Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding in Radford on Sept. 27 and 28, 2024, as seen in this photo.
Heather Bell
RADFORD – At its Feb. 24 meeting, the Radford City Council approved the acceptance of $21,529 to the Radford Animal Shelter and the city’s police chief gave an update on the progress of the repairs to the shelter.
The animal shelter was significantly damaged in the flooding produced by Hurricane Helene last September. Since then, private citizens, businesses and other animal shelters have donated funds to get the shelter back up and running. According to Radford City Police Chief Jerry Holdaway, the repairs to the shelter should be completed around March 15.
“[These donations are] a testament to [Radford Animal Control Officer] Adele Katrovitz and what she means to our community,” said Holdaway. “This money will put us back in a place where we can provide the same services we were providing before the storm. I’m excited.”
The money is being used to purchase new cabinetry, paint and other needed supplies.
“This is amazing. It’s incredible,” said Radford Mayor David Horton. “So many people have stepped up.”
“The facility is really coming along nicely,” said Interim Radford City Manager Craig Meadows. “If it weren’t for weather, it would already be finished.”
Meadows said work is also progressing on repairs in Bisset Park with the use of FEMA funds. He said the expertise of the city’s new Director of Parks and Recreation Charlie Goins will be crucial.
“Charlie has a lot of experience with disaster relief and deadline with FEMA so that’s going to be a huge asset,” said Meadows.