Yes — sounds interesting

  • 🤔 Maybe

  • ❌ Not really

 

I really do need and appreciate your response in helping me

to decide whether to create it.

 

No pressure - I just want to know if this topic

interests people before I invest time in building it.

 

Please send your response (Yes - Maybe - Not Really)

to: onslowinsider@gmail.com

 

Thank you in advance for your input and your help!

 

I'll let everyone know the results of this poll

in the next edition of The Onslow Insider

New Laws In North Carolina

Effective 12/01/25

In North Carolina, a couple of the new laws effective December 1, 2025, address both window tint and left-lane usage for specific vehicles: 

Tinted Window Law: Annual safety inspections no longer include a check of window tint, but the legal limits and penalties for violations remain in effect. Drivers must also roll down their window when a law enforcement officer approaches the vehicle during a traffic stop.

 

Left Lane Law: Certain heavy commercial trucks are now banned from the far-left lane on major highways with six or more lanes. 

 

North Carolina Tinted Window Law
While window tint is no longer part of the required annual safety inspection, the state's legal limits have not changed. Law enforcement can still stop a vehicle and issue a citation if the tint is too dark. 
 

Legal Limits:

    • Windshield: Tint is only allowed along the top five inches or above the AS-1 line, whichever is longer, and must not obstruct vision.
    • Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 35% of light transmission (VLT).
    • Rear Side Windows and Rear Window: Must also allow at least 35% light transmission for most passenger vehicles. Multipurpose vehicles (SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks) have an exception for rear side windows and the rear window, where darker tint is permitted.
  • New Traffic Stop Requirement: Drivers with tinted windows must roll down the window on the side the officer is approaching for officer safety.
  • Penalties: A violation can result in fines of up to $200 and a requirement to remove the illegal tint.
  • Medical Exceptions: A medical permit can be obtained from the NCDMV for a condition causing photosensitivity, allowing for darker tint. 

 

North Carolina Left Lane Law
A new law targets large commercial vehicles to improve traffic flow and safety on certain major highways. 
  • Vehicle Restriction: Motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or heavier are generally banned from operating in the left-most lane.
  • Applicable Highways: This law applies to controlled-access highways that have six or more lanes in total.
  • Exceptions: Heavy trucks may still use the left lane in specific situations:
    • When entering or exiting the highway.
    • When passing another vehicle.
    • When avoiding a hazard or emergency vehicle. 
This newsletter sponsored by

WILL BE HANDY, LLC

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


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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.
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willbehandy.com

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

EVENTS/HAPPENINGS

Jacksonville Winterfest

It's that time of year again, kick off your December festivities with us during our annual Winterfest!
Join us on Saturday, December 6th from 1-6PM at Riverwalk Crossing.
 
This free event will be held at Riverwalk Crossing Park, located at 421 Court St. you'll only need money for purchases at the Candy Shop and Food Trucks!
 
What to expect:
-Red Knights Motorcycle Ride-in
-Sledding
-Snow Play Area
-Pictures with Santa
-Petting Zoo
-Hayride
-Ice Skating
-DJ & Stage Entertainment
-Food Trucks
-Games
-Rock Climbing Wall
-Trackless Train Ride
-Winter Crafts
-Candy Shop (located at Kerr St Rec Center)
 
Following Winterfest, the Annual Tree Lighting will be held at 6:30PM with the Flotilla following right after at the Marina.
 
WHEN: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 - 1 PM to 6 PM
WHERE: Riverwalk Crossing, 421 Court Street, Jacksonville, NC

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: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 - 8 PM to 10 PM

WHERE: 531 Richlands Hwy, Jacksonville, NC

Winterfest Artisan Market

It’s back!
Come shop til you drop and find the perfect crafted Holiday gifts during the annual Winterfest Artisan Market at the Commons Recreation Center.
Not only will you find treasures galore, there will be fun contests happening throughout the weekend! For more info on how to enter please visit: https://www.ccacguild.org/
 
Hours of the market are:
Friday, Dec 5 - 5-8PM
Saturday, Dec 6 - 10AM-6PM
Sunday, Dec 7 - 12PM-5PM
Pet Photos:
Sat 12-5PM
Sun 12-5PM
 
WHEN: Days and times noted above.
WHERE: 114 Recreation Ln, Jacksonville, NC

Reindeer Stampede 5K

Dash into the season of giving!
Join us on Saturday, Dec. 6, in downtown Richlands for the Reindeer Stampede 5K - a festive fun-run with a mission. Every step you take helps Operation Christmas Stocking and the Blessing Shed provide pantry staples and personal care items to local neighbors facing food and hygiene insecurity.
 
