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ISSUE YEAR VOLUME

Fire Prevention Week sounds off in Wytheville Page 8

Check out the images of Halloween at Rural Retreat Lake page 4

Find out how to help a four-legged friend page 7

Wythe the newsTHE HUB OF SOUTHWEST V IRGIN IA .

Video system approved for Boardroom On October 9, 2012, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting at the Wythe County Administration Building.

At the meeting, the Board received a resolution from the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate, learned about National Heritage Areas and the Crooked Road, ap-proved funding for a Boardroom video system, and passed the Wythe County Subdivision Ordi-nance.

Del. Anne B. Crockett-Stark ad-dressed the Board to present a reso-lution declaring Oct. 15 Edith Bol-ling Wilson Day. Wytheville was

the birthplace of First Lady Wilson and was where her family resided. With this resolution, the Town of Wytheville and Wythe County have been recognized by the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate.

Jack Hinshelwood, Executive Di-rector of the Crooked Road, pre-sented the Board with information regarding the organization and Na-tional Heritage Areas.

The organization is actively seek-ing to receive this designation to have the region, including Wythe County, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

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340 S 6th St Wytheville, VA 24382

Phone: (276) 223-6020

Fax: (276) 223-6030

E-mail: jvcoleman@wytheco.org www.wytheco.org

www.facebook.com/wytheco

On October 23, 2012, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting in the County Ad-ministration Building. At the meeting, the Board received a business plan from the Wythe County Rescue Squad, scheduled a meeting with the Wythe County School Board, and accepted a grant for a new mandated program. J.D. Hancock, Wythe County Rescue Squad Director, presented the Board with a new business plan for the squad. Hancock pointed out that this is a

working document and will be updated continuously. The squad plans to meet with the Fire and Rescue Taskforce to discuss the plan further. The Board scheduled a meeting to dis-cuss the Wythe County Public School’s capital improvement plan on Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the County Ad-ministration Building. The plan includes three phases in which four schools are proposed to be renovated.

The 2012 Local Stormwater Program Grant was accepted in the amount of $33,842. Cellell Dalton, County Ad-ministrator, pointed out this program is an unfunded mandate from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The funds awarded in the grant are only a third of the funding necessary to es-tablish the new program.

Volume 1 Issue 12

November 2012

Board accepts stormwater grant

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New County Phone Numbers

On November 14, 2012, the Wythe County Administra-tion Office will transition to a new phone system. Due to the installation of the new system, all telephone num-bers will be reassigned as fol-lows:

General (276) 223-4500

Building Inspection Request: (276) 223-4500

Water and Waste Water: (276) 223-4501

County Administrator’s Of-fice: (276) 223-4500

Assistant County Administra-tor: (276) 223-4507

Planning Department: (276) 223-4508

Tina Brown: (276) 223-4517

Scotty Vaught: (276) 223-4518

Gary Cody: (276) 223-4519

Parks and Recreation Infor-mation Line: (276) 223-4520

Emergency Management: (276) 223—4521

Public Information: (276) 223-4522

Fax: (276) 223-4515

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Deadline November 30. Through special arrangements with Santa and his elves, Wythe County Parks & Recreation is sponsoring Letters from Santa. In order for your child to receive a personalized letter from Santa’s Workshop, please send the completed “Letters to Santa” form to Santa’s Workshop, WCPRD, 340 South Sixth Street, Wytheville, VA 24382 by November 30th. This is for children ages 10 and under. Your child will receive a letter from Santa that is personalized with the information you provide. Start a new holiday tradition and send your loved one(s) a little bit of Holiday Magic.

Letters from Santa

Sign up for emergency alert text

messaging today! Wythe County Sheriff’s Of-fice will now be sending text message alerts during emer-gency situations. Messages will be disbursed when notic-es need to be distributed for adverse weather, traffic situa-tions, dangerous incidents and more. The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office hopes this will be tool to better inform residents when information needs to be distributed quickly. To sign up for this service, text “WYTHECO” or “WYTHESHERIFF” to 888777.

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Building permits are required for the construction of roof structures and some decks. Please con-tact the Building Inspection Department for information.   

Citizens who have recrea-tional vehicles or campers located in the floodplain should be familiar with our Floodplain Management Ordinance. Please visit our website to see the ordi-nance.

