VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7
JUNE 2012
Wythe the News Wythe County Board of Supervisors
Inside this issue: New measure in stopping illegal dumping
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CART requesting volunteers 2 to aid animals in emergencies 2012 Kids Fishing Derby
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Official voting information 3 Virginia Dare 2012 Trip
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APCO to upgrade Wythe County system
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Disc Golf course now open! 5 Cont.: speed study
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Public Hearing—Clean Air 6 Ordinance Amendment Cont: emergency intercon- 6 nect June Public Meetings
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I-77/I-81 Overlap approved 7 Wythe-Grayson Regional Library’s Summer Programs
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Upcoming Events & Classes 8
Board requests speed study On May 8, 2012, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bimonthly meeting in the Boardroom of the Wythe County Administration building. At the meeting, the Board passed a motion asking the Virginia Department of Transportation to conduct a speed study and approved the issuing of a bond. The Board heard from residents and VDOT rep-
During the May 22, 2012 meeting of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, Board members took a tour of the new Wythe County office building currently under construction.
Fo
resentatives regarding the proposed six-year road improvement plan.
asked the representatives several questions regarding transportation issues.
In addition to accepting the plan, Board members
One issue presented was a request from a resident to Continued page 5
County enters into emergency interconnect agreement with the Town of Rural Retreat On May 22, 2012, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bimonthly meeting in the Wythe County Administration Building Boardroom. At the meeting, the Board approved an emergency
water interconnect agreement, moved to send letters to VDOT regarding road maintenance, agreed to assist in identifying individuals for an indoor plumbing assistance program, and approved hiring of engineer-
ing firm for preliminary reports for water and sewer improvements in southeastern Wythe County . The Board entered into an Emergency Water Interconnect Agreement with the Continued page 6
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WYTHE THE NEWS
New measures in stopping illegal dumping
Wythe County’s Margaret C. Ager Recreation Park will be receiving new scoreboards thanks to Gatorade. The company is donating $8,600 to the Wythe County Parks and Recreation Department for the construction of the two new scoreboards.
In an effort to reduce illegal dumping in Wythe County, the Sheriff’s Office will be placing surveillance cameras at many illegal dumpsites throughout the County. Sheriff Doug King hopes the cameras will help eliminate illegal dumping. Funding for the cameras was acquired through funding from the United States Forest Service in the amount $2,500. The U.S. Forest Service suggested the cameras be used to monitor the illegal dumps in forested areas.
Ty (or Junior as he was know to the Wythe County Dog Shelter staff) is the newest members of the King family. He was adopted from the shelter on April 14, 2012. To find your new family member, contact the Wythe County Dog Shelter at (276) 228-6003 or animalcontrol@wytheco.org
Illegal dumpsites can lead to a number of health and safety concerns. In addition, the sites foster a negative image in a community. These sites can contain broken glass, exposed metal, hazardous wastes and other dangerous materials, which can hurt adults and children working and playing near illegally dumped debris. Citizens can take an active role in stopping illegal dumping by: - Always disposing of litter and trash properly. Teach children to respect the environment and their neighborhood by
disposing of trash properly. - Do not transport unsecured debris in the back of a vehicle. Use a tarp or other cover. - Organize volunteer cleanups of roadways and illegal dumpsites—studies show people are less likely to litter in clean areas. - Write or call your county elected officials, County Administration, or the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office to advise them of illegal dump locations in the community.
CART requesting volunteers to aid animals in emergencies In emergency situations, there are members of the family who are often not planned for. They are our furry, fourlegged (and sometimes twolegged) family members, our pets.
and animal-agricultural resources that are available for planning, prevention, protection, mobilization, response, and recovery related to emergency incidents within their community.
What many residents do not know is the behind the scenes preparation in place to take care of our often overlooked family members in an emergency
Wythe County CART is
A Community Animal Response Team (CART) program is a network of animal
made up of community residents including an emergency manager, local veterinarian, Wytheville Community College representative, and others.
