Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why a Wilmington murder suspect will stay jailed without bond
You won't want to miss Wilmington Voices presents Songs of the Season on the Wilmington Patch calendar

Greetings Wilmington! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why a Wilmington murder suspect will stay jailed without bond
- Why did New Hanover County just spend $650K on a new boat?
- What will New Hanover County do with 28 new riverfront acres?
Also on today's calendar: Wilmington Voices presents Songs of the Season and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Wilmington? Post it to Wilmington photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Tuesday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 51 and low of 31 degrees.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 63, low: 45.
- Thursday: Some sun, then turning cloudy, with a high of 70 and low of 60 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Bond denied for Wilmington man charged in wife's death (starnewsonline.com subscription) — A Wilmington resident is being held without bond after being charged in the fatal shooting of his wife, with his next court date set for January 8, 2026. Wilmington police say the woman was shot at her Bladen Street home, and neighbors describe her as a quiet, kind presence on the block. Family members and residents remain shaken as the investigation continues.
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2. New Hanover County commissioners approve $650K patrol boat purchase (wect.com) — New Hanover County commissioners in Wilmington have approved spending more than $650,000 on a new 31-foot patrol boat for the sheriff’s office, largely funded by a federal Port Security Grant. Leaders say the vessel will dramatically cut response times on local waterways, arguing that even a single faster rescue or crime prevention could justify the investment.
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3. New Hanover County Commissioners approve purchase of 2 Western Bank tracts of land (wwaytv3.com) — New Hanover County commissioners have unanimously approved spending $2.24 million to buy 28 acres along the Cape Fear River, just north of the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, for preservation and sheriff’s marine unit use. The move adds to more than 100 acres recently preserved, responding to residents’ calls to protect remaining open space around the city.
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4. City of Wilmington holds meeting to discuss pilot program for median gardens along 5th Ave (wwaytv3.com) — Wilmington residents along North 5th Avenue may keep their beloved median gardens under a new city pilot program, but they’ll be responsible for maintenance and safety. After concerns about sightlines and traffic hazards, parks officials proposed a formal process for groups to adopt and manage median gardens, with interested neighbors required to sign up by February 1.
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5. Can you find wild mistletoe in the Wilmington area? (starnewsonline.com subscription) — If you’ve been eyeing mistletoe for holiday decorating, you can find plenty growing wild around the Wilmington area, especially on hardwood trees across the coastal plain. Local extension experts explain why it thrives here, warn against picking it without permission, and note that its berries can be harmful to pets and people if eaten in large amounts.
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📸 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 ★
- Wilmington Voices presents Songs of the Season
Little Chapel On the Boardwalk, 2 W Fayetteville St, Wrightsville Beach
7:30 pm
Friday December 19
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- UNCW
New Hanover County, NC Calendar , 6206 Oleander Dr , Wilmington
8:00 am - 1 Million Cups
UNCW CIE , 803 College Rd G , Wilmington
9:00 am - Winter Duck Program
New Hanover County, NC Calendar , 300 Airlie Road , Wilmington
9:30 am - Holiday Lights River Cruise
Wilmington Water Tours LLC , 212 S Water St , Wilmington
7:00 pm - Holiday Market at the Wilmington Farmers Market
5329 Oleander Dr , Wilmington
8:00 am - Santa's Sleigh Ride on the Cape Fear River
Wilmington Water Tours LLC , 212 S Water St , Wilmington
3:30 pm - Holiday Lights River Cruise
Wilmington Water Tours LLC , 212 S Water St , Wilmington
7:00 pm - Santa's Sleigh Ride on the Cape Fear River
Wilmington Water Tours LLC , 212 S Water St , Wilmington
3:30 pm - Holiday Lights River Cruise
Wilmington Water Tours LLC , 212 S Water St , Wilmington
7:00 pm - Santa's Sleigh Ride on the Cape Fear River
Wilmington Water Tours LLC , 212 S Water St , Wilmington
3:30 pm - Holiday Lights River Cruse
Wilmington Water Tours LLC , 212 S Water St , Wilmington
5:30 pm
Wednesday December 17
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
Monday December 22
📣 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
- Found dog.
Wondered up to Whiskey Trail Midtown restaurant in the Avalon apartment complex. Took him to pet smart to get chip scanned, it led back to the… (Nextdoor Old East Wilmington) - Missing cat!
Our indoor cat got out sometime late this morning near Noland Drive. Please contact if you see him. His name is Edgar. You can text me at 6314048818 (Nextdoor Spring Branch)
- Support the 2026 High School Mock Trial Competition Locations: Fayetteville, Gastonia, Goldsboro, Greenville, Hendersonville, Hickory, High Point,... (X: NCStateBar)
- BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA Dec 15 Climate: High: 37 Low: 19 Precip:" Snow: Missing... (X: iembot_ilm)
- Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Wilmington. Apply here.
- Harris Teeter posted a job opening for Part Time Produce Clerk 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 don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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