LEE COUNTY, VIRGINIA

 

WHERE AMERICA WORKS. . .

 

Everyday

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEE COUNTY

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

P.O. Box 912

Jonesville, Virginia 24263

(540)346-7767 / (540)346-7712 FAX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNTY OF LEE

Board of Supervisors

P.O. Box 367

Jonesville, VA 24263

Phone (540)346-7714

Fax     (540)346-7712

 

Dear Reader,

 

Almost four hundred years ago, Virginia was founded in a spirit of enterprise and adventure.  Today, Lee County’s international economy blends manufacturing, agriculture, mining and services.  Raw materials and finished goods export has become a significant economic factor with ISO 9002 corporations located here, where America works.

 

We manufacture housing, medical products, fiber optic cable, clothing, transportation equipment and many other products used worldwide.  We also produce coal, excellent quality beef cattle and forest products. In 1998 we began to supply the national natural grid with new drilling and expansion.

 

In 2000, we opened a new industrial park, began significant water and sewer system improvements and extended natural gas across the County.  In 2001, we opened a new federal prison. A four lane highway, 20 minutes away, links us directly to the Southeast via I-26, positioning us eight hours from a major seaport.  In 2002, a four lane highway will extend completely across Lee County and a new 4,000' runway airport with hangars and repair capacity will open.  In other words, we are constantly growing, changing, and improving our competitive position.

 

Our school system has low pupil/teacher ratios and Southeastern US top 10% per pupil expenditures.  Our schools are computer equipped and fiber optically linked.  Lee County High School has one of Virginia’s three certified International Baccalaureate Programs.  Accelerated and AP courses are available.  Our Navy and Army Junior ROTC Programs are nationally ranked.

 

We also know how to play.  From golfing, hiking, hunting and fishing to attending Symphony Orchestra Performances and nearby big time college athletics, Lee County is for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Location Map………………………………………….……………………..4

 

Geography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

 

Population. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

 

Economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

 

Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

 

Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7

 

Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

 

Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

 

Economic Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

 

Quality of Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GEOGRAPHY

 

TOPOGRAPHY

 

Lee County contains 438 square miles.  The terrain ranges from rugged in the northeast area to plains in the southwest.  Elevations range from 1,200 feet to 3,700 feet above sea level.

 

A dramatic mountain vista can be seen from almost anywhere in the County.  The valley floors provide fertile soils for agriculture.  The depth to bedrock ranges from 10" to 60" with permeability ranging from moderately rapid to rapid.  The shrink-swell potential is low.

 

CLIMATE

 

Lee County has pleasant climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers.  The frost free season usually ranges from early May to mid October.

 

Average Temperatures (1965-2005)

 

Month

Minimum

Maximum

Average

January

21.8

47.2

34.5

July

60.3

88.7

76.1

 

 

 

 

Cooling Degree-days

841

 

 

Heating Degree-days

4,693

 

 

Annual Precipitation

50.35” (rain)

14” (snow)

 

 

In the winter and spring, prevailing winds are from the west and southwest; in the summer and fall, winds are from the east and southeast.

 

POPULATION

 

Lee County’s population has changed with job availability.  Between 1900 and 1950, our population grew as Southwest Virginia’s coal mines developed.  In the early 1950's the mechanization of mining and agriculture reduced the need for miners and farm workers.  In the 1970's, the energy crisis led to an increase in demand form bituminous coal reserves which temporarily increased population.

 

From 1990 to 2000, Lee County’s population dropped slightly.  The last twenty years experience is that when jobs are available the population rises as Lee County is genuinely good and a beautiful place in which to live.

 

 

The following table presents both historic and projected growth.  (LENOWISCO is the planning district which serves the entire area including Lee, Scott and Wise Counties and the City of Norton).

