[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 136 (Friday, August 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DWIGHT PENLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHUCK EDWARDS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 8, 2025

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifelong service 
of Commissioner Dwight Penland of Clay County. Mr. Penland is the 
longest-serving commissioner in Clay County history, with a tenure of 
nineteen years. Before his time on the Board of Commissioners, Mr. 
Penland served eight years on the Clay County Board of Education. In 
total, Commissioner Penland has spent 27 years at the helm of local 
public policy in Clay County, serving as a voice of reason and 
unyielding advocate for his community.
  Mr. Penland grew up in Bell Creek, a community in Clay County. The 
youngest of five sons to father JD Penland and mother Hazel Penland, 
Mr. Penland graduated from Hayesville High School in 1978, where he 
volunteered as the middle school girls' basketball coach. Even at a 
young age, Mr. Penland's passion and commitment to serving the children 
of Clay County is evident. He went on to become a successful local 
businessowner in Hayesville, where he served the needs of his customers 
and helped grow the Clay County economy. Commissioner Penland and his 
wonderful wife, Leonia ``Sissy'' Penland, have two grown children, 
Jarrod and Jadrian.
  Clay County has achieved remarkable milestones under Commissioner 
Penland's leadership, including the construction of a new courthouse, 
public health department, Department of Social Services, and Department 
of Transportation facility to enhance government administration. 
Additionally, Commissioner Penland oversaw the construction of a new 
sheriff's office, detention center, Emergency Medical Services 
building, 911 call center, recreation center, primary school, and 
Veterans Park to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of Clay 
County residents.
  On behalf of the people of Clay County and Western North Carolina, I 
thank Commissioner Penland for his lifelong service to our wonderful 
home and our deserving people.

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