Town Council

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on July 11, 2023. The meeting agenda can be viewed here and the full Town Council packet is available here

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on June 13, 2023. The meeting agenda can be viewed here and the full Town Council packet is available here

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on May 9, 2023. The meeting agenda can be viewed here and the full Town Council packet is available here

Shawn Durham, CEO of Four Seasons YMCA, updated Town Council on current happenings and thanked them for their ongoing support of the facility over its nearly 14 years of operation. Last summer’s youth soccer program was one of the most successful to date, followed by a similar basketball season with record participants. Shawn also expressed support of the sports complex project and felt it would complement the mission of the YMCA.

Town Council acknowledged several Tazewell High School students for their academic and athletic accomplishments:
– Lauren Keene broke the record for the 3200 race that has been held by Charity Young Hurst for 37 years. The new record set by Lauren is 11:58.72. Lauren also won the class 2A 1000-meter race in the VHSL indoor track state championship.
– Abigail Rhudy won the class 2A 500-meter race in the VHSL indoor track state championship.
– Maddie Day scored her 1000th career point in her home basketball contest against Marion.
– Taryn Stiltner and Jaden Redd placed 7th in the state DECA Competition in Business Solutions. Taryn and Jaden competed in Orlando, Florida during the week of April 22 –
April 26 for the national DECA Competition.
– Tazewell High School FBLA members attended the Virginia FBLA State Leadership Conference in Reston, Virginia. During the Awards of Excellence program held on April 1, THS FBLA received designation as a Virginia FBLA Honor Chapter. Riley Nunley received 2nd place in International Business; Abigail Rhudy received 2nd place in Graphic Design; Ian Rhudy received 3rd place in Coding and Programming; and Audrey Brown and Layla Cecil received 5h place in Broadcast Journalism.
– Landri Lallande broke the former THS record held since 2012 by Kasey Adair for the discus field event at the Judy Thomas Invitational, with a throw of 133 feet 3 inches that also broke the meet record. Landri additionally broke the Six Rivers Relays oldest standing girls record that stood for 42 years. The previous record was 134 feet 9 and ¾ inches. The record now held by Landri is 135 feet 9 ½ inches. (Maddie Day and Lauren Keene pictured below).

Mayor Hoops and Town Council recognized area business Tessa’s Precious Paws Salon. Owner Tessa Farrell shared that the pet salon is located at 130 Walnut Street and will soon offer boarding and training, in addition to their current grooming services.

Tiffany Pauley, owner of newly launched business The Box Charc, was recognized by Mayor Hoops and Town Council. Located at 113 Shire Lane, The Box Charc offers charcuterie to-go services for the everyday to-go and special events for a unique culinary experience.

Town Council adopted a resolution designating the third Saturday in June 2023 as Juneteenth:
WHEREAS, 14 percent of the population in Tazewell County were slaves in 1830; and
WHEREAS, very few slaves were set free by their masters or successfully bought their freedom in Tazewell County; and
WHEREAS, President Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, did not end slavery in Virginia and only became effective in the Commonwealth with the enactment of Chapter 103 of Title 30 of the Code of Virginia in 1873; and
WHEREAS, news of freedom for enslaved Americans did not reach each state on the same date, and each state has its own account of this important announcement; and
WHEREAS, “Juneteenth,” or June 19, 1865, is recognized as the date on which General Gordon Granger, upon arriving in Galveston, Texas, issued General Order Number Three, notifying the last enslaved Americans of their new legal status; and
WHEREAS, “Juneteenth” is observed by many African Americans and others as a special time of celebration, and they credit the survival of their forebears to faith in God, perseverance, hope, and triumph of the human spirit; and
WHEREAS, all people in the Town of Tazewell, without regard to race, ethnicity, origin, creed, religion, and culture, share a common destiny and a desire for freedom and the determination to preserve our freedoms and extend these benefits to people abroad; and
WHEREAS, the 19th of June is recognized as a federal and state holiday.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE TOWN COUNCIL FOR THE TOWN OF TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA:
1. That the date of June 19th will always be recognized as Juneteenth; and that the seventeenth day of June, in 2023, and the third Saturday in June in subsequent years thereafter, be designated and commemorated as “Juneteenth” in the Town of Tazewell; and,
2. That the Council recognize the suffering caused by the enslavement of generations of African Americans, and call for reconciliation among all citizens of the Town; and,
3. That the Mayor call upon the people of the Town to reflect upon the significant roles and many contributions made by African Americans to the Town of Tazewell, to the County and to the Region, throughout history and today, and to celebrate this day with appropriate activities and events that honor this rich legacy; and,
4. That the Council post the designation of this day on the Town’s website

