Nov. 12, 2009
High wind warning in effect for Dare County Outer Banks and Hyde County until 1 am Friday...Coastal flood warning issued for Dare, Carteret, Craven, Pamlico, and Beaufort counties. Current Watches/ Warnings/ Advisories are posted here...
NC 12 is now closed on Hatteras Island north of Rodanthe due to ocean overwash. This was the scene at 4:45 this afternoon (click to enlarge) as a state Department of Transportation crew was on the scene with heavy equipment in an effort to clear the island's only main highway. The shut-down occurred as high tide rolled in about an hour earlier with high waves and rough breakers.
Earlier reports follow...
Conditions are 'wicked'
The remnants of Tropical Storm Ida combined with a low pressure system off the North Carolina coast produced a nasty nor'easter on Veterans Day with increasingly heavy rain and high winds that intensified today.
“This is building up to be something we haven’t seen in a while,” Dare County emergency management director Sandy Sanderson told the Weather Channel earlier.
The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning effective until 8 a.m. Saturday. Ramp 72 on Ocracoke was already closed due to flooding. The island lost power for several hours before it was restored.
Ferry service between Hatteras Village and Ocracoke is still operating on a regular schedule. Dare County schools were closed but most town and county offices remained open.
NC 12 remained open south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge. However, traffic may be limited to one lane at times in portions of the highway through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to Rodanthe on Hatteras Island.
Ocean overwash on the highway is most frequent at the "s-curves" near Rodanthe (pictured here at 2 o'clock this afternoon; click to enlarge). Just last week, wind and heavy surf flattened some dunes here and the likelihood was further overwash during high tides (approximately 4 p.m. today and 4 a.m. tomorrow.) State Transportation Department crews were on standby.
A 2 p.m. today, Dare County reported that Duck Road was flooding once again at the south end of town near Tuckahoe Drive.
In Kitty Hawk, heavy rain caused periods of temporary closure on US 158 at Cay Trail, Beacon Drive and West Kitty Hawk Road.
Further beach erosion was expected from what forecasters called a "wicked" storm, particularly in the south Nags Head area. Breakers expected to reach as high as 8 to 10 feet were creating rough surf and dangerous rip currents.
In Currituck County, there was standing water on some roads but no serious flooding, according to spokesman Randall Edwards. Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck, Perquimans and Chowan county schools were closed for the day.
Bonner Bridge replacement behind schedule
The chief operating officer of the state Department of Transportation says replacement of old faithful with a new bridge across Oregon Inlet is six to eight weeks behind schedule. Many would say its years overdue.
Nonetheless, Jim Trogdon told a meeting of the Dare County Committee to Replace the Bonner Bridge by telephone Tuesday that construction of a new bridge is still scheduled for completion in 2014.
The Pea Island refuge manager continues to call plans to build the new bridge parallel to the current one “incompatible" with the refuge. And Trogdon said "We’ve had strong indications that the (Southern Environmental Law Center) is considering a lawsuit.”
But, he said, “We have a high level of confidence from attorneys that the approach we are taking is legally defensible.”
Better than Candy
A middle school in Goldsboro, North Carolina, didn't raise much money selling candy last year, so it began selling grades – with the endorsement of its principal.
A $20 "donation" to Rosewood Middle School would get a student 20 test points – 10 extra points on two tests of his or her choice. That could raise a B to an A, or a failing grade to a D.
Principal Susie Shepherd said a parent advisory council came up with the idea, and she approved it. Were the parents of the inmates running the asylum? Seems they were for a while.
That was before Raleigh's News & Observer ran a story Wednesday. Wayne County school administrators then stepped in and ordered Ms. Susie to stop the grade-selling immediately and return any money collected. The school district said further action will be taken if deemed necessary.
It's official:
Two in, two out by just three votes
Election squeakers in Hertford and Southern Shores were almost identical
The Dare County Board of Elections on Tuesday certified last week's municipal elections, including Southern Shores write-in candidate George Kowalski's victory by only two votes over incumbent Councilman and mayor pro tem Brian McDonald.
In nearby Pasquotank County the day before, newcomer Lillian Anne Holman was certified as the winner by just one vote over veteran Hertford Councilman and town vice mayor Horace Reid.
"You always feel badly when you lose," said Reid, "but if that’s what the people want, that’s what they’ll receive." McDonald was of the same mind. "There's no point torturing people with a recount," he said, "if it won't make any difference."
Southern Shores Mayor Don Smith was a bit less contained about his landslide loss to former mayor Hal Denny. Asked by The Virginian-Pilot if he will seek office again, Smith replied, "No way! Are you kidding me, after dealing with these kind of lunatics?"
