-- A fire in Myrtle Grove on Tuesday morning resulted in the deaths of two dogs and displaced five adults
Firefighters attempted to resuscitate one of the dogs
The Escambia County Fire Rescue confirmed that all human occupants were safe
ECFR units encountered heavy flames and smoke emanating from the front-right portion of the single-story home
eventually bringing the situation under control at 6:30 a.m
The American Red Cross provided assistance to those displaced by the fire
The home suffered significant damage and is considered a total loss
An investigation by ECFR determined that the fire was caused by a candle that fell on the floor
A falling candle is to blame for a house fire the displaced five people and killed two pets early Tuesday morning
Escambia County Fire Rescue got the call shortly before 6 a.m
When crews arrived they found heavy flames and smoke pouring from the front of the single-story home
They had it under control by 6:30 a.m., but two dogs died while one dog managed to evacuate safely
Dogs die in house fire: Ensley man loses home, two dogs in fire. A third pet is fighting to survive.
The home is a total loss and ECFR says five people were displaced due to the damage
They are now being assisted by the American Red Cross
An investigation of the cause determined a candle fell on the floor
– Demolition of the Myrtle Grove Trailer Park has begun
RELATED LINK: "I don't know what to do," township board votes to demolish Myrtle Grove Trailer Park
voted to have the park demolished back in October
One resident reached out to Mid-Michigan NOW on Tuesday morning
sending pictures of him sitting on the ground
Reggie Kondracki texted one of our reporters simply saying
Mid-Michigan NOW's Andrea Flores will have more on this continuing story on Mid-Michigan NOW's broadcast at 6 p.m
Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties is working to help the residents that were still living in the park find resources and somewhere to go
RELATED LINK: Catholic Charities steps up to aid Myrtle Grove trailer park residents
Reggie Kondracki says he owns his trailer and has been at Myrtle Grove Mobile Home Park for over two and a half years
When he heard about the demo he was afraid
We reached out to Flint Township Supervisor Kayrn Miller to get more details on the demolition
Miller declined to comment and told us to FOIA the information
We're trying the best that we can to find a new place to go to but we're just trying to survive and just stay with the rest of these people that are still here," says Reggie
This morning he heard what he thought was garbage trucks backing up
I was looking for people and there's this elderly lady that was here usually
And she was grabbing as much stuff as she could and she was getting out
they're coming for the trailers." he said
Kondracki says once they knew they were coming he reached out to Mid-Michigan now and Catholic Charities for help
We're not just trash to be thrown out onto the street
Catholic Charities of Shiawasee and Genesee Counties is assisting displaced residents
helping them find new housing and resources during this difficult time
Any kind of help would be appreciated to help us get a place to live."
and their three cats the shelter of Flint is helping them stay at a hotel for the night and tomorrow morning they will be at the shelter
If you are in a similar situation like Reggie please reach out to Catholic Charities and the shelter of Flint
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the daughter of the late John Leslie and Felda Garland (Bailey) Angle
She was also preceded in death by a brother
Ohio and he preceded her in death on June 4
Nellie (Palmer Davis) Tuttle of Bellefontaine
Kimberly May (Dave Longo) Johnson of Lakeview
22 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter
May worked as a cook for Bellefontaine City Schools in her younger years
Southeastern and Northeastern Elementary Schools
she went to work for the Homecoming Restaurant
She loved flowers and cooking for her family and friends
A celebration of life service is being planned for later this year
Memorial contributions may be made to the family via her obituary page
EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Grove family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com
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New Hanover County Schools came out of the last school year with an uphill trend as the district now has half as many low-performing schools as it did three years ago
Forest Hills and Williston Middle School all saw significant improvements
From coming out of failing status to meeting and exceeding growth for the first time in a decade
Bellamy Elementary is also ranked among the top 10 elementary schools in the state for growth
And Southeast Area Technical High School became one of the district’s top-performing schools
jumped two letter grades within the past two years
going from a D letter grade in 2022-23 to a B in 2023-24
who has been leading the school for eight years
said the success has been years in the making
explained how their school keeps reaching new heights
More: These are the top-performing schools in the Wilmington area, according to state data
More: These Wilmington-area schools are considered low performing, according to recent state data
Bliss said Myrtle Grove is unique because of the diverse community it serves. The school brings in students from 11 different elementary schools and is the only school in New Hanover County that still has a satellite district, so students are coming in from not just the Myrtle Grove area but also from other neighborhoods in the Wilmington area.
Sixth grade math and science teacher Kelly Rhue, who has been with the school for 13 years, attributed the success to intentionality. She said there are three main areas teachers focus on when it comes to being intentional: relationships; community, grade-level and weekly content planning; and differentiation to make sure that students are being met where they are.
Rhue said it starts with building relationships through conversations with students so that they feel like they can open up about their needs.
Bliss said the success of both students and teachers also comes from learning and knowing each teacher’s strengths so that she can then fit them in the best environment.
Cheri Williams, who has been teaching at the school for about five years, said Myrtle Grove teachers look at not just the students’ end-of-grade scores, but their classroom work as well. She also said that even if a student is performing well at one point in the year, they might need help at another point and can be pulled into small groups for extra help and attention.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had that kind of data breakdown in any other school I’ve ever worked in,” Williams said.
When asked what he loves about Myrtle Grove, eighth grader Giovani Lopez-Martinez said it’s the teachers and the school’s guidance counselors because they help alleviate pressure if students are struggling with things going on outside of school, so they can get ready to learn.
Kevin Ojaniit, a seventh grade social studies and science teacher at Myrtle Grove, was recently selected as this school year’s Beginning Teacher of the Year nominee for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching.
“I truly think it’s less about me and more about the environment where I’m at,” Ojaniit said. He said he has been able to grow so much just in one year at the school because of how faculty, staff, administration and students have accepted him as a brand-new teacher.
Creating a strong community through the school’s 40 different clubs, making sure that students have extra help as each teacher has one day of tutoring, and getting students and teachers involved in community service, are just some of the ways that Myrtle Grove’s sense of community has strengthened over the years, Bliss said.
Williams, an eighth-grade math teacher, noted that the school’s clubs bring empowerment to students because they are created by the students themselves.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that Florida has one of the highest rates of vehicle thefts.