 

Population Statistics

 

 

 

Year

 

Lee County

 

LENOWISCO

 

1970

 

20,321

 

84,816

 

1980

 

25,956

 

99,644

 

1990

 

24,496

 

91,520

 

2000

 

25,400

 

97,600

 

 

 

ECONOMY

 

In 2003, Lee County’s non-farm income was over $437,000,000 which ranked 52th of 94 Virginia counties.  Non-farm income grew an average 5.4% annually between 1993 and 2003.  It’s per capita income in 2000 was $13,625.  As manufacturing grows, the per capita income increases.

 

The county economy is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, services and mining.  Lee County had 1,009 manufacturing jobs in 2000 which ranked it 57th among 94 counties.  Our civilian labor force contains about 9,058 workers which ranks us 56th among 94 counties.  In the last several years our unemployment rate has averaged about 4.7%.

 

Deposits in financial institutions of all types in Lee County exceeded $507,000,000 in 2000.  This ranked 51st among 94 Virginia counties.  Deposits grew annually at the rate of 5.3% in the period 1994-2000.  There are five financial institutions in the County.  They include Black Diamond Savings Bank, Farmers and Miners Bank, Lee Bank & Trust Co., Peoples Bank, Powell Valley National Bank, New Peoples Bank, Edward Jones & Associates and Woodforest National Bank (Wal-Mart).  Each can provide professional execution of any private transaction from cashing a check to making a home loan, or reserving a safety deposit box.  There are twenty-four hour automated teller machines located at various locations across the county.

 

 

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATES

 

Lee County is centrally located between I-81 and I-75.  Both are 60 miles from Jonesville.  US 58 and 58A travel east-west through Lee County from Winding Stairs to Cumberland Gap serving Pennington Gap and Jonesville. US 23 courses north-south through eastern Lee County leading to the Tri-Cities, Tennessee metropolitan area and beyond via I-181.  Interstate 181 recently became I-26 to Asheville, North Carolina.  Jonesville is about three hours from Greenville, South Carolina, four hours from Charlotte, North Carolina, six hours from Atlanta, Georgia and seven hours from Charleston, South Carolina.

 

AIR TRANSPORTATION

 

Air service is available at Tri-Cities Regional Airport located in Blountville, Tennessee, sixty miles from Jonesville.  It is served by Delta Connection, US Airways Express, and Northwest Airlink.  Numerous flights leave Tri-Cities daily flying directly to Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati, OH; Memphis, TN; and Orlando, FL.  Connecting flights from there reach across the nation and world. 

 

Air Cargo facilities for Lee County are located at Tri-Cities Regional Airport also.  Air Cargo companies include Airborne Express, Emery Air Freight, Turner Express Service, US Air and Delta.  All provide daily service from Tri-Cities.

 

General aviation facilities include the Lee County Airport near Jonesville with a runway length of 4,200’, lighting, maintenance, repair, and a hangar area for six aircraft.  This airport also has an additional tie-down area for other aircraft.  It was updated in 1995 including installation of new lights and hangar improvements. 

 

Lonesome Pine Airport in Wise, Virginia 35 miles from Jonesville has a 5,400' runway, lighting, fuel, maintenance, repair and a hangar facility.

 

 

 

EDUCATION

 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

The Lee County Public School System includes two primary schools, seven elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and one vocational-technical education center.  The enrollment at the end of the 1996-1997 school year was 4,131 students in grades K-12.  The average daily attendance was 3,875 for the 2004-2005 school year.  The school system employs over 350 teachers in all programs.  The student-teacher ratio in the regular instructional program in grades K-8 is 10.9 - 1; in grades 9-12, the ratio is 11.8 - 1.

 

The schools are networked fiber-optically to increase course offerings particularly at the middle and high school levels.  Over 64.5% of Lee County high school graduates continue their education.  The 1997 per pupil expenditure was $5,325 placing Lee County in the top 10% among Southeastern United States localities in these indices of local effort.

 

ACADEMICS

 

Lee County Public Schools are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities an by the Virginia Department of Education.  They meet or exceed the Standards of Quality established by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM

 

Programs for the gifted student are offered by Lee County Schools.  Courses are approved by the Virginia Department of Education in the fields of academics, arts and music.  Especially gifted string students practice and perform with a regional youth orchestra located in Kingsport, Tennessee in addition to individual instruction in Lee County. 

 

Courses of study are individualized for each student by the student, teacher, and parent.  There is a computer lab and a TV/Electronic Classroom with a hot-line available to enable students to speak directly with instructors.  Special courses offered for gifted students include Latin, Advanced Placement English and Calculus.

 

As a result of these efforts, Lee County regularly places highly statewide on various categories of test scores.  It also regularly sends students to the International Level of the Odyssey of the Mind Competition competing successfully against students worldwide. 

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION

 

Lee County Board of Education is very attentive of special needs children.  Efforts beyond legal requirements have been made in Lee County for children requiring special education and services.

 

Special education classes are available to students ages 2-21, from preschool to graduation.  The classes serve all mentally and physically challenged students from slightly to severely challenged.  Programs range from resource-type and self contained to consultative classes.  When needed, private residential schooling can be provided.  Home-bound service is provided on a temporary basis with a doctor’s approval.  Transportation is provided for the students by one of the six buses with chair-lift capabilities.

 

For further information, please call (276)346-2107.  Someone will be happy to discuss your specific situation and make suggestions regarding appropriately meeting special needs in the Lee County School District.

 

VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

 

Vocational programs are offered through the regular high school program and through the Vocational/Technical school located in Ben Hur.

 

Lee County Schools Vocational/Technical Courses

 

Welding

Auto body

Child Care

Computer

Drafting

Automotive Repair

Building Trades

Nursing

Farm Machinery

Food Service

Business

Small Engines

Electricity

Marketing Ed. Occ.

Home Economics

Agriculture Science

Carpentry

Education for Employment

Commercial Sewing

Cosmetology

Electronics

Career Education

Heavy Equipment Operator

 

 

 

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 

Both Lee County High School and Thomas Walker High School feature excellent Junior Reserve Officer Training Programs open to all students.  Students completing the JROTC training programs to date have received non-related college scholarship assistance in excess of $500,000.  Students who desire have an inside track toward admission and scholarships at The Virginia Military Institute based on the excellent reputation of the two JROTC programs.

 

ATHLETICS

 

Lee County High School “Generals” compete at the AA (next to the highest) level in Virginia High School League Sports Programs.  Lee High has won state championships in golf and generally finishes very well in other sports reaching the state tournament level regularly.

 

Thomas Walker High School competes at the A level often fielding good girls basketball, baseball and boys football teams.

 

Both high schools have active band programs. The Lee High Band has been featured in several major sporting events and has won numerous awards on the regional and state level.

 

We are very proud of our school system.  It is in the top 10% in the southeastern United States in per-pupil expenditures and our pupil-teacher ratios are much lower than surrounding counties and school districts.  In 1988, we undertook a consolidation program at the high school level designed to increase course offerings available and then magnified that by entering the fiber optics age linking all our school systems together both by voice, video, and with computer linkage.

 

We believe in education as the key to tomorrow for all our children.  We encourage you to visit our schools.  We are preparing our children for tomorrow.

 

School Enrollment Distribution

 

School

Location

Enrollment

Elk Knob Elementary

Woodway

288

Elydale Elementary

Gibson Station

98

Ewing Elementary

Ewing

180

Keokee Elementary

Keokee

63

Rose Hill Elementary

Rose Hill

208

St. Charles Elementary

St. Charles

167

Stickleyville Elementary

Stickleyville

113

Dryden Primary

Dryden

336

Flatwoods Primary

Flatwoods

358

Jonesville Middle

Jonesville

253

Pennington Middle

Pennington Gap

326

Lee High

Ben Hur

780

Thomas Walker High

Ewing

321

     

Please contact the Lee County Board of Education at (276) 346-2107 for further information.

 

HIGHER EDUCATION

 

Community Colleges

 

There are two community colleges located in two adjacent counties.  Individual courses for credit from three colleges are offered within Lee County at various locations.  A multi-university center is available in Kingsport, 42 miles away.  It provides degree programs from the University of Tennessee and East Tennessee State University.

 

Mountain Empire Community College

 

Located about twenty-five miles from Jonesville to the east, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, MECC is a two year school that is part of the Virginia Community College System.  It offers occupational and technical education programs university parallel-college transfer educational programs, general education, continuing education and specialized training programs awarding associate and certificate degrees.

 

Southeastern Kentucky at Middlesboro

 

Located about thirty miles from Jonesville to the west is Southeastern Kentucky State at Middlesboro.  It is a part of the University of Kentucky system and offers courses leading to the Associate of Arts Degree awarded at Middlesboro and the bachelors degree from University of Kentucky.  Southeastern is accredited by the Southern Association of Secondary Schools, Colleges, and Universities.

 

Higher Education Centers

 

Kingsport University Center at Kingsport, Tennessee, a 42 mile drive from Jonesville, offers courses for credit at all levels of higher education from East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee including an MBA program.  It is attuned to the night student holding down a full-time job and represents an excellent choice for the moderate income family seeking a good education for a son or daughter as well.  It enables commuting from Lee County for most of the course work to eventually receive a degree from either the East Tennessee State University of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

 

Since it is located on the North side of Kingsport immediately adjacent to US 23, it is a quick drive after work or on weekends.

 

Accredited Four Year Institutions Located Within a 100 Mile Radius

 

Name

City

2 year

4 year

Graduate

Distance

UVA at Wise

Wise, VA

Yes

Yes

No

45 mi.

Emory & Henry College

Emory, VA

No

Yes

No

94 mi.

Sullins Academy

Bristol, VA

Yes

No

No

50 mi.

Virginia Intermont

Bristol, VA

Yes

Yes

No

52 mi.

University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

No

Yes

Yes

75 mi.

East TN State University

Johnson City, TN

Yes

Yes

Yes

55 mi.

Carson Newman

Jefferson City, TN

No

Yes

No

77 mi.

King College

Bristol, TN

No

Yes

Yes

80 mi.

Lincoln Memorial Univ.

Harrogate, TN

No

Yes

Yes

35 mi.

Milligan College

Elizabethton, TN

No

Yes

No

87 mi.

Cumberland College

Cumberland, KY

No

Yes

Yes

45 mi.

Southeastern Kentucky

Middlesboro, KY

Yes

Yes

No

35 mi.

Union College

Barboursville, KY

No

Yes

Yes

75 mi.

 

 

 

 

 

GOVERNMENT

 

Lee County Planning Commission develops basic planning and development recommendations for approval by the Board of Supervisors.  It also oversees administration of the Zoning Ordinance by the Zoning Administrator.  It reviews proposals for change to the Ordinance and Map and recommends approval or disapproval to the Board of Supervisors.

 

The County is zoned into eight districts.  They are designed to assure continuation of existing land use patterns until extension of utilities or other events create circumstances which make consideration of rezoning appropriate.

 

The Planning Commission also undertakes long range planning for the County.  A comprehensive plan serves as the base planning document.  It is supplemented by the land use plan.

 

PUBLIC SERVICE AUTHORITY

 

The Lee County Public Service Authority is responsible for the development and operation of water and sewer service in Lee County.  Presently it operates three sewage plants, five sewage collection systems, two water plants and is constructing a new .8 MGD sewer treatment plant and attendant service lines to serve Jonesville and surrounding areas.

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT

 

Law enforcement begins with the Virginia State Police.  Unlike many states which have “highway patrols”, Virginia’s finest are empowered to enforce the law anywhere across the Commonwealth.  A County headquarters is located in Jonesville and is staffed by six state policemen each sworn to uphold state law and to support local law enforcement whenever necessary.

 

Local law enforcement is the responsibility of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.  It has a 41 person staff.  Deputies are Law Enforcement Academy trained.  Our crime rate is very low being a little less than twenty percent of that of the state as a whole.

 

Pennington Gap and Jonesville also maintain well equipped and trained police departments.

 

FIRE PROTECTION

 

Lee County is served by nine volunteer fire departments with a total membership of 238.  The ISO rating of the department which serves the Industrial Park is class 7.  Mutual Aid agreements link all departments.

 

EMERGENCY SERVICES

 

There are volunteer rescue squads with volunteers on duty 24 hours daily in Pennington Gap and Jonesville.  The total membership of both departments is 55.  All members are certified first responders.

 

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

 

Lee County has a solid waste recycling program and a litter control officer.  He is encouraging recycling and has had significant success with local business and industry. 

 

The Towns of Pennington Gap and Jonesville have residential curbside solid waste collection service weekly and commercial service daily.  Lee County operates a series of convenience centers which are serviced daily.  Solid waste disposal is at a landfill in Bristol, Virginia.

 

Commercial dumpster service is provided by Rogers Trash Collection.  The nearest hazardous waste facility for Lee County is at Pinewood, South Carolina.  The nearest radiological disposal site is in Augusta, South Carolina.  Waste Management of the Tri-Cities, located in Blountville, Tennessee is the nearest certified hazardous waste hauler.

 

TAXES

 

The table below gives the effective tax rates for Lee County as of July 1, 2006.

 

Effective Tax Rates for 2005-2006

Per $100 Assessed Value

 

Type of Tax                                                      Rate

 

Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.65

Personal Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.41

Machinery & Tools*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.25

Merch. Capital** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.25

Utility*** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15%

 

*Assessed beginning at 80% of the original value, decreasing 10% each year,

  Not to be less than 20% of the original value.

 

          **Assessed at 30% of inventory.

 

        ***15% of the first $15.00 per month for local service with a maximum of $2.25

   Per unit billing.

 

Sales and Use Tax for Lee County is 4.5%. The State of Virginia receives 3.5% and the County receives 1%.

 

Corporate income tax for Virginia is 6% of federal taxable income, with modification if applicable.  If a multi-state corporation’s income is taxed by both Virginia and another state, or states, Virginia permits the corporation to allocate and apportion its income so that it pays tax on the amount of business done in Virginia. 

 

Dividends received from companies in which the taxpayer owns 50% or more of the voting stock are not taxable in Virginia.  In addition, Virginia statutorily rejects unitary taxation by specifically excluding foreign source income from taxation and prohibiting worldwide combination.

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

The total civilian labor force in Lee County for May, 2006 was 9,262 of which 8,857 were employed and 405 were unemployed. The unemployment rate was 4.4 percent.

The average weekly wage for Lee County in 2005 was $515. This would be equivalent to $12.88 per hour or $26,780 per year, assuming a 40-hour week worked the year around.

The total number of employees located in Lee County in 2005 was 5,192. The largest major industry sector was Health Care and Social Assistance, with 15 percent of the employment, followed by Retail Trade (44 & 45) with 12 percent, and Public Administration with 11 percent.

 

LEE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

 

Economic development for the County is the prime mission of the Lee County Industrial Development Authority.  The Authority is a seven member board appointed by the Board of Supervisors for staggered four year terms.  The Authority is staffed by an economic development director appointed by the Board of Supervisors.  That individual is also Community Development Director and Director of Planning.

 

The IDA operates an aggressive industrial development program featuring an industrial park developed using federal and state funds.  It has a shell building program designed to attract industry and employment to Lee County.

 

In November 1997, the IDA completed construction of a 40,000 square foot shell building at Lee County Industrial Park adjacent to the property on which a new Federal Prison will be completed by Spring 2001.  The building is now occupied by FIBC Recycling. 

 

The agency’s marketing strategy includes memberships in Virginia Southwest Promise and Northeast Tennessee Valley Industrial Development Association as well as the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.  It is also developing an economic development home page for the worldwide web and is directly marketing through attendance at selected national level trade shows throughout the year followed by direct mail and telemarketing follow-ups.

