Cape Hatteras National Seashore provides the following tips to help visitors stay safe this year:
Swim at lifeguard beaches between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Text OBXBeachConditions to 77295 to sign up for beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts. Visitors can also view the daily rip current forecast at www.weather.gov/beach/mhx.
Avoid digging deep holes in the beach due to the danger they present to beachgoers, emergency response staff and wildlife.
Stay indoors during a thunder or lightning storm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
May 24, 2023OBX TodayComments Off on Cole named Hyde County Schools Principal of the Year
Leslie Cole of Ocracoke School has been named the 2023 Hyde County Schools Principal of the Year.
Living on an island isn’t for the faint of heart. Mrs. Leslie Cole, Principal at Ocracoke School, can attest that island living is an experience that can be riddled with challenges but deeply satisfying rewards.
Mrs. Cole began teaching on Ocracoke in 1995. As the high school History and French teacher, her passion has always been for the students and the community of Ocracoke.
Mrs. Cole was ready for the next step in her career in 2012 when she became assistant principal at Ocracoke School. In 2013, she graduated from Gardner-Webb with her Master’s Degree in School Administration and in 2017, she took over as principal at Ocracoke.
Dr. Melanie Shaver states, “Mrs. Cole’s can-do attitude, love of students, flexibility, and her sense of humor, ensure that Ocracoke students and families have access to an amazing educational experience.” Mrs. Cole’s reason for doing it, “the students, it’s always been about them.” Even her students know, as Griffin Wells, an 8th-grade student, describes, “Mrs. Cole looks out for
the best for all of her students, she is strict sometime because she cares about us (and we all know it), and she is a really hard worker.”
For Mrs. Cole some of the most memorable moments of her tenure comes from the wreckage that Dorian left behind. Mrs. Cole states, “Seeing the damage that Dorian left in its wake, not just to our community, but our staff member’s homes, our student’s home. “I will never forget walking through the school and observing the water lines.”
The recovery, restoration, and rebuilding has continued since the storm hit in 2019 throughout COVID-19 pandemic. As Ocracoke School prepares for a grand reopening on August 25, 2023, Mrs. Cole has been instrumental in ensuring that the project moves forward with the spirit of Ocracoke Island and Dolphins past and present.
Mrs. Cole also has lots of really good memories, but one of the most recent rewarding moments comes from the first home game in the new gym after Hurricane Dorian and homecoming.
It was a happy moment as the students, parents and community were finally able to be back together in the gym for the first time. In the spirit and tradition of homecoming, the community game’s first score came from one of Ocracoke’s former students Christian Trejo who had missed both his junior and senior year senior year of playing due to the storm, COVID, and injury.
Jeanie Owens, 5th-grade Teacher and Assistant Principal states, “Mrs. Cole has been the leader of Ocracoke School through challenging and trying times. She has done so through dignity, strength, and grace. The most admirable quality about Mrs. Cole is that she is able to connect with everyone. She displays care and compassion to each of us every day.”
Congratulations to Mrs. Leslie Cole, Principal of the Year for Hyde County Schools.
May 24, 2023OBX TodayComments Off on Five from Currituck County 4-H participate in Albemarle Area Livestock Show and Sale
Currituck County 4-H had five youth participate in the Albemarle Area 4-H Livestock Show and Sale on April 25th and 26th. All five of these participants were new to this program or showed a different animal for the first time.
Taylor Morganplaced 1st in her market class and was 4th in showmanship with her hog. Taylor also did an outstanding job with her lamb, placing second in her market class and 4th in showmanship.
Karleigh Meads showed a goat, and was one of our first timers in the Livestock Show and Sale, but you would never have known that watching her in the show ring. Karleigh was Reserve Champion in her Junior Showmanship class and 3rd in her market class.
Sophia Haislop showed a lamb and a heifer and was also one of our first time participants. She was selected to be in the Leap for Sheep program, which gives youth who have never participated inlivestock showsthe opportunity to show a lamb. There is an application process and only ten youth from the eastern portion of the state are selected to be in this program. Sophia did an outstanding job, receiving Reserve Champion in Lamb Junior Showmanship, andthird in her market class. Sophia was also Grand Champion in Heifer Junior Showmanship.
Jacob Plum wasalso new to the livestock program.Although he did not place in his showmanship or market class, hedid an outstanding job. He said he learned a lot and may give it another try next year.
Ella Carrollshowed a heifer and a hog. Ella did notplace in the top of any of her classes but she had a lot of fun and learned so much from participating in the livestock show. She is graduating from Currituck County High Schoolthis June and her plans for the future are to become a vet tech.
Participating in 4-H animal science projects are a great way for youth to gain knowledge and skills in animal care, health and nutrition, breeding and genetics. More importantly, youth learn compassion and responsibility for living things, perseverance, decision making, effective communication and record keeping skills all while having fun.
