The Craven County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2 approved acceptance of a $20,067 performance and wellness grant for the sheriff's office and heard an update on school coverage and enforcement activity.

The sheriff described the grant as a year-two award that helps track deputies' wellness through fitness assessments, performance reviews and internal flags tied to discipline and scheduling. The sheriff said the program is at no cost to the county and that the office was awarded a second year based on prior performance. The board voted to accept the grant by roll call.

On operations, the sheriff said the first week of school was "fairly uneventful" and that resource officers were present in schools. The sheriff also told the board the county has closed seven vape stores to date and said many remaining stores are under investigation or have charges pending in court.

Why it matters: The wellness program is intended to support deputy fitness and performance monitoring; school safety and enforcement actions against illicit vape shops were highlighted as ongoing law-enforcement priorities.

Details and next steps: The board approved accepting the $20,067 grant; the sheriff's office will continue school patrols and enforcement actions and will report back as needed.