Local News
Firefighters battling intense fire at Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Firefighters are actively responding to a major structure fire at the historic Graystone Inn in downtown Wilmington, prompting road closures and a large emergency response Wednesday afternoon.
The Wilmington Fire Department confirmed that crews arrived on scene shortly after 1:40 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.
Firefighters remain engaged in suppression efforts as they work to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.
The Wilmington Police Department has temporarily closed sections of Market Street and Orange Street to allow first responders access to the scene and to ensure public safety.
No injuries have been reported at this time, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The Graystone Inn, a well-known landmark located in Wilmington’s historic district, has been closed since mid-2023 following a kitchen fire.
The property has been undergoing renovations and construction work during the closure.
This marks the second significant fire incident involving the building in less than two years.
Fire officials have not provided an estimated containment time or damage assessment, and investigators are expected to begin examining the cause once the fire is fully under control.
The incident remains active, and additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Local News
Sevierville Homeowner Shaelyn Baggett Finds Human Teeth Emerging From Yard, Prompting Multi-Agency Investigation
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — A Sevierville resident has made a disturbing and highly unusual discovery on her own property, prompting an active investigation by multiple authorities after human teeth were found emerging from the ground.
Homeowner Shaelyn Baggett said the initial discovery occurred earlier this week when she noticed what appeared to be teeth visible in her yard.
She later found an additional tooth, bringing the total number recovered to eight.
Law enforcement has since become involved, and officials have confirmed that the remains are human.
According to Baggett, the discovery was made when she looked down and saw what appeared to be teeth protruding from the soil.
“By uncovered, I mean I looked down and there they were — literally sprouting from the earth,” she said.
The finding prompted an immediate response from authorities.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, along with forensic investigators, the medical examiner, a dental professional, and anthropologists, are now working collaboratively to determine the origin and age of the teeth.
Officials have stated that while the teeth are confirmed to be human, they appear to be old, though investigators have not yet determined their exact age or how long they may have been buried.
No conclusions have been drawn regarding whether the discovery is connected to criminal activity, historical remains, or another explanation.
Baggett said she has been informed that excavation work is expected, which may include digging into portions of her yard and driveway as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are continuing to examine the surrounding area for additional remains or evidence that could clarify how the teeth came to be located on the property.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released further details at this time.
Baggett has said she plans to continue sharing updates publicly as more information becomes available.