Supporting local food banks is crucial in these uncertain times
When there is economic uncertainty, food banks emerge as essential lifelines, stepping in to provide crucial assistance when government aid is out of reach.
The...
Freedom of speech is America 101
The Ocracoke Observer cannot stand by and watch the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution be subject to repeated attacks.
“Congress shall make no law...
Our students deserve certainty
Editor’s Note: The Public School Forum of North Carolina submitted this commentary. For nearly 40 years it has served as a nonpartisan champion of...
Op-ed: Ocracoke needs to work together to achieve needed infrastructure
Editor’s note: Randal Mathews is the chair of the Hyde County Board of Commissioners and represents Ocracoke Island. He and Hyde County Manager Kris...
Commercial fishing is in the fabric of Ocracoke
In June, House Bill 442 in the N.C. General Assembly originally sought to expand the commercial and recreational fishing season for flounder and red...
Hurricane Erin’s road rage
In the third week of August, Ocracoke had a scare when Hurricane Erin swept past.
Though the storm stayed well out to sea, its immense...
Shrimpers prevail; questions remain about ferry tolls
“Don’t you get tired of the fight?” someone asked after the June 17 Ocracoke Civic & Business Association meeting.
During that meeting, those present talked...
HB 442 and the imperiled future of N.C. shrimping
By Morty Gaskill
As many of the readers of this publication are aware, there is currently a bill before the NC House of Representatives, HB442,...
Taking care of community cats is good for the community
By Rita Thiel
The population growth of feral (community) cats on Ocracoke is declining.
One thousand… 800… 500 and now, approximately 375 Ocracats are living and romping...
Why Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry tolls are a bad idea
They’re back!
The N.C. General Assembly Senate budget proposal includes tolling the Hatteras/Ocracoke ferry.
A challenge when writing a monthly editorial for a breaking news...