Buchanan Town Council received a detailed report from Interim Town Manager Jon Ellestad outlining recent developments in the community. The report, included in the meeting’s agenda packet, marked Ellestad’s final update in the role. Timothy Mack, the town’s newly appointed town manager, joined Ellestad at last week’s October council meeting for the transition.
Ellestad began by highlighting the recent “Mountain Magic” festival, calling it a tremendous success. He noted that the number of vendors increased compared to last year and the car show was bigger than ever. Preliminary figures showed the festival brought in over $5,000 in revenue, with expenses estimated at $2,200. Ellestad extended thanks to community members including Sissy A., Richard, the Kingerys, and Kitty Edwards for their contributions in organizing the event.
Ellestad also reported on a significant water line break that occurred the previous Wednesday. The break was located on a line running from well No. 4 to the tank at well No. 3, and due to the lack of a working valve to isolate the area, the entire south end of town was without water for approximately four and a half hours. The break occurred in a difficult-to-access location, requiring assistance from Bitter Creek Construction. Ellestad thanked Greg Austin and his team for their prompt and effective response.
Council was informed that the town would soon receive a portable message board and speed monitor from the Sheriff’s Office, purchased with DCJS funds. The device will be used to monitor traffic and display town-related messages, although the Sheriff’s Office will retain responsibility for relocating the unit and updating the signage, since it remains technically under their jurisdiction.
Additional updates included a request for bids to have the front of Town Hall cleaned, as it appeared not to have been done in quite some time. Ellestad also reported that he had begun drafting the 2026 calendar of meetings, events, and holidays, with the intention of having it ready for adoption in November. Among the proposed additions to the town’s event schedule are two new music events, “Ragtime by the River” and “Rockabilly by the River,” which would be incorporated into the existing park schedule.
Ellestad revisited a topic mentioned in a previous council meeting by the mayor involving old postcards showing scenes from Buchanan that had been discovered in an office. A total of 12 different postcard designs were found, along with wine glasses etched with “Buchanan by the River.” Ellestad said he could not determine why the glasses had originally been purchased but suggested offering both the postcards and glasses for sale through local merchants, with the town receiving a portion of the proceeds.
In preparation for Halloween, Ellestad confirmed that he had arranged for a deputy to be on duty during trick-or-treating hours to help monitor activities and ensure public safety. He also noted that Scott Wickham, an auditor with Robinson, Farmer and Cox, had confirmed his availability to meet with council during a work session scheduled for Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. Ellestad advised council that they may wish to add another item to the agenda for that meeting, as the audit discussion was expected to be brief.
The meeting provided council members an opportunity to review these recent developments and begin looking ahead to plans for the coming year.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
