Man calls 911; claims drug dealer didn't bring him marijuana, cocaine he bought

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer

Saturday, May 4th, 2013, 6:07pm

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – A New Hanover County 911 dispatcher received an unusual complaint Tuesday, when a man said that he wanted to file a police report after a drug dealer allegedly failed to bring him the marijuana and cocaine that he had paid for.

In the 911 call, the caller, identified as Dave, claimed that he had met with his drug dealer and given him $80 in exchange for the drugs. The man who took the money then reportedly told Dave he would go get the drugs, and would meet him at the Scotchman gas station at Wilshire Boulevard and Kerr Avenue, but he never showed up there.

"I'm waiting on this guy to do the right thing," Dave said at one point the 911 dispatcher.

Dave also said that what the reported drug dealer had done to him was unlawful. He referred to two people in the beginning of the phone call, but later only talked about one man taking his money.

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Free screening exams scheduled soon for NHC student athletes

Submitted by Sarah Crandall, Web Producer

Friday, May 3rd, 2013, 11:06am

Free screening exams scheduled soon for NHC student athletes

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Free athletic screening exams will be offered soon to athletes and cheerleaders who attend school in New Hanover County, according to a school system spokesperson.

All students who plan to participate in athletics or cheerleading during the 2013-2014 school year are required to undergo a screening examination, per the state’s requirements.

Exams for girls will take place Thursday, May 23 at the following locations:

6 p.m.

Williston
Holly Shelter
New Hanover
Myrtle Grove
Roland-Grise
Hoggard

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Jonathan Cooper visits Brigade Boys & Girls club

Submitted by Bob Bonner, Sports Director

Friday, May 3rd, 2013, 7:46am

Exactly a week after he walked across the stage as the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall, Jonathan Cooper strolled into the Brigade Boys and Girls club in Wilmington.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Exactly a week after he walked across the stage as the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall, Jonathan Cooper strolled into the Brigade Boys and Girls club in Wilmington.

"I'm still little old me, but people think so highly of me. So that's a little surreal." Cooper said.

For kids it wasn't just a chance to see an NFL player up close and personal, Cooper gave them hope that someday it could be them.

"I grew up here, I used to sit on those same couches you are all sitting on." Cooper told the crowd.

An ACC All-Academic athlete, Cooper stressed the importance of education and that being different is ok. Cooper doesn't consider himself the stereotypical athlete and is quick to recall days of being picked on because of his weight and glasses.

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UNCW Police Chief concerned about bill that would allow guns on college campuses

Submitted by Bailey Hicks on Friday, May 3rd, 7:36 am

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - The Chief of the UNCW Police Department says he is concerned about a bill (HB937) that would let people with conceal and carry permits take their guns onto college campuses, as long as the guns stay locked in their cars.

Recently, the school's chancellor voiced similar concerns.

Chief David Donaldson says he's worried that allowing guns to stay in locked cars would create more threats.

"I think it creates some risks that don't currently exist," said Chief Donaldson.

For example, he says, if weapons are allowed on campuses, even in locked cars, they could fall into the wrong hands too easily. The chief says UNCW had 49 vehicle break-ins in 2012, adding that a criminal fleeing from the scene of a break-in with a stolen handgun would be a serious threat to everyone on campus.

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You can watch locally-filmed movie 'Arthur Newman' this weekend

Submitted by Ashlea Kosikowski, WECT News

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, 7:42am

Colin Firth and Emily Blunt in 'Arthur Newman' (Source: Cinedigm)

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – A movie filmed in Wilmington will hit theaters here this weekend.

Arthur Newman, which stars Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth and Emily Blunt, will be on the big screen at Carmike Cinemas 16 in Wilmington starting Friday.

The movie follows a man (Firth) who, disappointed with his sub-par life, fakes his own death and assumes a new identity. While on the road, he meets a woman (Blunt) who is also fleeing from her own turmoil.

It's billed as a "cross-country odyssey of self-discovery and renewal."

Tager said the filmmakers picked Wilmington because of the incentives and it ended up exceeding expectations.

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Three Seahawks headed to NCAA tennis singles and doubles brackets

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, 7:39am

UNCW News Release

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – One day after the UNCW men's tennis team officially secured its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in five years, three individuals – Rafael Aita, Kosta Blank and Chris Cooprider - have been invited to compete in the 2013 NCAA Men's Tennis Championships singles and doubles brackets.

The NCAA conducts a team championship from May 10-21, featuring 64 schools, and also has a singles and doubles tournament with 64 individuals and 32 doubles teams from May 22-27 at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex/Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana, Ill.

It marks the first time the Seahawks have had players invited to play in the NCAA's postseason singles and doubles brackets.

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What's next for SROs in NHC elementary schools

Submitted by Craig Reck, Reporter

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, 7:38am

The effort to keep School Resource Officers in the elementary schools across New Hanover County has passed its deadline, according to one local leader.

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The effort to keep School Resource Officers in the elementary schools across New Hanover County has passed its deadline, according to one local leader.

Sheriff Ed McMahon set May 1 as the day he needed to know how to prepare his budget and staff for next fiscal year.

In an email to the New Hanover County Commissioners and School Board, McMahon asked what to do next without any direction. He recommended 11 deputies floating around 26 schools as the minimum coverage option.

The proposal would cost slightly more than $1 million. Salary and benefits total about $614,000, plus a one-year cost for equipment at a bit more than $386,000.

The Board of Education unanimously endorsed the plan on April 16. But a different board decision is what keeps the SRO discussion on-going.

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