September 2009 Letters to the Editor |
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New Letters to the Editor....09.30.2009 10:15 am
Easterns came to Buxton for a pretty good week of surfing Enjoyed the slide show. Great surfing action shots! Rockey Haley Phillipsburg, N.J. Incredible photographs! You are very talented! I love the "tube" shots! Must have been an underwater digital camera. Which brand of underwater camera, if you don't mind me asking. Hazel Zinn-Day Woodville, Va. (Daniel Pullen replies: “I use an Essexs water housing made for a Nikon D200. I was able to modify my Nikon D300 so that it could fit in the housing properly. I am using a fisheye lens, Nikon 10.5 mm 2.8f.) Jonathan Jarvis confirmed as NPS director And his position on beach access is? We may never know since Sen. Burr never even showed up to his confirmation hearing to ask him. Also his office has never responded to e-mails as to why. Alexy Abdo Buxton State officials meet with residents to discuss wind energy After attending the meeting concerning alternative energy last week, thinking about the information that was presented, and doing a little extra research, I was left with two conclusions. First, the anticipated benefits of clean energy are difficult to dispute. Second, the wind turbine farm project that was proposed should be approached by all of us with a very healthy measure of skepticism. As I understand the project, the greatest impact of the wind turbine farm on Hatteras Island will be the adverse effect that it will have on the unobstructed views of the Pamlico Sound that we now enjoy. This, in turn, has potentially negative implications for the island’s rental/tourist industry as well as the real estate values of certain types of properties. There could also be repercussions for other island interests such as the fishing industry. The main presenter at the meeting and his accompanying graphics clearly indicated that the wind turbines will be visible from the shoreline. The wind farm is planned to be located seven to 10 miles west of Avon, Buxton, and Frisco. Each wind turbine is expected to rise about 500 feet above the water. Think about what this means in real terms. Five hundred feet is essentially the height of the Washington Monument (555 feet), two and a half times as high as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and nearly one-half the height of the Empire State Building. Furthermore, as envisioned, the final project could contain as many as 138 wind turbines, covering a 25 square mile area of the Pamlico Sound! The associated fallout from introducing wind turbines into the unspoiled views of the sound that residents and visitors currently enjoy could reduce the rental desirability of soundfront and soundview properties as well as affecting the salability and values of homes and lots in these locations. Finally, it was very disturbing to me to learn that in early August, the North Carolina state Senate voted overwhelmingly (42-1) to ban wind turbines from the state’s western mountains. Is the spectacular beauty of Hatteras Island’s unobstructed sunset views across the Pamlico Sound less worthy of preservation than the splendor of the mountains? We often talk about preserving the island for future generations. In my opinion, our children and their children’s children will not thank us if we permit this well-intended but seriously flawed project to move forward as proposed. Tom Hranicka Avon I support a wind-based plan for alternate energy and believe seven to 10 miles is enough distance to minimize the effects of "visible" pollution. Solar energy may also be a viable option, but the size of area needed to scale a project is not viable. Perhaps home-based systems that can augment the power grid are an option. I agree 100 percent with Mr. Howard. We need to change how we look at the total cost of conservation and environmental costs. Similar to health issues, the cost of prevention is less than the cost of repairing. I urge those involved in the program to move forward. Mike McGuire Coral Reef Avon, NC Dear Gov. Perdue, state Sen. Basnight and state Rep. Spear: I attended the presentation at the Cape Hatteras Secondary School on Sept. 25 and appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the potential of wind power generation off-shore and in Pamlico Sound. All of you are to be commended, along with the UNC study representatives, for an excellent job in summarizing a complex subject. North Carolina is fortunate you are taking the initiative to evaluate future energy resources that will impact the state and the nation. The public meeting was a useful first step in providing an understanding of the project. However, several important issues were not discussed. Because, I did not have an opportunity to ask questions at the meeting, I am posing them here for your consideration. 