VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
FEBRUARY 2012
Wythe the News Wythe County Board of Supervisors
Board elects 2012 Chair Inside this issue: Cont. 2012 Chair
3
Cont. Temp market site
6
Historical Survey looks for diversity
2
Joint bodies discuss water projects
3
County extends reach to promote shelter dogs
4
Commissioner of the Revenue take offices
5
Electoral Board appoints 5 new General Registrar 6 Board tours schools New building codes take 6 effect March 2012 County meetings
The first agenda item was the election of the 2012 chair. Danny McDaniel, East Wytheville District, was elected by his peers to serve his third term as chair, with terms in 2001 and 2002. Upon his election, McDaniel thanked his fellow Board members and spoke highly of the year to come. “I think we’ll have a great year in 2012,” said McDaniel.
Chair Danny McDaniel
Vice Chair Gary Houseman
Next, Gary Houseman, Blacklick District, was elected to serve as vicechair.
Houseman and new Board members Artie Hall and Tim Reeves.
As chair, McDaniel appointed fellow Board members to several different committees. Among the appointments was the Budget Committee, this year to consist of returning Board member
The 2012 Tourism Committee will consist of Reeves, Cellell Dalton, County Administrator, and representatives from each district nominated by his or her Supervisor. Representatives for this Continued Page 3
7
General Media addresses 7&8 unwanted distribution Recreation events
The year’s first meeting of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors took place in the County Administration Building on Jan. 10, 2012. At the meeting, the Board elected the 2012 chair and vice-chair and made many committee appointments.
8
Board agrees to possible temporary site for market On Jan. 24, 2012, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bimonthly meeting at the County Administration Building at 9 a.m.
At the meeting, the Board agreed on a possible temporary home for the Farmer’s Market. Mike Cassell, of the
Wytheville Farmer’s Market, approached the Board to request the use of the parking lot adjacent to the County Administration Continued page 3
Page 2
WYTHE THE NEWS
Historical survey looks for diversity
Forster Falls is one of the many communities in Wythe County that is being looked at to be included in the Wythe County Historical Architectural Survey.
New Building Codes to take effect in March 2012. All new construction permitted after March 1 is required to comply with the 2009 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code See page 6
On Jan. 26, 2012, Wythe County and the Wythe County Historical Society held a public meeting to request residents’ input on the Wythe County Historical Architectural Survey. At the meeting, researcher Mary Ruffin Hanbury explained the survey’s procedures and advised residents to ask any question that come to their minds at any time during the process. Attendees at the meeting included members of the historical society; Gary Cody, Wythe County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director; and interested community members. In addition, Danny Gordon, of Three Rivers Media, recorded the meeting to broadcast at a later date. While explaining the details of the survey, Hanbury pointed out the diversity she wished to capture from properties she looked at. “[In the end], we’ll have a snap shot of what you have here,” said Hanbury. The diversity of Wythe County presents Hanbury with many different choices in her 375 properties to be surveyed. She has a particular interest in the iron furnaces of Wythe County, hoping to capture a sense of all of those left standing. In addition, there are unusual points of interest including a fish hatchery and a post-1940s gas station; both of which were discussed with residents at the meeting.
Observing the ducks at Rural Retreat Lake is a visitor favorite year round. This winter’s warm weather has made the lake, a bird’s paradise.
