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

Community Top Stories March 14th, 2023

Outer Banks Community Foundation moving to Manteo, establish OBX Center for Nonprofits

The Outer Banks Community Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, not only with its annual meeting and luncheon at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head for the first time in three years, but by also announcing major news about its future. Executive Director Chris Sawin told the more than 175 attendees the foundation is establishing…Read More from Outer Banks Community Foundation moving to Manteo, establish OBX Center for Nonprofits

by Sam Walker

News March 14th, 2023

Fiber optic cable cut leads to communications outage on Hatteras, Ocracoke

Crews from Brightspeed have been dispatched to repair a fiber optic cable that has been damaged, leading to a communications outage on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. The exact location of the cable cut was not released, but one source indicated it happened on Pea Island where crews from NCDOT have been shoring up dunes to…Read More from Fiber optic cable cut leads to communications outage on Hatteras, Ocracoke

by Sam Walker

GOV TECH March 14th, 2023

State environmental regulators issue permit for wind farm in Chowan County

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources has issued a permit for Timbermill Wind’s proposal to build and operate a wind energy generating facility in Chowan County. After considering comments received during the public engagement process, including a public hearing held July 21, 2022, the department has granted…Read More from State environmental regulators issue permit for wind farm in Chowan County

by Sam Walker

Community March 14th, 2023

Property tax relief programs available for elderly, disabled and disabled U.S. veteran homeowners

Three tax relief programs authorized by the State of North Carolina provide property tax exemptions for qualifying seniors age 65 and older, disabled individuals and veteran homeowners who meet the various requirements specified by the North Carolina General Statutes. To qualify for one of the programs, you must be a resident of Dare County in primary residence. For detailed…Read More from Property tax relief programs available for elderly, disabled and disabled U.S. veteran homeowners

by Sam Walker

GOV Work March 13th, 2023

Gov. Cooper signs executive order to drop academic degree requirements for more state jobs

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has issued an executive order designed to encourage more people to apply for state jobs and to help government agencies to recruit additional skilled workers. “You don’t necessarily need to have a degree to be great at your job and North Carolina is in need of talented people who can…Read More from Gov. Cooper signs executive order to drop academic degree requirements for more state jobs

by Sam Walker

TECH Top Stories March 12th, 2023

Open houses this week on wind farm proposed off northern Outer Banks

The company planning to build a wind farm just over the horizon off the northern Outer Banks has scheduled a pair of local open houses for this week. Avangrid wants to build the Kitty Hawk Wind Project in phases at least 24 miles off Corolla, with the first phase planned to have a capacity of…Read More from Open houses this week on wind farm proposed off northern Outer Banks

by Sam Walker

News March 12th, 2023

NOAA Fisheries approves Recreational Harvest Control Rule for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, bluefish

NOAA Fisheries has issued a final rule implementing a new process to set recreational management measures on bag, size, and season limits for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board. The approved changes…Read More from NOAA Fisheries approves Recreational Harvest Control Rule for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, bluefish

by Sam Walker

BIZ March 10th, 2023

Outer Banks Entrepreneurs hold 11th annual expo Saturday at Comfort Inn South Nags Head

Join the women of Outer Banks Entrepreneurs and their outside vendors for the 11th Annual OBE Expo, a fun-filled day of shopping, food and fun in the ballroom at the Comfort Inn South Oceanfront in Nags Head, NC on Saturday, March 11th, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Over 50 vendors will be on…Read More from Outer Banks Entrepreneurs hold 11th annual expo Saturday at Comfort Inn South Nags Head

by Sam Walker

Community March 10th, 2023

COA Star Nights in Edenton rescheduled to March 17

Due to the weather forecast through the weekend, College of The Albemarle’s (COA) third 2022-2023 Star Nights event has been rescheduled for March 17, with no rain date. Any schedule changes for March 17 will be communicated via email and social media. “COA Star Nights” is a fun and educational event featuring astronomy-themed activities…Read More from COA Star Nights in Edenton rescheduled to March 17

by Sam Walker

Food & Drink Top Stories March 9th, 2023

VIDEO: Created by @OuterBanksMom Audra Krieg, Outer Banks Hard Seltzer launches in May

Inspired by experimenting with homemade hard seltzer during the coronavirus pandemic, Audra Krieg (AKA Outer Banks Mom) has come up with an Outer Banks-branded hard seltzer that will be launching this May. Audra joined us to talk about the process from creation to distribution, their business model, her experiences blogging about life as a mom…Read More from VIDEO: Created by @OuterBanksMom Audra Krieg, Outer Banks Hard Seltzer launches in May

by Sam Walker