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Just now Arlington National Cemetery 01/19/2025
01/19/2025

Just now Arlington National Cemetery 01/19/2025

Due to inclement weather, the Botetourt County Administrative Offices at Greenfield and Botetourt County Libraries will ...
01/06/2025

Due to inclement weather, the Botetourt County Administrative Offices at Greenfield and Botetourt County Libraries will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC on Monday, January 6, 2025. Recreation Sports Practices will also be cancelled.

Residents and businesses can still conduct county business online at www.botetourtva.gov or by calling 540-928-2000.



Here are some important things to know about Winer Storm Blair:

Botetourt County will see 3-7 inches of snow before the storm ends and could see 1/10 to ¼ inch of ice making roads and sidewalks/walkways slippery and dangerous. Temperatures are expected to reach 38 tomorrow.If you don’t have to be out on the roads, please stay home. If you lose power at your home, please use caution with generators and/or candles. Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.



We are keeping all of our first responders, 911 dispatchers and maintenance crews in our thoughts as they will be out serving our citizens and preparing our buildings. We want to thank them for their dedication to the community!

CNC Fabricators in Roanoke, Va:Now accepting  Applications for:  Machine Operators CNC Machinist Packaging  Associate Qu...
12/19/2024

CNC Fabricators in Roanoke, Va:

Now accepting Applications for:

Machine Operators

CNC Machinist

Packaging Associate

Quality Inspector

CNC Fabricators, a 25-year Roanoke based fabrication and machining company, is looking to fill the above positions.
Key qualifications for all of these positions include the ability to read blueprints, use micrometers, calipers, and tape measure, and understand basic math skills to accurately measure dimensions.

MACHINE OPERATOR

The position calls for a motivated individual to run a variety of equipment including laser cutter, turret punch, press brake, and other equipment as needed. Medium to high volume orders will require paying strict attention to detail. Requirements include understanding and performing machine setups, resolving machinery issues to clear bottlenecks, and performing equipment preventative maintenance.

CNC MACHINE OPERATOR

This position requires AN experienced machinist with knowledge of CAD/CAM software plus ability to program, set up, and operate milling, turning and lathe equipment. Additionally, the candidate will be required to interpret technical drawings and data, sequence machining tasks in the correct order, select and use the appropriate tools, and set machine parameters such as cutting speeds and allowable tolerances. Final part inspection is critical.

PACAKGING ASSOCIATE

This individual will have the following responsibilities: Prepare orders for shipping and log shipping paperwork, assist with or individually package and label completed metal fabricated parts, organize shipments by pallet and customer, maintain shipping areas, monitor shipping supplies and meet daily shipping requirements for on time delivery.

QUALITY INSPECTOR

This inspector position is responsible for reviewing products and materials during manufacturing. This includes pre-production, during production, pre-shipment, and container loading / unloading inspection. Requirements include measuring products with tape measure, calipers, gauges, and micrometers. Candidate needs an eye for detail and ability to catch defects. Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) a plus.

We’re looking for problem solvers with critical thinking and analytical skills. All candidates may be required to operate forklift and pallet jack. Performing timely quality checks and having safety awareness are necessary to the job.
If you have the ability to fill one of these roles, please identify the position and email a resume to :

David Clark (President) at [email protected]

CNC Fabricators
621 Ashlawn Street, SW
Roanoke, Va 24015

(540) 345-2031

Botetourt County Announces Small Business Grant Program WinnersDecember 3, 2024Earlier this year, the Botetourt County B...
12/03/2024

Botetourt County Announces Small Business Grant Program Winners

December 3, 2024

Earlier this year, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development Authority encouraged small businesses located in the county to apply for grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support and grow their operations. The county received 39 applications requesting up to $150,000 in grants. Each magisterial district in the county was represented in both applications and grant awards.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of community that makes Botetourt County such a special place,” says Director of Economic Development, Ken McFadyen. “We’re proud to support these entrepreneurs as they continue to grow and contribute to the vibrant fabric of our region."

Sixteen Botetourt County businesses will receive grant funding totaling $35,540!

Congratulations to:

Saddles & Stuff: $2,000
Mountain Thyme Honey & Gifts: $3,200
Dark Moon Cards and Games: $2,200
Beyond the Peaks: $2,540
Children’s Nest Learning Center: $2,000
Buchanan Butchery: $3,000
Twin River Outfitters: $2,000
Jeter Farm: $2,000
Watts Heavy Duty Repair: $2,000
Microharmonics: $2,000
Bryant Orchards Farm Market: $2,000
Williamson Farms: $2,000
Heritage Family Market: $2,000
Willow Spring Apothecary: $2,500
Grandpa Ike’s Donuts: $2,100
BOCO Fit Rage: $2,000


Applications were evaluated based on business plan quality, sales and marketing approach, job creation, and growth potential. We are for our small businesses located right here in Botetourt County.


To learn more about business in Botetourt, visit //www.botetourtva.gov/economicdevelopment.

"In valor, there is hope." – TacitusVeterans are the quiet guardians of our peace, who ask not for recognition but only ...
11/11/2024

"In valor, there is hope." – Tacitus

Veterans are the quiet guardians of our peace, who ask not for recognition but only that we honor their service by striving to be a country worthy of their sacrifice. Let us take this day to reflect on their courage and to commit to living in a way that honors their legacy.

Manufacturing - The Immediate Future and Into the Next DecadeScott Davis - CISG Media USANovember 1, 2024The U.S. manufa...
11/01/2024

Manufacturing - The Immediate Future and Into the Next Decade

Scott Davis - CISG Media USA

November 1, 2024

The U.S. manufacturing sector stands at a pivotal juncture, experiencing a blend of challenges and promising opportunities that could shape its trajectory in the immediate future and over the next decade. Factors such as technological advancement, supply chain realignment, workforce dynamics, and policy support are all set to play critical roles in defining the future of American manufacturing.

Below is an in-depth exploration of these elements and how they may shape the manufacturing landscape.

Current Status of U.S. Manufacturing

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and sparked a renewed interest in bolstering domestic manufacturing. As a result, U.S. manufacturers are increasingly focused on supply chain resilience, leading to a shift toward onshore or nearshore production. Despite an initial surge in manufacturing output post-pandemic, ongoing inflation and labor shortages have tempered growth. However, the sector is showing signs of stabilization as companies learn to navigate supply constraints and labor challenges.

A major constraint on manufacturing growth is the skilled labor shortage. Industries reliant on skilled trades, including CNC operation, welding, and advanced machine programming, are struggling to fill positions due to an aging workforce and a lack of adequately trained new talent. While many companies are investing in training programs and partnerships with local colleges, the gap between demand and supply of skilled labor remains substantial.

The drive toward automation and digitalization in manufacturing, spurred by technologies like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics, has gained momentum. These advancements enable manufacturers to improve productivity, precision, and cost-efficiency. However, the upfront investment in such technologies and the need for specialized knowledge to operate them are significant barriers, especially for small and mid-sized enterprises.

Environmental concerns are becoming increasingly central, with companies facing growing pressure to adopt greener practices and reduce their carbon footprint. Sustainability, now integral to corporate strategy, is pushing manufacturers to adopt practices such as circular manufacturing, energy-efficient production, and the use of renewable energy. Regulations aimed at reducing emissions and waste are expected to further impact operations.

U.S. government initiatives, like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the CHIPS and Science Act, have been significant in promoting domestic manufacturing. By providing tax incentives, grants, and subsidies, these policies aim to make the U.S. more competitive in areas like semiconductor production, battery manufacturing, and electric vehicle assembly. Policies targeting supply chain resilience and reshoring are likely to stimulate further growth in select sectors.
The Immediate Future (1-5 Years)

Digital Transformation in Manufacturing Over the next five years, digital transformation will continue to accelerate, with more companies adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. This shift will likely increase productivity and reduce operational costs. Digital twin technology, predictive maintenance using IoT, and advanced robotics are expected to become mainstream, making manufacturing processes more efficient and cost-effective.

