Sara Wood

Saturday is the last day for early voting in New Hanover County where there are more than 87,000 registered voters eligible for municipal elections. WHQR’s Sara Wood reports that despite the county’s efforts to make early voting more accessible, turnout so far for this election remains predictably low.

With municipal elections less than a week away, WHQR News is talking to mayoral candidates, including former Carolina Beach Mayor Ray Rothrock, who is returning to the ballot, as well as current council members Dan Wilcox and Pat Efird.

The Governor’s Eugenics Task Force met in Raleigh last week to discuss its recommendations for compensating victims of the state’s sterilization program, which ended in 1974.  WHQR’s  Sara Wood reports the group heard recommendations for outreach options to help find more victims.

The groundbreaking ceremony for a new Courtyard Marriott hotel in downtown Wilmington took place Thursday on Grace Street.

The 124-room project is expected to cost between $14-16 million and be complete within 16 months.

Tushar Zaver is the vice present of hotel operations for CN Hotels and says the Marriott will feature a 1,000-square foot meeting space as well as a Starbucks bistro.

Wilmington, NC – At WHQR's 2011 live forums, WECT Anchor Jon Evans asked the Wilmignton mayoral candidates this question: "Wilmington is getting ready to hand over its final payment of incentives to Verizon, $125,000 a year. Do you think that was a good deal, and where do you favor incentives if you indeed favor them to lure in business?"

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? If so, we'd like to hear from you. Please email the WHQR News Team.

By Sara Wood

Wilmington, NC – Last night WHQR hosted a mayoral candidate forum and media panelists from WWAY, WECT and the Star News as well as audience members posed questions to candidates Justin LaNasa and Bill Saffo. WHQR's Sara Wood reports Jon Evans of WECT asked about the use of incentives for bringing large businesses to Wilmington.

Wilmington, NC – At WHQR's 2011 live forums, StarNews Columnist Si Cantwell asked the mayoral candidates this question: "There's talk among some city council candidates of abolishing the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority do you support that idea? How would that change affect the City of Wilmington and its residents?"

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? If so, we'd like to hear from you. Please email the WHQR News Team.

Wilmington, NC – At WHQR's 2011 live forums, WHQR Reporter Sara Wood asked the Wilmington mayoral candidates this question: "Late-night crime is a continuing public safety issue in downtown Wilmington. How will you tackle this problem in a new way to keep residents safe?"

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? If so, we'd like to hear from you. Please email the WHQR News Team.

Wilmington, NC – At WHQR's 2011 live forums, WWAY Anchor Ramon Herrera asked the Wilmington mayoral candidates this question: "What do you think is the greatest responsibility of a mayor?"

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? If so, we'd like to hear from you. Please email the WHQR News Team.