News

At the January meeting, Town Council introduced new Interim Town Manager, Leeanne Regon, who was recently appointed to this temporary position after the departure of former Town Manager Todd Day. Leeanne has served the Town of Tazewell for the past 18 years and steps into the position while currently also serving as Treasurer. Congratulations on this selection Leeanne!

Additionally, Town Council introduced new Town of Tazewell Police Chief, Stan Lampert. Stan was promoted to the position after serving as the Assistant Police Chief and then later as Acting Police Chief. Congratulations Chief Lampert!

At the Special Called Town Council meeting held on December 28, 2023, Town Council voted to appoint Town of Tazewell Treasurer Leeanne Regon as the Interim Town Manager, following the departure of current manager Todd Day. Town Council also voted to request proposals from firms providing executive level recruiting services to assist in searching for a final Town Manager. For more information on how to submit a proposal for this project, please visit our Bid Solicitations page here.

Full video of the Town Council meeting:

At the December meeting, Mayor Hoops and fellow Councilmembers recognized Todd Day for his service to the Town of Tazewell during his tenure as Town Manager for the Town of Tazewell. Former Mayor Donald Buchanan and former Councilmember Danny Willis fondly recalled selecting Manager Day in 2012 for the position and expressed their gratitude for his efforts to better our community. Buchanan commented that with Manager Day’s guidance and full support, Main Street experienced a tremendous revitalization and the Town’s financial standing improved dramatically in those 11 years. Manager Day is departing in early January to serve as Town Manager for the Town of Pulaski. Though we are saddened by this loss, we are sound in the knowledge that he will continue to encourage and promote prosperity for southwest Virginia communities. Town Council has started the search for a candidate to fill the vacancy left by Manager Day’s departure, and more information can be found here.

Full video of the Town Council meeting:

EMS Director Syndee Saleem and Councilmember Jonathan Hankins recognized Chase Roberts for his exemplary actions. Councilmember Hankins stated that Chase is his fellow co-worker at the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, where Chase serves as a 911 Dispatcher. Chase regularly goes above and beyond, having provided emergency medical transport recently when all of the Town of Tazewell EMS crews were responding to another emergency and then, again, when a driver was needed once more to respond to a 911 call. His actions helped to save lives and Councilmember Hankins noted that this is a true testament to what public service should be. EMS Director Saleem thanked Chase for his willingness to help and presented an award to recognize his service. Excellent job Chase!👏👏

Mayor Hoops also presented Chase with several tokens of appreciation.

Additional announcements were made regarding grants received by the Town of Tazewell that totaled around $100,000. Amanda Killen, in cooperation with Appalachian Voices, obtained a grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Cara Spivey, Town of Tazewell I/EDA Chairperson, also obtained a grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The grants will be used for planning the revitalization efforts for the North Tazewell Riverside area and for asbestos abatement for the Old Bowling Alley property. Well done Amanda and Cara! 👏👏

Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Keshia Cole and Beth Clemons thanked Town Council for their support of the recent Oktobrewfest. They gave a special thanks to the Town of Tazewell’s Public Works crews, EMS, and Police Department for their assistance in making 2023 another successful year for the event. The Chamber also recently hosted a luncheon for all of the Town of Tazewell employees, which was greatly appreciated. 🙌

Full video of the Town Council meeting:

Amanda Killen provided Town Council with an update on several grant funding opportunities she is currently seeking for the Sports Complex, along with the Community Development Block Grant being sought for a planning grant to benefit the Riverside Community Revitalization Project.

Cara Spivey, member of the Town of Tazewell’s I/EDA, provided Town Council with an update on the Old Bowling Alley property in North Tazewell. Cara and her fellow I/EDA members have been working diligently with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to procure the abatement and demolition estimates to help determine the course of action needed with the property. They are also working to obtain to funding through the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Development Fund.

Aaron Gillespie, Southern District representative of the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors, addressed Town Council regarding the Tazewell County Comprehensive Flood Study. Tazewell County Administrator, Eric Young, was also on hand and notified Town Council that he will be applying for grant funding to address the flooding issues related to faulty manhole covers. He discussed the potential impact this project could have on flooding and requested that Town Council consider whether our municipality would also like to participate in the grant application.

Full video of the Town Council meeting:

Mayor Hoops and Town Councilmembers recognized Saprena Noel of Grecian Serenity Spa. Located at 112 Railroad Avenue, the spa offers an assortment of massage therapy services, including Swedish, pregnancy/baby, and pain management massages. A fully licensed massage therapist, Saprena can be reached at (276)701-1556 for appointments and will have a website available soon. 

Mayor Hoops and Town Council also recognized new business Love Ya Babe Florist, which is located at 2835 Fincastle Turnpike. Owners, mother-daughter duo Taffy Clifton and Kayla Turner, shared that they offer fresh and silk arrangements, flowering and green plants, in addition to other offerings such as crafts/arts and wedding planning services. For more information, visit their website at loveyababeflorist.com

Full video of the Town Council meeting:

Manager Day introduced several new employees and welcomed them aboard. Greg Quesenberry, the new Recreation Director, gave Town Council an update on the current projects and plans for Lincolnshire Park that he has developed during his first month. New Executive Assistant, Susan Reeves, is set to start later this month and will replace Robin Brewster. Robin will retire in December after nearly 33 years of service to the Town of Tazewell – thank you for your dedication, Robin!

Mayor Hoops and Town Councilmembers recognized Eunice Graham of Uniebelles, which is a new cooperative featuring a gift boutique that showcases locally produced items, along with tanning salon services provided by Kassie Sigmon. Sarah Cooke and Annie Hill, hairstylists with Razor Salon, were also recognized. Razor Salon is located in the shared space at 2843 Fincastle Turnpike and offers a full range of styling, coloring, and waxing services by appointment.

Mayor Hoops and Town Council also recognized new business owner Jonathan White. Jonathan operates After Hours Barber Co., specializing in cuts, fades, and shaves. After Hours Barber Co. is located at 2749 Fincastle Turnpike.

Full video of the Town Council meeting:

Police Chief Mills introduced the Police Department’s newest officers, Shannon Skeens, Megan Kittle, and Stacy Whittaker, to Town Council.

Amanda Killen, an Economy Program Coordinator for Appalachian Voices, introduced Town Council to Appalachian Voices and discussed a potential DHCD community development block planning grant Riverside Drive in North Tazewell. She explained that a community listening session is planned for July 27th at 5:30 p.m. at the Tazewell Train Station & Visitors Center, to give the public an opportunity to provide input to be used during the grant application process.

Mayor Hoops and Town Council welcomed Ramona Simmons, owner of Miss Scarlet’s River Cottage. Located at 999 Riverside Drive, Ramona explained that the new short-term rental is named after her granddaughter Scarlet and that she appreciated the business recognition.

Full video of the Town Council meeting:

Mayor Michael Hoops and fellow Town Council members recognized the Tazewell High School Lady Bulldogs softball team with a Resolution of Honor for their recent win of the Class 2 Virginia State Softball Championship. Congratulations and well done!

Tazewell welcomed new restaurant Bee Noodle’d with owners Nick and Erin Keene. Located at 171 Main Street, BeeNoodle’d will celebrate with a Grand Opening on June 16th. Their menu features a wonderful variety of noodle and pasta plates, many featuring honey as a key ingredient.

Mayor Hoops and Town Council welcomed the Sawyers, owners a new short term rental Sawyers Airbnb. Susan shared they recently welcomed their first guests at the Philos Street property, and it was a wonderful experience for both them and the guests.

Greta Burton’s new business, Wild Rose Hair Lounge, was also recognized at the meeting. The salon recently opened at 320 Main Street and is now accepting new clients. Greta’s offerings include a wide range of options, including cuts, styles, waxing, and color services.

New business Relief Massage Therapy & Bodywork was recognized, with owner Crystal White on hand to share information on her massage therapy services range from chronic/acute pain relief to relaxing treatments. Crystal’s office is located at 181 Campbell Lane.

Dr. Emily Butcher was welcomed as her new business, Aspire Wellness & Chiropractic, was featured. Dr. Butcher offers veterinary chiropractic services for pets and animals that can help with a variety of issues. Appointments can be made at (276)245-2497.

Full video of the Town Council meeting: