07/04/2024
A brief PSA if you’ll be attending a parade this July 4th.
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Founded on October 31, 2003
A weekly newspaper covering local and regional issues for Buchanan and Tazewell Counties in Southwest Virginia.
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07/03/2024
Stray: Goldilocks
Goldilocks was found on River street in Richlands. If you recognize this sweet girl please contact us. If not reclaimed, Goldilocks will be available for adoption or rescue on July 12th.
07/03/2024
The weekly Evening Shade concert series continues on Friday evenings this month at the Bluefield Virginia Farmers Market with scheduled performances by An Hour Later, Southbound, Turner Brothers and Right to Fly. 🎵
07/03/2024
Congratulations to Maggie Viers and Jacob Fields who competed in Orlando Florida this week in the NATIONAL FBLA Competition. (NATIONAL COMPETITION). What an honor! I hope you’ve had an amazing trip, with lots of memories made and had lots of learning from this opportunity at the National level. You make BCPS proud!
07/03/2024
Yesterday this adorable little 5 year old desperately wanted to see a police car, so she decided to call the Sheriff’s Office on her own to ask. She told our Dispatcher “I really want to see your car.” Then she takes the phone to her mother and says “I called the police because I want to see thier car.” Her mother was surprised and apologized, but we thought it was so cute that Deputy Jon Brown drove out to her house to let her see an actual police car. 💙
07/02/2024
07/02/2024
06/30/2024
Good luck to these ladies as they compete at FBLA nationals in Orlando!
06/30/2024
Congrats to our upcoming Bulldog senior Wes Dudley on placing 12th in robotics and automation technology at the national SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta!
06/29/2024
06/29/2024
Congratulations to Bralynn Hardin from Hurley. She completed at Simply Gorgeous Girls this weekend and won
TOP 16 Ultimate Amateur Majetic Supreme.
She placed in Casual Wear, Interview, Summer Wear, Best Hair, Sweetest Face and Print Model.
06/28/2024
Baa! Baa! Come greet the sheep and other farmyard critters at our Petting Zoos during July. This events are free, all ages events.
Thursday, July 4 from 10am - 1pm: Crab Orchard Museum
Saturday, July 6 from 2pm - 5pm: Pocahontas Town Park
Thursday, July 11 from 3pm - 6pm: Critterville Park, Richlands, VA
Friday, July 12 from 5pm - 8pm: Jack Asbury Square, Bluefield, VA
06/28/2024
06/28/2024
06/28/2024
🎣 Lincolnshire Night Fishing 2024 Schedule:
Fri. June 28
Sat. July 13
Fri. July 19
Sat. Aug 17
Fri. Aug 30
ℹ️ All Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources rules & regulations must be followed
06/28/2024
06/28/2024
Get ready for a dazzling display of fireworks across Tazewell County this 4th of July! Check out our listing of firework displays happening near you! 🎆
06/27/2024
Alert from Tazewell County PSA: Conserving Water
Date: Jun 27, 2024
Dear Valued Customer of Our Community,
Currently, our region is experiencing lower than average rainfall, which is impacting our water supply. We are reaching out to ask for your help in conserving water to ensure that our community has an adequate supply for essential needs.
For details, visit: [ https://rw1.co/GKKQS ]
Welcome to the Official Website of Tazewell County PSA in Tazewell, VA!
06/26/2024
On Friday, June 21, Robin and Christopher Crum were charged with felony murder in connection with the death of Jillian Rasnick, 38 of West Virginia.
Rasnick was originally from the Jewell Ridge area and was the daughter of Keith Reed of Bandy. Her mother was the late Jill Horn.
The investigation led to the arrest of 65-year-old Robin Crum and 46-year-old Christopher Crum, both of Livingston, Texas. Both are currently being held in the Polk County Jail.
On the evening of Saturday, June 15, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received 911 calls, in reference to a shooting in the 500 block of Wilson Lake Estates Road, in Polk County.
Deputies and Detectives quickly responded to the scene, along with EMS and Segro Fire Department.
When they arrived, the detectives discovered Rasnick deceased from a gunshot wound.
The investigation revealed that a verbal altercation occurred between the victim and homeowner leading to the shooting incident.
The investigation is still ongoing and being conducted by detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, along with the assistance of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Rangers Office, and the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office.
06/25/2024
New Rules for Farm Use Vehicles on July 1
~ Vehicle owners must purchase and display DMV-issued placard before July 1 ~
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Virginia State Police (VSP) encourage farmers to ensure their eligible farm use vehicles are compliant with the new farm use tag required by Virginia law that becomes effective on July 1, 2024. The new law requires unregistered farm use vehicles to display a DMV-issued permanent farm use placard on panel trucks, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 7,500 pounds.
The change was passed by lawmakers in 2023 with a one-year grace period for vehicle owners. Placards cost $15 and are good for the lifetime of the vehicle. Unofficial farm use tags will no longer be acceptable for these vehicles effective July 1, 2024.
“As farm vehicles are key to agricultural productivity, it is important that Virginia farmers can continue to use them in their operations while preventing farm use tags from being used on other vehicles inappropriately,” said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. “We hope those who have not already done so will apply for their DMV-issued permanent farm use tag today.”
Anyone who owns or leases an eligible farm use vehicle must return the application form to their local vehicle-only DMV Select or full-service DMV location and pay the $15 fee. An additional $15 may be required if the owner does not already hold a title for the vehicle. Information must be provided related to the farm location, size, and commodities, along with signed statements confirming its exempt use and that the vehicle is insured. The placards are non-transferrable and must be returned to the DMV within 30 days of the vehicle being sold or no longer used for exempted purposes.
“It is our hope that these placards will help ensure the proper use of farm use tags and, most importantly, make Virginia’s roads safer,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. “There is not much time left before enforcement begins, so we encourage farmers to bring their filled-out applications to their local vehicle only DMV.”
As of July 1, placards must be displayed on the front and back of vehicles at all times. A first violation is punishable by a fine of not more than $250, a second or subsequent violation shall constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $250.
“We are hopeful that the 12-month grace period has allowed farmers the necessary time to familiarize themselves with these farm use tag changes,” said VSP Superintendent, Colonel Gary Settle. “State police looks forward to working with the farming community to gain full compliance and ensure all vehicles have their proper tags on display.”
Unregistered farm use panel trucks, pickups trucks, and sport utility vehicles obtaining a DMV placard must meet certain conditions:
Used exclusively for agricultural or horticultural purposes on lands owned or leased by the vehicle's owner, and not operated on or over any public highway except for specific purposes.
Used by the farm owner or lessee on a seasonal basis in transporting farm produce and livestock along public highways for a distance of no more than 75 miles or to a storage house, packing plant or market.
Owned by a farm owner when the vehicle is operated or moved along a highway for no more than 75 miles between a sawmill or sawmill site and their farm to transport sawdust, wood shavings, slab wood, and other wood wastes.
Drawn by a farm tractor, used by a farmer, their tenant, agent, or employee or a cotton ginner, peanut buyer, or fertilizer distributor to transport unginned cotton, peanuts, or fertilizer owned by the farmer, cotton ginner, peanut buyer, or fertilizer distributor from one farm to another, from farm to gin, from farm to dryer, from farm to market, or from fertilizer distributor to farm and on return to the distributor.
Making a return trip from any marketplace, transporting back to a farm ordinary and essential food, including procuring a meal for a farmer or his employees, and other products for home and farm use while engaged in activities stated above, or transporting supplies to the farm.
Placard requirements do not apply to vehicles with a securely attached machine for spraying fruit and other plants, farm machinery or tractors operated on a highway between two tracts of land or traveling to and from a repair shop for repairs, farm vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 7,500 pounds, or farm trailers and semitrailers.
Detailed conditions and more information can be found on the DMV website. Visit this helpful chart to help determine which plate or placard is right for you.
# # #
06/21/2024
Attention Double Gates community. Details here⬇️
06/21/2024
Join us for an evening / night swim on Tuesday, July 2. All proceeds will go to the 9-10 Girls Softball Allstar Team. Costs to swim will be $5.00.
06/19/2024
Tazewell County Public Schools
Tazewell, VA
Personnel Changes
June 19, 2024
Appointments
Support
Gracien Cordle, Tazewell Primary/PALS Tutor
Teresa Gentry, Richlands Middle/Aide
Penny Hagy, Dudley Primary/Instructional Assistant
Stephanie Hendrick, Tazewell Primary/Pals Tutor
Bonnie Hicks, Richlands Middle/Cafeteria-Cook (PT)
Erika Hinkle, Tazewell High/School Nurse
Autumn Lambert, Dudley Primary/Developmental Assistant
Kelly Miller, Tazewell Primary/Developmental Assistant
Brittany Morgan, Tazewell Primary/Developmental Assistant
Kayla Poletti, Dudley Primary/Aide
Transfers
Sara Abel from TCCTC/Computer Support Technician to Richlands Middle/Computer Support Technician
Keisha Davis from Cedar Bluff Elementary/Developmental Assistant to Tazewell High/Aide
Elizabeth Franklin from Dudley Primary/Cafeteria-Cook to Dudley Primary/Cafeteria Manager
Ashley Graham from Tazewell High/Aide to Tazewell High/Administrative Assistant for Attendance
Mary Beth Hash from Graham Middle/School Counselor to Dudley Primary/ Graham Intermediate/School Counselor
Windella Matney from Tazewell Primary/Developmental Assistant to Tazewell Primary/Aide
Christopher Meadows from Richlands Elementary/Custodian to Richlands High/Custodian
Shirley Parsons from Tazewell Primary/Developmental Assistant to Tazewell Primary/Aide
Jessica Scarberry from Tazewell Intermediate/Developmental Assistant to Tazewell Intermediate/Aide
Tabitha Vest from Graham Middle/Cafeteria-Cook to Graham Middle/Custodian
Resignations
Christopher Allen, Richlands Middle/Custodian
Rita Baker, Graham High/Cafeteria-Cook
