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Sheriff’s Blotter for March 2025

April 1, 2025 | Crime Reports

March 4, 2025 Breaking and Entering. 7000 block of Martins Point Road, Martins Point. Unknown suspect entered a residence and stole an electronic device. Under investigation. March 8, 2025 Larceny. 50000 block of Timber Trail, Frisco. Subject reported household items stolen after being evicted from the residence. Under investigation. March 9, 2025 Larceny. 200 block [...] Crime Reports |  Full Article

Bryan Burhans named next Director of Outer Banks Forever

March 31, 2025 | Seashore News

After an extensive executive search, Outer Banks Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, has selected Bryan Burhans as its next Director. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that has been doing such great work in our community for the past six years,” said Burhans. [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Janice Sue Crawford O’Neal

March 31, 2025 | Obituaries

June 13, 1948 – March 26, 2025 OCRACOKE — Janice Sue Crawford O’Neal, 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at ECU Health Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 13, 1948, in Oklahoma, Sue was the cherished daughter of the late Jack and Betty Crawford. She was a devoted [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Meet the Outer Banks SPCA Pet of the Week, Ivory

March 31, 2025 | Community News Brief

Meet the Outer Banks SPCA pet of the week, courtesy of their latest video produced by Dare County’s CURRENT TV. For more information on this pet, and the many other Outer Banks pets currently up for adoption, visit the Outer Banks SPCA website at https://www.obxspca.org/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/obxspca/

Community invited to the Hatteras Island Community Strings’ ...

March 31, 2025 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

Hatteras Island Community Strings students will host a Spring Concert on Tuesday, April 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department Station. The concert will showcase the nearly two dozen students who are receiving lessons with musicians Jessie Taylor and Lou Castro, and will feature a range of instruments including violin, ukulele, and guitar. [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Ocracoke Alive will host second annual Ocracoke Earth Day Weekend ...

March 31, 2025 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

Nonprofit organization Ocracoke Alive will be hosting the second annual Ocracoke Earth Day Weekend Celebration will be on April 11-13. Throughout the weekend, attendees can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor activities designed for all ages, including nature walks, history talks, nature crafts, live music, stargazing, a beach litter pick-up, and informative discussions on sustainability and [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Newly uncovered issues may delay completion of Cape Hatteras Light ...

March 29, 2025 | Seashore News | By: Joy Crist

As intensive work continues to restore the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, new issues have been uncovered near the top of the tower that may delay the completion of the years-long project. “There is always the potential for unknown conditions to surface during repair projects for historic structures, and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse project is no exception,” [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Public comment opens for draft Southern Flounder Fishery Managemen ...

March 28, 2025 | Fishing

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will accept public comment on draft Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Amendment 4 from April 1 to April 30. Draft Amendment 4 would expedite the sector allocation shift to 50/50 (commercial/recreational) by one year to 2025. In-person comments may be made at any of three advisory committee meetings scheduled in April: April 8, 6:00 p.m.   Southern Regional Advisory Committee Central District Office [...] Fishing |  Full Article

NC State researchers ask for community’s input in Hatteras and O ...

March 28, 2025 | Local News | By: Joy Crist

Researchers with North Carolina State University (NCSU) are asking Hatteras and Ocracoke Islanders to assist with an ongoing study on adaptation challenges and strategies by filling out an online survey. “The study seeks to understand the relationships between residential connections and preferences for adaptation strategies that may reduce future storm-related flooding on Hatteras and Ocracoke [...] Local News |  Full Article

NC State researchers ask for community’s input in Hatteras and O ...

March 28, 2025 | Local News | By: Joy Crist

Researchers with North Carolina State University (NCSU) are asking Hatteras and Ocracoke Islanders to assist with an ongoing study on adaptation challenges and strategies by filling out an online survey. “The study seeks to understand the relationships between residential connections and preferences for adaptation strategies that may reduce future storm-related flooding on Hatteras and Ocracoke [...] Local News |  Full Article

Minor traffic delays possible in Avon as work continues to replace ...

