Covington, VA (July 1, 2025)— Tonight's public hearing with the Covington Planning Commission was a brief one indeed. It lasted about a minute and a half. No, that's not a typo. From the time Vice-Mayor Fred Forbes called the public hearing into order until the time they conveyed was about one minute and 30 seconds. The reason?
It all boils down to the reason the hearing was called. It was a Joint Public Hearing with the Covington Planning Commission pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427 (D), 15.2-2006, and 15.2-1800 of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended 7/1/25) to consider a rezoning request of two lots on Locust Street, customarily known as 201 W. Locust St. from C1 to C2. The unknown applicant, at nearly 4 p.m. today, withdrew his application. As such, there was no reason to move forward with the meeting and so, it was adjourned as quickly as it began.
Thirty minutes later, Covington City Council reassembled to move forward with their regular work session. It included several updates by City Manager Allen Dressler who addressed items such as the upcoming mini-golf facility, the newly remodeled fieldhouse, and Covington's plans for the Fourth of July.
As shared by Dressler, the "Putt Putt" is expected to be open on or around July 14. The Journal has several photos of the outdoor area and nearby building —which will be serving hot dogs and includes a covered seating area— right here on our website and Facebook page.
The fieldhouse at Covington Middle School —which serves not only them, but Alleghany High School— is yet another of the city's projects which Dressler discussed this evening. "We also have finished touring our new fieldhouse with City Council, Alleghany Foundation members, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools (AHPS), staff, and our local media. It was a very good tour. All groups of folks, they were very pleased with what they saw," Dressler said. "A lot of compliments on a job well done."
Additionally, Dressler touched on Covington's plans for the Fourth of July, as well as Clifton Forge's plans. According to the City Manager, festivities are set to begin around 2-3 p.m. at the Jackson River Sports Complex and will feature concessions, barbecue, live music and fireworks. Last Chance Band will be performing from 4:30 p.m.—6 p.m., and The Kings will take the stage from 6:30 p.m.—9:30 p.m., with fireworks going off at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Clifton Forge's festivities will begin on Thursday, July 3rd, at the C&O Heritage Center starting at 6 p.m. There will be food, vendors, music, and a bounce house; then, at 8 p.m., the Celebration Choir will feature a patriotic performance before the fireworks ensue at dusk.
Then, on Friday, Clifton Forge will have the Downtown Market in place from 9:30 a.m.—12 p.m., with the "Stars and Stripes" parade happening at 11 a.m. Following the parade, there will be the annual Veterans' Ceremony at the Historic Masonic Theatre, with cake being served to also celebrate the Masonic's 120th birthday. |  | Vice-Mayor Fred Forbes led the meeting in Mayor Carson's absence.
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