Investment in Workforce Development Addressing the skills gap will be critical, with a substantial focus on training and education initiatives. Companies may collaborate more closely with technical colleges and vocational training centers to create tailored programs that align with industry needs. In parallel, organizations are expected to invest in reskilling programs for existing employees, especially in areas such as robotics, automation, and data analysis.

Supply Chain Realignment and Nearshoring To build resilience, many manufacturers will continue to reconfigure their supply chains. While onshoring remains a long-term objective, in the short term, nearshoring (shifting production to countries in close proximity to the U.S., like Mexico) will help reduce dependency on distant suppliers. This trend is expected to improve delivery times and lower transportation costs, ultimately making U.S. manufacturing more competitive.

Increased Focus on Sustainability As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards rise, manufacturers will likely prioritize sustainability initiatives, especially as large corporations with established ESG standards put pressure on their suppliers to adhere to similar values. This focus on sustainability may include waste reduction programs, improved energy efficiency, and, in some cases, a move towards “circular economy” practices to minimize waste and reuse materials wherever possible.

Potential Policy Changes Policy and regulation could continue to evolve rapidly, especially in response to global political dynamics. Trade policies may remain somewhat protectionist, and the government is likely to introduce more incentives for critical industries like semiconductor manufacturing, defense, and healthcare. Tariffs and trade agreements could be renegotiated to favor domestic production, potentially impacting international partnerships.

Into The Next Decade (5-10 Years)

Expanded Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Adoption Automation and AI integration are projected to drive significant advancements over the next decade. Collaborative robots (cobots) will likely become widespread in smaller manufacturing operations, enabling manufacturers to increase efficiency without replacing their workforce. AI-driven analytics could allow companies to continuously optimize their production lines, cut down on waste, and enhance product quality.

Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) and Customization

As 3D printing technology matures, it will enable manufacturers to create more customized products in smaller production runs, a shift away from mass production. This trend could drive the growth of local, on-demand manufacturing hubs across the U.S., as smaller businesses take advantage of this technology to produce highly customized or region-specific products.

Resilience and Regionalization of Supply Chains

By 2034, the U.S. is expected to have established a more regionalized supply chain network, reducing dependency on Asian markets for critical components. This trend could also spur the development of domestic suppliers for materials and components, which in turn may drive job growth and encourage investment in new manufacturing facilities within the U.S.

Workforce Transformation

As automation reduces the need for manual labor, the workforce composition in manufacturing is likely to change dramatically. The emphasis will be on technical and analytical skills, such as machine maintenance, AI management, and data analytics. Over time, we may see a fully integrated workforce where operators are trained to work alongside AI systems and advanced robotics, marking a transition from traditional blue-collar work to tech-based skills.

Green Manufacturing as Standard Practice

Environmental considerations will play a far more dominant role in manufacturing by 2034, driven by both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations. The shift to green manufacturing is expected to encompass everything from energy-efficient factories and renewable energy use to sustainable sourcing and reduced waste through circular economy models. Government incentives are likely to support this transition, making green manufacturing practices more economically viable.

Global Competition and Trade Dynamics

By 2034, the global manufacturing landscape will likely see increased competition, particularly with advancements in automation and AI being made by countries like China and Germany. Trade dynamics will remain a key factor, with the U.S. potentially having to navigate a more complex network of trade relationships and standards. There may also be a greater emphasis on ensuring security in supply chains, especially for sectors deemed critical to national security.

The next decade will be transformative for the U.S. manufacturing sector.

While challenges such as labor shortages, global competition, and environmental pressures persist, the opportunities for growth are significant. By embracing advanced technologies, fostering a highly skilled workforce, and rethinking supply chain strategies, U.S. manufacturers have the potential to revitalize and redefine the industry.

Ultimately, the future of U.S. manufacturing will be marked by resilience, adaptability, and innovation. If policymakers, industry leaders, and educators can collaborate effectively, the sector could see a resurgence, positioning the U.S. as a global manufacturing leader with a sustainable and highly advanced industrial base.

Botetourt County Invites You to Explore Botetourt Memory! October 15, 2024 (Botetourt County, VA)  Botetourt County Libr...
10/15/2024

Botetourt County Invites You to Explore Botetourt Memory!

October 15, 2024 (Botetourt County, VA)

Botetourt County Libraries are excited to announce the launch of Botetourt Memory, a digital archive of records related to the history and heritage of Botetourt County and its residents.

The online resource includes digital images of historic photos and documents, including death records from the 1800s, photographs of old school buildings and abandoned properties, newspaper articles, postcards, personal records, and more. Images are organized into collections within genealogy and local history sections.

All text found in images is transcribed into the descriptions in order to be fully readable and searchable.

“We’re grateful to many local historians, volunteers, interns, County staff, and community donors for this unique collection,” noted Sarah Rodgers, Fincastle Library Branch Manager and project lead. “Botetourt Memory has been in the works for several years, and we’re thrilled that we can finally make it available for everyone to research and enjoy.”

Currently, the collection contains over 1,000 images to explore. Thousands of additional images are pending review and processing, so more images will be added almost daily. Due to the substantial existing backlog to work through, Botetourt Libraries may be unable to accept donations of historic material for digitization until a later date.

To explore Botetourt Memory, visit //www.botetourtva.gov/botetourtmemory

Botetourt County (Pop. 33,494) is a 546 sq. mile community in Southwestern Virginia.

The rural community is in the southwestern portion of the state in the scenic Roanoke Valley of Virginia.

Strategically located on Interstate 81, and just 20 miles south of Interstate 64, Botetourt County is accessible to the markets of the Mid-West, the Mid-Atlantic, and the entire Eastern Seaboard.

Botetourt County has a five-member elected Board of Supervisors which oversees most of the county’s government-related operations.

In addition, Botetourt County has a complete administrative staff that works under the direction of a County Administrator who is hired by the Board of Supervisors to run day-to-day operations.

The dedication of the Botetourt County LOVE Sign scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st at 10am has been postponed due to we...
09/30/2024

The dedication of the Botetourt County LOVE Sign scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st at 10am has been postponed due to weather.

Botetourt County is working on rescheduling and will send out a new date as soon as possible.

Congress Considers a Constitutional Amendment for Mass Casualty Events: A Democratic Safeguard or Circumvention of the P...
09/27/2024

Congress Considers a Constitutional Amendment for Mass Casualty Events: A Democratic Safeguard or Circumvention of the People’s Will?

Scott Davis - CISG Media USA
27 September 2024

As political violence and threats against U.S. lawmakers continue to rise, a bipartisan group of representatives has proposed a constitutional amendment to address a terrifying possibility: a mass casualty event that could leave Congress incapacitated and disrupt the functioning of the U.S. government.

This proposal, while intended to protect the continuity of government, raises critical questions about democratic representation, the balance of power, and public trust in government institutions.

Over the last several years, threats against members of Congress have surged, increasing by 300% according to Capitol Police.

High-profile incidents, including the 2017 congressional baseball shooting that nearly killed Representative Steve Scalise, and assassination attempts against high-ranking officials, have underscored the vulnerability of lawmakers.

These events have driven a bipartisan coalition, including Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), William Timmons (R-S.C.), and Emanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.), to propose a constitutional amendment designed to ensure the government can continue functioning even if a large number of House members are killed in an attack​.

Currently, vacancies in the House of Representatives must be filled through special elections, a process that typically takes three to four months to organize due to ballot preparation, legal requirements, and logistical challenges.

The concern is that in a national crisis, this delay could leave large portions of the country without representation and could alter the balance of power in Washington, creating a dangerous incentive for political violence​.

