‘We’re forward focused;’ New WPD chief shares first impressions and priorities

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – One month ago Wilmington’s new police chief, Ryan Zuidema took officer after he was unanimously appointed in August. WWAY sat down with him to hear what his first impressions are of the department and what his priorities are going forward. “I did a ride-along when I was 19-years-old and that sold me for it the last…

Wilmington-based AI company to bring new jobs with $300M investment

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY-TV) — An AI software company is planning to bring more jobs to the Wilmington area. Vantaca, a Wilmington-based tech company, serves homeowner and community associations across the country. The company recently received over $300 million from a private equity firm to expand their operations. Ben Currin, the CEO of Vantaca said half of all their employees…

Patient set to receive kidney from her friend following a long dialysis journey

NEW HANOVER, NC (WWAY) — 28-year-old Sydney Mathis and 42-year-old Stephanie Daniels have been friends for years.   Sydney was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease, which runs through her mom’s side of the family.   After giving birth to her daughter in 2019, she struggled with Covid-like symptoms, and those symptoms were finally diagnosed as another disease.  “It was Lupus,…

Brunswick Co. commissioners approve agreement between Navassa PD and county sheriff

NAVASSA, NC (WWAY-TV) — The Brunswick County board of commissioners approved an agreement between the Navassa police department and Brunswick County sheriff’s office. Since May, the town has been without a police department, marking the second time in recent years Navassa has operated without a full time officer. Since then, Brunswick County deputies have handled patrol in the town as…

Cape Fear Garden Club distributes $70K to New Hanover Co. non-profits

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — The Cape Fear Garden Club distributed nearly $70,000 to New Hanover County non-profits on Wednesday. The funds were given to organizations that help with the beautification, conservation, or education of the area. These funds were given from the Azalea Garden Tour and distributed at Cape Fear Country Club Bonnie Mitchell, the education coordinator for the North…

Veterans connect with career opportunities at “Job-toberfest” hiring event in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) —  Veterans looking for employment were invited to a hiring event Tuesday with New Hanover County NC Works.  The “Job-toberfest” was held at the Wilmington National Guard Armory. The event offered opportunities for veterans to connect with job opportunities in career paths like project management, human resources, transportation, government, and many more. Christopher Lindsay, a veteran career…

Army Corps evaluates Wrightsville Beach storm damage; could accelerate re-nourishment plans

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY-TV) — Steep sand cliffs have scarred the coast in Wrightsville Beach following a Nor’easter two weeks ago. While the town has erected sand ramps as an easy entry to the beach the Wilmington Army Corps is assessing the beach Tuesday to determine next steps. “If the damage is bad enough we’ll do a more detailed assessment…