Public Spaces

'Where is Ricky Meeks' Facebook page has more than 1,700 'likes'

Submitted by Ashlea Kosikowski, WECT News

Monday, June 10th, 2013, 3:45pm

'Where is Ricky Meeks' Facebook page has more than 1,700 'likes'

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – A new Facebook page is tracking one of Wilmington’s most familiar faces.

The ‘Where is Ricky Meeks’ page popped up on the social media site recently. It has more than 1700 ‘likes’.

The page states that, “Ricky Meeks is the unofficial mascot of Wilmington, NC. An irrepressible & constant cheerleading presence at sporting, political, civic & on the streets never to (sic) busy to offer a friendly smile & wave.”

The page encourages folks to post when and where they spot Meeks.

Meeks is no doubt a Wilmington fixture. He has run for political office in Wilmington and New Hanover County several times, but has never won.

He can often be spotted on the sidelines at high school football and basketball games, cheering on the home team, or on the side of the road, listening to headphones and dancing while waiting for a WAVE transit bus.

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Gear up for the 2nd annual Run, Ride & Roll event

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Friday, May 31st, 2013, 11:16am

Gear up for the 2nd annual Run, Ride & Roll event

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – The 2nd annual Gary Shell Cross-City Trail Run, Ride & Roll event will take place this Saturday.

Everyone is invited to walk, run, bike, roller skate, or rollerblade along the Cross-City Trail.

Participants will meet at Empie Park and ride the Cross-City Trail to Halyburton Park and back to Empie Park. A shuttle will be available at Halyburton Park for those who would like a shorter route.

According to a press release, activities include a Cross-City Trail scavenger hunt, a trick-your-bike competition, bicycle safety, live music, health screenings, vendors and other activities.

There will be a drawing for prizes and prizes will be given to winners of the scavenger hunt and the trick-your-bike competition.

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Mattress Firm donates to local charity for its grand opening

Submitted by Caraline Waldrep, Traffic Reporter

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013, 11:49am

Mattress Firm donates to local charity for its grand opening

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Mattress Firm will open its doors to the public at 10 a.m. Friday.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 2 p.m., with Mayor Saffo in attendance as well as a representative from the Chamber of Commerce.

According to the store's manager, James Clark, the store will collect donations for the Domestic Violence Shelter and present a certificate to a representative from the shelter.

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NHC Commissioners agree to give WAVE loan

Submitted by Bailey Hicks on Tuesday, April 23rd, 7:59 am

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - WAVE Transit representatives say they are having a hard time paying their bills. Monday, New Hanover County Commissioners voted in favor of loaning the company money to hopefully keep the bus service running smoothly.

WAVE representatives said they have cash flow problems, the federal and state governments reimburse WAVE for most purchases, but the transit authority says they need the money to spend in the first place.

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Protective mother goose guards eggs outside of Dillard's

Submitted by Caraline Waldrep, Traffic Reporter

Friday, April 12th, 2013, 10:09am

Protective mother goose guards eggs outside of Dillard's

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - If you've been to Dillard's at Independence Mall lately, you may have noticed caution tape around a plant in front of the doors -- not because of a crime scene, but because a mother-goose-to-be is protecting her eggs.

She is not alone. A few feet behind her is the father goose, protecting his family from anyone who tries to bother the eggs.

Employees of Dillard’s put the caution tape around the nest, along with a sign asking visitors to not bother the family.

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City council to talk sidewalks, roads and old buildings

Submitted by Debra Worley, Digital Content Director

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013, 10:48am

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Wilmington City Council members will meet Tuesday night to discuss several issues.

City leaders will discuss a resolution authorizing a $254,630 contract for the construction of a 2,700 foot sidewalk along Greenville Loop Road. The sidewalk would connect Bradley Creek Elementary School and Greenville Village mobile home park.

Council members will also talk about a resolution awarding $1.2 million construction contract to repair/improve several mils of city roadways. According to the city, this is the first project bid as part of the city’s five-year infrastructure improvement plan.

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How to live a plastic-free life

Submitted by WECT Web Staff

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013, 7:34am

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - A woman who now lives a life free of plastic shared her experience and tips at UNCW Monday night.

Beth Terry is the author of Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too. She started out small five years ago by using reusable shopping bags and water bottles. She also kept track of how much she used over a year's time.

Terry is now down to a single plastic bag full of plastic used per year.

She says in order for the environment to actually change, legislation will have to change, "Things like no smoking on Wrightsville Beach are steps in the right direction because cigarette butts contain plastic."

Terry started reducing her plastic use when she saw a picture of a dead chick that died because it thought the plastic it was eating was actually food.

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