Dec 9

Dec 9 Downtown revitalization includes murals to depict Kinston's rich history

The Lenoir County Administration Building on the corner of North Queen and East Caswell.

It's time to break out the paint brushes in the revival of Kinston's historic downtown.

The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a mural to portray the historic Adkin High School Walkout, a remarkable act of bravery that occurred in 1951, during last Monday morning's meeting. The scene will be painted only on the Caswell Street side of the Lenoir County Administration Building and solely within the nine bricked arch windows.

The City of Kinston received funding from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) in July. Marcia Perritt, community development planner with the City of Kinston, said between 10 to 15 outdoor public murals are slated for completion by August 2020.

Two professional local artists, Maximillian Mozingo and Jamil Burton, will craft the community-based murals on the exterior of buildings scattered throughout downtown. The City is responsible for the maintenance, insurance and long-term care of the murals.

Marcia Perritt, community development planner with the City of Kinston, speaks with the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners on Monday morning. Rudy Coggins photo/Neuse News

In other matters before the board:

Re-elected

Commissioner chair Linda Rouse Sutton and co-chair Ronald Best were re-elected to serve in the same positions for 2020. Sutton said she was dedicating her next year to the late Reuben Davis, who passed away Nov. 14.

Davis honored

Commissioner Preston L. Harris read a resolution in memory of former Commissioner Reuben Davis.

After the reading, Sutton presented Davis' son Jeff with a lapel pin, his father's name plate, a framed copy of the resolution and two additional copies.

Approved

The Commissioners approved a resolution to authorize Holland's Refinishing and Home Repair to handle renovation work for the Department of Social Services. The cost is nearly $24,000.

Employee Service

Sutton recognized five Lenoir County employees for their years of service - Sheriff Ronnie Ingram (five years), Tammy Baldwin of DSS (five years), Pamela Harris of EMS/Telecommunications (15 years), Tommy Beamon of Public Health (15 years) and Teresa Gatlin-Speed of DSS (25 years).