Edith Bolling Wilson turns 140

Note from the De-partment of Build-ing

On October 15, 2012, the Edith Bolling Wil-son Museum held a reception in honor of the former first lady’s 140 birthday. The recep-tion was attended by a number of guests in-cluding Wythe County Tourism Director Gary Cody. Del. Anne B. Crockett-Stark addressed the Wythe County Board of Supervisors at its bi-monthly meeting to present a resolution de-claring Oct. 15 Edith Bolling Wilson Day. Wytheville was the birthplace of First Lady Wilson and was where her family resided. With this resolution, the Town of Wytheville and Wythe County have been recognized by the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate.

On November 1, 2012, Wythe County Board of Supervisors met with representatives from the Wythe County School Board to discuss the Wythe County Public Schools Capital Improvement Plan. Dr. Lee Brannon, Wythe County Public Schools Superintendent, reported on public meetings held regarding the plan. Meetings have been held at George Wythe High School, Rural Retreat High School, and local civic clubs. More meetings are scheduled for the future.

Brannon also gave the Board a presentation regarding what is be-ing presented to the public about the plan. The presentation includes background information from facil-ity studies, progress that has been made to schools throughout the County and what is being looked at for the future. The first phase of the project would begin in May 2013, if approved by the Board of Supervisors. Renova-tions included the addition of se-cure entrances, bus canopies, and needed classrooms.

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School Board presents Plan

Upcoming Trips

Senior Van Tour of the New River Trail – No-vember 7 Enjoy a guid-ed van tour along 40 miles of the New River Trail. Discover the natu-ral and cultural history of the region through site seeing of the New River Trail system. Ag-es 55 & Older. Trip in-cludes brochures and a boxed lunch. Fee: $25 per person; leave the New River Trail State Park at Foster Falls at 8:45am and return at 4pm. Deadline to regis-ter: November 2nd. Sponsored by the New River Trail State Park and Wythe County Parks & Recreation.

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Rural Retreat Lake Halloween Celebration

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Schools to be worked on through the first phase of the capital im-provement plan include Rural Re-treat Middle School, Sheffey Ele-mentary School and Fort Chiswell Middle School. The proposed cost of this phase of the capital improvements plan is eight million dollars. Another topic discussed included the use of school facilities for recre-ation activities. Cellell Dalton, County Administra-

tor, suggested school improvement also look at how recreation areas can be utilized through the Coun-ty’s recreation department and the general public. The Board requested information from staff regarding what tax in-crease would be necessary contrib-ute to the cost of the renovations. According to Dalton, decisions regarding the renovations for the schools should be made before Christmas.

Upcoming Events

Ivanhoe Christmas Pa-rade – Saturday, No-vember 24 at 4 p.m. Come out and show your support for the Max Meadows community. Still taking entries for organizations Civic, Church, Commercial and Antique vehicles. First place trophies will be awarded for organiza-tions and a plaque for the best chosen Antique ve-hicle. To register, call (276)223-6022. Sponsored by the Wythe County Parks & Recreation Depart-ment. Max Meadows Christ-mas Parade – Satur-day, December 1 at 1 p.m. Come out and show your support for the Max Meadows community. Still taking entries for organizations Civic, Church, Commercial and Antique vehicles. First place trophies will be awarded for organiza-tions and a plaque for the best chosen Antique ve-hicle. Entries will need to meet at the Max Meadows El-ementary school at 12:00pm. To register, call (276)223-6022. Sponsored by the Wythe County Parks & Recrea-tion Department.

Cont: school board

Short Sports – 3 to 6 year olds Short sports is a program geared towards 3-6 year old chil-dren who want to start learning the basic motor skills to bas-ketball, baseball, tennis and football. This class will meet on four straight Monday’s from 6:30pm-7:15pm at the Rural Retreat Pentecostal Holiness Church. This is a great pro-gram to introduce your child to a variety of sports and also prepare your child for organized sports. Parents much be present and will be working with their children on assigned tasks. Registration Deadline – Monday, November 12. Reg-istration Fee: $10 per child. This program will meet on Monday’s Nov. 19, Nov. 26 Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. 6th & 7th Grade Youth Basketball – Open for both boys and girls. Games will be played at the elementary schools of Max Meadows, Jackson, Rural Retreat, Sheffey and Speedwell, as well as the high schools of Fort Chiswell, George Wythe and Rural Retreat. Registration dates: November 1st-30th. Prac-tice begins December 1 and season runs January 8-February 22.

Upcoming Wythe County Parks and Recreation Sports

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Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month at Wythe County Dog Shelter

In honor of “Adopt a Shelter Dog” month, Wythe County businesses offered special incentives for adopt-ing a dog from the Wythe County Dog Shelter in the month of October. New pet parents took advantage of adoption fee waivers, Petco gift cards, free grooming and more through October 31, 2012. “Adopt a Shelter Dog” month encourages individuals to become a caregiver to a dog in need and provide a “furever” home. Wythe County adopted out 15 dogs in the month of October. Adopters took advantage of many great donations when adopting a dog from the Wythe County Dog Shelter. Bob Huff Chevrolet Buick GMC Inc. and Huff Ford Subaru Inc. paid the adoption fees and provided treat bags for dogs. Petco provided gifts cards and coupons. K9 Designs provided free pre-adoption grooming and Woofville provided free post-adoption grooming. Wythe County would like to thank all of the businesses who participated in “Adopt a Shelter Dog” month. The services they are providing to the residents and animals of Wythe County helped to give homes to dogs that are in need. For more information regarding dogs currently availa-ble for adoption please contact the Wythe County Dog Shelter at (276) 228-6003. Dogs currently at the shelter can be view at www.facebook.com/wythecodogshelter

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Tips for Fire Prevention Put a smoke alarm on every level of your home, outside each sleep-ing area, and in every bedroom.

Smoke alarms can be battery-operated or electrically hard-wired in your home and are available at a variety of price points.

If you have hearing problems, use alarms with flashing strobe lights and vibration.

Test smoke alarms every month. Replace batteries once a year, even if alarms are hard-wired.

Plan and practice several escape

routes and a safe place to meet outside.

Plan and practice two escape routes out of each room of the house. It is important to have an alternate escape route in case one is blocked by fire.

Have a designated person to help young children and others who might have difficulty escaping.

Teach safety. A child who is coached properly ahead of time may have a better chance of sur-viving.

Wytheville Fire Prevention Week Parade

Children should know the sound of the smoke alarm. When they hear it, teach them to get outside quickly and crawl low if there is smoke.

Touch doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If the door is hot, use an alternative exit.

Teach children never to go back into a burning building for anything such as a toy or pet, and to call the fire depart-ment or 911 from a neighbor’s home or a cell phone outside.

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Rescue Squad Attends EMS Day

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On October 10, 2012, Wythe County Rescue Squad attended EMS Day at Jackson Elementary School. The squad members read stories to two classes.

Water and Sewer Updates

Construction projects: Wytheville to RR water exten-sion; The original contract was complet-ed in July and 75 residents have connected to the system. In addi-tion, with grant funds remaining in the project, a change order has been issued to extend water service along A Frame Drive, and an ex-tension along St. Paul Ln and east on Huffard Ln. This work should be completed in early spring. Grahams Forge Sewer Project The contractor has completed ap-proximately 45% of the work. This project is scheduled for completion in March of 2013. Old School Road water Project: Bids will be received on October 31 for a water main extension off of the recently completed Old School Rd project. The extension will loop around Old School Rd to the end of Marble Ln. This work should be completed in early spring. Project in the planning stages: Slabtown community improve-ments project; A public meeting was held Octo-ber 25 to gain citizen input on community needs such as water, road and housing improvements. About 14 citizens were in attend-ance. Citizen involvement is the driving factor in determining what the community needs and whether or not there is enough support for applying for a community devel-opment block grant. Communities with low to moderate income may be eligible for block grant funding. At the request of the County, Mt. Rogers Planning District Commis-sion has been going door to door getting income surveys completed which will help to determine if the area is eligible for grant funding. If you live in the Slabtown area and have not filled out a survey, please stop by the County Administration building to pick one up.

