Letters to the editor

I wish you could have seen OBX in the mid 70s when I first did. Back then north of Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk etc it was more undeveloped than Hatterras. However by mid 80s we started going to Hatteras due to development in the north.

Every time I see an OBX or Hatteras sticker on a car I cringe...part of the reason there are now twice as many houses on Hatteras as when I first went there in 1984. I guess greed is the same everywhere. Now they even have a hotel on Hatteras. Hate to see it.

This year in May there were so many vacant houses and houses for sale.

Also 4th of July week not nearly as many tourists as last year...yea for high gas prices!

I am writing a book about the shark attack on Labor Day 2001 in Avon. How quickly 9/11 chilled that story out.

I think what you did was cool but unfortunately every time you convey a good impression about Hatteras it brings more folks down there.

I still remember going down the beach road in Nags Head one night in 1978. Full moon and stars and the ocean was starting to spill over on the road (in October). Try to imagine that...as they say on television...priceless.
Brian Muldoon....
Maryland
7/9/08

Please read this…
Friday, May 2nd … My Daughter got off the School Bus at the Bus Stop off after school. A Neighbor’s daughter who rides the same bus went to get her bike to ride home while my daughter met her Grandmother at the bus stop. Location: Corner of Woodland Drive at E. Dogwood Trail – across from where Holly Trail intersects E. Dogwood Trail.

As the neighbor’s daughter went to her bike a white van which had been parked across the street pulled around sideways up to the bike rack area and asked this girl if she needed a ride home. This young girl wisely did not speak to this man and went to get on her bike. The Van pulled around and parked in the middle of Holly Trail blocking the street. The girl on the bike went over to my daughter (out of ear shot of the Grandmother) and told my daughter that she was afraid of the man and that van and asked if she could come stay with my daughter and her grandmother. While this exchange was taking place the van drove off.

The girl nor my daughter told my Mother in Law anything about being afraid of the man or the exchange which had taken place.

This is surely a predator.

The description we know at this point is:

Man: likely 50 to 55 yrs old, white male, shoulder length stringy sandy (dirty) blond hair, child could not recall if their was any facial hair, or any other distinguishing traits.
5/3/08 ....NEW INFORMATION ... I forgot to tell you that he wore big, squarish reading glasses not sunglasses.
Vehicle: older boxy type CHEVY / Dodge OR SIMILAR Van – white, no markings on exterior nor any noticeable dings, dents, rust. No roof rack or anything on roof. Basic windows -4?

REMEMBER ...

A PREDATOR COULD HAVE A WOMAN WORKING WITH HIM TO ENTICE AND MAKE YOUNG GIRLS (or BOYS!) FEEL SAFE TO APPROACH.

A PREDATOR CAN ALSO CHANGE GLASSES, HAIR, VEHICLE ... SO, LOOK FOR SOMEONE OR SOMETHING THAT IS NOT RIGHT, AND ACT.

On a clear nice day there would be no reason for a man to ask a young girl if she needs a ride – only a predator intending harm.

I have lived here 23 years … our Beach is no longer the same.

As parents we need to be aware of our surroundings and report to Police anything suspicious. If you are witnessing something that does not seem right - go up to the Child to make sure they are safe and that they know the person they are talking too - or, who is talking to them. You know when it does not feel right - please do not discount that feeling and do nothing. I think any of us would rather report something that turns out to be nothing than the opposite.

I am sending this you because of one of many reasons … I know you, you have kids, live in KH, SS, MP or on the beach.

As you drive through any neighborhood – if you see a vehicle which seems to be hanging around – call the police. Certainly, if you see a vehicle matching the description loitering or near any children, make sure the child is safe first, Get a Tag Number, description, call 911.

Keep your cell phone handy so you can make the call immediately.

The police have advised this family not to let their child ride their bike home from the bus stop the rest of this year. If it is not safe the rest of this year, it will be impossible to believe that it will ever be safe again.

Please forward this email right away to everyone you know in this area with or without kids.

This is the 2nd (Possibly 3rd or even 4th attempt in 2-3 months !!! - read response to this email at bottom from Rodanthe Woman) Predator attempt in our area in just the past few months. The first was well publicized by the school – FFHS – where a girl was approached and declined the ride.

5/4/08 Update ... I have spoken to may people over the past 2 days. Just today, I have been told that a young girl was approached in Southern Shores by a man standing next to his car - this happened in the past 2 weeks.

****** These are Multiple Incidents ... I am very concerned that this Predator is out there and will get one of our Kids. This is a very serious matter and we all need to be talking about it, and every child needs to know the real deal and what to do. Main thing is to avoid ever being in a situation where they are vulnerable to an attack. ***************

We must all be alert all the time to this possibility.

If anyone has any questions – please call me.

John Leatherwood
202-3834

if u people..... wait iam confused ...obama ??? please 4 give me but if you folks @ obx collectively support this person i could care less if all beaches are closed and you can starve ....no wait go join that racist preachers church ....god i hope iam not seeing this !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gary carter

Katherine Kazak’s article in the Virginia Pilot about the "rally to save off-road-vehicle privileges in N.C." is biased. "The congenial party atmosphere at Cape Point on Saturday morning belied the sense of desperation felt by off-road-vehicle drivers who assembled to say "Please Help us". The vivid description of dogs and kids frolicking in the surf brought tears to my eyes. The ORV ban affects only 12% of the beach. Which means ORV's can still drive on 88% of the beach. Since birds cannot write “Please Help Us" in the sand, I guess they are out of luck. The sounds of silence are hard to hear. "My daddy's daddy fished out here" seems to explain a family tradition no one wants to lose. Unfortunately for the wildlife that try to live and breed on the beach, parking your off road vehicle and walking over the dune has never been part of your family tradition. Perhaps this generation can improve tradition by adding a little exercise and respect for all life.

R Jarrell
Kitty Hawk

My husband and I recently visited Kitty Hawk for vacation and had such a truly wonderful experience that I would like to share it with your readers.
Our first stop was at a fruit stand before Kitty Hawk where we purchased sweet fruit, the tastiest peanuts I have ever had, and homemade fudge (too many varieties to list). These treats were enjoyed throughout our stay and I would recommend stopping to at least taste the fudge (they have many samples).
During our stay, we went on a bike ride adventure from Kitty Hawk to Duck (bike trails) and enjoyed a pleasant lunch at an Italian ice shop and then shopped the boutiques before heading back to Kitty Hawk. We also spent many an idle hour at the beaches, which are plentiful so that you never feel crowded, reading, sun bathing, walking and taking cool dips in the ocean. Very relaxing and peaceful. Don't forget to visit Manteo as this town is very quaint with many good restaurants and shops. We were very impressed with the friendly shop keepers. For any hotdog enthusiasts out there, which I am one, a stop at Captain Franks is a must, order the garbage dog, YUM YUM.
To sum it up, my husband and I came away from our vacation relaxed, tension free and happy. We highly recommend that if anyone is thinking about taking a vacation, the Outer Banks is the place to go! Enjoy!

To whomever cares to read this:
A party of 10 went into Jimmy's Buffet restaurant in Kitty Hawk on Friday May 25th, 2007. We had a very nice waitress by the name of Tracy. She was friendly and did her job well. The problem was not with the service but with the quality of food and cleanliness of the restaurant. The portions were old and had been sitting too long. To put it nicely, it was just plain nasty! The prices of this restaurant were WAY over priced and the portions were slim. We were all very disappointed and asked to speak to the manager and she (the owner, Mrs. Dowless) sent out one of her employees.) They did nothing and told us they had 700 patrons a night and basically did not have time to worry with us. This is very unprofessional and bad business if you ask me. This is a tourist restaurant and locals do not frequent because they know better. The bill for the party of 10, included 2 children was $400. That would not have been a problem if it were worth it, but it wasn't at all. Repeat business is a good thing, but I know for a fact we will never go back. Mrs. Dowless would not even show her face or return any calls. This restaurant not only had terrible food and prices but a manager/owner to go along with it. Hopefully the owner will realize that what comes around goes around and when this happens to her, she will understand the way we were treated was wrong. We paid the bill but now understand why people walk out of that restaurant without paying because it is just terrible. This letter was sent to the restaurant, local newspapers and local fliers.
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Williams and family

So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry.

I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant.
But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by. But, you didn't see me, driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.
But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos.
But, you didn't see me, cry as my children where born and have their name written over and in my heart.

I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car.
But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you, race down the road in the rain.
But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.

I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But, you didn't see me, leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you, go home to your family. But, you didn't see me.
Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family.
But, you didn't see me.

Outer Banks Biker

Ten Days That Shook the Nation - First Flight of the Wright Brothers
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Is there fairness in our Juvenile Justice System? Are all court cases treated with the same equality no matter the age, gender, race, or economic background? Is it true that some cases are more political driven rather than others? Is it right for Court Officers (District Attorneys) to lie in our courts to elevate themselves for political reasons? Did you know that there are more children being locked up than there are adults in Currituck & Dare County, about 40% more?
Are our children actually getting an honest and fair judgment according to their crime, not judicial strong arm tactics? These are questions I haven't thought of until recently. There comes a time when all of us have to deal with the court system, very nerve-taking and apprehensive experience especially when children are involved.
What gives a Juvenile Probate Court Counselor the right to lie in a court room just to keep their conviction rating high in numbers, or to make themselves look good in front of a judge.
I can't call out any names. This could cause me to be a political target. My 12 Year old son got into some trouble which put him in The Winfall Detention Center. When he was sentenced, he was given 6-9 years of his life in lockup.
Now there are adults here that have committed worst crimes or the same crime and are released within 6 months with repeated crimes on their records. This was the first time my 12 year old son has ever been in trouble with the law. Can somebody PLEASE tell me what is wrong with this? The court counselor also has been trying to get the court to order me to pay all my son's financial needs while he is under state jurisdiction until he is 18. Never been done in the history of North Carolina.

Bruce Goldman

On our way home from dinner driving down the beach road MP 17.5, when a black dog came from nowhere and ran in front of the SUV. We immediately pulled off the road as the dog was still under the truck. My daughter was driving and she was hysterical. After looking under the truck, it was evident that we had a problem. The dog's paw was stuck between the engine block and the suspension. I activated the ON-star telling them we needed an emergency vet, EMS and police. BIG mistake! It was ten minutes at least before the police arrived and no EMS. He proceeded to argue with me telling me that they would not waste their time on a dog. I asked him if it was his dog if he would feel differently and he became irate. I was almost arrested for that comment. The whole time the dog was crying and moaning with a mutilated left front paw that could not be freed. I called all of the emergency vets and got a recording and no call back.
About and hour later a vet tech arrived. She had no medication. The dog was in shock and needed IV fluids and some sedation. So she left to get some help. About 45 minutes to an hour later she returned with a vet who did not want to be there. She wanted to kill the dog but its owners had arrived in the interum. She gave them the choice of killing the dog or cutting off it's leg. She laughed when asked how the foot was to be taken out of the truck, saying it was our problem. And guess what; she had only 1 IV bag a small amount of sedation and no instrumentation to remove the foot. Hence another trip to the office and another 30 minute wait. When she returned, the dog had infiltrated the IV. I asked her if she was going to start another and she said no. She said that she would put a tourniquet around the leg before amputation but she didn't. Not only that, the dog felt every bit of it and screamed during the whole ordeal. When the dog was pulled out from under the truck, the stump was pumping out blood due to no tourniquet. The dog was also unresponsive at that point. I tried to call the Vet this morning and guess what..they are closed.