Overall, Hanbury said she wants to get the community involved. From her experiences, an involved community can accelerate the success of the survey. “The most successful projects
are the ones where the community has a sense of ownership and involvement and knows what is going on,” said Hanbury. “It’s a great tool for a community that values its rural heritage and wants to maintain it.” Hanbury plans to make every effort to involve the Wythe County community. She asked that residents be ambassadors and inform others of the study. In addition, she asked residents to help her collect survey suggestions. To keep the community involved, Hanbury has set up a webpage with information regarding the survey and giving residents a place to provide suggestions. In addition, Hanbury has an email distribution list to deliver information. With the help of the County’s Public Information Officer, Hanbury has launched a Facebook page to communicate with residents. The page will be used to give online updates, allow residents to communicate with the researcher and even view photographs of some of the
properties. The research webpage can be found by visiting www.wytheco.org and viewing “Current Projects.” Community members can like the survey Facebook page by visiting www.facebook.com/ wchistoricalsurvey. In 2011, Wythe County received a grant from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in support of a study of the County’s historic architecture. The project will consist of completion of a county-wide architectural survey identifying properties dating from circa 1940 and earlier. Priorities for the survey include previously undocumented significant structures dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, buildings and sites of special significance from the first half of the 20th century, identification of any potentially eligible historic districts and recommendation of district boundaries complete with accurate mapping.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
Page 3
Cont: Board appointments committee will be Patti Pizinger, West Wytheville District; David Manley, Fort Chiswell District; Scot Mecimore, Blacklick District; Kathy Armbrister, Lead Mines District; Paul Turpin, Speedwell District; Ron Kime, East Wytheville District; and Ellen Reynolds, At-large. The Wythe County Planning Commission also saw
a change in its members with the appointment of Doug Wilson, nominated by Reeves. The Board reconvened on Jan. 11, 2012 at 1 p.m. to discuss the remaining appointments and budget parameters in preparation for the 2012 budget work sessions. Before discussing the parameters, each Board member expressed his goal for the coming year.
Multiple Board members mentioned three goals: education, tourism and economic development. Overall, the Board members stated that they wished to focus on providing good educational environments, increased marketing of the County as a tourist destination, and expanding industrial and financial opportunities within the County.
Joint Bodies discuss water projects On Jan. 30, 2012, the Joint Governing Bodies of Wythe County met at the Wytheville Meeting Center to give updates on projects and issues throughout the County. A large portion of the updates included information about the many water projects being conducted. The Joint Governing Bodies of Wythe County is comprised of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, the Town Council of Wytheville and the Town Council of Rural Retreat. Wythe County gave its updates first, allowing each Board member to read updates from his district. Joe Hale, Fort Chiswell District, informed those present of a proposed “Spring Clean” to take place in late March or
early April. The County will provide a central pickup location for all tires to allow them to be disposed of in a manner that does not penalize any person. This event will include promotions to prompt all community members to work together to clean up Wythe County. Michael James, Rural Retreat Town Manager, said the Town is continuing its work on extensive improvement water projects, the latest of which is hoped to be finished by spring. Rural Retreat is also working on its sidewalk improvement project. Trenton Crewe, Jr., Mayor of the Town of Wytheville,
reported construction has begun on the installation of the 20-inch waterline project. This line is one of the last components to completing the system between Wytheville, Wythe County and the New River Regional Water Authority.
Wythe County Board of Supervisors members have named the 2012 Tourism Committee appointees. Find out who represents your district in this edition’s insert, “Wythe Tourism.”
Two new Wythe County officials began work January 1, 2012; however, neither are new to the job. See page 7
The same project includes renovation and repainting of the ground water storage tanks located on Pine Ridge in Wytheville. In addition, Crewe announced a contract has been awarded to a company out of Roanoke to construct Phase 1 of Community Boulevard. When Phase 1 and 2 are completed, it will provide a better connection from Peppers Ferry Road to Lee Highway in the Town of Wytheville.
The soon to be restored George Wythe Hotel was one of many tourist draws identified by the Wythe County Tourism Committee. See this issues insert, “Wythe Tourism,” to find out more.
Page 4
Wythe County Dog Shelter now has its own Facebook page! Like these lovable four legged friends at www.facebook. com/wythecodog shelter
WYTHE THE NEWS
County extends reach to promote shelter dogs Wythe County Animal Control and Shelter works on a daily basis to provide care for lost and surrendered dogs. As part of this effort, officials are working to promote the dogs at the shelter through traditional and online media. Awareness of dogs at any animal shelter has long been an obstacle for every locality. Getting the attention of prospective adopters is a constant goal for any shelter, including Wythe County. For years, Wythe County has featured dogs from the shelter on its Website; however, in recent months it has begun exploring new ways of showcasing the animals. First, the County enlisted the help of local media.
