Town Council recognizes veterans, briefed on proposed medical clinic

By Debbie Adams

Vinton Town Council recognized veterans at the meeting on Nov. 18. Human Resources/Risk
Management Director Donna Collins introduced veterans who work for the Town of Vinton and
also veterans from Vinton VFW Post 4522 celebrating the post’s 80th anniversary.

“November is National Veterans and Military Families Month,” Collins said. “This month we
pay tribute to the generations of American veterans who have defended our freedoms, protected
our nation, and upheld our values with honor.

“We also honor the military families whose resilience, love, and sacrifice form the foundation of
our nation’s strength. Behind every service member stands a family whose support makes that
service possible.

“Each year we take time to honor the veterans within the Town of Vinton workforce. They have
served our nation with courage, and they continue to serve our community with dedication. We
are proud to work alongside them and deeply grateful for all they have given—both in uniform
and in their roles here in the town. Several of these employees also serve on our Veterans
Outreach Committee. Their perspective and assistance are invaluable to us.”

Those employees include Mayor Brad Grose, Police Chief Fabricio Drumond, Sgt. Brandon
Alterio, Cpl. Jesse Dibble, Det. Jake Miller, Officer Sean McKittrick, Code Enforcement Officer
Scott Stephenson, Jr., and Equipment Operator II Tim Perdue.

Collins also recognized four veterans from VFW Post 4522 in Vinton, “mustered” in 1945. Four
members of the VFW Post were present: Scott Fannin, Eric Horne, Jeff Jenkins, and Raymond
Debose.

“For eight decades, the VFW Post 4522 has demonstrated unwavering commitment to supporting
veterans, strengthening our community and preserving the values of service, sacrifice, and
patriotism. We honor their steadfast leadership, their advocacy for those who have served, and their continual dedication to ensuring that no veteran is ever forgotten. We extend our gratitude
and congratulations to the VFW on this remarkable milestone.”

Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning Nathan McClung briefed council on a Special Use
Permit (SUP) for a proposed medical clinic to be located at 600 South Pollard Street, in the
former offices of optometrist Dr. Neal Jessup. Owner and Nurse Practitioner Rikki McConnell
has requested an SUP for the Hybrid Clinic Wellness Center. This use is permitted in the General
Business District under Town Code, subject to the approval of Vinton Town Council. The
Vinton 2050 Comprehensive Plan designates this property as a Mixed-Use Corridor land use.

In September, Town Council adopted an ordinance stating that an SUP is subject to town
approval for medical and dental facilities and hospitals to be operated within applicable zoning
districts of the town. Town staff recommends approval of the SUP, subject to conditions. The
owner must provide the town with a detailed and comprehensive list of all medical services to be
provided at the property. Any subsequent additions require an application for a new SUP.

McConnell states in the petition that the Hybrid Clinic was originally founded in Stewartsville in
2019. It is now located in the Cave Spring area. The center is a licensed medical and holistic
practice “focused on integrating traditional healthcare with alternative and preventive
treatments.” The goal is to help patients feel better naturally, reduce dependence on
pharmaceuticals, and improve their overall health and quality of life.”

Services in Vinton will include primary care, urgent care, hormone balancing, medical weight
loss management, massage therapy, body contouring, Medical Cannabis Certification (no
cannabis products are sold, stored, or dispensed on-site), hydration therapy, vitamin injections,
sound bed therapy, red light therapy, and infrared sauna.

A joint public hearing will be held with the Planning Commission on Dec. 2.