Covington, VA (Aug. 25, 2025) - Nearly fifty Western Alleghany County residents showed up for an informative presentation Jeff M. Ahearn, CEO of the Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative this evening (Tues., August 26, 2025) at the Dunlap Fire Department and Rescue Squad building.
Mr. Ahearn spelled out in significant detail how his organization will implement a big grant to bring much-needed broadband access to the Crows-Hematite area of western Alleghany County.
Construction is slated to begin early in September and end in the middle of 2026.
He noted what is being called the "Bee Online Advantage" program: four different levels of Internet service, which varied in price from $49.99/month to $114.99 per month for the fastest possible service.
Alleghany County officials were on the scene as well, including County Administrator Ken McFadyen, Alleghany Co. Finance Director Suzanne Adcock-Nicely, administrative assistant Melissa Munsey, Alleghany Co. Dir. of Public Safety Jonathan Fitch, and Supervisor Shannox Cox.
A large number of questions were asked and answered during the session.
Administrator McFadyen noted near the end of the meeting that about 114 residents outside of the proposed coverage area would be receiving a notice of possible future Starlink coverage - that is, if negotiations turned out well this year.
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For a video of the project's basic details:
McFadyen, Ahern Detail Broadband Project for Western Alleghany County
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For the complete session, which includes many questions and answers from the audience:
Complete Video Of Broadband Project Session Held At The Dunlap Firehouse on Tues., August 26, 2025
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For many more photos of the meeting's participants:
Alleghany Journal's Facebook Page |  | The area marked in yellow depicts the broadband project's coverage area.
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