Rural Retreat lake is one of many romantic views in Wythe County. Find out other ways to celebrate the month of love in this issue’s insert, “Wythe Tourism.”
General Media expressed its concern and understanding of residents’ complaints regarding the unwanted distribution of its Mountain Empire newspaper. Find out how to get taken off the list and who to contact on page 7.
The Wytheville Enterprise helps the County by highlighting the dogs in its bi-weekly editions. In addition, Three Rivers Media and Danny Gordon aid the County by announcing dogs available for adoption on air. In recent weeks, Wythe County has begun to explore the world of social media in connection with attracting attention to the dogs. With its collective reach of over 2,000 users on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, the County has begun posting photographs of available dogs and promoting the online presence through updates, statuses and tweets. To help keep up with the demand of promoting the dogs and constant influx of animals, Wythe County has hired a part-time shelter worker. This
This lovely red retriever is one of many dogs who found a lovely home after spending time at the Wythe County Dog Shelter. She was known as Lily to the shelter workers before she found her new home. individual will care for the animals on a daily basis and provide constant information of what animals are at the shelter. Wythe County is also in the process of acquiring documentation needed to feature the dogs on PetFinder.com to reach an even broader range of adopters. The animals at the shelter are near and dear to Wythe County. Although Wythe County is not a “no-kill” shelter, the staff and officials care for every animal that comes through its door. The County would like for nothing more than for every dog be adopted to a loving home and live a long healthy life. However, the shelter faces the very real situation of overcrowding and the inability to provide long-term care. If you are interested in adopting a dog from the Wythe County Animal Shelter, please
be aware of the following guidelines:
•
There is an adoption fee of $20 per dog.
•
The adopter must be a resident of Wythe County or one of the adjacent counties.
•
The adopter must sign a sterilization agreement to have the adopted pet(s) spayed or neutered.
•
The adopter must return the sterilization paperwork within seven days of animal being sterilized.
•
An individual may only adopt two dogs within a 30 day period
For more information regarding adoption guidelines and procedures to adopt an animal, please visit the Animal Control page on the Wythe County Website, www.wytheco.org.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
Page 5
Commissioner of the Revenue takes office In the past four decades, Faye Barker has seen the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office go through many changes. As the new leader of the office, Barker hopes to implement a few more changes while maintaining service to the community. Barker began working in the Commissioner of Revenue’s office as a deputy commissioner in 1971. At first, she said, she did a little bit of everything then transitioned into handling mostly real estate matters. The biggest change she recalled coming through the office was technology. When she first
began, the office used long carriage typewriters. After the typewriters, the office obtained one of the first models of computers. Barker said it was an amazing device that took up almost an entire room. Finally, she saw the office make the full transition into technology when all record keeping went completely digital with the computer systems the office uses today. In her own transition from staff member to Commissioner of the Revenue, Barker said she is experiencing some difficulty making adjustments. “I have to learn I can’t do everything and that I have to let my
staff do things.” She added, “That’s the hardest thing, getting in the mind set that I’m the boss and I’ve got people working for me.” Barker feels the office’s main purpose is to serve the people of Wythe County. “I just want to make the people of Wythe County proud of this office,” said Barker. “We’ve got a good office now and I want to continue that, but there are improvements that can be made.” Barker added she would like the residents to know the office is open to the people of Wythe County.
Electoral Board names new General Registrar Eighteen years ago, Carolyn King began working in the General Registrar’s office, assisting in the voting needs of Wythe County citizens. With the retirement of the long-term position holder Elizabeth Cook, the Wythe County Electoral Board appointed King as Wythe County’s General Registrar. As a part-time registrar, King assisted in the basic workings of the office. As she enters the new year in a new position, she knows 2012 will be a difficult transition year. “It’s a hectic time to walk into the job but we’ll do it,” said King. “I think the presidential election will be busy, but I like being busy. Of course, we have the primary coming up and the two town elections in May. It is going to be a busy year.”
Receiving the news of getting the position, only a week before the retirement of her predecessor, King had mixed emotions. “I was excited and scared,” said King.
addition, the office works to promote the integrity of the electoral process by maintaining accurate and current voter registration records used in elections.
