This content is unavailable. Please contact customer service for more information.
Already a subscriber? Login or Activate your account.
You've reached the end of the standard E-Edition.
This content is unavailable. Please contact customer service for more information.
Richland_clinch_valley
Takach is newest member of Tazewell council
Jim Talbert
Tazewell Va. – Beth Takach is the newest member of the Tazewell Town Council.
She will fill the 10 months remaining in the term of Joe Beasley, who became Mayor following the resignation of Michael Hoops. A special election will be held this November for the seat with the winner taking office immediately.
Takach was sworn in during the Jan.13 town council meeting and participated in the remainder of the meeting. She is part of the management group of the Back of the Dragon Center and an active member of Tazewell Today.
In other action council:
*Held a public hearing on vacating a portion of Bishop Street. Voted to approve the first reading of the request.
*Voted to donate $300 to the THS cheerleaders.
*Welcomed Mountain Laurel Mercantile and Hardware to Tazewell.
*Heard from Emily Davis about the activities of Tazewell Today.
*Received an update on the progress of the comprehensive plan for the next five years. The committee will host a public meeting Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m.
*Approved the zoning change for the former B&W auto building.
*Approved the second reading of a zoning change to add a use for municipal facilities, administrative facilities, and public works. Approved it as an emergency so the change took effect immediately.
*Received an update from Manager LeeAnne Regon on the procedure to certify town employees to shoot fireworks.
County Leases Ambulance to Career Exploration Center
Jim Talbert
An ambulance provided by Tazewell County will enable kids to explore the role of an EMT at Endless Opportunities’ Career Commons. EO will lease the ambulance, which is usable but no longer certified, for one dollar per year, the Board of Supervisors decided at its Jan. 13 meeting. Based in Abingdon, EO provides childcare and workforce development. Its Career Commons exposes kids to different jobs through simulations.
“Part of their after school programs include vocational exposure, not necessarily training, but they have little kiosks that you can go in and be a banker, you can go in and you can be a clerk at a convenience store, you can go in and practice different things that are staged,” said County Administrator C. Eric Young.
“We thought it would be really nice if the staging for practicing EMT included an actual functional ambulance that the kids – you’re talking eleven, twelve, thirteen year old kids – who climb in the ambulance in the back and play with the defibrillator.”
Located in a renovated K-mart, Career Commons services Tazewell County, said Director of Communications and Tourism A. J. Robinson. She described the hub as a miniature city featuring interactive experiences where kids can explore career options.
As part of the two-year lease, EO will maintain necessary insurance, and the ambulance will retain its Tazewell County markings.
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems Announces Site Transition for Bambi Evans, FNP-BC, to Saltville Community Health Center
Jim Talbert
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems announced that Bambi Evans, FNP-BC, an established member of the SVCHS medical team, will be transitioning her practice to Saltville Community Health Center. Evans is scheduled to begin seeing patients at the Saltville location on Mondays and Fridays starting January 26, and will be accepting new pediatric patients.
Evans joined SVCHS in 2025, bringing more than 26 years of comprehensive experience in nursing and healthcare. Prior to her transition to Saltville, she provided care at Tazewell Community Health Center and New Day Recovery Tazewell, where she gained valuable experience serving patients with diverse medical and behavioral health needs. With a diverse background in labor and delivery, hospital-based pediatric care, outpatient clinic pediatrics, and community-focused pediatric services, Evans offers comprehensive care for children from birth through adolescence. Emphasizing health promotion, prevention, and early intervention, Evans is dedicated to supporting the overall well-being of children while partnering closely with families to promote healthy growth, development, and lifelong wellness. Families seeking personalized, family-centered pediatric care are encouraged to schedule an appointment and join a practice committed to nurturing healthy children and strong families.
She is a Family Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
As a provider, Evans is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care, with a strong focus on prevention, patient education, and building trusting relationships — especially within underserved communities.
“When we support the health of children and families, we build stronger and healthier communities. “said Evans. "I am excited to provide care to a community close to home.”
Outside of work, Evans enjoys spending time with her family, boating, running, practicing yoga, and remaining active in her church community.
SVCHS is excited for Evans to continue her work within the organization at the Saltville location and looks forward to the expertise, dedication, and compassionate care she will bring to patients and families in the Saltville community.
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems has locations in Saltville, Meadowview, Tazewell, and Bristol. To schedule an appointment, please contact 276-496-4492.
Virginia health officials report the first pediatric flu death of the 2025–2026 season (copy) (copy) (copy)
Last week, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported the first influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2025–26 influenza (flu) season in Virginia. A preschool-age child (0-4 years) in VDH’s Eastern Region died from complications associated with flu. To protect the family’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the child.
