MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WITN) - Firefighters on the Crystal Coast kept a fire in a large shed from spreading this morning.

Morehead City Fire-EMS were called around 11:15 a.m. to a home in the 1400 block of Evans Street.

The shed in the back of the home was on fire. Firefighters say within 10 minutes they had the fire contained and kept it from spreading over to another shed and house on the lot.

No one was injured and there’s no word on what started the fire at this point.

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. (First Alert 4 & WITN) - A Missouri teacher shared his memories of a fallen Camp Lejeune Marine.

Sgt. Colin Arslanbas, with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, died last Thursday night during a late-night training exercise near the Camp Lejeune. Arslanbas enlisted on March 16th, 2020. He was promoted to the rank of Sgt. on April 1, 2024.

Arslanbas was a graduate of Fort Zumwalt West High School in O’Fallon, Missouri. One of his former history teachers, Andrew Le Fors, described him as an energetic young man who was always smiling and had infectious energy.

“He kind of held himself to a high standard and wanted to make something meaningful and purposeful of his life,” he recalled. “He was just wonderful to have in class. I feel really fortunate I got to teach him.”

A representative for the school district told First Alert 4 that the Arslanbas family was the fabric of the community. The family has since moved from the area.

Missouri officials honored Arslanbas at a ceremony for fallen veterans this week. Arslanbas was also honored during a memorial on Monday in Jacksonville.

KILL DEVIL HILLS, N.C. (WITN) - No injuries were reported after an early morning house fire on the Outer Banks.

Kill Devil Hills firefighters were called out around 5:15 a.m. to a home on Smithfield Street.

They found that a utility room on the back of the house was on fire and it was quickly contained. Firefighters say the fire did not get into the main part of the home and the one person inside at the time was able to safely get out.

There was significant damage to the utility room, according to a news release. Firefighters from Colington and Kitty Hawk were also called to the scene.

The Kill Devil Hills fire marshal is investigating what started the fire.

BLOUNTS CREEK, N.C. (WITN) - An Eastern Carolina fire department says one of its firefighters remains in a hospital after an ATV accident.

The Blounts Creek Volunteer Fire Department says Charles Haase is in stable condition at ECU Health Medical Center this morning.

The accident happened just before 11:00 a.m. Monday. Chief David Williams says they arrived to find Haase’s ATV had overturned off of a bulkhead onto large rocks next to the water. At the time they said Haase had severe injuries.

The accident happened near the man’s home and he was not on duty at the time.

Haase was flown by East Care to the Greenville hospital and remains there this morning.

Williams told WITN News that Haase has been with the fire department for just under two years and right now it’s not known when he’ll be released from the hospital.

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - The Beach Boys will bring their “Endless Summer Gold Tour” to Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo Saturday, June 15. The band will be performing two sets with no opening act.

Since the band’s co-founder, lead-singer and chief lyricist Mike Love penned the lyrics to The Beach Boys’ first hit, “Surfin’” (1961), dozens of the band’s chart toppers have become eternal anthems of American youth: “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Rock and Roll Music” and “Kokomo.”

The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have received more than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards. The Rock And Roll Hall of Famers were also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award. With more than five decades of touring under their belts, The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. Click here for tickets and event information.

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WITN) - The 15th annual Carteret County Business After Hours Expo is approaching.

The expo will be held at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City from 4-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25th. The event is open to the public and tickets are $5 to enter.

Take part in a night of networking with 65 businesses and hundreds of consumers while also enjoying hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine.

For more information, visit the Chamber of Commerce’s website here or contact the Chamber at 252-726-6350.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - A ceremony was held to honor Sergeant Colin Arslanbas who died in a training exercise last Thursday night in Carteret County near Camp Lejeune.

Sgt. Arslanbas joined the military on March 16, 2020, and was promoted to sergeant on April 1st.

To remember Sgt. Arslanbas, the City of Jacksonville held a ceremony at the Freedom Fountain to honor him Monday afternoon.

The city hung a wreath and only has one jet of water coming from the fountain, which will remain in mourning status for the next three days.

Nearly a dozen people who attended the ceremony. Brent Anderson, the Chairman of Civic Affairs, shares the meaning behind the ceremony and the location.

“The whole purpose as to where we are right now at the Freedom Fountain in Jacksonville is to memorialize those people who did the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country,” said Anderson.

“When you have something like that happen,” said Keith Williams, the Chief Growth Officer for the Boys & Girls Club, “The first thing you think about is ‘this is family.’ They are part of our community, they live, work, and play here.”

One resident in Jacksonville shared that she cannot imagine how this happened. She said that since she heard about the news of Sgt. Arlansbas, she calls her daughter more.

The Freedom Fountain is more than a public attraction, but a place where people can go to pay their respects. The fountain pays tribute to every servicemember who has served in Onslow County and lost their life.

“The important thing for the community is to never forget,” said Williams. “We would not be where we are today without our military.”

Sgt. Arslanbas’ decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - A man will spend at least five years in state prison for two different sexual assaults in Greenville that involved an ECU student and a former television news anchor.

George Milanez pleaded guilty before a Pitt County judge this morning to second-degree forcible sex offense and sexual battery. Prosecutors believe other victims have yet to come forward who were assaulted by the man.

In addition to serving between five and eleven years in prison, the 39-year-old Milanez will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and be on satellite-based monitoring for ten years after his release from prison.

The Pitt County District Attorney’s Office says the ECU student was sexually assaulted after leaving a downtown bar on December 2, 2022. They say downtown cameras helped police identify Milanez as a regular at many local bars.

Prosecutors say there had been other similar reports, but the student was the first to come forward and willing to help prosecute the man.

The other sexual assault involved a former news reporter at WNCT-TV. A news release says Caitlin Richards was assaulted on June 13, 2023, in a parking lot. Prosecutors say that happened while Milanez was out on bond for the other charge.

WITN-TV does not normally identify the victims of sex crimes, but the District Attorney’s Office says Richards consented to releasing her name to the media.

The D.A.’s office believes there are other victims sexually assaulted by Milanez and urges them to contact the Greenville Police Department or dial 911.

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - One person every hour of every day of the year dies from Oral and Oropharyngeal cancer, otherwise known as cancer of the mouth and upper throat, according to the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Preston Alfred, Summers and Johnson Periodontal Partnership Periodontist says that oral cancer may not always be seen or felt.

“Oral cancer generally doesn’t have many symptoms. It can just present as maybe a bump of a spot in the mouth or lips so that is an important part of it, that you’re not always going to feel or necessarily be affected by it,” Alfred told WITN.

That’s why Alfred says it’s import to to always be proactive when noticing any differences in appearance. “It’s often encouraged that if you just have any sort of spot or notice any sort of irregularity to have a dental professional check it out.”

If not, oral cancer could escalate if not taken care of sooner rather than later.

Alfred says, “Oral cancer can become malignant and spread throughout the body. Commonly, it’s going to spread throughout the body over a 10-12 month cycle, but aggressive forms could metastasize as soon as three months. Recovery from oral cancer itself could be significantly different depending on when and how early it’s caught.”

The effects of oral cancer can be seen in the East due to coastal lifestyles during warmer months which is why Alfred encourages people to take the necessary precautions.

“Eastern North Carolina has a need. One risk factor for oral cancer is a lot of sun exposure so in Eastern North Carolina being at the beach and stuff like that, it is important to get any spots you might notice checked out. Common prevention is avoiding tobacco products, minimizing alcohol consumption, and using appropriate sunscreen and stuff like that when we are going to be out in the sun,” said Alfred.

The American Academy of Oral Medicine reports that the death rate for oral cancer is particularly high due to late detection in their development.

To avoid a prolonged or late diagnosis, experts say routine dental visits and cleaning are vital.

This is the 15th annual Oral Cancer Awareness Month, according to the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to find a teen reported missing.

Pitt County deputies say Amir Rivers, 17, was seen in Greenville around 6 p.m. last night wearing a black and red hoodie with black shorts and black, red, and green colored Jordans.

Law enforcement says Rivers stands at 5-foot-7, weighs 120 pounds, and has curly brown hair that’s faded on both sides above the ears.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office ar 252-830-4141 or Pitt-Greenville Crime Stoppers at 252-758-7777.

