Lumina News, Feb. 14, 2019 by Lumina News

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February 14 - February 20, 2019

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Volume 18 | Issue 7 | 25¢

Crime stats down in Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington By Terry Lane Staff Writer

Recent reports by area police show that crime is falling in both Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, with Wilmington reaching historic lows and Wrightsville Beach numbers falling on fewer DWI arrests. DWIs in Wrightsville Beach were sharply down the second half of 2018, with police making 56 DWI arrests between July and December in 2018, compared with 94 during the same period in 2017, according to a presentation in January by Wrightsville Beach

Police Chief Dan House. Meanwhile, Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous told the Wilmington City Council on Feb. 5 that crime statistics in Wilmington had dropped to a record low going back to 1993. “That’s quite an accomplishment for the city,” Evangelous said, noting that the drop in crime also corresponded with an increase in population. All of violent crime was down except for aggravated assaults, Evangelous said, citing gang violence and retaliation. Wrightsville Beach saw a drop in crime each

of the last two quarters. More-serious Group A offenses were down 16 percent in Oct. - Dec. 2018 and 45 percent from July - Sept. 2018. House said the department had moved to a new classification system, the National Incident Based Reporting System, that could skew the numbers. For example, the July - Sept. 2017 numbers include 70 calls for service, which aren’t tracked in the new system. In July-Sept 2018, there were 15 reported assaults, compared to 22 for the same period the year prior. There were 23 reported larcenies, compared with 30 the prior year.

n See CRIME Page 2

Local Realtors Rally Behind Four-Year-Old Battling Brain Cancer

Wahoo bite drawing anglers from all around By Terry Lane Staff Writer

To help with medical expenses for Madison Williams, a local four-year-old suffering from a rare form of brain cancer, a group of agents and staff from Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage are hosting Grand Slam for Madison, a fundraiser at Stadium Batting Cages of Wilmington. The event is open to the public and will take place on February 22, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All of the proceeds will go to help Madison Williams and her family. Madison is the daughter of Debbie Williams, a local REALTOR and member of the Domin & Schwartz Real Estate Group of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. Madison is currently in Chapel Hill undergoing a series of radiation treatments. “This is a warm story of individuals, with the full support of the company, coming together to help a local family, friend, and co-worker and a four-year-old girl,” comments Paul Allsup, an agent with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage and the owner of Stadium Batting Cages. Grand Slam for Madison will feature a number of celebrity

Wahoo is exactly what many offshore anglers in the Cape Fear area have been saying recently, as the prized game fish has been biting as well as seen in years. Several local anglers, captains and bait shops have reported great results for wahoo fishers in recent months. “Wahoo bite has been fired up,” said Matt Best, of Bluewater Yacht Sales, who is also a captain-for-hire. “There’s a big population now for a big class of fish.” The wahoo bite hasn’t n See WAHOO Page 2

Overall, Group B offenses were down 9 percent from Oct. - Dec. 2018, while From July - Sept. 2018, Group B offenses dropped 36 percent. However, enforcement of town ordinances rose 56 percent the final quarter of 2018. With human waste citations pushing the increase. Enforcement of town ordinances rose just 4 percent in the July-Sept 2018 period. In Wilmington, crimes classified as Part 1, the most serious offenses, were down 12 percent in 2018, and have dropped nearly 50

Photo courtesy of Matt Gentry, Tex’s Bait and Tackle

n See MADISON Page 2

Mark Rhode and crew show off their limit catch of two wahoo each after a late January excursion.

American World War II Heritage Cities Provision Passes The Senate The U.S. Senate passed The Natural Resources Management Act, which includes a provision authored by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) to direct the Secretary of Interior to annually designate at least one city in the United States as an “American World War II Heritage City,” with Wilmington, North Carolina likely to be among the first cities to receive the honor. Senator Tillis most recently introduced the same provision as standalone legislation in January, with Congressman David Rouzer introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The Natural Resources Management Act, which includes Senator Tillis’ World War II cities provision, now heads to the House for final passage. “Today marks a major step toward creating official designations for American World War II cities, including Wilmington,” said Senator Tillis. “I’ve been pursuing this legislation alongside Congressman Rouzer for years because it is vital that we pay recognition to the cities across the nation – including Wilmington – that made significant contributions during World War II to secure America’s victory in Europe and the Pacific, and have worked to preserve this history.” The American World War II designations are based on specific criteria, including the contributions a city made toward the efforts to secure America’s victory in the European

and the Pacific theaters during World War II, as well as the efforts made by cities to preserve the history of the their World War II contributions through the preservation of museums and organizations, restoration of facilities that helped with the war effort, and a city’s overall recognition of World War II veterans. During World War II, Wilmington was the home of the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company. The shipyard was created as part of the U.S. government's Emergency Shipbuilding Program. Workers built 243 ships in Wilmington during the five years the company operated. The city was the site of three prisonerof-war (POW) camps from February 1944 through April 1946. At their peak, the camps held 550 Nazi prisoners. The first camp was located on the corner of Shipyard Boulevard and Carolina Beach Road; the old Confederate post Fort Fisher housed Nazi prisoners and also served as a training site for the Coastal Artillery and anti-aircraft units. A smaller contingent of prisoners was assigned to a smaller site, working in the officers’ mess and doing grounds keeping at Bluethenthal Army Air Field, which is now Wilmington International Airport. Bluethenthal Army Air Field was used by the United States Army Air Forces’ Third Air Force for antisubmarine patrols and training.

Photos courtesy City of Wilmington

Trask bridge walkway completed

After more than a year of planning, a delay caused by Hurricane Florence, the Trask Bridge crossing walkway is complete, with a grand opening planned for Friday at 3 p.m. The walkway, which includes a waterfront gazebo, extends the trail beneath the bridge, providing a safe crossing of Wrightsville Avenue. It connects the trail to the restaurants on Airlie Road and also connects to the sidewalk on the south side of the drawbridge leading to Wrightsville Beach. The project, which was started in Sept. 2017, will come in at a cost of around $915,000, according to city officials.

Trask Bridge closings scheduled Feb. 18-22 The North Carolina Department of Transportation will be conducting work on the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge beginning Monday, Feb. 18. The work will continue each day 9:00 am - 4:00 pm through Friday, Feb. 22 and will require intermittent east and westbound lane closures. The NCDOT Bridge Maintenance Department will have contractors installing foam to the bridge expansion joints.

For daily updates visit LuminaNews.com

YO U R C O A S TA L C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R S I N C E M AY 2 0 0 2

Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002

February 14 - February 20, 2019

North Carolina Coastal Federation's first Southeast Coastal Ambassador Training of 2019 The training session will take place Feb. 27 at 6 p.m.

Tourists from the Ukraine show off the 97-pound wahoo caught in late January.

n WAHOO Continued from Page 1

just been prevalent, also been sizeable. While wahoo catches are generally in the 40-60 pound range, several outings have brought back fish nearing 100 pounds, and sometimes more. “Usually, on the high side, they’re 50 to 60 pounds. We don’t get to see a lot in the 100s.” said Best, drawing from nearly two decades of local fishing experience. “They’re plentiful and they’re a lot of fun to catch. They’re king mackerels on steroids.” Marshall Davis of Tex’s Tackle and Bait in Wilmington said that best wahoo bite has typically been on the shallow side of the Gulf Stream. “Temperature plays a huge role,” Davis said. “Typically, you’re looking for around the 70s.”

n MADISON Continued from Page 1

batters, plus an array of fun activities, including ‘Hit ‘Till You Miss’ batting cage time, an inflatable house, music and entertainment, food from Jack’s Retreat Hot Dogs, and more. “The agents and staff here never seem to miss an opportunity to serve the community,” said Tim Milam, president of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage. “I have a saying I like to live by. Do something nice for someone every week. Their support for Madison is truly inspirational.” Allsup and a number of his fellow REALTORS from the Coldwell Banker Midtown office are painting the batting

Davis said best baits to catch wahoo are lures, highspeed lures or medium-sized ballyhoos, dressed with sea witches. There are different views on why wahoo are biting more prevalently this winter. Warmer temperatures are one indicator, several said, but other factors may also be playing a role. “It’s awesome right now. It’s got to be because of the currents,” said Jessie Gawlik of Ocean Stinger Charters. Davis noted that one excursion of five anglers reached its two-wahoo limit in less than two hours. While water temperatures near the shore have gotten down to the 50s, the temperature at the gulfstream is still in the low 70s. “Fish will stay into the warmer water,” Gawlik said. To catch wahoo, anglers

must travel to the Atlantic Gulf Stream, a trip of about 55 miles, taking up to two hours to reach. Because of that, most anglers prefer fair weather days before making the long trip. The prime fishing is attracting sport fishermen from all around, Gawlik said. Three anglers from the Ukraine booked their early February trip last October, where they caught a 97-pound wahoo. Gawlik also hosted a pair from China. “At this time of year, especially February and March, people come from all over the world to catch these things,” Gawlik said. Those that do catch wahoo are in for a delicious treat, Best said, noting that the meat can be used in several dishes, including sashimi.

cages pink to raise awareness for the event, not only because it is the universal color of fighting cancer but also because it is Madison's favorite. “I think I can speak for everyone when I say we only wish we could do much more for her,” adds Allsup, a father of two children, one of whom is very close in age to Madison. “To those who ask how they can help I say—we need a lot of donations and support from sponsors. You can go online to donate and call me directly to become a sponsor of the event.” In December, the Midtown office hosted a Pep Rally for Madison that generated more than $1000 in funds for Madison and her family. A team of agents from the office also recently played in

a charity golf tournament for Madison, with the entry fee

Friday 14

THU Jake Newman Band

FRI The Funky Knuckles

SAT Beats & Coffee

SUN Josh Solomon | Bloody Mary bar

MON Medicated Sunfish | $2 domestics, $3 wells

TUE Slick Mahoneys | $2 domestic beers, $3 well drinks

WED Mike Gossin | Bluegrass Jam Session @ 7

FREE LIVE MUSIC EVERY NIGHT

5 A NORTH LUMINA AVE | WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH | 910-599-1931

The North Carolina Coastal Federation’s first Southeast Coastal Ambassador Training of 2019 will focus on planned outreach efforts and upcoming volunteer events. This training will take place at the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center in Wrightsville Beach on Feb. 27. An orientation for new members will begin at 5:30 p.m. The program that begins at 6 p.m. will focus on engaging, training and updating new and current ambassadors about the planned outreach efforts for 2019. Coastal Ambassadors represent the federation at various events around the area. They must attend five training meetings per year and participate in a minimum of three federation events. This program is designed for participants 16 years or older. “These volunteers have become invaluable members of our team. I hope to continue this program and create a team of ambassadors that best represent the federation and can educate our community to create a more economic and environmentally successful environment,” said Bonnie Mitchell, southeast coastal outreach specialist. Each month the federation holds a Coastal Ambassador training meeting that alternates between a day field meeting and an evening program meeting. The program is designed to be fun and interactive, allowing volunteers to socialize with one another while learning more about the work of the federation and the coastal environment. The Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center is located at 309 W. Salisbury Street in Wrightsville Beach. Registration for the training is required and can be done at nccoast.org/events. For more information on this event or on the Coastal Ambassadors in general, contact Bonnie Mitchell at bonnim@nccoast.org or 910-509-2838.

n CRIME

Continued from Page 1

percent since 2002, Evangelous said. This drop in crime occurred while population grew nearly 33 percent. Since 1993, the Part 1 rate has dropped by more than half, Evangelous said, noting that Part 1 crimes occurred at a rate of 12 percent of the population in 1993, to just 3.7 percent in 2018.

Crime is also down in the city’s Central Business District, Evangelous said, noting a 27 percent drop in 2018 and 66 percent drop since 2002. Homicides were also down in 2018, with just 9 murders, compared to 19 in 2017. Evangelous noted that the city police force’s 67 percent closure rate on homicide exceeded the national average of 63 percent.

Wrightsville Beach Home to be MovedSunday, February 17, 2019 EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS

A North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) permit has been issued for the purpose of moving a house from Wrightsville Beach to the River Road area of Wilmington. The move will occur on Sunday, February 17, 2019 between sunrise and 10:00 am. The home is located at 726 South Lumina Avenue and will be moved off Wrightsville Beach via the following route: covered by the brokerage. For information, visit the

From 726 South Lumina Avenue, north on South Lumina Avenue, west on Sunset Avenue, north on Waynick Blvd., west on Causeway Drive, and continuing over the drawbridge and off Wrightsville Beach. The Wilmington route is as follows: Eastwood Road, to Military Cutoff (continuing on to Oleander), to South College Road, to Carolina Beach Road, to River Road, ending on Green Valley Drive.

Grand Slam for Madison Facebook page, call Paul

Allsup at 910-200-7715, or email paulallsup@

February 14 - February 20, 2019

Wilmington Symphony to host Food Drive at February 23rd concert

Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce schedules ‘Meet Your Leadership’ meetings The Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce is resuming its “Meet Your Leadership” lunches. The first scheduled lunch is with NC Representative Ted Davis and Senator Harper Peterson on Friday, February 22, 2019, at BlueWater Dining from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The chamber lunches are open to both the businesses and the residents of Wrightsville Beach.

On Saturday, February 23rd at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilson Center, the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra will be hosting a food drive. Audience members are invited to bring donated food to be collected inside the lobby prior to the concert that evening. This is a collaborative effort between the Wilmington Symphony and local food banks including Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, Good Shepherd Center, and Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. Concert-goers who donate food items will be entered in a drawing to win one Season Subscription for the 2019-20 Masterworks Series. The drawing will be from the stage at the beginning of the concert. The Wilmington Symphony’s local effort is part of the national Orchestras Feeding America initiative originated when the League of American Orchestras first joined forces with Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization, in 2009. More than 215 orchestras in all 50 states participated in an unprecedented coordinated effort by collecting and donating food to their local food assistance agency or food bank within Feeding America’s network of more than 200 food banks and 60,000 agencies. Since then, 450 League member orchestras have participated in the annual effort.

Some of the current topics of importance are: 1. Sand issues regarding beach reconstruction and emergency state and federal backup 2. The likelihood of a restaurant or food tax 3. Insurance issues and the coastal insurance commission 4. Legislative view from the General Assembly from each chamber.

Wilmington police arrest hit-and-run suspect Wilmington Police arrested Courtnay Danielle Lawrence, 21, Tuesday evening. Lawrence is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, felony hit and run and driving without a license. The investigation into a hit and run revealed Lawrence intentionally attempted to strike a pedestrian, who is the father of her four children, and did strike the pedestrian with whom he was walking on Rutledge Drive last week. Magistrate Laura Barnes issued Lawrence a $25,000 unsecured bond. Lawrence will make her first appearance in New Hanover County District Court at 2 p.m. Thursday.

Wrightsville Beach Police Weekly Arrest Report

Wilmington police arrest vandalism suspects

Wilmington Police arrested Jackson Kai Herren, 18, Friday on five counts of damage to real property under the pre-text of graffiti vandalism. Members of the Wilmington Downtown Taskforce were instrumental in helping investigators identify Herren as the “Creator.” Herren admitted full responsibility for several incidents of graffiti vandalism in Downtown Wilmington. He received a $1,500 unsecured bond. Later, Wilmington Police charged a second person in the recent incidents of graffiti vandalism in Downtown Wilmington. Izzy Belle Edmondson, 18, was charged with one count of damage to real property by means of graffiti vandalism. Edmondson took responsibility for drawing the hang-man image, which she told investigators held personal significance, on the South side of 721 N 4th Street.

MONDAY, FEB. 4 • Lindsay Elizabeth Moreton, 31, was charged with DWI. • Gregory Browne Roberson, 34, was charged with DWI and speeding.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6 • Amir Jabril McKoy, 21, was charged with DWI, possession of Schedule VI drug (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8 • Kayla Faith Mathias, 23, was charged with DWI.

Police file additional charges against oral surgeon

• Steven Paul Tomerlin, 40, was charged with larceny.

SATURDAY, FEB. 9

Wilmington Police have charged Michael Lee Hasson, 55, with 13 additional sex crimes. The oral surgeon is accused of sexually abusing several of his female patients between 2009 and 2018. Members of the US Marshals Fugitive Taskforce with the Wilmington Police Department arrested Hasson early Wednesday afternoon. In addition to the four charges filed on Jan. 31, Hasson is charged with seven counts of sexual battery, three counts of indecent liberties with a child, two counts of second degree sex offense and one count statutory sex offense. WPD is asking anyone who has contacted the police regarding Hasson but has not received a call back from a detective to please call again at 910.343.3609.

• Carson Reid Elmore, 23, was charged with damage to personal property. • Amanda Marie Allen, 27, was charged with DWI, larceny by employee, driving while license revoked and possession of drug paraphernalia.

SUNDAY, FEB. 10 • Christopher Nicholas Cain, 30, was charged with drunk and disruptive behavior and resisting a public officer. • Lucas Daniel Collie, 22, was charged with DWI, speeding and driving during revocation.

Week of February 4 - February 10, 2019 Single & Multi-family Homes

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SALES TRENDS Pleasure Island 2842828449

Topsail Island 28445

Hampstead 28443

Leland 2845128479

Castle Hayne 28429

All of New Hanover County

141

151

206

306

1,114

135

150

126

402

1,158

2,005

892

113

524

570

663

1,337

209

5,277

Downtown 28401

Central Wilmington 2840328405

Myrtle Grove/MJ 2840928412

Active Listings

106

258

347

177

New Listings

Under Contract

Sold Units

Absorption Rate** Sold last 12 months

Ogden/ Wrightsville Porter’s Neck Beach 28411 28480

Information provided by Chris Livengood, Vice President of Sales, Intracoastal Realty **Absorption gives you an idea of the number of months it will take for the current inventory to be sold out based on the last twelve months of sales. Note: This representation is based in whole, or in part, on data supplied by the Cape Fear Regional Association of Realtors (CFR) Multiple Listing Service. Neither the Cape Fear Realtors nor their MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Cape Fear Realtors or their MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Friday, Feb. 15

90s grunge rock

Since 1955

Open Daily 2 pm – 2 am Friday, Feb. 22

(910) 509-3040 11 E Salisbury St Near Johnny Mercer’s Pier

Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002

Coming Soon Saturday, Feb. 16

Jared Cline Wednesday, Feb. 20

Cloud9 Vibes

with Tanbridge & Foundation Stone

The Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce is planning other “Meet Your Leadership lunches. On March 29, at the same time and venue, the focus will be on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and its interface with the beach. In April, the event will focus on tourism and how it affects the beach.

CFCC Named Top Ten Military Friendly School Cape Fear Community College has been named one of the top ten large community college Military Friendly Schools for 2019-20. Each year, VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteranowned business, recognizes higher education institutions that provide the best opportunities for veterans and their families with the Military Friendly® Schools list. “With a growing veteran population wishing to continue their education, CFCC is committed to bringing quality programs to active-duty military, veterans, and their families and to enhance their overall academic experience,” said Ray Charfauros, CFCC director of veteran services. CFCC houses a Veterans Center at the Wilmington Campus, as well as two other veteran lounges at the North Campus and Surf City Center. These spaces provide veterans with numerous resources, as well as a place to decompress and build friendships with one another. In addition, CFCC offers priority registration to veteran benefit holders. “Earning this designation is a direct reflection of the professionalism that our faculty, staff, and work-study students strive to provide for our veterans daily,” said Charfauros. “We understand the transition into a college atmosphere can be difficult for service-members and their families, and so it is our mission in the Veterans Center to continue to deliver simple processes, quality resources, and perpetual support for this population.”

