WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A man is in critical condition following a shooting Monday night in Wilmington.
Wilmington police got a ShotSpotter activation in the 800 block of Emory Street around 6 p.m. Monday.
When officers arrived, they found a 20-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was transported to Novant Health Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
Anyone with information should call Wilmington Police or use the anonymous tip 4-1-1 app.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Chapter of the NAACP will host two public candidate meet and greets throughout the rest of January.
These events are to inform voters and prepare the community for the upcoming primary elections.
The first event featured candidates running for the New Hanover County Board of Education, and that event occurred earlier tonight.
Community members had the opportunity to hear directly from school board candidates, learn about their priorities, and ask questions related to public education.
The NAACP hopes this event left people feeling more informed.
The second event will focus on candidates seeking election to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, and will take place on Thursday, January 29.
This meeting will allow voters to engage with candidates on issues impacting county governance, public services, and community development.
This story may be updated with more details at a later date.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — More than a dozen concerned residents and business owners gathered for an information session regarding a controversial planned construction project in Wilmington.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the project would consist of a 30-foot-tall overpass along Eastwood Road, replacing its intersection with Military Cutoff Road.
DOT said the project would help deal with congestion and improve traffic capacity and safety in the area.
But residents have voiced concerns and opposition to the project ever since it was first announced more than a decade ago.
This session gave residents, like James DeHaven, a chance to both learn about and voice their concerns about the more than 80 million dollar project.
“We think that’s going to adversely affect the residents in this community,” DeHaven said. “We also think that’s going to adversely affect the businesses in this community. This is a seasonal community, we think it’s an overkill, we don’t think it’s going to solve the problem.”
Some residents living in Wrightsville Beach are also concerned as construction on this project is expected to begin in 2027, around the same time work will begin on the two bridges on Salisbury Street and Causeway Drive.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — New Hanover boys basketball moved into sole possession of first place in the Carolina Coast standings after a 66-39 home win over North Brunswick on Monday.
Kellum Brown led the Wildcats with 16 points. Quin’sier Waddell, Ny’zion Ballard and Jazir Wright-McGhee also reached double figures.
SHALLOTTE, N.C. (WWAY) — Laney girls basketball pushed themselves into 2nd in the Carolina Coast standings with a 54-40 road win against West Brunswick on Monday.
India Williams led the Bucs offensively with 16 points to go with ten rebounds. Sofia Clayton added another 14 points to go with four steals.
Shallotte, NC (WWAY) — As frigid weather approaches the region Christian Recovery Center Inc is opening their doors as a warming facility. Cots with pillows and blankets are prepared for families.
The organization acquired the 28-acre property last year and received its certificate of occupancy in early January. The center is now serving families who need overnight shelter, food, and bathing necessities.
The CEO Josh Torbich said the center just opened its doors for families seeking shelter from the cold.
” We have the opportunity to offer family units with our new campus opening up in Shallotte Bryant’s Orchard. We actually received a certificate of occupancy at the perfect time to be able to make it available to serve now families, ” said CEO Torbich.
The facility will open whenever the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Additional warming facilities include; Rose House for women, Grants Harbor for men, and Bryant’s Orchard for families. Across Brunswick County, the organization can now serve more than 200 people.
Families will now be able to enjoy a hot meal and have a good night’s rest staying warm and safe as temperatures drop.
PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) – Pender County commissioners are debating on whether to re-draw the county’s district maps which would be implemented after the 2028 primary election.
It’s been more than a decade since the county last re-drew its voting districts.
“I would like to see the districts left alone, like they are,” said Kennedy Ramsey, a longtime Pender County resident.
Ramsey attended last week’s commissioners board when commissioner Brent Springer proposed the board move forward with drawing up new lines for the county’s districts. Springer says the county is now out of balance since the last re-draw in 2012.
“We have a limited number of people that vote and so if we can get those districts re-drawn for the county and not for any other reason other than statutorily that’s the right thing to do,” Springer said.
A presentation by county manager, Colby Sawyer during the meeting last week showed that from 2010 to 2024 more than 17,000 new residents moved to Pender County. By 2030, the county expects to see an additional 5,000 new residents, Springer and Sawyer said the uptick in population calls for a new district map.
Pender County operates in residency districts, not electoral districts, meaning commissioners are elected to serve all residents county-wide in at-large elections.
