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Economic Developmet Authority Special Called Session

Posted: March 5, 2024

The Pulaski County Economic Development Authority Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 10 a.m., in the Executive Conference Room of the Pulaski County Administration Building, located at 143 Third Street N.W., Pulaski, for a Special Called Meeting.

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Pulaski County Board of Supervisors and School Board to Hold Joint Executive Session

Posted: February 26, 2024

The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors and Pulaski County School Board will meet on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 12 pm. (noon), in the New River Room of the Pulaski County Innovation Center, located at 6580 Valley Center Drive, Radford, for a joint Executive Session pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A) 3. of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, to discuss acquisition or disposition of real property related to Project Flex.

There will be no public comment period and no action will be taken during the joint meeting or following the joint Executive Session.

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Pulaski County Parks and Recreation Updates On Pool House Rebuild and the Status of the Evelyn Alexander Waterpark

Posted: January 23, 2024

The rebuild of the Randolph Park pool house, and the opening of the Evelyn Alexander Waterpark, have been on the forefront of the Pulaski County agenda in the second half of 2023. This important community asset is a staple of summer for many families of Pulaski County and surrounding region.

During this time, our Board of Supervisors, County Administrators, and legal teams have worked closely with insurance adjustors, architectural and engineering firms, and contractors to advance our insurance claim and begin planning the rebuild of the facility. As expected, this process has been both cumbersome and time extensive, but we have not lost focus.

The Evelyn Alexander Waterpark, located at Randolph Park in Dublin, will unfortunately not open or be operational in any capacity for the 2024 summer season. This decision is primarily driven by the active construction expected to be occurring on the premises and the importance of safety for our visitors.

During this time, the pool house rebuild will be initiated and we take advantage of the shutdown to make important upgrades to the 240,000-gallon community pool. A request for proposals will be released in the coming weeks to procure a company to complete a comprehensive replaster of the pool’s interior. This will both repair existing cracks and ensure longevity of the pool for many years to come.

Randolph Park remains open for general recreation and our 2024 Summer Camps will continue as planned. We look forward to providing additional plans of how we will continue to ensure a wonderful and enriched summer experience for our campers with the continued support of our community.

Questions should be directed to Pulaski County Parks and Recreation by calling 540.994.2587 or emailing sdunnigan@pulaskicounty.org

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Board of Supervisors to Continue Focus on Improving Pulaski County's Fire and Rescue Systems By Contracting with a Change Agent

Posted: January 2, 2024

The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors has made it a priority to focus efforts and resources to comprehensively analyze and evaluate the state of Pulaski County’s fire and public safety services. In 2022, the Board of Supervisors commissioned two independent studies that comprehensive analyzed the County’s fire and rescue systems. A baseline study was performed by the Commonwealth through the Virginia Fire Services Board and a parallel third-party study was conducted by an independent contractor – Gannon Emergency Solutions USA. Both studies were made public and officially presented to the Board of Supervisors, paid and volunteer fire departments, the Public Safety Department and the general public in an open meeting.

“The studies conducted were intended to be more than checking a box or even constructive feedback, but more of an instrument to understand what opportunities lie ahead to strengthen these critical services, and to give us a direction on what our next step(s) would be to improving safety, response and sustainability for our Fire and Public Safety Departments”, stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator. “We have come to a place in time where it is important to consider making necessary investments, to employing best practices and to look for ways to resourcefully support our brave men and women who provide first response services to our growing community.”

Following a nationally advertised request for proposals (RFP), Pulaski County selected Gannon Emergency Solutions USA. The firm had already demonstrated a tremendous wherewithal for the complexity of fire and rescue systems by way of preparing a detailed comprehensive analysis of all of our Fire and Public Safety Departments, and the company hits the ground running due to their extensive familiarity with Pulaski County and their existing relationship with our many volunteer and paid departments.

“The cooperation, faith and passion shown by everyone involved was pivotal in our decision to bid for the opportunity to provide Pulaski County with the help they need to move forward from the studies,” stated Chris Gannon, CEO of Gannon Emergency Solutions USA. “I am very grateful to the County for selecting my firm, and in return I will dedicate all my energy and experience to this challenge. Moving from Florida to the New River Valley of Virginia has been the first step in my commitment, and I look forward to starting work on the important task of making the lives of first responders and the people they serve safer.”

Both the study conducted by the Commonwealth and Gannon identified the current Fire and Public Safety Departments could benefit from organized support and collaborative assistance.

“Although the County is fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and professionals who are committed to providing first response services, we are at a juncture where it is vitally important to find ways to keep up with the evolving needs of our emerging next-level community,” stated Laura Walters, Chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. “The Board’s commitment to our citizens, our business community and to the men and women who serve them, has been unwavering and we continue to follow the strategic process of comprehensively studying, carefully evaluating, properly planning, adequately funding and sustainably implementing, in order to ensure we can continue to meet the progressing needs of Pulaski County.”

