DUKE FOREST CLOSURE
The 19th annual Duke Forest Deer Herd Reduction Program begins Monday, Sep. 21, and ends Friday, Dec. 11, and the Durham, Korstian and Blackwood divisions will be closed for recreation and all public access Monday through Friday. Recreation trails and areas will be open Saturday-Sunday each week.
YOUTH FISHING CLINICS
Carrboro holds youth learn to fish clinics for kids 5-15 Saturday, Sep. 26, and Oct. 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Anderson Park Community Pond off NC 54W. Cost is $5/child and a parent/guardian must attend. Fishing supplies provided or bring your own fishing rod. Eno Sportfishing Club provides the instructor. Register online at carrbororec.org.
2 SWIMMERS DROWN
Konrad Jarausch, 85, of Chapel Hill apparently drowned Sep. 1 while swimming in Eastwood Lake, Chapel Hill. He was a retired European history professor, author of more than 50 books and an avid swimmer. Eastwood is a “swim at your risk” private lake. No lifeguards.
A 16-year-old teenager drowned Labor Day, authorities said, after reportedly falling off a jet ski at Falls Lake near Sandling Beach, Wake Forest. His body was recovered after a four-hour search.
ELK HUNTS IN 2027
North Carolina will issue a limited number of elk hunting permits during the 2027 hunting season, thanks to a new law signed in July.
The first elk hunting season since the animals were reintroduced to western North Carolina 25 years ago will use a nontransferable permitting system, and the law calls for two permits to be issued during the first season. The two permits will be issued through a raffle and an auction. Details TBA.
DROUGHT CONTINUES
Drought conditions continue in N.C. (60.9 percent of the state). Here’s the breakdown: 23.8 percent abnormally dry, 41.9 percent moderate drought, 14.4 percent severe drought, 4.5 percent extremely dry, 0.1 percent exceptional drought.
OWASA reported (9/11/26) rainfall for September was 0.16 inches, reservoirs 75.1 percent full.