Public commenters urge more youth athletic fields; county highlights employees, mosquito control and holiday guidance

Public commenters at the Dec. 15 Carteret County Board meeting urged more parks and athletic fields and urged civic engagement on county programs. Chuck Linder, of Atlantic Beach, asked the board to increase funding for parks and recreation to support anticipated registration of roughly 30 youth teams in the spring. Brian Niccolo (Indian Beach) offered general remarks including condolences for a recent loss and wider civic comments.

Chief Deputy John Nyberg of the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office offered holiday shopping and travel safety tips: watch belongings in crowds, keep cards at the cashier, use secure (HTTPS) sites when shopping online, track deliveries, consider cameras/doorbells and report suspicious activity instead of intervening. Nyberg warned that law enforcement will not ask for money via email, text or phone.

The board recognized three employees of the month: Josh Lewis (parks and recreation), Joanne Malshagen (income maintenance supervisor, Social Services) and Millie Sparks (public-library programs and outreach manager). The county also honored the mosquito-control team (two full‑time, nine part‑time staff) and noted they respond to 850+ special requests per season and that roughly 150 households have requested opt-outs.

County manager remarks included renewal of the 'Coast Guard County' designation, tax reminders (2025 property taxes due Jan. 5, 2026 to avoid interest), holiday solid-waste schedule changes and the relocation of veteran services to 3615 Bridal Street in Morehead City. The board confirmed multiple appointments to advisory boards and authorities, including Beach Commission and Carteret Healthcare Board of Trustees seats.

Commissioners closed the meeting with holiday greetings and thanks to staff and volunteers.