Kent Weems was elected chair of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners for 2026 during the board's Jan. 12 meeting.

Board members opened nominations for chair under the board's election process. Commissioner Jerry Woodruff nominated the incumbent vice chair for promotion but declined the nomination himself; Kent Weems accepted a nomination and addressed the board about priorities including involvement with the inland port and related rail matters. After a voice vote by the board clerk, the chair declared Weems the 2026 board chair.

On vice chair, several members were nominated, including a self-nomination by Commissioner Hughley and a nomination for Chris Sponse. Commissioners discussed voting mechanics and whether votes could be changed before final tally. The provided transcript records nominations and roll-call activity but does not include an explicit, unambiguous announcement of the vice chair in the segments supplied.

The meeting transitioned to the next item after brief remarks and a handoff of the gavel. The chair thanked outgoing leadership and recognized Tammy White, the board administrator, for her service.

What happens next: The newly elected chair will preside over board business for 2026; any formal changes in committee assignments or priorities will be scheduled in future meetings.