Kayla Fields, Cedar Bluff Elementary/Teacher
Laura Fletcher, Tazewell Primary/PALS Tutor
Kendra French, Dudley Primary/Aide
Cameron Roberts, Graham Intermediate/Teacher
Merya Schleife, Graham High Teacher
Kaitlyn Trivitt, Abbs Valley Elementary/Cafeteria-Cook (PT)
Retirements
Sherri Rasnick, Graham High/Teacher
Substitute Teachers
Degreed
Collin Burnett
Phillip Grindstaff
Sherri Rasnick
Fall Athletic Assignments
Tazewell High
Natalie Blankenship, Head MS Cheer
Fall Athletic Volunteers
Richlands High
David Richardson, Football
Fall Athletic Resignations
Tazewell High
Mariah Kegley, Head MS Cheer
Molly Thompson, Cheer Volunteer
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Whitewood, VA
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Northam lists Priorities for Special Session
Governor Northam Unveils Priorities for Upcoming Special Session
~ Governor’s proposals include measures to reform policing, protect Virginians from eviction; close the digital divide ~
RICHMOND—Governor Northam today unveiled his administration’s key priorities for the upcoming Virginia General Assembly special session, set to begin on Tuesday, August 18th.
Legislators will reconvene to address Virginia’s biennial budget, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing global pandemic. In addition, Governor Northam is proposing several measures to advance equity, reform policing, and protect the safety, health, and welfare of Virginians during this crisis.
“Virginians are hurting, and the Commonwealth is stepping up,” said Governor Northam. “Our country is battling both a health crisis and an economic crisis at once, so Virginia is advancing new programs to help people stay in their homes, care for the ones they love, and feel safe in the community.
“This starts with sound fiscal management and smart investments in our future. Careful planning has kept us from having to gut critical services or lay off state workers, like other states have done. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to advance long overdue police reform and pass record investments in affordable housing and broadband, so we can continue to support Virginians during this unprecedented time.”
Below are several of Governor Northam’s priorities for the upcoming special session. Additional priorities will be announced at the Governor’s annual speech to the General Assembly Joint Money Committees, scheduled for 9:30AM on Tuesday, August 18th.
Safe, Affordable Housing
Access to safe and stable housing is critically important, particularly in the midst of the ongoing health crisis. That is why Governor Northam is proposing $88 million in state funding to combat evictions and to expand access to affordable housing. These investments include a historic $85 million investment in the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, which will complement federal CARES Act funding to expand access to affordable housing, reduce homelessness, and protect Virginians from eviction. The Governor is also proposing $3.3 million in funding to establish an Eviction Prevention and Diversion Pilot Program to reduce evictions in communities across the Commonwealth.
In addition, Governor Northam is proposing a pause on evictions until at least April 30, 2021, tied to the requirement that landlords and tenants work together on a payment plan and seek out financial assistance, including through Virginia’s statewide Rent and Mortgage Relief Program.
While Virginians remain safely housed, they also need access to critical utility services. The Governor’s package includes a moratorium on utility disconnections for electric, water and natural gas utilities until 60 days after the current state of emergency ends.
Access to Broadband
A recent SCHEV report found that nearly 200,000 K-12 students and 60,000 college students across Virginia lack access to broadband at home. This disparity is particularly troubling as many school districts across Virginia plan a virtual start to the school year. To address this, Governor Northam is proposing a record $85 million to expand access to broadband for unserved communities. This historic investment in the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) will fund last-mile broadband infrastructure across the Commonwealth during this time of need.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Historically Black Colleges and Universities play an essential role in reducing educational inequities, many of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. That is why Governor Northam is proposing a $15 million investment in Virginia’s public HBCUs. This funding will increase support for underserved students and will fund needed technology upgrades.
Police and Criminal Justice Reform
In July, Governor Northam directed the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Virginia African American Advisory Board, and the Commission to Examine Racial Inequity in Virginia Law to develop policy recommendations and share input with the administration. Governor Northam has also communicated regularly with activists, community leaders, and law enforcement officials, and incorporated their feedback into his policy priorities.
The Governor’s special session priorities include measures to:
In addition, Governor Northam and his administration are working closely with legislators on measures not outlined above, including proposals related to behavioral health, fair and free elections, and racial equity. Additional proposals will be announced at the Governor’s annual speech to the General Assembly Joint Money Committees, and the Governor looks forward to continued discussions with lawmakers throughout the special session.
