Pulaski County School System Revises Schedule
Beginning Monday, March 15, Pulaski County Public Schools will adjust its schedule to add an additional forty (40) minutes to the end of the instructional day. The purpose of this schedule change is to make up for weather-related absences, and to maximize instructional opportunities in preparation for the Virginia Standards of Learning tests. A final calendar for 2009-10 will be presented to the Board in March. This will include dates for the last day of school for students, graduation, and teacher work days.
The time added to the school day should be used to enhance core instructional areas, and assist students in being successful on the Virginia Standards of Learning tests.
Supervisors to hold work session Monday
Monday, March 8th, Board of Supervisors budget work session, Pulaski County Administration Building, Central Conference Room, 6:00 p.m. (Contact: Gena Hanks, Executive Secretary, 143 Third Street, NW, Suite 1, Pulaski, VA 24301, 540-980-7705, ghanks@pulaskicounty.org).
• Tuesday, March 9th, Pulaski County Public Service Authority, Pulaski County Administration Building, Middle Conference Room, 9:00 a.m. (Contact: Gena Hanks, Executive Secretary, 143 Third Street, NW, Suite 1, Pulaski, VA 24301, 540-980-7705, ghanks@pulaskicounty.org). This committee is responsible for the oversight of water, sewer and garbage issues and concerns for Pulaski County citizens.
• Tuesday, March 9th, Pulaski County Planning Commission, Pulaski County Administration Building, Board Room, 7:00 p.m. (Contact: Melody Taylor, Zoning Administrator, 143 Third Street, NW, Suite 1, Pulaski, VA 24301, 540-980-7710, mtaylor@pulaskicounty.org). This committee oversees zoning issues related to Pulaski County properties.
• Wednesday, March 17th, Pulaski County Wireless Authority, Pulaski County Library, 5:00 p.m. (Contact: Carol Smith, 60 West Third Street, Pulaski, VA 24301, 540-980-7770, chsmith@pclibs.org). This committee is responsible for the wireless network communication in Pulaski County.
• Monday, March 22nd, Pulaski County Board of Supervisors meeting, Pulaski County Administration Building, Board Room, closed session 6:00 p.m., regular session 7:00 p.m. (Contact: Gena Hanks, Executive Secretary, 143 Third Street, NW, Suite 1, Pulaski, VA 24301, 540-980-7705, ghanks@pulaskicounty.org). The Board of Supervisors is the government seat for Pulaski County to oversee the County budget and concerns of Pulaski County citizens.
Del. Crockett-Stark reports from Richmond
Greetings from the Capitol! We are fast approaching the end of the 2010 Virginia General Assembly Session, which is scheduled to end on Saturday, March 13. As committee work wraps up and we put the final touches on legislation, most people agree that our work will be completed by the deadline. It is important that we produce a fiscally-sound balanced budget in the prescribed time. With approximately $4.2 billion in spending reductions the State will need to put in place, local governments, state agencies and citizens will need to prepare for the negative budgetary effects caused by the economic downturn. With these remarks, I will say that the budget I see unfolding is more optimistic than the one Former Governor Kaine handed us in December. Both chambers and both parties are in conference, making as many adjustments as they can with less funding.
I would like to take this opportunity to discuss some of the aspects of the budget that are getting a lot of attention in the media and around the water cooler.
Revenue Estimates
Before any budget can be put together, the State must determine how much money it will have to spend. One of the significant differences between the House and Senate budgets is estimated revenues. This year, the House incorporated Governor Bob McDonnell’s three-year upward adjustment in the state revenue mid-session reforecast, totaling $200 million. While all of us are pleased that the economy is showing some signs of improvement, we also know that economists believe that the economy is not recovering as quickly as we have seen in the past and that the recovery will probably be slow and steady, not like the robust recoveries that we are used to seeing in past years.
However, the Senate not only adopted and spent the entire $200 million recommended by Governor McDonnell, but also added an additional $247 million in revenues over the three-year period. By potentially overestimating revenues, the Senate has raised expectations that many programs will not be cut. The House took the more prudent course to assess our revenues, spend them accordingly and make the cuts necessary to meet our constitutional obligation of balancing our state budget.