However, King knows she is the right person for the job, as does the Wythe County Electoral Board.
King coordinates elections so that they are conducted in a manner that secures the qualified citizen's right to vote and insures that the results accurately reflect the voters' will and is the informational resource for citizens regarding voter registration, elections, and elected officials.
“The electoral board of Wythe County is happy to have Carolyn King as the new registrar,” said G. W. Carton, chairman. “The board felt that with Mrs. King’s experience in the office that it was a good fit for her to become the General Registrar.” The mission of the General Registrar's Office is to provide opportunities, in an equitable and courteous manner, for all qualified citizens of Wythe County to register to vote. In
King grew up in Ivanhoe, a small community in the eastern part of Wythe County. Today she resides in the same community with her husband of almost 42 years, Jerry. She started her position as Wythe County General Registrar on January 1, 2012.
Faye Barker, Commissioner of the Revenue
Don’t forget to check out all of the community events taking place in February through the Wythe County Parks and Recreation Department on page 8.
Carolyn King, General Registrar
Page 6
WYTHE THE NEWS
Cont: temporary market Building as a possible temporary home for the operation. The use would include vendors bringing and assembling their own tables and tents.
The Wytheville Farmers Market is quickly outgrowing its current space in downtown Wytheville.
New building codes take effect March 2012
In addition, Cassell promised the parking lot would be cleaned and ready for County access following market days.
Cassell also asked if the Wytheville Farmer’s Market could include the parking lot in a study to find which of three locations is most suitable for the market’s permanent home. The reason the group is looking for a new location, according to Cassell, is because it has out grown its current location.
It was noted that the Board’s Building and Grounds Committee is fully in support of allowing the Wytheville Farmer’s Market to use the parking lot as a possible temporary home and include it in the study. With the recommendation, the Board agreed to the use and asked Cassell to return to the Board
Board members tour County Schools
Virginia adopted the 2009 Edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) on March 1, 2011. A one year grace period was allowed for transitioning from the 2006 Code to the 2009 Code. This period ends on March 1, 2012. All new construction permitted on or after March 1, 2012 is required to comply with the 2009 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Please visit the Wythe County Building Department’s website for more information or to view the new codes. http://www.wytheco.org/ index.php/departments/bldinginsp/faqs.html
The Wythe County Board of Supervisors and officials toured many of the County schools on January 11, 2012, to assess their conditions. Schools included in the tour were Sheffey Elementary, Max Meadows Elementary, Rural Retreat Elementary, Spiller Elementary, Fort Chiswell Middle School, Rural Retreat Middle School, Scott Memorial Middle School, Fort Chiswell High School and Rural Retreat High School.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
Page 7
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS • 2/6 - Planning Commission will meet
February 2012 Public Meetings
in the board room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 7 p.m.
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6 Planning Commission
7 Building & Grounds Committee
8
9
10
11
13
14 Board of Supervisors
15
12
16
17
18
• 2/7 - Building & Grounds Committee
will meet in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 8 a.m. • 2/14- Wythe County Board of Super-
visors will hold its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. in the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville • 2/21 - Water Committee will meet in
19
20
21 Water Committee
22
23 Budget Committee
24
25
26
27 Recreation Commission
28 Board of Supervisors
29
1
2
3
the conference room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 9:30 a.m. • 2/23—Budget Committee will meet
in the conference room of the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville at 8 a.m. • 2/28- Wythe County Board of Super-
Media General addresses unwanted distribution At the Dec. 27, 2011, Wythe County Board of Supervisors meeting, Board members reported complaints from different areas of the County regarding the unwanted distribution of free newspapers from the Wytheville Enterprise’s parent company, Media General.
their properties on multiple occasions. Maxwell told the County that Media General’s “objective is to address any and all concerns the commissioners have in relation to the delivery of our Mountain Empire newspaper.”
Jim Maxwell, Regional Publisher of the Bristol Herald Courier, advised the County that it is not Media General’s intent to solicit unwanted materials and recipients can easily be taken off distribution lists.
