November 2009 Letters to the Editor |
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New Letters to the Editor....11.23.2009 1:30 pm
Dare County says Serendipity is a nuisance Thank you for writing this article about Dare County plans involving the Mirlo Beach community. A couple items that may also be of interest to all involved: First, the major overwash problem for Highway 12 has less to do with Mirlo driveways and more to do with the S-curves hot spot where the sandbag system, unfortunately, failed to protect the road. Second, during recent winters, most Mirlo homeowners have left their driveways uncleared for most or all of the off-season which has prevented or minimized overwash and protected the island's evacuation route. In some cases, this has been at the expense of possible rental revenues. We consider ourselves good members of the Hatteras Island community and attempt to contribute positively for the benefit of all its stakeholders. Wes Hutchinson Wallingford, Pa. The love The Serendipity has created and is still passing on, is vital to everyone, especially in these times. She brings hope, joy, strength, energy, and youth to all of us. She should be saved. A part of our hearts would be gone forever. We saved our Reading Pagoda here on our mountain and people still come from all over the world to see her light. God Bless. Our prayers go out to Rodanthe friends and the owners. Joyce E. Luff West Lawn, Pa. It is a public health and safety issue to allow the house named Serendipity and the adjoining houses with septic tanks to continue to operate with the ocean overwash causing raw sewerage to be dumped directly into the ocean. It is a federal crime to dump raw sewerage into the ocean less than 12 miles off the coast. Do you want any member of your family to play in the ocean nearby with the presence of raw sewerage? The lot has eroded to the point that is now in public domain waters, and the house should be removed or relocated as soon as possible. Take a look at the shoreline history for Rodanthe on the Dare County Web site and you will see that there has been over 500 feet of beach erosion in Rodanthe within the past 20 years. It's ridiculous to list any of these houses for sale. You can not sell public land. Much of the buying public is not aware of what is happening in Rodanthe with erosion and the state needs to condemn these properties using their eminent domain powers since they are now located on state property. How much is a house worth if you do not own the land and it can not be lived in? Frank Jakob Salvo At the outset, I would like to thank you and your staff for the great job you do informing people of the problems facing Hatteras Island. I am a long time visitor and property owner, Cabana No. 2 Hatteras Cabanas. I have been fighting a battle with the Dare County Commissioners for three years over the toxic pile of rubble that was once the General Mitchell Motel. I find it interesting that Dare County can declare the Serendipity house a public nuisance and order the owners to tear it down or remove it in 10 days. How about declaring the General Mitchell rubble a public nuisance and order the owners to remove it! Thanks again for the great service you provide the island residents and lovers of Hatteras like me. Bill Goodman Holmdel, N.J. This is sad. For years, as we would enter Rodanthe on the way home, one of us would remark "There's the Magic Kingdom" in reference to Serendipity and its counterpart to the west of the road, resembling the Disney icon. While the location has proven to be uninhabitable, one must agree that the construction of this charming building has been remarkably durable. We hope it can find a second life. Fred Westervelt Ocracoke I feel bad for the owners of Serendipity. And what about the other smaller homes next door? Looks like their years are numbered. Perhaps a government agency needs to buy the homes from the owners at current market value and build a bridge for Highway 12. This erosion problem will still be there when Serendipity isn't there. Cynthia Lorber-Fienga Mayfield Heights, Ohio Please save the house! Have it moved! Kathy Tornatore Altoona, Pa. It looks to me that maybe the owners of the properties in danger and the state need to get together and trade some land. The cottages can be moved westward and a new dune could be established on the oceanfront to protect the roadway. There’s way more than enough sand in Oregon Inlet’s newly formed islands and channels to replenish the Mirlo beach and a lot more. Dredging the channel and using the sand for replenishment would be solving two problems. South Nags Head needs replenishing also. I've been a regular visitor to the Outer Banks since I was very young and love the area with a passion. I hate to see it destroyed when it can be saved! I've watched the ocean migrate westward for years and always wondered why not much has been done to stop the erosion. If the state builds a bridge across the S-curves area, it will be opening up a whole new can of worms! The beach at Mirlo can be replenished without moving the houses, but it would take more sand. Carroll Felton Hobbsville, N.C. I read where there was several readers emailing about the current condition of Serendipity during this storm. That house is beginning to signify a lot that is wrong with this country. The local fish houses have more history and heritage then this house that obstructs the county from better fortifying the highway from storms. I am curious if any of these readers asked about the condition of the lighthouse, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the Life-Saving Station in Rodanthe, or any other of the real historic sites in this area. It seems some of the visitors have their priorities all twisted. Rob Alderman Buxton After viewing the destruction and damage by the last nor'easter to the property of those irrational people who chose to build in the surf line all along the coastal area, it seems that Serendipity is not an isolated case. It also seems reasonable that Serendipity is a case for selective discrimination. If Serendipity must go, then why not all of the structures that block access to the beaches and wind up as expensive litter removal projects that have to be funded by state taxpayers in every storm. It may be wise for the state legislators to forbid by legislation the building of any structure closer than 1,000 feet to the surf line. If not, then nature will remove them all in the not too distant future. It’s just an eyesore and creates an “exclusive and elite” zone for the privileged few to have a monopolistic access to the ocean/beaches to the exclusion of others. I used to, as a youngster, roam the beaches around Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills with unfettered access. My family went there before the nor'easter of late and found it to be pretty dismal and disgusting to even travel through the tourist trap it has now become. Not too worry, though, nature will reclaim the area in time. B. Perry Colerain, N.C. I apologize ahead if I offend anyone but I was finally compelled to write. After years of visiting and then being a resident of Avon for 10-plus years, I'm once again saddened at the politics. I truly believe that Mirlo's erosion problems are due to the "terminal groin" on the south side of Oregon Inlet. (It was not named a jetty due to politics.) The state should use our taxes to take out the groin, let the sand return, and quit wasting time and money battling the ocean. They will never win. Just my $.02. I urge Mr. and Mrs. Creasy to research the effects of the groin on their quest to save Serendipity. Maybe one day the government will do its homework before inflicting their will on the people of Hatteras Island. Jeff Trombley Augusta, Ga. When will it stop? All the beaches continue to erode! Why doesn’t the state of North Carolina take some of the profits made from taxes paid and replenish these beaches. Viginia set a great example by replenishing miles of their beaches from Sandbridge to the northern end of Virginia. Beach years ago and is currently under a 50-year lease to continue this process. Carolina wants to just throw the property owners "under the bus" after paying taxes for years and years and tell them to tear it down or move it! When will it stop? When the ocean meets the sound? Bruce McCrickard Suffolk, Va. Piers have pier houses sitting in the wash. Tell them to build a pier in front of it. That used to be a good fishing stretch of beach. Ivey Evans Hertford, N.C. Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. Why tear it down? What a waste. Make it work for both the land/home owners, community, and the environment. I am sure there is an answer that can work for all parties if they aren't pressured and met with deadlines. I believe, if the owners have done their part in maintaining their property after destructive storms, (as do hundreds of other community members), why should they move due to their prime location? Kathleen Slater Mansfield, Pa. If the state would like to insinuate that the house is no longer on private property as its property has been eroded away, are they also willing to say that they been making a portion of the owners’ payments as "they" assumed the land? I think not. I agree that it has become a nuisance and a concern for Highway 12, and for this reason, it could legally be taken under eminent domain. In doing so, for the maintenance of Highway.12, the state should "purchase" the property as well as others further south. To force the owners to move or tear down the structure with no compensation is criminal. The commissioner should be working with the state and the constituents to resolve the matter without forcing the owner into bankruptcy. Brian Huckins Williamsburg, Va. I love going to the Outer Banks, but I am not a local and probably shouldn't get into the local politics. But from an outsider’s view, if the Creasys have the Serendipity for sale and Dare County wants it gone, just buy it. Then there is no issue. Benjamin Williams Bono, Ariz. This is typical Dare County in motion. If they won't fix the problem, they claim it to be someone else’s problem and make them fix it. I hope the County does not consider me to be ignorant and not notice the numerous places the ocean overwashes, regardless of the house's location! A "sand" dune will not keep the water back and any fifth grader could tell you that. Dare County is a paradise but its government ... well, I can't say what I really want but I think you get the picture. Don’t move the house! David Slough Kill Devil Hills Love the house, and it's proven that it can withstand lots of storm beating. I would like to see it moved to a safer place and begin renting again. Arlene Freeman Newtown, Pa. The picture of Serendipity looks almost haunting. I hate to see it torn down, even though I believe one day it will come down. There is a reason it's not fallen into the ocean as if it was trying to tell us it's not ready to go. I look for the house when coming on the island, just like I look for the lighthouse. In some ways it's an eerie feeling to see the house in the ocean, perhaps giving us some delight in watching it. Keep the house as is for now. When it's ready, it will let us know maybe years to come. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Debbie Cooper Washington, N.C. I hate to hear this! That house has stood proud, strong, and undaunted all these years -- certainly one of the island's icons. Mr. Meekins can certainly be proud of his building expertise. We feel like we are losing an old friend. Cathy Moir Buxton Coastal Storm Coverage I want to thank you so much for all the storm updates. I was in Waves with a cargo van during the entire storm. I have been a part-timer for 25 years, and I was really shocked that Dare County seemed unorganized at times without a game plan. I would assume that everybody knows that the S-curve is a road that can wash out at any time, and you would assume that Dare County would have a complete plan that goes into effect immediately before, during, and after a storm in regards to handing the S-curve. If this storm happened in September when the island was full of visitors checking in and out on a Saturday, what would have happened? That will happen. Where would the people stay? Dare County should have temporary driving structures ready to put in place. Immediately, the ferries should be put in place. Someone staying on Hatteras should know exactly what’s going to take place and the game plan before the storm even hits. I am not saying that we can predict what damage is done, but we could have plans that go into place so the guess work is already done. For example, if I knew that the first goal is to open the path for four-wheel drive vehicles within 24 hours after the storm and the second goal is to open ferry service within 48 hours instead of 5 days, I would know how to plan to get off the island. It shocked me that the first ferry they said they had to test ride. The testing should already be done in some emergency management schedule. The other problem is that it seemed that information was lacking from Dare County and your paper was the only way I could get information on what to do. Dare County's Web site should have had updates on the hour, and the plan for evacuation should be on the Web site and updated. Chris Sunda Waves The pictures are giving me second thoughts about living on this island! We are literally on a piece of sand in the middle of the ocean. It’s scary. Amanda Colson Salvo I just found out Dare county has NO shelters. I have friends stranded on the other side of the bridge sleeping in their car without access to bath or shower facilities. Emergency management snidely offered that motels are open. This is from someone who is probably getting double time pay to someone who has been unable to find work for two months. There is not money for food any more and the best they offer is “go to a motel?” As though this would not have occurred to them in the last four days had it been possible? We were blithely informed that there were no Red Cross approved shelters since every school and public building is in a flood zone? How does this prevent the county from opening a school gym themselves? We've certainly paid enough for these new campuses, they should be available to us. The counties performance through this is shameful. Hatteras Island is always at the end of the list but apparently everyone is this time. If we were all developers, our welfare would surely be considered. Let's put our officials in a car for four days without a shower or bath and low on food, see if they think a shelter should be available. Meantime, I'll wait for the 4-wheel drive egress and go get them. As usual, we're on our own if there's not a buck to be made. Pat Glass Rodanthe Mother Nature is just reminding us that the S-curves and Mirlo Beach area was once called Loggerhead Inlet. Ted Hamilton Salvo and Hampton, Va. Good articles, great photos, sad event. I like the name "Nor'Ida." Sounds like a potato dish. Even better, Ida PMS (perfect media storm - for hurricane starved weather programs). Liz Browning Fox Buxton We all know that the S-curves in Rodanthe are a vital link for all Hatteras Island and Ocracoke residents. It is our only lifeline for emergency vehicles and our livelihood. Why are we waiting for a new bridge, which may or may not be built for another 5 to 10-plus years, before taking action to build a causeway to Rodanthe? A logical approach would be to establish a new roadway and controlled access through Pea Island now, so we don't have a new bridge to nowhere. Take a look at the historical maps of Rodanthe and you will find that we lost over 500 feet of beach due to accelerated erosion. North of Rodanthe, there was once an inlet, New Inlet, and the same is true of north Avon and Buxton. Mother Nature wants to take it back. Sandbags and pushing sand is like shoveling sand against the tide and wasting taxpayers dollars. The reason it is an S-curve is because it once was a straight road and has been moved three times since it was paved in the ‘50s.The only other place to move it will be into the sound. Build the causeway now and let Mother Nture have it back. It's a proven fact that all the man made dunes have contributed to the acelerated rate of erosion. Take a trip to Portsmouth Island and the Core Banks to see how a natural beach maintains itself, allowing the ocean to bring new sands with the tides rather than erode them because of unnaturally high sand dunes. Mother Nature undercuts them away like a hot butter knife cutting butter. Many of the local old timers told me when they were young, they could see the ocean from the sound before the dunes were built. Frank Jakob Salvo May God be with you people. That is such a beautiful place, but it only shows the awesome power of nature. We should humble ourselves to it. I pray you all are okay. Tom Eddy Grampian, Pa. Thanks for the updates and pictures. Things don't look too good on the islands, and we hope all our friends fare well. Jim and Paula Brown Baltimore, Md. My family has been vacationing in OBX for 20 years; obviously we love it there and will continue to make it our vacation "home." We were there, in Avon, during the northeaster at Thanksgiving a few years ago. The work crews on the roads did, and have always done, a fantastic job at getting roads clear and repaired. We should all applaud them, and everyone who makes OBX the wonderful place it is! Sue Loveless Williamsburg, Va. Oh my! Your friends in the Northwest are sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Wishing better weather and calm seas for you all! Rich and Sheryl Baker Silverdale, Wash. Thanks to a visitor’s comment I found out about this site and was able to see storm damage etc. This is very meaningful as I am an owner of a Rodanthe home. I did have a pool until this storm! Henrietta Williams Littleton, N.C. Basnight urges support of bill to overturn consent decree I was amused by Senator Basnight's allusion to "heavily funded, out-of-state environmental interest groups." Where does he think tourist dollars come from? It's that nasty, out-of-state money from people like me that keeps these businesses and communities afloat! Driving noisy, pollution-spewing, erosion-producing vehicles on the beach is exactly the type of activity that prevents this area from being the great getaway haven it proclaims itself to be. Clearly, we can be grateful for the natural qualities that persist on the Cape in spite of, not because of, Senator Basnight's spitefulness. Cheryl Stoneking Chicago, Ill. Each year since 1984 we have been coming to Cape Hatteras for vacation. We love the quiet and beauty of your area. But we also enjoy going down to Cape Point and driving out on the beach to spend most of our days with the kids and grandkids. The last few years that hasn't been possible. We are now looking for another place to vacation, and that is sad because that is where we really want to be. I wish they would lift that law and let us enjoy your beautiful beaches once again! Our family of 18-plus will be going elsewhere unless things change... We will miss our vacations there! Lynn Usary Fairmont, W.Va. I would like to thank Mr. Basnight for his support in this matter. I myself am a restaurant owner but in Rodanthe. This was my fourth season and I could tell a major difference in revenue with the beach closings. It is in our best interest to keep fighting for our beaches. I so wish that there were more people like Mr. Basnight down here to fight for the continuously open beaches. I’m sure if the ones who are closing them had a business down here and depended on the revenue as I do -- not to mention the staff that I employ, the beaches would be open during the very short period that we have to make our living. Paul Tate Aka Uncle Pauley Rodanthe Ray Gray is Dare County’s Principal of the Year I believe Ray should be honored every year as principal of the year. He really wants good things for his kids. I know it greatly affects him when kids grow up and make bad choices. He feels ultimately responsible when children become adults and end up in jail or even worse -- dead. Unfortunately, I would be surprised if he lasts five more years. I hope for Hatteras Islands’ sake he is here for awhile. Keith Andre Frisco Marching to the beat of fall’s red drum Awesome, awesome video! If every rental company on the Outer Banks included this on its Web page, all rental houses and units would be rented already for 2010. Just a suggestion! Hazel Zinn-Day Woodville, Va. Great video, Rob. I have been surf fishing when visiting Hatteras my whole life and this past May I landed my first red drum, fishing the Hatteras Inlet. It only weighed 13.7 pounds, but looked a lot bigger. I was able to get some good pics with the fish before I released it back into the ocean. My father and I usually are fishing for blues, which are another big gamefish in the Banks and I have landed some big ones. The best part of the story is that it was my last day of vacation and literally my last cast when I caught the fish. I was by myself when I caught the drum and was thankful to the gentleman who was fishing next to me for helping me and taking my picture with the fish before I released it. One thing is for sure, Hatteras Island is a "fisherman's paradise," as I have experienced it. Respect to all the islanders and the fishermen and thanks for making Hatteras what it is. Kurt E. Maschmeier Cayahoga Falls, Ohio Volunteers needed to help sea turtles this winter I really had to think about this before I responded, but I have made my decision on whether or not to help these creatures. Hell would freeze over before it happens. These turtles are dying from natural selection and causes. If we help more to survive and they return to the park in the future, then it will be because of the Consent Decree that they survived and returned. The more turtles that return means only more beaches are closed and there is a potential for the unregulated ORVs to kill them. The way that the SELC and others have exploited this creature's plight and twisted it into something it is not is why I have made this decision. I can help a very graceful and majestic creature or I can help feed propoganda and close beaches. It is a no brainer. And let the record show that I own two 25 year old yellow belly slider turtles, and they are quite the attraction in my store for kids. I love sharing info about them with the children or the public, but the more I witness the negative exploitation of these creatures--the more I know I cannot help them. Rob Alderman Buxton My husband and I planned an overnight visit from Swansboro to Ocracoke on Nov. 3. The weather was perfect for bicycle riding, and we even got to see the whale that was