By Maggie Miles | Outer Banks Voice
It was the year 2000 and Le Hook was in Montgomery, Alabama at a Christmas lights show at the local zoo with his wife and two young sons. He decided to wear a Santa hat to be festive. As he sat on a train that guided folks through the lightshow, he looked behind him to find two wide- eyed little boys.
“Are you Santa?” they asked him. Full story
Le Hook, OBX Santa, at one of his local appearances, has a full schedule. (Photos courtesy of Le Hook)
Le Hook, OBX Santa in one of his 14 beautifully tailored Santa suits. (Photos courtesy of Le Hook)
Le Hook, OBX Santa riding atop the KDH fire truck. (Photos courtesy of Le Hook)
Le Hook, OBX Santa on the docks in Manteo with two companions. (Photos courtesy Le Hook)
It was the year 2000 and Le Hook was in Montgomery, Alabama at a Christmas lights show at the local zoo with his wife and two young sons. He decided to wear a Santa hat to be festive. As he sat on a train that guided folks through the lightshow, he looked behind him to find two wide- eyed little boys.
“Are you Santa?” they asked him.
Hook has had a long salt and pepper beard since 1978, and at age 57, he realized that his beard was mostly salt and that the jacket he was wearing was red. He could understand the boys’ presumption—and it put an idea in his head. “I thought, ‘you know, maybe I could do this. Maybe I could be the Santa thing,’” Hook recalled.
11/30 at 5:30 p.m. UPDATE: The Dare County Water Department has announced that the water leak that occurred between Old Schoolhouse Road and 1949 Colington Road in Kill Devil Hills has been repaired. Full story
11/30 at 5:30 p.m. UPDATE: The Dare County Water Department has announced that the water leak that occurred between Old Schoolhouse Road and 1949 Colington Road in Kill Devil Hills has been repaired. Full story
First Flight High School men’s basketball coach Chad Williams has built the Good Guys vs Cancer Basketball Showcase into one of the biggest and best tournaments in the state. Even better than the show-stopping talent on the court is the money raised for the American Cancer Society and local causes. Full story
First Flight High School men’s basketball coach Chad Williams has built the Good Guys vs Cancer Basketball Showcase into one of the biggest and best tournaments in the state. Even better than the show-stopping talent on the court is the money raised for the American Cancer Society and local causes. Full story
By Mark Jurkowitz | Outer Banks Voice
There will be no charges against an individual who shot and wounded a woman in what police characterized “an internal family feud” that “boiled over” on Sir Walter Raleigh Street in Manteo on Aug. 10, 2023. Full story
By Mark Jurkowitz | Outer Banks Voice
There will be no charges against an individual who shot and wounded a woman in what police characterized “an internal family feud” that “boiled over” on Sir Walter Raleigh Street in Manteo on Aug. 10, 2023. Full story
By Mark Jurkowitz | Outer Banks Voice
There’s been major upheaval at First Flight High School (FFHS) with the resignation of Principal Chuck Lansing and the suspension of Assistant Principal Lela Ingram pending an investigation. Full story
By Mark Jurkowitz | Outer Banks Voice
There’s been major upheaval at First Flight High School (FFHS) with the resignation of Principal Chuck Lansing and the suspension of Assistant Principal Lela Ingram pending an investigation. Full story
By Maggie Miles | Outer Banks Voice
(This is part of an ongoing Voice series on the OBX’s special ‘Christmas Houses’)
Even in the summer months, when the kids in Tony Facenda’s neighborhood ride by on their bikes and see him doing any kind of work in the yard, they are quick to yell out, “Are you working on Christmas?” Full story
By Maggie Miles | Outer Banks Voice
(This is part of an ongoing Voice series on the OBX’s special ‘Christmas Houses’)
Even in the summer months, when the kids in Tony Facenda’s neighborhood ride by on their bikes and see him doing any kind of work in the yard, they are quick to yell out, “Are you working on Christmas?” Full story
By Maggie Miles | Outer Banks Voice
12 different Dare County restaurants and bars now plunging headfirst into Christmas spirit—from the décor and decorations to the food and drink. Full story
By Maggie Miles | Outer Banks Voice
12 different Dare County restaurants and bars now plunging headfirst into Christmas spirit—from the décor and decorations to the food and drink. Full story
If you spot a sea turtle on land this time of year, please call one of the stranding hotlines with your location.
Hatteras Island: 252-216-6892 (National Park Service, Cape Hatteras National Seashore)
North of Oregon Inlet: 252-441-8622 N.E.S.T. Full story
If you spot a sea turtle on land this time of year, please call one of the stranding hotlines with your location.
Hatteras Island: 252-216-6892 (National Park Service, Cape Hatteras National Seashore)
North of Oregon Inlet: 252-441-8622 N.E.S.T. Full story
Kitty Hawk Kites has long been a leader in hosting events on the Outer Banks, with annual festivals covering the spectrum of celebrations – from festivals, hang gliding, and kiteboarding to watermelons, pirates, and more! Kitty Hawk Kites is pleased to announce this year’s event schedule, featuring events spanning North Carolina’s Outer Banks.Full story
Sponsored story by Kitty Hawk Kites
Kitty Hawk Kites has long been a leader in hosting events on the Outer Banks, with annual festivals covering the spectrum of celebrations – from festivals, hang gliding, and kiteboarding to watermelons, pirates, and more! Kitty Hawk Kites is pleased to announce this year’s event schedule, featuring events spanning North Carolina’s Outer Banks.Full story
Nov. 26 at 8:30 a.m. UPDATE:
Ferry Service has resumed between Hatteras and Ocracoke on an amended schedule. If you have any questions or for more information, please call 252-996-6000. Full story
In the true spirit of the “Season of Giving,” various Dare County departments are coordinating efforts to connect volunteers and donors with opportunities to give back to those in the community who need support during the holiday season. The list below contains several giving opportunities that are coordinated through Dare County entities. Full story
By Maggie Miles | Outer Banks Voice
The family of Sylvester Demetrius Selby, who was shot and killed by a Dare County Sheriff’s Deputy in Manteo on Oct. 2, is launching a lawn sign campaign to raise awareness about the case, which it believes was an unjust killing during a mental health episode. Full story
Wastewater treatment facility at core of concerns
By Kip Tabb | Outer Banks Voice
Citing inadequate wastewater treatment from a facility owned by the developer SAGA Realty, the Southern Shores Planning Board unanimously rejected a special use permit (SUP) for a mixed retail and residential project at its meeting on Monday Nov. 20. Full story
By Brian Tress | Outer Banks Voice
(Third in a three-part series on the challenges and goals of managing tourism on the Outer Banks.
This installment examines the connection between tourism and benefits to the community.)
The Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LTRMP) recommends strengthening resident and visitor engagement, with specific tasks to achieve this goal. Full story
Dare County Board of Education Member Mary Ellon Balance issued this Nov. 21 release announcing her intention to run for the Dare County Board of Commissioners representing District 4 in the fall 2024 election. The current District 4 representative on the board is Danny Couch. Full story
By Brian Tress| Outer Banks Voice
(Second in a three-part series on the challenges and goals of managing tourism on the Outer Banks. This installment examines the connection between tourism and the environmental stewardship of the area’s natural treasures.)
The Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LTRMP) released by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau in 2023 recommends adopting an integrated approach to environmental stewardship. Full story
The Kitty Hawk Police Department posted this statement on its Facebook page on Monday, Nov. 20 about a fire that potentially could have damaged the Hilton Garden Inn. Full story
By Brian Tress | Outer Banks Voice
(First of a three-part series on the challenges and goals for managing tourism on the Outer Banks)
Tourism can create significant economic benefits, including visitor spending, higher tax revenues and more jobs. But as the number of tourists continues to grow, the associated costs become more obvious. Full story
By Anna Rogers | Shorelines Yearbook
First came the walk through the halls, classmates cheering and band playing. Then came the escort by firefighters and police officers as First Flight’s charter bus began its trip to Browns Summit. And finally, the realization that they had accomplished their goal, winning the NCHSAA 3A Championship on Saturday, Nov. 18. Full story