These are a few of the cases available for sponsorship through the Onslow Christmas Cheer program. An experienced sponsor coordinator can help match the resources of a potential sponsor with the cases available.

For more information about these cases, or if you wish to consider sponsorship, call the AT&T Sponsor Line at 910-616-4343. The deadline for sponsoring a family is Dec. 10.

For information about donating or volunteering, call 938-HELP.

29491: Single mother, 29, has recently been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia and would appreciate any assistance for 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter.

29914: 28-year-old unable to work and dependent on public assistance says he has to choose between paying his rent, his power bill, food or his medications. Asking for help with food and assistance as can be provided.

29190: 96-year-old woman on very limited income lives alone and desires food for Christmas and to be remembered. Lives in the Midway Park area. The committee believes she may benefit from some personal items.

29060: Southwest area family suffering after the father in the home died in an automobile wreck this year. Last year he was suffering from the effects of brain surgery and had never returned to work. The 29-year-old mother had been depending on unemployment benefits and now is trying to recover from the bills and the loss while providing for their two daughters, ages 9 and 3. Asks for help with items for the girls and food for the family.

29256: Single mother, 24, is seeking assistance with Christmas for 4-year-old son who has recently had a kidney transplant.

29128: Single mother, 24, recently had hours cut at work and has been denied other assistance. She is requesting any holiday assistance for her 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son.

29385: Single mother is requesting Christmas assistance for her 2-year-old daughter. Mother is without transportation and has not finished school. She needs assistance providing for her daughter. 

MOREHEAD CITY — A holiday tradition helps Hospice of Carteret County keep giving throughout the year.

This marks the 24th year of the program’s annual Festival of Trees, and the event has become a major fundraiser as well as a way to share a little Christmas cheer with the community.

Approximately 50 Christmas trees decorated with a Hometown Christmas theme will light up the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City Dec. 8-12.

A lineup of local entertainment will perform while the public browses the decorated trees. Among the trees will the Tree of Lights in memory of the hospice patients served during the year, decorated this year with hand-crafted clay angels.

There is no admission charged for the Festival of Trees but donations are encouraged.

In conjunction with the Festival of Trees, there will also be a Holiday Jamboree show Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. The show is a ticketed event with tickets available for $15 per person or $10 for employees of Carteret General Hospital.

All proceeds from the Festival of Trees and the Jamboree go to Hospice of Carteret County for the services provided to patients. The organization is a division of Carteret General Hospital.

Patricia Wilder, bereavement and volunteer coordinator for Hospice of Carteret County, said the Festival of Trees, its spring Butterfly Release, and contributions make it possible for them to provide services to a patient regardless of their ability to pay.

“We don’t turn anyone away if there is a need for hospice,” she said. “The fundraisers and contributions to the Foundation are the avenues we have to be able to provide the services,” she said.

The Festival of Trees will be open to the public Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Dec. 9 from noon until 9 p.m.; Dec. 10-11, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. until noon.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the Holiday Jamboree, call 252-808-6085

A proven weight-loss program is gearing up to start just after the first of the year.

“Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less,” a 15-week weight management program, begins on Jan. 3 at 11 a.m. in the auditorium at the Onslow County Health Department, 612 College St.

The program is taught by Robin Seitz, extension agent of Family and Consumer Science for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Onslow County, in conjunction with Onslow County Parks and Recreation and the Onslow County Health Department.

The cost of the program is $30, to be paid by the first class. It focuses on lifestyle habits that help participants achieve a healthy weight, a press release from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Onslow County stated.

“Losing weight is only a small part of the journey — feeling better, having more energy and becoming more mindful are all positive changes you can expect,” Seitz said.

The classes are built around the strategies of mindful eating and physical activity.

ESMMWL is a program that strives to inform, empower and motivate participants to live mindfully as they make choices about eating and physical activity. The weekly one-hour sessions are led by an instructor experienced in weight management.

Each lesson includes:

n Information about why behavior is important for weight loss/maintenance.

n Practical strategies for adopting behavior.

n 5-10 minute physical activity break.

n Concepts that can be adopted by the whole family.

n Opportunities for sharing and celebrating.

n Suggestions for living mindfully.

n Guided discussion of strategy for the week.

Each participant receives:

n A blood cholesterol screening and blood pressure checks in the first and last sessions.

n Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less magazine.

n Journal to help keep track of physical activity and food eaten.

n Weekly incentives including prizes and healthy food tastings.

n Graduation celebration on April 11 with lunch and graduation gifts.

The agencies ask that participants pre-register for the event by calling either the N.C. Cooperative Extension at 910-455-5873 or Onslow County Park and Recreation at 910-347-5332. For more information, visit esmmweighless.com.

A Marine accused of assaulting a Surf City cab driver in September has been granted the ability seek treatment at an out-of-state mental health facility.

In District Court today, Gunnery Sgt. Adam J. Kinosh, with Marine Special Operations Command aboard Lejeune, had his motion to modify conditions of his pretrial release granted. Kinosh’s attorney, Bruce Mason of Wilmington, mentioned two out-of-state facility possibilities contracted by the Marine Corps: one in Texas and another in Virginia.

Kinosh is charged with felony assault inflicting serious injury and misdemeanor communicating threats after Kinosh allegedly attacked cab driver Charles Hawkesworth Jr. on Sept. 9 after a verbal misunderstanding about cab fare.

Kinosh checked into The Oakes, a mental health facility in Wilmington, following the attack, and was arrested for the attack on Sept. 26 by officers from the Surf City Police Department.

Hawkesworth had serious injuries to his face and required surgery to correct the damage.

Mason said in court that Kinosh is seeking dual treatment. According to Capt. Douglas Matthew Shelton, a witness for the defense and Kinosh’s officer in charge, Kinosh has a multitude of issues he is working out.

He said the top two issues were post traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. Shelton also testified that Kinosh has also never been screened for traumatic brain injury following several deployments.

Kinosh is currently attending several appointments in place of duty to deal with his issues, Shelton said. “His attitude toward the appointments has been progressive,” he said. Kinosh also had two letters sent to the court, one from Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, commander of MarSOC, discussing treatment options.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Maultsby said he was concerned for the safety of the public and didn’t want to see an attack happen to someone else. Maultsby objected to the motion because, he said, the security level at the out-of-state facilities is unknown. He said that Kinosh leaving the state for treatment is troubling because if he leaves the facility, the state will have to go through an extradition process to get him back.

Maultsby noted that if Kinosh were going to a secure facility in the state, it would be different.

Kinosh was granted the motion on the condition that he provides a specific location for treatment and that he reports behavior before enrollment into any program. He must also be escorted to and from the facility by the Marine Corps, and someone from the Marine Corps must visit him once per week to check on his progress.

Kinosh was ordered to comply with all treatment and return to Camp Lejeune upon completion of the treatment program. He must continue to have no contact with Hawkesworth.

Mason had no comment following the proceedings. Hawkesworth could not be immediately reached for comment.

Contact Daily News Reporter Tabitha Clark at 910-219-8454 or Tabitha.Clark@jdnews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TabithaLClark or friend her on Facebook.

A Camp Lejeune man has been arrested after he allegedly told investigators he was robbed at gunpoint, according to a release from the Jacksonville Police Department.

John R. McWhorter, 22, of CLB6, CLR27, Camp Lejeune, was charged by the JPD with filing a false police report after he reported he was held at gunpoint and robbed on Sunday night in the parking lot of  Bank of America, 1726 Country Club Road, according to the release.

Police say McWhorter went on to describe two robbers and the vehicle they fled in toward Piney Green Road following the robbery.  Police say there was no robbery. 

“False police reports waste taxpayer money and police department resources and will be prosecuted by the Jacksonville Police Department” Lt. Jason Bettis, supervisor in JPD’s Investigative Services Division, said via the release.

A chance to get a closer look at some majestic, famous horses will be available this week.

The Budweiser Clydesdales will be at the Walmart at 561 Yopp Road Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., courtesy of the Museum of the Marine.

Donations to help support the Museum of the Marine will be accepted.

A Camp Lejeune Marine died in Afghanistan this weekend after being shot in the neck during combat, Marine officials told reporters Tuesday.

Lance Cpl. Anthony J. Denier, 26, of Mechanicville, N.Y., died in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Dec. 2 after being shot once in the neck between the gear that protected his head and chest, 1st Sgt. Stephen Griffin, a Marine spokesman, told Times Union in Albany, N.Y.

Denier received the fatal wound at 8:31 a.m. Sunday, when enemy forces opened fire on a patrol of Marines in the city of Marjah, Griffin told Times Union, adding that military personnel flew Denier to the nearest medical facility, where he was pronounced dead at 10:45 that morning.

Denier was a rifleman assigned to 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He joined the Marine Corps in March 2011 and was promoted to his current rank in May 2012, according to a press release from 2nd Marine Division.

Griffin told Times Union that Denier was a qualified expert marksman and has first class physical fitness test and combat fitness test scores. He said Denier’s body was expected to arrive at Dover Air Force Base Tuesday or today and be flown home in a private aircraft four to seven days after arriving at Dover.