1. What specific questions do you expect to be answered by the proposed windmill demonstration project in Eastern Pamlico Sound? It would have been useful for the attendees to have this information to raise confidence in the value of the demonstration project. 2. What are the unanswered questions in the UNC study? The presenter noted “there are still many holes in the analysis,” but did not address what they might be. Not doing so left the attendees wondering about what might be missed in a future evaluation. A peer review would also increase the study’s credibility. 3. What are the economics of wind power as envisioned for offshore and Pamlico Sound windmill farms? How does the cost per home served compare to other energy supply alternatives and can comparable economics be achieved without a subsidy? While this might not be the responsibility of the UNC study, it is of utmost importance to Hatteras Island homeowners and businesses that would be the natural users of this power. 4. While a figure for total jobs created was referenced, how many of these would actually go to Hatteras Island residents? How much of the construction, installation, and operating costs will be spent on Hatteras Island? 5. Will Duke Power pay for every penny of cost related to the demonstration project and how long will this project take to construct and begin operation? How long is the demonstration project targeted to run to obtain the sought after information? 6. If it is determined to abandon the demonstration project and/or build a wind farm somewhere else, will Duke Power completely dissemble the demo? During the question and answer portion of the presentation, most of the speakers presented opinions rather than asked questions. No one should have been surprised by the emotion with which residents expressed their views. In response to one speaker, Sen. Basnight asked for our comments about a wind power farm in this area said he would support our desires. My response is to first address the current crises and build community support -- build a short bridge and have year-around beach driving and then the windmill demonstration project. If no one can get to our community or if visitors stop coming because a major attraction is severely restricted, we will not need any more power and will have little interest in serving as a test for wind power. Hal Shelton Avon homeowner A large crowd turns out for 2009 Day at the Docks This is the first year I have missed Day at the Docks. Thanks for your slide show. The aerial photos with the sunset and the parade brought tears to my eyes. Donna Peele Hatteras Great reading the news about the Day at the Docks. Just wish we were still in Hatteras to enjoy everything. Someday when Roger retires, and we don't have to go back to Florida by the middle of August, we'll be able to spend more time in Hatteras and be there for all the fun! Roger and Nancy Marsh Plantation, Fla. The first day at the docks I’ve missed in five years, and I am really bummed about it. It has gotten bigger and better every year. It is just another event that represents the people of Hatteras in a great way. Bob Gross Bluffton, S.C. Hatteras Island Real Estate: The fall roundup of news of interest We are trying to sell our home, and we are told that our non-oceanfront home is worth $100,000 less then the same home that has oceanfront. But Dare County says that oceanfront houses have lost more value. This is not true! So we loose more and pay more taxes. What’s wrong with this picture? Jo Stokes Buxton Guest Column: Offshore drilling could ruin Dare’s economy Yes, I know my comments a little late but I totally agree that offshore drilling is an all around bad idea, especially off the coast of the OBX. The Outer Banks is one of the most beautiful places to me, and the fact that it's not all built up and filled with huge high rises and other eyesores is why I like it so much. The Outer Banks, especially Hatteras and Ocracoke, have that old-school look, with fishing villages and cool little mom and pop shops. That's what makes it so special to the people who live on the islands and to the people who visit. To put an oil rig out in the ocean is not only an eyesore but the impact on the environment could be an issue also. Plus, we are supposed to be moving toward a "green planet" and finding alternative ways to create energy and fuel, so we can improve the environment, not take a chance of destroying it if something goes wrong. It's all about greed and these big oil companies, with their greedy CEOs who only care about the mighty dollar. I hope this doesn't happen and people see how this could affect the future of the Outer Banks. I stand united with you, the people of the Outer Banks. Let’s all take a stand and fight this. Our future depends on it. Kurt Maschmeier Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Tiny House: The smallest dwelling on Hatteras was built by students To this enterprising foursome -- you rock! Hope to see the interior when completed. Elsie George Williamsburg, Va. The future of the Frisco Pier is unclear The bottom line is that if the pier was managed as a fishing pier, it would have done just fine. Bob Schaible Indialantic, Fla. New Letters to the Editor....09.23.2009 11:45 am Beach Access Issues I am currently in Avon on my annual pilgrimage to the Outer Banks with my wife, 23-year-old son, and a good friend. While this year I am not able to spend as much as I usually do, I am still here. Like others, I am totally against the consent decree, but will live with it until the new ORV rules are done. My message is to those who say they will not return because they cannot get access to their favorite spot. If you do not return, the Audubon Society and Defenders of Wildlife win. The best way you can influence and help the year- round residents of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands is to return and use the access provided. You will show Judge Boyle and these groups that we (the ORV users) are the law-abiding citizens and are concerned about the environment, plus you help maintain the local economy. We can either tuck our tails and lose the access to OUR beaches or we can continue to come to Hatteras and Ocracoke islands and fight for our right to drive on the beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Recreational Seashore. Michael Porter Indianapolis, Ind. My dream for years was to buy a house at Buxton but the National Park Service has forced me to change my mind. I bought a house in Morehead this summer that I'm retiring to soon. I love it here and hope the NPS and Mike Murray have a hard time dealing with the recession. Everyone on the Outer Banks needs to rip the NPS when possible. Wayne Church Morehead City, N.C. A large crowd turns out for Day at the Docks 2009 Totally enjoyed the Day at the Docks and the picture slide show presentation that IFP offered online. IFP is really doing a great job of covering all the topics that are relevant to all of North Carolina. Nan G. Barker Bridgeton, N.C. The annual Day at the Docks chowder cook-off competition might be a good way for the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation to make some additional money by offering the recipe for a donation. I know that, as a cancer survivor of two different cancers (lung and prostate), and an annual visitor to Hatteras village for the family vacation, I would donate and make the chowder. Tom Adams Columbus, Ohio Always look forward to seeing Don Bowers’ photos. Thanks so much. Would be nice to have some captions. Recognized Mr. Burrus, but the rest were long after my departure. Thanks so much again. Lou Wengenroth IV Middletown, N.Y. The future of the Frisco Pier is unclear Here is a dreamer’s dream for the solution to Frisco Pier. The Frisco Pier is a commercial site, but it seems to me that, in a strange kind of way, it too is somewhat historical in nature. Fishermen and surfers over the years have competed side by side whenever the surf or the fish have showed up. We all know how good that it can be. So time is calling again for waterpersons up and down the coast to rise to the occasion to help protect what we claim to love. $200,000 dollars is nothing if everyone pitches in. Why, one may ask, and I ask WHY NOT? Help keep ownership in a local's hand. Locals understand better than anyone the importance of “free beach access.” Let's invite everyone who has ever said that they love the Outer Banks and Hatteras to step forward to be counted. People helping people, just for the fact of helping. Everyone wins, but especially, Hatteras Island visitors. In the bigger picture, Hatteras Island wins. If this dream of dreams touches anyone’s heart, count GSN, Global Surf Network, in and we will gladly pitch in to help. In fact GSN believes that it would be an excellent winter project to raise funds to assist the owners to fulfill their dream of serving fishermen, surfers, and tourists as they have expressed to others. Frisco pier re-opened in the near future. What a novel idea. Sounds good to me. Rob Beedie Global Surf Network Norfolk, Va. rob@globalsurfnetwork.com We have been coming to Frisco area primarily due to pier. We are contemplating another area next year. Do you think pier can/will be repaired by September of next year? Hazel Messer Gastonia, N.C. The Bird Man: Frisco’s Lou Browning has federal approval to minister to animals Lou Browning is nothing less than a re-incarnated Saint Francis. I am definitely putting him in my will. The world should know about Lou. Please spread the word so that contributions can help this beautiful person. I know that it is tremendously expensive, being an animal rescue person myself for over 50 years. Let's financially help Lou out and also send good energy and prayers to him. Bless you, Lou. This is definitely a better world because of you. Nancy BB Meyer Rochester, N.Y. Lou is one of the all-too-few people in this world who care for and help suffering wild animals, and at a personable expenditure that he gladly makes, whether or not affordable. I was so moved by Jordan Tomberlin's thorough article that I am sending an immediate contribution to help defray the cost of Lou's incessant labors. Gerald Dennis Meyer Cortland, N.Y. A helicopter tour of the surf from Hurricane Bill Thanks for the show. Some of those waves were awesome. Left the screen up for the class to view. Thanks again. Lou Wengenroth IV Middletown, N.Y. Seeing the sights from the air with Dwight Burrus While on our anniversary vacation in Waves, we included a flight with Dwight (Burrus Flying Service). What a grand experience! The flight was great and the scenery spectacular. The true surprise of the trip was Dwight's stories - he's a fantastic storyteller - the Jimmy Buffett of Frisco, N.C.! We will definitely do it again and again. Our best to Debbie and Dwight. Vick Gately Annapolis, Md. Perdue, Basnight, and Spears coming to Buxton to discuss wind energy This meeting is a must for those of us who live on Hatteras Island. The subject is important. However, of greater immediate importance is the opportunity to express to our legislators and governor the pressing needs of this island. This is our opportunity to tell of the severe losses experienced as a result of the consent decree and the actions of the National Park Service. Our state government has the power to influence the Congressional representatives to support the overturning of the evil consent decree. Barbara Ackley Buxton The Audubon Society will stop this instantly. A few birds will be caught in the turbines! Esther Cavanaugh Aliquippa, Pa. Jimmy Buffet likes driving the seashore beaches During my 20 years on the Outer Banks, I crossed paths with several celebrities. Maybe it's telling that they received no more attention than the average visitor by most of the locals. When you live in a special place, I, for one, think you can tend to overlook a person’s specialness. Instead you view your surroundings and the naturalness of the area as far more interesting than idolizing celebrities. Bob Schaible Indialantic, Fla. A guide to finding fish in the surf Being an avid Hatteras surf fisherman, I had one more point to make that can be helpful in finding a good spot while surf fishing. My dad always taught me to look where the waves are breaking and how they are rolling in. Look for spots where the waves are evening out away from the shore. This usually means that there is a deep hole, which is where some fish may be feeding. It's also good to use the right weight when surf fishing. In windy, high surf weather, it's good to go with a 4- or 5-ounce weight in order for your bait to stay in place, thus reducing any slack. In calmer weather, use 2 or 3 ounces. Using too heavy of a weight can cause casting problems, though, so don't go too heavy. Anyhow got off the subject of finding fish. Hope you find my comment useful in your next surf fishing adventure. Kurt Maschmeier Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio New Letters to the Editor....09.15.2009 7:45 am Beach Access and Park Issues Bob Mead of Hatteras makes a valid point about the vandalism being perpetrated by environmentalists (people haters) in his letter published on Sept. 9. Why have almost no animals been harmed, no birds run over, turtle nests crushed, any true damage to anything other than a few signs run over and some tire tracks? Why would protesting vandals be so careful if they are as disdainful of the consent decree as I am? I am not saying that I would do what they have done, but if they are so incensed about this that they are willing to risk federal prison to do it, why so carefully? It sounds more like people haters trying to look like protesters or those practicing civil disobedience, rather than real protesters wreaking havoc in the hated fenced-off areas. Are they receiving help or being ignored by a segment of the park police? Is that why they have never been caught and no real effort is being made to catch them? Good questions all. Some real answers might be in order. Some real results too, not just more closures that hurt all the good people who obey the string and posts. Bert Smith Richmond, Va. With all the challenges that the citizens of Hatteras Island have had to endure during the past two years as a result of an activist federal judge, Defenders of Wildlife, the Audubon Society, and the Southern Environmental Law Center, one would think that our representatives in Washington, D.C., would be looking out for us, but think again! On Wednesday, Sept. 9, North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan demonstrated just how much she sympathizes with those on Hatteras Island. The Senate voted 63-35 to invoke cloture on the nomination of Cass Sunstein to be administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, setting up a final vote on his nomination in the coming days. Sen. Hagan was one of the 63 votes that has helped advance Sunstein in the United States Senate. Any reasonable person must realize how dangerous Cass Sunstein is for Hatteras Island. Here is an individual who believes in granting animals the right to bring suit against human beings and to be represented by legal counsel. Mr. Sunstein is an advocate of a ban on hunting, which is another assault on the Second Amendment. He also believes that Congress will at some point grant standing to animals to protect their rights and interests. Can you image how valuable Cass Sunstein will be to the very organizations that have helped shut down our beaches, decimate our livelihoods, and encroach on our liberty working from inside the White House? Sen. Hagan has illustrated with clarity how extreme her own environmental views are by supporting a radical like Cass R. Sunstein, and, with her vote, she has confirmed that she has no interest in making life any easier for those who live, work, and play on Hatteras Island. Kevin Conner Dare County Republican Party Chair Hatteras Stand in the Sand 2 Thank you so much for your coverage of the "Stand in the Sand 2." It is great to see you are actively covering these types of events so that frequent return visitors like me, who come from outside the area, can stay informed on the community. Many people from outside OBX want to help the local community by participating in fundraisers like this to support the ongoing struggle for fair and open beach access. It has been nice to get some advanced notice on these events with your articles to help plan a trip to the area when one is scheduled. Great follow-up article and slide show pictures so that we can see the final outcome of the event's success. Jeff Rice Newport News, Va. We have volunteered both years and hope this becomes a yearly event. We need to get together as islanders to show our support for the organizations and people who are working so hard to assure our beaches will remain open to ALL of us! Dolores and Neil Swartz Avon Thanks for the article and pictures! Cute dogs and cuter kids. Wish I could have been there and have resolved to try harder next time. $12,000 raised sounds to me like it was well worthwhile. Hats off to Rob and all the other volunteers! Thank you. Judy Latham Raleigh, N.C. Keep up the good fight. I wish I could have been there. I need a bumper sticker. James Taylor Wake Forest, N.C. If you plan to have a Stand in the Sand 3, try to post it early enough so we can make plans to attend. Jimmy and Jane Asby Plymouth, N.C. New Letters to the Editor....09.09.2009 10:45 am Beach Access and Park Issues It’s deplorable that this vandalism (of sea turtle and bird nests) takes place. Why are there not cameras on these areas? Lots of people use video cameras these days. I know of several hunters who do. They are relatively cheap and are discrete, and many work in the dark. I am sure many beach people on both sides of this issue would contribute to their purchase. Bob Mead Hatteras I'm sure that this has already been said or at least thought of but has it ever occurred to the Park Services that these environmentalist nut jobs, (tree, turtle, and bird huggers) are responsible for all of the vandalism? It would make perfect sense. The go out at night, disturb the nest, then the Park Service blames it on the locals and close more of the beach down. Like Gary Yarborough said: "Our sons and daughters are fighting for our freedom overseas while cowardly lawyers funded by keyboard environmentalists are taking our freedom away by restricting access to what God gave us. When all humans are gone from this earth they will have won." Daniel G. Printz, Jr. Yanceyville, N.C. How can the National Park Service violate the original charter legally? From Section 3: "He may also provide in his discretion for the destruction of such animals and of such plant life as may be detrimental to the use of any of said parks, monuments, or reservations." Keeping the beaches at Cape Hatteras closed for a few birds that are not endangered is idiotic. The Park Service was established FOR THE PEOPLE! Dean Eich Lanexa, Va. The pictures (of the re-opening of Cape Point) are great. I can't get down to the Outer Banks as much as I would like, so seeing the pictures is wonderful. Thanks. Joanne Szmodis Hellertown, Pa. A helicopter tour of the surf from Hurricane Bill Great pictures. I spent many vacations at the Outer Banks when I lived in Connecticut. Evacuated once during a hurricane and spent the night in small town schoolhouse inland. Quite an experience. Returned to vacation home the following day to bright skies and calm. Love the Outer Banks. Thanks for sharing your experience. Robert Moriarty Naples, Fla. Tiny House: The smallest dwelling on Hatteras I think the "Tiny House" should have a place next to the McMansions that have come to line the beach opposite the ferry landing in Hatteras village -- or perhaps next to the tiny pastel colored rental units in South Hatteras. Nice work, men. Jim Brown Baltimore, Md. Have the builders set a price on the Tiny House? Auction? I may well be interested. Bertie Dixon III Frisco New Letters to the Editor....09.01.2009 3:45 pm Beach Access and Park Issues
Our sons and daughters are fighting for our freedom overseas while cowardly lawyers funded by keyboard environmentalists are taking our freedom away by restricting access to what God gave us. When all humans are gone from this earth they will have won. Gary Yarborough Newport News, Va. Island off Cape Point is keeping rescue personnel busy Start charging for being saved and that would put a stop to the dummies going on the sand island. John Dumbleton Franklin, Pa. A helicopter tour of the surf from Hurricane Bill Beautiful. My mom, Blanche Midgett Brucker, grew up there. I visited many times as a child. The last time I was there was during Hurricane Emily. It was for a Midgett family reunion that could not take place because of the hurricane. We are going to try to visit this year in late October. Hopefully, the hurricanes will cooperate. I can't wait to see my only surviving Uncle Percy and the rest of the extended families that can make it. Sally Rinker Payson, Utah WOW! I am speechless. The photos are beautiful. Thank You. Renee Shroyer Donegal, Pa. Awesome photographs! Thanks for sharing. Hazel Zinn-Day Woodville, Va. I would like to thank Mr Pullen for sharing his photos from the helicopter tour. He gave me another view of the islands that I may never experience. David L. Phillippie Haw River, N.C. Daniel, Larry sent me these pics. Happy to hear you two had so much fun flying the other day.Your pics are great. My regards to your Dad.. Judy Ihle (aka Larry’s mom) Kill Devil Hills Hatteras Recycle: The company that started small is now serving all of the island I would like to add to your article that Midgett Realty has wholly supported Hatteras Recycle from its beginning. Midgett Realty currently has all of our rental homes from Rodanthe to Hatteras participating in the recycle program. I hope that one day ALL of the Hatteras Island property management companies will join the recycling efforts and enroll all of their homes. If we can band together we will help spread the word from north to south and east to west that, by working together, we can help to make our world a better place! Jenny Hooper Rodanthe What a great story, and even better, what a great cause. We all need to realize how important recycling is and how it can improve our future and generations to come. Recycling on Hatteras and Ocracoke is great -- just think of all the water, beer, pop and milk cartons vacationers and locals go through in just a week. I live in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and we have curbside recycling and it's great. Not only are you helping the environment, but it also cuts down on how much trash you have to put in your regular trash can. We have to put our regular trash can out only once every three weeks because we recycle everything else. I always thought it would be a good idea to put recycle bins at beach entrances so beachgoers and fishermen could throw away their recyclables when leaving the beach. This would be an easy and effective way to recycle. I hope to see the Outer Banks Motel with a recycle bin because that’s where we stay when we're down on the island, and it would be great to be able to recycle when on vacation. Recycling and going green is the future. Looks like Hatteras is on its way. Kurt Maschmeier Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Two amazing nights on Hatteras with Jim Cantore What a great story! Well written and fun to read! Thanks for sharing. Steve Vaughan Chesterfield, Va. Hatteras village shipwreck Wow. Big damned boat. Who knew they had that many big nails in them? Joe Ward Louisville, Ky. Jimmy Buffet enjoys driving the seashore beaches Hey, Jimmy, I enjoyed reading about your Outer Banks trip. Headed there for the first time in a couple of weeks. Reading about your adventures makes me want to get there sooner. Love your music and hope a song or two did come out of your trip. Stay safe where ever life takes you. Wanda Grantham Four Oaks, N.C. Three rehabilitated sea turtles return to the sea Awesome job saving these beautiful creatures. Nature rules! Rockey Haley Phillipsburg, N.J. Thanks for The Island Free Press Just wanted to tell you how much we enjoy your Island Free Press. Wish someone had a similar blog for the north beaches as we feel out of touch when away from the beach. The Link Family Southern Shores and Northern Virginia |
2009 Previous Letters to the Editor
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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