Eye on Dare

True, So True

2012-02-02T11:40:00.001-05:00

UPDATE:
EyeonDare has taken the liberty to move this old blogpost back to the top of the page in order to rebut/debate the comment just offered by "Straight Talk" (whom we assume is the same person
as "BOC Fan"
Readers should feel free to chime in as they see fit.

Thanks to a reader for sending this sign photo.
True, so true.

Sentinel Rolls out the Records on KDH Police Chief Matter

2012-02-01T09:30:00.001-05:00

Sandy Semans
Outer Banks Sentinel

In today's issue of the Outer Banks Sentinel, editor Sandy Semans, rolls out the public records on what has become a most convoluted issue here on the Outer Banks. Public interest in the "why" and "wherefores" centering around a recent three month dismissal and return to office of Kill Devil Hills Police Chief Gary Britt have prompted misguided rumors and gossip all over the county.

In attempting to put things into perspective, Semans, an award winning investigative reporter, writes, "..the Sentinel has turned to public records to try to piece together what has been going on and the results appear to set up a scenario of pay-backs, abuse of authority, and an attitude of entitlement of some elected officials - but not Kill Devil Hills officials"

Semans' two articles, both in today's edition, are a must read for anyone interested in open and honest government here in Dare County.

Paws for Love

2012-01-27T09:57:00.000-05:00

Feline Hope

Annual "Paws for Love Dinner"

"Silent Auction"

Feline Hope Website

Feline Hope Animal Shelter

P. O. Box 893

Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Phone: (252) 255-3365

Mayors Act Without Board Approval

2012-01-26T16:46:00.012-05:00

Manteo Mayor Jamie Daniels

Did the mayors of 53 North Carolina towns know exactly what they were doing when they signed, on behalf of their constituents, a letter that purportedly endorses Governor Beverly Perdue's proposal to raise State sales tax this year by 3/4 of one percent. Perdue said last week that the State needs to reinstate a portion of the one percent sales tax that expired last year, and contributed to cuts in funding for education.

Tate Johnson, Executive Director of the Governor's Eastern Office in New Bern, NC told EyeonDare he had the task of contacting mayors in 23 eastern counties. Johnson said his goal was to get the endorsement of at least two mayors from each county, and he chose Southern Shores and Manteo in the County of Dare.

It was at this point that EyeonDare thinks the matter became a little sticky. "We weren't trying to mislead anyone," said Johnson, adding that "we can't do anything about what kind of spin the press might put on this." (See WECT TV6 story here)
Johnson said he felt sure that each mayor fully understood that the Governor was asking for support of her proposed sales tax increase.

Southern Shores Mayor
Hal Denny

However, at least one of Dare County's mayors, Jamie Daniels of Manteo, said he didn't realize his signature on the letter amounted to an endorsement of a sales tax increase. "I fully support Governor Perdue and her attempts to better education in North Carolina," said Daniels, "but, I suppose I was too busy when the phone call came through and I was asked to sign". Daniels said the caller seemed to be in a big hurry to get the signature, so he sent the signed letter back as quickly as it was faxed to him and he did not consult with his town board as to whether they might or might not support the matter. (Interestingly, the body of the short, two paragraph, letter does not mention Perdue's name or a tax increase)

On the other hand, Southern Shores Mayor, Hal Denny told EyeonDare he understood that his signing of the letter was an endorsement of the tax increase and he thought it was OK for him to make that assertion without consulting his town board. Like Daniels, Denny said he quickly returned the letter and thought no more about it. (You can read the letter here)

EyeonDare isn't trying to throw darts at Governor Perdue over her proposed sales tax increase and offers no opinion on the merits thereof, or for the need of additional funding for education in our State.
(Read Governor Perdue's statement on education here)

However, this writer thinks the residents of Southern Shores and Manteo should take their respective mayor to task for the shortsighted way they responded to the Governor's request. Why did they not take the request before their town boards? Folks, this was an invitation to endorse a TAX INCREASE, not an invitation to some ribbon cutting. It is clear to EyeonDare that both mayors, and perhaps others on the list, acted irresponsibly by signing the letter without official board approval.

Johnson told EyeonDare that he thought a lot towns did not allow their mayors to sign any document on behalf of the town without full board approval. In fact, Johnson said that one mayor he called for a signature immediately brought the matter before the full board and they voted not to allow a signature.

Well, EyeonDare says, "Don't we do things differently here in Dare County".

Sources: Perdue won't seek re-election | newsobserver.com projects

2012-01-26T10:25:00.000-05:00

Sources: Perdue won't seek re-election newsobserver.com projects

Stay Clear of Hyde County's Liquor Problems

2012-01-25T21:26:00.001-05:00

A story in the Island Free Press, detailing operational problems within the Hyde County ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) stores in Ocracoke and Swan Quarter is not a matter that should concern the residents of Dare County. In fact, Dare County should stay as far away from the problem as possible.

Apparently, Hyde County has been having financial problems with the ownership, operation and supervision of its ABC stores for quite some time. The problem is so bad that, apparently, they can't afford to pay the wholesale price for the liquor they sell. So be it. That's not Dare County's problem, and Dare County should not involve themselves with it.

In denouncing the state ABC Commission's lack of compassion for their dilemma, Hyde County's ABC Board Chairman Keith Parker-Lowe angrily said, "“They didn’t give a damn for Hyde County. All they want to do is give it (the operation of our stores) to Dare County.”

Admittedly, Dare County has one of the most profitable ABC operations in the state, but that's no reason it should involve itself in the financial problems of a neighboring county. Let's hope our county commissioners and our local ABC Board turns a deaf ear to any suggestion that the taxpayers of Dare County involve themselves in this matter.

Dare County already helps Hyde County with its garbage collection over on Ocracoke Island, but we surely don't need to help them sell their liquor....not in any way, whatsoever.

You can read the Island Free Press story here.

Buske Says He Won't Run for County Seat

2012-01-25T18:02:00.003-05:00

Kill Devil Hills Commissioner Paul Buske (R) told EyeonDare he will not run for the District 2 Dare County Commissioner seat. Buske, a Republican, had been mentioned as a possible candidate for the seat now held by Mike Johnson (R).

Wayne Gray
Nags Head, NC

Meanwhile, the name of former Nags Head Commissioner Wayne Gray (R) has been circulating widely around the county as a possible challenger for the District 2 seat. Gray served on the Nags Head town board from 1991 until 1995. He was elected again in 2003 and won re-election in 2007.

Gray chose not to run for a fourth term in 2011.

Give Us More - On Oregon Inlet

2012-01-24T10:20:00.005-05:00

An interview recently conducted by the Outer Banks Voice with Wanchese commercial fisherman and businessman, Moon Tillett, offered few, if any, suggestions or insight into what can be done to renew the push to get a north side jetty built at Oregon Inlet.

Moon Tillett
Wanchese, NC
(Outer Banks Voice photo)

While Tillett has a very astute knowledge of the inlet, from his lifelong association as a fisherman and longtime member of the Oregon Inlet Waterways Commission, he came off as being very weary from dealing with the problem, in fact, almost to the extent he appeared about ready to throw in the towel. EyeonDare isn't trying to throw stones at Tillett over this interview, because without a doubt, he and a handful of other lifelong Wanchese fishermen have fought long and hard for a solution to the problem.

However, in the past few months there appears to be a renewed interest in beating the drums again, and if the Voice interview was intended to aid that effort, if fell short of its goal. Furthermore, two of the most interesting and important comments made by Tillett flew right over the head of the interviewer. In EyeonDare's opinion, both comments begged for more discussion. So, here they are.

Comment #1: When asked by the interviewer "what would be your ideal jetty", Tillett's response included the statement..."I thought well, if the sand comes down the beach, and I'm not sure it does...it would fill it up". The shoaling of the inlet from longshore or littoral drift has been a sticking point by the the area's commercial fishermen for many years. So, why didn't the interviewer catch this remark and delve deeper into Tillett's mindset on this important aspect of the argument for jettying or not jettying Oregon Inlet?
Interesting, a recent poll, conducted by EyeonDare, revealed that only 58% of the respondents thought that the current shoaling problems in Oregon Inlet are the result of sand from up north in Nags Head.

Comment #2: When discussing the groups that had always opposed jettying the inlet, the interviewer seemed surprised to hear Tillett say that the "beach buggie association" was against the idea. "Damn right they were against it," said Tillett. So, why didn't the interviewer carry this important statement further into the discussion.

Finally, to borrow a word from Tillett, let's all hope that Oregon Inlet does not "swaller" up the entire Outer Banks fishing industry. If that were to happen, it would be, perhaps, the biggest financial disaster ever to hit Dare County.

One Vote Wins

2012-01-22T20:53:00.000-05:00

It only takes "one vote" to win an election. One vote!

EyeonDare is excited to hear there is considerable interest in this year's national and local election.
When was the last time Dare County had "Unaffiliated Voters" willing to step up to the plate and say, "I want to represent YOU". This is great ! Let's hope we get more Unaffiliated candidates to step up and start the process to get themselves on the ballot for November. There's plenty of time and there's plenty of people in Dare County that will be glad to help.

Did you realize that Unaffiliated Voters in Dare County now number 8,815, compared to 8,023 Republicans and 10,198 Democrats? Unaffiliated voters control the "swing vote" in Dare County.
They can and do make a difference. Best of all, they can run for office by simply getting only 1,085 signatures on a petition. EyeonDare will help and there are plenty of others who will help. Talk with your neighbors and let's send a message to our current county board of commissioner that we want good government and we will do what we can to get it....even if we have to dump the entire board.

History has shown it doesn't take a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist to be a Dare County Commissioner.
All it takes is an honest person with a sincere desire to serve the people of Dare County and try to give them the best value for their tax dollar possible. No $600 motel rooms, no $300 steak dinners, no double dipping on travel expenses, no special interests, no putting the same people over and over on local boards....none of that....just good common sense, more transparency, and the desire to do what is right for everyone in Dare County.

Please talk with your neighbors and encourage them to get involved, and listen and pay attention to what is getting ready to happen in Dare County THIS YEAR. YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT.

Mother's Advice

2012-01-22T19:05:00.000-05:00

Remember children, and promise me you'll never go near the
Dare County Landfill

Dare County Commissioner Poll

2012-01-20T20:40:00.003-05:00

THIS SPACE IS RESERVED FOR ANY COMMENTS ONE WISHES TO MAKE REGARDING THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER POLL - on right

Richard Johnson (R) 16 years on board of commissioners

Warren Judge (D) 12 years on board of commissioners

Virginia Tillett (D) 10 years on board of commissioners

Mike Johnson (R) 8 years on board of commissioners

Max Dutton (D) 6 years on board of commissioners

Jack Shea (R) 6 years on board of commissioners

Allen Burrus (D) 6 years on board of commissioners

(board members serve 4 years for each elected term)

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Petition Signers

2012-01-20T17:04:00.002-05:00

EyeonDare would like to point out to the readers of this blog that anyone who chooses to sign a petition to nominate anyone as an Unaffiliated candidate in the November general election is only asking the board of elections to honor the nominee's request. A signature does not obligate the person to vote for or support the candidate.

EyeonDare will be happy to assist any Unaffiliated candidate who wishes to put the word out that they are seeking signatures to get themselves on the November ballot. The voters of Dare County need good choices and EOD commends those who are willing to run for office.

Conner Enters Commissioner Race

2012-01-20T16:49:00.004-05:00

Kevin Gray Conner
Hatteras, NC

Kevin Gray Conner (R) of Hatteras has notified EyeonDare that he is circulating petitions asking for his nomination as an Unaffiliated candidate in the November 2012 General Election for a District 4 seat on the Dare County Board of Commissioners. District 4 is currently represented by Allen Burrus (D) of Hatteras. Burrus has not yet said whether he will run for re-election.

Conner, a former Dare County Republican Chair and Tea Party Activist, is employed by Frisco Woods Campground.