Schedule of events for the 2023 Juneteenth events:
– Friday, June 16 at 5:00 p.m. kicks off the Juneteenth weekend at the Fuller Peery building at the Tazewell County Fairgrounds
– Saturday, June 17 at 11 a.m. the celebration on Main Street begins at Altizer Stage with a program featuring keynote speaker Judge Frederick Adams, followed by a Community Choir performance. A parade begins at 1:00 p.m., travelling down Main Street toward the Little League Fields. From the fields, the celebration travels on to the Tazewell County Fairgrounds for a full day of festivities (free community picnic, bounce houses, foam party, face painting, DJ, crafts)
– Sunday, June 18 at 10:45 a.m. at Nuckolls Hall at Tazewell County Fairgrounds, with worship and reflection at 11:00 a.m., followed by a community meal
– Monday, June 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the “Standing Tall and Proud” mural on Main Street, join in for a prayer and award ceremony to announce the winners of the Creative Writing and Excellence competition

Scenes from prior Juneteenth celebrations:

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The monthly Town Council meeting was held on April 11, 2023. The meeting agenda can be viewed here and the full Town Council packet is available here

Kondwani Patterson, Executive Director of outreach program Each One Teach 1, Inc., gave a special presentation on the Warhawk Community Park project, alongside board members President Brittany Davis and Secretary Hunter Mullins. Each One Teach 1 is local non-profit organization that was established in 2020 with a motto of “Empowering Our Community Through Mentorship and Networking, Together We Are Strong.” Kondwani thanked the Town of Tazewell for their support in this three-year journey, along with many foundations and community members who have contributed to its success. Brittany shared that the “organization fosters community pride and brings together people of all ages from various backgrounds promoting diverse interaction, inclusivity, and community learning as well as contributing to economic development.” The Warhawk Community Park, so named in honor of students bused from the Carline Community School to the Tazewell County High School in Bluefield during segregation until 1965, will be located at 374 Carline Avenue. Brittany presented conceptual renderings of this exciting initiative that will feature fitness and play equipment, community gardens, shelters with restrooms, a walking path, and more, with a community center planned as a future development. Kondwani stated that another goal is enhancing affordable housing options in the area and is actively investigating 3d concrete printing services. Hunter is in the process of obtaining his contractor’s license to assist in this goal and spoke about his positive experiences with Each One Teach 1 and the wonderful sense of inclusivity he has felt in the Tazewell community after his move here almost 13 years ago.

Greg Hogston, Sales Manager of Blue Line Solutions, gave a presentation regarding traffic control. Blue Line Solutions offers photo speed enforcement solutions aimed at increasing safety in school and work zones. Greg provided preliminary data from school zones in the Tazewell area that identified problematic areas in the baseline study Blue Line Solutions completed previously in April of 2020, and recommended proactive steps be taken to increase safety for students and workers who are adversely impacted by the significant unsafe driving practices measured. Of the 42,314 vehicles passing through the school zones measured during the 5-day study period from 7:30 am through 3:30 pm, 3,373 of the vehicles were 11 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit. 46 of those vehicles were travelling 21 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit. The measures Greg recommended include proper public education on the importance of striving for zero accidents and fatalities brought on by unsafe driving. This educational period would include closely working with Town Council, school systems, and the community to bring awareness of the safety importance, followed by a 30-day period of warning violations given to drivers, before the program actively begins giving citations. His statistics from other implementations of this system indicate a 90% reduction in unsafe driving practices following the 30-day warning period.

