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Barbara J. Morris

December 9, 2024 | Obituaries

January 7, 1948 – December 1, 2024 BUXTON — Barbara J. Morris, of Buxton, NC, born on January 7, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, at the age of 76. Barbara was a dedicated and diligent bank teller, known for her commitment to her work and her warm interactions with [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Michael Briggs named new leader of N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

December 9, 2024 | Local News | By: Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has selected Michael Kyle Briggs as executive director of the agency beginning on January 1. As executive director, Briggs will oversee a statewide agency of fourteen divisions and offices with approximately 700 permanent employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $110 million. The NCWRC manages and [...] Local News |  Full Article

Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men share 2024 achievements in a Ye ...

December 8, 2024 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

The Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men (CHUMM) recently detailed the organization’s achievements during its 46th year of operation in a “Year in Review” update sent to members, friends, and supporters. In 2024, CHUMM helped many families with food, rent, utilities, medical costs, and other emergency needs. Most requests for emergency and humanitarian assistance originate with the [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Island History: A spotlight on stories from the Outer Banks’ Lif ...

December 7, 2024 | Island Features | By: Jen Carlson

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station (CLSS) is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, as one of the seven original Life-Saving Stations to be built in North Carolina in 1874. As such, the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station and Historic Site in Rodanthe will be sharing stories about the seven 1874 Outer Banks stations until the end of 2024, to celebrate and mark this [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Salvo man facing counts for fleeing deputies and larceny, now char ...

December 7, 2024 | Community News Brief | By: Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com A Hatteras Island man already facing numerous charges, including counts for leading authorities on a vehicle chase in July, has been charged with additional felonies for allegedly filing a fraudulent insurance claim on a capsized sailboat. According to a North Carolina Department of Insurance news release, George Thomas King, 60, of Salvo, was [...] Community News Brief |  Full Article

Coast Guard Auxiliary welcomes new Division Commander and staff

December 6, 2024 | Community News Brief

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 16 conducted its annual change of watch ceremony on December 2nd, installing new officers effective January 1, 2025. During the event, incoming Division Commander Tom Mattingly relieved A. Wayne Early who has served as Division Commander for the past year.  Auxiliary District Commodore (elect) Jim Thomas spoke at the event, [...] Community News Brief |  Full Article

Cape Hatteras Elementary School’s December Storm Report

December 5, 2024 | Community News Brief

The Cape Hatteras Elementary School (CHES) publishes a monthly newsletter called The Storm Report for students, parents, supporters, and friends. The newsletter is a nod to the school’s mascot, the Cape Hatteras Tropical Storms. The newsletter covers everything from upcoming special events to recent initiatives in art, technology, music, media, and more. It is a [...] Community News Brief |  Full Article

Robert Lee Newton

December 5, 2024 | Obituaries

July 3, 1954 – November 27, 2024 WAVES — Robert Lee Newton of Waves, NC went to be with his Lord and Shepherd on November 27, 2024. He was born on July 3, 1954, to Dorothy Libby Newton and Robert A. Newton. Upon graduation from Alamosa High School in Alamosa, CO, he enlisted in the [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

The Irene Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund needs your help to keep ...

December 5, 2024 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

The Irene Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund has had waves of community support since it was established in December 2021 with the help of the Outer Banks Community Foundation,  thanks to its namesake honoree, our Island Free Press (IFP) co-founder and original editor, Irene. The Irene Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund has been a dream for everyone at [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Low Income Energy Assistance Program now accepting applications

December 9, 2024 | Local News

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Energy Assistance Program is now accepting applications from older adults 60 and older or people with disabilities receiving services through the NCDHHS Division of Aging. The federally funded program helps low-income households with a one-time payment sent directly to their heating vendor to offset the [...] Local News |  Full Article

Michael Briggs named new leader of N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

December 9, 2024 | Local News | By: Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has selected Michael Kyle Briggs as executive director of the agency beginning on January 1. As executive director, Briggs will oversee a statewide agency of fourteen divisions and offices with approximately 700 permanent employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $110 million. The NCWRC manages and [...] Local News |  Full Article

Ocracoke Island ferry operations suspended due to deteriorating we ...

December 5, 2024 | Local News

UPDATE: Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry service has resumed as of 12:00 p.m. Thursday. Ocracoke-Swan Quarter and Ocracoke-Cedar Island  ferry routes will remain suspended for the rest of the day.  The Hatteras-Ocracoke, Ocracoke-Swan Quarter, and Ocracoke-Cedar Island ferry operations have been suspended as of Thursday morning due to deteriorating weather conditions, per an update from the North Carolina Ferry [...] Local News |  Full Article

Coastal Flood Advisory issued for the Outer Banks; Soundside flood ...

