By: Mac McLean / Reporter, Bristol Herald Courier
September 6, 2008
A group of Southwest Virginia residents committed to rebuilding the High Knob Observation Tower signed a special memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service at a Friday morning news conference in Norton, Va.
U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., said the agreement “sets the terms for the future stages of the project” in a phone interview after it was signed.
The memorandum, he said, also reflects a significant amount of progress the community has made in their efforts to replace the 68-year-old Southwest Virginia icon since it was destroyed in an arsonist’s blaze on Halloween.
A federal grand jury on March 11 indicted Nicholas Owens and Christopher Dominc Hyatt with setting the observation tower on fire and lying to investigators about their actions.
Hyatt pleaded guilty to the charges against him on June 26 while Owens, who had joined the Coeburn, Va., Volunteer Fire Department just before he set the fire, is awaiting trial in Abingdon’s federal court.
“When the High Knob tower burned down, there was a shock in the community,” said Boucher. “[Rebuilding it] was just an obvious thing to do.”
But rebuilding the tower was not an easy task because the U.S. Forest Service did not have enough money to take care of the project, he said. This is why Boucher held a special forum on Jan. 8 and brought together people who were interested in rebuilding The High Knob Enhancement Corporation, a non-profit group that gained its 501(c)3 status last month, formed as a result of this conference.
Corporation Chairman Lu Ellsworth said his group so far has raised $55,000 to rebuild the tower.
Most of the money, Ellsworth said has come in though small donations though there have been larger donors including the city of Norton, Scott County, Wise County, and Virginia Dominion Power.
The Forest Service will then take this money and use it to hire an architect who will design the observation tower’s replacement, said Ed Wessman, a recreational staff assistant with the agency.
Wessman said this agreement is detailed in the memorandum of understanding his agency signed with the corporation Friday afternoon.
In the document the agency also agreed to provide any technical services and support that it can to the corporation in its efforts to rebuild, Wessman said. Ellsworth’s group in return will promote the tower’s importance to the community and their efforts to rebuild it.
Wessman said the two parties will sign a second agreement in the future that will allow the corporation to raise money to build a new tower and give it to the Forest Service.
Building a new fire tower would cost $525,000, Ellsworth said. But he feels confident the corporation can reach this goal not only because of the progress the group has made so far but because of what he thinks is the tower’s importance to the community.
“It’s been there for two or three generations,” he said. “High Knob has been not only an icon for the area but it’s also an economic asset.”
gmclean@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2518
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Tower effort needs the ‘we’
By: Editorial, Coalfield Progress
September 2, 2008
When it comes to rebuilding High Knob tower, now is the time for “they” to become “we.” “They” alone can’t rebuild the old tower, destroyed by fire last year. It will rise from ashes only if “we” help rebuild it.
That message comes from Rita McReynolds, who chairs the tower fund-raising committee. Her words should strike a chord with anyone who has ever spent time on High Knob atop that old tower. “It is the people’s tower and we need the people in order to rebuild it,” McReynolds says.
How true. For as much as visitors to the area have enjoyed the stunning views, that tower doesn’t hold the same special place in their hearts. Here at home, it had become entwined in the fabric of our lives. We don’t want it rebuilt because of tourists, but for us.
The efforts of county native Jack Hatcher and The Texas Club bring home how far High Knob really reaches. The place touches the memories of members of this post World War II social club. They grew up in its shadow, Hatcher recalls, and have taken this bit of life history with them where ever their lives took them.
While big bucks from big donors make big strides toward the $572,000 goal, we must not forget the importance of the smallest donation. Consider the “What if’s.”
At every Friday night ball game, cheerleaders typically sell programs. Fans routinely give without a second thought, recognizing that their small donation isn’t as much about the program they hold in their hands as it is about helping cheerleaders and athletics. If asked, these same fans would probably chip in an extra dollar if the money was going to another worthy cause — rebuilding the High Knob tower.
When fans line up for refreshments at the concession stand, they buy popcorn, hotdogs and soft drinks knowing that proceeds go to athletic or band boosters. If they were asked to donate their change to the fund for rebuilding High Knob tower, they’d likely say, sure, keep the change for a good cause.
Those nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars might not seem like much, but they would really start to add up if every single solitary adult and student organization in Wise County made a point to include the High Knob tower rebuilding fund in their own fund-raising efforts.
Every penny counts. Take up the cause and, together, we will rebuild High Knob tower.
September 2, 2008
When it comes to rebuilding High Knob tower, now is the time for “they” to become “we.” “They” alone can’t rebuild the old tower, destroyed by fire last year. It will rise from ashes only if “we” help rebuild it.
That message comes from Rita McReynolds, who chairs the tower fund-raising committee. Her words should strike a chord with anyone who has ever spent time on High Knob atop that old tower. “It is the people’s tower and we need the people in order to rebuild it,” McReynolds says.
How true. For as much as visitors to the area have enjoyed the stunning views, that tower doesn’t hold the same special place in their hearts. Here at home, it had become entwined in the fabric of our lives. We don’t want it rebuilt because of tourists, but for us.
The efforts of county native Jack Hatcher and The Texas Club bring home how far High Knob really reaches. The place touches the memories of members of this post World War II social club. They grew up in its shadow, Hatcher recalls, and have taken this bit of life history with them where ever their lives took them.
While big bucks from big donors make big strides toward the $572,000 goal, we must not forget the importance of the smallest donation. Consider the “What if’s.”
At every Friday night ball game, cheerleaders typically sell programs. Fans routinely give without a second thought, recognizing that their small donation isn’t as much about the program they hold in their hands as it is about helping cheerleaders and athletics. If asked, these same fans would probably chip in an extra dollar if the money was going to another worthy cause — rebuilding the High Knob tower.
When fans line up for refreshments at the concession stand, they buy popcorn, hotdogs and soft drinks knowing that proceeds go to athletic or band boosters. If they were asked to donate their change to the fund for rebuilding High Knob tower, they’d likely say, sure, keep the change for a good cause.
Those nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars might not seem like much, but they would really start to add up if every single solitary adult and student organization in Wise County made a point to include the High Knob tower rebuilding fund in their own fund-raising efforts.
Every penny counts. Take up the cause and, together, we will rebuild High Knob tower.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Texas Club raising Knob tower funds
By: KEITH STRANGE / Staff Writer, Coalfield Progress
August 29, 2008
Sometime in the late 1940s or early 1950s, a small group of World War II veterans did what many young men their age do — they stood on the corner of Norton’s Park Avenue and 7th Street and decided they were bored.
“We came back from the war and were sort of adrift,” one of those men, Jack Hatcher, said during a Wednesday phone interview from his Tennessee home. “We wanted to have a good time, so we started having parties.”
That fateful day on the corner, the Texas Club was formed.
Called the Texas Club because all of the founding members had served in Texas during the war, the group grew over time.
“As time went by, we started getting married, getting jobs and going to college, but we always kept the club intact,” Hatcher said. “We always got together every year or two to have a party.”
With other veterans, wives and children welcomed into the group, the ranks soon swelled to a gathering of 150-200 people at the event. They came from around the nation to attend the Friday-Sunday parties.
“These were good people having good, clean fun,” Hatcher said. “There was a bond among us folks.”
And much of that bond revolved around a place many of the group remembered well — the High Knob observation tower.
“As we were teenagers and young men growing up in the shadow of High Knob, we used to hike and camp up there and it became a very special place for us,” Hatcher said. “Our group revolved around High Knob.”
When he heard that the tower was destroyed by arson on Halloween 2007, his heart sank.
“I just couldn’t imagine it was gone, and the only thing I could think of for several days was that High Knob tower must be rebuilt,” he said.
Hatcher decided to turn to those he knows best.
Wanting to do something tangible, he called on the members of the Texas Club for donations toward the effort.
“It means so much to our members, I got the idea that I could collect money and send it toward the rebuilding effort.”