Education
As a retired school teacher and guidance counselor, education has a special place in my heart. I spent 32 years of my life trying to help young people better themselves in our public schools and community colleges. Virginia has been the only state in the United States that from 2000-2010 increased funding for public education on a year-to-year basis. Never, in that time, did we cut the education budget. Unfortunately, this year will not be the same. Former Governor Kaine’s proposed budget was based on nearly $2 billion in tax increases that had little chance of passing the General Assembly in these difficult economic times. Given that reality, the House has tried to look at ways to protect funding as much as possible and give localities more flexibility with the use of their funding. The House has been able to restore at least 80 percent of the funding that was in Kaine’s introduced budget with the chance that a greater percentage could be put in as negotiations continue. The House has also looked at relaxing or eliminating certain mandates that will allow local school division to better focus their money on areas of need specific to their district.
My office has also received several calls asking about where Lottery money is going? The proceeds provided by the Virginia Lottery are dedicated solely to education. Over the past few years, the Lottery has provided just over $400 million on an annual basis. That money is just a small portion of the $5.7 billion annual budget that public education will receive in the 2010-2012 biennial budget.
Public Safety
Three areas of concern in public safety are funding to our sheriffs’ and commonwealth attorneys’ offices, training for incoming State Troopers and 599 Funding that provide resources to local police departments. The House budget looks to restore much of this funding which was eliminated in Governor Kaine’s introduced budget. Instead of the 13.4 percent biennial reduction proposed for sheriffs, the House budget includes only a 3.2 percent reduction. This restoration reduces the proposed 16.5 percent reduction in each year to no more than 5 percent for commonwealth attorneys.
Because we are at a time when more than 300 State Police positions are vacant and more than 250 troopers could retire, the House budget provides funding to ensure that new troopers will be trained so they can continue responding both to the need of our citizens and other law enforcement agencies.
Finally, the House budget maintains funding for the HB 599 Program. While funding for this program increases and decreases with general fund revenue, the House budget ensures that $150 million each year is available to support localities with police departments. Our local police departments answer the call every day, protecting our citizens and addressing emergencies.
On a final note, Governor McDonnell declared a pothole blitz for the month of March. He has directed VDOT to focus on patching the thousands of potholes across the state due to this winter’s blasts of snow, ice and rain. To report a pothole, visit www.VirginiaDOT.org or call VDOT’s Highway Helpline at 800-367-7623.
As always feel free to call us at 804-698-1006 or e-mail at delacrockett-stark@house.virginia.gov if you have any issues or concerns. I will continue to update our budget negotiators with the concerns I hear from my constituents until the budget is settled.
Crockett-Stark, Griffith to hold telephone town hall
Richmond- Virginia House of Delegates member Anne B. Crockett-Stark (R-Wythe) and House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) will be hosting a Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday March 9, 2010. It will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m. The Telephone Town Hall will focus on information regarding the Appalachian Power Company rate increase, State budget and other issues in the 2010 Virginia General Assembly Session. Residents will receive an automated phone call at about 6:45 on Tuesday evening instructing residents on how to participate on the call. To ensure that citizens are included on the call, they are encouraged to call 804-698-1006 or e-mail delacrockett-stark@house.virginia.gov to provide the necessary information.
What: Delegate Anne B. Crockett-Stark and House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith will host a Telephone Town Hall.
When: Tuesday, March 9, 2010, approximately 6:45 p.m.
For additional information, please contact Delegate Anne B. Crockett-Stark’s office at 804-698-1006 or e-mail delacrockett-stark@house.virginia.gov.
HCA lifts restrictive visitation policies
HCA Virginia Health System – including Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Alleghany Regional, Montgomery Regional, and Pulaski Community – has made the decision to remove the restrictive visitation policies that were implemented in October due to widespread H1N1 and seasonal flu. Effective immediately, patients’ families and other visitors should follow normal hospital visitation guidelines.
