Residents urge commissioners to support local youth football program, boost county transparency and seek updates in high-profile case

Two residents used the Aug. 4 public-comment period at the Person County Board of Commissioners meeting to press three issues: a request for county support for a youth football program, concerns about county technology and transparency, and a plea for updates and support related to the case involving Kimari Morgan.

Cindy Chandler, a Timberlake-area resident, told commissioners her 8‑year‑old son participated in Parks and Recreation flag football and that Coach Rufus Long — identified by Chandler as having played professionally and now working with youth locally — is working to start a Pop Warner youth football program in Person County. Chandler said she and other parents would like a place for teams to practice and play locally instead of traveling to neighboring counties such as Alamance and Durham. “I’m asking for support from the county, a place for them to practice and play,” Chandler said. She offered to help with fundraising and equipment.

April Short, another resident who said her child was coached by Long, echoed Chandler’s request and urged investment in youth sports facilities. Short said flag football previously held sessions at Olive Hill Park but that the county lacks appropriate fields for contact or full-team play. She said many families are now going to Alamance and Durham counties to participate and urged the commissioners to help secure local practice and game space.

Short also raised concerns about county technology and transparency, saying it is difficult for residents to find basic information online, including current membership lists for advisory boards and volunteer rosters. “In today’s age and time, things should be readily at our fingertips,” she said.

Finally, Short spoke on behalf of the family of Kimari Morgan (her mother had planned to attend but did not), calling for updates and more communication from county officials. She said the community continues to support the family and that residents are seeking information and assurances; Short acknowledged there may be limitations on what officials can disclose during ongoing personnel or legal processes.

No county official provided substantive comment on the specifics of Short’s request during the public-comment period. The commissioners did not take immediate action on the requests but several commissioners later, during general comments, reiterated support for youth programs and recognized the public speakers’ concerns.