Staff report

Tragedy was averted last week when Rose Recor helped resuscitate little Joey Tolson, who had fallen into a 6-by-6 water-filled sluice pit.

Their heart-warming story was but one of the good things going on in our community last week that was reported in the News-Herald. Other deeds, accomplishments worthy of further recognition include:

?A dedication was held for the new $1.8 million East Washington Street Police Precinct. Hopefully, the attractive, 9,800-square foot facility will be a catalyst for further development in the area.

?Ground was broken the same day on the $50,000 Oderzo, Italy fountain project at the Courthouse. Oderzo is the hometown of Planters Nut & Chocolate Co. founder and Suffolk benefactor Amedeo Obici.

?The Nansemond River High School DECA, aided by the Suffolk Police, Fire and Health departments, sponsored and Auto Safety Day at Driver Elementary as part of their public relations project. Students, faculty and staff at the school had an informative, enjoyable experience.

?Congratulations to Northern Shores and Elephants Fork elementary schools for hooking their students up with one another in a pen pal program. Last week the students who have been participating met to put faces to the names and spend time touring downtown Suffolk.

?IMPACT Suffolk hosted its Fifth Annual Wacky Saturday event. Scores of children enjoyed face painting, balloons and music, and also received disaster information and health screenings. Dot Dalton, president of IMPACT Suffolk, said more volunteers turned out for this year’s event than ever before.