County's credit rating ranks top 2% in U.S.A.

Submitted by Craig Reck, Reporter

Thursday, June 13th, 2013, 7:23am

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Leaders in New Hanover County can claim they're in the elite of county governments when it comes to credit ratings.

Both Moody's and Standard and Poor's have given the county a AAA credit rating. It might be difficult to understand the accomplishment until you put it into perspective.

Only five other counties in the state of North Carolina can boast a similar rating. In fact, New Hanover County is now in the top 2% in the entire country when it comes to credit.

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WEATHER: Hot, severe weather threat

Submitted by Colin Hackman, First Alert Meteorologist, Reporter

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013, 7:34am

Warm conditions on board today as an upper level ridge builds across the region. Some of the warmest temperatures we have seen since the middle of last summer will be popping up, with heat index (feels like temperature) values running into the triple digits, particularly just away from the immediate coast. Expect highs in the mid 90s across the region.

High temperatures tomorrow will echo today's ahead of a potent cold front. Current timing has the system moving in to the region late Thursday (after dark) into the overnight hours on Friday.

With a saturated atmosphere and the potential for convective energy, we will have to guard against the ‘slight risk' for severe T-storms. Strong straight line winds appear to be the biggest threat, but we will have to monitor the possibility of hail and isolated tornados as well.

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Businesses seeing boom in summer job applicant numbers

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013, 7:28am

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WECT) – School is officially out for the summer in Wilmington, so many students are looking for jobs.

One man who knows all about that is Jimmy Branch, who owns four Rita's Italian Ice franchises in Wilmington.

Since Rita's sells the most in the summer, Branch does most of his hiring during the warmer months.

This year, he said he has already received 600 applications.

"It is a fun place to work," said Branch. "It's seasonal. Lots of kids have too much work to do during the school year, so they're off for the summer. This is exactly when we need them, so it works out well."

Sherry Voudouris is a UNCW student who works at the Wrightsville Beach Rita's.

In years past, she said she has returned home for her summers, but this year, she is staying in town to work.

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Police patrol for illegal water taxis to Masonboro Island

Submitted by Craig Reck, Reporter

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013, 7:21am

Police in Wrightsville Beach will be increasing patrols for the Fourth of July morning in an effort to decrease the number of party goers on Masonboro Island.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WECT) – Police in Wrightsville Beach will be increasing patrols for the Fourth of July morning in an effort to decrease the number of party goers on Masonboro Island.

Illegal water taxis are a contributing factor to the annual festivities, according to Chief Dan House with WBPD. He said officers will be watching for them bright and early this year.

"As people pull into Wrightsville beach and get out at the docks with coolers, we're going to be telling them to turn around a go home," House said.

In years past, people have paid boat owners for a ride to Masonboro, which can lead to problems later in the day when they're stranded on the island without a ride back.

House said several boat owners were cited last year for taxiing passengers without a permit. No one has applied for a permit so far this year, according to House.

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Edward Snowden's family keeping quiet amidst NSA leak

Submitted by Ashlea Kosikowski, WECT News

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013, 5:21pm

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT/AP) - The Wilmington-based family members of Edward Snowden are keeping quiet.

Snowden, a former CIA employee who later worked as a contractor for the National Security Agency, told newspapers about a government program that tracks American phone records and another one that tracks phone and Internet messages around the world.

Some are calling it the most "significant disclosure" in the nation's history.

Snowden has grandparents and an aunt in Wilmington, but Tuesday, a family spokesperson said they had "no comment" on the story that has made international headlines.

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NHC Public Library honored with Fran C. Young award

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013, 3:46pm

NHC Public Library honored with Fran C. Young award

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The Wilmington Rotary Club presented the New Hanover County Public Library with the Young Community Recognition Day Award.

Every year Rotary honors organizations, groups or entities that have improved the quality of life in the Wilmington community.

The award is named after Fran C. Young, who is a longtime member of Rotary and also a community leader.

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$1 Summer Movie Series taking place at Mayfaire

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013, 3:35pm

$1 Summer Movie Series taking place at Mayfaire

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – If you’re looking for some indoor fun this summer with your little ones, you can check out a children’s movie on the big screen. Regal Cinemas at Mayfaire is hosting its $1 Summer Movie Series, according to Mayfaire Town Center’s website.

Different movies will be playing each Tuesday and Wednesday morning until August 7.

Next week, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (PG) will be shown Tuesday, while Parental Guidance (PG) will be shown Wednesday.

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