A copy of Conner's petition can be downloaded here.

Signed petitions, containing one or more signatures should be mailed to:

Kevin Gray Conner

P.O. Box 247

Hatteras, NC 27943

Conner (R) is not eligible to run in the May primary because his voter registration was changed within 90 days of the primary filing period, which begins on February 13th and runs through February 29th.

Conner's circumstance may be of interest to other potential candidates in this year's general election. Melva Garrison, Director of the Dare County Board of Elections advised EyeonDare that "any registered voter" may run in the November election as an "Unaffiliated candidate" and avoid the May primary if they wish to go the petition route. In other words, a registered Democrat, Republican or Unaffiliated voter may petition the board of elections to get their name on the ballot by gathering a number of signatures on a petition that represent 4% of the total registered voters in the county (approx 1,085 signatures). The petition must contain the names of "qualified Dare County voters" .

EyeonDare encourages anyone wishing to go this route to first contact the board of elections office in Manteo for instructions. They may be contacted by clicking here.

Readers' Request

2012-01-20T14:25:00.001-05:00

Sandy Semans

Several readers have asked EyeonDare how they can sign or get a copy of the "petition" to have the name of Sandy Semans of Stumpy Point, NC placed on the November 2012 election ballot as an Unaffiliated candidate for the District 1 Dare County Board of Commissioner's seat. Semans needs approximately 1,085 signatures by the end of June 2012.

Semans responded to EyeonDare's inquiry by providing the attached copy, which can be download here.
The copy, with one or more signatures can be mailed to:

Sandy Semans
133 Bayview Dr.
Stumpy Point NC 27978

Semans is employed at the Outer Banks Sentinel, Central Square Shopping Center, Nags Head, NC.

Local Election Talk Beginning to Heat Up

2012-01-18T10:24:00.009-05:00

Sandy Semans

An interesting ceremonial "tossing of the hat" into the arena of Dare County politics took place this morning when the editor of the Outer Banks Sentinel, Sandy Semans of Stumpy Point, announced her intention to seek the District 1 seat (Manteo/mainland) on the Dare County Board of Commissioners.

Semans, a registered Independent, may be the first "Unaffiliated candidate" ever to run for a seat on that board. Regardless, her entrance into the race for the seat currently held by Manteo resident, Richard Johnson (R), promises to make for an exciting election year. Johnson's fourth consecutive four-year term ends in December and he has not yet said whether he intends to seek re-election.

Francis D'Ambra

Semans's announcement follows that of retired Manteo police chief, Francis D'Ambra who recently set up an Internet webpage stating his desire to occupy the District 1 seat. D'Ambra's webpage can be found here. D'Ambra is a registered Republican and would have to compete in the May primary if other Republicans chose to run for the District 1 seat.

The official filing period for all candidates for the May primary opens at noon on February 13th and ends at noon on February 29th. Independent candidates have until June 29th to get on the ballot for the November General Election.

As an Unaffiliated candidate, by law, Semans must gather about 1085 signatures on a petition, representing 4% of the total Dare County voters, and have it submitted to the board of elections by June 29th. As such, she would not compete in the May primary, but her name would appear on the November ballot against potential Democratic and Republican primary winners.

In addition to District 1, the seats for District 2 (Nags Head/Kill Devil Hills/Colington) currently held by Commissioner Mike Johnson (R), District 3 (Kitty Hawk/Southern Shores/Duck) currently held by Commissioner Warren Judge(D), and District 4 (Hatteras Island), currently held by Commissioner Allen Burrus(D) are also up for grabs.

HEARD ON THE STREET:

While it is simply "street talk", EyeonDare has also heard the following local names circulated as potential challengers in this year's county commissioner elections.

District 1 - Mark Vrablic (R), Wanchese businessman/commercial fisherman

District 3 - Paul Buske (R), Kill Devil Hills councilman, businessman
Wayne Gray (R), former Nags Head councilman, U S Coast Guard, retired
Robert Muller (D), former Nags Head councilman/mayor, retired U S Post Office

District 4 - Scott Leggat (D), Rodanthe, real estate executive

Stop the Pouting

2012-01-18T08:26:00.007-05:00

Bob Woodard

The Outer Banks Sentinel is reporting this morning that there is tension on the new Kill Devil Hills town board, where, during the November election, voters replaced three of the five members.

EyeonDare sees nothing here but bruised egos and it's time Paul Buske and Bob Woodard stopped pouting and got back to work. EOD also found it interesting that the board nominated Woodard, along with newly elected members, Brandi Rheubottom and Mike Hogan for a vacant position on the Tourism Board and, guess what...the Dare County Commissioners, led by commissioner Allen Burrus' motion, appointed none other than Woodard to the position. Hmmm....politics as usual?

$45,000 Grant Will Help Find New Uses For Abandoned, Lost Crab Pots

2012-01-15T09:47:00.000-05:00

$45,000 Grant Will Help Find New Uses For Abandoned, Lost Crab Pots

EyeonYou

2012-01-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

EyeonYou
This harbor seal had his eye on EOD
as he swam a few yards off the beach, north
of Corolla yesterday. The seals
show up rather frequently this time of
year, especially after a few days
of northerly winds provides them
with an easy ride down south.

Your Right to Know

2012-01-11T16:23:00.001-05:00

Dare taxpayers should be aware of their rights if they desire to review or
have copies of public records within their county or municipality.
This is a useful site for anyone to use for additional information.

http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/North_Carolina_Public_Records_Law#cite_note-18

Kudos to the Outer Banks Voice

2012-01-10T08:48:00.001-05:00

EyeonDare would like to place a big feather in the hat of the Outer Banks Voice for this morning's story on the Kill Devil Hills Police Department. It's a news story that has been a long time coming and the public deserves to know what's going on with that matter. Finally, shame on the town officials and district attorney for not responding to inquiries.

http://outerbanksvoice.com/2012/01/09/questions-abound-over-kdh-police-chiefs-suspension/

Is Dare Game & Wildlife Commission Fair to Area Hunters"

2012-01-09T17:51:00.002-05:00

An interesting discussion has evolved over on a North Carolina Hunt & Fish website forum after one of its members posted about the Mike Johnson Bear Hunting controversy.

Dare County Commissioner Mike Johnson, shown here
on a Cross Trail Outfitters duck hunt, is a member
of the Dare County Game & Wildlife Commission
(photo source: http://teamcto.smugmug.com/State-of-North-Carolina-1/2010-Duck-Camp/15591435_jLtqC4#!i=1212309605&k=u2xcb )
(Note: EyeonDare does not purport that this photo was taken in Dare County)

The Johnson bear hunt scandal is interesting within itself, however, two members of the above mentioned forum have also expanded the discussion into another area where EyeonDare has been hearing complaints for some time, specifically, the Dare County Game and Wildlife Commission. It was not surprising to EOD when the two posters said..

(quote) Dare County has always been a county that has tried to keep it's game to itself. No surprise here.
Out of 100 counties in NC, Dare is one of only two, to create it's own "Game Commission" and to no surprise, Mike Johnson sits on the Dare County Game Commission board.It's not alarming to know that none of the youth of Stumpy Point were considered for the landfill hunt" (end quote)

and

(quote) "And if you don't believe that game commission isn't fixed, try getting a duck or float blind permit in Dare County...it aint gonna happen" (end quote)

For more information about the Dare County Game & Wildlife Commission, you can click here

Footnote: Dare Commissioner Mike Johnson is a member of the above commission.

Aiken teacher tags huge North Carolina bruin - North Carolina Sportsman

2012-01-07T17:36:00.002-05:00

Aiken teacher tags huge North Carolina bruin - North Carolina Sportsman

EyeonDare is posting this story, published three days ago, with hope that Dare Commissioner Mike Johnson will read it to all the youth he has taken on bear kills (not bear hunts) out in the open cornfield at the county landfill.

If Johnson wants to teach hunting, perhaps he could get himself a good lesson from this lady hunter down in Beaufort County.

Wanchese Needs Help

2012-01-07T10:43:00.000-05:00

The WRAL video does an excellent job of outlining the seriousness of the shoaling problems at Oregon Inlet. And, no doubt, it's time for a re-newed effort to get a north side jetty built, because the future of Wanchese and the area's entire commercial and charter boat fishing industry is hanging by a thread.

Unlike beach nourishment, a second jetty at Oregon Inlet can do much to solve this terrible economic problem. And, unlike nourishment or continued dredging, the cost of constructing the additional jetty would be cost effective for everyone concerned.

So, how can this objective be accomplished? What can the fishermen, the citizens and the leadership on the Outer Banks do that they haven't done before? First, remember two things, "timing" is everything and trust the old saying that "all politics is local". EOD thinks we should start over and begin here.

GET THE FUNDING IN PLACE: (Estimated cost - $50 million)

County Commissioners and Towns: Currently, the county and its six town receive 3% in annual occupancy taxes (almost $15 million per yr.) and use it as they see fit. In addition, they receive another 2% occupancy tax (almost $10 million per yr.) that is dedicated to the tourist bureau (1%) and beach nourishment (1%). More importantly, the commissioners currently have legislative approval to assess a final 1% occupancy tax (another $5 million per year) for beach nourishment.

The county's beach nourishment fund balance currently sits at about $31 million, with $18 million of it pledged to Nags Head this year and another $2 million pledged next year to help pay their nourishment bond. Still, the county expects to have no less than $15 million in unspent money in that account by the middle of next year and it will grow by another $5 million per year. With the imposition of the additional 1% occupancy tax, as authorized by the state, the county will be receiving no less than $8-10 million per year in uncommitted occupancy taxes very soon.

Albeit the statute says the $8-$10 million is dedicated for beach nourishment, it will be much easier to convince the state legislature that Oregon Inlet is an important part of our tourism economy and deserving of a large portion of that money than it will be to convince the leadership in Washington to finance a jetty in Dare County. Why?

Because, it is becoming obvious to most observers that the Nags Head project will probably not prove to be cost effective or successful enough to justify more expenditures in the near future .And, despite all the smoke blown by the former mayor of Kill Devil Hills, don't expect that town to get a nourishment project underway any time soon. There is plenty of justification for the towns and the county to fork some of that money over and help the commercial fishing and recreational fishing industry in Dare County?

2012 is an election year and pressure should be brought to bear on anyone hoping to hold elected office in Dare County. Remember, "all politics is local" and "timing is everything". Isn't it time for everyone who is supportive of correcting this problem to nudge our county commissioners to "put out" or "get out".

WORK WITH, NOT AGAINST : (the environmentalists)

There isn't enough money in Dare County to fight and defeat any nationally supported environmental movement, whether we like it or not. There will always have to be compromise. For example, a backwoods lawyer could have told our county commissioners they stood no chance whatsoever when they wasted over $500,000 in county funds, just for a seat at the table, as the Southern Environmental Law Center walked over the national park service. And, it didn't matter that Judge Terrence Boyle was presiding, the SELC would have won the case anyway. So, why did the county chose to alienate them, and why do we continue to throw slings and arrows? Is it helping anything?

The first thing our leadership needs to do is recognize that we have to "bargain" in order to get anywhere in Dare County these days. The fact is, there are a lot of staunch environmentalists living right here on the Outer Banks, whether our commissioners, the people on Hatteras Island or anyone else wants to believe and accept it or not.

Several years ago the County of Dare came into ownership of about 12 acres of prime inlet fronted property on the south side of Oregon Inlet (old coast guard station). The national park service wanted it badly and the environmentalists would have loved to have seen the fish and wildlife service get their hands on it. Without thinking, and by playing politics, Dare County donated the land to the State of North Carolina for, yet another research facility. We didn't then and don't now, need another research facility here on the Outer Banks. The county threw away a prime bargaining chip and it needs to re-approach the State about how it can be used today for some kind of compromise.

On the north side of the inlet, a similar size portion of inlet fronted property was the object of a quit claim deed filed by several members and leaders of the local fishing community about five years ago. While the park service has always claimed rights and/or ownership, it has always been a quietly disputed issue. Dare County should go after that property or at least seek some kind of compromise that will assist them in getting permits for a jetty over there. Last winter's ocean breach of the trout pond next to this piece of property promises to make it an inlet island and the park service should be happy to keep that spit open and let the island form and become a protected bird sanctuary. Also, the new break, if permanent, will help take pressure off the flow in the main portion of Oregon Inlet.

CONVINCE THE REPUBLICANS:

It's also time the, once long-established, political leadership in Dare County stopped whining about their loss of influence in Raleigh and began respecting the fact that the hat's off their heads and in their hands for what may be a long while. Meanwhile, the local Republican Party needs to convince the legislature leadership in Raleigh that the best way to stay in power in this region of the state is to show they can do more for the people and the economic future of the Outer Banks than their predecessors.

The community of Wanchese and much of Hatteras Island has strong Republican influences when it comes to the voting booth and they are the ones with the most to gain by getting Oregon Inlet jettied. The task ahead of them and all of Dare County is not impossible and the timing is right. Now.

Footnote: EyeonDare has often wondered why Dare County leaders have never sought help from long-time U S Congressman Howard Coble (R) of Greensboro, NC. Coble has served in Washington, DC for over 25 years, and is a former member of the U S Coast Guard and retired Commander of a U S Coast Guard Reserve Unit in Wilmington, N C. In addtion, Coble is an influential member of the congressional Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Most of all, Representative Coble has a strong love for coastal North Carolina and respect for its inhabitants. EOD had the pleasure of working under Congressman Coble many years ago when he was the Secretary of Revenue for the State of North Carolina. He is a most honorable man who would not shut the door in anyone's face. EOD urges the local Republican Party, in unity with our local fishermen, to give Coble a call and see what happens.

Filing for Local Office Begins on February 13, 2012

2012-01-06T17:49:00.001-05:00

It's not too early for interested parties in Dare County to begin to get their thoughts together about who might want to run for four of the seven seats that will be up for grabs on the Dare County Board of Commissioners.

The filing period begins at noon on February 13th and ends at noon on February 29th.
Click here for additional details. or contact the local Board of Elections Office in Manteo. for more information.

The terms of commissioners, Allen Burrus, Mike Johnson, Richard Johnson and Warren Judge will expire this year.

Allen Burrus represents District 4
Mike Johnson represents District 2
Richard Johnson represents District 1
Warren Judge represents District 3

The One That Got Away

2012-01-06T17:19:00.000-05:00

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

It's a sure bet this bear doesn't live near the Dare County Landfill

Hunters, statewide say "Mike Johnson bear hunts are wrong"

2012-01-06T11:29:00.000-05:00

http://www.nchuntandfish.com/forums/showthread.php?63438-Dare-County-Commissioner-Bear-Hunts

Oregon Inlet Needs Permanent Solution

2012-01-06T11:25:00.000-05:00

http://truthordarenc.com/2012/01/06/oregon-inlet-needs-a-permanent-solution/

Community Pride

2012-01-05T14:38:00.001-05:00

Thirteen members of the Dunes of Dare Garden Club were out picking up trash and debris along Hwy 12 in Southern Shores today. The group was busy cleaning up two miles of roadside.

Updated - per Reader Request

2012-01-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

Updated - per reader request

Tax Bill Reminder

2012-01-05T09:38:00.001-05:00

http://www.surfchex.com/jwplayer/indexjw.html
A reminder for the Town of Nags Head Tax Department to all property owners in Nags Head.

HAVE YOU SENT IN YOUR TAX PAYMENT YET? IF NOT, YOUR TAX BILLL IS DELINQUENT.

Sentinel Poll is a "No Brainer"

2012-01-05T09:22:00.002-05:00

There's a poll going on right now over on the Outer Banks Sentinel website asking whether people think the Dare County commissioners should be exempt from written county rules which prohibit county employees from using their county email accounts for personal reasons. It's a no brainer and the earlier votes prove it, as 94% of the respondents so far, say "No".

The question evolved after the website Truth or Dare, followed by the Sentinel, reported that commissioner Mike Johnson was using his email account to solicited religious donations and also pasting official county business/email with logos relating to his nonprofit organization.

The big question should be, "Will the county commissioners do anything about this misuse?" Again, its a no brainer, because the obvious answer is "No."

But, hang in there, Sentinel and Truth or Dare fans. This ain't a dead horse yet, and the fat lady whose riding him isn't about ready to sing. Stay tuned.

Potter Predicts (Part III)

2012-01-04T20:30:00.002-05:00

“It’s time the people in Southern Shores woke up,” said Potter. “They’ve got a mayor who can’t remember what he had for breakfast, and a county commissioner living there who wants to bury railroad cars out in the ocean to ward off beach erosion. Now, how smart is that?”

Henry Potter
Duck, North Carolina

"Even the folks in Kitty Hawk understood the way to protect a failing beach is to get those run down rental machines out of the way. The best thing the town ever did was to condemn those rat-hole oceanfront rentals a few years ago, refurbished the beach and allow it to breathe. They need to do more of it," said Potter.

"The sad thing is, Kitty Hawk's cash poor. They don't have much of an oceanfront tax base. And what they have is on its last leg and there's only so much one can do to save it. Best thing they could do," said Potter, "is bulldoze every single one of those 1960 shanties and open the beach up every chance they get. It'll cost money, but they can do it with a good commercial tax base."

"Can you explain that, Mr. Potter," we asked.

"Sure can," said Potter. "Kitty Hawk's the gateway to the Outer Banks. Forget Southern Shores. That town will always be what it is today. But, Kitty Hawk has a golden opportunity to rebuild their town into something with a great and prosperous future," said Potter. "No other town on the Outer Banks has the long term potential of Kitty Hawk", he said. 'Their oceanfront, from a rental standpoint is dying. Even the rentals between the highways are on the downward slope. They'll just continue to sit there, deteriorate and become a blight on the town. The owners will do little to keep them up, just like the owners on the oceanfront who are doing nothing but milking ever single dollar they can before their cottages tumble into the ocean " said Potter.

"Commercialization will be the future of Kitty Hawk," said Potter. "What that town needs is a long-term plan, a 20-year plan, if you will, much like Manteo had a few years ago, only bigger. The town residents have done a good job of keeping the greedy McMansion developers at bay by not electing them to office. They need to continue with that and get some civic minded residents off their duffs. It just seems like a lot of the villagers think their own beach is a different world. But that can't be.

If they don't wake up, before long, their own little quaint village will start to look like Pottersville, before I jumped in and started making loans to the working class. Kitty Hawkers deserve better, but right now they don't seem to have the desire to go after it," added Potter. "Let's hope they all wake up, soon". Otherwise, they might as well place that county commissioner, Judge, on their town board and see where that gets them."

"Another Kill Devil Hills?" I pray not," said Potter.

Top Dare County Employers

2012-01-04T13:48:00.000-05:00

(Source - Dare County Audit - June 30, 2011)

Top 10 Dare Property Tax Payers

2012-01-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

(source: Dare County Audit - June 30, 2011)

Potter Predicts (Part II)

2012-01-02T19:02:00.002-05:00

Southern Shores’s a Yankee town,” said Potter. “built by a Yankee and run by Yankees”. And it’s one of the reasons I left Bedford Falls...to get away from neighbors whose last names I can’t pronounce”.

Henry Potter
Duck, North Carolina

“So, what’s the first thing I see when I drive through Southern Shores? A dang Starbuck’s Coffee shop, that’s what!....sitting right at the end of a strip mall, next to nothing but empty storefronts. There’s no future in Southern Shores. Nothing ever goes on there, but funerals for old folks. And, I don’t intend to be one of them…at least not any time soon.”

“ Furthermore, said Potter, the whole dang town isn’t interested in anything but keeping up their fire department, patching up their private beach accesses and sitting on their back deck watching golf balls roll across their lawn all day. They complain about tourist taking shortcuts through their private streets and then refuse to widen Hwy 12 so people can get through to the Town of Duck. Why, I even heard they raised taxes to an all time high last year, and then squandered it all away, cleaning out their posh canals and paving the mayor’s street.”

“Slow down a minute”, we said, pleading with Potter to give us more insight about the economic and political future of Southern Shores and Dare County. “The economic future of Southern Shores is bleak,” snapped Potter. “And, why they’re building another stupid bank in the town is beyond me. Isn’t four banks on one street corner enough?” Anyway, everyone knows that Yankees keep their money in the stock market, not in banks. Banks are for poor people”, said Potter.

“We take it you don’t care for Southern Shores, Mr. Potter?”

Even the folks in Kitty Hawk knows….(to be continued)

Potter Predicts (Part I)

2012-01-02T11:02:00.005-05:00

Henry F. Potter
Duck, North Carolina

Will 2012 be a good year on the Outer Banks? For the answer to this important question EyeonDare decided to ask an expert, and stop relying upon the advice of the chamber of commerce, the tourist bureau or the county commissioners. Instead, EOD knocked on the door of one of the biggest curmudgeons ever to set foot on the Outer Banks. We talked to none other than Henry F. Potter, the illustrious former resident of Bedford Falls. Potter quietly moved into a large mansion in Duck, just before Christmas, overlooking the ocean on one side and the Currituck Sound to the west side.

"What made you leave Bedford Falls and why did you choose to move to Duck," we asked Potter.
"I'm getting old," said Potter," and I need more room to breathe. And there was nothing left for me to do in Bedford Falls. Even the people in Pottersville are beginning to think everyday's Christmas! Bah, humbug! I had been hearing about the Outer Banks for years and decided there's still money to be made here," he said.

"But, why Duck", we asked.

"There's money here, big money," replied Potter. "And, not many people live here year round. Look at all these luxurious homes and they're all vacant and ripe for picking. And, Duck will never be anything but a curve in the road anyway, and a draw for rich people from the north. No one knows anyone here and no one cares about anything but getting that scrungie town hall built. Ask some one up the beach who runs this town and they'll scratch their heads. Duck is my kind of town", said Potter. "Let the people have their little gift shops, the real money to be made here is in rentals. Duck needs more rentals, and the bigger the better."

It was clear Potter had done his homework on the Outer Banks before pulling up roots and moving here.
A master of economics and the king of backroom shenanigans, we asked Potter what he thought about the economic and political future of the rest of Dare County. "Will the economy get better and will the shoddy political wrangling continue for another year," we asked Potter.

Potter settled back into his chair, tucked his lap scarf neatly across his knees and began to talk. "I know everything I need to know about every single town on the Outer Banks," he said. "And, your county government! It smells worse than ole man Clarence Odbody's hog pen."

"But, first let's talk about Southern Shores," quipped Potter, with a smirky grin creeping across his face. Potter took a long, slow draw from his cigar and said, " Southern Shores is.....

(to be continued)

Picture Worth a Thousand Words

2011-12-31T09:09:00.003-05:00

Sentinel "bearing" down on Johnson's county records

2011-12-30T16:59:00.000-05:00

The Dare County Commissioners, the county manager and commissioner Mike Johnson are refusing to honor a freedom of information/public records request from the Outer Banks Sentinel for records pertaining to Johnson's highly controversial youth/bear hunts on county owned property.

Apparently, Johnson is wanting to have his cake and eat it too, when it comes to his hunting activities.
On one hand he says his youth hunts are county approved, but on the other hand he chooses to hide behind the county manager/attorney who is telling everyone that county emails sent by Johnson, are personal and not public record. For the latest information on this matter, you can read today's Sentinel article here.

What's Next in Dare County?

2011-12-29T21:44:00.000-05:00

The above photo is a 'snapshot' of two advertisements currently showing
on the Outer Banks Voice webpage. EyeonDare finds the photo/ads
particularly disturbing, given current controversy in the county over
Commissioner Mike Johnson's bear hunts and the way the county commissioners
have tossed the matter over to the parks & recreation department, rented
public property to a private gun club, and endorsed youth gun clubs within
our public schools. What's next in Dare County??

