A round-up of all things from God’s country…

This bit of community news includes mention of John McArthur, Connie Brothers, introduces the new vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and congratulates a group of top teachers.  

First, Chowan County Sheriff Chief Deputy John McArthur has completed one of the nation’s most selective law enforcement training programs, graduating this fall from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Once, Rebecca Bunch, RIP, needed help with a flat tire. She called the Sheriff’s Office – McArthur came over and fixed the tire.  

His father – Mike, who served decades as Clerk of Superior Court – told me that back in the day, his son was an Eagle Scout. John also is a member of F3 and a talented long-distance runner.

And let’s not forget — McArthur is a member of the dive team — that’s law enforcement who goes in the water if something stupid happens. A few years back, a dirtbag fleeing law enforcement threw his handgun out the window while crossing the Chowan River Bridge during a high speed chase. Guess who found it? Yep, John did — found on the sandy bottom of the river, maybe 7-10 feet deep a short hop from the bridge.

Saturday before the Christmas parade, Mike was beaming with pride when he shared the news that John had graduated from the FBI National Academy, an intensive, 11-week program that brings together law enforcement leaders from across the United States and around the world for advanced training and leadership development. 

John McArthur described the experience as transformative, saying, “This intense 11-week program at Quantico, Virginia, was an unparalleled opportunity for professional development, advanced training, and networking with law enforcement leaders from across the globe.”

McArthur said the training will have a lasting impact on both leadership style and community service. “The lessons that I learned during my time away will make a positive difference in how I lead and will make a positive difference for the community I serve,” the statement said.

As part of the program, the officer also earned an academic credential through the University of Virginia. “During the program, I was able to obtain a Graduate Certificate from the University of Virginia,” John said. “This instructional time has already benefited me in my personal life, and I look forward to the challenge of putting these prevailing leadership theories to use in my professional life as well.”

Worth noting, because I asked John — he will be staying with us, right? A certification like that makes John very attractive to law enforcement agencies near and far. John said he loves it in Chowan County — that’s good news. 

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The graduate expressed gratitude to family members for their support during the extended time away from home. “My deepest gratitude goes to my family, Nastacia, Nakayla, and Nolan,” McArthur said, adding that they “courageously handled the home front while I was away from home.”

Thanks were also extended to Sheriff Scooter Basnight, the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office, and the wider community. “The community in Chowan County has been phenomenal as well,” McArthur said. “I have been truly amazed at the love shown to me.”

If you have any community news, send it this way — mileslayton1969@gmail.com

In other news, Hertford Town Council member Connie Brothers was elected as Council Pro Tem at this week’s council meeting. Evan Copeland was sworn in too.  

I met Connie back in the day when a lunatic was fillibustering Hertford Town Council. Connie was brave enough to stand up for her principles, her constituents and she got elected; he’s, well… gone now.  

Evan Copeland — congrats on your election to Hertford Town Council. Copeland is Perquimans High School’s music teacher and Pirates’ band director – very talented. Long ago, Copeland taught music/band at Chowan Middle School – everyone signed up to take his class, including my daughter, Samantha. The Pirates then poached him, but that’s OK. Copeland’s band performed wonderfully at Perquimans High School’s centennial celebration.  

In church news, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton gained a quartet of new vestry members – Celia Davenport, Mary Ann Daniel, Chuck Davis and MaryScott Haigler. Congrats. St. Paul’s has been serving the faithful in Edenton since the 1700s. 

The vestry, a lay leadership body within the Episcopal Church, works closely with clergy to oversee parish affairs, support outreach, and strengthen the congregation’s mission.

The newly announced members reflect a wide range of backgrounds, professional experience and long-standing commitment to faith and community service.

Mary Ann Broughton Daniel brings a lifelong connection to the Episcopal Church and a deep appreciation for Christian formation. Born in Washington, D.C., and christened at The Falls Church, Daniel was raised in an environment grounded in prayer, scripture and Episcopal education. After her family moved to Winston-Salem, she joined St. Paul’s Episcopal Church there, where she was later married in 2022. Her early leadership experience includes service on the vestry at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where she organized chapel participants, mentored students and supported Christian fellowship activities. Since moving to Edenton, Daniel and her husband have become active members of St. Paul’s, participating in Sunday School and parish ministries. She currently serves as a Sunday School substitute and works full-time as development director for The Merrie-Woode Foundation, which oversees Camp Merrie-Woode in Sapphire, North Carolina.

Mary Scott Haigler is a lifelong member of St. Paul’s in Edenton whose involvement spans nearly every stage of parish life. She has been baptized, confirmed and served as an acolyte, Sunday School student and teacher, Camp Trinity camper, and Episcopal Church Women member. Her service also includes participation in mission trips, rector and music director search committees, and coordination of Summer Family Camp. Haigler has worked as a Realtor with Perry & Co. SIR for more than 20 years and is deeply rooted in the Edenton community, where she lives with her husband, Ted, and their children.

Chuck Davis brings extensive experience in fundraising, advancement and institutional leadership. After returning to Edenton, Davis and his family renewed their strong ties to St. Paul’s, where he was married and where both of his daughters were baptized. Having lived and worked around the world, Davis values the role of a church home grounded in faithful preaching, welcoming community and meaningful worship. He currently works as a consultant serving universities and schools nationwide.

Celia Davenport offers decades of church leadership, healthcare experience and community engagement. Raised in Plymouth, North Carolina, she spent more than 50 years at First Baptist Church Plymouth, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, diaconate member, and mentor to children and youth. Her professional career spans more than 40 years in healthcare as a registered nurse, primarily in perioperative care, with additional experience in management. Now living in Edenton, Davenport was confirmed at St. Paul’s in June 2023 and has since become involved as an usher and lay reader. She also works part-time at the Barker House and is known for her strengths in organization, relationships and hospitality.

John A. Holmes High School teachers Rachel O’Kelley and Luann Shoemaker received their National Board Certification. National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students and schools. It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. 

On another note – Ag teacher Abby Chappell – she has lots of good candy in her classroom – was selected to serve as a member of the NC Beginning Teacher Advisory Council.