🌱 Community Walkathon + 16th Annual Missing Person Conference

Hello all. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Wilmington Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including these three stories.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Rain and a thunderstorm. High: 78 Low: 57.
• Tuesday: Cloudy. High: 69 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories today in Wilmington:

1. On Saturday, a walkathon was held for DJ McLeod, a Laney High School student who passed away earlier this month battling cancer. People throughout the community attended the event to support the McLeod family, including Laney students, former students, members of the community, and even other high school students. The event also included a raffle, dunk tank, and face painting, where all proceeds went directly to the McLeod family. (WECT)
2. This past Saturday, Mar. 25, the Wilmington Police Department and Wilmington Fire Department were rivaled against each other in the 10th annual hockey game to raise money for a nonprofit organization. This year the money went to paws4people, a local nonprofit that trains and places assistance dogs in homes of need. The game ended in a tie that was broken in a shoot-out scenario where the fire department came out on top for the second straight year. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)
3. The 16th annual National Missing Person Conference took place over the weekend in Wilmington for the first time in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Community United Effort Center for Missing Persons hosts this event, giving attendees an opportunity to connect with others who have experienced similar situations. Almost 300 people signed up for the four-day event and so many individuals expressed how thankful they are this conference exists. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)

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Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Monday, March 27

• Trivia Night - Goat & Compass (6:30 PM)

Tuesday, March 28

• Public Policy Meeting - Wilmington Chamber Of Commerce (8:30 AM)
• Leadership Wilmington Alumni Council Lunch And Learn: Thriving In, Through, and On - Wilmington Chamber Of Commerce (11:30 AM)
• Ribbon Cutting - Ansley Park Apartments (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office spotlighted Deputy A. O'Campo for Women's History Month. You can read a little more about O'Campo at the link! (New Hanover County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• New Hanover County is saddened to announce the sudden passing of Commissioner Deb Hays on Mar. 25. Hays served as commissioner since 2020 and was a great figure in the community; thoughts are going out to her family, friends, and loved ones during this time. (New Hanover County Schools via Facebook)
• Spring is here in Wilmington, and you can experience the beauty and vibrant colors of the season. As one of North Carolina's most accessible coastal destinations, here are some fun ways to experience your spring break in Wilmington. (Visit Wilmington, NC and Beaches via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with another update.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.