I told the police that I was an operating room nurse and knew what needed to be done when he first arived on the scene. He informed me that he didn't care what I did for a living and that they had to go through the channels. I hope to h___ that this man is never sent to my aid. If you can't give compassionate care to all of God's creatures what kind of people are we? He had a bad attitude and if I ever see him in need at the side of the road he's going to die. And I would take pleasure in watching it.My two grandchildren, 7 and 12 were shown lack of compassion by both the vet and the police.
The EMS crew was at the new SNH fire station watching the fireworks. It would have been nice if they had been able to assist in this incident even if it was just a dog! I am apalled and angry about the response this animal received. The whole affiar took 3 1/2 hours to get the dog out.
Ohio visitors

I guess so - $30 a year for a fishing permit that I need for my one weeks vacation to the KH/KDH area?
Guess it just means the fishing gear stays home and I stay off the Avalon Pier.
Its gonna keep tourists out of TW's Bait And Tackle too. (At least this tourist and his 3 kids and his cousin and his cousins kids and... well, you get it, right?)
No more bait purchases. No more hook/line/sinkers.
Too bad. $30 for a weeks stay, just to be able to drop a line in the surf is just way out there.
Ranks right up there with beach replenishment taxes.

Makes me tend to just want to drive an hour and a half to New Jersey or the Delaware beaches instead of the 7 1/2 hours I travel to get to the Outerbanks. My way distant $.02 worth.
Thanks Gov!
Anonymous

In response to the above letter we received the following letter:
Someone should respond to the person complaining about needing a $30 salt water fishing license to surf fish when they come for a weeks vacation and let them know that there is a 10 day license that can be purchased for $5 for NC residents or $10 for non-residents.
Added to the 10 day license I found out that the Avalon pier has purchased a “blanket” license and if you fish OFF the pier then you do not need a license. But if you want to fish on the shore then you do need one.
JimmyZ

We're in the sand moving business, not the house moving business," said geologist Tim Kana of Coastal Science and Engineering as he explained his firm's proposed beach nourishment project to town officials in Nags Head. Kana was part of a pre-recorded forum now running on Dare County government tv Channel 20, three times per day, every day of the week.

The purpose of the program, says Nags Head officials, is to "educate" Dare County citizens, and particularly Nags Head residents about the need for beach nourishment along the town's oceanfront. The proposed $32 million sand project will be put to the voters for approval sometime in the spring of 2007.

Kana tells Nags Head officials that for the sum of $32 million, his firm will engineer and place one-half as much sand on Nags Head's beaches as the Army Corps of Engineers' (ACE) says is needed; and, for one-third the price. Furthermore, says Kana, the sand will stay on the beach for as long as ten years, as opposed to the two to three years predicted by ACE.

Believe what you will, but if this project goes forth, you can be guaranteed that it will eventually affect the pocketbook of every single taxpayer in Dare County, regardless of it's success or failure. This is already evidenced by the county's re-calculation of sales tax distributions among towns if Nags Head raises it's ad valorem taxes to pay for the project.

In addition, the chances that Nags Head's project can even begin for the sum of $32 million might be highly unlikely. Evidence other beach nourishments projects whose recent bids have come in at as much as 25% over original estimate.

Add in Kana's admission that the Outer Banks has the highest energy beaches on the entire east coast. Kana says an ocean dredge operating along the Outer Banks in the winter might get in only three days per week worktime, extending the project up to six months; and that's with daily operating costs of $100,.000 plus, per day. The other four days, the dredge could be making a 60 mile one-way trip to safe harbor in Norfolk, VA.

Everyone in Dare County owes it to themselves to tune to Channel 20, view the program, and form their own opinion as to whether they can buy or afford Nags Head's pitch for a "Yes" vote on beach nourishment come next spring.

Ray Midgett
Southern Shores, NC

(Quote). ".We are working to inform the public (about beach nourishment). We don't want people to read Ray Midgett's column in the newspaper." (end of quote)
- The Coastland Times- Sept. 21, 2006
The above comment was made by Nags Head Mayor Renee Cahoon, speaking at a recent forum held in Manteo by the Institute for Emerging Issues
.

Among other things, the forum was intended to focus on how the state tax system worked and how it might be structured to deal with a growing economy. But, Cahoon, who was on the program, seized the moment to push Nags Head's beach nourishment program and to continue ranting about how misinformed the voters are about the issue.
However, Cahoon isn't by herself. Other town board members such as Commissioner Anna Sadler and Dare Commissioners Warren Judge and Stan White still insist that Dare voters just aren't "educated enough" to understand the need for beach nourishment.
The real question is, does anyone understand why these elected officials didn't get an education of their own back in February, when county residents voted 4-1 and said, "we don't want to be taxed for beach nourishment?"
Does Cahoon and Company really think the people don't know that our beaches are eroding? Do they think that "economic scare tactics" are going to convince people to thrown their hard earned dollars into the ocean? Of course they do.
The odd thing is that Nags Head has worked itself into a corner by taking on the entire beach nourishment issue on its own. Like the "who's educated issue," one can expect other contradictions to occur in the coming months.
In fact, Nags Head's entire beach project is, arguably, a contradiction within itself.
Here's why.
Since 1999, Nags Head had bought into the Army Corps of Engineers project, hook, line and sinker. The Corps told Nags Head it needed 12 million cubic yards of sand for 14 miles of beaches and berms; and, they could expect that sand to last up to three years. It would be worth every penny of the initial $72 million (now over $100 million) said Cahoon and Company. No one questioned the corps expertise at all; that is until the money failed to come through.
Fast forward to 2006. Suddenly, Cahoon and Company have been convinced by a private engineering company that, for one-third the amount of money, all of Nags Head's beaches could be filled with one-third as much sand and it would be good for, not 3 years, but 10 years (yes 10)!
Now, if this whole scenario isn't laughable, then keep listening.
The Nags Head project is set to put only enough sand back on the beach to bring the beach to the exact same state/condition that it was three years ago, before Isabel! To repeat, "after that the beach will be OK for ten years."
One can analyze this anyway they want and still come up with a sound argument that Nags Head's plan, in effect, contradicts the Army Corps' project and even says that the Army Corps project was never needed in the first place, at least not until ten years down the road.
These two measures are so extreme that it is not funny. Tell us, if one doctor said you were going to live, while another told you that you were going to die, would you not seek a third opinion? Not so with Nags Head. Unless they want you, the "uneducated voter" to make the big decision for them? But not before they do a little brain surgery on you first! Like, "the health of someone else's beach cottage is incumbant upon whether you get bread on your table." Like, "if the beach washed away, we will lose all that foreign and illegal alien labor." Like, "if the beaches wash away, the builders/developers will leave town and YOU WILL STARVE!"
Its getting to the point where its hard to tell if the the noise coming from this group is the sound of people treading water or simply swimming backwards.
In closing, if anyone ever sees "Ray Midgett's column" in any newspaper, would you kindly clip it out and send it to BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks.

Some 50 years ago, I was just out of college and had signed on with a public accounting firm in Richmond, Va. The first day I reported to work the senior partner called me into his office to supply me with some words of wisdom.
His words were, "Son if your master the paper trail it will serve you well." Over the years I have found that those words apply to more than accounting records.
A few weeks ago, a friend asked me what I thought of the Town of Kitty Hawk Council elections and the action of the new majority. To answer his question I collected copies of the financial reports filed with the Board of Elections, copies of the town managers weekly reports and various newspaper articles. I believe the citizens of Kitty Hawk will find the paper trail of interest.
I have consolidated the three reports to save space. Total contributed $16,796.(121 contributors.) Contributions of $100 or less $6,254 (91 Contributors.) Contributions over $100. $10,542 (30 contributors.) When we analyze those contributions over $100 (7 contributors.) Emilie Klutz $514; Paul Shaver III RV Sugar Creek $1,800; Julia Lee RV Sugar Creek $1,500; (Reliable source indicates that Ervin Bateman is a minority owner in this restaurant.) Toby Hedgepeth RV Park Operator $1,500; Richard Copsey $900; Robbie and Monica Parker $500; and Merriet Hooper III, Builder $600. These seven contributions totaled $7,314 or 69 percent of the total contributed over $100. Three of these major contributors had lawsuits against the town. Toby Hedgepeth, Richard Copsey and Robbie Parker Construction Co.
The managers weekly reports and copies of consent judgements from Superior Court provide the data for the paper trail of council activity since December 2005.
Emilie Klutz appointed to fill remainder of term left open by election of Clifton Perry to Mayor. Suspended the Town Code of Ethics that the candidates refused to sign during the fall campaign. Appointed Merriet Hooper III to the Planning Board. Mr. Hooper had often stated his desire to see the building codes changed to increase building height, lot coverage, and building setbacks. The Town Council and the Planning Board held a joint meeting in July to discuss these same issues. I ask the citizens of Kitty Hawk to take a ride down the Beach Road through Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head and decide if this is what they want on the beaches of Kitty Hawk. Most of the family homes are gone and are replaced by mini-hotels.
Council canceled the fines that were imposed, granted the height variance and grand fathered Robbie Parker's operations in Kitty Hawk to avoid any future action by citizens.
The council settled eight lawsuits in June for property condemned on the beach. Each lawsuit was settled for the sum of $60,000 each. The settlement that disturbs me is the one with Hedgepeth, Hedgepeth and Hedgepeth Enterprises. The consent judgement Item 1: The town has condemned and shall be permanently vested with a perpetual right and easement over, across and under the property.
Item 2: The easement shall be for the construction and maintenance of the barrier dune and construction and maintenance of Highway12.
Item 3: The town does hereby give, grant, and convey the underlying fee and title to the property, subject to the easement, to Hedgepeth for his benefit and the benefit of his heirs, successors and assigns. Hedgepeth shall not be required to provide general public access over the walkway. (Note: This walkway was constructed by the town using taxpayers funds.)
In fairness to the other property owners on the beach give the title to the property back to them as they did Hedgepeth.
Two of the three financial reports filed by the candidates did not balance. In other words, receipts and disbursements as reported do not equal zero. Two of the candidates wrote checks to a non profit group. the third candidate wrote a check to himself and call it seed money??
It may not be against the law but IT sure clouds the picture when a candidate or council member takes political contributions from donors who have lawsuits or other matters coming before the council.
Someone should also give Mayor Perry a copy of Roberts Rules. The chairman of a committee never makes a motion, however, if you don't have a Town Code of Ethics what the hell!! I believe all of the current council members refused to sign the Town Code of Ethics during the fall Campaign and it has since been suspended.
Someone should also give Councilman Gary Perry two items. A basic bookkeeping course that explains the function of debits and credits and a basic book on etiquette and respect for members of committees and fellow citizens.

