Bedford says OK to mill museum

By Justin Faulconer

Published: October 28, 2008

BEDFORD — It’s been more than half a century since the vacant Big Otter Mill produced corn, wheat and other grains in Bedford County.

Following a push by the Board of Supervisors on Monday, the mill can once again be put to use, this time as an educational museum.

After a public hearing, supervisors unanimously approved a special-use permit for the mill, located a mile north of Liberty High School on Virginia 122, for use as a cultural attraction.

Built around 1920 after a fire destroyed the original mill, it operated for roughly 30 years. A preservation group called the Big Otter Mill Foundation believes it has the potential to enhance tourism and provide public educational opportunities.

Ben Shrader, a volunteer engineer participating in the efforts, called it a “rare historical asset” the county should take advantage of. The foundation has received nearly $20,000 in contributions and is seeking grants for restoration efforts, he said.

“The site is simply too significant” not to restore and make available to the public, Shrader said.

Several spoke in favor during a hearing and no one in opposition.

Supervisor Gary Lowry mentioned the need for fencing in the rear of the property bordering the Big Otter River.

Along with fixing the interior, the foundation also proposes to restore a wheel behind the building that Shrader said would cost $35,000.

The scarlet multi-story structure is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In other business:

-The board voted unanimously to waive connection fees to public utilities for the Forest Volunteer Fire Department. The department is planning to move to a new facility on Thomas Jefferson Road close to U.S. 221 in the near future. The board approved a cap of $70,000 to cover the department’s expenses in consistency with a policy it has for all county fire departments.

-County Administrator Kathleen Guzi received a letter from Robert Sutton, Bedford’s residency administrator for the Virginia Department of Transportation, announcing his retirement. Sutton has worked with VDOT for 45 years and spent more than 10 years in Bedford. He wrote that Debbie Shinstine will serve as acting administrator until she is either permanently assigned or the position is otherwise filled.