Whether you sprint, jog, prance or stroll in your best holiday gear, your registration fee directly helps families during the toughest time of year.
 
Can't race? Become a sponsor (packages from $100 to $1000) or donate online and double the cheer. Email overflowcafenc@gmail.com
 
Lace up, dress up (those reindeer antlers are optional but encouraged!) and let's stampede hunger out of our community - one jingle bell at a time.
 
 
WHEN: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 - 9 AM
WHERE: 302 South Wilmington St
               Richlands, NC US 28574

SantaFest

SantaFest will be held on Saturday, December 6th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Swansboro Recreation Center.
 
Join us for a festive morning filled with holiday cheer as we welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus for pictures, enjoy a hot cocoa and popcorn bar, and take part in fun games and crafts for the whole family.
 
This event is completely free for the community, so come on out and celebrate the season with us at the Swansboro Recreation Center!
 
WHEN: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 - 10 AM to 1 PM
WHERE: Swansboro REC Center
                830 Main St Extension
                Swansboro, NC

Lights Over Onslow

Join us for a night of live music, visits with Santa, and a festive drone show and Christmas Tree lighting. This event is the perfect way to kick off the holiday festivities with hot coco, pictures with Santa, and good cheer!
 
The drone show will start at 5:45pm and end in the lighting of our Christmas Tree.
 
WHEN: Sunday, Dec 7, 2025 - 2 PM to 6 PM
WHERE: Onslow Pines Park
               1244 Onslow Pines Road
                Jacksonville, NC

WEEK IN WEATHER

Tonight's Cold Moon Is

the Last Supermoon of the Year

Skywatchers are in for a treat this week as the Cold Supermoon - the second-biggest full moon of 2025 - rises in the east at dusk on Thursday, Dec. 4. Officially full at 6:14 p.m. EST, this moon is the third of four consecutive supermoons and will appear especially large and striking near the horizon. Because supermoons occur when the full moon is closest to Earth, this one will look about 10% larger than average.

 

Even if you miss it on Thursday, the moon will appear bright and full the day before and after, with an especially impressive rise on Friday evening.

 

December’s Cold Moon also climbs higher in the night sky than any other full moon of the year. As the Northern Hemisphere approaches the winter solstice and the sun sits lower in the daytime sky, the full moon rises opposite it, reaching its highest arc of the year. It’s the perfect opportunity for skywatchers - and anyone testing out new binoculars or a first telescope this holiday season - to enjoy a brilliant moonlit display.

Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions

Question for every contractor reading this:
 
What’s cheaper?
$147 to clean 3 months of QuickBooks
or
$3,000 - $5,000 in extra taxes because your books are a mess?
 
Here’s my no-brainer offer:
For $147, I’ll:
Fix up to 3 months of your QuickBooks
Clean up to 750 transactions
Reconcile up to 2 accounts
Repair your categories
Get your books tax-ready
 
And here’s the kicker:
If I don’t deliver in 3 days, you pay NOTHING.
 
I ONLY work with:
Contractors
Roofers
Plumbers
Landscapers
Painters
Electricians
Concrete guys
Handymen
This is built for YOU.
 
👉Claim your cleanup before my next week fills up:
 
 

CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Remember - Classifieds are FREE through Dec 31!

YARD SALES 

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

 

 

LuxeBabe Boudoir & Portrait Studio 

Luxury photography studio offers luxury boudoir sessions with hair and makeup included, along with maternity, branding, birthday portraits, family sessions, and outdoor portrait experiences.

Website:  Veronica Contreras Photography

 

 

Shipley Bookkeeping Solutions - 

QuickBooks a mess? Get it fixed before tax season.

🔥 $147 QuickBooks Cleanup Special
Full review, error correction & tax-ready books

for local contractors.

 

👉 Start here: https://2f76-office.systeme.io/7ea861e6

 

✔ Local • ✔ Secure • ✔ Confidential

MISCELLANEOUS 

A Few More Household Hacks

💛 Thank You for Reading The Onslow Insider

 

We’re proud to bring you stories, news, and resources that matter right here in Onslow County - every week, for free. And we're proud to have you as a member of our community.

 

If you enjoyed this edition, please share it with your friends, family, and co-workers. Every share helps more neighbors stay informed and keeps local voices strong.

 

📢 Classifieds are FREE through December 31 - perfect for promoting your holiday sale, side hustle, or community event.


💼 Business sponsorships are now open for 2025/2026 - get your brand in front of thousands of local readers every week.

 

🧭 Stay connected. Stay local. Stay In the Know with the Insider.

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© 2026 Onslow Insider.