🌱 Shots Fired At Independence Mall + Wilmington Film Industry Unites

Hey, friends. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Wilmington Patch newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m. High: 86 Low: 67.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny. High: 90 Low: 72.

Here are the top three stories today in Wilmington:

1. Independence Mall in Wilmington has been temporarily shut down after shots were fired on Saturday afternoon. The Wilmington Police Department responded to reports of an active shooter situation at approximately 2:15 p.m. Deputies from the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office also joined the response. However, upon arrival, law enforcement discovered that the incident involved an altercation between individuals who were acquainted with each other, which took place outside the mall near the food court. The mall was evacuated, and although one shot was fired inside the building, there have been no reported victims. (Port City Daily)
2. The writers strike is hitting the film industry in North Carolina, leaving professionals in Wilmington without work for months. In response, Dark Horse Studios and other industry members organized a fundraising event where people could shop for antiques, movie props, and more. The event aimed to support struggling workers and show solidarity with the striking writers. (WECT)
3. The DMV wants to remind Wilmington residents there are Saturday service hours at select locations this summer to be taken advantage of. Since Jun. 3, select locations have been open providing the same DMV service as weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for those who want to either avoid the hassle of going during the week or who cannot make it during the week. These Saturday hours likely will have less of a wait time as well as won't need an appointment. There are only a few more weeks to take advantage of this as Saturday hours will end on Aug. 26. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)

Are you a real estate agent in Wilmington struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Wilmington newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Monday, July 10

• Arboretum Children's Yoga Mondays (Registration Required) At New Hanover County Arboretum (5:00 PM)
• Teen Ice Cream Bar And Social At New Hanover County Public Library - Pine Valley (5:30 PM)
• Open Mic Mondays At Barzarre (7:00 PM)

Tuesday, July 11

• Musical Instruments At Fit For Fun Center (10:00 AM)
• Weekly Tuesday Drum Gathering At Barzarre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Check out the Trask Family Farms Sunflower Maze in nearby Castle Hayne. Learn more about hours of operation and what else the farm has to offer t the link. (Trask Family Farms)
• The New Hanover County Schools District would like to extend a warm welcome to the new assistant principal at Rachel Freeman School of Engineering, Kelly Crowley! Crowley is familiar with the district working previously with Pine Valley Elementary School and has a strong skillset in fostering academic growth and supporting the success of students. (New Hanover County Schools via Facebook)
• If you haven't heard the news already, the pogues are making their way to Wilmington this summer. Season four of the Netflix-hit "Outer Banks" will be getting some film time in Wilmington. (Visit Wilmington, NC and Beaches 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.