Laurens County Council Celebrates Retirees and Addresses Community Issues

News Summary

At the February meeting, the Laurens County Council honored retirees Vicki Cheek and Cynthia Montgomery for their decades of service. They also tackled ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene and addressed community concerns, including veteran recognition and volunteer fire department readiness. Important contracts were approved for disaster recovery and resolutions for Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week and Black History Month were passed. Residents were reminded to participate in local governance through regular meetings.

Laurens County Council Celebrates Retirees and Tackles Community Issues at February Meeting

Laurens County, don your umbrellas because we’re expecting some light rain this evening! The forecast is predicting a high of 46°F, with a chance of showers arriving overnight. If you’re stepping out to catch the Laurens County Council meeting, be ready for winds from the south-southeast that are expected to pick up as the night goes on.

Honoring Our Unsung Heroes

During the February meeting, the Laurens County Council took a moment to shine a spotlight on two remarkable ladies who have dedicated decades of service to the community. Vicki Cheek, the retired coroner since 2001, and Cynthia Montgomery, who has left her mark at the county library since 1992, both received heartfelt recognition for their hard work and dedication.

Cheek expressed that her experience in the coroner’s office was all about teamwork, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community spirit. Meanwhile, Montgomery worked tirelessly to promote literature by black authors and spent the past decade restoring and preserving books in the library’s collection. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on Laurens County.

Ongoing Recovery After Hurricane Helene

Of course, it wouldn’t be a council meeting without an update on recovery efforts following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. County Administrator Thomas Higgs reported on the progress of debris pickup. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is currently leading these efforts, but there is no clear timeline as to when the task will be completed.

Residents looking for more information can easily reach out by calling 855-467-2368 or visiting the county website. It’s important to stay connected and informed as recovery continues.

Community Concerns Addressed

Residents were advised to direct their concerns about these issues to the Laurens City Council for appropriate action. Community members are encouraged to voice their needs and engage with local government to foster a stronger and more inclusive community.

Contracts and Resolutions Passed

The council also took care of some important housekeeping matters by approving a contract worth $100/hour with GMC to assist with Disaster Recovery Public Assistance efforts and to apply for FEMA reimbursement related to the hurricane recovery. Additionally, a sole-source contract was approved with R & R Recovery Service to transport deceased persons for autopsies, ensuring that critical services remain uninterrupted.

In recognition of significant occasions, the council passed resolutions declaring Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week and Black History Month, showing that Laurens County values the contributions and recognition of various professionals and cultures.

Future Meetings and Developing Issues

A proposed ordinance regarding Council Rules was also presented during the meeting, with expectations for a fuller discussion at an upcoming meeting. Furthermore, the council discussed a charge from a former Finance Department employee to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in a closed session, but no action was taken on this issue.

Interested residents should remember that Laurens County Council meetings take place every second Monday at 6 p.m. at Hillcrest Complex East, located at 105 Bolt Drive. And for those who can’t attend in person, you can catch the meetings live-streamed—so there’s no excuse to miss out on local governance.

So, grab your raincoats, stay informed, and let’s continue to make Laurens County an even better place to call home!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Laurens County Schools Face Lawsuit Over Discrimination
Laurens County Council Votes Down Fireworks Ordinance
Newberry, South Carolina: A Hidden Gem Unveiled
Laurens County School District 55 Celebrates Educators
Major Developments Planned for Ware Shoals
Laurens County School District 55 Implements Nutrition Overhaul
Piedmont Technical College Celebrates 460 Graduates in Greenwood
Main Street Laurens Bids Farewell to Craig Scharton
Northern Laurens County Fireworks Ordinance Faces Delays
New Leadership Takes Hold in Laurens County Council

Additional Resources

• Laurens County News
• Wikipedia: Laurens County, South Carolina
• National Association of Counties
• Google Search: Laurens County Council
• FEMA
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane