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Man sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison for heroin distribution

Submitted by WECT Web Staff
Friday, May 17th, 2013, 12:30pm

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - A Wilmington man was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison followed by four years supervised released after pleading guilty to heroin distribution.

William Haywood Houck, 36, pleaded guilty on February 6, 2013 to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin, according to a new release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Officials say during the course of the investigation, the Wilmington Police Department made an undercover purchase of heroin from Houck on October 11, 2011.  

Members of the Greensboro Police Department in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force arrested Houck on November 21, 2011 for an outstanding order for arrest at a hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina. Houck and other co-conspirators were in possession of $9,000. The money was to be used to purchase heroin in New York, according to the news release.

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Expect delays on Independence Blvd. Saturday for OrthoWilmington 5K

Submitted by Caraline Waldrep, Traffic Reporter
Friday, May 17th, 2013, 12:09pm
Expect delays on Independence Blvd. Saturday for OrthoWilmington 5K

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - OrthoWilmington 5k event takes place Saturday, May 18 causing some roads to close in the Wilmington area.

According to NC DOT website, Independence Blvd. from Oleander Drive to Sterling Place will be closed to drivers from 6:30am to 9:30am. Officers will be on site directing traffic. Also the right hand turning lane from Independence Blvd. to Independence Mall will be closed from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

Please use caution and plan an alternative route. 

Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.

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Man sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug charges

Submitted by WECT Web Staff
Friday, May 17th, 2013, 11:51am
Man sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug charges

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – A man who pleaded guilty to drug charges in January was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Earlier this year, 37-year-old Andrew Roland of Wilmington pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of heroin, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice.

In October 2011, Wilmington Police made three undercover heroin purchases from Roland.

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SRO's recommended in all NHC schools

Submitted by Craig Reck, Reporter
Friday, May 17th, 2013, 7:39am

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – School Resources Officers are a must in New Hanover County Schools, according to a recent security assessment.

Dr. Tim Markley, Superintendent of NHCS, asked URS Corp. for a preliminary recommendation about SROs in time for the budget process.

According to the letter Markley shared with the County Manger and Board of Commissioner Chairman,  URS suggests continuing the support that would stop at the end of this school year.

Each of the 26 elementary schools across the county has its own SRO.

The Board of Education unanimously supported a minimal coverage plan of 11 deputies floating between schools earlier this year.

The preliminary report from URS reads in part

"…the team felt consistently that having the SROs at each of the schools has contributed to the safety, security and well-being of students, faculty and staff."

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SNEAK PEEK: Extended trailer released for 'Under the Dome'

Submitted by Ashlea Kosikowski, WECT News
Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 4:03pm

NEW HANOVER and PENDER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - You'll spot some familiar places in the new extended trailer for Under the Dome.

The new video was released Thursday. In it, you can see clips from scenes shot at Wilmington's Sixth Street Bridge, the Pender County Courthouse and the streets of Burgaw.

The CBS series will air this summer. It is based on a Stephen King novel about a town that suddenly becomes sealed off by a mysterious, invisible dome.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Bridge on I-40 to close Sunday

Submitted by Caraline Waldrep, Traffic Reporter
Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 12:44pm
TRAFFIC ALERT: Bridge on I-40 to close Sunday

WILMINGTON,NC (WECT) - NC DOT will close the bridge located on I-40  in Castle Hayne near mile maker 414 overnight from 9:30pm to 4:30am Sunday, May 19 through Thursday May 19.

This closure is necessary so crews can replace transverse cables on the bridge.

NC DOT is asking drivers to exit at mile marker 408 to US 117 South to Holly Shelter Road to I-40 as their alternative route. Northbound traffic is reverse. Crews will have this detour marked for drivers.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Sewer repairs to cause road closures on Thursday

Submitted by Caraline Waldrep, Traffic Reporter
Wednesday, May 15th, 2013, 12:40pm
TRAFFIC ALERT: Sewer repairs to cause road closures on Thursday

WILMINGTON, NC  (WECT) – Cape Fear Public Utility Authority will be making sewer repairs around Wilmington, Thursday, May 16.

The intersection of Wellington Ave. and South 17th Street will be closed to drivers as repairs are taking place. A detour is in place for drivers there.

Also the eastbound turning lane on 1910 Eastwood Road near Sutherland Ave will be closed.

While a detour will be in place, CFPUA crews asks drivers to find an alternate route if possible, and to be alert and cautious around the work zones.

According to the release, repairs are necessary so crews improve the infrastructure to the sewer service and prevent sewer overflows.

Repairs will take place between 9am to 3pm at each location.

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