BY MILES LAYTON
A round-up of all things Hyde County…
News about Ocracoke School’s commencement service for the Class of 2025, changing of the guard at the Hyde County Board of Education, Hyde Commission news that includes expanding the ABC warehouse and acquisition of two ambulances and a reminder about an upcoming PBS show about Lake Mattamuskeet.
First, per Margie Brooks, PBS North Carolina’s “Swan Song: The Legacy of Lake Mattamuskeet” will air on “My Home, NC” on Thursday, July 3, at 8 pm. A snowfall in Hyde County during the filming this past January made for stunning scenery as Polly the mule and Bernie Harberts traveled around the county during their week’s stay — that’s where our feature photo comes from. Readers are encouraged to tune in to their local PBS-NC channel.
Next, let’s start with Ocracoke School – commencement was Friday.
Here is a list of the Class of 2025 seniors, now alumni — congratulations: Mira Isabella Dobbins Barnes, Nicholas Wrightson Cole, Gavin Isaac Elicker, Sara Fanani, Landon Bryan Fuller, Nicholas Augustus Giagu, Uriel Guerrero Perez, Finn Michael Kattenburg, Carter Sommers O’Neal, Noah Vincent O’Neal, Danny Alexander Palacios-Badillo, Melanie Perez-Benitez, Caroline Elizabeth Stocks, Catherine Grace Todd.
Commencement’s invocation was given by Pastor Tim Howard of Ocracoke Life Saving Church, with the Salutarian Address given by Nicholas Augustus Giagu and the Valedictorian Address by Nicholas Wrightson Cole. Introduced by Noah O’Neal, the Commencement speaker was Charles Temple – look at that – Temple, who teaches English at Ocracoke High School, won the first-ever ‘Jeopardy’ Teachers Tournament back in 2011, also $100,000. Nice!
In other news, the Hyde County Board of Education announced the resignation of Board Chair Lindsey Mooney, effective immediately, due to ongoing medical concerns.
Per Julio Morales of Hyde County Schools, Mooney has served the District for six years and six months, including the last several as Board Chair. During his tenure, he championed student-centered policies and worked tirelessly to advance equitable opportunities for all learners in Hyde County Schools.
“Mr. Mooney has been a passionate advocate for students, staff, and families,” said Superintendent Dr. Melanie Shaver. Mr. Mooney’s tenure has included advancements in instructional programming, the construction of Ocracoke School, Industrial Arts Center, and the newest Mattamuskeet Rising project. While we are saddened to see him step away, we honor his decision and wish him continued strength and healing.”
During the Friday, June 13 board meeting, elections were held and Chanta Rickard replaced Mooney as Chairman of the board, and Rachael Chesnut will be Vice Chair. Rickard has been a board member with Hyde County Schools since 2019 and works for Beaufort County Community College as the Coordinator for Regional Centers. Chestnut joined the school board in March 2024, and she is the Rental/Outdoor Manager and Kayak Guide at Ride The Wind Surf Shop on Ocracoke Island.
Hyde County Commission News
During the special meeting on Thursday, the Commission approved plans to acquire two ambulances to augment the existing EMS fleet, with plans to lease these ambulances through a special program offered to governmental entities – total cost: $476,000 to spread out with payments of around $88,046 over the next seven years.
Also, the Commission approved an Interlocal Agreement for Fire Marshall Services between Hyde and Dare Counties to cooperate in order for Dare to provide fire marshall services, including but not limited to Level 3 fire inspections, within the territorial jurisdiction of Hyde County. Nothing new here – this is an extension of the existing Interlocal Agreement.
And the Commission approved renewing its legal services contract with the little Washington law firm of Holscher, Edwards & Hill, P.A., for $130 per hour. This is a bargain – the firm serves as the county’s attorney as needed.
Also, the Commission approved an agreement with WolfeStein Group, LLC, which engages former North Carolina Senator Bob Steinburg to provide consulting and advocacy services on behalf of the County — costing $36,000 or $3,000 per month between July 1st, 2025 and June 30, 2026. The purpose of the contract is to support Hyde County’s legislative and strategic priorities at the state level. Most counties in Eastern NC employ Steinburg’s lobbying firm to connect them with Raleigh’s purse strings and policymakers.
In other matters, the Commission approved Hyde County’s ABC Board to retain between $50,000 and $60,000 in excess of the maximum permitted working capital to fund capital improvements at the Swan Quarter ABC store and warehouse.
The warehouse is currently inadequate to support the operational demands of both the Swan Quarter and Ocracoke ABC stores, according to the Commission’s notes. The facility also lacks dedicated office space for administrative staff and secure storage for records. The ABC Board proposes to use retained funds to expand the warehouse and add office space, with preliminary construction estimates ranging around $90,000. Hyde County owns the facility, and the expansion would enhance the property’s value and the ABC Board’s operational efficiency. The Board has committed to maintaining its annual distribution of approximately $32,000 throughout the project.
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