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

News November 10th, 2023

U.S. 158 sidewalk near Wright Brothers National Memorial awaits final connection at Colington Road

A section of sidewalk along U.S. 158 that fronts Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills built earlier this year is awaiting the completion of final work at the Colington Road intersection. According to a Capital Projects Update from the town published on November 3, Phase 5 of the sidewalk project connects a section…Read More from U.S. 158 sidewalk near Wright Brothers National Memorial awaits final connection at Colington Road

by Sam Walker

Community Real Estate November 10th, 2023

Surf or Sound Realty makes $10,000 donation to Hatteras Island Meals

Hatteras Island Meals, a longstanding and all-volunteer organization that provides nutritious lunches to elderly or homebound island residents five days a week, received an amazing surprise donation this week from Surf or Sound Realty. Launched in 1987 as an informal endeavor, where local folks prepared meals for their neighbors, it has grown to include around…Read More from Surf or Sound Realty makes $10,000 donation to Hatteras Island Meals

by Sam Walker

Visitor Economy Work November 9th, 2023

Feds expect to make nearly 65,000 additional H-2B visas available over the next year

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the cap on H-2B visas will be raised by 64,716 additional visas this fiscal year, which is expected to boost seasonal staffing levels in the visitor and hospitality industry, along with seafood processing, landscaping and other sectors. “The Department of Homeland Security is committed to maintaining strong…Read More from Feds expect to make nearly 65,000 additional H-2B visas available over the next year

by Sam Walker

Weather November 9th, 2023

Six months after end of last drought, much of North Carolina drying out again

Just six months after the entire state was considered drought free, most of North Carolina is back into at least abnormally dry conditions with severe drought now being experienced along the southern tier from the mountains to the Sandhills. The Greater Outer Banks region has also moved into the first and second levels of drought,…Read More from Six months after end of last drought, much of North Carolina drying out again

by Sam Walker

Food & Drink November 9th, 2023

Plaza Azetca owner agrees to pay U.S. Labor Department $11.4M for back wages, damages

The owner of Plaza Azteca restaurants has agreed to pay the U.S. Labor Department $11.4 million in back wages and liquidated damages for over 1,000 employees of the chain that operates more than 40 locations in seven states, including three in eastern North Carolina. According to a press release, the recovery is related to a…Read More from Plaza Azetca owner agrees to pay U.S. Labor Department $11.4M for back wages, damages

by Sam Walker

5QsSmallBiz Top Stories November 8th, 2023

Five Questions for Greater Outer Banks Entrepreneurs: Abbi & Jordan Siler of Abbi’s Teas & Things, Sudden Light Records

There are a pair of entrepreneurs on the Outer Banks that will be the first to say, “You CAN go home again!” This couple was destined to be together since the day they met in college through mutual friends in 2007, and then passing mix CDs through their post office boxes. He introduced her to…Read More from Five Questions for Greater Outer Banks Entrepreneurs: Abbi & Jordan Siler of Abbi’s Teas & Things, Sudden Light Records

by Sam Walker

GOV November 8th, 2023

Projects in Nags Head, Hyde County awarded state grants to improve public water access

Projects in Nags Head and Hyde County have been awarded grants from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management improve public access to coastal beaches and waters for the 2023-24 fiscal year. “This funding makes our coasts more accessible to all North Carolina residents and visitors, so everyone has the opportunity…Read More from Projects in Nags Head, Hyde County awarded state grants to improve public water access

by Sam Walker

Food & Drink Top Stories November 7th, 2023

Outer Banks Boil Company ranked #1 family friendly dining in U.S., 6th best in the world by TripAdvisor

Outer Banks Boil Company seafood takeout and catering company’s Corolla location has been ranked as the number one family friendly dining restaurant in America, and sixth best in the world by TripAdvisor. And the locally-based company that has spread along the East Coast has also been awarded the travel guidance platform’s highest honor: the Traveler’s…Read More from Outer Banks Boil Company ranked #1 family friendly dining in U.S., 6th best in the world by TripAdvisor

by Sam Walker

GOV Top Stories November 7th, 2023

New mayors elected in five Greater Outer Banks towns; Windley, Wickstrom win by two-to-one margins

A pair of Greater Outer Banks incumbent mayors and three sitting town councilmembers have been ousted in Tuesday’s municipal elections, while new mayors will also be taking office later this fall in Edenton, Hertford and Winfall. Kill Devil Hills Town Commissioner John Windley defeated incumbent Mayor Ben Sproul, while Manteo Town Commissioner Sherry Butcher Wickstrom…Read More from New mayors elected in five Greater Outer Banks towns; Windley, Wickstrom win by two-to-one margins

by Sam Walker

GOV November 7th, 2023

Coastal Resources Commission to vote Thursday on raising CAMA permit prices

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission is scheduled to meet Thursday in Beaufort, where among other agenda items they are expected to vote on raising the price of many Coastal Area Management Act permits. The commission is expected to consider raising the price of major CAMA permits from $200 to $400. Major permit extensions, modifications and…Read More from Coastal Resources Commission to vote Thursday on raising CAMA permit prices

by Sam Walker