Currently, Wythe County CART is looking to expand its membership to include concerned residents of the County who are able and willing to help in emergency situations. These individuals would aid in the planning and execution of emergency operations. For more information about joining the Wythe County CART please email rbeamer@wiredog.com
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7
2012 Kids Fishing Derby
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Wythe County’s first disc golf course is now open to the public for play! See images from the grand opening on page 5
Official voting information Republican Party Primary Election- June 12, 2012. Polls open at 6:00 A.M. and close at 7:00 P.M.
On May 19, 2012, children from across the County came to Rural Retreat lake to participate in the 2012 Kids Fishing Derby.
Deadline to register or change address to be eligible to vote in the Primary Election is May 21, 2012 at 4:30 P.M. Deadline to accept an absentee ballot application by mail is June 5, 2012 Deadline to vote absentee ballot in person is June 9, 2012. The registrar's office will be open on Saturday, June 9, 2012, from 9:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. A reminder, the law requires that you show ID at the Polls. Write-ins are not an option in Primary Elections.Â
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Virginia Dare 2012 Trip The Virginia Dare is a 19th Century replica side wheeler that is 63’ long, 20’ wide and 26.6’ tall. The Virginia Dare was built in the spring of 1989. The trip will consist of a chartered bus to Smith Mountain Lake, lunch and narrated tour on the Virginia Dare while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Smith Mountain Lake The trip will take place on June 9, 2012 Cost: $65 per person Call 223-6022 for more info.
See the page 7 for all of the Wythe County Public meetings in the month of June
WYTHE THE NEWS
APCO to update Wythe County system (The following is a press release from Appalachian Power Company) Appalachian Power has announced a $100 million upgrade in the electric infrastructure that serves the Wythe County area. The company is in the initial study phase of the project which involves construction of approximately 15 miles of 138kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line between and upgrades to its Wythe, Progress Park and Jacksons Ferry substations. Appalachian is seeking public input into the sitting process before pursuing approval to construct the new line. Local 138-kV electric substations in the area connect distribution customers to the transmission system. PJM, the independent regional transmission planning organization, has determined that without an upgrade to the 138 kV system the area could experience voltage problems by 2015. The addition of a new
power line that ties together the existing electric substations, addresses the voltage problem and helps ensure reliable service to customers. The company has identified preliminary study segments for review. The public provided comments on the preliminary study segments and suggest alternative routing options at the company’s website and at a public workshop on Thursday, May 24, at Fort Chiswell High School. The comment period continues through July 14. The new facilities will be constructed using a combination of lattice and single pole structures that range between 100 and 125 feet in height,
and the line will be built on a 100-foot wide right of way. Appalachian will file an application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission this Fall seeking approval to construct the new facilities. The project is planned to be in service by 2015.
Customers can find more information about the Wythe Area Improvements project, including maps and photos of similar facilities to those proposed, or provide comments on the project at www.AppalachianPower. com/ WytheAreaImprovements.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7
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Disc Golf The Rural Retreat Lake and Campground Disc Golf Course is officially open for visitors to enjoy. The Wythe County Parks and Recreation Department held the course’s grand opening on June 1, 2012. Disc golf is one of the fastest growing recreation sports in the country. The sport takes the childhood game of “Frisbee” and places it on a course focused on accuracy. The course begins near the entrance of the park. It then curves its way through trees and up hills to give players the ultimate obstacle experience. The course is aimed to attract players of all skill levels and ages. Present at the grand opening were the course’s sponsors, without whom the course may never have been built.
“The new addition to Rural Retreat Lake and Campground, the 9-Hole Disc Golf, would not have been possible without the sponsorships from our nine businesses and individuals,” said Gary Cody, Wythe County Parks and Recreation Director. “We appreciate the donations to make the disc golf course come to life.” Each sponsor has its logo displayed at a specific hole. Sponsors for the course include:
Hole # 1 – Wytheville Rotary Club Hole #2 – Blue Ridge Chiropractor Hole #3 – BB&T Hole #4 – Wythe Co. Community Hospital
Hole #5 – Dr. Jerry Lowry and Family Hole #6 – Rural Retreat Electric and Pumping Hole #7 – Wythe Eye Associates Hole #8 - Wythe Physicians for Women, Dr. Elizabeth Fox Hole # 9 - United Country – Anders Realty & Auction The public can view the layout of the course by visiting the Wythe County website at www.wytheco.org. The department is also holding an Introduction to Disc Golf Class on June 14 at 6 p.m.
Wythe County’s first disc golf course is now open to the public for play! Enjoy all nine holes this summer at Rural Retreat Lake and Campground
For more information on the disc golf course or the introductory class being offered, contact Cody at (276) 223-6065
Cont: speed study lower the speed limit of an area of Route 52 between Fort Chiswell and exit 81. The resident and Board members were concerned about the drivers traveling too quickly when other vehicles are slowing to turn. Because of these concerns, the Board passed a
motion requesting VDOT conduct a speed study of the area to look at the risks associated with the current speed. The representatives informed the Board that the concerns would be looked into. The Board approved the issuance of a bond from
the Virginia Resource Authority in the amount of $1,369,871. The bond will be used to address sewer issues experienced by many residents in the Exit 86 area of Wythe County. The bond has a 0% interest rate and will be issued for a span of 20 years.
Check out page 8 for Wythe County’s library and recreation summer programs
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WYTHE THE NEWS
Cont: emergency interconnect Public Hearing—Clean Air Ordinance Amendment In compliance with the Code of Virginia and amendments thereto, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing to consider Amendment No. 1 to Ordinance 1992-3 entitled, “Clean Air Ordinance of Wythe County, Virginia.” The Board of Supervisors will hear comments from citizens concerning the proposed amendment. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 7:05 p.m. in the
Town of Rural Retreat. This agreement provides the framework for the town and county to obtain water from each other in an emergency situation. This provides both entities a redundant water supply should an incident occur limiting their water supply capability. Joe Hale, Fort Chiswell District Supervisor, requested the Board send two letters to VDOT. The first would request VDOT to stripe Peppers Ferry Road from the new bridge over the railroad to the Pulaski County line. The second letter would request unused snow remov-
al funds to be used for secondary road maintenance issues in Wythe County. The Board approved sending both letters. The Board agreed to assist in identifying individuals for the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project. This project aims to provide indoor plumbing and water to those in need. The Board requests you please notify its members or the Wythe County Water Department if you know of individuals that are in need of assistance to obtain indoor plumbing. In addition to these items, the Board approved a con-
tract with Peed & Bortz for preliminary engineering report for water service for the Castleton Road/ Barren Springs/Patterson area of Wythe County. The company will also prepare a preliminary engineering report for sewer service for the Poplar Camp area. Since this area is already served by public water, the county hopes adding sewer service in the area will promote economic growth in this portion of Wythe County. A sewer system could attract industry, hotels, restaurants, and more along this busy Interstate 77 interchange.
Board Room of the Wythe County Office Building, 340 South Sixth Street, Wytheville, Virginia. A copy of proposed amendment is on file for the public review in the County Administrator’s Office located at 340 South Sixth Street, Wytheville, Virginia. BY ORDER OF THE WYTHE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS R. CELLELL DALTON, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
On May 30, 2012, Wythe County Parks and Recreation Department participated in a health fair at Klockner in Rural Retreat. The department offered employees recreation alternatives to be more fit and healthy.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS June 2012 Public Meetings 6/4 - Planning Commission will meet
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
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28
29
30
31
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2
3
4 Planning Commission
5 Building & Grounds
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7 Economic Development
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in the Board room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 7 p.m. 6/5 - Building and Ground Committee
will meet in the conference of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 8 a.m. 6/5—Wythe County Board of Supervi-
sors will hold a public hearing regarding the 2013 Budget & 2012 Tax Levy. The meeting will be held at the County Administration Building at 7 p.m.