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WITN) - The NC Center for Missing Persons says a missing endangered alert has been canceled for a man believed to have a cognitive impairment.

According to Rocky Mount police, the search for 56-year-old Carl Moore has been called off.

Originally, authorities asked the public to be on the lookout late Sunday night after he was last seen walking away from the home on the 600 block of Colby Court Road in Rocky Mount.

KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) - Two men indicted by a grand jury with a downtown murder nearly three years ago in one Eastern Carolina city pleaded guilty to lesser charges this morning and walked out of the Lenoir County courthouse having served their time.

Jeffrey Hill was severely beaten in a West Gordon Street parking lot on May 2nd, 2021, and died several days later.

Clinton Christmas and Joseph Hughes were both originally indicted for first-degree murder.

This morning a judge accepted a plea deal where both men were sentenced to time already served in jail.

“Releasing people back onto the streets that’ve done what they’ve done doesn’t speak highly of the county we live in,” said Hill’s sister, Jennifer Rouse. “Who will be next?”

Documents say the 44-year-old Christmas pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to a minimum of a year and nine months in prison. He was given credit for 692 days in jail which means he has served his time.

Hughes pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and was given an eight-month sentence. The judge gave him credit for 1,062 days in jail which also means he has served his sentence.

Jennifer Rouse was opposed to the plea deal. Monday afternoon she said, “Justice hasn’t been served from day one. We pretty much have been told from day one that this wouldn’t go to trial.”

She also went on to say, ““We weren’t treated fairly so we will be pursuing other avenues in this case.”

Last week she told WITN that handling the death of her brother, Jeffrey, was one of the most difficult things she’s done.

“I have to live with it every day,” Rouse said. “I’m not asking for too much except that justice be served.”

Rouse says her brother was attacked by the two men after leaving a bar then called “The Office” now known as “The Proof” on North Herritage Street.

“We were pretty much told that this was the way it would be, that the grand jury didn’t matter, and that they would have lesser charges,” Rouse said. “For the time served they’ll be getting out.”

Hill left behind two children as well as other family and friends who loved him dearly.

Rouse believes letting the two men accused of his death out of the Lenoir County Jail is unacceptable.

“What are we saying for this community when you’re letting people go that’ve killed somebody, who was born and raised in this community,” Rouse said.

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - A ceremony was held to honor Sergeant Colin Arslanbas who died in a training exercise on April 18th at 11:06 pm in Carteret County near Camp Lejeune.

Sgt. Arlansbas joined the military on March 16, 2020, and was promoted to Sgt. on April 1, 2024.

To remember Sgt. Arlansbas, the City of Jacksonville held a ceremony at the Freedom Fountain to honor him Monday afternoon.

The city hung a wreath and only has one jet of water coming from the fountain, which will remain in mourning status for the next three days.

Nearly a dozen people who attended the ceremony. Brent Anderson, the Chairman of Civic Affairs, shares the meaning behind the ceremony and the location.

“The whole purpose as to where we are right now at the Freedom Fountain in Jacksonville is to memorialize those people who did the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country,” said Anderson.

“When you have something like that happen,” said Keith Williams, the Chief Growth Officer for the Boys & Girls Club, “The first thing you think about is ‘this is family.’ They are part of our community, they live, work, and play here.”

One resident in Jacksonville shared that she cannot imagine how this happened. She said that since she heard about the news of Sgt. Arlansbas, she calls her daughter more.

The Freedom Fountain is more than a public attraction, but a place where people can go to pay their respects. The fountain pays tribute to every servicemember who has served in Onslow County and lost their life.

“The important thing for the community is to never forget,” said Williams. “We would not be where we are today without our military.”

Sgt. Arlansbas decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, GLobal War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) - A new, temporary art display is being held at Craven Community College, and the artists behind it might surprise you.

Artwork created with watercolor, pencils, pastels, and collages hang in the library at Craven Community College for the first time ever.

“The fact that we have this artwork from all over the state is a really unique opportunity,” said Craig Ramey, the Community Engagement Director of Craven Community College.

