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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

Source: National Weather Service

March 9–15, 2017

luminanews.com

Volume 16 | Issue 10 | 25¢

Cottage painter at WB Museum this Sunday

Weekend police report Page 3

Page 3

Causeway house meets height limits By Terry Lane Staff Writer

An independent surveyor has determined that the house under construction at the west end of Wrightsville Beach’s Causeway Bridge comes in under the town’s 40-foot height limit, according to documents filed with the town’s planning department last week. The four-bedroom, single family home, under construction by Parker Construction Group at 1 Auditorium Drive, measured at 39-feet, 3 ¼ inches from the center of the street, while measuring 45-feet, 5 inches above sea level. Begun in July 2016, construction is projected to be finished in May 2018. Christopher Parker, president of Parker Construction Group, said the home is being built on one of the largest pieces of properties in Wrightsville Beach, and like most other homes under construction in the town, utilizes nearly all of the 70 percent allowable floor-toarea ratio. n See HOUSE Page 2

Staff photo by Terry Lane.

The four-bedroom, single family house being built at 1 Auditorium Drive near the Causeway Bridge by the Parker Construction Group came in under the town’s 40-foot height limit. The builder said the house was projected to be completed in May 2018.

Back to the Dance

Wilmington City Council approves Airlie Road development By Terry Lane

“I know the gate goes

Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Joe Browning, UNCW

Behind third-year coach Kevin Keatts, the University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks are making their second straight appearance in the NCAA tournament after defeating the College of Charleston for the Colonial Athletic Association conference title on Monday. Read more about the Seahawks’ repeat championship on page 5. ~ Terry Lane

County enacts changes to industrial SUP policy

By Terry Lane Staff Writer

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners on Monday unanimously approved changes to the county’s industrial permitting policy, despite a line of speakers raising concerns about the impact it could on environmental quality. The board unanimously voted to approve the new policy, which changes the county’s

The Wilmington City Council on Tuesday approved a rezoning request for an 11.9 acre lot on Airlie Road that paves the way for the construction of a 57-unit mixed use development that brought out scores of neighbors in opposition. After a nearly two-hour public hearing, the city council voted 6-1 to approve the project, with only council member Kevin O’Grady opposing. The site, located at 315 Airlie Road, across the street from Airlie Gardens and south of the former Galleria shopping center, would feature nine homes fronting the

special use permit (SUP) industrial permitting policy that the county’s business community has described as too strict, discouraging new businesses from locating to the region. Several residents spoke at the public hearing, raising concerns that the table of permitted uses would allow too many heavy industries into the county’s industrial zones, including those in Porters Neck. Some also said that the county didn’t do enough to notify residents in those areas that the changes to the SUP.

against plan, but I see it as a concession by the developer.” street deemed a North Carolina “Scenic Byway.” It’s attracted opposition from neighbors, many of whom argued it would bring too much traffic and density to the area, while potentially damaging water and environmental quality. In order to be able to build the project, the developers

However, county planner Chris O’Keefe said that the SUP changes wasn’t a rezoning, and therefore, had different requirements for public notice. Commissioner Rob Zapple told speakers at the hearing that there would be more opportunity for citizens to have input on changes to the SUP when the county considered it as part of upcoming revisions to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance. Email terrylane@luminanews.com

-- Charlotte-based developers State Street Companies -- asked the city to approve a zoning change from residential R-15 to “urban mixed-use,” which pairs residential and commercial development. Jeff Kentner, State Street Company president, said the $150 million project would have a “huge” economic impact on the city. The rezoning was supported by the city’s planning staff and approved by the Wilmington Planning Commission on Feb. 1. The developers have said the project would be exclusively residential, but it would allow connectivity with a proposed new n See AIRLIE Page 2

Town

seeking citizen input on recycling, land use By Terry Lane

WB flag football league enters 25th year of competition By Terry Lane Staff Writer

Drive by Wrightsville Beach Park on a Sunday this spring and you can’t miss the action, as team after team of flag football players engage in friendly competition for a title that has become increasingly more coveted. This season marks the 25th year the league has played, with all but the first season being competed at the Wrightsville Beach Park. The games often draw spectators, usually friends and girlfriends of the players, but one recent fan was there to reflect on how the league got started. “It turned out much better to play the games at Wrightsville Beach. The girls from the beach would come watch us play,” said Jeff Babilonia, who started the flag football league in 1992 as a way to meet people in Wilmington, where he had recently moved here from Chicago. “I didn’t know anyone and I hated going to the gym. But I could play sports all day long. So I put an add in the n See FOOTBALL Page 2

Staff photo by Terry Lane

Mark Taylor, quarterback for Marty’s Calves, is sacked by defenders from team Bite before getting the pass off during flag football play on Feb. 26 at Wrightsville Beach Park.

Staff Writer

From the performance of the town’s law enforcement to future land development plans to curbside recycling, Wrightsville Beach officials are seeking input from residents through a series of surveys that could have an impact on town policy. The town has two active surveys, one on recycling and the other on land use, while the police department recently concluded a citizen survey. The surveys are available online at the town’s website at www. towb.org or a paper version of the surveys are available at the town’s offices at 321 Causeway Drive. One of the questionnaires that could result in changes in the n See INPUT Page 2

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Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002 would be demand from visitors to the Galleria shopping center site to use the cut-through to get to Airlie Road, as most would likely use the more-convenient Wrightsville Avenue exit to get to Wrightsville Beach. “I know the gate goes against plan, but I see it as a concession by the developer,” said council member Charles Rivenbark. “I see the gate being an issue down the road.” O’Grady offered that while connectivity is stressed in the comprehensive plan, that it wasn’t necessarily appreciated by the neighbors. “I don’t know if the project is going to generate that kind of traffic, but if you open the gate up, you run the risk that traffic is going to go through there,” O’Grady said. “Most neighborhoods don’t want connectivity. Once it’s built, I don’t think the neighbors are going to want that

n AIRLIE

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development at the Galleria shopping center. During a public hearing, the council members made few comments addressing concerns raised by neighbors, instead mainly discussing a proposed gate that would separate the two developments. The gate would only allow residents to drive between the two developments, eliminating the potential of “cut-through” traffic between Wrightsville Avenue and Airlie Road. The gate restrictions were added since the project went before the planning commission in February. City planning director Glenn Harbeck said there were concerns about the gate, since the city’s comprehensive development plan, adopted in June 2016, encourage connectivity. However, he said that he didn’t believe there

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kind of traffic coming through the neighborhood.” O’Grady also said that while staff said the project may comply with the comprehensive plan, it didn’t meet the goals of the Wrightsville Sound Small Area Plan. “I know you think the comprehensive plan takes precedent,” O’Grady said to Harbeck. “But the other plans still matter.” However, most of the neighbors that spoke at the meeting said they were more concerned about how the project would impact the character of Airlie Road. Many cited traffic concerns, however, the

city’s planning staff told the city council that it didn’t believe the project was big enough to generate serious traffic issues. Others said that the project didn’t fit the Wrightsville Sound Small Area Plan, a plan adopted by the council in 2011 to manage development in the area. One speaker, Steven Fawcett, said the plan’s goal was to protect existing wetlands, preserve existing natural areas, effectively manage storm water runoff and preserve open vistas and views. “I don’t see any of those things in this proposal,” Fawcett said.

n HOUSE

excited my firm has the opportunity to build a project of this calibre and quality in this market.” The project comes as the town is set to consider possible changes to the 40-foot height limit through revisions to the CAMA land use plan, which is currently being reviewed by a steering committee. Parker said that the 40-foot height limit does pose some challenges for builders, especially since flood zone requirements have changed since the original height limit was set. “We don’t want 50-foot houses, but a couple of extra feet to keep consistent with the changes in flood levels would be appropriate,” Parker said.

Continued from Page 1

Parker said the house, which he described as “ultra luxury,” will feature the highest quality materials and design, surpassing even those built Figure Eight Island. The materials will include reinforced composite concrete slabs, high-quality structural steel and Fleetwood custom-made windows and doors. Parker said the house would be built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. The house will also feature an energy-efficient design, including geothermal wells and a 16- kilowatt solar farm. “It will be net zero, generating enough power for the entire house,” he said. “I’m really

n FOOTBALL Continued from Page 1

paper and got a lot of response.” While games the first season were played at the university of North Carolina Wilmington, Jeff moved them to Wrightsville Beach Park the follow season. Since then, the league has steadily expanded, growing from 10 teams at the start to 27 this season. “If I would have known it would grow this large, I would have kept the league,” Babilonia said. Babilonia’s team, named after the Mailbox Express store he owned, won the league six times in his 10 years of playing. The competition has become stronger too, league players said. In 12 years of playing, Terence Butler said the league continues to become more competitive. Most played football in high school or participated in other athletic activities. The league also draws players from a diverse set of backgrounds and professions. “We have everyone here from bartenders to bankers,” said Butler, who plays on the team sponsored by Tavern Law, a downtown Wilmington restaurant and bar. “I’m here for the fun and for the competition. It keeps you youthful and healthy.”

Mike Wilson, playing in his first season in the league, said the experience has helped build camaraderie on the company team for which he plays, Marty’s Calves, representing N2 Publishing. “It’s about coming out and having fun, it’s the name of the game,” Wilson said. “It’s definitely bringing us closer together.” While watching the games, Babilonia reflected on his time as the league’s administrator, which included all of the organization, as well as lining the fields with

“The plan says developments must maintain the character of Wrightsville Sound. This development clearly does not.” Fawcett also echoed other speakers in concerns about storm water runoff. “The impervious surfaces are unacceptable,” he said. “The capacity will be exceeded, just wait for the next storm season.” However, Kentner said the project met all of the conditions of the city’s comprehensive plan, especially the goal of creating walkable developments, while also preserving the character of

March 9–15, 2017 Airlie Road. He said that the 27 “heritage trees” on the property would be preserved, while also adding 125 new tree plantings. He said that the company has held the property for three years, but waited until the city developed the comprehensive plan before developing a proposal. “This was developed in in strict accordance with the comprehensive plan,” Kentner said. “It’s the first true mixed-use development in Wilmington. In every sense of the word, this will be a landmark development.” Email terrylane@luminanews.com

Supplied image

An artist’s conception of the house under construction at 1 Auditorium Drive by the Parker Construction Group.

chalk and sometime even keeping the peace. “Part of my job was to keep everyone in line,” he said. “It’s a non-contact game but sometimes guys would play rough. I had to keep them for fighting. We would kick people out of the league for that, it wasn’t tolerated.” As the league has grown, Babilonia said the participation has become more spirited. In particular, he said the uniforms had become more creative. “I got a kick out of the team that wore tuxedo t-shirts as their uniform,” he noted.