The proposed amendment seeks to address this by allowing temporary appointees to serve in place of deceased House members until a special election can be held.

Every House member would submit a list of five potential replacements from their political party to the governor of their state. In the event of the representative’s death, the governor would choose one of these individuals to serve temporarily.

This system mirrors how Senate vacancies are handled, allowing for temporary appointments until voters can elect a permanent replacement​

Despite the practical rationale behind the amendment, there are significant concerns that it could circumvent the democratic process.

One of the core principles of American democracy is that representatives are elected by the people, not appointed by state officials.

Critics may argue that allowing governors to appoint temporary replacements, even if chosen from a pre-submitted list, undermines the public’s right to choose who represents them in Congress.

While the measure aims to protect the government from political instability, some fear that it opens the door for power to be concentrated in the hands of a few during critical moments, potentially eroding the democratic will of the people.

In a time when trust in the U.S. government is at an all-time low, this proposal could face significant resistance from both the public and lawmakers who are wary of any appearance of circumventing elections​.

Passing a constitutional amendment is no small task.

It requires a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the state legislatures.

Given the deep partisan divisions in Congress and the public's skepticism of government power, this proposal faces steep hurdles.

Only one constitutional amendment has been ratified since 1945, a testament to how difficult the process can be​.

Even among the states, there are concerns about the ability to hold special elections quickly enough to comply with federal law.

Many state election officials have expressed doubts about their capacity to organize elections on such a short timeline, citing challenges like ballot preparation, polling station setup, and accommodating absentee voters. The logistical difficulties alone could delay implementation, even if the amendment were to pass​.

The proposed amendment represents an effort to address a real and growing threat to the continuity of government, but it also sparks a broader debate about how to balance national security with democratic values.

Proponents of the amendment argue that the measure is necessary to ensure that political violence does not become a tool to disrupt or alter the government.

By allowing temporary appointments, they aim to remove the incentive for assassins to target large numbers of lawmakers in an attempt to flip control of Congress​.

However, the amendment's critics may see this as a dangerous precedent, one that could pave the way for further erosions of electoral integrity. At a time when trust in the government is fragile, any proposal that appears to undermine the direct election of representatives will likely face significant pushback from both the public and political leaders​.

While the proposed constitutional amendment to address mass casualty events in Congress seeks to ensure stability and prevent political violence, it also raises fundamental questions about democratic representation.

In an era of intense political distrust, any measure that circumvents the direct election of representatives is likely to face an uphill battle.

Whether this amendment can gain enough support in Congress and across the states to pass remains uncertain, but it has already sparked an important debate about how to protect both the integrity of government and the voice of the people.

The fate of the amendment will depend on whether lawmakers and the public see it as a necessary safeguard or a threat to democracy itself.

Passing a constitutional amendment is no small task.

It requires a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the state legislatures.

Given the deep partisan divisions in Congress and the public's skepticism of government power, this proposal faces steep hurdles. Only one constitutional amendment has been ratified since 1945, a testament to how difficult the process can be​.

Even among the states, there are concerns about the ability to hold special elections quickly enough to comply with federal law.

Many state election officials have expressed doubts about their capacity to organize elections on such a short timeline, citing challenges like ballot preparation, polling station setup, and accommodating absentee voters. The logistical difficulties alone could delay implementation, even if the amendment were to pass​.

The proposed amendment represents an effort to address a real and growing threat to the continuity of government, but it also sparks a broader debate about how to balance national security with democratic values.

Proponents of the amendment argue that the measure is necessary to ensure that political violence does not become a tool to disrupt or alter the government.

By allowing temporary appointments, they aim to remove the incentive for assassins to target large numbers of lawmakers in an attempt to flip control of Congress.

However, the amendment's critics may see this as a dangerous precedent, one that could pave the way for further erosions of electoral integrity. At a time when trust in the government is fragile, any proposal that appears to undermine the direct election of representatives will likely face significant pushback from both the public and political leaders​.

While the proposed constitutional amendment to address mass casualty events in Congress seeks to ensure stability and prevent political violence, it also raises fundamental questions about democratic representation.

In an era of intense political distrust, any measure that circumvents the direct election of representatives is likely to face an uphill battle.

Whether this amendment can gain enough support in Congress and across the states to pass remains uncertain, but it has already sparked an important debate about how to protect both the integrity of government and the voice of the people.

The fate of the amendment will depend on whether lawmakers and the public see it as a necessary safeguard or a threat to democracy itself.

Operation Grim Beeper: Mossad’s Complex Infiltration into HezbollahScott Davis  - CISG Media USA 19 September 2024This p...
09/19/2024

Operation Grim Beeper: Mossad’s Complex Infiltration into Hezbollah

Scott Davis - CISG Media USA
19 September 2024

This past week, Mossad executed Operation Grim Beeper, a high-stakes intelligence mission that dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah's operational network in Beirut.

This sophisticated Israeli operation involved the infiltration and modification of thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah, leading to synchronized explosions across Lebanon and parts of Syria, killing over 20 Hezbollah members and wounding thousands more.

This operation hinged on Hezbollah’s reliance on pagers for secure communication.

Following advice from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who believed Israel had compromised their cellphone networks, the group adopted the use of Gold Apollo AR924 pagers, imported from Taiwan by a Hungarian shell company, BAC Consulting KFT.

Unknown to Hezbollah, Mossad had intercepted the devices during shipment, modifying them to include small, remotely triggered explosives.

The success of this operation relied heavily on Mossad's precision and coordination.

Every aspect had to be flawlessly timed, as even the slightest error in one compartmentalized element would have alerted Hezbollah, allowing them to trace or detect the modifications.

Mossad agents carefully manipulated the supply chain, ensuring that the pagers passed undetected through multiple layers of distributors before reaching Hezbollah's hands.

One particularly complex segment involved rerouting payments through the Middle East to avoid detection.

BAC Consulting’s financial activities raised red flags, but due to Mossad’s expertise in operating through shell companies, the operation remained concealed.

Had this financial trail been traced back to Israel, Hezbollah might have uncovered the plot long before the explosions.

The explosions crippled Hezbollah's communication infrastructure, with members scrambling to recover from the attack.

Hospitals across Lebanon were overwhelmed by the sheer number of victims, and Hezbollah itself suffered considerable losses among its leadership.

Hezbollah's Nasrallah has called the incident an “act of war,” vowing retaliation against Israel.

The operation’s success demonstrates Mossad’s ability to execute such a complex mission with global ramifications, further destabilizing Hezbollah's presence in Lebanon and Syria.

While Hezbollah had adopted the pagers for greater security, Mossad's infiltration of this supposedly secure network shows the lengths Israeli intelligence will go to in its efforts against adversaries.

As of now, the international community is watching closely for Hezbollah's response, with Israel preparing for potential escalations along the northern border.

This operation underscores the importance of compartmentalization in intelligence work.

Each phase—whether it was infiltrating the supply chain, modifying the devices, or rerouting payments—had to be perfectly executed to avoid alerting Hezbollah.

A failure in any one aspect could have compromised the entire operation, but Mossad's meticulous planning allowed them to pull it off, sending a powerful message to Hezbollah and its allies.

An intriguing part of this operation was how Mossad manipulated shell companies like BAC Consulting KFT to camouflage its actions.

Based in Hungary, BAC Consulting was responsible for handling the sale of the pagers, creating a layer of separation between the devices’ origin in Taiwan and their final destination in Hezbollah’s hands.

This strategy highlights how Israel is leveraging global networks and shell companies to bypass scrutiny in international arms and equipment transfers.

Operation Grim Beeper represents a major intelligence victory for Israel, severely disrupting Hezbollah’s communications while simultaneously showcasing the depth of Mossad's strategic operations. In yet another made for TV intelligence operation by Israeli Intelligence.

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