By By CHRIST PROKOS
christ@wdnweb.com
Managing Editor
Regular readers of the Washington Daily News are rarely shy when it comes to sharing opinions about topics of local interest. That’s a big reason why Sound Off is one of the more popular columns in the paper.
Well, we are now asking readers to contribute their 2 cents.
In the waning weeks of 2010, we will review the top 10 local news stories of 2010 and we want your input. Which was the bigger story, Edward Salter or Secotan? Fountain Powerboats or PAS USA? The resignation of Washington City Manager James C. Smith or the first complete year for Beaufort County Schools Superintendent Don Phipps?
What will you recall when looking back on 2010? We want to know how your top 10 stacks up with our top 10.
All readers are encouraged to call our Sound Off line at 252-940-4215 this week to nominate their top two or three stories in no particular order. We will tabulate the votes and reveal the rankings in a “Top 10 for 2010” countdown beginning Dec. 26. You can choose stories from our list or add your own. The deadline is Dec. 24.
While you are at it, please take a moment to tell us your top five favorite comics you read in the paper.
BELHAVEN CONFLICTS
The Town Council’s decision to remove former Mayor Charles O. Boyette’s name from the town’s civic center and controversy concerning the remodeling of the town’s fire station were among several conflicts in Belhaven in 2010.
BRHS
Residents across the county have a stake in the closely-watched financial situation with Beaufort County Medical Center and a possible merger with another hospital.
DANCING WITH OUR STARS
Fundraiser for Eagle’s Wings food pantry breaks record, grossing $51,000.
MIDTERM ELECTIONS
Political newcomer Bill Cook upsets long-term incumbent Arthur Williams; three incumbent county commissioners are re-elected.
FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS
The Beaufort County company emerges from bankruptcy, Donzi Marine and Pro-Line announce plans to relocate to Chocowinity, and founder Reggie Fountain resigns.
PASSING OF RACHEL FUTRELL
Rachel Futrell, whose family owned the Washington Daily News for 50 years, died at the Heart Center of Eastern North Carolina in Greenville.
THREE MURDERS
Three people were killed in Beaufort County this year, including Leonard Alfred Willson III, a paraplegic who was beaten to death in his Bath home.
PAS USA EXPANSION
Gov. Beverly Perdue was on hand at the Washington Civic Center as appliance panel maker PAS USA announced plans to hire 239 people to work in its Washington plant.
QUARTERDECK RULING
A judge rules in favor of the Quarterdeck Marina and the Town of Bath in a dispute over zoning and land-use issues.
PROPERTY REVALUATIONS
Property revaluations, many reflecting the increased value of waterfront properties, had many Beaufort County taxpayers in an uproar about the significant increases in their tax bills.
RUNYON CREEK BRIDGE
The bridge connecting Washington with Washington Park reopens after several months of repair work.
EDWARD SALTER
The remains of the former member of Blackbeard’s crew are returned to Beaufort County while discussion continues on a permanent burial site.
SECOTAN
Research continues to determine if Bath’s Beasley Point is connected to a lost Indian village made famous in a series of watercolors painted by English gentleman-explorer John White.
SCHOOL BOMB THREATS
Officials with Beaufort County Schools are working with law enforcement to end a rash of school bomb threats, including four at Southside High School in four consecutive days.
SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT
Don Phipps nears completion of his first year as head of Beaufort County Schools.
SMOKE ON THE WATER
The annual barbecue contest on the waterfront continues under the direction of the Noon Rotary.
DR. DAVID TAYLOE PASSES
After devoting much of his life to generations of area children, local pediatrician “Dr. Dave” Tayloe Sr., 84, passed away in June.
TROPICAL STORM NICOLE
Days of rain from Tropical Storm Nicole and a stalled front cause flooding in most of the area, closing U.S. Highway 264.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Beaufort County’s jobless rate falls to less than 10 percent in October. It had been at or above 10 percent since January 2009.
U.S. 17 BYPASS
The long-awaited bypass opened earlier this year, with its bridge named after Ashley B. Futrell Sr., former Washington Daily News owner, editor and publisher and a former state senator.
WASHINGTON CITY MANAGER RESIGNS
City Manager James C. Smith resigns after five years on the job. He’s taking the job as Farmville’s town manager next month.
WDN SOLD
The Futrell family agrees to sell the Washington Daily News to Washington Newsmedia LLC, a newly-formed media company controlled by Boone Newspapers Inc. of Tuscaloosa, Ala.