By Debbie Adams
As 2025 comes to a close, the Town of Vinton can look back on a year marked by growth, community pride, and forward-thinking progress. From major development projects and long-range planning initiatives to packed festivals, student achievements, and moments of remembrance, the year reflected both momentum and meaning. The following highlights capture the events, accomplishments, and milestones that shaped life in Vinton throughout the last year.
“The Town of Vinton enjoyed another very successful and exciting year in 2025,” said Vinton Mayor Brad Grose, in a statement about the town’s year. “God truly blessed us this year with continued growth in our economic sector and important improvements in the quality of life in our town.
“In addition, I think 2025 should be considered a foundational year for Vinton due to the completion of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan and the nearly complete Strategic Plan. The importance of these planning documents cannot be overstated. The planning process was very exciting and comprehensive as input was collected from many sources including our citizens, business operators, professional consultants, town staff and Vinton Town Council.
“A few examples of economic growth include the new multi-story hotel, the reopening of Big Lots, the Vinton Café, and the multi-use Cleveland Commons which contains beautiful apartments and an awesome space for future business. The redevelopment of the Gish Mill property continues at an accelerated pace.
“Quality of life improvements include the opening of a new section of Glade Creek Greenway, public restrooms on the Wolf Creek Greenway, new street signs, removal of blighted properties, and an extensive street paving project.
“The Community Park on the Vinton War Memorial grounds is nearing completion, and the Vinton War Memorial building is currently undergoing renovations.
“In partnership with several citizen groups, the Town of Vinton experienced many highly successful community activities. A partial listing would include the Independence Day Celebration, the Dogwood Festival, the Fall Festival, Downtown Trick or Treating, the Four on the 4th race, the Santa Crawl, the Christmas Parade, the Field of Honor (flags), the Veterans Ruck-Run and numerous activities at the Vinton Farmer’s Market.
“I would venture to say that no town that is the size of Vinton has as many excellent community events as Vinton. We are very grateful for all the groups that help our staff provide quality events for our citizens to enjoy, throughout the year.
“The Town of Vinton was blessed with economic progress, numerous activities, and extensive planning throughout 2025. Through collaboration with our many community partners we have had another highly successful year. I certainly want to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the Town of Vinton in 2025 including our town staff and Vinton Town Council.
“The outstanding performance of the town staff demonstrates that they are a group of well-educated, highly motivated individuals who really care about our town. Vinton Town Council continues to be very active and productive. In addition to their duties in Vinton, each council member serves on at least one regional or state committee. I think our council has been successful because, although we all have different opinions, we always come together to do whatever is ‘best for Vinton.’
“Thank you for your time, may God bless you and may God continue to bless the Town of Vinton.”
Notable events in 2025
The Vinton History Museum and Vinton’s Creative Occasions were named as winners of the Hotel Roanoke Fashions for Evergreens competition for 2024. The museum won third place in the People’s Choice Award category for its Santa Claus tree. Creative Occasions, owned by Mark Frye, won first place in the Professional Judges Category for his Dr. Seuss-themed tree.
The Town of Vinton partnered with local businesses for their first St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, closing off the streets of downtown Vinton for the celebration.
The Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual and popular Senior Expo in March at William Byrd Middle School since the Vinton War Memorial was closed for renovations.
Vinton Town Council recognized Rosie’s Gaming Emporium for its contributions to the community through donations to a variety of non-profits, totaling $100,000 each year. In 2025, Rosie’s donated funds for the Vinton History Museum cargo/personnel lift, the WBMS food pantry and to the Lions Club to be used for the multi-generational park.
The Pine Spur Hunt Club held the first Draft Horse Pull in April with pairs of Percherons and Belgian Draft horses in tandem amazing the crowd by pulling up to 7,000 pounds of concrete blocks behind them.
May 2025 is remembered for the 70th annual Vinton Dogwood Festival and its giant 70th anniversary cake. Kroger donated 1,000 cupcakes for the crowd in honor of the occasion. Ten William Byrd seniors competed for the title of Dogwood Queen. Jada Johnson was chosen by a panel of judges and crowned queen by Vinton Mayor Brad Grose.
Vinton observed its 23rd annual Arbor Day celebration in May at the Vinton Library, with guests Smokey Bear and Forester Denny McCarthy.
The Town of Vinton’s Veteran Outreach Committee hosted the town’s second Field of Honor at the Vinton War Memorial with a display of 300 American flags to honor fallen heroes.
In June, the Class of 2025 (270 in number) celebrated their graduation from William Byrd High School, with 57 valedictorians.
Mingle at the Market concerts began in June, sponsored by the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce, and continued through September.
The Town of Vinton hosted another greenway ribbon-cutting ceremony, this time for the Glade Creek Greenway.
Vinton maintained tradition, holding its annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at the Vinton War Memorial, again a spectacular show which drew crowds from across the region.
Earlier that day, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia hosted the Four on the 4th Race, benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs, one of which is housed at Vinton Baptist Church. Nearly 500 runners participated in the race sponsored by the Vinton Moose Lodge 1121. The event included a half-mile Kids’ Race following the four-mile regular race.
Senator Tim Kaine stopped by Vinton Baptist Church on July 12 for a round-table discussion about a potential loss of funding which could impact the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia. The panel included Mayor Brad Grose, School Board representative Tim Greenway, Town Council member Mike Stovall, elementary school principals Ashley McCallum (W.E. Cundiff) and Julie Sandzimier (Herman L. Horn), parents, a representative from Congressman Ben Cline’s office, and several BGCSWVA representatives, including Daphne Sargent, director of the program at Vinton Baptist. Their program opened during the COVID pandemic to provide services to children at Herman L. Horn and W.E. Cundiff schools during the day and remains now as an afterschool program.
Virginia was set to receive $108 million from the $6 billion appropriated by Congress in the 2022 Safer Communities Act with some of those dollars going to fund the BGCSWVA. The funds had been frozen by the Trump administration. The administration subsequently released the funding the following week.
In August, Vinton Police hosted their annual National Night Out celebration to build partnerships between citizens, the police, and the community. There were free hot dogs, games, kids’ activities, and an appearance by caricaturist Kyle Edgell.
The Lancerlot and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Figure Skating Club teamed up for Theatre on Ice, featuring a performance of “Mama Mia” in mid-August.
The ice skating show was followed by the community favorite Dog Days of Summer at the Lancerlot on Aug. 23. Dogs were welcomed to the ice rink and outdoor swimming pool. This year’s event also included a Rounds for Hounds grappling competition, benefiting animals in need.
The Vinton Breakfast Lions held their annual awards dinner and officer installation banquet on Sept. 11. New officers include President Justin Fix, 1st Vice President Ryan Mason, 2nd Vice President Sabrina McCarty, and Past President Zach McCarty. The Lions continue to live out their motto, “We Serve,” with numerous community service projects. One project of the Lions is completing vision screening in the local public schools in grades K, 3, 8, and 11 each year, as well as anyone new to the school system.
Roanoke County Schools welcomed a new Naval Science Instructor, Shawn Wingle, to their Navy National Defense Corps, which is based at William Byrd High School. One of their first events was a commemoration of 9/11, held in front of the school as students were entering the campus that morning.
Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church members continued their September tradition of forming a prayer circle around the exterior of the church to pray for the church, the community, and the world beyond.
William Byrd inducted 72 seniors into the Beta Club honor society at a ceremony on Oct. 6.
The Vinton Fall Festival is virtually always held on the second Saturday in October. There are vendors galore, performers from local groups such as the WBHS Jazz Band and the Floyd Ward Dancers. A highlight is always the Doggie Costume Contest and the petting zoo. The day always kicks off with the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast.
Vinton Town Council thanked the Vinton Moose Lodge for the generous donation of $10,000 towards a UTV for the town at a council meeting in October.
In honor of Veterans Day, members of Scout Troops 235 in Vinton and 584 in Bonsack and their leaders held a Flag Retirement Ceremony. Numerous flags, no longer fit for use, were folded and then committed to the flames.
Vinton Town Council and the leadership team held their Strategic Retreat at Carvins Cove in November, reviewing the past five years and planning for the next five.
The Cadet Corps at William Byrd celebrated the 250th birthday of the U.S. Navy with guest of honor School Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely, a 16-count Manual of Arms drill by the cadets, and a cake-cutting.