Citizens of Kitty Hawk get involved, take back your town!! Harry Shumate

This is what most of our Dare Commissioners envision Heaven will be like. (Rendering by Ray Midgett - Southern Shores, NC)

The decision announced, on March 6 by the Kitty Hawk Town Council is a temporary waver. If they want to make the asphalt plant legal and within code, they would have to change the town code to allow everything in the VC3 to climb to 42’. Then other residents can challenge the 35’ height limit in their zones. The concrete plant, on Poor Ridge Road went up to 50’ without asking anyone even though granfathered parcels are prohibited from expanding. What the Perry Council is actually saying is that it is a "free-for-some." Some people can do whatever they want while others are subject to a permit. Enforcement is, once again, arbitrary. This is where the erosion of Democracy starts, at your home.

What people don’t know about asphalt plants:
1. Asphalt toxicity limits are established by the Scientific Advisory Board of North Carolina and are contingent upon a 160-pound man, because no one thought anyone was STUPID ENOUGH to put an asphalt plant in the back yard of a family. They did the study for plant workers. Of course the stack which emits toxins is ordered by the Division of Air Quality to be 35 feet’, which protects workers and pushes all the fumes onto neighboring families, as demonstrated by Tom Anderson's May 9, 2001 letter “Maximum impacts occurred at or near the property boundary.” Yah! You know, where the neighbors are.
2. When the DAQ modeler, Jim Roller, was asked if toxicity levels were worse for people living nearer the plant in comparison to people living 2,000 feet away, his answer was, “No!”
3. When asked why this was so, the answer, Jim Roller, the” Model Maker” (because they don’t actually test anything in NC) said that currents of air disperse the toxins. I asked him what the highest elevation was within in their test model. He said it was three feet. The wind from the ocean blows toxins away. I informed him that the highest elevation was at the Catholic Church across from Shelby Road and that was 35’ and there was no ocean wind blowing anything away on the leaward side of that ridge. So he changed his model and mysteriously got the same results. Letter from Tom Anderson, AQAB May 9, 2001 “The analysis was submitted in order to establish more lenient emissions limitations for the facility. Arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, and nickel exceeded the rates outlined.”
4. When Betsy Huddleston, Division of Air Quality, was asked, “If you can smell fumes, are you breathing toxins?” the answer was, “No!”
These are the people you pay with your tax money to protect you. The Perry Town Council was being presented with a study which said, “ there were concerns about the levels of benzene, which may create the risk of cancer, but it is the same type of gas fumes that gas stations emit without regulations.” They went on to vote unanimously to poison their neighbors (Town Council meeting Sept 8, 1998) I wonder if those councilmen would put the noses of their grandchildren over a gas pump 11 hours a day - because that’s what they are forcing their neighbors children to do.

Claudia Larson
906 D Kitty Hawk Road
Kitty Hawk NC
252-255-0031

I would like to say that it is not the primary role of the Federal Government to provide disaster relief for the whole country. It would be nice if we could blame all of our problems on one man. That would make all of us feel so much better. The truth is it is the local and state government's responsibility to provide these services for it's citizens. Everyone in the country knows that Louisiana and New Orleans are the most corrupt places for politics. I think that the local politicians are the ones to blame for their poor planning. Dare county has had years to plan just like Louisiana has and they have it together whenever a hurricane comes. It is not the presidents state and it is not the presidents city, it is the local peoples and the local government. Remember: government by the people and for the people. Not by the president.

Tom Lee

To George W. Bush,

Mr. President New Orleans is dying and so are its citizens. This country is trying to save a major city “on the cheap.”

What is going on? Did you blow the entire strength of the United States abroad, leaving nothing for the citizens that really need it? The poorest of the poor live in New Orleans and the Gulf region. We are supposed to be the richest, most powerful country in the world.

Funds were cut to repair the infrastructure of New Orleans. It is the busiest port in the United States. It processes and supplies one-fourth of nation’s petroleum. Is there any money or manpower left to handle the needs of the citizens of this country? Must we resort to begging its citizens for donations and arm twisting corporations into paying for this disaster? This adminstation does not have the competancy or the infrastructure to handle a terrorist attack or a natural disaster in this country. We need new leadership and "we the people" need to wake up!

PS WE ALSO NEED SOME BUSES IN NEW ORLEANS.

Thank you very much.
Roger and Maureen Jarrell
Kitty Hawk, NC

As I drove into Manteo today, following an automobile with a bumper sticker reading, "UNC-Dare- It's a Shore Thing", I felt a sense of sadness.
I know how hard all of you have worked to get a UNC Coastal Studies Institute and school for the study of marine science established here on the Outer Banks.
I am proud of everything that has been accomplished to date and I wish you every success for the future.
However, as I reminisced about the politics of the matter; (1) you good people trying to get the school up and running, and (2) the business community, supportive of you in many ways, yet all the while set on a dead course to ruin our natural beaches with nourishment; I felt a sense of cynicism and sadness.
Will it be necessary for you, and the people who truly support and understand the need to study and protect our shoreline and its fragile environment, to compromise, for the urgency of the moment in order to complete your task? Or, like true pioneers, will you be willing to say, right now......."What you (people) are proposing flies smack in the face of what you are supporting (the school). Beach nourishment is wrong for the Outer Banks."
The Outer Banks beaches are the best, the finest and one of the last natural, undisturbed seashores on the entire east coast. Please use every opportunity you have available, at the earliest possible moment, to see that we don't destroy it, all for the sake of burgeoning tourist economy.

Ray Midgett
BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks
252-261-9797
www.beachhuggers.com

Blind or Confused !

Three out of 4 self-described supporters of President George W. Bush still believe that pre-war Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction or active programs to produce them. According to a recent survey, the same number also believes that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein provided "substantial support" to al Qaeda.
But here is the truly amazing part of this story. As many or more Bush supporter’s hold these beliefs today than they did several months ago. In other words, more people believe the claims today, even though a through government investigation has disproved both claims.
These are among the most striking findings of a survey conducted in mid-October by the University of Maryland's Program on International Policy Attitudes.
According to these findings, most supporters of the Bush administration will believe anything the administration says, even if it has been proved to be untrue.
RJ
Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk Politics

Dear Francis Meekins
and/or Tony Sylvester
Thank you for the most interesting editorial in today's Coastland Times.
In the future, you should feel free to use my name, Ray Midgett, and/or BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks anytime you refer to efforts by our group to inform Dare citizens about the dangers, futility and excessive costs of beach nourishment on the Outer Banks.
And, thank you again for "hitting the nail on the head" in the editorial in categorizing the craziness and misleading efforts of our board of commissioners for going along with the special interest groups' desire to appoint a paid staff to oversee "tossing more money into the ocean" along our beautiful natural seashore.
Incidentally, you should rest assured that "BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks" counts among it's contributors no less than 6 or 7 currently elected or formerly elected county/town officials, along with dozens of contributors who have help funnel money into your newspaper's ad accounts for fighting this useless effort.
Ray Midgett,
Member, BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks
154 Duck Woods Drive (three, not two digits in address). Southern Shores, NC

Dear Nags Head Commissioners
I watched tv today with amazement as the engineers from Coastal Science & Engineering (CSE) presented your board meeting with proposals for a mini-beach nourishment project for Nags Head beaches. I was flabbergasted; just as I am sure anyone else who has followed this issue for the past five years must have been.
I sincerely hope the Dare County Commissioners, along with the Army Corps of Engineers will rent a video copy of this meeting and view that presentation. Meanwhile, as you know; I have been the sole owner of the Virginia Dare Bridge for several years. Today, I am ready to sell. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will tell you the bridge spans nearly five miles and cost me just over $100,000,000. However, they are incorrect. I am willing to sell you, the Nags Head Town Board this amazing bridge, which, by the way is actually only two miles long; for the paltry sum of $20,000,000. I will guarantee that the 2-mile bridge will get you safely across the Croatan Sound to the mainland; and that it will last you, not fifty years, but 200 years. If you can get county/state and/or federal funding for this purchase, please let me know.
Now, on a more sober side; please don't forget that the ocean beaches that abut your fine town belong to every citizen of Dare County, North Carolina and this great nation. Please treat them with care.

Is Ohio A Third World State
This description of 2004 presidential election mishaps reminds one of the mishaps in elections in third world countries. Read this story and tell us what you think.
Tanya Thivener's is a tale of two voting precincts in Franklin County. In her city neighborhood, which is vastly Democratic and majority black, the 38-year-old mortgage broker found a line snaking out of the precinct door. She stood in line for four hours -- one hour in the rain -- and watched dozens of potential voters mutter in disgust and walk away without casting a ballot. Afterward, Thivener hopped in her car and drove to her mother's house, in the vastly Republican and majority white suburb of Harrisburg. How long, she asked, did it take her to vote? Fifteen minutes, her mother replied."It was . . . poor planning," Thivener said. "County officials knew they had this huge increase in registrations, and yet there weren't enough machines in the city. You really hope this wasn't intentional."
Electoral problems prevented many thousands of Ohioans from voting on Nov. 2. In Columbus, bipartisan estimates say that 5,000 to 15,000 frustrated voters turned away without casting ballots. But similar problems occurred across the state and fueled protest marches and demands for a recount. The foul-ups appeared particularly acute in Democratic-leaning districts, according to interviews with voters, poll workers, election observers and election board and party officials, as well as an examination of precinct voting patterns in several cities. In Cleveland, poorly trained poll workers apparently gave faulty instructions to voters that led to the disqualification of thousands of provisional ballots and misdirected several hundred votes to third-party candidates.
In Youngstown, 25 electronic machines transferred an unknown number of votes for Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) to the Bush column. In Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo, and on college campuses, election officials allocated far too few voting machines to busy precincts, with the result that voters stood on line as long as 10 hours -- many leaving without voting. Some longtime voters discovered their registrations had been purged. source

Settlement Possible in
Asphalt Plant Dispute
What’s to settle? A conditional use permit can not come before the Board of Adjusters to be changed. One of the conditions of use of the asphalt permit is an agreed upon height limit of 35 feet. In order to change that, they must come before the Town Council and ask for a change in the conditions of use. They came before the Town Council and asked for a change and the town would not rewrite the permit. The End. This is our town code. This is our democratic procedure. This is not to be bargained away. What, pay the fine and continue to be in violation?
This issue has no business before a judge. It is a local zoning issue and has been addressed. What if everyone said, “I don’t like the town code. I’m going to ask a judge to change it just for me.” It’s only fair that the “popular native” get what he wants. His business is the only heavy industry in a village commercial zone. His is the only business that is allowed to dump toxins on his neighbors. All other Conditional Use Permits require no fumes over the property boarders. All other Conditional Use Permits specifically prohibit noise over the property border. His business is specifically allowed to make noise over his property border. This is a classic example of “exclusive privilege” which is a gross violation of our constitutional rights. Now he wants to be the highest business in the VC3, not to mention the ugliest.
What we are talking about is having a judge overturn our constitutional procedure. Which means anyone can apply for a Conditional Use Permit, then do an end run around the Town Council and get the Board of Adjustors to change it to their liking, but only if they like you.
It’s Thanksgiving and we must Give Thanks to Mr. Bateman and Mr. Perry for all of this, and all of the wasted money this has cost the town. The Popular Native financed their run for office, and if they ever get the rest of their cronies back in, Kitty Hawk will become one big stinking industrial zone run by the Board of Adjusters, a judge and, of course, the “Popular Native”.

Blind or Confused !
Three out of 4 self-described supporters of President George W. Bush still believe that pre-war Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction or active programs to produce them. According to a recent survey, the same number also believes that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein provided "substantial support" to al Qaeda.
But here is the truly amazing part of this story. As many or more Bush supporter’s hold these beliefs today than they did several months ago. In other words, more people believe the claims today, even though a through government investigation has disproved both claims.
These are among the most striking findings of a survey conducted in mid-October by the University of Maryland's Program on International Policy Attitudes.
According to these findings, most supporters of the Bush administration will believe anything the administration says, even if it has been proved to be untrue.
RJ
Kitty Hawk

Hoopage
Our Legislators have mountains of legislation in place, they are simply not being enforced or have instituted hoops to negotiate so it gives one the illusion that the state of North Carolina is protecting something. They are having a meeting Monday, August 30 at Kitty Hawk Town Hall to add some more legislation or hoopage regarding fill.

An Open Letter To The Nags Head Inn
As you know, several weeks ago I stayed at the Nags Head Inn with a dear friend of mine. Her recent bout of chemotherapy had rendered her nearly immobile due to, among many other things, terrible pain and severe blistering of her
feet. Being the eternal optimist that she is (and that you have to be when battling this disease) she had hoped to be feeling better by the time we checked out, two days later. We hoped for the best, knowing that the beach house we had reserved would not be available until mid-afternoon on the day of check-out. We knew that if her condition did not improve, there was no way she could endure the period from hotel check-out to beach house check-in without an appropriate place to rest (i.e., in a bed with her feet elevated). Unfortunately, her condition did not improve over our two days at the hotel, and we were left with quite a dilemma.
Hoping to find a modicum of compassion at the Nags Head Inn, I asked the staff at the front desk if we could stay a few hours past check-out, given the extraordinary circumstances. Much to my surprise, considering the typically generous attitudes I've encountered when visiting other establishments in the Outer Banks, the answer was no. I was told over and over again, in no uncertain terms, that the policy of the Nags Head Inn is to charge an extra day to anyone who stays past check-out. I questioned several members of the staff about this policy, including the general manager, and received exactly the same
response each time. (What they lack in compassion, they more than make up for in consistency.) Not wanting to let this regrettable episode ruin what would otherwise turn out to be a very nice vacation, I decided to pay the additional $175 so that we could stay the extra few hours.
Ignoring the cancer issue for a moment (and the fact that this occurred on a Sunday, of all days) I have stayed at many hotels where the staff was more than happy to let me delay my checkout for reasons as innocuous as a meeting that ran too long or a poorly-timed airline flight. In all cases I received a friendly "Take as much time as you need. Don't worry about it. Just be sure to stay with us the next time that you're in town." And I do, precisely because of their attitude. (As opposed to your company's incomprehensible "Pay us or get out!" attitude.) This may seem somewhat foreign to you, but many establishments desire return visits from their customers. They are willing to go out of their way, and maybe even forfeit a small amount of short-term profit, in order to ensure a long-term relationship with their clients. Perhaps there are so many people seeking hotel rooms in Nags Head that you don't have to concern yourself with pleasing your customers, since there will always be more. Frankly, I cannot think of another reason why a hotel with your attitude would still be in business otherwise.
Now, given the fact that our checkout was delayed because my friend was terribly ill, I cannot help but find your corporation's attitude anything but utterly appalling. Even if you are profit-driven enough to charge someone an extra $175 because they couldn't finish packing in time, how can you possibly sleep at night after forcing that kind of ultimatum on a cancer patient? Is the money that important to you? Is it so important that you are blinded to kindness and compassion and concepts as simple as helping others? I have to believe that even the most greed-possessed among us would decry your actions.
Yet, your email response to my concerns states that "You knew when you came to the area that there would be a gap between check out time at any hotel and check in time at your rental home. This was a chance that you chose to take." In other words, "It's your own stupid fault!" While I would ordinarily be offended by such a statement, I must confess that I am entirely unmoved by this declaration, as it is exactly the kind of response that I have come to expect from the Nags Head Inn. And although I agree that we knew the potential for an unpleasant outcome existed, I found it much more likely that the unpleasantness would result from an impending hurricane and mass evacuation, rather than the wanton and callous disregard of our situation by a cash-obsessed corporation. As I explained previously, we were quite hopeful that she would feel better by the time we checked out. We were also quite hopeful that if not, we could rely on the kindness of the people in the Outer Banks to see us through. This attitude had never failed us in the past, but of course we had never stayed at the Nags Head Inn. And despite the fact that this disheartening experience has deeply tarnished my view of the business community in the Outer Banks, I remain quite confident that if we had stayed at any other hotel in the area, we would have been treated with respect and compassion, and this most frustrating occurrence would have been avoided.
Instead, I was told by your front desk staff that the only way housekeeping could have all available rooms ready for other patrons was by ensuring that every customer checked out on time. This statement, which I find very difficult to


	The Bill of Rights - First Amendment Poster Buy at AllPosters.com
*		Surfer Carrying a Surfboard Buy this Photographic Print at AllPosters.com
	*LETTERS*
	OBX Stickers Make me Cringe
	I wish you could have seen OBX in the mid 70s when I first did. Back then north of Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk etc it was more undeveloped than Hatterras. However by mid 80s we started going to Hatteras due to development in the north. Every time I see an OBX or Hatteras sticker on a car I cringe...part of the reason there are now twice as many houses on Hatteras as when I first went there in 1984. I guess greed is the same everywhere. Now they even have a hotel on Hatteras. Hate to see it. This year in May there were so many vacant houses and houses for sale. Also 4th of July week not nearly as many tourists as last year...yea for high gas prices! I am writing a book about the shark attack on Labor Day 2001 in Avon. How quickly 9/11 chilled that story out. I think what you did was cool but unfortunately every time you convey a good impression about Hatteras it brings more folks down there. I still remember going down the beach road in Nags Head one night in 1978. Full moon and stars and the ocean was starting to spill over on the road (in October). Try to imagine that...as they say on television...priceless. Brian Muldoon.... Maryland 7/9/08
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	PREDATOR IN SOUTHERN SHORES TODAY ... AT WOODLAND DRIVE BUS STOURGENT …
	Please read this… Friday, May 2nd … My Daughter got off the School Bus at the Bus Stop off after school. A Neighbor’s daughter who rides the same bus went to get her bike to ride home while my daughter met her Grandmother at the bus stop. Location: Corner of Woodland Drive at E. Dogwood Trail – across from where Holly Trail intersects E. Dogwood Trail. As the neighbor’s daughter went to her bike a white van which had been parked across the street pulled around sideways up to the bike rack area and asked this girl if she needed a ride home. This young girl wisely did not speak to this man and went to get on her bike. The Van pulled around and parked in the middle of Holly Trail blocking the street. The girl on the bike went over to my daughter (out of ear shot of the Grandmother) and told my daughter that she was afraid of the man and that van and asked if she could come stay with my daughter and her grandmother. While this exchange was taking place the van drove off. The girl nor my daughter told my Mother in Law anything about being afraid of the man or the exchange which had taken place. This is surely a predator. The description we know at this point is: Man: likely 50 to 55 yrs old, white male, shoulder length stringy sandy (dirty) blond hair, child could not recall if their was any facial hair, or any other distinguishing traits. 5/3/08 ....NEW INFORMATION ... I forgot to tell you that he wore big, squarish reading glasses not sunglasses. Vehicle: older boxy type CHEVY / Dodge OR SIMILAR Van – white, no markings on exterior nor any noticeable dings, dents, rust. No roof rack or anything on roof. Basic windows -4? REMEMBER ... A PREDATOR COULD HAVE A WOMAN WORKING WITH HIM TO ENTICE AND MAKE YOUNG GIRLS (or BOYS!) FEEL SAFE TO APPROACH. A PREDATOR CAN ALSO CHANGE GLASSES, HAIR, VEHICLE ... SO, LOOK FOR SOMEONE OR SOMETHING THAT IS NOT RIGHT, AND ACT. On a clear nice day there would be no reason for a man to ask a young girl if she needs a ride – only a predator intending harm. I have lived here 23 years … our Beach is no longer the same. As parents we need to be aware of our surroundings and report to Police anything suspicious. If you are witnessing something that does not seem right - go up to the Child to make sure they are safe and that they know the person they are talking too - or, who is talking to them. You know when it does not feel right - please do not discount that feeling and do nothing. I think any of us would rather report something that turns out to be nothing than the opposite. I am sending this you because of one of many reasons … I know you, you have kids, live in KH, SS, MP or on the beach. As you drive through any neighborhood – if you see a vehicle which seems to be hanging around – call the police. Certainly, if you see a vehicle matching the description loitering or near any children, make sure the child is safe first, Get a Tag Number, description, call 911. Keep your cell phone handy so you can make the call immediately. The police have advised this family not to let their child ride their bike home from the bus stop the rest of this year. If it is not safe the rest of this year, it will be impossible to believe that it will ever be safe again. Please forward this email right away to everyone you know in this area with or without kids. This is the 2nd (Possibly 3rd or even 4th attempt in 2-3 months !!! - read response to this email at bottom from Rodanthe Woman) Predator attempt in our area in just the past few months. The first was well publicized by the school – FFHS – where a girl was approached and declined the ride. 5/4/08 Update ... I have spoken to may people over the past 2 days. Just today, I have been told that a young girl was approached in Southern Shores by a man standing next to his car - this happened in the past 2 weeks. **** These are Multiple Incidents ... I am very concerned that this Predator is out there and will get one of our Kids. This is a very serious matter and we all need to be talking about it, and every child needs to know the real deal and what to do. Main thing is to avoid ever being in a situation where they are vulnerable to an attack. ************* We must all be alert all the time to this possibility. If anyone has any questions – please call me. John Leatherwood 202-3834
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	obama ????????????????????
	if u people..... wait iam confused ...obama ??? please 4 give me but if you folks @ obx collectively support this person i could care less if all beaches are closed and you can starve ....no wait go join that racist preachers church ....god i hope iam not seeing this !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! gary carter

