The chemical processing firm American Distillation Inc. in Brunswick County is guilty of purposely discharging pollutants into the Cape Fear River, and company owner Andrew J. Simmons Jr. pleaded guilty to failing to pay federal taxes.
News Briefs
State asks public to report any cold-stunned spotted seatrout
Division of Marine Fisheries officials said that cold stuns can occur when there is a sudden drop in temperature or during prolonged periods of cold weather, making the fish so sluggish they can be harvested by hand.
Hertford County to receive grant for water pump replacement
The northeastern North Carolina county has been selected to receive $400,000 to replace a water pump that serves 32 businesses and 644 households.
Recreational bag limits for bluefish to increase Jan. 1
Bag limits for recreationally caught bluefish are increasing on Jan. 1 in North Carolina coastal fishing waters and joint fishing waters.
New cement terminal to be built at Morehead City port
Silvi Cement, a division of Pennsylvania-based concrete supplier Silvi Materials, plans to build a new bulk cement import terminal at the Port of Morehead City.
UNCW Blue Economy Index dips 1.36% in November
The sector known as the Blue Economy — companies operating on oceans and waterways that are focused on environmental sustainability — still showed relative stability during the month, compared with industrial benchmarks.
Cape Fear Museum to temporarily close for move to new location
The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science in Wilmington will be temporarily closed beginning Dec. 31 to allow for the preparation and relocation of more than 400 artifacts to the museum’s new location.
Bird-watching excursion a chance to see wintering waterfowl
The N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort is leading two excursions in January to observe wintering waterfowl in eastern North Carolina.
Moores Creek invites food vendors to 250th commemoration
Moores Creek National Battlefield officials are inviting local food trucks to take part in its two-day 250th anniversary celebration being held in late February.
Pipe failure in Sunset Beach leads to sewage discharge
A break in a sewer main was repaired by Monday afternoon after more than 19,000 gallons of untreated wastewater discharged in Sunset Beach.
Volunteer for Ocracoke, Portsmouth Christmas bird counts
The count dates this year will be Dec. 30 on Ocracoke Island and Dec. 31 on
Portsmouth Island.
EPA seeks reporting rollback as new study finds hidden PFAS
The EPA says the change will cut red tape, but new research suggests regulators may already be missing major sources of contamination.
Wright Brothers’ first flight anniversary celebration Dec. 17
Park fees are waived Dec. 17 at Wright Brothers National Memorial when the National Park Service and supporting organizations celebrate the accomplishments of Wilbur and Orville Wright on the 122nd anniversary of their first heavier-than-air, controlled, powered flight.
Colonial-themed Christmas event Dec. 13 at Moores Creek
Park staff, volunteers and historians will provide a variety of programs focused on celebrating Christmas in the 18th century.
New webinar series to offer coastal landscaping expertise
The series, “Landscapes that Last,” is for coastal residents, local governments, homeowners associations and nurseries “to build shared knowledge and healthier coastal communities.”
Native tree giveaway in Wilmington to be largest yet
In its largest giveaway to date, Cape Fear Alliance for Trees will have more than 1,400 native trees available for the taking beginning Friday afternoon.
