The Whispering Pines Village Council has filled the vacant seat on their board.

Michelle Lexo of Whispering Pines was named the newest of five council members during Wednesday's regular meeting of the board, their first monthly gathering of the year.

Lexo will take the place of former council member Randy Saunders, who resigned in November to become a member of the Moore County board of commissioners. Saunders ran unopposed to replace commissioner Tim Lea, who chose not to run for reelection.

Lexo said that a "strong interest" in village affairs motivated her to apply for the position.

"I love Whispering Pines, and have been coming here for more than 15 years to visit my parents," Lexo said following the meeting. "Although I recently moved here from Fairfax, Va., I love and understand the culture of Whispering Pines and want to assure that it maintains its character. I believe my experience as a member of an architectural review board and my background in planning and zoning will be a great asset in this role."

Whispering Pines Mayor Bob Zschoche said he was glad that Lexo was able to fill the board's vacancy.

“Originally, nine Whispering Pines residents were interested in the position, and five came to the interview session that we held earlier in the week,” he said.

“We asked all the applicants questions such as ‘What can you bring to the village?’ and ‘What do you consider the important issues to be?’

"They were all good, but she was a little bit better. She exhibited the best background knowledge of the village, and she was ready to step forward and take on the responsibility. I'm glad we have her."

Lexo as unanimously appointed to the board by her fellow council members.

The village council meets again on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.