WECT - News

BREAKING NEWS: Woman in the hospital after beer bottle assault

Will Tapper — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:28:00 EDT

Two women were taken to the hospital early Thursday morning after an argument that escalated into one woman having a beer bottle broken on her face.

WEATHER: T-storms then a record cold run

Colin Hackman — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:33:00 EDT

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) Strong wet down bursts are expected as we move throughout the day today as a cold front approaches from the west. This front, while not as dangerous as it once was over the southern

Army couple surprised by media attention

Frances Weller — Thu, 23 May 2013 01:05:00 EDT

An Army soldier surprised on live television with wife 100 pounds lighter is overwhelmed with all of the media attention. His wife is loving it.

Extras reflect on time spent filming 'Revolution' in Wilmington

Ashlea Kosikowski — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:33:00 EDT

With Revolution moving to Austin, Texas to film its second season, a small, close-knit group of extras that were cast to play militia members in Wilmington are reflecting on the times they spent on the show.

Sharks add two Paladins to roster

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:09:00 EDT

The Wilmington Sharks announced today the signing of two Furman University (NC) Paladins for the 2013 season. Redshirt Junior Greg Harrison will begin his second season in the Coastal Plain League looking to bring some more offense to the Sharks. Sophomore right-handed hurler Matt Solter will be in his first season in the league and will add depth to the pitching staff.

UNCW's Aita falls in NCAA Singles Tournament

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:07:00 EDT

Rafael Aita's outstanding junior season at UNCW drew to a close late Wednesday when the Peruvian netter fell, 7-6 (11-9), 6-2, to Dennis Novikov of top-ranked UCLA in the singles portion of the NCAA Men's Tennis Championships.

How safe is your home or office? Find out with a WPD security survey

Ashlea Kosikowski — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:53:00 EDT

Worried about your safety at your home or office? You can have a Wilmington Police officer come to your home or place of work to tell you how you can step up security.

EOG test results not available until October

Rob Demetrious — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:58:00 EDT

EOG testing began for most students this week, but parents and students will have to wait for their test scores until October.

School expansion creates jobs for teachers, options for parents

Ben Powell — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:34:00 EDT

Nearly a dozen teacher jobs are opening in Southport because one school is outgrowing its current location.

Authorities: Suspect found to be in possession of more than 20,000 bags of heroin

WECT Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:49:00 EDT

A man who was reportedly arrested in possession of 22,000 bags of heroin is behind bars in the New Hanover County Jail, according to authorities.

Hollywood Hangout: Ask actors about moving to LA for their big break

Ashlea Kosikowski — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:50:00 EDT

Earlier this week, we introduced you to two actors who moved from Wilmington to Hollywood to pursue their dream. Now, Robert Dough and Kathy Sue Holtorf are going to join us for a Google Hangout to talk about their big move. They'll be answering your questions live at 4:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 23.

Planning for pedestrian safety

Ben Powell — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:40:00 EDT

The City of Southport is working to fix a few pedestrian problems by reaching out to the community for help

UNCW students, faculty, alumni hold rally to fight cuts

WECT Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:35:00 EDT

Athletes, students, alumni and faculty of UNCW held a rally Wednesday on the front steps of Trask Coliseum.

Wreath laying ceremony along Cape Fear River to honor maritime marine

Rob Demetrious — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:24:00 EDT

The wreath laying ceremony will honor the memory and service of merchant mariners who served our country. A number of veterans were on hand at the ceremony.

Poppies will return to Elizabethtown

Rob Demetrious — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:18:00 EDT

After being kicked off the Elizabethtown Walmart property last year for distributing poppies, the veterans are back.

Ft. Hood suspect fires attorneys, wants to represent himself at trial

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:41:00 EDT

Major Nidal Hasan, who is accused of killing 13 soldiers and wounding dozens more during the attack on Fort Hood in 2009, has fired his attorneys and wants to represent himself at trial.

Rebuilding the beach on Pleasure Island

Craig Reck — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:36:00 EDT

Don't be alarmed if you see big bulldozers and exposed pipes in the sand at Carolina Beach -- the current project to essentially rebuild the beach from erosion should move quickly, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Seatbelts are a "life saver," so click it or ticket

WECT Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:54:00 EDT

Officers with the Wilmington Police Department are stepping up efforts to keep drivers safe on the roads. Be sure to "click it" or face getting a ticket for not wearing your seatbelt.

Man taken to hospital after being shot in foot

WECT Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:39:00 EDT

A man who was shot in the foot Wednesday afternoon has been taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, according to authorities.

Man accused of beating dog with hammer

Sarah Crandall — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:29:00 EDT

Columbus County Sheriff's Deputies say they arrested a man Tuesday night who's accused of beating his dog in the head with a hammer.

Water front ceremony honors Merchant Mariners

Debra Worley — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:25:00 EDT

Merchant Marines were honored Wednesday morning during the annual Maritime Day Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Turkeys and deer continue to be popular for taxidermist

Bob Townsend — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:45:00 EDT

Taxidermy has been around since ancient Greece, and some say is actually growing in popularity, especially as more children are taught about hunting and hunting safety.

MTYT: Citizens act as eyes and ears for law enforcement

Gary McNair — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:11:00 EDT

WECT's General Manager Gary McNair talks about a recent event where residents called in tips to police hours ahead of a shooting.

CFPUA crews work to repair hydrant

WECT Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:57:00 EDT

Crews with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority are performing emergency hydrant repairs in Wilmington.

Dog chained to tree, abandoned and left to die

Rob Demetrious — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:42:00 EDT

Pat Clark discovered the dog early Saturday morning. She called animal control to report it. The deputy on duty told her that because it was the weekend, someone would get the dog on Monday.

Transportation planning for 2040 kicks-off

Bailey Hicks — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:03:00 EDT

Transportation Planning for 2040 is underway. Local leaders in Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover Counties attended a kick-off meeting for The Cape Fear Transportation 2040 Plan on Tuesday.

Three charged with murder in Bladen Co. native's death

WECT Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:48:00 EDT

Three people have been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the death of a Bladen County native.

Head-on collision sends 2 to hospital

WECT Staff — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:43:00 EDT

A crash at Farley Drive and N. Kerr Avenue sent two to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries Tuesday night following a head-on collision, authorities say.

Two new cell phone towers coming to Pender County

Bailey Hicks — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:42:00 EDT

Cell phone service will soon improve for some people in Pender County.

Leaders will wait for full report before deciding on SROs

Craig Reck — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:41:00 EDT

A professional security company has recommended that School Resource Officers remain in New Hanover County elementary schools, but the recommendation alone is not enough for local leaders.

Donations for Oklahoma: Where does your money actually go?

Ben Powell — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:40:00 EDT

Many people want to donate money or goods when tragedy strikes like the tornado disaster in Oklahoma. But there's no way to be certain that your money is going to the right place.

Berger out of office, still collects paycheck

Craig Reck — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:39:00 EDT

Access is denied for Brian Berger, just one day after his fellow elected leaders removed him from the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners.

Student-athletes meet with former Chancellor Leutze

Bob Bonner — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:38:00 EDT

Tuesday morning four members of the program had a 45-minute meeting with former Chancellor James Leutze.

Pay raises given to county employees

Ben Powell — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:38:00 EDT

For just the second time in the past five years, Brunswick County employees will see an increase in their paychecks.

911 center to receive major makeover

Ben Powell — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:35:00 EDT

Tuesday night, county commissioners voted to enter into a $200,000 contract with a construction company to renovate the 911 center.

Preparing for a tornado: what you need to know

Ashlea Kosikowski — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:43:00 EDT

New Hanover County leaders said it is difficult to prepare for a tornado of the magnitude that hit Moore, OK.

Reports: Extra kicked off 'Tammy' set for mistreating child

WECT Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:10:00 EDT

An extra was reportedly kicked off the set of Tammy Monday, according to an article posted on TMZ.

Batts, Scalf earn CAA Pitcher and Coach-of-the-Year honors

Bob Bonner — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:55:00 EDT

Junior Mat Batts was named the league Pitcher-of-the-Year at the annual awards banquet. Batts' coach, Mark Scalf, earned co-Coach-of-the-Year honors sharing the award with William & Mary's Jami Pinzino.

Brunswick schools test drive propane-powered bus

Bailey Hicks — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:11:00 EDT

There is a new kind of school bus in Brunswick County, one that runs on propane instead of diesel. Brunswick County was one of two counties picked to test drive the new

CFPUA's CEO tapped as general manager for FL water agency

WECT Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:38:00 EDT

The Cape Fear Public Utility's Chief Executive Officer, Matt Jordan, has been offered a position in Florida as the new general manager for Tampa Bay Water, according to a news release from a Tampa Bay Water spokesperson.

David Rutledge named Ashley boys basketball coach

Bob Bonner — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:12:00 EDT

Rutledge comes to Ashley after three seasons as the head coach at Mallard Creek. His teams a combined 47-29 but showed improvements each season increasing its win total from nine, to 19 then 20 in 2012-13.

WPD officer says 2 accidents in 3 days caused by medical condition

WECT Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:56:00 EDT

The Wilmington Police Department has placed an officer on administrative leave after a couple traffic accidents last week. The officer says the accidents happened as a result of a medical condition.

What happens when someone collects too many food stamps?

Craig Reck — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:57:00 EDT

When a family receives more food stamps from Social Services than it should, the money has to be paid back, no matter what the reason for the extra benefits.