Vinton drew crowds from around the area for its annual Downtown Trick or Treat event on October 30—the estimate was approximately 4,000 attendees. There were not only treats from local merchants and organizations, but awards for best costumes in several categories.
The Vinton Police Dept. and Vinton Veteran’s Outreach Committee held their second annual Field of Honor with 300 flags flying on the front lawn of the Vinton War Memorial. They also sponsored the second annual Ruck March, wearing weighted backpacks through the streets of Vinton. The town also hosted a “Salute to Service” ceremony at the War Memorial honoring town employees who have served in the military. The town honored veterans from the VFW at a Town Council meeting in November.
The Vinton Breakfast Lions held their annual Christmas shopping trip to Walmart for children in need, accompanied by their guidance counselors.
The Vinton History Museum was once again invited to participate in the Hotel Roanoke Fashions for Evergreens competition. Their theme this year was “Snowmen,” and included hundreds of snowmen on and around two trees.
Bonsack Elementary held its annual Balloons over Bonsack Parade, similar to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fifth graders designed balloon puppets and paraded them through the hall for the lower grades on the day before Thanksgiving break.
Vinton topped off the year 2025 with its Christmas Parade— generally the first in the valley. This year Cam Thepsimuong, a William Byrd graduate diagnosed with bone cancer in 2024, was named Grand Marshal of the parade, and many vehicles ridden in his honor, although he was unable to attend. There were over 100 units in the parade— one of the most spectacular in memory.
The Santa Crawl returned for the sixth year with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves meandering through the streets of Vinton delivering candy, gifts, dog treats, and treats for seniors.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Figure Skating Club presented their traditional “December to Remember” holiday ice skating show at the Lancerlot,
The Roanoke Chapter of the DAR planted wreaths on the graves of veterans at Mountain View Cemetery as part of “National Wreaths across America Day.”
William Byrd Middle School ended the year by “pie-ing” some of its teachers as a reward for a successful community food drive.
Bonsack Elementary hosted the annual “Music and Dancing” program in which the fifth graders perform ballroom dances while the fourth graders play holiday music on their recorders.
The year ended with a celebration of life at William Byrd for Camden Thepsimuong who passed away on Dec. 17. The gym was packed for the service. Camden and his family were escorted through the halls of the school after the ceremony, led by a bagpiper.
Economic development and redevelopment projects
Work began on the Vinton Hotel (Extended Stay America Premier Suites) with demolition of the Vinton Dry Cleaners Building, tree removal, and site grading. September 2025 was memorable for the ground-breaking ceremony held for the Vinton Hotel, which included members of Town Council, managing partner of KARA Hospitality Mitesh Amin, and county officials.
Renovations continued at the historic Gish Mill, preserving the town’s founding structure. Contractor E.J. Miller built a pier foundation under parts of the building and leveled the floors— the most intensive work of the redevelopment project, done super-slowly to prevent cracking of the several-hundred-year-old structure. All of the original wood in the mill was preserved with every nail painstakingly removed. The project has been in the works since 2016 with plans for completion in 2026.
Virginia awarded a Site Remediation Grant of $500,000 to the Town of Vinton from the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund to be used on the redevelopment of Gish Mill.
The Vinton War Memorial closed for renovations on Jan. 1, 2025, for extensive renovations and upgrades. It first opened in 1948 as a memorial to those who perished in service in World War II.
The iconic Dogwood Restaurant in downtown Vinton celebrated an expansion project— nearly doubling its space. The original restaurant opened in 1942. Owner Keith Poff bought the restaurant in 1994, surprising his new bride. In 2011, Jamie McCarthy came onboard as general manager and eventually became a partner. The interior changes are dramatic with lots of glowing wood. They added a patio as well.
Roanoke County celebrated the grand opening of the Bonsack Fire and Rescue Station in January, which dramatically cut response times for the growing Bonsack area— and reduced the demands on the Vinton fire station.
In February 2025, the Town of Vinton purchased the D.R. Music property with plans to help redevelop the site. The business was destroyed in a catastrophic fire in July 2022.
