Lenoir commissioners recognize youth, approve transportation grant application
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners met Monday, Aug. 18, recognizing county employees, local youth and a championship softball team before turning to business items that included a major grant application and courthouse renovation discussion.
Employees honored for their service included Liz Wendy Abrego of Emergency Services (5 years), Sonia Heath of Social Services (10 years), and Ruth Hollowell of Social Services, Joshua Garner of the Sheriff’s Office, and Sweet Gonzalez-Saucedo of Public Health (15 years each).
Commissioners also welcomed 16-year-old Lamonie Taylor, a Kinston High School student representing Lenoir County at the upcoming 4-H Youth Voice program. Taylor is also a member of the county’s new 4-H podcasting club, which recently interviewed Congressman Don Davis.
The board recognized the Kinston/Lenoir County 10U softball team, winners of the 2025 Dixie Youth State Championship and national runners-up. Players and coaches received certificates and Lenoir County pins.
Commissioners noted the recent Kinston-Lenoir County Sports Hall of Fame banquet, which honored Antonio “Tony” Dawson, Delores Jarman, Eddie Gwaltney, Norman Joyner, Clifton Whitfield, Tracy Corbin Hart, Cam McCray and the 1967 Granger High School baseball team.
During business, commissioners held a public hearing and approved an application for the FY 2027 Community Transportation Program grant, totaling $426,490 with a $57,449 local match. They also approved a memorandum of understanding between Lenoir County Transit and UNC Lenoir Health Complete Care to provide transportation services for patients, and authorized a $150,000 building reuse grant application on behalf of Project Rehab.
Appointments included the first reading of June Cummings to the Lenoir County Board of Health and the reappointment of Norman Bryson to the Lenoir County Transit Advisory Board.
The meeting’s major discussion centered on the county courthouse, where consultants presented updated cost estimates comparing full renovation to new construction. Commissioners reached consensus to pursue renovation, with staff directed to return with detailed relocation costs for courthouse staff during construction.
The board ended with commissioner reports and entered closed session to consult with the county attorney on economic development matters.
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