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Andrew Consulting Engineers, P.C. STRUCTURAL, MARINE and FORENSIC ENGINEERING & PROJECT MANAGEMENT 3811 Peachtree Avenue : : Suite 300 Wilmington, NC 28403 : : Phone: 910.202.5555 www.andrewengineers.com

February 14 - February 20, 2019

Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002

N.C. officials remember Congressman Walter Jones After representing the people of Eastern North Carolina in Congress and the state legislature for over 34 years, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) died on Feb. 10 in Greenville, North Carolina. He was 76. Jones was put in hospice care on Jan. 26, after his health declined following a broken hip the prior week. “Congressman Jones was a man of the people. With a kind heart and the courage of his convictions, he dedicated his life to serving his Savior and to standing up for Americans who needed a voice. He was a champion for our men and women in uniform and their families, always mindful of their service and sacrifice,” Jones’ office said in a press release. “I am grateful for the life and service of my longtime friend Congressman Walter Jones Jr. He was a public servant who was true to his convictions and who will be missed,” North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said. “Brooke and I were terribly saddened to hear about Walter’s passing. Walter and I came to Washington together in 1995. Having worked alongside him for nearly 25 years, I can tell you without hesitation that he left North Carolina, Congress, and our country better places than he found them. Walter will be remembered as a man of strong principles, willing to take an unpopular stand when necessary. He was a hard-working and faithful public servant, and he will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with his family – may he rest in peace,” Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) said in a release. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Congressman Walter B. Jones. He humbly served the great people of Eastern North Carolina in the state legislature and in Congress for more than 30 years. Having known Walter for more than twenty-three years, I can attest to his great faith in our Creator and his servant’s heart. The citizens of this state and country have lost a great friend whose influence will be felt for generations to come. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Joe Anne, his daughter, Ashley, and other loved ones during

Region

Public input opportunities for Project Grace proposal New Hanover County will host two public meetings to share information about Project Grace and the redevelopment proposal that was submitted by Zimmer Development Company. The meetings will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Cape Fear Museum in the Williston Auditorium and Thursday, February 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Downtown Library in the Hanover Room. A short presentation with an overview of the proposal will be given at each meeting beginning at 6 p.m. The remainder of the time will be available for one-on-one questions with county staff and the proposal team, and an opportunity to provide written feedback about the proposal. “After a thorough request for qualifications and request for proposals process in 2018, the county received one proposal from Zimmer Development Company. We want the public to have a chance to provide their feedback and share their thoughts with us,” said County Manager Chris Coudriet. “We are completing a financial analysis of the proposal, and then we will take all of that information – along with the public input we receive – to our Board of Commissioners this Spring to determine next steps.” The Zimmer team’s proposal is available on the Project Grace website and also includes a short input survey that the public is encouraged to complete after viewing the proposal.

Congressman Walter B. Jones this very difficult time,” Congressman David Rouzer said. “Congressman Walter B. Jones, Jr. was the true embodiment of a public servant. He will be long remembered for his tireless advocacy for Eastern North Carolina, which he loved dearly, and for always following his convictions, no matter the political cost. He always did what he felt was right for his constituents, his district, and his country, and it was no wonder why he was so widely admired and trusted. It was a true honor to serve with Walter Jones. Susan and I send our deepest condolences to Joe Anne and his loving family,” said U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) . “Congressman Jones will long be remembered for his honesty, faith and integrity. He was never afraid to take a principled stand. He was known for his independence, and widely admired across the political spectrum. Some may not have agreed with him, but all recognized that he did what he thought was right. He will be sorely missed,” Jones office said.