The state recorded more than 46,000 stolen vehicles in 2023. Now, this issue is hitting close to home for residents in Escambia County.
The incidents started around Halloween throughout Myrtle Grove.
Niki Trotter drives a silver 2012 Acura -- at least she did before it was stolen on Nov. 3.
Trotter says thanks to her security camera, she caught the alleged thieves on tape. They were even seen walking around Sunday night.
"I had just bought this car and paid for it in full," Trotter said. "My first vehicle that I had ever paid for, off the lot. Literally three weeks later, now it's gone."
Trotter’s missing vehicle is just the latest incident in Myrtle Grove.
She shared her experience on a community forum online. From there, she learned that her car wasn't the only one stolen.
"That's when I started getting comments and messages saying, 'My car was rummaged through last night, my gun was stolen out of my car, my car was stolen,'" she said. "And I started putting it all together."
Trotter says she filed a report with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.
In an email, Sergeant Peter Kamau told her there are 10 other cases similar to hers.
Trotter says its no coincidence that all these break-ins and thefts are happening so close together.
"I noticed it was the same four individuals every time that are going through cars," Trotter said. "They have on hoodies, backpacks. They're young men."
One neighbor shared they found their stolen car abandoned at at nearby apartment complex, alleging the thieves used their vehicle to target other cars.
"It affects everyone and they don't think about that," Trotter said.
Trotter says the break-ins have been happening between 1-4 a.m.
"This started about a couple days before Halloween," she said. "Somebody has to know something."
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInNEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Crews responded to a mobile home fire last night in the Myrtle Grove area.
According to a Facebook post from New Hanover County Fire Rescue (NHCFR), the fire occurred at around 7:50 p.m. on Feb. 12.
NHCFR says the fire was put out quickly and did not spread to any nearby homes. The mobile home was abandoned and no injuries have been reported.
The NHCFR Office of the Fire Marshal is still investigating the cause of the fire.
Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall.
"I don't know what to do," township board votes to demolish Myrtle Grove Trailer Parkby Courtney Bennett
- A wrecking company will begin demolishing Myrtle Grove Trailer Park in Flint Township on Monday
The township board approved the money to pay for it earlier this week
$135,000 will come from the township's general fund and the American Rescue Plan Act
Everyone who lives in the park has to be out this weekend
The township says they've been trying for years to demo the park
and after a vote this week and a court approval from a judge it's happening
The reason is the park is in such disrepair and has been ruled uninhabitable
“It’s not safe for anyone to live up there I’m asking this board to consider paying for the demolition
There are very few actual residents there’s a lot people squatting in there," says Lt
Matt VanLente with the Flint Township Police
But it's the actual residents being left behind like Andre Nicks
his wife and three kids moved back here 8 years ago
“No words my wife left me four months ago," he says
His wife died in June now it's just he and the kids packing up and moving out
The township supervisor says conditions are really bad at Myrtle Grove
"They haven’t had water since mid-August," says Miller
No water and they stopped picking up the trash
“Illegal dumping every time you try to catch them
a couple of them say the parks getting shut down so what do you care
“I had to go out and buy space heaters for my kids to try to stay warm," he says
Now he's moving in with his God-Brother
“I can’t find nothing everything is so expensive he called me and said I have three bedrooms out here
it’s just me and my girl you and the kids come on down," says Nicks
The township says they've offered resources for the people who are forced to leave
Mid-Michigan NOW reached out via email to Township Supervisor Karyn Miller
According to court records Daniel Muhe is part of an LLC in California that owns the property
We also reached out to him via email and haven't heard back
The Escambia County Sheriff's Office announced they have arrested a Pensacola man suspected of an "ambush" that resulted in three people being fatally shot during a birthday party back in April
Deputies arrested 23-year-old Torrance Sumler Monday night for allegedly fatally shooting 26-year-old Markeese Turner
28-year-old Michael Carstarphen and 23-year-old Trashawn Powers in their car at an adult birthday party near 65th Avenue and Jackson Street on April 28
ECSO spokesperson Morgan Lewis confirmed to the News Journal
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said back in April that the shooting was "a terrible tragedy" and that the department was investigating the incident as a "targeted ambush."
and the three men were parked in their vehicle in a lot alongside 65th Avenue when Sumler allegedly opened fire
The Office of the State Attorney has charged Sumler with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder
all three capital felonies punishable by a minimum of life in prison
Sumler remains in Escambia County Jail without bond
The ECSO says the investigation remains ongoing
this was a shooting that took place at close range
and it was clearly targeted," Simmons said during a press conference in April
The three men were sitting in their convertible Mustang when Simmons said two shooters parked away from the victims and walked through a yard and a shed before getting to the Mustang
both fired multiple rounds at the three men
Simmons said investigators believe the shooting was retaliation for a previous event
but the sheriff told the News Journal they're not sure what event the shooting was meant to avenge
Simmons also noted that one of the victims had recently been released from state prison prior to the shooting
According to the Florida Department of Corrections
Carstarphen had only been released from prison custody for eight days before he was fatally shot
FDOC records also indicate that Powers was on supervised probation during the shooting
Escambia County court records indicate Sumler was previously convicted of four felonies at the age of 17 in 2018
He was found guilty of possessing a machine gun
grand theft of a firearm and grand theft between $5,000 and $10,000
Brenda Dozier and Steve Williams stand beside Lafaye Nelson Moultrie as she talks about the history of Myrtle Grove Cemetery on March 13
A broken piece of pottery sits on an unmarked grave at Myrtle Grove Cemetery
pottery and other personal items were often left at unmarked graves
Lafaye Nelson Moultrie walks behind a grave at Myrtle Grove Cemetery on March 13
A sign is posted near the entrance of the Myrtle Grove Cemetery
A historic cemetery owned by International Paper will be given to a nonprofit created by volunteers and relatives of people buried there
Efforts to revitalize the cemetery include placing headstones on 160 recently discovered unmarked graves
GEORGETOWN — With her palm resting firmly against a tree in the Myrtle Grove cemetery and tears slipping over her cheeks
Lafaye Nelson Moultrie talked about her ancestors
There is little written documentation of the cemetery
barring family members from visiting their loved ones
Nelson Moultrie said she remembers her uncle, Jerry Nelson, who was a reverend at Dickerson AME Church
talking often about his desire to visit his parents who were buried in the cemetery
“And for years they had asked the question: why they couldn’t come back," Nelson Moultrie said
The cemetery property is owned by International Paper
community members have been working closely with IP to increase access to the cemetery and restore it
But visitors still need to schedule a time to be escorted by an IP employee if they wish to visit the cemetery
This past October, IP announced it would be closing its Georgetown mill
Most of its land will likely be sold to developers
an IP employee involved in preserving the cemetery and increasing access for family members
said the cemetery property will not be sold
Viola Holmes-Greene and Nelson Moultrie have spent years advocating for their ancestors from outside locked gates
after establishing a nonprofit that can take ownership of the cemetery property
Elegantly gnarled oaks stretch shadows over the leaf-littered ground
which Fleming said comes and goes with the tides
some overgrown with lichen and weathered to the point of illegibility
It bears the name of one of her family members
The epitaph reads ‘Gone but not forgotten.’