Displayed as part of the 44th annual North Carolina Prison Art Show, “Visions beyond Barriers.” The art is made by inmates from a total of 56 prisons across the state.

“We’re able to show some of the resources that are available for folks who are re-entering after being incarcerated,” said Ramey.

Portia Bright Pittman, who founded a program that helps people with the re-entry process, says this gives inmates a healthy outlet.

“Art is a way for prisoners to express themselves, and especially if they’ve been in a space of being isolated they may have emotions that have been dormant for some time so art for them to express themselves versus being in a situation hurting or hurting themselves,” said Bright Pittman.

Not only do prisoners get to proudly display their works of art, but Craven Community College students also get to enjoy the temporary addition to their library.

Students or community members can also vote on their favorite piece of art, and the top five winners will be presented with awards in various categories.

The display is at Godwin Memorial Library at Craven Community College. It is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday. It will be up until May 3rd.

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) -Many Jewish people all over the world are marking Passover amid the war in Gaza. Here in Eastern Carolina, some spent the weekend preparing for the holiday.

The sounds of chopping and cooking can be found in many Jewish households as they prepare for Passover.

Randy Toran explains the holiday in simple terms. “It is a celebration of the freeing of Israelites and the Hebrews from the Egyptians,” says Toran.

Jordyn VanEpps, an ECU student, says Passover is a relaxing day as Jewish people celebrate being free.

“Today I will be celebrating by making hosting a Seder and I will be making traditional Jewish foods,” says VanEpps.

Along with the Seder – which is a ritual feast that marks the start of Passover – VanEpps says she will be reading the Haggadah which includes blessings, rituals, and information on how the Seder should be performed.

With everything happening in Gaza – VanEpps and Toran are hopeful the community will be kinder to each other.

“Let’s just get along because if not we are just going to keep repeating history as we are seeing it unfolding as we speak,” says Toran.

“I just think we can all use a little bit of kindness and just to treat others with kindness,” says VanEpps.

Toran has a message for people that are celebrating the holiday as well as others in the community

“I would like to wish everyone in this world who is watching this and hopefully we can have a happy Pesach together,” says Toran.

Passover begins tonight at sundown and will last until sundown on Tuesday, April 30.

The second Passover Seder takes place on Tuesday evening.

KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) - One police department here in the east is sharing an important message with parents in the community after they say several crimes were committed by teenagers over the last few days.

Kinston police are on high alert after they said two recent crimes were committed by teenagers in the city.

Early Saturday morning, police said officers were patrolling the Stroud Avenue and Williams Street area after receiving calls about teenagers trying to break into vehicles.

Major Brandon Turner said officers found three people, including a 14-year-old boy with a sawed-off shotgun in his waistband.

“It’s a huge deal because that gun is not intended to be 12, 13, 14 inches long,” Turner said. “The law states that barrel length has to be more than 18 inches and the overall length has to be more than 26 inches. So with it being cut down so short it classifies as a weapon of mass destruction.”

A few days later, police were called to another crime involving teens. Police said early Monday morning, they went to Neuse Sport Shop for an alarm call and found a broken window.

After chasing a car suspected in the break-in, they were able to arrest a 16-year-old.

Owner Russell Rhodes said after multiple break-ins, they knew they had to update the shop’s security.

“We have been putting in a lot of measures to ensure the firearms we have are not accessible to a break-in and those young men did not have access to the firearms,” Rhodes said.

As temperatures get hotter, Turner said crimes involving teens start happening in waves.

“Right now it’s starting to warm up, kids are out later,” Turner said. “Obviously, we expect an increase once school lets out for the summer.”

Rhodes has been at the sports shop for 43 years and said he is thankful for the help the police have given, however, he says things need to change and that begins with parents in the community.

“It’s youth that are misguided that they are trying to get the product they should not have access to and I wish we could spend more time educating our youth not to do these dangerous activities,” Rhodes said.

Major Turner said it’s important to focus on the youth and offer programs to help them. He said working with community partners is a benefit as it gives the teens something to do rather than turning to crime.

PINE KNOLL SHORES, N.C. (WITN) - Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium invited visitors to join one of three teams: water warriors, food warriors, or garden warriors, as a part of the Green Team Challenge in celebration of Earth Day.

