Good morning, Bedford
Bedford residents aren’t making much of a fuss about their transition to town status.
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2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day
3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys
4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping
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Monday, July 1, 2013
We imagine as clock radios go off today, Peaches and Herb will serenade the sleepy folks of Bedford with the reminder, “Reunited and it feels so good.”
The 5,964 men, women and children who formerly lived in Bedford city are now officially town residents.
As such, they join their 69,590 neighbors in Bedford County in hopes that togetherness will be a plus as they pursue a more prosperous future.
Town Manager Charles Kolakowski said today won’t be much different than any other day. Anyone who shows up at town hall between 9 and 9:30 this morning can help change the sign. Council members will meet at 6 p.m. for their formal reorganization.
“That’s about it,” he said.
The welcome signs that read “World’s Best Little Town” require no editing.
Regardless of its legal status, Bedford has always had a hometown feel, and that won’t change.
Churches and antique stores still line the downtown streets. Pies, squash and blackberry jam are still for sale at the farmers market. And the Christmas lights will still glow at the Elks National Home this winter.
The town has been through many iterations since it was originally established as the village of Liberty in 1782. Its name changed to Bedford in 1890 to join the surrounding county in honoring the fourth Duke of Bedford, secretary of state for Great Britain and a big fan of the game of cricket. City status came in 1968 and lasted until today.
During public hearings, most residents supported the decision to revert to a town.
It’s not a jarring change. The city had contracted with the county for education services since 1985.
Courts and some other services were also operated as a partnership.
State and federal budget cuts, paired with mandates on local governments, added urgency to the quest for even greater efficiencies.
Most important, local leaders recognized they can best attract businesses and jobs if they are singing from the same songsheet.
In unison, of course. We wish them well.
1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County
2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day
3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys
4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping
5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football
6. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen
7. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust
8. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible
9. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli
10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area
THE ROANOKE TIMES