“I think it’s fair to wonder does the current system, how it’s set up for the districts and electing individuals does that adequately represent where people are at now,” said Dr. Aaron King, political science professor at UNCW.
King said that Pender County is a unique case and that the general principle is typically one vote, one person and that everyone should be represented equally in an election. That’s not the case in Pender County with residency districts.
Commissioner Brad George brought up that the county should implement district voting instead of at-large voting to better a follow a one person, one vote model. Springer is against that.
“The reason why I’m opposed to that is everybody ought to have a say in who their people are county-wide versus this district over here is going to be one party and this district over is gonna be the other party,” Springer said.
Ramsey, a resident in Springer’s district sees it differently.
“I’ve never been asked to who’s going to be governor of Virginia or South Carolina, we vote for our own and that’s what we need to do in the county,” Ramsey said.
Commissioners voted 3-2 to Springer’s proposal, Brad George and Jimmy Tate dissented.
“That’s an aggressive time frame,” Tate said during the meeting.
Tate brought up concerns saying that this proposal is being rushed. Springer has pushed back and says now is the time instead of waiting another four years for 2030 census data.
“I feel like staff can uphold the timelines that we set for them, I don’t think this is above and beyond and would stress them out than they already are,” Springer said.
If the board does go through with this proposal, the new map wouldn’t go into effect until after the 2028 primary election.
“The goal in any of these representations is to ensure that the elected officials are adequately representing the needs of their constituents,” Springer said.
Sawyer says it will ask for public input before approving any changes and will host workshops before a new voting map is adopted.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — A woman who lost part of her leg in an alleged hit-and-run accident says she had a face-to-face meeting Monday with New Hanover District Attorney Jason Smith.
“I’m grateful this morning,” said Tracy Turner.
Tracy Turner stepped out of the office of District Attorney Jason Smith on Monday feeling validated.
“I was hopeful before I came down here,” said Turner.
This meeting she says she had with the DA is just one step in Turner’s plan, bettering public safety and advocating for the rights of hit-and-run victims.
“Now I feel heard,” says Turner.
Nearly three years ago, Turner was on her motorcycle when she says she was hit by Brandon Bennett, who Turner says was impaired and fled the scene.
“You know I just, I knew right away that it was bad,” said Turner.
The accident cost her most of her left leg, resulting in her having to wear a prosthetic.
Turner is condemning what she feels is a lenient plea deal that includes parole and reducing Bennett’s sentence to time served.
“What had been negotiated was not supporting public safety,” said Turner.
She was prepared to read a statement in court on Monday opposing the deal arranged by the Assistant District Attorney and the Defense Council.
It strikes an emotional nerve, with Turner expressing the permanent alterations on her life.
“I lost my leg. I lost my independence and my life as I once knew it. Those profound losses were replaced by a startling new reality I lived with every single day. I am serving a life sentence,” said Turner.
Turner wants full justice.
“Required to serve the full sentence allowed under the law and pay full restitution. Accountability matters. Justice matters. In this case, justice demands so much more than what is being offered,” says Turner.
Bennett has been in jail since the accident in January 2023.
The District Attorney’s office tells WWAY it can’t comment on the facts of a pending case and won’t issue a statement regarding meetings scheduled with District Attorney Jason Smith.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — The Warming Shelter ILM at Grace United Methodist Church in downtown Wilmington opened up this weekend and will remain open through Saturday.
The Warming Shelter ILM has opened four times so far, this January, responding to extended periods of cold weather across New Hanover County.
The shelter relies entirely on community donations — and as temperatures continue to drop, the need for support continues to grow.
One of the biggest needs the shelter has right now is volunteers for the overnight shift from 10 pm to 5:30 am.
Charlene Zorn is the volunteer food coordinator for the Warming Shelter ILM, and she says these volunteers are essential for safety.
“We need to keep our friends safe. We need to make sure that nothing’s happening that shouldn’t be happening. We do safety in numbers; we work together to make sure everyone is taken care of,” said Zorn.
Anyone who is experiencing homelessness is welcome to stay overnight.
Check-in begins at 5 PM, with checkout at 9 AM.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up through the shelter’s website at www.thewarmingshelterilm.com.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — At 91 years old, Wilbur Jones is still working to preserve the history that shaped his life and the city that raised him.
Jones, a Navy veteran, historian and lifelong Wilmington resident, is the latest honoree in Donna Gregory’s Extraordinary People of the Cape Fear. His decades-long work has helped safeguard Wilmington’s World War II legacy, including saving the historic Hannah Block USO Building and securing federal recognition for Wilmington as the nation’s first World War II Heritage City.
Jones was born in 1934 and grew up in Wilmington during World War II, an experience he says left a lasting impression.
“My generation is called the silent generation,” Jones said. “We were born in the middle of the Depression, the Great Depression, and then World War Two came along. It shaped my life, my attitudes, my outlook, my love of country and my desire to serve my country.”
He vividly remembers the moment the war began, hearing the news interrupt a football game on the radio.
“Eventually we found out that the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,” Jones said. “The next four years, it was a radical change for us children.”
As a child, Jones spent time at the Wilmington USO, where service members passed through the city on their way to and from the war.
“I remember my father would bring me down here, I’d be rubbing shoulders with soldiers and marines and sailors,” he said. “Maybe they would give me a little insignia or a cap or something like that.”
That early exposure to service helped inspire Jones to join the Navy. He went on to serve nearly three decades, plus years of duty at the Pentagon, before returning home to Wilmington.
Back home, Jones turned his focus to preservation. When the Hannah Block USO Building faced demolition, he joined forces with Hannah Block herself to save it.
“A group of us got together with Hannah Block and saved the building,” Jones said. “Got the city to commit money to refurbish it and restore it to what it looked like during World War Two.”
His efforts did not stop there. In 2007, Jones began pushing for national recognition of Wilmington’s role during the war, eventually testifying before congressional committees.
“One chairman asked me, ‘Why should it be Wilmington? Why should Wilmington be the first?’” Jones recalled. “I said, ‘Congressman, because it was our idea. We thought of it. We did the work. And we deserve it.’”
That work paid off in 2020, when President Donald Trump visited the Battleship North Carolina and announced Wilmington had been designated America’s first World War II Heritage City.
“That was the proudest day of my life,” Jones said. “I’m a naval officer. I stood up immediately. I flashed him a real quick hand salute and he looked down at me and returned my salute. I have those screenshots. I will have them forever.”
Jones says that recognition wouldn’t be possible without the help of former US Representative Mike McIntyre, former Senator Richard Burr, US Representative David Rouzer, and other elected officials.
Now a widower, Jones says he continues working each day, driven by a sense of purpose.
“I wake up in the morning and turn on the laptop and go to work,” he said.
Much of that work is now focused on planning events connected to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. Jones is helping organize commemorations tied to Wilmington’s military and home-front history, including World War II veteran gatherings, educational forums, heritage exhibits, commemorations at the Battleship North Carolina and Fort Fisher, and events at the Hannah Block Historic USO.
Jones hopes the anniversary can serve as a moment of unity.
“I hope that America 250 realigns everybody to how important it is to be an American, our history, how much we have done for the world,” he said. “Its goal should be to try to reawaken Americans to how important it is to be American.”
At an age when many would choose to slow down, Jones shows no sign of stopping, continuing to serve both his country and the community that shaped him.
You can learn more about Wilbur Jones here.
You can nominate someone for the Extraordinary People segment here.
All honorees get a year of free car washes from Tommy’s Express Car Wash.
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Assistant Superintendent of Columbus County Schools was cited for hunting waterfowl, court documents say.
According to court documents, Adam Thompson, 48, baited waterfowl with corn on Saturday, January 3.
An officer with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission said that Thompson was hunting with his 21-year-old son, Dalton Thompson, as well as 2 juveniles, one of which was his son and the other was their friend. Dalton Thompson was also cited.
NC Wildlife also says that Thompson had three dead birds with him outside of Tabor City. They also clarified that there’s a law against hunting migratory birds over bait or on a baited area.
They’re scheduled to be in court on February 5 at the Columbus County Courthouse.
We’ve reached out to Thompson and the school district and are awaiting comment.
BELVILLE, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Belville says they’ll celebrate the official unveiling of its new multi-use path with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The ceremony will take place on Thursday at 11 a.m. marking a milestone in the town’s efforts to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and expand greenspace. The community is invited to attend the ribbon cutting that’ll take place in front of Belville Elementary.