Denier was single and had no children.  

Charges were filed Monday in connection with the death of a pedestrian in a crash last month in Carteret County.

Michael Sharron Bowden of Clinton has been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, according to a news release from the Atlantic Beach Police Department.

Bowden was operating the 2008 Volvo tractor-trailer, owned by Valley Proteins inc. of Winchester, Va., when the Nov. 9 collision occurred.

Sue Johnson Cross, 57, of Raleigh was attempting to cross N.C. 58 at the intersection of West Drive in a marked and controlled crosswalk in the beach town when she was struck by the tractor-trailer operated by Bowden as he attempted to make a right turn on red at the intersection, police said.

Cross was transported to Carteret General Hospital and then airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where she later died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.

A Beaufort couple was arrested today in connection to the theft of $30,000 worth of jewelry after members of the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department and the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant Tuesday morning at a residence at

Alyssa Marie Nelson, 21, was arrested and charged with felony larceny and felony conspiracy. Her boyfriend, Clyde Wendell Johnson Jr., 22, was charged with felony conspiracy, according to a news release from the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department.

The charges stem from a larceny of jewelry valued at more than $30,000, the release said. According to police, the larceny occurred Oct. 26 at a residence on

Nelson was placed in the Carteret County Jail under a $10,000 bond and Johnson was placed in the jail under a $3,000 bond.

They are scheduled for a first appearance in court today.

Jacksonville police are asking the public’s help in identifying a man and a woman wanted in connection to vehicle break-ins at Jacksonville Mall.

The duo are suspected in two vehicle break-ins on Thursday, Nov. 29, between 4 and 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Carmike Cinemas at the Jacksonville Mall on Western Boulevard, said Beth Purcell, media liaison for the Jacksonville Department of Public Safety.

The female suspect is described as black, in her early to mid 20s with long hair down the back, possibly extensions. She is approximately 5-foot 8-inches tall with a heavy build.

The male suspect is described as black, approximately 5-foot 8-inches to 6-feet fall. He is clean shaven with a heavy build. He is believed to be in his late teens to early 20s.

Crime Stoppers of Onslow County is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest or apprehension in the crime.

Anyone with information concerning this incident can contact the Jacksonville/Onslow Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273 or the Jacksonville Police Department detective Gary Manning at 910-938-6405 or gmanning@ci.jacksonville.nc.us.

Callers to Crime Stoppers do not have to reveal their identities. 

The N.C. State Highway Patrol said Tuesday they are considering filing charges against the driver of the military vehicle that collided with a Ford Expedition on U.S. 17 in Verona Monday night.

State Highway Patrol Trooper T.D. Williams, who is investigating the 7 p.m. wreck, said he would confer with the district attorney before officially filing charges.

A 7-ton military vehicle was traveling north on U.S. 17 in a convoy when it made a U-turn at a median crossing over to the southbound lanes of the highway. When making the turn, the vehicle turned in front of a Ford Expedition traveling south. The SUV then hit the military vehicle, Williams said.

The driver of the SUV, a female, was airlifted to a hospital in Wilmington. Another person was transported to Onslow Memorial Hospital.

“We’re looking at a non-safe movement violation for the driver of the military vehicle,” Williams said.

Neither driver has been identified.

Camp Lejeune officials said they had no additional information to provide as of late Tuesday afternoon.

MAYSVILLE Baptist Church adult choir presents “Peace Hope Joy, A Praise Worship Christmas” musical at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Call 910-743-8071.

HAPPENINGS DEADLINE: Churches, clubs, civic groups and other nonprofit organizations can publicize their activities free in the Area Happenings and Church Happenings columns. All announcements must be submitted in writing, e-mail or fax. Notices may be mailed to The Daily News at P.O. Box 196, Jacksonville, NC 28541-0196, e-mailed to jdnhappenings@jdnews.com, fax to 910-353-7316 or hand-delivered to the newsroom at The Daily News, 724 Bell Fork Road. Information is due by noon at least three days before the event.

MUSEUM of the Marine will have the Budweiser Clydesdales from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Walmart, 561 Yopp Road. Donations support Museum of the Marine.

RICHLANDS Lodge No. 564 will hold a Stated-Annual Communication at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 to elect officers for 2013. Supper served at 6:30 p.m.

SEASIDE LODGE No. 429, A.F&A.M. will hold its Masonic Widow’s Christmas party at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 with music by the Lighthouse Singers and a visit from Santa.

