by RODERICK MULLINS
CLINTWOOD, Va. — The Dickenson County Board of Supervisors addressed a wide range of community initiatives during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24, highlighting efforts in disaster resilience, emergency services, and local charitable support.
A portion of the meeting was dedicated to presentations from the RAFT (Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool) committees. Representatives from the Resilience Committee and the Energy Opportunity Committee provided updates on strategies to enhance the county’s ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters and economic shifts.
The Resilience Committee outlined potential infrastructure improvements designed to mitigate the impact of flooding and other weather-related emergencies. Simultaneously, the Energy Opportunity Committee discussed long-term goals for diversifying the local energy economy, looking at sustainable practices that could provide both environmental benefits and new jobs for the region.
Giles Sartin of Pro-Med Ambulance Service addressed the board to formally ask the board that Pro-Med be recognized as another option for providing emergency transport out of Dickenson Community Hospital.
Sartin told the board that Pro Med’s intentions were not to compete with emergency services such as Dickenson County Ambulance Service or the Clintwood Rescue Squad but to provide services to Dickenson Community Hospital.
“We’re here to strengthen services to the county,” Sartin added. “We are prepared to operate in cooperation with the county government.”
Discussion as to the matter then shifted to whether Dickenson Community Hospital was following protocol as to preferred calling order for transportation services. As the current protocol stands, Dickenson County Ambulance Service is first, followed by Clintwood Rescue Squad and then Pro-Med. If the hospital is unable to reach someone on first call, then go on to the second option followed by the third.
Willie Meade, a paramedic with DCAS told the board and those present that they “have covered calls, 911 calls, and we do run 90 percent of our calls”.
Kenady District supervisor Shelbie WIllis spoke from experience telling the crowd about a situation last November in regard to her husband. She told those present that everyone was called but that it was Pro Med who answered the call and transported her husband to a higher echelon facility. She added that ProMed gave her husband excellent care.
The contentious discussion on the matter was capped off by WIllis making a motion to allow Pro Med to operate in the county. Discussion followed with Clintwood District Supervisor Rhonda Sluss against the motion because to her it was against a Dickenson County business.
However, the motion was finally seconded after discussion and put to a vote by supervisors. The motion carried 4-0 with Sluss abstaining from her vote, telling the board she needed more information and stats.
The board also heard a presentation by Lunchbox 276 and the need to provide services to all three schools in the county. At present, 250 bags are prepared but they would like to increase by 100. The middle and high schools have a daily need. Clintwood supervisor Rhonda Sluss requested a list to present to churches of food needed. While smaller congregations may not be able address the need, larger church congregations in the county could be quite helpful.
In a move to support local residents facing food insecurity, the board heard a presentation from the Appalachian Cupboard of Kindness. Supervisors expressed support for the organization’s mission to provide essential goods to families in need, emphasizing the importance of community-led charitable initiatives in Dickenson County.
The board moved forward on several administrative and infrastructure items, including Natural Gas Expansion.
Under old business, the board continued discussions regarding a natural gas request. The discussion centered on whether or not it is feasible for the Public Service Authority (PSA) to become involved in such a huge start-up of expanding utility access for residents.
Law Enforcement Funding: Supervisors approved a FY 26 budget amendment specifically for the purchase of a new vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office to ensure the fleet remains operational and safe.
Regional Cooperation: An agreement was updated with the Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Management Authority, focusing on manpower and operational addendums to streamline local waste services.
The meeting concluded with the board making several key appointments, including new members to the Fair Committee and the Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens Board of Directors.
The Dickenson County Board of Supervisors meets regularly on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Dickenson Center for Education and Research in Clintwood.
