The Transylvania Times -

Hometown Strong, an effort created to forge partnerships between rural communities and state government, will expand its focus to help all 80 rural North Carolina counties respond to COVID-19 and strengthen local economies.

Gov. Roy Cooper has named Mary Penny Kelley as the new executive director of Hometown Strong. She takes charge of the rural initiative at a time when communities most need a partner in state government to deliver reliable information and resources during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Having grown up in rural North Carolina, I know well the great opportunities as well a...