This area of N.C. 12 north of the pony pens will be the area of a volunteer cleanup from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 26. Photo: C. Leinbach
To catch up on Ocracoke news and much more, click here
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is seeking volunteers to help beautify the seashore at a drop-in roadside cleanup event on Ocracoke Island from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 26.
National Park Service staff and volunteers will work together to clean a two-mile section of NC-12 containing debris left behind by Hurricane Dorian.
Volunteers should meet at the Ocracoke pony pen parking area to check in and can join at any time during the event. Bring leather gloves, sunscreen, lunch, and snacks. Wear appropriate clothing, including closed-toe shoes. Trash bags will be provided. Children under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian with them to sign the proper paperwork.
For additional information on volunteer opportunities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, visitwww.volunteer.gov.
Ferry service employees had to work quickly after Hurricane Dorian to adapt in order to keep the response moving to a devastated Ocracoke Village, North Carolina Department of Transportation officials told a legislative panel last week.
The House Transportation Oversight Committee met Thursday to hear an update on the NCDOT Ferry Division’s hurricane response as part of an overall departmental review going into this year’s short session of the legislature.
Although damage was not as widespread as that from hurricanes Michael and Florence nearly two years ago, the financial hit to the ferry system from Hurricane Dorian was more than twice the $1.7 million cost of those storms combined.
As of Feb. 16, spending on Dorian preparation and recovery and repairs to damaged facilities had topped $4 million, according to the division’s latest estimates.
The bulk of the cost highlighted the role the division played in recovery for Ocracoke Island, where ferry service provides the only transportation link.
Immediately after the storm, ferry crews worked with the Coast Guard to test routes and reestablish service to the island. Limited service was restored Sept. 7, the day after Hurricane Dorian swamped the village, to move emergency supplies and personnel from the National Guard and Red Cross.
But Ferry Division Deputy Director Jed Dixon said that given the scope of the impact in the village and the extensive repairs needed to reopen N.C. 12, division officials decided to opena direct run between Hatteras and Silver Lakeusing a Pamlico Sound route similar to the one transited by division’s passenger ferry service, which started last summer.
With the larger, sound class vessels being used for the runs from Cedar Island and Swan Quarter, smaller vessels that are usually restricted to more protected river and sound crossings were employed.
Jed Dixon
“There was an urgency,” Dixon said. “These runs were challenging for us. We were only able to make those runs when weather permitted.”
Crews also had to work with ramps that were designed for larger ferries and were too steep to use for some vehicles.
Dixon said the extra run helped in the recovery at a critical time and provided additional ferry space for removing the massive amount of debris that followed the storm.
The division estimates it hauled off 26,861 stoves, refrigerators and other white goods and 6,780 tons of debris.
Dixon said the additional ferry runs were also important after a major setback on work to fully reopen N.C. 12 from South Dock to Ocracoke Village in November when a nor’easter struck the island.
“We had our challenges along the way. It seemed like at times Mother Nature just wouldn’t let up,” Dixon said, adding that, fortunately, NCDOT crews were positioned to move back into the work zone quickly. “As soon as the weather subsided, we were right back at it. We had sandbags going in and were working to restore that road. Once the road was repaired, that took a lot of pressure off our sound routes to supply some more service.”
Work to repair damage to the stacking lanes for the South Dock station continues, Dixon said, including a shoreline stabilization project on areas that have seen repeated damage. He said that work is expected to be completed before the summer visitor season starts.
Costs tallied
Repairs made up $577,000 of the Ferry Division’s Dorian costs, so far, most of it on work to Ocracoke Island dorms and other infrastructure, which were flooded at the height of the storm.
Most repairs for the system are expected to be completed by May, except for work on the heavily damaged Ocracoke living quarters for crew and terminal, which could take 18 to 24 months to complete.
Major damage estimates include the following:
$125,000 for Hatteras crew dorms.
$30,000 for Hatteras grounds repair.
$25,000 for Mann’s Harbor shipyard.
$1.4 million for Ocracoke dorm rebuild.
$175,000 for Ocracoke terminal.
$75,000 for Ocracoke ticket booth.
$50,000 Ocracoke grounds.
$30,000 for Cedar Island terminal repairs.
As of Feb. 16, more than $4 million had been spent related to Hurricane Dorian, including preparation, recovery efforts and damage, the most the Ferry Division says it has spent on any disaster. Graphic: NCDOT
Damage to employee dorms affects operations
Catherine Peele
Catherine Peele, planning and development manager for the division, said the damage to the dorms on Ocracoke and the lack of available housing after the storm made it more difficult to keep service operating.
She said it finally took a combination of hotel rooms and Federal Emergency Management Agency trailers to be able to keep ferry crews on the island.
“The main concern for the residents is that they wanted an early departure from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter so they could get over to the mainland and back in the same day,” Peele told legislators. “So being able to house those employees on Ocracoke, we were able to make that early morning run.”
The department purchased four FEMA trailers for employees and is seeking funds for another six. Peele said the trailers are not a long-term solution and once repairs to the dorms are completed, the division plans to keep some for temporary housing and disaster response in future emergencies.
Peele said the storm also had an impact on maintenance to the sound class vessels, but previously scheduled work was completed this winter.
She had some good news to report on tram service on the island. The original trams put into service last year with the debut of the passenger ferry were destroyed, along with most of the other vehicles on the island when floodwater swept across parking areas that usually remain high and dry during storms.
Peele said that Hyde County was able to obtain a grant from the Golden Leaf Foundation to replace the trams and that three trams will be available when passenger ferry service resumes this summer, with two more shortly after.
Editor’s note: For comprehensive information on COVID-19 and North Carolina health and policy issues, go toNC Health News.
From our news sources
With five new cases of COVID-19 in Wake County, bringing the statewide number to seven, Gov. Roy today issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency.
The declaration activates the Emergency Operations Center to help agencies coordinate from one location and makes it easier to purchase needed medical supplies, protect consumers from price gouging, and increase county health departments’ access to state funds. In addition to Cooper’s emergency declaration, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) is making several recommendations to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of people infected.
“The health and safety of North Carolinians is our top priority,” he said in a press release. “We are taking the necessary steps to ensure that North Carolina is prepared and responding to this virus, and this order helps us do that. Though we are still in the early stages in North Carolina, time is a valuable resource and we must work together to slow the spread while we can.”
Key provisions in the order are similar to those enacted in a natural disaster. The order will help with the cost burdens and supplies that may be difficult for providers and public health to access due to increased demand.
It also increases the state public health department’s role in supporting local health departments, which have been tasked with monitoring quarantines, tracing exposure and administering testing.
Today’s updated NC DHHS recommendations are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), current actions by other states and the most up-to-date epidemiologic information available to protect the public’s health. Many of the recommendations are targeted at protecting people at high risk of severe illness, which includes adults over 65 years, those with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes or with weakened immune systems.
“We all play a role in keeping our communities safe and healthy,“ said DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D. “Let’s be guided by compassion and reason and work to support each other as a community. These precautions can help us slow the spread of this virus and protect our more vulnerable neighbors.”
The following recommendations pertain to persons and establishments statewide: HIGH-RISK PERSONS NC DHHS recommends that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 avoid large groups of people as much as possible. This includes gatherings such as concert venues, conventions, church services, sporting events, and crowded social events. People at high risk should also avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. ADULT CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITIES NC DHHS recommends that all facilities that serve as residential establishments for high-risk persons described above should restrict visitors. These establishments include nursing homes, independent and assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, and facilities that care for medically vulnerable children. MASS GATHERING EVENTS NC DHHS recommends that event organizers: • Urge anyone who is sick to not attend. • Encourage those who are at high risk, described above, to not attend. • Adopt lenient refund policies for people who are high risk. • Find ways to give people more physical space to limit close contact as much as possible. • Encourage attendees to wash hands frequently. • Clean surfaces with standard cleaners. ALL TRAVELERS NC DHHS recommends that all travelers returning from countries and US states impacted by COVID-19 follow DHHS guidance on self-monitoring: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/coronavirus
The following recommendations pertain to persons and establishments in the Triangle area: WORKPLACE SETTINGS
NC DHHS recommends that employers and employees use teleworking technologies to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, employers should:
• Urge employees to stay home when they are sick and maximize flexibility in sick leave benefits.
• Consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time. MASS GATHERINGS, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL EVENTS NC DHHS recommends that organizers of mass gathering events that primarily draw high-risk persons, including those that attract older adults, should consider cancelling or postponing these events. Currently, NC DHHS is not recommending preemptive school closures. The recommendations should begin immediately and extend through March 31. NC DHHS will monitor the situation closely to determine whether to extend the recommendations beyond March 31. These measures were announced at a press conference today with Cooper and members of the state’s Coronavirus Task Force. The full executive order is available here. It is important to make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS.
For more information, please visit the CDC’swebsiteat and NCDHHS’websitewhich will also include future positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.
Some of the Village Craftsmen’s first customers are, from left, Alan Reece, Chris Warnasch, Jill Mozier and Sue Warnasch. Photo: P. Vankevich
By Peter Vankevich
Six months out from Hurricane Dorian, Ocracoke continues to move forward as another business reopened its doors.
One of the oldest fine crafts galleries on the Outer Banks, the venerable Village Craftsmen on Howard Street on Monday
Village Craftsmen manager Amy Howard chats with founder (and her dad) Philip Howard. Photo: P. Vankevich
began receiving customers. It was shut down by Hurricane Dorian and, like most businesses on the island, needed extensive repairs, including a new floor.
“We got 10 inches of water causing damage to the floor, displays and some of the merchandise,” said manager Amy Howard.
While open, they will still work on completing the renovations.
The craft gallery is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Although it took a hit and the free books were ruined, the historic “cool house”on display in the front yard has been restored and is back in business.
For the next few weeks, Village Craftsmen will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and in April will extend its hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Professor Hannah Gill, associate director, Institute for the Study of the Americas at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, will be on the island with a team of students and colleagues to conduct an oral history workshop at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Details are in the flyer below.
This workshop is in conjunction with the Language and Life Project at N.C. State and Ocracoke School.
La profesora Hannah Gill, directora asociada del Instituto para el Estudio de las Américas de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte -Chapel Hill, estará en la isla con un equipo de estudiantes y colegas para llevar a cabo un taller de historia oral en el Centro de Carolina del Norte para el Avance de Docencia (NCCAT) 6 pm jueves.
Los detalles están en el volante a continuación. Este taller es en conjunto con el Proyecto de Lenguaje y Vida en NC State y Ocracoke School.
Girl Scout Troop 2603 from Kill Devil Hills will be on the island Saturday selling cookies from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ocracoke Oyster Company (former O’Bar)
To catch up on Ocracoke news and much more, click here
Tuesday, March 10 Ocracoke Liaison Office: Teresa Adams, Ocracoke Liaison, has regular office hours every Tuesday and Thursday in the Hyde County office located in the Community Center. 9 a.m. to noon.
Post-Dorian support group: 4:30 p.m. Ocracoke Lightship Realty.
Preparing for College Information Session for 9th to 11th graders and families, NCCAT, 6 p.m. Preparándose para la universidad. Sesión informativa para estudiantes y sus familias de los grados 9 a 11, NCCAT, 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12 Ocracoke Liaison Office: Teresa Adams, Ocracoke Liaison, has regular office hours every Tuesday and Thursday in the Hyde County office located in the Community Center. 9 a.m. to noon.
Oral History Night. Learn how to record your family and community history,
Noche de Historia Oral. Aprende a grabar tu historia familiar y comunitaria, NCCAT, 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14 Girl Scout Troop 2603 from Kill Devil Hills will be on the island selling cookies from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ocracoke Oyster Company (former O’Bar).
Warm hangout at the United Methodist Church rec hall, noon to 5 p.m.
Daytime lane closures in the work zone around the Marc Basnight Bridge in Dare County will resume Monday (March 9). Photo: C. Leinbach
From our news sources
NAGS HEAD – Daytime lane closures in the work zone around the Marc Basnight Bridge in Dare County will resume Monday (March 9).
