Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by S. Taylor
Candidates Outline Priorities at Smyth County Forum
MARION, Va. — Candidates for Marion Town Council presented their backgrounds and priorities during the Smyth County Candidates Forum, giving voters a clear look at how each hopes to serve the town. The forum included remarks from incumbents and newcomers. One incumbent was absent but invited to submit her platform. Former council member Jim Barker, who resigned two years ago citing ethical concerns, is seeking election.
Deferred Maintenance or Designed Crisis? Smyth Schools’ $82K Study
More than fifty residents attended a rare joint work session between the Smyth County Board of Supervisors and the Smyth County School Board, held in the Marion Senior High School auditorium to review the newly released 1,374‑page ZMM Architects & Engineers Facilities Study. The study, which cost the school division approximately $82,000—half funded through a Wellspring grant—was presented as a comprehensive assessment of every school in the county.
BREAKING NEWS: Joint Smyth County BOS & School Board Meeting
BREAKING NEWS: A joint meeting between the Smyth County Board of Supervisors and the Smyth County School Board will take place on Thursday, September 24 at 5 PM in the Marion Senior High School Auditorium. Officials will review major components of the countywide Facilities Study, including the Project Summary, the Building Condition Summary, the Project Estimates, and the Enrollment Analysis.
Marion Town Council Delays Approval of Minutes, Hears Public Concerns on Flock Cameras, Reviews Fiscal Updates
The Marion Town Council met Monday night for a session marked by procedural questions, public safety debate, and updates on ongoing economic and infrastructure initiatives. All council members were present, and the agenda was approved, with Town Manager Andrew Keen adding a closed session item for real estate. A motion and second were made to approve the previous meeting’s minutes, but Mayor Avery Cornett raised a procedural concern.
From Chapstick to ‘Contraband’: How Smyth County Deputies Targeted a Reporter After HB872 Complaints
For months, quiet but persistent concerns have circulated among courthouse visitors, researchers, and members of the press about how Smyth County enforces Virginia’s portable electronic device statute, HB 872, and the July 1, 2026 Circuit Court Order governing courthouse access.
Marion Town Council Confronts Transparency, Loitering Ordinance, and Contentious Rezoning Requests
Marion Town Council Debates Loitering Ordinance and Rezoning Requests The Marion Town Council met Tuesday evening to address a full agenda that included public hearings on zoning changes, discussion of the town’s loitering ordinance, and remarks from Mayor Avery Cornett emphasizing transparency and accountability in local government. After approving minutes and agenda adjustments, Mayor Cornett spoke at length about the importance of conducting public business openly.
Marion Council Advances Callan Drive Park Plan, Reviews Water System Irregularities, and Weighs Road Safety Concerns
The Marion Town Council met Monday evening with all members present except Dr. Gates, moving through an agenda that included long‑term recreation planning, public comment about radio read water meters, flock cameras, and a debate over whether GPS‑misguided camper traffic constitutes an emergency requiring immediate signage. The meeting opened with a detailed presentation from landscape architect Scott Carson, who outlined the newly completed master plan for the Callan Drive recreation project.
Appalachians Against Data Centers: New Citizen Group Emerges as Public Pushback Intensifies
A new grassroots organization has formed in Smyth County amid rising public concern over the environmental, economic, and quality‑of‑life impacts of large‑scale data centers. Appalachians Against Data Centers (AADC), created just one week ago, is already drawing attention for its rapid mobilization and its message: rural communities must educate themselves and speak up before industrial‑scale data facilities reshape the region.
Mathematics Skills in South Africa: Data Reliability, Quantifying the Undersupply, and Projecting the Future
1 Introduction Mathematics skills are one cornerstone of human capital and hence measuring this receives considerable attention in international assessments such as TIMSS.1 Insufficient mathematics skills are considered an impediment to growth and development in South Africa—see for instance Khuluvhe et al. (2022). Arguably, four common misperceptions about the supply and demand of mathematics hinder effective planning in this area in South Africa.
Marion Town Council Advances Deputy Town Manager Ordinance After Lengthy Public Hearing and Makes Appointments to BZA and Planning Commission
Marion Town Council moved through a dense agenda Monday night, ultimately voting unanimously to change the town code’s nomenclature from assistant town manager to deputy town manager—a shift that sparked substantial questions, confusion, and public comment before the vote was taken.