March 26, 2025 | Local News | By: Joy Crist

As work continues to replace transmission poles on Hatteras Island, drivers may experience brief traffic delays on N.C. Highway 12 in Avon, according to an update from Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC). “Our contractor, River City Construction, continues to make good progress on the replacement of nearly 60 transmission poles across the island,” stated the [...] Local News |  Full Article

Dare County announces 2025 Good Friday holiday closures and trash ...

March 25, 2025 | Local News

In observance of the upcoming Good Friday holiday, all Dare County offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, April 18, 2025. These closures include the Dare County C&D Landfill in Manns Harbor, the Buxton Transfer Station and the Manteo Recycle Yard. These three Dare County Public Works sites will reopen and resume regular operating hours on Saturday, April [...] Local News |  Full Article

Food Bank of the Albemarle asks for monetary donations after facin ...

March 25, 2025 | Local News | By: Sam Walker | 3

 From SamWalkerOBXNews.com. Video by Food Bank of the Albemarle The Food Bank of the Albemarle, which provides directly and through partner agencies to the food insecure in northeastern North Carolina, (including the Cape Hatteras Food Pantry), is facing a loss of around $1 million in funding after cuts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture were [...] Local News |  Full Article

Dare Community Housing Task Force to host two Hatteras Island Open ...

March 24, 2025 | Local News

The Dare Community Housing Task Force, in collaboration with East Carolina University (ECU), invites members of the Dare County community to attend one of two community open house sessions that will be held on Hatteras Island on Thursday, March 27, 2025 to provide an opportunity for residents and property owners to share their perspectives on workforce housing challenges [...] Local News |  Full Article

Dare County releases 2025 State of the County video

March 24, 2025 | Local News

Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert L. “Bob” Woodard Sr. delivered the annual State of the County presentation at Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, providing an overview of Dare County projects and initiatives that have been completed over the past year and also outlining several projects that are currently underway or slated to [...] Local News |  Full Article

Bryan Burhans named next Director of Outer Banks Forever

March 31, 2025 | Seashore News

After an extensive executive search, Outer Banks Forever, the official nonprofit partner of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, has selected Bryan Burhans as its next Director. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that has been doing such great work in our community for the past six years,” said Burhans. “Our national parks are part of what makes the Outer Banks so special, and I’m excited to continue Outer Banks Forever’s work of protecting and enhancing these places, now and forever.” Burhans’ career as an executive spans more than 30 years. His nonprofit experience includes serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Chestnut Foundation and serving on the executive staff for the National Wild Turkey Federation. Burhans also has diverse experience wo [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Newly uncovered issues may delay completion of Cape Hatteras Light ...

March 29, 2025 | Seashore News | By: Joy Crist

As intensive work continues to restore the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, new issues have been uncovered near the top of the tower that may delay the completion of the years-long project. “There is always the potential for unknown conditions to surface during repair projects for historic structures, and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse project is no exception,” [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Organizations send letter to NPS Deputy Director asking for reinst ...

March 3, 2025 | Seashore News | By: Joy Crist | 3

The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and the Association of Park Rangers sent a letter on March 3 to Acting National Park Service (NPS) Director Jessica Bowron to initiate action in order to reinstate probationary employees who were recently fired. Bill Wade, Executive Director of the Association of National Park Rangers, confirmed that six [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Six employees let go from NPS Outer Banks Group; Possible changes ...

February 28, 2025 | Seashore News | By: Joy Crist | 4

Following the February dismissal of approximately 1,000 National Park Service (NPS) employees nationwide, coupled with a February 26 memo from the Office of Personnel Management on the National Workplace Optimization Initiative, questions remain as to how the NPS Outer Banks Group could be impacted in the future. Bill Wade, Executive Director of the Association of [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site reschedules shoreline stabiliz ...

February 5, 2025 | Seashore News

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Fort Raleigh) has rescheduled its shoreline stabilization public meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Public comment on three preliminary alternatives for stabilizing approximately one mile of Fort Raleigh’s shoreline is open until Feb. 21, 2025, an extension of two weeks due to a weather-related public meeting postponement. Three preliminary alternatives are available for public comment in the Shoreline Stabilization [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Outer Banks Forever provides update on Bodie Island Light Station fire

January 30, 2025 | Seashore News | By: Joy Crist

Outer Banks Forever, the official nonprofit partner of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, provided an update in their January newsletter on the Jan. 7 fire at the Bodie Island Lighthouse’s Double Keepers’ Quarters. The organization noted that while remediation efforts were ongoing, the annual lighthouse climbing season, (which is scheduled to start in April), would [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleig ...

January 22, 2025 | Seashore News

National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore), Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Fort Raleigh) and Wright Brothers National Memorial will remain closed Thursday, Jan. 23. Fort Raleigh’s shoreline erosion public meeting, originally scheduled for Jan. 23, is postponed—a new date will be announced in the coming days. All off-road vehicle (ORV) [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Frisco Woods Campground to host Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 to benefit Frisco-Buxton Pathway Project

April 1, 2025 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

The Frisco Woods Campground will host its 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19, with all proceeds to benefit the Frisco-Buxton Pathway. The kids’ Easter Egg Hunt will be held in age-specific stages starting at 4:15 p.m., while a second adult Easter Egg Hunt will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. All adult participants must be at least 21 years old. There will also be BBQ plates available from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. for a $5 donation towards the pathway project. Additional donations will also be accepted throughout the afternoon and evening, as the Frisco-Buxton Pathway Committee continues to raise funds to tackle the full 7.6-mile paved pathway. "We have raised $242,000 [so far] and that will go towards maintenance and grant matching funds," said Frisco-Buxton Pathway Committee Member and Frisco Woods Campground Manager, Stacey Saunders. The Hatteras Island [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Ocracoke Alive will host second annual Ocracoke Earth Day Weekend ...

March 31, 2025 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

Nonprofit organization Ocracoke Alive will be hosting the second annual Ocracoke Earth Day Weekend Celebration will be on April 11-13. Throughout the weekend, attendees can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor activities designed for all ages, including nature walks, history talks, nature crafts, live music, stargazing, a beach litter pick-up, and informative discussions on sustainability and [...] Island Features |  Full Article

“Big Fish” is CHSS Theater Program’s biggest production yet

March 25, 2025 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

Ever since the Cape Hatteras Secondary School’s (CHSS) theater program was revitalized in 2022, every production has grown in scope and ambition. Last year, the theater program and the CHSS Drama Club reached several new milestones. They were asked to perform an encore performance of “The Little Mermaid” at First Flight High School, due to [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Despite being postponed, 5th annual Hatteras Village Waterfowl Fes ...

March 24, 2025 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

The Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival returned to Hatteras Island on March 22, and despite being postponed from its original February timeframe due to a winter storm, the fifth annual event was more popular than ever before. “Even though it was postponed, we only had one vendor who canceled,” said event manager Karla Jarvis. “We had [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Community encouraged to participate in Housing Survey, Deadline is April 1

March 24, 2025 | Real Estate

The Dare Community Housing Task Force is pleased to announce that a team of researchers from East Carolina University (ECU) has launched a new survey to assess workforce housing challenges in the Dare County community. Led by Dr. Misun Hur, Associate Professor in Community and Regional Planning, and Dr. Emily P. Yeager, Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies, the survey aims to gather insights from Dare County residents, workers and property owners to help local leaders develop data-driven housing solutions. Members of the Dare County community ages 18 and older are strongly encouraged to participate in this short survey, which seeks the public’s input on various housing perceptions as well as several potential housing development scenarios. Responses to the survey will remain confidential and will be used solely by the ECU research team. To acces [...] Real Estate |  Full Article

ECU is teaming up with Dare Housing Task Force to collect public i ...

