Our network

Leaders hope to build new route in and out of Southport

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – With or without help from the state, Southport hopes to create a new route in an effort to alleviate some of the congestion. The idea is a practical and necessary one to those who live in Southport and see the traffic backups on a daily basis.

New Southport Manager Pat Thomas is very concerned about the area where NC 87 meets 211 near Jabbertown Road. The area is known as a "chokepoint" and it's the main way in and out of the community.

He said the area has been the topic of discussion for the Southport Board of Aldermen.

One option leaders are considering is building the route just north of Jabbertown Road.

"There needs to be routes in different directions to give people options," said Thomas.

Southport's one and only hospital is located in the heart of downtown, and without an alternate route, there's only one way in and one way out.

Community Sponsors

Nearly $2M worth of equipment is collecting dust

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – About $2 million worth of emergency radio equipment will sit on shelves in Brunswick County until officials hear back from the state.

The county recently upgraded its VIPER radio system and got all the needed equipment. Now, the state needs to provide the system IDs so they can actually use the new radios.

With hurricane season approaching, officials are doing their best to be patient.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

First Alert Weather team will program your weather radio for free

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Weather Radio Wednesdays are back!

WECT and the First Alert Weather Team have joined forces again with Walgreens and Midland Radio to bring you Weather Radio Wednesdays.

For the next few weeks, the First Alert Weather Team will be at a different Walgreens location from 4:00-7:00 p.m. to help program your weather radio.

Every home and business should have a weather radio. While most radios provide programmable options for your specific county, the programming can be difficult.

So let the First Alert Weather Team program your radio for free! Bring ANY weather radio to our Wednesday location and we will program it for you.

Don't have a weather radio? Pick one up while you are there at Walgreens, and have it programmed for free.

Here's the upcoming Weather Radio Wednesday Schedule:

Community Sponsors

Responsive - Dependable - Professional

Emergency service officials prepare for hazards

Emergency service officials prepare for hazards

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Dozens of local officials are expected to gather in Brunswick County Wednesday for a Multi-Hazard Preparedness Conference.

According to a press release, Brunswick County Emergency Services will host the conference that will feature presentations from local, state and federal officials on various topics.

Authorities plan to spend the morning focusing on the upcoming hurricane season while the afternoon session will provide an overview of the nuclear plant.

The event will take place at the Progress Energy Brunswick Plant Media Center from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Students turn knack for public speaking into college cash

Students turn knack for public speaking into college cash

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The 41st annual Odell and Virginia Williamson Oratory Scholarship Competition was held at Brunswick Community College on Thursday, May 3, 2012. Eight seniors representing North Brunswick, South Brunswick, West Brunswick, and Early College High School competed for top honors. 

Congratulations to Christina Marie Tolley, SBHS and James Daniel White, ECHS! Tolley and White both walked away with $2,500 scholarships and engraved plaques! Presenting the awards were Michael and Heather Borton of the Williamson family. All 8 participants advancing from the school competition to the county competition received an attractive framed certificate and check for $100.00.

The following students competed in the county competition:

  • Joseph Riley Denman (NBHS)--"The Illusion of an Institution"
  • Taylor Elizabeth Benson (NBHS)--"Wouldn't You Want to Know?"
  • Erin Brooke Phelps (ECHS)--"Retaining the Resurrection"
  • James Daniel White (ECHS)--"My Houseguest, Cancer"
  • Christina Marie Tolley (SBHS)--"Society's Serial Killer"
  • Kenneth Casey Shadid (SBHS)--"Abused by Alcohol"
  • Megan Elayne Mauldin (WBHS)--"Filling in the Blanks: What School Really Teaches"
  • Jacob Hamilton Hill (WBHS)--"Capacity for Evil"

Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Mike Sapp, Director of the Odell Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College and a theatre professional. 

Judges included Donald Byrum, former Director of the School of Art and Design at Wichita State University and Brunswick Arts Council Board Member; Dr. David Corley, retired secondary director and principal for Brunswick County Schools; Tiffany Fullwood, Assistant Clerk of Superior Court for Brunswick County; MaryAnn Nunnally, retired principal and former New Hanover County Board of Education member; and Dr. Edward Pruden, Superintendent of Brunswick County Schools.

Commissioners to hear from Bolivia Elementary third grade students

Commissioners to hear from Bolivia Elementary third grade students

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Civic responsibility and advocacy are important skills Bolivia Elementary third grade students will demonstrate as they present a recycling proposal to the Brunswick County Commissioners during their regular scheduled meeting Monday, May 21, 2012.

Students in April Trull's third grade class have been studying natural resources and our impact on the depletion of these valuable resources. Students plan to request Commissioners consider offering curbside recycling and the possibility of more recycling drop-sites. 

In order to present at the meeting, students submitted their request in writing, as would any citizen who had an item of business. Students learned last week their presentation request was accepted. 

Brunswick County Commissioner meetings are held in the  David R. Sandifer Administration Building, at the Brunswick County Government Center.  Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m.

For more information contact Principal Kathy Owens at 910-253-6516 or owek@bcswan.net