Risk factors for horse falls in British jump racing (2010–2023)
1 INTRODUCTION In recent years, changing societal views have led to substantial ethical debate regarding the acceptability of horseracing, especially jump racing.1-3 Much of this debate centres on the safety and welfare of the sport's competitors, with it now well established that jump racing poses a significantly greater risk of equine fatality and injury when compared to flat racing.4-6 In jump racing, falling is a major contributor to, and risk factor for, equine fatality, with 35%–60% of...
Smyth Planning Commission Sends Data Center Ordinance Back to Committee After Tense Meeting
Smyth County, Va. — The July 23 meeting of the Smyth County Planning Commission quickly became contentious as citizens attempted to speak about the county’s ongoing data center proposal, only to be told the topic would not be heard during Citizens Time. Commission Chair Hazel Wagoner opened the meeting by announcing that “we will not be hearing anything on data centers tonight,” noting that a public hearing had already been held.
Smyth County BOS Public Interest Hearing on Data Centers
Smyth County residents packed a public question‑and‑answer session earlier this week as Assistant County Administrator Clegg Williams and Board of Supervisors Deputy Clerk Madi Pitts addressed growing concerns over a proposed ordinance that would allow data centers in several zoning districts by special use permit.
Marion Town Council Addresses Library Successes, Water Transparency Concerns, and Camera Debate at July 20 Meeting
The Marion Town Council convened Monday evening for its July 20 meeting, moving quickly through routine business before hearing a series of detailed public comments ranging from summer library programs to concerns about police surveillance and water service transparency. All council members were present except Todd May. The agenda and minutes from earlier meetings June 30 and July 6 were approved unanimously.
2024: 67.5% of Decatur County college students played sports on collegiate teams
In 2024, 67.5% of Decatur County college students played sports on collegiate teams, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The county’s only university was represented by 445 men and 141 women who played for one or more sports teams in 2024. This does not include students playing intramural sports. Decatur County paid a total of $5,931,860 in athletically-related financial aid during 2024. Data shows that football was the most popular sport played, followed by soccer, and volleyball.
Residents Pack Joint Public Hearing as Smyth County Weighs Data Center Ordinance Amendments
MARION — A crowd filled the Marion Senior High School auditorium Thursday night as the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission held a joint public hearing on proposed amendments to the county’s zoning ordinance pertaining to data centers.
Smyth County’s 2028 Reassessment Aims to Restore Accuracy, Transparency, and Public Trust After Troubled 2024 Cycle
Smyth County is preparing to launch a comprehensive overhaul of its real estate reassessment process, a project county officials say is designed to correct the serious problems that plagued the 2024 cycle and rebuild public confidence in how property values are determined. Commissioner of the Revenue Bradley Powers has made it clear that the upcoming 2028 reassessment will be guided by accuracy, transparency, and accountability at every stage.
Marion Town Council Meeting June 15, 2026: Approves FY 2026–27 Budget, ARPA Spending, and Regional Initiatives
The Marion Town Council moved swiftly through a full agenda Monday night, approving the FY 2026–27 budget, hearing updates on public safety and infrastructure, and taking public comment on waterway conditions and fire hydrant pressure concerns. All council members were present. Public Presentations The meeting opened with a presentation from Beverly Haddock of the Smyth Animal Rescue and Resource Center and the Smyth County Humane Society.
Chilhowie Middle School Allegations Spark Outcry at Smyth County School Board Meeting
Contentious Smyth County School Board Meeting Draws Allegations, Protests, and Affidavits Submitted to Magistrate Marion, VA. Tensions ran high at Monday night’s Smyth County School Board meeting as parents, students, and advocates clashed with board members over public comment restrictions, student safety concerns, and the handling of allegations of inappropriate conduct at Chilhowie Middle School.
Marion Town Council Reviews FY27 Budget, Hears Concerns from Local Business Owner–June 1st
The Marion Town Council met Monday evening with all members present except Debra Hayes and approved the agenda before opening a public hearing on the proposed FY27 budget. Town Manager Andrew Keen outlined expected revenue growth, noting that water service and meals tax remain the town’s primary revenue sources. With several new restaurants slated to open, officials hope to see continued increases in meals‑tax collections.
