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It’s going to take some more time before the mobile classrooms show up at Prince Edward Elementary. The problem, it seems, is the timeline. Originally, contractors were asked to bid on a schedule that would see temporary classrooms ready to go by July 19, with all materials moved in and teachers set up by Aug. 5. As it stands, only one company, Kenbridge Construction, felt confident enough to even submit a bid and even they had concerns about time. It’s because this piece of the elementary renovation, installing mobile classrooms, requires additional power. It means renting 15 mobile classroom units, two toilet units and a teacher workspace, connecting them to power, to all other systems and making sure they’ll be operational for an estimated three years. 

So the next plan was to have the mobile classrooms on the property just a few weeks after class started. Now it seems that won’t happen either. 

“The thought was that they would be here mid-August, but I can’t guarantee at this point with all the weather,” Prince Edward Superintendent Dr. Barbara Johnson told the school board during their Wednesday, Aug. 7 meeting. “With all the rain and weather, I’m not sure.” 

Poll workers needed in Prince Edward 

 Prince Edward County needs some volunteers to help with November’s election. Specifically, they need poll workers in multiple precincts across the area. What does a poll worker do? The answer is pretty much everything. They verify voter registration and ID, also helping voters by answering any questions that might come up.

They also secure the ballots and voting materials once the election is over. Basically, poll workers are the people who help make sure precincts run smoothly during Election Day. Here in Prince Edward, if you’re interested in helping out, you can contact the registrar’s office at 434-392-4767. 

5 Pillar Meats moves forward 

We talked about employment in the last edition of the Herald. Now it’s time to mention one of those businesses moving in. 5 Pillar Meats is one step closer to opening and will hold an event for local producers later this month. The event, set up by the Cooperative Extension, will be for any farmers raising cattle, sheep or goats in the area. They’ll get a chance to tour the operation’s slaughterhouse, get questions answered and take part in an open house and trade show, all on Aug. 31. 

One of the problems livestock farmers in Prince Edward and the surrounding area deal with is the fact there are limited places USDA certified for slaughter. The new facility will provide processing services, under USDA inspection, for Central and Southside producers. The company has promised to source all livestock from local farms and will offer processing of wholesale and retail cuts for restaurants, hotels, grocers and retail consumers. When the doors open, 5 Pillars will bring 12 job openings, with the company agreeing to invest $1.7 million in a 3,000-square foot complex at 250 Dominion Drive. This brings the doors one step closer to opening for business. For any producers looking to take part in the event, you can register by calling Cooperative Extension Agent Erin Small at 434-392-4246. 

Piedmont launches Pet Walk 

Piedmont Senior Resources has another event in the works for later this fall. Long after the ducks have raced, the group is asking residents to bring their dog to Wilck’s Lake for a walk. The first annual Piedmont Senior Resources Pet Work is set for Saturday, Oct. 19. That’ll run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilck’s Lake, with proceeds going to raise money for the Pet Love Program. That program helps supply pet food, pet supplies and fund veterinary care for pets of low-income older adults in Prince Edward, as well as Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg and Nottoway counties. 

On Oct. 19, there will be food, crafts and corporate vendors, a photo booth, a 50/50 raffle drawing, a silent auction, a pet costume contest, a group pet walk and other activities for both you and your pet. Not admission to the event itself is free, but if you want to take part in either the pet walk or costume contest, the cost will be $10 per walker per animal. All pets are welcome, however they must remain leashed at all times and owners are responsible for cleanup. The deadline for sponsorships is September 9. To sponsor the event or set up a vendor table, please contact Nikki Dean at 434-767-5588, 434-694-8916, or at ndean@psraaa.org for more information