Town Council 2025

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on November 18, 2025.

Charity Hurst, the Tazewell County Clerk of Court, swore in recently elected Councilmember, Glen Keen. Councilmember Keen comes into this position as a member of the Town of Tazewell’s Industrial/Economic Development Authority (I/EDA) and we welcome him to the Town of Tazewell’s Town Council.

Town Council recognized former Mayor, Donald Buchanan, for his service to our community. Mr. Buchanan served as a member of Town Council from July 2002 through January 2010, as Vice Mayor from January 2010 through December 2011, and then as Mayor from December 2011 through December 2018. Vice Mayor Joe Beasley assisted Mr. Buchanan with the placement of his portrait on the wall in the Town Council Chambers to commemorate this moment.

Town Council also recognized former Councilmember, Emily Combs Davis. Mrs. Davis served on Town Council from January 2019 through June 2025 and presently serves her community as Executive Director of Tazewell Today.

Chief of Police Stanley Lampert recognized several members of the Tazewell Police Department:

• New Officers Ethan Mills and Hunter Jones, both recent academy graduates
• Office Assistant Robert Morgan for his recent grant application success for the Shop with a Hero program and software procurement
• Office Melissa Woodard, for her recent grant application success for shower facilities for the new Police Department location
• Deputy Chief of Police William Lowe, for the recent completion of a three-part training program, enhancing his skillset through leadership academy, and successful grant applications, including one for their drone
• Police Department Accreditation & Grants Manager Shawn Hurd, for being selected as the Accreditation Manager of the Year for the state of Virginia.

Job well done to each!

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on October 14, 2025

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!