Craig Wall of Ocracoke died April 23 after a long illness.
Born Jan. 25, 1960, in Columbus, Ohio, Wall lived in New Jersey and Kentucky before the family returned to New Jersey and settled in Bordentown when he was 9. While in high school, he was chosen from 700 applicants across the United States to participate in an advanced program for high school students in Wyoming. He became a member of Mensa, and earned a ham radio license.
He graduated from Thomas Edison University in Trenton, New Jersey.
Prior to Thomas Edison, Wall graduated from Officer Candidates School of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia, and spent time in the Air Force as a medical tech.
For many years, he worked in the Princeton, New Jersey, area in the tech industry holding management positions. He touched the lives of many of his employees, who are deeply saddened by his passing. He will be remembered for being generous and kind, as well as a problem solver.
He was interested in all things encompassing knowledge. An avid reader, he could quote a book he only skimmed due to his photographic memory.
Craig Wall is survived by his mother, Phyllis Wall of Ocracoke, with whom he lived. Also surviving are his daughter Megan D. Wall of Salt Lake City, Utah; and his sister Claudia Stacey, wife of Michael Stacey, of Winchester, Virginia; two nephews and one niece.
He will be missed by many friends, such as Fred Stacey of Woodville, Virginia, and Jeff Houlihan of New York City.
Craig’s service will be private. Friends are invited to donate to the Ocracoke Preservation Societyin lieu of flowers.
Eleven loggerhead sea turtles have completed their rehabilitation at the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center at the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and NEST volunteers will release them Wednesday into the ocean between 11 and 11:30 a.m. at the Day Use Area (Lifeguard Beach).
All are invited to attend, and it is recommended that you arrive at 11 a.m.
Jocelyn Wright, lead biological science technician for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, said Seashore personnel will assist.
N.E.S.T. (The Network for Endangered Sea Turtles) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles and other protected marine wildlife on the Outer Banks of North Carolina from the Virginia line to south Nags Head. N.E.S.T. is committed to contributing to the preservation of these species through research and rescue and rehabilitation efforts and to fostering greater understanding and appreciation of these species and their habitat through education and enhanced public awareness.
Loggerhead turtle. Photo courtesy of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (NPS)
Chris Johnson and Eduardo Chavez discuss their Fusion 2 menu. Photo courtesy of Zillie’s.
Zillie’s Chef Chris Johnson will again collaborate with Eduardo Chavez of Eduardo’s Tacos for a special five-course chefs’ tasting menu and wine dinner, “Fusion 2,” from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in the historic Berkley Manor.
“Last year’s event was a big hit and a sellout is expected again this year,” said David Bundy, Zillie’s co-owner.
Eduardo and Chris are longtime friends and worked together at the Back Porch Restaurant for six years, Bundy said. Both went their separate ways in 2007 when Chris moved on to coordinate the dining operations at NCCAT before coming to work at Zillie’s full time in 2014. Eduardo went on to open his famous taco truck.
Occasionally, Chris and Eduardo continue to cook with each other in their own homes and have teamed up for some catering projects.
“We didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to get these chefs together again for what is certain to be a memorable evening,” Bundy said.
High winds Tuesday could cause ocean fury at Southpoint. Photo: Peter Vankevich
The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City has issued a coastal flood advisory, which is in effect from late tonight through Tuesday. Rain accumulations of one to two inches and SE winds at 25 to 35 mph are expected.
This adverse weather could temporarily affect ferry service. Travelers can check the NC Ferry Division Twitter feed by clickinghere.
A beach hazards statement has also been issued. This Beach Hazards Statement is in effect from 8 p.m. this evening through Tuesday evening.
Dangerous rip currents, minor coastal flooding and rough surf will be effect on the ocean side Dare and Hyde Counties. This could result in ocean side coastal flooding that could impact portions of Highway 12.
Ocracoke’s Occupancy Tax Board. Photo: C. Leinbach
Monday, April 23 Community Center: Occupancy Tax Board meeting, 3 pm Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Kate McNally, 7 pm
Tuesday, April 24 Canceled due to adverse weather: Coyote Music Den: Music Jam, all ages & levels, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. No charge; donations appreciated Gaffer’s: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, 7 pm. Will move to Wednesday in May.
Wednesday, April 25 Coyote Music Den: Word Play, 7 to 8:30 pm. No charge; donations appreciated Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Kim France, 7 pm Gaffer’s: Team Trivia fundraiser for Stevie Wilson, 7 pm
Thursday, April 26 Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Kate McNally, 7 pm
Friday, April 27 Native Seafood: Fish Fry Fundraiser for John Simpson, 11 am to 2 pm Coyote Music Den: Martin Garrish & Friends “Playing Your Ocracoke Memories” with special guests. 8 pm (doors at 7:30) Gaffer’s: Gabe Stillman and the Billtown Giants, 8 pm
Ocracoke’s 5K/10K/half-marathon is this weekend, April 28 and 29. Photo: C. Leinbach
Saturday, April 28 Gaffer’s: The 7th Annual Scallywag 5K/10K: 8 a.m.; Ocracoke Coffee Company Family Fun Run: 10 a.m. at Ocracoke Child Care building. Registration deadline April 26 at runocracoke.com Ocracoke Oyster Co.: Martin Garrish, 6 pm Gaffer’s: Gabe Stillman and the Billtown Giants, 8 pm
Sunday, April 29 Gaffer’s: The Third Annual Blackbeard’s Half Marathon: 7 a.m. Registration deadline April 26 at runocracoke.com Ocracoke Bar & Grille: Kim France, 7 pm
Angie Todd hopes 500 runners will descend on Ocracoke for this year’s 5K/10K/half-marathon next weekend April 28 and 29.
This year marks the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard’s demise at the hand of Lt. Robert Maynard and the races has been thusly named: “The Scallywag” for the 5K/10K, and “Blackbeard’s Half-marathon.”
These certified races for both children and adults are a fundraiser for the Ocracoke School Athletic Booster Club, Ocracoke Community Park and community radio WOVV 90.1 FM, which began the race in 2012, the brainchild of Greg Honeycutt, a WOVV board member.
The 5K and 10K races on Saturday will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the Ocracoke Coffee Company One-mile Family Fun Run at 10 a.m., starting at Ocracoke Child Care building. The half-marathon starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday at Gaffer’s.
Registration for the races ends at 5 p.m. April 26. Visit www.runocracoke.com.Same-day registration will be available for the 5K/10K and Family Fun Run, but not for the half marathon. As of Sunday, 466 runners already signed up with 104 in the half-marathon.
Race Director Angie Todd greets runners at the finish line outside Gaffer’s. Photo: C. Leinbach
The big races begin and end at Gaffer’s, and the beer sponsor this year is 1718 Brewing Ocracoke, the island’s craft brewery that opened last fall.
This year’s T-shirt honors the 300th anniversary Blackbeard-Maynard skirmish off Springer’s Point with a design created by Angie’s sister.
“I only just learned about this side of her,” Angie explained. During a visit to her hometown, Conway, Arkansas, her sister, Sarah Strickland, unveiled this artistic side. So, Strickland created a design.
T-shirts were guaranteed for runners who signed up by April 10. In a new twist this year, those wishing to support the cause can sign up as “virtual runners.”
The half-marathon route on Sunday will change this year so that the “boring” part–the straight-away from Howard’s Pub to the NPS campground and back–will be at the beginning. Besides the monotony of that section, which is tougher, tiring runners near the end, this section can also be the windiest–a runner’s bane.
“On any given day the wind is a challenge to runners,” Angie said. “In my experience, going against the wind is worse than hills.”
Fortunately for runners, Ocracoke is virtually hill-free in both the straight-away and in the rest of the route that entwines through the village.
Along the way, WOVV will have some music stations—to help spur the half-marathoners on.
In addition to the best-time awards in various age categories, medals are awarded to all who cross the finish line.
To give some props to the other side of the Blackbeard craze, the race offers a “Lt. Maynard’s Challenge” for those who run either the 5K or 10K and also the half-marathon. Those competitors will receive special souvenirs.
A fitness aficionado, Angie owns the island’s Angie’s gym, which has a variety of fitness classes and exercise equipment. She also is a wife and mother, a member of the Hyde County Schools Board of Education, has a full-time job, directs the “run fest” and trains for marathon road races, which she prefers over shorter runs.
“I love it so much,” she said about running. “There’s nothing like the running community.”
Runners competing in 2017. Photo: P. Vankevich
This year, Angie was among 30,000 plus runners who traversed 26.2 miles in the Boston Marathon on April 16.
Angie is enjoying directing this family-friendly weekend island event.
“We capture the people for a limited time and then they’re free to do whatever they want on the island,” said. “And all the profits go to local organizations.”
To read last year’s story on the race weekend, click here.
Ocracoke youth baseball teams at opening day on Hatteras Island. Photo by Sue O’Neal
Editor’s note: We will provide regular updates on Ocracoke’s youth baseball season. Home games on Saturday (April 21) at Ocracoke Community Park will start at 1 p.m. for the Marlins and 3 p.m .for the Orioles.
By Jim McClain and Vince O’Neal
Ocracoke boys and girls kicked off their youth baseball season on April 14 with opening day ceremonies in Buxton.
All eight teams playing in the Hatteras Ocracoke youth baseball league lined the first and third baselines for the presentation of our colors by the U.S. Coast Guard.
After the national anthem, Cape Hatteras High School Coach Keith Durham threw the ceremonial first pitch.
Ocracoke has two teams playing in the league this year consisting of the 7-to 9-year-old group named the Marlins and the 10- to 12-year-old group named the Orioles.
The Marlins started the season with two great away games in Buxton. The enthusiasm and big smiles on everyone’s faces are so much more telling than the final scoreboard.
The coaches typically award a game ball to a player in each game who achieved a milestone in their personal performance. Griffin Wells received the game ball in the first game for his efforts both in the field and at the plate. The game ball for the second game went to Ammy Ortiz for solid hitting during both her plate appearances and for being a consistent leader of the team’s focus on having fun. The coaches are so proud of how much this group is learning and having such a great time playing baseball.
Kai King at bat. Photo by Callie Davisson
The Orioles started their season with a strong pitching performance by starter Jacob Daniels who shut out the opposing Braves team. Finn Kattenberg was brought out of the bullpen for the closer and also pitched well, allowing only one run. The Orioles bats came alive in the third inning and Nicholas Cole was awarded the game ball for his in-the-park home run.
The second game pitted the O’s against the Angels and the first inning was scoreless for both teams. Finn Kattenberg was the starter for the Orioles and was strong through three innings. Gavin Elicker came out of the bullpen and closed the game out for the Orioles showing a promising arm. The O’s bats came alive in the second inning, and Noah O’Neal was awarded the game ball for his three run in the park home run.
Both teams are in action on Saturday with home games starting at 1 p.m. for the Marlins and 3 p.m. for the Orioles at Ocracoke Community Park. Come out and support our kids, enjoy the concessions and root for the home team.
Ocracoke voters will not have a lot of choices in the upcoming primary election May 8, but they are important ones.
Only offices with more than one candidate will be on the primary ballots for registered Democrat and Republicans. All offices, including those with unaffiliated candidates, will be on the Nov. 6 ballot.
In North Carolina, unaffiliated voters may cast their vote in any one of the recognized party’s primary but registered party members can only vote their party’s ballot.
On Ocracoke, voting on election day will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.in the Volunteer Fire Department, 822 Irvin Garrish Highway,
Early “One-Stop” voting will be at the same location from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27 and 28. Early voting at the Hyde County Elections Office in Swan Quarter will be today (April 19) to May 5, with various hours.
On the Republican ballot, there will be three offices for voters to decide.
For the U.S. House of Representative, District 3, incumbent Walter B. Jones will run against Phil Law and Scott Dacey.
In the General Assembly, State Senate District 1, Bob Steinburg, Edenton, and current House Member representing District 1 will run against Clark Twiddy, Kitty Hawk, who has a real estate business, Twiddy & Company. Incumbent Bill Cook decided last August not to seek reelection when Beaufort, his home county, was moved out of District 6 and placed into District 3.
For the N.C. House of Representatives District 6, incumbent Beverly Boswell, a former Dare County commissioner, will run against Bobby Hanig, Powells Point. Hanig is chairman of the Currituck County Board of Commissioners. The winner in the primary will run against Tess Judge who is sole candidate for the Democrats.
For the Democrats, N.C. State Senate District 1, Richard S. (Steve) James, Winton, has been found ineligible by a special panel of election board members from across the eleven county district. So only D. Cole Phelps, Creswell, an attorney and Washington County Commissioner is running as a Democrat. Because ballots for the May 8 primary have been printed, including some that have already been sent to those casting absentee votes, James’ name will still be on the ballot.
For the Hyde County Board of Commissioners, Swan Quarter Township, James (Little Brother) Topping will run against Joseph (Joey) Williams. Current Swan Quarter commissioner Dick Tunnell decided not seek reelection.
The voter registration deadline is 25 days before Election Day, which was April 13. Absentee voting must be received no later than 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before May 8.
For more information regarding any voting procedures and updating your voting information, contact the Hyde County Elections Office, 252-926-4194, or by email vwilliams@hydecountync.gov.
Sixty Ocracoke School students in grades three to 12 achieved honor roll for the third nine weeks of the 2017 to 2018 academic year. Of those, 31 students made all As.
Primary grades
The students and their grades are listed below. Those with all A’s are marked with an asterisk.
All re-entry passes for Ocracoke residents will expire this year, and Hyde County Public Information Officer Donnie Shumate has set up a schedule to renew these passes in May.
These tags that hang on the rear view mirror are issued to residents, businesses and seasonal workers for use in staged returns to the island following mandatory evacuations. New tags will be valid from 2018 to 2023.
Shumate has set up a schedule for islanders to renew their passes the week of May 14 in the Hyde County office inside the Ocracoke Community Center, 999 Irvin Garrish Hwy.
To expedite the process, those who have permits only need bring their existing hang tag. Those who don’t have their tags will be required to complete the full application and supply all necessary documents showing residency. A form is provided below.
Those applying for the first time will need to complete the full application and supply all necessary documents.
The schedule below will be the only time Shumate is in the Community Center office, but those who miss these hours may renew their passes via the U.S. mail, Shumate said.
The schedule for Ocracoke will be from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the following days:
Monday, May 14, for last names beginning with A-E; Tuesday, May 15, for last names beginning with F-J; Wednesday, May 16, with last names beginning with K-O; Thursday, May 17, with last names beginning with P-T; Friday, May 18, with last names beginning with U-Z.
Hyde County staff will issue permits in the Hyde County Government Center, Swan Quarter, on Wednesday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday, May 10, from noon to 3:30 p.m.
Craig Wall of Ocracoke died April 23 after a long illness.
