North Carolina
Families across the Triangle celebrate the new year, biggest crowds in Raleigh, Fayetteville
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The excitement is in the air as thousands across the Triangle get ready to close out 2023 and ring in the new year.
First Night Raleigh is happening on Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh where eventgoers are enjoying food and fun festivities.
Kids and their families enjoyed a pre-midnight countdown that included a little acorn drop at 7 p.m. in downtown Raleigh.
The People’s Processional led by Paperhand Puppet Intervention, the Helping Hands Mission band, and the NC State University pip and drum team took place earlier in the evening at Bicentennial Plaza and ended at the intersection of Davie Street and Fayetteville Street.
ABC11 spoke with families as they took advantage of the festivities during the event.
“The acorn drop. We are looking forward to that,” said Lisa Geter. ” It’s going to be really fun.”
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Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, families are gearing up for the Fayetteville Night Circus.
Organizers for the event said people are traveling from as far as Savannah to attend.
They said the goal is to bring the city together and have a safe space for families to ring in the new year.
“The whole intention behind creating a New Year’s event and the sixth largest city in the state of North Carolina is to help families come together to create memories, to create a tradition,” said Bianca Shoneman, Cool Spring Downtown District. “The broader goal for our city council is to improve the sense of place and livability so people love where they live just a little bit more.”
Families enjoyed inflatable games, axe throwing, and various food vendors.
Local business owner Darryl McClain operates Smokey’s Food Truck.
“We are local, concessionary business,” said Darryl McClain. “We run the business out of Spring Lake. Born and raised right here in Fayetteville. So it feels good to be home to, to give back to my community. I remember I’m on the spot right here. This used to be the USO, years ago.”
Festival goers will have their dancing shoes on all night. From local artist to hip hop legend DJ Spinderella and RNB music group Dru Hill, attendees will ring in 2024 with the stars.
“Well, to all my folks in Fayetteville that’s been following me for ages for decades,” said DJ Spinderella. “I remember coming here, Salt-N-Pepa, came here back in the 80s on a tour like our probably one of our first stops and in the earlier days of our career. And, you know, to be coming here again is kind of like full circle. So hope you enjoy me.”
At midnight as the star is raised, the night will end with an amazing fireworks display.
DURHAM
Over in Durham, excitement is also building for the New Year’s countdown. Several bars and breweries hosted their own New Year’s parties.
Crowds filled venues such as Ponysaurus brewing in Downtown Durham and Bull City Brewery to enjoy the many festivities ahead of midnight.
“We all kind of stick together, last year we went to Boxcar and had a pretty good time there, and otherwise we just wanted to meet up again,” said Cory Stutzman.
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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — The Myrtle Beach Police Department announced Monday the arrest of a man wanted in North Carolina.
Officers arrested Leko Jones, 46, who was wanted by authorities in Burlington, North Carolina, according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Jones is charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault by strangulation.
The arrest resulted from a coordinated effort between the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Patrol Division and Investigations Division, working alongside the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators said they safely located Jones and took him into custody.
A section of E. 4th Street in Washington will close next week for sewer line replacement work.
According to the city, E. 4th Street from Hudnell Street to Aycock Street will be closed to local traffic on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PINE KNOLL SHORES, Carteret County — A longtime Pine Knoll Shores public servant is preparing to begin a new chapter after nearly two decades with the town.
Ryan Thompson announced he will leave his full-time role with the Town of Pine Knoll Shores on August 12 after 18 years of service.
Thompson said he first came to Pine Knoll Shores in 2008 and has served the town in several roles, including police officer, chief of police, assistant town manager and most recently interim town manager.
In a message shared by the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department, Thompson said serving the community has been the greatest honor of his professional career.
Town of Pine Knoll Shores announces Ryan Thompson to depart after 18 years
He reflected on working alongside first responders through several hurricanes and coastal emergencies over the years, including Irene, Arthur, Matthew, Florence, Dorian, Isaias, Ophelia and Debby.
Thompson also highlighted the community’s response after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina in 2024. He said Pine Knoll Shores helped raise nearly $20,000 to support people impacted by the storm.
Thompson said Pine Knoll Shores has also been a special place for his family. His son served as a part-time firefighter with the Pine Knoll Shores Fire Department, and his wife served as the town’s tax collector.
Although he is leaving his full-time role, Thompson said he is not saying goodbye to the town.
He will begin serving as a public safety risk management consultant with the North Carolina League of Municipalities. He said the new role will allow him to work with cities and towns across the state to help support public safety and local governments.
Thompson also said he will remain with the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department as a part-time police officer.
He said he will also continue helping the town during its transition as Pine Knoll Shores begins the search for its next police chief and works through the town manager transition.
Captain Eric Tellefsen will become interim chief of police after Thompson’s departure.
Thompson said he is confident in the department’s leadership team and thanked the Pine Knoll Shores community for its trust, support and friendship over the past 18 years.
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