N.C. Department of Transportation contract crews began work on the roadway, also known as South Shore Drive/ South Topsail Drive, earlier this week.
News Briefs
Officials post swim advisory at Morris Landing access
The advisory is not a beach closing for Stump Sound, but instead advises against swimming within 200 feet of the sign.
Division of Marine Fisheries now accepts credit cards
The division’s license offices in Morehead City, Manteo, Washington and Wilmington will accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express for in-person payments.
April 12 workshop to emphasize sustainable practices
The seminar in Surf City will feature speakers from the North Carolina Coastal Federation, Plastic Ocean Project, NC Green Travel Initiative, Ocean Friendly Establishments, UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Committee.
Secretaries’ Science Board to review PFAS’ effects
The Department of Environmental Quality is set to formally ask the Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to study and compare existing PFAS data from federal agencies.
Hammocks Beach closes campsites, ferry through summer
The campsites and ferry service at Hammocks Beach State Park’s Bear Island will be closed during a major water and septic system project through the summer.
Old Manns Harbor Bridge to close for repairs in mid-May
During what is expected to be about a six-month closure of the 69-year-old bridge, all 313 concrete spans on the bridge will be repaired and each of the 170 expansion joints will be replaced.
‘R’ you ready for April?
A mallard strikes a semaphore-like pose signaling the letter “R” as viewed over the weekend from the dike at the Roanoke Island Marshes Dedicated Nature Preserve. Covering almost 1,900 acres of marsh and wetlands, the preserve is possibly the least well-known of the protected natural areas on the Outer Banks. Although most of the preserve is impenetrable, a 1.3-mile trail along an impoundment is, at times, a birder’s delight. Photo: Kip Tabb
American Indian Festival, Powwow set for this weekend
The 13th Roanoke Island American Indian Festival and Powwow is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Manteo High School Athletic Complex.
80 readopted marine fisheries rules effective Monday
The rules pertain to standards for commercial shellfish sanitation and processing procedures, and most of the amendments codify existing practices or regulations already implemented via proclamation.
Effort underway to give endangered gopher frogs a leg up
A team at N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is raising Carolina gopher frogs from Holly Shelter Game Land to replenish ponds and restore their natural habitats across the state.
Photographer captures Buxton beach after storm damage
Don Bowers, who has been documenting storms in the northern Buxton beach area for decades, says the damage from this week’s low-pressure system “is as bad as I’ve ever seen it.”
Damaged pipe blamed for sewage spill in Morehead City
Morehead City officials say an estimated 1,500 gallons of untreated wastewater was discharged Monday into Peletier Creek, which flows into Bogue Sound.
Southport, Beaufort NC Maritime Museums ready for spring
The N.C. Maritime Museums System is beginning its April programs with a ribbon-cutting for a new exhibit on the commercial fishing history of the Cape Fear area.
Conditions prompt continued closure of NC 12 on Ocracoke
Closed since Sunday because of ocean flooding, N.C. Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island will likely remain closed for several more days.
State ferry routes change to spring schedule Tuesday
Five of the system’s regular routes are changing to expanded schedules, as the ferry system ramps up for its busier spring and summer service.
