2007 Letters to the Editor |
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Only on Hatteras and Ocracoke Photo Corner
Hatteras Village Christmas Parade A thought for election year As the New Year approaches, let us not forget that it is an election year, an opportunity for average men and women to change the political landscape of our county, state, and nation. During election cycles, politicians are renowned for their ability to fine-tune their positions on issues of the day as a means to appeal to a certain constituency. They tend to say what people want to hear, rather than what is a matter of truth. Whether you're a commercial fisherman fighting for your livelihood here on Hatteras Island or a small time farmer on the mainland fighting cheap foreign agricultural imports, remember that it is the politicians we choose to vote for who control our economic fate. Never forget what the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
did to our manufacturing infrastructure here in the Hatteras The price of gasoline
Fisheries Management Thank You for
printing my previous letter. I was just
sitting down to write another one, but something came up. It's the December Pacific Fisherman magazine,
and you should know that in it, you folks are referred to as "backbiters
and hair pullers" and "Bubbas" -- the Especially
odious to me were warm and fuzzy references to
Christmas page and slide shows Thank you for sharing your photos of the parade in the slide
show. We miss the island, and it seemed that for a few moments we were right
there with you all. I love what you are doing.
Really great photos. I wish I were there. Walter SipesGuest Column:
Life with no left turns
GeeGee Rosell Buxton State’s waterfront access fund The state has been given a grant to purchase water access land for the benefits of the people by Senate Bill 646. Louis Daniel, director of the state’s Division of Marine Fisheries approached me back in October to see if the Scotch Bonnet in Frisco property was available. He said he feels Hatteras Island needs a public water access, not only for various recreations and commercial fishing but for public welfare like in Hurricane Isabel. I wasn't there, but they told me that Scotch Bonnet was the lifeline to points south after the island was cut in half. With the climate supposedly changing and the risk of storms being more severe in the coming years, Daniel said they feel this property is needed for the good of Hatteras Island residents. I think they also want to build a civic-type center to promote marine wildlife, public boat ramp and docks, learning center and such. It is the last property of its type on the island, and if it is sold to a developer or someone with different plans, this opportunity will be forever gone to Hatteras Island residents. I told them I would be interested in selling it to them, and as of now it is one of 39 properties in the state being considered by Marine Fisheries. I am told a preliminary decision will be made some time in mid-December after they review properties also recommended by an advisory committee. This could be a chance for Hatteras Island residents to have this property without it being purchased by county taxes. It's all the state's money. I am also actively marketing it elsewhere, but I would truly like to see this property benefit the residents of Hatteras Island. If you and others on the island think this would be a huge asset, here are people to contact. Letters would be of more benefit as the assistant who is managing this said she is inundated by calls from people lobbying for sites in their area. Remember this is a statewide project. Also remember that Hatteras Island gets left behind many times with politics coming into play. Since the meeting is being held sometime in mid-December, timely resident input is of the essence. This property is about three acres, has a boat ramp, slips, good parking for cars and boat trailers and has a deepwater canal for access to the sound. A maintenance permit to keep this dredged has just been obtained. It also has easy roadside access and a 30-slip marina. The buildings were just renovated and would make good office space for Marine Fisheries or a learning center for marine life, and it has a large 1,500 square foot commercial garage for state equipment. Another site is being considered in Buxton. The Scotch Bonnet has many advantages over this other site. Much of what the state wants for the public is already in place -- slips, docks, boat ramp, deepwater channel, etc. Importantly, it is five miles closer to Hatteras Inlet than the other site, and you don't have to run far out into the sound to get to the inlet, which means a saving of more than half an hour and much fuel. If you feel that this could benefit residents and commercial and recreational fishermen, please contact Louis Daniel, director, North Carolina Marine Fisheries, 3441 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557. Phone number is 1-800-682-2632. You can also contact Patricia Smith at Marine Fisheries at P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557 or to tricia.smith@ncmail.net, or call Patricia Smith or Jennifer Floyd at 1-800-682-2632 or 252-726-7021. Jim O’Brien Llano County, Tex. (Editor’s Note: More information on the state’s funding for waterfront access projects is available on this Web site and from the Marine Fisheries Web site, http://www.ncfisheries.net/) Limited entry program for commercial fishermen Speaking as an Alaskan fisherman who has had 30 years experience with limited entry, IFQs, LAPs, DAPs and CDQs, I can sympathize with the problems of the North Carolina’s fisheries commissioners as they try to unravel it all. It might help if they understand that all these systems as they're designed nowadays are virtually identical. They all facilitate or install "privatization" of the resource. Privatization is what should be discussed. Twelve years ago we gave up our halibut and black cod to one of these programs. An 80 percent fleet reduction in one year is not a pretty thing to see. The town still feels the effects, and it seems that some of the very worst men wound up with the lion's share of the fishing rights. Today our town barely notices when the season is open. Compared to 12 years ago, we have little to do with removing the fish from the water. That's how it ends up. The local folks, who couldn't be put out of business in fair competition, are shut out by law. Looking back over the privatization schemes of the past, it's easy to see that the only benefit of these laws was to sweep up all the money into one place so it could be siphoned off. It's not a management tool of any kind. In fact, the laws in two notable cases (New Zealand redfish and Alaskan pollack) allowed the corporations to strip mine their fisheries to the point of collapse as soon as they got the locals out of the way. We had villages around the Gulf of Alaska that were inhabited for hundreds (or thousands) of years that finally died as a direct result of these laws. Others just lost their necessary local industries or their schools. A lot of life and fun has gone out of Alaska, starting 30 years ago when they came for our salmon. Our most prevalent salmon, a "pink" or "humpy," was worth 30 cents per pound in the 1960s before the plan was installed. Today we're paid 10 cents per pound. I imagine the North Carolina fisheries commissioners are already aware they are being romanced by some very smooth talkers about the benefits of one package or another. Find out who pays them. And then there are the biggest, most important and verbal fishermen who want you to approve the plan. Find out what they stand to gain. A dozen or so of our fishermen wound up with $10 to $50 million in fishing rights. More got a retirement package, but the majority lost everything. I'd strongly advise a go-slow approach. Play out the clock, and hold them at bay. I cannot believe that America will go much farther down this road. John Finley Kodiak, Alaska The mess at Mirlo Beach One thing regarding Mirlo Beach and the S-Curve area that I doubt many realize is that years ago there was an inlet there. It was called Loggerhead. Records are not exact but indicate it opened sometime prior to1851 and closed in the late 1870s. (As an aside, I believe another factor affecting erosion in that area is the very shallow Wimble Shoals off of the Waves/Salvo area. It tends to push the heavy surf north/south of the shoal, the north part going toward the S-Curve area.) A similar area is at the north end of Buxton. An inlet existed there from prior to 1585 to about 1657. It was called Cape Inlet by some and Chacandepeco by Indians. And the narrow area at the north end of Ocracoke Island, just south of the ferry landing had what was referred to as Old Hatteras Inlet. It was there from before 1585 to about 1755. Finally Roanoke Inlet existed from before 1585 to around 1811 in the vicinity of Whalebone in South Nags Head. Not exactly coincidence that all these areas get frequent poundings and suffer erosion. They have for 400-plus years. Ted A. Hamilton (aka Salvo Jimmy) Salvo For years I have watched as my hometown has been destroyed by greed. Building on this stretch of road wasn't allowed for years until the tourists and their money started to stay. Obviously, these are not rocket scientists who are trying to build a house in the water. They really deserve what they get. I remember when houses started going up there, and my grandfather (Con Farrow) and my uncle (Rod Farrow) said that every one of those houses will wind up in the ocean. The builders should have listened to experience and listened to people who have lived and grown up on the water. I can count at least eight times that I know of that stretch of road has washed away. I also remember my grandfather telling me that if officials would sink some ships or build reefs around the lighthouse, it would cause a sandbar to form around the lighthouse and keep the water from washing it away, but they chose to move it. You cannot stop the water on that island and you never will, but you can do something to limit the effects of it. Why would anyone build a house that close to the water and not do something to slow the effect of erosion first? You can't build a house on sinking sand. I don't understand why the locals have stood by and watched what others have done to a little piece of heaven. Hatteras Island has become a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. Now you can look and see what all the outside influence has done to that island all the way from Oregon Inlet to Ocracoke Island. Rent and real estate are out of control. Fishing is in jeopardy, along with driving on the beach, which is a way of life and a lifeline for some. Don't you think it's time you locals take back your island? You've been sleeping for a long time? Do you have to wait until all the money and resources are gone before you wake up? Reid Mason Pensacola, Fla. These pictures are something else. I can’t see why the state doesn’t do something before it is too late. I love it there, but I am almost afraid to come. Good luck and don’t give up. John Workman Lynchburg, Va. I have lived on the Outer Banks for 35 years and have seen many a storm and so much erosion that it makes one wonder what could be the major change. In years back, we would have a storm and the beach would be gone, but before you knew it, the beach would be back. This isn't happening any more since they put that jetty on the south side of the Bonner Bridge. I have been to the beach and seen major chunks of the continental shelf broken off and washed up on the beach. We took a sample of one and had it sent to Raleigh to be examined. If they would remove that jetty, the major erosion would decrease at Rodanthe and also all the way down the island, as the jetty has a circular motion effect that travels down the coast. If you just read any of the books on beach erosion, you will come to the same conclusion. I am not an engineer, but I have studied this problem for years. I think the pressure needs to be on to remove that jetty. The powers-that-be in the state prohibit hard surfaces on the oceanfront, but there remains that jetty. Who are we protecting? Also building a bridge in the same place as the Bonner Bridge doesn't make much sense when you won't even be able to get to it in a few years. I have seen things done down here for every area but Hatteras. It is like we are the red-headed stepchild. I am married to a Hatteras Island native. The people who call this their home go back hundreds of years here. It is time to step up and say, “Enough is enough.” Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of this island. I am one who will take a stand. Who will stand with me? Go to the commissioners and the state representatives and let them know. Let your voice be heard. Stop letting just a few make these decisions for all. Sandy Quidley Avon I agree that the north end of Rodanthe holds the "key" for the rest of Hatteras Island. My dad brought me to Hatteras for Thanksgiving week in 1949, to visit Uncle Dudley and Aunt Delores Burrus and go duck and goose hunting. Except for a stretch during the middle ‘60s when a lot of us young men were in and out of Vietnam, I have been coming back to "The Island." I have watched the water reach closer and closer to the center of the island during those years and have been appalled that the county commissioners would vote for development over containment. What good are tax dollars if we cannot get there? I truly believe that if you polled every property owner from Salvo to Hatteras and asked for $100 each to buy north Rodanthe for purposes of island stabilization, you would get very few who would turn you down. We don't even own any property on the island, but would be happy to "pop" for $100 to help with the stabilization. And I believe a lot of folks who rent several weeks each year would do so also. Everybody talks about the bridge. But, if we loose North Rodanthe, the bridge does all of us no good. I have three first cousins and several other cousins still living between Avon and Hatteras and Highway 12 is their lifeline. NCDOT needs to do the "right thing." Condemn the properties! Pay the owners fair market value and stabilize that end of the iIsland. Richard Howle Richmond, Va. The answer to the problem is quite simple. Shut the political hacks up and let DOT build the long bridge like they have proposed. Otherwise we will continue to either drive through saltwater or sit and wait for DOT to remove the sand and water from the road. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service might even contribute to the cost of the long bridge to get the road and proposed bridges out of the refuge. Robert Teagarden Frisco Incredible slide show on Mirlo Beach. People need to see this to understand the challenges the Outer Bankers are confronting. Keep up the good work. Connie Mason Morehead City, N.C. Last year as we left after our wonderful week at Hatteras, this same house (Serendipity) looked pretty much as it does in the photos. The cars and trucks parked in the driveway were actually washing out into the road. And that was just from a small system moving through for that particular weekend. I'm surprised it's still standing. Lisa White Morganton, N.C. Thankful to be a surfer Wow! Great article and great slideshow. Way to keep us stoked on surfing. Refreshing to read such a well written, inspirational article on local surfing. Dan Kramer Buxton I saw Daniel Pullen and told him that those were the most amazing pictures that I have ever seen of our area. He is so talented. He made me feel as if I was riding the waves. It is wonderful that we live in such a beautiful place where everyday we can see the beauty that God has made for us and be blessed by His power. Daniel, I am grateful that God has given you such talent and that you share it with all of us. Waiting to see what wonderful things you show us in the future. God Bless your friend Robert. Rosa-Alice Mayo Hatteras It’s so refreshing to see someone (surfing columnist Daniel Pullen) with his priorities straight and willing to talk about it. Keep it up! Jeanie Wright Chesapeake, Va. Special Features: ‘Paws and Tails’: A short story I just finished Paws and Tails. I really enjoyed it. Diane Madara Ocean City, Md. Guest column on replacing Bonner Bridge I'm surprised that Jim Trogdon made no mention of the wind-related evacuation problem the long bridge could cause because of possible restricted and/or prohibited traffic during high winds. The almost identical length Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is specifically not used as a storm evacuation route for that reason that restrictions start at tropical storm force winds of 40 mph and include large pickup campers, anything towed, and vehicles with car-top carriers. Ted A. Hamilton Salvo Glad to hear we are "putting our dukes up" and have the support from our elected officials. Obviously we elected the right officials! Mallory Gray Avon Thanking the community I would like to thank everyone who came out to support the music and musicians of the Frisco Jubilee this past year. Time and time again, you told us that you thought that this was the best kept secret on Hatteras Island. Every week musicians came together from Rodanthe to Ocracoke to perform in Frisco for appreciative audiences that were the best! Thanks to the Rodanthe show audiences for a warm reception too. Thanks also to Little Grove United Methodist Church for providing a warm, comfortable home for the Jubilee and Dare Building Supply for help with sign boards. Thanks to the musicians who performed every week -- Martin Garrish, Aaron Caswell, Jackie Willis, Speedy Price, Stash Lawrence, April Trueblood, Mahlon Blue, John Couch, Dave Barnett, and poet Johnny Baum -- as well as the many other local performers who contributed occasionally. I would be remiss if I didn't make a pitch for the CD “The Frisco Jubilee at Little Grove,” produced by Speedy Price, which would make a great Christmas gift for $15 plus $5 shipping. A portion of the CD proceeds go to Little Grove Church building fund. You can call 252-995-3540 to order. Bob Boyer Producer and Sound Technician The Frisco Jubilee The "Thanks for Giving" dance My family has had the distinct pleasure of having Capt. Richie Spears take us out in his boat for a day of fishing, clamming, and fun over the past few years. Our first time was when my boys (triplets) were 5. Richie is a natural with kids, and they have talked about their experiences for years. Our times with Capt Richie rate as some of the best times I have had with my boys. He is a very special man. We have some pictures and a donation that we wish to send to Richie. Could you please provide me with an address where we could send this package to him? Please let him know that he and Nikki are in our prayers and to please keep his charter schedule open for mid-June. Brian Tompkins Red Bank, N.J. (Editor’s Note: The address for Richie and Nikki Spears is Post Office Box 313, Hatteras, NC 27943.) The overwhelming turnout for the "Thanks for Giving" dance was staggering. I cannot begin to express my sincere thanks to all who donated or particiPated in anyway. I know Richie and Nikki Spears, the beneficiaries, feel the same way. It would be nearly impossible to mention everyone here, but you know who you are. Thanks again. Sydnee Slaughter Hatteras Surfing Hurricane Noel Nice pictures, Daniel. Keep up the good work! Ted Call Virginia Beach Hey, Dan! Those shots look great! We had a killer swell out here three weeks ago, but there's nothing better than seeing Hatteras breaking like it was. Please tell Scott that if you or anyone at Natural Art would like to escape to California for some time this winter, I'll gladly put some people up at my place. Natural Art is always welcome. Adam Reynolds Los Angeles, Calif. Daniel Pullen's photographs are amazing! Thanks for sharing the day. Paula Reynolds Stevenson, Md. Just beautiful! Breathtaking! Cheryl Rako Moyock, N.C. Hatteras holiday bazaar slide show Thank you for the wonderful pictures of the Christmas bazaar. Although I am in Florida for the winter, I felt like I was there enjoying all there was to see and of course, seeing people that I know, keep up the good work!! Vicki Fey St. James City, Fla. Looks like those Hatteras girls did it right again. Faye, I am so proud of you. Loved the picture of you! You definitely deserve a crown. I do so enjoy this publication. It is such a blessing. Vivian Gray Fort Myers, Fla. Clifford Swain sent me the article about the Methodist bazaar. I enjoyed it so much and enjoyed seeing the women involved, especially Billie Swain. I am so happy that your online edition is going so well. I understand that Buddy was greatly involved in the process. Hatteras is lucky to have all the Swains. They are some of my best friends from New Bern, now Hatteras residents. I don't get to see them as often as I would like, but do see them several times a year anyway. Keep up the great work with your paper. Betty Quinn Atlantic Beach, N.C. I thought I'd recognize some of the folks in the slide show, but they have all dyed their hair gray or white, just as I did. Stew Kellum Kernersville, N.C. Planning for the future of beach driving: Will the lawsuit have a chilling effect at the negotiating table? I fail to see a problem with the current beach driving plan. As the Park Service identifies areas of concern, they direct driving patterns around the area. What is wrong with this policy? This allows us to have a public-access beach and protect sensitive wildlife. Seems like a win/win to me. Charles Peele Frisco The beaches are what bring the revenue to our island. If you cut off the beach driving, you will be cutting off money. Vacationers will go elsewhere in a heartbeat. Carol Bradley Frisco This is a complex issue requiring thoughtful negotiations from all parties involved. Thirty- five years of surf fishing and driving on the beach aside, I want to protect the environment and shore species while still having access to the Point, North Avon, South Beach/Billy Mitchell area, and Hatteras Inlet. How's that for a being between a rock and a hard place? Also, driving on the beach will become less and less important to sportfishing families if we are unable to protect the species that keep us coming back. Robert Podolak Denver, Col. We have been coming to the Outer Banks for over a quarter of a century. During that time, we have seen an increase in ORV traffic on the beach. However, I can't recall many instances where the drivers were inconsiderate to people on the beach. It is only in the last few years that we have noticed roped off areas to protect turtles. Up until that time, we were not aware of the protection of turtle nests or of the protection of birds associated with our beaches Francis Toolan Martinsville, N.J. "Planning for the future of Beach Driving" was the best, most unbiased report of the situation I have read thus far. I hope that this type of reporting on all local issues is what we can expect from The Island Free Press. My question and comment: What is the Cape Hatteras Recreational Alliance and does it actually have any members? A quote from the article: “I think we have to move forward,” said Jason Rylander of Defenders of Wildlife, “and we can do it together or the courts and the Park Service can do it." If they truly wanted to do it together, then why file the suit? I am led to believe by their actions that they prefer the "courts and NPS." Rob Alderman Buxton The fishermen of the Outer Banks are the most in tune with the environment and respectful of it. The only down side I have seen in the six years of fishing around Hatteras is one instance of kids (17-18 years old) hanging on the outside of a jeep driving down the beach. The beach is not littered with trash or fish carcass, and there are unwritten rules of conduct that are enforced among the ORV owners. The beauty of the area, best realized at night when the stars are out, the surf's pounding, and fish are biting, offers a kind of peace to my spirit only found there. We all need someplace like this in our lives. A set of guidelines to utilize the beach is needed. It’s already in place. Just ask the fishermen, then write it down and enforce it! Jeno Cossette Wilson, N.C. Outer Banks Angler is awesome. This guy tells a great story, and Brazda's camera work is stunning, first-class art. Tune in to OBA with the sound down, crank up the Pearl Jam and drift away. Danny Couch Buxton Halloween in Hatteras village Thank you for the Hatteras village Halloween slide show. I worked until 7 that night, so I missed seeing a lot of the children. The pictures were the next best thing! Leslie Hickman Hatteras This is exactly why I adore living in Hatteras! Thanks for generously sharing all of these fabulous photos. Kristin Gray Hatteras A fishing trip to remember Wow, what a wonderful story! I enjoyed reading that so much. I can picture in my mind what the OBX must have been like back in those days. What a great story of the "good ole days!" I started going to Ocracoke as an infant in 1973. I have tried to go two or three times a year since then. I would love to read more old-time stories like this. Keeps us sane between visits! Thanks! By the way I was not able to put my current location because of the way the comment form is set up. I actually now live in Lima, Peru, where my family and I serve as missionaries. My hometown is Salem, Va. We aren’t able to visit Ocracoke as often now since we live in Peru. Although each time we are on furlough, we spend several weeks there. Your Web site is a great way to keep in touch with our favorite little island. John Poe Lima, Peru The story of the SS Chester Sun during World War II Well written and will be informative to a lot of people who had no idea this was taking place at that time. Nice article! Pete East Kill Devil Hills Enjoyed the story very much! I am the grunt behind the Web site, www.fleetsheet.com, which covers the history of the ships and sailors of the Sun Oil Company. Love to see others with the same love and determination to obtain information on the history of the ships and sailors who lost their lives from the brutal seas. Thanks! I will link this story on the website! Minor W. Kates, Jr. Lewes, Del. Guest column on gamefish status for red drum and striped bass The recent article by Ernie Foster was one of the best regarding the plight of commercial/charter fishermen and the fishing communities supported by them. More voices like his are desperately needed to better educate our regulators and government representatives on these issues before it is too late. I look forward to reading more. Thank you. Rita Merritt Wrightsville Beach This commentary was well written. I pray that many will read what Captain Foster said. Rev. Cory B. Oliver Hatteras I enjoyed the article by Ernal Foster. I had the pleasure of meeting him while I was down in October. In the picture of him, he was wearing a Day at the Docks hat. Does anyone have them for sale? I think that is a great event and plan to get down next year for it. If you know anybody who has them, could you let me know. John Holloway Berlin, Md. Here is something I wrote for our Nicholas Institute Web site: A Comment on the Oct. 20, 2007, Executive Order: Protection of Striped Bass and Red Drum Fish Populations. Marine fishery conservation always has two broad areas of objective and impact: 1) The biological objectives and impacts (how many fish, of which characteristics, come out of the ocean); and 2) the socio-economic objectives and impacts (who derives the benefit from those fish). President Bush's recent Executive Order prohibiting commercial sale of striped bass and red drum caught in federal waters runs a significant risk of confusing these two areas of objective and impact. President Bush referred only to the biological conservation impact of the Executive Order. In fact, the biological conservation impact will be minimal, but> the socio-economic impact will be substantial in terms of the allocation consequences. The vast majority of these two fisheries are conducted in state, not federal waters. Striped bass, managed largely by the states under the umbrella of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, is in fact one of the great success stories of successful recovery of the Chesapeake Bay and North Carolina stocks. The primary impact of the President's proclamation is to ALLOCATE the benefit of these fisheries in the federal waters to the recreational sector. Allocation is a perfectly legitimate objective in fisheries management, but the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act states that, "No (management) measure shall have economic allocation as its sole purpose"(MSFCMA, S. 104-297). While it is true that any fishing effort reduction may have biological conservation benefits, the primary effect of the President's Executive Order will in fact be socio-economic, a fact that is virtually ignored in the Executive Order and the related press releases. Finally, do we really want the President of the United States making detailed allocative fishery management decisions, or for that matter biological conservation decisions? We have quite an extensive system set up under the MSFCMA and the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act to make such decisions, with the full participation of stakeholders, the states and the public. Based on the history of direct Congressional involvement in such detailed decisions, we should be very cautious. But above all, we should be honest and straightforward regarding our real objectives and their impacts. Mike Orbach Duke University Marine Laboratory President Bush's Executive Order establishing recreational-only status for drum and rock should not surprise anyone. Look no further than Texas, Big Oil, Walter Fondren, the CCA, and our president. Walter Fondren, the extremely wealthy( thanks to America's driving public) heir to the Exxon fortune, started the CCA to make fishermen in the Gulf a red herring for the decline in some valuable inshore fish stocks. As Big Oil, ditched, diked, and polluted, valuable stocks, such as red drum and speckled trout, were suffering from a diminished amount of habitat and diminished water quality. Big Oil and the petro-chemical industry are the biggest water-borne polluters in this country. Rather than clean up their mess, which costs money, Walter, and a few influential friends (comprised of Big Oil men, and developers), concocted a brilliant scheme. If they pointed the finger long enough, and loudly enough, and had enough money to "buy" some science, then they could make commercial fishermen the fall guy for their waste, habitat destruction, and pollution. The organization they formed was the Coastal Conservation Association a.k.a. CCA. The CCA, Bush, and the oil industry are one and the same. Look at the who's who of oil, and you will see the same names pop up. Look at the money trail from the "science" that calls for diminished commercial fishing, and you will find Big Oil. Look at the coffers of many radical environmental groups that call for diminished commercail fishing, and you will find Big Oil. Let me give you one little "for instance." Exxon Corp. is the single largest polluter in America in the Exxon Valdez spill. The company that has posted billions in quarterly net revenue over the past few years has failed to pay one dime of punitive damages. They have paid more now, in lawyer fees, trying to keep from paying, than they were originally ordered to pay. Their spokesman has stated that it would be a "dangerous precedent" to pay a punitive damage penny for their corporation's gross negligence. Good people, this is the CCA, and this is the largest contributor to Bush and Cheney's election campaigns. As the American public sits by and watches Bush send jobs overseas, now we see our domestic food production sent overseas, along with jobs and tax base from our coastal communities. As I go about my daily routine (as routine as a fisherman's can be), people stop me at an increasing rate, and ask me how Bush could do this. America has paid the price for fish stock recovery. The recreational, commercial, charter/headboat sector pays every day for fish stock re-building plans with diminished regulatory catches or moratoriums. The stocks recover, and it's time to get rewarded for our conservation effort, yet a small sector of users ( the CCA represents less than 1 percent of American anglers) pays to have these resources placed in their control only. Do we know who the real loser in this debacle is? The American consumer! The people who want a great tasting, healthy, domestic, highly-regulated food source are the ones who get the really short end of this stick. America produces the most highly regulated seafood in the world. Tell your elected representatives to stand up for American fishermen. Tell them to say no to Bush, and the CCA. Britton Shackelford Manteo In this day and time, when it seems the dark cloud hanging over our fishery continues to grow, we should be thankful for people like Ernie Foster, who not only has a passion for fishing, both commercial and recreationial, but he also has concern for his fellow man. Paul Robinson Hatteras For most of his term in office, I have supported President Bush. His arrogance has gotten the best of him this time. His belief that he understands the implications of his actions has been made crystal clear now. He simply is listening to "his" people, and the rest of the country be damned. The best we can hope for at this point is to put continued pressure on our states not to follow suit. Question - forgive my ignorance on this point - can Presidential orders be overturned? It's time to tell the king he is naked. Will Hahn Richmond, Va. This is just another nail in the coffin of the independent commercial fishermen. I think the only immediate effect is excluding commercial fishermen from the EEZ (federal waters), but this is most definitely a harbinger of thing to come. I will never develop a taste for farmed striper. Bud Nelson Buxton Commercial fishing restrictions are inadequate even with the new federal policy. Commercial fishing close to shore is THE reason recreational fishing has become so spotty along the Outer Banks. Do I put recreational fishing above commercial fishing? Yes! And I'm not alone. It comes down to whom we elect. Thank God for George Bush. Hatteras residents who depend on what they catch for their daily bread ought to consider what they have done and are doing to deplete the coastal waters of fish populations that will take generations to recover. It's not just the recreation they've ruined. They've actually slaughtered an abundance that was one of North Carolina's treasures thousands of years before the Banks were even named. It's a shame the new legislation has come too late. Michael Gibbs Fincastle, Va. Ernie has hit the nail right on the head. I appreciate his views on this matter, and I, too, sincerely believe that with the existing laws and controls in place on both federal and state levels, commercial fishing and sportfishing can live and co-exist in harmony. John Morgan Washington, N.C. I was raised on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and am a fourth generation commercial fisherman. I am saddened by the politicians -- federal and state representatives -- who in their interest and the interest of those who support them seem to completely want the commercial fisheries removed to support their pleasure. Fishing has been a way of life for me, and seafood has been a staple of my diet and shall be as long as I am able to catch it. Man has absolutely no right to deprive another of a right to feed his family from a profession God provided him. If I catch a drum in my net in November, I will preserve him, with salt for future use. I support both commercial and sport fisheries and the only way both can survive is to work together and support each other. Lionel Gilgo Beaufort We've all sat back for a number of years listening to the so called sportfishermen complain about the commercial fishermen overfishing and destroying fish. We can read about a sewage spill in the Triangle area very often. These spills feed into the Neuse River, from there to Pamlico Sound. The Neuse River is dead as far as fishing, and the Pamlico Sound is dying. The commercial fisherman is a dying breed, not because of overfishing, but because of pollution. Try telling that to Manteo, Swan Quarter, Bayboro, Beaufort, Raleigh, and Washington. No one cares about anything but keeping the tourists and builders happy and bringing in more revenue. Money is the name of the game. I've been saying for some time that commercial fishing was dead. They haven't had the funeral yet, but the politicians -- federal, state, and local -- are lining up the pallbearers. Carl Pollard Sea Level Before asking people to vote on an issue, it would be more appropriate to publish the exact proposed rules so people could determine the total effect on both commercial and recreational fishing. Currently, recreational fishermen can't possess either species in federal waters, so there is no effect on recreational fisherman. What are the current federal regulations on commercial fishing for drum and stripers? And how does the verbal blunder by Bush change anything? Gene Goodenough Hatteras I'm a commercial fisherman from our state of North Carolina. This past week, President Bush, with a stroke of the his pen, took two species of saltwater, federally managed fish, striped bass and red drum, off the table of all citizens of our country unless you are wealthy enough to own or charter a boat to fish in federal waters 3 to 200 miles offshore. Basically it means that only white elite get the resource. And no one else. All Americans own this natural resource not just a chosen few. As a commercial fisherman, I could give access to all citizens who don't own boats or have enough money to charter. We have tons of regulations, and Americans are losing their access to America's natural resources from the President’s policies. In 2008, the United States will give away over 1,500 metric tons of swordfish from our quota. This is just an example of what the Bush administration is doing -- exporting our natural resources. Please help us, the American consumer, and what left of the commercial fishing industry. Call your elected officials. This type of continuing destruction must stop. Dewey Hemilright FV Tarbaby Wanchese Ernie Foster’s letter on the forced extinction of the commercial fisherman is on the mark. The CCA has millions of discretionary dollars to throw at our state and federal elected officials. This greatly influences our legislators thought processes, such as the Coastal Recreational Fishing License and the Fisheries Reform Act Of 1997, both of which will ultimately spell doom for the commercial fisherman, the goal of the CCA. Commercial fishermen don't have the time or money to pay elected officials, so until our lawmakers in Raleigh wake up and acknowledge the planned crucifixion of the working waterman by one selfish user group (CCA), the commercial man will continue to get less, and in time his culture and heritage will be lost forever. As an outsider (I grew up in Raleigh.), I can't believe how coastal representatives can go to Raleigh and allow this to happen. The North Carolina legislature has passed the buck to the state Division of Marine Fisheries, which, in turn, passed the buck to the director of Marine Fisheries, who now wants the power to implement (proclaim) any federal fisheries plan, which he would have a hand in developing since he sits on federal councils. Director Louis Daniels wants to kiss our states’ rights away (and due process) and implement any plan his old boss (Preston Pate, now a National Marine Fisheries employee) wants him to. Cozy, isn't it? If the readers of this letter don't care about the fact that one unelected official (Director Daniels) has the power of king and don't care about the fact that our own elected officials are allowing the commercial fisherman to be regulated into extinction, be prepared to lose your centuries-old heritage forever and to eat a tasty, not-so-fresh frozen seafood product from a foreign country. James Reibel Manteo Ghosting hunting on Ocracoke Your article about Ocracoke ghosts reminded me of my own Ocracoke ghost story. In October, 2002, my husband and I rented the bottom half of "Paul's Place," which is at 328 British Cemetery Road on Ocracoke. Lots of strange stuff happened during our five days. The first night, we felt something jump on our bed, like a cat. Nothing was there. I also heard something fall, like a nick-knack off a dresser, but I found nothing on the floor. One evening, my husband and I were watching TV, and we saw this black shadowy thing dart down the hallway repeatedly. The payoff came on the last night we were there. The power went out during the night. We had never turned on the front porch light. In the morning, the power had come back on, and the front porch light was on. A painting was lying on the floor, face up. The house is surrounded by cemeteries, and I think a pet is buried in the front yard (a stone with the name "Pepper" is under a tree), so it didn't surprise us we had "company." Does anyone know the history of this house? I've been intrigued by this whole episode for a while now. I regret not trying to make contact with any spirit who was there at the time. Thanks for the great Web site. Abbey Scott West Chester, Pa. I was somewhat stunned by the photos showing the orbs. I also have photos in my possession with orbs present. I'm a genealogist, and a few years ago located the name of the church in Denmark where my fourth great-grandfather, Daniel Petersen, was the pastor from 1800-1820. One of my cousins is a pastor and is also named Daniel. Of course, the current Daniel wanted to see the church where his ancestor preached. I contacted some friends in Denmark (They visited Hatteras Island & Ocracoke last year and absolutely loved it.), who, in turn, contacted the current pastor of the church. It was arranged that Cousin Pastor Daniel would preach a short sermon in the same pulpit where fourth Great-Grandfather Pastor Daniel tended his flock. Following the sermon, photographs were taken, commemorating the moment. When the photos were processed, there were five or six orbs clearly present floating around Cousin Pastor Daniel and the current pastor. After reading your article, I'm wondering if old Daniel was also attending the services that morning! I very much enjoyed reading about the orbs on Ocracoke. Also, I love your newspaper. Since I visit Hatteras Island only once a year, your paper helps me make it through the long, cold winter on the prairies of Iowa. Lynnea Dickinson Davenport, Iowa As a photographer, I found the article "Hunting ghosts on Springer’s Point at Ocracoke" to be somewhat humorous. There's a pretty simple explanation of the glowing "orbs," and it's far from supernatural. Dust, bugs, or anything small floating near the front of the lens will cause such a bright spot to appear when illuminated by a flash. Please take a look at the following link for a better explanation than I can provide: http://paranormal.about.com/od/ghosthuntinggeninfo/a/aa112706.htm The article even helps to prove there really is nothing supernatural to them. Note that the folks with presumably consumer-level digital cameras (with flash located near the lens) get lots of such photos. However, the person with the "much more powerful flash," and presumably high-end digital SLR camera (with flash more distant from the lens), didn't get any such photos. Wesley Furr Bridgewater, Va. Oh come on. Anyone who knows anything knows those "orbs" in the photos are from the lighting for the photo. What a crock. Richard Gatlin Charlottesville, Va. Photos by Wayne Fulcher Wayne Fulcher's art is a real treat. I love the things that haven't changed in Hatteras since I grew up there in the ‘30s and ‘40s. Wayne captures it perfectly. Dixie Browning Buxton Going Home: A loggerhead turtle returns to the sea Glad to see such great collaboration between the National Park Service and the aquarium staff. Thanks for saving Eriana! Amberly Dyer Frisco Thank you, Jordan, for coming out and covering this story. Your article and pictures are wonderful. They capture the hard work and efforts that so many people and organizations (especially Roanoke Animal Clinic, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and NEST) put toward saving this special creature. Thanks again. Eric Frey Buxton State: VA I love to read OBX success stories such as this one. I think that I shall write to NEST and support them in their important work. Dawn Barclift Alexandria, Va. What a great story. Very well written! Ronnie Cutshall Mars Hill, N.C. Great article. Tell Jordan that her grandmother thought her article was concise and well written. We, on the other side of the state, are proud of her. Nora Tomberlin Weaverville, N.C. I am very proud to read my niece's article about Eriana. Congratulations, Island Free Press, on getting one heck of a writer! Western North Carolina will be checking back often. Chris Tomberlin Cutshall Mars Hill, N.C. What a powerful article! We love this new writer, Jordan Tomberlin. We would love to read more from her! Aunt Michaela Tomberlin, Uncle Ross, Jackson, and Madelyn Anderson, S.C. |
| Environmental groups sue Park Service over beach driving I went to the beach in Cape Cod, Mass., and came upon a big, long sign explaining how to get a permit to drive on the beach. It is very complicated, expensive, and exclusive to only a limited number of eligible people. Cape Cod is where the National Park Service got the beach driving negotiated rulemaking idea from. I fear the worst. I hope I am wrong. Michael Letso Normandy Beach, N.J. My wife and I come to the Outer Banks every fall. Since my wife had knee surgery on both knees, climbing through the dunes to the beach is a very painful struggle. By being able to drive on the beach, we are able to enjoy the ocean and all the elements of nature (except the mosquitoes). I am sure she is not the only person in this classification and would gladly join a class action lawsuit against the environmental groups who are suing the National Park Service. The groups are violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. I brought my 1-year-old granddaughter down this year. She makes five generations of my family who have made the Outer Banks our primary vacation spot. In the future, she should be able to enjoy looking for shells at the Point as much as her grandparents. I will continue my support of the OBPA and NCBBA from here in the Midwest and only wish I could testify in front of the judge hearing this case. Michael Porter Indianapolis, Ind. I may be a cynic, but when I read that Southern Environmental Law Center, NC Audubon, and Defenders of Wildlife would rather file a lawsuit than engage in "negotiated rulemaking," I suspect they realize their hand is missing cards. On the Audubon site is a story about Bermuda petrels (which where thought to be extinct). In the last section under "what you can do" is the statement "cut up used fishing line so seabirds won't become entangled." This implies that one should cut it up and leave it on the ground, or throw in into the water, instead of putting it in the trash, which is what a responsible fisherman would do. Wouldn't you know it? James Harris Southern Shores I would like to know where the lawyers got their data. Some of the data seems skewed and certainly leads to false negative impressions. I have seen more than two skimmers from my deck. Tracy Shisler Hatteras I am baffled by the grounds for the enviro-Nazis latest attempt to link endangered species population drop solely to beach driving. There are other reasons for decline never addressed in the one-sided lawsuit, and this paper's reporting as well. What about loss from wave action? Anyone remember hurricanes and nor'easters? How about feral cats and foxes? How long ago was it that the feds spent lots of money to reduce these animal predators? Where's the proof that only beach driving has caused the population drop in the sensationalistic chart? Let’s report news, not create it. Jack Painter Avon Dear Southern Environmental Law Center: Your organization should be ashamed. Printing half truths is as good as lying. You failed to mention that the Park Service is in an active negotiated rulemaking effort with all stakeholders -- environmentalists as well as access supporters to define proper and reasonable access measures and policies. And, in fact, this has been going on in good faith (until now) for some time. In fact, the same organizations that are filing this lawsuit are members of the negotiated rule making team. I guess the one can draw some clear assumptions of the true character of an organization that agrees to negotiate in good faith on one hand and then file a law suit with the other. You cite the perceived plight of these birds but fail to mention that when a container ship dumped miles of Styrofoam on these shores, it was these SUV drivers and four-wheel- drive truck drivers who cleaned it up – all of it. Where were you and your organization then? I guess you couldn't pull yourself away from your group tree-hug to help. Or filing a law suit? Perhaps some environmentalists were there, but if they were, they were in ORVs, not on foot. When hurricanes devastate this area, it is the ORV users who make it safe for pedestrians as well as wildlife by cleaning up debris and trash. You also failed to print that the NPS has in fact instituted an interim management plan (prior to the court order) and that the judge who signed the order you referenced was in error when he stated that no plans were in place. They were and are. I grew up on these beaches as a native of Currituck. No one loves a turtle or a shorebird more than I do. I probably have more sand time in a vehicle on these beaches than most of the readers of the article you printed have on the paved road, and I have never even come close to hitting a turtle or its nest or a shorebird or a chick or any bird nest, much less a person. I did have a pelican get in my truck and take a nap to get out of the fowl weather one cold day. In fact, he was rather good company. He was not in the least afraid of me or my truck nor was he threatened in anyway. Eventually he got out, flew off, and caught some fish. (I did not.) Yes, there are violators, but people violate traffic laws on the paved road too. We don't close them. We enforce the law. The pictures of the dead birds in the tire tracks? Well, I remember that incident. Seems that whoever took down the closure in question stacked the poles up real neat before driving thru the area. We all found that to me a little suspicious. The real endangered species in this issue are hard-working merchants who make their living by providing services and goods to fishermen and other beachgoers, including bird watchers (Most birdwatchers use trucks to access the remote areas of these beaches, too.) and people who just want to get away from the crowds and enjoy God's creation. Over the years, we have seen many untrue articles and flawed studies about why the numbers of plovers and other birds are declining. If you talk to former Vice President Al Gore, he will tell you its global warming. Others will tell you it’s acid rain. Yet others will state climate changes, pollution, and many other theories without proof. Could it be that the birds just went somewhere else? I do not claim to know. Nor do I believe that you know either. I do know that if these beaches close, jobs will be lost, business will suffer, the economy of this area will suffer, and someone's children will possible go hungry. When that happens, will you and the environmental groups be there to feed them? Will someone then show a picture to my grandson or great-grandson and say that this is what a sunrise on the Outer Banks looked like before they closed the beach? Or describe what it felt like to stand, toes in the sand and have the water wash over your feet? Gary Wall Stafford, Va. I used to live in Virginia Beach and went to Hatteras all the time. My parents moved there about 20 years ago. Each year there is less and less beach for the beachgoers and more and more room for the birds (tern nesting areas). That's a ridiculous lawsuit, since they've already been enlarging the protected areas. Sandi Bray Clearwater, Fla. In the ‘70s, the right to drive on the beach was guaranteed to the local residents. Over the years, this has gradually been infringed upon. Enough! Stay away from Hatteras. The grass is green enough! Let the locals govern themselves instead of having busybodies without a life determining what locals do. Lou Wengenroth IV Middletown, N.Y. That chart and numbers (on shorebird nesting) shown are the Southern Environmental Law Center's and not the Park Service’s. They are not correct and were questioned when the chart was shown in recent discussions. The park has done a great job allowing beach access while protecting the bird and turtle nests. The Charlotte Observer just printed the same (information) Wednesday, and I wouldn't want to guess how many readers they lost. Most people are not so stupid to believe things printed by groups like that. Kevin McCabe Buxton |