Smyth County Historical Society Presentation Abijah Thomas Octagon House
New Artifacts Donated to Smyth County History Museum as Octagon House Legacy Expands Marion, Va. — The Smyth County Historical Society celebrated a major addition to the county’s historical record today as descendants of the Thomas family presented a new collection of artifacts tied to the Abijah Thomas Octagon House located in the Thomas Bridge community of Smyth County—one of the most distinctive and architecturally significant homes in Southwest Virginia.
Smyth County Supervisors Advance Budget Measures, Hear Concerns on Schools, EMS, Taxes, and Data Centers
This article was submitted prior but due to unforeseen circumstance was overlooked. An apology to the author that it was not up sooner. Three County News Editor MARION, Va. — The Smyth County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday evening for a wide‑ranging session dominated by school funding pressures, looming tax increases, departmental restructuring, and public concerns over transparency, debt, and the future of data centers in the county.
Smyth County Holds Series of Public Hearings on FY26 Budget, Utility Rates, and Tax Proposals
MARION, Va. — The Smyth County Board of Supervisors held a special called meeting Thursday evening to conduct a series of public hearings on the FY26 budget, school funding, utility rate adjustments, solid waste fees, and a proposed real estate tax increase. Attendance was fairly low, but a few residents offered pointed criticism of school administration, county spending priorities, and the impact of rising taxes on seniors and working families.
Lymphedema Severity and Quality of Life as a Function of Selective Neck Dissection Technique
1 Introduction Selective neck dissection (SND) is a surgical procedure primarily indicated for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients presenting with or at risk of cervical lymph node metastases. The procedure involves the resection of the fibrofatty tissues containing the cervical lymph nodes while preserving the spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein (IJV), and sternocleidomastoid muscle [1]. The external jugular vein (EJV) and facial vein (FV) can be resected or preserved with this method.
Marion Town Council Meeting May 18, 2026–Marion Town Council Hears Tourism
Marion Town Council Hears Tourism, Chamber Funding Requests; Budget Presentation Delivered The Marion Town Council met on Monday evening with all members present. Mayor Avery Cornett opened the meeting by welcoming Councilwoman Debra Hayes, who participated electronically for the first time. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved without changes, and all votes throughout the night were unanimous by voice and raised hand.
Sugar Grove Baptist Church Hosts Mother’s Day Dinner and Fundraiser to Support Summer “Ignite” Event
SUGAR GROVE, Va. — Sugar Grove Baptist Church welcomed families from across the community on May 8 for its annual Mother’s Day dinner, a celebration that blended fellowship, gratitude, and a shared commitment to local ministry. The event, held at 5 p.m. in the church fellowship hall, honored mothers of all ages while raising funds by donation for the church’s annual summer outreach revival program, Ignite. The evening featured a spaghetti supper that has become a beloved tradition in Sugar Grove.
Marion Town Council Meeting May 4th–Council Advances Electronic Participation Ordinances, Reviews Audit, and Updates Loan Policies
MARION, Va. — The Marion Town Council met Monday night for a full agenda that included a public hearing, adoption of new electronic‑participation rules, a year‑end financial report, updates on town projects, and several committee and departmental reports. The agenda was approved without additions.
Marion Budget Committee Reviews FY27
Marion Budget Committee Reviews FY27 The Town of Marion’s Budget Committee reviewed the FY27 draft budget this week, with officials reporting that the town can balance the budget without raising real estate taxes. Mayor Avery Cornett noted that surrounding localities may increase rates and said Marion should monitor regional trends, while Councilman Jim Gates emphasized raising taxes only when necessary.
Wilson Fairchild Lights Up Wytheville: A Must See Summer Concert Experience
WYTHEVILLE, VA — If you’re building your list of must‑see summer concerts, go ahead and put Wilson Fairchild right at the very top. The Millwald Theater was buzzing on the evening of April 11th as fans of all ages packed the nearly sold‑out venue for an evening that delivered everything from high‑octane musicianship to heartfelt nostalgia — and a surprise preview of what’s next for one of country music’s most beloved musical families.
