News

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Pulaski County Earns International Gold Award for Excellence in Economic Development

Posted: November 6th, 2026

Pulaski County has received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its ‘Vacancy to Vitality’ initiative. The County was recognized at the highest level in the Real Estate Development & Reuse category for communities with populations between 25,000 and 200,000.

Representatives from Pulaski County attended the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference and awards reception in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25–28, where economic development professionals from around the world gathered to celebrate outstanding projects and community achievements.

The award recognizes Pulaski County’s Vacancy to Vitality initiative, which brings together 11 redevelopment projects that transformed discontinued and former public-school properties back into productive community assets. From residential developments and office spaces, to an award winning ice cream and coffee shop, these projects demonstrate how creative reuse, strong partnerships and strategic investment can bring new life to existing buildings and create opportunities across the County.

“Pulaski County is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Vacancy to Vitality program. This award shines a spotlight on Pulaski County’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present this award to Pulaski County to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field.”

Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.

“The Pulaski County Board of Supervisor and Economic Development Authority have continued to prioritize the repurposing of these former public school facilities, and our Community Development Department and the County Administration Team have worked hard with numerous strategic partners to creatively find the highest and best reuse for all 11 of these projects” stated Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator, Pulaski County. “With the quality, quantity and speed in which the Vacancy to Vitality projects were achieved, it is no wonder Pulaski County has been honored with a 2026 Achievement Award by the Virginia Association of Counties as a statewide best practice, and now with IEDC’s highest international Gold Award.”

“Receiving the IEDC Gold Award for Vacancy to Vitality is an honor for Pulaski County and the partners who have helped bring these buildings back to life,” said John Crockett, Pulaski County’s Community Development Director. “These places truly mean something to people here. Buildings where generations once walked the halls as students are now places people call home. Others are welcoming businesses, supporting public services, and providing places for learning and gathering. Seeing those doors open again gives residents a reason to feel good about the future while preserving a connection to their past. This award recognizes work that allows buildings our community invested in generations ago, to keep serving the people who call it home today.”

This year's awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.

Land Use Revalidation Required by November 1st

Posted: October 6th, 2026

Virginia Code § 58.1-3229 et seq. requires all parcels having a use-value assessment be revalidated during each General Reassessment. Those Pulaski County property owners participating in the Land Use program are required to submit revalidation paperwork by **November 1, 2026** in order to retain their use-value assessment(s). Additional information about the revalidation process:

• Land Use Revalidation paperwork was mailed to current property owners as of September 30, 2026 with a due date of **November 1, 2026**.
• One Land Use Revalidation Form LU-2 is required for each parcel listed on the county tax roll/land book.
• Complete each form in its entirety to avoid processing delays or rejection.
• Please verify all contact information is correct and answers being provided are accurate.
• Farmers and tenant farmers may be asked to provide financial information such as stock yard receipts or an IRS tax transcript as proof of farming when our office is unable to independently verify a tax filing. An official IRS transcript showing a Schedule F is proof and can be obtained as follows:
• Online: IRS tax transcripts can be accessed and printed immediately by signing in to your online IRS account.
• By Mail: Tax transcripts requested through the IRS by mail typically take 5 – 10 calendar days to arrive.
• Revalidations received after November 1, 2026 will incur a **$15.00 late fee**.
• Revalidation forms and all requested documentation not received by December 31, 2026 will result in removal from the Land Use Program.

Questions or concerns? Local real estate staff can answer land use questions during normal business hours by email at [email protected] or by phone at (540) 980-7753.

Request for Photographs of Pulaski County Veterans/Members of the Armed Forces

Posted: October 20th, 2026

This holiday season the Pulaski County Courthouses Exhibits Committee will again be displaying photographs of Pulaski County veterans and members of the armed forces on Christmas trees located on the 1st floor of the Pulaski County Old Historic Courthouse. Last year, the trees featured over 400 photos of county veterans and members of the armed forces.

New photos for the 2026 Christmas trees are currently being accepted, and forms for the submission of a soldier’s picture may be picked up at the Pulaski County Treasurer’s Office. Please note the photo must be of a soldier who has lived in Pulaski County at some time during their lifetime. The Christmas tree photo, preferable of the soldier in uniform, should be framed with the size of frame and picture no larger than a 3” x 4”. Information needed relating to the soldier is as follows:

1. Name of veteran/soldier
2. Rank/Branch of service (if known)
3. War or location of service
4. Dates of service (if known)
5. Name, address, and phone number of person submitting photograph

The 2026 Christmas trees are scheduled to be up for public viewing by Tuesday, December 1, 2026 and will remain on display until sometime during the first week of January 2027.

In addition, anyone submitting a photo for the trees may also submit an additional photo for the “Collage of Soldier’s Wall”, which is a part of the war exhibit located on the 3rd floor of the Old Historic Courthouse. The photo for the “Collage of Soldier’s Wall” should not be framed and should be no larger than a 3” x 5”.

Photographs and completed forms can be submitted to the Pulaski County Treasurer’s Office, 52 West Main Street, Pulaski, 24301, 540-980-7785, Monday-Friday. Please note photos submitted become the property of Pulaski County. Further, the deadline for submittal of photos for the 2026 trees is Monday, November 23, 2026.

Pulaski County Offers First Look At Sportsplex Experience And Membership Options Ahead Of Fall 2026 Grand Opening

Posted: July 7th, 2026

Pulaski County is pleased to share that construction on the Sportsplex continues on track toward its anticipated Fall 2026 grand opening. We are inviting residents to take their first look inside the unique experience awaiting them within the new Pulaski County Sportsplex—one of the largest versatile indoor-recreation and wellness facilities in Virginia.

Spanning more than 165,000 square feet, the Sportsplex has been thoughtfully designed as far more than a traditional recreation center. It will be a year-round destination where families gather, athletes train, children play, individuals learn, seniors stay active and neighbors connect through recreation, wellness, education, events and community programming. Every space within the facility has been intentionally designed to enhance whatever activity you may be engaging in. Whether it be fitness, competition, entertainment, educational or community engagement, the Sportsplex is awaiting you.

Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet said the Sportsplex represents one of the most significant and comprehensive investments in overall quality of life in the County's history.

"This best-in-class facility ultimately reflects the long-range vision of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors to impactfully invest in the future of our county and its citizens”, stated Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator. "From providing families with year-round recreation, to strengthening our Cougar athlete pipeline, the Sportsplex is without a doubt an investment in our community and our people. I am confident that it will enhance the quality of life for our residents, bolster tourism, diversify the economy, enhance economic development, promote healthier lifestyles and create unforeseen opportunities that will serve to benefit many generations to come."

To make the facility accessible to a wide variety of users, Pulaski County through the Parks & Recreation Department will offer three (3) membership options - Essential, Plus, and Elite that will provide our citizens with flexible access based upon each member's recreational, fitness and wellness goals. *A complete comparison of membership pricing, resident and non-resident rates, and membership benefits is attached to this announcement.

"Our goal has always been to create a facility that truly serves everyone," said Shay Dunnigan, Director of Pulaski County Parks & Recreation. "Whether someone wants to improve their health, train for competition, celebrate a birthday, participate in a fitness class, or simply spend time with family, the Sportsplex has been designed to make those opportunities available right here in Pulaski County."

Regardless of membership level, members will enjoy access to a state-of-the-art cardio room and strength room, 1/5th of a mile indoor walking/running track and 110-meter sprint track, 4 dedicated Pickleball courts, studio fitness space, an active aging fitness room, a spacious indoor playground, and open gym opportunities on the eight (8) basketball/volleyball courts. ‘Plus’ members will also enjoy expanded access to a sports performance training center, member lounge, and premium locker rooms complete with towel service. ‘Elite’ members will further receive the complete Sportsplex experience with unlimited group fitness classes, complimentary InBody body composition scans, and the exclusive Family Play Care Pass.

"The Sportsplex was designed to be active from morning until night," Dunnigan said. "You'll see parents exercising while their children enjoy the playground, seniors walking the indoor track, athletes training on the turf, birthday parties taking place next door, and community members connecting through recreation every single day. That's exactly the kind of environment we set out to create."

Designed with today's busy families in mind, the Family Play Care Pass allows Elite members to utilize supervised indoor playground time for their children during designated evening hours while enjoying a workout, group fitness class, or other wellness amenity elsewhere in the facility. It is one more way the Sportsplex is removing barriers that often prevent parents from prioritizing their own health and wellness.

One of the Sportsplex's signature features will be ‘The FORGE’, a D-1 level sports performance training center that will provide a dedicated athletic training environment specifically engineered to support the continued growth and success of Pulaski County Cougar Athletics. Developed with the present and future of Cougar athletes in mind, the space will feature advanced strength and conditioning equipment alongside specialized programming focused on speed, agility, power, injury prevention, and overall athletic performance. Designed to support both in-season development and year-round training, the facility represents a long-term investment in strengthening the Cougar athlete pipeline by providing local student-athletes with premier resources typically found only at collegiate or professional-level training facilities.

Note: The FORGE will be available to Plus and Elite members only during designated public access hours, as its primary purpose is to serve the continued development of Cougar athletes and residents of Pulaski County. Facility scheduling and programming will prioritize organized Cougar athletic performance training, ensuring local student-athletes have consistent access to the specialized equipment and coaching resources that were central to the space's intended purpose.

The Sportsplex has also been uniquely designed to support both organized athletic events and everyday recreation. Throughout the week, Parks & Recreation will make basketball and volleyball courts available for reservations, allowing youth organizations, schools, travel teams, and individuals to reserve dedicated practice space. Even during the week’s reserved times, at least two courts will remain available for member recreation, allowing room for pickup games, open play and casual use. Generally, on the weekends and for announced events, the Sportsplex will utilize arena space to host travel sports, competitive events of all types, as well as entertainment and expositions as part of its revenue generation model.

“The course the STEA has taken with the membership tiers and correlating pricing, helps to ensure that the members can enjoy a high-quality and affordable experience that meets both their individual wellness and financial goals”, stated Ashley Coake, Chair of the Sports Tourism & Entertainment Authority. “The approach of establishing monthly memberships, as well as generating outside revenues on the weekends from the facility’s large capacity, will prove to be the secret to offering our folks amazing services at an amazing price point.”

Families will discover another unique feature inside the Sportsplex with its more than 6,300 square-foot indoor playground and adjoining arena lounge. Together, these spaces create a unique destination for private celebrations, giving families a weatherproof venue where children can play while creating lasting memories.

Another feature is the Petrone Golf Institute that is connected to the Sportsplex. The ‘Institute’ will provide an indoor space for enhanced player development opportunities for Pulaski County golfers of all ages through scheduled offerings of simulator access, instructional programming, individual lessons, and specific golf performance training. Access to the ‘Institute’ remains to be determined based on availability governed by limitation of capacity around scheduled programing, activities and events.

Fitness and wellness opportunities will extend well beyond traditional gym access. Through Pulaski County Parks & Recreation programming, our certified personal trainers will provide individualized coaching, sports performance training, and small-group fitness services designed specifically to help members achieve their personal fitness, health and wellness goals.

As excitement builds toward opening day, Pulaski County is also preparing to build the team that will bring the Sportsplex to life. Beginning in July, Parks & Recreation will begin recruiting full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees for positions throughout the facility, creating new career and job opportunities in recreation, fitness, customer service, facility operations, programming and wellness. The County looks forward to assembling a passionate team dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience for every member and guest who walks through the doors.

“This project is a dream come true for Pulaski County, and we are excited to not just make it a reality for our citizens, but to make it affordable for them as well”, stated Laura Walters, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “The Board’s priorities for this facility was to make it versatile, scalable, sustainable and affordable, and I believe we will hit are mark on each of these important objectives.”

Construction remains on schedule for a Fall 2026 opening. In the months ahead, Pulaski County will continue unveiling new details about the Sportsplex experience, including membership enrollment, youth and adult sports programing, group fitness schedules, certified personal training services, Family Play Care, private event packages, court reservation opportunities, Petrone Golf Institute access, facility rentals, employment opportunities and the Grand Opening celebration.

The Mission of the Pulaski County Sportsplex is: ‘To operate a self-sustaining, world-class facility that serves as a premier destination for sports tourism and entertainment by attracting visitors from around the country, and strengthens the community through affordable access to a variety of health, wellness and educational programing, while bolstering our businesses and supporting our overall local economy.’

Pulaski County Sportsplex Parks and Recreation Membership Packages

Pulaski County Wins Statewide Award

Posted: June 24th, 2026

Pulaski County is being recognized again for our statewide best practices, this time with a Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), 2026 Achievement Award. This distinguished award recognizes excellence in local government programs and demonstrates the effectiveness of where innovation meets action. The winning initiative was titled From Vacancy to Vitality: Pulaski County’s Adaptive Reuse Initiative and focused on the county’s successful approach to the adaptive reuse of discontinued public-school facilities.

“We are honored to be recognized for our vision, hard work and strategic partnerships to achieve such a monumental feat of comprehensively repurposing ten, and soon to be eleven, discontinued public school facilities throughout the County with varying reuses”, stated Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator. “The task of finding a new purpose for the many discontinued school facilities that were wasting away was a stated objective given to me when I was hired in 2017, and it was one that each member of the Board of Supervisors since has continued to focus on and prioritize…Less than ten years later, we are pleased to say, that once the Dublin Middle School residential redevelopment project is complete, -Mission Accomplished!”

The Vacancy to Vitality program includes the following eleven (11) projects:

1. Draper Elementary School – The Conery
2. Pulaski Middle School – Pulaski Lofts, a market-rate apartment project
3. Claremont Elementary – Claremont School Apartments, a residential affordable and senior housing apartment project
4. Dublin Elementary School – The Gateway Private School
5. Dublin Middle School Auxiliary Building – Public Safety and Emergency Management facility
6. Old Riverlawn School – Home to Community Action, a community park, and public trailhead
7. Newbern Elementary School – Headquarters to Trova Commercial Vehicles
8. Northwood Elementary School – Renovated into the Pulaski County School Board and administrative offices
9. Pulaski County High School – Fully renovated and 100% (vs. 50%) utilized for Pulaski County Administration, the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Cooperative Extension and 4-H offices
10. Dublin Middle School Outside Classroom Unit – Relocated during the COVID-19 Pandemic, now used as a childcare classroom at the Building Bridges Early Learning Center
11. Dublin Middle School – (TBA) To be repurposed into residential apartment units

One of the secret ingredients to the success of many of these projects is the right public-private or public-public/NGO/non-profit partnership approach. The County has had the privilege and pleasure to work with numerous private-sector, public-sector, non-profit, and NGO partners to complete the herculean feat of tackling ten projects in less than ten years with the prospect of completing the eleventh in this timeframe as well.

“The County is fortunate to be able to work with so many partners who understand the value of investing in Pulaski County and the importance of preserving the history, nostalgia and community pride of these former schools, and we are grateful they share our vision for and commitment to this community,” stated Laura Walters, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “These unique projects aren’t easy due to required abatements, historic restrictions and the sheer size of some of the buildings, not to mention the limitations that come with very old structures designed specifically for only public education purposes, but the County Team has unlocked an expedient way to do what many communities rarely accomplish, and that is to find a new and meaningful life for each of the eleven individual school properties.”

The County’s private, public, non-profit, and NGO partners include: Echelon Resources, Inc., Landmark Property Management Company, Thee Draper Village, Building Bridges, Trova Commercial Vehicles, Pulaski County Economic Development Authority, Pulaski County School Board, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Cooperative Extension and 4-H, Gateway School, New River Community Action, Locus and the New River Valley HOME Consortium.

In order to make many of the projects like these financially work, it takes more than strong partnerships, it requires creative and resourceful approaches to capital stacking and strategic financing. Beyond direct funding, several of these projects have utilized state and regional rehabilitative funding programs, historic tax credits, brownfield remediation grants, NGO low-interest loan programs, and other public and private funding vehicles.

“I am grateful to the Board of Supervisors for their direction and continued commitment to the adaptive reuse of our discontinued schools, and want to sincerely thank all of our committed partners for their investments in this Vacancy to Vitality initiative,” stated Jonathan Sweet. “But none of this is remotely possible without the contributions of our exceptional County staff who work diligently every day to help dredge through all the many challenges in order to make these projects and the recognition we receive for them possible.”

This is the fourth year in a row Pulaski County has won a VACo Achievement Award (2022 – Innovative Solution to Human Capital Shortage/Communications; 2023 – One Bag Challenge/Environmental; 2024 – Outdoor Fitness Court/Parks & Recreation; 2025 – Public Safety Sensory Emergency Kits/Criminal Justice & Public Safety; 2026 – From Vacancy to Vitality: Pulaski County’s Adaptive Reuse Initiative/Community Development, Economic Development & Land Use) For more information about the Virginia Association of Counties, please visit: www.vaco.org. For more information regarding the 2026 VACo Achievement Awards, please visit: https://www.vaco.org/education-and-events/achievement-awards/2026-achievement-awards-submissions/.

Pulaski County Board of Supervisors Awards Prestigious 2026 Lead Through Service Scholarship to Carlie Hamblin

Posted: June 23rd, 2026

The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator and Assistant County Administrator, along with the help of other committed local government leaders, continue to fulfil their vision of fostering local leadership development and bolstering service to the community through personal sponsorship of their Lead Through Service Scholarship. This year, the Lead Through Service Scholarship Committee selected Ms. Carlie Hamblin as their 2026 scholarship recipient.