During the lane closures, workers will complete “punch list” items on the bridge project, including finishing touches to the bridge deck and railings, and paving the final asphalt layer on the roadway leading up to the bridge itself.
Motorists should be aware of the possibility of daytime lane closures at any time from 7 a.m. Mondays through 3 p.m. Fridays. During the lane closures, contractors will use flaggers to control traffic and post appropriate warning signs.
Lane closures will vary in length but will typically be between a half-mile and one mile long. One lane of traffic will be open at all times. Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution while crews are at work.
The work is expected to be complete by mid-June.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
A late winter Saturday afternoon on the Ocracoke beach. Photo: C. Leinbach
As spring approaches, Ocracoke Island continues to rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian last September. Workers are working night and day to get homes and businesses open as soon as possible.
As Jason Wells, co-owner of Jason’s Restaurant, said recently, “We need business in order to recover. Don’t hesitate to book your stay! We need you.”
The following is information on what’s open gathered by the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association.
What to expect Some debris remains along the highway throughout the village but continues to be cleared. Islanders are busy repairing their homes and businesses, so be respectful of tarped property and be sensitive when asking about personal experiences. Many are not looking forward to rehashing the tale of their losses.
What’s open now
Lodging Bluff Shoal Motel; Captain’s Landing Waterfront Inn; Pam’s Pelican B & B; Pony Island Motel; The Anchorage Inn; The Berkley Manor; The Castle Bed & Breakfast/Courtyard Villas; Blue Heron Realty, Ocracoke Island Realty; Jerniman’s Campground & Golf Cart Rentals.
Food & Drink
Howard’s Pub (open Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 8:30 p.m.), Magic Bean Coffee Bazaar, Plum Pointe Kitchen; Taqueria 504Suazo’s; Zillie’s.
Shopping ABC Store; Bella Fiore (March 9); Books to be Red & Deepwater Pottery;
Down Creek Gallery; Island Artworks; Kitty Hawk Kites; Ocracoke Cigars; Ocracoke Variety Store; Pirates Chest; Ride the Wind Surf Shop/Ride the Wind Outdoors; Village Craftsmen (March 9).
Charter Boats, Marina, Tackle and Beach Anchorage Marina (March 15); Dreamgirl Sportfishing; Drumstick Fishing Charter (March 15); Gecko Sportfishing; Tradewinds Bait & Tackle (March 14), Rascal Charter Boats; Ocracoke Island Realty – Beach Outfitters.
Services Angie’s Gym; 4×4 Beach Ride Rentals; Coyote Music Den; Yoga with Amy/Deep Blue Bodywork & Massage; Harrell & Associates; Island Mobile Medical Care; PA; OBX Rentals and Shuttle Services; Ocracoke Alive; Ocracoke Island Realty – Sales; Ocracoke Island Golf Carts (March 15), Ocracoke Island Yoga, Ocracoke Community Library (Monday-Friday 1 to 5 p.m. in temporary location in WOVV radio station), WOVV 90.1 FM Radio, OcracokeStyle (wedding planners); Schooner Windfall II Sailing Charters; Stillwater Spa & Wellness.
DJ Tommy; Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals; OcracokeStyle, Wedding Minister (April 1)
Opening later
Lodging Blackbeard’s Lodge (May); Cove Bed & Breakfast (May); Crews Inn B&B (TBA); Edwards of Ocracoke Cottages (March); Harborside Motel; Ocracoke Harbor Inn and Cottages (March 19); Oscar’s House B&B (Late April/early May); Sand Dollar Motel (April); Old Island Home, Silver Lake Motel & Inn, Teeter’s Campground (March 15), NPS Campground (April 10).
Food & Drink
1718 Brewing Ocracoke (March 13), Back Porch Lunchbox (Memorial Day); Back Porch (April 9); Dajio; Eduardo’s (early March); Flying Melon (March 26); Fig Tree Bakery & Deli; Gaffer’s (Summer); Helios’ Hideaway; Jason’s Restaurant (May 1); Jolly Roger Restaurant & Marina; Ocracoke Coffee Co. (Mid-April); Ocracoke Oyster Company (April 8); Old Salt Sandwiches & Such (April 1); Pony Island Restaurant (early Spring); Slushy Stand (mid- to late March); Sorella’s Pizza & Pasta (TBA); SmacNally’s Bar & Grill (April 1); Thai Moon, Flying Melon Restaurant (closed March 8 to 25; reopen March 26),
Shops Island Ragpicker (April), Harborside Gift Shop; Mermaid’s Folly (May 1); Moonraker Tea Shop (April); Ocracoke Seafood Co.; Ocracoke Island Trading Co. (April 1); Ocracoke Garden Center (in the next week or two), Over the Moon, Sea Break (April 1), The Sunglass Shop (Easter), Sweet Tooth, Village Thrift (April 15)
Recreation Blue Heron Golf Cart Rentals, Native Parasail (May 15); Rascal Charter Boats;, Restless Native Boat Rentals (March 15); Drumstick Fishing Charters (April 1); Ghost & History Walks (April 7/10/14/17; May19, every Tues & Fri.); Ocracoke Waverunners (May 1), Portsmouth Island Boat Tours; Wheelie Fun Golf Carts (March 27)
Services Public Library (Monday-Friday 1 to 5 p.m. in temporary location at WOVV Radio Station), WOVV Radio
Exhibits & Museums Ocracoke Preservation Museum & Gift Shop; Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Exhibit, Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit
Entertainment Deepwater Theater (Spring); Coyote Den (May 19)
National Park Service facilities and services:
-All beaches, ORV routes and ramps are open.
-Expect seasonal closures on ORV routes for nesting shorebird activity.
-NPS Lifeguard Beach will be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
-Ocracoke ponies are well; Pony Pen viewing is open.
– Ocracoke Campground opens April 10.
– Portions of the Hammock Hills Nature Trail were damaged by Hurricane Dorian. One half of the loop trail is open. While you cannot complete a “loop,” you can walk through the forest all the way to Pamlico Sound for a beautiful view. While a portion of the trail is closed, there is still a lot of trail to explore.
-The Ocracoke lighthouse grounds are open, but the light keeper’s quarters are closed for repair.
Local Resources for Travelers VisitOcracokeNC.com – the updates from the island, as well as a list of local businesses and upcoming events 252-928-6711.
N.C. Department of Transportation (https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/ferry/) – status and schedule of all ferries to and from the island
If Hyde County approves a solar development ordinance it may lead to community solar gardens such as this one in Hatteras. Photo courtesy of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative
By Connie Leinbach
After hearing from several islanders and following a lengthy discussion, the Hyde County commissioners on Monday night passed a resolution supporting the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution but deleted a paragraph calling Hyde County a “sanctuary” county for guns.
The resolution, initiated by Commissioner Shannon Swindell, passed 3 to 2, and was opposed by Swan Quarter commissioner James Topping and Ocracoke’s commissioner Tom Pahl.
The final, deleted paragraph said: “…that if the government of the State of North Carolina shall infringe upon the inalienable rights granted by the Second Amendment, Hyde County shall become a ‘Sanctuary County’ for all firearms unconstitutionally prohibited by the government of the State of North Carolina in that, Hyde County will prohibit its employees from enforcing the unconstitutional actions of the state government.”
In the public comment section prior to the resolution, on Ocracoke, one commenter supported the resolution and several islanders opposed it and questioned its legality.
“Should the state legislature and the governor pass a gun control measure, the commissioners are not in a position to decide that something is unconstitutional and not follow the law,” said Finley Austin.
In Swan Quarter, one person, the region’s state representative, Bobby Hanig, (R-Powell’s Point) voiced his support for the resolution. “As your state representative I will stand beside you to oppose any assault on this right,” he said. “I’m sure I speak for your fellow citizens of this county and the great state of North Carolina when I say thank you for your resolve to protect this and all other amendments to our Constitution,” he said.
Sheriff Guire Cahoon pointed out that the final paragraph would take Hyde County outside the current law and as a sworn officer of the Constitution could not support that.
Swindell explained that numerous North Carolina counties have passed similar resolutions recently following reports that the commonwealth of Virginia was threatening to pass gun restricting legislation, “making millions of law-abiding, taxpaying citizens of Virginia felons overnight.”
As of February, 60 of North Carolina’s 100 counites have passed similar resolutions, said Kris Noble, Hyde County manager.
The impetus of these resolutions comes from Virginia where Gov. Ralph Northam and the legislature are pushing for tighter gun restrictions following last year’s mass shooting at a Virginia Beach municipal complex in which 12 victims died, and 13 years after a gunman terrorized the campus of Virginia Tech, killing 32 people and wounding 17 others with two semi-automatic pistols.
A few people suggested that this hot-button issue required a public hearing.
“We can do that, but for every one person that opposes it on the island you have four that support on the mainland,” Noble said. “It’s just the divide of who we are.”
Commissioner Ben Simmons said he was in favor of the resolution but was against the final paragraph that declared Hyde be a sanctuary county.
Pahl noted that this broad political issue should not be on the agenda, but if so, Hyde County should support several other Constitutional amendments he said were under attack including, Amendments 1, 5, 9 and 15.
“As a county, if we’re going to take on the issue of supporting amendments to the Constitution we shouldn’t limit it to the Second Amendment,” he said. “And I think we should pass the resolution favor and the adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment.”
The commissioners unanimously voted to remove the final paragraph before approving the resolution.
Temporary housing
In other business, the commissioners learned from Emergency Services Director Justin Gibbs that eight to nine islanders displaced by Hurricane Dorian last September should move into temporary travel trailers by the end of the week, bringing the total to 12.
Of 35 travel trailers to be used for temporary housing, 30 have been applied for and approved.
After this third wave is complete the need for short-term housing slacks, he said.
He said assignment of the trailers is moving fairly rapidly following some setbacks owing to issues with ferries not running and logistics in purchasing supplies and services the trailers need.
Animal control The commissioners passed a revision to the animal control ordinance that designates the county’s animal control officer, not Hyde County Sheriff or deputies, to determine if a dog is dangerous. Noble said the county contracts with the Tyrell County animal control officer for this. The commissioners also approved creating a three-person board to hear appeals of the dangerous animal designation.
Solar development
Noble asked the commissioners to review the draft solar ordinance before a public hearing is held at a later date to adopt it.
Several years ago, the commissioners placed a moratorium on the establishment of solar farms in Hyde County until the commissioners could come up with an ordinance regulating them.
That moratorium has run out, Noble said.
Pahl noted that the draft language seems to discourage solar business and possibly even homeowners adding their own solar arrays. Noble said Paul Spruill, CEO of Tideland EMC, wants to meet with Hyde officials to work through the draft supports both the mainland and the island.
Grants
The commissioners approved the receipt of two Golden LEAF Foundation grants: a $500,000 grant to build a new EMS station on the lot across from the Island Inn and $125,000 for replacement of the electric trams that were flooded during Hurricane Dorian.
“Because trams are classified as golf carts for insurance purposes, flood insurance is not available,” the agreement notes. “In the future, trams will be removed from the island during evacuations.”
Property valuation The commissioners, owing to ongoing Hurricane Dorian recovery, approved delaying the property revaluation schedule by one year and adopting a six-year schedule.
Debris removal
Islander Kelley Shinn in the public comment period said the Hurricane Dorian debris removal extension to Feb. 29 was still not enough time for the 37% of the population that was displaced to begin to do muck and gut out of their houses and would have to spend money for debris removal.
She said that a county press release said debris removal would be handled on a case by case basis. “I don’t know what that means,” she said. Pahl told her she the county intends to do everything we can do to try to accommodate them. “I want assurance,” she said. “I do not want vague terminology about what the county plans to do for the 30% of population that represents our poorest.”
Flood maps A public hearing for the Hyde County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance will be continued until the April 6 commissioners meeting to receive public input. It has to be approved before June 19.
Jane Hodges, Hyde County building permit technician, explained that the newly released flood maps for the county (though using data only up to 2016) show that a lot of the county is coming out of the flood zone.
Section 21 says that if a structure is flooded twice in so many years, the building needs to be brought up to code. This wasn’t a requirement previously because the county had thought it would be a hardship for many residents.
Hodges noted that the Ocracoke Advisory Planning Board recommended that the free board height of all new and to-be-raised buildings be a uniform height of nine feet above mean high tide. Free board height is the height at which the living quarters start.
She also noted that this ordinance says historic homes do not have to be elevated.
“If they’re on the historic register or contribute to the overall historic-ness, if they choose to elevate, they can do a lower level,” she said.
To view the maps, visit online at FRIS.nc.gov/fris.
Lake Landing resident Thomas Midgette won a close election Tuesday night to represent the Democrats in that mainland Hyde County township race for county commissioner.
He will face off in November against incumbent Republican Earl Pugh Jr. Pugh, chairman of the county commissioners, had announced in the December monthly commissioners meeting that he would not seek reelection, but later changed his mind and filed to run. This will be a rematch from the 2016 election which Pugh won with 1,219 votes to Midgette’s 841.
Hyde County Commissioner candidates in the 2016 forum at the Community Center, from left Thomas Midgette, Earl Pugh Jr. and Tom Pahl. Photo: P. Vankevich
Countywide, Midgette defeated Marsha Gibbs 357 to 326. Barbara Gibbs finished third with 83 votes. Midgette carried the Lake Landing precinct with 82 votes, Marsha Gibbs, 44, and Barbara Gibbs with 3. Ocracoke gave Marsha Gibbs 79 votes, Midgette, 58 and Barbara Gibbs, 42. The entire county votes in all county commissioner races.
The other county commissioner seats on the November ballot will be Randal Mathews for Ocracoke and incumbent Benjamin Simmons III for Fairfield Landing. Both were unopposed and thus not on the primary ballot.
Bobby Hanig at the recent Outer Banks Community Foundation annual meeting/luncheon. Photo: P. Vankevich
On the Republican ballot for House District 6, incumbent Bobby Hanig beat back a challenge by Ralph Rollason, 6,122 to 2,527. Hyde county handed Hanig 194 votes and Rollason 97. Hanig will run against Tommy Fulcher (D) who was unopposed.
For the state District 1 Senate race, incumbent Bob Steinburg (R) and Tess Judge (D) will square off. Neither candidate had a primary challenger.
In yesterday’s primary, Hyde County voter turnout was 1,190 out of 3,048, or 39%. Of the five county precincts, Ocracoke had the highest primary turnout with 269 of its 776 registered voters for 35%.
For U.S. President, Joe Biden carried the state for the Democrats with 43%. Bernie Sanders finished second with 24% and Michael Bloomberg third with 13%. Biden easily won Hyde County with 47%. Distant second was Bernie Sanders with 16%. On Ocracoke, Biden captured 108 votes, Elizabeth Warren 49, Bernie Sanders, 35 and Michael Bloomberg, 24.
Donald Trump easily won the Republican primary.
In other races, incumbent Thom Tillis (R) easily won the primary against three challengers for his U.S. Senate seat. He will face off against Cal Cunningham (D), who garnered 57% of the vote against four challengers. This is expected to be a close and very expensive race.
Incumbent Gov. Roy Cooper will run against Lt. Gov Dan Forest (R) for governor, both having easily won their party’s primaries.
For lieutenant governor, Democrat Yvonne Lewis Holley got the most votes, 306,795 but less than the 30% needed to avoid a runoff if the second place finisher, Terry Van Duyn, wants to press on. Van Duyn finished second with 236,004 votes, or 20% of the total. The winner would run against Republican Mark Robinson.
North Carolina will have a new Superintendent of Public Instruction. Jen Mangrum won the Democrat primary and Catherine Truitt, the Republican. Incumbent superintendent Mark J. Johnson did not run for reelection, opting to run for lieutenant governor. He lost this primary to Robinson, coming in third in a crowded, nine-candidate race.