”I believe they’re shining down on us,” Nelson Moultrie said
“And I believe their souls are at rest now
Bright pink and green flags dot the ground
The pink ones outline plans for a new path to be built
Over the past four years, Bill Strosnider, director of the Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, has worked with students from Dayton University, Saint Francis University and volunteers from Hobcaw Barony to find bodies buried in unmarked graves
The work was made possible through an $18,000 grant from the International Paper Foundation
Much of the money from the grant will be used to purchase headstones for the unmarked graves. Grant money will also be used to finish updates to a monument and memorial park that was unveiled in 2022 by the Westend Citizens Council with the help of the International Paper Foundation
a historian and volunteer in the effort to preserve Myrtle Grove
Safety gear is required to walk down the hallway inside the mill to the large white van that takes them to Myrtle Grove
It crept slowly along the backside of the shuttered mill
towers of paper and the mill’s medical center
where Holmes-Greene worked for 12 years as a nurse
She's been a large part of the effort to bring the cemetery out of obscurity
Nelson came across a memo while researching the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. It included stories of families visiting the graves of their ancestors
buried on the old Myrtle Grove Plantation land
When Nelson discovered he had relatives buried there himself
he began working with IP and the Westend Citizens Council to preserve the cemetery and to construct a memorial park and monument to honor the people that had been absent from the town’s memory for so long
he asked Holmes-Greene to continue his efforts
Dozier and Nelson Moultrie recalled playing there as children
They took thick sheets of craft paper from the mill and used them as sleds to slide down the hills
Many of the people who worked on the former plantation were from Sierra Leone
And that’s what we were taught when we came back here."
Grave markers weren’t commonly used by enslaved people
That was partly because of Gullah-Geechee tradition and partly because enslaved people didn’t have the resources to procure them
silver and items that were significant to the dead
and family members were placed close together
"That was another way of trying to connect," Nelson Moultrie said
Since the effort to revitalize the cemetery began
community members who believe they have family members in the cemetery have come forward
The names of the dead will be added to the memorial monument
But many of the people lying in unmarked graves haven’t been identified
“I just wish more people knew who their folks were,” Williams said
It will still be many months before updates to the memorial park and cemetery are completed and the property is given to the nonprofit
But as Nelson Moultrie walked through the cemetery and observed trees growing in ways that resemble the shapes of people
like one that bore an uncanny resemblance to a pair of legs
she said she's already felt the presence of the people buried there
“The first time I came back here … it was like something was pulling me,” she said
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Mary's voice as she talked about her daughter
On Nov. 12, 2009, Tyler Jefferson, a new sailor in training at Corry Station was murdered while out for a jog in Myrtle Grove outside the base
recently trading in her high school graduation cap and gown for a tidy Navy outfit
She was studying information technology at Corry Station
"She had thought about the Secret Service or something like that," said her mother
It's been 15 years since her daughter was killed
and Tyler's other relatives also live out of state
Mary and others have traveled to Pensacola a few times since Tyler's death to seek answers
ask questions and maybe find why the teenager died and who is responsible
despite Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigators communicating with St
"I get a text or a phone call every week," St
"I want to believe they're doing all they can
I try to be careful and not think that they're not doing everything they can."
Tyler Jefferson: Will Pensacola ever bring slain sailor Tyler Jefferson and family justice for 2009 murder?
Mary was supportive of her daughter's decision to join the military
"I was afraid she was going to join the Marines," she said
it's just that's a level that might make any parent anxious
"I was afraid she would want to be out front
I missed her for sure but went with her every step I could
I even went to Louisiana with her when she they took her off."
She was sent to Navy boot camp in Great Lakes
then to Corry Station in Warrington to train as a computer technician
She was set to graduate from the Information Systems Technician A School at Corry Station less than two weeks after she was murdered
She was also days away from finding out her first duty station
Tyler had only been in Pensacola for four months when she was murdered
her body found in the 500 block of North 49th Street in Myrtle Grove
A billboard featuring a smiling Tyler in her Navy uniform was up for years on Lillian Highway near where her body was found
It featured a reward offer and law enforcement numbers to call if someone had information
"She was pretty impressive and really smart," St
I remember when she was probably 10 or 11 and she would set her alarm for 5 a.m
so she could get up and do whatever she thought she needed to be doing
Tyler talked to her mom and told her it was a bit tough being around so many other women − she just wasn't used to that dynamic
She asked her mom to send her a few Bible verses to help her get through basic training
Mary sent her a camouflage Bible she had found
(This story was updated to add new information.)
A winter storm that largely hugged the N.C
coast Tuesday into Wednesday brought the first significant snow accumulation that parts of the Cape Fear region have seen in decades
The storm brought more than 4 inches of the white stuff to several Wilmington-area locations
according to storm figures released by the National Weather Service
Several nearby Brunswick County beach towns also saw significant snowfalls
with Sunset Beach and Calabash both receiving 4.5 inches
The snow appeared to thin out heading south toward Pleasure Island
Inland areas of Pender County also saw some significant accumulations
Here are the totals for areas around the region recorded by spotters and relayed to the weather service Wednesday
More: How much snow did North Carolina get? See snowfall totals for the South
Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at GMcGrath@Gannett.com or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter
This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation
The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work
Escambia County Sheriff's deputies shot and wounded a suspect who fired an AR-15 at them
the agency posted on Facebook early Sunday morning
The ECSO says deputies responded to multiple reports of shots being fired in the 800 block of Amberway Drive in Myrtle Grove
where they found a suspect firing an AR-15 in his front yard
"Deputies gave multiple commands for the suspect to drop the weapon
Deputies were forced to shoot the suspect after he refused multiple commands and was taken to a local hospital."
SWAT response: PPD working standoff with armed suspect in Gonzalez Court, residents urged to stay inside
The AR-15 along with a pistol were recovered by deputies at the scene
The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave based on department policy
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting
From humble beginnings in 1947 as Wilmington College
UNCW has evolved into a top doctoral and research institution with nearly 19,000 students and about 2,500 employees
you’ll enjoy a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry
critical thinking and thoughtful expression in a beautiful setting
Find an outstanding program to fit your strengths and prepare you to excel in our changing world
involvement and engagement opportunities as a current Seahawk
Delve deep into your interests through applied learning
where undergraduate and graduate students partner with faculty on high-quality research projects
Kevin Ojaniit ’23 never thought that teaching would be in his future until his sophomore year at UNCW
he decided that he “wanted to make a difference in the lives of the next generation.”
“Like my teachers did with me,” he said
“Teaching was the best way to do that
and I fell in love with it immediately.”
Now teaching seventh-grade social studies and science at Myrtle Grove Middle School in Wilmington, NC, Ojaniit thinks back to his UNCW days and describes how the Secondary Education program through Watson College of Education was “phenomenal” in his teaching upbringing.
“Each of my professors had experience teaching in schools and knew what to teach us to be successful. Our field experiences were each designed for us to learn a new aspect of teaching and eased us into our internship,” said Ojaniit, who was named the 2024 New Hanover County Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year. He will represent the county in the North Carolina Center for Advancement of Teaching Beginning Teacher of the Year Award
UNCW’s program allowed him to “test the waters” of the teaching path
and he cites that as one of his starting ventures into the teaching workforce
Ojaniit’s teaching philosophy is one of inquiry and critical thinking
The open-ended nature of his essential questions
assignments and lessons is designed to get the student to ask questions
jog their minds and engage in the subject at hand
“I want them to know that they are not just passive listeners but are actively engaged with their learning,” he said
the secondary education social studies classes I had taken really put an emphasis on inquiry
This stuck with me as it worked really well for me as a student
I would say it works for my students as well.”
Before becoming a teacher and even entering the education field
Ojaniit thought the biggest obstacle was himself
Now a recognized teacher with nothing but the future ahead
Ojaniit is keeping his composure and doesn’t plan on changing any time soon
but I do not want it to change who I am or how I teach
and I know that there is always room for growth
and I never want to forget that,” he said
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Happy Veterans Day to everyone who served before me − those who stormed the beaches of Normandy, those who helped liberate Germany
Happy Veterans Day to the Navy sailors and Marines who fought bravely in the Pacific
the forgotten war and in battles and skirmishes across the globe
Happy Veterans Day to those youngsters who came after me and my buddies − the men and women who served and fought in Afghanistan and Iraq during lengthy wars
Veteran Troy Moon: Once soldiers, we're forever brothers and sisters
And Happy Veterans Day to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 706 on Lillian Highway − Pensacola and Escambia County's only VFW post
And thanks for helping get my daughter back on the road when she pulled into your parking lot with a flat tire on the way to pick up her son
Once she told me what happened and how kind their post commander
I had to drive over to Myrtle Grove to thank them myself and learn a bit more about the group
"We are the only VFW post in Pensacola or Escambia County,'' said Jose Alfaro, commander of Post 706 and an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan
Post 4407 in Santa Rosa County.) There are other veteran organizations
but the VFW is for those who served overseas in war."
The Veterans of Foreign Wars was established in 1899 following the Spanish-American and federally chartered in 1936
Alfaro served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan
"We lost quite a few within our command,'' said Alfaro
"When you come back and meet with other combat veterans
That brotherhood includes the women who served in combat
and also serves at the VFW senior district vice commander
She served for 12 months at the Air Force Base in Bagram
She was sent over as a human resources specialist but was also used as a bus driver − because she could drive a stick shift
she was asked to frisk female Afghanistan nationals who worked on the base before they entered
But you do it because you have to and after a while it becomes a mindless action."
showed up at the VFW Post for the group's weekly Thursday potluck and karaoke night
6-year-old Londyn Ducksworth along her side
Hinnant was stationed in Bosnia during the brutal war there in the 1990s
and would later serve in a support position in Kuwait
"I was the first female across the floating bridge that was built for us in Bosnia,'' she said
Almost all VFW members have seen or experienced "crazy stuff" during their times in combat zones
I visited the VFW post for their annual Trick-or-Trunk event where veterans gave out candy from the backs of their vehicles in the parking lot
It's one of the many outreach events the Post undertakes
such as building wheelchair ramps or helping with transportation needs to hospitals and doctors' appointments
"We are all about helping people in our community
especially veterans who need help,'' Alfaro said
but it's also about educating the public about who we are and what we do."
or specifically what they did or experienced in combat
then joined the Navy and was on a ship in Cameron Bay in Vietnam during the brutal war there
noting he manned a 50-caliber heavy machine gun
I asked a question I dreaded to ask but asked anyway
but the smile faded after he heard "Did you see a lot of fighting?"
replaced with an expression of anguish as things entered his mind that he had pushed back
"This place is about camaraderie,'' he said
"It's a place where we can be together and support each other."
but again the nice man felt he needed to walk away again
Sometimes it's tough to share wartime experiences
"Everyone deals with battle stress in their own way,'' said Army veteran Bill Dibrino
who did three tours of Iraq and is now Post 706 junior vice commander
"You never forget what happened and your mind plays with that
like a video going in your head so to speak
Veterans helping veterans is exactly what we do."
The school district has hired four new principals to take the reins at the following schools: Pensacola High School
Pine Forest High School and George Stone Technical College
The school district is still looking to fill positions for the upcoming school year and is holding a hiring event with a focus on educational support and staff professionals from 9-11 a.m
cafeteria/food services and substitute teachers
Amy Gordon has been hired as principal of Pensacola High School
Gordon has worked for Escambia County Public Schools for 15 years
she served as an assistant principal at Booker T
reading teacher and instructional coach at Tate High School and Escambia High School
being a principal means working collectively to positively impact and influence students’ lives
as our students are why we do what we do,” Gordon said
I am most looking forward to collaborating with our teachers
families and shareholders to show Pensacola why PHS is ‘a step above the rest.’”
Nicole Ard Everette has been hired as principal of Myrtle Grove Elementary School
Everette is entering her 24th year serving Escambia County Public Schools
She began her teaching career at Jim Allen Elementary in 2001 and served 17 years as a classroom teacher
She entered a quasi-administrative position and served as the curriculum coordinator at Longleaf Elementary for three years
became a school-based administrator as assistant principal of Ensley Elementary for 1.5 years
served as district administrator as the English language arts subject area specialist for all ECPS secondary schools for 1.5 years
Everette also attended kindergarten through 12th grade in Escambia County Public Schools
“I am honored to have been selected as principal of Myrtle Grove Elementary School
Being the principal means I will work to build collective teacher and student efficacy
Fostering a school culture that values respect
and open lines of communication will positively impact all who enter our school,” she wrote in a statement
“I am looking forward to serving as a transformational leader with daily opportunities to empower students and teachers and build strong connections with families
We have high expectations for all and will celebrate students' successes and nurture goal setting to increase student engagement and achievement
“MGE was established in 1877 and is the oldest elementary school in Escambia County,” she continued
“I am thrilled to watch the new school being built right in front of our eyes and usher in a new generation of Tigers who are proud to be part of the Myrtle Grove family.”
Pine Forest High School Principal Melanie McElhaneyMelanie McElhaney has been hired as principal of Pine Forest High School
She has worked for Escambia County Public Schools for 21 years
most recently at Tate High School prior to becoming principal
“Being selected as principal in our great school district has been a dream come true
I was beyond excited to hear that I was being placed at Pine Forest High School
I am honored to know that the district leadership has confidence in me to make a difference at PFHS
It means the world to me that I have the opportunity to lead a school
and prepare our young people for their future and successes in life no matter the paths chosen
I am a product of Escambia County Schools and I take great pride in working here in the same district that had a monumental impact on my life,” McElhaney wrote in a statement
“I am most looking forward to building relationships with the students
faculty and staff of Pine Forest High School
I want them to know how much I believe in them to do whatever they set their minds to and that they can be successful
If they never hear that message from anyone else
they can remember that I believed in them,” she continued
Stephen Brooks has been hired as principal of George Stone Technical College
Brooks has 21 years of experience working for Escambia County Public Schools
He previously worked as an English teacher at West Florida High School
administrative dean at Bailey Middle School
assistant principal at Escambia High School and assistant principal at George Stone Technical College
“I am honored and blessed to be appointed as principal of George Stone Technical College
I have been fortunate to have served under some incredible leaders and mentors throughout my career
and I am grateful that I get to continue this journey alongside the talented and dedicated faculty and staff of GSTC,” Brooks wrote in a statement
“Our teachers and staff change lives on a daily basis by sharing their workforce experiences and expertise
while helping students obtain and master the technical skills required of their chosen trade
What a blessing to play a small part in such a transformation
Know the destination - enjoy the journey!”
several people in the Wilmington area reported seeing what they believe was a drone flying in the sky
Amanda Mitchell was in the Myrtle Grove area when she first noticed the strange lights
Others near Carolina Beach Road also observed something similar
While some wonder if this could be linked to the recent drone activity in New Jersey
others speculate that it might just be an airplane
just kind of curious with everything that’s been going on
it was obvious that it wasn’t something I had seen before
the shape was different—it was pretty large.”
“Some of them were flying very close to each other
I’ve never seen planes fly that close to each other
you see one here and one way over here in a different direction.”
We reached out to both the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office
Both agencies confirmed they have not received any reports about the mysterious sightings
we contacted Wilmington International Airport
but they also had no records of any unusual flight activity in the area
A spokesperson with Wilmington Police said that
although there were no reports of illegal drone activity
they believe the lights could be from “planes flying at high altitude.” However
We also reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to see if they might be investigating
The FAA explained that drones flying at or below 400 feet are legal
Video Central|Live Stream
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- An Escambia County grand jury has indicted a man for his involvement in a triple homicide in late April in Myrtle Grove
is indicted on three counts of first degree premeditated murder with a firearm
The indictment stems from a shooting at an adult party on West Jackson Street on April 28
The three victims were found in a parked car with gunshot wounds
Sumler is currently in the Escambia County jail without bond
he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison
An autopsy and investigation report from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reveal additional details in the homicide case of a 69-year-old New Hanover County resident
including the suspect allegedly confessing to the crime
was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and conceal/fail to report a death
The autopsy report reveals Grabka sustained multiple stab wounds
The victim also sustained traumatic head injuries
Puncture wounds on the back of the victim's upper left arm were also documented
Prior coverage: Man charged with first-degree murder following death investigation at Wilmington residence
The summary and interpretation included in the autopsy indicates that on the morning of Mar
deputies with the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office were dispatched for a welfare check on the 69-year-old
Grabka's caregiver allegedly said she had been inside of the Myrtle Grove residence
concerned after she hadn't seen him since Mar
The caregiver said "Grabka does not drive or leave the residence without her" and that "she was concerned about Grabka's safety as his roommate had mental health issues," according to the autopsy summary and interpretation
The 69-year-old and his roommate had allegedly gotten into a "verbal discussion as the roommate had not paid his part of the rent for about (three) months and Grabka was upset."
The autopsy summary states that the roommate allegedly returned to the Myrtle Grove residence and stated he had killed Grabka
The victim was located in a shallow grave on the back of the property
Lawrence Grabka's cause of death was due to multiple stab wounds of the face
neck and anterior-lateral left chest," the autopsy summary reads
"Another significant condition included traumatic head injuries."
Prior coverage: More details revealed in Wilmington homicide investigation
they discovered one locked room within the residence
unlock the room," the investigation report reads
but shortly after the roommate allegedly reported to law enforcement that he had murdered the decedent and buried him in the backyard."
deputies located the victim's body buried on the property with apparent injuries to the neck
Baca was being held in the New Hanover County jail under a $2 million secured bond while he awaits trial
according to the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office
The pictures on Jackie Wilde’s smart phone can be tough to see. Photo after photo of various cats and kittens that are malnourished and covered with fleas
Some appear relatively healthy while others seem close to collapse
Still others are in various stages of recovery
pointing to a picture of a small orange tabby with stitches where his left eye used to be
“Now he's having surgery again this morning
so we need to do more fundraising for that
When (rescuers) saw her she was almost falling over she was so sick.”
stumbled upon “Journey” when she and her husband were recently driving through Myrtle Grove
orange kitten was losing an eye due to infection and was close to the street in front of a home
“This kitten was laying out in front of the gate there
but the same cannot be said for all the felines that call the Myrtle Grove house home
Animal rescuers aren’t even sure how many cats there are because some are feral and run from strangers
Sick and malnourished cats and kittens are everywhere
others hide in the overgrown yard or under equipment
whiskered faces can also be seen peeking from the porch rafters
where they hide and scramble through the roof soffits to get in and out
A patient mama cat was nursing half a dozen babies while the News Journal was there
All converged on the fresh food the rescuers put out for them
The homeowner is an elderly man who has lived there all his life and enjoys the company of the collage of kitties
his feline family has grown out of control
and he hasn’t been able to care for them like they need
You may like: Photos: Cats and Dogs wait for forever homes at Escambia County Animal Shelter
He is grateful to Wilde and the other women who have volunteered to help with the all the animals
Sharon Cooke and Sharon Hamilton formed and run the small nonprofit Community Cats of Bayou Chico
Cooke saw Wilde’s posts about the cats on social media and offered to help
Sanders Beach area and we’ve done a lot of cleaning up and saving,” explained Cooke
We call her ‘Mamba’ and (the homeowner) just loves her
With the help of volunteers like Kimberly Jumper, the rescuers have all been working with the homeowner to feed the cats as well as catch them so they can get them medical care. Some have infections or fatal diseases. The goal is to spay and neuter the cats and adopt out the others that are healthy and tame enough to go to new families
then we'll try to get them adopted and some will have to be euthanized,” Jumper said
because we don't want them to get other cats sick and it’s humane.”
The rescuers have been working with local vets, like Hillman Veterinary Clinic
and a larger animal rescue organization to help care for the cats
but they need more donations and people willing to foster the felines to handle it all
“Spaying and neuter is important because this is what happens,” Jumper said
and if they don’t it creates a bigger problem for the community
and there just aren’t enough families for the kittens that are being produced
It's not good for them or the cats either.”
Wilde said they are vetting all the “sweet
adoptable” cats and kittens like Journey and Wednesday
who are already getting stronger and healthier with some TLC
he will be available for adoption,” Wilde said
“Wednesday is about six weeks old and just about well enough for adoption
There are so many cats and kittens over there.”
If you’re interested in adopting or fostering the cats or supporting efforts to help them, you can contact Community Cats of Bayou Chico as well as Jackie Wilde
Bradley Wootten and Rebecca Owens lived near the intersection of Pine Grove Drive and Greenville Loop Road in Wilmington for approximately four years
the couple relocated due to the increasingly dangerous traffic conditions
"Getting out of our street to turn left or right even onto Greenville Loop (Road) to go anywhere was just getting worse and worse," Wootten said
adding that he and his wife previously lived on Somersett Lane
sometimes you feel like you're taking your life in your hands."
the couple was rear-ended by a driver going nearly 50 miles per hour
The crash totaled the couple's car and sent them both to the hospital
After their accident and witnessing several others in the area, some even fatal
the couple decided to relocate to Myrtle Grove
"That was just like the final nail in the coffin," Wootten said
Wootten and Owens are not alone in their concerns about driver and pedestrian safety
a current resident of the Hewlett's Run neighborhood
described turning out onto Pine Grove Drive as similar to "a death-defying act."
While the city of Wilmington has plans to address traffic
including planned developments and a grocery store set to close soon
Arguably the most significant project is the dual-lane roundabout planned for the intersection of Pine Grove Drive and Greenville Loop Road
the roundabout seems like a long-awaited improvement
"The problem with the roundabout is that ..
the flow of traffic never stops," Wootten said
"That I think will have a negative impact on the people that live close to the roundabout off Greenville Loop (Road)" trying to enter or exit their neighborhoods
In addition to the Pine Grove Drive roundabout
other planned improvements include an extra southbound lane on Pine Grove Drive between Greenville Loop and Beasley roads
and upgrades to the Pine Grove Drive and Holly Tree Road intersection
Construction on these projects is expected to begin in Spring 2025
and an added traffic signal are planned for two intersections
Construction on these projects is expected to begin in Fall 2024
Pearce expressed frustration with the expected construction timeline
The Pine Grove Drive roundabout "seems to be the very last piece of the puzzle
which is mind boggling since this is the worst part of it," Pearce said
More: When will construction begin on the Greenville Loop Road roundabout? | MyReporter
In addition to projects already planned for Pine Grove
residents hope to see several additional improvements
Wootten and Owens said they would like to see the speed limit lowered to 35 miles per hour on Greenville Loop Road -- a change they previously proposed to city council
(was) put these flexible rubber poles down along the side of the road ..
to deter people from going off the road," Wootten said
"What they really do is squeeze you closer over into the oncoming lane."
Residents also hope to see more signalized crosswalks and sidewalks
Parents started a petition after Bradley Creek Elementary School eliminated a bus stop outside of Greenville Village
citing a lack of sidewalks as a danger for students walking to school
"If there were sidewalks for our kid to walk along without crossing the main road this conversation may not need to be had
but we do not have sidewalks down both sides of the road," Shanna Windham
wrote in her email reply to New Hanover County Schools
"This bus stop has helped us many mornings when we have sat trying to turn left for over 5 - 10 minutes or to safely bike/walk our children across the road."
Other suggested changes shared by residents in the Save Greenville Loop Road Facebook page
increasing police patrol to monitor for speeding
Lowes Foods, located at 805 Pine Grove Drive, is expected to close by the end of August
The chain has offered nearby residents a spot to grocery shop within walking or biking distance of their homes
"The grocery store that was on the corner was kind of a convenience," Wootten said
Members of the Saving Greenville Loop Road Facebook page echoed sentiments similar to Wootten in response to a group post about the store's closure
More: Major grocery chain to close one of its Wilmington locations
They are always so friendly and kind," one member wrote
I love having a neighborhood grocery store," wrote another
As residents speculate about what might replace the well-known chain
other nearby development changes are already underway -- some of which have caused residents to voice broader concerns about overdevelopment
"On that corner of Oleander (Drive) and Greenville Loop (Road)
referring to an existent apartment complex
"They're going to put another (200) or 250 in there
"It just seems like the infrastructure and the engineering ..
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInNORTH MYRTLE BEACH
(WMBF) - Crews responded Thursday to lighting-related fires across the North Strand and one Horry County man is recounting the scary moments his house was hit
North Myrtle Beach Fire Chief Billy Floyd said the scenes were each at 33rd Avenue North
He noted the homes at 33rd Avenue North and 7th Avenue South were both hit by lightning
Bill Brucks spoke to WMBF News about the moments after his house was struck
“All I saw was just the biggest flash of white
He said lightning struck as he was in the kitchen as they were making dinner
“The next thing I knew I was flying backward in the kitchen
four feet from the refrigerator,” said Bruck
Bruck said he opened the attic door and saw fire and quickly evacuated the house with his mom
and orange flames were licking on the inside of the roof already,” he said
“My next-door neighbor was outside and I yelled to him ‘Call 911
Chris Williams caught videos of the house fire and the moments after fire crews were able to put it out
“It was the loudest explosion I think I’ve ever heard in my life,” said Williams
I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.”
Bruck said his mom has lived in the home for more than 40 years and now they have more questions than answers as to what their next steps will be
Bruck’s home wasn’t the only house to see damage following Thursday’s storm
The North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue took to Facebook to break down the 33rd Avenue North
Bruck’s neighbors have set up a GoFundMe for him and his mother to help them rebuild. You can donate to that fundraiser here.
NC (WWAY) — A firefighter was injured in a fire early Tuesday morning in New Hanover County
The fire broke out a little after 9:00 a.m
which is in a neighborhood behind Myrtle Grove Animal Hospital
A New Hanover County spokeswoman said the firefighter is in stable condition
but no word yet on how the injury happened
One person was inside the home at the time of the fire and made it out on their own
Officials say there was considerable damage to the back of the home
The fire marshal is investigating the cause
UNCW is an internationally recognized leader in coastal and marine science research and education
staff and students explore topics of regional
With waterside facilities at Myrtle Grove and Wrightsville Beach
we have immediate access to a variety of marine ecosystems
Marine science at UNCW spans over 50 years
environmental science and physical oceanography
We also support research in specialized topics such as coastal policy
CMS advances research and teaching of the highest quality
enhancing your UNCW experience whether you are a graduate or undergraduate student in marine science
Our respected faculty support research that addresses current and future questions about the environment and the life and health of our oceans
We are recognized as a world-class site for applied marine science
especially in the areas of biotechnology and drug discovery
Many of our researchers are developing and marketing products from the ocean
Our state-of-the-art facilities include ample laboratory space, a shellfish research hatchery, a marine biotechnology building and an aquaculture complex. Docking space and a fleet of research vessels facilitate water-based research activities
UNCW Research & Innovation announced eight faculty researchers have been named recipients of the 2025 Research Achievement Awards
Department of Biology and Marine Biology Associate Professor Joseph Covi is among 162 honorees recognized this year by the National Academy of Inventors
associate professor in UNCW’s Department of Biology and Marine Biology
is a recipient of the 2025 UNC Board of Governors Teaching Excellence Award
UNCW has received $1.5 million in grant funding to lead the TEAL-SHIPS Transect Expedition
a groundbreaking project aimed at studying coastal land-to-sea habitats
an assistant professor in UNC Wilmington's Department of Biology and Marine Biology
is leading a research expedition to McMurdo Station in Antarctica to study the genomic adaptation of sea urchins to the Antarctic environment
UNCW applied coastal and ocean sciences doctoral student
has been awarded over $10,000 in radiocarbon analyses by the National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (NOSAMS) facility at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) to advance his research
UNC Wilmington graduate students Maylyn Hinson ’24M and Delaney McBride have been named to one of the nation’s most prestigious marine science fellowships
UNCW Assistant Professor of Biology and Marine Biology Matthew McLean and doctoral student Adrian Gonzalez-Ortiz have received a $400,000 NSF EMBRACE (EMpowering BRoader Academic Capacity and Education) grant
scholarly productivity and creative works of UNCW’s research leaders were formally applauded at the annual research celebration on Sept
Three UNCW alumni have been awarded fellowships in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry’s Pharmaceutical Chemistry doctoral program
Sarah Barr and Jared Wood are the first cohort of doctoral fellows for Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The Center for Marine Science (CMS) invites the general public to tour campus each fall at our Open House
typically held on one of the first couple of weekends in October – weather permitting
CMS does offer tours for prospective students, these tours are conducted by a current graduate student who can share their student experience. Prospective students may register through our form
Meeting spaces for the general public are limited, the Center does try to accommodate requests from educational, professional, environmental or civic groups when space is available. For availability and fees, contact CMS_EA@uncw.edu
For more information call 910.962.2408
A 30-lot subdivision could be coming to Myrtle Grove
situated across from Myrtle Grove Baptist Church
The area of the proposed site of Myrtle Sound is located in the 500 block of Myrtle Grove Road between the intersection of Piner Road and Myrtle Grove Road and the intersection of Myrtle Grove Road and Masonboro Loop Road
The surrounding area has many single-family homes
but there are other subdivisions all along Myrtle Grove Road
each would range in size with the smallest lot being 7,710 square feet and the largest lot being 14,837 square feet
More: 'Curious' about how this junction in New Hanover County got its name?
