Michael Foster and Melanie Schell Newest Faces in Clifton Forge Government
| By Jennifer Bailey
Staff Writer |
Clifton Forge, VA (May 26, 2026)— The Clifton Forge Town Council met on Tuesday, May 26, to schedule a second reading of the 2026-2027 Fiscal year budget, approve and adopt the Clifton Forge Community and Economic Strategic Plan that was presented at the previous council meeting, vote to accept a $100,000 grant from the Alleghany Foundation to support immediate short-term costs related to the Jefferson School development project, and make an appointment to fill the unexpired council seat of Benjamin Nicely who recently resigned.
The candidates who applied were Dr. Ronald Goings, David Elwood, and Michael Foster, all of whom were interviewed and then gave a brief speech at the last council meeting on Tuesday, May 12. Councilwoman Debbie Laudermilk made a move to appoint Michael Foster to the unexpired seat of former councilman Ben Nicely. The motion was then seconded by Councilman Carl "Shorty" Wolfe, at which point a vote followed. It would prove unanimous, with Foster receiving a yes from Laudermilk, Wolfe, Mayor Jeff Irvine, and Vice-Mayor Dale Burdette.
Immediately following the meeting, the Journal caught up with acting clerk Wendy Biggs and Town Manager Chuck Unroe to discuss the open town clerk position. According to the pair, Melanie Schell was among five candidates who applied and will assume the position on June 3rd.
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