PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Two people, including a now former New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputy, will be charged with crimes in relation to an incident where a family says it was terrorized by a large group of people last weekend in Pender County, according to District Attorney Ben David.Pender County Sheriff Alan Cutler and David announced the charges Friday, five days after the incident happened in the Avendale community.In a letter addressed to the district attorney’s office Thursday, attorney James Lea claimed that an armed group of people, all white, knocked on the door of the home...…PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Two people, including a now former New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputy, will be charged with crimes in relation to an incident where a family says it was terrorized by a large group of people last weekend in Pender County, according to District Attorney Ben David.Pender County Sheriff Alan Cutler and David announced the charges Friday, five days after the incident happened in the Avendale community.In a letter addressed to the district attorney’s office Thursday, attorney James Lea claimed that an armed group of people, all white, knocked on the door of the home...WW…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) - A United States District Judge has issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the state of North Carolina from taking any action against a place of worship that conducts religious services indoors. The order is effective immediately and will last for at least fourteen days.The Saturday afternoon ruling effectively ends the part of the Governor’s executive order 138, which required any religious gathering of 10 or more people to take place outdoors only. A group called Return America filed the federal lawsuit Thursday stating that the Organizers said it had the...…RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) - A United States District Judge has issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the state of North Carolina from taking any action against a place of worship that conducts religious services indoors. The order is effective immediately and will last for at least fourteen days.The Saturday afternoon ruling effectively ends the part of the Governor’s executive order 138, which required any religious gathering of 10 or more people to take place outdoors only. A group called Return America filed the federal lawsuit Thursday stating that the Organizers said it had the...WW…

BOGALUSA, La. (AP) — Thirteen people were shot Saturday night as a large group gathered in a Louisiana city for an impromptu memorial service for a man whose body was found earlier this month, authorities said. No one was killed, but one person was in critical condition after the 9:15 p.m. shooting in Bogalusa, police said. The crowd was gathered in a vacant lot to remember Dominique James, who was missing for several days before being found dead May 8 inside his vehicle in woods by officers in a helicopter, investigators said. "The best we can tell is a car drove by and shots were fired...…BOGALUSA, La. (AP) — Thirteen people were shot Saturday night as a large group gathered in a Louisiana city for an impromptu memorial service for a man whose body was found earlier this month, authorities said. No one was killed, but one person was in critical condition after the 9:15 p.m. shooting in Bogalusa, police said. The crowd was gathered in a vacant lot to remember Dominique James, who was missing for several days before being found dead May 8 inside his vehicle in woods by officers in a helicopter, investigators said. "The best we can tell is a car drove by and shots were fired...WW…

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Mike Adams has survived multiple calls for his termination. The UNC-Wilmington criminology and sociology professor sued his employer — — after the university tried to deny him tenure over public statements that many found to be racist, misogynistic, and homophobic. Some viewed the now-tenured professor as untouchable because of first amendment protections of his free speech, but new questions about his resume - now being refuted by Adams after this story was originally published - could change that.WECT has confirmed the accuracy of some of the information listed...…WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Mike Adams has survived multiple calls for his termination. The UNC-Wilmington criminology and sociology professor sued his employer — — after the university tried to deny him tenure over public statements that many found to be racist, misogynistic, and homophobic. Some viewed the now-tenured professor as untouchable because of first amendment protections of his free speech, but new questions about his resume - now being refuted by Adams after this story was originally published - could change that.WECT has confirmed the accuracy of some of the information listed...WW…

RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) - The North Carolina State Senate is expected to consider a bill Monday that would allow gyms to reopen immediately during the coronavirus pandemic. Gyms were not allowed to reopen when North Carolina entered Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan late last month. House Bill 594 would allow indoor or outdoor exercise and fitness facilities, gyms, health clubs and fitness centers to reopen while protecting against COVID-19. Recommended safety procedures include limiting capacity at the locations to 50%, requiring masks for employees while encouraging them for customers,...…RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) - The North Carolina State Senate is expected to consider a bill Monday that would allow gyms to reopen immediately during the coronavirus pandemic. Gyms were not allowed to reopen when North Carolina entered Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan late last month. House Bill 594 would allow indoor or outdoor exercise and fitness facilities, gyms, health clubs and fitness centers to reopen while protecting against COVID-19. Recommended safety procedures include limiting capacity at the locations to 50%, requiring masks for employees while encouraging them for customers,...WW…

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A professional BMX rider is accused of barricading himself in a garage after firing a shotgun outside of a home Wednesday afternoon, according to the Wilmington Police Department.Ryan Adrian Guettler, 36, has been charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, felony breaking and/or entering, go armed to terror of people, simple assault, and a city ordinance violation.Around 2:30 p.m., officers responded to a home on Greenville Avenue after receiving a report of a naked man shooting a shotgun outside the residence.When officers arrived at the scene,...…WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A professional BMX rider is accused of barricading himself in a garage after firing a shotgun outside of a home Wednesday afternoon, according to the Wilmington Police Department.Ryan Adrian Guettler, 36, has been charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, felony breaking and/or entering, go armed to terror of people, simple assault, and a city ordinance violation.Around 2:30 p.m., officers responded to a home on Greenville Avenue after receiving a report of a naked man shooting a shotgun outside the residence.When officers arrived at the scene,...WW…

PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - An attorney representing a family in Pender County claims his clients were “terrorized” by a large group of people, including an off-duty member of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, this past weekend.In a letter addressed to New Hanover and Pender County District Attorney Ben David, James Lea claims the armed group of people, all white, knocked on the door of the home of Monica Shepard late Sunday night. Shepard was asleep, but her son, Dameon, a high school senior, was awake and playing video games in the front of the home located in the Avendale...…PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - An attorney representing a family in Pender County claims his clients were “terrorized” by a large group of people, including an off-duty member of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, this past weekend.In a letter addressed to New Hanover and Pender County District Attorney Ben David, James Lea claims the armed group of people, all white, knocked on the door of the home of Monica Shepard late Sunday night. Shepard was asleep, but her son, Dameon, a high school senior, was awake and playing video games in the front of the home located in the Avendale...WW…

Skip to contentWRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - Fishin’ with Special Friends is scheduled to host its 12th annual fishing tournament on October 14, 2023 at Jonnie Mercers Pier in Wrightsville Beach. The event will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.Fishin’ with Special Friends is an organization that provides opportunities for kids and adults with special needs to get outside and enjoy fishing along their families.There will be special prizes and pizza for families and volunteers who are participating.“Fishin’ With Special Friends, a national non-profit organization, will supply for the special...…Skip to contentWRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - Fishin’ with Special Friends is scheduled to host its 12th annual fishing tournament on October 14, 2023 at Jonnie Mercers Pier in Wrightsville Beach. The event will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.Fishin’ with Special Friends is an organization that provides opportunities for kids and adults with special needs to get outside and enjoy fishing along their families.There will be special prizes and pizza for families and volunteers who are participating.“Fishin’ With Special Friends, a national non-profit organization, will supply for the special...WW…

Skip to contentOCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - The Museum of Coastal Carolina is holding the fourth annual Festival of Trees from Nov. 9 through Dec. 31.The event is a festive and family-friendly holiday activity that supports the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation and other sponsors to raise funds and community awareness for causes such as veterans services, wildlife preservation, health services and more.Attendees will be able to walk through the museum and admire trees decorated by local businesses and nonprofits, and even vote for and bid on their favorite trees.“Each visitor receives one...…Skip to contentOCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - The Museum of Coastal Carolina is holding the fourth annual Festival of Trees from Nov. 9 through Dec. 31.The event is a festive and family-friendly holiday activity that supports the Ocean Isle Museum Foundation and other sponsors to raise funds and community awareness for causes such as veterans services, wildlife preservation, health services and more.Attendees will be able to walk through the museum and admire trees decorated by local businesses and nonprofits, and even vote for and bid on their favorite trees.“Each visitor receives one...WW…

ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Onslow County deputies say a mother has now been charged with murder in her daughter’s fatal overdose.The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office says Nancy Kellum, 37, is accused of providing methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced heroin to two children, including her daughter. Deputies say an autopsy showed her 14-year-old daughter, Haylee Wood, died from an overdose. The other child was a 12-year-old relative, according to deputies.Deputies say the crime happened on February 15 at a home in Midway Park. Kellum was taken into custody on child abuse inflicting serious...…ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Onslow County deputies say a mother has now been charged with murder in her daughter’s fatal overdose.The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office says Nancy Kellum, 37, is accused of providing methamphetamine and fentanyl-laced heroin to two children, including her daughter. Deputies say an autopsy showed her 14-year-old daughter, Haylee Wood, died from an overdose. The other child was a 12-year-old relative, according to deputies.Deputies say the crime happened on February 15 at a home in Midway Park. Kellum was taken into custody on child abuse inflicting serious...WW…