Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Lumbee federal recognition could reshape life in southeastern North Carolina

You won't want to miss 'CHRISTMAS JOE' 1 Man Biblical Play + Concert – 10am! FREE! on the Wilmington Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Monday December 22nd Patch AM
Monday December 22nd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello Wilmington! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Lumbee federal recognition could reshape life in southeastern North Carolina
  • How close Wilmington came to landing another interstate highway
  • Are your Wilmington holiday leftovers secretly making guests sick?

Also on today's calendar: ‘CHRISTMAS JOE’ 1 Man Biblical Play + Concert – 10am! FREE! and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Monday: Sunny and cooler, with a high of 54 and low of 34 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 67, low: 48.
  • Wednesday: Sunshine, with a high of 70 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. ‘We've been here forever': Lumbee Tribe receives Federal recognition (wect.com) — Wilmington-based coverage highlights that the Lumbee Tribe has finally received full federal recognition, unlocking new funding for health care, housing, and education in southeastern North Carolina. Local leaders with ties to UNC Pembroke and Robeson County describe the decision as historic, while stressing that recognition affirms rights and resources, not their identity, for future generations.
   

2. From the archives: Plans for another interstate to cross the Wilmington area (starnewsonline.com subscription) — Wilmington residents once came close to gaining a second interstate in the 1990s, when state leaders backed a plan for I-73 to cross into South Carolina through Brunswick County. While that route never reached the coast, the area ultimately expanded its highway network with I-140 and N.C. 140, reshaping how drivers move around New Hanover and Brunswick counties.
   

3. Food safety tips can prevent holiday party illness (wect.com) — A Wilmington culinary instructor at GLOW Academy is warning that many so-called “24-hour flus” after holiday parties are actually food poisoning. She shares practical tips for hosts and guests, like using gloves, limiting food time on counters to two hours, and quickly refrigerating or reheating dishes so local celebrations don’t end with sick family and friends.
   

4. Local Christmas tree lot honors legacy of dead family member (wwaytv3.com) — A longtime family-run Christmas tree lot near Wilmington is staying open this season to honor the late founder, Ronald Edens, who recently died of a stroke at 64. His son Ronnie is continuing the tradition of helping families who can’t afford a tree, inviting anyone in need on December 22 to come by so they can still bring Christmas into their homes.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Wilmington

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Wilmington Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Big Mama Mary was LOST on December 20, 2025 in Wilmington, NC 28409 near College rd Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Silva Terra)
  • My 8 month old cat got out last night.
    She has never been outside before. Please help me find her. (Nextdoor Sentry Oaks)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Produce Associate in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • ASM Global posted a job opening for PT Custodian in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Wilmington