By Debbie Adams
The Vinton Town Council meeting on January 21 was a lengthy one, focused on awards,
recognitions, yearly reports from departments and organizations, and approval of several action
items.
Council celebrated the 35th anniversary of local manufacturer Magnets USA (and its 10th year in
Vinton) with several of its executives – founder and President Dale Turner, CEO Donnie Martin,
Director of Sales and Marketing John Comstock, and Director of Operations Andy Bishop. The
company has over 60 employees.
Magnets USA. Pictured left to right are Vinton Mayor Brad Grose, Council member Mike
Stovall, Magnets USA founder and president Dale Turner, CEO Donnie Martin, Director of Sales and
Marketing John Comstock, and Director of Operations Andy Bishop.
Economic Development Specialist Marshall Stanley noted that there aren’t that many
manufacturers within the town and that Vinton appreciates the jobs and tax revenue Magnets
USA brings. Magnets USA manufactures magnetic products such as calendars, business cards,
sports schedules, and much more, which can be found in over 20 million American homes
annually.
Town Manager Pete Peters recognized Stanley for earning his Graduate Certificate in Local
Government Management at Virginia Tech – quite a challenging program academically and a
huge investment of time and effort. Three other Town of Vinton employees who have completed
the course (Peters, Deputy Town Manager Cody Sexton, and Finance Director Andrew Keen)
presented Stanley with his certificate; all thanked the town for its investment in the employees by
encouraging them to complete such programs and other trainings.
completing the program to receive his Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management
from Virginia Tech. He is pictured with other Vinton employees who have earned the certificate
in a challenging program (from left) Deputy Town Manager Cody Sexton, Finance Director
Andrew Keen, Stanley, and Town Manager Pete Peters.
Vinton First Aid Crew Chief Chris Sayre (who joined the crew at age 17) presented the annual
report on the crew’s activities for the past year. In 2024, the VFAC had a unit in service 4,056
out of 4,674 hours (87%), which represented a significant increase from 2023. Four hundred
eighteen out of 470 shifts were covered (89%), with volunteers donating an estimated 16,224
man-hours.
Sayre noted that the crew has recovered from the COVID years when membership declined. He
mentioned that volunteer organizations are “having a tough time” as a whole, nationwide. The
Vinton crew is one of two volunteer first aid crews left in the Roanoke County, the other at Cave
Spring.
Calls increased by from 2023 by almost 200; 1,005 were in the Town of Vinton, 576 in areas
directly surrounding the town (Roanoke County), and 41 in localities (Roanoke City, Bedford,
etc.). They responded to 1,612 calls during volunteer hours. Seventy-four percent of those calls
were medical in nature.
As of January 2025, the VFAC has 56 active members with five Paramedic/EMT Intermediates,
1 EMT-Advanced, and 21 EMT Basics. There are 29 members in training. Thirty-four new
members joined during 2024.
The VFAC saw the largest growth in membership in 10 years in 2024 due to Roanoke County
EMT classes for volunteers and changes to the crew’s organization and recruitment strategy.
They introduced a new Recruitment and Retention officer, created an Officer’s Academy, and
expanded community engagement at local events.
One challenge the VFAC faced in 2024 came last February when all Virginia EMS agencies
were informed of the retirement of the regional drug box program. This change required a
significant increase in expenditures which will continue. The VFAC is transitioning from the
regional drug box program to the VFAC drug box program, working closely with Roanoke
County Fire and Rescue and the Western Virginia EMS Council.
Sayre noted the importance of the volunteer First Aid Crew, telling council members that many
volunteers go on to careers in the medical field.
In 2025, the crew plans to expand training and community education, add a house EMT class,
and add training equipment. Anyone interested in joining the VFAC or learning more about it
should visit volunteer@vintonems.com.
Next up on the program were Jim Blanton and Kimberly Burnette-Dean reporting on events and
programs at the Vinton Public Library for children, teens, and adults. Blanton is director of the
Roanoke County library system; Burnette-Dean is branch librarian at the Vinton Library. (Look
for details on their report in the January 30 Vinton Messenger.).
Deputy Town Manager Cody Sexton reported to council on the latest Public Works Committee
meeting on January 15, with updates on projects:
- Signal lights at PFG have been installed and are working well
- The signal light contractor will be visiting Vinton next week to discuss the traffic signal
system - The WVWA Niagara Road sewer line replacement project is complete, but the road will
not reopen until it is paved when warm weather returns - The stormwater project at Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church, in partnership
with the church, is about halfway complete - The stormwater project at the intersection of South Pollard, Jefferson Street, and Cedar
Avenue will soon go out to bid - The town is reviewing a request from citizens for a four-way stop on 5th Street and Cedar
due to speeding on that street - Geo-technical work is to be completed on 3rd Street, mainly from the Public Works
building to the former landfill, due to shifting of the road base - Public Works and the Vinton Police Dept. continue to maintain their “well-earned
reputation” during snow and ice events - Vinton Public Works employees have taken on the task of clearing the fire properties at
the intersection of Pollard and Lee to create a green space while decisions are made on
future use.
Council adopted an ordinance presented by Planning and Zoning Director Anita McMillan
amending a section of the Town Code concerning lighting on roads, streets, and other public
rights-of-way. The ordinance will prohibit lighting practices that create public nuisances.
Council also adopted a resolution amending the 2022 Parking Lot Lease and Real Property
Purchase Right of First Refusal between the town and David McClung, owner of 7 Walnut
Avenue. The original lease allowed the town to build an 83-space parking lot at the address to
support downtown activity. McClung recently contacted the town to see if there was interest in
leasing the building as well. Peters said the town will sublease the building out to encourage job
creation, downtown business activity, and revenue generation. The action will help create more
downtown destinations.
Town Council approved a resolution authorizing the town manager to execute a Collaboration
Agreement with the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce, similar to an agreement approved
recently with the Vinton Historical Society. The agreement will memorialize the partnership
between the town and Chamber and delineate the relationship and the roles and responsibilities
of each in writing. The town and Chamber work closely together on countless community events
through the year including the Christmas Parade, Fall Festival, Mingle at the Market concerts,
Senior Expo, and more.
Jason Boothe, president of the Chamber, and Angie Chewning, its executive director, thanked
council members for their support – including monetary, use of town facilities, and assistance
from town staff, primarily Public Works and the Police Departments.
Mayor Brad Grose thanked the Chamber for the great partnership it has maintained with the
town through the years, saying, “Small towns have to work together and collaborate more.”
Council members Mike Stovall and Keith Liles echoed his sentiments, noting that “we are all in
this together with the same goal of bringing people to the Town of Vinton.”
In his project updates, Peters reported that the town is meeting weekly with KARA Hospitality,
LLC, which is developing the new hotel in Vinton to be located at the intersection of Virginia
Avenue, South Pollard Street, Cedar Avenue, and 1st Street. Stabilization work at Gish Mill will
be continuing for approximately two more months, followed by 14 or so more months of
renovations before the mixed-use venture opens in 2026.