“It remains a personal goal to personally invest in developing our next generation of local leaders and nurture a mindset in our youth of committed service to their community,” stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator. “The continued success of Pulaski County depends on cultivating future leaders that will one day serve our community as our local business leaders, our teachers, our nurses, our first responders, our entrepreneurs and our needed volunteers.”

The competitive and most prestigious local scholarship in the New River Valley, is awarded to a graduating Pulaski County High School student who demonstrates leadership through serving their community and plans to continue to contribute to the community upon the completion of their formal education. The annual scholarship(s) have ranged in the past from $2,500.00 all the way up to $10,000.00, and can be utilized for any two-year or four-year institution or technical degree program.

“I am delighted to contribute to this prestigious scholarship alongside our County Administrators and fellow Board of Supervisors, and more importantly, to be making a meaningful investment in our County’s future leadership,” stated Laura Walters, Chair, Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. “This is one of my favorite ways we are investing in the leadership development of our young citizens, and we trust it will help instill in them a deeper appreciation and value of serving their community. We all should take part in developing our future public servants and local leaders, primarily by being good examples of volunteerism, offering them opportunities to serve their community, and by directly investing in them.”

The annual competitive scholarship is funded personally by each individual member of the Board of Supervisors as well as the County Administrator, Assistant County Administrator and other local government leaders who share in the important vision of local leadership development. There are NO taxpayers’ monies involved with this scholarship and personal contributions are entirely voluntary. The members of the Board of Supervisors are as follows: Laura Walters, Chair; Dirk Compton, Vice Chair; Jeff Reeves, Chris Stafford and Mike Mooney. The County Administrator is Jonathan D. Sweet and the Assistant County Administrator is Anthony Akers.

Previous Lead Through Service Scholarship recipients are Ms. Breanna Lytton - 2019, Ms. Jaelyn Szerokman - 2020, Ms. Alex Turner and Ms. Ashlyn Kirtner - 2021, Ms. Gwendolyn Puckett – 2022, Ms. Tori Vest and Ms. Kaitlin Ervine – 2023, Ms. Clara Worley – 2024, and Mr. Carter Smith - 2025. The Scholarship has provided more than $31,500.00 in awards to graduating seniors of Pulaski County High School since its inception in 2019.

Randolph Park Welcomes DAK Lights for Special Independence Day Light Show Celebrating America's 250th Birthday

Posted: June 16th, 2026

For the past eight years, DAK Lights has become a cherished tradition at Randolph Park, creating moments of wonder, joy, and togetherness for thousands of families throughout our community. From holiday visits that have become annual rituals to first-time guests discovering the magic for themselves, DAK Lights has helped create memories that span generations. This summer, that tradition continues with a patriotic celebration honoring 250 years of American history.

Visitors to Randolph Park will experience a dazzling drive-through light show synchronized to music celebrating the spirit of Independence Day and the enduring story of our nation. Guests can enjoy a soundtrack featuring patriotic favorites including "God Bless the USA," "U.S.A.," "Firework," "Party in the USA," and a special medley from the popular musical Hamilton, highlighting one of America's founding fathers.

The show will be presented from 9:00 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings during three special weekends: June 19–21, June 26–28, and July 3–5. Admission is—and always has been—completely free.

Designed to be family-friendly and accessible to all ages, the show loops continuously throughout each evening, allowing guests to arrive and enjoy the experience at their own pace. Visitors simply enter Randolph Park, follow the posted directional signage, tune their vehicle radios to 103.9 FM, and enjoy the show for as long as they'd like.

The DAK Lights team also wishes to recognize those who have made this beloved tradition possible. The light shows are made possible through the generosity of the Schmidt family— Kitty, Freddie, Theresa, and Jonathan—whose continued investment in our community has brought countless smiles to children and adults alike. Without their support, the music, lights, and displays would not be possible.

As guests visit this summer, Randolph Park and DAK Lights invite the community to not only enjoy the newest additions to the show, but also to reflect on the generosity and community spirit that have sustained this tradition for nearly a decade. Their commitment reminds us that some of the brightest celebrations are built through neighbors investing in one another and creating experiences that everyone can enjoy, regardless of circumstance.

Additional information about DAK Lights and the Independence Day Light Show can be found at daklights.com and on the DAK Lights Facebook page at facebook.com/daklights

Randolph Park looks forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike as we celebrate America's 250th birthday—honoring our nation's history, embracing the traditions that bring us together, and creating new memories under the glow of a beloved Pulaski County tradition.