	Virginia Pilot's Article "rally to save off- road-vehicle privileges in N.C." Biased
	Katherine Kazak’s article in the Virginia Pilot about the "rally to save off-road-vehicle privileges in N.C." is biased. "The congenial party atmosphere at Cape Point on Saturday morning belied the sense of desperation felt by off-road-vehicle drivers who assembled to say "Please Help us". The vivid description of dogs and kids frolicking in the surf brought tears to my eyes. The ORV ban affects only 12% of the beach. Which means ORV's can still drive on 88% of the beach. Since birds cannot write “Please Help Us" in the sand, I guess they are out of luck. The sounds of silence are hard to hear. "My daddy's daddy fished out here" seems to explain a family tradition no one wants to lose. Unfortunately for the wildlife that try to live and breed on the beach, parking your off road vehicle and walking over the dune has never been part of your family tradition. Perhaps this generation can improve tradition by adding a little exercise and respect for all life. R Jarrell Kitty Hawk
Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA Photographic Print Panoramic Images 120 in. x 40 in. Buy at AllPosters.com
	Great Visit to Kitty Hawk
	My husband and I recently visited Kitty Hawk for vacation and had such a truly wonderful experience that I would like to share it with your readers. Our first stop was at a fruit stand before Kitty Hawk where we purchased sweet fruit, the tastiest peanuts I have ever had, and homemade fudge (too many varieties to list). These treats were enjoyed throughout our stay and I would recommend stopping to at least taste the fudge (they have many samples). During our stay, we went on a bike ride adventure from Kitty Hawk to Duck (bike trails) and enjoyed a pleasant lunch at an Italian ice shop and then shopped the boutiques before heading back to Kitty Hawk. We also spent many an idle hour at the beaches, which are plentiful so that you never feel crowded, reading, sun bathing, walking and taking cool dips in the ocean. Very relaxing and peaceful. Don't forget to visit Manteo as this town is very quaint with many good restaurants and shops. We were very impressed with the friendly shop keepers. For any hotdog enthusiasts out there, which I am one, a stop at Captain Franks is a must, order the garbage dog, YUM YUM. To sum it up, my husband and I came away from our vacation relaxed, tension free and happy. We highly recommend that if anyone is thinking about taking a vacation, the Outer Banks is the place to go! Enjoy! G. Simmerman Columbus, OH

	OBX Restaurant Complaint
	To whomever cares to read this: A party of 10 went into Jimmy's Buffet restaurant in Kitty Hawk on Friday May 25th, 2007. We had a very nice waitress by the name of Tracy. She was friendly and did her job well. The problem was not with the service but with the quality of food and cleanliness of the restaurant. The portions were old and had been sitting too long. To put it nicely, it was just plain nasty! The prices of this restaurant were WAY over priced and the portions were slim. We were all very disappointed and asked to speak to the manager and she (the owner, Mrs. Dowless) sent out one of her employees.) They did nothing and told us they had 700 patrons a night and basically did not have time to worry with us. This is very unprofessional and bad business if you ask me. This is a tourist restaurant and locals do not frequent because they know better. The bill for the party of 10, included 2 children was $400. That would not have been a problem if it were worth it, but it wasn't at all. Repeat business is a good thing, but I know for a fact we will never go back. Mrs. Dowless would not even show her face or return any calls. This restaurant not only had terrible food and prices but a manager/owner to go along with it. Hopefully the owner will realize that what comes around goes around and when this happens to her, she will understand the way we were treated was wrong. We paid the bill but now understand why people walk out of that restaurant without paying because it is just terrible. This letter was sent to the restaurant, local newspapers and local fliers. Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. Williams and family
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	Immigration
	So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry. Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home. They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan .. They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France, no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German-American or the Irish-American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl. Here we are in 2007 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags. For that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet. Rosemary LaBonte	Wind, Waves and Fisherman in an Suv on a Beach in the Outer Banks Photographic Print Brown, Skip 64 in. x 48 in. Buy at AllPosters.com

	OBX Restaurant Complaint
	To whomever cares to read this: A party of 10 went into Jimmy's Buffet restaurant in Kitty Hawk on Friday May 25th, 2007. We had a very nice waitress by the name of Tracy. She was friendly and did her job well. The problem was not with the service but with the quality of food and cleanliness of the restaurant. The portions were old and had been sitting too long. To put it nicely, it was just plain nasty! The prices of this restaurant were WAY over priced and the portions were slim. We were all very disappointed and asked to speak to the manager and she (the owner, Mrs. Dowless) sent out one of her employees.) They did nothing and told us they had 700 patrons a night and basically did not have time to worry with us. This is very unprofessional and bad business if you ask me. This is a tourist restaurant and locals do not frequent because they know better. The bill for the party of 10, included 2 children was $400. That would not have been a problem if it were worth it, but it wasn't at all. Repeat business is a good thing, but I know for a fact we will never go back. Mrs. Dowless would not even show her face or return any calls. This restaurant not only had terrible food and prices but a manager/owner to go along with it. Hopefully the owner will realize that what comes around goes around and when this happens to her, she will understand the way we were treated was wrong. We paid the bill but now understand why people walk out of that restaurant without paying because it is just terrible. This letter was sent to the restaurant, local newspapers and local fliers. Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. Williams and family

	Outer Banks Biker Story
The Lighthouse Stands Behind a Fence on Ocracoke Island Photographic Print Buy at AllPosters.com	I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday. I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall. I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief. I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by. But, you didn't see me, driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window. I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children. But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless. I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love. I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves. But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none. I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me, cry as my children where born and have their name written over and in my heart. I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family. I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane. I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me. I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn. I saw you, race down the road in the rain. But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date. I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right. I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But, you didn't see me, leave the road. I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there. I saw you, go home to your family. But, you didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off. I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But, you didn't see me. Outer Banks Biker	Ten Days That Shook the Nation - First Flight of the Wright Brothers Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com


	Video: Beach Nourishment is Bad for Outer Banks

	Is there fairness in Our Juvenile Justice System?
Bodie Island Lighthouse, part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Framed Art Print Buy at AllPosters.com	Is there fairness in our Juvenile Justice System? Are all court cases treated with the same equality no matter the age, gender, race, or economic background? Is it true that some cases are more political driven rather than others? Is it right for Court Officers (District Attorneys) to lie in our courts to elevate themselves for political reasons? Did you know that there are more children being locked up than there are adults in Currituck & Dare County, about 40% more? Are our children actually getting an honest and fair judgment according to their crime, not judicial strong arm tactics? These are questions I haven't thought of until recently. There comes a time when all of us have to deal with the court system, very nerve-taking and apprehensive experience especially when children are involved. What gives a Juvenile Probate Court Counselor the right to lie in a court room just to keep their conviction rating high in numbers, or to make themselves look good in front of a judge. I can't call out any names. This could cause me to be a political target. My 12 Year old son got into some trouble which put him in The Winfall Detention Center. When he was sentenced, he was given 6-9 years of his life in lockup. Now there are adults here that have committed worst crimes or the same crime and are released within 6 months with repeated crimes on their records. This was the first time my 12 year old son has ever been in trouble with the law. Can somebody PLEASE tell me what is wrong with this? The court counselor also has been trying to get the court to order me to pay all my son's financial needs while he is under state jurisdiction until he is 18. Never been done in the history of North Carolina. Bruce Goldman	Buy at AllPosters.com

	Letter: Trauma on Outer Banks, Dog's Leg Amputated	Buy at AllPosters.com
	On our way home from dinner driving down the beach road MP 17.5, when a black dog came from nowhere and ran in front of the SUV. We immediately pulled off the road as the dog was still under the truck. My daughter was driving and she was hysterical. After looking under the truck, it was evident that we had a problem. The dog's paw was stuck between the engine block and the suspension. I activated the ON-star telling them we needed an emergency vet, EMS and police. BIG mistake! It was ten minutes at least before the police arrived and no EMS. He proceeded to argue with me telling me that they would not waste their time on a dog. I asked him if it was his dog if he would feel differently and he became irate. I was almost arrested for that comment. The whole time the dog was crying and moaning with a mutilated left front paw that could not be freed. I called all of the emergency vets and got a recording and no call back. About and hour later a vet tech arrived. She had no medication. The dog was in shock and needed IV fluids and some sedation. So she left to get some help. About 45 minutes to an hour later she returned with a vet who did not want to be there. She wanted to kill the dog but its owners had arrived in the interum. She gave them the choice of killing the dog or cutting off it's leg. She laughed when asked how the foot was to be taken out of the truck, saying it was our problem. And guess what; she had only 1 IV bag a small amount of sedation and no instrumentation to remove the foot. Hence another trip to the office and another 30 minute wait. When she returned, the dog had infiltrated the IV. I asked her if she was going to start another and she said no. She said that she would put a tourniquet around the leg before amputation but she didn't. Not only that, the dog felt every bit of it and screamed during the whole ordeal. When the dog was pulled out from under the truck, the stump was pumping out blood due to no tourniquet. The dog was also unresponsive at that point. I tried to call the Vet this morning and guess what..they are closed.	Buy at AllPosters.com
*	I told the police that I was an operating room nurse and knew what needed to be done when he first arived on the scene. He informed me that he didn't care what I did for a living and that they had to go through the channels. I hope to h___ that this man is never sent to my aid. If you can't give compassionate care to all of God's creatures what kind of people are we? He had a bad attitude and if I ever see him in need at the side of the road he's going to die. And I would take pleasure in watching it.My two grandchildren, 7 and 12 were shown lack of compassion by both the vet and the police. The EMS crew was at the new SNH fire station watching the fireworks. It would have been nice if they had been able to assist in this incident even if it was just a dog! I am apalled and angry about the response this animal received. The whole affiar took 3 1/2 hours to get the dog out. Ohio visitors	*

	Governor Mike Wants to Kill Tourism on Outer Banks Piers???
	I guess so - $30 a year for a fishing permit that I need for my one weeks vacation to the KH/KDH area? Guess it just means the fishing gear stays home and I stay off the Avalon Pier. Its gonna keep tourists out of TW's Bait And Tackle too. (At least this tourist and his 3 kids and his cousin and his cousins kids and... well, you get it, right?) No more bait purchases. No more hook/line/sinkers. Too bad. $30 for a weeks stay, just to be able to drop a line in the surf is just way out there. Ranks right up there with beach replenishment taxes. Makes me tend to just want to drive an hour and a half to New Jersey or the Delaware beaches instead of the 7 1/2 hours I travel to get to the Outerbanks. My way distant $.02 worth. Thanks Gov! Anonymous In response to the above letter we received the following letter: Someone should respond to the person complaining about needing a $30 salt water fishing license to surf fish when they come for a weeks vacation and let them know that there is a 10 day license that can be purchased for $5 for NC residents or $10 for non-residents. Added to the 10 day license I found out that the Avalon pier has purchased a “blanket” license and if you fish OFF the pier then you do not need a license. But if you want to fish on the shore then you do need one. JimmyZ

	Nags Head Beach Nourishment
A Storm Sky Gathers at Kitty Hawk Photographic Print Alvarez, Stephen 64 in. x 48 in. Buy at AllPosters.com	We're in the sand moving business, not the house moving business," said geologist Tim Kana of Coastal Science and Engineering as he explained his firm's proposed beach nourishment project to town officials in Nags Head. Kana was part of a pre-recorded forum now running on Dare County government tv Channel 20, three times per day, every day of the week. The purpose of the program, says Nags Head officials, is to "educate" Dare County citizens, and particularly Nags Head residents about the need for beach nourishment along the town's oceanfront. The proposed $32 million sand project will be put to the voters for approval sometime in the spring of 2007. Kana tells Nags Head officials that for the sum of $32 million, his firm will engineer and place one-half as much sand on Nags Head's beaches as the Army Corps of Engineers' (ACE) says is needed; and, for one-third the price. Furthermore, says Kana, the sand will stay on the beach for as long as ten years, as opposed to the two to three years predicted by ACE. Believe what you will, but if this project goes forth, you can be guaranteed that it will eventually affect the pocketbook of every single taxpayer in Dare County, regardless of it's success or failure. This is already evidenced by the county's re-calculation of sales tax distributions among towns if Nags Head raises it's ad valorem taxes to pay for the project. In addition, the chances that Nags Head's project can even begin for the sum of $32 million might be highly unlikely. Evidence other beach nourishments projects whose recent bids have come in at as much as 25% over original estimate. Add in Kana's admission that the Outer Banks has the highest energy beaches on the entire east coast. Kana says an ocean dredge operating along the Outer Banks in the winter might get in only three days per week worktime, extending the project up to six months; and that's with daily operating costs of $100,.000 plus, per day. The other four days, the dredge could be making a 60 mile one-way trip to safe harbor in Norfolk, VA. Everyone in Dare County owes it to themselves to tune to Channel 20, view the program, and form their own opinion as to whether they can buy or afford Nags Head's pitch for a "Yes" vote on beach nourishment come next spring. Ray Midgett Southern Shores, NC	*

Wright Memorial Kill Devil Hill, North Carolina Art Print 17 in. x 11 in. Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted	(Quote). ".We are working to inform the public (about beach nourishment). We don't want people to read Ray Midgett's column in the newspaper." (end of quote) - The Coastland Times- Sept. 21, 2006 The above comment was made by Nags Head Mayor Renee Cahoon, speaking at a recent forum held in Manteo by the Institute for Emerging Issues . Among other things, the forum was intended to focus on how the state tax system worked and how it might be structured to deal with a growing economy. But, Cahoon, who was on the program, seized the moment to push Nags Head's beach nourishment program and to continue ranting about how misinformed the voters are about the issue. However, Cahoon isn't by herself. Other town board members such as Commissioner Anna Sadler and Dare Commissioners Warren Judge and Stan White still insist that Dare voters just aren't "educated enough" to understand the need for beach nourishment. The real question is, does anyone understand why these elected officials didn't get an education of their own back in February, when county residents voted 4-1 and said, "we don't want to be taxed for beach nourishment?" Does Cahoon and Company really think the people don't know that our beaches are eroding? Do they think that "economic scare tactics" are going to convince people to thrown their hard earned dollars into the ocean? Of course they do. The odd thing is that Nags Head has worked itself into a corner by taking on the entire beach nourishment issue on its own. Like the "who's educated issue," one can expect other contradictions to occur in the coming months. In fact, Nags Head's entire beach project is, arguably, a contradiction within itself. Here's why. Since 1999, Nags Head had bought into the Army Corps of Engineers project, hook, line and sinker. The Corps told Nags Head it needed 12 million cubic yards of sand for 14 miles of beaches and berms; and, they could expect that sand to last up to three years. It would be worth every penny of the initial $72 million (now over $100 million) said Cahoon and Company. No one questioned the corps expertise at all; that is until the money failed to come through. Fast forward to 2006. Suddenly, Cahoon and Company have been convinced by a private engineering company that, for one-third the amount of money, all of Nags Head's beaches could be filled with one-third as much sand and it would be good for, not 3 years, but 10 years (yes 10)! Now, if this whole scenario isn't laughable, then keep listening. The Nags Head project is set to put only enough sand back on the beach to bring the beach to the exact same state/condition that it was three years ago, before Isabel! To repeat, "after that the beach will be OK for ten years." One can analyze this anyway they want and still come up with a sound argument that Nags Head's plan, in effect, contradicts the Army Corps' project and even says that the Army Corps project was never needed in the first place, at least not until ten years down the road. These two measures are so extreme that it is not funny. Tell us, if one doctor said you were going to live, while another told you that you were going to die, would you not seek a third opinion? Not so with Nags Head. Unless they want you, the "uneducated voter" to make the big decision for them? But not before they do a little brain surgery on you first! Like, "the health of someone else's beach cottage is incumbant upon whether you get bread on your table." Like, "if the beach washed away, we will lose all that foreign and illegal alien labor." Like, "if the beaches wash away, the builders/developers will leave town and YOU WILL STARVE!" Its getting to the point where its hard to tell if the the noise coming from this group is the sound of people treading water or simply swimming backwards. In closing, if anyone ever sees "Ray Midgett's column" in any newspaper, would you kindly clip it out and send it to BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks. Submitted by Ray Midgett	First Flight Kitty Hawk, N. Carolina - Orville & Wilbur Wright Photo Enlargement 20 in. x 24 in. Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted

	Citizens of Kitty Hawk
Wilbur Wright's Aeroplane Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com	Some 50 years ago, I was just out of college and had signed on with a public accounting firm in Richmond, Va. The first day I reported to work the senior partner called me into his office to supply me with some words of wisdom. His words were, "Son if your master the paper trail it will serve you well." Over the years I have found that those words apply to more than accounting records. A few weeks ago, a friend asked me what I thought of the Town of Kitty Hawk Council elections and the action of the new majority. To answer his question I collected copies of the financial reports filed with the Board of Elections, copies of the town managers weekly reports and various newspaper articles. I believe the citizens of Kitty Hawk will find the paper trail of interest. I have consolidated the three reports to save space. Total contributed $16,796.(121 contributors.) Contributions of $100 or less $6,254 (91 Contributors.) Contributions over $100. $10,542 (30 contributors.) When we analyze those contributions over $100 (7 contributors.) Emilie Klutz $514; Paul Shaver III RV Sugar Creek $1,800; Julia Lee RV Sugar Creek $1,500; (Reliable source indicates that Ervin Bateman is a minority owner in this restaurant.) Toby Hedgepeth RV Park Operator $1,500; Richard Copsey $900; Robbie and Monica Parker $500; and Merriet Hooper III, Builder $600. These seven contributions totaled $7,314 or 69 percent of the total contributed over $100. Three of these major contributors had lawsuits against the town. Toby Hedgepeth, Richard Copsey and Robbie Parker Construction Co. The managers weekly reports and copies of consent judgements from Superior Court provide the data for the paper trail of council activity since December 2005. Emilie Klutz appointed to fill remainder of term left open by election of Clifton Perry to Mayor. Suspended the Town Code of Ethics that the candidates refused to sign during the fall campaign. Appointed Merriet Hooper III to the Planning Board. Mr. Hooper had often stated his desire to see the building codes changed to increase building height, lot coverage, and building setbacks. The Town Council and the Planning Board held a joint meeting in July to discuss these same issues. I ask the citizens of Kitty Hawk to take a ride down the Beach Road through Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head and decide if this is what they want on the beaches of Kitty Hawk. Most of the family homes are gone and are replaced by mini-hotels. Council canceled the fines that were imposed, granted the height variance and grand fathered Robbie Parker's operations in Kitty Hawk to avoid any future action by citizens. The council settled eight lawsuits in June for property condemned on the beach. Each lawsuit was settled for the sum of $60,000 each. The settlement that disturbs me is the one with Hedgepeth, Hedgepeth and Hedgepeth Enterprises. The consent judgement Item 1: The town has condemned and shall be permanently vested with a perpetual right and easement over, across and under the property. Item 2: The easement shall be for the construction and maintenance of the barrier dune and construction and maintenance of Highway12. Item 3: The town does hereby give, grant, and convey the underlying fee and title to the property, subject to the easement, to Hedgepeth for his benefit and the benefit of his heirs, successors and assigns. Hedgepeth shall not be required to provide general public access over the walkway. (Note: This walkway was constructed by the town using taxpayers funds.) In fairness to the other property owners on the beach give the title to the property back to them as they did Hedgepeth. Two of the three financial reports filed by the candidates did not balance. In other words, receipts and disbursements as reported do not equal zero. Two of the candidates wrote checks to a non profit group. the third candidate wrote a check to himself and call it seed money?? It may not be against the law but IT sure clouds the picture when a candidate or council member takes political contributions from donors who have lawsuits or other matters coming before the council. Someone should also give Mayor Perry a copy of Roberts Rules. The chairman of a committee never makes a motion, however, if you don't have a Town Code of Ethics what the hell!! I believe all of the current council members refused to sign the Town Code of Ethics during the fall Campaign and it has since been suspended. Someone should also give Councilman Gary Perry two items. A basic bookkeeping course that explains the function of debits and credits and a basic book on etiquette and respect for members of committees and fellow citizens. Citizens of Kitty Hawk get involved, take back your town!! Harry Shumate	Wilbur Wright biplane aviation Beach Poster Buy this Giclee Print at AllPosters.com

	Heaven on Earth

	This is what most of our Dare Commissioners envision Heaven will be like. (Rendering by Ray Midgett - Southern Shores, NC)

	Waver No Solution in Kitty Hawk
Sea, Sand & Sky Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com	The decision announced, on March 6 by the Kitty Hawk Town Council is a temporary waver. If they want to make the asphalt plant legal and within code, they would have to change the town code to allow everything in the VC3 to climb to 42’. Then other residents can challenge the 35’ height limit in their zones. The concrete plant, on Poor Ridge Road went up to 50’ without asking anyone even though granfathered parcels are prohibited from expanding. What the Perry Council is actually saying is that it is a "free-for-some." Some people can do whatever they want while others are subject to a permit. Enforcement is, once again, arbitrary. This is where the erosion of Democracy starts, at your home. What people don’t know about asphalt plants: 1. Asphalt toxicity limits are established by the Scientific Advisory Board of North Carolina and are contingent upon a 160-pound man, because no one thought anyone was STUPID ENOUGH to put an asphalt plant in the back yard of a family. They did the study for plant workers. Of course the stack which emits toxins is ordered by the Division of Air Quality to be 35 feet’, which protects workers and pushes all the fumes onto neighboring families, as demonstrated by Tom Anderson's May 9, 2001 letter “Maximum impacts occurred at or near the property boundary.” Yah! You know, where the neighbors are. 2. When the DAQ modeler, Jim Roller, was asked if toxicity levels were worse for people living nearer the plant in comparison to people living 2,000 feet away, his answer was, “No!” 3. When asked why this was so, the answer, Jim Roller, the” Model Maker” (because they don’t actually test anything in NC) said that currents of air disperse the toxins. I asked him what the highest elevation was within in their test model. He said it was three feet. The wind from the ocean blows toxins away. I informed him that the highest elevation was at the Catholic Church across from Shelby Road and that was 35’ and there was no ocean wind blowing anything away on the leaward side of that ridge. So he changed his model and mysteriously got the same results. Letter from Tom Anderson, AQAB May 9, 2001 “The analysis was submitted in order to establish more lenient emissions limitations for the facility. Arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde, and nickel exceeded the rates outlined.” 4. When Betsy Huddleston, Division of Air Quality, was asked, “If you can smell fumes, are you breathing toxins?” the answer was, “No!” These are the people you pay with your tax money to protect you. The Perry Town Council was being presented with a study which said, “ there were concerns about the levels of benzene, which may create the risk of cancer, but it is the same type of gas fumes that gas stations emit without regulations.” They went on to vote unanimously to poison their neighbors (Town Council meeting Sept 8, 1998) I wonder if those councilmen would put the noses of their grandchildren over a gas pump 11 hours a day - because that’s what they are forcing their neighbors children to do. Claudia Larson 906 D Kitty Hawk Road Kitty Hawk NC 252-255-0031	Reflections Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
Beachfront Homes, Atlantic, Nags Head Photographic Print Winiker, Barry 40 in. x 30 in. Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted		*
	In response to all of the criticism of President Bush,
	I would like to say that it is not the primary role of the Federal Government to provide disaster relief for the whole country. It would be nice if we could blame all of our problems on one man. That would make all of us feel so much better. The truth is it is the local and state government's responsibility to provide these services for it's citizens. Everyone in the country knows that Louisiana and New Orleans are the most corrupt places for politics. I think that the local politicians are the ones to blame for their poor planning. Dare county has had years to plan just like Louisiana has and they have it together whenever a hurricane comes. It is not the presidents state and it is not the presidents city, it is the local peoples and the local government. Remember: government by the people and for the people. Not by the president. Tom Lee

	Dear Mr. Bush:
	To George W. Bush, Mr. President New Orleans is dying and so are its citizens. This country is trying to save a major city “on the cheap.” What is going on? Did you blow the entire strength of the United States abroad, leaving nothing for the citizens that really need it? The poorest of the poor live in New Orleans and the Gulf region. We are supposed to be the richest, most powerful country in the world. Funds were cut to repair the infrastructure of New Orleans. It is the busiest port in the United States. It processes and supplies one-fourth of nation’s petroleum. Is there any money or manpower left to handle the needs of the citizens of this country? Must we resort to begging its citizens for donations and arm twisting corporations into paying for this disaster? This adminstation does not have the competancy or the infrastructure to handle a terrorist attack or a natural disaster in this country. We need new leadership and "we the people" need to wake up! PS WE ALSO NEED SOME BUSES IN NEW ORLEANS. Thank you very much. Roger and Maureen Jarrell Kitty Hawk, NC	Wooden Bridge over the Sea, Nags Head, Dare County, North Carolina, USA Photographic Print Panoramic Images 24 in. x 8 in. Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted

	Dr. White (Nancy), Director UNC Coastal Studies Institute Manteo, NC 27954
	Dr. White:
Pea Island Lighthouse at Dusk Photographic Print Brown, Skip 24 in. x 18 in. Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted	As I drove into Manteo today, following an automobile with a bumper sticker reading, "UNC-Dare- It's a Shore Thing", I felt a sense of sadness. I know how hard all of you have worked to get a UNC Coastal Studies Institute and school for the study of marine science established here on the Outer Banks. I am proud of everything that has been accomplished to date and I wish you every success for the future. However, as I reminisced about the politics of the matter; (1) you good people trying to get the school up and running, and (2) the business community, supportive of you in many ways, yet all the while set on a dead course to ruin our natural beaches with nourishment; I felt a sense of cynicism and sadness. Will it be necessary for you, and the people who truly support and understand the need to study and protect our shoreline and its fragile environment, to compromise, for the urgency of the moment in order to complete your task? Or, like true pioneers, will you be willing to say, right now......."What you (people) are proposing flies smack in the face of what you are supporting (the school). Beach nourishment is wrong for the Outer Banks." The Outer Banks beaches are the best, the finest and one of the last natural, undisturbed seashores on the entire east coast. Please use every opportunity you have available, at the earliest possible moment, to see that we don't destroy it, all for the sake of burgeoning tourist economy. Ray Midgett BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks 252-261-9797 www.beachhuggers.com	Woman and Dog Running on Beach, Nags Head, North Carolina Photographic Print Brown, Skip 64 in. x 48 in. Buy at AllPosters.com

	Blind or Confused !
	Three out of 4 self-described supporters of President George W. Bush still believe that pre-war Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction or active programs to produce them. According to a recent survey, the same number also believes that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein provided "substantial support" to al Qaeda. But here is the truly amazing part of this story. As many or more Bush supporter’s hold these beliefs today than they did several months ago. In other words, more people believe the claims today, even though a through government investigation has disproved both claims. These are among the most striking findings of a survey conducted in mid-October by the University of Maryland's Program on International Policy Attitudes. According to these findings, most supporters of the Bush administration will believe anything the administration says, even if it has been proved to be untrue. RJ Kitty Hawk

	Kitty Hawk Politics
	It has been said that politics is sometimes an ugly business. Nowhere is this more evident than in the town of Kitty Hawk where a group of dissidents, operating under the guise of the Kitty Hawk Citizens Association, continue to discredit/undermine decisions made by the current town council. Lately much publicity has been generated about the rising costs of the town legal fees, however, the real issue of concern to the Kitty Hawk Citizens Association is the voting majority on the council. After the defeat of one of the council incumbents at the last election, the statement was made “one down, three to go”. It appears that their objective is to return to the previous “do nothing/spend nothing” philosophy of town government. The increase in legal fees was not entirely unanticipated since the current town council is playing “catch up” to accomplish needed work such as removal of derelict unsafe cottages and exposed septic systems from Kitty Hawk beaches, that was ignored or put off for years by the previous administration. Some citizens still refuse to accept the reality that Kitty Hawk is no longer a small fishing village where, with the right connections, rules and town ordinances could largely be ignored, e.g., Carolina Asphalt essentially wrote their own conditional use permit, obtained approval from a “friendly” town council over the objections of the Planning Board chairman, and then proceeded to blatantly ignore the requirements of the permit. Perhaps, as reported in a recent news article discussing the asphalt plant lawsuit, this is how a “local boy made good”. Thanks to the foresight of the town council, Kitty Hawk has a new town manager who brings years of management experience in providing the direction and procedures needed for proper management of town functions and enforcement of town ordinances. A recent letter to the editor from a Kitty Hawk resident charged the town council with holding extra sessions simply to “line their pockets” with taxpayers dollars. This ridiculous claim is hardly worth a response except to note that countless “off the clock” hours are spent attending other meetings and responding to citizen phone calls and e-mail requests. During a recent council meeting, councilman Doug Seay volunteered to donate his salary in response to a request from the YMCA for scholarships for needy children in Kitty Hawk. This council has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life in Kitty Hawk and justly deserves our support. Florence Hoy 4025 Ivy Lane Kitty Hawk, NC Phone No. 252-261-1384

	Ted Tyndall, Asst. Director Permits & Enforcement Division of Coastal Management North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Morehead City, North Carolina Dear Mr. Tyndall: The public eye is very much upon NCDENR and CAMA as your agency attempts to resolve questions concerning the legality of recent repairs and/or partial replacement of the bulkhead at the Kitty Hawk Pier. In the opinion of many, CAMA's reputation is very much at stake here, as the agency decides whether it will enforce its own rules or succumb to outside pressures. >From my own personal perspective, having watched this occurrence rather closely and being familiar with the bulkhead for many years, there is no doubt in my mind that over 50% of the value and over 50% of the bulkhead's total structure was destroyed before rebuilding/repairs began. One would have to be blind or naive to see otherwise. I am sure that if your agency does not have sufficient photos of the damages done by the storm and/or work as it progressed; that a minimal amount of inquiry will turn some up from more than one source. We are asking you to please do all you can to enforce the appropriate laws that protect our natural beach environment. The public at-large is behind you. Sincerely, Ray Midgett, Member BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks http://web.archive.org/web/20050324120539/http://www.beachhuggers.com/
	Dear Francis Meekins and/or Tony Sylvester Thank you for the most interesting editorial in today's Coastland Times. In the future, you should feel free to use my name, Ray Midgett, and/or BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks anytime you refer to efforts by our group to inform Dare citizens about the dangers, futility and excessive costs of beach nourishment on the Outer Banks. And, thank you again for "hitting the nail on the head" in the editorial in categorizing the craziness and misleading efforts of our board of commissioners for going along with the special interest groups' desire to appoint a paid staff to oversee "tossing more money into the ocean" along our beautiful natural seashore. Incidentally, you should rest assured that "BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks" counts among it's contributors no less than 6 or 7 currently elected or formerly elected county/town officials, along with dozens of contributors who have help funnel money into your newspaper's ad accounts for fighting this useless effort. Ray Midgett, Member, BeachHuggers of the Outer Banks 154 Duck Woods Drive (three, not two digits in address). Southern Shores, NC

	Dear Nags Head Commissioners I watched tv today with amazement as the engineers from Coastal Science & Engineering (CSE) presented your board meeting with proposals for a mini-beach nourishment project for Nags Head beaches. I was flabbergasted; just as I am sure anyone else who has followed this issue for the past five years must have been. I sincerely hope the Dare County Commissioners, along with the Army Corps of Engineers will rent a video copy of this meeting and view that presentation. Meanwhile, as you know; I have been the sole owner of the Virginia Dare Bridge for several years. Today, I am ready to sell. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will tell you the bridge spans nearly five miles and cost me just over $100,000,000. However, they are incorrect. I am willing to sell you, the Nags Head Town Board this amazing bridge, which, by the way is actually only two miles long; for the paltry sum of $20,000,000. I will guarantee that the 2-mile bridge will get you safely across the Croatan Sound to the mainland; and that it will last you, not fifty years, but 200 years. If you can get county/state and/or federal funding for this purchase, please let me know. Now, on a more sober side; please don't forget that the ocean beaches that abut your fine town belong to every citizen of Dare County, North Carolina and this great nation. Please treat them with care. Ray Midgett Southern Shores BeachHugger
	Is Ohio A Third World State This description of 2004 presidential election mishaps reminds one of the mishaps in elections in third world countries. Read this story and tell us what you think. Tanya Thivener's is a tale of two voting precincts in Franklin County. In her city neighborhood, which is vastly Democratic and majority black, the 38-year-old mortgage broker found a line snaking out of the precinct door. She stood in line for four hours -- one hour in the rain -- and watched dozens of potential voters mutter in disgust and walk away without casting a ballot. Afterward, Thivener hopped in her car and drove to her mother's house, in the vastly Republican and majority white suburb of Harrisburg. How long, she asked, did it take her to vote? Fifteen minutes, her mother replied."It was . . . poor planning," Thivener said. "County officials knew they had this huge increase in registrations, and yet there weren't enough machines in the city. You really hope this wasn't intentional." Electoral problems prevented many thousands of Ohioans from voting on Nov. 2. In Columbus, bipartisan estimates say that 5,000 to 15,000 frustrated voters turned away without casting ballots. But similar problems occurred across the state and fueled protest marches and demands for a recount. The foul-ups appeared particularly acute in Democratic-leaning districts, according to interviews with voters, poll workers, election observers and election board and party officials, as well as an examination of precinct voting patterns in several cities. In Cleveland, poorly trained poll workers apparently gave faulty instructions to voters that led to the disqualification of thousands of provisional ballots and misdirected several hundred votes to third-party candidates. In Youngstown, 25 electronic machines transferred an unknown number of votes for Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) to the Bush column. In Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo, and on college campuses, election officials allocated far too few voting machines to busy precincts, with the result that voters stood on line as long as 10 hours -- many leaving without voting. Some longtime voters discovered their registrations had been purged. source
	Settlement Possible in Asphalt Plant Dispute What’s to settle? A conditional use permit can not come before the Board of Adjusters to be changed. One of the conditions of use of the asphalt permit is an agreed upon height limit of 35 feet. In order to change that, they must come before the Town Council and ask for a change in the conditions of use. They came before the Town Council and asked for a change and the town would not rewrite the permit. The End. This is our town code. This is our democratic procedure. This is not to be bargained away. What, pay the fine and continue to be in violation? This issue has no business before a judge. It is a local zoning issue and has been addressed. What if everyone said, “I don’t like the town code. I’m going to ask a judge to change it just for me.” It’s only fair that the “popular native” get what he wants. His business is the only heavy industry in a village commercial zone. His is the only business that is allowed to dump toxins on his neighbors. All other Conditional Use Permits require no fumes over the property boarders. All other Conditional Use Permits specifically prohibit noise over the property border. His business is specifically allowed to make noise over his property border. This is a classic example of “exclusive privilege” which is a gross violation of our constitutional rights. Now he wants to be the highest business in the VC3, not to mention the ugliest. What we are talking about is having a judge overturn our constitutional procedure. Which means anyone can apply for a Conditional Use Permit, then do an end run around the Town Council and get the Board of Adjustors to change it to their liking, but only if they like you. It’s Thanksgiving and we must Give Thanks to Mr. Bateman and Mr. Perry for all of this, and all of the wasted money this has cost the town. The Popular Native financed their run for office, and if they ever get the rest of their cronies back in, Kitty Hawk will become one big stinking industrial zone run by the Board of Adjusters, a judge and, of course, the “Popular Native”. Claudia Larson 906 D Kitty Hawk Road Kitty Hawk
	Blind or Confused ! Three out of 4 self-described supporters of President George W. Bush still believe that pre-war Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction or active programs to produce them. According to a recent survey, the same number also believes that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein provided "substantial support" to al Qaeda. But here is the truly amazing part of this story. As many or more Bush supporter’s hold these beliefs today than they did several months ago. In other words, more people believe the claims today, even though a through government investigation has disproved both claims. These are among the most striking findings of a survey conducted in mid-October by the University of Maryland's Program on International Policy Attitudes. According to these findings, most supporters of the Bush administration will believe anything the administration says, even if it has been proved to be untrue. RJ Kitty Hawk
	Hoopage Our Legislators have mountains of legislation in place, they are simply not being enforced or have instituted hoops to negotiate so it gives one the illusion that the state of North Carolina is protecting something. They are having a meeting Monday, August 30 at Kitty Hawk Town Hall to add some more legislation or hoopage regarding fill. EXAMPLE #1, We have, on Kitty Hawk Road, a recently built apartment building whose lot was, initially below sea level, 35’ from the sound with septic about 25’ from the main road. The septic people said the hoop you have to go through to be in compliance is, dump 2 feet of sand on your lot. They also hooped CAMA with a reduced set back variance. EXAMPLE #2 Division of Air Quality has hoops where toxic fumes are concerned, If you do this, this and this and it doesn’t work, you will ultimately be considered in compliance simply because you have negotiated all the hoops. Bottom Line for the DAQ: It has been related to me that the application of the rule is consistent with past cases. My understanding is that as long as the plant has current and consistent technology comparative to other plants in the state, they are considered in compliance. Betsy Huddleston Feb 5, 2001 This is basically the state of legislation in North Carolina. If you play golf with someone who can pass laws and give them enough money to stay in office, you can even have your hoopage personalized. For instance you may be able to level 10 acres of Mealtime Forest or precious dunes and put in a driving range. We have rules and regulations that are not being enforced or if you can afford the lawyer, hooped to ineffectiveness. A suggestion; First let us see what’s already on the books and eliminate contradictions between the agencies, before we attempt to put a cast over a sling over a bandage. Claudia Larson
	An Open Letter To The Nags Head Inn As you know, several weeks ago I stayed at the Nags Head Inn with a dear friend of mine. Her recent bout of chemotherapy had rendered her nearly immobile due to, among many other things, terrible pain and severe blistering of her feet. Being the eternal optimist that she is (and that you have to be when battling this disease) she had hoped to be feeling better by the time we checked out, two days later. We hoped for the best, knowing that the beach house we had reserved would not be available until mid-afternoon on the day of check-out. We knew that if her condition did not improve, there was no way she could endure the period from hotel check-out to beach house check-in without an appropriate place to rest (i.e., in a bed with her feet elevated). Unfortunately, her condition did not improve over our two days at the hotel, and we were left with quite a dilemma. Hoping to find a modicum of compassion at the Nags Head Inn, I asked the staff at the front desk if we could stay a few hours past check-out, given the extraordinary circumstances. Much to my surprise, considering the typically generous attitudes I've encountered when visiting other establishments in the Outer Banks, the answer was no. I was told over and over again, in no uncertain terms, that the policy of the Nags Head Inn is to charge an extra day to anyone who stays past check-out. I questioned several members of the staff about this policy, including the general manager, and received exactly the same response each time. (What they lack in compassion, they more than make up for in consistency.) Not wanting to let this regrettable episode ruin what would otherwise turn out to be a very nice vacation, I decided to pay the additional $175 so that we could stay the extra few hours. Ignoring the cancer issue for a moment (and the fact that this occurred on a Sunday, of all days) I have stayed at many hotels where the staff was more than happy to let me delay my checkout for reasons as innocuous as a meeting that ran too long or a poorly-timed airline flight. In all cases I received a friendly "Take as much time as you need. Don't worry about it. Just be sure to stay with us the next time that you're in town." And I do, precisely because of their attitude. (As opposed to your company's incomprehensible "Pay us or get out!" attitude.) This may seem somewhat foreign to you, but many establishments desire return visits from their customers. They are willing to go out of their way, and maybe even forfeit a small amount of short-term profit, in order to ensure a long-term relationship with their clients. Perhaps there are so many people seeking hotel rooms in Nags Head that you don't have to concern yourself with pleasing your customers, since there will always be more. Frankly, I cannot think of another reason why a hotel with your attitude would still be in business otherwise. Now, given the fact that our checkout was delayed because my friend was terribly ill, I cannot help but find your corporation's attitude anything but utterly appalling. Even if you are profit-driven enough to charge someone an extra $175 because they couldn't finish packing in time, how can you possibly sleep at night after forcing that kind of ultimatum on a cancer patient? Is the money that important to you? Is it so important that you are blinded to kindness and compassion and concepts as simple as helping others? I have to believe that even the most greed-possessed among us would decry your actions. Yet, your email response to my concerns states that "You knew when you came to the area that there would be a gap between check out time at any hotel and check in time at your rental home. This was a chance that you chose to take." In other words, "It's your own stupid fault!" While I would ordinarily be offended by such a statement, I must confess that I am entirely unmoved by this declaration, as it is exactly the kind of response that I have come to expect from the Nags Head Inn. And although I agree that we knew the potential for an unpleasant outcome existed, I found it much more likely that the unpleasantness would result from an impending hurricane and mass evacuation, rather than the wanton and callous disregard of our situation by a cash-obsessed corporation. As I explained previously, we were quite hopeful that she would feel better by the time we checked out. We were also quite hopeful that if not, we could rely on the kindness of the people in the Outer Banks to see us through. This attitude had never failed us in the past, but of course we had never stayed at the Nags Head Inn. And despite the fact that this disheartening experience has deeply tarnished my view of the business community in the Outer Banks, I remain quite confident that if we had stayed at any other hotel in the area, we would have been treated with respect and compassion, and this most frustrating occurrence would have been avoided. Instead, I was told by your front desk staff that the only way housekeeping could have all available rooms ready for other patrons was by ensuring that every customer checked out on time. This statement, which I find very difficult to