December 4, 2024 | Local News | By: Joy Crist

Strong southwest winds ahead of an approaching cold front will impact the Outer Banks Wednesday night into Thursday, with the potential for coastal flooding along the Croatan, Roanoke, and Pamlico Sounds, per an update from the National Weather Service. Winds may reach 40-50 mph starting Wednesday night, and 1-2 feet of coastal flooding in soundside [...] Local News |  Full Article

Ferry Division releases 2025 schedule for seven routes, Ocracoke p ...

December 3, 2024 | Local News

The North Carolina Ferry Division has released its 2025 schedule for all seven vehicle routes and the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry. The division, which is part of the N.C. Department of Transportation, provides ferry service year-round for all routes except for the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry. The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry, which provides service between Hatteras and the heart of Ocracoke Island (Silver [...] Local News |  Full Article

Hatteras Islanders reminded to take Buxton FUDS Restoration Adviso ...

December 2, 2024 | Local News | By: Joy Crist

In early November, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Savannah District launched an online survey designed to gauge the Outer Banks community’s interest in establishing a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) for the Buxton Naval Facility, a Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) property located within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The deadline for completing the survey is Wednesday, December 4. According [...] Local News |  Full Article

Dare, Currituck complete recount of state Supreme Court race

November 27, 2024 | Local News | By: Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com Election officials in Dare and Currituck counties have completed their recount of ballots that could impact the outcome of the race for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Jefferson Griffin, the Republican candidate, trailed Democratic candidate Allison Riggs by 625 votes following the statewide canvass completed on November 24. For statewide [...] Local News |  Full Article

Ocracoke Light Station renovations continue; equipment delivers this week will require temporary closures of Lighthouse Road

December 9, 2024 | Seashore News | By: Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com Three separate deliveries of construction equipment associated with the lifting of the Ocracoke Double Keepers’ Quarters are scheduled to occur this coming week. During the deliveries, Lighthouse Road—between approximately Loop Road and Martha Jane Lane—will be closed for up to 30 minutes. Loop Road will remain accessible for those looking for an alternate route during the closures. The contractor, Terra Site Constructors LLC, plans to have staff to flag and control traffic whenever the large delivery trucks are blocking access along Lighthouse Road. Cape Hatteras National Seashore has notified owners of homes adjacent to the temporary road closures. Built in 1823, the Ocracoke Light Station Double Keepers' Quarters has been closed off to visitors since the last keeper left in 1950s. A $3.6 million project began earlier this year to raise the Double Keeper [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Be on the lookout for cold-stunned sea turtles; Volunteers rescue ...

December 4, 2024 | Seashore News | By: Joy Crist

As temperatures drop in the winter months, cold-stunned sea turtles begin to make an appearance, and this week’s cold spell has already resulted in dozens of sea turtles spotted on local Hatteras Island shorelines. According to Stacey Saunders of N.E.S.T., more than 180 cold-stunned sea turtles were identified and rescued by local N.E.S.T. volunteers in [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Construction equipment deliveries at Ocracoke Light Station will r ...

December 4, 2024 | Seashore News

Three separate deliveries of construction equipment associated with the lifting of the Ocracoke Double Keepers’ Quarters are scheduled to occur the week of Dec. 9. During the deliveries, Lighthouse Road—between approximately Loop Road and Martha Jane Lane—will be closed for up to 30 minutes. Loop Road will remain accessible for those looking for an alternate [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

New donor fund established by Outer Banks Forever with goal to rai ...

December 3, 2024 | Seashore News | By: Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com The official nonprofit that supports the three national parks on the Outer Banks announced a new fund has been created to help address immediate needs and longer-term challenges in a sustainable way. “Our Outer Banks national parks are special places that bring our local community and visitors together to learn, reflect, and create [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

2024 marks the sixth-busiest sea turtle nesting season on the Cape ...

December 1, 2024 | Seashore News | By: Joy Crist

With 303 turtle nests recorded along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS), 2024 is another solid year for nesting activity, although not as active as recent record-breaking years, including 2023. “This year marked the sixth highest number of nests laid, reflecting an average season overall,” stated CHNS in an update. “It’s common for nesting numbers [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

NPS Outer Banks Group head Dave Hallac receives national conservat ...

November 18, 2024 | Seashore News

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com The National Parks Conservation Association has announced that Dave Hallac, Superintendent of the Outer Banks Group of National Parks, is one of two recipients of this year’s Stephen T. Mather Awards for unparalleled dedication to protecting unique national park resources at all odds. The Stephen T. Mather Award, first presented in 1984 and [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges caution on roads and beaches ...

November 14, 2024 | Seashore News | 1

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) is urging caution on roads and beaches from tonight into this weekend, due to the potential for strong wind gusts, elevated tides and heavy rainfall associated with a low-pressure system. As of this morning, the National Weather Service has issued the following updates: Strong Force Wind and Gale Warnings, High [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

Dare Arts to celebrate 50th Anniversary in 2025

December 9, 2024 | Island Features

Dare Arts will celebrate 50 years of encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity in 2025. As the nonprofit commemorates this important milestone, a common theme of “celebrating our past, present, and future” will be woven into their programming, events, and exhibits next year. “In 2025 we will honor our founders, educate the community on the organization’s rich history, elevate and amplify our longstanding programs and events, curate intriguing exhibitions, and create new art experiences for the community, while also ensuring the future of the arts on the Outer Banks is bright,” said Dare Arts President Richard Phillips. In February Dare Arts will host the 47th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show, which is the longest running visual arts exhibition in Dare County that honors the life of legendary artist, outdoorsmen, and conservationist Fr [...] Island Features |  Full Article

The Irene Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund needs your help to keep ...

December 5, 2024 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

The Irene Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund has had waves of community support since it was established in December 2021 with the help of the Outer Banks Community Foundation,  thanks to its namesake honoree, our Island Free Press (IFP) co-founder and original editor, Irene. The Irene Nolan Memorial Scholarship Fund has been a dream for everyone at [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Annual Christmas Light Festival is brightening Frisco until Decemb ...

December 3, 2024 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

The annual Christmas Light Festival at the Frisco Woods Campground is underway, and the drive-through or walk-through celebration of lights will be available for sightseers until Friday, December 15. The nightly event, which officially began on Dec. 1, is a self-guided tour of thousands of Christmas lights and displays that range from holiday pirates to [...] Island Features |  Full Article

Applications currently being accepted for FEMA Home Elevation Grant

November 21, 2024 | Real Estate

As a result of Tropical Storm Helene, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a grant opportunity for Dare County homeowners to elevate their houses above base flood elevation through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding to local and state governments so they can develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild in a manner that reduces future disaster losses within their communities. This funding—which only becomes available after a presidentially declared disaster occurs—allows structures to be elevated above the known flood level, preventing or reducing the risk of future flood losses. Eligibility Requirements Eligible properties include houses below base flood elevation, and located in Special Flood Hazard Areas or on a repetitive loss list. FEMA considers a property to be a repetitive loss if it has had two or [...] Real Estate |  Full Article

Dare County announces 2025 property revaluation, launches informat ...

November 21, 2024 | Real Estate

The Dare County Tax Department has announced that the countywide 2025 Dare County property revaluation will become effective on January 1, 2025. By North Carolina law, revaluation is required to be completed at least once every eight years. Dare County is currently on a five-year revaluation schedule, with the last revaluation implemented in January 2020. Revaluation is the process [...] Real Estate |  Full Article

Comments sought on proposed new home elevation fund

November 19, 2024 | Real Estate

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com The N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency is seeking public comments through Dec. 14 on a proposed amendment to the action plan for administering HUD Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation funds. The proposed action plan amendment is intended to address homeowner mitigation needs, including establishing the Residential Property Elevation Fund, which will be used to [...] Real Estate |  Full Article

Visitors Bureau provides recap on Long-Range Tourism Management Pl ...

October 23, 2024 | Local News

The Dare County Tourism Board Special Committee for the Outer Banks Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) met on October 9 at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau administrative offices on Roanoke Island. The committee welcomed Donna Creef and Malcolm Fearing, Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Dare Community Housing Task Force, who provided updates about the activity, progress [...] Local News |  Full Article

CSI lecture addresses homeowner insurance and coastal resilience

September 1, 2024 | Real Estate | By: Kip Tabb

From OuterBanksVoice.com In a wide-ranging discussion on homeowner insurance in coastal North Carolina at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) on Aug. 28, Don Hornstein, Director of the UNC Law School’s Center on Climate, Energy, Environment, and Economics, focused on the process of determining insurance rates in the state, insurance company practices and coastal resilience. Hornstein, [...] Real Estate |  Full Article

