[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6306492,"mediaKeyId","2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d","parentId",2437566,"title","Scott County approves 4 MW community solar project on Rycove Memorial Road","audioSeconds",3354,"startMs",2066000,"endMs",5420000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d&start=2066&end=5420","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d/thumbnail_2066000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6306492/Scott-County/Virginia/Scott-County-approves-4-MW-community-solar-project-on-Rycove-Memorial-Road","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306492-ade945f938f796b575b3fd77e2a28dfb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452573&Signature=nVS1LzLJUN6mYVNVIFo4W1NrTCmRHqYjnaxVTDz4XprYIbQ-LjJG1t77EqH2z7c5mWwHsxzljOal-EaQxudshj5P731EwD6E8SBbTgKs6K~9o6k1M6A1VjVvNuNhHGimCCzyAzEcOITucH9Ud7FYdtyDNKnYPE7PqF14id-6G6G0uEnCTxC4N1tVs9~~ncOLkM96YXlmw9dRoSxcsq0xX7E0FRUZMZnVAa2u45FY6XDB6FEhfP5lOMBqBZ2C~G-~kfFkasQuiydXn~Uj1T2YTGBMtW7uQV-fRWL89SDLUQ4kTge2EUfrRpq-MyjIEyVBtDMf1T8~Szut3CIW4LaNfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Scott County, VA","date","2025-01-02T00:00:00Z","article","The Scott County Board of Supervisors on an agenda day in January approved a special-use permit for a 4-megawatt community solar project on parcel 50-A-12, proposed by New Leaf Energy for the William Johnson property off Rycove Memorial Road.

New Leaf Energy project developer Jesse Robinson told the board the installation would fall under Virginia’s shared- or community-solar program. \"Community solar ... those projects are 5 megawatts or less,\" Robinson said, describing the project as a distribution-tied, fixed-tilt array that would allow subscribers to receive credits on their utility bills.

The board’s approval follows a multi-part presentation and public hearing in which the company described technical, environmental and decommissioning safeguards and neighbors raised concerns about noise, water quality and habitat change. Robinson said the company has performed environmental reviews including a Phase I environmental site assessment, wetlands/stream delineations and consultations with state wildlife and historic-resources reviewers, and that the facility would not cross wetlands and would be sited to minimize visibility.

Project details presented to the board and included in the permit record: the facility would occupy roughly 35 acres fenced for panels, with an additional about 9 acres designated for stormwater basins and access; it would be a fixed-tilt array without batteries; interconnection would be to Appalachian Power’s distribution system pending its study and any required upgrades; construction was estimated at 6–8 months; the lease term presented to the county is 20 years with 5-year renewal options up to 40 years; and the developer described a decommissioning bond and engineer estimate to guarantee removal and site restoration at the end of operations.

Neighbors spoke at the public hearing. Terry Fields, who said he owns land adjoining the proposed site, questioned siting near springs and geological fissures and warned of potential water impacts from damaged panels and runoff. \"This should be strengthened,\" Fields told the board, citing sinkholes and springs on nearby terrain. Dr. Donald Thurston, another local resident and property owner, urged caution about ecological changes, saying, \"Anytime you change a habitat, you change everything.\"

New Leaf proposed three conditions for the permit that were included in the board’s approval: (1) an offer to prioritize subscriptions to Scott County residents before soliciting subscribers elsewhere; (2) a voluntary payment of $40,000 to the Duffield Fire & Rescue Department to support staffing/insurance needs; and (3) baseline testing of a spring used for potable water before construction, annual tests for five years after construction, and thereafter testing every five years (the board discussed and some supervisors recommended more frequent testing in the first years). Robinson said the company would agree to more frequent early tests if the board requested them and that the bond would cover cleanup if tests ever showed contamination.

The board’s motion to approve the special-use permit included findings that the application complies with the county solar ordinance (setbacks, noise, height, farmland limits and visual buffers) and waived an additional planning commission review step; the motion incorporated the applicant’s proffered conditions. The board approved the permit by roll-call vote with all members recorded as voting yes: Daryl Jeter (yes), Michelle Glover (yes), Eddie Skeen (yes), Michael Bricky (yes), Danny Castile (yes), Chris Manus (yes) and Stephanie Addington (yes).