The contract for Change Agent services is a two (2) year partnership and will provide direct engagement with all paid and volunteer departments serving Pulaski County. The high-level deliverable is for the development and implementation of a strategic plan that will serve to strengthen, support and affordably sustain the paid and volunteer emergency response services, as well as implement safety, efficiency and support measures to ensure the highest level of response can be provided.

Gannon Emergency Solutions is a firm of specialists dedicated to the review and improvement of Fire and Rescue Services. Chris Gannon, CEO is a globally recognized pioneer of reform in the public safety industry. He has 27 years of experience working on five (5) continents and is fully registered in the USA. He brings a unique and unparalleled level of experience to Pulaski County and the departments he will be working with, and shares a unique insight that could make our best even better. To learn more about Chris Gannon, Gannon Emergency Solutions and the Gannon team of professionals, please visit: www.gannonemergencyusa.com

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Pulaski County Administrator to Challenge Community to Jet Ski Race

Posted: August 21, 2023

Pulaski County is set to host the American Jet Ski Association’s (AJSA) Championship Race on Saturday, September 9th. Preceding this major professional event, Pulaski County, in concert with the AJSA, has organized a jet ski competition on Friday, September 8th, to help raise funds for the Pulaski County ACCE program (Access to Community College Education) through New River Community College. Ahead of what is shaping up to be one of the largest jet ski competitions in the country, community members from area businesses, industries and institutions, along with neighboring local governments and county departments, the teams will compete head-to-head in a timed-course jet ski challenge.

“This is a great way to bring our business community together, to support the Pulaski County ACCE program, to network, to team build and to be a part of making history with our first AJSA Championship Race taking place here at Claytor Lake”, stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator and NRCC Board Member. “We are excited that so many of our business and institutional leaders value these types of unique experience opportunities, and understand the benefits it has to their respective organization and to our community.”

The Pulaski County / AJSA Corporate Jet Ski Challenge on Friday, September 8th, will consist of individual teams that compete to see what corporate/institutional-sponsored team completes a fixed-buoy course in the fastest time by taking an average of the three fastest times from each team. There will be awards given out by the AJSA for the winning team, along with second and third place recognition. A sit-down jet ski and all necessary equipment to ride will be provided as part of the team entry and participation. Teams will simply need to register and arrive to participate and enjoy. It is recommended teams plan to make a day of the networking and team building opportunity. Team tents and chairs are encouraged.

‘We already have a considerable number of teams committed to the Jet Ski Challenge, and the list is growing”, stated Jonathan D. Sweet. “Martin’s Pharmacy, Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, Camrett Logistics, RDL, Trova, and the City of Radford are just some of the teams that have accepted the challenge, but I want to publicly call out and challenge Radford University, Tekni-Plex, BimmerWorld, Fontaine, Volvo, the Towns of Pulaski and Dublin, Delegate Ballard, and all the jurisdictions that make up the New River Valley.”

The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors, County Administration, Sheriff’s Department and Parks & Recreation will host competitive teams and encourage participation from neighboring counties, cities and towns to support and help raise funds for the Pulaski County Access to Community College Program.

Featured jet ski racers at this event are several national and world champions including two-time amateur ski division world champion and seven-time ski division national champion, Jimmy Wilson, and Pro Women Runabout World Champion, Sophie Francis, and many more.

Anyone wanting more information or wishing to participate in racing events may email Keith McAfee at: keith@ajsaracing.com or call at: (423) 341-6416.

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Status Solutions to Enhance Safety for Pulaski County Public Schools

Posted: August 16, 2023

Status Solutions, a leader in providing situational awareness and life safety technology, is proud to announce its latest partnership with Pulaski County Public Schools. Building upon an established relationship with the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors, Status Solutions will extend its innovative solutions to the school district through its Grant of Use program, reinforcing the commitment to safety that the district and Pulaski County have embraced for years.

Pulaski County Administration has been a valued customer of Status Solutions since 2015, utilizing the company's situational awareness platform in their E-911 call center and within county buildings. This new partnership expands the scope of this successful relationship to ensure the safety and security of the school district's students, teachers, staff, and visitors.

"In Pulaski County Public Schools, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff," said Rob Graham, Superintendent of Schools. "By integrating Status Solutions' advanced situational awareness platform, we are taking a significant step towards creating peace and comfort for our teachers, students, and families. Our partnership with Status Solutions aligns perfectly with the County’s unified mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for learning."

