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Our reporters published hundreds of articles this year. Though hard work and attention to detail was put into each article, there were some stories that stood out among the rest. 

Our reporters combed through articles from 2024 and selected the stories that had Beaufort County buzzing. The result is a list of stories which captured historic moments in the county and in the process further demonstrated our reporters’ unwavering commitment to inform and educate citizens. 

Below is a list of even more stories that defined the year. 

Bellefont Plantation burns 

Bellefont Plantation was deemed a “total loss” by Beaufort County Emergency Services Director Chris Newkirk. The home burned down during a severe winter weather storm on Jan. 9. Bellefont had been Hodge’s family home since it was constructed in the 1860’s. Before January, it was used as an event and wedding venue. 

Belhaven police chief resigns, BCSO Captain hired 

Former Belhaven Police Chief Chris Kelly resigned “to explore other opportunities in law enforcement,” he said in February. The Town of Belhaven hired former Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Captain Wesley Waters as its next police chief. Kelly was hired by the sheriff’s office as a school resource officer. 

The “Hot Dog Lady” retires 

Mildren Hamilton, also known as the “Hot Dog Lady,” retired from Bill’s Hot Dogs after working there for nearly 50 years. On her last day, March 12, her family surprised her with a retirement party. The last hot dog Hamilton prepared at Bill’s was split and enjoyed by her two sons, Charles and Mike Hamilton. 

Swinson returns to Washington High School 

Dr. Michael Swinson returned to Washington High School to serve as its next principal. Swinson previously led Washington High School from 2016-2021. After a tumultuous academic year, Swinson and his standards returned to the high school. His plan is to bring the school’s performance grade up, improve communication among teachers and administrators, adding more AP classes and a teacher cadet program. 

Airport Director resigns 

Former Director of Washington-Warren Airport Earl Malpass resigned on May 21 to accept an offer from a large airport in Anchorage, Alaska. Malpass previously lived in Alaska before moving back to North Carolina where he is originally from. Malpass led the airport for six years stewarding it during the COVID pandemic and when it received a $20 million grant from the North Carolina General Assembly for infrastructure improvements. Later, the airport received an additional $13.5 million for capital improvement projects. Interim John Waters was recently named Airport Manager. 

Pamlico Books sold 

In June, Tom and Deb Ryan announced their plan to sell the beloved bookstore in downtown Washington. Opened in 2021, it was the first independent bookstore in Washington in 15 years. “Family needs and situations in the Triangle area” required the Ryans to relocate and start a new chapter of life. The bookstore was sold to Lindsay Hall, a third grade teacher at Chocowinity Primary School. Her husband, Jason, owns Washington Crab. 

Anne-Marie Montague resigns 

In June, Anne-Marie Montague attended her last board meeting as Eagle’s Wing’s executive director. She retired after serving the nonprofit food pantry for ten years. Her plans for retirement included spending more time with family and developing a very long-distance relationship. Vanessa Love was hired as Montague’s replacement. 

Splash Pad opens 

The City of Washington opened a new splash pad on Seventh Street next to the Bobby Andrews Recreation Center on Aug. 21. It is free and open to the public. Sidewalks and umbrellas have been added since the grand opening. More amenities like picnic tables are planned. Spring and summer hours have yet to be announced. City Manager Jonathan Russell said it could run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

WWII veteran Roscoe Joyner, 105, receives French Legion of Honor

WWII veteran Roscoe Joyner, 105, has been bestowed the French Legion of Honor for his military service in France in 1944 and 1945. 

Born in Spring Hope, North Carolina, Joyner served in the U.S. Army from 1941 through 1945 as part of the 203rd Field Artillery Group, which was assigned to General George S. Patton’s Third US Army. He took part in numerous combat operations, which included neutralizing German batteries along the Moselle River, the capture of the fortress at Metz, and supporting the 90th and 95th Infantry Divisions as they advanced through the Siegfried Line into Luxembourg and Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge.