NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - Emma Saunders, Karen Beatty and Elizabeth Redenbaugh won Democratic primary spots for the New Hanover County School Board.  The three advance to the general election against three Republicans, Lisa Estep, Tammy Covil and Jeanette Nichols.

Unofficial results showed that Redenbaugh received 11,043 votes (31.24%), Beatty received 10,048 votes (28.43%), and Saunders received 9,472 votes (26.80%). Erica Fester, who did not win a spot, received 4,781 votes (13.53%).

Emma Saunders

Saunders believes she is just the person for the job because of her time served in the classroom as an elementary school teacher and assistant principal. She says one of her main goals on the board is going to be closing the gap in graduation rates.

She also has concerns over school funding as well. Saunders is focused on keeping the teachers in the classrooms for the sake of the student's education.

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The New Hanover County Board of Elections needs precinct officials to work on Election Day and compensation will be provided, according to a news release.

The qualifications to be a precinct official are listed below:

• Must be a registered voter in New Hanover County
• Must not be a candidate or near relative of a candidate in this election
• Must not be an elected government official, hold office in a political party, or be a manager, treasurer for a candidate, or political party
• Must not serve in the same precinct as a near relative
• Must possess good communication skills
• Must be comfortable using computers and other technology
• Must be good at following directions and adhering to procedures
• Must be able to work at least a 15-hour day
• Must work well under pressure
• Must attend a 4-hour training session prior to Election Day

“Serving as a precinct official can be a very rewarding experience and many choose to return election after election,” stated Marvin McFadyen, Elections Director, in a news release. Precinct officials must be available to work on Election Day, May 8, and may be compensated up to $175, based on their position assignment.

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) – Plans for a proposed pier that Carolina Beach Town Council members were hoping to build near Carolina Beach Avenue have been axed.

Last week, Town Council member Steve Shuttleworth and other officials met with Governor Beverly Perdue and her staff. Perdue told them that the education fishing pier they were hoping to get will not likely be coming, according to Shuttleworth.

Council members are still looking to turn the area into something people will enjoy.

“Whether it’s a splash pad, or a gazebo, or some additional parking, an open space, but it would be public space,” Shuttleworth said.

This summer Council members plan to have more discussions on what to do with the property.