Next steps noted in the hearing: the developer must complete the Appalachian Power interconnection study and obtain required state permits (stormwater/land disturbance through DEQ and any required building permits). The developer said any damaged panels would be replaced and disposed of at the company’s cost and that decommissioning would be guaranteed by a county-held bond put in place prior to construction.

The permit carries several technical and community conditions and the unanimous board vote ends the local land-use approval stage; final construction remains contingent on utility interconnection, state permits and the applicant meeting the conditions the board recorded.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Scott County, VA Board of Supervisors Meeting ","oneSentenceSummary","The Scott County Board of Supervisors approved a special-use permit for a 4-megawatt community solar facility on William Johnson’s farm off Rycove Memorial Road after a public hearing that included technical presentations by developer New Leaf Energy and concerns from nearby residents.","taxTitle","Scott County, Virginia","taxId",38124,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306473,"Board approves disposal and sale of forfeited property at 4533 Bristol Highway",137,5429000,5566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d&start=5429&end=5566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d/thumbnail_5429000.jpg","/articles/6306473/Scott-County/Virginia/Board-approves-disposal-and-sale-of-forfeited-property-at-4533-Bristol-Highway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306473-a6364ba4c393f54d9876825ace222e60/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452573&Signature=lDLqRWbxUPhHPA5Lb-lZl1kJ0nUpKLTk-nt6havYZlkLz09KoKYSsMPcVEx-orcM0GSkFeEZ2MUCpoAuBtt39ga6c5X9YmXd1NdsC29XS5pCf81-OtbyQJkRUD4w8NdXfI2z3fQEPTngwW-O9tUIYEYxscbxOoSK67FnoDbq~Ljzx1MuhEUxOAYQtAG0xbqdbvlRSMi6T4rsPOtcmZL-qOltfTv8Zw7hlQdRTH5~2B0qqGLncvDh7xmBYF~9s7XTc5WgbT1NlUZINXF9XZbygFvi6k61eoMndowV-0gOqfWvQc~7dl~b9jOWYCxm5l3dBuEpKMY0bOtnruX9VQYw6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scott County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and approved the sale of real property the county obtained via forfeiture proceedings.

County staff said the parcel at 4533 Bristol Highway (tax map 149-A-22), previously the Kilgore store site, came to the county via an order of forfeiture and was held in the county’s name. The county received a cash offer that a special commissioner would execute through judicial sale; county staff said proceeds, after county expenses, would be split between the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the sheriff pursuant to the forfeiture process.

A motion to proceed with the sale and accept the special commissioner’s offer passed on a voice vote. The board’s action authorizes the special-commissioner sale to move forward; the county clerk and attorney’s office will complete required closing and distribution steps consistent with the forfeiture and sale process.

","The Scott County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing and approved the disposal by judicial sale of property located at 4533 Bristol Highway (tax map 149-A-22) that the county received through forfeiture; the board accepted a cash offer and authorized the special commissioner's sale proceeds distribution per county practice.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306478,"Scott County supervisors set 1-year leadership term, elect Manus chair and Glover vice chair, fix 2025 meeting schedule",366,9000,375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d&start=9&end=375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d/thumbnail_9000.jpg","/articles/6306478/Scott-County/Virginia/Scott-County-supervisors-set-1-year-leadership-term-elect-Manus-chair-and-Glover-vice-chair-fix-2025-meeting-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306478-ec9419bb2991f6882de4e0eae05b71af/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452573&Signature=I7UkbhYB5TCtmVitc2xvebDEq66x1Nd3amj-0rAa4qBecDTydW6dYif~Sa75O36xs5w0aKZUR6WczEfX8JYP3YxGNTsPcwp8iYthXgUgelk9V6l8tyLQRDVOo2CoIDFx7ukFKIhy196DPjSUOwYp~2Ss6zlnmKuPLvu57iynkFFb6n1kf7AU8qkL43qDKOAMxzJMmSjqDMMcY3P52D8wSJrQgN1jzb5r5-wkbtFH5qvliqiTCgc7ZmoIU-Z0-X9Sql71ZrxpkVrV0qfjjU4LIB1Xdt7IebuIuWw39G1rmP5jwRVn-9tFQxwg10WZ598y~OqdnQH36Pb-mcrsIez1JQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scott County Board of Supervisors conducted its annual organizational business and approved a set of administrative items for 2025.