February 12, 2025 | Real Estate | By: Joy Crist

East Carolina University (ECU) is partnering with the Dare Community Housing Task Force to better understand community attitudes toward workforce housing, and they are looking for insight and feedback from the Outer Banks community. In this vein, they are hosting of open house sessions, including two on Hatteras Island, and residents can drop by anytime [...] Real Estate |  Full Article

Blue crab management plan revision runs into rough waters

April 1, 2025 | Fishing | By: Trista Talton

From CoastalReview.org A proposal to limit commercial fishers’ harvest of blue crabs treads rough waters after advisory committees to the state Marine Fisheries Commission agreed the rule should not move forward. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries’ recommendation targets catch of mature female crabs. The proposed move comes as fisheries officials are looking to manage a species they say has been on a decline in the state’s coastal waters. Earlier this month, the commission’s northern and southern regional advisory committees and the shellfish/crustacean advisory committee voted in separate meetings to keep the current rules detailed in Amendment 3 of the Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan. Each committee also agreed the commission should wait until its August meeting to take final action on the draft Amendment 3 revision. The plan calls for setting a 10-bushel limit f [...] Fishing |  Full Article

Meet the Outer Banks SPCA Pet of the Week, Ivory

March 31, 2025 | Community News Brief

Meet the Outer Banks SPCA pet of the week, courtesy of their latest video produced by Dare County’s CURRENT TV. For more information on this pet, and the many other Outer Banks pets currently up for adoption, visit the Outer Banks SPCA website at https://www.obxspca.org/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/obxspca/

Registration for summer programs at the Fessenden Center opens on ...

March 25, 2025 | Community News Brief | By: Joy Crist

Registration for summer programs at the Fessenden Center opens on Wednesday, March 26, at 8:30 a.m. and will remain open until a program is full. Folks can register in person at the Fessenden Center in Buxton or online by using the registration platform at DareNC.gov/Register. Available programs include Fundamentals of Swimming Safety, Mural Maker Art [...] Community News Brief |  Full Article

Meet the Outer Banks SPCA Pet of the Week, Pinto

March 24, 2025 | Community News Brief

Meet the Outer Banks SPCA pet of the week, courtesy of their latest video produced by Dare County’s CURRENT TV. For more information on this pet, and the many other Outer Banks pets currently up for adoption, visit the Outer Banks SPCA website at https://www.obxspca.org/, or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/obxspca/      

Janice Sue Crawford O’Neal

March 31, 2025 | Obituaries

June 13, 1948 – March 26, 2025 OCRACOKE — Janice Sue Crawford O’Neal, 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at ECU Health Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 13, 1948, in Oklahoma, Sue was the cherished daughter of the late Jack and Betty Crawford. She was a devoted [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Jane Elizabeth Pennington

March 28, 2025 | Obituaries

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our Mother, Jane Elizabeth Pennington, who left this world on March 16, 2025, at the age of 59. She is survived by her two beautiful daughters, April Williamson of Moyock, NC, and Amber Pennington of Denver, CO, who were the light of her life, [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Barbara Ann Rasp

March 27, 2025 | Obituaries

Barbara Ann Rasp, 85, died peacefully at her Kill Devil Hills home on March 24, 2025. Barbara was born in Florida and once worked as a nurse. She has outlived most of her family, and her personal directives for cremation will be honored. Please share an expression of sympathy at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Kevin George Vipavetz

March 26, 2025 | Obituaries

May 13, 1954 – March 25, 2025 SOUTHERN SHORES — Kevin George Vipavetz, affectionately known as “Vip,” of Southern Shores, NC, passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on May 13, 1954, in Charleston, SC, Kevin lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his faith, and his work. [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Linda Sue Montabon

March 26, 2025 | Obituaries

December 8, 1940 – March 25, 2025 MANTEO — Linda Sue Montabon, née Latham, was born in Monroeville, Ohio, on December 8, 1940, and passed away peacefully at her home in Manteo, NC, with her family by her side on March 25, 2025. Linda was the daughter of Guy and Dorothy Lathan and graduated from [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Ashton Cole Reber

March 26, 2025 | Obituaries

  November 15, 2004 – March 21, 2025 MANTEO — Ashton Cole Reber, 20, of Manteo, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2025. Born on November 15, 2004, in Nags Head, North Carolina, Ashton grew up on the Outer Banks where he developed a love for sports, Xbox, fishing, and spending quality time [...] Obituaries |  Full Article