Division of Marine Fisheries sinks trawler for artificial reef near Cape Lookout

November 25, 2024 | Fishing

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program sank a 55-foot trawler at AR-305, off Cape Lookout, last week. The FV Alexandria Dawn, was constructed in 1984, but has been out of use for around a decade. Before sinking, the vessel was cleaned extensively in accordance with EPA requirements. Purchase and sinking of the vessel was funded by Coastal Recreational Fishing License revenues. The Alexandria Dawn is located at 34° 16.653’N, 76° 38.651’W. The Alexandria Dawn joins three other vessels at AR-305: the 183-foot Spar, the 439-foot Aeolus and the 105-foot Thomas Dann. The site also contains 1,700 tons of donated recycled concrete, deployed in July 2023. The site is approximately 28 nautical miles south of Beaufort Inlet, in 105 feet of water, and is a popular site for fishermen and divers. An artificial reef is a m [...] Fishing |  Full Article

Salvo man facing counts for fleeing deputies and larceny, now char ...

December 7, 2024 | Community News Brief | By: Sam Walker

From SamWalkerOBXNews.com A Hatteras Island man already facing numerous charges, including counts for leading authorities on a vehicle chase in July, has been charged with additional felonies for allegedly filing a fraudulent insurance claim on a capsized sailboat. According to a North Carolina Department of Insurance news release, George Thomas King, 60, of Salvo, was [...] Community News Brief |  Full Article

Coast Guard Auxiliary welcomes new Division Commander and staff

December 6, 2024 | Community News Brief

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 16 conducted its annual change of watch ceremony on December 2nd, installing new officers effective January 1, 2025. During the event, incoming Division Commander Tom Mattingly relieved A. Wayne Early who has served as Division Commander for the past year.  Auxiliary District Commodore (elect) Jim Thomas spoke at the event, [...] Community News Brief |  Full Article

Cape Hatteras Elementary School’s December Storm Report

December 5, 2024 | Community News Brief

The Cape Hatteras Elementary School (CHES) publishes a monthly newsletter called The Storm Report for students, parents, supporters, and friends. The newsletter is a nod to the school’s mascot, the Cape Hatteras Tropical Storms. The newsletter covers everything from upcoming special events to recent initiatives in art, technology, music, media, and more. It is a [...] Community News Brief |  Full Article

Rodanthe will host annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec ...

December 4, 2024 | Community News Brief | By: Joy Crist

The Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Civic Association (RWSCA) will be hosting its fourth annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and will be held at the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building located at 23646 N.C. Highway 12 in Rodanthe. The celebration includes cookies and hot cocoa, holiday songs, [...] Community News Brief |  Full Article

Barbara J. Morris

December 9, 2024 | Obituaries

January 7, 1948 – December 1, 2024 BUXTON — Barbara J. Morris, of Buxton, NC, born on January 7, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, at the age of 76. Barbara was a dedicated and diligent bank teller, known for her commitment to her work and her warm interactions with [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Robert Lee Newton

December 5, 2024 | Obituaries

July 3, 1954 – November 27, 2024 WAVES — Robert Lee Newton of Waves, NC went to be with his Lord and Shepherd on November 27, 2024. He was born on July 3, 1954, to Dorothy Libby Newton and Robert A. Newton. Upon graduation from Alamosa High School in Alamosa, CO, he enlisted in the [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Roland Heinrich Bläsi

December 5, 2024 | Obituaries

August 27, 1946 – November 26, 2024 KILL DEVIL HILLS — Roland Heinrich Bläsi, of Kill Devil Hills, NC, a culinary artist whose love for cooking took him across continents, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on August 27, 1946, in Bamberg, Germany, Roland found his passion early [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Frank Webb Williams, Jr.

December 2, 2024 | Obituaries

KITTY HAWK — Frank Webb Williams, Jr. of Kitty Hawk, born November 1, 1935, passed away on November 25, 2024. Webb was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Webb Williams, Sr. and Pauline Menzell Williams and a sister, Lucille MacDonald. Webb is survived by his wife, Sylvia Barkley Williams, and sons, Craig (Penny) and [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

Janet Lou Parsons Hill

December 2, 2024 | Obituaries

  August 2, 1933 – November 27, 2024 KILL DEVIL HILLS — From the mountains to the sea… Janet Lou Parsons Hill began her life in the mountains of West Virginia. She ended her earthly journey in the Outer Banks of North Carolina on November 27, 2024. Janet grew up with her beloved brother Billy [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

George Ray Stallings

November 27, 2024 | Obituaries

November 16, 1958 – November 25, 2024 George Ray “Bird” Stallings, 66, of Rocky Mount, NC, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, at his second home in Buxton, NC. Born on November 16, 1958, in Rocky Mount, NC, George lived a life full of passion, dedication, and love. Ray earned his bachelor’s degree from [...] Obituaries |  Full Article