| Photo essay on fall on Hatteras and Ocracoke This was so wonderful to view early on this beautiful Sunday morning! The photography is breathtaking and the commentary informative, intelligent and inspiring. Thank you. Karen Miller This is a beautiful essay. Reminds me why I call the island home. Mary E. Gray Buxton Thank you so much for this amazing photo gallery. I haven't been able to visit for several years, but this was like going to my second home! Jean Wray Huntington, W.Va. Beautiful photographs! Thank you for this gorgeous and enlightening photo essay. I have not been to the Banks in the fall yet, but you have certainly made me miss my home-away-from-home. Amy Hill Nashville, Tenn. I have never been fortunate enough to visit your beautiful islands this late into the season. Thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to see how beautiful your fall season is through the talented eyes of Buddy Swain. His photos, along with his informative and compelling narrative, let me escape to Hatteras Island, if only for a short while! Maureen Brady Cleveland, Ohio I am so excited. Buddy Swain is my cousin, and I'm so proud of him. That is how we found your Web site. We look forward to a trip there before Christmas. Pat Plyler Buddy Swain's photo essay on fall on the Outer Banks is full of beautiful artistic pictures and the presentation of the pictures and the accompanying text are outstanding. More, more, more, please! Bill Zimmerlin Covington, Ohio We've always known Buddy Swain was brilliant, and this is borne out with this superlative pictorial essay. His descriptions enhance the beauty of his photos. We especially like the final three. We nominate it for a Pulitzer! John and Geneva Morgan Washington, N.C. Buddy Swain's work is wonderful. The Island Free Press is great, and I am happy for you. I enjoy getting my e-mail updates, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future brings. Congratualtions. Carrie Barley Hatteras Absolutely stunning. Thank you for a truly magnificent, refreshing, education, and enjoyable “hike.” Mr. Swain is truly gifted. ColleenSniezek Salisbury, Md. |
Liquor by the drink referendum Now that island residents have defeated the liquor by the drink referendum (which would have allowed restaurants to serve mixed beverages), perhaps it is time to address the rampant use of illegal substances with equal fervor. Kristin Gray Hatteras Great results! The Avon results are "in your face" for all those who consider it to be a drunk town. Mallory Gray Avon Most of the people who moved here did so because of our safe family environment. Are we or they willing to vote that away? With mixed drinks in bars, the peace we now know will be gone. We already have enough problems now without the added measure. Our communities will not benefit from this. Sharon Kennedy Buxton Folks talk about Ocracoke getting by-the-drink, but they don't mention that the Ocracoke precinct voted it down. The Hyde County mainland overrode them to make their cash cow fatter. So far as “leveling” the playing field, I've worked in many island restaurants as have most of my friends. I have never had a customer leave to drive an hour or more in order to have a cocktail with dinner. Folks come here because it is a different place than “up the beach.” Why are they trying to make us generic OBX? This is a transparent bid for fat cats to get fatter and has potential to permanently destroy what's left of our individual, wild island. Substance abuse is a raging problem now, and it will only be worsened by such an irresponsible and selfish move. P.A. Glass Rodanthe In the 13 1/2 years I’ve lived here year round, I’ve never responded to any of the thousands of articles I’ve read in the newspapers. I’ve wanted to, but never had the courage. Finally, I’m sticking to my resolve so that I can discuss some of the things Allen Burrus and David Dixon wrote in their respective articles in the October issue of The Island Breeze regarding the upcoming liquor by the drink vote, set for Nov. 6. Our community is very special in many ways. You don’t have to live here long to know that. As someone who grew up in a very urban area, one of the things I’ve always loved about the Outer Banks is the feeling of a close-knit community -- a place where when someone is in need, people step out of their daily lives and help however they can, as in many small towns in America. However, in most of those small towns, the adults in the community reserve the right to choose whether or not they can go out to a restaurant and order a mixed drink. Let me correct some of the misinformation published in one of the articles. Servers do not have to be 21 to wait on tables and sell mixed beverages, so their jobs are not in jeopardy. The bartender preparing the mixed beverage must be 21, waiters and waitresses can be 18 and over. The age for bussers is 16. This information is right off of the ABC Commission Web site, so please feel free to look at it yourselves. Another concern raised was that chain restaurants would appear on the island. Chain restaurants require certain demographics before choosing locations. The large chains mentioned in Mr. Burrus’ article, (Outback, Applebee’s, Hooter’s) need a larger population to sustain themselves, which year- round, we just don’t have. We are in no way as desirable a location for those types of businesses as he seems to think. Most restaurants here on the island close down for three or four months because the population declines to a point where business is not sustainable. Chains of that size are required to stay open year- round. The next issue I would like to address is brown bagging. Many people are unaware that brown bagging licenses for liquor even exist. Brown bagging is an outdated and dangerous reality in this day and age, that we cannot afford to have any longer. People do not go out to a restaurant to have one drink with dinner and bring a bottle. They bring the bottle so that they may drink as much as they like, as inexpensively as possible. The only type of establishment that can serve liquor here at the present are those with country club status. Otherwise, there is basically no control over brown bagging. Bartenders are not allowed to touch a customer’s bottle. About 12 years ago, I was a bartender here at a restaurant where brown bagging was allowed. Some well- dressed and well- mannered gentlemen sat at the bar with a bottle of expensive whiskey. Ordering one setup (mixer) a piece, they proceeded to drink the entire bottle in a short amount of time. Another employee, having just gotten off duty for the night, came out front to clock out. Being young and foolish, he had bottle rockets sticking out of his back pocket, which the men decided would be funny to light on fire. Needless to say, they went off while in his pocket, and he suffered terrible burns and still has scarring from to this day. Had I been able to cut these men off, this incident may never have happened. In a more controlled environment, it would have never gotten to that point. Ultimately, the restaurant was still liable even though they did not pour a single ounce of that liquor. Brown bagging is a liability we cannot afford! Serving mixed drinks in a controlled environment is the only rational solution. It is not fair for our government to morally legislate whether or not we can go out to a local restaurant and choose to have a mixed drink. It should be our right to personally choose whether or not we want one. All of the supermarkets here on the island sell a large variety of beer, wine, and mixers, and it is hypocritical to say that is okay, and not to give the people the option of a cocktail in a restaurant. It isn’t necessary to tell us about the evils of alcohol, when no one is twisting anyone’s arm to purchase, or for that matter sell it if they do not want to. Let us remember that this is an adult issue not an issue of underage teen-agers. Their parents are the ones responsible for that life lesson. Our hundreds of thousands of guests here every year drive our economy. It is a fact. Our neighbors to the north in Nags Head and to the south of us in Ocracoke are alive and well, despite the fact that they have the ability to sell liquor by the drink in their restaurants. You can’t blame liquor for the booming development the north beaches have had in recent years. Every restaurant needs to have a level playing field to give their customers what they want. I am a Hatteras Island restaurateur and have been for almost 10 years. My staff and I have met thousands of the island’s guests. Every day we’ve been open in those years, we’ve been asked to explain the reasoning behind the outdated liquor laws. People come to this island from all over the world, and many do not understand why they cannot have a drink with dinner. I am also the mother of a 2-year-old son. I hope that my parenting skills are ready for the many challenges that lie ahead, whether liquor by the drink passes or not. I hope I do a good job teaching him about choice and that we are all responsible for the choices we make and have every right to make in this democratic society we are fortunate enough to live in. People have to take responsibility for their own actions and shouldn’t feel that they are being judged over something that is legal almost everywhere else. If we go through life fearing change, nothing ever will. Jane Metacarpa Frisco On April 6, 1999, Melissa Marvin of Kill Devil Hills slammed her Mitsubishi Montero into a Chevrolet Cavalier carrying five 17-year-old friends. Megan Blong, Amanda Geiger and Angie McGrady, were killed instantly. Shana Lawler was thrown out the back window and died six days later. The fifth occupant of the Chevrolet Cavalier, Michael Horner, was critically injured but survived the horrific accident Twice convicted for drunk driving offenses, witnesses stated that Ms. Marvin downed three shots of booze at one bar and two margarita "grandees" at another, got in her SUV, sped through traffic changing lanes frequently with her left foot up on the dashboard and ran a red light at the Colington intersection of U.S. 168 in Kill Devil Hills. A repeat DUI offender, Ms. Marvin at the hospital tried to cover up the amount of alcohol that she had consumed and refused to provide a urine sample, instead pulling up her dress and urinating on the emergency room stretcher according to eyewitnesses. A court-ordered blood test two hours after the accident indicated a blood alcohol content of .21, putting it at an estimated .28 at the time of the fatal crash. In North Carolina, it is against the law to knowingly give or sell alcohol to an intoxicated person. But if the person does not look or act drunk, the server is not liable under the law. The families of Blong, Geiger, Lawler and Horner filed a lawsuit in Dare County Superior Court against Tortuga's Lie Shellfish Bar & Grille and Mulligan's Oceanfront Grille, both in Nags Head and their corporations, owners, and the bartenders who served Marvin. However the district attorney's office announced that it would not pursue criminal charges against the bars or the bartenders because it could not be established that anyone knew that Ms. Marvin was intoxicated. For the proponents of liquor by the drink, I sincerely hope that this one incident dismisses the argument put forth by advocates that the so-called control servers and bartenders will exert as part of selling mixed drinks is completely false. As illustrated, no one, not the server nor the bartender at either establishment knew Ms. Marvin was intoxicated. Are you going to be willing to accept partial responsibility for the deaths that will unquestionably happen as a result of a business endeavor devoted solely to making money and nothing else? No one is immune to the possibility of that late-night knock on the door or phone call informing you that your son, daughter, husband, and wife have been involved in an accident as a result of a drunk driver. Which is more important -- the preservation of life or blood money? Kevin Conner Hatteras |
