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Convenience center redevelopment OK'd
Staff reports
Intermediate Ballet is one of the programs The June Bug Center
in Floyd offers.
Photo submitted
Disharoon Orr and Caroline Wall in One Stoplight Town at the
June Bug Center.
File photo
Supervisors unanimously approved a revised redevelopment plan for the Willis Convenience Center that cuts the estimated cost from $1.4 million to approximately $363,000 plus a 25 percent contingency.
The plan features two compactors to reduce hauling frequency and eliminate the need for additional garbage trucks, designated recycling areas, a small attendant building, improved traffic flow and controlled-access fencing.
Current staff would handle operations.
Supervisors also approved submission of a $4,500 matching grant application for the Creative Communities Partnership to support arts initiatives such as the June Bug Festival and the Center for the Arts. The request maintains existing county contribution levels.
To cut costs, the board agreed to a one-year trial of handling mowing and maintenance in-house at five county properties. The initial equipment purchase, including a zero-turn mower, push mower, trailer, weed eaters and leaf blowers, totals about $15,726. The move is projected to save roughly $17,000 in the first year and up to $32,000 annually thereafter compared with the current $32,000 in contractor fees.
The board unanimously proclaimed March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month. The proclamation recognizes the impact of the chronic neurological disease, which affects about 400,000 Americans, and local support efforts by the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia.
Supervisors entered closed session under Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(1) to discuss prospective candidates for appointment to the Economic Development Board.
The board also proclaimed March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month, opposed state legislation on collective bargaining and authorized equipment purchases expected to save money on county mowing services.
In other news, Supervisors accepted a donated utility truck from Appalachian Power and welcomed new 4-H agent Angie Helm. Helm outlined plans to expand youth leadership, agriculture and healthy living initiatives with an emphasis on inclusivity and partnerships.
Schools move forward on budget
Staff reports
School Board members approved an amended $29.4 million budget estimate for the coming fiscal year while awaiting word from the state and county on final numbers.
The proposed spending plan relies on December state funding estimates, Superintendent Jessica Cromer said, since a final state budget hasn’t been adopted yet. The General Assembly is expected to go into special session on April 23 to resolve the budget. News reports say the Senate and House plans diverge on taxes and data centers, among other issues. The House budget includes a 2 percent teacher salary increase and one time flexible funding and the Senate plan proposes a 3 percent increase.
Board members also noted that there’s been no formal communication has come from Supervisors regarding local contributions.
The proposed budget includes raises for support staff and administrators, a restructured teacher salary scale, three school buses and some maintenance funding. The board did $500,000 to the operations category for needed work on the high school parking lot another other repairs, including facility work.
In other news, the board nominated Skyline National Bank for the Virginia School Boards Association Business Honor Roll, recognizing the bank’s support for the school system, including a recent donation toward renovating the Floyd County High School track.
Giving Day coming up in June (copy) (copy)
The Community Foundation of the New River Valley team celebrates
the 2025 GiveLocalNRV Giving Day with partners from Buzz4Good and
the Lyric Theatre.
Submitted photo
Sign-up is open for the 13th annual online GiveLocalNRV Giving Day at givelocalnrv.org. Hosted by the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, this event harnesses the generosity of the New River Valley community by raising funds and awareness for charitable organizations serving the NRV region. This year’s GiveLocalNRV Giving Day will be held from noon on Wednesday, June 24, to noon on Thursday, June 25, with the early giving period beginning on Monday, June 1.
Each year, this online event drives thousands of donors to givelocalnrv.org, where they can support dozens of charitable organizations with a gift of $5 or more. Fueling the excitement of the event are dozens of incentive awards totaling more than $25,000 that participants can win by meeting certain goals and through random chance drawings. These awards range from $250 - $1,500. These awards are funded by the CFNRV and generous sponsors, including the National Bank of Blacksburg and Cranwell Family Foundation.
Organizations classified as 501(c)3 by the IRS or units of government (i.e. libraries, animal shelters, etc.) that serve the NRV in the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and Wythe as well as the City of Radford, are eligible to participate in the giving day. More than 75 organizations have already signed up for this year's event. These organizations work in a wide range of areas, including animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health, poverty, and much more.
“The NRV’s charitable organizations work tirelessly every day to assist neighbors in need, protect animals and our environment, celebrate history and the arts, and so much more,” said Lindsey Gleason-Reed, CFNRV’s assistant director. “The GiveLocalNRV Giving Day uplifts their invaluable work while highlighting the power of what happens when many people come together to support their work.”
Since 2014, this event has raised more than $5.15 million for nonprofits serving the NRV, including raising more than $750,000 in each of the last three years’ events. As an incentive for signing up early, all organizations that sign up by April 1 will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $250 prizes. The final deadline to sign up for the event is May 1 at givelocalnrv.org.
Sponsorship packages are available to businesses interested in partnering on this event. If your business is interested, please reach out to Lindsey Gleason-Reed at 540-381-8999 or cfnrv@cfnrv.org.
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