After a decade of play, Babilonia ended his participation in the league in 2003. His team won the league in 2002 after he tossed a touchdown pass on the game’s last play. He came back for one more season, only to lose in a championship rematch to the “Wolfpack,” a team of former N.C. State students. “I should have gone out on top,” he quipped. The league will continue play throughout the month, with the championship scheduled for late March. Email terrylane@luminanews.com

Staff photo by Terry Lane

Jeff Babilonia started the flag football league that now plays its game at Wrightsville Beach Park 25 years ago.

n INPUT

Continued from Page 1

town is the survey on recycling, which probes town residents on their willingness to pay for curbside services. Currently, recycling is only available through the county’s recycling center at the town offices, which requires residents to transport the recycling themselves to the bins. Voluntary curbside recycling was available through a private trash service, but the company discontinued curbside pickup in August 2015 after too few residents subscribed to the service. In a presentation to the town’s board of aldermen during January’s retreat, town public works director William Squires said that curbside recycling wouldn’t be feasible for the town unless all residents paid into the service. The recycling survey, distributed to residents in late February, asks residents if they are willing to pay up to $5 a month for curbside service. The

survey seeks to determine each respondent’s connection to the town, including whether they are full-time or part-time residents or renters, and whether they live in a house, duplex or apartment. The recycling survey also seeks information on the recycling habits of the respondent, including whether they use the county center, how often they recycle and, if they don’t recycle, what it is that keeps them from doing so. The town is also seeking resident input on its comprehensive review of the town’s land use plan. That survey asks whether residents would support mixed-use development, generally defined as residential and commercial units in the same building, and whether those development should allow for increased height limitations. The survey asks respondents to rate the town’s best assets, such as the beaches, the piers or the Loop, in addition to the biggest issues facing the town, like tourism, commercial development or parking. The survey comes ahead of a town public input

meeting on efforts to update the town’s land use plan, which is required by the state’s Coastal Area Management Act, scheduled for Thursday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m at the Wrightsville Beach Holiday Inn. The town’s police department also recently conducted a survey of citizen perception of the police force. Nearly three-quarters of respondents rated the Wrightsville Beach Police Department officers as above average or outstanding. It also showed that more than 90 percent believed they were mostly or completely safe in Wrightsville Beach. Additionally, police chief Dan House said the survey produced several citizen recommendations and suggestions, the leading being an interest in seeing more proactive enforcement of speeding in Wrightsville Beach. Other suggestions included establishing more walking or biking patrols, more neighborhood meetings and more enforcement of the downtown bar district. Email terrylane@luminanews.com

March 9–15, 2017

Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002

For The Record Questions and photos by Terry Lane

We’ve experienced spring-like weather in the Cape Fear area throughout most of February and spring officially begins on March 20. We asked visitors to Wrightsville Beach Park what their favorite springtime activity is.

Cody Beck

Sara Stafford

Jessica Stafford

“I like being able to run on the beach.”

“I look forward to the Azalea Festival.”

“I enjoy going to the dog park.”

Oak Island

Wilmington

Lauren Clark

Kevin Long

“I like visiting downtown.”

“I enjoy like walking around the Loop.”

Daytona Beach, Florida

Wilmington

AREA BRIEFS Saturday Make-A-Wish Benefit at King Neptune

Dinners at a Wrightsville Beach restaurant this Saturday will be helping grant the wish of a sick Wilmington child, as King Neptune Restaurant & Bar will donate a portion of proceeds from its March 11 sales to the local Make-a-Wish foundation. The benefit runs from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the restaurant’s 11 N. Lumina Ave. location. And while good food and a good cause may be enough reason to come to King Neptune’s on Saturday, the restaurant is providing even more incentive through a fundraising raffle, with the grand prize being a paddleboard. The restaurant will feature three different breakfast and drink specials, with all proceeds from those sales going to Make-A-Wish. The restaurant will also donate a percentage of proceeds from all sales made during the benefit, as well as encourage patrons to add a donation to Make-A-Wish on top of their bill. The goal is to reach $7,500, the minimum required to grant a “wish” to one of the kids, said the restaurant’s daytime manager Sara Fried, adding that the restaurant will cover any shortfall in meeting the goal. The restaurant plans to host additional fundraisers in the coming months, Fried said.

Town planner takes Cape Carteret position

Zach Steffey, who has worked as a town planner and code enforcement officer for Wrightsville Beach since 2014, will take a position as the town administrator for Cape Carteret, N.C., a community located just north of Emerald Isle. Steffey, a University of North Carolina Wilmington graduate, was hired by the town after serving an internship in the planning department. His last day is Thursday, March 9. “I’ve really appreciated and enjoyed my experience in Wrightsville Beach. And this is a great opportunity to help play a role in shaping another wonderful community,” Steffey said. “It’s similar to Wrightsville Beach in many ways. There’s lots of opportunity for growth.”

WB hosts boating safety course

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 10-01, based out of Wrightsville Beach, will offer a boating safety course this Saturday, March 11 at the Fran Russ Recreation Center. This beginner boating class will give the student the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certificate for the state of North Carolina. It is required for anyone who operates a power boat or Personal Water Craft (PWC) of 10 or more horsepower in North Carolina waters that was born after 01 January, 1988. Topics taught include: A basic introduction to types of boats, boating law, required safety equipment, discussion of navigation aids, boating problems, trailering your boat, and enjoying water sports. It

UNCW hosts free shellfish workshop

The University of North Carolina Wilmington and the Marine BioTechnologies Center of Innovation will collaborate to host a “Fish 2.0” workshop for entrepreneurs developing technologies and ventures that promote a sustainable shellfish industry. The workshop will be held March 15-17 at UNCW’s CREST campus in partnership with MARBIONC and the Center for Marine Science.

IMPORTANT DATES Thursday, March 9 Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen meeting, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall conference room Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission meeting, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 102 N. Third St. Monday, March 13 Wrightsville Beach Historic Landmark Commission meeting, 4 p.m., Town Hall conference room Tuesday, March 14 Wrightsville Beach Marketing Committee meeting, 4 p.m., Town Hall conference room

Cottage painter reception at WB Museum

Ben Keys, a renowned painter and the nephew of Wrightsville Beach builder Wright Holman, will host a reception at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History on Sunday, March 11 at 4 p.m., where he will display and talk about his paintings of the town’s unique cottages. Several of his paintings are framed in wood salvaged from the historic Lumina Pavilion.

is an 8-hour class that begins at 9:00 am. Cost is $35. A boating certificate/card will be issued at the end of the test. Another class will also be offered on July 22. Contact captjim.sinclair7@gmail.com for more information.

Thursday, March 16 CAMA Land Use Plan Public Awareness and Participation Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Wrightsville Beach Holiday Inn

NOTICE HELP PLAN WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH’S FUTURE The Town of Wrightsville Beach is preparing an update of its CAMA Land Use Plan. In order to solicit input on a variety of issues facing the Town, a survey has been prepared and is available online at www. planwrightsvillebeach.com. If you prefer to provide your input on a paper copy, you may obtain the survey at Town Hall, 321 Causeway Drive. Thank you in advance for your input.

Weekend Police Report FRIDAY, MARCH 3 Citations • Ashley Alonda Abernathy and Katya Rizkallah were cited with expired registration. • Miranda Raquel Lee was cited with operating a vehicle after consuming a controlled substance, possession of less than a half ounce of marijuana, possession off a malt beverage under 21, transportation of spirituous liquor, speeding and failure to notify DMV off address change. • William Bell was cited with driving without insurance.

• Jonathan Bullard was cited with expired registration and expired inspection. • Justin Anthony Brenckman was cited with driving without a license and driving without an open container after consuming alcohol. • Pamela Renea Rice was cited with open container. • Michael Anthony Mcdougall and Johnney Trye Liscum were cited with seat belt violation. • Shane E Clooery was cited with carless and reckless driving. • Adama Wakai was cited with driving with revoked license plates.

• Lauren Ordway, Jeffery Michael Turner and Kimberly Denise McClung were cited with speeding.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4 Arrests • Peyton L Malejan was charged with driving while intoxicated and driving after consuming alcohol under 21. • Quinn Mccaul was charged with possession of a schedule II substance.

Citations • Kameron Lynette Hardy, Angela Angelette Miller and Alex Christian Hollinger were cited with speeding.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Arrests • Jaoquin Enrique Alvarado was cited with failure to appear in court.

Citations • Haley Nicole Hall, Patti Leigh Cain, Wendy Soza Jones, Jamie H House, Gillian Deni Feruson and Glenn Wilson were cited with speeding. • Jaoquin Enrique Alvarado and Christina Nicole Williams were cited with driving without a license. • Oscar Perez Martinezperez was cited with seat belt violation.

Planning Board Public Notice The public shall take notice that the Wrightsville Beach Planning Board will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 or as soon thereafter, in the Town Hall Conference Room, 321 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC, to discuss the following: • A Text Amendment to delete Chapter 112 Massage and Bodywork Therapy, to amend Section 155.6.4 Table of Permitted and Conditional Uses to allow for Massage and Bodywork Therapy as a Permitted Use with Supplemental Regulations in all of the commercial zoning districts of the Town, and to establish Section 155.7.23 Massage and Bodywork Therapy. • A Text Amendment to Section 155.9.1.6 Exception in Parking Requirements to delete the parking requirements for Permitted Uses located within the C-1 Commercial Zoning District. • A Text Amendment to Section 155.6.5.5 C-3 Commercial District III to reduce the setbacks and lot dimensional requirements for properties located within the C-3 Commercial Zoning District of the Town.

