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Pender County officials announced the passing of former commissioner Wendy Fletcher-Hardee, remembered as a dedicated public servant, successful entrepreneur and community advocate.

Fletcher-Hardee, of Hampstead, died Monday at her residence. She was 54.

Fletcher-Hardee served as county commissioner from 2022 to 2024 and left a mark on the community through her leadership, business acumen, and dedication to public service, said Brandi Cobb, Pender County communications manager.

Fletcher-Hardee served as commissioner until May when she resigned to focus more on her health and well-being.

A Topsail High School alumna, Fletcher-Hardee went on to North Carolina State University and initially entered the health care field, working as a registered nurse.

Her natural compassion and drive also led her to serve as a caregiver for her grandmother during her battle with cancer, a role that deeply influenced her commitment to family and community, Cobb said.

Fletcher-Hardee then transitioned from health care to the logistics industry, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. She founded Atlantic Truck Brokers in 2004 and Atlantic Mulch and Stone in 2006.

Fletcher-Hardee's achievements as the president and CEO of Atlantic Coast Trucking even garnered state recognition, culminating in her induction into the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame in 2021, Cobb said.

She was also honored with the 2021 Minority Business Advocate of the Year Award.

Fletcher-Hardee became actively involved with the N.C. Defense Business Association and supported other female entrepreneurs across the state. In recognition of her lifetime achievements, she was inducted into the Topsail High School Wall of Fame this year.

"As a board, we are profoundly saddened by the loss of Commissioner Wendy Fletcher-Hardee," said Brad George, chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioners. "Wendy was a dedicated leader and trailblazer who brought compassion, innovation, and strength to every role she held. Her impact on Pender County and her passion for serving the community will continue to inspire us all."

As a public servant, Fletcher-Hardee was known for her dedication to the residents of Pender County and her focus on building a brighter future for the community, Cobb said.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Barlow Vista Baptist Church, 22340 U.S. Hwy 17 in Hampstead, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory in Hampstead.

Dozens of local veterans joined together Monday morning for the Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary Chapter 16 Veterans Day Ceremony in Jacksonville.

The event began at 11 a.m. at the chapter's home, located at 300 Sherwood Road. Attendees were welcomed in by the 2nd Marine Corps Band Quintet.

According to dav.org , Disabled American Veterans' purpose is to empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

Chapters do this by ensuring local veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, by fighting for their interests, and by educating the public about the sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

Chapter Commander Randall Cox opened Monday's ceremony after the Northside High School JROTC presented the colors.

"Today, on Veterans Day, we honor the fallen, but we also honor those who were fortunate enough to come back home," Cox said. "For every service man and woman who gave their life for freedom, many more are severely injured or disabled."

Chapter Senior Vice Commander Patrick Parks then read messages from both President Joe Biden and DAV Department of North Carolina Commander James Hunter, followed by a presentation of the POW/MIA table by Rolling Thunder NC-5 President Bryan Dent.

Dent, who joined the Marine Corps in 1982, said Rolling Thunder's mission is to bring public awareness to prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Dent encourages those in the community to do what they can to help the veterans in their lives, or just simply speak to them. Even though he's a veteran himself, Dent said he always thanks fellow veterans for their service.

One veteran in attendance Monday was Ervin Steinly Jr., a retired sergeant major with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard with 39 years of service.

He and his wife drove up from South Carolina for the local Veterans Day festivities, showcasing their patriotic truck, a 1956 Chevy that Steinly had an artist paint.

Hidden throughout the paint, Steinly showed off proudly, are symbols of his time in service.

For example, there's a painted fallen comrade with dog tags that have Steinly's uncle's name on them. Steinly was just 2 and a half years of age when his uncle was killed in the Korean War.

"If I had something to say to my uncle, I'd like to thank him for his service and I hope he's proud of me," Steinly said emotionally, adding, "I think it's so important that we get recognized for doing what we've done, whether it be in war, or supporting the rest of your fellow comrades that are in war."

Steinly also took a moment to share his pride for his youngest daughter, who served six years in the National Guard.

Monday's ceremony also included a guest speech by former DAV and Auxiliary Chapter 16 Commander Stephen Ryan, retired Navy, a singing of "America the Beautiful" by Opal Amos, and a reading of the poem, "In Flander's Field" by MC Barbara Hall.

The DAV and Auxiliary Chapter 16 is located at 300 Sherwood Road in Jacksonville and can be reached at 972-523-6202.

With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, Onslow County residents are itching to get into the holiday spirit.

From tree lightings to free Thanksgiving feasts, and even the beloved annual Jacksonville Christmas Holiday parade, here are 11 events happening around Onslow County through the rest of November.

North Topsail Beach Christmas Tree LightingThe 3rd Annual North Topsail Beach Christmas Tree Lighting will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 2008 Loggerhead Court.

The free event will begin at 6 p.m. with Santa escorted in on a fire truck. Santa will also be available for photos.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies from Girl Scout Troop No. 361, face painting, music from the First United Methodist Church of Sneads Ferry Choir, and even a visit from Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital.

