Kent Evans, the new Area Loan Specialist in Williamsburg County for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Develop-ment, was being hailed as hero on Friday, May 23 as the Town of Lane unveiled the “brand-new” 2008 Dodge Charger Police Cruiser recently acquired through a grant secured by Williamsburg County Rural Development.

Evans, who is originally from the area, has served the USDA in the Beaufort area for the past 15 years, said, “I think we have finally come together as a people in the Town of Lane, and we are getting things done.” He also told Lane citizens there is a new town hall on the horizon. Evans added that his field of expertise is water and sewer development, and he said, because of the settlement of the 10-year water/sewer lawsuit in Williamsburg County, there is a major water and sewer facility project on the way.

The big news, said USDA State Director Thomas “Tee” Miller, who spoke during the presentation, is that Williamsburg County Rural Development now offers all of its programs at a local level. With local agents having better access to a broader category of state and federal funds, he said, county residents may see more developmental projects come to fruition.  

George Hicks, Jr. USDA Lead Area Specialist, said Rural Development was able to secure a grant that paid 85 percent of the cost of the new car with the Town of Lane furnishing the rest.

Lane Mayor Charlie Fulton said the new patrol car was only one of the many good things in the town’s future due to, what he said is a “working relationship with our delegation and Rural Development.”

“Without your help many of these things would not be possible,” he told those gathered at the Town Gazebo to witness the event.

Fulton joked with citizens about their possible ire over a recent tax increase, but he explained, without those matching funds, certain grants would not be awarded. The new patrol car really belongs to the citizens of Lane, Fulton added.

Lane Police Chief Shirley McKnight said she had been driving the same patrol car for the past eight years.

McKnight said, after experiencing some difficulties with that vehicle, she has come to appreciate the importance of officer safety.

As she thanked Kent Evans of Rural Development she joked that she was going to name May 23 Kent Evans Day in Lane.

The New Patrol Car Key Presentation Ceremony, on May 23 in Lane, included words from Mayor Fulton, Kent Evans, Sen. Yancey McGill, Rep. Ken Kennedy, County Supervisor Stan Pasley, Chair of Lane City Council Murrie Beaufort, Jr., USDA State Director Tee Miller, and Police Chief Shirley McKnight. The C.E. Murray High School Chorus performed and a home cooked meal was served picnic style at the Lane Gazebo and Park.