Extraordinary People: From Gang to God
Hope can seem to be lost in some Wilmington neighborhoods riddled by bullets and haunted by gang activity. It’s in these dark, dismal places that you'll find Rev. James Jamison.
Extraordinary People: Young ballerina overcomes tragedy to dance on world-renowned stages
It was a big dream for who was once a little girl. Dara Holmes wanted to one day dance for the world to see.
Today, at 21, Holmes shows off effortless precision in her pointe work. Her days in the ballet studio began when she was eight years old.
Extraordinary People: UNCW Vice Chancellor humbled by prestigious honor
Andy Griffith, Maya Angelou and even the talk show queen herself, Oprah Winfrey, have been recognized with one of the state's highest honors: the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Alongside these Hollywood names is UNCW Vice Chancellor, Mary Gornto. She discovered the news of her award a few weeks ago at a reception in honor of her upcoming retirement.
Extraordinary People: Family of eight ditches city for country life, prepares to grow by 7
Goats, chickens and even “Riblet” the pig. This is life on "Faith Grown Farm." With six kids to raise, Dustin and Andrea Bestul are aiming to become completely self-sustaining.
"We have started doing our laundry on the line and if it's not good weather, we hang it up in our house," Andrea said. "By doing that, we save 50 dollars a month."
Extraordinary People: Female fighters knock out stereotypes
Port City Boxing boasts some excellent fighters, but you may not expect some of its top contenders to be women. These girls with gloves bring fierce determination to the ring.
At one time, Antoinette Smith thought she would become a cheerleader. That is until she discovered boxing. By 11 years old, she was training to get in the ring.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Street musician brightens downtown with smooth sounds
As the sun sinks down over downtown Wilmington, sweet sounds swing up and down Front Street. At the mouthpiece is saxophonist Glen McRae.
"It’s about joy, gets the mess out of the world sometimes," McRae said.
McRae takes his place on the street stage every day, collecting tips from passersby who may be out shopping or to get a bite to eat. But while many may hear his bright tones, what they may never hear is hi past near fatal battle with alcoholism.
Extraordinary People: Mamie Fowler serves up happiness at Chick-fil-A
Fried chicken and french fries may fill customers’ stomachs, but the dining room hostess at Chick-fil-A in Monkey Junction fills their souls.
Extraordinary People: Young owners find sweet success at Fuzzy Peach
The experience inside a Fuzzy Peach store is one you won't easily forget. From the colorful décor to the modern lounge-like furniture, it isn't your average dessert shop. Owners Rocco Quaranto and Wells Struble say besides making cold treats with toppings for days, they wanted to create a fun environment for customers.
EXTRAORDINARY PERSON: A restauranteur with 'chops'
If you've ever gone for lunch downtown, you probably have seen one of the most recognizable faces in Wilmington.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Creating the perfect Azalea Festival hat
Azalea Festival week brings live music, exceptional gardens, historical homes and of course, plenty of those beautiful flowers. But for the ladies, having a great hat to make their outfit complete is an absolute must. Many folks turn to milliner Jan Wutkowski.
"I think a hat is the exclamation point to a person's personality," Wutkowski said.
Pastor using second chance at life to promote safety in schools
A local pastor is taking on violence in schools through a new, children's album. Pastor Yushonda Midgette-Spriggs says she's been given a second chance at life and she wants to make a difference.
Midgette-Spriggs has always loved to dance and entertain, but her passion for performing was crippled after a near fatal crash in 1996.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Woman scores big on soccer field
She's got the kicks of a superstar and the medals to prove it. Kimberley Crabbe was the first African American to play on the U.S. Women's soccer team and that's just the beginning of her athletic success.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Woman creates 'katchy' invention
Inside a Whiteville home, one woman spends her days brainstorming and testing ideas for her latest inventions. Anne Wheeler has been an innovator of baby products and now she's hoping to succeed in other markets. Today, two-year-olds Ellie and Chloe are using Wheeler's invention, the Katchit Tray, designed to cut down on kids' messes.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: CFCC student excels in academics, volunteership
Cape Fear Community College student Malik Abdul-Rashid says he believes if he works hard enough, he can accomplish his greatest dreams.
On an average day, you can find Malik walking from class to class on the CFCC campus. But in a short conversation with him, you'll discover he's no average student. With wisdom beyond his years, Malik says people should be thankful for every moment.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Raising quintuplets
Any parent can tell you having their first baby comes with challenges. Now, imagine that times five. Carmen and Mike Matthews say raising their quintuplets is all about routine. They are this week's extraordinary people next door..
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Grief counselor turns words of comfort into poetic prose
She’s a grief counselor turned author. Katherine Roberts Moore of Ocean Isle Beach turned her words of healing into poetic prose.
In the world of words, Katherine finds herself right at home. Influenced by her mother's love for vocabulary, ideas and imagination run wildly through Katherine’s head and flow straight to her pen. It lights a fire in her soul.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Former drug dealer aims for second chance
Petey Powell, 38, grew up on Red Bug Road, in the small town of Hallsboro. He remembers his dad doing whatever he could to keep his family out of poverty but was eventually lured by the money he could make in dealing drugs. Petey was just a little boy when he drugs became a regular part of his life.
Cheerleader faces paralysis, tumbles to another national championship
She’s a tiny athlete with one heck of a talent. Taylor Reece, 11, has been jumping, flipping and spinning since the tender age of five. By age 10, she was even a national champion. But her high-flying success came to a screeching halt last May.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Young artist finds inspiration in nature
For some people, it takes them years to find their true passion life. That's not the case for Britt Harrison. The 24-year-old finds her joy in painting unique works of art. Among the nature in the backyard of the beach home where Harrison lives, one will find brush strokes and a young woman full of artistic expression.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Husband, wife aim to restore lives through food and shelter
One man's mission to reach out to the homeless and hungry in our community has developed into a full-time ministry. Rick Stoker has teamed up with his wife LeeAnna to impact lives for the better.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Pastry chef makes sweet works of art
A young pastry chef is quickly making her way up the culinary ranks in the Port City. At age 25, Rebeca Alvarado Paredes is already baking up quite the reputation in the kitchen.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: First black contractor in New Hanover County
Inside a quaint brick home in Wilmington is a man with quite the story and an abundance of talents. At 86 years old and battling Alzheimer’s, Alfred Mitchell spends his days pursuing his passion of writing songs and poetry.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Wilmington man has close ties to family feud between Hatfields and McCoys
The clash between the Hatfields and McCoys is the most well-known family feud in American history. It's a true tale: one of vengeance, courage and most importantly, family pride. The feud was between two families, who lived along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River. The Hatfields were from West Virginia, the McCoys from Kentucky. Their relentless rivalry began in the late 1800’s and stretched for decades.
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Wilmington war vet remembers D-Day on Utah Beach
A very special man can be found at the Woods at Holly Tree retirement facility. What many may not know is that John DeChesere was a young Army officer on Utah Beach during the Normandy Invasion. At 101 years old, he has seen a lot in his time.