North Carolina
‘Blessed and thankful’: New home dedicated to Helene-impacted veteran in WNC
SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — After more than a year and a half spent living in the aftermath of what Hurricane Helene took from him, one Marine Corps veteran has finally stepped into his new home.
During the storm, a tree fell on the home of local veteran Billy Ricketts III, and he had been living in a camper on his property ever since. On Monday, May 18, Purple Heart Homes and Valley Strong Disaster Relief dedicated a new home to him.
Purple Heart Homes, Inc. has helped over 4,000 veterans all across the country. The nonprofit organization serves veterans with critical home repairs, building ramps, HVAC systems and building modular homes to give to veterans.
‘YOU JUST HAVE TO FIX IT’: CANTON FAMILY RETURNS HOME 19 MONTHS AFTER HELENE
Leah Gutierrez, director of program services for Purple Heart Homes, said the organization wanted to send homes to western North Carolinian veterans impacted by Helene. The nonprofit partnered with Valley Strong Disaster Relief to meet Ricketts and get him the help he needed.
“He was a little hesitant at first, you know, most veterans are because some feel that they’re not as deserving or that someone else deserves it more than them,” Gutierrez said.
But on Monday, it felt surreal.
19 MONTHS LATER, HELENE RECOVERY IN MADISON COUNTY IS FAR FROM OVER
“[I’m] just blessed and thankful for my community,” Ricketts said. “Means a lot, coming home and seeing members of the community are pitching in to help one another.”
“For him to be able to transition from that to a stable home, I mean, our logo is ‘Healing Hearts One Home at a Time,’ and so if we’re able to do that for each veteran, then we’ve done our mission,” Gutierrez said.
Ricketts said he is looking forward to some peace and quiet as the new home represents the next chapter of his life.
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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