Author: S. Reeves

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on September 9, 2025

Manager Regon introduced several new Town of Tazewell employees: Recreation Director Kenneth Hicks, and Customer Service Associates Samantha Pruett and Cynthia Harman. She also recognized Victoria Smith on her recent promotion to Accounts Payable Clerk.

In other actions, Town Council designated Vice Mayor Beasley as Council Representative on the Four Seasons YMCA board of directors, along with approving a Resolution of Support for the Billy Wagner Park project.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on August 12, 2025.

Commendation for Heroism
Presented to Joe D’Amato

The Town of Tazewell proudly recognizes Mr. Joe D’Amato for his extraordinary courage and selfless heroism displayed on June 22, 2025, on the New River in the vicinity of Narrows, Virginia. His actions exemplify the highest ideals of community spirit and bravery, and we are honored to acknowledge his profound impact.

On the afternoon of June 22, 2025, in the vicinity of Narrows, a perilous situation unfolded on the swift waters of the New River. At approximately 350 yards distance, an overturned kayak was spotted, indicating an immediate emergency. Without hesitation, Mr. D’Amato and his companions maneuvered their rafts downstream into the treacherous currents to assess the situation.

They discovered an elderly woman in grave danger, trapped in the current and clutching the branches of a downed tree. Recognizing the critical nature of the situation and the immediate threat to the woman’s life, Mr. D’Amato made the courageous decision to risk his own. He selflessly jumped from his boat into the powerful current, swimming through the rapids to reach the embankment. From there, he skillfully navigated over numerous boulders, reaching the downed tree where the woman was ensnared.

Mr. D’Amato positioned himself securely within the tree and, despite the hazardous conditions and strong current, secured the distressed woman for approximately ten minutes. His unwavering resolve and physical endurance in the face of such danger were instrumental in preventing further harm. His heroic efforts continued until a civilian fishing boat was able to safely maneuver into a position where the woman could be successfully retrieved from the river.

Mr. D’Amato’s actions on June 22, 2025, demonstrate exceptional bravery, quick thinking, and an unshakeable commitment to human life. His willingness to put himself in harm’s way to save another is a testament to his remarkable character and a shining example for our entire community.

The Town of Tazewell extends its deepest gratitude and profound admiration to Joe D’Amato for his act of heroism. His courageous intervention undoubtedly saved a life and brings immense pride to our town.

Town Council approved a $900 contribution to the Tazewell Youth Football League for general expenses and wished them a wonderful 2025 season!

Town Council reviewed a support request from the Billy Wagner Park Committee and opted to table the request until the September 9th meeting, to give them an opportunity to review the submitted request in more detail.

Megan Doane and Felicia Williams, of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems, invited Town Council and area residents to participate in their upcoming Walk to Recovery, part of their New Day Recovery Program.  The Walk to Recovery will happen on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Lincolnshire Park. For more information, call (276)496-4492, or visit their website at https://www.svchs.com

Nathan Thomas, President of local Main Street revitalization organization Tazewell Today, presented event requests to Town Council for several upcoming Main Street events. They have a few more fun events planned for the community as summer is winding down:

• Fourth Friday, happening Friday, August 22 from 6:00 pm through 9:00 pm on Main Street

• Summer Sendoff set for Saturday, September 6th from 4:00 pm through 9:00 pm on Main Street

Town Council recognized new local business Peak Valley Wealth, congratulating Zachary Cline and Ben Shrader on their new endeavor. Located at 242 Main Street, Peak Valley Wealth dedicated to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures. Peak Valley Wealth offers advisory services related to investment portfolios, retirement, college education, charitable giving, and more. They aim to integrate investments, retirement planning, tax strategies, and estate planning into a cohesive plan tailored to their clients’ goals.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on July 8, 2025.

Town Council approved a $500 contribution to the Tazewell High School Marching Band for expenses related to their upcoming season and band camp. Best of luck to the THS Marching Band as they prepare for the 2025 competition season!

Town Council recognized new local business The Wayfarer, welcoming owner Donna Roberts to Tazewell. Located at 386 Main Street, The Wayfarer offers several incredible amenities, including a restaurant, mercantile, and multiple stages for live musical performances. Described as “a gathering place for locals, travelers, music lovers, and memory makers,” we are appreciative of their investment in our community and wish them great success!

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on June 10, 2025.

At the meeting, Charity Hurst came before Town Council to share information about a tribute being planned for Billy Wagner by her and fellow committee members. Billy is a Tazewell High School graduate who has received exceptional notice worldwide for his baseball pitching skills first as a Virginia Sports Hall of Famer, then as a National College Baseball Hall of Famer, a Houston Astros Hall of Famer, and now as a National Baseball Hall of Famer after his induction set for July 27th in Cooperstown, New York. The local committee is proposing a statue of Billy to be located in the Main Street Mini Park, and are currently working on fundraising efforts for this project.

Kondwani Patterson, Executive Director of Each One Teach 1, Inc., along with fellow board member Brittany Davis, came before Town Council to share their vision for an Affordable Housing Partnership. Kondwani’s proposal includes construction by EOT1 of affordable duplex units on property presently owned by Tazewell County and will be working with Tazewell County and the Tazewell County I/EDA to solicit grant funding if the county approves of his proposal.

During the Councilmember Comments section of the meeting, Councilmember Emily Combs Davis announced her resignation from Town Council. Councilmember Davis joined Town Council in 2018, serving a full term prior to her current one. Fellow Councilmembers expressed their gratitude for her time on Town Council and wished her well with her future plans. Town Council will announce their plan for filling the vacancy left her departure, after Attorney Pyott advises them of the guidelines provided by the Town Charter and requirements set forth by the Registrar’s Office.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on April 8, 2025.

At the meeting, Kevin Crisp came before Town Council to request the use of Main Street for the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce’s Oktobrewfest event set for October 4th. Previously, this event had been relocated to another site for 2025. Council reviewed the application and approved the event and street closure.

Jeanette Wilson came before Town Council on behalf of the Juneteenth Committee to request the support of Town Council for the annual Juneteenth celebration. The 2025 event will be  held on Saturday and Sunday, June 21st and 22nd. Town Council approved a donation of $3,000 to assist with expenses for guest speakers, music, food, and tents.

Manager Regon presented a donation request from Ashley Fisher for a donation request she submitted to help offset her costs for a National Police Week meal. Council approved a $200 donation for this request.

As part of its Local Business Recognition, Council congratulated Tiffany Masferrer on her new business, Books, Blooms, & Britches. Together with her mother, Jessica Zavala, Tiffany operates the thrift and consignment store at 140 Railroad Avenue in North Tazewell. They have an excellent variety, from clothing, to beauty products, gifts, and books. Congratulations to both!

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on January 14, 2025.

At the meeting, Chief of Police Stan Lampert gave special acknowledgement to several Police Department members with a Compassionate Policing Award in recognition of their efforts during a response to a recent call. Receiving the award, from left to right, are Sergeant of Patrol Leighton, Lieutenant of Investigations Menefee, Officer Woodard, and Officer Ruble. Additionally, Chief Lampert updated Town Council on recent promotions granted in his department. Congratulations to each, job well done!

Town Council also appointed Councilmember Beasley as Vice Mayor. Congrats to Vice Mayor Beasley!