If you are interested in learning more about the Albemarle Area 4-H Livestock Show and Sale, or the Currituck County 4-H Program please contact Stephanie Minton via email stephanie_minton@ncsu.edu or by calling the office at 252-232-2262.
May 24, 2023OBX TodayComments Off on Application period opens June 1 for Coastal Reserve local advisory committees
The application period opens June 1 for N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve local advisory committees. Community members are needed for each of the Coastal Reserve’s ten sites: Bird Island Reserve, Bald Head Woods Reserve, Zeke’s Island Reserve, Masonboro Island Reserve, Permuda Island Reserve, Rachel Carson Reserve, Buxton Woods Reserve, Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve, Currituck Banks Reserve, and Emily and Preyer Buckridge Reserve.
Local advisory committees consist of citizens and representatives from community organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental partner organizations who provide the Division of Coastal Management’s Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback regarding program activities and management of the reserve sites.
Local advisory committees promote effective communication between the Reserve and the local community and represent a variety of perspectives from communities around the reserve sites. Each committee includes members with knowledge and experience representing relevant topical areas, according to the needs and uses at each site. These topical areas may include education, research, commercial use, recreational use, traditional use such as hunting and fishing, neighboring property ownership, volunteering, and non-profit community organization or interest group.
Community members with knowledge and experience in one or more of the topical areas related to a site and an interest in serving as a local advisory committee member are encouraged to consider applying. Applications will be available at deq.nc.gov/coastal-reserve-LAC and must be submitted between June 1 and June 30, 2023. Following the application period, selected committee members are appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality with service starting in 2024. Local advisory committee members serve five-year terms. Additional information about the role, responsibilities, and functioning of the local advisory committees can be found in the Local Advisory Committee Operating Procedures on the reserve’s website.
May 24, 2023OBX TodayComments Off on Beach-goers encouraged to “know before you go” ahead of Memorial Day weekend
As the summer season approaches, it’s important to remember that beach safety is paramount to ensuring that you, your friends, and family enjoy all that the Outer Banks has to offer.
Each day you pack up to head to the beach, take a minute to check the daily beach condition reports on lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com. When it comes to dangerous rip currents and storms, it is always important to “know before you go.”
To receive daily beach forecasts and alert texts, text “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295. To stop this service, reply “STOP”.
May 24, 2023OBX TodayComments Off on Wildlife Commission encourages boaters to take safety precautions amid National Safe Boating Week
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, S.C. Department of Natural Resources, N.C. Highway Patrol and Mothers Against Drunk Driving will kick off the annual “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign with community events and safety check points throughout the state in advance of and on Memorial Day weekend. The multi-agency safety initiative works to reduce alcohol-related incidents on the state’s roadways and waterways, both which see increased traffic during summer months.
“Fatalities that could be avoided with more responsible behavior are always difficult to process,” said Lieutenant Nathan Green of the Wildlife Commission. “It’s imperative to designate a sober driver whether you’re in a vehicle or on a boat. Boaters can reduce the risk of alcohol related incidents by designating a sober operator.”
During the campaign, law enforcement officers will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and promoting public awareness to deter impaired operation of cars and boats on various highways and bodies of water. In North Carolina, a driver or vessel operator with a blood-alcohol concentration that meets or exceeds .08 or is substantially impaired by alcohol and/or drugs, is subject to arrest.
National Safe Boating Week – May 20-26
The On the Road, On the Water campaign kicks off at the culmination of National Safe Boating Week, which started on Saturday and runs through this Friday. During National Safe Boating Week, as proclaimed by Gov. Roy Cooper on May 17, Wildlife Enforcement Officers are reminding people that safety should be a top priority when recreating on the water.
“We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to wear a personal floatation device, or PFD, while boating, whether it be recreating, swimming or fishing,” said Capt. Branden Jones with the Wildlife Commission. “In 2022, 20 people lost their lives on North Carolina waters; 16 of them were not wearing a life vest. PFDs save lives, but they won’t work if you don’t wear them.”
Boaters are urged to take the following precautions to ensure friends and family remain safe on the water:
Appoint a designated driver for the boat. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and is just as dangerous as driving a car impaired.
Assign an adult “Water Watcher” to actively supervise children in or around the water at all times. Young children and people who are not strong swimmers should always be kept within arm’s reach.
Swim only in designated areas. You are less visible to boaters and more vulnerable to accidents. Avoid diving in unfamiliar areas, as there may be hidden structures.
Wear a life jacket or Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) at all times. Put your life jacket on prior to entering the boat and make sure its snug, yet comfortable, and will not move above the chin or ears when lifted at the shoulders.
Throw, don’t go. Be prepared to throw a floatation device or use a pole or tree branch to reach someone struggling in the water. Never jump in to save someone because you could go under too.
Attend a boater safety course. The Wildlife Commission offers an array of boating education classes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, you must complete an approved course before operating any vessel propelled by a motor of 10 HP or greater.
For more information on boating safety and regulations, visit ncwildlife.org/boating or call 919-707-0031.
May 24, 2023OBX TodayComments Off on Corolla Beach among the best in the nation for a “water vacation” with 17th bluest water in the U.S.
Demand for “best water vacations” has increased by 300% in the past year, with travelers looking for destinations near water to inspire their next road trip and find inner peace, as studies have shown that being close to water can make you happier, calmer, and more creative.
The HEX code of Corolla’s water, according to SIXT: #6AA0C6.
With this in mind, SIXT has color-picked and analyzed the most beautiful bodies of water across the nation to identify and rank the top 50+ bluest waterways in the U.S. to illustrate the colorful destinations the country has to offer.
According to SIXT.com, Corolla is shown to have the 17th bluest water in the United States, with a matching HEX color code of #6AA0C6. This positions the waters of Corolla among the bluest in the nation and the most ideal for a water-centric vacation.
Blue Hole, New Mexico, comes first as the bluest water in the nation. Located amid the desert like a great blue gem, this geological wonder is famous for its spring-fed blue water and is considered an iconic roadside attraction on Route 66.
Not too far behind are Chena Hot Springs, Alaska, and Las Olas Beach, Florida, with dazzling-blue bodies of water that allure travelers worldwide. Other richer blue shades can be found in the mystical waters of some of the country’s most beautiful lakes, ranking among the top 10, like Grand Lake, Colorado, Lake Conway, Florida, and Lake George, New York.
Waimea Bay and Lake Tahoe offer some of the lightest and coolest blues, while gorgeous green-blue hues can be found in Hana Bay, Emerald Cave, and Haulover Inlet.
May 24, 2023OBX TodayComments Off on Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail Approved as ecoEXPLORE™ HotSpot
College of The Albemarle – Elizabeth City (COA) is home to the beautiful Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail on the Pasquotank River. The trail traverses through the wetlands, an ecologically rich area that provides a habitat for various plant and animal species.
Earlier this year, the COA Foundation applied with the North Carolina Arboretum, an affiliate institution of the University of North Carolina System, for the trail to become an ecoEXPLORE™ (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education) HotSpot. The Foundation received approval this spring and is proud to announce this fantastic partnership with the North Carolina Arboretum which will provide additional educational and recreational opportunities on the trail.
The ecoEXPLORE™ HotSpot provides children with endless outdoor adventures on the trail while piquing their curiosity for discovering new things in the wetlands. Our inclusion as a hotspot location includes our trail location at ecoexplore.net. It allows families to take photos of their observations on the trail, uploading them to an online biodiversity database at iNaturalist.org.
The welcome letter from the North Carolina Arboretum’s Education Manager Jonathan Marchal and ecoEXPLORE Coordinator Charles Zimmerman stated, “By hosting an ecoEXPLORE™ HotSpot you are filling an important role in the lives of North Carolina’s children and families. Your HotSpot will provide an opportunity for children to explore the natural world around them while receiving the benefits of time spent in the outdoors within their own communities. Collectively, a statewide network of these family-friendly locations, supported by the resources of The North Carolina Arboretum’s ecoEXPLORE.net website and our regional hubs, promise to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) enrichment within easy reach of students from the mountains to the coast.”
“The COA Foundation is extremely proud of the Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail,” said Dr. Catherine DeHart, Executive Director. “There is tremendous support for the trail, its recent renovations and maintenance. The trail was under renovation for several years, with the latest section being completed in March 2022. This work would not have been possible without the generous support from Green Saves Green and other community members. The Foundation is pleased to provide the COA family and our community with this amazing natural resource. In addition to our partnership with Kids in Parks, a signature Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation program, we are excited to announce our latest partnership with ecoEXPLORE.”
ecoEXPLORE also partners with local libraries to lend daypacks filled with items for studying nature. Please visit ecoEXPLORE.net to find partnering libraries in our service area.
When visiting the trail, a sign at the main entrance will provide additional information for participating and registering in ecoEXPLORE. To be a part of the network and stay updated on the latest activities, visit ecoEXPLORE.net. You may also visit albemarle.edu/trail for the latest information on the Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail or to support this wonderful community resource. We will see you on the trail!
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Hook Law in Southern Shores on May 18th.
Myra Ladd-Bone, Immediate Past Chairman of the Chamber Board and Broker at Atlantic Realty congratulated Tejal Desai, Attorney, Chief Operating Officer; Letha McDowell, Attorney, Shareholder, CELA; and Andrew (Andy) Hook, President, CELA, AEP, CFP for the opening of the new office in Southern Shores. “Hook Law offers a full range of services to help you address any legal matters or plan for anything life brings. We believe in the old adage that failing to plan is planning to fail. We take a unique holistic approach to solving your legal and financial issues, offering extraordinary, comprehensive solutions that maximize your opportunities in estate and long-term care planning, high-net-worth strategies, conservatorships, trust administration and beyond.”
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is an advocate for business on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. A regional organization representing 1,000 businesses, the Outer Banks Chamber serves Dare County, Currituck County, and Ocracoke Island.
