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County awarded drought disaster status
Jim Talbert
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is designating Tazewell County as a primary natural disaster area due to recent drought according to an announcement from Congressman Morgan Griffith’s office.
As part of the designation, the Counties of Bland, Buchanan, Russell and Smyth are set to receive access to drought assistance as well. “This USDA action is necessary to support farmers in Virginia’s Ninth District. Spring frost and freeze events followed by severe drought continue to impact Virginia’s agricultural health.
“This disaster designation sets in motion opportunities for eligible groups to request emergency loan assistance.
“My office is ready to help facilitate access to federal assistance. Additionally, I will continue to advocate for our farming communities as they navigate through growing season challenges and record temperatures,” Griffith’s office said.
The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to designate counties as disaster areas to make emergency loans (EM) available to producers suffering losses in those counties and in counties that are contiguous to a designated county. In addition to EM eligibility, other emergency assistance programs, such as FSA disaster assistance programs, have historically used disaster designations as an eligibility trigger.
Congressman Griffith helped lead federal engagement to secure a separate USDA Secretarial natural disaster declaration for Virginia farmers. In June, Secretary Rollins approved Virginia’s request.
Farmers may obtain information on drought assistance from the Farm Service Agency. There are FSA offices in Wytheville and Lebanon.
Local Students Honored at SkillsUSA's National Leadership & Skills Conference
Jim Talbert
Career and technical education students were recognized with a certificate of accomplishment at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) held June 1-5 in Atlanta. An all-time high of 7,000 students competed in the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships at NLSC, which is the largest gathering of the future skilled workforce.
As an indicator of proficiency, Skill Point Certificates were awarded to SkillsUSA Championships competitors who met a predetermined threshold score for their respective competition. Students can add this certificate, an indicator of career readiness, to their employment portfolio.
Hailey Stanford, from North Tazewell and a student at Tazewell County Career & Tech Center, was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in First Aid-CPR.
To be invited to the SkillsUSA Championships, students first had to win their state-level competition, demonstrating their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills. The national competition featured state champions from middle school, high school and college/postsecondary divisions across the country in 115 hands-on career and leadership competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance, public speaking and more.
"This showcase of career and technical education demonstrates SkillsUSA at its finest," said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. "Our students, instructors and industry partners work together to ensure that every student excels."
The SkillsUSA Championships is the largest skill competition in the world and covers 1.79 million square feet, equivalent to 31 football fields or 41 acres. It's supported by leaders from 850 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions who planned and evaluated the competitors against their industry standards. More than 2,000 industry judges and technical committee members also volunteered their time to ensure a successful event.
The next NLSC will be held June 21-25, 2027, in Atlanta. Learn more about SkillsUSA, the No. 1 workforce development organization for students, at www.skillsusa.org.
FOOD CITY PLEDGES $800,000 TO LOCAL SCHOOLS WITH THE KICKOFF OF THEIR SCHOOL BUCKS CHALLENGE
Jim Talbert
Food City has once again pledged $800,000 in contributions for the upcoming school year. With Food City’s School Bucks Challenge, earning rewards for your school is simple. For every dollar spent using your Food City ValuCard, you’ll earn one point.
This year, Food City has introduced a new feature to make points collection easier than ever. During designated Spirit Weeks, customers can earn bonus points by purchasing participating items.
“Our Food City School Bucks Program has provided much-needed support for schools across our market area. Our School Bucks Challenge makes points collection quick and easy,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.
The 2026-2027 School Bucks Challenge runs from July 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. To ensure your points are credited to the school of your choice, visit foodcity.com/schoolbucks and link your ValuCard to your preferred school.
Food City has pledged $800,000 for the upcoming school year. These funds will be distributed based on the percentage of customer purchases assigned to each school. Schools can track their progress online at foodcity.com.
“Food City is committed to supporting the education of our youth,” said Smith. “Since the program’s inception, we’ve awarded over $23.7 million in essential educational equipment and tools to more than a thousand participating area schools”.
For more information about the Food City School Bucks Challenge, contact your local school, visit foodcity.com/schoolbucks, or reach out to the Food City School Bucks Coordinator - Lisa Johnson at 1-800-232-0174.
Railroad Day returns to Natural Tunnel State Park (copy)
Natural Tunnel State Park
Creative Visual Design
Natural Tunnel State Park
Creative Visual Design
Natural Tunnel State Park is partnering with Norfolk Southern Railroad to offer visitors a unique experience: Railroad Day.
On July 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only, train traffic will pause, opening the tunnel, normally closed to foot traffic, for a walk along the tracks. For generations, the railroad has played a central role in shaping the region’s economy, culture and history. This special event will highlight that legacy while also promoting the importance of railroad safety.
Visitors can hike the scenic trail or take the chairlift down to the tunnel entrance. Along the way, they are invited to stop at Carter Cabin, where interpreters will share stories of the cabin’s past and the vibrant history of the surrounding area.
Local vendors will offer food and light refreshments for purchase, and a concession stand will be available.
Parking for the event is $7 per vehicle and will be located in the picnic area. Shuttle service will be provided. Chairlift rides are $5 per person for a round-trip ticket or $4 for a one-way ticket. Children three and younger ride free.
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