June 2010 Letters to the Editor |
| New
Letters to the Editor....06.29.2010
5:00
pm The weather was challenging, but
Stand in the Sand III was a success for OBPA
Although I could not make it down for the Stand in the Sand III, I was wondering if I could purchase a T-shirt. Also you are doing a great job keeping us informed on things that are happening on the Island. Donnie Bumpass, Va. I would love to join the event next year. Do you have a date in mind? Tami Conti Hampton, Va. (Editor’s note: Anyone who wants to make a donation, purchase a T-shirt, or find out if a date has been set for next year should contact the Outer Banks Preservation Association, www.obpa.org.) Park Service seeks driver of SUV that crushed loggerhead The "spin" on this appears to be that the turtle was killed by an SUV on the beach illegally (during closed hours). Could this not have happened at night prior to 10 p.m.? If so, I imagine that the driver was afraid to report it, given the tremendous amount of negative publicity it would cause. It is terrible that it happened but why do SUV drivers on the beach always get alluded to or portrayed as law breakers? H. Wayne Clark Ocracoke This heartless (and almost certainly willful) incident is the kind of “wildlife vandalism” that isn't helping the cause of those of us who would like to keep our beaches open and free for fishing, beachcombing, etc. But what really bothers me almost as much are the local conspiracy theorists who are blaming these episodes on environmentalists. I don't know of any environmentalist who would do something like this. Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, et al, may intimate that the Gulf oil spill was caused by environmentalists, but it doesn't wash, and that kind of low-information blame game doesn't wash here. I want our beaches to remain free and open as much as the next OBXer, but piping plover decals with bulls-eye’s over them aren't helping the cause, and I find them inflammatory. I think the person who did this was angry and was trying to make a point. Not very helpful. I hope the person gets caught, and they throw away the key. Beth Portsmouth, Va. If NPS had really wanted to catch this person on Ocracoke Island, they should have been able to do so. With the pictures that accompanied this photo, had NPS immediately called for help from local law enforcement, NCBBA, OBPA, and Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, they could have had enough manpower to check the undercarriage of every ORV on Ocracoke -- where the only way off is by ferry, boat, or plane -- and found blood stains on the undercarriage of said vehicle. But, then again, maybe it was a government vehicle that did the deed. They were the only allowed vehicles on the beach when the turtle was killed. Frank Folb Avon I am shocked by the pictures of carnage on the beach. Two questions: 1. Where the hell were the law officers of the NPS (again!)? 2. Since there were no vehicles allowed on the beach at the time of the killing of the turtle could it not be alleged that an official vehicle was involved in the incident? Until the law-enforcement section of the park service (or dis-service) addresses the needs of their jobs, they are more suspicious than any other. Larry Cullen Buxton Please all, let's find this person! We're having enough trouble with beach closures... This person needs to be accountable. Maybe it was an accident, maybe something else. In any case, it happened and it's terrible. I'm not a tree hugger or an Audubon fan, but come on. We as sportsman need to get to the bottom of this. Kent Newton Richmond, Va. Air Force jet combat practice provides a show for Hatteras islanders Hasn't Audubon figured a way to prevent the United States Armed Forces from worrying the holy piping plover? Hawk Hawkins Mechanicsville Va. Pardon the noise. It's the sound of freedom....period! Kevin McCabe Buxton Besides the natural beauty the Outer Banks provides, this is another reason why I like coming to the Outer Banks. Alan Hanover, Pa. Impact of Gulf oil spill on marine life is still uncertain With all due respect to the scientists and officials, these were the same views held earlier in the Gulf. We should be planning for any eventuality NOW while we have the advantage of time. Since are beaches are too precious for us to use, the Park Service not being prepared in advance for this is unacceptable. Mike McGuire Gaithersburg, Md. More ORV and beach access issues I just got home from my week vacation on Hatteras Island. I would like to thank the people of Hatteras Island, from the grocery store checkout girls, the shop clerks, and business owners, the people at the docks, the realty staff and the neighbors in Brigands’ Bay and everyone at the softball games. Everyone was nice, friendly, and courteous, and it was a pleasure to spend the week on your island. I have to admit I did miss going to the Point (Cape Point) at night to watch the sunset and just hang out and watch everybody fish. It was always so much fun to see the happenings at the Point. What a shame that this has been taken away. It’s like a way of life that doesn’t exist anymore. It’s just not fair. I miss seeing all the big trucks with rod racks and coolers and fishing rods sticking up from the rod racks. I miss seeing all the activity at the Red Drum Tackle shop. It’s not the same, and I miss that part. It’s sad and it’s not right. Lisa Richardson Rocky Mount, N.C. I must say that I am embarrassed by the trash that has developed on Highway 12. I drive to Avon everyday to work and between Buxton and Avon villages, the amount of trash that has collected in the roped off space that the Park Service has put there by order of the Audubon Society to protect the birds and turtles is growing day by day. It seems to me that it is the responsibility of the Park Service to collect this trash seeing how an environmentally conscientious person can't go in the area to collect it themselves. I remember just a couple years back that local citizens would take it upon themselves to clean the roadside on Highway 12. Also, the state prison system would send down prisoners to help keep our road sides clean, but not anymore. Now we have to endure the ugly road side trash that sits on the beautiful dunes of Highway 12 because we are NOT allowed to keep our beaches clean. Go figure that! Beth Bailey Hatteras Island Living: In defense of a world without Walmart As a visitor to this wonderful island since 1960, I was glad to read your explanation of life on the island. In my time, I watched as Myrtle Beach turned into fast food, fast everything alley. I hold my breath every year hoping that never happens on Hatteras or Ocracoke. I know for the residents of the island, it is an inconvenience having to drive up Highway 12 to Nags Head or Kitty Hawk. However, if you have never lived in a beach community that has been unfortunate enough to have a Walmart engulf and change a peaceful way of life, changing it to “every day low standards,” you have not seen blight. I live in such a community now, and I miss the times when you could walk the beach trails to the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay without fear of stepping on a syringe or crack pipe! I was glad for the permanent residents of the island when a large supermarket came, but that’s it. After all, Burrus Red and White was the one of the largest markets on the island back in the day, and Red and Lois Rollinson ran the market /post office in Frisco, now know as the Frisco Native American Museum. You don’t need no stinking Whoppers, Pig Macs, or Wendy triples in a national seashore community where camping tourists are still in style and hello and a hand wave is second nature. I envy you, my friends! Walmart has every day low standards! Steve Fowee St. Leonard, Md. July 4 fireworks shows are cancelled on Hatteras and Ocracoke I am so sad to learn of the July 4 fireworks cancellation. My family and I have come to Cape Hatteras for more than 20 years and rarely missed your display. I hope the local businesses and visitors will find a way to finance a July 4 celebration in 2011. S. Brown Detroit, Mich. I am very sad to hear this. We are always there for the Fourth, and I've never had a July 4 without fireworks. It just doesn't seem right. It’s very disappointing for my daughter as well. I sure hope they will be on for next year! Stephanie Pace Scottsville, Va. More vandalism closes more beach -- this time on Bodie Island Dear National Park Service, I have recently spent two full days at Ramp 34 with my family. Each visit was one week apart. Strange as it seemed, we never saw the first park ranger -- eight hours each day at the beach north of Ramp 34 and not one Park Service vehicle. My point is how can we ever catch these people who are destroying government property with such a poor ranger presence. It seems that the Park Service is hoping that the public will do their job for them. In the electronic world that we live in today, I wonder why the Park Service is not arming the closure areas to set off alarms? Cameras would do us all justice, would they not? Showing up after the fact is not doing us any good. I have all the respect in the world for the Park Service rangers and the job they are doing for my family and visitors on our beaches. However, I am left asking questions why there are never any violators caught and why I feel as if I am the one being punished with the increased size of the buffers. My family and I cherish the beaches and wildlife on Hatteras Island. We also cherish the time we are allowed to spend enjoying them. I would hope that a continuous effort to update technology to stop the seemingly endless effort of the criminals destroying government property. Kenneth Sharp Jr. Manteo New environmental study on Bonner Bridge released; public meetings planned for July Please do not wait as others have done until the bridge falls in with cars on it. It seems as if the marsh is more important that lives. I believe in saving the land, but there must be some give and take in this situation Thank you for taking care of the matter before it is too late. Betty Sawyer Wanchese As a property owner in Salvo, I am very concerned about the delay in construction of the new bridge over Oregon Inlet. To state the obvious, this project is long overdue. I was grateful to discover that the “long bridge” alternative was not included in the current proposal. Building a 17-mile long bridge, which the environmental groups have favored, would have been one of the biggest engineering fiascos of modern times. Unfortunately, Audubon and its sister organizations will continue their attempt to prohibit access to Hatteras Island villages through the Pea Island Refuge. There must be a way to silence these groups and find a workable solution for construction of a new bridge over Oregon Inlet. Bill Blackwell Roper, N.C. Public comment period is open on proposed public boating access at Hatteras A public boating ramp/access would be a great addition. I strongly support access. Clark Fortney Stephenson, Va. All For it. It would be a relief on private ramps. Gary R Cooper Jr. Avon My family and friends would love a public boat ramp in Hatteras, especially now that driving on the beach is all but non-existent. If vacationers are not allowed to enjoy the vast beaches of Hatteras Island, then they need other encouragement to visit the area, such as easy boating access! Will Brown Wilmington, N.C. Serendipity arrives at its new home in Rodanthe I saw this house in the movie and fell in love with it. I am taking my first trip to the Outer Banks June 27 - July 2 because of this house. I'm sure there's a lot more to see, but I really hope to get to see this dream house. Mona Brown Pawtucket, R.I. It looks absolutely beautiful. I must get down to see it in person -- or better yet, rent it. Wonderful job. Alison Colonia, N.J. As a two-time vacationer to Cape Hatteras, I am so happy to learn about Serendipity's rescue. It's interesting to think that on my way to Buxton, I passed by the house without noticing much about it (the movie hadn't been filmed yet). Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Huss, for saving this icon from the encroaching ocean. It is absolutely beautiful! Cheryl Haydon Milford, Ill. When can you rent and do you have info? It is really a work of art. The owners should be very proud. Larry Johnson Glen Allen, Va. (Editor’s Note: Serendipity can be rented through Vacation Traditions. See the ad on the Real Estate and Business Page.) UPDATE: Hatteras-based Citation disqualified in Big Rock; local captains criticize decision I have to agree with Capt Jay and Rom on this. While one can argue the mate did play the system, the fact remains that the fish was legally taken on board the boat and docked. There are a few disturbing things that occurred during this decision-making process. Rob Alderman Buxton I was so excited that a local boat was bringing home the Big Rock title and purse. It is a shame that they lost it. I have hunted and fished in many states. At no place and at no time was I ever under an impression that licensing requirements permitted me to shoot an animal or catch a fish, then purchase the license. Success or lack of success has never been a licensing option in my experiences. I am unaware of any commercial licenses that work that way either. If the Citation held an annual charter boat fishing license that covered all members of the party, I feel compliance should not have been an issue. I deeply regret the oversight. Charles Peele Frisco Where has all the liquor gone? The shelves are empty in Ocracokes ABC store WOW! I would be the first to say to give the benefit of the doubt on certain things, but it certainly looks like there was some massive incompetence or a lot of simple theft going on at the Hyde county ABC division. Alexy Abdo Frisco Thanks to IFP and Cate Kozak for the informative series. It's amazing that such a ripe, low-hanging piece of malfeasance can avoid public scrutiny and out-loud protest. Now if we can just come to learn how a one year, $250 monthly, lease can curtail a $75,000 note. Something missing? Let's hope that this is not the last we hear of this fiasco and its perps. Prost! Fred Westervelt Ocracoke New Letters to the Editor....06.14.2010 1:00 pm Beach access and ORV issues I just saw another story about the thousands of teachers that will be laid off soon. Too bad they don't understand that when historic places like Cape Point are closed because of non-science buffers, thousands of visitors do not come to Hatteras Island. Guess what does not come with them? The millions of tax dollars that go back to Raleigh from