Wilmington’s staggering growth has displaced numerous homes and businesses, but “Sonny” Nixon refused to let his longstanding and pioneering Market Street wholesale and retail seafood business stand in the way of progress.
profile
Recalling George Barnes, first Jockeys Ridge superintendent
Sam Bland pays tribute to his recently deceased friend, George Grantham Barnes, who, as Jockeys Ridge State Park’s first superintendent, leaves indelible footprints in the park’s constantly shifting sands.
Serving public a passion for State Climatologist Jared Bowden
“I’m trying to help the public with their problems related to climate,” says Dr. Jared Bowden, a Rocky Mount native who became director of the North Carolina State Climate Office early this month.
Doris Creecy, 90, wields loving influence on Roanoke Island
“Senior Delight:” The elegant Ms. Doris Creecy isn’t letting age slow her down, as she continues sharing songs, wisdom and inspiration to countless numbers in her Roanoke Island community.
1,000 pounds of flounder, deep roots grew ‘epic’ family legacy
For the Rose sisters in Beaufort, the “calling” of the family fish house and seafood restaurant means long hours, scars on their hands and a defiant refusal to let the commercial fishing way of life slip away.
Jean Beasley, passionate sea turtle protector, dies at 90
The founder of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on Topsail Island, which she named in memory of her late daughter, was driven to protect the beloved ocean dwellers.
Hometown news: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Jefferson
“Growing up in a military town taught me a respect for service, discipline and community,” says Jefferson, whose grandfather’s and father’s service inspired his decision to join the military.
Riverkeeper, family man Rick Dove set example for advocates
He was an attorney, retired Marine Corps colonel, mentor, one of the first Riverkeepers in the Southeast and the original Neuse Riverkeeper — Rick Dove, 86, died Aug. 22.
Karen Amspacher fights for Down East, brushes off praise
When Gov. Josh Stein inducted the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Director and nine others June 25 into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor in the state, Amspacher didn’t tell a soul.
Dewey Hemilright advocates for US commercial fishing fleet
Forceful and outspoken, this passionate advocate for the commercial fishing industry has spent 30 years in the business and served in fisheries management.
When fishing, Justin Manners heeds Ben Franklin’s advice
“Failing to plan is planning to fail,” goes the old adage and it is angler, charter captain, HVAC tech and Richlands resident Justin Manners’ key to success on the water.
Fishing hooked newspaperman Rip Woodin far from coast
Rocky Mount Telegram Publisher Rip Woodin, who spends free time at his Atlantic Beach getaway, didn’t grow up fishing, but a gift of a fly rod from his boss in Wyoming decades ago lit the passion.
Darrell Collins remembered for giving life to Wrights’ story
“He found a way to blend science and history and art to paint a picture that resonated with everybody that entered this building,” Scott Babinowich with the National Park Service Outer Banks Group said Saturday.
Incoming environmental chief Reid Wilson revisits his roots
Former Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson sees important opportunities and challenges in terms of public health and environmental protection in his new role as Department of Environmental Quality secretary in the Stein administration.
Morehead City naturalist John Fussell leaves birding legacy
The conservationist who was steeped in bird and botany knowledge, credited for his focus on often-overlooked environmental issues affecting the North Carolina coast, and author of the region’s definitive bird guide, died last week at 75.
G. Albert Lyon made millions but loved Gooseville Gun Club
A 1957 Sports Illustrated profile would dub him “The Commodore of Bimini,” but that was after the prolific inventor and successful businessman had enjoyed the simple pleasures of a sportsman’s life on the Outer Banks and his Gooseville Gun Club in Hatteras Village.

