Happy Independence Day!

Pulaski County Parks and Recreation Announces Installation of Three New Weatherproof AED Stations at Randolph Park

Posted: June 3rd, 2026

Pulaski County Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the installation of three new weatherproof Automated External Defibrillator (AED) stations throughout Randolph Park as part of an ongoing commitment to public safety, emergency preparedness, and community wellness.

The newly installed AED stations are strategically located at:

• The Randolph Park Multipurpose Field
• The Bat and Ball Complex Tower
• The Large Pavilion nearest the Randolph Park Playground

In addition to the three permanent outdoor AED stations, a fourth AED unit is available seasonally at the Evelyn Alexander Waterpark during operational months.

The installations were made possible through a collaborative partnership between Pulaski County Parks and Recreation, Pulaski County Facilities Management, and the Pulaski County Joint 911 Communications Center.

The new AED centers feature highly visible illuminated steel stations designed to ensure quick identification, even in low-light. Each weatherproof enclosure is climate-controlled and sealed against heat, cold, moisture, and dust to provide reliable year-round access to lifesaving equipment.

To help safeguard the equipment from vandalism and theft while maintaining rapid emergency access, each station is secured with a keypad access system connected to the Pulaski County Joint 911 Communications Center. When a patron calls 911 to report a medical emergency, dispatchers can immediately provide the access code to unlock the AED cabinet while simultaneously initiating emergency response protocols.

“These three locations were selected very intentionally to maximize emergency coverage across Randolph Park and serve some of the highest traffic areas within the facility,” said Jenna Kinder. “From youth sports and tournaments to playground activity and community events, Randolph Park welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each season. Having accessible AED stations throughout the park is an important step in enhancing the safety of everyone who visits.”

CJ Burgis emphasized the importance of making emergency equipment readily available in athletic environments.

“In sports and recreation settings, every second matters during a medical emergency,” Burgis said. “Sudden cardiac arrest can happen without warning, and having AEDs placed directly within our athletic and recreation spaces provides immediate access to lifesaving support equipment while emergency responders are in route.”

The project also strengthens coordination between emergency communications personnel and park operations. According to Chris Akers, the collaboration was designed to improve emergency response efficiency and public access to care.

“This partnership between the Joint 911 Center and Parks and Recreation helps ensure that when someone calls 911 from Randolph Park, dispatchers can immediately guide callers through emergency response procedures, provide access to the secured AED stations, and direct callers to the nearest device location,” Akers said. “The ability to begin AED protocols as quickly as possible can make a critical difference during a cardiac emergency.”

In addition to the new AED installations, Pulaski County Parks and Recreation has recently completed the installation of new shade structures at both the Randolph Park basketball courts and the Randolph Park playground. These additions arrive just ahead of the busy summer season and are designed to enhance comfort for the growing number of park visitors utilizing Randolph Park’s recreational amenities each year. The new shaded areas will allow families, athletes, and community members to enjoy outdoor recreation for longer periods of time while staying more comfortable during the warmer summer months.

Pulaski County Parks and Recreation continues to prioritize improvements that support the health, safety, accessibility, and overall experience of residents and visitors across county recreation facilities.

Pulaski County Office Of Prevention And Recovery Is Awarded Grant To Support Veterans And Their Families

Posted: May 28th, 2026

The Pulaski County Office of Prevention and Recovery has received a $30,000.00 grant from the Virginia Department of Veteran’s Services and launches the HOPE Program to support veterans and their families to access mental health and wraparound services to prevent addiction, reduce substance use and avert suicide.

The HOPE Program, standing for ‘Healing, Outreach, Prevention and Empowerment’, focuses on providing access to mental health and support services for active-duty members, veterans, and their families. With specific goals of preventing suicide and addressing substance use and addiction, the program offers assessments, mental health services, case management and referral support, as well as a menu of extended wraparound services that can be accessed right here in Pulaski County. The wraparound menu can include support with obtaining safe housing, addressing transportation needs and building job skills, accompanied by education on physical wellness, food and nutrition, financial wellness, parenting, and more.

“The health and wellness of our veteran population and their families is very important to the Board of Supervisors and to County Administration, and we are delighted to be in a position with the newly created Office of Prevention and Recovery to add the HOPE Program to specifically and meaningfully focus on supporting these men and women through specialized programming and access to an array services”, stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator. “This holistic approach centered around the comprehensive health of the veteran along with their family unit, is consistent with how the Office of Prevention and Recovery intends to positively impact the lives and change the legacies of those in our community who need help.”

