Good morning Wilmington!

If you’ve ever stood in line for a warm bag of Britt’s Donuts, you’ve experienced a small part of Bobby Nivens’ legacy. The longtime Carolina Beach shop owner passed away this week at 86, leaving behind a tradition that connected generations through something as simple, and as perfect, as a doughnut.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Sheriff McMahon Moves from Democrat to Republican

• City Council Approves Funds for Potential New Wilmington Park

• Dawson Leery’s Creekside Home Lists for $3.25 Million

Sheriff McMahon Moves from Democrat to Republican, Plans 2026 Re-Election Bid

[WECT] New Hanover County Sheriff Edward McMahon has switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, citing personal reasons. McMahon, who has served as sheriff since 2009, said the move will not alter his commitment to serve all residents fairly and without political bias. The change, made in August, comes ahead of his announcement to seek re-election in 2026. Local NAACP President Deborah Dicks Maxwell recalled McMahon’s earlier shift to the Democratic Party when first appointed, suggesting the move is consistent with his pragmatic approach to politics.

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City Council Approves Funds for Potential New Wilmington Park

WHQR — Wilmington City Council has voted 6-1 to earmark up to $1 million toward the purchase of land for a future park. The location hasn’t been disclosed, but officials say the property owner is interested in preserving it for public use. The city hopes to match the funding through New Hanover County and additional grants, including a request to the New Hanover Community Endowment. The park proposal will advance if the county agrees to partner in the investment.

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Step Into TV History: Dawson Leery’s Creekside Home Lists for $3.25 Million

WECT The famous Wilmington home featured as Dawson Leery’s residence in Dawson’s Creek is officially on the market for $3.25 million. Built in 1880 from lumber salvaged from a shipwrecked schooner, the 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home sits along Hewlett’s Creek on 1.7 acres, complete with a private dock. It’s the first time the property—owned by the same family for roughly 140 years—has been listed for sale outside its original ownership. Known for its appearances in iconic dock and window scenes, the house remains a piece of both local and TV history.

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News Roundup

Local News

A former New Hanover County Schools teacher has been charged with assaulting two minors at Anderson Elementary. Court records allege that Brittany Wells Kosch slapped one child and kicked another, while district officials say they followed all required reporting procedures and delayed public disclosure to avoid disrupting the police investigation. WECT

What You Should Know

Leaked private messages show Young Republican leaders exchanged racist, antisemitic and violent content — including praise for Hitler and talk of gas chambers. The roughly 2,900‑page Telegram leak implicates leaders from multiple state Young Republican chapters, has prompted firings and calls for resignations, and drawn widespread bipartisan condemnation. Politico

What Might Surprise You

Walking backward can enhance the benefits of regular walking by strengthening different muscles and improving flexibility. Experts say retro walking also challenges the mind, adds variety to exercise routines, and may help prevent injuries while promoting overall physical fitness. AP News

National News

Two teenagers responsible for assaulting former DOGE employee Edward “Big Balls” Coristine have been sentenced to probation in Washington, D.C. The 15-year-old boy received 12 months and the girl nine months after pleading guilty to simple assault in the August attack, which left Coristine with a concussion and broken nose drawing national attention. The Independent

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