🌱Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison + Homeless Population Growth

Hey, everybody. It's Wednesday in Wilmington and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Periods of sun with a shower. High: 76 Low: 59.
• Thursday: Mostly cloudy and breezy. High: 78 Low: 59.

Here are the top three stories in Wilmington today:

1. Wilmington leaders are spending thousands of dollars to help the growing homeless population. The homeless population has grown from 347 in 2022 to 558 in 2023, according to the recent point in time count. To assist with the growing problem, leaders are considering using a former fire station as permanent, supportive housing. The city is also allocating one cent per $100 in the valuation of property taxes toward affordable housing, which has generated over $2.5 million in the last year. Wilmington has also approved a spending plan for $1.6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (StarNewsOnline.com)
2. New Hanover County is investing millions toward improving student safety after two loaded guns were recovered at Ashley High School. In January 2022, the New Hanover Board of Commissioners approved the Community Violence Action Plan, with a price tag of $39.5 million to help protect students' safety. Now called the Community Building Plan, funds are being applied to several initiatives, including expanding the Elements Program as well as the Too Good For Violence Program. There are also funds for additional elementary school resource officers and threat assessment training. (StarNewsOnline.com)
3. A Wilmington man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm by a felon and possessing with intent to distribute MDMA (Ecstasy) and marijuana. Veshon Lendell Shaw, 29, was originally pulled over by a police officer for a revoked license and a traffic violation, but Shaw quickly pulled into a parking lot and sped off. He later struck a law enforcement van and fled on foot, when he was arrested. (WECT)

Business owners and marketers in Wilmington: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Wednesday, May 24

• Baby And Me At NHC Public Library Main (2:30 PM)
• Wilmington Downtown Tasting Tour At Taste Carolina (3:30 PM)

Thursday, May 25

• History And Architecture Walking Tours At 1 Orange Street, Wilmington (9:30 AM)
• Sunset Cruise With Live Music At Wilmington Water Tours (7:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Wilmington dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• Mayfaire's Sunset Music Series has been announced for June and July. Free shows take place every Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Port City Daily)
• Don't forget many businesses will be closing down in observance of Memorial Day. The New Hanover County Senior Resource Center will be closed Monday, May 29. (New Hanover County Senior Resource Center via Facebook)
• Join the City of Wilmington's Commission on African American History for the next 2023 Emancipation Proclamation series installment. A panel will discuss housing, gentrification, and the importance of literacy at the Harrelson Building on May 25. (City of Wilmington, NC Government via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. See you all soon for 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.