The consistent and heavy showers in April have led to a clear drought map since May 4 on the U.S. Drought Monitor for all 100 counties, according to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council.
News Briefs
Raise a glass for shark conservation May 19
The family-friendly event May 19 at Crystal Coast Brewing Co. in Atlantic Beach is to raise funds for shark conservation.
Threatened structures agency to discuss insurance’s role
The Threatened Oceanfront Structures Interagency Work Group is to discuss the role of public and private insurance when it meets May 24 via web conference.
N.C. 12 speeds to be lowered for peak travel season
The speed limits for sections of N.C. 12 in Currituck and Dare counties will be lowered to 35 mph from the off-season speed limit of 45 mph.
Swimming advisory lifted at Sandy Bay area in Dare County
Officials said Thursday that the advisory was lifted because water testing shows that bacteria levels have dropped below the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s standards set for swimming and water play.
Rick Shiver, retired DEQ manager, supervisor, died May 1
Shiver was employed at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and its predecessor, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, from Aug. 1, 1973, until his retirement July 31, 2011.
Volunteers needed for Wilmington waterways cleanup
N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher and Cape Fear River Watch need volunteers for the 2023 Party for the Planet cleanup, 9-11 a.m. Saturday in Wilmington.
Wrightsville Beach bridge work to extend into fall
The current traffic pattern, with two lanes going toward the beach and one lane for traffic leaving it, will remain for now.
Summit to examine wind energy, flooding, toxins concerns
The Global Marine Science Summit, May 17-19 at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science, will focus on regional concerns with global implications such as sea level rise and flooding.
Wildlife biologists ask public to report chipmunk sightings
This is the second consecutive year that N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has asked residents to let them know if they have spotted a chipmunk east of I-95.
Hearing set on proposed cluster home ordinance changes
Dare County Commissioners are holding a public hearing May 17 on a proposed amendment that would remove cluster homes from being permitted in 22 districts in the unincorporated areas of the county.
State issues water quality advisory for soundside Dare
N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program officials advise against swimming at the Sandy Bay soundside access near Frisco because of high bacteria levels in the water.
Clean transportation plan aims to reduce emissions
The N.C. Department of Transportation recently released its Clean Transportation Plan that outlines growing the state’s clean energy economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Officials urge residents to prepare now for hurricane season
As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, April 30-May 6, officials are encouraging residents to learn about and prepare for hurricane season.
State to hold meeting on nomination to protect watershed
Division of Coastal Management staff, during the meeting Monday in the Morehead City Train Depot, will review the nomination to designate Gibbs Creek watershed in Beaufort as an area of environmental concern.
Eligible adults can receive fans through heat-relief program
Residents 60 and older, and adults with disabilities are eligible for the program, Operation Fan Heat Relief.