enjoying his visit at the public beach access. The next morning we rode our bikes to the Pony Island Restaurant for a great breakfast, and then decided to tour the village and the lighthouse one last time before ferrying back home. Unfortunately, our plans changed quickly. We ventured down a side road that would take us to the lighthouse, and came upon a dog on the side of the road. We rode past him, and then as my husband went by, the dog started running and barking after him trying to bite at his foot. My husband lost control of the bike and went down hard on the pavement. He was bleeding from his head, and immediately knew that much more was wrong. I tried to call 911, but had no service on my phone. I then started running from motel to motel, looking for someone who could call for help. A few moments late, two employees from Tideland Electric came down the street, saw that we needed help, and called 911. Within minutes volunteers from the local Fire Department appeared, along with EMS. Someone offered to put both of our bikes in the back of his pick up truck and drove me to the Anchorage Inn, where we were staying. I took our car back to the scene, and then followed the ambulance to the ferry and drove to the Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, where we spent to rest of the day. We would like to thank all of those who helped us on the morning of Nov. 4. I never did get any of the names of the men and women who responded - but I do hope that they see this letter in your newspaper. From the employees of Tideland Electric, to the volunteers and paid staff of the Fire Department and EMS, to the people who stood in the road and directed traffic, to the hotel owners and staff who stored our bikes and held our room for another night, and a great big thank you to the gentleman who drove me to the hotel - thank you to everyone for doing what you do! Kathy & Jim Morrell Swansboro, N.C. Readers comment about our coverage of the November northeaster The coverage in your paper was excellent. My uncle, who is 86, was in Frisco at the time and couldn't leave for his other home in Greensboro for four days. And yet, up here in the NYC area, we heard very little about this storm. He completely stunned me when he told me of the damage and (of course) simply said, "Better check out The Island Free Press. They have some terrific pictures there and good coverage." Boy, was he right. I really applaud your continued fine work and excellent coverage of the storm, but also your paper in general. Keep up the great work. You are my kinda folks in a great place! Rich Lepage Suffern, N.Y. Irene, if we didn't know it before, we certainly do now. You're one of the very most important assets we have, especially during emergency conditions. No 'paper' could do for us what you do. Thank you. Dixie Browning Frisco Please keep up your tireless, dogged determination to keep folks, such as myself, apprised of developments on the island. My family and I are relying on your reporting judgment. Next week, we plan to stay in a wide spot along Highway 12, probably in Waves, and you are our life line to this decision. Ron Cross What would we do without you? You keep us informed of your lovely island. Best wishes and hope for a speedy recovery to your island. Kathy West Grove, Pa. Thanks for your timely and informational updates on the recent "surprise" storm and its aftermath. You are the closest thing we have to a daily newspaper for Hatteras Island and that's a nice alternative to relying on the "rumor mill" as a main source for most of the truly "local" news. Pat Wolfe Waves Thanks so much for the updates regarding the storm damage and road closure. It's the most accurate source out there right now. Much appreciated. Les Wooten Ocracoke Thank you to everyone who contributed to taking us there. Many of us have homes on the Outer Banks and fortunately or unfortunately could not be there during this heart wrenching time. It means a great deal to be kept informed and photos and video provided by all of you folks are the best. No sensationalism, just the raw facts, good or bad. We wish everyone who is faced with overcoming the results of this devastating storm well. So many did not need this on top of the trying times already facing them. God bless all. Ron and Cecile Saunders Virginia Beach, Va. Thanks for great and most timely coverage. A big thanks and "well done" for our DOT. Bob May Buxton I just want to say thank you for posting up to date information regarding the recent storm that affected the Outer Banks. My husband was stuck for the past few days and it was difficult to find updates -- especially ones with accurate information. Your Web site is by and far the most accurate, up to date resource I've found over the past several days. Thank you. Angela Scenna Raleigh THANK YOU! A big shout out from Northern Virginia. I hope you know that your information has been incredibly valuable to our family. We missed our weekend trip to our home in Avon, thought we might have to cancel the Thanksgiving trip, but now it looks like we can go. Thank you for every little and big thing you and others have done to keep us informed. Keep up the excellent work! Laura Larson and family 42124 Cedar Circle - just south of ACE Avon, NC 27915 Thank you for your superior coverage of the storm damage and the wonderful slide shows. Those of us who do not live at the Outer Banks, but who leave their hearts there at the end of each vacation have been concerned about the damage. Your newspaper has provided us with excellent updates. What a tremendous job the North Carolina Department of Transportation has done and has still to do to get the roads open again. Our thoughts are with you