[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6534280,"mediaKeyId","3633216-82aa236a04c581e66da63dca138d9559","parentId",3633216,"title","Onslow County health official reports 10 local flu deaths this season; urges vaccination and hygiene","audioSeconds",112,"startMs",1201000,"endMs",1313000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633216-82aa236a04c581e66da63dca138d9559&start=1201&end=1313","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633216-82aa236a04c581e66da63dca138d9559/thumbnail_1201000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6534280/Onslow-County/North-Carolina/Onslow-County-health-official-reports-10-local-flu-deaths-this-season-urges-vaccination-and-hygiene","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534280-af85286b597fd7ec0af7e193a49385e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775717010&Signature=GQ4laM01Mq6iunzLG2GEUEJZ9rs6oHmiRTDMdfkRydydmF5-meQlj7Pq6DUhbBkhOnYMwiCn0skxse7xhBLnQTbn2zxybrMTe6thymQ7AeKXrT1Jb8D9MkvuB7uQYfx63~EbK1-IVg~uILB5ECBkZnW6m7phHd66-Uny60D0F~HeBDZgpmaZANXdec424yncblKZ02EzTmKPcC2YP4UleyRpy1fhoCu9~lLd3JrsMgdKdIZK-wS0eCnhcA8SdpCZYfqMxofS12T6T9Q4SNTAuHspgcCowN9Hl8QdMKVEw931QW9sKYmAxc5tyA1Xr7Hnf-KN3NGLzFevzylsiIAQLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Onslow County","date","2025-06-02T17:23:46Z","article","An Onslow County health official reported influenza outcomes and prevention reminders to the Board of Commissioners on June 2, 2025, saying 10 local residents died of flu this season and urging vaccination and basic respiratory‑illness precautions.

The presenter said the county’s usual annual average for flu deaths is about 1.26, and that this season’s local total was 10 deaths. Statewide figures given in the presentation were 535 deaths across North Carolina during the period discussed. The presenter said all local decedents were over age 60, 90% were white and there was a roughly 60/40 male to female split; she stated none of the individuals who died locally had received a flu vaccine. The speaker urged residents to get an annual flu vaccine, practice hand hygiene and stay home when ill.

Why it matters: Public health officials cited demographic trends (an aging population) and low vaccination among those who died as reasons to promote vaccination, hygiene and other preventive steps to reduce severe disease and hospitalizations.

Key points reported
- Onslow County recorded 10 influenza‑associated deaths in the season referenced; statewide deaths were reported at 535 in the same period.
- The local decedents were all 60 or older; 90% were identified as white and the local sex split was reported as approximately 60% male, 40% female.
- According to the presenter, none of the local decedents had received a flu vaccine.
- Public health recommendations reiterated: annual vaccination, staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and frequent handwashing.

Quote
Public health presenter (identified in transcript as Miss Hoover): “It is very important to get a flu vaccine each season. None of the people who perished in Onslow County had a flu vaccine.”

Ending: The county health presenter said no action was requested of the board; the presentation was informational and intended to reinforce prevention messaging.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Onslow County Board of Commissioners' Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A county public health presenter reported 10 local influenza deaths this season, noted none of the deceased were vaccinated, and reiterated public health measures including vaccination, hand hygiene and staying home when ill.","taxTitle","Onslow County, North Carolina","taxId",4261,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6534284,"Cooperative Extension reports growth in Onslow County programming; highlights youth, nutrition and farming work",163,571000,734000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633216-82aa236a04c581e66da63dca138d9559&start=571&end=734","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633216-82aa236a04c581e66da63dca138d9559/thumbnail_571000.jpg","/articles/6534284/Onslow-County/North-Carolina/Cooperative-Extension-reports-growth-in-Onslow-County-programming-highlights-youth-nutrition-and-farming-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534284-92270b8b5b14b0ce051cae1330878d5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775717010&Signature=iLld3G0GnxtnsIkmCIaKsOHSAmRd38tmmmdIWtv66k7uT3X5NY6WqXzXM29fbxh6BHlmEWYI30mevoGF2OufDjw5yRkRVbZ5QPhgJ~p5-ntxbDPTQrBRjYV~LDJcqGgvQwMC2Tm91f8AdoNbEL23jLd2Ch1CeiL4yXGVjWF4zN3302au~Q-3llZyxmrFrnD16L6G8IMFBULpc9TS58BaJsZPUELF7-~EypmgYPGtfzfM0CGfEKqFY0AE99hyNEyrRSqzafQg6K5LVm4~0NGSU6Gb1uA3D0CMGWDsXfzoJTN6qwWqWank7m9ti~vYH~zkp6Ch9b9nbjzhpGuCXiTp1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jessica Gardner, director of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Onslow County, presented the office’s 2024 “report to the people” at the June 2, 2025, Onslow County Board of Commissioners meeting, summarizing outreach, youth programming and agricultural extension services.

