Unofficial results for 2025 Municipal Election in Southeastern North Carolina

Published

8 months ago

November 5, 2025

Unofficial results for 2025 Municipal Election in Southeastern North Carolina

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. (WECT) – Here is a breakdown of the unofficial winners of races across Southeastern North Carolina in the 2025 North Carolina Municipal Election:

NEW HANOVER COUNTY

Wilmington – Mayor

27 of 27 precincts reporting

Jonathan Barfield: 5,067 votes
Billy Craig: 7,411 votes
Bill Saffo: 12,093 votes

Wilmington – City Council

27 of 27 precincts reporting

Clifford Barnett: 6,647 votes
Chakema Clinton-Quintana: 11,464 votes
Richard Collier: 9,350 votes
Sean Guerrero: 777 votes
JC Lyle: 11,875 votes
Kelly Roberts: 6,506 votes
Cassidy Santaguida: 11,568 votes
Luke Waddell: 10,571 votes

Carolina Beach – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Lynn Barbee: 1,092 votes
Youssef Hassan: 301 votes

Carolina Beach – Town Council

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Vince Losito: 1,041 votes
Wayne Rouse: 1,122 votes

Kure Beach – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Kure Beach – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Byron Ashbridge: 385 votes
Mark Dirks: 358 votes
Tracy Mitchell: 118 votes

Wrightsville Beach – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Wrightsville Beach – Board of Aldermen

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Margaret Baggett: 490 votes
Hank Miller: 453 votes
Todd Schoen: 469 votes
Lee Williams: 58 votes
David Wortman: 356 votes

BRUNSWICK COUNTY

Bald Head Island – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Peter Quinn: 159 votes
Scott Thomas: 120 votes

Bald Head Island – Village Council

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Debra Drumheller: 82 votes
Slaughter Fitz-Hugh: 174 votes
Andrew Hano: 81 votes
Jesse Hermann: 193 votes

Belville – Mayor

3 of 3 precincts reporting

Nia Moore: 87 votes
Chuck Bost: 179 votes

Belville – Town Commissioner

3 of 3 precincts reporting

Hunter Smith: 208 votes
Ryan Merrill: 214 votes

Boiling Spring Lakes – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Michael Ellis: 472 votes
Jeff Winecoff: 583 votes

Boiling Spring Lakes – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Todd Ausborn: 519 votes
David Mammay: 401 votes
Kim Sherwood: 547 votes
Ernie Siriani: 512 votes

Bolivia – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Bolivia – Board of Aldermen

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Jonathan Hayes: 13 votes
Hannah Hrvol: 11 votes
Dewey Smith: 14 votes
Melissa Kay Walters: 12 votes

Calabash – Town Commissioner

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Shaun Bellamy: 95 votes
Frank Strungis: 90 votes
Bill Wilham: 95 votes

Carolina Shores – Mayor

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Carolina Shores – Town Commissioner

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Jeff Alt: 273 votes
Jack Brinson: 229 votes
Andrew Davis: 198 votes
Walter Goodenough: 75 votes
Debbie Watts: 507 votes

Caswell Beach – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Kathleen Berry: 117 votes
Martha Dollinger: 89 votes
Thomas Jarvis: 86 votes
Connie Silverstein: 67 votes

Holden Beach – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Mike Felmly: 172 votes
Alan Holden: 394 votes

Holden Beach – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Chad Hock: 235 votes
Sylvia Pate: 337 votes
Keith Smith: 306 votes
Maria Surprise: 234 votes

Leland – Town Council

7 of 7 precincts reporting

Leland Hyer: 2,588 votes
Bill McHugh: 2,401 votes
Frank Pendleton: 3,142 votes
Edgar Robbins: 371 votes
Susan Waleed: 1,763 votes

Navassa – Mayor

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Jerry Merrick: 123 votes
Ernest Mooring: 96 votes
Rose Terry: 162 votes

Navassa – Town Commissioner, District 1

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Tony Burgess: 72 votes
Ida Dixon: 111 votes
Marcell Hatten: 99 votes
Craig Suggs: 145 votes
Wanda Jones Willis: 217 votes

Northwest – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Sheila Grady: 186 votes
James Knox: 35 votes

