JoAnne Powell is set to lead the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s next birding cruise from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 15 on the White Oak River in Swansboro.
News Briefs
Openings Remain for Wildlife Festival Trips
A few openings remain for trips that are part of the December session of the annual Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival set for this weekend on the Outer Banks.
Sen. Harry Brown Won’t Seek Reelection
Eight-term Sen. Harry Brown of Onslow County, the Republican majority leader, has announced he will not seek re-election.
NCDOT Adjusts Ocracoke Ferry Schedules
NCDOT’s Ferry Division announced adjusted hours for its Ocracoke-bound schedules to accommodate visitor traffic that will remain toll free until N.C. 12 opens to all traffic, which is expected to take place within the week.
Pony Patrol Will Help Protect Wild Herds
Caretakers of Carteret County’s wild horses are looking for volunteers to be part of the Pony Patrol to help visitors experience the horses in their natural habitat from a safe distance.
Meetings Set on Brunswick County Bypass
NCDOT and SCDOT will meet with public this week on a proposed bypass around Calabash and Little River and the Grand Strand areas in South Carolina.
Dare Board OKs Funds for Avon Beach Study
Dare County commissioners have agreed to allocate up to $250,000 to pay for a study of a proposed beach renourishment project in Avon.
Park to Host Christmas in the Colonies Event
Moores Creek National Battlefield in Currie is holding a Christmas in the Colonies special program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7.
What to Expect When Ocracoke Reopens
Though Ocracoke will open to visitors Dec. 2, some resources are available but gas, food services and lodging are limited while the community continues recovering from Hurricane Dorian.
Coastal Reserve Committee Meetings Ahead
North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve local advisory committees will meet in December.
Rodanthe Bridge Project Update Planned
NCDOT officials are holding an informational meeting Dec. 5 on the Rodanthe “Jug Handle” Bridge project currently under construction on the Outer Banks.
NC Gets Grant for Damage to Historic Sites
The National Park Service has awarded North Carolina’s State Historic Preservation Office more than $17 million to rebuild and repair damage caused by Hurricanes Florence and Michael in 2018.
Hearings Set on Proposed Shellfish Leases
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries will hold public hearings in Pender, Carteret and Beaufort counties in January on proposed shellfish leases in the respective counties.
FEMA Approves $1.3M More for Brunswick
FEMA and North Carolina announced nearly $1.3 million will reimburse Brunswick County for public safety activities following Hurricane Florence, bringing the county’s total to $13.8 million.
Life-Saving Station to Host Holiday Events
The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site & Museum in Rodanthe is hosting special events and activities this week as part of their annual Season’s End Festivities.
20-Year-Old Cars Free From Emissions Test
North Carolina’s vehicle inspections requirement will exempt vehicles 20 years old beginning Dec. 1 from obtaining a yearly emissions test in the 22 counties which emissions testing is required.
