Author: S. Reeves

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on September 11, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Special Presentations and Requests

Mayor Donald Buchanan spoke in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks on this 17th anniversary of that day.

Town of Tazewell EMS Administrator, Syndee Saleem, updated Town Council on the local preparations for Hurricane Florence. Some projections indicate 6-8 inches of rainfall on our already saturated grounds (*projections as of 9/11/2018 – this is subject to change as the storm continues to form and make landfall, so please check local weather for up-to-date information as the storm may have shifted southward). All regions in the area are on standby as no declaration has been made at this point, with shelters available as needed. Tazewell County has indicated that for this incident, the Department of Social Services will serve as the local shelter for our area as it has a generator and is of sufficient space. Area businesses have donated over 50 cases of water, the National Guard donated several cases of MREs, the Union mission in Bluefield indicated that could also provide additional food supplies, and the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens are prepared to assist with food as needed. The Town of Tazewell EMS has ordered extra supplies of portable oxygen tanks, as there are 1,600 Medicaid recipients in our area that may need this in the event of power outages. The Town of Tazewell EMS is making preparations, having provided 26 transports earlier in the year during a deluge, along with the Police Department and Fire Department. Syndee is coordinating our plans by communicating directly with FEMA daily.

Town Council also recognized September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by reading a proclamation to Jill Rasnick, who lost her son TJ to cancer and founded the TJ Rasnick Foundation to fight cancer in his memory, along with several brave area children who have fought or are currently fighting this battle, and their families.

Full video of the September 11, 2018 Town Council meeting:

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on August 14, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Special Presentations and Requests

No special presentations or requests.

Full video of the August 14, 2018 Town Council meeting:

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on July 10, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Special Presentations and Requests

The Town of Tazewell introduced its new Public Works Director, Gary Shrader.

Town Council also recognized the efforts of EMS Director, Syndee Saleem, on the receipt of a new grant from the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund from the Virginia Department of Health for $49,000 to be used for new cardiac monitors. Town Council also recognized Flora Sinkford, Administrative Assistant for the Police Department, for her efforts in saving the Town over $7,000 in VML discounts in the comp control program.

Angela Leighton presented a billboard design for review by Town Council for consideration for a donation.

Tamara Neo presented a request to Town Council for a donation for the Farm to Table event, along with free use of Main Street for the September 8 event.

Full video of the July 10, 2018 Town Council meeting:

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on June 12, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Special Presentations

The Town of Tazewell introduced its new employees – Alice Johnson as the Payroll/HR Clerk, and Yonna Hurt, as Custodian. Chief Mills also introduced new Police Officers, William Lowe and Dylan Osborne.

The Town of Tazewell also recognized Scott Cole in recognition of his outstanding service to the Town of Tazewell.

Several donation requests were discussed, along with an update on the impact recent flooding had the Tazewell area, various committee updates, and new information on the Aqua Park.

Full video of the June 12, 2018 Town Council meeting:

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on May 9, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Special Presentations

Suzanne Grindstaff, Principal of North Tazewell Elementary School, thanked the Town Council, the Town of Tazewell Police Department, and the Town of Tazewell on behalf of the school for their ongoing support.

Town Council then recognized Charity Hurst for her dedication to the Town of Tazewell, and thanked her for her service on the Planning Commission.

Angela Leighton, of the Tazewell Tomorrow Foundation, presented Town Council information on their organization, which is geared toward creating programs for young adults and children in the community, along with economic development initiatives to promote Tazewell.

Sean Hagy, representing the Town of Tazewell, gave a presentation about the new Community Notification System. This system is designed to keep the community up-to-date with alerts via text.

For more information, visit www.townoftazewell.org/cns or signup below:

Town Council also recognized Council Member David Fox for over thirty years of service to the Town of Tazewell, and declared May 31, 2018 as David Harman Fox day.

Full video of the May 8, 2018 Town Council meeting:

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on April 10, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Special Presentations

The Town of Tazewell recognized the wrestling state competition winners with coaches Deacon Young and Joey Stiltner. Congratulations to Jesse McGraw for first place, and recognition as Tazewell’s only first place ever in this competition. And, congratulations to Reid Stiltner for second place, Hunter O’Quinn for qualifying to compete, and Derrick Young for third place.

Several donation requests were discussed, along with updates and votes regarding the Oktobrewfest, the new hotel, the Appalachian Trail, and Back of the Dragon.

Full video of the April 10, 2018 Town Council meeting:

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on March 13, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Special Presentations

Shawn Durham, CEO of the Four Seasons YMCA, updated the Town Council on the variety of programs and visitors the YMCA offers.

Nikki Hicks, Business Marketing Coordinator for Heart of Appalachia, presented a $2,500 budget request.

Claudine Blankenship, on behalf of the Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce, submitted a request to use Main Street for the Oktobrewfest to be held on October 6, 2018.

Mayor Buchanan read a proclamation declaring the week of April 1-7 as Local Government Education Week.

Sharon Thomas updated Town Council on plans for the theater property – exciting news about partnering with Barter Theater!

Full video of the March 13, 2018 Town Council meeting:

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on February 13, 2018. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Special Presentations

The Town of Tazewell introduced the last of its new administrative employees hired: Amber Hale, Sarah Martin, and Sonya Hamilton.

In honor of Black History Month, Jeanette Wilson read the poem “Tazewell Town” from “The Voice from the Virginia Hills” written by her grandfather, Rev. George M. Dickerson. George was a talented scholar, poet, and minister, who wrote this touching poem that gives a glimpse into life in Tazewell in times past. He was also father to well known poet and author, George M. Dickerson, Jr., whose writings include “I’m Not Scared” and “Ask Gladys”.

 The groundbreaking for the Tazewell Train Station was announced and the final date is set for March 23, 2018 at 2:00 pm.

Full video of the February 13, 2018 Town Council meeting: