Walker Johnson stretches for a throw as a Tornado slides to the bag. Michele Ball
Walker Johnson stretches for a throw as a Tornado slides to the bag. Michele Ball
Legacy Hospice and palliative care celebrated the opening of its new location at 2600 Mall Road at Claypool Hill April 21.
Legacy Hospice and palliative care celebrated the opening of its new location at 2600 Mall Road at Claypool Hill April 21.
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New farmers market officially open
Local and regional leaders, community development organization, and enthusiastic community members gathered on May 1 to celebrate the grand opening of the Clinch River Pavilion & River Walk, new home of the Tazewell Farmers Market.
Located at 1615 Riverside Drive in North Tazewell, the pavilion is the culmination of a group effort to improve the lives of area citizens through a combination of economic revitalization and healthy living initiatives.
"The Clinch River Pavilion will provide a much-needed permanent home for our farmers and producers, empowering them to increase their sales and better serve their customers," said Tobacco Commission Chairman Delegate Will Morefield. "Alongside the river walk, the pavilion will also host community events and serve as a focal point of activity in Tazewell. The Commission is thrilled to support this project, which breathes so much life into the area, with a $296,500 grant, and I look forward to being a frequent visitor."
Town of Tazewell Mayor Joe Beasley greeted the grand opening attendees, welcoming them with the heartfelt message, “As the Clinch River Pavilion & River Walk project progressed over the past year, it has already demonstrated significant positive impact on our community. First, as a member of the community, it gives me hope to see the transformation of this blighted property into a new outdoor space for gatherings. Then, as a parent, I look forward to bringing my children here to experience the Tazewell Farmers Market, seeing the beauty of the Clinch River at its origins, and attending the community events we plan to host on site. And, as Mayor and a member of Tazewell’s Town Council, I have a strong sense of connection after seeing the collective efforts of our team collaborating with planners, donors, and community members to open this new chapter for North Tazewell. The Town of Tazewell’s Industrial/Economic Development Authority, under the strong leadership of our Chairperson Cara Spivey, along with our Administrative and Public Works Department teams, guided by Town Manager Leeanne Regon, campaigned tirelessly for this project, dedicating their time and talents to become its greatest cheerleaders.”
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for their $296,500 in Southwest Economic Development funding, to the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission for their $50,000 in Cumberland Plateau Regional Opportunity Program funding, and to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for their $28,244 in Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development funding, all used for sitework and construction of the Clinch River Pavilion. We are also tremendously appreciative of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise for their $15,000 from the Cumberland Forest Community Fund, which assisted us with design and construction of our River Walk. Last, but not least, we also recognize the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Virginia Department of Quality for the $50,000 in Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance funding that enabled us to begin this journey by remediating the site and helping us to shape our vision.”
“We look forward to writing the next chapter of our North Tazewell revitalization story and building on the momentum created by the Clinch River Pavilion & River Walk project by applying for additional grant funding through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant fund in the coming months. The new grant funding application will further the work completed with the Planning Grant award of $50,000 that we received in 2024, which assisted us in working with adjacent property owners to determine the unique needs of their properties. If awarded, the additional CDBG funding will allow us to further transform the area by offering façade improvement grants to these properties to restore and rejuvenate this former industrial district. When combined with the Clinch River Pavilion and the efforts our I/EDA are dedicating to repurposing their 1616 Riverside Drive property located across the street, the best is yet to come and there are more chapters to be written for North Tazewell.”
Senator Travis Hackworth noted, “I am excited for the Clinch River Pavilion and River Walk which will provide a space for events, activities and festivals. I look forward to seeing how this wonderful addition will enhance our community as well as the many opportunities it will bring to showcase our region.”
Town of Tazewell Town Manager Leeanne Regon shared the depth of this project’s impact on our community, “One of the most exciting parts of this project is that the Clinch River Pavilion will now be home to the Tazewell Farmers Market. This will be a place where citizens of Tazewell – and visitors from all around – can come to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, support our local farmers, and promote a healthier lifestyle. It is a place where commerce, community, and connection meet. This pavilion represents what can happen when people believe in their town and work together to make something meaningful. It represents progress, pride, and possibility."
With family members looking on, Andrew Boyd signs with Berea.
With family members looking on, Andrew Boyd signs with Berea.
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Boards get details on new school plan
A concept of the Richlands school complex. Contributed photo
A timeline for the new school at Richlands and an update on the budget highlighted the joint meeting between the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors and the School Board on April 28.
Gary Matney, finance director for the school system, presented the highlights of the school board budget. Matney said the state will provide $57.9 million and the county’s mandated share is $18.1 million.
He said those two items combined with federal funds the school receives are the bulk of the school budget. County Administrator Young said the county’s share of the school budget is $2.1 million higher than the current figure.
Young said the amount takes all the real estate taxes collected by the county plus additional money. He said the county will have to make cuts to meet that demand.
“That is a big swing for us to handle," Young said.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chris Stacy told the board the new school can be built adjacent to Richlands High School. He said that will be a big cost savings.
The county has a $13.5 million grant for use on that project. Richlands Middle School will be demolished under the current plan. The new school would be grades four through seven. Stacy presented a drawing of the complex as it will look if the plans come to fruition.
He said the engineers estimated fall of 2029 for the work. School Board Member David Woodard stressed the importance of keeping the plans moving forward.
“If we don’t start moving the fall of 2029 will be fall of 2030 or 2031," he said.
The school board unanimously approved the design for the project.
Young said the county would have to revisit Coronado Coal and make sure they are still on track to start mining coal in Tazewell County. That additional revenue is a big part of the funding for the school construction. Stacy told the boards the boiler project at Tazewell Middle School will be finished in about six weeks.
He said the high school bathroom replacement project is out to bid. Bid openings for the wall replacement project at THS are set for May 4.
The boards also discussed a grant to evaluate new programing for the career and technical center. Both boards stressed the importance of follow up dialogue.
“This meeting demonstrated the value of both boards coming together with a common purpose,” said Chuck Presley, Chairman of the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors. “Open dialogue ensures decisions reflect both the county’s financial responsibilities and the needs of our school system.”
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Richlands to hold hearing on rate increases
It may cost more to live in Richlands soon.
The town council will hold a public hearing on May 12 to make comments on proposed rate increases for water, sewer electricity and garbage pickup. Under the proposal rates for all four services will increase over the next five years.
Water rates would increase from $7.50 per 1,000 gallons to $8.41 per 1,000 gallons in 2027. Sewer rates will rise from $8 per 1,000 gallons to $11.42 per 1,000 gallons in fiscal 2027. Trash pickup will rise from $15 per household to $16.
The town is also proposing to raise the real estate tax from 18 cents per $100 of value to 21 cents per $100. The customer charge for electricity will increase from $14.90 to $16.00 next year.
The energy charge for electricity will rise from $0.14580 to $0.20707 per kilowatt hour. Under the proposal water and sewer rates will increase steadily over the five-year period reaching $9.47 per one thousand for water and $12.85 for sewer in 2031.
The projection that the customer charge for electricity will stay steady in 2028 and increase to $17 in 2029, hold steady in 2030, and rise to $18 by 2031. Trash pickup will increase another $1 in 2029 and reach $18 by 2031.
Real estate taxes are not scheduled to rise above the 21-cent mark until 2029, and they will reach $0.23 per $100 by 2031. The town operates on a fiscal year which starts July 1 and ends June 30 of the following year.
