By Pam Dudding Contributing writer
At the January Board of Supervisors meeting, members present included Dan Collins (County Administrator), Jesse Spence (Chair), Rusty Zimmerman (Co-Chair), Carl Bailey and Jason Matyas.
Kathi Toelke, a previous member who had served, was given a resolution by the Board. Though Toelke could not make the meeting, it read, A Resolution of Appreciation for the Services of Kathi Toelke to the County of Craig.
- Whereas, the Craig County Board of Supervisors and the citizens of Craig County wish to thank Kathi Toelke for her commitment and service to Craig County by giving generously of her time and talents serving as a Board of Supervisor member for the County of Craig, and
- Whereas, Kathi Toelke served on the on the Community Policy & Management Team (CPMT) to oversee and manage the Comprehensive services Act for At-Risk Youth and Families Funds from August 1, 2019 to December 2, 2021, and
- Whereas, Kathi Toelke served as Chief Local Elected Official (CLEO) for the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board representing Craig County, and
- Whereas, Kathi Toelke, served as ex-officio member of the Board of Directors of the Craig County Public Library, and
- Therefore, be it resolved, by the Board of Supervisors of Craig County, Virginia that the services of Kathi Toelke are hereby acknowledged as being honorable and with distinction and with this resolution the Board of Supervisors desires to honor Kathi Toelke for her service to Craig County.
The Board of Supervisors of Craig County, in a regular meeting on the 13th day of January 2022, adopted this Resolution as well as one for Jim Cady (to be printed in another article).
New board member Jason Matyas has agreed to fill and serve in the positions that Toelke had served in the community.
Darryl Humphries, Emergency Management Coordinator, informed the Board of the conversation he had with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, that they expected at least 12 inches of snow with a possibility of 30 mph winds, with the Governor declaring a state of emergency. He added he will keep the board informed.
Matyas asked is the post advisory of this type on Facebook? Humphreys shared that he did not believe the county is allowed to use Facebook. Collins added that he did not want an official county FB page as the comments, etc. would be official.
The Board also appointed Humphries to the Virginia Western Emergency Medical Services Council, a position Jim Cady previously held.
“This is an important board that Jim Cady has been on for years and recommended Darryl for the position,” Collins said.
The BOS accepted the resignation of Honorable Lindsay Dunn as Collins explained, “It is required by Roberts School of Orders and the Code of Virginia if someone submits its resignation the body has to recognize it.”
Downtown parking was a discussion, as it has become a concern for some merchants. Some people use Main Street to park for many hours and some are leaving their vehicles for extended hours blocking the parking for the merchants.
The BOS will look at Botetourt ordinance as an example.
Collins shared the Sheriff suggested a county wide ordinance, though only a current issue on Main Street, but this would allow them to do this only once which would cover the Fire Marshall for fire lanes and private property and fire hydrants.
Zimmerman reported on the interviewing of a new county extension agent for Craig. He was unable to attend the interview process but spoke with Danny Peak at the Extension Office who conducted the interviews. “I haven’t had a chance to follow up, but there are gears in motion,” Zimmerman said.
Matyas shared with the Board and attendees to recognize Lee-Jackson Day.
“The history of not only our county but our great commonwealth and these two fine men are a great example for us all and I think it would do us well to follow in their footsteps in terms of their moral courage as we face so many problems in our nation,” he said. “Maybe read some of their writings and quotes and take some inspiration from them.”
“But I expect to receive more credit for it than I deserve. Most men will think I planned it all from the first, but it was not so. I simply took advantage of circumstances as they were presented to me in the providence of God. I feel that His hand led me – let us give Him the glory” ― Stonewall Jackson
“Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character” – Robert E. Lee
“We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters.” Robert E. Lee
The community is encouraged to attend the monthly meetings, in order to stay up to date with the difficult decisions the board has to continue to make, on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the courthouse courtroom.
And remember, as Stonewall Jackson said, “The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth.”