Treasurer Leeanne Regon introduced customer service associates Sabrina Schooley and Vickie Smith and expressed her appreciation at their hard work. In the time since Sabrina came on board several months ago, she has advanced to water clerk. Leeanne also praised Vickie for a job well done and her wonderfully positive attitude. 

Police Chief David Mills introduced new officers Nathan Hensley and Tyler Ruble. Both will soon be attending the police academy to start their official training process. Chief Mills shared that Nathan joins as a former Police Officer in Princeton and Tyler recently moved to the Tazewell area. He is excited for their academy graduation in September and felt each of the recruits are excellent additions to the Town of Tazewell police force.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on March 14, 2023. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Town Council held a tribute in memory of Cecil Johnson, a retired Town of Tazewell employee serving for thirty-seven years and Fire Department member for thirty-two years. Mayor Hoops remarked on the extraordinary way that Cecil touched the lives of each of us during his tenure and hoped that their efforts came close to the tribute that Cecil truly deserves. Mayor Hoops expressed his condolences and presented Cecil’s son, T.J., an honorary plaque to a standing ovation and also read a resolution of honor commending Cecil for his community service. Additionally, the Town of Tazewell Fire Department presented T.J. with an order of promotion for Cecil to Lieutenant, with full membership support.

At the request of Jaden Redd and Taryn Stiltner, Town Council awarded assistance to support their attendance of the 2023 DECA National competition in Orlando, Florida. Jaden and Taryn qualified for event by placing first for their Bulldog broadcast at the State DECA competition held in Virginia Beach.

Rick Chitwood, a Senior Project Manager at Thompson & Litton, provided Town Council with an update for the proposed wastewater treatment plant project, reporting on the impact of the current market conditions and material availability.

Alicia Bales, President of Tazewell Today, provided Town Council with an update on their progress made in 2022. Accompanied by Executive Director Vanessa Rebentisch, Alicia shared that Tazewell Today recently received re-accreditation as a Virginia Main Street. Tazewell Today’s primary initiative is to revitalize the Main Street community. In 2022, they focused on website development, supporting the arts, building volunteer committees, hosting events, operating The Rink, and many other activities.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on February 14, 2023. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

As part of the celebrations for Black History Month, Brittany Davis shared with Town Council the history of the Shake Rag/Carline community in Tazewell. Located on the original path the trolley travelled from the Tazewell Train Station to Main Street from the 1890s – 1930s, which then followed Tazewell Avenue and Fincastle Turnpike, the area developed into an African American community that remains through today. The origins of the name for the Shake Rag neighborhood, officially named Carline for its location on the trolley “car line,” has multiple accounts – from the practice of shaking a rag to flag the trolley for service to the wash days when laundry would be hung from clotheslines to dry. Brittany explained that though it was historically an offensive and derogatory expression, residents have taken that negative connotation and turned it into a positive one showing pride in their roots. The neighborhood hosts frequent fun events for both residents and the general public, such as reunions and block parties, celebrations for Juneteenth, Independence Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.

Luke Allison and Jarrod Burton introduced Town Council to their development project for the property at 320 Main Street. The extensive renovations to the former Tazewell Equipment & Motor Corporation building will result in multiple commercial spaces and up to 18 apartments. A Tazewell native, Luke is excited to bring the skills in redevelopment that he has honed in Pulaski to his hometown.

