EDENTON TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AT A GLANCE, click here

EDENTON FIRE CHIEF BASS STEPS INTO RETIREMENT

EDENTON DAR, AMERICAN LEGION POSTS REMEMBER 911, HONOR 343 FIREFIGHTERS

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB 911 MEMORIAL VIDEO

COVER STORY

Standing among 343 American flags Friday morning, Edenton Fire Chief Billy Bass was surrounded by reminders of firefighters who answered their final call 25 years ago.

For Bass, the Sept. 11 observance at Veterans Memorial Park carried an additional significance. After 37 years with the Edenton Fire Department, Friday was his final day before retirement.

The field of flags belonged to 343 other firefighters.

Each represented a member of the New York City Fire Department who died on Sept. 11, 2001 — men who went to work that morning not knowing that before the day was over, their sacrifice would become part of American history.

Bonnie Henn, Regent of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, opened the 343 Flags of Honor Dedication Ceremony by asking those gathered to look beyond the number.

“The 343 flags remind us that 343 is not just a number,” Henn said. “They were sons. They were fathers, husbands and brothers. And today we remember them.”

The ceremony was presented by the Edenton Tea Party Chapter NSDAR in partnership with American Legion Posts 40, 126 and 362.

But Henn's opening message was as much about what followed Sept. 11 as the tragedy itself.

“In the days following September 11, Americans reached for one another,” she said. “We were reminded that the things that unite us are far greater than those that divide us.”

Following the posting of the colors and Chris Nagle's performance of the National Anthem, Sandra Williams, chaplain of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, offered an invocation remembering the victims, their families and those who ran toward danger rather than away from it.

“We remember the immense bravery of the first responders who rushed into danger on September 11,” Williams prayed, before asking for continued protection, strength and peace for those serving today and for “their families, who carry the weight of their service and sacrifice.”

For one man standing before the flags Friday, the events of Sept. 11 were experienced firsthand.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Gary Kollmann was working inside the Pentagon when it was attacked. A 27-year Army veteran who later spent 14 years as a defense contractor, Kollmann now lives in Hertford and serves as adjutant of American Legion Post 126.

His morning had begun routinely.

“We went to work, we talked with our coworkers, and made plans for the day ahead,” Kollmann recalled. “None of us could imagine what was about to happen. Then, in a matter of minutes, everything changed.”

Kollmann and his coworkers were watching television coverage of the attacks in New York when the Pentagon's fire alarm sounded. They evacuated into the parking lot.

“As I was exiting, I looked overhead and did notice the smoke originating from the other side of the building,” he said. “It wasn't until a few minutes later that the news got out that the building had, indeed, been hit by an airplane.”

An individual carrying a satellite phone eventually began moving around the perimeter telling people to take cover.

“Where are we gonna hide? In the parking lot?” Kollmann remembered wondering.

Before cell phones were commonplace, another concern quickly became deeply personal.

“I remember the confusion, and unfortunately, without cell phones, the inability to call my wife and daughters to tell them I was all right,” Kollmann said.

When he returned to work the following day, evidence of what had happened remained.

“It was an eerie feeling to smell the smoke in the hallways and on my uniform.”

Kollmann said 184 people lost their lives at the Pentagon.

“They came from different backgrounds, different walks of life, but they shared something very important,” he said. “They were Americans, and they were someone's husband or wife, someone's father or mother, someone's son or daughter, someone's friend. They were loved.”

Kollmann then offered a perspective extending beyond the anniversary itself.

“Although I was in the Pentagon that day, what I can't remember is the night before,” he said. “I don't remember September 10, 2001 — who I called, what I said, how I spoke or treated the people I loved the most.”

He thinks about the people who packed suitcases, briefcases and diaper bags that night, believing the following morning would simply bring another ordinary day.

“While the rest of the world will remember 9/11, as we all should, I seem to always spend a little time reflecting on 9/10,” Kollmann said.