THREE COUNTY NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Parks has Property Seized then Found Guilty in Court/Seems like Elderly Man was Railroaded
Guilty Verdict Delivered in Parks Case After Conflicting Testimony, Town Involvement, and Questions About Authority MARION, Va. — After months of delays, competency proceedings, and a hearing marked by conflicting testimony and unusual prosecutorial dynamics, Danny Parks was found guilty Thursday in Smyth County General District Court.
Marion Town Council Meeting April 6th; Issues With Silencing the Public
Marion Town Council Meeting April 6th; Issues With Silencing the Public The Marion Town Council met Monday night for a wide‑ranging session that included proclamations, public comment on constitutional issues and meeting procedures, updates on public safety equipment, and a detailed discussion of new pool rates aimed at expanding access for local families.
Marion Town Council Meeting March 2, 2026–Report!
Marion Town Council Hears Updates on Library Programs, Delinquent Tax Collections, and Budget Planning The Marion Town Council met Monday evening with a full agenda that ranged from community events to long‑term budget planning and a new effort to recover delinquent taxes. After approving the minutes and agenda, the council welcomed Mark Cheney, Commander of the American Legion.
Marion Town Council Meeting February 17th–Town Manager Updates Paper on VML Meeting
Marion Town Council Reviews Legislative Concerns, Planning Updates, and Local Business Support The Marion Town Council met Tuesday evening with all members present except Councilwoman Debra Hayes. After approving the agenda and minutes, the meeting moved quickly through the early portion, with no public comments offered. During council reports, Councilman Carter thanked fellow members for supporting attendance at the recent Virginia Municipal League conference, describing it as highly informative.
Town of Marion Seizes Citizens Private Property, Police Arrest Citizen, Questions over Due Process
THE PARKS CASE: An Investigative Examination of Abatement, Arrest, and Due Process in Marion, Virginia The Town of Marion’s handling of the August 2025 abatement at the home of Danny and Rebecca Parks, followed by the arrest of Danny Parks, has become one of the most closely examined municipal actions in recent years.
Marion Town Council Meeting: Tuesday March 16–Town Was Requested to Give a 2A Resolution–No Action Taken
Marion Town Council Hears Skill Game Requests, School Support Programs, and Public Concerns at March 16 Meeting The Marion Town Council met Monday, March 16, addressing a full agenda that included special use permits for skill games, presentations from community and educational organizations, public comment on state legislation, and updates on town operations. Council began by approving the minutes from the previous meeting.
Marion’s Director of Economic Development Ken Heath, PRESS RELEASE
MARION BUSINESS RECEIVES $10,000 BACKING SMALL BUSINESS GRANT FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS The Town of Marion, in partnership with Virginia Main Street and the National Main Street Center, proudly announces that Just Believe Boutique in Marion has been awarded $10,000 through the American Express “Backing Small Business” grant program.
Comparison of cone beam CT and low‐field MRI of the distal limb of 85 horses
Background Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the equine distal limb under standing sedation are increasingly available, yet there is little published information to guide veterinarians on how both modalities compare to optimise horse management. Objective To describe dual modality CBCT and MRI findings in the equine distal limb of images acquired in the standing sedated horse for clinical purposes. Study design Retrospective descriptive study.
Town of Marion Private Property Seizure Raise Concerns over the Legality of the Action
Unlawful Abatement Raises Legal Questions in Marion On August 6, 2025, the Town of Marion entered private property on Henry Street to conduct a “property abatement.” According to public records and firsthand accounts, the entry occurred without a warrant, judicial order, emergency declaration, consent from the property owner, or adherence to any statutory abatement process. Under Virginia law, such an entry is considered unlawful.
Marion Welcomes Christmas with Jimmy Fortune at Town Hall
Marion’s Main Street glowed with holiday spirit as the town gathered for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting, made unforgettable this year by the presence of country music legend Jimmy Fortune. The evening began with a scene straight out of a Christmas postcard. Chief Kevin Testerman escorted Fortune from his big red tour bus parked at the Lincoln Theatre, walking him up Main Street toward Town Hall.
Rye Valley Water Authority Holds Public Hearing on Water Rate Increase
SUGAR GROVE, VA — The Rye Valley Water Authority held a public hearing on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM to discuss a proposed increase in water rates for customers in the Rye Valley District. The meeting took place at the Authority’s office in Sugar Grove and was attended by board members Donald Bonham, Beth Fleshman, Bobby Coe, Sam Parsons, Danny Slemp, Gator Cornett, and William Farmer. One resident from the district was present.
How much did coaches earn in 2024 on average working at the only institution paying coaches in Union County?
Union County's 11 coaches earned an average salary of $11,525 in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education. This is the lowest average salary per county earned by coaches at Iowa post-secondary schools during 2024. Union County is home to just one post-secondary school which paid coaches during 2024. Male coaches of men's teams received $12,660 on average in Union County, while female coaches in charge of women's teams earned an average of $10,163.
Salaries for coaches at institution in Decatur County around $27,581 on average during 2024
Decatur County's 20 coaches earned an average salary of $27,581 in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education. This is the fifth lowest average salary per county earned by coaches at Iowa post-secondary schools during 2024. Decatur County is home to just one post-secondary school which paid coaches during 2024. Male coaches of men's teams received $29,466 on average in Decatur County, while female coaches in charge of women's teams earned an average of $25,278.
Citizens’ Watchdog Group Formed to Promote Transparency in Marion Government
MARION, Va. — A new nonprofit organization, the Watchdog Group of Marion, Virginia, has officially formed with a mission to promote transparency, accountability, and open government in the Town of Marion and surrounding localities.
Questions Raised Over Town of Marion’s Role in Local Paper’s Coverage of Parks Property Seizure
Marion, Va.– Six weeks after the Town of Marion’s August 6, 2025, abatement of the Parks family property, questions continue about how the cleanup was handled, what became of seized items — and how the story has now been portrayed in the local press. On the day of the abatement, homeowner Mr. Parks was arrested and charged with assault after directing a town employee to leave his property.
Unequal Treatment in Smyth County Courts? Comparing Assault Cases of Public Officials and Citizens
Recent assault and battery cases in Smyth County General District Court reveal striking differences in how the justice system handles charges against elected officials compared to private citizens. Both cases fall under Virginia Code §18.2-57(A)—a Class 1 misdemeanor—but their outcomes so far point to a troubling double standard. On July 31, 2025, court records show that Saltville Mayor Cheri Fullen was charged with assault and battery (Case GC25009553-00).
Pulmonary toxoplasmosis in an immunosuppressed cat
IMAGES IN SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE Pulmonary toxoplasmosis in an immunosuppressed cat E. Martinez Martinez, Corresponding Author E. Martinez Martinez Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, Alton, UK Corresponding author email: ernestmm7@gmail.com Contribution: Conceptualization, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing, Validation, Data curation Search for more papers by this authorS. Taylor, S.
Tyrese Haliburton’s injury obscures the Pacers’ magical run - and their future
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Indiana Pacers were never even supposed to reach the NBA Finals. That’s how the vast majority of prognosticators and fans saw it. That spot atop the Eastern Conference was supposed to belong to the defending champs in Boston or the Cleveland Cavaliers squad that won 64 games in the regular season.
Stress‐Testing Monitoring Design to Lock in Conservation Success
1 Introduction Effective, evidence-based conservation of threatened species relies on systematic and robust research and monitoring (Addison et al. 2016; Martin, Kitchens, and Hines 2007). Effective monitoring programs should detect change and, unlike unfocused ‘surveillance’ monitoring, have pre-determined, question-based objectives (Wintle, Runge, and Bekessy 2010). Monitoring population trends can identify species under threat, improve knowledge, and lead to more effective conservation action.
Role of neck dissections in the management of carotid body tumors
1 INTRODUCTION Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are a type of paraganglioma of the head and neck characterized by the abnormal growth of neural crest cells.1, 2 Although CBTs are rare overall, accounting for 0.6% of all tumors of the head and neck,3 they account for over 50% of head and neck paragangliomas.4-6 These slow-growing neoplasms are known for their highly vascular nature, typically with multiple feeding arteries and adhesions to the carotid artery.7, 8 CBTs frequently develop at the...
Llanimation: Llama Driven Gesture Animation
1. Introduction Co-speech gesturing plays a crucial role in communication, as gestures effectively convey emotions and emphasis and enhance interactions by introducing social and contextual cues. These cues contribute to increased understanding, improved turn-taking, and enhanced listener feedback [Ken94,McN85,SK94,DRBD12].
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with S.
Contact S., search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack