‘Beautiful person on and off the skateboard;’ Skate community honors victim of deadly bar crash

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – A tribute was held on Wednesday at the Greenfield Grind Skate Park in honor of Alec Chambers, the victim in a deadly crash at a local bar on Tuesday. Jason Ward grew up at the skate park, alongside professional skateboarder, Alec Chambers. Ward said he helped Chambers learn how to skate. “He one day asked us…

Thalian Hall plans for major demolition projects; $25M renovation underway

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – As we head into the New Year, Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts is marking its next chapter with a multi-million-dollar renovation. “The timing could not be more perfect,” said Shane Fernando, executive chief director for Thalian Hall. Since March, the venue began a $25 million renovation project, come the new year, it will begin major…

Beloved Wilmington mail carrier says farewell to neighborhood after years of service

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – A beloved postal worker is said farewell to his route through a Wilmington neighborhood on Friday. “We’re pretty much out of the thick of it right now,” said Drew Myatt. Myatt, a postal worker in the Carolina Place neighborhood, has had some long days the past few weeks during the holiday season. “Some long days in…

Post-holiday shoppers pack Mayfair as ‘Returnuary’ begins

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – Mayfair Town Center was packed on Friday with post-holiday shoppers and some were returning their Christmas gifts. The month after Christmas has often been referred to as “Returnuary.” The National Retail Federation reports an estimated 17% of holiday purchases will be sent back after the holiday. Many retailers have reported extending return windows to help customers….

Sun, Sand and Santa: Wrightsville Beach turns jolly for the holidays with unique traditions

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY-TV) – “Coming out to the beach this is my fourth year doing it,” said Todd Beaty. Beaty dresses up in his big red suit, which was passed down from his father, and offers pictures with children, adults and even dogs. “It’s absolutely free, I don’t ask for no money I don’t accept any money it’s just…

Last-minute holiday shoppers pack Mayfair Town Center

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAYITV) —  Holiday shoppers packed Mayfair Town Center on Wednesday searching for last-minute gifts. “I went to H&M and Francesca’s, I’m pretty notorious for my last minute shopping,” said Mathias Turner. Turner was out shopping for his girlfriend and brother at the town center. “I think I perform pretty well under pressure so I’m doing the best I…

Last-minute flyers take off at Wilmington International Airport

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – Last minute travel is taking flight at Wilmington International Airport. The airport saw some of its busiest travel days this week. AAA expects more than eight million American to fly domestically between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1. One international traveler, Jake Lichty flew to Wilmington on Wednesday from Toronto, Canada after his layover in Charlotte. “I…

NHCS Superintendent addresses teacher-student incidents, emphasizes accountability and student safety

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — “For me, it’s never going to be about EC students and regular students. It’s about students,” said Dr. Barnes.  New Hanover County Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes sat down and spoke about some recent teacher-student altercations at some New Hanover County elementary schools.  “We have to investigate situations when they happen,” said Barnes.  On December 3rd, witnesses say a physical altercation occurred between Alderman Elementary teacher assistant, Minnie Clark, and a student, and the incident was caught on…

Lost to History: Remembering the 1943 Macy’s Christmas on U.S.S. North Carolina

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – Wednesday marks 82 years since World War II sailors on the U.S.S. North Carolina received an unexpected gift from Macy’s Department Store and their families thousands of miles away. It was Christmas Eve in 1943 and the U.S.S. North Carolina had been out at sea in the pacific with around 2,000 sailors for 30 days, with…