The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Covington City Council convened for its regular November meeting on Tuesday, punctuated by a blend of tradition, community recognition, and decisive action on city initiatives. With Mayor Fred Forbes presiding, councilmembers and city staff navigated a packed agenda that honored local heritage, renewed community leadership, and promoted ongoing city revitalization efforts.
The meeting opened with an invocation, followed by council swiftly moving to celebrate a remarkable local legacy. Mayor Forbes proclaimed November 9, 2025, as a day to commemorate the 155th anniversary of the Historic First Baptist Church. The city presented an official proclamation to church representatives, with councilmembers and the public standing in tribute.
The proclamation detailed the church’s founding in 1870 under Reverend Barnett and chronicled its enduring role as a spiritual and civic cornerstone in Covington. Notably, the current sanctuary, built in 1911, remains a striking blend of Gothic and Colonial Revival design and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002. The council recognized Reverend Rosetta Stewart, the church’s eighteenth and current pastor, the first African American woman to serve in that role, while encouraging city residents to partake in anniversary events scheduled for November 5-9.
In the business portion of the meeting, the council reappointed Lisa Hicks and Robert McAllister to the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board. Both appointments were approved unanimously, ensuring continuity in city support for vital social services. Routine consent agenda items, such as the
acceptance of previous meeting minutes, passed without debate.
The council also voted to approve two resolutions, one pertaining to the pursuit of a resilience study grant, the other connected to opioid settlement recoveries. Both measures were adopted with no requirement for additional city matching funds, underscoring Covington’s commitment to leveraging external resources for community betterment.
City staff updates revealed a focus on employee well-being and communal gratitude. Staff member Lonnie Givens was welcomed back to work after a health-related absence, and Dewey Boggs was recognized for overcoming personal health challenges. The city also congratulated Amber Berberette, the City Councils Clerk, on her recent name change due to recently getting married. City Manager Dressler also used the opportunity to thank all of the city’s dedicated industrious employees.
Manager Dressler delivered an impassioned summary of recent community initiatives, notably the success of Hometown Halloween and the “Pumpkins in the Park” event. These gatherings, championed by local businesses and city departments, drew robust community participation and were
celebrated as highlights for Covington’s youth. Manager Dressler also acknowledged Councilwoman Susan Crowder and her employer Slaughter and Slaughter Family Dentistry for contributing toothbrushes to the children during the cities Halloween festivities.
With colder months approaching, city officials detailed progress and obstacles on key infrastructure projects. The historic Hawthorne Street bridge improvements remain on schedule, with projected completion by September 2026. A sidewalk project between Beach and Pine streets is slated to commence in early December, weather permitting.
The council praised the Department of Transportation for its collaboration on recently completed paving projects, including work on Alleghany Avenue and Route 220. Plans for additional road and cemetery access improvements, although subject to winter delays, signal Covington’s commitment to upgrading public infrastructure.
Anticipation is building for the city’s seasonal celebrations. The “Twin Flame Trail” at the Jackson River Sports Complex will light up on November 23, with festivities featuring music, crafts, and a formal lighting ceremony. The City Hall tree lighting follows on November 30, led by local second graders, and the Old Town Christmas event is set for December 6, promising crafts, vendors, and possibly horse-and-buggy rides through downtown.
The council lauded the efforts of law enforcement and public works, noting the challenges and dedication involved in maintaining safety and city operations. Manager Dressler also highlighted the successes of Alleghany high school’s football and volleyball teams as they are gearing up for post season play reinforcing the city’s pride in youth achievement.
The meeting concluded with forward looking updates, including plans to begin construction on the Rivermont facility in March and he’s excited about the opportunity to expand housing options in the city. The council’s made the decision to forgo its next meeting in observance of Veterans Day which reflects its commitment to community values, alongside a reminder of the Main Street Veterans Day program scheduled for November 11.
As the city transitions into the holiday season, the meeting stood as a testament to Covington’s blend of tradition, resilience and community spirit, a theme reflected in every agenda item, proclamation, and public comment.