Gardner said the extension operates in three major program areas — agriculture, food and nutrition, and 4‑H youth development — and described more than 2,000 programs offered in 2024 that include school garden partnerships, on‑farm demonstrations, livestock opportunities for youth, and EFNEP cooking and nutrition classes for low‑income adults. She highlighted the Discovery Gardens Growing Minds program for third‑grade field trips, on‑farm research partnerships that adapt university research to local conditions, and a donation station at the farmers market that channels fresh produce to food banks.

Gardner reported year‑over‑year growth in service delivery: she stated there was a 28% increase in programs and a 72% increase in clients reached from 2023 to 2024. A portion of a numeric line in the transcript was truncated; other specific metrics were not fully legible in the recorded remarks.

Why it matters: Cooperative Extension programming connects university research to local farmers, supports nutrition and health through classroom and adult education, and provides youth development activities that feed into workforce and community development goals.

Notable program details mentioned
- Over 2,000 programs hosted in 2024 across agriculture, food and nutrition, and 4‑H youth development.
- Disaster response: coordinated distribution of more than 1,000 bales of hay to producers after Hurricane Helene (work referenced as assistance provided during statewide response).
- EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) classes for low‑income adults showing household changes in cooking and nutrition choices.
- Youth programs including school gardens, Discovery Gardens field trips for third graders, and 4‑H livestock projects that teach responsibility and leadership.

Gardner said Extension aligns its work with the county strategic plan focus areas: community vitality, focused and sustainable future (agriculture), and healthy and safe communities (nutrition and chronic‑disease prevention). She asked the board to view the report and noted the office’s role in disaster response and community outreach.

Quote
Jessica Gardner, director, NC Cooperative Extension — Onslow County: “We take the needs that arise in Onslow County and empower people through education to help make Onslow County a thriving community.”

Ending: Gardner’s presentation was informational; the board received the report and was asked to share it with constituents and partners.","Jessica Gardner, director of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Onslow County, presented the office’s 2024 annual report, citing programmatic growth, youth garden/workshops, disaster response and community food initiatives.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6534289,"Onslow County proclaims June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month; Social Services outlines local outreach",386,169000,555000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633216-82aa236a04c581e66da63dca138d9559&start=169&end=555","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633216-82aa236a04c581e66da63dca138d9559/thumbnail_169000.jpg","/articles/6534289/Onslow-County/North-Carolina/Onslow-County-proclaims-June-2025-as-Elder-Abuse-Awareness-Month-Social-Services-outlines-local-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534289-88a387ce786e840175b17b980f5beb28/orig.mp4?Expires=1775717010&Signature=VgtnqG~JMKFlJe~m5~sqs4FLpHlmjEiRy1DtOEvKxCM4fRUga1Ylp0xlwiTMQFuWQG2AqqpsTUPxAS439l9yKv78N8gWhu4DkvPbvNe~cz2-PHve3QJGcM6KP0GNrSdDbpgWpwWpZ2q~0nBHWXCs5CD3xCwM1k0M3TAR9hRWfN8hGZmM-9imrsvnXA3sk1fSUJzO8QgDJBGCXR1QWR3V2ADrEj74KMjHQN5q9oqRyrtN3lO0oLuOyPsP1fO09oLi21uf-hltZrwor3kJFwd~RhmVAvNMJvnpn3-XiXcvHWAmTs0r7NreK4YOE0ZUOwx0KlADyXAxp5Sc8NijqiziCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Onslow County Board of Commissioners on June 2, 2025, proclaimed June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and heard remarks from Department of Social Services staff about local efforts to protect older adults.

County Manager David Smitherman read the proclamation recognizing the role of the community in preventing elder abuse and urging residents to learn the signs of abuse and neglect. Vice Chairman Robin Knapp, who presented the proclamation, spoke from personal experience in law enforcement and said elder abuse is “one of the worst things in the world.”

