Iris Cooper, ONC Commissioner

02/20/2026

It was a great event! Definitely allowed us to create a framework for our town!

Dear Neighbors,
This week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, your Board of Commissioners attended a Strategic Planning Workshop in New Bern, designed specifically for smaller towns, hosted by the NC League of Municipalities (NCLM). There were quite a few Boards in attendance, mostly smaller towns from the eastern part of the state, including Washington, North Topsail Beach, Sandyfield and others. It was also good to reconnect with some of the elected officials I met at our January training in Wilmington.
We learned a lot and plan to apply what we learned in developing a strategic plan for our town. You'll be hearing more about that in the weeks and months ahead. Pictured from left to right in the photo: Paul Jordan, Chris Moffat, Don McGuire, Iris Cooper, Ann White (with the NCLM) and Lou Ostendorff.

02/03/2026

Good Evening, Oriental! I know we are all tired of the snow but things are gradually improving. On the good news side - trash pick up will resume tomorrow! Now I just need to get to my trash can! Townhall will open tomorrow with a 2-hour delay.
Please be careful out there!

02/02/2026

Good Morning! In case you didn’t receive the Town of Oriental alert message, Townhall will be closed today. The roads are treacherous and the safety of our employees and residents is most important. Trash and recycling also will not run today. Stay safe out there and stay off the roads.

01/30/2026

Good afternoon Oriental! As we all watch the impending winter storm please be prepared and above all be safe! While snow predictions vary the best thing we can all do is stay off the roads if there is snow accumulation!

12/30/2025

Good Morning - please see below. There is a lot going around! Please take care of yourselves!

12/25/2025

Good Morning and Merry Christmas to all of you! Thank you for your support, input and commitment to our town! Looking forward to what the next year will bring!

12/13/2025

What a beautiful evening in Oriental! See you at the parade and the Mayor’s Open House tomorrow! Stay warm!

11/05/2025

Good Morning, Oriental! Thank you for showing up in record numbers to vote - this election clearly mattered and the Town has spoken! Thank you all for your support and I am so excited to get to work for you with a new board!

11/03/2025

Good Morning, Oriental! I wanted to thank you all for your support, honest conversations, raising up concerns, and suggestions over the past few months. I enjoyed meeting so many of you and I am asking for your vote tomorrow! The new Board will not be able to fix everything, but I am committed to tackle difficult issues and work collaboratively and transparently!
Tomorrow is the day! Please come out to vote - I will see you at the Fire station! Voting starts at 6:30am!

10/25/2025

Good Morning, Oriental! Thank you all so much for coming out to our Meet & Greet this morning! It was great to meet with so many folks committed to our Town! I appreciate your input and you sharing your concerns and priorities! Let’s keep that energy going!