🌱 Formal Mayoral Candidate Pleads Guilty + Carli Batson Crowned Queen

Good morning, neighbors. It's Friday in Wilmington and I'm back in your inbox to catch you up on all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Thunderstorms. High: 80 Low: 62.
• Saturday: Partly sunny and humid. High: 82 Low: 62.

📈 Interested in reaching our highly engaged readers with targeted messaging that drives proven results for local businesses? I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Wilmington who want to build awareness, connect with customers, and increase sales. If that's you, click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Wilmington:

1. Former Wilmington mayoral candidate and local activist Devon Scott pled guilty in a sexual assault case. Scott pled guilty in the New Hanover County Superior Court to the sexual assault of his wife in May 2015. The terms of his second-degree sexual offense conviction include supervised probation for 18 months, making no contact with the victim other than arrangements to see his child, completing community service, and registering as a sex offender for 30 years. (WECT)
2. Former Miss Wilmington and Miss North Carolina Carli Batson has officially been crowned as the 76th Queen Azalea. The coronation of Queen Azalea is the kick-off to the Azalea Festival which includes performances, activities, tours, and much more for the City of Wilmington to enjoy over now through Apr. 16. Batson said she remembers watching the parade as a child from the sidelines, being invited as a special guest in years past, and now this Saturday as Queen Azalea is a full circle moment. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)
3. UPDATE: The deceased person found at Godwin Stadium early Tuesday morning was 32-year-old Micsha Durham. Police responded to a call to the 100 block of Shipyard Boulevard in reference to the finding of a body in the bathroom. Wilmington police are asking for the assistance of the public for any information about Durham's last whereabouts as this is an ongoing homicide investigation. Durham's last known address was Jacksonville, NC. (WCTI12.com)

Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Friday, April 14

• Indigo Girls At Hugh Morton Amphitheatre At Greenfield Lake (7:00 PM)
• Old Crow Medicine Show At Live Oak Band Pavillion (7:00 PM)
• Cinderella At Thalian Hall (7:30 PM)

Saturday, April 15

• 2023 Dollar General Parade At South 3rd Street (2:30 PM)
• The Doug McFarland One At Flytrap Brewing (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A huge shout out to Captain Grimmord for celebrating his 25 years of service to the fire department as well as to Captain Provencher for celebrating his 20 years. Wilmington FD wouldn't be the same without these two dedicated captains and words cannot express how thankful we are to be protected by these two men. (Wilmington, NC Fire Department via Facebook)
• Do you know a high schooler who is interested in the life of a firefighter? Applications are open online for the 2023 Junior Fire Academy where they can learn firsthand what is like to be a fighter and a bunch of different life-saving skills. (Wilmington, NC Fire Department via Facebook)
• Stop by and visit Evolve Medical Associates in downtown Wilmington in the Murchison building for a medical spa experience you will not forget. (Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI) via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you soon!

— 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.