NHPD updates public on gang activity
By · CommentsThe Nags Head Police Department has received numerous calls of concern regarding a presentation on gang awareness, given on January 16, by the Kill Devil Hills Police Department. The information presented at this meeting is correct in that law enforcement has encountered gang members in Dare County over the last 12 months and most of these individuals were from the Elizabeth City area.
There seems to be an impression gang members are the primary perpetrators of crime within our community. To date, the Nags Head Police Department can show no statistically relevant correlation between residential burglaries and gangs.
Elizabeth City has experienced gang-related criminal activity in the past and it’s understood some of these individuals frequent Dare County. All local law enforcement agencies are striving to educate our officers on recognizing gang methodology, in order to deter gangs from our area.
The Nags Head Police Department believes the best way for citizens and visitors to protect themselves against property crimes is by using the following basic crime prevention techniques:
Lock their vehicles when unattended
Store valuables out of sight
Lock exterior doors and windows
Security lighting should be installed on exterior of residence, etc.
These prevention tips are not new; the police department has sent out numerous messages on basic crime prevention techniques using radio, email, and town newsletters, hoping citizens will recognize their importance.
Citizens should not panic or be overly concerned with the information that was shared during the meeting. The message was only intended to provide information on this issue, to remind everyone to be observant/vigilant in their daily routine and to ask for the community’s assistance by reporting all suspicious activity.
If you should have additional questions or concerns regarding this issue, please feel free to contact Police Chief Kevin Brinkley at kevinbrinkley@townofnagshead.net or 252-441-6386.
N.H. Community Watch to meet
By · CommentsThe Nags Head Community Watch Association’s next scheduled meeting is currently set for Feb. 14.
Due to Valentine’s Day, association President George Moore has asked this meeting be moved to Thursday, February 16 to avoid any conflicts. The meeting will start at the regularly scheduled time of 7:30 .p.m and will be held at the town of Nags Head’s Board of Commissioner’s Room.
NHES site for police training
By · CommentsOn the evenings of January 30 and February 1, the Nags Head Police Department will be holding in-service training at Nags Head Elementary School.
This training has been scheduled from 6-10 P.M. so it doesn’t interfere with after school activities. There will be numerous police vehicles in the school parking lot during this time period. Please share this information with anyone you think may become alarmed. It is the department’s intent to alert as many people as possible to diminish any unnecessary worry.
Lighthouse repairs on track
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CONSTRUCTION ON BODIE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE after a t Mike Murray announced this week that a $1.89 million contract was let this week. The National Park Service (NPS) Denver Service Center has issued a notice to proceed with the award of contract to the prime contractor, United Builders Group, LLC from New Bern.
The previous restoration project contract was terminated in Spring 2011 after significant new structural integrity issues were found in many of the main support beams under the balcony. The additional repairs needed were too costly to finish in the original restoration project and therefore work ceased. The contractor demobilized and was off-site by April 20, 2011. NPS funding requests have since been approved to complete the restoration work in FY2012.
The new project is expected to begin in late February 2012 and be completed in October 2012. The work will include the following renovations: restore deteriorated metal; Restore components on the lantern level (support beams, masonry, railing/ladder); replace galley cornice segments; paint interior and exterior masonry; replace windows and glass on lantern level; Repair the oil house marble floor and roof, install new windows; paint all newly-installed metals/wood; install fire suppression system and rehabilitate electrical power; install stair strengtheners.
Project update reports will be issued periodically. For more information, contact the Public Affairs Office at 252-473-2111 ext. 148.
Dutton gets state honor
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DEBBIE DUTTON (center), School Health Program Sspervisor for the Dare County Department of Public Health (DCDPH), was recently awarded the Citation of Merit from the North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA). The Citation of Merit is conferred upon individual members of NCPHA who, by long years of noteworthy service have made significant contributions within the recent past and have advanced public health in North Carolina.
Dutton began working for the DCDPH as a school nurse in 1991. From the beginning she demonstrated strong leadership qualities, and a deep compassion for and commitment to the children of our community. In 1997 she was promoted to lead school nurse, responsible for coordinating and overseeing the day to day operations of the school nurse program in nine schools throughout Dare County.
