Local

Some experts predict New Hanover County’s population will exceed 330,000 people by 2040—a significant hike from its current count of about two hundred thousand. And there are only about 24,000 undeveloped acres left, most of which comprise unincorporated county land. To address the development necessary to accommodate this growth,  the county planning department is launching a comprehensive plan—and seeking public input.

Many Wilmington-area citizens are busy spreading awareness of the importance of the first 2,000 days—or five years—of a child’s brain development. This week, faith leaders addressed early childhood at a local summit; however, the statewide First 2,000 Days campaign—the first of its kind—has been in effect since 2011. And it’s not just geared toward parents and those who work with young children--communities at large benefit from the “spillover effect” of a quality first 2,000 Days.

National Cathedral stained glass artist and long-time friend of WHQR Rowan LeCompte has died. Last Saturday's Washington Post announced his death at the age of 88.

Pat Marriott sent this tribute:

It’s a lot easier to build a playpen than a penitentiary, area faith leaders say. And it’s why they’re teaming with Smart Start of New Hanover County to launch a grassroots movement to invest in early childhood care and education. On Monday, nearly two hundred community leaders, teachers and parents met at Wilmington’s First Baptist Activity Center to discuss ways to improve the first 2,000 days—or five years—of local children’s lives.

When voters go to the polls in the upcoming May primary, they will encounter a new process. 

The New Hanover Regional Medical Center may be heightening security measures to more safely treat victims of violent gang activity. Over the weekend, Wilmington’s annual Trauma, Emergency and Acute Care Symposium touched down at the convention center. For the first time in the symposium’s 25-year history, North Carolina gang investigators were on hand to caution area medical professionals about treating gang members.

The winter weather sweeping through southeastern North Carolina over the next 24 hours is actually two distinct storm systems. 

Excavation will not begin on a new sand mine in Castle Hayne—at least not in the near future. Hilton Properties wants to re-zone 62 acres near the GE Hitachi Plant, where it also seeks a special use permit to build the proposed mine. Thursday night, however, the New Hanover County Planning Board moved to postpone this decision until the company could provide clearer information about the project’s potential of groundwater and soil contamination. During a public hearing, no one spoke in favor of the project, and several Castle Hayne residents are opposed to it.

A sand mine in Castle Hayne could soon be a step closer to becoming a reality.

Residents of Flemington, a small community located off of U.S. 421, will soon be connected to New Hanover County’s main water system. Officials from Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, or CFPUA, say they'll construct a new connective water pipeline this year. This is because groundwater containing coal ash slurry from Duke Progress Energy’s Sutton Plant has been slowly seeping toward Flemington’s current drinking wells. The CFPUA held a public meeting to discuss the pipeline Tuesday night, but fewer than five private citizens attended—and none made public comments.