The way the sun shines has a different quality this time of year, and nights seem strangely darker, but fall reminds us to slow down, take stock of our riches and prepare for the winter ahead.
Archives
State asks public to report any cold-stunned spotted seatrout
Division of Marine Fisheries officials said that cold stuns can occur when there is a sudden drop in temperature or during prolonged periods of cold weather, making the fish so sluggish they can be harvested by hand.
Hertford County to receive grant for water pump replacement
The northeastern North Carolina county has been selected to receive $400,000 to replace a water pump that serves 32 businesses and 644 households.
Our Coast: On the ‘Old Mullet Road’ 1942
Historian David Cecelski looks in this photo-essay in his “Working Lives” series, at several photographs that feature workers on a railroad that old timers called the “Old Mullet Road.”
Public hearing Tuesday on proposed ‘WOTUS’ definition
A hearing is set for next week on the proposed definition rolled out last month for “Waters of the United States,” which outlines the waterbodies eligible for protection under the federal Clean Water Act, that conservationists warn will leave millions of acres of nontidal wetlands vulnerable to pollution, harm fish habitat and worsen flooding.
Recreational bag limits for bluefish to increase Jan. 1
Bag limits for recreationally caught bluefish are increasing on Jan. 1 in North Carolina coastal fishing waters and joint fishing waters.
New cement terminal to be built at Morehead City port
Silvi Cement, a division of Pennsylvania-based concrete supplier Silvi Materials, plans to build a new bulk cement import terminal at the Port of Morehead City.
UNCW Blue Economy Index dips 1.36% in November
The sector known as the Blue Economy — companies operating on oceans and waterways that are focused on environmental sustainability — still showed relative stability during the month, compared with industrial benchmarks.
Opponents say river water transfer puts Cape Fear in peril
Fuquay-Varina seeks to transfer 6.17 million gallons per day from the Cape Fear River Basin to the Neuse River Basin to meet the Piedmont town’s projected water demands.
Cape Fear Museum to temporarily close for move to new location
The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science in Wilmington will be temporarily closed beginning Dec. 31 to allow for the preparation and relocation of more than 400 artifacts to the museum’s new location.
Bird-watching excursion a chance to see wintering waterfowl
The N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort is leading two excursions in January to observe wintering waterfowl in eastern North Carolina.
Moores Creek invites food vendors to 250th commemoration
Moores Creek National Battlefield officials are inviting local food trucks to take part in its two-day 250th anniversary celebration being held in late February.
A brief reprieve isn’t lasting protection: Our fight continues
Opinion: While the Department of Interior has excluded the entire Atlantic Coast from its current drilling program — a result of decades of tireless local opposition — it is time to demand permanent legislative protection for our waters before the threat returns in the next five-year cycle.
Pipe failure in Sunset Beach leads to sewage discharge
A break in a sewer main was repaired by Monday afternoon after more than 19,000 gallons of untreated wastewater discharged in Sunset Beach.
Ruffled feathers hunker together
A siege of herons takes refuge Monday from high winds near Russell Creek in Beaufort. Photo: Dylan Ray
Why do we fish? Myriad reasons are all valid, except for one
Whatever the motivation, personal or philosophical, escapist or naturalist, there is almost no wrong answer when it comes to fishing.

















