Town Council Meeting February 10, 2026
The monthly Town Council meeting was held on February 10, 2026.
In honor of Black History Month, Betty Wallace gave a special presentation on local and regional history. Betty traced the roots of the black community in Tazewell to its origins of slavery, noting the difficulty in tracing this heritage due to a lack of record keeping in that time period and the practice of forcibly renaming the enslaved people with their owners’ surnames. She recounted stories from history passed down through traditions, books, and poetry, and noted the accomplishments of the black community, notably those depicted on the Standing Tall and Proud mural on Tazewell’s Main Street. Betty has been a longstanding supporter of the local annual Juneteenth celebration, and we appreciate her community spirit and dedication.
Town Council recognized former Mayor, Michael Hoops, for his service to our community. Michael served as Mayor from January 1, 2019, through October 7, 2025. Mayor Joe Beasley assisted Michael with the placement of his portrait on the wall in the Town Council Chambers to commemorate this moment and presented him with a watch and plaque in appreciation.
In recognition of national FBLA week, Mayor Beasley and fellow Town Councilmembers proclaimed February 8 – 14, 2026, as FBLA Week in the Town of Tazewell through this resolution:
WHEREAS, Future Business Leaders of America is a nonprofit educational organization whose first chapter was established in Johnson City, Tennessee, in 1942; and
WHEREAS, Iowa became FBLA’s first state chapter in 1947; and
WHEREAS, Tazewell High School officially chartered its FBLA local chapter in 1953 under the leadership of Mrs. William Bundy and Mrs. John Kulick; and
WHEREAS, FBLA includes more than 250,000 members and advisers in 4,600 chapters nationwide in middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, career and technical schools, and private business schools; and
WHEREAS, FBLA is a professional business organization dedicated to bringing business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs; and
WHEREAS, FBLA members perform community service activities and strive to build a student’s understanding of the realities of the modern business world; and
WHEREAS, FBLA teaches middle school, high school, and college students, business and leadership principles, and assists them in the transition from school to work;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joseph R. Beasley, Mayor of the Town of Tazewell, do hereby proclaim February 8 – 14, 2026, as FBLA Week in Tazewell, Virginia.
Pam Meade, Executive Director of the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce, presented a request to Town Council to hold the annual Oktobrewfest event on Main Street again this year, which was approved. Oktobrewfest will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
John Rhudy, newly elected as the Tazewell County Board of Supervisor’s Southern District Supervisor, came before Town Council to introduce himself in this role. He looks forward to possible collaborative efforts and strengthening the relationship between Town and County.
Litz VanDyke came before Council to present the donation of a property located on Railroad Avenue to the Town of Tazewell. Litz represents the estate of his mother Bettye VanDyke, who was a treasured community member that served on Town Council and as Vice Mayor over the years. Bettye took great pride in historical preservation, performing key roles in many area projects. The Railroad Avenue property is the former home of Dr. “Doc” Jack W. Witten, who served in Virginia’s House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate. His most memorable and cherished role, though, was that of surrogate parent to over 150 young men that he raised in this home over his life. Roger Pike was one of the many children to benefit from Doc Witten’s generosity and gave a presentation that conveyed the importance of remembering the contributions he made to our community. Roger attributed the many successes achieved by “Doc’s Boys” to Doc Witten and to Maggie Rose Horton Bandy, who raised not only her own children, but helped with the many who called the Railroad Avenue property home. Town Council voted to graciously accept this donation and its stipulation that the property preserve and demonstrate this history.
As part of their efforts to support local businesses, Town Council recognized Vickie Boothe, owner of Between Friends Gifts. With an upcoming anniversary of twenty years in business, Vickie was one of the first businesses to invest in Tazewell’s Main Street during its revitalization over the past decade by relocating her business to its 293 Main Street location. Vickie’s dedication to her community also led to several treasured area happenings that she originally spearheaded, from Trunk-or-Treat to the Farm-to-Table event. We commend Vickie on her community spirit and wish her business continued success!
