Citizens may join free texting system to receive alerts from Town
By Randy Arrington
STANLEY, Feb. 12 — When the Town of Stanley had to issue a “boil water advisory” back in August, one recommendation state officials made in the aftermath was that the Town needed a more effective way to communicate quicker with its citizens. That lead to a discussion about TextMyGov.
“It will benefit the Town because it will let residents know in a short period of time of things that will effect the Town,” said Stanley Town Manager Terry Pettit.
Stanley launched the program on Thursday, Feb. 13. Citizens must opt-in to the “smart text messaging service”. Through the system, residents can quickly learn about water line breaks, delayed trash pick-up, office closures, holiday schedules, events or traffic issues. Citizens may also text the Town to report issues.
“There is so much variety in what we can do,” Pettit said. “This allows us to reach everyone…if they join the system.”
Residents may receive a text message from 91896 from the Town initiating the service. Citizens may choose to opt out at any time by texting STOP. If a resident does not receive the initial message, they may opt-in by texting the keyword “STANLEY” to the number 91896. After sending the initial keyword, the resident will be asked to reply “Yes” to confirm their participation in the system.
According to a report submitted to the council by Pettit, residents will also soon be able to “receive on-demand information 24/7 by texting 1-2 keywords to the Town of Stanley.”
“Stanley’s use of technology is another example of how our community is enhancing services by implementing 21st century solutions,” the Town Manager stated in his report to Council. “We’re excited about this new way of communicating with residents and look forward to sharing important town notifications. Other governmental entities across the country are utilizing this system with great success.”
Page County Public Schools uses a similar texting system to alert parents, students and staff about weather closures, bus route changes, and other important announcements. Stanley officials received positive feedback from their peers in Stephens City, who use the TextMyGov system.
“A lot of times people feel disconnected from local government,” Pettit said. “This is one way to connect, both with important information and bridging that gap with the community at the same time.”
View terms and privacy policy information at: https://textmygov.com/opt-in-terms-conditions
Message and data rates apply. Visit: https://textmygov.com/
In other action at its Feb. 12 meeting, the Stanley Council took the following actions:
• Agreed to hold its first budget workshop at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5 to hear requests from department heads.
• Heard the police report for January, where there were 317 calls for service, with 282 self-initiated, and two citations written. Citizens are encouraged to turn on their blue lights to mark the four-year anniversary of the shooting of Officer Nick Winum on Feb. 26. A blood drive will be held by his widow that day at the Stanley Fire Hall. A copy of the draft memorandum of understanding between the Town and the county on Animal Control Services was reviewed.
• Heard a recreation report stating that a heater downstairs at the Hawksbill pool building needs replacing, and Public Works employees will soon be replacing the sign at Ed Good Memorial Park after taking it down for repairs. The Town manager plans to meet with a stone mason soon to plan for a stone sign at the park.
• Unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the execution of the Virginia Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (VA WARN) mutual aid agreement. The agreement is intended to “supplement and integrate with the Statewide Mutual Aid Program administered by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, and other mutual aid agreements of local, intrastate and interstate scope,” according to the resolution.
• Heard a report that all three town mangers in the county recently met with members of the Page County Planning Commission to discuss potential growth around the three towns and the infrastructure to support it. The exercise was part of the review process of the county’s comprehensive plan.
• Unanimously agreed to donate $250 to the Page County High School PTSA After Prom Committee to support one of two scholarships given away that night.
• Heard that a joint meeting has been scheduled between the three towns and county officials at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Stanley Fire Hall.
For more information about the Town of Stanley,
visit https://www.townofstanley.com/
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