First at Four

Final bow: Wilmington Ballet Company founder passes the torch after two decades

Updated: Dec. 17, 2021 at 3:41 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Twenty years after founding Wilmington Ballet Company, Elizabeth Hester hangs up her ballet slippers

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Oyster shell recycling program expands in Brunswick County

Updated: Dec. 16, 2021 at 3:44 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Oyster lovers can find more places to recycle shells in Southeastern North Carolina

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Fill the Sleigh to help make sure no one goes hungry during the holidays

Updated: Dec. 10, 2021 at 2:27 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Fill the Sleigh, a food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Independence Mall

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Several events planned at Historic USO to mark Wilmington’s contribution to WWII

Updated: Dec. 3, 2021 at 12:13 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

“Wartime Wilmington Week” will mark the city’s contributions to World War II, 80 years after the start of the war

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40 artist-made lanterns on display at Cameron Art Museum

Updated: Dec. 2, 2021 at 4:35 PM EST

By WECT Staff

In the museum’s new exhibit "Illumination 2021 Rebirth + Renewal," artists explored themes of “hope as well as trepidation connected to our collective pandemic experience.”

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Should you gather with unvaccinated loved ones this Thanksgiving? Advice from an infectious disease doctor

Updated: Nov. 24, 2021 at 5:17 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

As we head into the holidays, infectious disease experts are keeping a close eye on a slow climb in COVID-19 cases

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Get into the holiday spirit with Very Merry Mayfaire Christmas performances

Updated: Nov. 22, 2021 at 5:25 PM EST

By WECT Staff

Opera House Theatre Co. presents A Very Merry Mayfaire Christmas

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Former PGA Tour player to headline event celebrating fifth anniversary of First Tee Greater Wilmington

Updated: Nov. 17, 2021 at 4:43 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The First Tee Greater Wilmington will celebrate its fifth anniversary with an event that features a former PGA Tour player

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Actress Katie Boland makes her directorial debut, stars as twins in film playing at Cucalorus

Updated: Nov. 11, 2021 at 3:27 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Canadian actress Katie Boland stars as twins in a film she both wrote and directed. “We’re All in this Together” will be screened at the Cucalorus Film Festival.

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‘Giving Birth to a Butterfly’ to premiere at Cucalorus Film Festival

Updated: Nov. 10, 2021 at 5:47 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Ted Schaefer discusses his film "Giving Birth to a Butterfly," which will be featured as part of this year's Cucalorus Film Festival

Satellite

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Cucalorus Film Festival returns with in-person festival this year

Updated: Nov. 9, 2021 at 5:56 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The Cucalorus Film Festival is November 10-14 in downtown Wilmington, NC.

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“Wilmington’s Lie” author to take part in commemoration of 1898 massacre

Updated: Nov. 8, 2021 at 6:13 PM EST

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Throughout November, Wilmington marks a dark and violent chapter in its history

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Groove & Grub event will help DREAMS of Wilmington continue to groove

Updated: Nov. 5, 2021 at 11:41 AM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

An upcoming fundraiser will support the work of DREAMS of Wilmington, which offers free classes in literary, visual and performing arts for children from low-income families

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UNCW alum’s work to revitalize coral reefs earns him prestigious Earthshot Prize

Updated: Nov. 4, 2021 at 5:41 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

UNCW alumnus Joe Oliver and his teammates at Coral Vita were awarded a $1.3 million Earthshot Prize for their work to revitalize coral reefs

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Cape Fear Chorale to ‘Sing Together, Always’ in concert

Updated: Nov. 3, 2021 at 4:09 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

For the first time in 18 months, performers from Cape Fear Chorale will take the stage

Top Story

New North Carolina Project hopes to register minority voters and encourage them to be voters for life

Updated: Oct. 27, 2021 at 3:42 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Work is underway across North Carolina to register minority voters in an effort that mirrors the work of Stacey Abrams in Georgia, who registered thousands of voters in the lead-up to the 2020 election.

Top Story

Bookshop owner out with new novel ‘Rules for Dating a Bookshop Owner’

Updated: Oct. 26, 2021 at 5:17 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

An author used her real life and relationship as inspiration for her debut novel.

Top Story

Patients, families and supporters will gather for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on November 6

Updated: Oct. 25, 2021 at 5:48 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Mike and Bobbie Queen will be among those participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sat., Nov. 6 at Wrightsville Beach Park

Programming

Neighbors invite you to creative community for third annual Art-Oberfest

Updated: Oct. 22, 2021 at 6:12 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Neighbors invite you to their porches to purchase art in the Carolina Place & Ardmore neighborhood

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Shrimp-A-Go-Go to raise money for Wrightsville Beach Museum

Updated: Oct. 21, 2021 at 3:42 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Shrimp-A-Go-Go is planned for Sunday, October 24. The event is a fundraiser for the Wrightsville Beach Museum.

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Get stoked for the return of the Carolina Surf Film Fest

Updated: Oct. 20, 2021 at 3:27 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

A film festival invites audiences to enjoy movies that celebrate surfing.

News

Arboretum prepares for 4-H Pumpkin Palooza and Art in the Arboretum

Updated: Oct. 15, 2021 at 5:30 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

A look at upcoming events at the New Hanover County Arboretum, including the return to the grounds for Art in the Arboretum

News

Actress Sydney Penny to attend screening and answer questions about her role in Clint Eastwood’s ‘Pale Rider’

Updated: Oct. 15, 2021 at 4:36 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Fans of "Pale Rider" can watch the movie with one of its stars and ask questions after the screening. It is part of an event from the NC Filmmaker Series.

Music

Expect “Stringdusters times 10″ when the Grammy-Award winning bluegrass band performs at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Updated: Oct. 12, 2021 at 6:32 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The Infamous Stringdusters said fans can expect a “fired up” band to perform at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

News

‘Christmas in Harmony’ marks Hallmark Christmas movie debut for star Ashleigh Murray

Updated: Oct. 8, 2021 at 12:26 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Actress Ashleigh Murray reflects on her time in Wilmington filming "Christmas in Harmony." The film is one of 41 Hallmark Christmas movies that will be released starting later this month.

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Wilmington Chamber of Commerce to host Minority Enterprise Development week

Updated: Oct. 1, 2021 at 4:12 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The week includes support and mentorship for women and minorities who own businesses.

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North Carolina filmed ‘One Summer’ to premiere this weekend on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Updated: Oct. 1, 2021 at 11:44 AM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Scenes were filmed at Elijah's in downtown Wilmington, Southport and other coastal North Carolina locations.

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September is Service Dog Awareness Month

Updated: Sep. 24, 2021 at 11:23 AM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

September is Service Dog Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of service animals in so many lives

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Wiley Cash’s new novel ‘When Ghosts Come Home’ set along Southeastern North Carolina coast

Updated: Sep. 22, 2021 at 4:54 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Bestselling author Wiley Cash’s fourth novel is his first set along the North Carolina coast. Cash will discuss the book at an event on Sunday at the Brooklyn Arts Center, which will raise money for the Friends School of Wilmington.

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Report from Cape Fear Collective highlights wage inequality and lack of affordable housing

Updated: Sep. 20, 2021 at 6:24 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

A new report from Cape Fear Collective, with support from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, details a “tale of two economies” in our region

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Cheerwine collectables and perfect preserves inside this month’s ‘Our State’

Updated: Sep. 14, 2021 at 5:46 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The magazine is on newsstands now

First at Four

Gloria Gaynor promises uplifting, upbeat performance when she visits the Wilson Center

Updated: Sep. 3, 2021 at 3:32 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The Grammy winner will perform at the Wilson Center on the campus of Cape Fear Community College at 7:30 p.m., Sat., Nov. 6.

First at Four

Orange Street ArtsFest hits the streets downtown this weekend

Updated: Sep. 2, 2021 at 4:21 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The 25th Annual Orange Street ArtsFest returns, Sept. 4 and 5 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Memorial Day tradition moved to Labor Day for this year only due to the pandemic.

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Comedian Alonzo Bodden headlines reopening shows at Dead Crow Comedy Room

Updated: Aug. 25, 2021 at 3:34 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Stand-up comedian and radio personality Alonzo Bodden headlines the reopening and new location of The Dead Crow Comedy Room in downtown Wilmington

First at Four

ER doctor hopes new children’s book will save lives

Updated: Aug. 24, 2021 at 4:09 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Dr. Peter Chambers, who practices in both North and South Carolina, published a new book that he hopes will help to save lives at the beach.

News

Columbus Co. superintendent discusses what students, parents can expect when school starts

Updated: Aug. 20, 2021 at 12:51 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Masks were added to the list of preventative measures to stop COVID-19 from disrupting the school year at Columbus County Schools. The decision came just days before classes are set to start at schools on the traditional calendar.

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Doctor who oversaw vaccine trials warns of spread of COVID-19 in unvaccinated population

Updated: Aug. 20, 2021 at 12:42 AM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Dr. Kevin Cannon, with Wilmington Health, said people have a binary choice based on the highly contagious nature of the Delta variant of COVID-19: get vaccinated or get infected with COVID-19.

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Run, but don’t go too fast, during Historic Wilmington Foundation’s weekend run

Updated: Aug. 16, 2021 at 6:11 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The Run Through History is this weekend.

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Dead heads can jam out to help out our community

Updated: Aug. 13, 2021 at 3:21 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The event includes performances from Grateful Dead cover band Suggesting Rhythm and Wilmington’s Dead cover band The Possums.

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‘Our State’ features North Carolina landmarks in August issue

Updated: Aug. 12, 2021 at 6:19 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

Landmarks and lighthouses from the coast are featured in this month's magazine.

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Two films remain in summer series of Wilmington Jewish Film Festival

Updated: Aug. 9, 2021 at 5:03 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

The summer series of the Wilmington Jewish Film Festival marks a return to in-person events for the organization

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Gigs for Graduates event will give high school graduates a chance to explore jobs, college opportunities

Updated: Jul. 20, 2021 at 3:33 PM EDT

By Ashlea Kosikowski

High school graduates can explore college and job opportunities at an upcoming event organized by New Hanover County Office of Diversity and Equity, Cape Fear Community College and McDonalds of Wilmington

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