Local News

Between 1690 and 1720, pirates operated freely off Ocean Isle Beach—especially three pirates—Sam Bellamy, Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach.

One pirate who looted more than 50 ships from his vessel “Whydah” was Bellamy, who was often called “Black Bellamy.”

Bellamy’s pirate career came to an end on April 26, 1717, when a bad storm sunk his ship and nearly all onboard died including Bellamy.

Another notorious pirate who attacked ships off Ocean Isle was Bonnet who was often called “The Gentleman Pirate.”

The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has received a $5,000 reward from N.C. Gov. Mike Easley for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Valerie Ann Burns.

Burns, 49, of Bluff Drive in Leland, was last seen in downtown Wilmington early last Wednesday morning.

Around 3:35 a.m. Wednesday, the Winnabow Fire Department and the sheriff’s office responded to a vehicle fire on Goodland Road in Leland.

Are adequate services available for people suffering from mental illness and substance abuse in North Carolina?

Some healthcare professionals say no.

Since the state privatized mental health services in 2000, many healthcare providers say there’s simply not enough funding to go around, meaning people are falling through the cracks opened by budget shortfalls.

Investigators have confirmed 49-year old Valerie Burns was the woman whose body was found in a burning vehicle early Wednesday morning.

Burns died from smoke inhalation, chief deputy Charlie Miller said Friday. But investigators are still asking for the community’s help.

Brunswick County Sheriff John Ingram said they’re seeking information about Burns’ whereabouts—who she was last with, where she was last seen, where her 1994 Buick Regal was heading—before they discovered her body.

“We suspect foul play,” Ingram said.