Local fire departments warn of lithium battery dangers during fire prevention week

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — This week marks National Fire Prevention Week and local fire departments are encouraging residents to be aware of their use and disposal of lithium ion batteries. Lithium batteries are found in most household electronics and rechargeable devices. These batteries are known to overheat and cause fires if they are not used correctly. Wendy Giannini-King, the community…

Pender County asst. fire chief calls for $900K incentives package after mass resignations

BURGAW, NC (WWAY-TV) — Since March, nearly 40 employees have resigned from Pender County EMS and Fire including four firefighters now seeking jobs with other agencies. The department has also seen its board of director’s dissolve and is set to merge under county operations in July. Assistant Fire Chief Mark Haraway presented a nearly $900,000 incentives package to county commissioners…

Southport reopens and looks to rebuild community and tourism after mass shooting

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — More than a week after the mass shooting at American Fish Company, many Southport residents are trying to move forward.  Sales associate Judy Luff works at Ocean Outfitters in Southport.   She says more people are slowly starting to make their way back.    “I think just this first couple of weeks, month, might be a…

Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary Rescues 6 neglected birds and experts warn of widespread misunderstanding of parrot care

NEW HANOVER, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary has taken in 6 birds rescued from a home in Wilmington. Birds, they say, were no longer being properly cared for.   Ces Erdman, Director and Founder of the sanc tuary, says owning a parrot takes long-term commitment and planning.    “You know, bottom line is, most people can’t keep a…

Wilmington Riverfest returns to downtown for 46th year

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) — The Wilmington Riverfest returned for its 46th year in downtown Wilmington this weekend. The two-day event kicked off Saturday morning with a street fair, and the celebration continued with a car show, live music, food trucks and a drone show Saturday night. Hundreds of people walked through Front Street to see the event’s street vendors and…

‘My mom was full of joy;’ Daughter of Southport shooting victim shares tribute at vigil

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY-TV) – A prayer vigil was held on Saturday in the Southport Waterfront Park to honor the lives lost during the mass shooting on Sept. 27. Hailey Rogers is the daughter of Joy Rogers, one of the three people shot and killed. She shared her story during the prayer vigil. “When I arrived at the scene, the location…

Health simulation at Brunswick Community College prepares students for post-disaster recovery challenges

BRUNSWICK, NC (WWAY) — Hosted at Brunswick Community College, Trillium Health Resources teamed up with Brunswick County Health to hold a post disaster simulation for health professionals and nursing students.   The goal was to give participants a realistic look at what the weeks following a disaster could feel like.     Brooke Mickelson is the Director of Program Coordination with Trillium. …