Roanoke City and Vinton announced they would be launching a joint demonstration project on Gus Nicks Boulevard to determine the feasibility of transitioning the roadway from four lanes to three to improve public safety and traffic efficiency. Lanes were to be marked with orange traffic cones. Once the traffic reconfiguration project got underway in March, it did not sit well with many citizens. Several came to Town Council on March 4 to express their frustrations.
VDOT held a public hearing on the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Hardy Road/Bypass Road and Route 634 near CVS in Vinton. Council announced it would be renaming Bypass Road to Dogwood Boulevard.
Owners of Cleveland Commons Chris Dowdy and Dominic Basile joined with Vinton Town Council for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of their mixed-use redevelopment project on Cleveland Avenue, which contains apartments and a commercial office space.
By October 2025 major progress had been made on the War Memorial Community Park rising on the hillside behind the Vinton War Memorial and former site of the Vinton Municipal Pool. A very elaborate playground with climbing towers, bridges, swings, pickleball, and beginner skateboard ramps is almost complete.
Vinton Town Council awarded a contract for the renovation project at the Vinton War Memorial near the end of the year.
In November 2025, W.E. Cundiff Elementary celebrated the opening of a new administrative wing, cafeteria, and kitchen as part of their renovations and expansion project. Plans are for the school to be completed in Fall 2026. The renovation and expansion project at Cundiff is funded by the Roanoke County School Board and Board of Supervisors.
As 2025 has come to a close, the Vinton Hotel has become more visible with the construction of its elevator shaft.
Local names in the Vinton news
The William Byrd softball field was named in honor of Coach Greg Barton, who had played sports at Byrd back in the late ’70s (track, wrestling, and football) and has coached the girls’ softball team for over 16 years. The highlight of his coaching career so far has been the state softball championship his team won in 2019.
In July 2025, Vinton Police Corporal Jesse Dibble was named Vinton Police Officer of the Year for 2024, nominated by his peers.
Vinton Baptist called a new Minister of Children and Families— Vinton native and Byrd graduate Jodi Estienne.
The Roanoke County School Board introduced newly appointed administrators at Vinton-area schools: Evan Noell, principal at William Byrd Middle School, was named principal at William Byrd High School for the 2025-26 school year; Katie Hutchison, assistant principal at WBMS was named principal there.
The middle school’s Rory Grant won first place in the Roanoke County Spelling Bee (for the second time), advanced to the regional bee where he came in first, and then competed in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
Seniors in the Class of 2025 were recognized at the annual Honors Banquet and Scholarship Ceremony. The most coveted “Best All Around” awards were won by Greg Stiltner and Meera Raichura.
Darin Witcher was named Top Terrier for the 2025-2026 school year— the single highest honor bestowed on a student at William Byrd.
William Byrd senior Jada Johnson was nominated by her teachers and chosen by a panel of judges as the 2025 Dogwood Festival Queen.
William Byrd seniors Dawson Young and Addison Clark were selected as the 2025 Homecoming King and Queen and crowned at the homecoming game on Oct. 3.
On Oct. 19, William Byrd High School senior Camden Thepsimuong graduated in a commencement ceremony held in the high school’s auditorium— the first member of the Class of 2026 to complete his studies. Cam had been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in July 2024 and had worked diligently to complete the requirements for his diploma. He received a gold Honor Graduate tassel, signifying a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and a pin indicating he had earned the prestigious Advanced Studies Diploma.
The William Byrd Middle School YOVASO Club was recognized by the School Board for being named Club of the Year; Sheriff’s Deputy and school SRO Joe Mullins was named School Resource Officer of the Year for his support of the club.
Gabriel Wilson earned the highest honor a Scout can attain— the Eagle Scout Award. Wilson built a “Friends of the River” kiosk on the Franklin County Blueway on the Blackwater River for his Eagle Scout project.
Spencer Peters and Dawson Brinkley were named William Byrd Prom King and Queen.
William Byrd apprentices were recognized at a Salem Red Sox game— Royce Apple (Hotel Roanoke), Lucas Partleton (Hopkins-Lacy), and Ashley Arven (YMCA).
RCPS School Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely was named Virginia Association of School Superintendents Region VI Superintendent of the Year.
WBHS senior Emma Rupe was named DAR Good Citizen of the Year— another prestigious honor.
