Congressman Walter B. Jones Addresses Hyde County Chamber

The Hyde County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Congressman Walter B. Jones as featured speaker.

Community Leaders On The Dais Included, Linda Mayo (Left End With Back Turned), Beatrice Emment, Tim Spears, Millie Lilley, Congressman Walter B. Jones, Steve Bryan, Carolyn Williford (Behind Podium), Mitchell Newman, Dianne Pugh And Alice Keeney

Congressman Jones used as his theme for the speech, what separates him from the Republican Party and Republican leadership. He focused initially on two issues. 1. Republicans are wasting money and continued spending will be a disaster for the county. 2. Invading Iraq was wrong and Donald Rumsfield should be fired.

Congressman Walter B. Jones, Republican

He next went into great detail about the need for immigration reform and defense of our borders. "We should not give amnesty to people who came here illegally."

Packed Room, With Numerous Local Leaders, Including Senate Candidate Ron Toppin At The Font Table

Another topic covered in detail was to protect the rights of people of faith. He spoke of his efforts to re-instate Captain Jonathan Sturbach, Chaplain, who was fired for praying in the name of "Jesus Christ" in services for a fallen soldier who was a Christian.

Bruce Freske, Accepting Award For Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

A highlight of the day was the presentation of the "Good Neighbor Award" from the Chamber of Commerce to the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, honoring their participation in a significant local event, the annual Hyde County Trail Ride. This event, started by Mark Dodge, has gained significant exposure and popularity, generating $17 thousand in contributions for local charities and attracting over 250 entrants last year.