🌱 Local Man Faces Superior Court + Government Center Ribbon Ceremony

Hey, everybody. It's Friday in Wilmington and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mostly sunny. High: 84 Low: 64.
• Saturday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 77 Low: 53.

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Wilmington? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

Here are the top three stories in Wilmington today:

1. On Monday, Ray Anthony Southers, 39, of Wilmington will face a New Hanover County Superior Court judge for the 2020 murder of Jody Marie Lopez, 36. The trial is taking place for the alleged shooting of Lopez that occurred by Greenfield Lake in April 2020. Officers arrived at the 1300 block of South Fourth Street where Lopez was still alive and received life-saving measures before she was taken to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center where she passed away. Southers and the suspected weapon were quickly recovered and he currently sits in the New Hanover County jail, facing first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and possession of a firearm by a felon. (StarNewsOnline.com)
2. Yesterday, Apr. 20, the Opera House Theatre Company began its showing of "Next to Normal" at the Ruth & Bucky Stein Theater at Thalian Hall. The show is about a suburban household that deals with crisis and mental illness, just ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month which is throughout the month of May. There will be conversation panels available after the show about relevant issues on Apr. 23, 27, and 29 around specific topics regarding mental wellness. The show will run through Apr. 30; tickets are available here. (WECT)
3. On Tuesday, Apr. 25, New Hanover County will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the New Government Center that is opening up in Wilmington. A short program will be held outside the center with comments from new, current, and former county commissioners as well as light refreshments for the ceremony. You can also watch the live stream via the county website, YouTube, or Spectrum Channel 13. The new center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (WECT)

Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Friday, April 21

• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony At Crossroads INFINITI Of Wilmington (11:00 AM)
• The Dust Parade At Waterline Brewing Co. (7:00 PM)

Saturday, April 22

• Judah & The Lion At Hugh Morton Amphitheater At Greenfield Lake (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Wilmington Fire Department would like the Wilmington community to join in congratulating Master Firefighter Scott Batson! Batson has been serving the department for 25 years and continues to be a leader in the community. (Wilmington, NC Fire Department via Facebook)
• Congratulations to the Educator of the Year finalists who were announced during a surprise visit from the New Hanover County Schools leadership team! Finalists include Danielle Smallwood, Gayle Woodcock, Tara Mulvey, Clary French, and Jennifer Booth. (New Hanover County Schools via Facebook)
• This Sunday join the New Hanover County Parks & Gardens from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the free Food Truck Rodeo at Ogden Park. The proceeds of the event will go toward a Pump Track and Skills Course right over at Northern Regional Park. (New Hanover County Parks & Gardens via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar on April 24th and 26th at Leland Center (April 24)

You're officially in the loop for today! 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.