donor Dare County! Those are the dollars that pay teacher's salaries and are used for education. Thanks a lot Audubon. What have you ever done for the good state of North Carolina? A large majority of people are beginning to see your true colors. Kevin McCabe Buxton With the terrible oil spill threatening underwater life for miles to our south, maybe it's time the "bird" people and "turtle" people who so worry about the Hatteras coast go south and assist with cleaning the pelicans, birds, fish -- and helping the sea life that truly need it! The plovers and turtles have been reproducing for more years than any of us can know without mankind's help. The sea creatures around Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama truly need our assistance. Audubon people, Defenders of Wildlife, etc., it's way past time you head south and actually do some good! Leave Hatteras alone. Beth Saylor Churchville, Va. Developing a protected Audubon area in Corolla? Guess the "northern OBX" birds aren't as important as the Hatteras birds. Where's the outrage from the bird people on this one? Does anyone see the irony? If they can bulldoze the beach there and build, can't we have access in Hatteras to just enjoy the beach. This is just too weird or too political or something. S. Everette Mechanicsville, Va. Hypocrisy! The Audubon Society is supporting closing the beaches to everyone to protect the birds - yet they want to sell their Pine Island property for high density development? I can't think of any greater example of hypocrisy than this! Where are all those Defenders of Wildlife now? Mary Hughes Becker Winslow, Ind. It's extremely unfortunate, but residents of the Gulf Coast are beginning to feel exactly the same anger and frustration that we here on Hatteras Island have been feeling for years. Their beaches are being shut down, their tourist and fishing economies are being ruined, and their way of life is being destroyed, exactly the same as ours are. The cause of their catastrophe is the intrusion onto their beaches by oil from a blown-out well. The cause of our catastrophe is the intrusion onto our beaches by a non-native species of bird called the piping plover. The big difference is that on the Gulf Coast, the federal government is trying to help them recover. In our case, the federal government is actually trying to make it worse. Clayton W. Davis Avon Rumors, rumors, rumors. One of the latest rumors circulated is that the Audubon has misused its members trust and donations during the replies to the DEIS. Here's the skinny. When soliciting responses to the DEIS, Audubon has provided for the easy acceptance of donations from its membership, knowing that their signature on an allegedly personal letter would be deemed bogus (the letter) by the NPS. Therefore, they ( Audubon) would increase their coffers while the submitted letters never would be counted for a valid comment by the Park Service. If true, would this not shock the donors for the underhanded way the organization tricks its membership in order to procure funds for its various endeavors? Say it isn't so, Audubon! Assure us all that such tactics are not used by a trusted conservation organization. While discussing the Audubon, what about the sale of the property in Corolla? Do the town fathers of that community seem to be involved in a trick of the hand concerning the beach property and its zoning errors? Is Audubon involved in that sleight of hand also? The error discussed allegedly cannot be changed. I wonder why? Larry Cullen Buxton Vandalism of resource areas expands beach closures It appears the NPS is unable to adequately protect the closures. Increasing the closure size because the NPS cannot or will not do their job is incredibly unfair to the public. Yet the NPS does see fit to play traffic cop on the highway. Shame on them. Bud Nelson Doesn't one wonder if these deliberate vandalism incidents are not done by people associated with special interests for birds or even worse the Park Service itself? I don't recall any of these actions resulting in a prosecution. It seems strange to me nobody has been caught yet. Wes Lassiter Frisco Who has the most to gain by more beach closures? Enough said. Kal Gancsos Hatteras Serendipity: Relocated, renovated, redecorated, and ready for the rest of its life Are we as the public allowed to go through the house? I would love to see it. I've watched the movie so many times. I'm down here now on vacation. Can we take pictures of the outside? I spotted it coming down the road when I arrived. Debbie Bowling Canal Winchester, Ohio Island Living: In defense of a world without Walmart Good article. Many years ago had this happen to me. Believe then we had Ormond’s in Buxton. Now we have thrift shops. Someone needs to contact local stores about stocking some underwear. Then you get into gender. How far do you go with this? Think you need to do