The partnership with Status Solutions aligns with the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors and Pulaski County School Board’s unified vision of becoming the safest district within the region. By implementing Status Solutions' technology, the district aims to set a new standard for safety in education, attracting families to the area due to its reputation for excellence in security and care.

Mike Mooney, Board of Supervisors and School Safety Committee Member expressed enthusiasm about the expanded partnership: "We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of Status Solutions' technology in our County buildings and emergency response facilities. This new initiative reinforces our priority and dedication to the safety and prosperity of our community. We are proud to support our unified mission to not only educate but also protect our most valuable assets."

Safety is the foundation of a thriving community. With the support of the Board of Supervisors, the School Board, and the Chamber of Commerce, everyone is united in the commitment to grow Pulaski County by showcasing the district's dedication to safety. This is why we are also enlisting the help of the Status Solutions Network. This digital marketing business was designed with the sole purpose of sending profits back to the school district to offset the costs of safety measures and then help fund any additional needs. Local businesses will have the opportunity to purchase a membership and be listed in the Status Solutions Network Directory. In turn, students, teachers, and families in the community are asked to patronize those businesses. The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors, with the help of Status Solutions and Status Solutions Network, is inviting the community to take ownership and be part of a secure and vibrant educational experience.

“We firmly believe that safeguarding our schools is not just a responsibility, but a moral imperative,” said Amy Jeffs, President of Status Solutions. “By harnessing the power of situational awareness and the Status Solutions Network, our innovative funding model, we are dedicated to creating an environment where students, educators, and staff can thrive. Our commitment to protecting schools goes beyond mere solutions – it's about empowering communities with the tools they need to proactively prevent incidents and ensure a secure future for their children."

The partnership between Status Solutions and Pulaski County School Board, fortified by the Board of Supervisors enduring commitment to safety, symbolizes a shared vision of nurturing growth, fostering security, and creating a future where education and well-being go hand in hand.

About Status Solutions

Status Solutions has built a reputation for being a master of situational awareness services, including lifesafety assurance, real-time security monitoring and data analysis, environmental awareness, and mass notification technologies. They carefully craft custom software solutions that give teams the awareness of what’s happening, empower them to take action, and then provide the analysis that helps them adapt and stay ahead of threats, no matter how mundane or extreme. To learn more about Status Solutions, visit https://www.statussolutions.com or follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. To learn more about Status Solutions Network, the innovative franchise opportunity and funding model for schools,

Pulaski County Public Schools believe:

  • All students must achieve at their highest levels
  • That every child will excel
  • Learning occurs best in an atmosphere of mutual respect
  • Schools must provide a supportive and safe environment for students to learn
  • We recruit, hire, and retain the best staff
  • We hold our teachers to the highest professional standards
  • Parents can make the biggest difference in students' learning
  • Families are critical to the success of students in school

For more, visit: www.pcva.us

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Commissioners & Cans Food Drive

Posted: July 26, 2023

Help fight hunger in Southwest Virginia

August 1 - 31, 2023

Commissioners of the Revenue offices across the state come together to collect food items for their local foodbanks.

Monetary donations go through https://www.feedingswva.org/donate-to-commissioners-cans/.

Most needed items:

  • Canned Meats
  • Canned Veggies
  • Canned Fruit
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Hearty Meaty Soup
  • Pasta & Sauces
  • Cereal, Oatmeal
  • Condiments & Spices

Drop off items at the Pulaski Commissioner’s Office or contact us to pick up from your county department. We are located at 52 W. Main Street, Suite 200 in Pulaski.

Contact: Sabrina Bishop (sbishop@pulaskicounty.org) or Terri Carter (tlcarter@pulaskicounty.org) or (540) 980-7750

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July 4th Veterans Remembrance Ceremony

Posted: June 14, 2023

The public is invited to attend the county's annual July 4th Veterans Remembrance Ceremony to be held at the Pulaski Theatre, located at 14 West Main Street, Pulaski, Virginia, beginning at 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors and the Pulaski County Courthouses Exhibits Committee.

At this year's ceremony, local Vietnam Veterans will be recognized for their service to our country as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam in 1973.

The event's guest speaker will be Ben King, Operations Director for the Virginia War Memorial. Local groups participating in the ceremony include the VFW Post #1184, AMVETS Post #40, Boy Scouts, Wilderness Road Chorus, and bagpiper, Andrew Meeks. The ceremony will conclude with a 21 gun salute and the playing of “Taps” on the lawn of the Old Historic Pulaski County Courthouse at the War Memorial. Refreshments will then be served and tours of the courthouse will be conducted by members of the Courthouses Exhibits Committee.

All veterans and their families are encouraged to attend as we remember and honor our local veterans and active members of our military.