Funeral arrangements for legendary high school football coach Jack Holley

Bob Bonner — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:34:00 EDT

High school football coaching legend Jack Holley passed away Monday after a battle with myelofibrosis. He was 74.

Carolinas Cement asks state for extension on air permit

Jon Evans — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:28:00 EDT

Carolinas Cement Company, a subsidiary of Titan America, has filed new documents with the state's Division of Air Quality. The company is requesting an extension of the air quality permit given for its plans to build a facility in the Castle Hayne area of New Hanover County.

Fireworks to be shot from a barge instead of Battleship this year

Justin West — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:25:00 EDT

Some changes have been made to the annual 4^th of July Battleship Blast this year.

Sales tax referendum to be added to spring ballot in Bladen Co.

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:08:00 EDT

Commissioners voted Monday night to add a quarter cent sales tax increase referendum on the ballot in the next spring election.

Permanent county manager named in Brunswick Co.

WECT Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 EDT

Commission chair Phil Norris said the board named Ann Hardy to be the next county manager.

Man accused of creating false reports charged with insurance fraud

WECT Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:16:00 EDT

A man from Wilmington was arrested in Pender County Friday for alleged insurance fraud.

Commissioners approve certified food processing park idea

Gavin Johnson — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:44:00 EDT

Commissioners in Columbus County talked Monday night about making a move with the industrial park, having it certified as a food processing park.

What it took to remove Brian Berger from office

Craig Reck — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:51:00 EDT

Elected leaders voted 3-2 Monday afternoon in favor of removing one of their own from the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners.

Locals talk about moving to Hollywood for their big break

Ashlea Kosikowski — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:49:00 EDT

We caught up with local actors who moved to Hollywood for their big break. What they say about living and working in LA.

Fire chief given violation; allegedly dumping sewage behind fire station

WECT Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:47:00 EDT

The fire chief of the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department is reportedly pumping sewage where he shouldn't be.

Housing authority applies for grant to renovate Hillcrest neighborhood

Bailey Hicks — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:47:00 EDT

The Wilmington Housing Authority is applying for a grant to renovate the Hillcrest neighborhood.

Housing authority fights to keep all housing vouchers, despite sequester cuts

Bailey Hicks — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:44:00 EDT

Hundreds of families depend on the Wilmington Housing Authority for vouchers every year so they can pay rent. However, sequester cuts are making that harder.

Dave Allen preparing for uncertain future of swimming and diving program

Bob Bonner — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:37:00 EDT

In his 36th year as head coach, Allen is facing a possible retirement if recommendations to cut his program are finalized.

Commissioners vote 3-2 to remove Brian Berger

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:12:00 EDT

Commissioners in New Hanover County voted 3-2 Monday in favor of removing Brian Berger from the board.

Nurse uses vapor alternative to kick smoking habit

Gavin Johnson — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:01:00 EDT

A nurse at Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Whiteville turned to a vapor alternative to stop smoking cigarettes.

SHOOTING: 3 shot during party at the Boom Boom Room

Debra Worley — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:32:00 EDT

Three people were shot early Sunday morning when an argument started during a party at the Boom Boom Room.

Shots fired into parked cars, house in Wilmington

Heather Setzler — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:00 EDT

Police responded to Emory Street Friday around 7:00 p.m. for reports of shots fired.

Man charged with crimes against nature with Chihuahua

WECT Staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:52:00 EDT

A man from Brunswick County is facing charges for crimes against nature.

Soldier surprised with wife 150 pounds lighter

Frances Weller — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:21:00 EDT

A soldier from Wilmington returns from Afghanistan to a big surprise: a new wife, a new house and a different child.

No one hurt in accident involving a school bus and tractor trailer

Caraline Waldrep — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:04:00 EDT

State troopers are currently on the scene of a head-on collision between a school bus and tractor trailer. Officials say it happened on Highway 117 and 210 in Rocky Point.

Limo drivers train with firefighters

Bailey Hicks — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:38:00 EDT

Limo drivers from different companies went to the Wilmington Fire Station on Market Street Sunday, to learn what to do in case one of their cars catches on fire.

Dozens taste wine at Wilmington festival

Bailey Hicks — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:36:00 EDT

Dozens of people crowded into St. Thomas Preservation Hall in downtown Wilmington for a wine festival on Sunday.

Area congregation honors civil servants

Bailey Hicks — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:35:00 EDT

The congregation of one New Hanover County church served lunch to local civil servants Sunday, to honor the hard work they do.

Officials recover missing swimmer

WECT Staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:34:00 EDT

The body of a missing swimmer has been recovered. It happened around 7 a.m. Sunday morning.

Heart attack victim rescued 150 miles offshore

Sanah Sayani — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:06:00 EDT

The Coast Guard rescues a heart attack victim from Carnival Splendor, approximately 150 miles east of Cape Lookout, NC.

Harrels wins 2A NCISAA softball State Championship

John Smist — Sat, 18 May 2013 23:09:00 EDT

Harrels Christian Academy took home the 2A NCISAA Softball State Championship with a 13-4 win over Fayetteville Christian School.

Hammerheads end skid with 2-1 win over Los Angeles

Sat, 18 May 2013 22:37:00 EDT

The Wilmington Hammerheads tallied their second win of the season Saturday night versus the Los Angeles Blues in a 2-1 victory at Legion Stadium.

UNCW men's golf finishes 9th at Regionals

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:04:00 EDT

UNCW junior Payne McLeod carded a final round one-over-par 73, to finish in a tie for 32rd and lead the Seahawks at the NCAA Fayetteville Regional at the Blessings Course.

Diamond Hawks avoid sweep beating Hofstra 12-10

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:52:00 EDT

Luke Dunlap's two-run homer to deep left lifted UNCW past Hofstra, 12-10, in the Colonial Athletic Association series finale on Saturday at University Field.

UNCW baseball clinches top spot for CAA Tournament

Bob Bonner — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:17:00 EDT

William and Mary's loss to Georgia State Friday afternoon sends UNCW to the CAA Baseball Tournament as the number one overall seed.

Seahawks in Eighth place at Fayetteville Regional

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:08:00 EDT

UNCW remained in eighth-place overall after 36 holes after carding a 13-over-par score in the second round of the NCAA Fayetteville Regional on Friday at the Blessings Golf Course.

Area players selected for East-West football game

Bob Bonner — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:21:00 EDT

To be eligible for the all-star game, players must be seniors and be nominated by their coach.

Ashley's Kopka following in dad's footsteps

John Smist — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:29:00 EDT

In Middle School Bruce Kopka played football, baseball, and wrestled. It was only by chance that he found out about pole vault.

Student-athletes voice concern over proposed UNCW cuts

Bob Bonner — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:29:00 EDT

117 student-athletes are facing the possibility of losing their sport after cuts were recommended on Wednesday.

Cuts recommended for five UNCW athletic programs

Bob Bonner — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:33:00 EDT

Recommendations have been made to eliminate the UNCW men's indoor track/cross country, men's and women's swimming/diving and softball teams.

UNCW student athletes informed of pending decision

Bob Bonner — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:18:00 EDT

UNCW student athletes have been notified via email that the results of the Intercollegiate Athletics Review Committee will be made public Wednesday afternoon.

Non-conference schedule ends with a loss for Seahawks

Tue, 14 May 2013 22:46:00 EDT

The Chanticleers, who extended their winning streak to six, earned a split of the home and home series with the Seahawks and improved to 33-18. The Seahawks, meanwhile, dropped to 36-17 with the non-conference road loss.

My Turn: Uncovering the layers of the state's Medicaid program

Gary McNair — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:57:00 EDT

WECT's General Manager Gary McNair talks about the recent investigation into the state's Medicaid program.

BCC baseball team headed to national tournament

Bob Bonner — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:34:00 EDT

The Dolphins knocked off Lenoir 9-5 to win the Region Ten title Monday night in Morehead City.

Teen calls explosion, experiment 'bad timing'

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:36:00 EDT

A Florida high school student accused of setting off an explosion at school made her first public statement Wednesday.

Brad Pitt on Jennifer Aniston marriage: I was wasting opportunity

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:30:00 EDT

Brad Pitt says he was burnt out from drug use during his marriage to Jennifer Aniston.

Pizza on Mars: NASA funds development of 3D printer that can knock out pizza

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:10:00 EDT

NASA has awarded a mechanical engineer a grant worth $125,000 to help him create a 3D printer for food.

Americans still making unhealthy choices

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:42:00 EDT

The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.

Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:29:00 EDT

When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study.

To combat drunk driving, NTSB wants tougher blood-alcohol limits

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:09:00 EDT

Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.

Genes may boost woman's risk of postpartum depression

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Pregnant women with specific alterations in two genes may be at increased risk of suffering depression after giving birth, a small new study suggests.

Justin Bieber booed at Billboard Music Awards

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:28:00 EDT

Justin Bieber took home two trophies at the Billboard Music Awards Sunday night, but he certainly wasn't a winner when it came to the audience vote.

Report: Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson break up

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:30:00 EDT

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson have broken up, People reports. According to a source, the Twilight stars have parted ways after more than three years of dating.

Vacation with your dog on a budget

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:13:00 EDT

Not only is it possible to enjoy a fun vacation with your dog, but it's also easier than ever to do so while being frugal.