March 9–15, 2017

Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002

Editorial/Opinion My thoughts B y T e rry L a n e

You don’t have to be a golf fan to appreciate what’s happening at Eagle Point Golf Club in May, when the PGA Tour comes to Wilmington for the first time in more than half a century. While the Wells Fargo Championship is looking to bring some of the country’s top golfers to the New Hanover County, many are hoping it will bring something else: new business. “From an economic development perspective, this event stands to raise the tide for all citizens,” said Eagle Point President Bobby Long. “It’s an opportunity to make a real impact in Wilmington.” When officials with the event gathered at the club last Tuesday for the preview press conference, it was clear very quickly this wasn’t just about giving locals the chance to see some of the world’s best golfers. It was about giving the world a closer look at Wilmington. From television coverage on the Golf Network and CBS to panoramic shots from the blimp overhead, the May 1-7 event is expected to be seen throughout the United States and in as many as 220 countries. For local government and business officials seeking ways to highlight the qualities of the Cape Fear Region, there couldn’t be a better opportunity. Especially since Wilmington beat out other high-profile areas to host the tournament, including San Francisco, Atlanta, Texas and Florida. To get you caught up, the Wells Fargo Championship has been played in Charlotte for the past 14 years, but host club Quail Hollow Country Club will host this year’s PGA Championship, one of the two major tournaments played in America that rotates sites each year. That left the Wells Fargo Championship looking for a home for 2017, and it has found one in Wilmington. “Every market without a PGA tour event wanted this, yet Wilmington won,” Long said. “We have an opportunity to use this tournament as a propeller, lifting the profile of the region.” To capitalize on this opportunity, the county has contracted Eckel & Vaughan, a strategic communications agency, to promote the economic opportunities that lie just beyond the 18th green. “This is an opportunity to tell the story of Wilmington differently,” said Albert Eckel. “Here, we have a chance to show off the infrastructure here -- the ports, the rail, the workforce -- so that people see that this is not just a place to come on vacation or to retire. This is an amazing place to do business.”

Some of the industries that Eckel’s firm will seek to attract already have presences here, such as aquaculture, precision manufacturing, pharmaceutical development and health care. “These industries feed of clusters, so it’s vital that we show visitors what’s here,” he said. There will be challenges. With only a two-lane road accessing the course, traffic could be a problem. And with the TPC tournament taking place the following weekend, it may take a sales pitch to attract some of the tour’s top golfers. There, another North Carolina native has pledged to do his part. Webb Simpson -- the 2012 U.S. Open Champion, fourtime tour winner and North Carolina native -- will serve as something of a Pied Piper for the event, encouraging fellow tour players to make the trip to Wilmington. After all, Simpson said he learned the game at Country Club of Landfall. “Any time I have the chance to come to Wilmington, I take it,” Simpson said. “This is a great golf town.” Defending Wells Fargo champion James Hahn has already committed, as well as 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett and World Golf Hall of Fame member Vijay Singh. The Wells Fargo Championship will make a big impact on our region in early May. But the real impact may be felt later, when visiting spectators find that Wilmington isn’t just a great place to visit, but also a great place to do business.

“From an economic development perspective, this event stands to raise the tide for all citizens. It’s an opportunity to make a real impact in Wilmington”

2012 US Open Champion Webb Simpson

Hook, Line & Sinker March’s arrival is sometimes a good sign for anglers By Skylar Walters

The arrival of the month of March is something that a lot of local area anglers eagerly anticipate during the doldrums of winter. However, it’s awaited arrival has been a little lackluster, mainly due to the mild days during the months of January and February that fishermen have been really enjoying. The warmer days and ever warming water temperatures have left March with a little to be desired as we now seem to be on a little bit of a plateau and conditions are becoming more seasonal. Water temperatures are hovering in the upper 50s and lower 60s, depending on location, and while this month normally produces some good warming for area waters, that trend may subside until later in the month. As far as the fishing goes, there’s still plenty out there to catch, or at least attempt to catch. Inshore fishing has been the main topic as the offshore conditions have not been all that pleasurable for boaters and this week doesn’t look all that different. Rest assured, when the offshore boats get out and report, we’ll be sure to cover it. The sea mullet continue to be a good species to target and are being caught by both those with access to boats or those fishing from the surf. Areas in the lower Cape Fear River have been producing very well for those using double dropper rigs with fresh cut shrimp and artificial fish bites. Water depths in 20- 25 feet of water are prime spots to anchor up near the mouth of the river. If you’ve never fished the lower Cape Fear, make sure to take

TIDES Masonboro Inlet

Latitude 34° 11’ N, Longitude 77° 49’ W

someone with you who’s familiar with the local waters or look for the other boats anchored in the vicinity. The river is no place to go in blind if you are unfamiliar with the area. Anglers are also finding some decent fishing for mullet from the surf areas of both the Carolina and Wrightsville Beaches. The same baits are working and fishing the deeper sloughs and holes along the beach are good spots to try. As always, scouting the area you plan to fish during low tide is a good way to find those secret fishing holes when the water is higher. The red drum and speckled trout continue to be reported in fairly good numbers in the creeks and channels, with red drum and black drum also holed up around the area docks. Soft and scented artificial baits are working good but live mud minnows on a Carolina Rig are hard to beat this time of year. The fish are moving a little more but if fishing artificial baits, a slower retrieve and presentation is still needed due to the cooler waters. Cut bait and shrimp will also work for the red and black drum. If fishing still isn’t on your to do list, then maybe experiencing an outdoor expo will get you motivated. The Cape Fear Wildlife Expo is slated for March 17-19 at the Crown Complex Arena in Fayetteville, NC. Hunting and fishing exhibitors as well as wildlife art, boats, truck RV’s, fly fishing demos, camping and archery products and much more. Visit www. capefearwildlifeexpo.com for advanced tickets and additional information.

Date Time ht(ft) Time ht(ft) Time ht(ft) Time ht(ft) 3/09 Thu

04:37 AM

4.18 H

11:07 AM -0.49 L

05:02 PM 3.77 H

11:15 PM -0.68 L

3/10 Fri

05:29 AM

4.29 H

11:57 AM -0.6 L

05:52 PM 3.99 H

3/11 Sat

12:07 AM -0.75 L

06:16 AM 4.33 H

12:43 PM -0.66 L

06:37 PM 4.15 H

3/12 Sun

12:55 AM -0.77 L

07:59 AM 4.28 H

02:25 PM -0.67 L

08:21 PM 4.22 H

3/13 Mon

02:39 AM -0.73 L

08:41 AM 4.15 H

03:04 PM -0.62 L

09:04 PM 4.2 H

3/14 Tue

03:19 AM -0.62 L

09:23 AM 3.97 H

03:40 PM -0.5 L

09:48 PM 4.12 H

3/15 Wed

03:57 AM -0.44 L

10:06 AM 3.75 H

04:14 PM -0.32 L

10:32 PM 3.99 H

Lumina News

A publication of: Lumina Media LLC (ISSN 1937-9994) (USPS 025-292) Address all correspondence to: Lumina News, P.O. Box 869, Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 28480

748 Arjean Drive Boat slip and peaceful water views $725,000

Phone: (910) 719-9180 • E-mail: info@luminanews.com

PUBLISHER

PHOTOGRAPHY

Terry Lane

PRODUCTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN

EDITOR/WRITER

DISTRIBUTION

Terry Lane

CONTRIBUTORS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

EDITORIAL INTERN

Johanna Ferebee Skylar Walters

Susan Miller

Taylor Doss Rachel Logan

Cissy Russell

Lumina News

101 Lees Cut Wrightsville Beach with 30’ boat slip $550,000

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. Audited circulation 1,500. www.luminanews.com. • For distribution locations nearest you, please call (910) 719-9180. • L UMINA NEWS is published weekly, 52 times per year. • Subscriptions to Lumina News can be made by calling (910) 719-9180. A yearlong subscription to Lumina News can be purchased for only $42.95 In-County, $68.95 Out of County. • Periodicals Postage Paid at Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

• Postmaster: Send address changes to: Lumina News, P.O. Box 869, Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 28480. • Photography* published in Lumina News is available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call (910) 719-9180. *Some exceptions apply. • Advertising information for all publications can be obtained by calling (910) 256-6569. • Back issues of Lumina News may be available. Call (910) 719-9180.

Michelle is very committed to planning and execution and with the support of her team we were never in the dark as to what was happening or when. She is very well connected in the real estate community and the result ... we sold our home, allowing us to move onto the next chapter of our lives here in Wilmington. Thanks to Michelle and her team for a job well done.” — Jim and Holly

Lumina News is published weekly by Lumina Media LLC. All property rights for the entire contents of this publication shall be the property of Lumina Media LLC. Lumina News’s content is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. Content may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the copyright owner.

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

March 9–15, 2017

Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002

Sports

CAA win sends UNCW to the ‘big dance’ again By Terry Lane Staff Writer

With a return trip to the NCAA tournament on the line, the University of North Carolina Wilmington basketball team went into the Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball championship on Monday with a matchup against a team that wasn’t only playing in front of a hometown crowd, but also the only team to beat the Seahawks in Trask Coliseum. But standout sophomore guard, and team scoring leaders, C.J. Bryce saved his best for last, scoring 16 of his game-high 24 points in the second half in leading UNCW to a 78-69 win over College of Charleston. The Cougars, playing in front of a friendly crowd in North Charleston, were the last team to beat UNCW and the only team to beat the Seahawks on its home court this season. With the win, the Seahawk, 29-5, are again CAA champions and will make their second-straight trip to the NCAA tournament, marking the program’s ninth total postseason appearance.

