Local

By Megan V. Williams

Wilmington, NC – The study found nearly 7,000 feet of sewer line that need to be replaced or repaired in the next five years. The assessment also stressed the need to replace air valves, improve two pumping stations on the line, and modify the corrosion control system.

J. Chris Ford, an engineer who presented study results to the City council, says the types of problems facing the northeast interceptor are not uncommon in other systems of its size.

By Shawna Kenney

Wilmington, NC – Before Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was one of the most haunted cities in the country. Shawna Keeney checks in with some regular ghost chasers who are monitoring the haunted Big Easy.

Shawna Kenney is a freelance writer and producer who is currently a graduate student in UNCW's Creative Writing program.

Wilmington, NC – The Wilmington Fire Department has the equipment and manpower, but lacks training and support staff. That's the finding of an outside assessment commissioned by the city.

Recommendations include boosting the number of training captains from one to four or five, and hiring an I-T person.
It also recommends fixing safety issues at some of the older firehouses.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo says city staff will comb through the 207-page report and prioritize recommendation.

Wilmington, NC – Thursday was the official grand opening of Wilmington's first off-leash dog park.

A private citizen group teamed up with the city to make the two acre stretch of fenced in park a reality at Empie Park. Small dogs and big dogs each have their own areas to run free, and there are water facilities and seating.

The city says Empie Park's new off-leash dog park, and Kure Beach, are now the only two places in the immediate area where dogs can romp free from their masters.

Wilmington, NC – Neighborhood complaints tipped off police to keep an eye on a Castle Street clothing store called "X-Slave Fashions."

Police say that after witnessing what they thought was a drug deal in front of the store, officers arrested the owner and three others.

Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous credits old-fashioned, boots-on-the-street policing for the bust.

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – Robeson County is gearing up to launch the first 211 information number east of I-95.

Robeson County commissioners signed off on the phone line this week. The number will deliver information on such topics as where to get flu shots, severe weather and social services.

United Way of Robeson County Director Sandra Oliver says there is a strong need for the 211 line.

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – Wal-Mart says a stoplight put the breaks on a proposed store for Market Street in Ogden.

The 200,000 square foot store was planned for a stretch of Market Street near Dunbar Road in Ogden.

Wal-Mart spokesperson Tara Stewart tells WHQR that a stoplight couldn't be secured for the area, that along with issues surrounding Wilmington's moratorium on sewer hookups forced the company to abandon the project.

By Megan V. Williams

Wilmington, NC – The National Weather Service estimates four to five inches of rain fell on parts New Hanover county Tuesday, flooding intersections and shorting out traffic lights.

A blocked storm drain closed the 3rd Street on-ramp to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge for several hours, backing up traffic down 3rd Street and forcing drivers like Larry Dew of Harvest Table Ministries into stop-and-go traffic.

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – Tuesday's heavy rains washed out the Beach Blast and Beach Sweep planned for UNCW students.

The university says weather reports of afternoon storms were convincing enough to cancel the event, which was planned for Wrightsville Beach near Ocean Pier.

Instead, students were treated to a showing of the cult classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off at UNCW's new movie theater.

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo delivered an update Tuesday on the convention center planned for downtown Wilmington.

Saffo says a development agreement will be made within the next two months.

Opponents of the convention center say there will not be enough business to support it, leaving the city stuck with the bills. But Saffo says having the project paid for with an occupancy tax is better than using general tax money.