Mayor Michael Hoops read a resolution in support of “Twin Community” status with fellow “Tazewell” community, Tazewell County, Illinois.  John Ackerman, Tazewell County Clerk & Recorder of Illinois, proposed the partnership after a visit to Tazewell. In Twin Community programs, each locality shares information about their partnering community to help build a relationship fostering growth and understanding. The resolution stated there are only 4 counties/communities named Tazewell in the United States, each named for either Senator Henry Tazewell or his son, Governor Littleton Waller Tazewell, both of Virginia. The shared naming creates a unique historical bond between the locales. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower inaugurated a peace program to advance this bond, also known as “Sister Cities” or “Twin Towns”, with his citizen diplomacy initiative that was developed to strengthen and build world-wide connections through exchanges of cultural and educational communications between communities. Town Council voted unanimously in support of this resolution and looks forward to partnering with Tazewell County, Illinois, in this process.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on December 13, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Town Council welcomed a new Main Street business, The Happy Goat. Owner Vince D’Amato introduced manager Joe and gave insight on their tasty menu that offers delicious soups, sandwiches, and wraps. Located at 216 Main Street, they also stock a great assortment of supplies for your outdoor recreation needs, from apparel to hammocks and hiking sticks.

Town Council also welcomed new business Dragon’s Den Coffee & More. Owner Ron Spain shared that he hoped to open in January and is currently in the process of renovating the 104 Carline Avenue location. The shop will offer both drive through and walk-up service, with an excellent selection of coffees and teas. Recipe development is also an exciting work in progress, and you can follow along with updates on their Facebook page here.

Mayor Hoops recognized outgoing Councilmembers Dr. Terry Mullins and Dr. Chris Brown by presenting each with tokens of appreciation for their dedication to our community. After completing several terms, both Councilmembers opted not to seek re-election for the upcoming term. Dr. Mullins and Dr. Brown expressed their gratitude to Town Council and to the constituents of Tazewell,  and offered encouragement to incoming Councilmembers. 

Mayor Hoops was sworn into office by Tazewell’s Clerk of the Circuit Court, Tammy Allison, after being re-elected to the position. 

Also sworn in, were Town Council incumbent Emily Davis and newly elected members Zach Cline and Jonathan Hankins.

Mayor Hoops read a resolution of honor in memory of Robert Brooks “Bobby” Altizer, Sr. Bobby previously served as prosecuting attorney of the Tazewell Police Department and held a career in law for over forty years, along with many community roles and contributions. 

Adrenaline Off-Road, a local group of Jeep enthusiasts, represented by its President Rick Rose and Vice President Johnny Ratliff, presented Police Chief David Mills, Mayor Michael Hoops, and Town Manager Todd Day with plaques in recognition of their support for the organization. Adrenaline Off-Road frequently coordinates fun mountain rides and scenic tours, often supporting local charities with donations and proceeds from these events.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on November 9, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

April Morefield, Executive Director of the C.A.R.E. Center of Southwest Virginia, shared the history of the of the child advocacy C.A.R.E. Center and her vision for Harper’s Home. Harper’s Home will be located in Tazewell and will provide temporary housing for children transitioning into foster care, which can often take several days to find placement. April stated that during this period, children are often at their most vulnerable point. Frequently in need of a bath, meal, and warm bed, Harper’s Home will meet those needs and provide a safe, nurturing haven.

Mayor Michael Hoops recognized new business Shepherd’s Deli. Shepherd’s Deli is located at 1661 Fincastle Turnpike and offers delicious made to order sandwiches and subs, along with a great selection of sides and specials. For more information, you can follow them on Facebook.

Town Council welcomed special guests this month as Boy Scouts Pack #92 attended the meeting to help meet the requirements for the Communication merit badge, along with leaders Jerry Buchanan and Charles Bland.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on October 11, 2022. The meeting agenda can be viewed here.

Mayor Michael Hoops recognized new business T-Town Florist, recently opened by Laynett Morgan. T-Town Florist is located at 631 Freedom Avenue in North Tazewell and offers beautiful florist designed arrangements. For more information, you can follow them on Facebook.

Additionally, Town Council voted to reschedule next month’s Town Council meeting from Tuesday, November 8, to Wednesday, November 9, due to Election Day.