It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bellamy Mansion Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Wilmington, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“This virtual dementia training offers an immersive experience that helps us participants understand the daily”
“The team members are good about keeping in contact with you. The caregiver has”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“It was a great experience it really opens your eyes to get a better understanding”
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible! As an Employee they are also Awesome accommodating the girls working with your schedule. It’s Great working hand in hand with people that care!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very good to me”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and downs, ABC has come thru for me and my family in ways I could never put a price on. Their compassion and understanding made my Mom feel safe and secure, even during difficult times. For that, they have earned a client for life. The way they have loved on her since leaving the hospital make me smile.”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you are looking for a company you can trust your loved one with, then I would definitely recommend this company!!!”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life saver for me and my family. The staff they have is always so warm & inviting they always make my grandpa feel so comfortable. What makes ABC different is that they really care about their customers, and you can truly feel that when you’re dealing with their caregivers. I feel so much better knowing that my grandfather is in the hands of people who truly care about his wellbeing. When times got really hard for my family ABC stepped in and provided assistance & reassurance to us. If you’re looking for a company who will treat your loved one as their own I 100% recommend Always Best Care.”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have never felt at home in a workplace and actually comfortable with communication. So far working here has been amazing.”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“This virtual dementia training offers an immersive experience that helps us participants understand the daily challenges faced by those with dementia. It builds empathy, enhances caregiving skills, and provides practical insights into supporting individuals with dementia.”
“The team members are good about keeping in contact with you. The caregiver has been on time and has gotten along well with my mother.”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“It was a great experience it really opens your eyes to get a better understanding on what dementia patients go through.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Greenfield Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Wilmington, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Wilmington, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Wilmington, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Wilmington-area high schools have been ranked alongside others across the state and country in a new list by U.S. News & World Report.Schools were ranked based on college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates.The company ranked more than 24,000 high schools across the country, including 587 schools in North Carolina. The Tar Heel State ranked No. 28 in the U.S., with 51 schools in the top 10% of the nation. The ...
Wilmington-area high schools have been ranked alongside others across the state and country in a new list by U.S. News & World Report.
Schools were ranked based on college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates.
The company ranked more than 24,000 high schools across the country, including 587 schools in North Carolina. The Tar Heel State ranked No. 28 in the U.S., with 51 schools in the top 10% of the nation. The state's top school was The Early College at Guilford in Greensboro, ranking No. 31 nationally. Basis Tucson North in Tucson, Arizona earned the top spot in the country.
Here’s where public high schools in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties landed on the list.
State ranking: No. 85
National ranking: No. 3,144
Overall score: 82.44
Graduation rate: Greater than 95%
Enrollment: 1,888
Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
State ranking: No. 89
National ranking: No. 3,320
Overall score: 81.45
Graduation rate: 88%
Enrollment: 2,178
Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
State ranking: No. 115
National ranking: No. 4,180
Overall score: 76.65
Graduation rate: Greater than 95%
Enrollment: 188
Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
State ranking: No. 117
National ranking: No. 4,194
Overall score: 76.57
Graduation rate: Greater than 95%
Enrollment: 251
Student-teacher ratio: 26:1
State ranking: No. 122
National ranking: No. 4,194
Overall score: 75.6
Graduation rate: Greater than 95%
Enrollment: 241
Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
State ranking: No. 136
National ranking: No. 4,752
Overall score: 73.45
Graduation rate: Greater than 95%
Enrollment: 322
Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
State ranking: No. 182
National ranking: No. 6,056
Overall score: 66.17
Graduation rate: 88
Enrollment: 1,899
Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
State ranking: No. 234
National ranking: No. 7,311
Overall score: 59.16
Graduation rate: 82%
Enrollment: 1,512
Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
State ranking: No. 235
National ranking: No. 7,337
Overall score: 59.01
Graduation rate: 84%
Enrollment: 1,182
Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
State ranking: No. 280
National ranking: No. 8,245
Overall score: 53.94
Graduation rate: 92
Enrollment: 2,248
Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
State ranking: No. 298
National ranking: No. 8,549
Overall score: 52.24
Graduation rate: Greater than 95%
Enrollment: 228
Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
State ranking: No. 319
National ranking: No. 9,081
Overall score: 49.27
Graduation rate: 81%
Enrollment: 1,560
Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
State ranking: No. 324
National ranking: No. 9,152
Overall score: 48.87
Graduation rate: 80%
Enrollment: 1,515
Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
State ranking: No. 404
National ranking: No. 11,746
Overall score: 34.38
Graduation rate: 91%
Enrollment: 734
Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
State ranking: Tied with all lowest ranking schools
National ranking: Tied with all lowest ranking schools
Overall score: Less than 25
Graduation rate: 92%
Enrollment: 672
Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at [email protected].
Johnny Franks wiped his brow and hopped into his johnboat on another blazingly hot summer afternoon in Southeastern North Carolina.When asked why he had come to Sutton Lake when the temperature, counting the humidity, was in the triple digits, he didn't pause."The fish," Franks said with a smile as he prepared to push off from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch at the lake. "This is some of the best fishing in the area, and they don't mind the heat."For a lake created to cool a power p...
Johnny Franks wiped his brow and hopped into his johnboat on another blazingly hot summer afternoon in Southeastern North Carolina.
When asked why he had come to Sutton Lake when the temperature, counting the humidity, was in the triple digits, he didn't pause.
"The fish," Franks said with a smile as he prepared to push off from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch at the lake. "This is some of the best fishing in the area, and they don't mind the heat."
For a lake created to cool a power plant that doesn't exist anymore, Sutton Lake is certainly popular.
On a typical day, if it's not too windy, you're likely to find fishermen trying their luck in one of North Carolina's hottest bass fisheries and possibly even a few kayakers enjoying the waters of one of the region's largest manmade lakes that happens to be within a short hop of downtown Wilmington − although it's a bit off the beaten path.
Blessed with warm and super-clear water, Sutton Lake is an angler's freshwater dream. But the lake's original purpose and proximity to the old Carolina Power & Light, and then Duke Energy, coal-fired power plant − since replaced by a natural gas plant − and former ash ponds means the waterway hasn't always been as pristine as it looks on the surface.
And 2018's Hurricane Florence, which collapsed the nearly 1,100-acre lake's dam after swamping the region with nearly 2 feet of rain, washing away a chunk of nearby U.S. 421, reinforced the power of Mother Nature and Sutton's fragility.
Let's take a look at the history and secrets of the lake that remains a scenic and often overlooked environmental gem for local anglers and boaters.
From fishing to boating, here are 8 things to know about Sutton Lake in WilmingtonBuilt in the early 1970s to cool the nearby coal-powered power plant, the lake immediately became a popular fishing hole.
That was by design.
"One stipulation from the state for construction of the lake was that it had to be open to the public for fishing, and it's now one of the best destinations in Eastern North Carolina for large-mouth bass and other freshwater fish," said Kyle Rachels, a biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
There are several factors that contribute to Sutton Lake being such a good habitat for fish.
First, the lake is littered with submerged tree stumps and other woody debris that make it a safe haven for fish. The state also periodically sinks more habitat, some natural and some artificial, into the lake to enhance the marine environment.
"That really provides cover for the juvenile fish to escape predation, and that in turn allows them to grow up and contribute to the lake's fish population," Rachels said.
Thanks to the nearby power plant, which still draws and releases water from the lake for cooling purposes, Sutton's waters are warmer than the adjacent Cape Fear River.
"That means the fish can grow faster and larger," Rachels said, referring to the heat-charged water that the Duke plant releases. "It's more like Florida or Puerto Rico than North Carolina."
That most fishermen who frequent the lake also practice catch-and-release, especially when it comes to Sutton's signature largemouth bass, means the fish live a good and old life.
Freshwater fish aren't the only animals that enjoy Sutton, which is surrounded by sandy pine savannahs, some of which are state game lands.
Because water is sometimes drawn into the lake from the nearby Cape Fear, which is brackish, to maintain the water level, saltwater critters sometimes sneak into Sutton.
"We've seen flounder, Atlantic needlefish and even blue crabs in there," Rachels said, noting that the salinity levels in Sutton aren't high enough to adversely impact freshwater fish species.
Bigger critters, including cormorants, herons and alligators, also are drawn to the lake.
"And some of them are of a pretty significant size," Rachels said with a laugh, referring to the toothy reptiles.
Duke Energy, the successor to Carolina Power & Light, still manages Sutton Lake and the adjoining shoreline.