 

INDUSTRIAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

 

Several different organizations provide special financial assistance opportunities to interested firms.  Virginia Southwest Promise offers assistance as does the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.  Lee County is the only County in Virginia to have all three resources in significant amounts. 

 

LEE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL PARK

 

Lee County Industrial Park is located on State Route 638 immediately adjacent to the site of the Federal Prison.  The park site originally consisted of 50 acres but the IDA sold 24 acres to the Federal Bureau of Prison in 1997.

 

The IDA began construction of a new industrial park located on Route 58 in Rose Hill in 1999.  It will develop the park in sections.  Two do the sections will be for telemarketing and light manufacturing.  The new park will have excellent utilities infrastructure including excellent water pressure and .5 MGD capacity, .3 MGD sewer treatment plant capacity, a choice of electricity providers and un-interruptible natural gas interconnected to the national gas grid.

 

QUALITY OF LIFE

 

HOUSING

 

A variety of housing styles and locations are available in Lee County including single family detached and attached units.  Subdivisions provide amenities while large tracts for small farms are still available in Lee County.  In 2000, there were 11,086 total housing units in Lee County.  Owner occupied units numbered 4,256 and rental units numbered 2,283.

 

Local lenders are ready to work with potential homeowners to assure speedy decisions on loans and timely loan closings.  Approximately 5% of the houses are on sale at any one time in Lee County.  The sale price of the average three bedroom two bath middle income house is priced between $50,000 and $85,000 in unincorporated areas of the County.  Prices in Jonesville and Pennington Gap are slightly higher.

 

Unsubsidized apartments are available largely in Jonesville and Pennington Gap. Median monthly rental is about $350.00 for a two bedroom apartment.  Rental for single family detached housing is slightly higher.

 

 There are a number of subsidized housing complexes and rental subsidy programs available in Lee County.  Housing for the elderly is found in Jonesville and Pennington Gap, primarily.

 

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES

 

Lee County has one 80-bed, acute care hospital, Lee Regional Medical Center.  Lee Regional is fully accredited by the State of Virginia as well as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.  Lee Regional was previously ranked by HCIA Sachs as a “Top 100 Hospital”.  Lee Regional is the sole provider of health care services in Lee County, Virginia, and is proud to have served the health care needs of the citizens of the tri-state area which includes Tennessee, Kentucky, and of course, Virginia for over 70 years.  The hospital provides 24-hour emergency services, inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services along with intensive care and telemetry services.  Lee Regional also has diagnostic imaging services including basic radiography, digital fluoroscopy, MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and mammography.  In addition, Lee Regional has Rehabilitation services including an inpatient rehabilitation unit as well as outpatient, physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies.  Other services at Lee Regional include cardiac, laboratory and home health services.  Lee Regional has specialty services of Pediatrics, Neurology, General Surgery, outpatient Psychiatry, ENT, Urology, outpatient OB/GYN, Radiology and Pathology.  Lee Regional is proud to be the first Virginia hospital owned and operated by Health Management Associates, Inc.  (NYSE ticker:  HMA) of Naples, Florida, the nation’s premier operator of non-urban general acute care hospitals.

 

Lee Regional Medical Center’s is located in Pennington Gap, in the extreme southwestern portion of Virginia and the service area within a 15 mile radius is comprised of over 37,000 people and over 75,000 people within a 20 mile radius. 

 

Lee Regional Medical Center also maintains a helipad for quick emergency services to primary referral facilities.

 

Primary Referral Facilities

 

Location                                   Distance                                   Facility

 

Kingsport, TN                          40 miles                        Holston Valley Medical Center

Indian Path Hospital

 

Johnson City, TN                     70 miles                        Johnson City Medical Center

Northside Hospital

 

Knoxville, TN                           90 miles                        Baptist Hospital

University of Tenn. Medical Center

 

PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

 

            Lee County has a network of primary care providers throughout the County located in various offices and clinics.  You are never more than 15 minutes from a doctor’s office and/or clinic in Lee County.

