DSLCC truck driving instructor Bill Tiffany (left) and the College’s President, Dr. Richard Teaff, hold up an employment poster for USA Truck, Inc., the College’s newest employer partner.

Dabney S. Lancaster Community College of Clifton Forge is partnering with Van Buren, Ark.-based USA Truck, Inc. to expand employment opportunities for students who complete the college’s truck driver training program and earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
Upon completion, individuals will be considered for immediate hiring as a student driver and scheduled on routes with veteran USA Truck driver team members. This mutually beneficial trial period is designed for new hires to gain experience while company officials assess their performance and determine if they meet the qualifications set for permanent positions, which offer higher pay, excellent benefits and chances for advancement.
Instructor Bill Tiffany of Clifton Forge, who joined DSLCC after a successful career with UPS, directs the college’s CDL program. In addition to ensuring that students cover all of the material needed to pass the CDL exam, Tiffany is passionate about stressing the need for competence, excellence and professionalism on the job.  He and his fellow CDL instructors work with each individual to assess their previous history, customize training and assist in finding a suitable job.
“We want to get our students on the road in paying positions as soon as possible so that they gain experience and confidence; this will serve them well when they apply for permanent jobs,” Tiffany said. “It is important that the college has business partners that appreciate quality and want to hire those with the right training and the right attitude. USA Truck is just that kind of company. This is a win-win situation, since we can put students right to work and the company has access to a pipeline of future drivers.”
Steve Brantley, USA Truck’s manager for driver recruiting, expressed an interest in hiring DSLCC’s qualified CDL training program graduates who seek driving jobs. Tiffany will work closely with Brantley to post materials about USA Truck job openings at the college and share numerous opportunities that the company offers.
“We are excited about partnering with DSLCC in this venture,” Brantley said. “We are always looking for safe, well-qualified drivers to join our team, and we believe this program will be a tremendous asset in our recruiting efforts.”
DSLCC President Dr. Richard Teaff described the college’s partnership with USA Truck as another example of Tiffany’s initiative in developing and growing the college’s CDL program.
“Bill has reached out to employers and secured donations for the program, including gifts of vehicles for student practice,” Teaff said. “With his guidance based on decades of driving experience, I am certain that the number of partnerships, like the one Bill secured with USA Truck, will continue to grow, and more and more individuals will view the DSLCC CDL program as a pathway to employment.”
The independent National Transportation Institute (NTI) as part of its 2011 Survey of Driver Wages named USA Truck a Top Pay Carrier. Noted for excellence in the categories of driver pay, health and retirement benefits, and financial stability, the company was in the top 20 percent of all carriers nationwide.
Founded in 1983, USA Truck is a medium-haul, dry van truckload carrier. The company transports general commodities via its General Freight and Dedicated Freight service offerings throughout the continental U.S. and into and out of portions of Canada. USA Truck also transports general commodities into and out of Mexico by allowing through-trailer service from its terminal in Laredo, Texas.
The next scheduled CDL course at DSLCC will begin Saturday, Nov. 5; other sessions will be scheduled for the spring, 2012, semester. For more information, contact Bill Tiffany at (540) 863-2919 or email btiffany@dslcc.edumailto:btiffany@dslcc.edu.

Submitted by Judy Clark, Public Relations and  Non-Credit Coordinator, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College

I would like to share with you and your readers why I am voting for Michael Rock for Botetourt County Treasurer in the November 8^th election.

First and foremost, Michael Rock is a man of integrity.  I’ve known Michael for almost 15 years, and I’ve known him to have consistent character in every aspect of his life.  Whether it be as a husband, father, grand father, church deacon, Bible Club leader, employee and firefighter, Michael Rock is an honest man of integrity!

Secondly, Michael Rock is fully qualified for the position of Botetourt County Treasurer with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration.  With twenty five years of experience in business management, Michael Rock is the man for the job.

Lastly, Michael Rock is a model citizen of Botetourt County.  As a lifelong Botetourt County resident, he’s proven his love for this county and its people.  He’s been active for 20 years in youth recreational sports, and 40 years as a Botetourt Volunteer firefighter and rescue squad member.  Just this past weekend, as Firefighter and President of the Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Michael hosted my son’s 6^th birthday party at the fire department.  We had a great time learning about firefighters and fire safety.  I was impressed again with Michael Rock’s abilities and service to this community.

It is for these reasons that I am voting for Michael Rock in the November 8^th election for Botetourt County Treasurer.  I would highly recommend that you and your readers do the same.

Submitted by Joel Wegner, Friend and Supporter of Michael Rock

You can see photos from the birthday party in the slideshow above, or here on Flickr.

Coach Pete Walton sent in these photos of the Cavs running in the Blue Ridge District Cross Country

Courtesy of Penny Cochran

The Buchanan Lions Club recently made a donation to the Botetourt Resource Center.

Pictured are Penny Cochran, Treasurer of the Buchanan Lion’s Club, giving a donation to Robyn Dobyns, Director of the Botetourt Resource Center, for operating funds to keep the Center open.  During the past eleven years, their partnership has provided glasses for those who cannot afford to buy them.

The Botetourt Resource Center seeks ongoing donations that will allow them to continue operating in our community.  The Center in the 2010-2011 fiscal year assisted over 66 individuals and 112 families in the area.  To support the Center, contact Robyn Dobyns at 254-1468.

The Lions are a service organization who purchases eye glasses for local needy individuals.  The Lions motto is “We Serve”.  Lions serve in many realms such as hospitals and senior centers, in regions battered by natural disaster, in schools and eyeglass recycling centers, Lions are doing community volunteer work, helping, leading, planning and supporting. Because we’re local, we can serve the unique needs of the communities we live in. And because we’re global, we can address challenges that go beyond borders.

We are always seeking new members.  If you are looking for a rewarding service club to join, come try us out!  Anyone interested in joining the Buchanan Lions Club, can attend a meeting on the 2^nd or 4^th Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. at North Star Restaurant or contact Lion President Mike Burton at 254-3345 or Lion Wanda Smith at 254-1212.

Submitted by Penny Cochran

Madelyn Newell, Skylar Shanks, Reagan Harris, Michaela Hedrick, Haley Vanover, and Hannah Falls. Not pictured: Samantha Neal. Troop Leader is Liz Newell, Co-leader is Melanie Shanks.

Buchanan’s Girl Scout Troop 958 celebrated the fall season by visiting Layman Farms on Saturday Oct. 22nd.  Each girl picked out a pumpkin to take home.

Submitted by Jane Garnett

You can view the photos from ths 5K run event in the slideshow above, or here on Flickr.

Submitted by Mike Tetreault, Principal, Read Mountain Middle School

Fincastle Preschool 2-day class Trick or Treating in downtown Fincastle!

You can view the photos in the slideshow above or here on Flickr.

Submitted by Nicole Crain

Here are some photos from Fincastle Preschool’s field trip to Jeter Farm. Thank you to Jeter Farm for a wonderful day!

You can view the photos in the slideshow above, or here on Flickr.

Submitted by Nicole Crain, Fincastle Preschool

The Powder Puff football games as part of the James River Homecoming festivities moved indoors as weather conditions deemed it more suitable. The freshman beat the seniors and  the juniors beat the sophomores. In the finale, the Juniors won over the freshman 25 to 6. The girls were a bit rough and tumble and one freshman broke a finger. Festivities continue tonight with a tailgate party and a homecoming football game against Bath County. The King and Queen will be  crowned at half time.

Maestro David Wiley visits Troutville Elementary School. Maestro Wiley is the Director and Conductor of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. October 25, 2011. He talked to the kids about directing the symphony, instrument groups, and the importance of practicing. The kids were delighted by his visit!

You can view photos from the visit in the slideshow above, or here on Flickr.

Submitted by Olinda Pully