Earle Irwin participates in a Zoom meeting here but she is available on Ocracoke through the end of March for one-on-one counseling.
To catch up on Ocracoke news and much more, click here
Mental health professional Earle Irwin has returned to Ocracoke and will be on the island until the end of March.
A retired clinical nurse specialist, Irwin was on Ocracoke for several months earlier this year and also was here last year to help islanders cope with Dorian aftermath and any other issues they may be dealing with.
Her services are free of charge.
The Ocracoke Interfaith Relief & Recovery Team brought Irwin to the island thanks to generous help from the Red Cross via a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
Irwin is available for islanders to talk with one-on-one. Her contact information is 252-385-2172 or eirwin@oirrt.org.
Island volunteers will gather at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Community Center for a village-wide trash pick up. Photo: C. Leinbach
Ocracoke Island will have a cleanup day tomorrow.
Volunteers are asked to gather at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Community Center parking lot to get assigned to an area to clean.
Angie Todd, Ocracoke’s representative on the Hyde County Board of Education, will be there with trash bags but asks volunteers to bring their own gloves.
“If you can’t be there at 10 and you need/want to know what section did not get a person assigned to it, reach out to me on Facebook and I will point you in the right direction,” Todd said.
Todd hopes all volunteers with their bags of trash can return to the Community Center at noon.
“Hopefully we can all come back together for a wide-angle photo with our bags of trash!” she said. “Hopefully, we as a community can get it all!”
Although the signs have been removed from this building, the Village Thrift has been in here since 2015 and will hold an ‘everything must go’ giveaway Oct. 19 to 22. Photo: C. Leinbach
To catch up on Ocracoke news and much more, click here
Ocracoke’s Village Thrift shop will hold an “everything must go” giveaway for four days next week, Monday through Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. each day.
The giveaway, Oct. 19 to 22, will be at the house across from Community Square where the shop has been since 2015.
Gael Hawkins, one of the managers, said the giveaway items include household goods, some clothing and shoes, books and a variety of miscellaneous items, most of which was donated after Hurricane Dorian flooded the building Sept. 6, 2019, and rendered a lot of stuff unusable.
All those attending must wear a face covering and stay socially distant.
Hawkins said the staff will monitor how many people can be inside each day.
The Ocracoke Youth Center Board recently decided to shut down Village Thrift due to the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 until a future date when a possible new location will be rented.
To catch up on Ocracoke news and much more, click here
The Ocracoke 5K/10K/half-marathon will go virtual this year.
Race Director Angie Todd said in an email that this event would have been so helpful to the island in its recovery from Hurricane Dorian, but now the COVID-19 pandemic has scotched an in-person event, which benefits Ocracoke Community Radio WOVV, Ocracoke School Athletic Boosters Club and Ocracoke Community Park.
Many events have gone virtual this year and people may be feeling some virtual burnout, but Todd and her crew have gotten creative for the virtual race.
On race weekend, Nov. 14 and 15, they will set out all the mile markers on the course on race weekend.
“If you are here, you can run the official course,” she said, and she will personally be present for much of the day on Saturday and Sunday at the start/finish line to answer questions, offer guidance and cheer on the runners.
There will not be any official support, so runners are asked to bring their own water and nutrition. Those who do run in person will receive a voucher good for one beer at 1718 Brewing Ocracoke though no official after-party will be held.
Anyone can sign up for the event and you can run “virtually” or not.
A virtual race can be run (or walked) from any location you choose on any date within the window set by the race organizers. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill, at the gym, or on the track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself. You can time your race with RaceJoy (our official timer) or the app of your choice and send us the results to be displayed on the leaderboard.
The window to participate in the race will go beyond the actual race weekend to Nov. 29. Typically, virtual races are “open” for a large window of time to allow people to complete the race at a time that works best for them, Todd said.
Supporting this event will help to fund these community services that are struggling to stay afloat.
“Organizers of virtual races still incur almost all the expenses they would incur if the race were in person,” Todd said. “We still pay for the registration and results platform. We still pay for the T-shirts and medals (with the additional expense of postage). We still pay for advertising.”
Sponsors of the event will still be recognized.
“Your name/logo will still be printed on the posters and the T-shirts and will still be spotlighted on WOVV,” Todd said. Sponsors still will have a dedicated page on the race website.
“We have gone virtual, but we have not stopped appreciating you,” she said.
Runners in the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon receive a high quality, quick dry T-shirt. Sizes are only guaranteed if runners register before Oct. 25.
RALEIGH–The state will now accept applications for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program, which will assist eligible low- and moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday.
The new program seeks to promote housing stability during the ongoing pandemic by providing rent and utility assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections.
The HOPE Program will provide $117 million for rent and utility assistance for renters who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, have a current household income that is 80 percent of the area median income or lower, and are behind on their rent or utilities when they apply.
Renters who need rent or utility assistance can apply online at nc211.org/hope.
Applicants who cannot access the online application can also call 2-1-1 and speak with a program representative, who will assist the caller through the application. Callers can reach 2-1-1 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Renters can apply for utility assistance, rent assistance or both programs. Rent assistance is paid to the landlord on behalf of the applicant. This includes overdue and future rent payments, for up to six months. At least one month’s rent must be overdue at the time of application.
Utility payments will be made directly to the utility provider for up to six months of past due essential utilities, such as electricity, water, sewer/wastewater, natural gas and propane. For more information about the HOPE Program, visit nc211.org/hope.
“The spread of coronavirus has affected every aspect of our lives,” Cooper said during a press briefing on Thursday. “Many have lost jobs, had work hours cut back or had to care for someone who has become ill with COVID-19. By creating this program to help with rent and utility bills, we can keep people in their homes where they will be safest during this pandemic.”
The HOPE Program is funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant−Coronavirus funds and U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus Relief funds, which have been provided to North Carolina. The funds are administered by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the Department of Public Safety, and will be distributed through community partner agencies across the state.
Update on COVID-19 key metrics DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD, cautioned that people should continue to be vigilant and practice the 3 Ws–Wear a face covering; wait at least six feet from others; and wash your hands frequently–to prevent the spread of the virus as the weather gets cooler this fall.
“We have the tools to slow the spread and protect one another,” she said. “The science is clear on masks. They work. They slow the spread. Whatever your reason, I am asking you to get behind the mask.”
Cohen reviewed the state’s key metrics: Trajectory in COVID-Like Illness (CLI) Surveillance Over 14 Days • North Carolina’s syndromic surveillance trend for COVID-like illness is increasing Trajectory of Confirmed Cases Over 14 Days • North Carolina’s trajectory of cases is increasing. Trajectory in Percent of Tests Returning Positive Over 14 Days • North Carolina’s trajectory in percent of tests returning positive is increasing but is lower than it was in July when we last had our highest rate of new cases. Trajectory in Hospitalizations Over 14 Days • North Carolina’s trajectory of hospitalizations is increasing, but we still have capacity.
In addition to these metrics, the state continues building capacity to adequately respond to an increase in virus spread in testing, tracing and prevention.
Testing capacity continues to increase with upwards of 40,000 tests reported on peak days. We continue to hire contact tracers, and there have been more than 150,000 downloads of the NCDHHS exposure notification app, SlowCOVIDNC. North Carolina’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies are stable.
Pegi Barnes Sharp of Wilson paints a scene of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor. Photo: C. Leinbach
The eight North Carolina artists who have been on Ocracoke this week and painting all over the island will hold a sale of their work today from 4 to 7 p.m. on the porch of their rental home at 187 Silver Lake Road.
All are invited to stop by to meet these plein air–or outdoor–artists, enjoy their many creative interpretations and purchase their art. The artists are Mike Rooney, Dan Nelson, Joanne Geisel, Ann Hair, Karen Crenshaw, Peg Sharp, Oona Lewis and Lynda Chambers
A portion of the sale proceeds will be donated to an island nonprofit.
Mike Rooney creates a study of a scene along Silver Lake Road. Photo: C. Leinbach
Joanne Geisel captures an Ocracoke harbor scene. Photo: C. Leinbach
Some of the paintings that will be on sale tonight from 4 to 7 p.m. Photo: C. Leinbach
The Ocracoke Observer asked the candidates for the General Assembly districts that include Ocracoke for their views on several issues.
The Observer asked the candidates for the N.C. Senate District 6, which includes Ocracoke, to answer the following:
1. What are the crucial challenges facing eastern North Carolina and what can the General Assembly do that can help? 2. How well is the COVID-19 pandemic being handled on the state level and what can be done to reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths caused by this virus? 3. Many people are distraught that many members of political parties have shown little interest in working with the opposition to the benefit of all North Carolinians. Would you be willing to find common ground and seek bipartisan support? If so, on what issues? 4. Do you support or oppose offshore drilling?
Bob Steinburg
Bob Steinburg (R-Edenton; incumbent)
1. COVID-19 wreaked havoc here. I’ve pushed for aid to small businesses, schools, PPE supplies, and rural hospitals, and a $335 one-time check for every family with a child.
2. We continually learn a better approach to treating and preventing this virus. That’s why I’ve funded vaccine research so that we never have to experience this again.
3. Yes, we had bipartisan support for COVID-19 relief, as well as the best state budget in history for this area. Unfortunately, Gov. Cooper has not been willing to compromise with the legislature, though legislative Democrats supported our balanced approach which funded teacher pay raises, tax cuts for families, and significant investment for Eastern NC.
4. I oppose it, because too much of our economy is based on the natural beauty of the coastline and research indicates minimal resources are there. Thankfully, President Trump recently added NC to the moratorium.
Tess Judge
Tess Judge (D-Kitty Hawk; challenger)
1. The number one issue I hear about on the trail is access to quality, affordable health care. We need to make sure we expand access to the 500,000 North Carolinians who currently do not have it, while ensuring we keep our rural hospitals open, and properly fund mental health facilities. And now, with so many losing their employer-provided insurance due to the pandemic, it has become even more crucial.
Another crucial issue is our public education, and the dwindling level of state resources over the last few years allocated to our public schools. We need to fully fund our public schools, make sure all of our students have access to the same resources in Northeastern North Carolina as their counterparts in urban and suburban communities, and raise teacher pay.
We also need to treat broadband like a public utility and ensure all of our rural communities have access to fast, reliable, affordable internet.
2. I believe Governor Cooper has worked hard to protect the health and safety of all North Carolinians, following the best available scientific data. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths, I believe we need to follow the best and most up to date guidelines from the medical and scientific communities.
3. I absolutely will be looking to find common ground if elected. There is good on the right, and good on the left, and as someone with a long career in small business, I know that in order to get things done, you have to learn to compromise with everyone at the table. It’s time we elect leaders to the General Assembly, not followers of party lines.
4. I firmly oppose offshore drilling. Our water resources are too important to our economy, whether that’s commercial fisheries, farmlands or tourism, to risk damaging with an offshore drilling accident.
RALEIGH–The U.S. Census Bureau announced all Census self-response and field data collection will conclude Thursday (Oct. 15) following a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.
To date, an estimated 30 percent of North Carolinians have yet to respond to the 2020 census. This equates to a potential loss of $54 billion in funding over the next decade for communities across the state.
“With tomorrow’s deadline upon us, it’s critical that every North Carolinian fill out the census,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “Completing the census is safe, easy and important. It takes less than 10 minutes to help shape our state’s future for the next 10 years.”
The census will determine how much federal funding North Carolina gets for education, healthcare, transportation, disaster recovery, community service programs, economic planning and development and other critical services. A potential undercount could also determine whether North Carolina gains an additional congressional seat.
To respond to the 2020 Census visit my2020census.gov, call 844-330-2020 in English, 844-468-2020 in Spanish, or complete the Census form sent to your home and return it by mail. According to the U.S. Census Bureau: Internet self-response will be available across the nation through Oct. 15, until 11:59 pm Hawaii Standard Time (HST), (6 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Oct. 16.)
Visit my2020census.gov to respond today. Phone response will be available for its regularly scheduled time on Oct. 15.
Click here for schedule and a list of numbers. Responses by mail must be postmarked by Oct. 15, 2020. Census workers will continue going door to door to resolve nonresponding addresses through the end of the day on Oct. 15.
Complete Count Committees and Census community and state-wide partners are encouraged to visit census.nc.gov to download promotional and educational materials to help ensure a complete and accurate census count across the state.
You can type questions as you watch, or send questions in advance to: jstevens@ocracokecba.com.
Be aware that the camera in the Community Center is broken. Jesse Stevens, OCBA administrator, will still be there to facilitate the meeting but will not be on camera. Viewers will see all the other participants but not those in the Community Center.
Below is the agenda: 6 to 6:10 p.m.: Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent Dave Hallac 6:10 to 6:20 p.m.: Questions for Dave Hallac 6:20 to 6:30 p.m.: Hyde County Health Department Luana Gibbs 6:30 to 6:40 p.m.: Questions for Luana Gibbs 6:40 to 6:50 p.m.: Hyde County Manager Kris Noble 6:50 to 7 p.m.: Questions for Kris Noble 7 to 7:10 p.m.: NCDOT Ferry Division with Jed Dixon 7:10 to 7:20 p.m.: Questions for Jed Dixon
Next civic meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The Observer asked the candidates for the N.C. Senate and House to answer the following:
1. What are the crucial challenges facing eastern North Carolina and what can the General Assembly do that can help?
2. How well is the COVID-19 pandemic being handled on the state level and what can be done to reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths caused by this virus?