That reflection has become a reminder to him to spend “a little extra time practicing gratitude, being intentional with my family and offering more words of support, understanding, tenderness and empathy.”

His message ultimately returned to unity.

“In a time of great divisiveness in our country, let us take today to remember that we are better united,” Kollmann said. “We are stronger as humans, as brothers and sisters, and as Americans when we can find tolerance, kindness, mercy and love.”

Bass followed with the perspective of a man who has spent nearly four decades answering fire calls in his own community.

“I've had 37 good years with it,” Bass said of the Edenton Fire Department. “I've enjoyed my time with the fire department.”

He remembered watching the events unfold on television that morning and later seeing the second aircraft strike the World Trade Center.

“As a firefighter, your mind starts going on, ‘What would you do if you were there?’” Bass said. “Most people tell us we're crazy. You run in burning buildings when everybody else is running out.”

The explanation, he said, is uncomplicated.

“We do it because we love helping people.”

Bass recalled a principle taught by former Phoenix Fire Chief Alan Brunacini that he has carried throughout his career.

“You risk a lot to save a lot. You risk little to save little. And you risk nothing to save nothing.”

For Bass, those words describe what the 343 firefighters did on Sept. 11.

“The 343 firefighters that perished that day risked a lot to save a lot,” he said. “They responded to a call just like any other call firefighters do.”

Bass said firefighters do not know what awaits when the alarm sounds.

“We hear the tones, we run to the trucks, we get in our trucks, we drive to the call,” he said. “No one expected that day to be any different.”

The same commitment continues closer to home, Bass said, with 40 active firefighters in Edenton and another 20 at Center Hill.

“We've left Christmas parties, birthdays, to respond to these calls,” Bass said. “Not that we don't want to spend time with our families, but we love helping our community. We love being firemen.”

And while Bass said the firefighters who died that morning likely would not have called themselves heroes, he had no difficulty doing so.

“They don't see themselves as heroes,” he said. “But to us, they are, for what they did.”

Then, on the final day of his own 37-year firefighting career, Bass brought the ceremony back to the reason 343 flags had been placed in the park.

“The most important thing we can remember is we should never forget those who perished on that day 25 years ago today.”

A moment of silence followed. The remaining flags were placed, completing the field of remembrance of the 343 firefighters and many others who lost their lives that day.

COVER PHOTO: Retired U.S. Army Col. Gary Kollmann and soon to be retired - by day's end - Edenton Fire Chief Billy Bass

ABOVE PHOTO: The Field of Memorial Flags

Town News

Boys & Girls Club Remembers 911

Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, young people who were not yet born when the attacks occurred took a leading role Friday in ensuring the events — and the lessons that followed — are not forgotten.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Albemarle held its 9/11 Memorial Program at the historic D.F. Walker School in Edenton, bringing together club members, families, volunteers and community leaders for an afternoon of remembrance, reflection and service.

Club members participated throughout the ceremony, which included an opening prayer by Melvin Tatem, a welcome by Joshua Williams, the Pledge of Allegiance led by the John A. Holmes High School JROTC, musical and dance selections, and a timeline of the events of September 11 presented by Boys & Girls Club students.

Riley Sikes, Lashawn Wilson, Gage Sullivan, Brycen Squires, Joshua Williams and Troquan Moore participated in the student timeline presentation. Sydney Lassiter presented a 9/11 tribute, while Lacey White led a questionnaire about the attacks.

A moment of silence honored the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks.

Guest speaker George E. Lewis III, chairman of the Edenton-Chowan Board of Education, directed much of his message toward the young people in attendance.

Lewis told them that those old enough to remember September 11 have a responsibility to tell its story to generations who did not experience it.

But rather than focus solely on the horror of September 11, Lewis asked his audience to remember what happened afterward.

“America remembered how to be neighbors,” Lewis said.

He recalled how communities responded in the days and weeks following the attacks: neighbors checked on neighbors, churches opened their doors, people lined up to donate blood and first responders traveled across the country to help.

Lewis made the enormous loss of September 11 personal by telling the story of his friend Mark Whitford.

The two became friends as young Army officers in 1994. Whitford, a husband and father of twin boys, eventually pursued his dream of becoming a New York City firefighter.

Lewis recalled his friend with humor, telling the young audience about once convincing Whitford at a Japanese restaurant that a large mound of wasabi was an after-dinner mint. Whitford ate the entire thing.

But Lewis then explained why Whitford's story has remained with him for 25 years.

On September 11, Whitford entered the South Tower of the World Trade Center to help people he had never met.

“He knew only one thing: They needed help,” Lewis said. “And Mark helped.”

Whitford was 31 when the South Tower collapsed at 9:59 a.m.

Lewis used his friend's sacrifice to challenge those gathered not simply to remember September 11, but to turn remembrance into service.

“Remembrance tells us to look backward,” he said. “Service tells us to carry what we remember forward.”

That service, Lewis suggested, does not have to involve extraordinary acts. It can begin by sitting with someone who normally sits alone, talking with someone outside one's usual circle, helping a neighbor or welcoming someone new.

He also challenged adults to recognize the example they set for children, particularly in a time of division.

“Our children learn unity by watching us,” Lewis said, urging people to remember that disagreement does not have to make neighbors enemies.

Lewis closed by returning to the biblical words from Isaiah that he said have reminded him of Whitford for the past quarter-century: “Here am I. Send me.”

“That was Mark,” Lewis said. “And that can be us.”

His final message fit closely with the purpose of a ceremony in which a new generation carried forward the memory of a day they know only through history.

Not simply remembrance. Service. Not “them.” Us.

Teyana Sanderlin Performs as BGC students offer a timeline of events...

Edenton Town Council meeting at a glance

Electric Department, Board Appointments and Harbor Repairs Discussed

September 8, 2026

Electric Department property: Council continued discussing the possible acquisition of land for a future Electric Department site near Hubley Drive. No action was taken. Staff is still working through access and right-of-way issues and discussed substantial buffers between the proposed site and nearby residential areas. Development of the property, if it moves forward, would likely be phased over several years.
Board of Adjustment appointments: Council appointed John Woodand Anne-Marie Sparks to regular seats on the Board of Adjustment. Hal Murray was subsequently appointed as an alternate member.
Edenton Harbor repairs: Council approved a resolution supporting the town's application for a Boating Infrastructure Grant for additional harbor and breakwater repairs. The proposed project totals $296,480, with an estimated $222,360 in federal grant fundingand a $74,120 local match. The grant would address four remaining breakwater repair locations and other related waterfront infrastructure needs.
Filbert's Creek flooding project: Council selected The Wooten Company as the most-qualified engineering firm for the next phase of the Filbert's Creek Restoration project and authorized contract negotiations. The engineering work will examine flooding, the existing constructed wetlands, possible expansion, greenway improvements and other nature-based drainage solutions. The engineering/design phase is expected to be covered through grant funding.
Constitution Week: Mayor Hackney High proclaimed September 17–23, 2026, Constitution Week in Edenton, recognizing the Constitution and the role of Edenton-area figures in its creation and ratification.
Public safety concern:Residents raised concerns about an August 22 shooting on West Freemason Street, where a stray bullet struck a residence. Council acknowledged the concern and discussed the difficulty police face when witnesses are unwilling to provide information.
Town website improvements: The town manager reported that agenda packets for the Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Board and Board of Adjustment are now being placed online, with the intention of posting them when packets are distributed before meetings.
East Queen Street trees: The town manager said removal of several crape myrtles resulted from a miscommunication. The trees had been intended for pruning rather than removal and will be replanted.
Main Street Edenton: A public update on Main Street Edenton's activities and use of town-supported economic-development funding is expected in October, with the organization working on a twice-yearly public report.
Long-delayed development projects: Council expressed growing frustration over delays involving the Beechwood development and downtown Hinton Hotel project and asked that both matters return to the council agenda for further updates. Staff reported that hotel construction plans have been submitted for review, but financing remains an issue.
Natural gas and internet: Council asked staff to continue discussions with NCDOT and Piedmont Natural Gas about the possibility of extending natural gas infrastructure in conjunction with a future bridge project. Council also requested follow-up regarding promised internet connections in town parks.

Photo: John Wood and Anne Marie Sparks address the Edenton Town Council on their Board of Adjustment appointments.

COVER STORY

EDENTON PROCLAIMS CONSTITUTION WEEK

Mayor Hackney High proclaimed September 17–23, 2026, as Constitution Week in the Town of Edenton during Tuesday evening’s Town Council meeting.

High presented the proclamation to Bonnie Henn, Regent of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, with chapter representative Caroline Butler also participating in the presentation.

The proclamation recognizes the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, and highlights Edenton’s connection to the nation’s founding. It specifically recognizes Hugh Williamson, Samuel Johnston and James Iredell for their roles in the creation and ratification of the Constitution.

The proclamation encourages Edenton residents to reflect on the principles established by the Constitution and on the responsibilities of American citizenship.

Constitution Week has long been promoted nationally by the Daughters of the American Revolution as an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of the Constitution. The Edenton Tea Party Chapter has also made Constitution Day an important part of its local historical programming.

Mayor High officially declared September 17 through September 23 Constitution Week in Edenton.

PHOTO: Caroline Butler, Bonnie Henn and Edenton Mayor Hackney High proudly display Edenton's Constitution Week Proclamation

MORE TOWN NEWS

Chowan Senior Center Month

September is Senior Center Month, a fitting time to recognize the important role the Chowan Senior Center plays in keeping area seniors active, connected and engaged in their community.

Under the guidance of Chowan Senior Center Program Director & Coordinator Sandra Taylor and her staff, the center at 204 E. Church Street has become far more than a place to stop by for an occasional activity. A North Carolina Certified Senior Center of Excellence, its mission is to enhance the quality of life for senior adults — something reflected in a September calendar filled with opportunities for fitness, friendship, education, recreation and even adventure.

One of September’s particularly valuable additions is a beginner-friendly self-defense class designed for senior adults. Taught by Rommel Cortezano, classes are scheduled Sept. 11 and 25 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., as well as every Monday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. The program offers seniors an opportunity to learn practical personal-safety skills while also building confidence and remaining physically active.

Historic Edenton Trivia Night

How well do you know Edenton’s fascinating history? Friends of State Historic Sites–Edenton will host “Pour Me a Fact: Historic Edenton Trivia” on Thursday, September 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Edenton Bay Trading Company.

Gather a team, brush up on your local history and prepare for a fun evening of trivia, laughs and a little friendly competition. “Period dress” is encouraged, but certainly not required.

Admission is just $2 per person, with prizes awarded for first and second place as well as best team name.

Proceeds benefit the Historic Edenton State Historic Site. For more information, contact eventsfoshse@gmail.com or (703) 887-4476.

Friday Food Finds Begins, Sept. 18

Food trucks, music and downtown shopping will come together for an early evening of fun on South Broad Street.

Downtown Edenton will be the place to kick off the weekend on Friday, September 18, as Friday Foods & Finds returns with food, music, friends and an opportunity to enjoy everything downtown has to offer.

The event begins at 4 p.m. at 325 S. Broad Street and brings together food trucks, live music and activities in a casual outdoor setting designed for the entire family.

Friday Foods & Finds offers residents and visitors an opportunity to grab something to eat, enjoy the entertainment and then spend some time exploring Edenton's downtown businesses.

The September gathering continues the community atmosphere that has made downtown events popular — neighbors catching up with one another, children enjoying activities and visitors discovering some of the shops, restaurants and businesses that make downtown Edenton special.

The event is presented with the support of Main Street Edenton, Visit Edenton and Surf, Wind and Fire, with the goal of bringing people downtown and encouraging them to spend the evening enjoying local businesses.

And with September bringing slightly cooler evenings, it should be a great time to gather with friends and enjoy downtown.

