Local

By Gary Popp

Wilmington, NC – The accident involving a Leland Fire Department fire engine and civilian vehicle resulted in no fatalities. That's the word from Leland Fire Chief John Grimes, who says one firefighter is expected to be released from the hospital Tuesday.

The Star-News reports that the firefighter driving the fire truck told police on the scene that his brakes gave out. But Chief Grimes says the truck was up to code.

By Megan V. Williams

Burgaw, NC – County Commissioners voted 3-to-2 to terminate John Bauer's position without cause at the end of their meeting Monday.

This was Bauer's second stint as Pender County's manager. Commissioner voted him into the position on a 3-to-2 vote in February of 2005.

Although his performance was not on the meeting's agenda, Bauer said he was unsurprised by Monday's decision.

By Dr. David Hill

Wilmington, NC – Dr. David Hill is a pediatrician who lives and writes in Wilmington.

By Nan Graham

Wilmington, NC – Nan Graham's book "In A Magnolia Minute" a collection of WHQR commentaries on life in the south is available at bookstores.

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – BellSouth is asking the state Utilities Commission to deregulate its retail services.

The phone company says regulation is no longer necessary now that residents can choose from cell phone, internet and cable services.

The Public Utilities Commission says BellSouth is the largest phone service provider with 85% of the market. The Commission's executive Director for Public Staff, Robert Gruber, says a deregulated BellSouth can lower or raise rates at will.

By Megan V. Williams

Raleigh, NC – In a ceremony attended by Governor Mike Easley and the first lady, the museum Thursday unveiled plans for a low, steel-clad building to display the state's art collection. The new facility will be the centerpiece of a 127-acre landscaped park, including sculpture gardens, environmental projects, and hiking and biking trails.

Under the new plan, the museum's current building shifts to house temporary exhibits and administrative space.

By Gary Popp

Wilmington, NC – A series of meetings centered on payday lending services kicks off in Myrtle Beach Thursday night.

South Carolina lawmakers called for the town hall meetings as a way to inform the public about these high interest loans.

The South Carolina AARP's Patrick Cobb says he hopes feedback from these meetings will inform state legislation.

By Gary Popp

Wilmington, NC – Representatives from the North Carolina Attorney General's office will be in Wilmington today to talk with area seniors about how to detect scams.

The event will cover topics ranging from identity theft, mail and charity fraud, and investment scams.

North Carolina Attorney General Cooper says this will be an opportunity for seniors to gather a wealth of information for those looking to ward off scam artists.

By Gary Popp

Wilmington, NC – To commemorate those lost on 9/11 UNCW students held an all day public ceremony on campus on the five-year anniversary.

More than 3,000 American flags were placed on the campus commons lawn. Events organizers say early in the morning nearly 200 students and residents gathered to remember the victims of 9/11.

Ceremony organizer and student Brian Pate, says even a retired NYC fire fighter arrived with his family to remember the day's events.

By Megan V. Williams

Wilmington, NC – The new resolution creates a $500 annual fee for companies operating water taxis from docks along Water Street. Until now, the city had no formal licensing process for boat tours. Parks and Recreation director Gary Shell says he's had two recent inquiries from people interested in starting water taxi services.

Cape Fear Riverboats, which operates the Captain Moffitt and the Henrietta III, is the only company currently using Wilmington's floating docks.