The Shadow
Certain Boiling Springs Emergency Medical Services’ personnel were recognized and commended for their life-saving efforts in treating Josie Harmon, after the two-year old was struck by a vehicle, at the beginning of the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors’ regular meeting, last Wednesday evening.
After an innovation by Gene Ayers, pastor, Central Advent Christian Church, Clifton Forge, the pledge of allegiance, and approval of minutes from their last meeting, Shannon Cox, Boiling Springs District Representative, stood with Alicia, Josh, and Josie Harmon as plaques were presented on behalf of the Harmon family.
“True heroes that are waiting in the wings to swoop in and save us in our deepest, darkest, life-threatening times of need, only to be gone as quickly without a moment for us to say thank you and to show the appreciation for your commitment and life-saving services,” read Alicia through tears. The statement went on to read that Josie was not breathing and bleeding when 911 was called. Her parents started driving to meet the ambulance and handed Josie off to the EMS’.
Once the ambulance was in motion, the Lifeguard helicopter was called to airlift Josie to Roanoke Memorial. “Thank you for not giving up on Josie when it didn’t look like there was a chance at life,” the statement read. “Because of your quick actions, with no hesitations, Josie is here with us today.” Josie’s parents thanked the EMS personnel for their “quick actions with no hesitations.”
“You were all were so kind, caring, and compassionate during this tragic accident,” the statement continued. Your experience and training are undeniable, and we are so thankful and blessed for the volunteer work that you do. Thank you for your endless training and quick responses. Thank you for risking your life every day for our community and yet you ask for nothing. Alicia and Josh will never be able to fully express their deepest and sincerest gratitude. They feel they owe you their lives and they are committed to honoring your selfless actions and dedication.”
Christmas came early in the form of bonuses for Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services employees. Tammy Wilson, Director, along with many employees attended the meeting to request a resolution to ensure the county be reimbursed for those funds. “Happy Holidays,” said Matt Garten, Chairman, to which the Board received a round of applause from the DSS staff.
A Public Hearing was held to consider granting a permanent, non-exclusive easement of right of way to Sara Allen Irvine and Rebecca Jane Irvine for the purpose of ingress and egress, drainage, and utilities along the Piney Ridge Road easement from Commerce Center Drive in the Alleghany Regional Commerce Center. Hearing no comments, the Board unanimously approved the request by a vote of 6/0. James Griffith, Covington District Representative, voted via ZOOM and Ronald Goings, Clifton Forge East District Representative, was not present and did not cast a vote.
The Board members also heard a Virginia Department of Transportation update on ditching, seeding, secondary mowing, and asphalt patches and paving by Suzanne Adcock-Nicely, in the absence of Susan Hammond, VDOT Resident Engineer.
They also heard a presentation on the Alleghany Highlands Outdoor Recreation Plan by Robin Bruns, Regional Planner, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission. With a team of leaders, the group created a strategy to synergize and bring together the valuable and natural assets together to improve outdoor recreation for the entire region. The goal of the planning is to develop recreation assets to meet user expectations for a variety of outdoor activities, attract and support businesses providing amenities for outdoor recreation, and to advance the Alleghany Highlands regional brand used to provide area information and promote the destination. “This is instrumental in our tourism plan,” added Garten at the conclusion of the presentation.
In addition, the Board members unanimously approved a 5-year term extension of the outfitter facility contract; Alleghany High School and Jackson River Technical Center roof replacement school capital project; a supplemental appropriation for State salary increases; and passed a resolution confirming the burn band that is already in effect, continuing it until further notice.
With no unfinished business, no county administrator’s report, and after striking the closed meeting, the regular meeting was adjourned after brief board member comments.