The decision to relax the temporary visitation policy is supported by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). According to the VDH, flu activity is now lower than the levels observed at this time last year for all age groups and all regions of the state.
“Limiting a patient’s visitors, especially when it involves one’s children, can be difficult on both the family and patient,” says Victor E. Giovanetti, president, HCA Southwest Virginia. “We are delighted that we can lift this policy and want to thank all members of the community for their cooperation and understanding during the past four months as we took these precautions.”
Free H1N1 flu vaccines available
New River Health District Partners with DMV to Offer Free H1N1 Flu Vaccine
Christiansburg VA — The New River Health District (Virginia Department of Health) continues to offer H1N1 influenza vaccination at all area health departments and in numerous community locations, including local Departments of Motor Vehicles.
“H1N1 flu shots are widely available, and everyone is urged to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Jody Hershey, Director of the New River Health District. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves and help stop the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.”
The H1N1 vaccine is always available free through your local health department. During the week of March 8, the vaccine is available as follows:
During normal business hours, to all walk-in clients as well as those receiving any health department services – Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
During scheduled H1N1 clinics:
• Floyd County – Tuesday, March 9, 3:30 to 5 p.m.; Thursday, March 11, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• Giles County – Thursday, March 11, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Montgomery County – Monday, March 8, 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1 to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 9, 3 to 6 p.m.; Friday, March 12, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• Radford City – Monday, March 8, 3 to 5 p.m.
During regularly-scheduled WIC clinics (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children):
• Montgomery County – Wednesday, March 10, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, March 11, 12 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information or to make an appointment, contact your local health department at:
• Floyd County – 203-205 South Locust Street, Floyd, 540-745-2141
• Giles County – 120 North Main Street, Pearisburg, 540-921-2891
• Montgomery County – 210 South Pepper Street, Suite A, Christiansburg, 540-381-7100
• Pulaski County – 170 Fourth Street, NW, Pulaski, 540-994-5030
• Radford City – 212 Third Avenue, Radford, 540-831-5774
Community-hosted clinics–open to the public–have been scheduled for:
• Monday, March 8
ß Department of Motor Vehicles (9 to 11 a.m.), 1901 Bobwhite Blvd., Pulaski, VA
ß Department of Motor Vehicles (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), 385 Arbor Dr., Christiansburg, VA
• Thursday, March 11:
ß Department of Motor Vehicles (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), 385 Arbor Dr.,
Christiansburg, VA
• Friday, March 12:
ß Department of Motor Vehicles (9 to 11 a.m.), 1901 Bobwhite Blvd.,
Pulaski, VA
ß Department of Motor Vehicles (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), 385 Arbor Dr.,
Christiansburg, VA
ß New River Valley Mall ( 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.), 782 New River Road, NW,
Christiansburg, VA
School board, supervisors meet
By MIKE WILLIAMS
Publisher
Any thoughts of county reserve funds being used to cover the Pulaski County School System’s projected $3.9 million budget shortfall for next year, as some have suggested, were pretty much shot down Monday.
County Administrator Peter Huber made a strong case during a joint meeting of the school board and board of supervisors against committing part of the county’s $11 million reserve funds for personnel costs, which make up most of the shortfall.
Huber said county reserve funds were used last year to repair the roof at Pulaski County High School. More reserve funds could be used this year to cover nearly $1 million in capital needs within the school system, but not for what Huber called “ongoing expenses” such as wages and benefits.
Huber said aside from the reserve, the county’s revenue options are pretty much “capped,” except for increasing the real estate or personal property tax rates.
The county administrator said it would take a 15-cent increase in the real estate tax rate (a 31 percent increase) to equal $3.9 million; or a $1.80 increase in the personal property tax rate – an 84 percent increase – to provide funds to cover the school system shortfall.
Any increase in taxes isn’t likely, and Huber said the news last weekend that NanoChemonics in Pulaski had closed “doesn’t help.”