Friday Foods & Finds
Friday, September 18, 2026
Beginning at 4 p.m.
325 S. Broad Street, Edenton
Food Trucks • Music • Downtown Businesses

For vendor, food truck or volunteer information, contact Events@mainstreetedenton.com.

Community Pig Pickin'

Bayside Bakery & (Belton's) Board

The Edenton Farmers Market has always been about much more than buying fresh produce. It is about neighbors supporting neighbors, local farmers and artisans sharing what they produce, and volunteers giving their time to create a welcoming gathering place for the community.

On Saturday, September 19, that spirit of giving will be on full display when the Farmers Market hosts a free Community Pig Pickin’ during its regular Saturday market.

Under the leadership of Edenton Farmers Market President Mary Wolfe, volunteers and market vendors work throughout the season to keep the market thriving. For this special Saturday, many are going a step further, volunteering their time and bringing side dishes to accompany the pork being prepared by Lee’s Hill Top Farm.

Food will be served free to the community from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. There is no charge for anyone who would like to stop by and enjoy a meal.

The Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with vendors offering the locally grown and produced goods shoppers have come to expect, including fresh produce, baked goods, seafood and artisan items.

Events such as the Community Pig Pickin’ demonstrate just how much Wolfe, the market’s volunteers and its vendors contribute to Edenton. Week after week, their efforts provide a place for local growers and makers to sell their products while creating a gathering spot where residents can visit with friends, meet their neighbors and support local businesses.

The special community meal is made possible with funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The Edenton Farmers Market extends its appreciation to the sponsors, Lee's Hill Top Farm, participating vendors and the many volunteers whose generosity makes the day possible.

Come hungry, shop local and enjoy a Saturday with your neighbors — September 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edenton Farmers Market.

Bayside Bakery & (Belton's) Board

Bayside Bakery & Boards could now be considered the gateway to one of town's busiest of blocks. Wednesday through Sunday morning, the corner in front of the bakery is bustling with residents enjoying freshly baked scones, evenly dusted jelly filled doughnuts, both raspberry and lemon varieties and a selection of baked goods worthy of tasteful praise. Steps past and a few bites into a fresh baked of choice, Greybeard's is the town's place for cigars and indulgence. Not usually open at early morning doughnut time, however, as evening sets in the crowd appears.

The recently opened Broad Street Butcher is adding to the block's popularity as owner Kris Bateman takes to his Facebook connection regularly.

Edenton Bay Trading Company has long been the block's flagship store and Malcolm King is definitely considered the Mayor of the Block. On any given day Malcolm can be seen assisting customers with purchases, sorting a Sonoma worthy selection of fine wines and a brew Meisters' paradise along the shelves of the Edenton Bay Trading Company. Malcolm and Edenton Bay Trading are also recognized as the town's Trivia, Vinyl Night and Music Bingo hosts. Edenton Bay is considered by many as the unofficial welcoming center.

Downtown Roots, known for its large sandwiches and outdoor dining is another crowd please.

Dog Eared Books is the newest shop on the block and is already gaining popularity.

The Edenton Tea Company with it's massive display windows occupies one of the town's most historic buildings, The Josephine Leary Building. The building and the Tea Company, highlighting the foundation of the town's history, tea, are a perfect fit. It is a must stop in shop.

If it's just before 5 p.m. the line outside Waterman's is waiting for Brian Robert's to open the door. Waterman's has anchored the South Broad St. block for 26 years and counting. Known for fresh seafood and a friendly staff, Waterman's is an Edenton institution.

Finally, The Style Palette is the last retail stop on S. Broad St. One of the town's favorite women's retail fashion boutiques, The Style Palette is a sure stop before heading to the Barker House, the town's official welcome center.

Kayaking Offers a Different View

Bayside Bakery & (Belton's) Board

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Edenton’s waterfront, but perhaps one of the best is from the seat of a kayak.

Visitors and locals don’t even need to own one. The Town of Edenton offers kayaks, canoes and paddleboards for rent at the harbor, providing an inexpensive and easy way to get out on the water and see Edenton from an entirely different perspective. The Town says the equipment is available daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

And the price makes it an outing almost anyone can enjoy. A single kayak rents for just $5 an hour, while a two-person kayak is $7. Canoes are $10 an hour and paddleboards $5. For those looking for a longer adventure, all-day and overnight canoe and kayak options are also available.

Launching from the waterfront puts paddlers alongside some of Edenton’s most familiar landmarks. From the water, the Roanoke River Lighthouse, historic waterfront and shoreline take on a completely different appearance. The Town Harbor specifically promotes the rentals as a way for people to explore both the harbor and neighboring creeks.

One of those waterways is Pembroke Creek, where another kayaking experience awaits.

Pembroke Creek Park, at 716 West Queen Street, includes a boardwalk and dedicated kayak and canoe launch and is open from dawn until dusk. The Pembroke Creek paddling trail winds through several miles of water bordered by mature trees and offers access toward Edenton Bay. It is rated for beginner/intermediate paddlers with an easy-to-moderate difficulty level.

Wednesday evenings have also become a chance for local kayakers to simply get together and enjoy the creek. Last Wednesday, paddlers in bright green kayaks could be seen making their way along Pembroke Creek, enjoying the quieter water, the scenery and one another’s company.

It is an easygoing reminder that kayaking doesn’t have to be a major expedition. Sometimes it is simply an opportunity to get outdoors with friends and spend an hour or two enjoying one of Edenton’s greatest natural assets.

We walk beside the water, dine overlooking it and photograph its sunsets.

Every once in a while, it’s worth picking up a paddle and actually getting out on it.

Weather Sept. 3- Sept. 10

Historic Edenton, North Carolina

Weather Outlook — September 3–10, 2026

Thursday, September 3
☀️ Hot and humid
High: 97°F • Low: 76°F
A very hot start to the period. Mostly sunny conditions with dangerous afternoon heat. A Heat Advisory is in effect through 8 p.m., and the heat index could reach roughly 106°.

Friday, September 4
🌤️⛈️ Very hot and humid; afternoon storm possible
High: 99°F • Low: 78°F
Potentially the hottest day of the period. Sunshine and clouds with a stray afternoon thunderstorm possible. The heat index may again become dangerous.

Saturday, September 5
⛈️ Warm and humid with afternoon thunderstorms
High: 90°F • Low: 71°F
A cold front begins changing the weather pattern. Afternoon thunderstorms are likely, with locally heavy rain and gusty winds possible. The NWS currently puts the precipitation chance around 70%.

Sunday, September 6
🌤️ Turning cooler and less humid
High: 84°F • Low: 67°F
A dramatic improvement following Saturday's storms. Clouds give way to sunshine with noticeably lower humidity.

Monday, September 7 — Labor Day
☀️ Mostly sunny and pleasant
High: 82°F • Low: 64°F
Beautiful early-September weather. Sunshine, much lower humidity and a refreshingly cool night make this one of the week's best outdoor days.

Tuesday, September 8
🌤️ Sun and clouds, comfortable
High: 83°F • Low: 64°F
Another pleasant day with a mixture of sunshine and clouds and temperatures remaining in the lower 80s.

Wednesday, September 9
🌤️ Warmer with some high clouds
High: 90°F • Low: 70°F
Temperatures begin climbing again as warmer, more humid air returns.

Thursday, September 10
☀️ Very warm with sunshine and a few clouds
High: 92°F • Low: 70°F
Summer isn't finished yet. Mostly sunny skies accompany another return to the lower 90s.

EDENTON FIRE CHIEF BASS STEPS INTO RETIREMENT

EDENTON DAR, AMERICAN LEGION POSTS REMEMBER 911, HONOR 343 FIREFIGHTERS

COVER STORY

A 911 Remembrance in Pictures

Boys & Girls Club Hosts 911 MEMORIAL