News Item Details
Memorial Day Closings
5/6/2013
County offices, libraries and the Citizens' Convenience Center (at the former landfill) will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Offices and operations will resume regular schedules on Tuesday, May 28.
For more information, contact
County Switchboard
(540) 473-8220
Youth Flag Football coming to Botetourt
5/20/2013
Fincastle, VA – The Botetourt County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is currently accepting registrations through June 28, 2013 for Soccer, Tackle Football, Cheerleading and new for 2013, Youth Flag Football.
- Soccer leagues are sponsored through the local youth recreation booster clubs in conjunction with the Recreation Department. Players participate with the club associated with their current elementary school district and fees range from $35 to $65 per child.
- Tackle Football (ages 7 to 12) and Cheerleading (ages 6 to 12) are organized entirely by the Recreation Department and registration fees range from $30 for cheerleading to $60 for football.
- New this year, the Recreation Department will also offer Flag Football for ages 5 to 8 and will be open to boys and girls. Registration fees will be $45 per child and will include an NFL jersey and flag belt.
Playing ages for all athletic leagues sponsored by the Recreation Department is determined as of September 30, 2013. Practices will begin August 1st and games on or near August 24.
Three convenient ways to register:
- Call Botetourt County Parks, Recreation & Tourism at (540) 473-8326
- Register online at www.botetourt.org/recreation
- Submit Botetourt County Athletic Registration Form and payment to:
Botetourt County Parks, Recreation & Tourism
16 East Main Street, Box 4
Fincastle VA 24090
For more information, contact
Richard “Pete” Peters, Director
Parks, Recreation & Tourism
540-473-8326
Library Announces Poetry Contest Winners
4/25/2013
The 18th annual Poetry Contest was sponsored by the Friends of the Library and open to adults and youth in grades 6-12.
- Entries were submitted by students who are home-schooled, as well as students from Central Academy and Read Mountain middle schools, and Alleghany County, Lord Botetourt and James River high schools. Adult entries were from across the Roanoke Valley.
- There were a total of 138 poems entered this year.
- Winners in the youth division were selected from 103 submissions and were judged in three grade divisions: 6-7th, 8-9th and 10-12th.
- There were 35 entries judged in the adult division.
- The judge was Charles Finn. He and his wife Penny live in Botetourt County.
Friends of the Botetourt County Library
Poetry Contest Winners 2013
Grades 6-7
Honorable Mention: “Hunter Camp” by Tessa Jones
Honorable Mention: “Here Come the Buffalo” by Emma Butler
Honorable Mention: “Deerfield” by Gabriella Bayer
3rd Place: “The Woods” by Ethan Whitt
2nd Place: “The Colors of the Mountains” by Molly Allison
1st Place: “Blue Jay” by Tara Malloy
Grades 8-9
Honorable Mention: “Rain Boots” by Colbi Swoope
Honorable Mention: “Dying World” by Micah C. Orange
3rd Place: “The Night” by Hannah Peery
2nd Place: “Darkness?” by Amanda Reid
1st Place: “A World Underneath” by Taylor Simmons
Grades 10-12
Honorable Mention: “A Sweet Aroma” by Katie-Lee Melvin
Honorable Mention: “When the Night Comes” by Ashleigh Rocha
Honorable Mention: “Release” by Dakota Smith
3rd Place: “Moments Like This” by Megan Meadows
2nd Place: “A Treasured Memory” by Morgan Rakes
1st Place: “Morning’s Magnificence” by Robert Seay
Adults
Honorable Mention: “Fireflies” by John Koelsch
Honorable Mention: “Leaving Fourth Street” by Ken Conklin
Honorable Mention: “D. Flaherty’s Flowers, Kilmacdouagh Monastery, Co. Galway” by Miriam Hancock
3rd Place: “Castanea” by Tim Miller
2nd Place: “Windswept Joy Among Golden Memories” by Rodney Franklin
1st Place: “Cows in Moonlight” by Barbara Stout
For more information, contact
Jackie Mullins
Fincastle Library
(540) 473-8339
County eNewsletter -- 4:5 May 2013
4/30/2013
In this issue:
- Budget Adopted;
- Botetourt Sports Complex Opens New Batting Cages;
- Summer Fun at Botetourt Parks, Recreation & Tourism;
- About Curbside Recycling in Botetourt;
- New Public Recreation Amenities Now Open in Botetourt County;
- Notices and Upcoming Events;
- Library Announces Poetry Contest Winners
Click here to view this issue.