The multi-use path is designed to provide a safe, accessible, and scenic route for walkers, runners, cyclists, and families.
Belville says in the future, they plan to connect the multi-use path to other pathways already completed along HWY 133.
The amenities with the path include:
- Paved, ADA-accessible, walking and biking trail
- Scenic views and natural landscaping
- Safe connections to existing parks and neighborhoods
- Water fountain and water access
“This multi-use path represents more than just a new trail—it’s an investment in Belville’s quality of life,” said Mayor Chuck Bost. “By expanding our greenspace and creating more opportunities for outdoor recreation, we’re building a healthier, more connected community. We’re proud to offer residents this beautiful new space to enjoy.”
CAPE FEAR, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is urging people to take action to prevent their pipes from freezing as temperatures drop.
Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing for the next week or so.
To help prevent pipes from bursting, drain water from outdoor plumbing and wrap pipes, or allow a trickle of water to run through the system. Also, temporarily shut off and drain irrigation systems.
Anyone worried about indoor plumbing can drip faucets and leave kitchen and bathroom cabinets open.
If you have a backflow preventor, protect is with a fiberglass cover. Also, close the valves and drain the water.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington police are investigating a deadly pedestrian crash that happened Monday morning on South College Road.
According to the Wilmington Police Department, officers responded shortly before 7 a.m. to the 300 block of South College Road after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.
When officers arrived, they found a man lying in the roadway. He has been identified as 54-year-old Amos Battle of Wilmington. Police said Battle later died from his injuries.
The investigation is ongoing. Police confirm it was not a hit-and-run.
WHITE LAKE, NC (WWAY) — According to the mayor of White Lake, the town has been awarded $2,000,000 in federal funding to support critical wastewater improvements.
The funds are being provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the STAG Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
The Town of White Lake says this funding will help strengthen the wastewater infrastructure, protect water quality, and enhance services for residents and businesses throughout the town.
Mayor H. Goldston Womble said, “This is a proud moment for White Lake, and we look forward to sharing updates as this project moves forward. Together, we are building a brighter, cleaner, and stronger future for our residents and visitors.”
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Board of Education and the district superintendent are responding after an attorney who represents the school district posted an inflammatory comment on social media.
The comment was made by Brian Kromke, an attorney with Crossley McIntosh Collier Hanley & Edes. Kromp posted a comment under a Facebook post from former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper addressing recent shootings in Minnesota. Cooper’s post condemned the violence and emphasized that American citizens should not be targeted or killed.
In response, Kromke posted a meme that said he was “marked safe from being shot by ice because I’m not f****** retarded”, a remark that several community members criticized as insensitive. Screenshots of the comment were later shared publicly on Facebook by NHC Educational Justice.
Within that same Facebook group, Kromke said he deleted the insensitive post.
“I am sorry that I offended anyone, that was not my intention,” he wrote.
WWAY reached out to New Hanover County Schools for a response. In a statement, the New Hanover County Board of Education said it was aware of the situation.
“The New Hanover County Board of Education is aware of concerns related to a recent comment made by one of the Board’s attorneys. The language used was inappropriate and does not meet the standards of professionalism and respect that this Board expects from anyone representing or working on behalf of the Board of Education or the district,” School Board Chair Pete Wildeboer wrote in a statement.
The board added that while it could not comment on personnel matters, the issue is being addressed.
“Words matter, particularly in public service. As a Board, we are committed to maintaining a culture of respect, personal responsibility, and professionalism,” the statement continued. “The Board does not condone the language that was used.”
New Hanover County Schools Superintendent also issued a separate statement addressing the incident.
“As Superintendent, I want to address a matter of concern that has been brought to my attention. A recent comment made by the Board of Education’s attorney was inappropriate and hurtful,” the statement said. “I recognize the impact that language can have, and I want to be clear that I expect the highest standards of professionalism and respect from all who work with our district.”
The superintendent said confidentiality obligations limit what can be shared publicly but emphasized the district’s values.
“Unequivocally, I do not condone the language used,” the statement said. “The views expressed in that comment do not reflect the values of New Hanover County Schools, the staff, or me as superintendent.”
OCEAN ISLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The Ocean Isle Museum Foundation will celebrate “Inspiring Women in STEM” at the Foundation’s Star Society Breakfast.