 

RELIGION

 

Lee County has over 50 houses of worship representing the denominations listed below.  Denominations represented include: African Methodist Episcopal Zion, Baptist, Catholic, Christian, Community, Evangelical-Covenant, Holiness, Methodist, non-denominational, Pentecostal. A list of county houses of worship can be obtained by contacting the Lee County Chamber of Commerce.

 

A large part of the community is actively involved in church life.  Although we are not exactly in the “Bible Belt”, the community interest and involvement shows a strong indication that we are very close.  The benefit of this is that we have strong families and a significant amount of community volunteers.

 

RECREATION

 

Lee County Recreation Department conducts programs and tournaments in baseball, softball, basketball, and volleyball for youths, teens, and adults. 

 

Individual recreational opportunities abound in Lee County from Cedar Hill Country Club featuring golf, tennis, and swimming to several hiking and biking trails, ATV trails, and a riding club. Martin’s Fork Lake is located in the northern portion of Lee County and features several recreational activity opportunities.

 

Hunting and fishing are very good here.  Different seasons exist for the use of different types of hunting equipment including bow and arrow, black powder as well as rifle season.  Deer, pheasant, grouse, and other small game are on the verge of overpopulation.

 

GOLF

 

There are over twenty in the immediate area with Cedar Hill Country Club being located near Jonesville

 

TENNIS

 

Tennis courts are located throughout the County including Cedar Hill Country Club, Thomas Walker High School, Lee High School, and Leeman Field in Pennington Gap.  Tennis tournaments are conducted in the summer by the Lee County Recreation Department for various age groups and experienced levels.

 

 

BOWLING

 

Hillcrest Lanes in Ben Hur between Jonesville and Pennington Gap is a modern facility complete with snack bar, shoe rental, and ball availability.  Hillcrest is particularly popular among teenagers as a Friday night activity.  After regular hours, it provides opportunities for bowling at a discount.

 

OUTDOOR RECREATION

 

The Cumberland Gap National Park commemorating early settlers, and early American wilderness explorer, Daniel Boone, is located in extreme western Lee County.  The park offers camping, picnicking, hiking, and seasonal programs.  Sites within the park to visit are Hensley’s Settlement, Sand Cave and White Rocks, all of which are accessible by trail only.  Also located on the edge of the park is Cudjo’s Caverns, a series of caves used by American Indians and Civil War Soldiers.

 

Northern Lee County contains 11,873 acres of the Jefferson National Forest which provide opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, camping, picnicking, backpacking and sightseeing. At the Northeast end of the County is Cave Springs Recreation Site.  It provides opportunities for hiking, picnicking, camping and swimming. Also located in northern Lee County is Lake Keokee, a federally impounded and stocked lake teeming with bream and game fish. Fishing is excellent in the Powell River which may be used by small boats and/or canoes.  Hunting for game including deer, turkey and grouse is excellent.

 

PLACES TO VISIT

 

Lee County is located within 2-3 hours of several major TVA lakes, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, The Great Smokey Mountains, and Biltmore House and Gardens.

 

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

 

There is something for everyone in Lee County and the area from shopping to high culture.

 

A whole range of shopping opportunities await you ranging from everyday shopping at local dollar stores, discount and drug stores in Lee County to large outlet malls in Knoxville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Tennessee.

 

The Lee County Arts Association sponsors several plays and concerts throughout the year in various locations across the County.  Knoxville Chamber Orchestra provides performances and instruction in Lee County annually.  There are symphonic orchestras located at Kingsport and Knoxville which have season programs.

 

The Barter Theatre in historic Abingdon, VA is nationally renowned for its artist and their performances.  The Trail of the Lonesome Pine is the states longest running outdoor drama.  It is depicted on the original site, the June Toliver House in Big Stone Gap, VA.

 

Lee County is also located on the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage M