By Miles Layton

A round-up of all things Northeast NC…

News includes an update about the Washington County Sheriff’s race, the new Perquimans Schools Superintendent, and Republican Party news from Perquimans and Tyrrell counties.

On that last note, Democrats, if you have local party news that you’d like to share, send it this way to mileslayton1969@gmail.com. Here’s our write-up of the Chowan County Democratic convention.

The featured photo in the story comes from the Tyrrell County Republican meeting — that’s party chair, Benjamin Winslow.

First, Mike Patterson has decided not to run for Washington County Sheriff. 

“After much prayer, soul searching and sleepless nights, I have decided that I will not be seeking the Sheriff’s seat in November,” he posted to social media. “My name will still remain on the ballot but I will not be seeking this position. Thank you to all the people throughout the county that put their faith and support in me for this prestigious position. I especially want to thank my committee that has helped me thus far.”

A Republican, Patterson was poised to run against the Democratic candidate Arlo Norman, who was appointed sheriff in early January — see our story here.  

Washington County folks — you’ll be hearing more from my wife and me ahead. Reach out to me if you have any news tips, please send them to editor@roanokebeacon.com and/or mileslayton1969@gmail.com   

Another note about Washington County — yes, there will be a story ahead about Monday’s Pettigrew Regional Library meeting held in Plymouth — former Tyrrell County Librarian Lynda Mastronardo gave a speech.

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In other news, Perquimans County Schools has announced the appointment of Dr. Shawn Wilson as its next superintendent, succeeding Dr. Tanya Turner, who will retire effective July 1.

A veteran educator with nearly 30 years of experience, Wilson currently serves as the district’s Chief Human Resources Officer. In that role, she has worked closely with leadership to strengthen internal systems, support school administrators, and enhance staff performance across the division.

School officials said Wilson’s broad background in education and consistent commitment to students, staff, and the community set her apart during the selection process.

“Dr. Wilson has consistently shown a steadfast dedication to students, staff, and the community,” the district said in a statement announcing her appointment. “Her depth of experience across classroom instruction, school leadership, and district administration makes her uniquely qualified to lead our schools into the future.”

Wilson began her career in the classroom, later serving as an assistant principal and principal. She earned National Board Certification as a teacher, an achievement that continues to inform her leadership philosophy focused on supporting the “whole child” and empowering educators.

Her leadership experience includes serving in principal roles at both Gates County Public Schools and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools. During her tenure, she earned multiple recognitions for excellence, including being named Principal of the Year in both districts. Officials noted her leadership was marked by a strong emphasis on academic success, positive school culture, and meaningful engagement with families.

In addition to her K–12 experience, Wilson has served since 2009 as an adjunct professor at Elizabeth City State University, teaching courses in instructional leadership and school law. She is widely respected for her role in preparing future educators and school leaders.

Wilson holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from The George Washington University, along with degrees from East Carolina University and Elizabeth City State University.

She and her husband, Quinten Wilson, have two adult children and two grandchildren. Wilson said she looks forward to working with the Board of Education, staff, students, families, and the community to build on the district’s foundation of success.

Speaking of Perquimans County, Republicans there emphasized grassroots organization and voter outreach at their recent county convention, with Party Chair Bob Valentine outlining priorities for the year ahead.

Valentine said a central focus of the meeting was strengthening participation across all seven precincts.

“The focus was getting all seven precincts actively involved to grow our base to help deliver the message why it’s important to help get out the vote this November,” Valentine said.

Valentine also used the gathering to explain the structure and purpose of the local party, particularly for those attending both the annual precinct meetings and county convention.

“For those who attended both the annual precinct and county convention, it was to explain why and what is the function of the local county party efforts,” he said.

Valentine noted that while this is an off year for party officer elections, he was recently elected to return as county chairman. He also expressed support for his successor-turned-predecessor.

“It may be helpful for readers to know that I was recently elected back to serve in the party chair role, along with my comments of support for Henry House, who was elected as chair back in 2025 to replace me,” Valentine said. “He had to somewhat scale back his role due to commitments to continue to grow and manage his business endeavors.”

Volunteer recruitment was another key topic, particularly as the county prepares for upcoming elections.

“The focus was around encouraging volunteers to help staff the various positions to ensure the elections run smoothly here in Perquimans County, such as poll workers, poll observers and various internal staffing positions,” Valentine said.

The convention also featured two guest speakers. Geoff Byrd presented on the history of the Newbold-White House, the plank house, and the replica periauger boat, while Dr. Paul A. Brintley, an ambassador to the North Carolina Faith and Freedom Coalition, addressed attendees.

Valentine also extended “special thank you appreciation to the Perquimans County Restoration Association” for its contributions.

During the convention, delegates were elected to represent the county at the First Congressional District meeting scheduled for April 11, as well as the North Carolina Republican Party’s 2026 State Convention, set for June 11–14 at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro.

Moving onto Tyrrell County, the Tyrrell County Republican Party gathered Monday evening at Stick Burning BBQ, where local leaders discussed party finances, upcoming convention plans, and efforts to maintain engagement in a small rural county.

Party Chairman Benjamin Winslow opened the meeting with a candid assessment of the group’s financial standing.

Winslow touched on broader national issues, linking economic concerns to global events.

“I’ll be glad to pay $3.50 for a gallon of gas just to know that Iran is changing their flight and somebody over there can live and worship and be free without having to worry about having their head cut off,” he said. “And it’s going to come back around. It’s always going to come back around.”

First Congressional District Secretary Carole Warnecki provided an update on the upcoming district convention, scheduled for April 11 at Beaufort County Community College.

“The D1 convention starts at 11 a.m. April 11th at Beaufort Community College,” Warnecki said. “There’s 25 counties. It’s the biggest district in the state.”

Warnecki emphasized the importance of participation as the newly redrawn district continues to organize under new leadership.

“Our main goal, our immediate focus is putting together and having a successful district convention,” she said. “So come on down.”

Warnecki also outlined changes to the district’s composition following redistricting, noting the addition of several counties and the challenges of coordinating such a large region.

“We’ve got new leadership… (See our story here) and we’ve got a convention in less than three weeks, and we’re just starting to put it together,” she said. “Just say a little prayer for us, because 25 counties is a lot of people to put together.”

Discussion also turned to local party activity and the challenges of maintaining engagement.

“People in Tyrrell County don’t want to come out to hear me speak,” Winslow said. “They want to hear people like (Judicial candidate) Lloyd (Williams). They want to hear people like (State Rep) Ed Goodwin. They want to hear people that we’re looking for representatives.”

Winslow highlighted the party’s efforts to attract candidates and speakers in recent months.

“We elected Republicans here, and if you want to run and run honest and get voted in, you will show up for these meetings,” he said.

Warnecki encouraged continued outreach, suggesting regular speakers as a way to draw attendance.

“They don’t want to hear me talk either, and I can talk a blister,” she said. “But we try and get speakers every month.”

Despite limited resources, Winslow said the party remains focused on its core mission.

“My main goal is to get elected representatives back to Tyrrell County,” he said. “We can get you elected, but I’d like for you to come back after we help you get elected.”

The meeting concluded with an informal discussion about future outreach efforts, including the possibility of forming a local women’s group and increasing community engagement.