For more information, contact
Wendy Farkas
Webmaster and Newsletter Editor
County Administrator's Office
(540) 473-8239
County eNewsletter -- 3:10 October 2012
9/28/2012
In this issue:
- Botetourt Sports Complex named the 2012 ASA Complex of the Year;
- Suter Named Rockbridge County Administrator;
- New Planning Manager / Zoning Administrator On Board;
- Notices and Upcoming Events;
- Fire Prevention Week is October 7th-13th
Click here to view this issue.
For more information, contact
Wendy Farkas
Webmaster and Newsletter Editor
County Administrator's Office
(540) 473-8239
Botetourt Sports Complex Opens New Batting Cages
4/19/2013
Troutville, VA – The Botetourt Sports Complex is pleased to announce the opening of two newly-constructed batting cages available for teams scheduled to compete at the facility in 2013. The batting cages are located between fields 1 and 2 inside the complex and are equipped with artificial turf and 55’ x 14’ x 12’ hitting tunnels.
The total cost of the two cages was approximately $7,500, although Botetourt County spent little more than time, as the cages were almost entirely funded through several corporate sponsorships. Altec Inc., a large equipment manufacturer located within the Botetourt Center at Greenfield, made a substantial cash donation and Carmeuse, a limestone quarry operation located in Buchanan, provided a considerable amount of stone material for the cages’ base surfaces. Additional in-kind equipment and labor was provided by AquaTurf Inc., a local commercial and residential irrigation contractor and Lucas Paving, a Botetourt County based paving contractor. The artificial turf was donated by the University of Virginia after their Athletic Department began replacing the surface of their football practice field over the winter.
“The battings cages are anticipated to be an immediate success and widely used, as hitting stations have been the most often requested amenity that was previously unavailable at the complex”, stated Jim Farmer, Manager of the Sports Complex. “The cages have always been in the plans for the facility, although funding to construct has been difficult to locate in the recent economy until these generous businesses recently got involved”.
The Botetourt Sports Complex is slated to host thirty action-packed sporting events with a wide interest level for participants and spectators in 2013, with events ranging from Botetourt’s own local youth recreational and high school teams, to numerous regional and national championship events. More than 100,000 visitors from more than 30 states have attended events held in the facility since it opened its doors in June 2007.
For additional information or a complete listing of events scheduled and directions to the facility, visit the Botetourt Sports Complex website at www.botetourt.org/sportscomplex.
For more information, contact
Richard “Pete” Peters, Director
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
540-473-8326
Register to Receive Severe Weather Alerts from Botetourt County Emergency Services
4/24/2013
Botetourt County Upgrades Emergency Notification System to Include
Automated Severe Weather Alerts and Enhanced Self-Registration Page
Fincastle, VA – Botetourt County residents can sign-up to receive automated severe weather alerts via the County’s enhanced self-registration online web page. Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for the free service, which provides fast and automated notice in the event of dangerous weather situations, such as the dangerous and destructive storm experienced on June 29th.
The weather alerting feature automatically notifies registered individuals immediately after the National Weather Service (NWS) issues an alert. Individuals register to receive weather alerts via the Botetourt County enhanced online sign-up page by providing their address, phone number(s) and selecting the alerts they wish to receive: severe thunderstorm, flash flood and/or tornado.
The online registration process is user-friendly and takes no more than a few minutes to complete. If you have already registered your contact information with the county you are not automatically registered for severe weather alerts. It is imperative that folks understand that they must opt-in to receive these alerts. Residents who live on a hill may choose not to receive flash flood warnings, but we strongly recommend that everyone sign up for tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings.
