This morning the Roanoke Times published an editorial regarding a report issued by the GO Virginia Regional One Council titled “Growth and Diversification Plan.” While Pulaski County technically lies outside the borders of the region described in the Report, it nonetheless highlights important issues facing all rural communities. As we’ve noted in other posts, rising healthcare […]
After attending the Board of Supervisors meeting on June 26, and the work sessions on June 30, July 12, and July 20, I wanted to share some observations about their discussions. Two clarifications First, the School Board’s proposal for the consolidated middle school has a budget of about $46 million. The Pulaski County High School […]
Tomorrow, both major parties will select their nominees for November’s Gubernatorial race. Primary elections may seem unexciting, and are usually low turnout events, but they are our chance to express our thoughts on the direction of our parties and ensure we have qualified candidates on both sides in the fall. It is our civic duty […]
Often, when hearing that I moved to Pulaski from Brooklyn, people will say something along the lines of “Well things sure must be different.” I usually try to explain that I grew up suburban New Jersey so living in town is not that much of a change. One thing that did require adjustment is the […]
This morning, Facebook showed me two interestingly juxtaposed stories. First was an interview Ezra Klein conducted entitled “Bryan Stevenson explains how it feels to grow up black amid Confederate monuments.” Second was this video from WDBJ-7 with the following caption: “Neesey Payne‘s hometown of Pulaski sure is beautiful from above! We definitely know why she loves […]
(Part I here.) After a frustrating Board of Supervisors meeting last night and weeks of discouraging news about Pulaski County’s much-needed new middle school, you might be feeling disheartened. But we can do hard things! Let’s come together on July 3rd to learn organizing skills and create a plan for how we will get a new […]
A signature issue of the 2017 Virginia General Assembly session was the opioid epidemic and methods to reduce fatal drug overdoses. While a staggering average of 3 Virginians die each day from a drug overdose, the Western Region of the State including Pulaski County, whose drug overdose rate often exceeds surrounding counties, contribute disproportionately to this number. […]
At Monday’s Board of Supervisor meeting, I was privileged to be among a group of over 70 students, teachers, parents and community members advocating for the citizens to be able to vote in November to decide the fate of our middle schools. School board chairman Timothy Hurst gave an eloquent and passionate plea on the price […]
Stephen Spence was nervous as he stepped up before the Town Of Pulaski’s Council members. And with good reason. Spence and his 15 or so compatriots don’t “look” like your stereotypical “clean cut American” young men …stretched ears and tattoos, tattered jeans, colorful T-shirts, and ball caps. He was sure their appearance alone was going […]
If you haven’t been to downtown Pulaski lately, you should visit. It’s difficult to keep track of all the exciting developments. As the lyrics go in my new favorite musical, “Look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now…history is happening in [Pulaski] and we just happen to be in the greatest […]