Edith Davis joined the Water Warrior team on this special day.

“Today is my 29th anniversary and yesterday was my 59th birthday, and today is Earth Day,” Davis shared.

As a water person, Davis naturally gravitated to learn about ways to keep our marine ecosystem healthy, but she was surprised by so much litter found in the ocean, with cigarette butts as one of the more prominent.

“Everybody should try their best not to do anything to harm animals, fish, everything. It’s nature. We should just all sit back and enjoy,” Davis added.

Each team highlights different areas where our planet needs our attention: the marine ecosystem, sustainable diet, and the green ecosystem.

The Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium also introduces endangered species such as sharks, sea turtles, and crocodiles.

One of them is a loggerhead turtle named Michael Phelps, who has been saved in a hotel pool – a place where he ended up following the source of light from the beach.

All of his siblings, unfortunately, didn’t survive due to pollution or disorientation from artificial sources of light that led them to dehydration.

Shannon Kemp, the communication manager, says there are ways to prevent these tragedies from happening to our endangered ocean species.

“Different fixtures, structures, and light bulbs that have that amber wavelength and that helps. Another way to help is to direct the light down instead of out to fill out all the space so point it down. Another one is to keep it low so instead of having safety lights by your head, have them by your ankles,” Kemp explained.

According to Kemp, Eastern North Carolina is home to 5 different types of sea turtles due to the climate and ecosystems that provide optimal nesting areas and food sources.

The Earth Day celebration events will continue throughout Endangered Species Day on May 17th and end on World Ocean Day on June 8th.

WASHINGTON, N.C. (WITN) - Log A Load For Kids is a nationwide giving campaign through which loggers and others contribute to local Children’s Miracle Network-affiliated hospitals to provide medical care to kids in need. 

The Eastern North Carolina Log A Load for Kids Campaign hosts various events throughout the year to raise money for James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. The generosity and commitment of our sponsors and participants over the years have enabled this event to increase contributions to Children’s Miracle Network from $12,000 in 1996 to over $100,000 with over 600 participants in recent years.

The location will be 506 Decoy Dr, Washington, NC 27889 from May 3-4th.

There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes as well as raffles for a gun safe and a 50-gun drawing. For more information, including where to donate and where to register, go to www.nclogaloadforkids.com.

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - A man will spend at least five years in state prison for two different sexual assaults in Greenville that involved an ECU student and a former television news anchor.

George Milanez pleaded guilty before a Pitt County judge this morning to second-degree forcible sex offense and sexual battery.

In addition to serving between five and eleven years in prison, the 39-year-old Milanez will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and be on satellite-based monitoring for ten years after his release from prison.

The Pitt County District Attorney’s Office says the ECU student was sexually assaulted after leaving a downtown bar on December 2, 2022. They say downtown cameras helped police identify Milanez as a regular at many local bars.

Prosecutors say there had been other similar reports, but the student was the first to come forward and willing to help prosecute the man.

The other sexual assault involved a former news anchor at WNCT-TV. A news release says Caitlin Richards was assaulted on June 13, 2023, in a parking lot. Prosecutors say that happened while Milanez was out on bond for the other charge.

WITN-TV does not normally identify the victims of sex crimes, but the District Attorney’s Office says Richards consented to releasing her name to the media.

The D.A.’s office believes there are other victims sexually assaulted by Milanez and urges them to contact the Greenville Police Department or dial 911.

HAVELOCK, N.C. (WITN) - Police say a woman on a bicycle has now died after she was hit by a vehicle early Wednesday morning.

Havelock police say Alisha Kelley was trying to cross four-lane U.S. 70 at Stonebridge Trail when she was struck by a vehicle going through the intersection with a green light. The crash happened Wednesday morning around 4:30 a.m.

Police say the 23-year-old woman’s bike had no lights or reflectors and that the intersection is in a dimly lit section of the highway.

The driver called 911 and is cooperating with police, officers say. No charges have been filed against the driver at this time, according to police.

Anyone with information about this crash is encouraged to call Havelock police at 252-447-3212.