Good evening,
As the 250th anniversary of our independence quickly approaches, many of us are reflecting on all the rich, amazing history that has gone before us to make our community and our country what we are today. As you probably know, I am a huge history buff and strive to showcase Chilhowie’s history, which I treasure and try to share as far and wide as possible. So as part of my report to you this month, I welcome you to enjoy the first three pages of the Smyth County News...from April of 1945!
April 1945 was so full of extraordinary events around the world as World War II cascaded towards a bloody end and the stage was beginning to be set for a very changed world, ushering in the atomic age and a Cold War, which was always looming in the time that I grew up.
Looking through the pages of this old newspaper, printed during a cataclysmic month in world history, is a glimpse into how our small community responded to overwhelming events, including the death of a revered President. And in addition to the reporting on how the war was impacting the Smyth County residents caught up in it, there was still time to report on the day-to-day ongoings in each of the Smyth communities. You can check in on Chilhowie on Page 3. After reading her report, if you have any questions, you can contact Ms. Flora Copenhaver on the phone. Her phone number is 7.
I hope you enjoy this brief look back into our community’s past as we work together as elected officials and staff to lead Chilhowie into the future. I never take lightly the responsibility of doing all we possibly can to make sure that Chilhowie is a place to take pride in being from and a place younger people want to call home.
Here’s a summary of what’s going on in our town:
Hurricane Helene Recovery
Follow Hurricane Helene recovery 24 reports, October 2024 to September 2026
With the exception of the three aerial river crossings in the town’s wastewater collection system, all major repairs have been completed.
All three of the aerial crossings now have their casings welded together and the pipes inserted inside the casings. The first line (nearest Chilhowie High School) is now in place across the river and connected into the wastewater collection lines. The other two lines are projected to be completed within the next month. Our most recent project progress meeting was held on April 2nd, where it was determined that the project is on track for a tentative June 1 completion date.
As a reminder, the installation of the first two lines at the school and just below Tattle Branch Road will facilitate the removal of the pumps and piping system involved in the temporary bypass system. This step alone will result in savings of almost $20,000 per month.
On February 24th, Ms. Eller and I had the town’s closeout meeting with staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). After that meeting, the town’s relationship with FEMA for this disaster is now complete and all Federal funding allocated to reimburse the town is now at the state level at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). This is a very positive step and I am breathing a bit easier as we can see light at the end of tunnel on the recovery that was originated in October of 2024.
Finally, I would once again like to thank everyone whose efforts contributed in our town’s approval for the $2,281,678 grant through the Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (VCWRLF) that has made this project financially feasible for our town!
VDOT Communications
Follow VDOT and the Interstate bridges 24 reports, September 2024 to September 2026
Town staff continue to have regular email or phone communication with both our Chilhowie Residency and the Headquarters in Abingdon. We continue to advocate for solutions to address pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange as well as other areas in our community.
As you’re aware, the town has been in conversation with the VDOT, the Principals of Chilhowie High School and Chilhowie Middle School, and the Smyth County Superintendent of Schools in our combined efforts to install more visible signage at both of the crosswalks at the schools on Highway 11. At this point, VDOT has agreed to install solar powered lighted pedestrian signage. All signs and poles are on order and should arrive in time to be installed before the end of this school year.
As a reminder, VDOT has scheduled construction to begin on the Interstate bridges at mile marker 34 in early 2027. Construction is slated for 30 months.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Permitting Renewal
Follow the wastewater treatment plant permit 18 reports, April 2025 to September 2026
The town continues to work with Hurt & Proffitt and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to renew our operating permit under the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES). This renewal is required every five years, and this is the first renewal since the town moved away from land application of biosolids and also the first since monitoring for PFAS is required.
As a reminder, Chilhowie’s current permit expires in May 2026. As of now, the town has not received our new permit. However, the town staff has completed all necessary requirements and submitted to DEQ, which has acknowledged receipt of our submissions and has notified us that they are working as quickly as possible to complete their review.
Bonham House Repairs and Renovations
Follow the Bonham House repairs 7 reports, February 2026 to August 2026
Last month I brought to your attention that there are several maintenance issues and repairs needed at the Bonham House. To update you, I have approved a quote from a roofing contractor to replace the areas of the roof that are rubberized. These repairs will be undertaken in conjunction with the town staff’s removal and replacement of the stucco siding on the semi-rotunda above the building’s front door. It’s my hope that this work will address the leaks that have caused damage to the porch ceiling and flooring.
As you’re aware, over the past seven months, the town has replaced both outside HVAC units at the buildings as well as rebuilding a section of the front porch that had become rotted and unsafe. The staff has also repaired on several occasions the chairlift elevator on the side of the building.
As part of our upcoming budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, I plan to budget funds for the construction of an ADA-compliant ramp that will replace the aging and increasing problematic chairlift elevator. As with the repairs at hand that we are addressing, I intend to request that the other Smyth localities provide a portion of the funding for this improvement project since the building serves as the tourism center for our entire county and considering how drastically maintenance costs have risen over the past five years.
Student Government Day
Chilhowie hosted nine Chilhowie High School seniors for this year’s Student Government Day on March 19th. Our graduating Warriors were provided an overview of the town’s administrative functions, the Town Code, first responder operations, and water/wastewater operations.
Mount Rogers Planning District Commission Annual Commission Meeting
Ms. Eller and I attended the annual business meeting of the Mount Rogers Planning District Commission (MRPDC) on Thursday, April 2nd. As the Chilhowie member of the Full Commission, I am always proud to represent our town, especially considering how invaluable the MRPDC is to our town through programs such as the Mount Rogers Water/Wastewater Fund, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) programs, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, GIS/mapping services, and assisting with Federal labor law compliance (Davis-Bacon requirements) on the town’s Federally-funded infrastructure projects, and administration of Chilhowie’s cigarette tax collections through the Mount Rogers Regional Cigarette Tax Board.
Town of Chilhowie Risk and Resilience Assessment and Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
Mr. Don Cole, Senior Water Operator for Chilhowie, completed this document last month and submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as is required every five years. This document outlines our system improvements as well as our vulnerabilities and is an important tool when the town applies for infrastructure funding, especially projects that help improve the security of the town’s water system.
VADeed Alert System
Smyth County Clerk of the Circuit Court, John Graham, requested that I share with you that Smyth County is a participating locality in the VADeed Alert System, which is a new statewide program to help property owners stay a step ahead of any potential real estate fraud involving their property. Fraudulent real estate transactions have been on the rise in recent years due to the ever-increasing reliance on online resources and easier availability of information, so I am pleased to see this free service provided to the residents of Chilhowie and Smyth County. An flyer outlining the details of the VADeed Alert System is attached to this report.
Budget Preparation for Upcoming Fiscal Year
Follow the Town budget 9 reports, March 2022 to April 2026
It’s hard to believe, but it is already the time of year to begin preparations for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Ms. Eller and I have worked diligently to produce a draft budget that I feel is reflective of the sharply rising costs of everything from fuel to insurance premiums to building supplies while also working to make the most efficient use possible of taxpayers’ hard earned money.
All community organizations requesting town funding met the submission deadline of March 6th and their requests are included in the preliminary draft budget.
If you have ideas or suggestions for your staff as we this process, please contact me or Ms. Eller so that we can incorporate them into our planning.
Smyth/Washington County 4-H 8th Grade Career Explore Event
I was invited to serve as a presenter at the Smyth/Washington 4-H 8th Grade Career Explore Event, which was to be held on January 26-27. The event was cancelled due to the inclement weather and has been rescheduled for May 11-12. I plan to attend so that our community’s youth can have a little insight into how a career serving our community can be an option for them and how important service in local government is to our way of life. If you have any ideas or suggestions regarding the information I should provide them, please let me know.
Questions
As always, I welcome any questions about the status of the town’s busy activities. Thank you as always for all you do for our town!
Respectfully Submitted,
J. Brian Martin
Town Manager