🌱 Wilmington Named Among Top Charming Rivers + 2023-2024 Budget

Good morning, neighbors. It's me, Lauren Kubiak, your host of the Wilmington Patch newsletter — here to impart everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Cloudy, humid; a p.m. t-storm. High: 86 Low: 68.
• Tuesday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two. High: 87 Low: 66.

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Here are the top four stories today in Wilmington:

1. The World Atlas has named Wilmington the second most charming river town in the state. The city's location at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, its historical buildings, and its vibrant nightlife were highlighted. Other news includes the closure of a new ice cream shop, anticipated growth in a small Brunswick town, and the development boom in Brunswick County. (Subscription: StarNewsOnline.com)
2. Belville Elementary School students in nearby Belville surprised their teacher with tickets to a hockey game. Students surprised their teacher, Wanda McLamb, with Carolina Hurricanes tickets for a playoff game. McLamb, a long-time educator and fan of the team, received the tickets as an early teacher appreciation gift. Photos of the surprise were shared by fellow teacher Kristen Allen – available at the link. (WECT)
3. Wilmington's budget for the next year includes plans to buy the Thermo Fisher building, raise employee pay, and fund street and capital improvement projects. Property taxes will remain the same, and the city aims to shift more tax into its debt service to fund the building purchase. Other highlights include the creation of a new department, police and fire department upgrades, street improvements, and slight fee increases. The budget will be presented to the Wilmington City Council for approval in June. (Subscription: StarNewsOnline.com)
4. Wilmington police are still searching for a missing man. Wilmington police are searching for Vincent Matthew Gagliano, a 35-year-old man who was declared missing on May 5. He was last seen near Robert E. Lee Drive and is believed to be traveling on foot. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Wilmington Police Department. (WECT)

Today and tomorrow in Wilmington:

Monday, May 8

• Jared Michael Cline At Terra Sol Sanctuary (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, May 9

• Interim Reports At Career Readiness Academy At Mosley PLC (All Day)
• Chamber Explorations: A Culinary Journey Through Tuscany Information Session At Wilmington Chamber Of Commerce (2:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The New Hanover County Sheriff's Office arrested a high school student for possession of a firearm and drugs. A 17-year-old male was arrested at Ashley High School for possessing a handgun. He turned himself into authorities and is facing multiple charges, including possession of a firearm on school grounds and possession of marijuana. (New Hanover County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) proudly announced the Educator of the Year Awards. NHCS proudly announced the 2023-2024 Educators of the Year: Nikki Karnes (elementary), Christianne May (principal), Fatima Sail (high school/overall), and Clary French (middle school). Their exceptional dedication was celebrated at the annual awards ceremony. (New Hanover County Schools via Facebook)
• The annual Wilmington Parks and Recreation Athletics Program Coaches Banquet honored approximately 50 volunteer coaches, including Officer M. Scott, who received the Coach William E. Murphy Award for his positive community impact through coaching T-Ball. Congratulations! (Wilmington, NC Police Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll be in your inbox soon with your next 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.