When I met with Dejah Brown for an interview about her son, Kobe, who died in 2017, I was immediately impressed with her strength of character. She faced what many parents consider an unimaginable tragedy of losing her son because of a rare genetic condition.
Dejah said that as she dealt with the grief, she embraced her Christian faith to persevere and endure this tragedy.
I think that growth shaped her as a person and caring for her son; maybe that inspired her career path to become a nurse.
Very good interview.
In other news, Nate King, regional librarian for the Pettigrew Regional Library System, is closing a chapter on his life, leaving us – his last day is Friday, July 31. King is heading back home to the mountains of western NC. Thanks for your service as librarian for Tyrrell County and later as regional librarian. Go with God.
Middle of August or so, we’ll be publishing a preview story for the Panthers’ football team, along with schedules, rosters, and other items to set the stage for the season to come. The same can be said for Wildcats across the county line in Columbia. Contact Roanoke Beacon advertising guru Sara Forner for advertising information – 252-793-2123.
Last season, the Panthers went 5-5, 1-2 in the Eastern Carolina Conference 1A. I think the Panthers will be very competitive this season.
The first game will be a home non-conference game against Manteo at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21. Though the Redskins were 7-4, 3-2 in the Albemarle Athletic Conference, I’m not sure how they’ll fare this season.
Yes, we will be rebooting our sports coverage this fall. Panthers or Wildcats’ coaches, if your team is competing, send me your email address.
When the season gets underway, I’m hoping to do an Athlete of the Week feature and more.
A few reminders:
Mid County Ruritans Pancake Supper Fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 8 from 5 till 7 p.m. at 110 Sam Allen Road, Roper. Plates are $8.00 for pancakes, sausage, grits, and coffee or tea "All you can eat" pancakes.
Also, the public is invited to join Mid County Ruritans, 110 Sam Allen Rd. Roper, on Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m. Two Washington County Commissioners, Chairman John Spruill and Carol Phelps will be special guests, available to answer questions. Light refreshments/finger foods will be served. Pending any unplanned news events and family happenings, I may go to that.
Shadid Temple No. 233 and Shadid Court No. 212 will host their All in the Family Day Event on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Plymouth, North Carolina, welcoming families from across the eastern part of the state.
The day starts at Flowers Park with two wellness events: registration opens at 8 a.m., with both stepping off at 9 a.m. The 3K Walk raises awareness around diabetes, breast cancer, and mental health, while the Ride for Life, run by the Carolina Cruisers Bicycle Unit, welcomes cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free celebration continues on East Water Street with food, music, a cake walk, bingo, a water slide, bounce house, clowns, and family entertainment. The Bicycle Unit will raffle off four bicycles and hand out free safety helmets while supplies last. School supplies and community resources will also be available.
Partners include Shadid Temple No. 233, Shadid Court No. 212, Queen Esther Jewel No. 32 (OES–PHA), Carthagena Masonic Lodge No. 38, and local community organizations.
The event's theme, "Building Stronger Families, Building Stronger Communities," reflects organizers' goal of blending health awareness, recreation, and outreach.
For 3K Walk details, contact PP Lawrence Smith (252-723-4943) or PC Brenda Cherry (252-947-5889).