Good morning, Leland.

Local business owners and residents in the old Gateway District voiced concerns over a planned transformation that might raise rent and change the area’s small-town feel.

Town Council will further discuss support for existing businesses as owners plan to form a Gateway District Alliance.

This weekend, Cape Fear offers several events: Friday's Sounds of Freedom Benefit Concert (Brooklyn Arts Center), Saturday's Cape Fear Latinos Festival (Live Oak Bank Pavilion) with a mini-parade plus a movie screening aboard Battleship North Carolina, and Sunday's Oktoberfest on the Beach (Carolina Beach Pier).

Local Chef Dean Neff will host the Out to Sea NC Fest from Nov.

8 to 10 at Seabird and community venues in this three-day festival. The event includes a dinner, a seafood class with tasting and film screening, and a guest chef dinner; tickets go on sale Sept. 28.

Voters in Brunswick County will decide in November on a $350 million school bond.

Superintendent Dale Cole told WECT that the bond would fund school improvements + may impact taxpayer costs.

Heide Trask High School math teacher Emma Clark was named WWAY Teacher of the Month for turning class challenges into clear, step-by-step lessons.

She works in Rocky Point (students appreciate her hands-on approach that makes tough concepts easy to understand).

Coastal Horizons Assistant Director Tiffany Salter was selected for ZERO TO THREE’s 2026-28 Fellowship Class from over 300 candidates and will lead the Child First program that provides relationship-based care for infants, children and their caregivers during an 18-month leadership development program (she is among 20 early childhood leaders chosen).

The Hoggard Vikings won 55-14 against West Brunswick Friday, starting their conference schedule with a strong win.

Quarterback Matthew Boring connected with Desyn Durand for three first-quarter touchdowns while Judah Gillespie scored a rushing touchdown.

North Brunswick held onto a 14-10 win over Topsail on Friday night despite a late comeback attempt, using a defensive touchdown and a turnover by junior cornerback M.J.

Smith to secure the victory. They will face West Brunswick next week in a Carolina Coast Conference matchup.