Local

By Peter Biello

Wilmington, NC – South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford signed into law today a bill that would provide tax credit incentives for insurers and policy owners. The new law allows tax credits up to $1,250 for lower-income property owners who pay more than 5-percent of their income towards insurance premiums. Ann Roberson of the South Carolina Department of Insurance says the new law gives homeowners a better chance to protect themselves.

By Peter Biello

Wilmington, NC – The Brunswick County School Board has recommended changing the required minimum drop-out age from 16 to 18. A Report by the Board of North Carolina Schools says almost 80-percent of dropouts occur between ages 16 and 18. Brunswick County School Board Vice-Chairperson Shirley Babson says the current drop-out age is antiquated.

By Megan V. Williams

Wilmington, NC – Booming residential development is fundamentally changing the character of North Carolina's coast: fish houses make way for vacation homes, recreational piers vanish under condos, shrimpers hang up their nets. Through the month of June, WHQR tells the stories of this transformation, in our series, Gone Fishing.

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – The North Carolina Highway Patrol says deadly motorcycle accidents are on the rise this year.

Forty-seven motorcyclists have died since the first of January. The Highway Patrol says there are more motorcycles on the road, putting more bikers at risk. Highway Patrol Spokesperson Lt. Everett Clendenin says that means drivers in vehicles need to be extra cautious.

By Megan V. Williams

Wilmington, NC – Nickels and quarters won't buy as much time in Wilmington parking meters if the city approves its proposed budget.

Fee hikes in the budget would raise the hourly rate for meters from 50 to 75 cents, and add $5 to the cost of monthly passes in the parking decks.

The increased deck revenue would go to more cleaning and security. The projected $290,000 increase from the meters is earmarked to pay down debt incurred in the construction of the Market street deck.

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – Wilmington's Thalian Association is on its way to becoming the official community theater of North Carolina.

Legislation designating Thalian Association as the state's official community theater has cleared both the House and Senate.

Thalian Association Executive Director Tom Briggs calls the designation an honor.

Clearly we have a lot to live up to know, and we're looking forward to that challenge.

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – Brunswick County is hopping aboard the SABLE helicopter program.

The Wilmington and Leland Police Departments and the Pender County Sheriff's Department are already sharing the helicopter.

The chopper came to the area as part of a federal program that turns over surplus helicopters to local law enforcement. Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous says each department shares the operating cost.

By Peter Biello

Wilmington, NC – Leland Middle School is discussing a new program for at-risk boys. If approved, the program would support a dozen seventh and eighth grade boys struggling with academic and behavioral problems. Assistant Principal Tracey Coston says the program will teach the same curriculum, but with special attention paid to practical knowledge.

By Peter Biello

Wilmington, NC – The National Hurricane Center is urging residents of coastal states to prepare for a busy storm season. According to a Mason-Dixon poll, 53-percent of coastal residents say they do not feel vulnerable to a hurricane. But Michelle Ubben, spokesperson for the National Hurricane Survival Initiative, says all residents of coastal states should be prepared. She says after a quiet 2006 season, people have been lulled into a sense of complacency, which could be dangerous.

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – Abandoned cottages, bungalows and shotgun homes are on this year's Most Threatened list out of the Historic Wilmington Foundation.

Many of the homes were built between the Civil War and Great Depression. Historic Wilmington Foundation Director George Edwards says historic officials in Wilmington receive up to four requests a month to demolish these kinds of homes. Edwards says keeping these homes ensures diverse neighborhoods.