BY MILES LAYTON
COLUMBIA — Congratulations to Karen Gerhart for being selected as Tyrrell County’s Employee of the Year.
Tyrrell County Commission paid tribute to Gerhart, the county’s Finance Officer, at Tuesday’s meeting.
An alumnus of Columbia High School Class of 1977, Gerhart earned an associate’s degree from College of the Albemarle and a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from East Carolina University in 1981 – go Pirates! A certified public accountant since 1987, Gerhart has worked for the county since 2014.
“Karen is a CPA which is a very rare designation for a government unit as small as Tyrrell,” said David Clegg, County Manager. “She is a Tyrrell County native who has decided to devote her expertise and energies to her home and provides remarkable service both as a department head and in a wide range of activities as a public servant.”
When Gerhart was asked what she likes best about working for the County, she said, “It’s never a dull moment – we’re always looking to improve efficiency.”
Commissioner Jordan Davis added, “Karen has been an outstanding employee for Tyrrell County. We are fortunate to have her as our finance officer and I would put her as one of the, if not the best, finance officers in the state. She is very deserving of this award.”
Gerhart shared what she likes best about living in Tyrrell County.
“What do I like best? I like the privacy, environment, lack of traffic and the people of Tyrrell County – it’s a great place to live,” said Gerhart, who was born and raised in Columbia.
In other news, Robert Davenport was reappointed to a 2-year term on the Jury Commission.
In other news, County Manager David Clegg said the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 will be released June 16.
Last bit of Commission – agenda and more from Tueday’s meeting.
Per Lynda J. Mastronardo, County Librarian & Program Specialist, the Library continues its engaging Color Our World with Music! Summer Reading Program with a special program with the Anna Black, violinist with the North Carolina Symphony, at Tyrrell County Library on Friday, June 13 at 1:30 PM for a fun and engaging introduction to musical instruments!
The NC Symphony’s Music Discovery Program—part of PNC’s Grow Up Great initiative—combines music and storytelling to inspire young minds and spark a love for the arts. Perfect for children and families!
Also, Tyrrell County Library is excited to host a special Preschool Story Time event as part of its 2024 Summer Reading Program: Color Your World. On Tuesday, June 17th at 10:30 am, young children and their caregivers are invited to join Tenisha from Pocosin Arts for a colorful, creative morning of fun!
This week’s theme, “Have You Lost Your Marbles?”, will introduce preschoolers to an imaginative painting activity using marbles and boxes. Children will roll marbles through paint to create vibrant works of art, combining movement, creativity, and hands-on exploration.
“Our Preschool Story Time is all about making learning fun,” said Lynda, Branch Librarian at Tyrrell County Library. “This marble painting activity fits perfectly with our ‘Color Your World’ theme and gives children a chance to be creative while developing important skills.”
Families are encouraged to dress for mess, as paint and excitement will be flying! No registration is required, and the event is free and open to the public.
The Library’s Summer Reading Program is designed to combat the “summer slide,” keeping young minds active through reading, storytelling, and hands-on enrichment. Each week features unique programs tailored for various age groups with strong community partnerships.
And, Tyrrell County Library is pleased to announce a special event as part of its Color Your World Summer Reading Program. On Tuesday, June 17, at 2:00 p.m., the library will welcome Lizard Land for an engaging and educational presentation designed for children ages 6 to 11.
This interactive program will introduce young learners to the fascinating world of reptiles through a hands-on experience featuring live animals. Participants will discover how reptiles use color in their natural environments for camouflage, communication, and survival—supporting the library’s summer theme of celebrating creativity, diversity, and exploration.
“We are excited to offer this unique opportunity for children in our community to learn about wildlife in such a memorable and engaging way,” Mastronardo said. “Programs like this not only enrich summer learning but also promote curiosity and a love for reading.”
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but space may be limited. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
Tyrrell County Library is a branch of Pettigrew Regional Library and is dedicated to serving the needs of the community by providing resources, programs, and services that foster lifelong learning and literacy.
For additional information about the Summer Reading Program or this event, please contact Tyrrell County Library at 252-796-3771 or visit the library’s Facebook or Instagram page.