Due to the heavy rains on Friday, Sept. 13, and expected showers on Saturday, Sept. 14, the Ocracoke Island-Wide Yard Sale is postponed to Sunday, Sept. 15.
Hours are the same: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but some participants may have canceled.
The Ocracoke post office is now providing passport services during open hours.
It’s a full service including taking photos and making passport cards, which are not actual passports but are license-like cards travelers can use only for Canada and Mexico.
Real ID is good for travel only within the United States and its territories while passports are needed for international travel.
“I’m glad to be able to provide (this service) to the community,” said Postmaster Celeste Brooks.
She explained the following about what documents are needed for passports:
New passport for individuals or families: Certified birth certificate, photo ID, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Birth certificates can be ordered from your county of birth.
Expired: The old passport and your certified birth certificate. Passports are valid for 10 years.
Renewal: The old passport plus a driver’s license and the proper form filled out.
Name change: Certified marriage license or divorce decree.
Walk-ins are welcome, Brooks said, but you can also go online to www.usps.com and set up an appointment.
“For convenience sake, the online works really well,” she said.
That way you know you are set and won’t have to come back if the post office staff couldn’t take you right away.
Costs differ for the various services.
The service at the Ocracoke post office, which Brooks has tried to get for 10 years, complements the service available in the Engelhard post office because passport services aren’t available at the courthouse in Swan Quarter.
Passport services in Dare County are available in the Kitty Hawk and Buxton post offices.
By Sam Walker of SamWalkerOBXNews.com and Connie Leinbach
The internet and phone outage caused by a damaged fiber optic cable on Pea Island Monday afternoon was repaired, and digital communications on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands was restored around 7:30 p.m.
At about 1:10 on Monday, a fiber optic cable was damaged, including 911 phone service, in the vicinity of the Pea Island Visitors Center, and a repair crew was dispatched, according to a Dare Emergency Services alert. The same message was also broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio stations in Buxton and Mamie in Currituck.
That is the same area where NCDOT crews had to rebuild dunes along NC 12 that were washed out by rough surf on Sunday.
Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC), which feeds electricity to Ocracoke, reported that the fiber cut did not affect electric service to the islands.
CHEC reported to its customers that if they are off island and could not “see” their homes through devices like security systems or thermostats, this does not mean that the power is out, but rather Internet and cellular capabilities have failed.
While Dare County has Dare County Emergency Management’s “Compact Rapid Deployables” (CRDs) emergency set up at Hatteras Island fire stations to provide the public access to Dare County’s 911 Communication Center, Ocracoke has the Tekniam system.
Ocracoke’s county commissioner Randal Mathews got the Tekniam system in place last year after several such fiber cuts and he is working on expanding this system.
He said Dare County uses the CRDs because the area from Pea Island to Hatteras is too large to establish a Tekniam system.
When internet and phone is lost, people on Ocracoke can go to the places that have the Tekniam modules, or places with Starlink, to get onto the internet.
Tekniam modules are located at the Hyde County Sheriff’s office, the Community Center, the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Company and the Harborside Motel.
When an outage occurs, islanders can go to any of the buildings listed above and search for HYCO and no password is needed
Another access line is: OINC-BIZ. The password for that is: TEKbiz456!
Several visitors joined the Ocracoke Observer staff in the Community Center to access the Tekniam system.
“It’s the first time I’ve been in the Community Center in the 40 years I’ve been coming here,” noted Matt Amoroso of Philadelphia.
His companion, Kate Rack, had to use the internet for a work project and was happy to take a few minutes away from the beach to finish a job.
“I don’t like not knowing what’s going on,” she said about the outage, “but this is an amazing resource.”
Several other visitors and islanders wandered to the Community Center during the afternoon to tap into the internet.
Others went to The Ocracoke United Methodist Church, whose doors are open and which has Starlink with no password needed.
Monday, Sept. 9
MiniBar/Ocracoke Coffee: Bead by the Sea jewelry making class, 6-8 pm
Tuesday, Sept. 10
Ocracoke Oyster Company: Bryan Mayer, 7 pm
Wednesday, Sept. 11
Ocracoke Oyster Company: Bryan Mayer, 7 pm
Deepwater Theater: Ocrafolk Opry, 8 pm
Thursday, Sept. 12
MiniBar/Ocracoke Coffee: Brooke & Nick, 6-8 pm
Friday, Sept. 13
What’s Happening on Ocracoke: Jenna Brinn, Behavioral Health Nurse, will provide information about services available at the RHA Mobile Mental Health Clinic on Ocracoke on WOVV, 11:30, 90.1 FM and wovv.org
MiniBar/Ocracoke Coffee: Kate McNally, 6-8pm
The Breeze: Corey Stuart Band, 9 pm
Saturday, Sept. 14
MiniBar/Ocracoke Coffee: music TBDIsland-wide Yard Sale: 9 am to 4 pm. Postponed to the rain date Sept. 15
The Breeze: Corey Stuart Band, 9 pm
Sunday, Sept. 15
Island-wide Yard Sale: 9 am to 4 pm. (rain date Sept. 15)
Church services:
Life Saving Church, 459 Lighthouse Rd., worship, 11am
Ocracoke United Methodist Church: 71 School Rd., worship, 11 am. Streaming via its Facebook page
Stella Maris Catholic Chapel: 95 School Road, Mass, 3:30 pm
The Island Inn Commons Garden project has registered with the NC Wildlife Federation and is now a member of the Butterfly Highway.
The Butterfly Highway is a statewide conservation restoration initiative that aims to restore native pollinator habitats to areas impacted by urbanization, land use change and agriculture across North Carolina,” according to the NCWF. “From backyard pollinator pitstops to large-scale roadside habitat restoration, the project is creating a network of native flowering plants to support butterflies, bees, birds and other pollen and nectar dependent wildlife.”
“When we first began talking about and planning the IIC Garden we talked at length about how important it was to us to incorporate native plants to help support pollinators,” said Heather Johnson, one of the principals of the project, in a Facebook post. “We have intentionally picked and planted native species plants: milkweed, coral honeysuckle, Joe Bells, echinacea, black-eyed Susans, to name a few.”
An entire bed of wildflowers and more native species have been planted.
“A little over a year ago, when we first began installing the garden, there was very little wildlife activity on the site,” Johnson said. “Now there is a constant chatter of birds and bees buzzing about and all sorts of critters making a home. It’s been so fun to watch life spring up around the site. We are very much looking forward to continuing our efforts in creating a beautiful space for people & wildlife to enjoy.”
The Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum front garden and the British Cemetery also have been registered in the Butterfly Highway.
To learn more about The Butterfly Highway, you can visit the NCWF site here:
To learn more about the Garden project or to make a donation, visit http://www.Ocracoke PreservationSociety.org.
The Island Inn building also is seeing progress as siding was installed in August. Eventually, it will house a visitor center and office space for some of the island non-profit groups.
The garden and grounds will eventually host events, both public and private, but that is still some time off.
HATTERAS – N.C. Department of Transportation contractors will close Eagle Pass Road in Hatteras Village beginning Sept. 9 for drainage improvements and resurfacing.
The road will be open to local traffic only during the closure.
All through traffic will be diverted to N.C. 12, with barricades at both north and south intersections.
The temporary closure will allow for two cross pipe replacements to be completed, as well as the resurfacing of the entire road. Work is expected to end by Sept. 16.
Drivers should remain alert through the area and follow all posted traffic and detour signs during the closure.
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.
To read stories about Dorian and its aftermath, search Hurricane Dorian on this website.
Five years ago today, islanders woke up to an inundated island brought on by Hurricane Dorian.
Several areas of the island previously deemed high enough to withstand a hurricane storm surge lost that designation as the Dorian surge of 7.4 feet swept over the island around 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2019.
The community reeled as more than 400 homes and buildings were flooded; many homes and beloved icons, such as the former Captain Ben’s and the school, had to be torn down. More than 300 vehicles were totaled. On the mainland United States, Ocracoke received the worst impact of this category 1 storm.
The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department immediately became the command center where food and supplies were housed and distributed and where local officials and volunteers coordinated the massive relief effort of clean up, recovery and rebuilding.
Because Ocracoke does not have the required large population, it did not qualify for a FEMA personal assistance declaration, but the state of North Carolina awarded Hyde County two $650,000 grants to be used for rebuilding.
Many individuals and groups sent much-needed supplies. More than $1 million was donated through contributions via the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
The Ocracoke Interfaith Relief & Recovery Team was founded as a nonprofit to manage the three+ years of rebuilding and it can be activated as a contribution receiver should such an emergency strike the island.
Dozens of buildings have been raised in an effort to withstand future flooding and more are scheduled to be raised in the coming months.
Ocracoke residents remember and greatly appreciate the generosity and support by so many individuals and organizations that rushed to help out an island in need.
Islanders have become wary of future storms, and the experience of Dorian has a had psychological impact.
“It’s not if, but when another Dorian-level hurricane will strike,” has been an observation shared by many.
Although Ocracoke has been fortunate not to have had another hurricane since, the island has been battered by several northeasters that have seriously eroded the north end of the island, demolishing the stacking lanes at the South Dock ferry terminal and causing frequent overwash at the narrow area of NC 12 on the north end.
How Ocracoke can withstand drastic changes due to rising sea levels is the subject of a study launched recently by the National Park Service.
Hurricane season lasts from June into November and while some Atlantic disturbances are happening, none are bearing down on the Outer Banks at the moment. It’s too early to say we have avoided another catastrophe.
The National Weather Service will hold four hurricane community forums over the next three weeks to coincide with the traditional peak of hurricane season. Forums will be held in Greenville, Hatteras, Pollocksville and Belhaven.
To attend, visit www.weather.gov/mhx/hurricanecommunityforums for details, get directions, or view past recordings.
Sept. 6 update: A North Carolina appeals court on Friday ruled that Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s name must be taken off state ballots for president, upending plans in the battleground state just as officials were about to begin mailing out the nation’s first absentee ballots for the Nov. 5 presidential election. Sample ballots are below.
Editor’s note: The Ocracoke Observer will have information on local candidates in the October issue and online at http://www.OcracokeObserver.com. The sample November ballot will be available in September and will be posted online.
By Peter Vankevich
It seems like for quite some time, many voters have considered the general (presidential) elections to be the most important in our history. The trend continues.
Due to legislative changes and much litigation, the North Carolina voting remains confusing to many.
This information is geared toward voting on Ocracoke and Hyde County to help ensure that voters’ ballots will be accepted. Our strong advice: do what is necessary earlier than later, especially complying with the absentee ballots and mail-in rules.
First and foremost, if you have any questions regarding voting in Hyde County, contact the Hyde County Elections Office:
Elections Director Viola Williams, 1223 Main Street, Swan Quarter.
The mailing address: PO Box 152, Swan Quarter, NC 27885.
Phone numbers are 252-926-4194 and 252-926-3707 (fax).
Email: elections@hydecountync.gov
Website: http://www.hydecountync.gov/departments/elections_office.php
The other important source of voting information is the North Carolina State Board of Elections: www.ncsbe.gov.
Voting on November 5
All polling places statewide on Tuesday, Nov. 5, will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Voting on Ocracoke will be at the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, 822 Irvin Garrish Highway.
Eligibility
You must be a United States citizen, have registered to vote by Oct. 11 and be at least 18 years old by Election Day; live in North Carolina and the precinct where you’ll vote for 30 days before the election day; are not currently serving a felony sentence, and are not currently on probation or parole for a felony conviction. People who have felony convictions have their rights reinstated after the sentence is complete (including probation and parole) but must re-register to vote.
Deadline for registering to vote is Oct. 11 but there is an exception
There are several ways to register: Online, mail in, and by visiting the Hyde County Elections office.
Same-day registration during early voting
If you miss that Oct. 11 deadline, you may still register and vote or make changes to your registration during the early voting period at any early voting site in your county. Citizens registering to vote for the first time in North Carolina must provide either the last 4 digits of their social security number or a NC driver’s license or DMV ID number on their voter registration form to confirm their identity. The address on your driver’s license or NC DMV does not have to match the address on your voter registration. If the address on your ID does not match your voter registration, you will be required to show an additional document for proof of address.
Early voting on Ocracoke is only two days
Statewide, early voting will be from Oct. 17 until 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.
Early voting on mainland Hyde County will be at the Elections Office, 1223 Main Street, Swan Quarter, weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Ocracoke early voting will be two days only: from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 and 25, in the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, 822 Irvin Garrish Highway. If Ocracoke residents miss the early voting, they can vote early in the Swan Quarter election office.
Verify that your election information is up-to-date
If you are already a registered voter, it is very important that you verify that your address is accurate, especially if you have moved in the recent past. If the address is not accurate, you have time to update it.
The easiest way to verify that your voting information is up to date is to go to the NC Board of Elections website: https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-lookup.
To update your voter information, including address and political party affiliation (there are now eight accepted parties plus unaffiliated), or opt to be an unaffiliated registered voter.
Go to https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/updating-registration.
Photo ID
This is a source of much confusion due to litigation and court rulings. Voters will now be asked to present a valid photo identification when voting in person. N.C. drivers’ licenses and current passports are accepted and there is a list of other acceptable photo IDs, such as NC college IDs, state and federal government IDs and tribal IDs. The State Board of Elections has more details.
If you do not have a valid photo ID card, you may obtain one by visiting the Elections Office in Swan Quarter prior to the election through the end of the early voting period of Nov. 2.
If you do not have an acceptable photo ID on voting day, you can still vote but it will be considered a provisional ballot, and you must follow through. You have 10 days to bring your valid photo ID to the election office. See https://www.youcanvote.org/voter-id.
Student voting in North Carolina
Students returning to campus can expect to see lots of voter registration tables. Those who are age 18 and older can register either at a home address or a campus address. For most students, it’s easiest to vote in person where they will be during Early Voting or on Election Day. For students who live on campus, go to the nonpartisan You Can Vote website to find the correct campus address to use on your voter registration form. When you’re 16, you can pre-register to vote and then vote after you turn 18.
Absentee voting by mail
Absentee voting allows registered voters to get their ballot in the mail. Absentee voters can call or email the elections office to receive a ballot.
The state board also now has a portal where voters can do an electronic submission to request an absentee ballot by mail. The link is here: North Carolina Absentee Ballot Portal (ncsbe.gov)
Follow all instructions and deadlines carefully to make your vote count. Be sure to include witness signatures and addresses,voter’s signature, plus a copy of your photo ID, or complete the Photo ID Exception form.
Your ballot must be received by your county’s board of elections by 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5. The date it was postmarked no longer matters.
It is recommended that you mail your ballot back at least two weeks before Election Day to ensure that it arrives on time or drop it off in person to ensure your vote will count.
Military and overseas voting
For those serving in the military or voters who will be abroad during the election, go to http://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/military-and-overseas-voting.
Nongovernmental voter information sources
Here are some nonpartisan North Carolina organizations that provide additional voting information that you can find by using an online search engine:
NC Voter
The League of Women Voters of North Carolina
You Can Vote
Common Cause North Carolina
Ballotpedia North Carolina
ENLACE Latino NC Elecciones Carolina del Norte
The website for You Can Vote is particularly helpful for college students wishing to vote on campus by providing the official campus address: www.youcanvote.org/students
Sept. 2, 2024
The remaining bird nesting closure south of Ramp 72 has been lifted now that the sole Black Skimmer has fledged over the weekend, according to Mike Barber, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore public affairs specialist.
The area is now open to ORVs and pedestrians.
“There are a number of sea turtle nests remaining on the island that will continue to result in short-term closures while within their hatch windows,” Barber wrote in response to an inquiry. The average incubation period for sea turtles is 55 to 60 days.
The Seashore’s Resource Management Field Summary reports that as of Aug. 29, there have been 100 sea turtle nests on Ocracoke with 26 already hatched. The entire Cape Hatteras National Seashore has 299 sea turtle nests with 106 nests hatched. These sea turtle nests are all loggerheads except for two leatherback, four green, and one Kemp’s ridley.
Monday, Sept. 2
NPS program: Meet the Banker Ponies: 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the Pony Pasture.
NPS Talk: Life on a Barrier Island: 2:30 pm. Outside the Discovery Center.
Mini Bar at Ocracoke Coffee (6-8 pm): Bead by the Sea jewelry class
Ocracoke Oyster Company (most music begins at 7 pm): Ray Murray
Tuesday, Sept. 3
Morning Bird Walk, 8:30 am. Meet at the NPS Campground parking lot.
NPS Talk: Life on a Barrier Island: 2:30 pm. Outside the Discovery Center.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
NPS program: Meet the Banker Ponies: 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the Pony Pasture.
The public is invited to an overview of a study by the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to evaluate transportation adaptation strategies on Ocracoke from 1 to 2:30 p.m., in the Ocracoke Community Center.
Hyde County Commissioners, 6 pm, Ocracoke Community Center and livestreamed on Facebook at Hyde County Public Information. See agenda below.
Mini Bar at Ocracoke Coffee (6-8 pm): Island Trivia
Thursday, Sept. 5
NPS Ranger program at lighthouse, 11 am
NPS Talk: Life on a Barrier Island: 2:30 pm. Outside the Discovery Center.
Mini Bar at Ocracoke Coffee (6-8 pm): Brooke & Nick
Friday, Sept. 6
Mini Bar at Ocracoke Coffee (6-8 pm): Kate McNally
Ocracoke Oyster Company (most music begins at 7 pm): Shane Thomas
The Breeze (9 pm): The Lost Artist
Saturday, Sept. 7
Mini Bar at Ocracoke Coffee (6-8 pm): Music TBD
1718 Brewing Ocracoke: Lou Castro & Kate McNally, 7 pm
The Breeze (9 pm): The Lost Artist
