The Night Sky: March was a good month for galaxies

March 29, 1945 – December 4, 2019 Robert Bartholomew Watson, better known as Bob, passed away peacefully among family Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at Currituck Health and Rehab Center in Barco after a short battle with cancer. He was 74. He joins his mother and father, Henrietta and Joe Watson, in peaceful rest. Bob is [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

2019 was a tough year for many islanders. Hurricane Dorian dominated the headlines in the fall, closing Ocracoke Island for nearly three months, and flooding and ocean overwash seemed to accompany every storm throughout the year, leading to multiple road closures and revived conversations about how to protect N.C. Highway 12. But it you look [...] Editor's Blog |  Full Article

The Ocracoke Tourism Development Authority has voted to assume the promotion duties for Ocracoke Island and as of June 30 will no longer contract with the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association for that work. The TDA, the OCBA and the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board arrived at this decision Dec. 11 after meeting to discuss the [...] Business Briefs |  Full Article

Despite a bit of rain and wind in Saturday morning’s weather forecast, organizers confirmed that the 28th Annual Hatteras Village Christmas Parade is still set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, and off-island Hatteras fans can watch the parade live on the Island Free Press. The festivities begin at the Graveyard of the Atlantic [...] Local News |  Full Article

The Outer Banks Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary observed their annual Change of Watch ceremony this December. It was a celebration of family relationships and a collaboration with fellow Auxiliarists and the U.S. Coast Guard teams at Station Oregon Inlet in Nags Head, Coast Guard Air Station in Elizabeth City, and the Coast [...] Business Briefs |  Full Article

Santa Claus will be making a special, early appearance in Avon on Monday night, as a guest of honor at the village’s annual community dinner. Held at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) at 5:00 p.m. on December 16, the annual event is an opportunity for the community to get together and toast the season, [...] Island Features |  Full Article

KILL DEVIL HILLS – Robert Knighton Peters, 58, of Kill Devil Hills, NC died Friday, December 6, 2019, at his home. Twiford Funeral Home, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.  

Dare County has established a Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census that is made up of individuals from county departments, towns, and various community groups. The Committee is focused on implementing an awareness campaign to engage and educate the community about the Census and why it’s vital to self-respond. The group’s goal is to [...] Business Briefs |  Full Article

April 25, 1944 – December 4, 2019 SOUTHERN SHORES — Raymond “Ray” Thomas Groske, the son of the late Margaret Louise and Raymond Groske, was called to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, December 4, 2019. He was born on April 25, 1944, in Dearborn Michigan, and is survived by his brother Timothy R. [...] Obituaries |  Full Article

The National Park Service is pleased to announce that the 2020 Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) application process for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial is now open. Authorized services include: Beach Equipment Services (Cape Hatteras) Beach Fire Services (Cape Hatteras) Guided Fishing Services (Cape Hatteras & new [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) is pleased to announce that they are working with their lessee at Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, Oregon Inlet Marinas, LLC, to develop strategies to replace vulnerable structures and conduct site improvements at the marina. As such, members of the public are invited to provide input via https://parkplanning.nps.gov/oregon_inlet_fishingcenter by January 10, [...] Seashore News |  Full Article

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a public scoping period Jan. 7-21, 2020 to solicit public comments on potential management strategies for an upcoming amendment to the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan. Management strategies to further reduce bycatch of non-target species in the shrimp trawl fishery and potential changes to existing shrimp management strategies [...] Fishing |  Full Article