“We at the Virginia Department of Health, are broken hearted and extend our sympathies to the family of this child during this difficult time,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “Even though the flu is common, it can cause serious illness and even death. I urge everyone who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine to do so not only to protect themselves, but to protect those around them.”
VDH recommends the following tips to prevent the flu:
Most people aged six months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine. Consult your healthcare provider as needed.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow rather than your open hand.
Stay at home when you feel sick.
People at increased risk for flu complications should speak with a healthcare provider when symptoms begin to see if antiviral treatment is recommended. Treatment works best when started within two days after symptoms begin. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms become severe.
As of Jan. 10, the level of respiratory illnesses is moderate in Virginia. Although flu activity has been trending down in recent weeks, flu season is far from over. Virginia is still reporting surges in emergency department (ED) visits (5.4% or 4,676 visits) for flu. To date, flu outbreaks have significantly impacted daycares/Pre-K facilities, schools, and long-term care facilities.
Influenza A(H3N2) viruses are the most frequently reported viruses in circulation so far this season. A new influenza A(H3N2) subclade, named “subclade K”, was identified in August, and differs from the H3N2 component in this season’s flu vaccine. Vaccine effectiveness against subclade K might be reduced, but the vaccine is still expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The vaccine also provides protection against other circulating strains of flu.
With flu activity elevated in Virginia, now is still a good time to get a flu vaccine if you have not already. Less than 30% of eligible Virginians reported receiving a flu vaccine this season. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from flu. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies, medical offices, some federally qualified health care centers, and local health departments. To learn more, visit the Vaccine Provider Locator.
Last season was the deadliest flu season on record for children in the United States; approximately half of the children who died from influenza did not having an underlying medical condition and 89% were not up to date with recommended flu vaccinations. CDC estimated that during the 2024–25 season, influenza vaccination prevented:
4 million flu-related illnesses;
4 million flu-related medical visits;
170,000 flu-related hospitalizations; and
12,000 flu-related deaths.
VDH’s Respiratory Illness dashboard will be next updated Jan. 20.
Norfolk Southern unveils 2026 Safety Train schedule for first responder training (copy) (copy)
Kasandra Jenkins
Senior Communications Manager
Norfolk Southern is rolling out the 2026 Safety Train schedule — bringing hands on, rail specific training to first responders across our network. Each stop is designed to help emergency personnel stay on track with the latest tools and tactics for responding confidently and effectively to a rail incident.
Kicking off in March with a visit to Goldsboro, N.C., the train is scheduled to make 16 stops in 2026, offering multiple days of free, hands-on training at each location.
In this area, the Safety Train will stop in Bluefield, W.Va., on May 19-21.
Why it matters
• Special Equipment: The train features specially equipped classroom box cars and tank cars.
• OAR Program: It is part of NS’ Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) Program (launched in 2015) to educate the public about the importance of the safe movement of hazardous materials by rail and to connect emergency first responders in NS communities with information and training resources.
• Hands-On Experience: The program provides in-depth, hands-on training for first responders across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network, covering a variety of crucial topics, including hazardous materials handling, rail operations, and emergency response techniques.
• Successful Collaborations: In 2025, more than 5,800 first responders participated in OAR training, reinforcing Norfolk Southern’s role in fostering collaboration between railroads and local emergency responders.
• Common carrier obligation: Norfolk Southern, like all Class I railroads, is required by federal law to carry a variety of materials, including hazardous materials needed by businesses to manufacture goods or products used in everyday life.
What they’re saying
“For years, Norfolk Southern’s Safety Train has played a vital role in strengthening emergency preparedness across the communities we serve. Its long track record of hands on training has helped build trust, deepen collaboration, and ensure first responders and railroad teams are ready to work side by side in any situation. Investing in these relationships isn’t just important to us — it’s essential to keeping people safe and informed when it matters most,” said Robert Wood, NS Director Hazardous Materials.
Richlands seeking solutions to truck traffic in residential areas
Jim Talbert
Richlands Va. – Large trucks in residential areas continues to be an issue for the Richlands Town Council.
Karen Patton came before council for a third time asking for a code change to prevent 18 wheelers on Fourth and nearby streets. Patton first came before council in October 2025.
She presented a petition to council asking them to adopt Virginia code section 46.2-1304. That section allows local governing bodies to regulate use of trucks and buses through ordinances. It allows governing bodies to prohibit the use of trucks on designated streets for purposes other than making or receiving deliveries. It also allows localities to designate specific routes for trucks passing through their town.
The petition had 70 names of residents of Fourth Street and the streets adjoining it. Patton said 18 wheelers come into the area and tear up the asphalt and create noise that disturbs homeowners. She said they also present a safety hazard to children and people walking.
At its November meeting council asked Police Chief Ron Holt to increase patrols in the area to make sure traffic laws are followed. The owner of a business in the area told council at the Jan. 13 meeting that he leases his property to contractors who work for VDOT.
He said they were there for five weeks while doing work for the state but are not there as much anymore.
Council member Jordan Bales said an 18-wheeler can’t come down the hill and make the turn on the route Patton wants them to use. Council Member Seth White asked about reducing the speed limit to help alleviate concerns.
At the request of Mayor Rod Cury, Town Attorney Michael Thomas reviewed the code and said council can adopt an ordinance to be in line with the code. He said the code section has been around since at least 1950 and was last updated in 2007. Holt had previously offered three options to help with the problem. Those were asking truckers to use an alternate route, reduce speed to 15 miles per hour, or do nothing.
White asked if reducing the speed would be a good compromise? I see no negative impact of reducing speed in neighborhoods,’ he said Bales said reducing the speed to 15 or slower and increasing patrols might be the best route to go. It was the consensus of the council to have the interim town manager look at the area and see of he could offer any solutions.
In other action council:
*Heard from Charity Hurst, who thanked council for the town’s help with several races and Rock the Clinch.
*Rescheduled interview for clerk candidate.
*Adopted the food truck ordinance into the town code.
*Approved the meeting dates for the year.
*Heard from McGill and Associates that bids would be opened Jan. 26 for the work on upgrading the wastewater treatment plant.
*Heard from Fire Chief Rhudy Keith Jr. about the need for a new truck. Keith presented information about a truck that will fit in the town’s fire station. He said the truck could be delivered in 24 to 30 months. It would cost $570,072. He said the town could finance the full amount or pay $100,000 down and finance $470,072. He said the balance would be financed over 10 years.
*Approved a resolution supporting an increase in the state funding for rural fire departments from the aid to localities program.
County Funds Medical Clinic, Substance Recovery Program
Jim Talbert
The Board of Supervisors presented Tazewell Community Foundation with a $100,000 check at its Jan. 13 meeting in support of a new medical clinic opening near Food Lion.
“This will be a plus for our community, economically and medically,” said Tazewell Community Foundation Vice President Don Buchanan, who accepted the check on behalf of the foundation.
The new facility will be managed by Carilion Clinic and is designed to deliver primary healthcare to the community. Two doctors, a physician’s assistant, and nurse practitioners are already on board to serve at the clinic.
“Health in rural areas is a major crisis in our country,” said County Administrator C. Eric Young, “and this clinic goes a long way towards solving that problem for us locally, because now, hopefully, we have somewhere for doctors, MDs, to practice medicine in our county.”
The grand opening is expected to be held the first week of March.
At that meeting, the Board of Supervisors also pledged $25,000 to the Reengagement Opportunities and Pathways to Employment Success (R.O.P.E.S.) program, which “helps individuals that are in substance use recovery transition back into the workforce,” said Rachel Patton, executive director of the Southwest Virginia workforce development board. The money will be used to help participants obtain transportation back and forth from work.
“We also work with them to help them obtain training and to help them stabilize their situation as far as getting their drivers’ license back, obtaining transportation, housing, all of the things that they need to be ready to go back to work,” Patton explained.
Participants in the R.O.P.E.S. program must have at least six months sobriety and be ninety days post incarceration with no pending charges. There are currently 35 participants in Tazewell County.
“We want folks that are ready to go back to work,” Patton said.
She added that the R.O.P.E.S. program has helped over 300 people in the region obtain and keep jobs. Most of their participants are referrals from probation, parole, and other programs.
“I think one of the barriers for people when they’re trying to recover is transportation. It’s hard to get a job if you can’t get back and forth to work,” Young said.
Although the R.O.P.E.S. program is funded by a Department of Labor work grant and congressional funding, those funds will run out this year. Noting a “huge demand” for the program, Patton asked the board to join six other counties in contributing funds and endorsing the program’s application for an $800,000 state grant. The pledged $25,000 will come from the Opioid Abatement Fund and will “go straight to Tazewell County participants,” Patton said.
Young noted that “These funds are settlement funds from opioid producers, and they’re required to be used for programs similar to this, so it’s not like we’re taking it from some other service.”
County Leases Ambulance to Career Exploration Center
Click and hold your mouse button on the page to select the area you wish to save or print.
You can click and drag the clipping box to move it or click and drag in the bottom right corner to resize it.
When you're happy with your selection, click the checkmark icon next to the clipping area to continue.
