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Brunswick Brief - Newsletter May - Aug. 2025

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Message What’s Stirring inBrunswick County?What’s Stirring inBrunswick County?On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors turnedup the volume for the sixth annual Jazz on the Square Festival at CourthouseSquare in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Brunswick County, VA was swinging with jazzytunes, and if you missed this toe-tapping bash, you’re definitely singing the blues!THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEFNEWSLETTERMAY - AUGUST 2025 Jazz on the Square 2025 VOL. 2 SPRING/SUMMER - 2025 Editor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 1We were delighted to host over 1,800 attendees for an evening brimming withexceptional music and a lively atmosphere. The Brunswick High School MarchingBand kicked off our live entertainment, followed by the beloved local favorite,Feature Attraction Band. Joining us were the Painted Man Band from MyrtleBeach, South Carolina, and our headlining act, "The Nation’s #1 Earth, Wind &Fire Tribute Band" hailing from Philadelphia. Micah "Bam-Bamm" White rockedthe mic as your Guest MC for the night, while the crowd's beloved DJ Bird, Mr.Kimie Pearson, served a buffet of beats between acts to keep everyone grooving!

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Your involvement was vital in making this festival a resounding success! We are eager to start planning the 2026event and invite you to save the date for Saturday, August 22, 2026. Thank you once again for joining us at the 2025Jazz on the Square Festival; we hope you had an amazing time!THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEF MAY - AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER Editor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 2Jazz on the Square - Continued. The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors extendsheartfelt gratitude to everyone who took part in the2025 Jazz on the Square Festival at CourthouseSquare in downtown Lawrenceville, VA. This eventcould not have succeeded without our generoussponsors.This Year’s Jazz on the Square Sponsors Include:Gold Sponsors: Republic Services and EnergixRenewablesSilver Sponsors: CEP Solar, Timmons Group,Benchmark Community Bank, Sands Anderson,Dominion Energy, and AESFriends of the Festival: Empower Broadband,Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, and Hawthorne& Hawthorne, P.C.Courthouse Square transformed into a culinary haven,showcasing a variety of food trucks serving delectabledishes! Among the vibrant lineup were Pops KettleTreats, Yetta’s Soul Food, Order Up Food Truck,Richland’s Creamery, Croaker’s Spot, Charr’d LLC,Chuck & Barb, and Get Silly Lemonade, all ready totantalize taste buds. Meanwhile, the LawrencevilleVolunteer Fire Department elevated the atmospherewith adult beverages, turning every sip into afundraiser for their cause. Cheers to that!See you next year! Brunswick County expresses gratitude to all whocontributed to the event's success, especially:Live performersFood vendorsLawrenceville Fire Department volunteersCounty staff and maintenanceLocal law enforcementFace painter/balloon artistCommunity sponsorsVoight EntertainmentMusical equipment distributorHHM Porta Toilet LLCRent-E-QuipHis Favor Photography

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THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEFMAY - AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER Brunswick County Joins the Virginia Gateway Region. Editor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 3Brunswick County Economic Development has proudly become a memberof Virginia’s Gateway Region, with its membership commencing this July.This partnership commenced after the decommissioning of the VirginiaGrowth Alliance. Virginia's Gateway Region (VGR) is a nonprofit economicdevelopment organization dedicated to promoting the cities of ColonialHeights, Emporia, Hopewell, and Petersburg, along with the surroundingcounties of Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, and Sussex.Brunswick County Economic Development Co-Hosts VGR Welcome EventOn Thursday, August 21, 2025, Brunswick County Economic Development, in collaboration with Greensville Countyand the City of Emporia, held a vibrant VGR Welcome Event. Attendees were treated to a delightful ice cream andlemonade social while enjoying presentations from VGR's newest partners: Brunswick County, Greensville County,and the City of Emporia.Brunswick County Economic Development expressed gratitude to guests by offering a taste of the county'sfamous Brunswick Stew, complemented by a meet-and-greet featuring Stewie the Brunswick Stew Pot. BrunswickCounty is thrilled to be part of the Virginia Gateway Region and is eager to enhance its economic footprint whilefostering business growth and development in Brunswick County, VA!Brunswick County Supervisors has appointed Supervisor, Mr. Reggie Owens to represent Brunswick County on theVirginia Gateway Region’s community board. Additionally, Mr. Frank Myers will serve as the business liaisonrepresentative for Brunswick County. Mr. Myers is a resident of Brunswick County and the owner of MM WrightLogging, located in Gasburg, Virginia.VGR aims to enhance regional prosperity by:Encouraging business growthCultivating strong partnershipsProviding innovative resources to communitiesThe organization concentrates its efforts on attracting new investmentsand fostering job creation for both emerging and established businesses.

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THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEFMAY - AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTEREditor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 4Brunswick County’s Mid-Year Review. On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Brunswick CountyBoard of Supervisors convened a Mid-Year Reviewwith County Department Heads and AdministrativeStaff. The meeting commenced at 6:00 PM at theBrunswick County Conference Center, where publicparticipation was welcomed.The Mid-Year Review began with a team-buildingexercise inspired by the adage “Birds of a FeatherFlock Together,” highlighting our collaborative effortsacross departments, facilitated by Dr. Barbara JarrettHarris, Chair of the Brunswick County Board ofSupervisors.During the review, each County departmentpresented updates and insights regarding variousprojects and initiatives, as well as accomplishmentsachieved from January to June 2025. A recap of theBoard of Supervisors retreat held in January was alsoshared with attendees. Key topics included FY26 Feesand Permit Revenue, Personnel Policy Updates, theSalary and Classification Study, the Tourism AdvisoryCommittee, the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council,and updates on the Solar Ordinance.Our Journey... Our Story. Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris, Chair of the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors, highlighted the County’s mission,themed “Our Journey… Our Story.” Additionally, Vice Chair, Supervisor Mr. Welton Tyler presented an overview ofthe Board's “Vision for 2035.” Supervisor, Mrs. Glenda Jackson Gilliam, shared valuable insights from the VACoRegion 4 Meeting.The meeting concluded with a clearer understanding of “where we are... and where we are going,” which provideddirection for new goals related to various projects. The Board of Supervisors is set to host a retreat in early 2026.Employment Opportunities.Emergency Medical Services (EMS) SupervisorMaintenance WorkerConvenience Center Attendant Code Enforcement Officer EMS Basic Life Support Provider - FULL TIMEEMS Basic & Advanced Provider - PART TIME For more information regarding these job listings, please visitwww.brunswickco.com/departments/human_resources/job_listings Highway 46 Bridge spanning the Nottoway River reopened in June 2025.

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THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEFEditor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 5National Night Out. MAY - AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTERNational Night Out took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2025, in Courthouse Square,Lawrenceville, Virginia. This annual community-building initiative fosters partnershipsbetween law enforcement and the community while encouraging neighborhoodcamaraderie to create safer, more caring environments. National Night Out strives tostrengthen the bond between neighbors and local police while reviving a genuine senseof community.Families and friends gathered to enjoy the festivities, which included vibrant music,delicious food, and engaging activities for all ages. Children laughed as they explored thefire trucks and police cars on display, while adults took the opportunity to chat withofficers and first responders, gaining insights into their vital roles in the community.The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrenceville Police Department, Alberta PoliceDepartment, Brodnax Police Department, Virginia State Police, and the Town ofLawrenceville joined forces to organize our local event.A heartfelt thank you to all the first responders who participated in National Night Out—especially our dedicated police, fire, and emergency services. Your commitment toensuring the safety of our communities is truly appreciated.We eagerly anticipate next year's event and the opportunity to strengthen theseessential connections within our community.In response to the unexpected announcement regarding the closure of the RiteAid pharmacy located at 115 Brunswick Square Court in Lawrenceville, Virginia,the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors, in collaboration with theDepartment of Economic Development, organized an informational meetingfeaturing Jones LTC Pharmacy from Emporia, Virginia. The purpose of this sessionwas to help Brunswick County residents understand and navigate theimplications of this unfortunate nationwide closure of all Rite Aid pharmacies.During the meeting, Jones LTC Pharmacy offered valuable information on severalkey topics, including prescription transfers, medication delivery options availablein Brunswick County, and the advantages of utilizing easy-to-read prescriptionpackaging. Attendees had the opportunity to ask various questions and expressconcerns, which were addressed by representatives present at the session.Additionally, examples of medication packaging were made available for review.You can still get your questions answered. Please contact Jones LTC Pharmacydirectly for any medication inquiries at (434)-348-4987 or via email atjonesltcpharmacy@telpage.net.Local Pharmacy, Rite Aid Announces Closure of Lawrenceville Store.

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On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Governor Youngkin visited Virginia-Carolina Forest Products in Brunswick County,Virginia, to address the local impact of the recent closure of the Georgia-Pacific plywood mill in Emporia, whichoccurred the previous week. Delegate Otto Wachsmann and Senator Emily Jordan organized a communitymeeting, inviting local officials and logging business owners to engage in a dialogue with the Governor.The closure of the Georgia-Pacific facility in Emporia has resulted in the loss of 554 jobs and is expected to havesignificant repercussions for the timber industry. Furthermore, it is likely to affect local tax revenues associatedwith timber value, intensifying the challenges faced by rural areas with already limited resources.The meeting highlighted the serious implications of this closure for our region. In light of the critical concernsraised, we will now initiate a strategic response aimed at addressing these challenges and exploring pathwaystoward recovery and economic resilience.Among those participating in the roundtable discussion with the Governor were Secretary Lohr and SecretarySlater, along with notable figures from the timber industry, including Frank Meyers, President of the VirginiaLogging Association (VLA); Ron Jenkins, VLA Executive Director; Don Bright, owner of Meherrin River ForestProducts; and industry leaders Vance Wright and Owen Strickler. Together, they addressed the profoundimplications of the mill's closure on the community.Also in attendance were Brunswick County’s Board of Supervisors Chair, Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris, and Directorof Economic Development, Alfreda Jarrett Reynolds. Other elected officials present included Carolyn Carey,Mayor of Emporia; William Johnson, City Manager of Emporia; Gary Cifers, Interim County Administrator ofGreensville County; and Natalie Slate, Director of Economic Development.THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEFEditor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 6Get Connected. CHECK FOR BROADBAND AVAILABILITYWITH YOUR 911 ADDRESShttps://www.empowermec.net/?gad_source=1MAY - AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTERGovernor Youngkin’s Visit to Virginia-Carolina Forest Products. Broadband connectivity is steadily growing throughoutBrunswick County, VA. This advancement aims to close thedigital divide, creating fresh opportunities for education,business, and community involvement. Residents can lookforward to enhanced access to online resources andservices, which is essential for keeping up with the digitalage.Local initiatives have been introduced to guarantee thateveryone—from students to small business owners—can takeadvantage of dependable internet connectivity. Thisprogress represents a crucial leap toward cultivating a moreconnected and dynamic community, promoting bothpersonal and economic development.https://myriverstreet.net/community/brunswick-county-va/

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THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEFEditor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 7Updates on Solar ApplicationsMAY - AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTERThe Brunswick County Board of Supervisors approved the following items during the Joint Public Hearing withthe Brunswick County Planning Commission on Monday, July 21, 2025:Conditional Use Permit Case No. 25-005, granting Planters Solar, LLC permission to construct, operate, andmaintain a utility-scale solar electric facility with a capacity of up to 6 megawatts. A Solar Facility Siting Agreement between Brunswick County and Planters Solar, LLC.Conditional Use Permit Case No. 21-032, allowing Bellflower Holdings, LLC to construct, operate, andmaintain a utility-scale solar electric facility with a capacity of up to 600 megawatts.A Solar Facility Siting Agreement between the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors and BellflowerHoldings, LLC.The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors approved the following items during the Joint Public Hearing withthe Brunswick County Planning Commission on Thursday, July 24, 2025:Conditional Use Permit Case No. 24-025, granting Ambrosia Solar, LLC permission to construct, operate, andmaintain a utility-scale solar electric facility with a capacity of up to 65 megawatts. A Solar Facility Siting Agreement between Brunswick County and Ambrosia Solar, LLC.Conditional Use Permit Case No. 24-019, allowing Zeus Energy, LLC to construct, operate, and maintain autility-scale solar electric facility with a capacity of up to 200 megawatts. (Phase II)A Solar Facility Siting Agreement between the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors and Zeus Energy, LLC.On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors gathered and approved the followingduring a Public Hearing at the Board's Monthly Meeting:Ordinance Amendment Case #25-016: Proposed Amendment to the Brunswick County Zoning Ordinance;Article 23: Solar Facilities.The Board voted to revise the solar ordinance to incorporate the proposed language, stating: “the term (PVpanel Coverage) shall mean 70% of the area of limitation set forth in the permit as the maximum allowed activedeveloped area of the Site within the fence line of the security fencing required by Permit.”Solar Acreage Update. The maximum acreage allowed for solar projects per Article 23. Solar Facilities is 8,600 Acres – 100 Acres forCooperative-scale and 8,500 Acres for Utility-scale projects. To date, the Cooperative-scale 100 Acres remainsintact. The Utility-scale acreage of 8,500 is committed per the Board’s approval, 5,041.21 Acres (70%Calculation). After the approval of the four (4) Utility-scale projects from the public hearings held in July 2025which include the following projects: Bellflower - 2,526 (70% = 1,768.20), Zeus Phase II - 1,026 (70% = 1,099.00),Ambrosia – 447 (70% = 312.90), and Planters Solar - 40 (70% = 28.00). There is 250.69 Acres remaining left forUtility-scale solar development.Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Inquiries. The Planning Department has received inquiries from two distinct organizations looking to establish standaloneBattery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within the County. Currently, the County’s Zoning Ordinance does notallow for standalone BESS facilities. Staff members are actively researching model ordinances and examining the BESS regulations from other localities for review.

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Mr. Tommy Johnson has officially retired from the Virginia Departmentof Transportation after an impressive forty-seven years of dedicatedservice. During the Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, June18, 2025, the Brunswick County Board of Supervisors and staffconveyed their sincere appreciation for Mr. Johnson's unwaveringcommitment and extended their best wishes for a fulfilling retirement.Mr. Johnson expressed confidence that his successor, Mr. Brad Rogers,would continue to uphold the department's standards.THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEFEditor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 8Acknowledgments. MAY - AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTERMrs. Leanne Fiorentino has stepped downfrom her role on the Brunswick CountyPlanning Commission, where she served as therepresentative for the Red Oak District. Heryears of committed service have played a vitalrole in the oversight and development of thecommunity. Fellow members of the BrunswickCounty Planning Commission extended theirbest wishes to Mrs. Fiorentino and expressedgratitude for her contributions. The Chair, JayWarfel, honored her with a plaque inrecognition of her service to the County’sPlanning Commission Board.Mr. Emory Hutt retired in July 2025 after a distinguished tenure with the Brunswick County Maintenance Department. His unwaveringdedication and expertise have significantly contributed to thedepartment's success and operational efficiency. Colleagues andcommunity members convened to honor Mr. Hutt's remarkable career,sharing anecdotes that highlighted his hard work and kindness. Heleaves behind a legacy of excellence and a team inspired by hisleadership. The department extends its best wishes as he embarks onthis new chapter of his life, filled with relaxation and exciting newadventures. Dr. Barbara Jarrett Harris, Chair of theBoard of Supervisors, along with Dr.Alfonzo Seward, Supervisor of theSturgeon District, presents Mr. EmoryHutt with a plaque in recognition of hisyears of dedicated service to theBrunswick County MaintenanceDepartment.BOWLINGat theBrunswick County Conference Center100 Athletic Field Road Lawrenceville, VA 23868FRIDAY &SATURDAYSOCKSGAMESAVAILABLE2:00 PM -SHOE RENTALINCLUDED IN GAME FEE$10www.brunswickco.com8:00 PMFour lanes with bumpers offered.Available shoe sizes for both kids and adults.*Parties and special events upon request.PER PERSON

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Editor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 9THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEFDuring the Board of Supervisors Meeting held on Wednesday,June 18, 2025, the Brunswick County Board of Supervisorsformally acknowledged the remarkable accomplishments of theBrunswick High School Girls Outdoor Track & Field Team:VHSL 2025 Class 1 Girls Outdoor Track & Field State Runners-UpVHSL 2025 Class 1 Region B Girls Outdoor Track & Field ChampionsVHSL 2025 Tri-Rivers District Girls Outdoor Track & Field ChampionsRecognition of Champions and Leaders. The Brunswick County Board of Supervisors proudly recognizesthe Brunswick High School Boys Outdoor Track & Field Team fortheir outstanding achievements as champions:VHSL 2025 Class 1 Boys Outdoor Track & Field State ChampionsVHSL 2025 Class 1 Region B Boys Outdoor Track & Field ChampionsVHSL 2025 Tri-Rivers District Boys Outdoor Track & Field ChampionsCongratulations to theseexceptional young athletes!The Brunswick County Board of Supervisorsproudly acknowledged the Future BusinessLeaders of America Chapter for theirparticipation in the FBLA Nationals held inAnaheim, California, from July 29, 2025, toJuly 3, 2025.Chaperone: Harold WilliamsChapter Advisor/Chaperone: Regina WilliamsFBLA Workshop Attendees: Andrew Craft, Samira Crutchfield,Kennedi Drummond, Kori James, Meziah TownsendElectronic Career Portfolio Competitor: Bianca JonesThe Brunswick High School FBLA students took a moment to thankthe Brunswick County Board of Supervisors for their support ontheir path to Nationals. They also shared reflections on theirexperiences during the trip. Mrs. Williams, the Chapter Advisor,highlighted that their chapter has earned the distinction of being aGold Champion Chapter.MAY - AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTER

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Editor: Dixie W. Daniel, Tourism, Marketing, & Social Media Manager PAGE 10THE BRUNSWICK BRIEFTHE BRUNSWICK BRIEFEvents and Activities AcrossBrunswick CountyTaste of Brunswick Festival - October, 11, 2025.Brunswick County Airport Veterans Day Program - November 7, 2025. Brunswick County Conference CenterMonthly MeetingsBrunswick CountyBoard of Supervisors - Board Meeting 3rd Wednesday - 7 PM2nd Monday - 7 PMBrunswick CountySchool Board - Board Meeting 1718 Farmers Field Road |Lawrenceville, VA 23868228 North Main Street |Lawrenceville, VA 238682nd Tuesday - 7 PMBrunswick CountyIndustrial DevelopmentAuthority - Board Meeting2nd Tuesday - 6 PM100 Athletic Field Road |Lawrenceville, VA 23868Brunswick CountyPlanning Commission - Board Meeting *unless otherwise posted. MAY - AUGUST 2025 NEWSLETTERBrunswick County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Discovery Camp. 100 Athletic Field Road |Lawrenceville, VA 23868The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office threw open the doors to their annual Public Safety Discovery Camp,kicking off on July 21, 2025, at the Christanna Campus of Southside Virginia Community College. This year, 72eager campers, aged 9 to 13, strapped in for a whirlwind week of fun and learning. They got to dive into theworld of public safety careers and picked up some lifesaving ninja skills for themselves and their families. Hatsoff to the superheroes from Brunswick County Fire and EMS, Brunswick 4H, Southside Virginia CommunityCollege, Virginia State Police, and all the fantastic donors who made this spectacular camp possible!