The board voted to set the term of office for both the chairperson and vice chairperson at one year. Supervisor Daryl Jeter made the motion to set the term at one year, and Supervisor Stephanie Addington seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

For chair, Chris Manus was nominated and, after a motion that nominations cease and a request to vote by acclamation, the board confirmed Manus as chair for 2025. \"Mister Manus will be the chairperson for 2025,\" the chair announced following the vote. The board recessed briefly to rearrange seats before continuing.

The board then nominated and confirmed Michelle Glover as vice chair by acclamation.

Supervisors also set the regular 2025 meeting schedule: the board will meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:00 a.m., which the board retained from the prior year after a motion to keep the schedule \"like it is.\" The board approved the county’s rules of procedure as presented after a staff confirmation the rules are the board’s internal procedures and not a state mandate.

The board additionally approved the meeting agenda and minutes for the meeting under routine procedural votes; no substantive board policy changes were made beyond the organizational and procedural items.

","At the organizational portion of its meeting the Scott County Board of Supervisors voted to set one-year terms for chair and vice chair, elected Chris Manus as chair and Michelle Glover as vice chair, kept the 2025 meeting day and time (first Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.), and adopted the board rules of procedure as presented.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306483,"Residents oppose Webb Road abandonment; board declines to advance closure",1245,6383000,7628000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d&start=6383&end=7628","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d/thumbnail_6383000.jpg","/articles/6306483/Scott-County/Virginia/Residents-oppose-Webb-Road-abandonment-board-declines-to-advance-closure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306483-1b3e06cafd408f05adab06c9cef2564e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452573&Signature=OQimrCW92pHw-ph39TWQwmWzzulju8bBSnOHc6lIXFQC-79wH7brx5jkCsgvEI1bf23oDvkOqJMnCCJXkHF3NqlHL~F62l3anSpBIRDnAxW3GWqQfF2hg9sEGXyzF7VQ4c5fSfCxQJZd8DTcVeE815cxHa-8jvUU5nC9N32HSbgDLtUHm-g-tFzI2QUSHvfd64tFGTsvkEBtWiFjCR9PDd71NbdZc3arM-ZqaIEfC07sg39Gxh4LaeB53hBYfHpLiUTBf9D3onTl0zgWcWYZUpZseIX2W0SnuT4E~T5nYCbe7tNZlrsJUyHPF2losixzu9BmOS7y6wlUF5N7zp~lYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scott County Board of Supervisors discussed a petition to abandon Webb Road (Route 662) but did not initiate the county abandonment process after residents and staff described safety, school-bus and farm-access implications.

County staff provided historical context and said a prior abandonment request in 1983 had been denied because school-bus access was affected. Staff outlined the formal abandonment process—posting a 30-day notice and holding a public hearing—and told the board that VDOT had no objection but the school system and local farmers had expressed concerns.

Several residents and property owners who use the road urged the board not to close it. One resident who said he farms in the area described the route as necessary for tractors, trailers and emergency access, and asked supervisors to inspect the intersection before considering closure. Dr. Donald Thurston, who identified himself as an owner on Webb Road, told the board, \"It’s suicidal to go to the stop sign and try to go up that hill,\" arguing that removing the alternative route would create a dangerous traffic pattern and lengthen farm vehicle routes.

Board members noted the safety and access concerns, and the county decided not to pursue abandonment at that time. Supervisors directed staff to clear right-of-way brush and submit a work order to provide gravel and routine maintenance on the route rather than move forward with a closure process.