How to Register:
- Visit www.botetourt.org/government/safety.php click on the Register Online button.
- Create an account using an email address (or access an existing account).
- Residents enter their name, address and up to two phone numbers.
- Based on the address provided, a map will appear with a symbol showing the user-designated location. The registrant will be asked to verify the location and move it if required.
- Residents can enter up to five additional contacts under their account, such as parents, siblings, or spouses.
- Residents select which weather alerts they’d like to receive. Choices are severe thunderstorm warnings, flash flood warnings, and tornado warnings.
- Registrants can log in to the registration website at any time to add or update their contact information, as well as to opt in or out of notification services.
The new severe weather alerting feature is tied in with the county’s existing emergency notification system, which has been in place for over 3 years and has been utilized on multiple occasions to assist in notifying the public of impending emergencies. Botetourt County originally purchased the emergency notification system from Columbus, Ohio-based Twenty First Century Communications. The system allows county public safety officials to send time-sensitive, targeted messages to select groups and geographic areas.
The basic contact database includes all residential and commercial landline phone numbers. Citizens are encouraged to register additional methods of contact, such as cell phone numbers, VoIP numbers, and email addresses by visiting www.botetourt.org/government/safety.php.
Residents who do not have Internet access or need assistance with registration may call the Department of Emergency Services (540-473-2098) or register in person at its office, located at 205 N. Roanoke Street in Fincastle (in the Public Safety Building).
For more information, contact
Carr Boyd, Emergency Services Director
Botetourt County Dept. of Emergency Services
(540) 473-2098
Botetourt County Library Summer Reading Program 2013
5/17/2013
Botetourt County Library is pleased to announce plans for its 2013 Summer Reading Program. The program is sponsored by the Botetourt Friends of the Library. Prizes for the program are provided by the Friends and some additional sponsors. Registration begins June 1 at any Botetourt County Library location including Blue Ridge, Buchanan, Eagle Rock, and Fincastle.
The traditional reading program for young children up through fifth grade will continue this year and the program is also expanding to include young adults and adults!
- There will be a host of events for children ranging in age from preschool up through those rising to 6th grade.
- All of the Botetourt libraries will host the programs Stuntology, Farmer Minor and his pig, Daisy, Larsen’s Amazing Reptiles, and Wes Iseli magic.
- In addition there will be a movie day and a special program produced by each library branch.
- There will be some great prizes for this age group including a drawing for a $100 Toys ‘R Us Gift Card. All children who complete the minimum reading requirements will be eligible for prizes.
The Young Adult program features a
- Teen Summer Challenge sheet which asks teens to complete 7 of 9 tasks by July 31. Some of the tasks include reading any book you want to read, visiting the library at least twice, and doing an art or craft project.
- Teens who turn in their completed forms will be eligible to win a Kindle Fire HD!
The Adult program asks adults to read a book and provide a brief review of it for posting in the library.
- All adults who register must have a library card and check out at least one item.
- Each adult may register one time for the amazing grand prize which is two nights at a Bed and Breakfast in Abingdon, Virginia including tickets to the Barter Theater. This prize was made possible by the Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- The adult program will end on July 31.
For more information, contact
Steve Vest, Library Director(
(540) 977-3433
Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday May 25-31
5/6/2013
For more information, contact
Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines: go.usa.gov/TmGR
Prepare for hurricanes: www.ReadyVirginia.gov
County eNewsletter -- 3:12 December 2012
11/30/2012
In this issue:
- Second Open Studios Tour a Success;
- Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection;
- Lewis and Clark Disk Dedication;
- Notices and Upcoming Events;
- Filming at Greenfield;
- New Public Boating Access Coming To the Upper James River
Click here to view this issue.
For more information, contact
Wendy Farkas
Webmaster and Newsletter Editor
County Administrator's Office
(540) 473-8239
County eNewsletter -- 4:4 April 2013
3/29/2013
In this issue:
- Botetourt participates in volunteer firefighter study
- Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department relocation
- Field trip to Fincastle
- Notices and Upcoming Events;
- Certified Floodplain Manager
- Rescue member honored for 30 years service
Click here to view this issue.
For more information, contact
Wendy Farkas
Webmaster and Newsletter Editor
County Administrator's Office
(540) 473-8239
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Offices Relocation
3/26/2013
Fincastle, VA – Botetourt County’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Offices are scheduled to move this month to a newly leased office building in Fincastle. The department’s new location is the former office of retiring attorney Buck Heartwell at 16 East Main Street, Fincastle, and is two buildings east of the Voter Registration/Election Offices.
Parks and Recreation had previously been located in the basement of the County’s Public Works Offices on Back Street in Fincastle, while the Tourism Offices were located in the old historic jail and most recently in the Old District Court Building. The new office building will allow all of the Recreation and Tourism staff to be located in one building and will provide the Tourism Office with the ability to provide additional services to visitors to the area.
The actual office move is scheduled for April 8. The Parks and Recreation and Tourism Office telephone numbers will remain the same, although the mailing address will change to 16 East Main Street, Box 4, Fincastle, VA 24090.
Established by the Board of Supervisors in 1989, the function of the Department of Parks and Recreation is to maintain the grounds of various county-owned property including governmental offices, libraries, business parks, recreation parks, and school athletic facilities. The department also provides youth athletic leagues through the County’s seven recreation booster clubs, provides various community recreation programs and special events, operates the Senior Van Transportation Program, and the Botetourt Sports Complex at Greenfield.
Established by the Board of Supervisors in 2004, the function of the Tourism Office is to work with the various community businesses and stakeholders to develop and promote various cultural, historic and recreation-based tourism assets to attract visitors to the County. Recent Botetourt County Tourism initiatives include the development of the Botetourt County Wine Trail and the Wine Trail Summer Concert Series, The Open Studios Artist Tour, and the Upper James River Water Trail.
For more information, contact
Department of Parks and Recreation
(540) 473-8326 recreation@botetourt.org
Office of Tourism
(540) 473-1167 travel@botetourt.org
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Changes Meeting Schedule
1/8/2013
Fincastle, VA – Botetourt County’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission voted to change its regular monthly meetings from the first Monday of every month, to the first Monday of every other month starting with January of each New Year. Effectively immediately, the new schedule will consist of meetings in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The meeting time of 6:30pm and the location of the Old District Court meeting room located in Fincastle remains the same.
Established in 1987, the Commission is a group of five voting members appointed by the Board of Supervisors who represent the five magisterial districts in Botetourt County: Amsterdam, Blue Ridge, Buchanan, Fincastle and Valley. Three non-voting liaison members also serve, comprised of representatives from the Board of Supervisors, the School Board and a school principal.
The purpose of the Advisory Commission is to operate as a liaison between the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the Board of Supervisors, the youth athletic booster clubs, the County school athletic programs and the citizens of the community. The Commission works through the Director of the Recreation Department to consult and advise on recreation policies, programs, park property and other related community recreation needs.
The Commission meetings are open to the public and anyone interested in learning more about the recreational programs, parks and facilities are encouraged to attend. The next regularly scheduled Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting will occur on Monday, March 4, 2012 in the Old District Court meeting room in Fincastle at 6:30 PM.
For more information about the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism at (540) 473-8326 or email recreation@botetourt.org.
For more information, contact
Pete Peters
Parks, Recreation & Tourism
(540) 473-8326
County Announces New GIS System
12/6/2012
Fincastle, VA – The Botetourt County Department of Public Works announces the launch of a new geographic information system (GIS) website. Located at www.botetourt.interactivegis.com, the new site offers information users have had available from the County’s previous GIS site, plus additional features. New features include Bing data, Google Street View, 2011 aerial photography, and printable land cards with sketches. Users may enter the site through the Guest Access.
A public orientation workshop will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, December 20th in the Old General District Courthouse, 5 West Main Street, Room 102, Fincastle, VA. Participants are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch.
The County’s previous GIS website will remain available through the end of December, 2012, after which it will be retired.
For more information, contact
Diana Asbury, E911/GIS Mapping Technician
(540) 473-8400
Botetourt and Bedford Counties Receive Virginia Tourism Grant for Tourism Marketing
12/7/2012
- Tourism Offices will partner with seven local wineries to produce the first annual Botetourt-Bedford Wine Festival in May of 2013-
Governor Bob McDonnell has announced that Virginia Mountain Vineyards and the Bedford-Botetourt Wine Festival have received $4,500 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation Marketing Leverage Grant Fund program. In total, the VTC has awarded more than $543,000 for 37 tourism marketing projects across the state to help increase visitation and revenue for Virginia’s localities through tourism. Governor McDonnell had earlier increased funding for the program as part of his administration’s effort to increase economic development through tourism.
The Botetourt and Bedford Tourism Offices will partner with Blue Ridge Vineyard, Fincastle Vineyard & Winery, Virginia Mountain Vineyards, Hickory Hill Winery, Peaks of Otter Winery, Savoy-Lee Winery, and White Rock Winery to supply $4,500 in matching funds to advertise the event. The wine festival will bring together these seven wineries to celebrate great wine, delicious food, music, local crafters, family and friends. The festival is scheduled for May 11, 2013. A partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate has been formed and the festival titled “Uncork the Cure” will provide a percentage of the admission price back to Susan G. Komen. The festival is in the developmental stages and additional details regarding the event will be announced in the new year.
“The hopes are that this event will become an annual festival to promote the wine trails of each county, and also expand awareness to tourism related attractions and businesses.” said Catherine Herlocker, Event Coordinator for Botetourt County Tourism. “Botetourt County is excited about building stronger marketing partnerships with Bedford and promoting our areas on a larger regional scale. “
The VTC Marketing Leverage Program is designed to stimulate new tourism marketing through partnerships by leveraging limited marketing dollars, resulting in increased visitor spending. A minimum of three entities must partner financially to apply and may consist of Virginia towns, cities, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other not-for-profit entities.
“Grants such as these enable our localities to more effectively market themselves to potential visitors,” said Governor McDonnell. “When more visitors come to Virginia, the Commonwealth and the localities realize increased tax revenue, businesses prosper, and new jobs are created.”
“These grants help enable local tourism partners to undertake projects that might otherwise be beyond their fiscal reach, “said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “I see our Marketing Leverage Grants program as something that creates opportunity and breeds the kind of success that can only be achieved by people working together.”
In 2011 tourism generated $20.4 billion in revenue, supported 207,000 jobs and provided $1.32 billion in state and local taxes. Dollars invested in tourism are proven to provide a 5:1 return in tax revenue for Virginia, and the grant awards and matching funds provide a stimulus to localities seeking to increase tourism visitation and revenue.
Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org to learn more about vacation destinations in Virginia or call 1-800-VISITVA to receive a free “Virginia is for Lovers” travel guide.
For more information, contact
Catherine Herlocker, Event Coordinator
540-473-1167 travel@botetourt.org
David Gibbs, Bedford-Botetourt Wine Festival
540-473-2979 info@vmvines.com
New Public Recreation Amenities Now Open in Botetourt County
4/10/2013
Fincastle, VA – Residents and visitors to Botetourt County have several new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as the Botetourt County Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department (PR&T) announces the opening of several free recreational amenities.
As part of the County’s development of the Upper James River Water Trail, the new Gala Public Boating Access, located just off Route 220 between Eagle Rock and Iron Gate, is now open for boaters and anglers. The County recently completed the construction of a hand-carry boat ramp and a parking area for over 20 vehicles and trailers with direct access to the James River via Sinking Creek for rafts, canoes, kayaks and john boats.