Joint Special Meeting with New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and Wilmington City Council The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will hold a Joint Special Meeting with Wilmington City Council on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Andre’ Mallette Training Center located at the New Hanover

County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, NC. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss affordable/workforce housing and any other topics either Board identifies.

Location Change of Regular Board Meetings of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners The location of the following Regular Board Meetings of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners has been changed to the Andre’ Mallette Training Center at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 135, Wilmington, NC, due to the impacts of Hurricane Florence:

• • • • • •

February 18, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. March 18, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. April 1, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. April 15, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. May 6, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. May 20, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

Lumina News

A publication of: Lumina Media LLC (ISSN 1937-9994) (USPS 025-292)

FEMA Approves $9.5 Million for New Hanover County Debris Removal The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved $9.5 million to reimburse New Hanover County for removal of debris following Hurricane Florence. More than 1 million cubic yards of vegetation and other debris was collected from public rights of way throughout the county. The vegetative debris was chipped into mulch, and all debris was ultimately disposed of at the New Hanover County Landfill in Wilmington. FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides grants to state and local governments, and to certain types of private nonprofit organizations to reimburse for the cost of debris removal, lifesaving emergency protective measures and permanent repair work to damaged infrastructure. FEMA’s Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program which reimburses applicants no less than 75 percent of eligible costs and the remaining 25 percent is covered by the state of North Carolina. FEMA’s share for this project was $7.1 million. The federal portion is paid directly to the state, which disburses funds to the agencies, local governments and to certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred costs.

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PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL Terry Lane

Lumina News Since 2002, Lumina News has illuminated Wrightsville Beach with award-winning news, beautiful photography and insightful views of life on Wrightsville Beach. Lumina News is published weekly and is distributed to the public on and around Wrightsville Beach. Printed circulation 1,500. www.luminanews.com.

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“Journalism will kill you, but it will keep you alive while you’re at it.” — Horace Greeley

THEME: THE OSCARS ACROSS 1. *Animated Isle dwellers 5. Dropped drug 8. *Kind of editing 12. Doing nothing 13. Hoodwink 14. Support person 15. Toothy wheel 16. Distinctive flair 17. Tadpoles, eventually 18. *”Bohemian Rhapsody” protagonist 20. Norse capital 21. *Kathy Bates’ Annie Wilkes, e.g. 22. Contrary conjunction 23. Withdraw, like Ukraine from Soviet Union 26. Sweet Madeira wine 30. *”Green Book” nominee 31. Completely lacking 34. Clip contents 35. Like pleasant winter day 37. Charge carrier 38. Food between meals 39. Relating to ear 40. Religious split 42. *”BlacKkKlansman” nominee 43. Sweet treat 45. *Paths to glory 47. One or some 48. Wharton’s “The House of ____” 50. Shipping hazard 52. *T’Challa, a.k.a. Black ____

54. Arranges into categories 55. One with pants on fire? 56. Japanese stringed instrument 59. *Nominations for “A Star Is Born” (2018) 60. *Olivia Colman’s royal character 61. Discharge 62. Fill to excess 63. Casual attire 64. *”The ____ Emperor,” winner of 9 Oscars DOWN 1. “Can you ____ it, man?” 2. Schiller’s address to joy 3. *The Oscars show is filled with it, informal 4. Tranquil 5. Seductive beauties 6. Tire in the trunk 7. Say it isn’t so 8. *Ryan Gosling’s role 9. *Former American ____ and best supporting actress winner 10. Emmet Brickowski’s brick 11. *Robinson in “The Graduate” 13. King’s order 14. Run ____ of the law 19. Red, as in healthy complexion 22. *”The ____ and the Beautiful,” winner of 5 Oscars 23. Heidi’s shoe

24. Fill with optimism 25. Locomotive hair 26. Twiggy’s skirt 27. Size

28. *Kevin Hart stepped down from this role 29. Ox connectors 32. *Bale’s role

33. “____ la la!” 36. *Literary forgerer portrayer 38. *2-time Oscar-winning Dame 40. *Jessica Lange won Best Actress for “Blue

____” 41. Famous existentialist 44. Teen worry 46. Israeli money

48. *Jackson ____ of “A Star is Born” 49. Stupid or silly 50. Result of hair follicle infection 51. “Cogito, ____ sum” 52. Neighborhood map 53. *Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film nominee 54. Dry, Demi-____, Doux 57. “____ the season ...” 58. Giant Hall-of-Famer

February 14 - February 20, 2019

Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002

Lifestyles

Mt. Airy Couple aims to sweep top titles at Wrightsville Beach’s Fat Bike Beach Championship Robert “Fear the Beard” Marion captured the men’s elite title in the 2016 US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship. Two years later, Philicia Marion pushed to victory and earned the elite title in the women’s division. This year, the husband-wife professional biking team from Mount Airy, NC aim to carry the day and secure both titles. “How awesome would it be if we could win both titles in the same year?” said Robert Marion, who has worked his way back into the top-ranks of cyclocross and mountain

Elite Division Starting Line – US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship – Courtesy Bill Sessoms

by Alpha Mortgage, will be held March 22-24 with activities and races based at host hotel Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach. Early registration has attracted bikers from nine states, including North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Robert and Philicia Marion of Mount Airy, NC – and Rhode Courtesy Robert B Butler Island. biking following a serious “Athletes check-in Friday injury in 2017. “There will at Blockade Runner to be a lot of really strong guys inspect the race conditions,” and ladies showing up for this said Shawn Spencer, Race race, but that’s what we’re Director and owner of Bike shooting for.” Cycles. “Saturday there “Going into this race, will be a bike expo on the one of our goals is to win beach-side lawn before and it together,” added Philicia after the races, followed Marion, a top mountain biker by the awards ceremony. in the region and ranked in Competition includes a twothe top 30 nationally in cyclo- hour elite race; a 90-minute cross. “Hopefully, we can intermediate event; and a make both titles go our way 60-minute race for beginthis year.” ners. Popular obstacles will T h e 5 t h a n n u a l U S be on the course this year Open Fat Bike Beach with fresh surprises to chalChampionship, presented lenge the bikers.”

The competition will be intense in all races, especially the two-hour elite race. Sunday features an optional 18-mile social bike ride on the beach from Fort Fisher to Bald Head Island and back. With a deep lineup of competitors in the elite 2-hour event, racers to watch include past elite champions John Overton of Wilmington (2018), Zdenka ‘Zoe’ Worsham of Raleigh (2017), and Jesse Piersol of Downington, PA (2016). Returning champions in the 1.5-hour intermediate category include two-time winner Ed Stilley of Wilmington (2017-18) and Terry Slack of Hope Mills (2016). Matt Smith of Southport, pastchampion in the 1-hour beginner division (2018) has signed up for this year’s 1.5hour intermediate race. Already the largest fat bike beach race on the East coast and named one of the Top-20 festivals and events in 2018 by the Southeast Tourism Society, the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship may double in size in 2019.

Wrightsville Beach Valentine Run held Feb. 9

More than 300 runners participated in the Wrightsville Beach Valentine Run. Participants could choose to run the 5K, 10K or Double Trouble, where they competed in both races. The results follow.

10 K 1 Tom Clifford

32:48.0

2 Hugh Crews

34:02.5

3 Aaron Kolk

34:21.6

4 Peyton Thomas

35:39.2

5 Justin Fischetti

36:56.5

6 Ann Marie Pierce

37:13.2

7 Josh Adams

37:14.1

8 Melinda Dubose

39:55.2

1 Tom Clifford

15:35.9

9 Brendan Doolan

40:54.0

2 Aaron Kolk

15:39.6

10 Mike St. Jacques

41:09.1

3 Hugh Crews

15:50.5

DOUBLE TROUBLE

4 Peyton Thomas

16:48.7

1 Tom Clifford