Author: Sam Walker

Lead Reporter

Lead reporter for WOBX, Sam has been covering news, sports and weather on the radio and online in his native eastern North Carolina for over three decades. During storm events and breaking news on the Outer Banks, he makes regular appearances on The Weather Channel and other outlets around the country. Sam can be reached at sam@wobx.com or 252-202-4511.

Author: <span>Sam Walker</span>

Stories by Author: Sam Walker

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Work February 6th, 2023

N.C.’s two smallest counties wrap up year with state’s highest unemployment rates

North Carolina’s two smallest counties by population concluded 2022 with the state’s highest unemployment percentages, and three of the four counties to see increases in jobless claims in December were in northeastern North Carolina. According to the latest jobs report from the N.C. Department of Commerce, the average not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.2…Read More from N.C.’s two smallest counties wrap up year with state’s highest unemployment rates

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Community February 6th, 2023

Outer Banks Community Foundation now accepting applications for $200K in scholarships for 2023

The Outer Banks Community Foundation will begin accepting online scholarship applications on Monday, February 6, 2023. The deadline to complete all application requirements is 11:59 pm, Monday, March 6, 2023. Applicants begin the process at obcf.org, which has instructions and links to the Community Foundation’s online application portal. One application provides access to all available…Read More from Outer Banks Community Foundation now accepting applications for $200K in scholarships for 2023

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News February 5th, 2023

VIDEO: Northbound Bypass traffic rerouted to Beach Road at milepost 10.5 this week

Starting Monday, February 6, traffic headed northbound on S. Croatan Highway will be diverted to the Beach Road (N.C. 12) via East Admiral Street at milepost 10.5 for replacement of a pipe running under U.S. 158 at West Oak Knoll. The N.C. Department of Transportation says southbound traffic will not be impacted during this part…Read More from VIDEO: Northbound Bypass traffic rerouted to Beach Road at milepost 10.5 this week

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BIZ GOV Real Estate Visitor Economy Work February 5th, 2023

This Week at the NCGA: Bills introduced to revamp economic development tiers, ban cashless businesses

The first full week of business at the North Carolina General Assembly wrapped up on Thursday, albeit with just no vote sessions, bill introductions and a few committee meetings in the House and Senate. Among the bills introduced between Jan. 25 and Feb. 3 include: House Bill 13, co-sponsored by Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort), calls…Read More from This Week at the NCGA: Bills introduced to revamp economic development tiers, ban cashless businesses

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Visitor Economy February 3rd, 2023

Majority of Americans say travel is priority, despite cost and personal finance situation concerns

Recent research from Destination Analysts indicates that the high costs of travel and personal finance situations are affecting travelers and their travel plans. Nearly half of American travelers say that the expense of travel has kept them from taking as many trips as they would have liked in the last six months. In addition, 40 percent say…Read More from Majority of Americans say travel is priority, despite cost and personal finance situation concerns

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OBX Life Out & About February 3rd, 2023

Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival returns Feb. 24-25; Tickets still available for Fin, Feather and Bourbon event

After a two-year hiatus, the Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival (HVWF) will land on Hatteras Island once again on February 24-25, 2023. The festival will kick off Friday evening with the delicious Fin, Feather, and Bourbon event. Small plates featuring seafood and waterfowl, presented with exquisite artistry, will be accompanied by select bourbons, wines, and beer. (The full menu…Read More from Hatteras Village Waterfowl Festival returns Feb. 24-25; Tickets still available for Fin, Feather and Bourbon event

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Food & Drink OBX Life Out & About February 2nd, 2023

Door opening, typewriter pop-up show, live music and more at February’s First Friday ArtWalk in Elizabeth City

Love, laugh, and linger in Downtown Elizabeth City for February’s First Friday ArtWalk on February 3 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. With twenty-seven participants, the evening promises to provide lots of art and live music experiences. At the Waterworks building, there will be a “door opening” of the newly designed 2nd level short-term residential space…Read More from Door opening, typewriter pop-up show, live music and more at February’s First Friday ArtWalk in Elizabeth City

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BIZ February 2nd, 2023

N.C. Rate Bureau requests 28.4 percent increase in auto insurance rates

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey on Thursday announced that the North Carolina Rate Bureau has submitted a rate filing with the N.C. Department of Insurance, requesting an increase for auto policies. In the filing, the bureau has requested an overall average statewide increase in private passenger auto insurance rates of 28.4 percent, which would become effective…Read More from N.C. Rate Bureau requests 28.4 percent increase in auto insurance rates

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Out & About February 2nd, 2023

Museum of the Albemarle invites school groups to participate in Frederick Douglass living history program Feb. 16

The Museum of the Albemarle invites school groups to celebrate Black History Month with our Frederick Douglass Living History program on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the Gaither Auditorium. Students will interact with Frederick Douglass, portrayed by Nathan M. Richardson, as he speaks about his life as an enslaved…Read More from Museum of the Albemarle invites school groups to participate in Frederick Douglass living history program Feb. 16

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GOV February 2nd, 2023

UPDATE: Currituck County property owner access permits still being mailed out

Currituck County officials announced Wednesday they are still in the process of mailing new access permits to property owners that are valid for 2023 and 2024, and all property owners should receive the stickers by the end of February. Due to the delay, permits that expired at the end of 2022 will still be valid…Read More from UPDATE: Currituck County property owner access permits still being mailed out

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