In 2023, the NRV offered 1/5 as many mental health providers per capita as the state’s rate, a concerningly high number of overdose deaths, and a suicide rate at 1.5 times the state’s rate. Pulaski County is home to over 2,000 veterans – a population at a significantly higher risk for substance use disorder and suicide than the general public. Veterans in our area have at least a 45-minute drive to the nearest VA hospital and may experience more than a 30-day wait to access many covered mental health and SUD services.

The HOPE Program’s grant funding will help provide free access to a mental health provider for service men and women and their households with offices in both Dublin and Fairlawn, through a partnership with Flourished Counseling, LLC. Additionally, funding will support a case manager to provide connection to services and to assist with referrals to other organizations.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to support our Veteran population and their families. The Office of Prevention and Recovery was created to build resilience, lasting healing and overall well-being for generations”, stated Katie Thompson, Director of the Office of Prevention and Recovery. “We know that our Veteran population is currently underserved in the mental health space due to a variety of barriers and we are honored to pilot this program here in Pulaski County.”

The HOPE program is now enrolling! If you know a veteran or someone currently serving in the military that is in need of mental health services, struggling with substance use, concerned with suicide, or is interested in learning more about the support opportunities of the HOPE program, call (540) 994-2560.

Pulaski County Establishes Work Report Program

Posted: May 19th, 2026

The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors once again shows its commitment to serving the acute needs of the community and fostering the success of all its citizens through a new, comprehensive, diversion-focused initiative – ‘The Pulaski County Work Report Program.’

Housed within the Office of Prevention and Recovery, the Work Report Program provides a community-based probation option to justice-involved citizens convicted of a non-violent crime. The program’s primary goals are to reduce the tax-payer costs associated with incarceration while providing justice-involved citizens and their families the wrap around services to become successful and contributing participants in our community and its workforce. Participants in the program must obtain and maintain employment, complete community service hours, adhere to probation requirements and participate in any recommended individual and family services recommended. Participants and their families will receive wrap around supports to help navigate the requirements of the program - exiting the program with employment skills, stable homes, stronger families, and the tools to engage successfully in the community.

“The Work Report Program has the potential to not only save the County a considerable amount of incarceration expense; but moreover, positively shift the trajectory of those who participate as well as meaningfully improve the lives of their families”, stated Jonathan D. Sweet, County Administrator. “This program is about generational change and setting a new purpose in the lives of individuals. In return, we will have healthier citizens, less recidivism and costs of care, a more productive workforce, and an overall stronger community.”

Steven Erickson, Program Coordinator, joined the Office of Prevention and Recovery as a transfer from New River Community Corrections and Pretrial Services where he served the community as a Probation Officer. Mr. Erickson has over 17+ years of experience working with justice-involved individuals and has shown a strong commitment to Pulaski County in his professional and personal endeavors.

“I am very excited and grateful to be able to help our justice involved individuals reach their potential that otherwise could possibly be overlooked. Having this program that helps them to be the best family member, friend, neighbor, and employee is life changing! The gap for needing to fill current and future open employment spots, combined with the need for justice involved individuals to get back into the workforce can be narrowed, which is ultimately a winwin situation for Pulaski County.” Says Erickson.

The program will utilize partnerships with the court systems, community mental health agencies, and an ever-growing network of employers equally committed to the success of Pulaski County and its citizens. Services will be conducted out of the Community Collaboration Center Dublin, VA.

“The Work Report Program is a collaborative approach to addressing the root causes of incarceration”, stated Katie Thompson, Director of the Office of Prevention and Recovery. “The whole-family approach is woven into the philosophy of the Office of Prevention and Recovery and we are excited about the opportunity to use that approach to support this population.”

The Office of Prevention and Recovery was created in Fall of 2024 with a mission to empower citizens to thrive through whole-family support with connections to meaningful opportunities and a community of care and increased prevention - building resilience, lasting healing, and overall well-being for generations. The Office oversees a variety of programs including the Community Collaboration Center and the Pulaski County Work Report Program. With a focus on a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach, the Office of Prevention and Recovery brings together community partners to improve citizen access to mental health, prevention and recovery services, and multi-generational programs to create a healthy future for all of Pulaski County.

Tree Planting Ceremony at Old Historic Pulaski County Courthouse

Posted: May 5th, 2026

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 2 p.m., a brief tree planting ceremony will be held on the Old Historic Pulaski County Courthouse lawn. Two dogwood trees, in recognition of our Nation’s 250th commemoration, will be presented to the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors by the Count Pulaski Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Pulaski County Courthouses Exhibits Committee. The public is invited to attend this ceremony as we celebrate our nation’s birthday and remember the sacrifices made by our founding fathers.

Pulaski County To Open Community Collaboration Center

Posted: April 21st, 2026

The Pulaski County Board of Supervisors to open a hub to house the Pulaski County Office of Prevention and Recovery and collocate programs and complimenting agencies focused on building citizen wellness, encouraging community engagement, and supporting an array of prevention and recovery efforts.

The Office of Prevention and Recovery, created in the Fall of 2024, aims to empower citizens to thrive through a whole-family approach that supports connections to meaningful opportunities around a community of care. The office is centered heavily on prevention, building resilience, and overall well-being with programing that targets multiple generations with a multidisciplinary approach. The Community Collaboration Center (CCC), opening in Summer of 2026, will serve as a shared space for the county and partners to deliver and facilitate programming, engagement, and enrichment for all ages of citizens. With a focus on meeting the needs of the entire family unit and accessibility for clients, partners within the CCC will reinvent how families access support and receive services.

Katie Thompson, Director of the Office of Prevention and Recovery shared “The Community Collaboration Center is a dream realized! When I began my work with the County, I wanted to see us improve service accessibility for our families and I wanted to see Pulaski County create a model for addressing the needs of the whole family unit. The CCC gives us the space, the breadth of services, and the provider capacity to support Pulaski County families to thrive here at home!”

The CCC is an innovative model that brings together public and private agencies, non-profits, and the faith-based community to support individuals and their families in receiving services and life skills that allow every generation to be successful, engaged, and contributory. The Center will host shared office and flex spaces and collaboratively partner with organizations to bring in a variety of programs. Services will span mental health treatment, parenting, youth mentoring, classes for enrichment (like art, cooking and nutrition), financial planning, and more. Services will be coordinated to support youth and adults being able to participate simultaneously and the Center will bridge common barriers to services like childcare, transportation, and scheduling outside of work and school hours.

Initial partnership and programs were prioritized through data analysis from partner agencies. Key needs identified include - youth access to mental health groups, life-skills and work skills development for substance and justice involved citizens, mental health services for Veterans, and post-treatment recovery services. Along with all these targeted services, the CCC will also provide coordinated case management that helps individuals navigate care systems and access programs that move them towards self-sufficiency and community engagement.

“The Community Collaboration Center further demonstrates that the Board of Supervisors is taking a holistic approach to a healthy and strong community, and they are not just focused on economic development, but looking to strengthen the underpinning of our community by supporting our at-risk and in-need citizens as well”, stated Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator. “This new center has the unique ability to change the trajectory of lives and the legacy of generations, and our creativity and resourcefulness, coupled with our care and compassion for our citizens, will indeed prove to be a major source of hope, healing and opportunity.”

The Office of Prevention and Recovery brings together community partners to improve citizen access to mental health, prevention and recovery services, and multi-generational programs to create a thriving citizenry. The Community Collaboration Center will serve as a force-multiplier for those citizens and partners to build our economy and create a healthy future for all of Pulaski County.

Pulaski County Property Reassessment Information

Real estate reassessments occur on a six-year cycle, with the last reassessment taking place from 2019 to 2020. Property reassessments are currently underway through the end of 2026. New values are scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027.

Pulaski County has contracted with Vision Government Solutions for the reassessment project. Representatives from Vision have started making reassessment visits to properties throughout the county. Below is some important information regarding the reassessment process.

Property owners can expect an in-person visit from Vision’s team to help ensure the most accurate data is collected. If the team is unable to complete the visit, some property details may need to be estimated, which could lead to an inaccurate valuation. For this reason, we strongly encourage full participation to ensure the information gathered is as precise as possible.

Vision plans to use doorhangers with their contact information if there are questions and will mail correspondences to owners concerning value changes with a deadline to appeal inaccuracies.

Notices of new property values will be mailed to owners in late 2026.

Property owners will have an initial opportunity to appeal their reassessment with Vision around December 2026.

A second appeal opportunity will be available through the Board of Equalization in early 2027; exact dates will be announced later.

County Administration and the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office serve as Vision’s local points of contact regarding the county landscape and act as overseers of the project’s progress. However, if you have questions about your reassessment, please contact Vision directly during this phase, as local offices will not have access to the assessment data until the project is complete.

Pulaski County 2027 Reassessment Information