"In 2016, Sutton Lake was reclassified as Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), but Duke Energy still owns all the property surrounding the lake, including the lake intake structure, emergency spillway and the dam separating the lake from the Cape Fear River," said Duke spokesperson Ben Williamson in a statement. "There are ongoing maintenance activities that we still perform on the lake to ensure that reliable operations can be maintained and within specific permit requirements."
The utility company also continues to test the lake for contaminants, a lingering concern since coal ash that used to be stored on the Sutton power plant property in open pits − now a covered and sealed landfill − is known to have leached into nearby groundwater.
"Duke Energy still uses Sutton Lake as a cooling pond for ongoing power plant operations and we maintain environmental permits, perform routine sampling and other necessary activities required to use the lake for cooling on an ongoing basis," Williamson said. "Extensive scientific monitoring of the lake has been underway for decades and confirm the fish are thriving and the lake remains safe to use for recreational purposes like fishing."
Rachels said testing by the state also has shown the lake's fish to be safe, and there are no Sutton-specific rules and regulations regarding consumption beyond the general statewide advisory for pregnant women and children to limit eating fish known to be high in mercury.
Largely out of sight and requiring a trek on dusty dirt roads to get there, most Wilmington residents probably never gave Sutton Lake much thought.
Then Hurricane Florence hit.
The 2018 storm dumped nearly 2 feet of rain on the Port City, and even more inland. And when all that rain started flowing down the Cape Fear River toward the Atlantic, it crested over the dike separating Sutton from the river.
The increased water levels in the lake then collapsed Sutton's eastern berm, sending floodwater cascading toward U.S. 421. eventually washing away a nearly 500-foot-long chunk of the roadway near the New Hanover-Pender County line and adding to Wilmington's isolation post-Florence.
Rachels said while the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers suffered substantial fish kills post-Florence due to low oxygen levels, Sutton proved to be a bit of a reprieve for fish and didn't suffer the same low dissolved-oxygen levels.
"And that meant the fish populations rebounded really quickly," Rachels said of the lake post-repairs. "A year later you couldn't tell anything bad had really happened, unlike the situation in the rivers that took several years for fish stocks to recover."
While Sutton might be a fisherman's paradise, it still is subject to the whims of Mother Nature.
Storms can blow in quickly, turning the lake's water rough in moments.
"As soon as you get a little bit of wind, you can go from flat water to white caps real fast, so you have to make sure to have your life jacket,“ Rachels said.
As he prepared to launch from the wildlife boat ramp, Mike Sanders fiddled with his life jacket's straps and checked his fishing rod was securely fastened to his kayak.
"Love this place. It's just so quiet and peaceful," said the Columbus County resident. "But you also have to respect it."
And the fish?
"You have to respect them, too," Sanders said with a laugh.
Sutton Lake is located roughly 7 miles north of downtown Wilmington off U.S. 421.
Access to the manmade reservoir, which is actually a series of lakes, is via Sutton Lake Road off U.S. 421 and then some curvy driving on dirt roads that wind around the Duke coal ash landfill. There is a sign on U.S. 421 for the public boat ramp.
Boating and kayaking access to the lake is via the wildlife resources public boat ramp, 301 Sutton Lake Road, which offers free parking and trailer parking and also a small pier for landlubbers who want to try their fishing luck from shore.
Boaters and fishermen are advised that the ramp area doesn't include any services or concessions, so please pack accordingly.
Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at [email protected] or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - In its annual audit of the USS North Carolina Battleship Commission, the Office of State Auditor Dave Boliek identified more than $2 million worth of financial reporting errors during the Commission’s 2024 fiscal year, and found its management “did not have adequate internal controls, including review procedures, to ensure accurate financial reporting”.Dave Boliek, the North Carolina State Auditor, said these mistakes are not common or uncommon, but it’s why the office does thes...
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - In its annual audit of the USS North Carolina Battleship Commission, the Office of State Auditor Dave Boliek identified more than $2 million worth of financial reporting errors during the Commission’s 2024 fiscal year, and found its management “did not have adequate internal controls, including review procedures, to ensure accurate financial reporting”.
Dave Boliek, the North Carolina State Auditor, said these mistakes are not common or uncommon, but it’s why the office does these annual reports.
“It just depends on the situation, and it depends on the agency,” Boliek said. “The battleship here is unique in that it is part of a state agency - the battleship itself is owned by the state, but it’s its own enterprise.”
