News

WEATHER: Nice now - showers approach Friday

Submitted by Colin Hackman, First Alert Meteorologist, Reporter

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013, 7:55am

Someone must be doing something right as we are in store for at least two – if not three – full days of perfect spring conditions here in the greater Wilmington area.

Highs will move into the low 80s inland, but closer to the coast, say 5-10 miles from the ocean, temperatures will stay in the upper 70s and even lower 70s right along the beaches.

This fine forecast stays in place though the end of the week - and aside of some high clouds today and tomorrow – we won't have too many issues. Winds switching to the south will make it slightly warmer on Friday with ain chances increasing particularly after dark, as a cold front bears down on the region.

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Dept. of Aging owes more than $68,000

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013, 12:13pm

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Officials in Columbus County wrapped up a self audit Monday on the county’s Department of Aging.

The report reveals the department will have to pay the state a little over $68,000 for money it received for services the department did not give to clients.

The self-audit stemmed from complaints from a client earlier in the year about not receiving services from the Department of Aging that were paid for.

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Columbus Co. leaders hold off on electronic gaming ordinance

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013, 8:52am

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Commissioners in Columbus County decided Monday night to delay making a decision on a proposed ordinance that would prohibit electronic gaming establishments from opening 1,000 feet from churches, schools, cemeteries and EMS buildings.

Commissioners want to wait and see if anything happens with state lawmakers in Raleigh regarding sweepstakes parlors there before making a decision.

This is the second time this year commissioners have tabled the item.

Although electronic gaming parlors are illegal, commissioners are considering the ordinance as a proactive measure in case the businesses become legal in the future.

County planning director Robert Lewis said his department never felt the county needed such an ordinance in the past, but saw a large increase of people submitting permits to open sweepstakes parlors two weeks before they deemed illegal.

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Commissioners talk incentives to offer Ply Gem

Submitted by Gavin Johnson, Reporter

Monday, April 15th, 2013, 5:26pm

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Commissioners in Columbus County will discuss during their meeting Monday night what incentive grant to offer Ply Gem, a company expected to bring 145 jobs to Fair Bluff.

Fair Bluff Mayor Randy Britt said the jobs will be added to Kroy Building Products, a division of Ply Gem which is already in the area.

Since Fair Bluff is on the South Carolina state line, Britt said people from South Carolina will likely be working at the plant.

Britt believes lawmakers from South Carolina and North Carolina will work together to expedite fixing the railroad system.

According to Britt, Columbus Career and College Academy in Fair Bluff helped attract the jobs. He said officials at Kroy believe students there will graduate with the skills to work at the plant.

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Sidney-Cherry Road will be closed until August

Submitted by Caraline Waldrep, Traffic Reporter

Monday, April 15th, 2013, 12:41pm

Sidney-Cherry Road will be closed until August

FAIR BLUFF, NC (WECT) – On Monday, April, 15, DOT crews will close Sidney Cherry Road near NC 904 to drivers so crews can remove and replace a bridge on the road.

According to the press release, drivers are advised to take Cherry Grove Road, to Peanut Worley Road, then Eliza Butler Road.

Drivers are advised to add extra time to their commute.

The road is expected to re-open in August.

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DA to share lab results of fatal shooting with family

Submitted by Craig Reck, Reporter

Monday, April 15th, 2013, 7:44am

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Answers could be on the way for the family of a teenage girl who was shot and killed in Chadbourn.

Sixteen-year-old Jasmine Thar was visiting family in December 2011 when a single bullet killed her.

District Attorney Jon David said the lab results from the shooting are back, but he's not ready to release any details. David said he will share the information with the family first.

"It's important that they hear it from me before they read about it in the news," he said.

David said he contacted the attorney representing the Charlotte family as soon as he reviewed the results. He expects to meet with family as soon as they're available.

"They've been waiting for this," said David.

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Men charged in connection to drive-by shooting

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Saturday, April 13th, 2013, 9:37pm

Two men were charged recently after authorities spotted their car, which matched the description of one involved in a shooting, according to Tabor City Police.

TABOR CITY, NC (WECT) – Two men were charged recently after authorities spotted their car, which matched the description of one involved in a shooting, according to Tabor City Police.

The shooting happened Saturday in Green Sea, SC, close to the SC/NC state line.

Police in Tabor City say later in the evening, around 6 p.m., they spotted a car matching the description of the vehicle involved in the shooting.

The car's driver, James Hemingway, and passenger, Tareek Hemingway, were subsequently charges.

Tareek was charged with possession of stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon, along with other charges.

James was charged with resist/delay/obstruct and having an open container of alcohol.

The men are currently in the Columbus County Jail.

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