GATESVILLE — With early voting underway and the March 3 primary approaching, voters in Gates County got a firsthand look Thursday night at the eight candidates vying for four open seats on the Gates County Board of Education. The forum, hosted by the Gates County Chamber of Commerce at the historic Gates County Courthouse, drew a full house of residents eager to hear how candidates would address school consolidation, staffing challenges, and ongoing governance issues.

Four Republican candidates for North Carolina's First Congressional District vigorously debated conservative principles on February 19, 2026. Emphasizing issues like trade, disaster relief, healthcare, and immigration, they advocated for limited government and free-market solutions. Committed to defeating Democratic incumbent Don Davis, the candidates presented themselves as strong proponents of conservative values and local interests.

The John A. Holmes High School Athletics Booster Club is excited to announce a raffle giving Edenton Aces fans the chance to win a relaxing overnight getaway to the Outer Banks. One lucky winner will receive an overnight stay at Home 2 Suites in Kill Devil Hills, along with a $120 gift card to cover meals — the perfect mini-vacation for any Aces supporter.

By Nicole Bowman-Layton The Chowan County Board of Commissioners will take a closer look at closing the county's detection center after receiving recommendations and information from the county manager during the Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, meeting. About 100 people packed the audience area at the Public Safety Center on West Freemason Street, Edenton. The jail discussion followed a lengthy public comment period and discussion of the Chowan County Martin Luther King Jr.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day ceremony in Chowan County sparked controversy following Rev. William T. Davis' keynote speech criticizing affirmative action. Residents debated expanding the celebration's scope, emphasizing the need for unity and coordination. Some voiced concerns over government involvement, fearing it might dilute the event's reflective nature, highlighting divides in honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

By Cheryl Orr Since I spend a good amount of time in the kitchen preparing food for others, I often try to make a quick and easy weeknight meal for my family. But preparing something quickly doesn’t mean you must sacrifice flavor or nutritional quality. There are many protein choices that cook quickly and easily and are also economical, such as shrimp, chicken cutlets, and pork tenderloin.

During a Tyrrell County Commission meeting, residents voiced concerns over delays in emergency medical services and the controversial Confederate monument lawsuit. Joyce Dikes Fitch sought clarification on the fate of a monument plaque, while Pat Bateman shared her husband's lengthy wait for an ambulance, criticizing the service. Both issues highlighted significant community frustrations.

Arrest warrants have been obtained in a Monday night shooting that left a 31-year-old Plymouth man dead, marking the second shooting incident in the town this year.

Nearly 100 residents packed the Chowan County commissioners chamber to defend the community’s longtime, volunteer-run Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration after a proposal to “enhance” the event through broader government partnership sparked concerns about a takeover and a diluted message. Commissioners took no action.

A large crowd gathered at the Hertford County Commissioners’ meeting to express strong opposition to the potential conversion of the empty Rivers Correctional Institution into an ICE detention center. Community members voiced concerns over the legal authority, economic impacts, and social ramifications, emphasizing their collective desire to prevent ICE's presence in their area.

The Gates County Board of Education candidates forum, set for February 19, is crucial as voters face decisions on staffing reductions, school consolidation, and a vacant board seat before the March primary. With heightened interest and various candidates in each district, community feedback reveals strong opposition to consolidation and calls for better funding solutions.

The Town of Columbia Board of Aldermen will meet on Tuesday to discuss concerns regarding the proposed waterfront dock redesign by Harbor Town Inc. Critics argue the design inadequately accommodates larger vessels vital to the local economy, urging for a revised plan with input from experienced boat captains. Public comments are anticipated.

The City of Washington clarified that no decision has been made regarding the potential closure of its License Plate Agency, following claims of misinformation from a local newspaper. City officials emphasized that discussions will continue during budget hearings, and any closure requires City Council approval and state endorsement.

For 30 years, promises of a high-speed ferry in northeastern North Carolina have repeatedly failed to materialize. Despite significant funding, issues like unsuitable designs and lack of local support persist. Taxpayer money has yielded minimal results, prompting calls for accountability and transparent governance in regional development efforts.

Hyde County is witnessing significant progress with the Mattamuskeet Rising project, a $36 million school transformation that consolidates aging structures into a modern facility. Alongside community pride showcased at the new Family Resource Center opening, W.F. (Bill) Plyler II's book, Intertwined, honors local history and banking, highlighting resilience in the region.

The Chowan County Board of Commissioners will meet on February 16 to discuss personnel matters, infrastructure planning, and facility improvements. Key agenda items include enhancing the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, gym repairs at DF Walker High School, and long-term jail replacement options. Additionally, a vehicle purchase and board appointments will be considered.

Pastor Jerry Langley inspired his congregation at Zion Grove Church of Christ with a powerful sermon centered on divine transformation and trust in God. He emphasized embracing change, releasing the past, and stepping out in faith to welcome new opportunities. Langley assured believers of God's steadfast provision and noted that true blessings often come through challenges.

Author Nick Bryant Claims CIA Plot and “Big Lie” By Woodward Drove Watergate in Shawn Ryan Interview Editor's Note: I've always suspected that there's more than meets the eye to the official version of Watergate — this interview (see the book for more) that the Deep State, combined with internal forces within Richard Nixon's administration, conspired to end his presidency — echoes of what's been happening to President Trump.

Law enforcement reports from around the region.

On Saturday morning, Miles and Nicole Layton discovered the smoking remains of the New Haven Missionary Baptist Church, which was burned in a controlled fire by Bethel Volunteer Fire Department after its roof collapsed weeks prior. Locals lamented the church's decline, reflecting on its significance to the community.

More than 300 political signs from Dave Forsythe's NC Senate campaign have been stolen across several northeastern counties, prompting law enforcement investigations. Forsythe estimates financial losses between $1,000 and $2,500 due to the thefts, which he believes are part of a coordinated effort. Similar sign thefts have also impacted other campaigns.

Gates County High School has appointed Jawan Riddick as the new Head Varsity Football Coach. Riddick, a dedicated leader with a strong athletic background and community focus, emphasizes integrity and mentorship. He aims to foster a family-like team atmosphere, build character, and strengthen community ties, hoping to positively impact student-athletes.

The Gates County Board of Education approved personnel decisions, reviewed budget resolutions, and discussed potential school consolidation during their February 9 meeting. With a majority opposed to consolidation, concerns about class size, staff retention, and financial impacts were raised. A final vote on consolidation is scheduled for March 9.

State election investigators are examining allegations of misconduct by voter registration drive workers across multiple counties as North Carolina's 2026 primary election early voting enters its second week with more than 40,000 ballots already cast. The State Board of Elections is looking into reports from Brunswick, Buncombe, Chowan, Haywood, Nash, Scotland, and Wake counties involving individuals conducting voter registration drives who are allegedly impersonating state or county election officials and providing false information to voters.

The Edenton Tea Party Chapter of NSDAR held its American History Awards luncheon on February 11, honoring local students for their essay contributions. Grady Sweeney won for fifth grade, Violet Pollock for seventh, and Lilli Wells for eighth. Ava Bunch received the Good Citizen Award, promoting heritage preservation.