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Wilmington Police confirm body found in retention pond was missing woman

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Wilmington Police confirmed that Karen Molta’s body was found near a retention pond off Jennings Drive within Anne McCrary Park.

“This investigation is still active and ongoing. There is currently no evidence indicating foul play, however, the case is still open and active. A complete autopsy examination will be performed by the medical examiners office,” according to a news release from WPD.

Her body was found Tuesday afternoon.

Karen Molta was last seen Friday in the 500 block of Mill Creek Court. She was reported missing Saturday, August 19.

This is a developing story.

WECT6 News 

Wagner chief Prigozhin was on plane that crashed in Russia, aviation agency says

…“An investigation has been launched into the crash of the Embraer aircraft, which occurred tonight in the Tver region,” the Federal Air Transport Agency said in a statement, according to the official state news agency TASS. “According to the list of passengers, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin.”

There were seven passengers and three crew members on board the private Embraer jet when it crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino, in the Tver region, on Wednesday, according to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Services. All on board were killed, according to preliminary information, the ministry said, adding that they “are conducting search operations.”…

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Vivek Ramaswamy attacked from all sides in first GOP debate: 'Amateur'

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy took the most hits among candidates during Wednesday's first GOP presidential debate.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was expected to be the lightning rod of attacks from his fellow presidential opponents, but Ramaswamy appeared to take the title.

From former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley to former Vice President Mike Pence, Ramaswamy fielded flak from all sides on the debate stage, and people took notice….

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Visitors spent over $2 billion in southeastern N.C. in 2022

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Visitors spent over $2 billion in southeastern N.C. counties in 2022, according to the latest Visit North Carolina economic impact report.

Spending was highest in New Hanover and Brunswick counties, which had $1.06 billion and $1.09 billion respectively. Pender County had $189.66 million, Columbus County had $60.71 million and Bladen County had $51.57 million.

New Hanover and Brunswick counties also took the seventh and sixth spots respectively on the list of highest visitor spending by county in N.C.

“This increase in visitor spending is a welcome sign that tourism in our destination continues to grow,” said Kim Hufham, president/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority. “During calendar year 2022, countywide room occupancy tax collections totaled more than $23.4 million dollars, an increase of 10.67% over the previous ROT benchmark set in 2021. Our community benefits from visitor spending through job creation and a room tax base that helps fund beach renourishment, the Wilmington Convention Center, ocean safety programs, and other tourism-related projects. Additionally, travel-generated state and local tax revenues help offset the tax burden of local citizens.”

State fines Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity for death at Restore

NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The North Carolina Department of Labor has issued over $10,000 in citations to the Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity.

The fine is for unsafe conditions that contributed to an employee’s death in May at the organizations ReStore facility on Market Street.

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Quick Local Roundups

• Eighth annual Surf Dog Experience to be held Saturday in Carolina Beach

• What will schools do once the COVID relief money runs out?What will schools do once the COVID relief money runs out?

• Second man charged in connection with armed robbery at a Wilmington Burger King

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New Hanover County Schools Preparing to open their doors

Tired of your kids monkeying around at home?

Bring them to Giggles for a little playtime. We've got the perfect space for little monkeys! Check us out at Giggles Drop In Childcare in Wilmington, NC!