BOS Public Hearing 10
11
12 Board of Supervisor
13 Tourism Committee
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15
16
6/7 - Economic Development Commit-
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18
19 Water Committee
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21 Budget Committee
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23
24
25 Recreation
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27
28
29 Board of
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tee will meet in the conference of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 8 a.m. 6/12- Wythe County Board of Supervi-
sors will hold its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. in the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville.
I-77/I-81 overlap approved (The following is a press release from the Virginia Department of Transportation) BRISTOL—The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) recently selected the location for the I-77/ I-81 overlap in Wythe County choosing Candidate Build Alternative B, which adds one travel lane in each direction at the current location of the overlap. “The board took a significant action to improve mobility in a heavily congested region by approving a location for the I-77/I-81 Overlap in Wythe County,” said VDOT Bristol District Administrator Michael Russell,
P.E. “This area is not only an important transportation link for Virginia but to North Carolina and West Virginia as well.” VDOT presented three alternatives during a public hearing in September 2011; Candidate Build A, separation of the two interstates; Candidate Build B, the addition of one travel lane in each direction and a nobuild option. The next steps in the process are to revise the environmental assessment based on the board’s decision and public comment received
during the September 2011 public hearing, then request a final decision on the environmental assessment from the Federal Highway Administration. The cost estimate for Candidate Build Alternative B is $457 million and includes preliminary engineering, right of way and construction.
6/13- Tourism Committee will meet
in the Board room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 1 p.m. 6/19- Water Committee will meet in
the conference room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 9:30 a.m. 6/21 - Budget Committee will meet
in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 8 a.m.
Currently, funding has not 6/25- Recreation Commission will meet in the Board room of the County been identified for these Administration Building, 340 S 6th phases. Street, Wytheville at 7 p.m.
Link to study website: http:// www.virginiadot.org/ projects/bristol/i-7781_overlap.asp.
6/29- Wythe County Board of Su-
pervisors will hold its bi-monthly meeting at 9 a.m. in the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville.
Communi
Wythe Grayson Regional Library’s June Programs
Wythe County Board of Supervisors The HUB of southwest VA 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/wythecounty
Upcoming Classes & Events Basic Dog Obedience Does your dog need to learn the basic commands to be a safe and well mannered pet?
Deadline: June 15
THIS is the class for YOU & your DOG !!! For dogs 9 weeks & up & all their human family.
Introduction to Disc Golf Learn how to play disc golf on the new Disc Golf Course at Rural Retreat Lake and Campground Fee: $10 and includes a
Instructor: Kristin Forbes Wednesdays, Starting June 20th at Ager Park 6-7pm each day for 7 weeks FEE: $75/per dog Call 223-6022 to register Maximum in class: 8 dogs.
Sponsored by Wythe County Parks and Recreation
Tuesday, June 12
Park, Main Stage, 10:30 a.m.
T-shirt Screen Printing at Rural Retreat Public Library, 10:30 a.m.
Bring your teddy bear or favorite stuffed animal!
Wednesday, June 13 T-shirt Screen Printing & Movie at Wythe County Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Bring a plain, light-colored tshirt and screen print our Summer Reading Program logo! Wednesday, June 20 Teddy Bear Fun Day at Chautauqua
Tuesday, June 26 Governor’s School play at Wythe County Public Library, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 27 Action Animals at Wythe County Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 28 Creating Picture Books at Rural Retreat Public Library, 10:30 a.m.
Elizabeth Brown Memorial
Disc June 14, 6 p.m. Call 223-6022 to sign up! Deadline to register: June 12. Presented by Wythe County Parks and Recreation.
Sign up to receive this monthly newsletter via email by sending a message to newslettersubscribe@wytheco.org. The current edition can also be found online at the County Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wythecoun ty and on www.wytheco.org