So far, he has sent out letters to 200 members and former members, and has raised about $800.
With a goal of raising $2,000, he is hoping some of his friends in Wise County will join in the effort.
He has set a Sept. 9 deadline to receive donations, and has set up an account at his home bank in Nashville to accept donations.
“We’re hoping that some people will remember the club and the good times we had at High Knob and open their hearts and wallets,” Hatcher said.
Anyone wishing to make donations can make checks payable to The Texas Club.
Donations may be sent to Jack C. Hatcher, 2124 Fairfax Ave., Condo 205, Nashville, Tenn. 37212. Donations received so far range from $25-$100, but Hatcher said every penny will help. For more information, call Hatcher at 615/383-8333.
“I want everyone to know that every penny collected will be sent to the rebuilding effort,” he said. “That place is so special to us that we don’t want to take anything away from getting the tower rebuilt.”
His voice got quiet.
“To us, it was an icon that meant something,” Hatcher said. “I don’t know whether we’ll ever be able to have another party or not, but we can rebuild the tower so future young men can enjoy it.”
August 29, 2008
Sometime in the late 1940s or early 1950s, a small group of World War II veterans did what many young men their age do — they stood on the corner of Norton’s Park Avenue and 7th Street and decided they were bored.
“We came back from the war and were sort of adrift,” one of those men, Jack Hatcher, said during a Wednesday phone interview from his Tennessee home. “We wanted to have a good time, so we started having parties.”
That fateful day on the corner, the Texas Club was formed.
Called the Texas Club because all of the founding members had served in Texas during the war, the group grew over time.
“As time went by, we started getting married, getting jobs and going to college, but we always kept the club intact,” Hatcher said. “We always got together every year or two to have a party.”
With other veterans, wives and children welcomed into the group, the ranks soon swelled to a gathering of 150-200 people at the event. They came from around the nation to attend the Friday-Sunday parties.
“These were good people having good, clean fun,” Hatcher said. “There was a bond among us folks.”
And much of that bond revolved around a place many of the group remembered well — the High Knob observation tower.
“As we were teenagers and young men growing up in the shadow of High Knob, we used to hike and camp up there and it became a very special place for us,” Hatcher said. “Our group revolved around High Knob.”
When he heard that the tower was destroyed by arson on Halloween 2007, his heart sank.
“I just couldn’t imagine it was gone, and the only thing I could think of for several days was that High Knob tower must be rebuilt,” he said.
Hatcher decided to turn to those he knows best.
Wanting to do something tangible, he called on the members of the Texas Club for donations toward the effort.
“It means so much to our members, I got the idea that I could collect money and send it toward the rebuilding effort.”
So far, he has sent out letters to 200 members and former members, and has raised about $800.
With a goal of raising $2,000, he is hoping some of his friends in Wise County will join in the effort.
He has set a Sept. 9 deadline to receive donations, and has set up an account at his home bank in Nashville to accept donations.
“We’re hoping that some people will remember the club and the good times we had at High Knob and open their hearts and wallets,” Hatcher said.
Anyone wishing to make donations can make checks payable to The Texas Club.
Donations may be sent to Jack C. Hatcher, 2124 Fairfax Ave., Condo 205, Nashville, Tenn. 37212. Donations received so far range from $25-$100, but Hatcher said every penny will help. For more information, call Hatcher at 615/383-8333.
“I want everyone to know that every penny collected will be sent to the rebuilding effort,” he said. “That place is so special to us that we don’t want to take anything away from getting the tower rebuilt.”
His voice got quiet.
“To us, it was an icon that meant something,” Hatcher said. “I don’t know whether we’ll ever be able to have another party or not, but we can rebuild the tower so future young men can enjoy it.”
Help needed on High Knob effort
By: KEITH STRANGE / Staff Writer, Coalfield Progress
August 29, 2008
NORTON — Ask anyone in the county how they feel about the High Knob tower and you’re likely to get the same answer:
“What a shame it was destroyed. I hope they can build it back.”
But organizers say now is the time the “they” in that sentence becomes “we.”
Fundraising committee chairman Rita McReynolds said a notice earlier this week that a six-figure donation from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority will not be happening has seriously hurt efforts to raise the necessary $572,000 to rebuild the tower.
To date, $63,000 has been donated toward the rebuilding effort, she said.
“We were really, really hoping and praying from a very large donation from VCEDA,” she said Tuesday. “Finding out that they wouldn’t be able to give us any money was very disappointing.”
State budget cuts have made it impossible for the organization to donate to the effort, McReynolds said. “They still fully support the project and wanted to donate, but they just don’t have the money right now.”
It’s time for the public to put its money where its mouth is, she said.
“All we hear is how everyone wants to see the tower rebuilt,” McReynolds said. “Now is the time for them to step up and make their donations.
“The High Knob tower belongs to us,” she added. “It is the people’s tower and we need the people in order to rebuild it.”
She noted that federal officials have pledged some funding, but the money for the effort needs to be on hand before the government gets involved with enhancement efforts at the tower site.
Although she is still seeking corporate donations, McReynolds said that without individual donations, it is unlikely the tower will be built.
“Every penny helps,” she pleaded. “Please donate even if it’s $5 or $10.”
WHERE TO SEND MONEY
McReynolds noted that confusion about where to send in donations could have kept some people from donating.
She said organizers of the rebuilding effort have secured 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the federal government, allowing checks to be written to the organization.
Anyone wishing to donate to the rebuilding effort can make their checks payable to the High Knob Enhancement Corporation, P.O. Box 125, 16542 Russell Street, St. Paul, Va., 24283.
“Please help us,” McReynolds said. “If you remember special moments on High Knob, if you liked to go up there and hike or just liked having the tower there, help us rebuild it.
“I’m not disappointed with the money we have now, but now is the time for everyone to step forward,” she added.
August 29, 2008
NORTON — Ask anyone in the county how they feel about the High Knob tower and you’re likely to get the same answer:
“What a shame it was destroyed. I hope they can build it back.”
But organizers say now is the time the “they” in that sentence becomes “we.”
Fundraising committee chairman Rita McReynolds said a notice earlier this week that a six-figure donation from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority will not be happening has seriously hurt efforts to raise the necessary $572,000 to rebuild the tower.
To date, $63,000 has been donated toward the rebuilding effort, she said.
“We were really, really hoping and praying from a very large donation from VCEDA,” she said Tuesday. “Finding out that they wouldn’t be able to give us any money was very disappointing.”
State budget cuts have made it impossible for the organization to donate to the effort, McReynolds said. “They still fully support the project and wanted to donate, but they just don’t have the money right now.”
It’s time for the public to put its money where its mouth is, she said.
“All we hear is how everyone wants to see the tower rebuilt,” McReynolds said. “Now is the time for them to step up and make their donations.
“The High Knob tower belongs to us,” she added. “It is the people’s tower and we need the people in order to rebuild it.”
She noted that federal officials have pledged some funding, but the money for the effort needs to be on hand before the government gets involved with enhancement efforts at the tower site.
Although she is still seeking corporate donations, McReynolds said that without individual donations, it is unlikely the tower will be built.
“Every penny helps,” she pleaded. “Please donate even if it’s $5 or $10.”
WHERE TO SEND MONEY
McReynolds noted that confusion about where to send in donations could have kept some people from donating.
She said organizers of the rebuilding effort have secured 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the federal government, allowing checks to be written to the organization.
Anyone wishing to donate to the rebuilding effort can make their checks payable to the High Knob Enhancement Corporation, P.O. Box 125, 16542 Russell Street, St. Paul, Va., 24283.
“Please help us,” McReynolds said. “If you remember special moments on High Knob, if you liked to go up there and hike or just liked having the tower there, help us rebuild it.
“I’m not disappointed with the money we have now, but now is the time for everyone to step forward,” she added.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Tower time: Provide comments, give money toward restoring landmark
By: JENAY TATE / Editor and Publisher, Coalfield Progress
My earliest remembrance of the peak of High Knob is before there ever was a tower. It is one of those hazy memories grown incomplete over the years. I was too little to recall many details.
I was with my parents, climbing a hill to what seemed like the top of the world. At the very tip-top, a building with a lot of windows seemed to brush the sky. My father introduced me to the man inside who stood lookout for forest fires. He knew Smokey the Bear and he had a radio and he could talk to Smokey and people everywhere.
In 1978, while I was away at college, that 14-by-14-foot lookout was replaced with what many people today remember as High Knob tower. It was the place where people took their out-of-town visitors to see spectacular vistas of the mountains, to point out the five states that could be seen from there on a clear day. It was the place to which long-gone natives would return to recall their more peaceful times back home. It was the place where locals ventured to get away, to be alone, to be together.
My most recent remembrance recalls no peace. Like that of others, my memory is seared with the hellish vision of the tower in flames, burned by a suspected arsonist last Halloween.
Inspired by public sentiment and his own passion for High Knob, Ninth District Rep. Rick Boucher has led the way toward a rebuilding effort. Boucher vowed in December that the tower would be rebuilt.
Just last week, the newly formed High Knob Enhancement Corp. announced it is ready to fully launch the massive fund-raising effort that will be required to rebuild the tower. Already the city of Norton and Wise County have contributed, as has Dominion Virginia Power. But the committee still must raise upwards of an estimated $500,000.
The official public notice of the U.S. Forest Service’s intent to rebuild appears in today’s paper. The agency is seeking public comments, due no later than 30 days from tomorrow.
A letter available from Clinch District Ranger Ron Bush provides background about the proposal. Bush outlines eight common points that grew from meetings of a design committee task force. They wanted:
• A raised tower with interpretive display panels and a 360-degree view;
• A low-maintenance structure that does not require being staffed;
• An observation plaza with a stone tower;
• Natural vegetation to be preserved;
• Durable, fireproof materials to be used;
• A vehicle for showcasing historical and cultural items in the regional area;
• A simple structure not requiring a lot of equipment to be taken to the site; and
• A structure that would blend with the natural setting.
It’s a good starting point and gratitude is due to Boucher, the Forest Service and the citizens who have gotten the tower effort this far.
Now, it’s our turn. Citizens need to:
• Get complete information from the Clinch Ranger District office and offer comments on the tower proposal.
• Send a donation to the committee raising money to rebuild the tower. Donations may be sent to the High Knob Enhancement Corp., P.O. Box 125, St. Paul, Va. 24283. The group can be contacted by phone at 276/762-7500.
There are many worthy causes in this world today. Carve out a spot for this one.
My earliest remembrance of the peak of High Knob is before there ever was a tower. It is one of those hazy memories grown incomplete over the years. I was too little to recall many details.
I was with my parents, climbing a hill to what seemed like the top of the world. At the very tip-top, a building with a lot of windows seemed to brush the sky. My father introduced me to the man inside who stood lookout for forest fires. He knew Smokey the Bear and he had a radio and he could talk to Smokey and people everywhere.
In 1978, while I was away at college, that 14-by-14-foot lookout was replaced with what many people today remember as High Knob tower. It was the place where people took their out-of-town visitors to see spectacular vistas of the mountains, to point out the five states that could be seen from there on a clear day. It was the place to which long-gone natives would return to recall their more peaceful times back home. It was the place where locals ventured to get away, to be alone, to be together.
My most recent remembrance recalls no peace. Like that of others, my memory is seared with the hellish vision of the tower in flames, burned by a suspected arsonist last Halloween.
Inspired by public sentiment and his own passion for High Knob, Ninth District Rep. Rick Boucher has led the way toward a rebuilding effort. Boucher vowed in December that the tower would be rebuilt.
Just last week, the newly formed High Knob Enhancement Corp. announced it is ready to fully launch the massive fund-raising effort that will be required to rebuild the tower. Already the city of Norton and Wise County have contributed, as has Dominion Virginia Power. But the committee still must raise upwards of an estimated $500,000.
The official public notice of the U.S. Forest Service’s intent to rebuild appears in today’s paper. The agency is seeking public comments, due no later than 30 days from tomorrow.
A letter available from Clinch District Ranger Ron Bush provides background about the proposal. Bush outlines eight common points that grew from meetings of a design committee task force. They wanted:
• A raised tower with interpretive display panels and a 360-degree view;
• A low-maintenance structure that does not require being staffed;
• An observation plaza with a stone tower;
• Natural vegetation to be preserved;
• Durable, fireproof materials to be used;
• A vehicle for showcasing historical and cultural items in the regional area;
• A simple structure not requiring a lot of equipment to be taken to the site; and
• A structure that would blend with the natural setting.
It’s a good starting point and gratitude is due to Boucher, the Forest Service and the citizens who have gotten the tower effort this far.
Now, it’s our turn. Citizens need to:
• Get complete information from the Clinch Ranger District office and offer comments on the tower proposal.
• Send a donation to the committee raising money to rebuild the tower. Donations may be sent to the High Knob Enhancement Corp., P.O. Box 125, St. Paul, Va. 24283. The group can be contacted by phone at 276/762-7500.
There are many worthy causes in this world today. Carve out a spot for this one.
Friday, April 18, 2008
City of Norton gives $5,000 for Knob tower
By: KEITH STRANGE / Staff Writer Coalfield Progress
NORTON — City Council joined other public and private entities putting their money where their mouths are Tuesday night, unanimously approving a $5,000 donation to the High Knob tower restoration task force.
The action came following an impassioned presentation by task force member Rita McReynolds during council’s audience for visitors.
During her presentation McReynolds told council the task force is planning to rebuild the tower much as it was before it was destroyed by arson last October, with one key exception.
“We want to make this tower more accessible to everyone,” she said, noting plans include a ramp for handicapped visitors.
She added that the costs for the rebuilding efforts total more than $571,000.
McReynolds said that more than $55,000 has been raised to date.
In asking for a motion on the request, Mayor Robert Raines told council that the love for the landmark cannot be understated.
“I think all of us are aware of the importance of the tower to the citizens of Norton,” he said. “We want to get this tower rebuilt.”
Prior to the vote, councilman and task force member Joe Fawbush said he fully supports the plan.
“One of the most expensive items in the construction plan is sitework,” he said, noting that the line item comes in at around $200,000. “But a lot of thought went into this and I believe we have some pretty good numbers.”
Following a brief discussion, the motion to allocate the funds from the city’s unobligated reserve fund passed unanimously, with Councilman Huck Hunnicutt absent.
NORTON — City Council joined other public and private entities putting their money where their mouths are Tuesday night, unanimously approving a $5,000 donation to the High Knob tower restoration task force.
The action came following an impassioned presentation by task force member Rita McReynolds during council’s audience for visitors.
During her presentation McReynolds told council the task force is planning to rebuild the tower much as it was before it was destroyed by arson last October, with one key exception.
“We want to make this tower more accessible to everyone,” she said, noting plans include a ramp for handicapped visitors.
She added that the costs for the rebuilding efforts total more than $571,000.
McReynolds said that more than $55,000 has been raised to date.
In asking for a motion on the request, Mayor Robert Raines told council that the love for the landmark cannot be understated.
“I think all of us are aware of the importance of the tower to the citizens of Norton,” he said. “We want to get this tower rebuilt.”
Prior to the vote, councilman and task force member Joe Fawbush said he fully supports the plan.
“One of the most expensive items in the construction plan is sitework,” he said, noting that the line item comes in at around $200,000. “But a lot of thought went into this and I believe we have some pretty good numbers.”
Following a brief discussion, the motion to allocate the funds from the city’s unobligated reserve fund passed unanimously, with Councilman Huck Hunnicutt absent.
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