Vinton area teachers were also recognized with the Golden Apple Awards program. Barbara McGrath who teaches at WBHS won the Red Apple Award for the high school level; Wendy Niday from Herman L. Horn Elementary received the Red Apple Award on the elementary level.
Mark Frye, owner of Creative Occasions, Flowers, and Events, celebrated 30 years of “floral excellence.” He was recognized by The Scout Guide and Scout Guide Roanoke in an article entitled, “Local Florists We Love: The Best Flower Shops in the Southeast.”
Megan Lawless was named as the new executive assistant to the town manager and, then, , as town clerk.
Mount Pleasant Lions Club member Ray Price was presented with the coveted Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest honor a Lion can receive.
Eric Thomas was recognized by the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors for his 25 years of service on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Acclaimed muralist Jon Murrill of Vinton received this year’s prestigious Perry F. Kendig Individual Artist Award from Roanoke College. He is known for the larger-than-life works of public art he has created across the Roanoke Valley and beyond. He currently works as a professional muralist and holds the role of the City of Roanoke’s Muralist in Residence. He has created two murals, so far in Vinton, including Lady Appalachia.
Coach Norm Lineburg, beloved football coach at WBHS, passed away on July 17. He coached the 1963 William Byrd team, remembered as one of the best in school history. He spent the last 38 years of his coaching career at Radford High School, where he was also a legend. He was named to both the Virginia and National High School Football Halls of Fame. In October he was honored at the William Byrd/Radford football game at Patterson Stadium.
Politics in Vinton
Three members of Vinton Town Council were re-elected in the November 2024 election and were sworn in in January 2025— Mayor Brad Grose, Laurie Mullins, and Keith Liles. Mullins was selected as vice mayor.
Tammy Shepherd was re-elected to the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors in the November 2025 election.
Tim Greenway was re-elected to the Roanoke County School Board.
Anniversaries in the news
Vinton VFW Post 4522 celebrated its 80th anniversary and renamed the post’s meeting room after the late Bill Scott, a veteran and VFW member.
They also dedicated their meeting hall to the late Bill Scott, who served in the U.S. Navy for 19
years. Pictured left to right are veteran Ed Rourke, Post Chaplain Raymond Debose, Post
Commander Scott Fannin, Vinton Mayor Brad Grose, Vinton Police Chief Fabricio Drumond,
and Post Quartermaster Jeff Jenkins.
The Vinton Public Library celebrated its 10th anniversary in November.
Magnets USA celebrated its 35th anniversary, the last 10 of those in Vinton
Sports highlights
Thirteen student athletes at WBHS committed to continuing their educations and athletic careers at the post-secondary level on National Spring Signing Day 2025— Sara Lang, Ian Sigmon, Brogan Dent, Stephen Underwood, Ethan Haston, B.J. Cheatwood, Maurice Burnette, Jonathan Rosser, Jerrett Shepherd, DeShawn Austin, Landon Martin, Grace Onwi, and Greg Stiltner.
Lily Perez was named Field Event Athlete of the Year for Region 3D at the regional track meet.
DeShawn Austin won the 55 hurdles and the triple jump. He went on to win the State Championship in 55 hurdles.
William Byrd junior Darin Witcher won his second straight championship in wrestling. He won his 100th victory in the first meet of the season against Hidden Valley.
WBHS senior Isaiah Board scored his 1,000th point in a basketball game against Hidden Valley.
The William Byrd girls’ swim team won the Blue Ridge District Championship. Lindsay Murtaugh and Hadyn Terrell were named Blue Ridge District Female Swimmers of the Year. Byrd Coach Krista Martin was named BRD Coach of the Year.
William Byrd’s Big Orange wrestlers won the BRD wrestling tournament. Byrd Coach Thomas Kessler was named BRD Coach of the Year.
The Byrd boys’ and girls’ track teams won the BRD Championship in May.
The William Byrd Terriers won first place in the Blue Ridge District golf tournament.
The WBHS Terriers won the regional quarterfinals in football this fall and advanced to the semifinals, where their season ended.
The VHSL honored WBHS with the “Stay in the Game” award for sportsmanship—no Byrd athletes were ejected from high school sporting events during the fall sports season.
The William Byrd cheerleaders hosted their annual Battle at Byrd competition which always supports a cause. This year the event benefitted Camden Thepsimuong.
The William Byrd cheer team was named the Blue Ridge District champions. Terriers named to the All-Blue Ridge District team were Kaidence Stores, Lily Carrell, and Jahniya Coles. Coaches Dee-Anne Dillon, Maddy Angle, and Darla Kay were named BRD Coaches of the Year. At regionals, Jaamya Rosborough, Braelynn Gibson, Michal Hamlar, Aubrey Booze, and Carleigh Leonard were named to the All-Region team.
William Byrd High School welcomed three new varsity coaches with the opening of the new school year— Cam Cassady (baseball), Ben Munsey (girls’ basketball), and Jordan Persinger (volleyball).
New businesses
Edward Jones Financial Services held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the move to a new location in Vinton. The original building on Lee Avenue was severely damaged in the fire of July 2022, and the business had moved into temporary quarters until the Neely’s Accounting Office on Pollard became available. Co-owners are Jamie McCadden and Nathan Wallace.
Another long-term Vinton business, Citizen’s Upholstery, founded in 1965 by Ralph and Mary Chumley, held an open house weekend in October to showcase the remodeling and modernization of the business on East Lee Avenue.
Teresa Thacker opened the Absolutely Delicious Bar and Grill in the former Farmburguesa space on Pollard Street.
Therapeutic Elements, which provides massage therapy of many types, expanded its space on W. Virginia Avenue with additional services in February 2025. Tristina Pagans owns the business.
The new Vinton Café opened in the former location of Our Daily Bread by former employee Keriann Campbell.
Big Lots held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting at their Vinton store on Oct. 30. It is now under new ownership.
Pesto Pizza opened in the space occupied by Big Belly Pizza.
Those we lost
Recent William Byrd High School graduate Camden Thepsimuong
Former Vinton Police Chief Herb Cooley, who passed away in October after a 45-year career in law enforcement, the last 11 of those in Vinton
Frank Stone, who served as principal at Roland E. Cook, East Vinton, and Hardy Road Elementary Schools during his career
Janine Stone, who taught algebra at WBHS for many years; she and Frank also owned Cornerstone Antiques in downtown Vinton
Tommy Fuqua, Roanoke County’s first fire chief who got his start with the Vinton First Aid Crew when he was a student at William Byrd
Chas Goodson, age 27, passed away after a seven-year battle with cancer. He and his wife, Lexi, spent much of that time traveling the country with their dog “living in the moment.”
Nita Echols and Lynn Hurst, former longtime Vinton Messenger employees, passed away in 2025.
“As I look back and reflect on the past year, I am eager and excited for what Town Council and the Vinton team has accomplished and very excited for the year ahead,” said Vinton Town Manager Pete Peters. “First and foremost, the town completed the Vinton 2050 Comprehensive Plan, which identifies the vision for the town over the next 25 years. This document is extremely valuable and important, as it involved Town Council, citizens and business stakeholders, the general public, and town staff, who all contributed in various work sessions, surveys and public meetings over a 15-month process to establish the desired future state of the town in the years ahead.
“The town’s 2004 Comp Plan produced some lofty goals for our neighborhoods, transportation enhancements, the redevelopment of underutilized property, and the repositioning of our downtown as an entertainment hub, most of which has been accomplished over the past decade. It’s exciting to see where we’ve come from and where we are headed with this new updated Comp Plan with the land-use targets, walkability improvements and the ‘big-ideas’ that are packed into the mighty 2050 plan.
“Council is currently also in the final stages of finalizing the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, which will prioritize budgets and staff work plans for the next five years, to accomplish the most important targets of the next 25-year vision. With a unified council, a powerhouse team of staff, and an engaged citizenry, there is no limit to positive outcomes we will achieve.
“Other notable accomplishments of 2025 include the completion of the Glade Creek Greenway Phase 2, the installation of a public restroom on Wolf Creek Greenway, the final stage of redevelopment of Gish Mill, breaking ground on the town’s first large-scale hotel, the beginning of a much-needed renovation to the Vinton War Memorial, and the near completion of the War Memorial Community Park, which is slated to open in March of 2026.”
