Shaina Stockton

Reporter at Galax Gazette

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Articles

Council takes action at July meeting

Jul 31, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

At its July 8 meeting, Galax City Council honored the memory of two former city leaders, expanded its tax relief for the elderly and disabled, agreed to review the golf cart policy and appropriated the city and school board budgets, among many other items on a busy evening. Council held a moment of silence in honor of the late Sharon Plichta, former councilwoman; and the late Dennis Jarvis II, former economic development and Main Street project director.
Fries receives update on tourism efforts

Jul 31, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

FRIES — Fries Town Council received a report on tourism-related news and activities at the Historic Fries Theater at its June meeting. Tourism Director Kevin Combs said several successful jam sessions had been held at the theater, drawing visitors from across the country and even internationally. The average draw is between 70-80 visitors per event. The theater is collaborating with the Fries Musical Heritage Committee to restart the Fries Fiddlers’ Convention this August.
Fries passes $2.9M budget

Jul 17, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

FRIES — Fries Town Council approved a $2.9 million budget for fiscal year 2024-25 during their June 4 meeting. The budget was approved by unanimous vote, following a public hearing held at the start of the meeting. No one signed up to speak at the hearing. The budget accounted for $2.6 million in general fund revenue, including taxes, grants and state funding; as well as an additional $325,800 in revenue from water, sewer, garbage, penalties and deposits.
City sets penalties for false fire alarms

Jul 12, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

Galax City Council has approved an ordinance placing limits on the number of false alarm emergency calls that can be made by businesses. Exceeding the limits of this ordinance could potentially result in fines from the city, if action is not taken by offending businesses to remedy any issues with emergency equipment, such as faulty fire alarms. Galax Fire Chief Mike Ayers brought the issue to council’s attention in January.
Housing, camping planned for Fries

Jul 5, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

FRIES — The Fries Town Council’s June 4 meeting featured a presentation by Brian Edenfield, who outlined plans to build a campground and a housing subdivision. Edenfield advised council that he and his former business partner, Chad Reeves, had parted ways; however the decision was made amicably. The two had purchased several properties in town, which they were renovating. He expressed support for Reeves’ future endeavors, including the success of the Fries Dam Steakhouse.
Inflation drives rate increases in budget

Jun 26, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

INDEPENDENCE — Independence Town Council has approved the fiscal year 2024-25 budget of $2.87 million, which includes a change in water rates and the introduction of a trash collection fee. Council passed the budget at a special meeting held June 20, following a June 11 public hearing on the budget. Town officials cited inflation as the main reason behind the need for rate increases.
Town council hears report on tourism

May 31, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

FRIES — Tourism Director Kevin Combs provided an update on his activities, as well as an update for the Historic Fries Theater, during Fries Town Council's May meeting. Combs said he attended a reception for U.S. Sen. Mark Warner at The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, and raised money for the revitalized Fries Fiddlers Convention and Fries Tourism. To date, more than $10,000 has been raised for these initiatives, he reported.
Class of 2024 graduates at GCHS

May 31, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

INDEPENDENCE — On May 25, Grayson County High School celebrated 112 graduates, marking the third consecutive year of GCHS achieving a 100% graduation rate. Students celebrated with their families on Bill Strong Field, with previously promised rain showers holding back long enough to GCHS Band, greetings from Senior Class President Kaden Hall and a presentation of colors by the NJROTC.
Class of 2024 graduates at GCHS

May 29, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

INDEPENDENCE — On May 25, Grayson County High School celebrated 112 graduates, marking the third consecutive year of GCHS achieving a 100% graduation rate. Students celebrated with their families on Bill Strong Field, with previously promised rain showers holding back long enough to GCHS Band, greetings from Senior Class President Kaden Hall and a presentation of colors by the NJROTC.
Town council hears report on tourism

May 29, 2024 | pmg-va.com | Shaina Stockton

FRIES — Tourism Director Kevin Combs provided an update on his activities, as well as an update for the Historic Fries Theater, during Fries Town Council’s May meeting. Combs said he attended a reception for U.S. Sen. Mark Warner at The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, and raised money for the revitalized Fries Fiddlers Convention and Fries Tourism. To date, more than $10,000 has been raised for these initiatives, he reported.