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Health care on Hatteras I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those who have shown their support by calling, writing, and e-mailing East Carolina Health in the recent weeks. The volume of support I have received from the entire Hatteras Island community has been not only overwhelming but very humbling. My goal when I began my journey to become a family nurse practitioner in 2004 was to fulfill a need both personally and professionally by providing care on Hatteras Island. While this has deviated slightly without my dear friend Carey LeSieur by my side, I still intend to continue that journey here on the island. At present, I am considering all options that will enable me to begin practice in the most time efficient manner. Family nurse practitioners can fulfill many health care needs, and my goal is to focus on wellness and health promotion with a concentration on women's health. I look forward to the bright future that I have as a Nurse Practitioner on Hatteras Island. Thank you again. Alexis (Alex) Hodges RN FNP-C Hatteras I'm with Maria Rosell on the subject of HealthEast's hiring of Alex Hodges, nurse practitioner and Hatteras resident. Immediately. Alex is not just qualified. She is ready and committed to helping meet the health care needs of our community, especially women. It's great that Scott Byrum, administrator for HealthEast, wants to hire a female physician. Unfortunately, there are few if any physicians - male or female - who can afford to move to Hatteras. It would mean taking huge salary cuts and paying exorbitant housing costs, something that many physicians are not able to do. So while Mr. Byrum awaits a female doctor to apply to HealthEast, what is happening to us women who want a female health care provider for women's health care issues? We're not seeking health care. I do not assume to know the ins and outs of HealthEast's hiring practices. What I do know is that we've already lost Carey LeSieur and will lose Dr. Gwen Whitley soon. We don't need to lose Alex Hodges before we even get her. In addition, we don't need to lose Drs. Hodges and Crabtree to "professional burn out". I'd like to join Maria Rosell in urging the women and men of Hatteras Island to contact Mr. Byrum regarding the hiring of Alex before health care delivery here becomes critical. If you haven’t already contacted him, you may do so via email at sbyrum@pcmh.com or snail-mail at Health East, PO Box 6028, Greenville, NC 27835. For those who wish to phone him, his number is (252) 847-6857. Linda Browning Frisco It is my understanding that University Health Systems of Eastern North Carolina is not planning on hiring a family nurse practitioner after the recent loss of Carey LeSieur, but rather looking for a female doctor. We have in our midst a perfect candidate, an island resident, certified to practice as a nurse practitioner - Alex Hodges. Why search any further when we have a woman committed to serving the needs of islanders and visitors alike, especially women? I suggest all those in agreement on this most important issue contact East Carolina Health in Greenville, namely Scott Byrum, to voice your concerns. His contact information is Scott Byrum, 252-847-6857 or you can email him at sbyrum@pcmh.com. Maria M. Rosell Hatteras (Editor’s note: The Island Free Press offered East Carolina Health an opportunity to reply to this letter. The reply follows.) East Carolina Health is committed to providing quality care to residents and visitors of Hatteras Island. When searching for candidates to fill any open position, we consult with current physicians and staff so that we can best meet the needs of our patients at the HealthEast clinics. All qualified candidates will be considered. M. Scott Byrum Administrator East Carolina Health Greenville |
Ocracoke’s traveling veterinarian What a wonderful article about Drs. Grossman and Burkart! For many, many years they took care of my beloved Lacey Cat who would not have lived to be 18 with all his ailments of diabetes, glaucoma, kidney disease, and arthritis had it not been for their excellent and loving care. And what a blessing that the doctors and the wonderful assistants came to Hatteras Island . (I think Lacey was in love with Melissa Cooper.) Lacey hated traveling over the Bonner Bridge. He was a very smart cat. I miss him terribly and will always appreciate the Roanoke Island Animal Clinic for giving him (and me) more time together and such excellent and loving care. Lynne Murray Frisco |
The lighter side of real estate Thank you for the informative article. I may not be on the Outer Banks, but it applies everywhere. It really was uplifting. We need more to keep going. Not enough laughs these days. Thank you again. Mattie Carpenter McComb, Miss. |
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Remembering Dale Burrus I'm sorry to hear of the loss of Dale Burrus. This Yankee knew him and his family while I served with the U.S. Coast Guard on Ocracoke and at Hatteras Inlet during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. His welcoming wit and warm smile will not be forgotten by me for the rest of my years. My heart goes out to Lorraine, Denise, Margaret, and the rest of the family. Steven Thompson Ellsworth, Maine We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the members of the Hatteras Island community, extended family members, friends, and loved ones who have, and continue to, offer support, prayers, and compassion throughout our journey of grief. We have been amazed and comforted by the realization that so many lives and hearts were touched by this humble, unassuming husband, father, and brother. Although our hearts remain heavy as we continue our journey, we are blessed to have so much love and support along the way. A sincere thank you. The family of Dale Burrus Hatteras Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Dale Burrus. He generously shared his knowledge and was an inspiration to us in our work. Carolyn Mason, President Foundation for Shackleford Horses, Inc. Beaufort I have had a home in Hatteras since 1970. I always enjoying seeing and talking to Dale at the store. My best to his family and friends. William Old Hatteras Danny Couch hit the nail on the head. To have known Dale is exactly as he explained him -- a man of integrity, morals, humor, and respect for his fellow man/womankind. I had the honor of doing business with him for over 11 years. His absence will leave a hole in my life that will never be replaced. To say I will miss him terribly is truly an understatement. Thank you, Danny, for taking the time to share with the community who this man really was. Linda Hooper Avon Just wanted to say that Dale will be missed. He was a cherished friend in the horses from over the miles. Great article. Brislawn Family Moorcroft, Wyo. Thank you, Danny, for your wonderful article and tribute to Dale Burrus. Only your words could paint such a perfect picture of this great man who was a friend to all. Ellen Fulcher Cloud Atlantic A beautiful tribute and a beautiful poem. Our deepest sympathies to the family of Dale Burrus. Mr. and Mrs. James Sniezek Salisbury, Md. Dale was a great friend and the world was a better place while he was in it. Harold Don Port Jimenez, Costa Rica |
| Proposed new stormwater rules Studies show that stormwater causes about 80 percent of the pollution problems in coastal waters. In 2006, with the help of volunteers, the Coastal Federation sampled stormwater runoff on Bodie, Roanoke, and Hatteras islands. Sites were tested for fecal coliform bacteria after rains. Four out of five samples contained more than enough pollution to make waters unsafe for harvesting clams and oysters. Some test results showed bacteria levels that were in the thousands—a hundred times more than considered safe under state water quality standards. To stop the spread of this pollution, the N.C. Division of Water Quality is proposing more effective stormwater runoff rules. Officials are taking public comments on the proposed regulations until Oct. 15. There’s been a flurry of recent press and public statements about these rules, with some conflicting and inaccurate statements. In a nutshell, here’s what the rules, if adopted, will do. The proposed regulations would lower the limit on impervious lot coverage (to 12 percent) at which new development within a half mile of shellfish waters will have to control and treat stormwater runoff. In Dare County, shellfish waters extend only from Roanoke Island and Nags Head south. In these areas, runoff from what’s called the one-year storm—the occasional rain that dumps three inches in 24 hours—would also have to be controlled. North of Roanoke Island and Nags Head, the new rules allow 24 percent (lowered from 30 percent) of a property to be built upon before stormwater controls are necessary. Runoff from an inch and a half of rain would need to be controlled. The proposed regulations would require stormwater controls when more than 10,000 square feet of land is disturbed. This is meant to encourage owners not to strip their lots of trees and vegetation, which absorb great amounts of runoff. The current rules don’t require stormwater controls until an acre of land is disturbed. And the proposed rules would increase the width of vegetated buffers along waterways to 50 feet from 30 feet. Under the new rules, property owners would not be allowed to include wetlands when calculating building density on their lots. This is just good sense. Until very recently, wetlands weren’t included in such calculations. But in 2006 state officials learned that regulators in Wilmington were allowing property owners to figure lot density based on the square footage of both uplands and wetlands. After protests by the development industry, the looser interpretation was applied to the whole coast. Directing polluted stormwater into wetlands adds sediment to them and causes changes in vegetation. The spread of the noxious weed Phragmites illustrates the damage that stormwater can do to wetlands. Support the strengthened stormwater rules to help prevent further pollution along our coast. Citizens may comment on the proposed regulations through Monday, Oct. 15, by sending e-mails to Tom Reeder at tom.reeder@ncmail.net or letters to Mr. Reeder at the DWQ Wetlands and Stormwater Branch, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617. Comments will also be accepted by fax at (919) 733-9612. Jan DeBlieu, NC Coastal Federation, Manteo Herman Hall, Kill Devil Hills Cliff Ritt, Harbinger Jim Lyons, Hatteras And 20 additional Outer Banks residents: Name Town Bill Slayton Manteo Tom White, Jr. Roanoke Island Maureen Thompson Manteo Patty Callum Manteo Sande Rogers Manteo Sandra Houck Nags Head Suzanne Huff Nags Head Dave Huff Nags Head James Ebert Manteo Steve Thompson Manteo Ann Bell Manteo Dick Fryklund Colington Island Sallie Tomlin Colington Island Jane Welch Manteo Richard Welch, Sr. Manteo Carole Slayton Manteo Nancy Kosanovich Nags Head Nancy Bond Colington Marlene Schumm Colington Sherrie Lemnios Southern Shores |
| Fishing tournament for youngsters It was such a pleasure to be part of this wonderful day. The community is remarkable. All children were encouraged to do their best, and the volunteers were full of good humor and good vibes. The blues started running, and the children were just full of it. Donny Bowers, your pictures are fabulous. Excellent work. Thank you, Hatteras, for a great day! Pam Bailey Avon |
Thanks to Hatteras Realty for use of pool A big thank you to Hatteras Realty for the use of the company’s swimming pool. This summer, the Hatteras Island Division of the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department was able to offer three weeks of swimming lessons for both adults and youth, as well as 12 weeks of adult aquatic fitness classes. Weekday mornings, all summer long, we showed up in large numbers to a welcoming staff and a heated pool. Allowing the use of their facility has been an invaluable service to the community. The Dare County Parks and Recreation staff wishes to commend Hatteras Realty for its commitment to helping promote physical activity among Hatteras Island residents. Thanks again. The Dare County Fessenden Center Staff. Buxton |
| Captain offers kudos on engine repair I am a working boat captain, and I also teach kiteboarding for Kite Hatteras in Buxton. My Yamaha 200 hp engine needed immediate repair to allow me to continue working. I called Joe's Marine Service in Wanchese, which told me to come that day. They figured out the problem in minutes, ordered the parts, and had me back on the water in fewer than 24 hours. Hats off to a very professional and pleasant business. Billy Stark Frisco |
Celebrating Hatteras watermen Thank you for your coverage of this year's Day at the Docks. For those of us who where not able to make it this year, it was the next best thing to being there! I especially enjoyed the images of the boats and people. Your community is blessed with examples of strong design and character in both. Hope to see you next year and bring some inland folks who have not had the pleasure of learning about your island's people, heritage, and resources. Jack Thigpen Raleigh What a great job that was done on the Day at the Docks article and slide shows. Sitting at my computer in Florida, I again realized what a very special place Hatteras is. Roger and Nancy Marsh Plantation, Fla. Thank you for being bold and forging ahead with your wonderful venture. You have truly blessed us. My husband Carroll and I were magnetized to the computer as we enjoyed the Day at the Docks slideshow and the faces in the crowd.. Since moving to southwestern Florida three years ago, images and faces of Hatteras Island have become distant memories, so what a refreshing photo collection it was for us. Hatteras Island, you are looking so good! Wendy Price Cape Coral, Fla. What a great day! The stories and pictures are so good (except for the ones of me). Thank you all. My husband in Qatar told me about the article and photos. We are really enjoying The Island Free Press. Keep up the good work! Analee Bibbey Hatteras Your article on Day at the Docks was fantastic. I really enjoyed the article and the slides. Great job and well done. Dottie Robinson Frisco I thoroughly enjoyed the article about the Day at the Docks. It really captured the spirit of the event. I especially enjoyed Buddy Swain's slideshows. The Faces in the Crowd was particularly well done. Next year we should add a "Dogs Day at the Docks" feature, as there were quite a variety of pooches present, strolling along with their owners. Thanks to everyone who spent many hours to make it all come together. Jan Willis Hatteras Great article and slideshow. It made us feel as though we were there. Thanks so much! Ed and Karen Fitzpatrick Shepherdstown, W.Va. I cannot begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading The Island Free Press since its debut. In particular, the coverage of "Day at the Docks" with Buddy Swain's photography of the day's events and people made this native girl homesick in a wonderful way. Denise Ziegler Easton, Md. I really would like to be at one of these events! My Dad, who passed away three years ago, and I would come to the Banks twice a year, in the spring and fall. I haven't been down in over five years. I really miss Hatteras and Ocracoke, too! Mike Kennerly Roanoke, Va. |
Ocracoke renovation – a work of the heart What a beautiful restoration! Thanks for publishing a story about historic architecture and owners willing to take the extra steps. Size and architectural integrity make Ocracoke a livable and enjoyable place. Congratulations! Amberly Dyer Frisco What a wonderful story. I wish that there were more people like Michael and Paula here in Nags Head. Their house is wonderful, and I wish them many happy years in it. Gin O’Neill Nags Head |
Replacing the Bonner bridge That the Bonner Bridge already requires replacement reflects, in my opinion, sub-optimal original design/build skills that must not be repeated. The Golden Gate and Brooklyn bridges are still standing after more than 70 and 100 years respectively. The composite 2/100 rating is of little meaning until its components are known and weighted. A 50/100 bridge falls, and our 2 stands and is "safe?" Go figure. The major problem seems to be not the green fanatics, who are simply doing their thing. It is the federal agencies and the courts and lawyers that cave in and abet the environmentalists at the slightest hint of a lawsuit. Where's the protection for endangered homo sapiens? Fred Westervelt Ocracoke I knew the condition of the Bonner Bridge was bad but not as bad as it truly is. It’s dangerous and so hard to even believe that it’s gone this far. For the first time in my entire life, I am speechless after seeing those pictures of underneath the bridge. There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for that bridge not being replaced years and years ago and for being left in that condition for such a long time. And to think the reason is all about money causes chills to go up and down my spine! What is wrong with those in charge? More than likely people who don't even live here are in charge of putting this thing together. I absolutely am so appalled that I just cannot comment any further accept to say that I agree 100 percent with County Commissioner Allen Burrus and all his comments on the Internet recently. Is it going to take it crumbling down to finally get the new bridge started? A long bridge is necessary because it's going to be like bailing the ocean dry with a teaspoon if a short bridge is built with a highway going over the refuge again. Highway 12 in that spot will always wash out, thereby pouring more money in the bottomless pit of Highway 12 at Pea Island. What a shame and a disgrace! Kay Augustson Manteo I have always embraced the ban on billboards on Hatteras Island. I wish, however, we were allowed to erect one billboard at the Whalebone Junction entrance to the park. It would carry the following message: “The Oregon Inlet Bridge has a safety rating of 2 out of a possible 100. Proceed at your own risk.” Jim Luzier Buxton Glad to have found you, thanks to the Tradewinds (tackle shop) link. I remember taking the ferry across Oregon Inlet and then the "new" bridge. Wonder when anything will be decided. How many have started betting pools on a start date? That would be a good moneymaker for some group, although it might take decades to win. Gloria Van Nostrand Louisville, Ky. People outrage me. This situation with the bridge is ridiculous. I've been traveling to the Outer Banks since I was born. It is my second home, and it will be my first home very soon. Ignorant people have no right to comment on this, especially talking as if they know science. People need to put themselves in the shoes of the islanders. If they were in need of something vital to their way of life, they would push hard for it. The wonderful people of Hatteras Island deserve a new bridge - a safe bridge - in order to maintain their daily lives. The current bridge is a danger to all those who travel on it - tourists or residents. It must be replaced before a terrible accident occurs. Look at the bridge in Minnesota that collapsed. They're having a new bridge rebuilt, and no one is complaining. Loss of Life should not be the impetus for change - but the prevention of death should serve as inspiration for the betterment of life. I will be working hard around my college to bring attention to this issue. I think that people will eventually see that the bridge must be replaced. I pray that it's sooner rather than later. Dustin Glasner Park Ridge, N.J. It worries me to think that government officials have no clue on our livelihoods here on Hatteras Island. If the bridge is not replaced and if they stop driving on the beach for everyone, just think of the economic plunge that would happen to all of us that live here, raise our families here, and work hard to make this island special for everyone. Sometimes I wish I could just shake those idiots. Beth Bailey Hatteras I am appalled by the reaction from the people of this state. It is imperative that the history and lifestyle of this beautiful island be preserved. I was fortunate to move from up north and attend high school on Hatteras Island. The community was welcoming and supportive of me the day I relocated. And I believe if there was an issue as grave as this one anywhere else in the state, these fine people would support their fellow North Carolinians. Obviously, this sentiment is not reciprocated. What is really disheartening is the fact that people are willing to disregard the livelihood of so many people that have built lives and homes on this "sandbar," dating back to its original inhabitants. I will stand behind this: Anyone who feels a bridge is not worth the cost, I challenge you to visit this island and have a meal at one of the local restaurants or take the time to explore the expansive beaches, visit the lighthouse and its overwhelming historic importance. If you did this, I would have no doubt you would have the same feeling of serenity I do every time I cross the Bonner Bridge to go home. And, folks, that is what it is to so many – home, no matter what spin you put on it. Kris Wompierski Raleigh I own property on Ocracoke, so I have a dog in this fight. However, I understand some level of frustration by taxpayers who are asked to help pay for these types of projects as well as beach nourishment. There is an inherent risk in living or owning property on the Outer Banks. Not everyone believes they should have to help pay to maintain access to these areas. Having said that, I also know that taxpayers have had to pay for many other projects, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway that only directly benefits those that live or visit that area. Sometimes you have to look at the greater good, just like those with no children pay property taxes for the school system. I also agree that there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding the Bonner Bridge and the options to replace it. I don't know which is the better solution, the long or short bridge, but I do know enough to know it is time to do something. One suggestion I would throw out would be a toll bridge where the locals and possibly commercial traffic are given a pass while the tourists and other visitors pay a $2 toll (Only to go on to Hatteras Island. It would be free to get off.) That money could be used for maintenance and/or put aside for future costs of access to the island. Kirk Whorf Raleigh First of all, let me congratulate you on The Island Free Press. I thoroughly enjoy reading it and keeping myself updated about happenings on the island. I have always kept a current subsciption the the Breeze, but will have to make a decision about renewing after I see what changes are made. Also, I am one of those "idiots" who lives on the west side of I-95. I have been visiting the island since 1985 and spend several weeks a year and the occasional long weekend in Hatteras. My daughter also lives in Hatteras village. Let me assure you that there are many of us out here in the west who love the island with all of our hearts and who are very actively involved with important issues related to Hatteras. I have been involved for years now with beach access isssues and have certainly tried to do my part with letters and phone calls to elected officials regarding the need to "get on with it" as far as the bridge is concerned. I will continue to do all that I can to help from my spot out here west of 95. Renee Tomberlin Raleigh Good column--also read some of the cyber comments posted at the print paper's sites, but got disgusted rather quickly. In the good old days before message boards and the like, we needed name, address, and phone number to publish letters and comments. That sure cut down on the no-thought, shoot-off-your mouth garbage that we see now. Neil Swartz Avon I really enjoyed the recent article about "Insensitive folks with uninformed opinions on the bridge issue." Those inland losers are happy in their concrete paradise, and they can have it! Tim Butch Kill Devil Hills You go, girl! I support you 100 percent on your column. I don't understand why they have not started something on the bridge -- long or short. I cannot believe anyone in this state cannot understand the financial benefits these islands bring to North Carolina. What is happening is like Florida cutting off the Keys. Rom Whitaker Hatteras Enough is enough. Build the bridge and do it NOW before it's too late and there are serious consequences due to bridge failure. This discussion is about more than money or wildlife, it's human lives that hang in the balance! Do we have to grovel? Donna Thomas Hamilton, N.J, and Frisco What do these other people think? They seem to be laboring under the distinct impression that they are subsidizing us with their taxes. We are not New Orleans. We do not get to wait for the federal government to come bail us out. We pay huge (and probably appropriate) insurance rates. We cannot get a mortgage without flood insurance and hazard insurance, in addition to regular old homeowners insurance. That’s three expensive policies. And by the way, those hazard policies sky-rocketed after the ice storms in Raleigh a few years back. In addition, the Outer Banks are is a huge contributor to taxes in this state. And, yes, we see very little of that returned to our area. So maybe the rest of them could stop spending our taxes and let us build a bridge with those dollars. And, oh, by the way, where are all these OBX-sticker people going to go to vacation once we are all relocated? Brenda Conley Frisco My mother (a Gilgo) was raised on Portsmouth Island, and I love Ocracoke Island almost as much. You just have to understand that the idiots on the other side of I-95 think that they are the only ones in North Carolina. They don't understand that those of us who live east of I-95 are the real North Carolinians -- and the ones who love North Carolina and know what good is. But that’s okay. Let them stay on the other side of I-95 anyway. We don't need their kind Down East to start with. Just mark up their comments to ignorance and their raising. Jim White New Bern Many people are grossly misinformed. The Bonner Bridge is NOT a bridge to "nowhere." It is a bridge to paradise! It's obvious that some of those writers have never been to Hatteras Island, yet feel that they are experts about it. Jeanie Wright Chesapeake, Va. My husband and I are homeowners in Avon village. To us, this is a little piece of paradise that we can reach on a weekend. Crossing Bonner Bridge ages me tremendously with each visit. I have visions of falling into the current and silently plan how to survive should we be the ones on the bridge when it fails. Please, keep anyone from having to put their plan of survival into effect. Rhonda Wesley Richmond, Va. When will enough be enough -- after someone dies? Maybe we should start looking ahead for when that fateful day arrives and plan a great class action lawsuit, naming names and organizations, such as the Southern Environmental Law Center and the Audubon Society, and anyone else in opposition to our bridge. We should hold them accountable for preventable deaths and the ultimate economic disaster that will most certainly come with the collapse of the bridge. And don't forget our government officials, who like to pass the buck so they can continue to sit on their thumbs and make a paycheck off of our tax dollars. Our woes seem to mean so little to these people. Our lives mean nothing compared to a bird, bug, bush, or tree. Maybe we should start a lawsuit and start naming names of their local supporters, and let the home-town people who are so gravely affected know who is walking among us and feeding our opposition. I personally don't care if they build a long bridge or a short bridge. I just want them to get off their dead butts and avoid the ultimate disaster. Build a bridge now. Let them talk about it later. Buddy McDaniel Allow me to start off by complimenting Allen Burrus' presentation. It is a masterful rendition of the history of the problems with replacing the Bonner Bridge. I would like to add a few comments to his observations. Every time an issue arises that requires a general consensus, there seems to be no ground for moderation and reason. There are many issues that face this island, and it seems that all of them get lost in the quagmire of extreme positioning. Restriction and closings on the beach, bridge replacement, ORV use on the beaches, and the list goes on and on. Where is the spirit of cooperation in order to settle a dispute or end a problem? Where does reason play into the fray to smooth the waters of contention. Must those of the extreme view be so resolute as to not see the problems their unyielding positions create? This "discussion" on the bridge could have been settled years ago, if a few reasonable people had sat down, considered the reality and needs, and reached a solution that settled the problem in a measured manner. This measured approach could be a model for solving most of our differences instead of the parade of lawyers, interest groups, and misguided saviors who feel their way is the only way. Well, here we are again. A decision has finally been made, and we see two calls for redress of the "grievous wrongs" before the news is hardly out. Can't you just see the files flying open at the lawyers’ offices? Someday our bridge will come. Lawrence Cullen I agree with Commissioner Warren Judge. It is time to expose these "environmental" groups for what they truly are, and they are busy bodies who pick and choose their causes. These groups are the same groups that were crying about Yellowstone being destroyed by a fire started by a lightning-strike and saying the government policy of letting it burn was wrong. Tropical Storm Gabrielle, weak as it was, should show how impractical a 17-mile bridge in the sound would be. Living in the Midwest, I am aware of what the salt we put on the roads does to the pavement and my Jeep, but there is no howl from environmentalists. One of our reservoirs in the Indianapolis metro area has a “do not swim” order because of a toxic algae caused by a drought and all the fertilizer put on the lawns of million-dollar homes. I still have not heard any outcry by the Audubon Society, but only from the homeowners bewailing the fact they are destroying their own home values. It is time for the state and federal governments to put human lives above animal lives. Last time I checked, I paid taxes, but my dogs did not. Michael Porter Indianapolis, Ind. I'm in Mrs. Duke's civics class at First Flight High School. We are working on this project (of replacing the Bonner Bridge) in our class and are sending letters to important people in the state. I am for building a new bridge. Personally, I would like the short bridge built. It would still give the tourists and the locals access to Pea Island and also all the other wonderful beaches in that area. If we are concerned with the wildlife that will be "harmed" in the process of building this bridge, let me ask you a question. Would you rather have lives lost to the collapse of our bridge or have piping plovers adjusting to the new bridge? The birds have built there habitat around the present bridge. Why does it have to change? If anyone is killed by this bridge, there will be lawsuits. I would hate to say, "I told you so". Cecily Bednarek First Flight High School Kill Devil Hills Does anyone else find this ironic? We are fighting for a new Bonner Bridge and the right to drive on the beach, and yet we can drive on the beach while we replace seven bridges on Ocracoke. Oops, I just accidentally alerted the environmentalists, which will claim Ocracoke is the southern breeding area for the Canadian mosquito. Michael Porter Indianapolis, Ind. |
ORVs on seashore beaches My observations this summer as to seashore resource closure violations have led me to believe that: a.) Pedestrians do not think the closures apply to them. When I have pointed out to folks on foot that they are in a closed area, they act indignant and claim they didn't know it applied to pedestrian traffic, just vehicular. b.) The signage could be better. The signs need to be visible from the water line and clearly show the area is closed from dune to water. I have observed vehicles driving between the closures and the dunes, again hopefully because of misinterpretation of signs. All in all, folks seem to be respecting the closures. Susan Garrett Frisco Thank you for this very complete article on the whole ORV situation and how we got to this place. As one who has enjoyed riding on the beach for 40-plus years, it is distressing to think that the loony few can absolutely destroy what so many of us enjoy and treat responsibly. Gloria Van Nostrand Louisville, Ky. I’ve been visiting Hatteras since 1971, and what was once a free and independent respite for an adolescent spirit has become the ideal vacation spot for my family. I tell my kids tales about long lost landmarks, and they don’t seem too impressed. They like Hatteras the way it is. Although I look forward to our annual trip to the island, I must admit I liked it better the way it was. So, I was immediately interested in the current driving on the beach controversy facing the community. My first impulsive response was a resounding no to any ban for ORVs on Hatteras beaches. After all, some of my fondest memories involve driving on the beach, setting up shop for the day, and enjoying what seemed like endless hours on the beach. Following a week at Avon where we staked our claim to the sand slightly south of the first access ramp, I was confronted by a new type of driving on the beach. While the usual local traffic moved steadily along the top portion of the beach, many out-of-staters headed for the solid sand near the water, weaving in and out of families relaxing on the beach with small children. I genuinely feared for the safety of my 3-year- old twins and my 4-year old daughter, as drunken joy riders drove in circles throwing sand everywhere. When Labor Day arrived, the traffic on the lower part of the beach was so bad that we kept our children directly beside our ORV. The experience has changed my perspective on the proposed ban or new plan. While I am certainly no expert regarding driving on the beach at Hatteras, I take it seriously, always staying well above swimmers or sunbathers and remaining in the right of way until I reach my desired spot. I’ve considered many of the suggested options for a new plan, and they all fall short of actually regulating traffic on the beaches. The Park Service is so understaffed it cannot possibly patrol miles of beaches. During our one week stay, we never saw a ranger on the sand. Locals shouldn’t be punished for the careless actions of quite a few tourists who liken the beach to a giant ice-covered parking lot in New Jersey, and drive with no regard for safety. Perhaps, a plan that allows locals to continue to use the beach for ORVs and a ban on tourists’ right to drive off road might be appropriate. While I would sadly relinquish my right to drive on the beach, the resulting tranquility on the beach may offset the inconvenience. Admittedly, my suggestion certainly won’t appeal to various dune buggy associations that have performed noteworthy and significant research on this subject. Unfortunately, they too are the victims of the thoughtless few who abuse the privilege of driving on the beach. The people of Hatteras have endured many changes in the past four decades, and hints of the old villages are getting hard to find. They shouldn’t suffer another indignity in the form of a driving ban on the beach. Jim Ridolphi Richmond, Va. I have been coming to the Outer Banks since I was 8 years old. That would be 47 years and counting. I first came with my parents, and now I come with my parents and my wife and four children. One of the things that we enjoy the most is getting out on the beach -- fishing, swimming, and just spending time with each other in a fantastic environment. I have learned an appreciation for nature, conservation, and cooperation during that time that wouldn't be as pronounced as it now is, if not for my years on Hatteras Island. If the beaches are closed to off-road vehicles, the whole experience of going to the Outer Banks will be changed, and not for the better. With all due respect to birdwatchers and biologists who love to count the sea grass, the effect on the local economy will be devastating. If I did continue to come back to the Outer Banks, it would be for a day or two, now and then, just for the nostalgia, not the week to two weeks that have been religion for the last 47 years. Let’s not regulate our way out of something that works! Lee Talbott For those who like nothing more than driving the beaches just to be driving and knocking back some cold ones, go to Myrtle Beach and leave our national seashore as pristine as possible. For those who still enjoy the thrill of the catch off the Point, drive as safely as you always have over the years. Steve Fowee Until the politicians have the nerve to stand up to these "environmental" extortionists, this is going to be an issue. Those of us who do drive on the beach have done more to preserve and clean the beaches than some environmentalist lawyer in Washington D.C., who probably goes to a gated condo in Florida or the Hamptons in New York. My wife and I are bringing her sister and children from Indiana down to the Outer Banks for their first visit. Part of the thrill of this trip is the desire to hunt for shells, and Cape Point, besides being an excellent place to fish, is an excellent place to find shells. I will load them up in my Jeep and take them out for an experience they cannot get in our home state of Indiana. They will also learn the greater responsibility of cleaning up the trash that has washed up from a recreational boater. Michael Porter Indianapolis, Ind. |
The forgotten war zone off the Outer Banks I enjoyed this guest column. Last night I found a good documentary on the Military Channel. I don't know if you have access to it. The documentary is “Quest for Sunken Warships, Torpedo Alley" (2007). Divers investigate waters off Cape Hatteras, N.C., where German U-boats took a fearsome toll on Allied shipping. Just thought you would be interested! Sue Lattanzio Reading, Pa. Thank you. It is good to be reminded of the past and the ones that were there. We seem to forget things like this did happen very close to home. Let’s pray it doesn't again. Mattie Carpenter McComb, Miss. Just read your story on The Battle of Torpedo Junction. I was raised on Portsmouth Island and can well remember the era. We moved from Portsmouth in 1945 and lived in Atlantic. I too served in the Merchant Marines and held an ocean-going master’s license until I retired in 1999. Good job. Lionel Gilgo Beaufort |
| Wildlife rehabilitator Lou Browning The writing in this story is exceptional! What a fantastic read. Thanks for the article. April Paszkiewicz Buies Creek, N.C. |
| Hyde County’s teacher of the year Congratulations Jennifer! We are all so proud of you! Suzie Scholten Buxton |
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