ISLE OF WIGHT
Isle of Wight supervisors saluted two servants of the county on Thursday when they presented resolutions honoring the work of Beverly Walkup and Sanford “Sandy” B. Wanner.

Walkup is the director of the Planning and Zoning Department, and she had announced her retirement effective Sept. 1.

Board chairman Rex Alphin said he remembered meeting her when he was elected seven years ago.

“I can’t imagine in 30 years all the extra phone calls, zoning requests and meetings you’ve had. It’s hard to imagine your perseverance. I commend you.”

Other supervisors also praised her dedication, including Rudolph Jefferson of the Hardy District who joked, “I thought you’d hang around for another five years,” which got laughs from everybody.

“It has been a pleasure to serve in the county that I was born and raised in,” Walkup said. “I hope I have left a positive imprint here.”

A private reception for her retirement is being planned.

The people in the room gave her a standing ovation as Alphin read and presented a framed resolution commemorating her service.

Also receiving praise and applause was Wanner, who has been the interim county administrator since this past winter. He took over after Anne Seward gave notice in December that she was vacating the position.

William McCarty of the Newport District said, “You’ve been an asset wherever you’ve been.”

Alphin added, “What a great fit you’ve been.”

Wanner said, “I found this assignment to be challenging, but rewarding,” and added that the county is “a place that has a wonderful future.”

He said his only major disappointing was not being able to persuade the board to give the County employees a raise, but hopes it will do so next year “so as not to lose a competitive edge.”

“It’s been my honor to work with each of you individually and collectively. I will miss you all,” Wanner concluded before receiving his own resolution.

In other business:

• Supervisor Joel Acree of the Windsor District asked that Durwood Scott of Windsor be reappointed to the Historical Architectural Review Committee. County Attorney Mark Popovich was appointed by Jefferson to the Southeastern Public Service Authority.

•Danny Byrum, who is again chairman of the county fair, gave an update of what visitors can attend. The even will be from Sept. 14-18 and the theme this year is “Country Nights — Carnival Lights.”

He introduced everyone present to the Fair Queen, Brittany Simmons of Smithfield.

Byrum said that a truck and tractor pull will kick off the fun on Saturday, Sept. 10.

“That’s a big event for us every year,” he added.

Featured entertainment on Friday will be Neal McCoy; on Saturday, Chase Bryant, both performing at 9 p.m. Other details can be found at www.thefairiscoming.com.