Journalist Catherine Kozak recalls her years covering the late Sen. Marc Basnight and his approach to politics, his impact on the Outer Banks and his passion for the coastal environment.
Archives
Governor reestablishes Andrea Harris Equity Task Force
Gov. Roy Cooper reestablished by executive order Wednesday the Andrea Harris Equity Task Force to continue its work to address social, economic and health disparities in underserved and underrepresented communities.
New law repeals offshore wind energy lease moratorium
President Biden signed the bill Tuesday, promising millions of new good-paying, clean energy jobs and repealing the previous administration’s 10-year pause on wind energy leasing off the East Coast.
1,226-acre fire in Holly Shelter Game Land 65% contained
The fire was caused by a lightning strike Aug. 2 and was contained Wednesday to just over 1,200 acres.
DJ Gerken named SELC president
Gerken, who has been with the Southern Environmental Law Center since 2004, becomes president and executive director effective Oct. 3.
Rising sea levels will cause more high tide flooding: Report
NOAA’s latest outlook for the U.S. predicts that by 2050, high tide flooding on a national scale is expected to happen between 45 and 70 days per year on average.
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson awarded $500,000 grant
The money for the Brunswick County site is from the federal Semiquincentennial Grant Program, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Pettigrew State Park campground to close for updates
The campground will be closed in 2023 for renovations and addition of new amenities.
Breeding challenges among concerns for Ocracoke ponies
No foal has been born in years, and the management plan for the small herd that has survived for centuries on Ocracoke Island dates back to 1995.
Wilmington angler catches state record red hind
Jared Lambert caught the 7-pound, 11.2-ounce fish Aug. 6 near Frying Pan Tower.
Portsmouth recognized as Port of Middle Passage Route
The dedication ceremony is free for the public and will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at Shell Point, across from the Harkers Island Visitor Center.
Lighthouse restoration needs exceed $8 million available
Officials say the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, completed in 1859, needs extensive work before it can safely be reopened to the public, but the rehabilitation could cost millions more than available funding.
Coastal Land Trust acquires milelong Cape Fear River tract
The organization says it will transfer the 265-acre property to the state for management by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission as part of the Whitehall Plantation Game Lands.
Utility’s new filters for removing PFAS to go online this year
By early fall, customers in the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority’s Sweeney water system could begin receiving drinking water with nearly undetectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
High heat exposure overnight can cause health issues
Extreme heat exposure overnight for those who do not have access to or can’t afford air conditioning can lead to heat-related illness, climate experts say.
State certifies record cubera snapper
Thomas Madsen’s 58-pound, 8-ounce fish broke the North Carolina record set in 2016.
