Captain Jason Daniels of the Hyde County Sheriff’s Department urges all motorists driving north to the ferry terminal to be mindful of the compromised road in the area protected by sandbags.
From all of the ocean over wash in the last year, the side of N.C. 12 closest to the sandbags is beginning to cave in, Daniels said.
Those driving north should be aware of this and those driving from the terminal to the village should be aware of those driving northbound through this area.
Although visitors are beginning to arrive back on the island, Daniels had little to report in the way of infractions from Feb. 16 to March 15.
“A few traffic stops and DUIs,” Daniels said.
The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department also had a slow month with four medical responder calls.
Recently, the island’s fire department got some good news as it achieved a district rating of 5, down from its previous rating of 6, which is a good thing.
“The smaller the number, the better,” said Dick Jacoby, president of the Ocracoke Fire Protection Association, which is the fundraising arm of the company and which keeps all of the company records. “For a volunteer fire department a 5 rating is phenomenal.”
This lower rating means that island businesses may see a rate decrease, Jacoby said. Homeowners already received a rate decrease when the OVFD received a 6 rating.
The fire department recently finished weekend firefighter training, which is periodically needed to retain a good rating.
Training includes working with the water company, hose and fire hydrant testing and more. State law requires inspections of rural fire companies to check for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment and maintenance, communications capabilities and availability of a water source.
The OVFD has about 26 active members and can always use more, Jacoby said.
“We need more who have more time during the season to respond to calls,” he said.
The annual Firemen’s Ball, the major fundraiser for the company typically the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend has been canceled but next year’s date is set for May 28, which will be the fifteenth event.
This year, the OVFD will offer tickets for a chance to win the Ocracoke Strong sign that hung at the Variety Store after Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 and was a beacon of hope for everyone on the island. It was donated by Tommy Hutcherson, Variety Store owner.
To purchase a chance to win this iconic sign, click the following Ocracoke Strong Sign.