Jacksonville Christmas Parade

The 70th Jacksonville Holiday Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m.

The beloved event will be broadcast and rebroadcast on WITN Channel 7 for those who can't attend. The route will begin at Coastal Carolina Community College and trek down Western Boulevard to the Brynn Marr Shopping Center.

The parade is free to attend, but there are $4 VIP tickets on sale for reserved bleacher seating and complimentary refreshments, courtesy of the Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corp. There is also preferred parking available for an additional fee.

Cross ACE Hardware Pre-Thanksgiving CookoutCross Ace Hardware, located at 1050 Henderson Drive in Jacksonville, will host a Pre-Thanksgiving Cookout on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On top of Black Friday specials, there will be free food and face painting.

Surf City Christmas Tree LightingThe Surf City Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy ice skating, a kid's zone, live music, food trucks, and even a special guest visit with Santa.

The event will occur at Soundside Park, located at 517 Roland Ave. in Surf City.

Freddy's Thanksgiving Bingo and Craft NightFreddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is hosting a Thanksgiving Bingo and Craft Night on Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Families are encouraged to come by for Thanksgiving crafts, prizes, and bingo every 30 minutes.

Freddy's is located at 4133 Western Blvd. in Jacksonville.

Antique 2 Chic Community Thanksgiving DinnerAntique 2 Chic Vendor Market, located at 2501 Onslow Drive in Jacksonville, is offering a free community Thanksgiving meal for those in need on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 4 p.m.

Onslow Community Outreach Turkey Trot and Giblet 1-Miler

Onslow Community Outreach is hosting a new event this year, a Turkey Trot and Giblet 1-miler, on Thursday, Nov. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The event will include a 5K, a 1-mile run, a photo booth with mascot Mr. Giblets, and lots of family-friendly activities.

Each runner who completes the course will receive a finisher medal. Those who can't attend can do so virtually. The 5K costs $35 for those who register by Nov. 15 or $40 on race day if space permits.

The Giblet 1-miler costs $15 but spots are limited. To register, visit .

The event will take place at 100 Recreation Circle in Jacksonville, and all proceeds will benefit Onslow Christmas Cheer.

Topsail Island Brewing Thanksgiving FeastTopsail Island Brewing, located at 514 Petes Way in Sneads Ferry, will offer a Thank You Feast on Thursday, Nov. 28, at noon.

Beer is not included in the free meal, and it is also first-come, first-serve.

Surf City Brewing Co. Friendsgiving Potluck PartySurf City Brewing Co. is also offering a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m.

While they'll handle the turkey, attendees are asked to bring side dishes.

Surf City Brewing Company is located at 201 Alston Blvd. in Hampstead.

Swansboro Christmas FlotillaThe annual Swansboro Christmas Flotilla will take place on Friday, Nov. 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Gather along Swansboro's historic downtown waterfront to watch the parade of lights down the White Oak River. There will be music, treats like funnel cakes and hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa at the end of the flotilla.

The Grazing Tray Homegrown MarketOn Saturday, Nov. 30, from noon to 4 p.m., The Grazing Tray is celebrating Small Business Saturday with a Homegrown Market.

There will be quaint boutiques, artisanal crafters, and local service providers on-site, many of which will be offering exclusive discounts, special promotions, and festive activities.

The Grazing Tray is located at 1105 Gum Branch Road in Jacksonville.

Onslow County Sheriff Office deputies are warning property owners about an increasingly popular real estate scam that is taking place across the nation.

The sheriff's office has received numerous reports during the past few months.

The scam involves a person who is posing as the owner of a vacant lot who is seeking to sell the lot. The person then contacts a local real estate broker by email or phone, claiming to be the rightful owner, saide Trevor Dunnell, OCSO public information officer.

The suspect then submits various documents to the broker, which are intended to validate their identity. The broker, satisfied with the documentation and communication, lists the property as agreed, and the property eventually sells, though not in all cases.

It's not until after the new deed is recorded at the Register of Deeds office with the new owner's name that the actual owner discovers their property was fraudulently sold, Dunnell said.

In many cases, the real owner will find out about the listing and stop it before the property goes under contract. However, the scammer may already have received due diligence money or, in some cases, completed the sale.

The scam can lead to injury to the real owner, buyer, brokers, and closing attorneys. In some cases, the owner will even have to go to court to resolve the matter with the buyer.

Onslow County deputies have investigated cases involving the scam and determined there is an international component to the scams. Scammers usually target undeveloped land, vacant or abandoned properties, or properties in a trust where an owner has recently died.

Deputies have contacted the Jacksonville Board of Realtors and the Onslow County register of deeds about the scam.

Real estate brokers have been advised to verify the identity of lot owners through live video communication and to obtain a copy of their issued identification.

The register of deeds has a real-time property fraud protection site called Property Check, which allows property owners to sign up for alerts when a real estate document is recorded with their name. Property Check is an after-the-fact protection that is not designed to prevent the scam from happening.

While the alert system will inform someone if a real estate document has been recorded with their name, property owners are asked to stay vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious dealings to law enforcement.