The development will be situated on 11.8 acres of land and the land is currently zoned as R-15 residential district
Buildings on the outer ends of the development will have a setback minimum of 20 feet and the single family homes will be spaced at a minimum of 10 feet from each other
The subdivision will also have a five-foot sidewalk along the two roads in the subdivision
Because the proposed development is expected to generate less than 100 peak hour trips
Water and sewer services are to be coordinated with Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
The applicant and owner of the land is Kyle Kelsay with Wilmington based Storehouse Holdings
The plans are scheduled to go before New Hanover County's Technical Review Committee May 1 for review and decision to see if the subdivision meets code requirements
Charles County Acquisition Enhances Conservation and Recreation
The Board of Public Works unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to acquire 182 acres in Charles County as an addition to Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area
The mostly forested property along a tributary of Mattawoman Creek seeks to expand public access and recreation opportunities for birding
trapping and other outdoor activities in southern Maryland
The Board of Public Works is comprised of Governor Larry Hogan
Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp
Rutherford chaired the meeting in the governor’s stead
“This Program Open Space acquisition will enhance and protect water quality in Mattawoman Creek and the Potomac River Basin while providing additional recreational options for residents and visitors,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said
“This property is identified by the National Audubon Society as an ‘Important Bird Area,’ making it an ideal location for birders and other wildlife observers.”
The Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area is located in western-central Charles County
and wildlife plantings as well as a 23-acre lake
two green-tree reservoirs and numerous streams
The area, managed by the department’s Wildlife and Heritage Service
contains critical habitat for all types of waterfowl and wildlife
It also includes an eight-station firearm shooting range
trap range and three-station archery range that are open to the public by permit
More information on Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area is available by contacting 301-743-5161
Maryland.gov
During a Monday morning press conference, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons identified the three men killed during a Sunday morning "ambush" in Myrtle Grove and said it is believed the triple shooting was an act of retaliation
Simmons said 26-year-old Markeese Turner, 28-year-old Michael Carstarphen and 23-year-old Trashawn Powers were the three men fatally shot in a vehicle parked outside of an invite-only party at the corner of 65th Avenue and Jackson Streets
and it was clearly targeted," Simmons said during the press conference
Two of the men were pronounced dead at the scene
and the other victim was transported to a local hospital where he eventually died as well
"We're taking a look at a couple different events
and it may have not been yesterday," he said
"Retaliatory shootings sometimes take days
In case you missed it: Judge declares mistrial for Pensacola woman indicted for murdering cell mate with fentanyl
all available investigators have been called in and the real-time crime center − which
allow investigators to compile footage from public security cameras − has been activated
Investigators are asking anyone who attended the party to review any videos or photos and provide any useful information to ECSO investigators
Simmons also said at least one of the victims was recently released from prison but did not know if his previous charges related to the retaliation
"This is certainly a tragedy; our thoughts and prayers go out to the family," Simmons said
"You don't want to get a phone call saying that something has happened to your child
so you do not want to get a phone call about something this tragic
Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 850-433-STOP or the ECSO at 850-436-9620
This newscast is updated weekdays at 6am
Several environmental groups are suing Louisiana over its three-year-old decision to allow a 630-acre liquefied natural gas plant to move forward in Plaquemines Parish without a key coastal permit
The groups fear the plant’s current site leaves it highly susceptible to flooding from hurricanes, which could lead to pollution in surrounding areas. Conversely, officials have touted LNG projects as a boon for the state and local economy
In August 2019, Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources determined that Venture Global LNG – a natural gas export company headquartered in Virginia – didn’t need a coastal use permit to construct a new $13.2 billion export plant called Plaquemines LNG
Currently under construction
the plant will span nearly a square mile of land about 20 miles south of New Orleans near the Myrtle Grove community – an area that was flooded during Hurricane Ida for weeks
the LNG plant would export up to 20 million metric tonnes of natural gas per year by ship to other countries
It's also expected to create 250 local jobs
The plant is among more than a dozen LNG export terminals proposed in Louisiana
which has made the state at the epicenter of the fossil fuel industry's push to increase natural gas exports across the globe
In August, the three environmental groups – the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, the Sierra Club and Healthy Gulf – petitioned the Department of Natural Resources to reconsider its decision
citing new computer modeling about the area’s storm surge risk
When the state first exempted Plaquemines LNG from a coastal use permit in 2019
it cited the planned storm protection levee as one of the reasons
the rationale was amended to state that the site was located at least five feet above sea level and wouldn’t have a significant impact on coastal waters
The modeling – completed after Ida’s submerged the site – suggested that had the plant already been built, the 26-foot-high levees planned by the company might have been overtopped by the Category 4 storm’s surge, according to the group's lawsuit. The surge might have peaked about foot higher at 27 feet when combined with wave height. A private research firm, Atmospheric and Environmental Research
crafted the modeling using satellite technology
the groups said the maximum water height could have reached 37 feet – 11 feet higher than the planned levees
The lawsuit also noted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that sea levels will rise another 1.5 to 2 feet off Louisiana’s coast by 2050 – the project’s minimum life span
If flooded, the groups argued that the waters could carry toxic chemicals used by the heavy industry off site into neighboring waters and communities. In an affidavit
the former deputy director of LSU’s Hurricane Center
stating the site would likely be flooded “in the not-too-distant future” by storm surge from a major hurricane
be a high probability of runoff of landfill (during construction) and chemicals (during operation) being carried off the site and into homes
and fragile coastal wetlands,” he wrote in an expert opinion requested by the Sierra Club
the Department of Natural Resources Secretary Thomas Harris rejected the groups’ petition
“This is essentially an out of time appeal of OCM’s (the Office of Coastal Management’s) determination, and I do not find that conditions have changed sufficiently for me to reopen this matter,” he said in an Oct. 24 letter.
The agency’s denial spurred the group’s lawsuit
calling for a judge at the Baton Rouge court to review the state’s decision
the groups ask the judge to vacate the state’s denial of their petition
declare that the project requires a coastal use permit
issue a cease and desist order on construction and remand the issue back to the state department
Department of Natural Resources Communications Director Patrick Courreges said
“DNR believes our staff acted in accordance with the applicable state law and regulatory guidance
but beyond that cannot comment on pending litigation.”
Plaquemines LNG is one of four plants that Venture Global wants to build
Two others are underway in southwest Louisiana
each facility has the potential to emit several million tons of greenhouse gasses per year – a key contributor to climate change – in coastal areas that are increasingly vulnerable to rising seas and more intense hurricanes