Col. Chris Lee, who was formally pinned during a ceremony Tuesday, took the helm as the N.C. Marine Patrol’s top officer on Jan. 1.
Oceanographer Reide Corbett to speak at OBX Green Drinks
Coastal oceanographer Dr. Reide Corbett is to give his talk, “Science, Shorelines, and Tradeoffs: Understanding What’s Happening Along the Outer Banks Coast,” at 6 p.m. Thursday at Waverider’s in Nags Head.
Jacksonville to host annual African American Read-In
The city of Jacksonville will host the 22nd annual African American Read-In on Feb. 1 at the Jack Amyette Recreation Center.
Rules commission OKs Jockey’s Ridge AEC designation
The Rules Review Commission approved last month language reinstating Jockey’s Ridge as an area of environmental concern.
Nonprofit sues over inaction on horseshoe crab protections
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit Monday against the National Marine Fisheries Service for not publishing initial findings on a petition filed February 2024 to protect American horseshoe crabs.
EMC to vote on opening comment period for discharge rules
The state Environmental Management Commission is set to vote Thursday on whether to put proposed “monitoring and minimization” rules for some PFAS and 1,4-dioxane out for public comment.
Beaufort docks under new management starting Jan. 1
“The transition marks a new chapter for the Beaufort Town Docks, with an emphasis on enhancing services for residents, visiting boaters, and the maritime community while preserving the character and heritage of Beaufort’s historic waterfront,” the town said.
State offers guidance for donated tree placement on beaches
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has announced guidance to property owners, organizations and towns planning to accept natural Christmas trees this year for use in dune restoration.
New Outer Banks Youth Choir set to perform into 2026
The newly formed Outer Banks Youth Choir made possible, in part, by an Outer Banks Community Foundation grant, is accepting new members ages 9-19.
Roanoke Island welcome center to close for renovations
The Sarah Owens Welcome Center/Rest Area on Roanoke Island will temporarily close beginning Wednesday to undergo a $1.4 million renovation project.
William Matthias to lead Carteret Emergency Services
Carteret County announced Monday that Emerald Isle Fire Chief William Charles “Billy” Matthias II has been selected to serve as the county emergency services director, effective Jan. 26, 2026.
Annual TreeFest in Wilmington set for Jan. 16-17
The 28th annual TreeFest in Wilmington is scheduled for Jan. 16-17 at the JCPenney atrium in the Independence Mall, where more than a dozen species are expected to be available.
Commercial fishing fund committees to meet jointly in January
Committees that oversee funds collected from an increase in commercial fishing license fees that have been in effect since 2015 will meet jointly Jan. 14.
CFPUA head to discuss impacts of proposed water transfer
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Executive Director Kenneth Waldroup will discuss at Cape Fear River Watch’s First Saturday Seminar on Jan. 3 the potential impacts of Fuquay-Varina’s request to transfer millions of gallons of water a day from the Cape Fear River Basin to the Neuse River Basin.
New Hanover decoration recycling program to begin Dec. 26
Live Christmas tree disposal services, many free of charge, are being offered in areas of the lower Cape Fear Region after Christmas day through to January.
Brunswick Nuclear Plant’s sirens to be tested next month
The first quarterly test of Duke Energy’s Brunswick Nuclear Plant sirens is scheduled for Jan. 7.
