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Contributors to National Night Out event honored
More than a dozen contributors helped make this year's National Night Out event in Chilhowie possible.
Chilhowie Chief Deputy Aaron Smith recognized those contributors, which included Food City, Blade HQ, Berry's Home Centers, Utility Trailer, The Bank of Marion, RAM Paving, Custom Air, United Salt, Blue Ridge Knives, Goodman Jewelers, Chilhowie Barber Shop, Downtown Barber Shop, Army & Navy Store, and Papa's Café.
“We are very grateful for their generosity and support, which helped make the event a success. We had a great turnout and enjoyed the opportunity to connect with members of our community in a positive and meaningful way,” said Smith.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
VDOT, school, and Chilhowie officials gathered Monday to mark
the new crosswalks on U.S. 11 at Chilhowie High and Middle
schools.
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Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
VDOT, school, and Chilhowie officials gathered Monday to mark
the new crosswalks on U.S. 11 at Chilhowie High and Middle
schools.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Chilhowie Mayor Gary Heninger tests the button to activate the
crosswalk lights, which are solar-powered. He was joined by
councilmen Bob Jeter and PJ Wolfe.
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Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Chilhowie Mayor Gary Heninger tests the button to activate the
crosswalk lights, which are solar-powered. He was joined by
councilmen Bob Jeter and PJ Wolfe.
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Smyth County celebrated the teachers of the year from each
school during a Friday luncheon.
Page A3
Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Smyth County celebrated the teachers of the year from each
school during a Friday luncheon.
News
Top Story
Chilhowie explores adding vehicle charging station
Stephanie Porter-Nichols
Staff
Chilhowie is exploring adding a vehicle charging station to its downtown area to bring traffic off Interstate 81 and customers into its businesses.
The town council learned about opportunities for a charging station as well as propane as a vehicle fuel at its last meeting.
Tara Kesterson, Southwest Virginia’s Clean Communities and Economic Development Director for Virginia Clean Cities, addressed the council.
With 40% growth in electric or hybrid vehicles annually, Kesterson said that Virginia Clean Cities is working on expanding access to charging stations in the region.
Chilhowie is a prime location, she said. Without many stations nearby and easy access to I-81, she encouraged the council to consider the idea.
While people charge their vehicles, she said they typically get out and eat in nearby restaurants and shop to pass the time.
A recent MIT study, Kesterson said, found a foot traffic increase of 1% to 3% for businesses near a charging station.
She also noted that Virginia Clean Cities is working with Virginia Highlands Community College to introduce an EV mechanics program.
Kesterson said she’s willing to work with the town on grants to fund a charging station.
The council also heard from Happy Fox, an alternative fuel consultant for Alliance AutoGas.
Fox promoted propane as clean alternative fuel to consider for the town’s vehicle fleet. He said propane will reduce ozone-forming emissions and save money.
Existing vehicles, he said, can be adapted to use gas and propane. If the driver isn’t watching the dial, he said that person will never notice when the vehicle seamlessly switches between gas and propane.
Generally, Fox said that propane is 30% cheaper per gallon than gas. When gas prices spike, he said that percentage can rise to 50%.
“It’s going to save money,” he said.
He did note that vehicles that get 20 mph per gallon of gas typically get 18 mph gallon on propane. The usage is about the same when vehicles idle.
Over the last six years, Fox said quite a few school buses have been converted to use propane and they run quieter and heat up faster.
The town was going to provide Fox a fleet list to analyze.
Propane is the most accessible of all alternative fuels and is largely produced in the U.S.
If successful in getting a grant for a charging station, Town Manager Brian Martin said it could be put at the town hall to be close to a variety of businesses. Chilhowie, he said, is a forward-looking community.
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