Thank you from the Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival
On behalf of my family and the Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival team, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our community for another incredible year. What began 10 years ago as a one-day idea has blossomed into one of the largest sunflower festivals and vendor shows on the East Coast, and it would not be possible without the support of our neighbors, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and visitors near and far.
This year, right at 20,000 people came to Buchanan to experience the beauty of our fields and the joy of gathering together. Their presence not only celebrates agriculture, but also creates a positive ripple effect throughout Botetourt County— from our local shops and restaurants to our lodging partners and beyond.
We are especially grateful to the many volunteers and community members who give their time, energy, and talents. From parking cars and greeting guests, to cutting flowers and tending to the animals, you are the heart of this festival.
The Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival is more than just a sea of blooms— it’s a celebration of family, farming, and community spirit. Thank you for making it possible year after year.
Candace W. Monaghan
Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival
Witt seeking elected seat on Buchanan council
I am Spring Witt, currently serving on the Buchanan Town Council, having stepped in to fill the seat vacated by Rose Jeter. After being asked by numerous citizens, I felt compelled to contribute to our community. I am also on the ballot in November for the Buchanan Town Council position.
Following my first work session last week, it’s clear that we must comprehensively review and clarify our town’s financial situation. Accurate financial reporting is essential for effective governance.
With a decade of business ownership in Buchanan and my historical insight gained from Chris Witt’s five years on the Town Council, I believe that understanding our past struggles is vital. The significant turnover among both council and town staff makes this knowledge even more valuable.
As a council, we must provide clear guidance to the new town manager who will be joining us soon. Transparency regarding our financial standing is crucial— understanding our costs, identifying deficiencies, and developing a concrete action plan must be our top priorities.
I have also raised concerns about the increasing issues of drug use and homelessness in Buchanan, which has affected some of our local businesses recently. Additionally, I’ve initiated discussions about water and sewer management with the council, and there will hopefully be a work session in the near future to discuss these issues in depth. The significant rise in FOIA requests this year suggests that many feel transparency is lacking from the council and the town.
As the upcoming election approaches, I urge voters to reflect on their priorities. If addressing the town’s financial situation is important to you, please vote accordingly. If you prefer a council member focused on the town’s history and events, let that guide your vote. I firmly believe that Buchanan’s future depends on our willingness to initiate significant changes now.
I am committed to serving the council with a business-like approach, ensuring accountability to the taxpayers who support our town. We must ensure that the new town manager has town council’s support and that his team operates effectively. With 10 town managers in the last 10 years, which is including interim town managers that have stepped in to help, it’s clear that we need to change our approach to see real progress.
Furthermore, we must listen to you— the voters, business owners, and taxpayers— to ensure we represent the town in a manner that aligns with your needs, even if it diverges from our personal beliefs.
Thank you for considering my perspective. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for Buchanan.
Spring Witt, Candidate
For Buchanan Town Council
School safety a priority for Wilson
As a current member of the Botetourt County School Board and a candidate for re-election for the Buchanan District, one of my main priorities remains ensuring that our schools are safe, secure, and welcoming for all students and staff. Nothing is more important than knowing our children are protected the moment they step onto school grounds.
During my time on the board, Botetourt County Public Schools has made significant progress in enhancing school safety. One of the most noticeable improvements has been the construction of secure entry vestibules at four of our schools— BTEC, RMMS, TES, and ERES— along with Colonial Elementary, which already has this feature. These vestibules are more than just new front doors; they are critical safety features designed to regulate access to the building. When visitors enter a vestibule, they must check in and be verified by office staff before being allowed into classrooms or hallways. This simple yet effective design creates a protective barrier between the outside world and our students, giving staff valuable time to assess visitors before granting entry. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to completing these projects at every school in Botetourt County.
Another measure I support is the installation of metal detectors in our high schools. The technology has advanced significantly in recent years, with new systems that allow students to walk through quickly and comfortably while still adding an extra layer of protection. While no single step can eliminate all risks, I believe in taking reasonable, effective measures to keep our schools as safe as possible.
Of course, technology and infrastructure are only part of the solution. True safety relies on people, especially the dedicated men and women who protect and serve our schools every day. I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office for its steadfast partnership and commitment to our students and staff.
We now have a designated School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to every school building. This is a milestone our entire community can be proud of. These officers do much more than ensure safety. They serve as mentors, role models, and trusted adults, developing meaningful relationships with students. They attend events, support teachers, and help guide young people through challenges both big and small. Their presence fosters trust and enhances the sense of community within our schools.
Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing this vital work. School safety isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing obligation that demands teamwork, vigilance, and constant improvement. We must stay proactive, regularly assess our procedures, and remain receptive to new technologies and ideas that can further boost the safety of our schools.
This also involves applying for state and federal grants to alleviate the financial burden on local taxpayers, maintaining strong partnerships with law enforcement and emergency services, and soliciting feedback from parents, teachers, and students. Safety measures are most effective when the entire community understands, supports, and believes in them.
As both a parent and an advocate for Botetourt County Public Schools, I believe that strong schools create strong communities. When students feel safe, they can focus on learning and growing. When parents feel confident that their children are protected, they can focus on supporting their success. When teachers can teach without distractions, the quality of education improves for everyone.
My campaign slogan, “Safe Schools, Smart Spending, Strong Futures,” reflects that balanced approach. We can prioritize safety while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars. Every safety improvement we make is an investment in our children’s future and the ongoing strength of our county.
I am proud of the progress we’ve achieved together, and I am ready to keep that momentum going. With your support, I will continue to advocate for policies, partnerships, and practical solutions that ensure our schools remain safe and help our students thrive. Together, we can make certain that every child in Botetourt County learns in an environment where they feel protected, supported, and prepared to build a strong future.
Jenny Wilson
Buchanan District School Board Representative
George concerned about over-development
“Keep Botetourt Beautiful” is the phrase that came to me when I decided to run for office because it represents something that I am very passionate about. As I have spoken to so many in our community, it is clear that we are all feeling the same way. “Keep Botetourt Beautiful” expresses the need to slow down the rapid changes that do not represent the community’s desire to preserve what we all have been accustomed to in Botetourt County.
Our family settled into this county many years ago because of its striking mix of rural living combined with the charm of a small town. It was not only considered a safe haven, but it also offered a friendly down-home feeling. We quickly became part of a warm community that takes pride in its roots and loves to teach the rich history that made the area what it is. This is the backdrop of why many of us chose to live in Botetourt County and it is worth preserving.
Over the past five years, we have witnessed changes to our area that, although initially began as healthy economic growth, have turned into painful over-development. This over-development has generated a myriad of issues that arise when developing precedes proper planning. For example, the sharp property tax increases occurred after the rapid development was agreed upon, and prior to building the proper infrastructure to support it. This is cause for concern for all of us, seniors and young families have mentioned considering moving out of the county because of it.
In speaking to the many residents of our county, it is clear that there is disappointment in the lack of representation of their wants and needs. Who are we catering to, if not the residents of this area? Destroying the natural beauty that brought us here and creating traffic, congestion, and creating havoc in our daily lives. What type of impact will Google have on the infrastructure of our area as far as the environment, landscape and the natural beauty? How will it impact our water supply and our electric bills? These, along with so many other questions, should accompany such an enormous decision and change to our county. The what, when, where, and why should always be part of the equation before decisions like this are made.
In order to ensure that the voices of our community are heard, I am planning to hold Town Hall meetings throughout my time in office. This will not only offer an opportunity to have full transparency for what is happening in our county, it will also allow the community to have valuable input into the direction of the county’s future. The dreams and desires of the residents of Botetourt County should mold the county’s future, and together we can “Keep Botetourt Beautiful.”
Linda George, Candidate
For Amsterdam Supervisor