Do Dare Taxpayers Need This in the Parks & Recreation Department?

2011-12-29T20:10:00.001-05:00

Dare County taxpayers should be asking themselves if this photo of
Commissioner Mike Johnson and a youth (identity changed) truly depicts
what one would call "hunting". Note the bear laying out in the open
corn field and the manner of dress for the child and Johnson.
Question: Is this the way to teach kids about hunting when all Johnson
had to do was drive down the road and shoot a bear at almost point-blank
range at the Dare County landfill? Do we want this kind thing being sponsored
by our county parks and recreation department?

If not, please email or call members of the Parks & Rec. Advisory Committee here:

Tod Clissold tod_clissold@charter.net

Tim Cafferty	252-202-9801	tim@outerbanksblue.com
Mitchell Bateman	252-473-5841	mitchellbateman@hotmail.com
Crystal Blackmon	252-995-5605	crystalblackmon@yahoo.com
Susan Boncek Chairman	252-441-3559	info@sandspur.net
Jim Brown	252-473-1478	brownmanteo@aol.com
Susan Gray	252-305-7044	grayskg66@gmail.com
Kelleta Govan	252-473-6851	govank@dare.k12.nc.us
Scott Midgette	252-305-2642	scott@darebuilding.com
April Oden	252-986-6542	breakwaterinn@gmail.com
Timmy Midgett	252-473-3903	Timothy.L.Midgett@centurylink.com
Kathy Winstead	252-449-0840	kaw1764@hotmail.com
Virginia Tillett	252-475-0591	vtillett@darenc.com
Jim Winebarger	252-480-8888	winebarger@dare.k12.nc.us

Johnson Led Hunt bags State Record Bear

2011-12-24T12:24:00.003-05:00

On December 14, 2010, county commissioner Mike Johnson and a close friend, Tom Harrison of Plymouth, NC (also Johnson's hometown), accompanied Harrison's 14 year old daughter to a spot inside the Dare County landfill compound where the youth shot a state record black bear.

EyeonDare has learned from online sources and from talking with a wildlife biologist from the North Carolina Division of Wildlife that Harrison's bear, which weighed in at 708 lbs. was, indeed, a state record for female hunters. Harrison has written about the hunting experience in an online story that can be found at
http://sportsmenforchrist.blogspot.com/2011/02/rebeccas-big-bear-by-tom-harrison.html#more

Johnson spoke during this month's commissioners' meeting and defended his actions whereby he has supposedly been taking local youth and their guardians inside the landfifll compound to shoot bear, despite the fact, the county had posted

Commissioner Mike Johnson

"No Firearms Allowed" signs at the entrances several years ago. Johnson told the board that he did not choose anyone to hunt based upon them being his "friends or cronies".

However, data and photos which are readily available to the general public on the Internet indicate that at least three other youth who Johnson has recently taken to shoot a bear could, arguably, be described as friends of Johnson.

For example, the most recent bear killed by a youth at the site was by the grandchild of a county supervisor who works at the landfill, and, clearly, an aquaintance of Johnson.

Another local youth, who also killed a bear, appears to be the child of a person who, 30 days later, made a $500 donation to sponsor Johnson in a skeet shooting fundraising competition in another part of the state. And, the parent of another youth who shot a bear, operates a charter fishing boat on the Outer Banks and assisted Johnson with accomodating about 10 in-state and out-of-state kids who attended a 2011 summer camp on, privately owned, Blue Pete Island near Oregon Inlet.

Harrison, a lumber products business owner, is also the part-time director of the Washington County Department of Travel & Tourism. In addition, he is the owner of God's Creation Wildlife Museum in Plymouth, which houses and displays mounts of local and exotic animals from around the world.

Recently, Harrison and Johnson have been using Harrison's business address as the headquarters for
a newly incorporated, nonprofit organization for youth, called Cross Trail Outfitters (CTO). Johnson is the state director and has used his county email address, phone number and official county mail to promote CTO. County records show that Johnson has regularly endorsed CTO and used the CTO logo on official county email that deals with important county matters.

With criticism from county taxpayers mounting by the day, Johnson continues to say his involvement with teaching Dare County youth about hunting has been conducted in an open and approved manner. However,
during the same commissioners' meeting Johnson made reference to $11,000 in funds that, apparently, has been held in the county budget for the past five years. The money, according to Johnson, was donated to build a youth hunting compound at the landfill. However, the fund has not been visible inside the county budget until this year, due to the way the county chose to report donations from outside sources. And, EyeonDare can find no record of the donation ever having been mentioned during a county meeting.

Meanwhile, the board of commissioners, who never officially approved the hunts, have tossed the "hot potato" into the laps of the county recreation and parks department and told them, "You handle it".

Question: Should the taxpayers of Dare County be funding a program that involves hunting and/or the shooting of firearms, including shotguns and rifles? You decide.

Cisco needs a Furever Home

2011-12-20T20:01:00.000-05:00

Would you like to give Cisco or one of his friends a "furever home" for Christmas. Call Feline Hope today and arrange an appointment to visit with all their kitties. You'll be glad you did.

Feline Hope Animal Shelter
tel: 255-3365
(Please leave a message if you don't get an answer)

Outer Banks Voice Zig-Zags

2011-12-18T21:53:00.001-05:00

Was Rob Morris, editor of the Outer Banks Voice trying to zig or trying to zag when he commented on the Johnson bear scandal yesterday?

First, it was clear that Morris was choosing his words carefully when he wrote that the county (farm) lease "appears" to allow hunting on the (landfill) site and (the lease) "allows" the farmer to plant corn.

Well, EOD wonders if Morris knows that the lease actually instructs the farmer to plant 40 acres of corn there, for one single purpose, to attract ducks and other game to the property for a yet-to-be-built, pie-in-the-sky hunting compound that Johnson wants the county to endorse; and they never have done so. Morris also says the hunting program "seems" to be legal. Again, how can hunting be legal on the landfill property when the county has chosen to post signs at both entrances clearly reading "No firearms are allowed on county property".

And, how can Johnson's so-called hunting program be legal if there has been no official authorization by county officials that would make it legal. Simply talking about something in a commissioners meeting doesn't make it legal. If that were true, and the commissioners could do business with only the wink-of-an-eye, this county would be in a bigger mess than we already are; now wouldn't we Mr. Morris?

In spite of all the above, Morris does attempt to chastise Johnson for the way he has handled the entire affair, but not before he accuses "people" of "trying to gin up a political scandal" by saying one doesn't exist. Well, perhaps Morris should have stopped there and defined what he considers to be a political scandal.

For this writer's part, EyeonDare thinks that Johnson's service as a county commissioner has, in fact, been a political scandal ever since he was exposed last year for double-dipping on his travel expenses and failing to return excess payments until his actions were brought to the public eye. But, we suppose editor Morris, unlike most people in Dare county, has completely forgotten about that matter, especially since the Voice chose not to report it.

Finally, Morris states that the bear hunting story, with all its asides, "has grown far out of proportion to its public consequence" Well, EyeonDare wonders if the financial contribution that Morris's co-editor, Russell Lay, made to Johnson's hunting/religious crusade could have anything to do with his cutting the commissioner a little bit of slack.

So, let's face it, editor Morris, your commentary zigged when it should have zagged and, to borrow a term from the Outer Banks Sentinel, you "missed the target" by a mile.

90% Say Johnson's Actions are Unethical

2011-12-17T19:09:00.000-05:00

90% of the readers who have completed a poll on the Truth or Dare website have said, "Yes" to the question of whether Commissioner Mike Johnson's actions regarding his hunting and killing bear on posted Dare County property, along with the use of his office and county email to solicit donations from county employees to further his nonprofit work, are improper or unethical.

To complete the poll, click here.

Spotlight on KDH town board

2011-12-16T19:10:00.002-05:00

Dare County Commmissioners Code of Ethics

2011-12-16T14:45:00.000-05:00

Dare County Commmissioners Code of Ethics

Johnson matter now Down in the Toilet

2011-12-16T09:11:00.004-05:00

Were Johnson a state employee, though, he might
be finding himself in it deep, with Mr. Hanky
(source: Truth or Dare)

South Park's
Mr. Hanky

The Truth or Dare website reports today that Dare Commissioner Mike Johnson has abused the powers of his elected office by improper use of his county email and using county email and resources to solicit religious donations from county employees and others.

This revelation, along with Johnson's use of the county landfill for his own private hunting club is more than EyeonDare can 'bear". It's time for Johnson to step down. He should resign his elected position immediately. Read Truth or Dare story here.

Judge wants more Sand on the Beach

2011-12-16T08:18:00.005-05:00

Warren "The Sandsman" Judge , chairman of the Dare County commissioners, who spoke at a North Carolina Department of Transportation meeting in Rodanthe yesterday, said he and other commissioners support beach nourishment as the best way to protect Hwy 12 on Hatteras Island. See Virginian Pilot news story here.

However, the Virginian Pilot reports that state options to permanently repair breaches on N.C. 12 no longer include beach nourishment and instead favor bridges.

In a related news story, Stan Riggs, a coastal geologist told a meeting of environmental regulators, meeting in Raleigh about the same problem.. "you spend all that money on two bridges - and then an inlet opens up just a few miles down, where you don't have bridges. The shoreline continues to move west. You do not want a bridge in the surf zone, and it will be in the surf zone." See News & Observer news story here.

Meanwhile, while Judge argued for more sand on the beach on Hatteras Island, a $37 million nourishment project in Nags Head, largely funded by his board, is rapidly disappearing, and the commissioners are still wrestling on whether to impose an additional 1% occupancy tax, as originally planned, in order to help pay for that controversial project.

Dare County Historic Sign

2011-12-15T18:57:00.000-05:00

One of the most "historic signs" in Dare County may one day prove to be
one that says"No Firearms Allowed on Dare County Property"
Scuttlebutt is that some of the largest black bears ever "harvested" (a gentleman
hunter's term for "killed") in the State of NC have occurred in the shadows
of this metal reminder that, in effect, tells everyone that no hunting is allowed at the landfill.

Ocean Creeps Westward in Nags Head

2011-12-15T18:38:00.003-05:00

The Comfort Inn South in Nags Head knows very well the sound of the ocean
tapping at its back door. Following the completion of the town's nourishment
project the new beach behind the hotel was approximately 275-300 feet wide.
Today, with light winds and a rolling surf, the waves crossed over approximately
75-100 feet of sand behind the motel and rolled down to within a few feet of
the structure. The dark area shows where the high tide water line stopped.
Meanwhile, the town's engineer recently issued a press release stating the
$37 million project is responding "better than expected", adding that approximately
52% of the nourishment sand is still on the beach. The project
was projected to last up to ten years, with some re-nourishment called for
after about five years. The project was completed about two months ago.

Contractor Battles Narrowing Beach

2011-12-15T18:28:00.000-05:00

Work was underway in Nags Head today as Carolina Marine Structures of
Kill Devil Hills began work on replacing four ocean outfalls along the town's
beaches. The $1.37 million contract to replace the outfalls was made necessary
after the town's $37 million nourishment project. As work was getting underway
there were visible signs of extreme erosion in the work area. (see photo below)

This photo, taken a couple hours after high tide today shows a narrow beach
which gives the contractor little room to work in replacing the ocean outfalls.
Well over one-half of the new nourishment beach in this area has disappeared,
leaving that area with no more sand than existed prior to the nourishment
project. A day or two of strong northeast winds could make the contractor's
work very difficult. The town is required to extend the outfalls out into the
ocean to the point where they existed before nourishment, a task that may
prove difficult during the winter months, with the continuing narrowing of the
beach.

Some Commissioners Want Fewer Meetings

2011-12-15T09:46:00.004-05:00

During last week's board meeting, Dare commissioners Richard Johnson and Mike Johnson put forth a proposal to have the board meet only once per month instead of having the customary bimonthly meetings.
Both members said that often, they would take an entire day off work to attend meetings which lasted only a few hours.

Mike Johnson suggested the board might go to one meeting a month and start the meeting at 1:00 p.m. and have public comment at 5:00 p.m. Dare County manager, Bobby Outten said such an idea would not give the public the ability to comment on matters before the board acted, as has been customary in the past.

Commissioner Allen Burrus, who was opposed to the idea, said his experience while serving on the county board of education, was that long, tiring meetings often ended up with members making bad decisions.

The Johnson(s) proposal did not garner a motion for change and the board adopted the 2012 meeting schedule, keeping it in line with prior years. The board will meet once per month in March, July, August and December and twice per month during the rest of the year.

Not for the Squeamish

2011-12-14T20:17:00.002-05:00

If this is what our county commissioners want to promote through their endorsement of commissioner Mike Johnson's hunting program, this county has gone to "hell in a hand basket". Commissioner Johnson is the state director of this group and although it may be fine for some parents and grandparents, it isn't what this writer calls hunting or teaching a young person to hunt. Notice the father cradling the small boy in his arms as the boy shot the animal from a large group of animals and the father thanking Jesus for the kill and saying the boy had "never touched a rifle before"..
Do you want the Dare County Parks & Recreation Program to be sponsoring this kind of killing?

Sentinel says Commissioners "Missed the Target"

2011-12-14T14:31:00.001-05:00

The Outer Banks Sentinel says the Dare County Commissioners
"Missed the Target" in dealing with Commissioner Mike Johnson's
bear hunts on posted county property.

Read Editorial Here

Advisory Council - Dare Parks & Recreation

2011-12-12T11:29:00.000-05:00

You may use the above email addresses to let your feelings be known
about whether you support the decision made last week by the county commissioners
to put Commissioner Mike Johnson's bear/duck hunting for children as young as age
11 under the auspices of the county parks & recreation department.

Thrill Kill Hunting with Dare County Parks & Rec.

2011-12-12T09:03:00.000-05:00

Last week the Dare County Commissioners placed Commissioner
Mike Johnson's illegal "Thrill Kill" landfill bear & duck hunts under the auspices of the
county's parks and recreation department. Is this what the department
was created for? Does Dare County government really need to teach our kids
how to hunt and kill over baited land, with high-powered rifles
on public property with moving equipment and people at work?
(above photo is a mock-up of what we might see when this foolish idea
is set in motion)

Please Stop This Massacre

2011-12-10T18:27:00.002-05:00

From:	Ray Midgett (obxsaltydog2009@live.com)
Sent:	Sat 12/10/11 6:20 PM
To:	editor@obsentinel.com
Cc:	Warren Judge (warrenj@darenc.com); Max Dutton (maxd@darenc.com); Virginia Tillett (vtillett@darenc.com); Jack Shea (jshea@darenc.com); Richard Johnson (richardj@co.dare.nc.us); Allen Burrus (allenb@darenc.com)

Sandy, (Semans) (Editor),

I just found this comment on an Internet tourism blog. I think it really hits home. Why on earth do our commissioners want to condone what is going on at the landfill?
I now understand that a North Carolina state record bear was probably killed at the landfill. We in Dare County should be proud to know that a docile bear that large roams around in that area, not hurting anyone. If anything, the bear should have been designated as one of our county mascots. How many local people know it is a virtual zoo over there? Instead, we chose to allow someone to kill it...just for the thrill. I am certain the citizens of Dare County don't want to be involved in this kind of massacre.

Someone needs to please stop this before we make a terrible mistake. It is an insult to our parks and rec. department to ask them to be a part of this kind of massacre.
Ray Midgett

Connecting the Bear Hunting Dots

2011-12-10T10:48:00.004-05:00

Commissioner Mike Johnson
defends his bear hunts for youth.

It has never been the intent of this blogger to question Commissioner Mike Johnson's personal involvement with the youth of Dare County and/or his personal motives for supporting hunter education for young people. However, since Johnson has chosen to use the power of his elected office, along with county/taxpayer resources to accomplish what clearly appears to be a "pet project', it becomes difficult to "separate the wheat from the chaff", in what otherwise might be a commendable endeavor.

Following, are excerpts from some of Johnson's comments during Monday's board of commissioners' meeting. He said...."has this been a sanctioned, look on the website, Dare County deal? No. For, quite honestly, for the last two or three years we've been trying to figure out how to do it.....(name removed), I knew his family...but he asked me if he could go.....I knew his name was in the hat...I pulled it....There was another person that hunted, I'd never met before....so it's not, as eluded to, cronies and friends of mine....it's not something I do to further myself....I get nothing for it....the county charges nothing for it....I use my own time...I use my own assets other than the tractor.

Johnson continually referred to "we" in his comments, however, this blogger hasn't been able to find out who "we" is. The Dare County manager says there are no public records in existence regarding Johnson's efforts, except for a few emails sent to the county clerk two years ago when Johnson used the county website to advertise a bear hunt at the county landfill site The country refuses to release these emails or any information from them, because, according to the county manager, "the kids are minors".

Johnson continues to use the landfill site today and, as recently as last month, news sources reported two trophy size bears were shot by youth, under Johnson's supervision. One bear was shot by a youth who, reportedly, is the grandchild of a landfill employee who was also present at the hunt. County signs posted on the premises say "No firearms are allowed on county property".

At Monday's meeting the parents of two Dare County youth who had hunted with Johnson at the landfill spoke in favor of the youth hunts. One mother commended Johnson and said...(my son)..he's a hunt and fish fanatic...all he does is hunt and fish. Saturdays' he starts at five o'clock in the morning and hunts until seven o'clock at night". Information, readily available on the Internet/social media indicates that sometime around October 2010, this parent's son killed a large bear, while hunting with Johnson at the landfill site.

Other data, also placed on the Internet by Johnson, himself, indicates that around December of 2010, he received a $500 donation, possibly from the same parents to assist in sponsoring him (Johnson) in a Clay Shoot Competition/Fund Raising Event in another part of the state. Johnson had sent out emails requesting financial assistance. Some of the $$ responses are listed by Johnson on the Internet site.

Other Internet data tells the story of a young girl, who appears to be the daughter of a very successful businessman and friend of Johnson's from Plymouth, NC (Johnson's hometown) who, last year killed a state record bear for female hunters. According to two stories available on the Internet, it appears that bear could also have been killed at the Dare County landfill. However, commissioner Johnson has relayed a message through the county public information office that he "will not" talk with this writer about "anything".

Johnson has stated before that his hunts are intended to be for youth who (1) would not otherwise get the chance to hunt, (2) don't play sports and (3) come from families who are not able to take them hunting.
However, this does not appear to be exaclty the case.

EyeonDare will now leave it up to the reader, if they are so inclined, to used the above hyperlinks and "connect the dots' and form their own conclusions as to whether Johnson's comments (above) fit his actions.

Who's Watching the Kids Here"

2011-12-09T19:50:00.004-05:00

Who's watching the kids in this shooting photo? For sure, it isn't
Commissioner Mike Johnson (with shooting earphones on).
EOD does not purport that this is a Com. Johnson sponsored
shoot (or whatever it is); however it does beg the question,
"Is this an accident waiting to happen?"
Notice the children with the guns and no adult standing over them.
Oh well, Johnson does say he is an "expert"
(photo source: Mike Johnson/ Face Book)

We can only assume Com. Mike Johnson's shooting hood was paid
for by the taxpayer's of Dare County. But, wait...at Monday's meeting
Johnson said his work didn't cost the taxpayers anything.
More to come...stay tuned.
(photo source: Mike Johnson/Face Book)

Open Letter to - The Coastland Times

2011-12-08T19:49:00.000-05:00

The Coastland Times

Editor (Susan),

Your lead story in today's paper was terrible!. And that's putting it mildly. When is the Coastland Time going to stop steno'ing governmental board meetings and start reporting the real news behind what is going on in Dare County.
For example: The first sentence of the article spoke to "heated criticism". What criticism? From whom? Do you expect your readers to already know the entire background for your lead story? Have you printed it before?

No one is asking you to editorialize your news stories, but you owe it to your readers to give them as much of the facts as you can and not to play "good-ole-boy" politics with your news reporting. Furthermore, when you hire reporters who have embedded themselves into the local political scene of any portion of our county. and who clearly are not willing to go after the real story(ies), you have done a great dis-service to the community.

When is the Coastland Times going to get out of the '50's and give readers more than a "turn-your-head community rag"? Hire some good reporters, pay them well and watch your readership grow...

What a waste of one of Dare County's most valuable resources...our free press.

Ray Midgett

No..I don't want you to print this...just read it.

Dare County or "Little Chicago"?

2011-12-08T18:47:00.002-05:00

Without a doubt, the way the "Mike Johnson bear hunting matter" has been handled by the county commissioners has put their creditability at an historic all-time low in Dare County. Not only did the entire board turn their heads to the misuse of public property, and the fact that a member of their board had placed the citizens of this county at risk for a civil lawsuit, they exacerbated the problem with a "wink" and by putting a plan in action that will allow a very bad situation to continue. And, not once did any commissioner say, "We should stop and think about what we are doing".

The actions of the board on Monday are but another chapter in just how scandalous the entire board has become. Less than six months ago, the whole board sat silent while three of its seven members were exposed and forced to return illegal travel expense monies to the county coffers. Two of the three commissioners never acknowledge their mistake to the public, while one of them, Richard Johnson, was so arrogant in explaining his actions that he, also, would have been better off to have kept quiet as he stroked his check back to the county.

Dare County is in dire need of a "changing of the guard" within the political environment of running our local government. Excess spending and the continued power grab by a county chairman (Warren Judge) who more and more resembles a City of Chicago politician, needs to stop. It's time to elect new leaders in Dare County government.

We are less than two months away from the sign-up period (February 13th) to run for elected office. EOD strongly encourages the Dare County community to ban together and push for candidates that will not only work on behalf of the entire county, but will also put a stop to the way this county has been run for the past ten or more years. Enough is enough. When will it all stop?

Kitty Photos - Feline Hope

2011-12-08T09:31:00.002-05:00

Kitty Photos - Feline Hope

Please remember the "homeless" at Christmas !
Feline Hope has a Pay Pal account online if you wish to make a Christmas Gift to the Kitties.

Nags Head Beach Today

2011-12-08T09:04:00.000-05:00

http://www.surfchex.com/jwplayer/indexjw.html

Where's The Bear !

2011-12-07T15:14:00.001-05:00

Add Your Own Caption

Engineer Says Project is A-OK

2011-12-07T14:42:00.005-05:00

A large was pond, was left on the beach in south Nags Head,
following the beach nourishment project because the contractor
was not allowed to push sand around illegal properties.
Since the project ended, the ocean has pushed the sand
in and filled the pond. However, the beach in that area has
lost over 50% of it's post nourishment width. Is this another
example of where it pays to go against the rules, especially
if the rules/law isn't enforced?

In a letter written to the Nags Head town manager yesterday, the town's hired engineer says that shoal problems in Oregon Inlet are not due to the town's beach nourishment project.

Tim Kana of Coastal Science & Engineering wrote: "The measurements in November 2011 suggest that if any sand has shifted to south Bodie Island since nourishment, an equal volume has shifted to Nags Head from Kill Devil Hills". Kana said, "the Nags Head nourishment project is performing better than expected, and the profile is adjusting to a shape and configuration which is indistinguishable from a natural beach."
Interestingly, Kana also said that "following normal adjustment and fall storms, 52 percent of the nourishment sand remains on the visible beach above mean low water and 48 percent is contained (in the ocean) between mean low water and the 12-foot (ft) depth contour (~800 ft offshore).

A copy of Kana's letter and report can be found here

EOD comments:
It has been EOD's understanding all along, and certainly before nourishment took place, that the problem with Nags Head's beaches was that there was not enough sand on the beach. EOD doesn't recall anyone saying there was not enough sand in the ocean off the beach and EOD will wager no one thought that was a big problem. In fact, everyone was saying, "the sand's eroding off the beach and out into the ocean". So,the problem as EOD understood it was that everyone wanted more sand on the beach, not out in the ocean.

Furthermore, EOD assumed everyone thought we were getting 4.3 million cubic yards of new sand on the beach and it would stay there for 10 years. That's what the engineer said, isn't it?

So now, Kana is telling us that " after nourishment and after adjustment only 52% of the nourishment sand is now on the visible beach above mean low water and 48% is now (out in the ocean) in the water below mean low water and 12ft of water! IN OTHER WORDS, IN TWO MONTHS, WE HAVE LOST 48% OF $32+MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF SAND TO THE OCEAN....AND THE PROJECT IS A SUCCESS??

Well, if EOD was a Nags Head taxpayer with a 16 cents tax increase, he wouldn't care if there were 2 million cubic yards more sand out in the ocean now than there was a year ago, because he doesn't think a 12 foot wave slamming the beach cares how much sand is down under it. If you were a wave, would you?

EOD thinks the people wanted more sand on the beach to protect their investments, not more sand in the ocean for the waves to ride over and wash upon the beach like they did before. Gee Whiz !

By the way, EOD was on the beach yesterday behind the Comfort Inn and the ocean there is chomping at the bit to roll over the so called "visible beach" and wash against their illegal sandbags just like it did last winter. There was a nice beach cut forming there...and if it doesn't fill in before a two day northeaster hits...it will definitely play heck there just like it always has....But, January and February will tell the tale.

Manteo Community Garden to Open in Spring

2011-12-07T08:36:00.005-05:00

Mano al Hermano, a new nonprofit group will be
offering small vegetable garden plots for needy
families in Dare Count next spring

A new community garden, set to open next spring, is in the planning stages over on Roanoke Island. The "Manteo Community Garden", is a project of a new nonprofit group named "Mano al Hermano" and the organization is busy tilling up an acre and one-half plot located on Fields Road north of Manteo.

Ginger Candelora, the nonprofit's secretary/treasurer says that "Mano al Hermano" is a spin off organization from the Interfaith Community Outreach and it has been granted permission from the county airport authority to use the land which is located adjacent to the Roanoke Island Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The property, including the cemetery, was purchased by the county several years ago in order to extend the flyover safety zone for the airport.

Candelora says the group hopes to have 24 vegetable garden plots, measuring about 25'x25', available to needy families. A small area will also be tilled for growing flowers and the group hopes to expand the garden area after the first growing season. "Anyone can apply to participate", she said. Candelora said that a large supply of lime had been donated to the group because soil tests indicated the need, and Mano al Hermano is hoping to find other businesses or individuals willing to donate fertilizer and other garden needs.

The phone number for the organization is 252-202-0842

Don't Kick the Can

2011-12-06T10:22:00.002-05:00

Monday’s decision by the county board of commissioners to kick the can over to the parks and recreation department and ask them to solve the Mike Johnson hunting fiasco reeks of poor leadership and continued willingness on the part of the board to turn their heads to illegal indiscretions by members of their board. Furthermore, the failure of the county manager to attempt to dispel this notion does not bid well for his judgment either.

The citizens of Dare County, by any count, have not asked for this and most citizens will agree the commissioners are putting themselves and the taxpayers at peril by placing guns into the mix of of running our local government. This is not the place for that.

Several years ago, and even after Mike Johnson started his illegal hunts, the board sent out a countywide citizens’ survey asking what kind of recreational opportunities they wanted in the county. There were 13 activities listed in the final tally, and none of them related to hunting or gun courses. In fact, some residents asked for a place where citizens could ride horses. Doesn’t this make more sense than offering a few select people the opportunity kill bears or ducks over baited land?

The national park service has 20 blinds open to the public within easy reach of anyone in Dare County. And say what you will, there is ample open game land around Dare and surrounding counties to accommodate the bigger game hunters. Johnson, himself, even manages similar properties in adjacent counties, albeit it may be for "gentlemen hunters" who don't remember the "old days" of which Johnson likes to speak.

Let’s all hope that someone comes to their senses on this matter and gets our county officials back to giving the taxpayers the kind of good government they deserve.

Politics As Usual - 44 Years

2011-12-05T20:47:00.003-05:00

It would be hard to convince this writer that "good ole boy" politics didn't rear its head more than once during Monday's Dare Board of Commissioners' meeting.

For example, when the time came to make and/or renew a few committee appointments the commissioners booted one member and kept three others onboard for the Oregon Inlet & Waterways Commission.

Robin Mann

The terms of four commission members, Arvin Midgett (appointed 1989), Fletcher Willey (appointed 1989), David May (appointed 2008) and Robin Mann (appointed 2007) had expired in June of this year. The commissioners had waited nearly six months before acting on the matter. All four members asked to be re-appointed.

In addition, the board received applications from James R. "Buddy" Shelton of Stumpy Point and Jed Dixon of Manteo, NC.

The application by Shelton, a county building inspector by trade, contained references from former Kill Devil Hills mayor Ray Sturza, Moon Tillett, a Wanchese fisherman and former chairman of the waterways commission, and Michael Davenport, a Realtor who currently serves as the waterways commission chairman.

The application by Dixon, a ferry superintendent on Hatteras Island contained references from R.V. Owens, developer, Marc Basnight, retired state senator, and Lee Tugwell, former Manteo mayor and general contractor.

Upon a motion by Commissioner Allen Burrus, the board chose to re-appoint Arvin Midgett and Fletcher Willey, who had served on the commission for 22 year each and David May who had served for three years. In additon, Burrus nominated Dixon to replace Mann who was the commission's vice-chairman, having served for about four years.

Burrus said Dixon was his choice because of his knowledge of Hatteras Inlet and the waterways. Nothing was said about the fact that Midgett and Willey had been on the board for a combined total of 44 years.
Midgett is a retired charter boat captain and Willey owns an insurance company located in Nags Head.
Burrus' motion was carried by the board, unanimously.

Robin Mann, the exiled member, had been a two-time candidate for a seat on the Dare board of commissioners and she currently serves as chairman of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. In addition she is the chief financial officer for Paul Mann Custom Boats of Manns Harbor and has served on various other organizations in the county and state.

Unfortunately, there are too many county boards and commssions that are heavy with appointees that keep on getting re-appointments for far too many years. So, is it any wonder so few people are willing to offer themselves for service to the county. Politics as usual, isn't always good for Dare County, is it?

Footnote: The other three members of the commission who were not up for re-appointment, are Ernie Foster of Hatteras, Michael Davenport of Manteo and Allen Burrus of Hatteras. Arguably, Burrus should have recused himself from voting on the appointments.

Commissioner Mike Johnson Defends Hunting Trips

2011-12-05T12:56:00.011-05:00

Speaking at Monday's bimonthly board meeting, Commissioner Mike Johnson defended his actions in the highly controversial black bear hunting episode by saying he had asked the county board several years ago for permission to conduct youth hunts on county property.

Regarding what Johnson appeared to think was carte blanche permission to do what he wanted with the hunt(s) at the so-called Dare County Farm, he said, "everybody thought it was a good idea (at that time), and we didn't think we needed a (county) vote for whether you could go out and do something nice for kids." Records show that no official action was taken nor any official approval was given by the board at that time and firearms have been declared illegal on county owned property and signs were posted in the area of the landfill/farm where that hunt and previous hunts led by Johnson took place.

Commissioner Mike Johnson

Johnson said he didn't think the Outer Banks Sentinel's newspaper article was worthy of addressing, adding that "one opinion of the press should not change the way we do business". He went on to say that he read some of the reader comments behind the article and "they were just not true".

"I don't like my kids reading things that say I am an outlaw, I break the law and I broke into county property...that's just wrong", he said. "It's not really about bear hunting its about some people's dislike for me". Johnson said it was not fair to the kids.

At no time during his comments did Johnson apologize for using the county equipment or entering the property to hunt. He said the landfill gate was open on that particular day, but that he had his own key to the gate had he needed to use it. "I already have a key to the land, I don't need to break into it", he said.

Johnson said he did use the county tractor to drag the bear about 200 yards, adding that he did not break any game laws and the state's wildlife officials knew what he was doing...

Johnson spoke for about 20 minutes defending his work on behalf of the youth in the area regarding hunting and gun use and ownership. At no time during the meeting did any of the other commissioners condemn or ask Johnson to explain any actions related to the event(s).

Commissioner Richard Johnson

Commissioner Richard Johnson said he had told Johnson "all along" that he should be saying something about what he was doing at the landfill. Richard Johnson said he supported Mike Johnson's work with the youth, and later made a motion to place Johnson's work under the auspices of the county parks and recreation department and let them devise a written process of getting the kids formally approved to hunt with Johnson on county lands. Burrus seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The question of how Johnson could continue to hunt on county lands that have been declared by the county as "illegal to hunt or have guns on" was not discussed, and it was not mentioned whether other members of the public would be allowed to hunt on the property. One county official said Johnson plans to take several more youth onto the property to hunt bear again during this hunting season.

In another matter, Commissioner Mike Johnson said he wanted to make an apology for a statement he had made following the hurricane Irene disaster "During the 'heat of battle' during the hurricane I mentioned to this body that there was a group of greedy Realtors that I was unhappy with. I want to apologize to that group. I meant nothing by it", said Johnson.

Commissioner Mike Johnson had also come under fire from the local press and area citizens last year when it was discovered that he had failed to return excess travel reimbursement funds back the county. Johnson had charged the county and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for duplicate expenses in connection with his attendance at various meetings. Johnson later wrote a personal check to reimburse the county and the matter was never discussed in open meeting.

Judge & Burrus Elected to Lead County Board

2011-12-05T09:18:00.002-05:00

Warren Judge

Allen Burrus

Dare County Commissioner Warren Judge was re-elected today by his board to serve another year as chairman and Allen Burrus was re-elected to serve another year as vice-chairman. Both members were voted back to their respective positions by a vote of 7-0. Allen Burrus nominated Judge and Mike Johnson nominated Burrus.

Judge was also appointed by the commissioners to be the county's
representative on College of The Albemarle's board of directors, replacing commissioner Richard Johnson who asked to be removed
from that position.

Outer Banks Catch Meeting Postponed

2011-12-05T07:29:00.001-05:00

Dare commissioner chairman Warren Judge, who has placed himself into the "chair" of about everything in the county that walks, talks or breathes made the following announcement on the county website today.

Dare commissioner chairman Warren Judge pauses for
a moment during a Democratic Party meeting this past weekend
(photo: Democratic Party Face Book)

The Outer Banks Catch Executive Committee meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 6 has been postponed. Chairman Judge apologizes for any inconvenience and welcomes your call at 473-8250. The postponed Outer Banks Catch Executive Committee meeting will be rescheduled for some time after the holidays.

OBX Chamber of Commerce gives Dare Democrats free advertising « Truth or Dare

2011-12-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

OBX Chamber of Commerce gives Dare Democrats free advertising « Truth or Dare

Dare Dem Funnies

2011-12-04T14:35:00.003-05:00

Dare Dem Funnies - from yesterday's Dare Democratic Party
Election 2012 Kick-Off (photos source: Dare Democratic Face Book)
Captions added by EyeonDare
click on photo

Tim Spear Will Not Run for Office Again

2011-12-03T18:49:00.001-05:00

Tim Spear

Citing personal and family reasons, Second District State Representative Tim Spear told about 250 Democratic Party faithfuls today that he will not run for re-election next year. Spear made his announcement at the Dare County Democratic Party's 2012 Election Kick-Off party at Kelly's Restaurant in Nags Head.

A retired Clerk of Superior Court in Washington County, Spear has served 3.5 terms in the state legislature and was originally appointed to the position in January 2006 to replace William "Bill" Cullpepper of Chowan County who had resigned in order to accept a seat on the state utilities commission.

Spear is the second area legislator to make such a decision as he joins First District State Representative Bill Owens of Elizabeth City who is ending his ninth term in the legislature. Owens also recently announced his decision not to run for re-election. Both Spear and Owens received considerable criticism from the local and state democratic party loyalists this year when they voted, along with three other House Democrats to override Governor Beverly Perdue's veto of the Republican budget. Neither Owens or Spear would say whether that played into their decision. Both legislators were strong allies of State Senator Marc Basnight who resigned from office in January, for health reasons, after serving 26 years in Raleigh.

Doesn't Get Any Clearer Than This

2011-12-02T15:05:00.000-05:00

Sign posted on Dare County Landfill property on the Dare mainland

Dare County Property Not Too Secure

2011-12-01T11:13:00.002-05:00

It appears that the Dare County Landfill, a.k.a. Commissioner Mike Johnson's private hunting grounds isn't as safe and secure from public intrusion as most people would think.

Dare County Landfill

According to a reliable source and a county worker, whom EyeonDare chooses not to identify, Commissioner Johnson, or anyone else for that matter, would have no problem accessing the county's landfill properties and driving away with, or moving any of its equipment whether it was locked or unlocked.

The reason is, the county has chosen to use universal Caterpillar Locks on all the gates at the landfill and the same key that fits all the gate locks also fits all of the heavy equipment inside the compound.
"Anyone who has one of these keys can access the property and operate the equipment without any difficulty", said one source. If you own a piece of Caterpillar equipment, your key probably matches all the county owned keys. If not, EOD finds that they are readily availabe on Ebay for less than $5.00.

Is this a good idea? You decide. EyeonDare just read a press release/crime report that says over 150 local motor vehicles were broken into over the Thanksgiving Holidays, right here in Dare County.

Perhaps it's time the county changes all of its locks and charged the costs to the county commissioners' discretionary travel expense funds. That should keep them at home and out of the expensive hotels and steakhouses for a while. Maybe.

Navy Ordinance Removed from Corolla Beaches

2011-12-01T09:07:00.006-05:00

A team of munitions removal experts from Zapata, Inc of Charlotte, NC has been quietly working along the unpaved portion of the Corolla (Currituck County) beaches for the past several weeks looking for unexploded bombs and other ordinance. The focus of their search is the debris left by the U.S. Navy when it was conducting aircraft bombing and strafing practices in that remote area during the 1940's to the 1960's.

Zapata's work was authorized, pursuant to a $1 million+ contract, issued by the Army Corps of Engineers, and covers property now owned by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, beginning approximately one-half mile beyond the paved road in the Village of Corolla. Authorities closed this same section, covering about a mile and a half of the beach last year to public parking, with the hopes of improving public safety and traffic flow due to the heavy summertime use of the beach.

A spokesman for the Corps told EyeonDare that work is expected to end this week, with the contractor having removed about six or seven 800 pound barrels of practice debris. He did not say how much of the material contained unexploded ordinance. The contractor was primarily looking for 20mm cannon ordinance and was not too concerned with spent 50mm machine gun projectiles which commonly appear along the beach in the same area. In addition, the vast majority of the debris was recovered came from west of the dune line where the Navy had set up about three practice targets.
The federal government had previously posted 'no trespassing' signs along that area of the beach, but vacationers often tramp over the dune line for personal reasons and to look at the wild horses that appear from time to time. The Corps spokesman said that, following an analysis of the project results, an attempt to educate the public about the area and/or fencing along the dune line could become a possibility.

It is important to point out that there have been no reported bad incidents of public contact with any ordinance along that area of the beach. Another search, similar to this one, had been conducted several years ago.

Another Day in Bedrock

2011-12-01T08:33:00.001-05:00

In less than 24 hours the Outer Banks Sentinel's expose on Commissioner Mike Johnson's illegal bear hunt has garnered more buzz on the Internet's social media/circles than anything in recent memory.

Unfortunately, this is the second time in less than a year that Johnson has caught the media's attention for his questionable actions. Last year he, along with commissioners Richard Johnson and Virginia Tillett quietly returned monies to the county coffers after it was exposed they had been double-dipping on travel expenses. At that time only commissioner Richard Johnson was willing to speak out and attempt to defend his actions. Mike Johnson, like Tillett chose not to make a public comment, but quietly returned the money.

In the case of Mike Johnson's latest fiasco, hunting and killing bear on closed county property, it is sad that young children were drawn into the news story, all due to his own indiscretion.

There are a lot of questions remaining to be answered from this news story and EyeonDare expects we have not heard the last of it. Meanwhile, let's hope Johnson and the rest of the county board wipes the jelly off their faces and clears this matter up during the next board meeting, if not sooner.

Dare County Walking Path now Private Roadway

2011-11-30T16:06:00.007-05:00

A large portion of the public walking path which encircles the new $1.7 million, county owned, Kitty Hawk Park is currently being used as a private road for some residents that live adjacent to the property.

Kitty Hawk Park's paved walking path is in forefront, while
dirt roadway leads away to private property. Posted signs
are 150' onto county property

County manager Bobby Outten told EyeonDare today that he is aware of the matter and that "the people need some way to access their property". So, for the past two months and until an indeterminable date, approximately 500' of the new walking path has and will become a pot-holed vehicular road.

Outten said that when the county purchased the property several years ago, they found that the former owner had given an easement through the property to the Shipley family of 906 W. Kitty Hawk Rd. because they had no other way to access their property due to wetlands on the remaining sides. Outten said the easement transferred to the county's new deed and before Hurricane Irene's flooding, the Shipley's had been using a dirt roadway along the west side of the new county property that was not incorporated into the park or improved portion of the site.

Photo shows washed out portion
of dirt roadway on county property that
was used by Shipley's before using
walking path.

Outten said that he assumes the county will repair the washed out portion of the road once it settles with the insurance company over flood damages due to the hurricane. Meanwhile, the walking path continues to get messed up and someone (presumably) the Shipley's has posted "no trespassing" and "keep out" signs on the county property and approximately 150 feet away from their own property.

EyeonDare has to ask, "Why can't the county get one of its own bulldozers with a few loads of dirt into the property and repair and re-grade the roadway, instead of letting someone tear up part of a new $1.7 million park?" Unless, of course, it's because no one ever uses the walking path anyway. And that appears to be the case.

Meanwhile, EyeonDare noted several young men, old enough to be working, (with cigs) using the skateboard park again today, with one riding down the ramp holding a very small toddler in his arms, while a young lady sat on the sideline smiling, and several other toddlers running about the ramp site. Is this what the county commissioners meant when they said they wanted to provide a skateboard park for "the youth?" Well, it looks like they've done just that.

Johnson's Bears - Update

2011-11-30T14:44:00.001-05:00

EyeonDare encourages readers to go back to the Sentinel website and read all the citizen responses to this story. The entire board of commissioners should publicly address this matter, pronto. Thank you, Outer Banks Sentinel http://obsentinel.womacknewspapers.com/articles/2011/11/30/top_stories/tops033.txt

Commissioner's Actions Disturbing

2011-11-30T07:46:00.004-05:00

A news story in today's Outer Banks Sentinel should be especially disturbing to most people in Dare County. It is simply another chapter in a long series of abuse by Dare Commissioner Mike Johnson, as well as other members of the county board.

"That's how I get my jollies", said
Commissioner Mike Johnson, referring
to his allowing an 11 year old girl to
shoot a 677 lb bear on county owned
property.

For starters, let's just say "Wow!" So commissioner Johnson takes an 11 year old girl onto county property, places a high -powered rifle into her hands and tells her to shoot and kill a 677 lb bear that had been chummed, along with other bears, into the area by the aroma of the Dare County landfill. Johnson must really be proud of himself.
Let's hope the little girl (and that's what she is) doesn't have nightmares for the rest of her life. And, what in hades gave Johnson the right to use county equipment and who gave him the keys to the tractor used to drag the humongous bear off the premises? And who "utilized" the meat from the bears and who's going to pay for the mounts? The kids? Dare County? Mike Johnson?

Johnson has abused his elected powers with this matter, just as he did with his double-dipping of travel expenses, and he just doesn't seem to get it. But what's really sad about the entire matter is not one single county commissioner has the balls or baguettes to speak out when one of their group does such stupid or illegal things! No one.

Finally, commissioner Johnson may get his "jollies' by playing around in this manner, but here's one taxpayer who thinks his actions are totally sickening. And, beyond wildlife and fishing issues and personal fun related thereto, Johnson has made it clear he has about as much interest in serving the citizens of Dare County as a jack rabbit.

Dog Park News

2011-11-29T10:17:00.004-05:00

According to the Dare County Public Information office 308 dogs are now registered to use the new Kitty Hawk (county) Dog Park. With such a nice place to run and crap available to them at taxpayer expense, EOD wonders why he's never seen a dog during the dozen or so days he's ridden into the park while back in Kitty Hawk Village.

He has seen a good number of skateboarders inside the park, mostly with beards and cigs hanging from their mouth and looking like they should be old enough to be working somewhere...so that aspect of the park might be thriving. ???

And, we hear the Dare County Senior Citizens' Wheelchair League has booked the skateboard ramp for its

annual Christmas Fling, so EOD assumes the county public works department will be out decorating the park in a few days. Nice.

Politics Alive in Dare County !

2011-11-28T08:58:00.001-05:00

It's interesting to see that the Outer Banks Voice is running a political ad over on its website promoting the Dare County Democratic Party. However, the ad doesn't say who paid for it, which is the norm for the

legitimate press. Again, has the North Carolina Press Association lowered its journalistic standards or is this simply a faux paus on the part of the Voice?

Getting Into the Christmas Spirit

2011-11-28T07:51:00.002-05:00

Outer Banks native Faye Daniels, a retiree of the Dare County Board of Education, now lives in western North Carolina near her daughter and family. Faye puts everyone into the Christmas spirit by taking us along as her family cuts their own Christmas tree. Thanks, Faye and "Merry Christmas to You and the entire Family".

Time to Fish

2011-11-26T22:31:00.001-05:00

Local fishermen try their luck at catching stripers outside Oregon Inlet on Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Abolish County Department?

2011-11-26T21:07:00.006-05:00

Isn't it time the county commissioners abolished the Program Manager Department and saved the taxpayers of Dare County $175,000 per year. This one-person department, assuming anyone has ever heard of it, was created in 2008, under the direction of board chairman Warren Judge. The position of "program manager" went to the president of Lee Wrenn & Associates, a two-person company who had been previously hired, primarily by Judge, to garner beach nourishment easements for the failed Army Corps of Engineers county beach nourishment project. Dare County had paid Lee Wrenn & Associates over $1 million in contractual fees for getting beach easements which were never used by the county. Following the expiration of the agreement with Wrenn & Associates, the company's president, Lee Wrenn was put on the county payroll at $135,000 as its new "program manager". At the time of hiring there had been no job description written for the position and it was only after an inquiry by EyeonDare that Wrenn, himself, was allowed to write his own job description.

Since that time, Eyeondare has had difficulty in determining exactly what the program manager's department is doing for Dare County.

On January 19, 2011, EOD wrote..."I have asked what the Program Manager Department does on several occasions and the only answer I ever got was that at one time the department was overseeing the Stumpy Point Water project. However, I was also told on several occasions the department was rarely seen over there and was finally taken off that task. I now hear it is overseeing the independent company that the county is paying to get waterline easements for the Roanoke Island water project. I also understand the department is handling the county's beach nourishment matters (whatever that means)."

Of course, Dare County is not involved in any beach nourishment projects and EyeonDare does not know whether the program manager is highly involved in the Roanoke Island Water Project as he only hears reports on that matter from the county manager and/or the county water department director.

One aspect of the new program manager's job was, purportedly, to seek grant monies for the county, however, to date, EyeonDare is not aware of any such actions.

The program manager's department has been in existence in Dare County government for the past four fiscal years and, upon inquiry to various unidentified county employees, EOD cannot find anyone who knows what is going on within the one-person department.

Therefore, the question must be asked: "Isn't it time to abolish the county Program Manager's Department?"
In one more year the position/employee will be grandfathered into the retirement system. (Again, not a bad job if you can get it....see blogpost @ http://eyeondare.blogspot.com/2009/12/good-job-if-you-can-get-it.html

Note: Has anyone on Roanoke Island been contacted by the county's Program Manager's Department regarding the new waterline project?

Footnote: See earlier blogpost here: http://eyeondare.blogspot.com/2010/01/more-smoke-mirrors.html

Commissioners on Thin Ice with Water Line Financing

2011-11-26T19:05:00.008-05:00

The Dare County Commissioners may be walking on thin ice with their decision this week to abate all interest on the upcoming assessments for extending water lines on Roanoke Island. The county plans to finance one-quarter of the $20+ million project with $1700 assessments on approximately 3200 lots that will receive the benefit of the new water lines. The remaining $15+ million will be paid by all Dare County residents.

Mark Vrablic of Wanchese was one of about
13 residents who expressed concerns about
the financing of the new Roanoke Island water
project. Vrablic told the board they
should have been setting money aside for the
project years ago.

To soften the financial blow, the commissioners had earlier intended to allow each assessed property owner the option to pay the $1700 in seven annual installments, plus 5% interest. That plan would have cost about $22 per month.

However, due to an outcry from island residents, mostly those from the Wanchese area, the commissioners have now voted to extend the payment period to ten years, with no interest. The new plan will cost about $14 per month, or a savings of $8 per month.

"So basically, it is going from about $22 per month to $14 per month", said Commissioner Allen Burrus during Monday's meeting. "Yes", said county attorney Bobby Outten.

However, in the opinion of this writer, the problem is that the vast majority of the people complaining about the county assessment didn't want more time to pay....they didn't want to pay anything at all. In fact most of them appeared to think they were being unfairly assessed, regardless of the amount and furthermore, many of them didn't want any part of the new water line project. So, did the county commissioners really accomplish anything by changing the project payment model and who's going to take up the slack for the county's ten year delay in receiving the funds needed to pay for the project? The other residents of Dare County?

EOD is no attorney. However, he does note that N. C. General Statute 153A-196, as it pertains to "county assessments" states, in part...." all installments thereof shall bear interest as determined by the board of commissioners..." No where can EOD find where there is statutory authority for the commissioners not to determine or assess interest. In fact, North Carolina statutes specifically prohibit the waiver of interest on late taxes, so is it not reasonable that the law here is meant to specify that the commissioners "will determine" an interest rate on the installments? Regardless, the Dare commissioners have done little favor for other county residents with this move and, in fact, have ignored the fact that the statutes also grant them the authority to allow for discounts to those residents who may choose to go ahead and pay their $1700 assessments on time.

In reality, EyeonDare thinks that some of the Dare commissioners, specifically, Warren Judge, Richard Johnson and Allen Burrus cared little about helping the complaining residents of Roanoke Island, but were only playing to the idea that all three are up for re-election in a few months.

Meanwhile, if all 3,200 residents decide to finance their $1700 assessments for ten years, who's going to pay all that extra interest to the bond holders? Go figure.

Get Yourself A Pumkin

2011-11-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

Who will adopt Pumkin? This kitty has personality plus, guaranteed by EyeonDare. Pumkin is a Hatteras Island cat, about 6 months old, who is looking for his furever home. You can find him at the Feline Hope Shelter in Kitty Hawk. He loves people, totally and unconditionally and would be great with children.
Why not give Feline Hope a call at 255-3365 (leave a message) and arrange to go by and see Pumkin or any of his shelter friends. You won't be sorry.

Manteo Christmas Tree Grand Illumination

2011-11-23T12:22:00.002-05:00

Lumina News - Wrightsville's Newspaper Since May 2002

2011-11-22T21:49:00.000-05:00

Lumina News - Wrightsville's Newspaper Since May 2002

Coast Guard warns on Oregon Inlet shoaling | HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com

2011-11-19T07:57:00.000-05:00

Coast Guard warns on Oregon Inlet shoaling HamptonRoads.com PilotOnline.com

Nags Head Ocean Outfall Project To Begin

2011-11-17T15:33:00.001-05:00

This outfall, south of the Nags Head Pier is one of
four within the town that will be repaired and extended
following the town's beach nourishment project.

Work will soon be underway in Nags Head refurbishing and extending four ocean outfalls along the town's beaches. The work is necessary as a result of the town's recent nourishment project which placed 4.6 million cubic yards of sand on the beach. Although the outfalls are the property of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), the agency told Nags Head officials before the nourishment project began that there were no state funds available for the project. However, NCDOT did agree to perform the engineering work for the town and get the project to a point where it could be put out for bids.

Bids were opened in September and Carolina Marine Structures of Kill Devil Hills was awarded a $1,372,000 contract for the work. Town officials told EyeonDare today that, after a pre-construction meeting scheduled for Monday, November 28th, work is expected to begin the following week.
There are actually five outfalls on the town's beaches, however, the northernmost outfall which is located near where the old Carolinan Hotel once stood, is not a part of the project as that area did not received nourishment.

NCDOT is requiring that the work begins at or near the base of the dune line and extend seaward in a manner that will place the ends of the outlets the same distance from the ocean as existed before the nourishment project.

Outer Banks Live Webcam Nags Head NC www.surfchex.com

2011-11-17T14:01:00.000-05:00

Outer Banks Live Webcam Nags Head NC www.surfchex.com

Election Fun

2011-11-16T09:28:00.003-05:00

Southern Shores Commissioners??

Did you ever wonder what happens to those, sometimes funny and sometimes serious, "write-in" votes that always pop up in election statistics? Well, believe it or not, those votes become a part of the official records within your county.

Mayor of Manteo??

During the November 8th municipal elections, for example, the voters in the Town of Manteo would win the prize, if there was one, for the most originality, by writing in the names of characters such as Freddy Ortega, Choppy Cleaver, Sir Walter Raleigh and Santa Claus, with Claus winning by a landslide (2 votes).

Other recipients of votes in the Town of Manteo were Rodney Bensen, Sarah Bensen, Winborne Evans, John Wilson and Frank Hester. Hester was the top vote-getter in this group (3 votes).

One voter over in Southern Shores thought that the Chipmunks should be placed on the town council.
(not a bad idea?), where Leo Holland was the runaway winner of the write-ins with 18 votes, followed by

Karen Kranda (4 votes), Robert Hawk (2 votes) Brian McDonald (2 votes), and Eugenia Walter, Ginny James, Jake Bowman, Norm St. Laurent, Eveyne Ottavio and James Hare all receiving one vote. With the unusual high number of 33 write-in votes, perhaps the citizens of Southern Shores are trying to send a message to the current town board??

In Nags Head, Me garnered two write-in votes, followed by Lanny Roof with one vote.

Two voters in the Town of Duck wrote in the name of Tim McKeithan.

Gregory Baily and Reece Stecher were given two votes each in the Town of Kill Devil Hills, followed by C. Clark, Joe Dellegrotto, Samuel Ely, Terrence Gray Jr. and George Price with one vote each.

Apparently, at least three voters in the Town of Kitty Hawk would like to see Bill Harris (3 votes) and Douglas Seay (1 vote) back in office. Also receiving votes were Doug Roughton (2), followed by Alan Geise Sr, Ronald Bushar and Travis Geise with one vote each.

Shoaling Occurring Around Oregon Inlet Bridge Again

2011-11-15T21:45:00.000-05:00

UPDATE - Anyone interested in the current state of the shoaling around the Oregon Inlet Bridge

should review the most recent survey here:

http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/MANTEO-OREGON/Oregon_Inlet_East/oie_2011-11-14_10-27cs.pdf

File photo of dredge Currituck as it worked to clear
sand that was shoaling around the Oregon Inlet Bridge
main channel in April 2011

EyeonDare has received reports that sand is once again shoaling in the north side of the channel directly under the Oregon Inlet Bridge. The shoaling is so bad, according to one reliable source, that even some charter boats, that draws much less water than the commercial trawlers, have had to go down five or six spans to the south in order to get safely under the bridge.

EyeonDare welcomes any up-to-date information on this matter if it is available.

More "Snafu's" over on the Outer Banks Voice

2011-11-15T19:10:00.003-05:00

Well, it seems that every time Russ Lay of the Outer Banks Voice opens his mouth lately, he puts his foot in it. It appears that Lay wants to credit local businessman Mike Kelly with being "the founder" of the Outer Banks Marathon, per his article about the event.

A reader quickly jumped in and corrected Lay, who acknowledged the error, but failed to make the kind of "Correction", as is customary with the legimate written press. Remember folks, the Voice is an official member of the NC Press Association. They should be more careful.

EOD thinks it might be time for co-editor Rob Morris to start proof-reading Lay's articles.

Peace.

Let's Go Fishing !

2011-11-15T16:14:00.000-05:00

FOR SALE
Gently used fishing sinkers - all types - all sizes
"I'd Give Them Away, But My Wife Won't Let Me"
5 cents per ounce
These sinkers have been recovered with a metal detector
and are in great condition - approx. 25 lbs available now
more later if needed.
email: obxsaltydog@charter.net
tel: 261-9797

Nancy Peele Declared Winner in Manteo Elections

2011-11-15T15:10:00.003-05:00

First time challenger Nancy W. Peele has ousted long-time incumbent commissioner H.A. Creef, Jr. for a seat on the Manteo Town Board according to the Dare County Board of Elections.

H.A.Creef Jr., the longest serving
commissioner on the Manteo
town board, will be replaced by
Nancy W. Peele.

The official canvasing of the November 8th vote was held today (Tuesday) and two provisional votes which had been withheld from the early totals were approved by the board, bringing the total number of votes for the town election up to 281 from the original reported number of 279. Both of the two additional votes were cast for Peele, raising her vote total up to 63 (previously 61). Creef had garnered 62 votes and was originally thought to have been the winner.

The vote totals for other the candidates, Darrell Collins and Hannon Fry, remained unchanged and they will remain on the town board, along with Peele. The town mayor, Jamie Daniels, had no opposition and was re-elected with 84 votes. There were also seven write-in votes cast in the election.

More Transparency Needed in Outer Banks Government

2011-11-15T12:36:00.001-05:00

Nags Head Commissioner - elect
Susie Walters

The televising of board meetings by all six municipalities in Dare County is long overdue. Currently, only the towns of Nags Head and Kitty Hawk broadcast their meetings on Government Channel 20, and if the recent elections proved anything, voters in all of the towns on the Outer Banks want more transparency from their local government. Indeed, several candidates, such as the newly elected mayor of Kill Devil Hills,

Kill Devil Hills Mayor-elect
Sheila Foster Davies

Sheila Foster Davies and newly elected Nags Head commissioner Susie Walters made this issue an important part of their campaigns. Now, let's hope that all town boards take up the banner and televise their meetings.

Every town in the county has appointed members to the Dare County government television board. Furthermore, the county public information office has advised EyeonDare that equipment for televising each meeting is available, for free, to each town. All that would be required is for someone from each town to be trained to operate the equipment. How hard can this be?

Come on, Southern Shores, Manteo, Duck and Kill Devil Hills. What have you got to hide? Don't be like one commissioner from Southern Shores who said, "if people want to know what is going on at our board meetings they should attend in person". How preposterous!~

How Soda Caps Are Killing Birds : The Picture Show : NPR

2011-11-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

How Soda Caps Are Killing Birds : The Picture Show : NPR