The Warren County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 4, 2025, was a study in contrasts. While the room echoed with the literal “chirp” of a dying smoke alarm battery in the hallway—a persistent reminder of small details that need attention—I found myself addressing two very large issues: digital preservation and the digital divide.
Digitizing the Sentinels of History
I was honored to be mentioned by name by Joe Petty, Director of the Warren Heritage Society. Over the last few months, I’ve been working closely with the Society to audit their archives and compare them against what is currently available online.
I recently reached out to the Library of Virginia to inquire about the process for digitizing a massive volume of newspapers from 1876. My goal is to see these records included on the Virginia Chronicle website, making our local history accessible to researchers worldwide. As I told the Board, there is so much history at the Heritage Society that I don’t think I could scan it all in my lifetime. I encouraged the Board to support Joe in these efforts; protecting our physical records is one thing, but making them digitally “disaster-proof” is another entirely.
Challenging Broadband Inequity
While I am passionate about digitizing the past, I am equally concerned about the accessibility of the future. During a presentation on the VATI (Virginia Telecommunication Initiative) project, I saw the proposed pricing for rural residents and couldn’t sit still.
For many in the “dead zones” of our county:
- The $199 installation fee, combined with the first month’s service, is a significant hurdle.
- Compared to the $0 installation fees we often see within town limits, this feels like a penalty for living in a rural area.
I shared my experience and that of my father, whose mile-long driveway in a remote area was covered by other providers without these steep fees. For families who struggle to keep even $400 in a savings account, a $300 upfront cost for internet isn’t just a bill—it’s a barrier. We need to leverage federal incentives and smarter planning to ensure every resident can join the digital age without breaking the bank.
A Voice for Every Detail
Between the big topics of infrastructure and history, I couldn’t ignore the squeaking smoke alarm in the hall. It’s a small thing, but in a government building with a Fire Marshal on hand, it’s a detail that matters!
Whether it’s a 150-year-old newspaper, a fiber-optic cable, or a smoke detector battery, I’m committed to showing up and speaking up for the details that keep Warren County running—and remembered.
Watch the Meeting
You can view my comments and the presentation at the following timestamps:
- 0:01 – VATI Project Pricing Presentation
- 2:11 – Joe Petty (Warren Heritage Society) on Digitization
- 2:45 – My Comments on Scanning History & The Smoke Alarm
- 3:35 – My Critique of Broadband Pricing