According to its website, the Battleship Commission “adopts rules and regulations for proper maintenance and operation of the ship as a permanent memorial and exhibit”. The governor appoints 16 of the 18 members, who serve four-year terms.
The audit done by the Office of the State Auditor found the Commission did not:
Findings listed by the Office of State Auditor also found what it called “inadequate internal controls over financial reporting resulted in several misstatements”. They included:
- Deferred outflows related to pensions were overstated by $430 thousand.
-Deferred outflows related to other postemployment benefits were overstated by $191 thousand.
-Beginning net position was overstated by $248 thousand.
-Noncapital contributions were overstated by $169 thousand.
-Other operating expenses were understated by $168 thousand.
-Salaries and benefits were understated by $36 thousand.
These mistakes, according to Boliek, can also increase the risk of fraud.
“The battleship is really an anchor to the city of Wilmington, and it helps define the city,” Boliek said. “An institution like the battleship needs to be accurate.”
The OSA audit recommended “Commission management should strengthen internal controls by reallocating key accounting and financial reporting responsibilities to reduce reliance on a single individual and ensure proper segregation of duties. In addition, Commission management should implement a formal review and approval process to increase internal oversight”.
In a letter to State Auditor Dave Boliek on August 19, Jay Martin, the Executive Director of the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial and Battleship Commission, wrote the Commission agreed with the findings and recommendations made by the audit, and “is taking prompt corrective action to strengthen internal controls”. Martin also said the board is working with state auditors to correct the financial statements, and plans to work with an accounting firm to strengthen internal controls and to implement a formal review process by the end of 2025.
Martin’s letter also said as Executive Director, he would be responsible for ensuring the corrections are completed.
The battleship falls under the state department of Natural and Human resources.
Pamela Cashwell, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Cultural and Natural Resources that oversees the Battleship Memorial, addressed the audit in a statement to WECT News which said: “We are confident that the Battleship’s current leadership is committed to achieving a high standard of financial reporting and internal controls”.
Copyright 2025 WECT. All rights reserved.
Two major U.S. cities will soon no longer be direct stops out of Wilmington International Airport.If travelers flying out of Wilmington were planning on visiting either Houston or Detroit, they may have to change or adjust their plans.Flights to Houston out of Wilmington will continue to operate through September, then cease until further evaluation. Service to Detroit will go away in low demand but return for peak flying periods — which are typically during summer months and holidays.Houston and Detroit only recen...
Two major U.S. cities will soon no longer be direct stops out of Wilmington International Airport.
If travelers flying out of Wilmington were planning on visiting either Houston or Detroit, they may have to change or adjust their plans.
Flights to Houston out of Wilmington will continue to operate through September, then cease until further evaluation. Service to Detroit will go away in low demand but return for peak flying periods — which are typically during summer months and holidays.
Houston and Detroit only recently became available as destinations through the Wilmington airport. Service was always meant to be a seasonal offering, but the flights were originally planned to run through the holiday season and stop on Jan. 1, 2026.
Now, it appears they are going away for at least the rest of 2025.
Avelo Airlines, the only airline offering nonstop flights to Houston and Detroit out of Wilmington, has ended offerings for the two cities for the remainder of the year, according to the airline's communications director Courtney Goff.
The decision comes only a few months after Avelo began offering service to Houston and Detroit on June 11 and June 12 respectively.
On July 9, Avelo confirmed it would extend its local flight schedule through Feb. 10, 2026.
As of now, only Houston and Detroit have been affected.
Avelo Airlines has had a rapidly growing presence at ILM since beginning service in Wilmington in June 2022.
The airline established a base at the airport in April 2025, which included positioning two aircrafts at the airport and adding new destinations.
Most recently, Avelo announced the first international flights offered out of the airport with service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Currently, Avelo offers flights to 14 destinations out of Wilmington:
No other airlines offer direct service to Houston or Detroit out of the Wilmington airport. People wanting to travel to these destinations will have to book flights with layovers.
Charlie Kingree is a reporting intern for the Wimington StarNews. He can be reached at [email protected].
The time between Labor Day weekend (the "end" of summer) and actual autumn is a singular one in the Wilmington area.The fall festivals haven't begun to drop right yet, but we've still got lots of concerts this weekend, as well as the staging of a well-known play and a film screening or two. Plus, there's a notable event delving into the history of Southeastern North Carolina and a really good chance to check out what's up at your friendly neighborhood art museum.For more ideas of things to do this weekend and beyond, ...
The time between Labor Day weekend (the "end" of summer) and actual autumn is a singular one in the Wilmington area.
The fall festivals haven't begun to drop right yet, but we've still got lots of concerts this weekend, as well as the staging of a well-known play and a film screening or two. Plus, there's a notable event delving into the history of Southeastern North Carolina and a really good chance to check out what's up at your friendly neighborhood art museum.
For more ideas of things to do this weekend and beyond, check our list of fall concerts coming to the Wilmington area between now and the holidays.
91 concerts to see in the Wilmington area between now and the holidaysALL WEEKEND
Play the USA TODAY Quick Cross now.at Thalian Hall (studio theater): Wilmington's Techmoja Dance & Theatre Co. presents the lyrical 1976 play by Ntozake Shange that mixes powerful monologues with dramatic movement. Techmoja co-founder Kevin Lee-Y Green directs and choreographs. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
at Thalian Hall: Screening this week at Wilmington's most historic venue is new release "It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley" (Sept. 3-5), a documentary about the late pop singer. Screening as part of the "cult series" is rock music "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" (Sept. 5-7). Tickets are $10 and $12. For screening times, go to ThalianHall.org.
FRIDAY
at Beckwith Recital Hall in the University of North Carolina Wilmington Cultural Arts Building: Acclaimed classical cellist DeCaprio headlines the Beckwith Recital Series with UNCW music professor and pianist Barry Salwen. 7:30 p.m. Friday, tickets are $14.
at Bourgie Nights: Jazz trio returns to its popular monthly residency at this downtown listening room to play a mix of traditional and reimagined jazz standards. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
at Live at Ted's: Former Wilmington folk singer returns to town to play this Castle Street listening room in support of new album "Riot of the Red." 8 p.m. Friday, tickets are $15.
at the Cameron Art Museum: Wilmington's premiere art museum welcomes the public for a day of free admission to its exhibits, with art-making activities for kids and adults, "spotlight tours" of the museum's current exhibitions and more. From 5-9 p.m. it's a "college night" event, free to college students with ID, featuring a DJ, free food and drink, art-making activities (with a chance to be featured in a pop-up exhibit) and more. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, details at CameronArtMuseum.org.
SATURDAY
at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Full day of country music with proceeds to benefit Wilmington's Project SOAR, which provides support to disabled veterans and first responders. Acts include Nashville country singer Belles, who's just released a new self-titled EP; headliners Velvet Rodeo, a married-couple duo; and country singers Ruby Leigh and Scott Walker. 5 p.m. Saturday, tickets start at $53.
at Bourgie Nights: Hip-hop collective presents a jam-packed show featuring former Wilmington rapper MoeSOS DC, Rebels No Savage, Dre Wave$, JR Specs and TPMG. 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show, tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site: State historic site in Brunswick County is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year, but this weekend's commemoration marks the 277th anniversary of the time Brunswick Town, then an English settlement, was attacked by the Spanish Navy. Guided tours will touch on the history of the event, and on the recent discovery of the Spanish shipwreck Fortuna nearby. Tour times are 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $10.
Wilmington-area historic site celebrating its 300th anniversary this yearat Live at Ted's: Texas duo blends country, blues, rock and more into their own original vibe. 8 p.m. Saturday, tickets are $10.
at Ironclad Brewing: Downtown Wilmington brewery is the site of an active electronic music scene, and this weekend's headliner, Florida-based DJ/producer Steller, is a star of the dubstep electronic subgenre. She has a sound "often characterized by wonky bass, soulful grooves, and funky beats," according to her bio, and has played major events like GRiZ’s Seven Stars Festival and Lollapalooza. 9 p.m. Saturday, tickets start at $22.
SUNDAY
at Jengo's Playhouse: Wilmington filmmaker Cameron Smith continues to blur the lines between art, life, autobiography, narrative and reality itself with the continuation of this intense, funny and touching series he began last summer. Now, according to the Jengo's Playhouse website, "Cameron escalates his experiment, expanding the boundaries of his own narrative until the line between performance and pursuit all but disappears." 7 p.m. Sunday, tickets are $12.
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