Riley Perkins lays down a bunt.
Riley Perkins lays down a bunt.
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Flags fly in honor of county veterans
Tazewell Va. – Rain did not stop Tazewell from honoring those who died in battle May 25.
Veterans of all branches of the military gathered with the public for a flag raising ceremony at the Tazewell County Courthouse. The flags fly behind the Veterans Memorial at the courthouse.
“This day is to remember the 1.3 million who have died in all of America’s wars. The ones who kissed someone goodbye, left home and never came back,’ Tazewell Rotary Club President Matthrew Brandt said. Brandt, a military veteran himself approached the board of supervisors in February of this year asking that the board assist with funding, installation, and upkeep for the flags.
“I asked them to split the cost with Rotary and they said no, they wanted to pay for it,’ Brandt said. The board approved up to $2,500 for the project and county employees did the work.
Brandt described the project as a “modest investment with a lasting impact,” noting that Tazewell County is home to about 2,300 veterans who “deserve a place of dignity, reflection, and honor.”
During the Memorial Day ceremony, Brandt read the history of each of the branches of service in order they were established while a veteran raised the flag of that branch. Members of the Barns-Beavers VFW Post raised the American Flag to open the ceremony and fired a 21-gun salute to conclude it.
Brandt expressed the hope his fellow veterans, their families and the families of deceased veterans would visit the memorial in years to come.
At its May 12 meeting the Tazewell Town Council Welcomed Sweet Willow Tree Petals and Pages to town. The shop is located at 1531 Fincastle Turnpike. Mayor Joe Beasley is shown with owner Katelyn Huntley.
At its May 12 meeting the Tazewell Town Council Welcomed Sweet Willow Tree Petals and Pages to town. The shop is located at 1531 Fincastle Turnpike. Mayor Joe Beasley is shown with owner Katelyn Huntley.
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Town council hears budget concerns
Tazewell Va. – Representatives of Tazewell Today questioned why their budget was cut at the May 12 meeting of town council.
Erin Keene, incoming president, and other members of the group asked what the town expected from the group and why its funding is being cut. Keene said the group had a memorandum of understanding with the town in 2024 that would provide them $100,000 per year and a 3 percent increase each year for three years.
Councilman Zach Cline said the memorandum came into question in the transition between current manager Leeanne Regon and former manager Todd Day. He said the town does not have a record of a signed copy of the memorandum.
Regon who became interim town manager in January2024, said she received a copy of the MOU but it was not signed. The group was organized by Amanda Hale and former Town Manager Todd Day and council wanted to give it a kick start with the appropriation of $100,000.
Keene said the group had a copy of the agreement. Tazewell Today board member Erica Galloway asked for direction for the group going forward. The group budgets on a calendar year and the town uses a fiscal year. Galloway said that made it difficult to plan.
Council member Danny Willis said he believed the document existed but also understood Cline’s position that the town did not have a signed copy. Beasley asked that the two sides meet later in the year and see if they can come to an understanding.
He said there would be new members of the council in January and there needed to be something in place for them to work with.
In other action Council:
*Held a public hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal 2026-2027 with no comment received. Council will adopt the budget at its June meeting.
*Received a request from Rommel Hargrave for assistance with a Gospel Explosion program at Lincolnshire Park.
*Recognized Bee’N Thrifty for its recent expansion.
*Welcomed Sweet Willow Tree Petals and Pages as a new business in town.
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Graduation ceremonies set for May 30
Tazewell Va. – Another school year is ending and seniors at the three county high schools are ready to get their diplomas.
Graduation ceremonies will be held at all three schools on May 30. Richlands High School students will be the first to become alumni with their ceremony scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
Graham students graduate last with a ceremony starting at four pm. Tazewell is sandwiched in the middle with a 1 p.m. start. Weather will determine whether the ceremonies are held outdoors or inside.
Tazewell County Career and Technical Center will award diplomas and credentials at its graduation ceremony May 28. The last day of school for all students will be June 4, and teachers will complete their year June 5.
Teachers will return to work Aug. 11 with professional development days and workdays through Aug. 14. Students will return Aug. 17 to start the fall term.
There will be an even shorter break for those teaching at or attending summer school. The first session opens June 8 and concludes June 23 with session two starting June 24 and ending July 10.