Huber said the county’s reserve fund has been built over the past seven years, and in October of 2004 stood at only $700,000.
He said using the surplus now would “seriously curtail” the county’s ability to respond to industrial prospects who could bring jobs to the county.
Huber told the group, meeting at Pulaski Elementary School, the county is just now seeing the most interest “in a long time” from industrial prospects. Noting that such matters are usually kept secret, Huber said the county was approached just last week by an industrial prospect considering coming to the county and bringing a significant number of jobs. He said landing that prospect could require the county spending some $4 million to $5 million in building costs as an incentive to bring the company to Pulaski County.
Huber said other than education, Pulaski County is also dealing with some $600,000 in reduced state funding for other departments in the county government, as well as a $250,000 decline in machinery and tools tax revenue due to the closings of TMD Friction and Findlay Industries.
Interim School Superintendent Dr. Thomas Brewster told the group the school board is hoping to use attrition to partly deal with its shortfall. So far 11 school employees have expressed their intention to retire.
Winter weather safety reminder
Winter weather safety reminder
Snow, wind and cold temperatures could continue through the weekend
RICHMOND, VA — As yet another snowstorm heads toward the Commonwealth, residents should remember basic winter weather safety. Snow has already begun to fall in parts of Virginia, and snow totals could reach more than 12 inches in some areas. Be ready for extremely cold temperatures, high winds, low visibility and the possibility of power outages.
“Winter isn’t over yet,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “This storm could be very dangerous to anyone who loses power or who isn’t practicing basic winter weather safety.”
Emergency supplies
Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least 72 hours, in case roads are blocked and/or there are power outages.
A three-day supply of food includes a gallon of water per person per day and food that does not require electricity to prepare it.
A battery powered radio and extra batteries will provide emergency information. Listen for your most local weather and emergency information.
Talk now with your family about your personal emergency plan. Get more info at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov.
Emergency heat
Generators should always be run outside, in well-ventilated areas. Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy.
Never use a portable generator in any enclosed or partially enclosed space. Windows and doors do not provide enough ventilation.
Kerosene and propane heaters can cause fires if left unsupervised. If you use one, use only the recommended fuel. Always refuel outdoors safely away from your home.
Keep an eye on your heater at all times while it is running. Shut it off before you go to bed or when you leave the house.
Driving
Roads can become very hazardous very quickly. Only travel if absolutely necessary, and if you do, wear a seat belt.
Know roads conditions before you leave. Current road conditions are available by calling 5-1-1 or visiting 511Virginia.gov.
Have emergency supplies in your car. If you become stranded, you will need water, food, blankets, a radio, flashlight and extra batteries. Stay with your car. The Virginia Department of Transportation recommends running the car engine for heat for 10 minutes and then turning off the engine for 20 minutes.
Health concerns
Wear loose layers and a hat.
Avoid overexertion during clean up, no matter your age or physical condition.
Shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.
Emergency assistance
· If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
· If you are seeking assistance for an elderly or disabled person during the storm, need information on warming shelters in the area or are concerned about an unsheltered individual or family at risk of hypothermia, please dial 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org. When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional will listen to your situation and suggest sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in your community and statewide. All referrals are confidential, and you can search for these same services on 211virginia.org.
· Detailed safety information is available at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov.
Glen Shelton at Pulaski Theatre March 6
Glen Shelton is a country/gospel musician who has shared the concert stage with Nashville recording artists such as Lonestar, Tracy Byrd, Leanne Womack, Randy Travis and Ricky Van Shelton; so it comes as no surprise that he won the Colgate Country Showdown in 2002.
His first national radio release was a self-written Top 40 hit on the country charts in 2004. He has continued to work with well-known artists such as Jimmy Fortune who recorded with Glen on Glen’s latest album “I Thought of You”. This album includes two self-written songs that hit the Top Ten on the nationwide Christian Country Top 100 in 2009. Glen is an Inspirational Country Music nominee for New Artist of the Year and an International Country Gospel Music nominee for the Male Horizon and Crossover Artist awards.
