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- PCP Fri Oct 17: RIP Ace Frehley — The Spaceman Who Lit Up Rock
PCP Fri Oct 17: RIP Ace Frehley — The Spaceman Who Lit Up Rock
The Spaceman takes his final bow — but his music keeps orbiting.
Jason @ Port City Pulse
October 17, 2025
TOGETHER WITH
Good morning Wilmington!
Good morning Wilmington!
Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley, co-founder and original guitarist of KISS, has passed away at 74. Known to fans as the “Spaceman,” Frehley’s fiery solos and cosmic stage presence helped define the band’s legendary sound and inspired generations of musicians.
In today’s Port City Pulse:
Iryna’s Law Signed: Death Row Reviews Must Now Happen Within Two Years
South Carolina’s Anto’s Wins First Place for Focaccia at Pizza World Cup in Italy
Iryna’s Law Signed: Death Row Reviews Must Now Happen Within Two Years
WBTV — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 307, known as ‘Iryna’s Law,’ which changes how the state handles death penalty cases. The law requires death row reviews to occur within two years, though experts warn this timeline may be unrealistic given legal and resource challenges. The legislation also allows methods of execution beyond lethal injection while abolishing electrocution and gas. North Carolina currently has 122 people on death row, and no executions have been carried out since 2006, despite over 400 death sentences since 1976.
HALLOWEEN at Wilmington Rock Gym!
Halloween's coming around the bend and that can only mean one thing... costume party!! 👻
Members, punch card, and semester pass holders are invited to bring a first-timer for free, and be sure to wear a costume for a shot at one of three marvelous prizes!
See you there! 🎃
South Carolina’s Anto’s Wins First Place for Focaccia at Pizza World Cup in Italy
WBTV — Anto’s Pizza Romana and Italian Market in Conway, S.C., won first place for its focaccia at the Pizza World Cup in Rome. The award marks the restaurant’s second major win, following its “Best Pizza” title in the Best of the Grand Strand competition. Anto’s, which opened in October 2024, celebrated its international recognition with friends and family, putting Conway on the map in the global pizza scene.
News Roundup
Local News
The Willie Stargell Foundation has awarded $10,000 to UNCW’s College of Health and Human Services to fund scholarships for nursing students. The donation honors the legacy of baseball Hall of Famer Willie Stargell and supports the foundation’s mission to assist those affected by kidney disease. WECT
Freeman Park in Carolina Beach is expected to reopen by the end of this week after being closed due to erosion from a recent nor’easter and high tides. Crews are stabilizing the Hatteras Ramp entrance, though officials warn future closures may be needed for beach nourishment and safety work. WECT
The City of Wilmington has completed major upgrades to Cameron Park’s playground, replacing the 22-year-old play structure with new equipment, swings, spinners, and interactive play panels. Additional improvements, including a new grill and fencing, are also planned. WWAY
What You Should Know
Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton has been criminally indicted on federal charges for allegedly mishandling classified national defense information. The indictment accuses Bolton of unlawfully retaining and transmitting top secret materials to family members and through personal email, though he maintains his innocence and claims the charges are politically motivated. BBC News
What Might Surprise You
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli has accused California Democrats of misusing millions in federal tax dollars earmarked for homeless housing, including claims that $2.1 million was diverted to pay credit card bills. His announcement follows the launch of a task force aimed at investigating fraud and corruption within homelessness funding programs. News Pravda
Don’t Miss
OTR Oktoberfest 2025
SAT OCT 18: Noon - 7PM @ Ogden Tap Room - OGD
Hey Wilmington! It's almost time. Our annual "Oktoberfest" event will be held next Saturday October 18th at the Ogden Tap Room. There will be German food, drinks, & live music from the Harbour Towne Fest Band & of course... the great Weiner Dog Races. Doors open at noon. Harbour Towne Fest Band will be playing music 2pm until 7pm Weiner Dog Races at 4pm (Pre-register at 2pm) Bring Cash! Save the Date! Tell everyone! See ya next week!
 Spanish Mackerel TournamentSAT OCT 18: 7AM - 6PM @ Johnny Mercers Pier - WB |  An Evening of Music & StorytellingSAT OCT 18: 7PM @ Church of the Servant - ILM |
 Lil Ghosties Cake Decorating Class (21+)SAT OCT 18: 5-8PM @ Mama Wolf Cakery - ILM |  Flytrap Oyster Roast with SeaviewSAT OCT 18: 1Pm @ Flytrap Brewing - ILM |
 Pumpkin Carving ContestSUN OCT 19: 3-6Pm @ Brewer’s Kettle - ILM |  Beetlejuice Double FeatureSUN OCT 12: 6:30 Pm @ Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - DT |
Weather
Fri Oct 17: ☀️ Sunny | 67° / 50° | 1% | N 10 mph
Sat Oct 18: 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 72° / 58° | 2% | WSW 8 mph
Sun Oct 19: 🌥️ Partly Cloudy | 76° / 55° | 5% | SW 14 mph
Live Music
Today
6:00 PM @ Cloud 9 - ILM | |
7:00 PM @ Seven Mile Post - OG | |
08:00 PM @ Seawitch - CB |
Saturday
6:00 PM @ Cloud 9 - ILM | |
07:00 PM @ Bowstring - SPD | |
10:00 PM @ The Palm Room - WB |
Sunday
2:00 PM @ Katy's Grill & Bar- ILM | |
3:00 PM @ Dram Tree Tavern - GFL | |
7:00 PM @ Bottega Wine Bar & Art Gallery - DT |
This weekend is looking picture-perfect in Wilmington — sunshine, mild temps, and just enough breeze. Whether you’re casting a line at Johnny Mercer’s Pier during the Spanish Mackerel Tournament or cheering on the Weiner Dog Races at Ogden Tap Room’s Oktoberfest, it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy the coast. Don’t forget your sunscreen… and maybe a bratwurst. 🌞🐾🎣 |  |