Hello & Welcome

We're incredibly excited to welcome you to "Be Here", Mathews County's first local government newsletter! We're striving to bring seamless communication directly to the public (that's you!) with monthly newsletters that will provide the latest news and updates about County departments, Constitutional offices, and upcoming events.

In this issue of the "Be Here" newsletter, we'll be focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration of our beloved New Point Comfort Lighthouse, employment opportunities, broadband expansion, and many other topics. With the help of "Be Here", we hope to keep you updated with the happenings of Mathews County local government. Do you have suggestions about what you would like to see in future issues of this growing newsletter? Contact us here.

Make sure to stay involved and up to date on everything Mathews County by signing up for our email subscriptions.

Administration Building Renovations

Thanks to our Building Official's office, the County Administration Building located at 50 Brickbat Road, has been under renovation for improvements! County Administration, Planning, Zoning, and Wetlands, and the Technology Department are in the process of moving downstairs in order to improve accessibility for Mathews County residents. At this time, the Administration building is closed to the public.

Are you looking to conduct business with the County? All Mathews County staff members are accessible by phone and email Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Check out our staff directory to connect with us.

Request for Mathews County Citizen Photos

Let's Feature Talent in Mathews!

Do you have a love for photography? Have you taken picturesque photos of our beautiful county? Please reach out to our Building Official's office if interested in having your work displayed in the Administration building.

New Emergency Alert System

As of October 31, 2020, Mathews County has retired CodeRED and upgraded to Rave Mobile's "SMART911" Emergency Alerts System.

We recommend that all Mathews County citizens (including those previously enrolled in the CodeRED program) sign up as soon as possible in order to receive emergency warnings directly to your home phone, cell phone, and email. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes, stay safe in Mathews with our SMART911 system!

COVID-19 in Three Rivers District

Mathews County wants to bring the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination efforts in the Three Rivers Health District directly to you!

As of January 18th, 2021, the Three Rivers Health District and local medical facilities have completed vaccinating health care workers and first responders with their initial injections as laid out in the Virginia vaccination Phase 1A plan. Long-term health care facilities and assisted living facility residents and staff are being vaccinated by Walgreens and CVS pharmacies through a federal partnership.

At this time, the Three Rivers Health District has transitioned to Phase 1B of the Virginia vaccination plan.

The new priority phases of the COVID-19 vaccination effort are:

• Phase 1A: Healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents.

• Phase 1B: Persons aged 65 years and older, persons aged 16–64 years with underlying medical conditions, and non–health care frontline essential workers such as law enforcement personnel, firefighters, educators, grocery store workers, transit and postal workers.

• Phase 1C: Essential workers not included in Phase 1B.

As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccine availability is determined at the federal and state government level. Do you have questions about COVID-19 or the vaccination process? Learn more at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

To read the latest Three Rivers Health District COVID-19 press release by Dr. Richard Williams in its entirety, click here.

New Point Comfort Lighthouse Restoration

We're sure that you've heard the buzz about the restoration of our beautiful New Point Comfort Lighthouse, but here's the latest news...

Due to weather interruptions, physical progress on the lighthouse slowed down in January 2021. However, there has been excellent advancement on submittals from the contractor to the engineer and architect team. This includes a variety of shop drawings, work methodology proposals, and product proposals that the contractor submits for review, comment, and approval. Among the items cleared this month are: metal restoration, metal painting, masonry wall replacement, parge coats, mortar color, and exterior paint. As soon as it warms up, dutchman repairs can be made to the exterior sandstone where there has been significant erosion.

Construction of Smart Data Poles Around Mathews County

Have you heard? The Broadband Advisory Board has made significant strides in bringing broadband to Mathews County. Smart Data poles, paid for by the Virginia's CARES Fund, are beginning to be built around the county. The Smart Data poles currently offer free WIFI with no password required! As the Broadband Advisory Board continues to expand access to broadband throughout Mathews, these Smart Data poles have the ability to be converted to wireless relay poles.

Looking for a Smart Data pole near you? Check out the map of Mathews County below for specific locations to obtain free WIFI!

We're Hiring!

Planning, Zoning, and Wetlands as well as the Building Official's office, are currently seeking a qualified applicant for a Combination Inspector position. Are you interested in applying? Fill out our online application here.

Job Summary

The qualified candidate will be responsible for performing a designated combination of inspections to include the following: building construction for residential projects, erosion and sediment control, zoning compliance, and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act compliance in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, Mathews County Erosion & Sediment Control Ordinance, and Mathews County Zoning Ordinance.

Are You Interested in Becoming a Local Office Candidate?

Citizens interested in becoming a local candidate in the November 2021 election should review the Department of Elections website for up to date instructions, ballot access requirements, and deadlines.

Potential candidates are also welcome to pick up informational packets at the Voter Registrar's Office located at 10604 Buckley Hall Rd, Mathews, VA 23109. Office hours are from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday to Friday.

New Application Process for Concealed Handgun Permits

The process related to the submission of concealed carry permits has changed. Applicants will no longer take their application to the Sheriff's Office to begin the process, but instead, take them to the Clerk of the Circuit Court's office.

Concealed handgun permits are issued through the Circuit Court in the locality where the applicant resides, or if you are active-duty military, the locality where the applicant is domiciled. The applicant must be at least 21 years of age and provide proof that he or she is competent to carry a concealed weapon pursuant to Virginia Code Section 18.2-308(G). Permits are good for five years and should be renewed at least 45 days prior to expiration.

Are you looking to submit an application? Be sure to review the process here.

DMV Select Information

During these uncertain times, there have been a number of questions brought up about the Mathews County DMV Select office located in the Treasurer's office at 10644 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109.

As of September 28, 2020, the Mathews County Treasurer's office began implementing appointments for all vehicle and trailer title transactions, including substitute or replacement titles. Citizens may schedule an appointment here.

The Treasurer's/ DMV Select office is still allowing walk-ins for the following transactions: registration renewals, reissue of lost or stolen decals, reissue of plates, overload permits, handicap placard or handicap plates, driving transcript or compliance summary, address change, or surrendering plates. As a reminder, Driver's Licenses and/or IDs are not issued at this DMV Select location.

The Mathews County Treasurer's/ DMV Select office is open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. For further information, click here.

Stay Up to Date

Would you like to participate in upcoming Mathews County events? Check out our February 2021 meeting schedule below and be sure to subscribe to our calendar on the Mathews County website to receive notifications about future events.

We Want to Hear From You!

We want to thank you for being a part of the first "Be Here" newsletter and we would love to hear your suggestions about future issues. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and our Mathews County website to share your thoughts!