It was sad to read that Jerry Allegood will no longer be reporting on Eastern North Carolina ("N&O veteran who reported on Eastern N.C. retires," May 15). He has done a splendid job of telling the stories of the proud coastal region that has struggled to prosper like the Piedmont but that now frequently outshines its neighbors to the west.

Even sadder is the news that The N&O is closing its Greenville bureau. While the shutdown may be necessary to save money, the consequence is that there will no longer be a reporter living and working in the hub of the eastern third of our state.

This will keep N&O subscribers from reading first-hand accounts of all the wonderful things happening every day in an area that is emerging as a distinguished and contributing part of North Carolina.

Jerry Allegood and the Greenville bureau will be truly missed.

Herb Garrison

Greenville

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.