3. Many people are distraught that many members of political parties have shown little interest in working with the opposition to the benefit of all North Carolinians. Would you be willing to find common ground and seek bipartisan support? If so, on what issues?
4. Do you support or oppose offshore drilling?
NC House of Representatives District 6 candidates respond below.
Bobby Hanig (R-Powells Point; incumbent):
Bonny Hanig
1. A couple of the challenges facing eastern North Carolina are healthcare and rural broadband. COVID-19 has magnified the need to expand rural broadband. The General Assembly has allocated $56 million to rural broadband just this year. We also signed into law the GREAT act, which allocates $150 million over 10 years. This number must increase next year when we begin budget discussions.
Telemedicine and Tele psychiatry are going to play a vital role in helping with some of our remote healthcare issues.
2. COVID-19 is a real disease and yes it does affect many people. The governor and secretary Cohen have done an extremely poor job in managing this disease. They have continually moved the bar for the reopening process and have caused unnecessary and irreparable harm primarily to our children who need to be in school and need to have structure. They have also caused undue and irreparable harm to thousands of businesses across the state. We can do these things safely and effectively.
3.The perception primarily due to the media that says issues in the General assembly are not negotiated in a bipartisan way. Over 92% of the bills passed in the 2019–20 session were bipartisan. The COVID-19 funding committees were bipartisan committees and the funding was voted on unanimously in those committees.
4.I have been very vocal about my opposition to offshore drilling. I firmly believe that our energy independence in the United States is vital to a strong economy and keeping our country safe! With that said we are currently a net exporter of fossil fuels. When the time comes that we need it we can go get it. I believe the technology will improve in the future and will make it much safer when the time comes.
Tommy Fulcher (D-Southern Shores; challenger):
Tommy Fulcher
1. Eastern North Carolina has been poorly represented and underserved by the General Assembly in the last 10 years. The gap between urban and rural communities for job opportunities, infrastructure and public schools has widened under their leadership. Since the Republican takeover in 2010 we have witnessed a shrinking commitment to our public schools as funding hasn’t kept up with rising enrollments and increasing costs.
The state should accept federal money to expand Medicaid like they accepted federal CARES Act money to offset the adverse impacts of the pandemic. If elected, I will work to create jobs, save rural hospitals and lower health care costs by expanding Medicaid.
The GOP leadership has enacted irresponsible income tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations while raising fees and sales taxes that impact working people. So, working people were conned into thinking they got a tax cut but in reality are paying more in overall taxes.
2. It’s been over 100 years since our country has experienced a deadly pandemic. The ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in over 200,00 deaths and counting. This public health crisis has also resulted in historic job losses and decimated our economy. There is no way to fully revive our economy until we are able to control the spread of the virus.
Gov. Cooper has done an outstanding job of limiting the spread of the virus while phasing in the re-start of our economy. His decisions have been guided by science and the recommendations of public health experts.
The GOP leadership has downplayed the threat of the virus and recommended that everything return to normal – without regard to the public health consequences from not wearing a mask, not social distancing and not gathering in large crowds. We are fortunate Gov. Cooper is in charge and not the GOP. Enough said.
3. The current legislature is broken. Since the current majority took control in 2010 all the power in the General Assembly is concentrated in the GOP leadership – just a handful of elected members all of whom are elected from gerrymandered districts. They dismiss any input from the minority party and their own GOP members. All major decisions are made by the leadership behind closed doors without public comment. Once they have made their decisions, they tell their GOP members how to vote — including my opponent. He works for his bosses in Raleigh not for you.
This broken system has made voters more cynical and apathetic about politics and government. It has also resulted in extreme legislation that is out of step with the beliefs and views of most voters. Legislation that comes from both parties working together and where neither side gets everything they want results in the best legislation and will be supported by the most voters.
4. I am vehemently opposed to offshore drilling. If elected I will work to put a permanent ban in place by statute that will prohibit seismic testing and offshore drilling. The recently proposed moratorium is not sufficient. Republican legislative leaders — both state and federal — still support oil and gas exploration. We can’t trust their leadership because they accept millions of dollars in campaign contributions from the fossil fuel industry.
Another difference between me and my opponent is I don’t support weakening the National Environmental Policy Act. Republican leadership — local, state and federal — supported these rollbacks which ultimately leaves the door open to offshore drilling for oil.
Offshore drilling and seismic testing make no sense because the future of energy production is moving away from fossil fuels. Our fishing, farming and tourism industries are too important to be destroyed by this reckless scheme. That’s all there is to it.
