Virginia State Police Open New Area Office in Vansant

by JoBeth Wampler
Staff Reporter
   The Virginia State Police announced the opening of its new area office in Vansant on Thursday with a grand opening celebration.
    With Senator Phillip Puckett, Delegate Dan Bowling and former Delegate Jackie Stump looking on, First Sergeant Phillip Cheek recognized everyone who played a role in the purchase of the new facility, citing many obstacles that might have kept the department from moving to its new location.
    “They’ve been trying for years to get a new office because they really needed it,” he said.
     According to Cheek, it was Stump who lobbied for the Department of State Police, preparing an appropriation that would set aside $500,000 for the construction of a new area office.
     On Thursday, the department commended Stump for his dedication to Buchanan County, honoring him with a special award.
    “Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to him,” Cheek said. “He was a statesman, not just a politician, and a good friend of the Department of State Police.”
     Lieutenant David Shaver presented the special award to a visibly emotional Stump.
     “I was proud to help all of the state police officers,” Stump said. “A lot of people don’t realize how much they go through.”
     Crediting the troopers and staff that have kept the department running through the years, he commended them for their willingness to help and eagerness to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
     “I think you all have one of the greatest buildings in the state,” he said. “But, again, you all deserve it.”

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

Town, County Waterline Upgrades Hinge on CEDA's Decision
Authority Expected to Consider Request at August Meeting

by Cathy St. Clair
News Editor
    If the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority will approve a change in the location for funds it previously approved to be spent on the town redevelopment project, water lines through the Town of Grundy will be upgraded, paving the way for future economic development - not only in the town, but the county as well.
    At last Thursday's meeting of the Town of Grundy Industrial Development Authority, board members agreed to ask CEDA for permission to remove a restriction which required funding  previously approved for the town redevelopment project to be used in the redevelopment  They noted the project now proposed to upgrade the water lines to 10 inch lines leading into Grundy from Little Prater would accomplish the same end objective of making water available for fire protection on the redevelopment site, however the upgrade of the line would also allow for additional economic development opportunities in the town and county for the future.

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

Town Council to Advertise for New Town Manager

by Scotty Wampler
Staff Reporter
    Grundy Town Council last week opted to begin advertising for a full-time town manager to fill the position recently vacated by Chuck Crabtree.
    Crabtree announced his resignation as town manager last week, effective July 26. He has accepted a position full time as director of the Town of Grundy Industrial Development Authority.
    Council agreed to set a deadline of September 1 to receive applications for the position.
   Crabtree's resignation was also officially accepted by members of council at the special called meeting, effective the end of the town's current pay period.

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