and hopefully things will be back to normal again soon. Patti Simmons Ridgeley, W.Va. Thanks for the up to date information and photos. I'm passing your Web site to my friends out of the area. The photos are just -- I don't know what to say -- shocking. I wish you all the best. Robin Ore Kill Devil Hills, NC Thank you for all your hard work in providing storm coverage. This story was just made for your online news. I look forward to your e-mails saying there is additional information. The aerial shots put it all in perspective. You are the go-to source for Hatteras and Ocracoke news and events. Hal Shelton Avon Excellent coverage. Thank you for keeping us Yankees up to date. Our prayers for lower tides, heavier sandbags, and continued strength of you residents, are being delivered. George Cook Buffalo, N.Y. We are seasonal campers at Cape Woods Campground, and you and your reports have given us the very best coverage of what the storm has done to our beloved "other home" - the Highway 12 corridor and all the places we've grown to respect so much over the years. This is but the latest of your informative articles on everything from local happenings to the fight to keep the beaches open and the economy viable on the island. We truly appreciate all your hard work and the fact that you share all this freely over the Internet. What a wonderful service you provide, and what we would give to be able to make the area our permanent home. Everyone has been so welcoming and we try to give back by supporting the local merchants rather than the larger chains. Please accept our thanks to you for keeping us informed and for you and all others who work to keep the island alive and kicking and incredibly beautiful. Laura Broaddus Richmond, Va. Just wanted to thank you for your excellent coverage of the storm and posting current updates. The information you provided was the best I found anywhere. It was a miracle we never lost electricity or internet connection. Hope now things are semi back to normal, you can get some rest! Jan Willis Hatteras Good job on the storm coverage. Many of us that live out of state are concerned and there is no other place to get the information that you give us. Daniel Wright Pax, W. Va. The Island Free Press has been informative since its beginning. I now find it to be invaluable. Thanks for providing timely factual information related to the northeaster. Excellent reporting from all involved. Sharon Pratt Buxton Thank you for your outstanding coverage of the storm that wouldn't quit. We so appreciate the updates and then the updates of the updates. Glad to hear that even with the rain and flooding, you all were able to get in needed supplies. The slide shows keep us well informed all these miles away. Thanks for all that you do for your readers. Gloria Van Nostrand Louisville, Ky. Just to let you know you are appreciated! Thank you for your midnight oil! Marilyn Seal Just wanted to thank you for all the great pictures, and the updates on the damage from the storm. It is nice to know I can always rely on the Island Free Press for updates. Keep up the good work! The Duponts Your photos and Web site are fabulous. We have friends at Avon Pier and really appreciate being able to see what they are going through. Sandy North Benton, Ohio Great Coverage of the storm! Thank you. Dan Burroughs Hatteras Thanks for the current information and good reporting from the Southern Outer Banks. Fantastic but distressing photos—sorry to see so many southern neighbors sustaining water damage again. We are cleaning up flood waters in Kitty Hawk as well, so we can empathize with everyone down your way. Keep up the good work! Phyllis West Thank you for keeping us informed as to the condition of the OBX beaches. Even though I am not a resident, I consider the OBX my home away from home. When severe weather threatens the area, I am concerned about the beaches and the people who live and work there. Seeing the pictures helps me deal with the destruction. I will be visiting again soon. Dave Wilkinson Blackstone, Va. Thanks so much for all you good reporting for those of us not blessed enough to live on the OBX - only visiting there two or three times a year. Hang in there. Constance Hagan Hoschton, Ga. I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard over the last week covering this storm. I have been coming to the Banks for over 30 years. I love it, as I know you all do. You have kept those of us who physically do not live there, but we do in our hearts, totally up to date on what is happening. Thank you so much! You all have done a much better job that the larger news organizations. You are all fantastic professionals. Thank you again. Joyce Kent, Ohio We need a bridge built to end the money being used to repair the road which washes out repeatedly! Thanks for the work y’all are doing -- just got home from the island. Brenda Smith Powhatan, Va. Thank the Lord for The Island Free Press. I have been watching the coverage on the storm for the past few days, and The Island Free Press has had more coverage than all the other news agencies put together. John Dumbleton Franklin, Va. Thank you so much for all the news. I am a property owner but seldom in the area. It is great to see all working to get roads in and supplies rolling and homes being taken care of. Midgett Realty has also been great in taking care of our home and keeping my husband and me informed. Thank you, Mr. Newsman, who had to dress for the governor. You do a great job. Henrietta William Littleton, N.C. I want to thank you and your staff for all the timely updates, pictures and videos with the situation in Rodanthe. Although I have been following Dare County and my Realtor’s Web