JACKSONVILLE VFW Post 9133, 1450 Piney Green Road hosts a Toys for Tots dance at 8 p.m. Dec. 7 with entertainment by Taco and Maria. Admission is new unwrapped toy or donation. Call 910-353-6810.

SNEADS FERRY Winterfest with musical/tree lighting Dec. 7 and Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 8 and Holiday Arts/Crafts Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sneads Ferry Community Center. Free admission.

ONSLOW SCHOOLS staff hosts “McTeacher’s Night” from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at McDonald’s, 404 Western Blvd., by serving customers and 15 percent of food sales go to Christmas Cheer program.

CHRISTMAS CARD Design contest deadline to submit Christmas cards is Dec. 7. Deliver cards to Onslow Parks and Recreation department, 1244 Onslow Pines Road. Call 910-347-5332.

ONSLOW PARKS and Recreation hosts “Santa and a Movie” at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Holly Ridge Community Center featuring movie “Santa Paws 2.” Call 910-347-5332.

AMERICAN Legion Post 265, Broadhurst Road will hold a Pearl Harbor Day program at 11 a.m. Dec. 7 at the post home. Colors in place by 10:30 a.m. Information call 910-347-5690. 

Seats are going fast for the 69th Annual Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce Membership Celebration.

The event, set for Jan. 9 at Marston Pavilion aboard Camp Lejeune, costs $25. Registration is 11 a.m. with the program beginning at 11:20 a.m.

Preregister before Jan. 4 to secure a seat. The last day to receive a base pass for the event is Jan. 4.

For additional information or to register contact Dawn Jensen at 910-347-3141 ext. 226 or via email at mac@jacksonvilleonline.org.

Santa Claus will be at the Main Exchange aboard Camp Lejeune every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 16.

Patrons receive a free photo CD and candy when they get their picture taken, according to a flier from MCCS.

Santa will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and available from noon to 1:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit mccslejeune.com/mcx.

The Onslow Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is set to host its annual Tree of Hope lighting ceremony this week.

Each light on the tree shines in remembrance, admiration, or love for someone. A tree branch costs $10 and a star is $25. A book with everyone’s name inscribed will be kept for all to view throughout the year.

After the tree is lit the auxiliary will continue to sell lights, and add the names to the memory book. The tree will remain lit until Christmas Day.

The lights help the auxiliary raise funds to buy equipment for the hospital, and provide a remembrance opportunity, organizers said.

Donation envelopes are available in the hospital lobby. Anyone with questions can contact the auxiliary at 910-577-2341.

The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the hospital’s main entrance. A rain date of Dec. 10 has been set.

The Department of Veterans Affairs agreed Tuesday to register the term “GI Bill” as a trademark.

Earlier this year, members of the Senate urged VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to trademark the phrase in order to protect veterans from misleading use by for-profit colleges.

“(The) decision to trademark the phrase ‘GI Bill’ is a significant step towards ensuring that our veterans are not deceived when seeking to further their education,” U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., said in a press release.

Hagan is one of 14 co-sponsors of The GI Bill Protection Act of 2012, which, if passed, would permanently prohibit the use of “GI Bill” in the marketing materials of for-profit colleges through statutory protection, as trademark protection from the VA may not be permanent.

The owner of a trademark must actively pursue those who improperly use the trademark property or the protection expires.  

The Carteret County Board of Commissioners went through a notable change this week as three new members took their seats on the board.

Commissioners Elaine Crittenton, Jimmy Farrington and Terry Frank, who were each elected in November, were sworn into office Monday night following presentations made to their predecessors.

Outgoing Commissioners Holt Faircloth, Pat Joyce and Doug Harris chose not to seek re-election this year, opening three seats on the board to new members.

The board of commissioners remains an all-Republican board.

“I want to thank Carteret County for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to it and excited about what’s ahead,” said Farrington, an Emerald Isle resident who was elected to the District 4 seat in an unopposed race.

Crittenton was elected to the District 5 seat.

She thanked county staff for helping her prepare for her new duties as a commissioner, a journey she said began in February with the decision to run for office.

“I felt like I was back in my track days and running the relay and in a position ready to have a baton placed in my hand,” she said.

The incoming commissioners said they are ready to serve the county and its citizens.

“I thank everybody from the voters to the staff for the help they’ve given me in this process. I will do the best I can to represent the county,” said Frank, a Morehead City resident elected to the District 3 seat.

Carteret County Clerk of Court Pam Hanson gave the oath of office for Frank and Crittenton, and state Sen. Jean Preston of Emerald Isle swore in Farrington.

For outgoing commissioners, the night was an opportunity to thank fellow commissioners, county staff and others for their support while they were on the board.

“I thank all of you and Merry Christmas,” said Harris, who served as board chairman for several years.

Faircloth and Harris served on the board for eight years, each completing two consecutive terms.

“I thank the citizens of Carteret County for giving me the opportunity to serve. It has been a great experience and I appreciate my fellow commissioners and the county staff for the support they’ve given. It really has been a great experience working with a lot of great people,” Faircloth said.

Joyce also served two terms, one from 1996-2000 and then from 2008 to 2012.

“I want to thank our staff for working with us to keep Carteret County government as efficient as possible,” Joyce said.

After the new commissioners took their seats, the first order of business was the selection of a board chairman and vice chairman.

Commissioner Greg Lewis was named chairman and Commissioner Robin Comer, who served the past year as chairman, is now vice chairman.

Also remaining on the seven-member board are Commissioners Jonathan Robinson and Bill Smith.

Contact Daily News reporter Jannette Pippin at 910-382-2557 or jannette.pippin@jdnews.com. 

MOREHEAD CITY — A Camp Lejeune Marine was released to the military Monday night after being charged in connection with an alleged suicide threat that caused the evacuation of a Morehead City hotel.

Pfc. William Edward O’Brian, 20, originally from Michigan, faces charges of damage to property, possession of synthetic cannabis (spice), possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with a fire suppression system.

Morehead City Police Department Maj. Garland Terry said that after O’Brian was processed Monday evening at the police station he was taken before a Carteret County magistrate. A $3,000 unsecured bond was set and he was released to military officials, who were present at the time, Terry said.

O’Brian is a main battle tank technician assigned to 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. He is currently confined at the brig on base, military officials said.

Police are still working to piece together the events of the day and have not yet established a motive or what triggered the event.

“We’re still trying to sort through that,” Terry said.

Morehead City police responded to a call it received about 9:45 a.m. Monday about a possible suicide attempt in progress at the Hampton Inn on U.S. 70. Police also received information that the threat may be carried out by use of chlorine gas or other chemical.

The hotel was evacuated and the hotel and the surrounding area, including two adjacent restaurants, were cordoned off for several hours as emergency response personnel searched for the suspect and made sure there were no hazards within the hotel. The area reopened about 3 p.m.

O’Brian had stayed overnight at the hotel but was not in the room when police arrived.

He was located Monday afternoon by deputies in Craven County.

Contact Daily News reporter Jannette Pippin at 910-382-2557 or jannette.pippin@jdnews.com. Visit JDNews.com to comment.

The Onslow County Board of Commissioners has chosen Paul Buchanan to serve as chairman.

Buchanan, a retired Jacksonville police officer, was elected last month to his third four-year term on the board. He served part of his first term and all of his second as vice chairman.

“The board will continue to work together as we have in the past,” Buchanan said Tuesday.

Previous chairman, W.C. Jarman, said he felt it was Buchanan’s time.

“He supported me for four years; I figured I’d do the same,” he said.

Jarman said he will remain, for the immediate future, the chairman of the executive board of directors for the Onslow Water and Sewer Authority.

Barbara Ikner, who was elected last month to her second term, was chosen to be vice chairman.

“I’m honored and pleased that the board feels confident enough in me to vote for me to this position,” she said. “I will do my best to carry out those responsibilities.”

Buchanan said the board will continue to oversee the construction of four major projects: the Onslow County Environmental Education Center and Public Library in Sneads Ferry, the countywide 800 MHz trunked radio emergency services communication system, the new terminal at Albert J. Ellis Airport and the new county government center in Burton Park.

The commissioners will also turn their attention toward construction of a new Department of Social Services building on Johnson Boulevard.

Ikner said one of the biggest challenges the commissioners will face in the next four years will be to keep the county moving forward in the face of military downsizing.

“When your economy is tied tightly to one thing and that one thing is changed, it’s going to cause a ripple effect throughout the community,” she said.

She said the most frustrating part of military downsizing is that the commissioners are powerless when it comes to decisions made by the Defense Department.

“We’re so helpless in that arena,” she said. “There’s nothing we can do to affect what happens at all. We can only do our best to deal with it.”

There are some issues looming on the state level as well.

“I’m not sure what state will do about its debt,” Ikner said. “I certainly hope the state doesn’t look to local government.”

Ikner lives in Sneads Ferry with her husband. They have an adult son.

Buchanan, who lives in Swansboro with his wife, has three daughters and eight grand children.

Contact Daily News Senior Reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8455 or lindell.kay@jdnews.com. Follow him on Twitter and friend him on Facebook @ 1lindell.