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

BIZ December 6th, 2023

North Carolina extends long streak of leading the nation in small business growth

North Carolina continued its streak of leading the country in small business growth in November 2023, topping Paychex Small Business Employment Watch’s state rankings. But the state’s hourly earnings growth has slowed consistently since 2021. Hiring at small businesses across the U.S. remains stable, but continues to slow from the rate of growth seen at the…Read More from North Carolina extends long streak of leading the nation in small business growth

by Sam Walker

News December 6th, 2023

Hatteras-Ocracoke ferries to use longer route starting Thursday due to shoaling

Ferries traveling between Hatteras and Ocracoke will begin using a different route on Thursday, December 7, that will add approximately 20 minutes to crossing times as shoaling no longer allows the N.C. Ferry Division’s vessels to safely navigate the current channel. The change comes as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to begin…Read More from Hatteras-Ocracoke ferries to use longer route starting Thursday due to shoaling

by Sam Walker

OBX Life December 6th, 2023

VIDEO: N.C. flag flown over state capitol honors the inaugural Corolla Cup

A joint celebration of neighborhood unity in Corolla was held on Monday at the Corolla Light Sports Center. State Sen. Bobby Hanig (R-Powells Point) presented and oversaw the raising of a North Carolina flag flown over the State Capitol Building in Raleigh honoring the inaugural Corolla Cup. Held in October and celebrating the unified action…Read More from VIDEO: N.C. flag flown over state capitol honors the inaugural Corolla Cup

by Sam Walker

TECH December 5th, 2023

Brightspeed’s new CEO shares origin story and how company plans to invest $2 billion on its network

Brightspeed’s origin story isn’t typical for the telecom industry – at least not for a company of its size. As the company’s new CEO Tom Maguire explained in an interview with Telecompetitor, it all started when Apollo Global Management approached Maguire’s colleague, Bob Mudge, with an investment premise that Apollo wanted to test. Apollo negotiated…Read More from Brightspeed’s new CEO shares origin story and how company plans to invest $2 billion on its network

by Sam Walker

Community December 5th, 2023

Playground highlighting Currituck’s waterfowl heritage now open in Historic Corolla Park

Currituck County has announced the opening of a new playground in Historic Corolla Park, adjacent to the Maritime Museum, Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the historic Whalehead mansion and OBX Center for Wildlife Education. It features custom-designed equipment that highlights Currituck’s waterfowl and outdoor heritage, including a large Canada goose play structure and a slide platform designed…Read More from Playground highlighting Currituck’s waterfowl heritage now open in Historic Corolla Park

by Sam Walker

Visitor Economy December 4th, 2023

International travel to N.C. slowly rebounding; Canada, U.K., Germany top origin countries in 2022

Multiple reports show international travel to North Carolina is continuing to rebound, but still has room to grow in the post-pandemic era. Visit NC and Tourism Economics report Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, India and Brazil were the top five countries of origin for visitors last year, with international visitation to North Carolina reaching nearly…Read More from International travel to N.C. slowly rebounding; Canada, U.K., Germany top origin countries in 2022

by Sam Walker

News December 4th, 2023

UPDATE: Section of Halstead Blvd. Ext. in Elizabeth City closed through at least Thursday railroad repairs

Updated, Monday 11 a.m.: A portion of Halstead Boulevard Extended in Elizabeth City remains closed to all traffic as crews continue working to replace a railroad crossing. Pasquotank-Camden Emergency Management reported Monday morning that the N.C. Department of Transportation said the reopening is being delayed due to logistical issues, and N.C. 344 will not reopen…Read More from UPDATE: Section of Halstead Blvd. Ext. in Elizabeth City closed through at least Thursday railroad repairs

by Sam Walker

Greater Outer Banks continues job gains, unemployment in October down from 2022

Despite a decline in the available workforce compared to a year ago and seasonal jobs coming to an end, the Greater Outer Banks has gained more than 300 jobs compared to a year ago and the unemployment rate is down by 0.7%. According to figures released by the North Carolina Department of Commerce on Thursday,…Read More from Greater Outer Banks continues job gains, unemployment in October down from 2022

by Sam Walker

OBX Life December 3rd, 2023

Dare County Library has multiple holiday events scheduled in December

The Dare County Library has announced a schedule of upcoming holiday events that will be held at each of its three branches in December, including traditional favorites—such as a visit from Santa at each location—as well as a gift-wrapping station for kids at the Kill Devil Hills Library and a Polar Express party at the…Read More from Dare County Library has multiple holiday events scheduled in December

by Sam Walker

Food & Drink December 1st, 2023

Elizabeth City’s Hot Cocoa Crawl 2023 continues through Jan. 7

The Hot Cocoa Crawl 2023 in Elizabeth City officially kicked off over Thanksgiving weekend with fun, fanfare, and celebration, and continues through January 7. That gives you plenty of opportunity to take part in the many hot cocoa experiences throughout the city, coordinated by the Visit Elizabeth City. Just look for the “Hot Cocoa Capital…Read More from Elizabeth City’s Hot Cocoa Crawl 2023 continues through Jan. 7

by Sam Walker