“What a tremendous championship game,” said third-year UNCW Head Coach Kevin Keatts said in a press release. “Anytime you get the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the championship game, you know it’s going to be special. “I thought we fought tonight. The score was 31-26 at halftime and we just talked about staying the course. The tempo was in our favor, even though we weren’t scoring a lot of points. I told our guys to be the best defensive team, continue to get stops and the offense would come. Give our guys a lot of credit. They finished the game and we’re going dancing.” The Cougars kept things close in the early part of the second half, bringing the score to within 52-48 before an 8-0 spurt helped the Seahawks push the lead to as high as 17 points with three minutes remaining, a lead they would not relinquish. It’s not the first time the Seahawks have made back-to-back trips to the NCAA, accomplishing the feat during the 2002 and 2003 season. Keatts brought the Seahawks back to the “big dance” in 2016, the first

time the team had qualified for the national title tournament since 2006. The team will have to wait until Sunday to learn where and when they will play in the tournament. Last season, UNCW entered the tournament as a No.13 seed in the 68-team tournament and were matched up with in-state foe Duke, seeded No. 4. The Seahawks kept Duke in their sights but weren’t able to complete a rally against the favored Blue Devils, eventually falling 93-85. However, the team’s performance caught the attention of some national basketball writers. Already, sports blog SB Nation has labeled the Seahawks as potential “giant killers” while NBCSports.com coverage of the Seahawk’s CAA win was titled: “Introducing Cinderella.” The website said that UNCW could be seeded as high as No.12 and would likely be a “trendy” pick to pull an upset against a No.5 seeded team. Of the past 16 seasons, only once has at least one No.12 seeded team failed to defeat a No. 5 seed. Email terrylane@luminanews.com

Photos courtesy of Joe Browning, UNCW

Behind dunks like this, sophomore forward Devontae Cacok set a CAA tournament record by making 16 of 17 field goals. But it was sophomore guard C.J. Bryce that was named tournament MVP, averaging 19 points in the three Seakawk victories.

VISIT luminanews.com

March 9–15, 2017

Lumina News — Your Coastal Community Newspaper since May 2002

CLASSIFIED

Classified and display deadline: Friday noon • Call 910-719-9180 • classifieds@luminanews.com LEGAL NOTICES DRA 97357198

RECORD OWNER(S): David Martinez Properties Management Service, LLC

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY

TERMS OF THE SALE:

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK 17 SP 41 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DAVID MARTINEZ PROPERTIES MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC DATED May 10, 2011 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5562, PAGE 2275, NEW HANOVER COUNTY REGISTRY, TO BB&T COLLATERAL SERVICE CORPORATION, TRUSTEE. NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in that certain deed of trust executed by DAVID MARTINEZ PROPERTIES MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC dated May 10, 2011 to BB&T COLLATERAL SERVICE CORPORATION, Trustee for BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY, recorded in Book 5562, Page 2275, NEW HANOVER County Registry; default having been made in payment of the indebtedness thereby secured; and the necessary findings to permit foreclosure having been made by the Clerk of Superior Court of NEW HANOVER County, North Carolina; the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, the property conveyed in said deed of trust, the same lying and being in the County of NEW HANOVER and State of North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, Block 1 of Woodlawn Subdivision as shown on a map recorded in Map Book 4 at Page 15 of the New Hanover County Registry. Tax: R06009-023-015-000 PROPERTY ADDRESS/LOCATION: 2115 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmington NC 28401 DATE OF SALE: March 14, 2017 TIME OF SALE: 11:30 A.M. LOCATION OF SALE: NEW HANOVER County Courthouse

(1). This sale will be made subject to: (a) all prior liens, encumbrances, easements, right-of-ways, restrictive covenants or other restrictions of record affecting the property; (b) property taxes and assessments for the year in which the sale occurs, as well as any prior years; (c) federal tax liens with respect to which proper notice was not given to the Internal Revenue Service; and (d) federal tax liens to which proper notice was given to the Internal Revenue Service and to which the right of redemption applies. (2) The property is being sold “as is”. Neither the beneficiary of the deed of trust, nor the undersigned Substitute Trustee, makes any warranties or representations concerning the property, including but not limited to, the physical or environmental condition of the property. Further, the undersigned Substitute Trustee makes no title warranties with respect to the title to the property. (3) The highest bidder will be responsible for the payment of revenue stamps payable to the Register of Deeds and any final court and/or auditing fees payable to the Clerk of Superior Court which are assessed on the high bid resulting from this foreclosure sale. (4) At the time of the sale, the highest bidder will be required to make a cash deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid, or $750.00, whichever is greater, with the remaining balance of the bid amount to be paid on the day following the expiration of the applicable ten (10) day upset bid period. (5) Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving this Notice of Foreclosure Sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this Notice of Foreclosure Sale,

provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. (6) An order for possession of the property being sold may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §4521.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession, by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. (7) If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Substitute Trustee. This the 14th day of February, 2017. SMITH DEBNAM NARRON DRAKE SAINTSING & MYERS, L.L.P. Cara B. Williams, Attorney for Jeff D. Rogers, Substitute Trustee P. O. Box 26268 Raleigh, NC 27611-6268 (919) 250-2000 Fax: (919)250-2211 March 2 and 9, 2017

Wilmington, NC 28403 February 16, 23 & March 2, 9 2017

1508 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28403 February 23 & March 2, 9 & 16 2017

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER 16-E-1653

COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

All persons, firms and corporations having claims against deceased, HENRY RAY TAYLOR, SR., are hereby notified to present them to MATTHEW S. SCHRUM as Executor of the decedent’s estate, on or before, May 16, 2017 in care of the undersigned attorneys at their address, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the above named Executor in care of the undersigned attorneys at their address.

