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Wilmington considering changes to recycling carts, pickups

Wilmington considering changes to recycling carts, pickups

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The City of Wilmington is considering expanding its use of recycling for residents.

The Public Works Department has proposed buying 20,000 roll-out carts that would be used only for recycling. These roll out carts would replace the small red bins that are currently in use and would be the same size as normal trashcans.

The City would change recycling pickup from once a week to once every two weeks to save money. The Public Works Department estimates that it will see a $50,000 a year increase in its budget for the first five years while it pays off the cost of the carts. Starting in the sixth year, the Department could save as much as $190,000 a year.

These changes to recycling could increase recycling in the city by as much as 20 percent. Raleigh and Fayetteville have recently made similar changes to their recycling programs.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Oleander Golf Center broken into, clubs stolen

Oleander Golf Center broken into, clubs stolen

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The Oleander Golf Center was broken into Saturday night and numerous golf clubs were stolen.

Someone threw a brick through the glass door in the back of the business, located at 5026 Oleander Drive, to gain entry, according to Wilmington Police Department spokesperson Lucy Crockett. Golf clubs, related equipment and a small amount of cash were reportedly taken.

Anyone with information about the incident should call 911 or the WPD at 910-343-3600.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Cash, laptops stolen from UNCW buildings over the weekend

Cash, laptops stolen from UNCW buildings over the weekend

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Cash and laptop computers were stolen from three UNCW buildings over the weekend.

Campus employees found signs of forced entry in Kenan Auditorium, Alderman Hall and James Hall, according to a news release from the school. No evidence of major theft was found, but small amounts of money and equipment were reportedly missing.

UNCW Police Chief David Donaldson said that it appears the person or people responsible for the thefts were looking for cash because no student or personnel records were stolen. However, a window was busted and a door was pried open.

Donaldson is hoping that staff will return Monday and identify more items that may have been stolen.

UNCW has been the victim of a few crimes recently. In December 2011, around $900 was stolen from the ticket office inside Trask Coliseum. Then about three weeks ago, officials reported several academic and support buildings were broken into.

Anyone with information about the incidents is encouraged to contact UNCW Police at 910-962-2222 or anonymously by texting TIP708 and your message to CRIMES (274637).

UNCW men’s basketball tickets specially priced for VCU game

UNCW men’s basketball tickets specially priced for VCU game

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The Seahawks need help from their proud teal fans and the UNCW Athletics department is hoping to make it easy for families to show up.

Special $5 tickets for selected areas will be available for the UNCW vs. VCU men’s basketball game on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at Trask Coliseum.

The offer excludes seats in sections 203-205, 217-219 and all downstairs area, according to a news release from the school.

Fans can purchase the $5 tickets by calling the ticket office at 910-962-3233 or by going to UNCWsports.com.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Construction on UNCW campus may affect traffic for six weeks

Construction on UNCW campus may affect traffic for six weeks

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Construction on the UNCW campus will affect traffic on Cahill Drive for six weeks.

Beginning on Monday, Feb. 20 for approximately six weeks, traffic on Cahill Drive between Reynolds Drive and the loading dock entrance to Dobo Hall may be periodically affected, according to Capital Projects Manager Mike Wolfe.

Cahill Drive will be open behind Friday Hall, allowing access from Randall Drive for the installation of mechanical piping alongside the road. The following locations will reportedly be accessible from Randall Drive:

  • Dobo Hall parking and loading dock
  • Cameron Hall parking and loading dock
  • Friday Annex parking
  • PPH Lab and Greenhouse building access
  • Friday Hall and Burevitch Lab access

Local schools closed for President's Day, offices remain open

Local schools closed for President's Day, offices remain open

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Happy President’s Day!

The birthday of George Washington, the first President of the United States, is being celebrated on Monday, Feb. 20 and some businesses and schools are shutting down for the holiday.

In Wilmington, most business will be conducted as usual. City offices and New Hanover County offices will remain open. WAVE Transit will run on a regular schedule, as well as trash pickup.

UNC-Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College will be open. However, students in New Hanover County Schools will have the day off. A teacher workday will take place.

Mail will also not be delivered on Monday.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Parents 'rally round children' for clean air

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Mothers United wants to make clean air for children a priority in New Hanover County.

The group held its first "Rally Round the Children" event Sunday afternoon in Wilmington. Members said the goal is to make sure everyone is growing up in a healthy environment.

Sunday's event included music, dancing and face painting for kids. Organizers said the group Stop Titan is a big supporter because of a shared interested in clean air.

"It is extremely upsetting to us," said Tracy Kellogg-Brodeur.

Group members said more United Mothers events will be planned in the upcoming months.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.