County Tourism Possibilities Topic of Committee Meeting

by Cathy St. Clair
News Editor
       Tourism possibilities in Buchanan County were the focus of a meeting last Wednesday between members of the Buchanan County Tourism Committee and representatives of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
       VTC representatives Randy Rose and Teresa Elkins talked to committee members about the importance of identifying potential tourist destinations in the county and then getting the word out about them.
       "The reason we’re here today is to give you an overview of the services we offer; to find out what you may be interested in; and how we can help," Rose said.
       He noted one thing VTC representatives emphasize is that not only are people on vacation identified as tourists. Regular business or family travelers can also turn out tourism dollars when either has a couple extra hours to spend in the area.
        "We want people to stay longer and spend money," Rose said.
        He urged local tourism committee members to visit the Va.org website to make sure that Buchanan County destination listings are on the site.
        He noted that VTC’s primary purpose is to assist localities, not to lead them.
         "You know what is best for your area," he said.
        Tourism committee members talked about the potential for inclusion of older trail roads like the Virginia-Kentucky Turnpike on a state list of wilderness trails, as well as birding trails and work underway on hiking and biking trails and a regional artisans trail.
        Rose noted VTC also offers customer service training in an attempt to familiarize those in the region with the best way to present a positive tourism mindset in the responses given by local service industry people to those inquiring what there is to do in the area.
        Rose suggested after Buchanan County completes a destinations list, it might be beneficial to contact his office to arrange a tour for VTC staffers to visit. He said one is being arranged in Tazewell County now.
        Rose talked about Virginia welcome centers and the visitor center system, as well as options available to the county to display information there.

For more of the story, see the print edition of the Mountaineer, on sale at newsstands now.  For more information on how to subscribe to the Mountaineer, call 276-935-2123 today.

 Proposed School Budget Request Is Up $3 Million
Increases Seen in Several Areas

by Scotty Wampler
Staff Reporter
        The Buchanan County School Board’s proposed major budget increases for the coming year total almost $3 million.
       The board’s budget committee on Monday outlined the major budget hikes, which include increases in personnel salaries, fringe benefits, travel expenses, purchase services, operation and maintenance and drug testing.
       The largest allotment in the proposed operational budget is the $1,290,866 being set aside for fringe benefit increases. Counting on a 12 percent health insurance premium increase, the committee is proposing almost $500,000 to offset the cost. Additionally, a $791,000 increase will cover group life insurance and Virginia Retirement System costs.
         Personnel salaries would increase by nearly $1,250,000 if the proposed budget is adopted, with entry-level teachers earning $29,000. Educators with 27 years of service in the school system would be eligible to earn $50,000.
        The mileage rate for school system personnel would also be raised under the proposed budget. The current rate of .32 cents per mile would be increased to .425 cents, resulting in an increase of $33,509 for the year.
        “I think we really need to do that,” said Joyce Presley, Administrative Assistant for the School Board, adding that it must have been difficult for personnel to afford travel expenses during last summer’s gasoline price spike.
        The new drug testing policy the School Board may adopt soon is also included in the proposal. “We’ve tentatively figured that to run around $32,500,” said Tommy Justus, Division Superintendent. The  drug policy committee is currently scheduled to meet April 6 to review further revisions to the proposed policy.
        Purchase services, including increased costs for special services and additional remedial material for SOL tests, are included in the proposal to the tune of $244,464.
        Pupil transportation costs will also be increased by $82,482. Additionally, operation and maintenance funding will increase by $45,000.
        The School Board has no official word on funding details from the state, as the Virginia General Assembly has yet to adjourn. The assembly was originally scheduled to adjourn March 11.

For more of the story, see the print edition of the Mountaineer, on sale at newsstands now.  For more information on how to subscribe to the Mountaineer, call 276-935-2123 today.