“The site is ideal and one that the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries had identified many years ago as a prime location for a boat launch,” stated Pete Peters, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for Botetourt County. “By utilizing Sinking Creek and the existing railroad trestle, we are able to provide a safe passage to the James River and make another section of the river more accessible to recreational paddlers and fishermen.”
The Gala site became possible after the County signed separate lease agreements with Bonnie Anderson and Richard Thompson for 4 acres along Sinking Creek and with Jerry Fraley to utilize a gravel road off of Route 220 to access the property. Funding for the site was realized through contributions from local stakeholders and grants from the NiSource Charitable Foundation and the Alleghany Foundation.
The Gala site becomes Botetourt‘s second new public boating access on the James in the last twelve months, as the County opened the Alpine Public Boating Access, located off of Rocky Point Road and Gilmer’s Mill Road just north of Buchanan, in April of 2012. In total, the Upper James River Water Trail now offers eight public boating access points along the 45-miles of river located in Botetourt County. To learn more, including suggested itineraries and maps, information on canoe and kayak outfitters, visit www.upperjamesriverwatertrail.com.
The Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department has also recently opened the new Blue Ridge Springs Trail Loop located within Boxley Park in the Blue Ridge community of Botetourt County. The natural surface trail is approximately 0.6 miles in length as it loops through woodlands, with multiple overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and several great vantage points of the N&W Railroad. The trail also contains a small trail spur that leads to an outdoor classroom complete with wooden benches and a lectern.
The trail gets its name from the former Blue Ridge Springs Hotel, which operated in the valley just below the trail in the late 1800s as a popular vacation spot similar to the Homestead, until it burned down around the turn of the 20th century.
“This new trail was constructed over the winter by the “Mid-Week Crew”, a volunteer group compromised of retirees who are associated with the Roanoke Valley Greenways, led by Bill Gordge”, stated Peters. “Bill and his group have constructed hundreds of miles of trails throughout the Roanoke Valley and we are fortunate to have had their talents in Botetourt to create a great addition to our walking trail inventory.”
In addition to the new Blue Ridge Springs Trail Loop, PR&T also maintains many other trails throughout the County for walkers to enjoy. The Greenfield Trail System provides over seven miles of various walking options including two natural surface trails, a wheelchair accessible compacted stone surface trail, a regulation cross country trail opened to foot traffic, mountain bikes and horseback and a ½ mile paved walking track circling the Botetourt Sports Complex. Blue Ridge Park offers a 0.65 mile walking trail that encompasses the Park and runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway and also provides a view of a private farm vineyard. Each of the County’s eleven schools also offers paved walking tracks that vary in length from ¼ to ½ miles.
The County’s trails and walking tracks are open to the public year round from dawn to dusk. The walking tracks located at the County Schools are also open year round from dawn to dusk, although they are not open to the public when school is in session. For directions or more information regarding these walking options, please contact the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Office at 540-473-8326 or visit www.botetourt.org/recreation.
There are also numerous other trail options open to the public throughout the vast National Forrest, federal and privately owned property in Botetourt County, including the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding Carvins Cove. For more information regarding these trail options, please visit www.visitbotetourt.com under “Recreation” or www.roanokeoutside.com.
For more information, contact
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Office at 540-473-8326
New Public Boating Access Coming to the Upper James River
11/30/2012
Fincastle, VA – On Tuesday, November 27, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved three separate agreements to lease property in the Gala community to construct the County’s second new public boating access for the Upper James River Water Trail in the last twelve months.
The two lease agreements for approximately 4 acres and a road easement near Columbia Gas Company and Sinking Creek solidified the County’s plans to strategically locate the new boat launch approximately half way between the existing public access points at Iron Gate and Craig Creek.
“The site is ideal and one that the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries had identified many years ago as a prime location for a boat launch”, stated Pete Peters, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for Botetourt County. “By utilizing Sinking Creek and the existing railroad trestle, we are able to provide a safe passage to the James River and make another section of the river more accessible to recreational paddlers and fishermen.”