Jeffrey Brown, deputy director of the Onslow County Department of Social Services, told the board the county’s adult protective services team conducts “heroic work day in and day out” and reported that the department assessed about 700 reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults in the current fiscal year. Brown cited demographic trends and noted an AARP projection that by 2031 North Carolina will have more residents aged 65 and older than those under 18.

Brown invited the public to a county World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event on June 26 at the Onslow County Government Center, with Senator Lozaro as the keynote speaker and a screening and discussion by the Clowdr Group documentary team.

Why it matters: The proclamation highlights rising local demand for adult protective services and directs county attention to elder‑focused outreach and awareness activities.

What the proclamation and staff said
- The proclamation calls on citizens to recognize June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month, learn the signs of elder abuse, and support vulnerable adults.
- Onslow County Department of Social Services reported approximately 700 investigated or assessed reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults in the current fiscal year (figure presented by staff during the meeting).
- The department will mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the government center with vendors, a documentary screening and a keynote address by Senator Lozaro.

Quotes
Vice Chairman Robin Knapp: “One of the worst things in the world is elder abuse.”
Jeffrey Brown, deputy director, Department of Social Services: “This amazing team behind me is the adult protective services team of Onslow County. They do absolutely heroic work day in and day out.”

Meeting context and next steps
The proclamation was presented during the meeting’s presentations section. Social Services used the occasion to publicize education and outreach events and to underscore the county’s workload in adult protective services. The board did not take separate formal action beyond presenting the proclamation.

Ending: County Social Services encouraged residents to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to the local department of social services and attend the June 26 awareness event.","The Onslow County Board of Commissioners proclaimed June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month; county social services reported about 700 assessed reports this fiscal year and announced a June 26 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6534293,"Onslow County manager presents FY 2025–26 budget with no tax increase, proposes $3M draw from stabilization reserve",3208,1370000,4578000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633216-82aa236a04c581e66da63dca138d9559&start=1370&end=4578","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633216-82aa236a04c581e66da63dca138d9559/thumbnail_1370000.jpg","/articles/6534293/Onslow-County/North-Carolina/Onslow-County-manager-presents-FY-202526-budget-with-no-tax-increase-proposes-3M-draw-from-stabilization-reserve","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534293-41c8dbeb81f49e36ffd84e3a92224351/orig.mp4?Expires=1775717010&Signature=FAK76TmXpVBBPQt3piyhRsvEZ9i-7q8vlbN695i5Br3b7akttscts-D-3qY63TOZeQwbmsU5gdAR0TODgW0qbZDiUc9c8ChMCx7~9UiK4OOUvIFdIOQzOuW~6beInA-BZcReVPIQUc6t2Om7k1GPfQSyjdByH78ZEoHAEoaVTLyTHwun7Uyq11fbRRg4EeD9cQ-ABoUFdeUz9kS8HX~sOP~rmoY5Vl2sKH6xzjrffdf1vbHuugmyqgldMylA~ccjGWL4qHEJ2be-y9vyhFehasOZW2ksADZeVsMLNcb~ylJqHOHHl6DlItukIJm3ax7hgzK3qGVEkqRRjpTGMzFABA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County Manager David Smitherman presented the Onslow County Board of Commissioners with a proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget on June 2, 2025, that includes no new property tax rate and allocates new funding for public safety, parks, technology and capital projects while using reserves to close a budget gap.

The budget message said the proposal relies on about $8,000,000 of revenue growth and a modest rise in property values, and that the county would use $3,000,000 from the tax rate stabilization reserve to help balance the plan. Smitherman told the board, “This budget includes no new taxes,” and said growth in state and federal program money and local sales-tax receipts account for much of the increase in available funds.

Smitherman described the county as financially healthy and outlined the plan’s priorities: parks improvements and an indoor recreation facility, a community resource hub, a county “innovation lab” to optimize processes and technology, and investments to support a “high-performing” government. He said the proposed budget adds positions across departments and invests in technology and capital maintenance.

Why it matters: The budget steers funds to several long-running county priorities — school and college capital, EMS and fire service changes, and parks and tourism infrastructure — and includes proposals that will affect service delivery and long-term debt commitments.

Major allocations and proposals
- No change to the county tax rate in the proposed budget.
- Revenue growth: about $8,000,000 driven largely by state and federal program dollars and sales taxes. Smitherman said the county tax base rose to roughly $22,300,000,000.
- Reserve use: $3,000,000 withdrawal from the tax rate stabilization reserve to cover part of the gap for FY26.
- Insurance and benefits: the budget includes roughly $4,000,000 in additional health‑insurance costs for employees.
- Capital and debt: the county is preparing near‑term debt issuance; Smitherman said total debt will be about $220,000,000 after upcoming transactions and outlined a multi‑year capital plan that includes large school and facility projects. He listed high‑level targets in planning documents: nearly $400,000,000 for school projects, $70,000,000 for the community college, $75,000,000 for a community hub, $40,000,000 for a recreation complex, and $50,000,000 over 10 years for parks improvements. He described a recurring plan to issue debt roughly every other year.
- New and continued capital: funding set aside to begin planning the indoor recreation facility (Smitherman cited $1,000,000 for planning/design), three EMS stations funded to move forward, and maintenance and replacement funds including a vehicle replacement program and facility maintenance appropriations.
- Public safety and EMS: a $300,000 public‑safety drone program pilot; a proposal to staff Bear Creek Fire Station 24/7 by adding seven firefighters because volunteers are not covering some shifts; expansion of the community paramedic program and operational changes to reduce unproductive ambulance responses.
- Technology and operations: creation of the Onslow Innovation Lab to streamline processes; continued investments in geographic information systems (GIS), IT automation ($68,000 noted), optimizing legacy systems such as Laserfiche, and pilot work that Smitherman said will let some permitting be completed electronically: “You can get a permit without ever coming in this building.”
- Tourism and communications: tourism functions to be brought into the county communications operation effective July 1; the budget recommends roughly $1,100,000 in funding for nonprofit and tourism categories each under a competitive policy adopted earlier.
- Fees and revenues: a proposed increase in permit fees projected to raise about $200,000; miscellaneous user‑fee updates and continued emphasis on diversifying revenue away from ad valorem taxes.

Items the manager said were not funded or were delayed
Smitherman said several requested positions and CIP items were not funded; parks master‑plan projects are being paused until plans are revised, with only emergency maintenance provided in the interim. He said $250,000 is budgeted for general parks maintenance and some nonprofit and tourism capital requests were not funded.

Public comment and related concerns
During the public comment period, residents raised issues tied to the budget:
- Susan Jardine, a Greystone resident, pressed the board on “orphan roads” in her development and urged support for a county loan fund to fund road renovation; she noted that prior estimates for her development exceeded $1.5 million and said the county’s $2,000,000 orphan‑roads placeholder would likely be insufficient for all needs.
- Kevin Rouse, a long‑time volunteer firefighter, urged the board to recognize the history and contributions of volunteer fire departments and requested revisiting past statements about volunteer service histories.
- Rick Grant, an elected municipal official present, thanked the county for support on beach nourishment and said municipalities are planning continued investments and federal/state grant coordination.

Board members’ comments
Commissioners asked questions and raised concerns during the meeting and public comment period. One commissioner said they were concerned about the size of proposed staffing growth and preferred investing in current employees rather than adding positions. Another commissioner emphasized the board’s strong general fund balance (discussed in the presentation) and encouraged long‑term planning. Multiple commissioners urged further work on the fire service strategic plan and on reconciling volunteer and paid emergency services.

Process, next steps and public hearings
Smitherman said the county will hold at least four budget workshops before the fiscal year begins and noted a required public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 16, 2025. The board will continue to review the capital improvement plan and debt schedule in upcoming workshops.

Ending: The presentation framed the FY26 proposal as a bridge year for larger multi‑year capital work and emphasized community engagement on major projects including the indoor recreation facility and parks master plan.

Votes at a glance
- Adoption of the meeting agenda: motion approved by voice vote; outcome recorded as approved.
- Approval of the consent agenda: motion approved by voice vote; outcome recorded as approved.
- Motion to adjourn: approved by voice vote; outcome recorded as approved.","County Manager David Smitherman presented a proposed FY 2025–26 budget that includes no new tax rate, new capital and staffing investments in public safety, parks, and technology, and a planned use of reserves to balance the plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Onslow County health official reports 10 local flu deaths this season; urges vaccination and hygiene

Cooperative Extension reports growth in Onslow County programming; highlights youth, nutrition and farming work

Onslow County proclaims June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month; Social Services outlines local outreach

Onslow County manager presents FY 2025–26 budget with no tax increase, proposes $3M draw from stabilization reserve