Need to Know

WILMINGTON

Property owners on hook for graffiti

Wilmington property tagged with graffiti could mean fines for their owners starting this week.

The city council passed a graffiti ordinance in late 2006 in an effort to improve the appearance of city neighborhoods. The city began enforcing the ordinance Monday, according to a city news release.

About 50 property owners will be notified by mail that they have graffiti-marked property. If the graffiti is not removed or covered within 15 days, the city can issue a $100-per-day fine, according to the release. The ordinance allows the city to hire a contractor to remove the graffiti, and low-income property owners can seek one-time grant money to help remove graffiti.

Notice any graffiti? Report violations to the city's code enforcement office at 341-3266.

- Chris Mazzolini

WILMINGTON

Official results of city vote due today

The New Hanover County Board of Elections will meet at 11 this morning to canvass the city of Wilmington election results.

The canvass will reveal the official vote tallies for the three mayoral candidates and 12 city council candidates. The official results will determine which candidates are eligible for a runoff.

According to the unofficial tallies, Ronald Sparks and Susan Clarke are eligible to run against Pat Delair and Kristi Tomey for the second and third city council seats. Both Sparks and Clarke said last week they would ask for a runoff if eligible.

The meeting will be at the county government complex at 230 Government Center Drive in Wilmington.

For the latest election news, visit www.StarNewsOnline/elections.

- Chris Mazzolini

WILMINGTON

ILM passenger totals taking off

Wilmington International Airport continues to pack in the passengers.

September saw 67,724 passengers, a 35 percent increase from 50,266 passengers in 2006, according to airport statistics.

Through September, ILM handled 599,888 passengers, a 25 percent increase over the same period last year. ILM officials have said regional growth in Southeastern North Carolina, combined with more daily flights and more competitive fares, are contributing to the surge in traffic.

Airport officials expect 2007 to set a passenger record.

The airport needs 100,540 passengers over the final three months of the year to surpass its best year, 2005, when ILM handled 700,427 passengers.

- Patrick Gannon