🌱 Thefts On Old Eastwood Road + Comedian Tour Coming To Wilson Center

Hello all. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Periods of sun with a t-storm. High: 93 Low: 69.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 91 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories today in Wilmington:

1. Small business owners on Old Eastwood Road express growing concern over persistent crime, hindering their operations and prospects. Recently, J. Yost Electric owner Trip Yost suffered equipment theft from his work truck, echoing similar incidents affecting neighboring businesses. Lieutenant Greg Willett assures the community of police patrols while urging public cooperation to combat these crimes and bring the culprits to justice. (WWAY NewsChannel 3)
2. Downtown Wilmington is getting a rising comedian as Trey Kennedy will be performing at the Wilson Center in September. Well known for creating a following through social media apps such as Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube and formerly Vine, Kennedy has built a following of over 12 million who laugh at his shorts and impersonations. He has even released his self-produced comedy special "Are You For Real?" His Grow Up Comedy Tour will be going on sale Friday at 10:00 a.m., tickets can be purchased either online or through the box office until 2:00 p.m. daily. (Port City Daily)
3. On Monday, a juvenile was apprehended for evading Wilmington officers and colliding with a residence after running a red light. Despite the pursuit being terminated due to safety concerns, officers maintained a safe distance and witnessed the suspect crashing into a home while crossing railroad tracks. The driver sustained injuries, while the occupants of the house remained unharmed. The juvenile faces multiple charges, including felony flee to elude, marijuana possession, and speeding. (WECT)

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Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Wednesday, June 28

• Cozy Comedy At Wine Knot Sky Bar And Lounge (2:00 PM)
• Free Wilmington Elite Rockstar Connect Networking At Johnny Lukes Kitchen Bar (6:00 PM)
• Ragtime At Historic Thalian Hall (7:30 PM)

Thursday, June 29

• Black Music Month Celebration Concert At McErny Gallery At WHQR (7:00 PM)
• Sunset Cruise With Live Acoustic Music At Wilmington Water Tours (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• New Hanover County wants to congratulate Mr. Jay Campbell from John T. Hoggard High School has recently been named a finalist for the NCCAT Career and Technical Teacher of the Year Award. This award runs statewide and the entire New Hanover County School District wishes the best for Mr. Campbell! (New Hanover County Schools via Facebook)
• Salita Pizza has officially heated up its wood-fired oven in downtown Wilmington on South 16th Street. Pastry Chef Jim Diecchio, the owner of this new pizza shop, hopes to bring in a great crowd with pizzas made from the freshest ingredients. The shop is open Thursday through Sunday. (Wilmington Downtown, Inc. (WDI) via Facebook)
• Come out to the Pine Valley Library this coming Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for the Carpool Cinema series. This week's showing will be National Treasure viewers watch Benjamin Franklin Gates search for a hidden treasure everyone else is soon to believe in. (New Hanover County Public Library via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.