Construction of the new Gala site is slated to begin in January 2013 and is expected to be open to the public by April 2013, with the majority of the construction work being conducted by the County’s Parks and Recreation Department with in-house labor and equipment. In addition to providing easy road access from Route 220, the site will contain gravel parking for approximately 20 vehicles and a hand carry boat ramp to place canoes, kayaks and small Jon-boats into Sinking Creek which flows into the James River.
To assist with the financial capital necessary to construct this access point, the County has been actively pursuing grants and donations from a variety of sources. To date, the County has received $5,500 from various local community businesses, including Twin River Outfitters, a canoe livery and river tour company operating in Buchanan, and from NiSource Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit entity of Columbia Gas Company. Botetourt County was also recently selected to receive a $5,000 grant from The Alleghany Foundation to assist with the development of this site, bringing the total available funds for the Gala project to $10,500.
ABOUT THE ALLEGHANY FOUNDATION
The Alleghany Foundation was established in 1995 with $35 million in proceeds from the sale of Alleghany Regional Hospital. Since then, the Foundation has awarded over $34 million in grants in the areas of healthcare, education, recreation, economic development, arts & humanities, historic preservation and social and community services. To learn more, visit http://www.alleghanyfoundation.org.
ABOUT THE NISOURCE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
NiSource Charitable Foundation was established to help create strong and sustainable communities where their employees and customers live and work. In close collaboration with NiSource employees and community partners, the Foundation seeks opportunities to provide funding and encourage volunteer support for non-profit organizations in the areas of Community Vitality and Development, Environmental and Energy Sustainability, Learning and Science Education, and Public Safety and Human Services. To learn more, visit http://www.nisource.com/en/sustainability/communities/corporate-giving.aspx.
ABOUT THE UPPER JAMES RIVER WATER TRAIL
The Upper James River Water Trail is a paddling route along a 45 miles stretch of the James River in Botetourt County that increases recreational opportunities and encourages environmental awareness while also linking communities and land-based attractions such as historic sites and parks. The Upper James River Water Trail was created by Botetourt County to encourage residents and visitors to experience the beauty and history of one of the County’s greatest natural treasures as it begins its majestic journey through the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains on its way to the Chesapeake Bay. To learn more, visit www.upperjamesriverwatertrail.com
For more information, contact
Richard “Pete” Peters, Director
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
540-473-8326
County eNewsletter -- 4:2 February 2013
1/31/2013
In this issue:
- Incentive Fund Grants Awarded
- Sign Ordinance Revision
- Notices and Upcoming Events;
- Sign Ordinance Reviewed by Planning Commission
Click here to view this issue.
For more information, contact
Wendy Farkas
Webmaster and Newsletter Editor
County Administrator's Office
(540) 473-8239
Annual Burn Ban in Effect Feb. 15-Apr. 30
2/4/2013
Fincastle, VA– The Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect Feb. 15, 2013 – the start of spring fire season in Virginia.
Specifically, the 4 p.m. law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day (Feb. 15 – April 30) if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. However, Botetourt County residents are asked to use extreme caution with fire during this critical period. Seasonal winds dry out woody and grass fuels that have accumulated over the winter and greatly increase the danger of wildfire. Outdoor burning at any time should be avoided.
A violation of this law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition to the criminal violation, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to others’ property.
Detailed information about the 4 p.m. Burning Law can be found on the Virginia Dept. of Forestry (VDOF) website’s Frequently Asked Questions page about Burning and the 4 PM Law.
For more information, contact
Botetourt County
Department of Emergency Services
540-473-2098
County eNewsletter -- 3:11 November 2012
10/31/2012
In this issue:
- Tax Deadline December 5;
- Fuel Assistance;
- Botetourt County Library Telescope;
- Notices and Upcoming Events;
- Judge Campbell Honored;
- Military Appreciation Tournament Factoids
Click here to view this issue.
For more information, contact
Wendy Farkas
Webmaster and Newsletter Editor
County Administrator's Office
(540) 473-8239
