Detail shot of roots of a dead tree at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC.

Todd Miller(cq), with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, spreads oyster shells in the water Friday, August 31, 2007. The North Carolina Coastal Federation in partnership with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, University of North Carolina Wilmington, the N.C. Coastal Reserve Program, J&B Aquafood and Airlie Gardens are working to restore three acres of oyster reef habitat. Volunteers and workers with the North Carolina Coastal Federation spread oyster shells set with oyster larvae at Dick's Bay. Staff Photo By Mike Spencer/STAR-NEWS

Church repair

Burgaw Presbyterian Church member Billy Murphy makes a repair to a light fixture at the church. Murphy, a long time church member, helps with maintenance and repairs at the church. Staff Photo By Mike Spencer/STAR-NEWS

Cheryl L. Cushine

Cheryl L. Cushine, Author of The Dust Busting Chronicles, sits in her home with a copy of the book and her dog Millie Monday, Aug. 20, 2007. Cushine wrote about caring for her parnter who was diagnosed with cancer while coping with her own Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Staff Photo By Mike Spencer/STAR-NEWS

First day of school

Students leave Burgaw Elementary School to board buses on the first day of school Monday, Aug. 27, 2007. Staff Photo By Mike Spencer/STAR-NEWS

Dr. Marsha Fretwell

Davis Health Care Center resident Margaret Batogowski greets Geriatrician Dr. Marsha Fretwell in her room at Davis Health Care Center Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007. Davis Health Care has announced it will have an around the clock Geriatrician and medical students who are studying geriatrics through a partnership with Coastal Area Health Education Center (AHEC) of Wilmington, NC. Staff Photo By Mike Spencer/STAR-NEWS

Carolina Beach Skate Park

Dylan Carter, 12, skates at the Carolina Beach Skate Park on Monday, August 13, 2007. Staff Photo By Mike Spencer/STAR-NEWS

Surfers Healing

Surfer Joshua Paskowitz holds onto Jacob Pittman, 6, as they catch a wave at Wrightsville Beach Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007. Surfers Healing, founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz, is a camp for children with Autism. Israel and Danielle formed the free camp after Their son, Isaiah, was diagnosed with autism at age three. Staff Photo By Mike Spencer/STAR-NEWS

Wilmington International Airport

A jet crosses the runway that is being painted at Wilmington International Airport Wednesday, August 15, 2007. For story on growth at ILM. Staff Photo By Mike Spencer/STAR-NEWS