By Alicia Riley

Veterans and their families filled the Lewis County High School auditorium on November 10 at 10:15 a.m. for the eighth annual JROTC Veterans Day Program.

The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by the KROTC Honor Guard. Cadet Battalion Leader Tasha Carrington led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Lewis County High School Band of Pride playing the National Anthem. Bro. John Moore of Tollesboro Christian Church and a veteran of the Viet Nam War gave the invocation.

VFW Post 5438 Commander Kevin Hilger introduced the Voice of Democracy Essay winners. Steven Chinn placed third and was awarded a $100 scholarship, Shatosha Maddix placed second and awarded a $200 scholarship and first place winner was Heather Shumate who was awarded a $500 scholarship. All three students read their essays entitled "Freedom's Challenge".

During the ceremony, the band played Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philips Sousa, and the choir sang "Patriotic Salute" by Linda Spevacek.

Next on the agenda was the awarding of the art winners. In colored art, Kristen Lewis placed first, Karina Gifford was second, and Cody Moore was third. In pencil, Roman Chavanin, a foreign exchange student from Russia, placed first, Roseann Rhode was second and Shanda Thayer was third.

Also each year the classes decorate their classroom doors to honor our veterans. This year's winners were Mrs. Butler's homeroom for the Iraq War, Mr. Butler's room for WWII, Mr. Bryan's room for Viet Nam and Miss Dietrich's for the Korean War.

At 11:00 a.m., the lights were dimmed and Taps was played by two Lewis County band members, Cory Owens and Casey Clark, while the audience observed a moment of silence in honor of the brave men and women who have served to protect our country.

A group of dignitaries formed a receiving line in front of the stage as Amber Mosley and Samantha Cropper recognized the veterans in attendance. Each veteran received many thank yous and a pin in honor of their service. This year's pin featured the American Flag in the shape of a support bow. A total of 97 veterans was recognized.

By Al Owens

Meeting in regular session on the eve of Election Day the Vanceburg City Council adopted the ordinance establishing the tax rates for the year after hearing its second reading.

City Attorney E.V. Holder Jr., said that the ordinance is the same as it has been for several years without any change in the tax rates. The rate of tax on real estate is .13 per $100 of assessed value and .14 on personal and intangible property.

A resolution regarding the need to undertake rehabilitation and revitalization activity within the downtown district was introduced but no action was taken on the issue because a public hearing must precede the resolution. 

The council set Thursday, November 16, at 5:00 p.m. for the date and time of that hearing.

Mayor William T. "Bill Tom" Cooper told the council that the resolution is necessary in order to acquire the funding for the Carter House Hotel renovation project.

Cooper said that the city has received the grant money for the purchase of the Carter property and the closing would be held on Thursday, November 9.

The mayor presented a display check of $50,000 from the state Road Bond Funds made out to the city for paving.

Council member Tim Bowden asked if money for Christmas decorations had been put in the budget. Cooper replied that it was not included this year because he thought that budget item could wait until the completion of the Renaissance Streetscape on Main project is completed. Then the appropriate decorations can be obtained for the improved area.

The council approved the minutes of last month's session before adjourning.