Maxwell attended the January 24, 2012, meeting of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors to address the concerns of the Board and residents. He urged residents who want to be taken off the newspaper’s distribution list to call 1-800-655-1406.
According to the complaints, County residents have received these free papers on
He added the calls to be removed do not always come from the individuals directly.
visors will hold its bi-monthly meeting at 9 a.m. in the County Administration Building, 340 S 6th Street, Wytheville.
“We don’t receive many of those calls unfortunately and unfortunately a lot of times… • 2/27 - Recreation Commission will the mayor or vice mayor meet in the board room of the County would get a call,” said MaxAdministration Building, 340 S 6th well. Street, Wytheville at 7 p.m. With this in mind, he gave each Board member a business card with contact information. Board members were instructed to call him if a constituent requested to be removed. “We want to be good neighbors,” said Maxwell. “We’re part of this community, part of this County. We wish to respond quickly and effectively to meet the needs of the individuals we serve.” Continued Page 8
The Rural Retreat Deopt Foundation was recently in the Richmond Times Dispatch as it recounted the foundation’s need to raise $60,000 by October 2012.
Com
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
Cont.: unwanted distribution The standard procedure of Media General regarding this newspaper’s distribution is to provide a copy at every addressed house.
Maxwell noted a crew of six has been assembled and will be going through Wythe County on Saturday, Jan. 28.
If it has not been picked up in a couple of days, the deliverers pick the copies up and remove the house from the list of addresses for delivery.
The crew will remove any materials not picked up and will remove homes where the materials are found.
These newspapers are not delivered to anyone who has a subscription to the Wytheville Enterprise.
Media General has met with other communities regarding this concern including the Town of Wytheville and Smyth County.
February Community Events Guitar Class
Parks and Rec.
Always wanted to learn to play the guitar? Now’s your chance! Let this skilled instructor, Darrell Eads lead guitarist for the band Common Ground, set you on your road to creating music.
Senior Dance
Lessons cover the basics of strumming chords to tuning your guitar to playing songs.. For Beginners to Intermediate skill levels. Pick from either of two sites Max Meadows Ruritan Club, Rural Retreat Pentecostal Church Max Meadows Ruritan Club - Mondays, Feb. 6, 5 p.m. OR Rural Retreat Pentecostal Church - Tuesdays, Feb. 7, 5 p.m. 45 minutes per class Cost: $30 per month for 4 Classes. Bring your own Guitar Deadline to register: Feb. 2 Call 223-6022 to register or for more info. Sponsored by Wythe Co.
Seniors, 50 & older, dust off your dancing shoes or just come out to listen to some of the best bluegrass music in the area. Sponsored by Wythe Co. Parks and Rec. and Town of Wytheville Parks and Rec. WHEN: February 9 WHERE: Wytheville Community Meeting Center TIME: 6-9pm FEEs: $3-Town residents or $8-nonresident Town Call 223-3378 to sign up by Feb. 3. Bring a partner or come single!!!
Each class will start with multiple small warm-up painting exercises and work to a larger floral painting. Gail Lawrence's positive approach towards painting will inspire you to loosen up, have fun again, and paint. Handouts of preprinted notes of useful and need to know information and professional supplies to use during class and to take home to complete assignments will be provided. Instructor: Gail Lawrence Pick from either site and set of dates: Max Meadows Ruritan: Feb 9, 16, 23 (Thursdays from 6 – 8:45 p.m.)
Water Color Basic Workshop
OR
Expect an intense concentrated study of watercolor materials, color theory, painting techniques, and composition.
Rural Retreat Pentecostal Holiness Church: March 8, 15, 22 (Thursdays from 6 -8:45 p.m.)
Workshop is designed for the professional painter who is stuck in a style as well as for the novice who wants to conquer their fear of painting.
Be sure to check out this month’s insert, “Wythe Tourism,” to find out about the 2012 Tourism Committee, public meeting dates, the committee’s first meeting and how to celebrate the month of the love in Wythe County.
Cost is $90 Deadline: 1 week before Class Start Date. Minimum: 6 Call 223-6022 to sign up! Sponsored by Wythe Co. Parks and Rec.
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