","Property owners and residents urged the Scott County Board to keep Webb Road open after a landowner requested abandonment. County staff reported historical denials and school-bus and farm access concerns; the board did not pursue abandonment and directed maintenance and graveling instead.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6306488,"Residents press Scott County over animal-control enforcement and shelter practices",1407,594000,2001000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d&start=594&end=2001","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2437566-7eecd31f5d8ac108e2cdc24c74bd440d/thumbnail_594000.jpg","/articles/6306488/Scott-County/Virginia/Residents-press-Scott-County-over-animal-control-enforcement-and-shelter-practices","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306488-2641968d76b7b08363228d9db7c5bdbb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452573&Signature=O5k4B4CKIyTZCZHKodSnBmbjwLhCpnhy9uHVT1ihaaKRArh312hG8nWf7z38ZzamU-dz2Vnq~xe9FFgW8pDk7G-0kkfew4HOX5Gj0~yk8H4--xJ4On-6VLGOz6arDy9YI42Nrl3Tw-yQUDmbyBRo06TzNNiVDTWxI-UBn4dRSiAGgLbDycMi1XAUFqbHtwUc~OohG4Woa7IiOPNxLvs2rB66cgvuQutIBswhDo1ZruA1OggC4vjxKyIFy20QGRsEGWvAd89iJN15J1gbqi0QYHuyhrXr-EM6pW4JAkwNbHkdEHyB53wH1Q0~Oz103qRORYYmRL3MeqadZfqHXVuLLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the public-expression portion of the Scott County Board of Supervisors meeting to raise animal-welfare concerns, urging the board to strengthen enforcement and oversight of the county animal shelter and its officers.

Catherine Stallard, who identified herself as a resident of Big Moccasin, described a dog she said had been tethered in poor conditions and appealed for better enforcement. Blakely Taylor, a Shoemaker Elementary teacher who said she volunteers at regional shelters, described repeated attempts to get the county to act regarding a small dog she said was chained year-round in freezing temperatures. \"I'm begging you to please somebody look into it,\" Taylor said, and urged the board to investigate the shelter's handling and the animal-control response.

County animal-control staff responded during the public comment period and in a subsequent discussion, saying the department enforces the state comprehensive animal laws and that each case is investigated individually. A shelter or animal-control representative said, \"Our supervising vet went out and visit the site and found that the dog is in fine shape,\" and noted the shelter has seized over 70 animals in the past three years in investigations of inhumane conditions. Staff also said their euthanasia rate is well below nine percent and at times has been as low as three percent, numbers the shelter cited as evidence it does not routinely euthanize healthy animals.

Shelter officials told the board they are open to volunteers but prefer partners rather than groups that might use social media to publicly criticize the shelter without coordinating. \"We're willing for volunteers to be at the shelter all the time. We are not willing to make partnerships that we get bashed on social media with,\" a shelter representative said, while also listing a volunteer-application process and an onsite contact.

Speakers urged the board to change meeting times so working residents can attend (several speakers noted the 9 a.m. meeting time presents attendance barriers for teachers and other workers) and requested better public access to shelter records and policies. Taylor and other commenters called for an investigation into specific euthanasia decisions and stronger follow-up to calls about chained animals and cold-weather tethering.

Board members and staff explained limits on local authority—the county enforces state law and an animal-control officer exercises discretion in individual cases—and encouraged citizens to file formal complaints through the proper channels so staff can respond. Staff said they would meet individuals during recess to discuss specific cases and that a volunteer application process exists for people who wish to assist the shelter.

The comments prompted no immediate board action during that meeting; staff described current practices and offered to work with residents on potential fundraising, volunteer coordination and additional oversight where resources permit.

","Multiple residents addressed the Scott County Board of Supervisors with complaints about tethered dogs, alleged shelter euthanasia practices and requests for stronger enforcement and shelter oversight. Shelter staff defended its procedures, cited seizure and euthanasia statistics, and invited organized volunteer support under defined rules.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Scott County approves 4 MW community solar project on Rycove Memorial Road

Board approves disposal and sale of forfeited property at 4533 Bristol Highway

Scott County supervisors set 1-year leadership term, elect Manus chair and Glover vice chair, fix 2025 meeting schedule

Residents oppose Webb Road abandonment; board declines to advance closure

Residents press Scott County over animal-control enforcement and shelter practices