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Big Rock Limps to Finish

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In a furious final day of action on a not so peaceful sea, Pelagic Hunter II still holds onto a razor thin lead in the Big Rock. With Sea Striker weighing a Blue Marlin today in at 495.0 pounds, it was still just shy by about 2 ounces of besting Pelagic Hunter II from the top spot. The Pelagic Hunter II knocked Predator off first place on Thursday when it weighed in it’s 495.2 Blue Marlin, One pound over Predator’s 494.2 A true neck and neck heavyweight horse race will see a dramatic end when Morehead’s own Moon Dancer, who … Continue reading Big Rock Limps to Finish

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Final Day of Big Rock Underway

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Widespread rain and strong winds have not made for the prettiest day out on the water as the final day of The Big Rock gets under way. Gusts up to 27 knots have already been reported this morning in the vicinity of Cape Lookout. A stalled front has settled over the ocean where most of today’s participants will be trolling for the big one. With yesterday’s weigh in of a 495.2 pound Marlin, Sneads Ferry boat Pelagic Hunter II, leads by a pound and looks to bring home about $225,000. In second place, Predator, out of Hatteras with a 494 … Continue reading Final Day of Big Rock Underway

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New River Inlet open to the Ocean

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The Wilmington Office of the US Army Corps of Engineers has released the recent soundings from New River Inlet. Historically a tough inlet to navigate, dredging from the US ACE has maintained a channel deep enough for the local fleet of shrimpers. Notice the buoys in the picture, they seem to be a little off from the deepest readings. The channel is always moving due to shifting sandbars and the aftermath of storms. Always exercise caution when crossing this and other shallow water crossings. Continue reading New River Inlet open to the Ocean

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North Topsail Alderman Explains Sudden Departure.

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In an email, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, North Topsail Beach Alderman Jerry Heid outlined many reasons for resigning the seat he was elected to last November. The letter stands on its own and can be see in it’s entirety below, with a few lines redacted. Usually redactions stem from discussion about items in closed session. Most often the reasoning given for closed sessions is “”to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee, or to hear or … Continue reading North Topsail Alderman Explains Sudden Departure.

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North Topsail appoints New Alderman

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After a procedural error caused a re-vote for the North Topsail Beach Board of Alderman to fill one of their empty seats, a different outcome emerged from the first vote held on May 10. During another special meeting, on Thursday morning, Richard Grant was selected by the Board to fill the vacant seat. The last meeting held by the Board contained a vote to fill the open seat but after review it was determined that the vote for Robert Swantek, who was sworn into office in the time since, was not valid for lack of signed ballots and an improper … Continue reading North Topsail appoints New Alderman

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North Topsail Beach Alderman Resigns

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In a facebook post on Saturday, recently elected Alderman Jerry Heid resigned his seat on the Board. Citing the “process, in my opinion, appeared to be orchestrated is the area of concern” on recent issues before the board, Alderman did confirm that he did indeed intend to resign when contacted by the Channel Marker. Alderman Heid expressed frustration and embarrassment at the end of the recent meeting of the Board that was just held Thursday. Heid added at the meeting that he also had “Concerns that I would enunciate at a later date” North Topsail Beach has seen heavy debates … Continue reading North Topsail Beach Alderman Resigns

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North Topsail Holds Alderman Meeting

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On Thursday evening the North Topsail Beach Board of Alderman held a special meeting to conduct regular Town business. Paid parking for the Town owned lots was on the agenda. Alderman voted to direct the Town Manager to explore the options that are available for the Town to maximize income potential that the lots would provide. A vacancy on the Board was filled when Mayor Mcdermon broke a 2 – 2 tie and cast a vote for Robert Swantek to replace her on the seat she vacated. The Town adopted a regular meeting schedule for the first Thursday of each … Continue reading North Topsail Holds Alderman Meeting

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North Carolina Covid-19 Case Numbers Still Growing.

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Numbers released Thursday show North Carolina recorded its largest 3-day case cumulative case count. 487 cases were reported on Thursday. Along with 539 cases on Tuesday and 543 cases on Wednesday, the State saw it’s total number of cases grow by 13.1% in just 3 days. With a total case count at 13,540, Governor Cooper’s Phase 1 of the transition to reopen will take effect at 5 pm today Friday, May 8. Most retail establishments can reopen with guidelines. Personal services such as hairdressers and salons, along with entertainment venues, such as Bingo Parlors, Bowling alleys, and Gyms must remain … Continue reading North Carolina Covid-19 Case Numbers Still Growing.

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Onslow opens Beach Accesses

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Onslow County plans to reopen the Beach accesses it maintains in North Topsail Beach on Friday, May 8. In a press release on Thursday the County announced it will reopen parking, ramps, and restrooms at access #1, 1795 New River Inlet Rd, and #2 at 2950 Island Drive. Citing Executive Order 138, which encourages parks to reopen, The County has provided an outlet for outdoor activities to resume on the beach strand. Open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily with free parking, the accesses can be easily seen from the road. The press release provided by the County is … Continue reading Onslow opens Beach Accesses

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North Topsail set to Reopen Parking and Rentals

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During an emergency meeting on Wednesday, the North Topsail Beach Board of Alderman debated reopening their town to visitors. In open discussion where the Mayor stated she had “already made up her mind” and “the right thing to do”, Mayor Mcdermon recommended re-opening both the short term rentals and the public parking lots. A stated check in of Saturday morning for the rentals was given by the Mayor, by letting the Rental ban expire when it is currently scheduled to end on the 8th. The meeting ended with a public declaration made by the Mayor to open the rentals on … Continue reading North Topsail set to Reopen Parking and Rentals