Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall presented a detailed report about 2022 animal calls from Alleghany County and the Town of Clifton Forge.
Hall also thanked the Alleghany Co. Board of Supervisors for the $160.000 that enabled his department to purchase scanning equipment that will prevent contraband from being smuggled into the jail and detect weapons.
Through the Fourth of July, his department has received hundreds of calls concerning cats, dogs, and wild animals, but only 12 dog bites have been reported while 100 dogs have been taken to shelter.
As for cats, 64 have been taken to shelter with only two cat bites having been reported.
Hall also noted that the new video system will enable visitors to have virtual visitations with inmates at the jail and that the inmates will have an opportunity to take online classes to better themselves. The video feed will not allow inmates to go online and access “Facebook” or other social media platforms.
He also reminded those present that his “Sheriff’s Car Show” will be held Sat., July 9.
Marty and Ann Wells’ application to conditionally rezone Lot 2A of the Rosedale Subdivision, also known as 204 Rosedale Ave., from a Residential R-1 zone classification to a Residential R-2 zone classification to operate a bed and breakfast homestay was approved by a 6-0 vote, Cletus Nicely from the Sharon District not being present to cast a seventh vote.
The couple plans on living downstairs at the home they have purchased and rent the fully furnished upstairs that has a private entrance to the three bedrooms, living room, kitchenette and bathroom.
Beth Stull from the zoning commission read a comprehensive report concerning the project, and the owners followed by presenting a detailed plan for their new business venture if approved.
The couple noted that their business plan calls for marketing the rental via RB&B.com, a national and international booking website.
After hearing that aspect of the couple’s plan, Stephen Bennett remarked, “It adds legitimacy to what you are doing.”
The meeting began with Chairman G. Matt Garten of the Falling Spring District calling the meeting to order, and after Shannon Cox completed the invocation, she led those present I the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
After the application was approved, Marty noted, “I work in Salem, and I drive down 220 to work, and I don’t mind driving.”
“The drive is beautiful,” he added.
The couple explained that they chose to move from Dinwiddie, Va. and that they chose Covington because of the beauty of the surrounding mountains and beautiful attractions like Falling Spring and Humpback Bridge.
They predicted that their bed and breakfast homestay will attract many visitors to the area.
Members of the Alleghany Co. Board of Supervisors heard from Allegany County Administrator Reid Walters who reported that negotiations are underway with Craig-Botetourt Electric to partner with the company in order to bring service to a 40-acre area in the western part of the county that lacks internet service, not being provided by Frontier, a W. Va. company, or Lumos, a local company that has disclaimed the area.
Walters also noted that progress is being made in attracting new businesses to the area to improve economic development and that the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation will soon be meeting in Richmond to attract businesses and industries to the Alleghany Highlands.
During the comment section of the meeting, Gregory A. Dodd of the Clifton Forge West District congratulated Kim Halterman, who was in attendance, for being named the new superintendent of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools.
He said, “I’m glad you got that position.”
All business on the agenda was dealt with, and the meeting was adjourned for a closed meeting pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A) (1) of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, to discuss: (1) personnel matter.