sites, yours has been the most comprehensive – particularly the images. NCDOT has done one heck of a job in getting the road open, and my kudos go to them also – very impressive! Allen Stephens City, Va. Thank you for the incredible pictures. I'm sorry that the storm caused so much trouble. I was down in OBX (MP 7 3/4) from 10-18 to 10-25. We saw some big waves from that northeaster, but nothing like this. I hope that everything returns to normal for you again soon. Brian Chandler Lyndhurst, Va. As annual visitors to the Village (each year for longer periods), we are terribly dismayed at the weather you're experiencing!! We were enthralled with the slide show shown today and hope many people noticed that slides 9 and 10 showed a rainbow over Serendipity. We must all take this that, indeed, this too will pass!! Please know that many of your "part-time residents" are saying prayers that this will quickly pass. We are so anxious to return, I doubt we'll wait long. We will, however, wait until our presence there will not be more anguish for the workers and residents. Our prayers are with you! Beth and Rob Saylor Churchville, Va. Thank you so much for keeping us all informed. You are providing a much needed service and we so appreciate having a means of finding out what's happening. Thank you so much, Irene. You have been doing such a great job keeping folks updated with the situation down there. Not only this storm, but the whole beach access saga in general. I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know your efforts are greatly appreciated by many. William Ralph Roberson Raleigh, N.C. Everyone who contributes to The Island Free Press did an excellent job covering the latest storm. Great information, great videos, and great pictures. (Bryan has some wonderful photographs.) I've been keeping up with storm clean-up through this Web site. Outstanding job covering the event. Keep up the great job and I'll share this site with all my friends and Outer Banks lovers. Tim Hawks High Point, N.C. Thank you so much for sharing these incredible pictures and videos. You must sitting at your computer 24/7 getting all the news out to all of us and we greatly appreciate it. Please stay safe......and remember us to all the" Hatteras Gals." All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Liz and Jim Geer Richmond, Virginia Thanks for all the information you have been publishing. You are just about the only outlet that we on the mainland have for finding out about impacts on the island. Eric King Elkton, Md. I have been on vacation in San Francisco for two weeks, scheduled to return home Thursday. Your storm bulletins and slides have meant so much, especially road and ferry information. Thank you so much for your service. Mary E. Gray Buxton I wish to thank and commend the Island Free Press for your service to the Outer Banks community. We have owned a cottage in Avon since 1983. Unfortunately, we can't spend any time there since we moved to Hawaii in 2004. We loved it there, and miss it terribly. The Island Free Press is our only reliable source of good information on what is happening on the Outer Banks, and I read it every time I get an e-mail. It is particularly important in providing news about storms and their impact; it's basically the only way we know what's going on. Thanks very much. It's an excellent paper. Chuck Craven Ewa Beach, Hawaii Irene and Rob have hit a home run with their coordinated YouTube and site-based coverage of the storm. Thanks for your efforts on behalf of those of us who consider the island our second home. Dr. Spence I love being connected. I don't know how I missed you all these years, Irene. Looks as though you're doing better than ever as an independent. That's great! Love and Happy Thanksgiving. Sybil Skakle Chapel Hill, N.C. I live in Raleigh now and formerly lived in Elizabeth City, N.C. A friend of mine from Greenville sent me links to your Web site’s photos of the storm damage to Hatteras Island. I wanted to say that the photos are absolutely outstanding and whoever your photographers are, they should be entering photos in national contests. I am a photographer by trade now and am absolutely impressed with their outstanding work. You have a great website and I have bookmarked it for future reference. Keep up the excellent work! Edward Garrison Raleigh, N.C. I just wanted to thank you for keeping us up to date on everything that is going on with the road conditions, damage, etc. We really appreciate all your updates. Keep up the good work. Julie Norton Shores, Mich. Thanks for all the news and photos on this storm. We were at Avon and left out on Wednesday. We were on the island in 1990 when the bridge was knocked out and stranded for days, so we knew that the best thing to do was get out. The island is a beautiful place and I pray we don't lose it someday. We have been going to Outer Banks for over 20 years and always make it a family trip, with our children and now grandchildren. We have so many wonderful memories and this year just gives us more. Martha Surratt Thomasville, N.C. This has been wonderful! Thank you very much for your coverage. It has been our only link to what is happening. The photos have been exceptional! Thanks to the photographers. Rhonda Bates Frisco We really appreciate all the time and effort you put into The Island Free Press. We look through every issue you send. We are previous residents of Hatteras (not renters or non-resident property owners), and we look for you postings. Thank you very much. Hope and David Woods Thank you for keeping us abreast on the OBX damages. I am so sorry - never guessed Ida would be that nasty! Hang in there guys. We will keep you in our prayers. See