Wytheville Volunteer Fire Department Receives Brush Truck Equipment

With funding from the Wythe-Bland Foundation, the Wytheville Vol-unteer Fire Department has installed equipment on its brush truck. This equipment will aid in the containment and expelling of brush fires, as well as, interstate incidents. Wythe County and Wytheville Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the Wythe-Bland Foundation for all of its contributions to fire and rescue services in Wythe County.

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On Saturday, October 27, 2012, the Rural Retreat High School gymna-sium was taken over by the sounds of cheers, chants and dances for the Annual Cheermania event spon-sored by both Wythe County and the Town of Wytheville Parks and Recreation Departments. The event was kicked off with all cheerlead-ers, coaches and family members on the hardwood dancing to the “Cupid Shuffle.” The Cheermania event replaced the Cheerleading Competition that was held for 16 years prior. Cheerma-nia created a different focus to the 3rd-6th grade in performing a Cheer, Chant and Dance by eliminating the awards of Champion, 1st and 2nd Runner Up in the Junior Varsity (3rd-4th) and Varsity (5th-6th) divi-sions. Wythe County Parks and Recrea-tion Cheerleading Coordinator Tina Brown stated that the energy, hard work and dedication to the cheer program was definitely displayed in each and every performance. Brown stated the 2012 cheer sea-son had two hundred and fifty one (251) cheerleaders on sixteen (16) different squads performing a Cheer, Chant and Dance in front of

the packed gymnasium. Cheerleaders were tossed in the air, stomped feet, clapped hands and lead chants. In addition, there was an explosion of glitter, dancing football players, and dance routines that dazzled the audi-ence with music from the 80’s, Pop, Hip-Hop and Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Each cheerleader in each division, Junior Varsity – 3rd and 4th graders and Varsity – 5th and 6th graders, re-

ceived a gold cheer medal that was engraved with 2012 Cheermania. Brown stated that everyone who worked hard throughout the cheer season not only deserved to be rec-ognized by showcasing their prac-ticed talents, but by taking home a personal token from this event. Cheermania will be an annual event for all cheerleaders for Wythe and Bland Counties and the Town of Wytheville in grades 3rd-6th.

Annual Wythe County Cheermania

Wythe County Park and Recreation held its annual youth football Super Bowl on October 20, 2012. After great competition from all teams, one Varsity and one Junior Varsity team came out victorious. The Jackson Eagles (right) took home the trophy for Junior Varsity and the Bland County Bears won in Varsity.

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Schedule of Events

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

28 29 30 31 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 Economic Development

9 10

11 12 13 14 Board of Supervisors

15 16 17

18 19 20 Water Committee Tourism Committee

21 Budget Committee

22 23 24

25 26 Recreation Commission

27 Board of Supervisors

28 29 31 1

November 2012

11/8– Economic Develop-ment Committee will meet in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 8 a.m.

11/14- Wythe County Board of Supervisors will hold its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. in the County Admin-istration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville.

11/20- Water Committee

will meet in the conference room of the County Admin-istration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 9:30 a.m.

11/20- Tourism Committee will meet in the Board room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 6 p.m.

11/21 - Budget Committee will meet in the conference room of the County Admin-

istration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 8 a.m.

11/26- Recreation Commis-sion will meet in the Board room of the County Admin-istration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 7 p.m.

11/27- Wythe County Board of Supervisors will hold its bi-monthly meeting at 9 a.m. in the County Admin-istration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville.

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Upcoming Classes

340 S 6th St Wytheville, VA 24382 Phone: (276) 223-6020 Fax: (276) 223-6030

E-mail: jvcoleman@wytheco.org www.wytheco.org www.facebook.com/wytheco

The HUB of southwest VA

Wythe County Board of Supervisors

The organization hopes to receive the designation for recognition as an im-portant part of the American experi-ence and for one to one federal match funding. In addition, the Crooked Road hopes the funding will create jobs and improve the quality of life in Southwest Virginia.

Cellell Dalton, County Administrator, presented the benefits to the County for belonging to the National Associ-ation of Counties (NACo) and Vir-ginia Association of Counties. Bene-fits include a discount drug card pro-gram in which residents have saved over $200,000 through the County’s membership to NACo.

The Board approved funding for a Boardroom video system that will be used to record and distribute video of public meetings to residents via local television and the Internet. More in-formation regarding the release of the videos will be provided when the sys-tem is in place and functioning.