A typical concert includes songs from Glen’s albums, a wide variety of positive country, a few “oldies” and some Gospel. Glen has worked hundreds of concert dates, always with the same objective: to provide good, clean entertainment suitable for any age.
Please join us for the music of Glen Shelton& Pony Express:
The Pulaski Theatre (14 West Main Street, Pulaski, VA 24301)
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets in advance: $8 adult, $5 children under 12
Tickets at the door: $10 adult, $8 children under 12
To purchase tickets online contact The Pulaski Theatre at www.pulaskitheatre.org
Ticket vendors include:
The Fine Arts Center for the NRV
Coffee Buy the Book
Martin’s Pharmacy
Visitor’s Center for Pulaski County
Town of Pulaski, 2nd floor reception desk (see Brenda)
Presented by the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley and the Pulaski Theatre
For more information contact the Fine Arts Center:
21 West Main Street, Pulaski, VA 24301
(540) 980-7363
info@facnrv.org
Del. Anne B. Crockett-Stark reports from Richmond
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2010
Annie B.’s Buzz
We are now down to the last couple of weeks of the 2010 General Assembly Session and our main focus this week has been the State’s budget. On Thursday, both the House and Senate made procedural votes on their respective budgets in order to complete the necessary hearings and send the budgets into Conference Committee to be negotiated.
During the lead up to Thursday’s vote, we had the opportunity to voice our objections to the budget, both to Conference Committee members and on the House floor. As the process has moved forward, my office has heard from hundreds of constituents with concerns about state funding to many areas including education, state employee retirement, public libraries, the Commission for the Arts, public safety and health care. We have also heard from many people who feel that they cannot afford a $5 billion tax increase it required to fill the budget gap to produce a constitutionally-required balanced budget. A proposal to raise the personal income tax by 1%, which would mean people would be paying a total of 17% more in income taxes. This was unanimously defeated 97-0 in the House and not even brought up for consideration in the Senate. Given that fact, the House and Senate have to come up with $5 billion in reduced funding or tax our homeowners and working citizens to keep spending at the levels we have grown to expect.
A budget cannot be a perfect document that pleases all people. Despite voicing several concerns about the House budget, it was imperative that we made the procedural vote this week to move the budget into Conference Committee so that we could have the time to negotiate a more acceptable compromise.
Like the 98 other delegates, I hate cutting the funding for core services. I also disagree with certain cuts and think there are other places we could have reduced more. I voiced my concerns and won some concessions. Others, I have been told will be worked on in Conference. I was able to speak for Constitutional Officers and I was able to get several job-creation bills through both houses. I have also asked that our regional libraries have more funds put back in.
I have had calls asking that we don’t reopen the safety rest areas and put that money into schools. First, rest areas were opened because thousands of citizens across the State demanded it and the Governor heard them. Second, that funding comes from a different source of revenue. Third, tourism requires that we have infrastructure in place to serve our visitors.
Budget shortfalls are tough but we are tough people in Southwest Virginia. I urge you to bear with me and know I will do what I must within our economy and our Constitution, but I will work to return money to our area as we have it in the future. I will continue to update you on the budget happenings as we proceed, with a particular focus on education in my next newsletter.
This week, groups representing various health care facilities came to Richmond to advocate for health issues. It was a pleasure to meet with Janice Wilkins, along with Gerald and Victor Williams of Highland Rehab in Dublin. I also had the opportunity to meet with Sam Murdoch of Edgemont Center in Wytheville and Lisa Lester Marks on nursing home issues.
I had the honor this week to introduce during the House Session the 2010 YMCA Model General Assembly Youth Governor, Zain Mohiuddin, Zain is a senior from Graham High School in Bluefield. He and his club advisor, Rick Marrs, got to spend the day at the Capitol meeting with legislators, Governor McDonnell and observing the happenings of Richmond. I am always proud to see the quality of students that represent Southwest Virginia.
As always feel free to call us at 804-698-1006 or e-mail at delacrockett-stark@house.virginia.gov if you have any issues or concerns.
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