you next spring. Connie Hagan Thank you for all the up to date information concerning the S-curves. My wife and I were to head to Hatteras last Saturday. Looks like we will be several days late. Bob Keenan Enjoyed your reporting of the storm. It kept us informed. We stay here eight months a year and just now found out about your paper. We will continue to read it in the future. Robert Lilly Beckley, W.Va. I just wanted to say good job on all the storm footage and pictures of the northeaster that slammed the island. Hope all you islanders are well and the clean-up goes well. All you at the Island Free Press do an excellent job of covering the events that impact and support the island. Also thanks for posting my comments. I appreciate you posting my views and opinions on certain topics. You make this Web site very accessible to us visitors to the island and allow us to express our thoughts and opinions on what is going on in Hatteras and surrounding towns. Kurt Maschmeier Cuyahoga, Ohio New Letters to the Editor....11.6.2009 4:35 pm Turtle season brought a light study, volunteer program Thank you for continuing to keep us posted on the nesting sites and the ongoing work being accomplished by the staff and volunteers. I will be coming for the winter and have contacted the Park Service in the hope that they can use a winter volunteer. Linda Scott Mathias, W. Va. Since I am sure that this study will be used to regulate ORV traffic at some point in time, why did the study only focus on stationary lights? John Alley Hatteras The article states that the light study is being funded through a Robert M. Utley Research Grant, but did not state what amount the grant was approved for. What difference does it make if the turtles react to different kinds of light? What difference does it make and what can they do about it if the turtles do react? Next thing you know there will be complete black-outs on the Outer Banks like World War II. This grant would be better spent if it was used to provide light and heat for the many homeless in this country. Ellen Cloud Atlantic, N.C. NCBBA’s first annual Red Drum Tournament I know for a fact that Mike Frick did not leave the beach until the tournament ended Saturday at 4 p.m. A very dedicated angler! Congrats to Mike and all the winners. Rod Palmer Chesapeake, Va. Coming Home to Ocracoke Patsy Darlin’: Wonderful story about coming home to Ocracoke. We are so glad that you are here, where you belong. I'm just sorry that I never got to visit you in Patagonia or one of those other exotic locations. Who loves you? P.S. - Now where did I put that photo of you on horseback -- wearing your cowgirl hat? Leonard Conover Ocracoke Thanking Dare County’s emergency responders With my sincere appreciation, I would publicly like to thank the paramedics and EMT personnel from the Dare County Emergency Medical Service who responded to my medical emergency in Avon in the early morning of Tuesday, Oct. 6. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protect, render aid, and serve everyone on Hatteras Island is truly remarkable and deeply appreciated. Once again, thank you very, very much. Francis A. Zaborowski Townsend, Del. Friends of Felines appreciates support In recognition of National Feral Day, Friends of Felines-Cape Hatteras Island conducted a three-day, island-wide spaying and neutering project of cats on Hatteras Island. The North Carolina State Veterinary School Mobile Clinic was scheduled to arrive on Saturday, Oct. 17, but due to the director’s illness, the clinic was cancelled. However, that did not stop the dedicated caregivers and volunteers for Friends of Felines since Spay Days continued with a few minor adjustments. Monday, Oct. 19, the public spay day cats arrived at the Avon Fire Station and were transported to Roanoke Island Animal Hospital for surgery; Tuesday, Oct. 20. Captured feral cats from the targeted villages of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo were transported to Animal Hospital of Nags Head; and Thursday, Oct. 22, the entire island was targeted and captured feral cats were transported to Roanoke Island Animal Hospital. A total of 59 cats were spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and returned to the Island. Friends of Felines-Cape Hatteras Island would like to thank Outer Beaches Realty for providing round-trip transportation, Outer Banks Pest Control for loan of Havahart traps, Hatteras Cat Fresh Fish For Felines, and the dedicated volunteers that spent many hours working with the cats before and after surgery. Please consider Friends of Felines-Cape Hatteras Island for your holiday gift giving. We are a 501 © (3) non-profit charity organization and all donations are tax deductible. Donations can be mailed to Friends of Felines-Cape Hatteras Island, P.O. Box 310, Avon, NC 27915. We appreciate your generosity and support of the TNR Program. Debbie Martin Avon What’s up with island gas prices? I am really surprised that the issue of gas prices on the island hasn't been brought up. I went to Nags Head yesterday and found that standard gas was $2.51 a gallon, and the cheapest down here was $2.91-$2.97.(I’ve been off the island three times in two years.) Gas prices here have always been 15-20 cents a gallon higher here than up north, but with the economy the way it is, how can the companies justify a 40-cent per gallon difference? As I am minority in this, I should probably just keep my mouth shut and raise plovers and not raise any stink. Bertie Dixon III Frisco |
2009 Previous Letters to the Editor
October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 Please see the Archives Pages for Previous Years
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