The Shadow
Welcome back, Shadowers! I can’t tell you how proud I am of all of you in the Shadow Facebook group. We’ve changed. Just over a year ago when we started the group, most of the posts were dramatic outpourings, finger-pointings, and emotional reflections of the uncomfortable injustices and personal grievances happening around the Highlands. We were headed towards another “Topix” style toxic group filled with trolling and anger.
However, did you notice the change? It happened right after the 2024 elections, where we saw real action and results from our collective problem-solving efforts. Now, we’re discussing things, solving problems… working together. It’s the first time in a long time that I’ve seen folks who’ve been previously standing on the opposite banks of the Jackson deciding to remove the divide and collectively work on issues. In the words of Shadower Amanda L, she beautifully summed it up, “Left wing right wing both are part of the same bird and let’s tie it all together.”
Let me show you what I mean.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, two major issues have dominated the news over the last couple of weeks: Property Taxes and the Gas Leaks at the Covington Middle School.
Now, here’s the fascinating part. Rather than throwing a collective tantrum, playing the blame game like a round of political hot potato, we’ve actually been doing something radical—identifying the problems, digging into the facts, reading the fine print (yes, even scouring Virginia Laws), and cooking up real solutions.
Let’s start with property taxes. To say folks are upset about the sky-high valuation assessments on property around the Highlands is like saying a cat mildly dislikes a bath—technically true, but it doesn’t quite capture the screeching, clawing, and sheer existential crisis that comes with it. Shadowers Joy K and Janet L’s comments reflected the common collective grievance, echoing that their properties’ values have more than doubled or almost tripled, yet nothing’s changed to justify the massive increase in value.
But instead of just dumping that ton of poop at the County’s door, only to ring the doorbell and run, many folks are stepping up, arming themselves with research, fact, and planning action. You called the media to make your voice heard, and they’ve all responded, including TV stations out of Roanoke.
This is how real change begins.
Shadower Steve W recently wrote in about his issues with skyrocketing property value assessments. His concern isn’t with taxes themselves—he acknowledges they fund essential services. The issue is the reassessment process, which seems to have produced values that are, let’s say, creatively optimistic.
Steve has smartly done his research and has a hearing scheduled in a few weeks. But should homeowners really have to fight to correct what the county should have gotten right in the first place?
Shadowers aren’t going to leave it to chance.
Shadower Donna Dressler-Miller posted her appeal process and solution to the group so others could do the same. She says, “Talking about the Assessment will not accomplish anything! You must take action. I just sent my email of Appeal. Here is what I sent…” Her post was seen by over 3,000 people, with more than a dozen chiming in to help. As a result, many have filed their appeals as well. Shadower Tuffy B said, “Also call your Board Of Supervisors Representative, and all start Attending Board Meetings.”
Go get’em folks, you’ve found the power.
Now, let’s talk about gas leaks and children. On January 14th, there was a gas leak near Covington Middle School (CMS) that closed the school and was eventually fixed by Columbia Gas. Then, CMS was evacuated again on January 31 after an odor was detected in the building. Local and state emergency teams investigated and found that a malfunctioning natural gas-fueled oven in the kitchen was releasing carbon monoxide due to inefficient burning. The ventilation hood, which should have exhausted the fumes, was also not functioning properly. Because no food was being cooked over the weekend, the issue went undetected during earlier inspections. Officials have stated that there is no evidence this was a long-standing problem.
In response, AHPS has confirmed that carbon monoxide detectors will be installed before the school reopens to prevent similar incidents in the future. Repair crews began working on Monday, February 3, leading to class cancellations for that day. At the time of publication, School officials stated they will provide updates by 3:00 p.m. on Monday regarding reopening plans. While other schools are unaffected, administrators are developing a continuity of learning plan for CMS students and providing work instructions for staff.
Now, even though we are still early in the process of fixing the problems, it is very encouraging that both parents and administrators are seeking immediate transparency, answers, and solutions. Many parents have begun posting on the Shadow, on other groups, and holding interviews with the press to search for these answers and solutions. Why? Ultimately, the goal for both parents and school administrators is the same: Keep our children safe. There have been lots of questions being posed, including, “Where is the Certificate of Occupancy (COO) to show that the school has been deemed safe?” and “Why aren’t there Carbon Monoxide alarms at the school?” Superintendent Kim Halterman has been doing an excellent job at answering those questions, including keeping the public informed with statements, documents, and files directly on the AHPS website (click on Covington Middle School’s link), including the most recent COO issued by the City on December 27, 2024. While I know there are many folks outraged at the situation, it is great to see the entire community coming together to address the situation head-on.
In other news, the Virginian Review made its grand debut at a Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services (Local DSS) board meeting last week—though “attended” might be a generous term, given that they were shown the door after about fifteen minutes. The board, seemingly allergic to transparency, conducted the meeting without microphones, name badges, or any adherence to the usual public meeting protocols. It was almost as if they were hosting an exclusive, members-only club instead of a government meeting.
Once the doors shut, the real conversation began—though, of course, the public wasn’t invited. When pressed, officials cited the sensitive nature of issues involving minors as the reason for secrecy. Fair enough, but given the general hush-hush vibe, one has to wonder if that was the whole story. The Virginian Review plans to attend future meetings, and now that The Recorder is free of its pesky conflict of interest (since their Alleghany editor is no longer the local DSS board chairman), maybe they can send a watchdog or two as well. And here’s hoping the ever-watchful Jerry Clark makes an appearance—because let’s be honest, what’s a public meeting without him?
Seems Alleghany Memorial Park is still having maintenance issues. The Shadow and the Virginian Review covered the poor conditions of the old cemetery one year ago this week and received assurances from the owners that things were going to be fixed, repaired, and renovated. However, according to the latest reports of folks with family members there, nothing has changed.
Shadower Susan P. writes, “I am writing to you seeking help with the current & ongoing deplorable conditions of this local cemetery. Roads have had huge potholes for years, with maintenance occasionally filling with gravel only to be washed away with rain. Trash cans are emptied very rarely. During the growing season, grounds are occasionally mowed & seldom trimmed. It is a disgrace to our loved ones. This is the final resting place for many of my family members & I am embarrassed at the condition. I have spoken with the corporation, seeing no effort of change.”
Shadowers JoAnne H and Melissa V agreed with Susan P, “I was told on Mother’s Day 2023 that the road was going to be paved that summer. Now, here it is about four months before Mother’s day 2 years later and still, the road has not been paved,” JoAnne stated and Melissa V confirmed.
Stay tuned; the Shadow team is investigating.
Finally, Shadower Pam L updated us on the outcome of Groundhog’s Day. Seems we’ve been given permission for six more weeks of wine drinking to overcome the winter woes. I’ll second that motion…more coffee!
This week’s “photo of the week” goes to Shadower Bonnie Keyser for her outstanding and breathtaking photos she took around the Highlands during the winter storms.
I’m out of time and out of coffee, but remember, Girl Scouts will be selling cookies this week (Highlands Community Bank near Walmart is one location.) So just when you thought you had removed all the holiday treats and candy out of your house, there’s more incoming! It’s for a great cause, so what the heck, blow that diet one more time, we’re early in this year’s resolutions! I see nothing, carry on…