a survey? Mike Martin Avon What a strangely simple way to put it. I love it. I have been coming to the "island without Walmart" for 53 years, first as a child then a young adult with family and now just the wife and I. I was there through two hurricanes, a couple northeasters, and when the bridge went out -- when the ferry didn’t run and there was no milk or bread in the stores. You know it's still my little piece of paradise. AMEN! Larry Deem Belpre, Ohio Why would anyone need underwear on vacation, at the beach, in the summer? Great article! Paul Gambrills, Md. What a great perspective! Wonderfully written. I was laughing out loud. I am one who does “get it.” I'd take location over conveniences at a drop of a hat! B. Ballou Ravenna, Ohio What a great article! I found myself laughing as I read because I've been right there in the hunt for underwear before. When my now 21-year-old was about 4, we were on the island for a two-week stay, and due to a bad case of boogie board/sand rash, we decided a pair of "tighty whities" might just be the answer to the problem, instead of his boxers. After an exhaustive island search, we finally found a couple of pair at the thrift store in Buxton. I can't remember if they did the trick or not as far as the rash, but I will forever remember thinking how awesome it must be to live somewhere where one has to go off-island to buy boys’ underwear. I have always maintained that I could happily give up the trappings of living inland in order to live on the island and someday I will -- just wait and see. Renee Tomberlin Marvelous! Kevin Dimock, Pa. Ferry runs aground in Hatteras Inlet This is quite interesting! The same thing happened to us in January, 2009, our 40th wedding anniversary. We left Swan Qtr. that afternoon in January, encountered a huge storm midway to Ocracoke, and became stuck within sight of the Ocracoke ferry docks! We were safe at all times, but quite stunned to be "rocking and rolling" and stuck late at night! We were forced to turn around and head back to Swan Quarter because the water level in Silver Lake was too low. We then drove back to Washington, N.C., to spend the night. We got up the next morning, boarded another ferry and had no problems. What an adventure we had and what a way to spend our anniversary! Gail Fisher Harrisburg, N.C. Frisco Pier unlikely to open this season What a shame. It seems that all the piers on North Carolina coast are going away along with the memories of that first time going out on a pier or the first fish pulled up on the planks. Save our piers. We may need them in the future, because it may be the only way to fish since the birds are taking over. James Taylor Wakeforest, N.C. Any sign of progress on getting the pier open for this season? We missed it last year and are hoping to see it open for our trip down this year. Any news good or bad would be appreciated. Joe H. Montvale, N.J. (Editor’s note: The Frisco Pier will probably not be open this season.) Dr. Beach chooses Cape Hatteras as No. 4 for 2010 Thank you, Dr. Beach, for choosing Cape Hatteras. We know it is beautiful and now you let everyone else know. Phyllis DeCamp Canton, Ohio Guest Column: Should the plastic bag ban be extended? Yes, I agree with Mr. Basnight. A small change will have a lasting effect and this small effort will make a change for the better. Kudos to Mr. Basnight for his concern about maintaining the quality of the Outer Banks. Dennis Kill Devil Hills New Letters to the Editor....06.02.2010 4:45 pm Vandalism closes Ramp 45 to all
access
Where were the park patrols? If the violators had a fire going, the park patrol should have been able to see it. It sounds like teenagers to me. There goes the neighborhood. John Dumbleton Franklin, Pa. Park Service closes Ramp 44 to Cape Point Our friends and family have been vacationing on Hatteras Island for over 25 years, and have always respected and appreciated the island, beach, wildlife, and birds. It is vastly disappointing to see Cape Point closed and other areas of the beach. It has always been our favorite place to fish and just relax. If year-round closures were to happen and be enforced, we would unfortunately not visit Hatteras again. Those things have always been the governing reason for our visits, and we spend four weeks there every summer. Our friends and extended family all share these same feelings because it’s always been our main reason for vacationing there as well. While we agree the wildlife needs to be protected, there also needs to be a happy medium for everyone to share this beautiful island with the birds and wildlife. A national park is really meant for the enjoyment of the American public. It would also be an awful loss of income through loss of tourism dollars for island residents. Consider their survival. By all means protect the wildlife, institute a fee for ORV drivers on the beach, then use the revenue to hire a few extra park rangers or even use part-time volunteers to protect those birds, etc. But do not close our beaches. Yes! Our beaches. They belong to all of us. Chyerl Youtz Lebanon, Pa UPDATE: Limited access to Cape Point and Ramp 45 are closed I forgot a few things when I last commented. I apologize, so please bear with me. As far as the Point goes, there is only one other spot on this earth like it -- that is the tip of South Africa. I feel it is criminal to keep it from the public. First, as I expressed before, these piping plovers are not native to this area and they thrive elsewhere. That being said, my second point is about the slaughter of the native animals to protect these birds -- the native foxes, minks, raccoons, possums, cat,s and some house pets. Where do these "animal rights and environmental rights activists" draw the line and how do they decide what is important enough to live in the park? Bill Beaumont Oakdale, Pa. More Beach Access Issues Just wondering that after living here for 46 years, when did I become a "visitor" to my native home? Charlie Barnett Hatteras Folks, let's not give up the fight. When we cancel our fishing and other trips to our beloved Outer Banks beaches, we lose and they win. We hurt the local economy. The local folks that depend on us are the ones we hurt the most. Let's keep the fight going. Let's show up. Let's go to the beach. Let's go fishing. Let's show those that want to shut the world out to us who love it how we will not be pushed around. How we will not just let them bulldoze us into oblivion. Let's support our Outer Banks no matter how inconvenient it might become to get to the beach, to get to the surf, and to enjoy our beloved Outer Banks beaches. The Outer Banks and its wonderful people need us and need us now. Let's not let them down. Thank you. Jose and Sharon Simon Charlotte, N.C. I have been following the Us-vs-Them, or Beach Usage-vs-Wildlife, and this is getting so out of control. I have always been one for compromise and understanding, and I see both sides. But we have two groups that have very strong valid points, and then you have the extremes of those groups who are excessive and uncooperative. I believe that most people here want to do little harm to what is wonderful about the Outer Banks. They want to be out here and fish, walk the beach, hunt for shells, sit on the shore, fly a kite, and watch the waves. They want to enjoy the beauty of all the natural and wonderful offerings of the OBX. Just tell them where and what to watch out for, and I bet they would take care of all that is fragile to the OBX. But instead, the extremists have made all that is wonderful and unique to the OBX something to hate, something to fight against instead of protecting. So what is happening? Well, it is more Us-vs-Them -- fewer tourists for those who don't like tourist and more hate for the wonders of the OBX. And me? I am staying a week south but worried about staying longer, I want to be able to walk the beach, and with the extremists out there, chances are open beaches might be rarer than the birds! Jacque Gates Fortville, Ind. At last I can finally feel some solace from the realization that our "friends" from the Audubon, Defenders of Wildlife, and the SELC have a real cause that they can sink their collective teeth into and accomplish some good for Mother Earth. We are all aware of the horrendous tragedy taking place in the Gulf with the oil spill going on there. This seems a true opportunity for these groups of sincere wildlife defenders to get down and dirty with helping clean up the mess and truly save wildlife fouled by this unprecedented oil fiasco. Get down there and help the fowl we see on TV! Let your hands help the truly helpless and perhaps save the life of a few birds that are really in need of your support. Get off your plump behinds and wade in the marshes of Louisiana and really contribute to the plight of a thousand distressed birds, turtles, fish, and the like who are perishing because of your inaction to save them. Do some real work to save some really threatened species and stop your whining about a few birds that no one is trying to destroy, on a beach where no oil lies. Larry Cullen Buxton I have just returned from Hatteras Island where I was on vacation. I saw around 12 miles of beach and dunes closed between Salvo and Avon. My question is how many bird nests are in these miles of closed beach and dune area? Does someone actually walk this 12 miles or is this just an estimate of nests. If it is actually walked this must be very disruptive to nesting birds. Raymond Day Roanoke, Va. Why are you having so many problems down there? Life is too short. Whack the people creating problems and enjoy life. It’s been many years since we’ve been to Hatteras, and I sure miss it. Oust the politicians before they ruin your fabulous island. This is the United States of American. Neil Donovan Newport, Del. Report on Judge Boyle’s status conference on the consent decree They call it hostile behavior. When the rights of any American citizen are so blatantly violated, then one has the right to be upset. As stated in this article, pronouncements and interpretations seem to speak for themselves. Outside the confines of the Constitution of the United States and reality and based on skewered data, like global warming for example, to spread an agenda. Some will look at this as say, “Midland, Tex.? What right does the writer have to say this?” Well, the writer in a Hatteras Island native from a family who earned its living on the beaches of Cape Hatteras. It is a shame, and, yes, folks have a right to be upset. Their lives and the lives and livelihoods of their children and grandchildren are being stomped on. That goes for the visitors who visit and lend a hand in providing a living for the residents as well. Common sense has been thrown away by those who make pronouncements and interpretations and live under the shield of life-time appointments. J. Williams Midland, Tex. Dr. Beach says Cape Hatteras is No. 4 for 2010 And to think that you can't go there and enjoy it. It belongs to the birds. Isn't that neat? Thanks NPS. Jim Florence, S.C. State MFC narrowly votes to comply with weakfish limits It is time we stand up to the bullies. With the limits in place, they might as well close the fishery. The government will continue to inflict a slow death on commercial and recreational fishing if we don't take a stand. P.S. While 2007 and 2008 were pretty slow seasons for gray trout, 2009 was the best season my neighbors and I can remember in a long time--not only large numbers but good size as well. A friend from South Carolina told me the same thing. Did ASMFC look at 2009 data? How do they gather the data? And as Styron said, every time the government and conservationists get involved, they screw up the balance of nature. Ginny Luizer Buxton Outer Banks Angling: A memorable day of fishing in kayaks on the Diamond Shoals Great story! I love to fish the Banks and it is fine to read about it while I'm up in the mountains. Dave Proudfoo Belington, W.Va. One of the most enjoyable fish stories I have read. E-mailing to friends. Thanks. John Brady Pittsburgh, Pa. Owners explore opening part of the Frisco Pier for business this summer How's it coming? I was so excited when I saw this article, because everything we had heard elsewhere was not encouraging. We have rented a house very close to the pier from June 5-12. With all the beach closures around, good fishing is at a minimum. We hear the cobias are running strong around the pier. (Editor’s Note: Unfortunately Frisco Pier is probably not going to re-open this year. There is an updated article on the Local News Page.) Cindy Hurricane, W.Va. Hometown boy captures the attention of the surfing world in Hawaii event I too, am elated to read this story and will re-post a link to it on my Facebook story-telling page called, Snag a Neff. Well done, Brett. May God richly bless your endeavors! Sandra J. Koster Williston, Fla. Serendipity: Relocated, renovated, redecorated, and ready for the rest of its life Serendipity looks beautiful in the slide show. I do hope that the owners/renters will NOT keep those outside lights on at night! There's nothing worse than having “night lights” on to ruin one's enjoyment of the beach, the ocean, and the sky. Light pollution already is a big problem nearly everywhere. Don't contribute to it. Norma Longo Durham, N.C. WOW! I will be in Kitty Hawk in June and will make it a point to go see the new location. This house deserves the TLC it has been given. Bravo Ben and Debbie! Joan Windham, Conn. I have just finished looking at the slide show. What a beautiful job they did with the home. I can't wait to see it again in all it's grandeur. So happy it was saved and moved and redone. I loved the movie. I am so happy the house is back and looking so beautiful for all of us to see again. Marti Richmond, Va. Guest column: Where is the truth on sea turtle nesting success? Great work, Larry, I think the problem is your dealing with closed-minded people who do not care about the facts. Chris Jones Morehead, N.C. In Florida, the raccoons are responsible for the major loss of turtle nesting success. The raccoons raid the nest during and after the turtles lay the eggs. Then when the turtles hatch, - the raccoons hunt the hatchlings down, too, as they head for the water. Is the Park Service doing anything about the raccoon population? Scott Schermerhorn Melbourne Beach, Fla. Guest Column: Anyone for a swim? We are writing in reference to the guest column by Jeff Oden posted on The Island Free Press site regarding the deadlock for an indoor swimming pool on Hatteras Island. There is no access to year-round aquatic exercise on the island. A gift of $400,000 has been presented to the Dare County Board of Commissioners to fund an indoor pool and we don't want to see this gift just float around and drown in bureaucratic deadlock. Jeff Oden says Parks and Recreation have matching funds and if we show 1 percent of his brother Kenny's persistence, they will be starting the project the day after tomorrow. Warren Judge suggested that to free up excess land a well-organized lobbying effort of the Dare County Board of Education by a good cross-section of Hatteras Island residents would be a start. If deadlock is due to lack of funds, then we would like some transparency on the proportion of taxes collected from each village in Dare County and how those taxes are distributed to improve the quality of life through parks, recreational facilities and programs, trail and bike paths, beautification projects and other services provided by county taxes. What percentage of the tax dollar pie does Hatteras Island generate and what percentage of the tax dollar pie does Hatteras Island receive? We understand there will be a property tax increase this year to stabilize finances and replenish the school budget. What specifically will Hatteras Island receive in return for this increase? Kenny Oden's generous gift to the community would benefit the school children, the physically challenged, the elderly, anyone wishing to learn to swim, and anyone who wants to keep physically fit. Since aquatic exercise is considered to be one of the most beneficial forms of exercise and therapy we don't want plans for this money to become waterlogged, sink, and be squandered. Let's show some splash and persistence! We want to make Kenny Oden's dream of an indoor pool a reality. Sheldon Willis, Hatteras Anne Shisler, Frisco Judy Morrow, Buxton Keith Matthews, Avon Elvin Hooper, Salvo Island Living: In defense of a world without Walmart Great article. Really puts things in perspective, not just for me, but for the thousands of people who visit the island with everything but the kitchen sink packed in the mini-van. Grant it, you want to be prepared, but at what cost? Live it up! Eamon Avon, Ohio Great story! My husband and I will be moving to Avon permanently in September, and in March when we were on the island, I pointed out the jockey shorts at Ace but said, "No bras." Vicki Hoover York, Pa. Charming and laugh-out-loud funny! I'll be retiring in 3 years and have often thought about moving there but I doubt I'm island material. Living near Duke and UNC-CH as I do, I may be spoiled for anything more rural. What do y'all do when somebody has a heart attack? Or needs chemo for 21 days straight? Judy Latham Raleigh, N.C. Some facts about homeowner’s insurance on the coast State Sen. Marc Basnight’s recent attempt to fix homeowner’s insurance rates was, as everyone knows, rejected by the Senate. Here are some facts that the insurance industry and the Commissioner do not want published. The State Court of Appeals rejection of a coastal lawsuit was one of procedure directing us to another venue, not a ratification of existing rates. We must litigate because there is no appeal process and no public input. In effect, the Commissioner is a czar who can and does sacrifice 10 percent of the population in order to please the other 90 percent of the voters. The word “Florida,” which is often used, is a dead give away for anyone distorting the facts about insurance. It attempts to transfer the Florida experience to North Carolina. Florida is a peninsula between the Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean where exposure is doubled and the temperature far more conducive to dramatic hurricanes. North Carolina has NEVER had a Category 5 and only one Category 4 (Hazel). Most of the million dollar homes on the beach are considered “dwellings” for insurance purposes. No one is subsidizing them. It’s the other way around. They pay drastically higher premiums for far less coverage. Perhaps another Hugo would refresh the memory of the Insurance Commissioner about the real hurricane potential. Tom Thompson President, NC 20 Liking The Island Free Press I would like to thank you for the articles and all the great services that this newspaper is doing. My people are -- or were -- from Wanchese, and I also married a young lady from Avon. I was working out of Oregon Inlet and met her some 30 or so years ago. Her folks still live in Avon, and her brother is there also. Some of my family members still live in Wanchese. I have passed along your address to some of my friends from up here in Chesapeake. They really want to know what is going on down that way and they say that this is a terrific site. They say, “thanks,” and keep them coming. Frank Saunders Chesapeake |
|
2010
Previous Letters to the Editor
May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 Please see the Archives Pages for Previous Years Archives 2009 Archives 2008 Archives 2007 |
 |