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.

Stories by Author: Sam Walker

Work March 19th, 2023

Unemployment up in all but one N.C. county to start 2023; three OBX counties had state’s highest rates

Hyde County started 2023 with the state’s highest unemployment rate followed by Tyrrell and Dare County, while all but one county in North Carolina saw their jobless numbers rise between December and January. On the Outer Banks, increased rates in the early months of the year typically reflect the number of hospitality service and fishing-related…Read More from Unemployment up in all but one N.C. county to start 2023; three OBX counties had state’s highest rates

by Sam Walker

BIZ March 18th, 2023

Spring business comings and goings across the Greater Outer Banks

Ribbon cutting for new owners of Duck’s General Store The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, along with Ribbon Cutting Sponsors ACE Hardware and TowneBank/Towne Insurance, held a ribbon cutting on March 9 at Duck’s General Store. Jim Gilreath, Chairman of the Chamber Board and Attorney at Rose, Harrison, Gilreath & Powers, P.C. congratulated Heather Martin…Read More from Spring business comings and goings across the Greater Outer Banks

by Sam Walker

Visitor Economy March 17th, 2023

Buxton ranks 4th, Hatteras village 7th-most affordable spring break destinations on the East Coast

An online vacation rental hub has three locales on the Outer Banks as some of the most affordable spring break destinations on the U.S. East Coast. HomeToGo’s 2023 East Coast Beach Index ranks the most affordable spring break beach destinations for travelers to make a splash without getting burnt by prices, according to a news…Read More from Buxton ranks 4th, Hatteras village 7th-most affordable spring break destinations on the East Coast

by Sam Walker

GOV March 17th, 2023

Governor Cooper lets hotel safety bill become law without signature

Governor Roy Cooper has allowed a bill to become law without his signature that addresses the increasing numbers of families or low-income people that are using hotel rooms or campsites for long-term lodging due to the affordable housing shortage. Senate Bill 53 passed both the House and Senate last week on bipartisan votes, was the…Read More from Governor Cooper lets hotel safety bill become law without signature

by Sam Walker

BIZ March 17th, 2023

Tuesday Morning to close Nags Head store, 16 others across N.C.

Discount home goods retailer Tuesday Morning has announced it is closing 17 stores in North Carolina including its Nags Head location, along with three in the Hampton Roads area, after the company filed bankruptcy last month. In a filing with the Security and Exchange Commission, Tuesday Morning said more than 260 locations in 38 states…Read More from Tuesday Morning to close Nags Head store, 16 others across N.C.

by Sam Walker

Community Top Stories March 16th, 2023

Outer Banks Community Foundation unveils new grant program, honors key contributors

While the biggest news to come from the Outer Banks Community Foundation’s annual meeting and luncheon this week was the revelation of their pending move to Manteo and opening of the Outer Banks Center for Nonprofits, there were other major announcements made at the celebration capping the organization’s 40th year. And one of our very…Read More from Outer Banks Community Foundation unveils new grant program, honors key contributors

by Sam Walker

Community March 16th, 2023

N.C. Forest Service celebrates Arbor Day and the importance of the tree-planting holiday

Arbor Day is observed annually as a time to celebrate the importance of trees and the many benefits we receive from them. Once deemed “the treeless plain,” Nebraska was home to the first Arbor Day celebration in 1872 with the planting of more than a million trees. The national observance of Arbor Day takes place…Read More from N.C. Forest Service celebrates Arbor Day and the importance of the tree-planting holiday

by Sam Walker

GOV Real Estate Top Stories March 15th, 2023

Nags Head commissioners approve zoning changes in Historic Cottage Row district

After a pair of meetings that ran more than four hours, and changes to address concerns of current business owners in the Historic Cottage Row district, the Nags Head Board of Commissioners have adopted a new zoning district for an area east of U.S. 158 in the vicinity of Jockey’s Ridge. Along with a number…Read More from Nags Head commissioners approve zoning changes in Historic Cottage Row district

by Sam Walker

UPDATED: Staging for remaining beach nourishment work off Duck, Southern Shores slated to begin Monday

UPDATED, March 15: The Town of Duck reports staging of equipment through Southern Shores is now slated to being on Monday, March 20. Weeks Marine reported earlier this month that shipyard delays for the dredges that will be used for the sand pumping have pushed back their start date to at least April 1. That…Read More from UPDATED: Staging for remaining beach nourishment work off Duck, Southern Shores slated to begin Monday

by Sam Walker

Weather March 15th, 2023

Debris from collapsed house found along 20-plus miles of Hatteras Island beaches

Debris from an oceanfront house that collapsed Monday morning in Rodanthe has spread along miles of Hatteras Island beaches, as the National Park Service responds to the fourth similar incident in the last 13 months. The one-story house at 23228 East Point Drive collapsed around midday Monday, and had nearly disintegrated by early Tuesday. NPS…Read More from Debris from collapsed house found along 20-plus miles of Hatteras Island beaches

by Sam Walker