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Pulaski County Parks & Recreation Friends and Neighbors

Posted: May 27, 2023

We wanted to connect with you as quickly as possible. We know many of you have heard the devastating news of the fire at the Randolph Park Pool facilities yesterday. The good news is that everyone is safe. We are beyond grateful for our Pulaski County First Responders, and all of the surrounding communities, who were quick to respond and take action.

We recognize that yesterday’s events create a lot of questions from you regarding our Parks and Recreation operations. Please know that we are committed to serving our Pulaski County friends and neighbors and take that privilege seriously.

What you need to know today

  1. Randolph Park remains open and available to the public.
  2. The Evelyn Alexander Waterpark Aquatic Building is a complete loss. When you visit Randolph Park, you will find this area to be secured with fencing. Please respect these physical barriers and help us keep everyone safe.
  3. All Parks and Recreation sports will continue as normal. All games scheduled next week, and moving forward, are a go!
  4. All scheduled weekend baseball/softball tournaments will continue as normal.
  5. All scheduled and future shelter reservations will continue as normal. All shelter facilities have been inspected and confirmed to be safe and accessible.
  6. Walking trails, fields, playgrounds, shelters, public restrooms, the disc golf course etc. remain safe, accessible, and available for use!
  7. The Evelyn Alexander Waterpark is closed until further notice.

How to contact us!

  1. The Parks and Recreation offices will temporarily relocate our offices to the Bat and Ball Sports Complex at Randolph Park effective Tuesday, 05/30/2023. You can best access us by parking at the basketball courts and walking to the complex.
  2. We recommend you call or text us before stopping by the office. We expect to be in transition most of the week and not in the physical office full time.
  3. The Randolph Park Main Office line is not available. Please connect with us by EMAIL or TEXT until we have our new phones up and running.

Jenna Kinder

Program and Activities Manager

jkinder@pulaskicounty.org

TEXT: 540.744.6273


CJ Burgis

Recreation Coordinator

cjburgis@pulaskicounty.org


What's next?

Please allow us several days to regroup and put together all the information that each of you need regarding next steps. Our team is committed to having a great summer and look forward to connecting with you soon on how we're going to make that happen. Look for more information from us next week!

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Historic Name Change of the Legendary Motormile Speedway

Posted: May 10, 2023

Wednesday, May 10, 2023, marks another big step in economic development for Pulaski County's growing tourism industry, as a long time fixture in the County, the Motor Mile Speedway, officially changes its name and becomes the Pulaski County Motorsports Park. Motorsports has changed over time, and so have many of the venues that host it. For the racers and race fans, that is exactly what has happened at the speedway in Fairlawn, Virginia. The newly named Pulaski County Motorsports Park has raised the bar and is providing race fans the chance of a lifetime to enjoy the best of the best drivers in NASCAR and IndyCar by hosting the Superstar Racing Experience, better known as the SRX Series.

Pulaski County, in partnership with the Rusty Wallace Racing Group, is pleased to further announce that on Thursday, July 27, 2023, THE THUNDER WILL BE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF PULASKI COUNTY, VIRGINIA!, as the Pulaski County Motorsports Park will be hosting the Superstar Racing Experience Series. This race will be carried live on ESPN's Thursday Night Thunder, with an anticipated viewership of approximately two million.

“SRX could not have picked a better track in a better community to host the Superstars of Racing, as we are known for having one of the most entertaining short tracks in the country and some of the best race fans in the world”, stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator. “This new partnership marks our strong commitment to continue the long tradition of racing here in Pulaski County, and our desire to have our Motorsports Park become one of Virginia's prime tourism destinations as well as a world-class outdoor sports and event venue.”

Mark Ebert, President and CEO, Wallace Racing Group, shared that race fans will have the opportunity to see and experience the thrills of watching superstars of racing maneuver their cars at high speeds with some of the country's best stock car drivers competing. Included will be legendary names in racing like Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Busch, and Marco Andretti, just to name a few. “We are excited to work closely with SRX and Pulaski County”, conveyed Mark Ebert. “The SRX Race will be amazing but that's just the start, we are truly a motorsports park! We have go-karting, IHRA Drag Racing, a world class racing experience and more, the Pulaski County Motorsports Park and the NRV are truly a destination for race fans of all ages.”

The Pulaski County Motorsports Park is home to the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience features a 1/8th mile IHRA sanctioned drag strip, a .416 NASCAR sanctioned paved oval track, and the recent addition of a go-kart track.

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Broadband in Unserved Areas

All Pulaski County residents who reside in unserved broadband areas are encouraged to pre-register to show interest in fiber-to-home broadband internet to help ensure universal coverage and to finalize the construction sequence by All Points Broadband. Head to the link below to pre-register.

https://fiber.allpointsbroadband.com/