Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Where did Wilmington’s original road to Fort Fisher actually run?

Also check out 'PETE' 1-Man Biblical Play @ Calvary Chapel Southport – 6:30 pm! FREE! on the Wilmington Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
Wednesday August 19th Patch AM (Sharon T.)

Hello again Wilmington! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Where did Wilmington's original road to Fort Fisher actually run?
  • How soon could Wilmington's creeks be clean enough for oyster harvests?
  • How will Wilmington's new e-bike rules change where you can ride?

Also on today's calendar: 'PETE' 1-Man Biblical Play @ Calvary Chapel Southport – 6:30 pm! FREE! and 9 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Sharon T.!

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Wilmington Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Wilmington Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Wilmington. Advertisement

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A p.m. t-storm in spots, with a high of 94 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Partly sunny, a stray t-storm, temps: high: 95, low: 78.
  • Friday: Humid with a heavy t-storm, with a high of 90 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Back in the day, getting to Fort Fisher from Wilmington was different (starnewsonline.com subscription) — A local historian walks you through how Wilmington residents once traveled to Fort Fisher, tracing long-gone routes like the Wilmington/Federal Point Road through today's familiar spots near Monkey Junction, Carolina Beach Road, and the Cameron Art Museum. The story connects modern landmarks to colonial and Civil War-era roads, showing where remnants of these historic paths still survive around town.
   

2. UNC Chapel Hill researchers to study health of Wilmington creeks (whqr.org) — Researchers from UNC Chapel Hill and local partners are launching a multi-phase project to clean up Wilmington's tidal creeks, starting with heavily used Hewletts and Bradley creeks in the heart of the city. Over the next several years, they'll analyze decades of data, test interventions, and aim to reduce fecal contamination so residents can eventually harvest oysters and enjoy healthier waterways.
   

3. New North Carolina e-bike classifications prompt local safety discussion (wwaytv3.com) — New state rules dividing e-bikes into three classes are prompting Wilmington transportation planners to rethink how these bikes use local roads and paths. The Wilmington Urban Area MPO's advisory committee is weighing safety concerns after a fatal Monkey Junction crash and may help area governments craft regulations under the Vision Zero push to reduce serious traffic injuries and deaths.
   

4. Two men plead guilty in Halloween home invasion (wwaytv3.com) — Two 19-year-olds have been sentenced to five to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to a violent Halloween 2025 home invasion at Kerr Crossing Apartments in New Hanover County. Investigators say masked men beat a sleeping resident and stole valuables, later tying multiple suspects to the crime through surveillance footage, cellphone records and searches, while two additional defendants still face trial in 2027.
   

5. Wilmington City Council narrowly approves $2 million for affordable housing project (wect.com) — Wilmington City Council has narrowly approved a $2 million loan to help build Dawson Lofts II, an 86-unit affordable apartment project off Virgie Rhodes Lane near Dawson Street. Targeting households earning 30–80% of area median income, the development would replace a deteriorated structure at the former Jervay Place and sit within walking distance of transit, shopping, schools, and medical care.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

Feedback image
📸 Handsome dove on walkway to Wrightsville Beach. I stopped to take the photo & it never moved! Made my day to such a wonder of nature. —Sharon T. Like

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

NEW: Like a shout-out or pic? Click the heart!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Wilmington

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Wilmington PatchAM possible:

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • How Can I Make Sure My Business is Being Found with AI? (What is GEO anyway?) —Risa Hoag Read on Patch
  • Cogir Senior Living posted a job opening for Porter in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • City of Wilmington North Carolina posted a job opening for Recreation Coordinator - MLK in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Wilmington