‘Be like Seth;’ Friends and family mourn Shallotte man killed in alleged murder

SHALLOTTE, NC (WWAY-TV) – In Brunswick County, an Oak Island man appeared in court on Monday after he was charged with murder following a shooting inside a Shallotte residence Saturday night. Ethan Hughes met Seth Condrey when they were just 11 years old. “We really started hanging out because we lived in the same neighborhood and that’s what grew our…

Missing packages are the latest example of ongoing mail delivery issues in Leland

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY) — “I don’t even know where this package is,” said Amber Marco.  Amber Marco never expected to spend the days before Christmas hunting for a missing holiday gift.  She lives on Pinecliff Drive, a dirt road approximately 0.4 miles away from her standard size mailbox.  But the journey there is only half of the battle.  Larger packages won’t fit in her mailbox, requiring her to pick them up from the Leland post office, which is a 10-minute drive.  The other…

Cape Crooners spread holiday joy hall to hall at local nursing home

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — The Cape Crooners pass hall to hall around Trinity Grove nursing home to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer to the resident seniors.  Jim Bader is the tenor for the quartet.  “I like seeing the reactions on the seniors and so I like bringing joy to their days so it’s really rewarding,” said Bader.  The newest member of the group, Micheal Stockman, says he loves how the residents light up…

Downtown Wilmington archaeology lab faces uncertain future; seeks community help

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – A non-profit archaeology lab in downtown Wilmington is wishing for a new home this holiday season. The Public Archaeology Corps must move out of their donated space by Feb. 2. Tucked away in an alleyway off south Front Street, a 20 foot hole with exposed beams. For the past four years, the Public Archaeology Corps has…

Holiday travel takes off at Wilmington International Airport

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – Holiday travel at the Wilmington International Airport is taking off. The airport is expecting their busiest holiday travel days to place Friday, Sunday and Monday when the most flights are offered. Travel experts advise checking into your flight before going to the airport and arrive an hour and half to two hours early. Erin McNally, public…

Angel Tree program brings Christmas joy to Easterseals Port Health clients

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — This Christmas tree holds ornaments, is strung with lights, and white notes with wish lists attached.  It’s an angel tree and has become a symbol of the season for Easterseals Port Health.   Each card holds a specific name and the Christmas lists from Easterseals clients and their families.  Easterseals provides services to individuals with exceptional disability, mental health, and substance use.  “Not all Angel Trees are open, like ours for different age groups, different…

Loose potbellied pig surprises Leland neighborhood and is reunited with owner

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Some residents in the Leland community of Southview Park recently saw an unusual site — a large potbellied pig wandering in a cul-de-sac in their neighborhood.  When Holly Montross found out, she was shocked.   “I was just casually sitting on my couch and my husband kind of moseys in very slow and just comes around the corner and looks at me and goes ‘there’s…

Whiteville awaiting funding clarity after FEMA lawsuit ruling

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY-TV) – North Carolina won a lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency this week. A federal judge has ordered FEMA to reinstate its BRIC disaster mitigation program. After FEMA canceled the program in July, it pulled back $200 million in grants that would have support 60 infrastructure projects statewide. Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined several other attorneys…

WFD offers free car seat checks ahead of holiday travel

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – Before families hit the road for holiday travel, the Wilmington Fire Department is encouraging parents to make sure their tiniest travelers are riding safely. WFD and New Hanover County Fire Rescue hosted a free holiday car seat check on Thursday at the Burlington store parking lot on New Centre Drive. Certified technicians checked for car seat…

Novant Health cardiologist warns of ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome’ from stress, alcohol and big meals

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – From holiday travel to family stress and festive meals, medical experts are warning those who celebrate to be aware of “holiday heart syndrome.” The syndrome is defined by an abnormal heartbeat that can be triggered by high levels of stress, excessive alcohol intake, big meals and dehydration. Medical experts said if someone experiences increasing high blood…