Fourth of July brings hundreds of beachgoers to Masonboro Island

Dozens of boats anchored offshore and along the beaches of Masonboro Island as hundreds of people enjoyed the warm waters

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — While many local towns held their 4th fo July festivities, people also took to the beach to celebrate. Dozens of boats anchored offshore and along the beaches of Masonboro Island as hundreds of people enjoyed the warm waters. For many people, like Courtney Wanner, spending the day on the island has become an annual tradition….

The dangers of rip currents and what to do if you’re caught in one

Local beaches have seen a moderate to high risk of rip currents since Friday, June 30th

KURE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — While temperatures are soaring, so are the number of water rescues at many area beaches. Local beaches have seen a moderate to high risk of rip currents since Friday, June 30th. At Carolina Beach alone, lifeguards have made more than 200 rescues since Saturday, July 1st. For 10-year-old Parker Southern, it was important to know…

Visitors react to Air Force Recreation Area name change

Some visitors think money should be spent helping others

FORT FISHER, NC (WWAY) — It’s been several days since Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area was renamed after a World War 2 veteran. The area is now named the Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area. It’s named after Donal Blakeslee who flew more combat missions against the German Air Force in World War 2 than any other American fighter pilot….

Man grazed by bullet at Ogden Park this weeked

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A bullet grazed a man after someone fired shots in Ogden Park this weekend. According to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, it happened Saturday night just before 8 o’clock. The man who was grazed by a bullet was not seriously hurt. The sheriff’s office says the shooting happened during a birthday party. No one has…

Vets and pets: The potential effects of fireworks and loud noises on July 4th

  NEW HANOVER AND BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — Fireworks are a big part of July 4th celebrations, but not everyone enjoys the sights and sounds of that part of Independence Day. The sounds could cause distress to many former service members and neighborhood pets. Stephen Watson, Shelter Manager at the New Hanover County Animal Services Unit says the biggest thing…

58 year old man drowns at Fort Fisher over the weekend

A 58-year-old man died at Fort Fisher after trying to rescue children swimming in the ocean

FORT FISHER, NC (WWAY) —  A 58-year-old man died at Fort Fisher after trying to rescue children swimming in the ocean. The Kure Beach Fire Department and Ocean Rescue assisted in the rescue on Saturday, July 1st. Life-saving measures were performed in the water and on land but were unsuccessful. Overall, rip currents remained moderate to high across the Cape…

Williston HS holds legacy graduation for Classes of 1969 and 1970

Over 50 years after they last attended the school, the Williston High School classes of 1969 and 1970 held a legacy graduation at the school on Saturday, July 1st

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Normally, high school students only have to wait 4 years to graduate. However, for a group of over 150 people, the wait lasted decades. Over 50 years after they last attended the school, the Williston High School classes of 1969 and 1970 held a legacy graduation at the school on Saturday, July 1st. Those 2 classes…

Experimental Aircraft Association chapter holds 4th of July fly-in and classic car event

On Saturday, July 1st, Chapter 297 of the Experimental Aircraft Association held a fly-in event at Stag Air Park in Burgaw

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — The 4th of July might still be a few days away but one organization began its celebrations early. On Saturday, July 1st, Chapter 297 of the Experimental Aircraft Association held a fly-in event at Stag Air Park in Burgaw. The chapter usually holds this event twice a year in the spring and fall, but this year,…

Local students react to SCOTUS decision on student loan forgiveness

The court's decision prevents the creation of a program designed to deliver up to $20,000 of relief for millions of student borrowers

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A landmark decision by the Supreme Court on Friday, June 30th will block President Joe Biden’s plan for student loan forgiveness. The court’s decision prevents the creation of a program designed to deliver up to $20,000 of relief for millions of student borrowers. An interest-free payment pause on federal student loans was implemented in March 2020…

Carolina Beach kicks off 4th of July celebrations

Carolina Beach held its Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast on the evening of Friday, June 30th

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The upcoming 4th of July celebration is just days away and already, some local communities have started celebrating. Carolina Beach held its Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast on the evening of Friday, June 30th. While part of the beach was closed to make space for the fireworks display, many arrived early…

Dr. Hubert Eaton’s house recognized as local Historic Landmark

The house Dr. Hubert Eaton lived in, 1406 Orange Street, is now a local Historic Landmark

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — More than 20 years after his passing, the contributions one man made to the city of Wilmington has been memorialized forever. The house Dr. Hubert Eaton lived in, 1406 Orange Street, is now a local Historic Landmark. A national championship winner in tennis, Eaton was the coach and mentor of Althea Gibson, the first African-American woman…

The ‘Bo Heroes Mobile’ makes a pit stop in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — There was a welcome surprise for first responders in our area today.  Bojangles partnered with “Folds of Freedom” to bring free chicken and biscuits to service members and first responders.  They’re doing the new initiative across 15 cities.  The service is part of an annual trip the company takes to military bases around the country.   The patriotic…

Novant Health volunteer receives President’s Lifetime Achievement Award

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — President Joe Biden has recognized a Brunswick County man for his years of service volunteering at a local hospital. We’re talking about more than four thousand hours of volunteering. 75-year-old John LeFebvre volunteers at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center and he’s put in quite a few hours:4,163 hours to be exact. A number so high that…