In her role as lead school nurse, she serves as a champion for programs that improve the health of our children. Dutton has been instrumental in bringing a case management program for children with chronic diseases to Dare County. This program works with the children, families, and health care provider(s) to develop a plan of care to help keep children at their optimum level of health. This in turn leads to children playing a more active role in school activities and ultimately higher academic standards. She has also worked with DCDPH and Dare County Schools staff to provide in-school influenza vaccine clinics at each elementary school for the past three years.
In addition to serving as lead school nurse, she also manages the school based dental van program to assure dental care for children who would not otherwise be able to receive dental care. Dutton maintains her school nurse national certification and has recently celebrated her 20 year anniversary with the Dare County Department of Public Health.
“Debbie is a true public health leader that understands the link between good health and strong academics. Debbie’s compassionate nature makes her not only a care provider for her students, but a listening ear and mentor. Her contributions have enhanced public health services for the entire community. It is employees like Debbie who make our organization successful,” commented health director, Anne Thomas.
For more information on the school health program, please contact Dare County Department of Public Health at (252) 475-5003.
Dutton is pictured above with health board members and staff: (from left) Steve Evans, board member; Delrene Seegot, staff; Nick Kiousis, board member; Elaine Jordan, staff; Judy Flagge, staff; and Coy Tillett, board member.
Final ORV rule issued
By · CommentsThe National Park Service (NPS) announces that the final rule document for the management of off-road vehicle (ORV) use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) has been posted for viewing on the Federal Register Public Inspection web page under “Regular Filing.” The rule can be found at: http://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection.
The final rule will be published in the Federal Register on Monday, January 23, and become effective on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. The rule designates off-road vehicle (ORV) routes and authorizes limited ORV use within Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) in a manner that will protect and preserve natural and cultural resources, provide a variety of safe visitor experiences, and minimize conflicts among various users. Under National Park Service (NPS) general regulations, the peration of motor vehicles off of roads within areas of the National Park System is prohibited unless authorized by special regulation.
The rule establishes, among other things, the requirement to have an ORV permit to operate a vehicle on designated ORV routes at the seashore. The NPS will provide additional information to the public about how to obtain an ORV permit prior to February 15.
For further information, call 252-473-2111, ext. 148.
Caregiver education meet planned
By · CommentsThe Albemarle Commission is sponsoring a Caregiver Education program.
Explore techniques & strategies caregivers can use to care for themselves and others. Identify resources to develop daily routines and programs that meet the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. Describe the most recent and effective assessment, treatment and care options available for people with dementia and others needing care.
Registration Fees: Family Caregivers: $5 (covered by Alzheimer’s North Carolina upon request). Clergy, students, and volunteers: $5; Professionals: $25; additional $10 fee for CEUs.
Location: Ramada Plaza Nags Head Beach
Respite reimbursement available. Prior approval necessary. For information please call DeeDee Harris, (800) 228-8738. Pre-registration Required.Call Catherine Smith, famiy caregiver resource specialist at the Albemarle Commission Area Agency On Aging, (252) 426-5753, ext. 226. (Courtesy www.obxCommonGood.org)
Nags Head moves meet date
By · CommentsThetTown of Nags Head’s mid-month Board of Commissioners meeting, held as needed on the third Wednesday of each month, has been moved to next Wednesday, January 25 2012. The meeting will begin at 7:30 pm as usual. The February mid-month meeting, if needed, will occur as regularly scheduled on the third Wednesday.
For more information, call Nags Head Town Hall at 252-441-5508.
UMM! good eating
By · CommentsExpand your palate and learn healthy cooking for the new year at the Baum Center.
“Tofu You and Tofu Me” will be offered Wednesday, Jan. 25, 1-3 p.m., for a minimal fee to cover the cost of food.
Sign up at the front desk.
Calling all opera buffs
By · CommentsTrips to Norfolk, Va. to see matinee shows at the Harrison Opera House are planned for Feb. 5 (Orphee) and Sunday, March 18 (The Mikado).
The van will leave the center at 11:30 a.m. to attend the 2:30 p.m. show. The group will eat dinner on the way back.
Call the center at 475-9270 to register. Space is filling up fast.
Ticket prices vary and are the responsibility of each participant. Call the Virginia Opera box office at 866-673-7282 for prices and seating information.f