Eastern NC

As Princeville Elementary students settle in at the Bridgers building in nearby Tarboro, the building that was filled with storm water from Hurricane Matthew in late October remains empty. The ruined furniture, decorations, books, and materials have been removed. The damaged drywall has been cut out. The entire building has been dried.… Full story »

During John Farrelly’s time as superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS) — since 2012 — he’s learned to expect anything. But then he found himself on a boat with the National Guard, floating through the streets, homes, and classrooms of Princeville. Seeing Hurricane Matthew’s damage, Farrelly said, is something he never could have expected or imagined.… Full story »

Although it’s been over a month since Arlence Little and her family’s home was lost to flooding from Hurricane Matthew, their lives are still very much in limbo. Little and her four foster children are living with her friend just a couple houses down from their previous home, which has since been condemned.… Full story »

A kindergarten classroom of 20 students has gone down to 18 for teacher Sheila Mayo-Deloatch at Princeville Elementary — which now meets in the Bridgers Building, a former elementary school and, more recently, office space and family resource center. Edgecombe County Schools spokesperson Susan Hoke said some students aren’t coming back to Princeville since families are moving away by choice or necessity after Hurricane Matthew displaced hundreds from their homes.… Full story »

“What kind of backyard is this?” asked Ja’Leah Whitehead, a seven-year-old Princeville resident, as she walked down partially flooded streets of Tarboro. “It’s more like a swimming pool!” She jumped over puddles and asked her older cousins, Jeremiah Sellers, 9, and Elijah Sellers, 12, for piggy-back rides. This, because it had to be, was their Friday.… Full story »