The Board voted to pass the Wythe County Subdivision Ordinance. An informational meeting will be sched-

Cont: video system

ule by the Wythe County Planning Commission staff for surveyors, land developers, attorneys and other inter-ested individuals to review the new ordinance.

the music with repetitive movements. Zumba’s choreography incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, merenjue, mambo, mar-tial arts, and some Bollywood and belly dance moves. Squats and Lunges are also introduced. Fee: $55.00 for 6 weeks; $65.00 for both Zumba and Pilates/Yoga. For ages 15 & Up. Tuesday’s and Thurs-day’s Oct 30-Nov 15; SKIP Nov 20 & 22; Nov 27-Dec 13 at the Rural Retreat Middle School Cafeteria. To register, call (276)223-6022. Toddler Art – “Discover Art”; 3 to 5 year olds – Instructor Erin Simons Bring the joy of creativity, the delight of imagination, and the thrill of an art adven-ture to your child. “Discover Art” will al-low your toddler to explore are on a grander tmore expressive scale. This class will help in building creativity, problem solving, so-cial skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills. Wear old clothes and shoes that are okay to get stained; in the past students have worn the same clothes from week to week.

Mondays beginning November 5th-26th; 4 weeks at the Max Meadows Fire Department; 5:20pm-6:00pm; Cost of Instruc-tion $20.00; Maximum Class – 10 Children.

For more information or to register, call (276)223-6022 or email recdept@wytheco.org Registration Deadline: November 2nd (Max Meadows location); Masterpiece Mania – Grades K-1 & 2-3 – Instructor Erin Simons Take a journey through the past and create your own gallery of masterpieces based on the art of such masters as Giotto, Michelan-gelo, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and more. A gallery showing of each master-piece completed will be shown at the end of the six week course. Wear old clothes and shoes that are okay to get stained. In the past, students have worn the same clothes from week to week. Mondays Nov. 5th-Dec. 10th; Max Meadows Fire Department Section 1: Grades K-1 (Max 12 students); 6:15pm-7:00pm. Section 2: Grades 2-3 (max 15 students); 7:15pm-8:00pm. Fee: $15.00per class; $75.00 for entire course. Registration Deadline: Nov 2nd (Max Meadows location)

Water Color Classes – Workshop is de-signed for the professional painter who is stuck in a style as well as for the novice who wants to conquer their fear of painting. The popular workshops nurture individual success and personal enrichment with a big emphasis on bold use of color. It is stress-free, but be warned; you could end up with too much enthusiasm for painting! Expect an intense concentrated study of watercolor materials, color theory, painting techniques and composition. Professional supplies provided. Fee: $30 per class. Choose from 2 different locations and several dates: Rural Retreat Pentecostal Holi-ness Church; Nov. 3rd & Dec 8th; 10am-12:30pm;

Deadlines: Nov. 1st & Dec. 5th. Max Meadows Ruritan Build-

ing; Nov. 11th & Dec. 9th; 1pm-4:30pm Deadlines: Nov. 1st & Dec. 5th.

Minimum of 6 – Maximum 15 participants. Pilates/Yoga Class – Tuesday & Thurs-day; 5:45pm-6:30pm – Instructors Patti Mills & Thelma Surber Stretch and strengthen your body, learn to relax, breathe, and focus in a class tailored to your needs and skill level. Develop bet-ter breathing habits, improve posture and learn techniques to use mental concentra-tions and focus through deep stretching exercises that will improve your balance, flexibility and coordination. Fee: $55.00 for 6 weeks; $65.00 for both Zumba and Pilates/Yoga. For ages 15 & Up. Tues-day’s & Thursday’s Oct 30th-Nov 15th; SKIP Nov 20 & 22; Nov 27th-Dec 13th at the Rural Retreat Middle School Cafeteria. To register, call (276)223-6022. Zumba Class – Tuesdays & Thursdays; 6:30pm-7:15pm – Instructors Patti Mills & Thelma Surber Party yourself into shape with this Latin inspired dance fitness program created by dancer and choreographer Alberto “Beto” Perez in Colombia during the 1990’s. Zumba involves dance and aerobic ele-ments. Unlike a typical dance class where counts are used, Zumba involves following