Oak Island – Mayor

6 of 6 precincts reporting

Christopher Brown: 1,551 votes
Douglas DeArros: 77 votes
Liz White: 1,493 votes

Oak Island – Town Council

6 of 6 precincts reporting

Tommy Brown: 1,296 votes
Chasey Bynum: 1,391 votes
Chip Frazier: 765 votes
Kerri McCullough: 1,024 votes
Reece Simmons: 332 votes
Scott Stephenson: 1,175 votes

Ocean Isle Beach – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Ocean Isle Beach – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Polly Bristow: 168 votes
Mark Robertson: 230 votes
Wayne Rowell: 209 votes

Sandy Creek – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Sandy Creek – Town Council

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Johanna Didrill: 26 votes
Austin Lentz: 19 votes

Sandy Creek – Town Council, Unexpired Term

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Rebecca Wilkins: 23 votes

Shallotte – Mayor

5 of 5 precincts reporting

Art Dornfeld: 331 votes
Walter Eccard: 249 votes

Shallotte – Board of Aldermen

5 of 5 precincts reporting

James Bellamy: 399 votes
Eugene Vasile: 382 votes

Southport – Mayor

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Rich Alt: 848 votes
Joe Pat Hatem: 1,208 votes

Southport – Board of Aldermen, Ward 1

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Robert Carroll: 920 votes
Mike Crosbie: 908 votes
David Miller: 763 votes
Karen Mosteller: 987 votes

Southport – Board of Aldermen, Ward 2

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Nelson Adams: 365 votes
Katie Boyd: 0 votes
Bonnie Bray: 793 votes
Paul Gross: 860 votes

St. James – Town Council

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Dennis Barclay: 895 votes
Jim Board: 1,069 votes
Peter Cudlip: 286 votes
Ray Irvin: 576 votes
Jeffrey Lewis: 625 votes
Bill Miller: 895 votes

Sunset Beach – Mayor

3 of 3 precincts reporting

Shannon Phillips: 1,321 votes
Nicholas Peters: 547 votes

Sunset Beach – Town Council

3 of 3 precincts reporting

Sean Arnold: 1,127 votes
William Brougham: 896 votes
Katie Bordeaux: 1,482 votes
Gerard Byrnes: 667 votes
Richard Dysinger: 684 votes

Sunset Beach – Town Council, Unexpired Term

3 of 3 precincts reporting

Michael Hargreaves: 600 votes
Christie Batchelor: 1,264 votes

Varnumtown – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Varnumtown – Board of Aldermen

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Lori Galloway: 37 votes
Jeremy Ridenhour: 26 votes

PENDER COUNTY

Atkinson – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Atkinson – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Hector Ramos: 25 votes
Penny Stith: 21 votes

Burgaw – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Burgaw – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

James Malloy: 126 votes
Myura McDuffie: 116 votes

St. Helena – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Robert Barnhill: 28 votes

St. Helena – Town Council

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Neil Benton: 31 votes
Judy Katalinic: 25 votes

Surf City – Town Council

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Hugh Canady: 680 votes
Andy Pleil: 1,000 votes
Jillian Rodrigues de Miranda: 466 votes
Jeremy Shugarts: 184 votes

Topsail Beach – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Topsail Beach – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Alex Arab: 137 votes
John Best: 178 votes
Nancy Thomason: 179 votes
Tim Zizack: 110 votes

Watha – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Joseph Craig: 8 votes
Samuel Miller: 11 votes
Rachel Stadsvold: 10 votes
Ken Fountain: 15 votes

BLADEN COUNTY

Bladenboro – Mayor

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Bladenboro – Town Commissioner

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Jeff Atkinson: 94 votes
Cris Harrelson: 87 votes
Gregory Sykes: 86 votes
Joey Todd: 60 votes

Clarkton – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Stephen Hester: 32 votes
Troy Mitchell: 41 votes
Write In: 53

Dublin – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Dublin – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Richard Sibbett: 15 votes

East Arcadia – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Lillian Graham: 40 votes
Pamela Graham: 42 votes

Elizabethtown – Town Council

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Brenda Clark: 212 votes
Paula Greene: 458 votes
Penny Johnson: 41 votes
Bobby Kinlaw: 320 votes
Herman Lewis: 303 votes
Rufus Lloyd: 328 votes

Elizabethtown – Town Council (Unexpired Term)

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Bruce Dickerson: 438 votes
Robert Hester: 149 votes

Tar Heel – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Tar Heel – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Steve Dowless: 14 votes
Derek Druzak: 15 votes

White Lake – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

James Barefoot: 163 votes
Tim Blount: 159 votes
Paul Evans: 147 votes
Richard Shaw: 172 votes

COLUMBUS COUNTY

Boardman – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Eric Williamson: 20 votes

Boardman – Town Council

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Donald Britt: 20 votes
Tevis Britt: 19 votes
Crystal Rogers: 20 votes
James Smith: 20 votes
Minnie Turbeville: 20 votes

Bolton – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Bolton – Town Alderman

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Daniel Brown: 67 votes
Barbara Jo Graham: 54 votes
Gary Graham: 40 votes
Kelvin Thurman: 12 votes

Brunswick – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Tammy Blackmon: 42 votes
Curtis Hill: 53 votes
Ricky Mason: 34 votes
Alonzo McArthur: 31 votes

Cerro Gordo – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Cerro Gordo – Town Council

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Tracey Blackwell: 24 votes
Jeffrey Greene: 24 votes
Lisa McKee: 18 votes
Debra Prince: 7 votes

Chadbourn – Town Council

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Shannon Britt: 117 votes
Avala Nealy: 143 votes
Rashad Roberts: 188 votes
Andrew Worley: 85 votes

Fair Bluff – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Fair Bluff – Town Commissioner

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Bradley Cutrell: 116 votes
Clarice Faison: 137 votes
Grayson Jarvis: 118 votes
John Phillips: 63 votes

Lake Waccamaw – Mayor

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Greg Jacobs: 319 votes
Chad Smith: 30 votes
Matthew Wilson: 262 votes

Lake Waccamaw – Town Commissioner, East Ward

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Jerry Hinnant: 311 votes
Scott Hyatt: 296 votes

Lake Waccamaw – Town Commissioner, West Ward

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Curtis Andrews: 285 votes
Frank Carroll: 78 votes
Charlyne Jacobs: 242 votes

Sandyfield – Town Council

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Perry Dixon: 56 votes
Leonard Hall: 58 votes

Tabor City – Town Council

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Bryan Culbertson: 45 votes
Chris Fowler: 235 votes
Lamont Grate: 235 votes
Mitchell Strickland: 112 votes

Whiteville – Mayor

3 of 3 precincts reporting

Brandon Acker: 32 votes
Terry Mann: 367 votes
Brittany Payne: 47 votes
Mike Schachnuk: 96 votes

Whiteville – City Council, District 1

2 of 2 precincts reporting

Helen Holden: 173 votes
Vickie Pait: 230 votes
Linda Smith: 235 votes

REFERENDUMS

Holden Beach Pier Bond ($7.3 million for new pier)

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Yes: 211 votes
No: 351 votes

Sandyfield Malt Beverage Election

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Yes: 47 votes
No: 31 votes

Sandyfield Unfortified Wine Election

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Yes: 45 votes
No: 33 votes

Sandyfield Mixed Beverage Election

1 of 1 precincts reporting

Yes: 47 votes
No: 30 votes

Click here to watch WECT’s live election coverage.

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A 4-year-old boy’s simple habit of waving to his neighbors transformed his North Carolina community

Published

2 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

A 4-year-old boy’s simple habit of waving to his neighbors transformed his North Carolina community

CONCORD, North Carolina — Not many children crave connection more than 4-year-old Roman Butzlaff. If you pass by his house in Concord, North Carolina, he will surely greet you with a wave and a “hey.”

“He wakes up every day excited to say ‘hi’ to somebody, like, that’s the first thing he wants to do,” his mother, Anna Butzlaff, told CBS News.

And yet, she said that for the longest time, Roman’s cheeriness belied an inner loneliness. About a year ago, his parents broke up. His father moved to Florida, and his grandparents lived out of state as well.

But fortunately, all those seeds of kindness he had planted began to bloom. It started with Wade Fulgum, who lives across the street from Roman.

Fulgum went over to meet the boy who was always waving. They started doing things together. Eventually, other neighbors followed suit. They would stop and chat or even take part in activities such as drag racing down the street.

Anna Butzlaff said it was initially a bit strange because she barely knew any of these people.

“I didn’t really know how to take it,” she said. “I just saw that my son was happy.”

Which is why she went along with it when Roman then began inviting many different neighbors to his soccer games, basketball games and baseball games. Other neighbors came to his swimming lessons and even his preschool open house.

And when it came time for his birthday party, Anna Butzlaff knew the only people she needed to invite were his senior citizen neighbor friends.

“He loves having us there, and he’ll run up and hug us,” one neighbor said.

“They’ve made such an impact on him,” Anna Butzlaff said. “They are really special people to him.”

Today, the refrigerator is blanketed with pictures of all those people Roman holds so dear. His mother says his inner loneliness is gone.

And his “love thy neighbor” attitude is spreading. Roman has now brought together about a dozen neighbors who say they would have barely known each other if not for that little boy, who lived in a neighborhood but needed a village.

Said one neighbor: “Look at what this little kid has built.”

Added another: “If the world was like this child, what an awesome, awesome place it would be.”

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North Carolina

Explore on the water: How, where to kayak in Raleigh

Published

13 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

Explore on the water: How, where to kayak in Raleigh

The past couple of years have seen a boom in North Carolina tourism.

Raleigh, in particular, is renowned for its vibrant urban culture. It also boasts many natural wonders.

Kayaking in Raleigh is a great way to immerse oneself in the city’s water-based beauty. With serene lakes, winding rivers and lush preserves, Raleigh offers a diverse landscape.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned paddler or a novice eager to dip your paddle. Either way, the waters await you. Read on to learn about the best spots, essential tips, and launch points for your aquatic adventure.

Exploring Raleigh’s waterways

There’s no shortage of wonderful lakes and more in Raleigh. You can challenge yourself and try to visit them all or stick with one or two favorite spots. Are you wondering which ones are most popular?

Lake Raleigh

Nestled within North Carolina State University’s campus, Lake Raleigh offers a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling cityscape. This picturesque lake provides an ideal setting for leisurely paddles and wildlife observation.

Kayakers can glide along its serene waters, taking in the surrounding scenery of lush greenery and diverse birdlife. With convenient access points and calm waters, Lake Raleigh welcomes paddlers of all skill levels.

Lake Johnson Park

Located just over two miles away from NC State’s campus, the park is a popular spot for students and pros to get exercise. The park has a three-mile, paved greenway loop and two additional miles of unpaved trails.

The lake itself is more than 150 acres and offers a wide variety of boats and kayaks to rent. The boats can be renteed seven days per week.

Lake Wheeler Park

Built in 1956 with help from the Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Wheeler was once Raleigh’s secondary axuiliary water-supply lake. Since 2010, it’s been hte city’s primary water supply for Raleigh and surrounding communities in Wake County.

Water sports activities, such as skiing and tubing are allowed on the lake, but swimming is not. City residents can pay $5 per day to launch their boats, while non-Raleigh residentspay $7 a day, with adults over 55 years old paying $3 per day.

The park also offers kayaks and stand up paddleboards near the Waterfront Center in lockers. You can reserve the equipment in the lockers online here.

Lake Crabtree County Park

For those seeking a more extensive kayaking experience, Lake Crabtree County Park is a must-visit destination. Located just minutes from downtown Raleigh, this expansive lake attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its ample paddling opportunities.

Kayakers have the option to explore the lake’s winding channels, hidden coves and secluded islands, all while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding parkland. With designated launch areas and amenities such as boat rentals and picnic areas, Lake Crabtree County Park offers everything you need for a memorable kayaking adventure.

Robertson Millpond Preserve

Veer off the main path and discover the serene beauty of Robertson Millpond Preserve. Tucked away in eastern Wake County, this hidden gem boasts a pristine millpond surrounded by lush forests and tranquil wetlands.

You can paddle through narrow waterways, marveling at the reflections of towering cypress trees and abundant wildlife. With its peaceful ambiance and unspoiled scenery, Robertson Millpond Preserve provides an idyllic escape for nature lovers and paddling enthusiasts alike.