The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Sylvia Walker Turner of New Hanover County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address shown below on or before the 25th day of May 2017, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 16th day of February, 2017. Executor of the Estate of Henry Ray Taylor, Sr. c/o Matthew S. Schrum, Attorney Four Pillars Law Firm, PLLC 2202 Wrightsville Ave. Ste. 213 Wilmington, NC 28403 February 16, 23 & March 2, 9 2017

This is the 23rd day of February, 2017. Harry Lee Turner II, Executor 35 Junction Way SE Supply, NC 28462 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16/2017 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Elizabeth F. Edwards, late of Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify to all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them in care of the undersigned to Jerry A. Mannen, Jr., Registered Process Agent, at 102 N. Fifth Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28401, on or before June 2, 2017 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the ESTATE OF REBA LEE CUSHING, deceased of Wilmington, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 18TH day of May, 2017, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. Claims should be presented or paid in behalf of the undersigned at 705 Airlie Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403. This the 16th day of February, 2017. JAMES E. CUSHING EXECUTOR ESTATE OF REBA LEE CUSHING James A. MacDonald The MacDonald Law Firm, PLLC 1508 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 102

Having qualified as Administrator of the ESTATE OF DINAH K MOORE, deceased of Wilmington, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25TH day of May, 2017, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. Claims should be presented or paid in behalf of the undersigned at c/o James A. MacDonald, The MacDonald Law Firm, PLLC, 1508 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 102, Wilmington, NC 28403.

This the 2nd day of March, 2017. Alexander Stewart Lindsay, Executor of the Estate of Elizabeth F. Edwards Jerry A. Mannen, Jr., Attorney YOW, FOX & MANNEN, LLP 102 N. 5TH Avenue Wilmington, NC 28401 3/02, 3/09, 3/16, and 3/22/2017

This the 23rd day of February, 2017. Elizabeth s. moore, Administrator Estate of Dinah k. moore James A. MacDonald The MacDonald Law Firm, PLLC

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 17-E-240 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN N. BELLAMY, SR. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of John N. Bellamy, Sr., deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the address set out below on or before the 2nd day of June, 2017, or this Notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below. This the 2nd day of March, 2017. John N. Bellamy, Jr., Executor of the Estate of John N. Bellamy, Sr. c/o H. Kenneth Stephens, II Attorney at Law Post Office Box 2237 Wilmington, NC 28402 3/02, 3/09, 3/16, and 3/22/2017

101 N. Third Street, Suite 400 Wilmington, NC 28401 March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2017 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT EXECUTOR’S NOTICE The undersigned having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Wanda Pope Smith, deceased of New Hanover County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address shown below on or before the 6 day of June 2017, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 9th day of March 2017. Tammy Smith Skipper, Executor 2620 Northchase Pkwy SE, Apt F-105 Wilmington, NC 28405 March 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2017

FURNITURE

Mattress Outlet

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Michael Allen Bishop, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned c/o Jill L. Peters Kaess, 101 N. Third Street, Suite 400, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401, on or before the 5th day of June, 2017, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Brand New Mattress Sets Full $99 Queen $109 King $179 Can Deliver Free Layaway

910-742-7767

This the 2nd day of March, 2017. Shirley Milfelt Legner Bishop, Personal Representative of the Estate of Michael Allen Bishop Jill L. Peters Kaess Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP

1040 S. College Road Wilmington (next to Katy’s Grill)

Church Services NEAR THE BEACH LITTLE CHAPEL ON THE BOARDWALK

WRIGHTSVILLE UNITED METHODIST

ST. MARK CATHOLIC CHURCH

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (U.S.A.)

CHURCH

Father Patrick A. Keane

wRev. Patrick Thomas Rabun, pastor

Doug Lain, senior pastor

1011 Eastwood Road, 910-392-0720

2 W. Fayetteville St., 910-256-2819, ext. 100

4 Live Oak Drive, 910-256-4471

Vigil Mass: Saturday 5 p.m.

www.littlechapel.org

Worship Services: 8:30, 9:45, 11:15 a.m.

Sunday Masses: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.,

Early Worship: 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.

1:30 p.m. en Español

Sunday School (for all ages): 9:15 a.m.

Monday Mass: 8:30 a.m.

Traditional Worship: 10:30 a.m.

ST. THERESE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Tuesday Masses: 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Nursery provided.

Father Joe Vetter

Wednesday Mass: 8:30 a.m.

209 S. Lumina Ave., 910-256-2471

Thursday Mass: 8:30 a.m.

BETH SIMCHA

Mass: Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.;

Friday Mass: 8:30 a.m.

MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATION

Monday, noon.

followed by Adoration with Benediction at 9 p.m.

7957 Market St.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BAPTIST CHURCH

ST. ANDREW’S ON-THE-SOUND EPISCOPAL

Wilmington, N.C. 28411

John McIntyre, senior pastor

The Rev. Richard G. Elliott, rector

910-681-0117

601 Causeway Drive, 910-256-3682

101 Airlie Road, 910-256-3034

Shabbat Services 10:30 a.m. Saturday

Traditional Worship: 9-10 a.m.

7:45 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m.

Congregational Leader/ Rabbi Marty Schilsky

Sunday School for all ages: 10:10-11 a.m. Contemporary Service: 11:10 a.m to 12:20 p.m

STILL

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