The breakfast will be held on March 19 at 8:30 a.m. at the Sea Trail Convention Center. There will be a presentation by Marine Biologist and Author Dr. Christine Figgener.
It’s all planned as part of a new initiative at the Museum and the Planetarium to inspire girls’ interest in STEM.
Members of the Star Society are free to attend. The public can buy a ticket in advance for $35. They can also get a ticket and a copy of Figgener’s book “My Life with Sea Turtles” for $50.
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Districts in southeastern North Carolina are monitoring the weather conditions as the forecast calls for extreme cold and dangerous wind chills Tuesday morning.
Columbus County:
- Columbus County Schools
- Two-hour delay for students and staff on Tuesday
- Whiteville City Schools
- Two-hour delay on Tuesday
Bladen County:
- Bladen County Schools
- Two-hour delay for students and staff on Tuesday
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington-based nonprofit organization dedicated to mindfulness and resilience-focused yoga announced the return of their signature event.
Yoga Village says the fourth annual Yoga your Way Yoga Conference will return February 20 through February 22 at Shell Island Resort in Wrightsville Beach.
Participants can select session that resonate most with them during each time block. Between sessions they can connect with local vendors.
The nonprofit was founded in 2013, and they say they’ve “spent over a decade cultivating inclusive, accessible yoga and mindfulness offerings for individuals and communities impacted by trauma, chronic stress, and adversity.”
The full conference schedule and tickets are available online.
Tiffany Cripps meets with Kara Kenan and Maggie Fisher to learn more about Going Beyond the Pink.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority said that roadways around the intersection of Grace Street and North 16th Street will be closed overnight for three nights.
The closure will start on Monday, February 9 and is expected to last from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily through Wednesday, February 11.
As crews work on a sewer main, they will close the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Grace Street and the 300 block of North 16th Street to traffic in both directions. Local traffic will be allowed.
Eastbound traffic in the 1500 block of Rankin Street will also be blocked with only westbound traffic allowed.
Through traffic from Princess Place Drive will be detoured around the closure via Rankin Street. Others will be detoured via North 15th Street and Chestnut Street.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Duke Energy said on Monday that they are aware of a scam targeting customers regarding power outages.
The message claims that customers will be impacted by a scheduled power outage on a specific date and time.
Duke Energy says the message did not come from them and they ask customers not to click any click or download anything from the message.
If people have questions regarding their account, they are asked to contact Duke Energy directly. They also added they will communicate grid conditions through their official communication channels.
The Better Business Bureau, Eastern Carolinas (BBB) has tips on how to avoid falling for messages like these:
- Watch out for suspicious links
- Prepaid debit cards and wire transfers are a red flag
- Pressure to pay immediately
- Call customer service
- If you spot a scam text, don’t reply
If you receive a scam text, report it to BBB Scam Tracker.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cameron Art Museum announced that tickets are on sale for the Design NC 2026.
The two-day celebration will take place April 30 and May 1 at the Cameron Art Museum.
On April 30, there will be the Cocktails in the Courtyard Party and on May 1, people can enjoy the Design Forum and Luncheon. This year’s speakers are interior designer and author Marshall Watson and Interior and Product Designer and Author Blue Carreon.
In its eighth year, Design NC brings together internationally recognized designers, artisans, and thought leaders for presentations, conversations, and connections.
Proceeds from the event support exhibitions, art classes, public programs, and educational opportunities.
Anyone interested in attending the event can buy tickets online.
CRAVEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Craven County Sheriff’s Office says a woman was arrested after receiving about $3 million over the last six years by scamming people online.
On December 22, 2025, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a romance scam in excess of $100,000.
After an investigation, Christina Julian, 56, of Florida was identified and on January 21 was extradited to North Carolina.
Julian is charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense in excess of $100,000 and felony exploiting the elderly.
She is being held in the Craven County Confinement Facility under a $350,000 secured bond.
The investigation is ongoing.
In a social media post, the sheriff’s office said that millions use dating apps to meet someone, and many find scammers trying to trick them into sending money.
Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and strike up a relationship with you to build trust then make up a story asking for money. Scammers will usually say they can’t meet you in person, ask you for money and tell you how to pay.
If you think it is a scam, report it to the FTC and notify the app where you met the person too.