Monday, July 31, 2017

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Virginia Highlands Festival Pedestrian Traffic

Abingdon Police Department
                                     

For Immediate Release

TRAFFIC ADVISORY:

During the VA Highlands Festival (Friday, July 28th, 2017-Sunday, August 6th, 2017), please be alert for heavy pedestrian traffic in front of the Barter Theatre (127 West Main Street). This area will experience greater pedestrian use because of the festival access point at Partington Place.

With the warmer weather and the festival events, the APD wants to remind the public about pedestrian safety. Here are some helpful hints to remember:

Pedestrians:

·       Press activation button at the crosswalk in front of the Barter theater and wait for traffic to stop.
·       Always cross at marked crosswalks. Pedestrians forfeit their rights as a pedestrian if they cross elsewhere.
·       If a crosswalk is unavailable, be sure to find a well-lit spot on the road to cross and wait for a long enough gap in traffic to make it safely across the street.
·       Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, be sure to walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers and afford pedestrians with the opportunity to take evasive actions if needed.
·       Obey any pedestrian signs/signals and look left-right-left to make sure the road is clear in both directions before crossing.
·       Always make eye contact with drivers of stopped or slowing vehicles to be sure they see you before you cross.
·       Look before walking past stopped vehicles. Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first.
·       Remember that vehicles are legally obligated to stop for pedestrians once you are in the crosswalk.  Do not infer that drivers have to stop simply because you are standing on the sidewalk waiting to cross.

Motorists:

·       Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
·       Be prepared to stop at all marked crosswalks. Stay alert and reduce speed in areas with crosswalks.
·       Come to a complete stop if pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross.
·       When you are stopped at a crosswalk, allow enough room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so other drivers can see the pedestrians you have stopped for.
·       Be watchful for pedestrians and doors opening on the street side from parked cars. 
·       Limit distractions while driving, such as eating, smoking, and using the cell phone.




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Monday, July 24, 2017

Abingdon first responders compete in “Battle of the Badges” blood drive

Abingdon first responders compete in “Battle of the Badges” blood drive

ABINGDON/WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (July 24, 2017) – Blood Assurance will host their third annual “Battle of the Badges” blood drive with Abingdon first responders on July 28 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Abingdon Police Department located at 425 West Main St. in Abingdon, Va. The Abingdon Police Department, Abingdon Fire Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Washington County Life Saving Crew will compete to save the most lives by donating blood.

“For the third year, area public safety agencies have joined forces with Blood Assurance to host the Battle of the Badges blood drive,” said Tony Sullivan, police chief for Abingdon. “This year we have set a tremendous goal of collecting 200 units of blood for use in area hospitals. In fact, by donating with Blood Assurance, you can count on your donation being used in one of our local hospitals. This allows the donor to be a hero to patients in our own communities.”

Each day, 540 volunteer blood donors are needed in order to meet the demand of local hospitals. Each donation of blood contains plasma, red blood cells and platelets that can save the lives of premature babies, oncology patients, trauma victims, surgery patients and many others.

“Nationally, less than 10 percent of the population supplies the entire blood reserve for the country,” said Sullivan. “Are you a member of the 10 percent? If not, accept our challenge to donate on July 28. It takes a short amount of time, is relatively painless and will potentially save three people. If you want the title of hero join us and give blood.”

The winning organization will receive a “Battle of the Badges” trophy to display at their station.

“We are thankful for the Abingdon first responders for consistently bringing awareness to the need for blood donation by reuniting for this drive,” said Vicki Ward, Blood Assurance executive director for northern territories. “Blood banks are lowest stocked in the summer, which places this competition at a crucial time for donations. With up to three lives saved by each donation, Abingdon can make an immense impact on the lives of those in need.”

All donors will receive an exclusive “Battle of the Badges” T-shirt. Donors 18 years or older will be entered into a drawing to win a grill and will also be entered into a drawing to win the “Pick Your Paradise” vacation giveaway ending on Aug. 31.

To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 18 years old (16 and 17 years old with parental consent), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good health. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids — avoiding caffeine — and eat a meal that is rich in iron prior to donating. The battle drive will be held at the Abingdon Police Department, located at 425 West Main St. in Abingdon, Va. To schedule an appointment to donate, register here, call 800-962-0628 or text ‘BAGIVE’ to 444999.

About Blood Assurance

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving 51 counties and more than 75 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia. Over 540 volunteer blood donors are needed every day in order to adequately supply these hospitals. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council, and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need. Blood Assurance is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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Schedule Change: I-81 exit 14 northbound off ramp temporarily closing starting midnight July 31 (Sunday night/Monday morning)

SCHEDULE CHANGE
INTERSTATE 81 EXIT 14 NORTHBOUND OFF RAMP
TEMPORARILY CLOSING
Closure begins at midnight July 31, will be in place approximately 15 days

BRISTOLBeginning midnight July 31 (Sunday night/Monday morning), the northbound Interstate 81 exit 14 off ramp will be closed for approximately 15 days and motorists will use exit 13 to access the exit 14 area. 

Northbound traffic will use exit 13 and either Route 11 or Old Jonesboro Road to access locations around exit 14. Motorist will have access to Old Jonesboro Road underneath exit 14 and access to the northbound exit 14 on ramp to I-81. The southbound I-81 on and off ramps will NOT be impacted.

The closure of the off ramp is necessary to finish the connection between the new off ramp and the interstate. Following the closure, northbound traffic will be using the new section of roadway, new bridge and new ramp for exit 14.

During the off ramp closure, the blue traveler information signs at exit 14 will be temporarily located to exit 13 to help visitors find their destinations. There will also be message boards to direct Virginia Highlands Festival traffic to Old Jonesboro Road.

The reconstruction of the Interstate 81 exit 14 interchange in Abingdon was awarded in late 2015 and work began in January 2016.

W-L Construction & Paving, Inc., Chilhowie, Va., received the $29 million contract which includes replacement of the two interstate bridges over Route 647 (Old Jonesboro Road); separation of the northbound exit and entrance ramps; widening of Old Jonesboro Road;  modification of Dennison Drive; and adding signals at the ramp intersections.


The entire project is currently scheduled to be complete fall 2018.     

(END)

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Interstate 81 exit 14 northbound off ramp temporarily closing

TRAFFIC ALERT:
INTERSTATE 81 EXIT 14 NORTHBOUND OFF RAMP
TEMPORARILY CLOSING
Closure begins at midnight July 27, will be in place approximately 15 days
BRISTOL – Beginning midnight July 27 (Wednesday night/Thursday morning), the northbound Interstate 81 exit 14 off ramp will be closed for approximately 15 days and motorists will use exit 13 to access the exit 14 area.
Northbound traffic will use exit 13 and either Route 11 or Old Jonesboro Road to access locations around exit 14.
The closure of the off ramp is necessary to finish the connection between the new off ramp and the interstate. Following the closure, northbound traffic will be using the new section of roadway, new bridge and new ramp for exit 14.
During the off ramp closure, the blue traveler information signs at exit 14 will be temporarily located to exit 13 to help visitors find their destinations. There will also be message boards to direct Virginia Highlands Festival traffic to Old Jonesboro Road.
The reconstruction of the Interstate 81 exit 14 interchange in Abingdon was awarded in late 2015 and work began in January 2016.
W-L Construction & Paving, Inc., Chilhowie, Va., received the $29 million contract which includes replacement of the two interstate bridges over Route 647 (Old Jonesboro Road); separation of the northbound exit and entrance ramps; widening of Old Jonesboro Road; modification of Dennison Drive; and adding signals at the ramp intersections.
The entire project is currently scheduled to be complete fall 2018.
(END)

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

HomeStay Ordinance


An ordinance of the council for the Town of Abingdon, Virginia to enact Chapter 18- Business Article VI.; 18-35 - 18-40 HomeStay Regulations. 


Thursday, July 13, 2017

Abingdon, VA Receives Two 30 in Thirty Grant Winners for 2017!

E.B. STANLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL GETS 30 IN THIRTY

KVB awarded E.B. Stanley Middle School, in Abingdon Virginia, a $500 30 in Thirty grant for their beautification project. They will use this money to finish the construction of a rainwater collection system. The water will be stored in a 2,500 gallon tank for Abingdon residents to use in the community garden. Treated water contains chlorine and fluorine, which can kill beneficial bacteria found in soil. This project will help the garden flourish with fresh rain water, and saves the County money by eliminating the need for them to provide fresh water.
Government, non-profit, civic, and service organizations in Virginia were invited to apply for 30 in Thirty grants for $500 to $2,000 describing how they plan to address Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Beautification in their communities.
Since 2011, Keep Virginia Beautiful has provided over $145,000 to 195 projects throughout the Commonwealth.  This year, we partnered with Altria, Keep America Beautiful, and Deep Run Dance Marathon to make the program possible.
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KEEP SOUTHWEST VA BEAUTIFUL SNAGS 30 IN THIRTY
Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful has been awarded a 30 in Thirty Grant of $750 in the Cigarette Litter Prevention category. Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful in Abingdon is expanding their Cigarette Litter Prevention Program to two other counties across the Southwest, Lee and Dickenson. Cigarette butts are a concern because many people do not consider it litter. Efforts will be focused on county fairs where they can reach a lot of people in a short amount of time. Their plan includes educating the general public about cigarette butt litter through social media postings, and handing out pocket ashtrays. They will recruit a task force to conduct litter scans to count and pick up cigarette butts before the county fairs, then install ash receptacles for the public to use. Another count and cleanup of cigarette butts will be made after county fairs to show the decrease in litter, and an increase of public awareness.

Government, non-profit, civic and service organizations in Virginia were invited to apply for grants for $500 to $1,000 telling how they are addressing these pressing issues:  Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, and Community Beautification. Since 2011, Keep Virginia Beautiful has provided over $110,000 to 140 organizations throughout the state. This year, for the first time, we are awarding 45 grants because of the generosity of our partners at Altria, Keep America Beautiful, WestRock Foundation and Trex.

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Wednesday, July 12, 2017

VA Highlands Small Business Incubator Board Opening

The Town of Abingdon is taking applications for someone to serve on the VA Highlands Small Business Incubator Board.  This board meets the second Thursday of each month at 3:00 p.m. at the Incubator building.  This position is to fill an unexpired term of a member who is no longer able to serve.  Applications can be found online at www.abingdon-va.gov under forms/downloads.  Please submit applications to Kim Kingsley, Administrative Assistant, by July 31st at 5:00 p.m.