Veterans Day Aftermath
"Why not, instead of commemorating Veterans Day," asked CBS curmudgeon Andy Rooney, himself a veteran, on the CBS television program 60 Minutes, "we establish and work on what we could call a No War Day?...a day like that would be worth celebrating."
It was an echo of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman, whose march through the South was one of devastation. "War is hell!" he later told a graduating military class. Yet, Rooney's voice was that of today – of a nation and much of the world weary of war and its terrible consequences.
It was also a forlorn voice. It expressed the eternal hopes and prayers of mankind for peace on earth. But mankind being what it is in its innumerable varieties, No War Day is as unlikely as every last man and woman on earth going to heaven when their last day comes.
Instead, we commemorated Veterans Day in honor of all who have served this nation and the many who have given their lives to help preserve our dedication to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
– Adapted from The Coastland Times, Nov. 10, 2009
Beach Lifestyles – a go-cart track in Corolla?
The man who has dotted Dare County with eye-catching – some say eyesore – Wings variety stores from Duck to Nags Head and Buxton plans to add his special touch to Corolla in neighboring Currituck County.
If granted a special use permit by the county, Israel Golosa intends to plant a 3.3-acre fun park in the upscale beach community that will include an arcade, a 36-hole miniature golf course and a go-kart track. Residents are excited about the idea, to say the least. A report...
State starts website on new smoke-fee law
The new North Carolina law takes effect Jan. 2 when bars, restaurants and hotels must ban smoking. Private clubs and so-called cigar bars will be exempt if they meet certain requirements.
To make certain everyone understands details of the smoke free law, the state Division of Public Health in collaboration with the N.C. Association of Local Health Directors has launched a website guide that goes a bit further than just explaining the law.
While the dangers of smoking, cigarettes in particular, are indisputable, some may question the web guide assertion that "secondhand smoke is known to increase non-smokers’ risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease." At any rate, you can study the guide here.
Comments
Office Closed
Camden Sheriff’s Sgt. Wilton Forbes locks the door last Friday to the Sheriff’s satellite office on Main Street in South Mills.
Sheriff Tony Perry said he closed the 12 by 24 square-foot leased office because water damage, mold and odor made work impossible inside. “I could smell it,” Perry said. “It was really bad, and I knew that it was time to do something.” (Daily Advance photo)
YMCA building in Maple to cost $12 million
The center as planned will be both a Currituck County recreation facility and a YMCA that will open no later that December of 2011, according to The Daily Advance.
Currituck officials have reportedly agreed to a deal with YMCA of South Hampton Roads in which the county will construct a 50,000 square-foot building and the 'Y' will provide up to $10,000 for "design and development" in return for a 30-year lease on space for its center in Maple.
The newspaper said construction is expected to begin in December of next year and quoted the Y's chief operating officer as saying “We want to build a YMCA in the middle of Currituck that gets people to drive” from different places in the Albemarle area. For a member living in Camden but working at Currituck County airport, he said, it will be only a mile-and-a-half drive to the YMCA.
Health Care
A hospital for sea turtles
The Star-News of Wilmington reports that a construction company of that city will design and build a 14,200 square foot facility to be known as the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center at Surf City on the southern Outer Banks.
The center will include 45 rehabilitation tanks, a laboratory, a surgical suite with an X-ray and an observation deck so the public can witness the care given sea turtles such as this loggerhhead, of a species that has been on the federal endangered list since 1978.
Powell's Point honors fallen soldier
Corolla flood control more costly than expected
Daily Reports
Avalon Fishing Pier Reports
Cape Hatteras Fishing Reports
Oregon Inlet Fishing Reports
Golf Courses, Conditions
N.C. Lottery Results
Things to See and Do:
*Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day, a federal and state holiday, see events listed in story above.
* Thursdays: Currituck County Yoga Class, classes are held twice weekly, 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Building. Call 232-3007 for more information.
* Saturday, Nov. 14: 29th Annual Kitty Hawk Turkey Shoot, 9 a.m. at The Promenade, sponsored by the Fire Department Association.
* Tuesdays: Bingo, Kill Devil Hills, at the Lions Club starting at 6:30 p.m.
* Wednesdays: Bingo, Kill Devil Hills, at the Colington Fire Department, 6:30 p.m., doors open at 5:30.
Links:
Currituck County
Dare County
- Animal Shelter and Adoptable Pets
- Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station
- Confederate Fortification Markers
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
- Lighthouses
- N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island
- Outer Banks History Center
- Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
- Roanoke Island Festival Park
- The Lost Colony
Hyde County
Carova Corner
Eastern Carolina Radio News
N.C. Beach Buggy Association
N.C. Fishing and Hunting Licenses
Ocracoke Newsletter
Outer Banks Free Press
Outer Banks Marinas
Russ's Outer Banks Journal
Southern Shores Times
Thanks for stopping by! Additional comments are welcome below. Sign up for emailed Alerts, if you wish; and please email us any news tips or photos of interest as well as your special event for listing under 'Things to See and Do.'
The Editor
NC 12 is now closed on Hatteras Island north of Rodanthe due to ocean overwash. This was the scene at 4:45 this afternoon (click to enlarge) as a state Department of Transportation crew was on the scene with heavy equipment in an effort to clear the island's only main highway. The shut-down occurred as high tide rolled in about an hour earlier with high waves and rough breakers.Earlier reports follow...
Conditions are 'wicked'The remnants of Tropical Storm Ida combined with a low pressure system off the North Carolina coast produced a nasty nor'easter on Veterans Day with increasingly heavy rain and high winds that intensified today.
“This is building up to be something we haven’t seen in a while,” Dare County emergency management director Sandy Sanderson told the Weather Channel earlier.
The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning effective until 8 a.m. Saturday. Ramp 72 on Ocracoke was already closed due to flooding. The island lost power for several hours before it was restored.
Ferry service between Hatteras Village and Ocracoke is still operating on a regular schedule. Dare County schools were closed but most town and county offices remained open.
NC 12 remained open south of the Oregon Inlet Bridge. However, traffic may be limited to one lane at times in portions of the highway through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to Rodanthe on Hatteras Island.
Ocean overwash on the highway is most frequent at the "s-curves" near Rodanthe (pictured here at 2 o'clock this afternoon; click to enlarge). Just last week, wind and heavy surf flattened some dunes here and the likelihood was further overwash during high tides (approximately 4 p.m. today and 4 a.m. tomorrow.) State Transportation Department crews were on standby.A 2 p.m. today, Dare County reported that Duck Road was flooding once again at the south end of town near Tuckahoe Drive.
In Kitty Hawk, heavy rain caused periods of temporary closure on US 158 at Cay Trail, Beacon Drive and West Kitty Hawk Road.
Further beach erosion was expected from what forecasters called a "wicked" storm, particularly in the south Nags Head area. Breakers expected to reach as high as 8 to 10 feet were creating rough surf and dangerous rip currents.
In Currituck County, there was standing water on some roads but no serious flooding, according to spokesman Randall Edwards. Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck, Perquimans and Chowan county schools were closed for the day.
Bonner Bridge replacement behind scheduleThe chief operating officer of the state Department of Transportation says replacement of old faithful with a new bridge across Oregon Inlet is six to eight weeks behind schedule. Many would say its years overdue.
Nonetheless, Jim Trogdon told a meeting of the Dare County Committee to Replace the Bonner Bridge by telephone Tuesday that construction of a new bridge is still scheduled for completion in 2014.
The Pea Island refuge manager continues to call plans to build the new bridge parallel to the current one “incompatible" with the refuge. And Trogdon said "We’ve had strong indications that the (Southern Environmental Law Center) is considering a lawsuit.”
But, he said, “We have a high level of confidence from attorneys that the approach we are taking is legally defensible.”
Better than Candy
A middle school in Goldsboro, North Carolina, didn't raise much money selling candy last year, so it began selling grades – with the endorsement of its principal.
A $20 "donation" to Rosewood Middle School would get a student 20 test points – 10 extra points on two tests of his or her choice. That could raise a B to an A, or a failing grade to a D.
Principal Susie Shepherd said a parent advisory council came up with the idea, and she approved it. Were the parents of the inmates running the asylum? Seems they were for a while.
That was before Raleigh's News & Observer ran a story Wednesday. Wayne County school administrators then stepped in and ordered Ms. Susie to stop the grade-selling immediately and return any money collected. The school district said further action will be taken if deemed necessary.
It's official:
Two in, two out by just three votes
Election squeakers in Hertford and Southern Shores were almost identical
The Dare County Board of Elections on Tuesday certified last week's municipal elections, including Southern Shores write-in candidate George Kowalski's victory by only two votes over incumbent Councilman and mayor pro tem Brian McDonald.
In nearby Pasquotank County the day before, newcomer Lillian Anne Holman was certified as the winner by just one vote over veteran Hertford Councilman and town vice mayor Horace Reid.
"You always feel badly when you lose," said Reid, "but if that’s what the people want, that’s what they’ll receive." McDonald was of the same mind. "There's no point torturing people with a recount," he said, "if it won't make any difference."
Southern Shores Mayor Don Smith was a bit less contained about his landslide loss to former mayor Hal Denny. Asked by The Virginian-Pilot if he will seek office again, Smith replied, "No way! Are you kidding me, after dealing with these kind of lunatics?"
Veterans Day Aftermath"Why not, instead of commemorating Veterans Day," asked CBS curmudgeon Andy Rooney, himself a veteran, on the CBS television program 60 Minutes, "we establish and work on what we could call a No War Day?...a day like that would be worth celebrating."
It was an echo of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman, whose march through the South was one of devastation. "War is hell!" he later told a graduating military class. Yet, Rooney's voice was that of today – of a nation and much of the world weary of war and its terrible consequences.
It was also a forlorn voice. It expressed the eternal hopes and prayers of mankind for peace on earth. But mankind being what it is in its innumerable varieties, No War Day is as unlikely as every last man and woman on earth going to heaven when their last day comes.
Instead, we commemorated Veterans Day in honor of all who have served this nation and the many who have given their lives to help preserve our dedication to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
– Adapted from The Coastland Times, Nov. 10, 2009
Beach Lifestyles – a go-cart track in Corolla?
The man who has dotted Dare County with eye-catching – some say eyesore – Wings variety stores from Duck to Nags Head and Buxton plans to add his special touch to Corolla in neighboring Currituck County.
If granted a special use permit by the county, Israel Golosa intends to plant a 3.3-acre fun park in the upscale beach community that will include an arcade, a 36-hole miniature golf course and a go-kart track. Residents are excited about the idea, to say the least. A report...
State starts website on new smoke-fee lawThe new North Carolina law takes effect Jan. 2 when bars, restaurants and hotels must ban smoking. Private clubs and so-called cigar bars will be exempt if they meet certain requirements.
To make certain everyone understands details of the smoke free law, the state Division of Public Health in collaboration with the N.C. Association of Local Health Directors has launched a website guide that goes a bit further than just explaining the law.
While the dangers of smoking, cigarettes in particular, are indisputable, some may question the web guide assertion that "secondhand smoke is known to increase non-smokers’ risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease." At any rate, you can study the guide here.
Comments
Office ClosedCamden Sheriff’s Sgt. Wilton Forbes locks the door last Friday to the Sheriff’s satellite office on Main Street in South Mills.
Sheriff Tony Perry said he closed the 12 by 24 square-foot leased office because water damage, mold and odor made work impossible inside. “I could smell it,” Perry said. “It was really bad, and I knew that it was time to do something.” (Daily Advance photo)
YMCA building in Maple to cost $12 million
The center as planned will be both a Currituck County recreation facility and a YMCA that will open no later that December of 2011, according to The Daily Advance.
Currituck officials have reportedly agreed to a deal with YMCA of South Hampton Roads in which the county will construct a 50,000 square-foot building and the 'Y' will provide up to $10,000 for "design and development" in return for a 30-year lease on space for its center in Maple.
The newspaper said construction is expected to begin in December of next year and quoted the Y's chief operating officer as saying “We want to build a YMCA in the middle of Currituck that gets people to drive” from different places in the Albemarle area. For a member living in Camden but working at Currituck County airport, he said, it will be only a mile-and-a-half drive to the YMCA.
Health CareA hospital for sea turtles
The Star-News of Wilmington reports that a construction company of that city will design and build a 14,200 square foot facility to be known as the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center at Surf City on the southern Outer Banks.
The center will include 45 rehabilitation tanks, a laboratory, a surgical suite with an X-ray and an observation deck so the public can witness the care given sea turtles such as this loggerhhead, of a species that has been on the federal endangered list since 1978.
Powell's Point honors fallen soldier
Corolla flood control more costly than expected
Daily Reports
Avalon Fishing Pier Reports
Cape Hatteras Fishing Reports
Oregon Inlet Fishing Reports
Golf Courses, Conditions
N.C. Lottery Results
Things to See and Do:
*Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day, a federal and state holiday, see events listed in story above.
* Thursdays: Currituck County Yoga Class, classes are held twice weekly, 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Building. Call 232-3007 for more information.
* Saturday, Nov. 14: 29th Annual Kitty Hawk Turkey Shoot, 9 a.m. at The Promenade, sponsored by the Fire Department Association.
* Tuesdays: Bingo, Kill Devil Hills, at the Lions Club starting at 6:30 p.m.
* Wednesdays: Bingo, Kill Devil Hills, at the Colington Fire Department, 6:30 p.m., doors open at 5:30.
Links:Currituck County
Dare County
- Animal Shelter and Adoptable Pets
- Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station
- Confederate Fortification Markers
- Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
- Lighthouses
- N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island
- Outer Banks History Center
- Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
- Roanoke Island Festival Park
- The Lost Colony
Hyde County
Carova Corner
Eastern Carolina Radio News
N.C. Beach Buggy Association
N.C. Fishing and Hunting Licenses
Ocracoke Newsletter
Outer Banks Free Press
Outer Banks Marinas
Russ's Outer Banks Journal
Southern Shores Times
Thanks for stopping by! Additional comments are welcome below. Sign up for emailed Alerts, if you wish; and please email us any news tips or photos of interest as well as your special event for listing under 'Things to See and Do.'
The Editor
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