Highland Supervisors Agree To Return Land To Botkin

Monterey, Va – A public hearing was held during the Highland Board of Supervisors meeting on disposal of county property per a request from Kim Botkin. She asked the Supervisors to return a three-quarter acre parcel of land donated to the Stonewall school district in 1912 by her ancestors, that was used for the Ervin schoolhouse. The school house was used until 1940 and was then sold to the Ervin family for the sum of 40 dollars. However, the acre parcel occupied by the school house was not included in that transaction and was never officially returned to the family.

Acting on the recommendation of County Attorney Melissa Dowd, the Supervisors passed a motion to gift this three-quarter acre parcel back to the family to restore it to the original 44 acre tract.

The Supervisors also heard from Dr. John Downey, President of Blue Ridge Community College. Dr. Downey discussed the increase in enrollment of Highland County students and the importance the relationship between the school and Highland County.