Neuse River Canoe Trail

Embark on a scenic journey along the Neuse River Canoe Trail, a designated waterway stretching over 250 miles through North Carolina’s heartland. While the entire trail offers a myriad of paddling opportunities, the section near Raleigh stands out for its accessibility and diverse landscapes.

Feel free to meander through lush forests, navigate gentle rapids and spot wildlife along the riverbanks. With multiple access points and convenient shuttle services, the Neuse River Canoe Trail provides endless possibilities for exploration and adventure.

Harris Lake County Park

Experience the beauty of nature at Harris Lake County Park, home to a pristine reservoir surrounded by rolling hills and wooded shores. Kayakers can paddle along the lake’s tranquil waters, admiring the scenic vistas and abundant wildlife.

Whether you’re fishing, bird watching, or simply enjoying a leisurely paddle, Harris Lake offers something for everyone. With its well-maintained launch areas and amenities, including hiking trails and picnic spots, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Kayaking tips and essentials

Before embarking on your kayaking adventure in Raleigh, it’s important to ensure you’re well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Plan for safety before hitting the water

Safety should always be your top priority when engaging in any water-based activity. One of the major aspects of kayaking safety involves wearing a properly fitted life jacket. This is something that you should have on at all times.

Even if you’re a strong swimmer, unexpected circumstances can crop up. That’s when a life jacket can be a lifesaver during emergencies.

Do you want more kayaking essentials?

It’s crucial to plan ahead before heading out on the water. Always double-check the weather forecast and water conditions. That way, you can ensure they’re suitable for kayaking.

Keep in mind that weather patterns can change on a dime. It’s a good idea to be prepared for any unexpected changes in weather or water conditions.

Before setting out, make sure you have all the essentials packed. Your checklist should include sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks and a first-aid kit. Don’t forget about any navigation tools or communication devices you may need.

Remember to respect the wildlife and environment while kayaking. Feel free to admire wildlife from a distance, but avoid disturbing their natural habitats. Practice leave-no-trace principles by picking up all trash.

Dressing for kayaking

Are you stumped about what to wear during your water adventures? Choose lightweight, quick-drying clothing that’s suitable for water activities. Avoid cotton-based clothing, as it can become heavy and uncomfortable when wet.

Instead, go with dependable synthetic materials that wick away moisture. This tends to provide insulation even when wet.

Remember to bring a trusty hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. This will be especially helpful on sunny days when the glare of the water can be quite intense.

Better paddling for a successful adventure

Do you have little to no experience with kayaking? Proper paddling technique is a great way to boost your enjoyment and efficiency on the water.

Before setting out, take the time to familiarize yourself with basic paddling strokes and techniques. Practice your strokes on calm, flat water. That way, you can build your confidence and proficiency.

Doing this will prepare you to tackle more challenging conditions. Remember to use your entire body when paddling, not just your arms. This is what the pros do to conserve energy and reduce fatigue.

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North Carolina

NC state budget includes $27M for Madison County’s new public service complex

Published

23 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

NC state budget includes M for Madison County’s new public service complex

MADISON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A major investment is moving one of Madison County’s largest construction projects a step closer to reality.

State leaders approved $27 million in the budget for the county’s new public service complex—bringing the project to more than two-thirds of the funding needed.

Grading has already begun on the property near the health department and sheriff’s office.

MADISON COUNTY MULLS FUTURE OF HISTORIC COURTHOUSE AS PLANS MOVE FORWARD FOR NEW BUILDING

The $88 million project is set to combine governmental, social and judicial facilities in Madison County.

Madison County Manager Rod Honeycutt spoke about the impacts he believes the new complex will have.

JULY 9, 2026 – Grading has already begun for Madison County’s new public service complex near the health department and sheriff’s office. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)

“A place that’s easy to get into, easy to get out of, and something that says we’re Madison County strong,” said Honeycutt. “We’re looking very much forward to moving into the facility and consolidating five locations into one.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUDGET INCLUDES $7M TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK FROM HELENE DEBRIS

Madison County officials are encouraging community input on the plans for the new complex before the groundbreaking ceremony at the end of July.

The complex is expected to open in March 2029.

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