November 8, 2023
Volume 3, Number 39
WCC hosts veteran breakfast
Wytheville Community College recently celebrated Veterans Day with a breakfast to honor veteran students, employees, their families, and students who have family members who are veterans. “We certainly thank all veterans for your service; and to
our students we appreciate you allowing WCC to be a part of your educational journey,” WCC President Dean Sprinkle said during the breakfast held on campus Thursday, Nov. 9. “We thought it was important to have this event as a way to show our appre-
ciation for your service and recognize those who served, as well as those who have family joining us today.” WCC student Jeremy Bond, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, brought along his husband, Johnny Bond, who also served in the Marines.
Jeremy Bond, who is studying sociology and biology, said his time in the Marines taught him effective time management, which helps him navigate his WCC classes. WCC employs seven veterans, including Michael
Woods, who works with the college’s Veterans of Upward Bound Program. Woods serves as resource for veterans, helping them with everything from tutoring to navigating the U.S. Department
See VETERAN, Page 3
Walmart opens newly renovated supercenter
DOC firefighters join battle As the fires grew on a Buchanan County hillside Nov. 1, the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) firefighters needed backup. They called the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC). Soon, six additional firefighters arrived to battle and contain the blaze that spanned across 500 acres. Those firefighters, probationers from the Appalachian Community Corrections Alternative Program (CCAP), were available thanks to a long-standing collaborative effort between the VADOC and the VDOF. The partnership utilizes low-risk,
See BATTLE, Page 5
Walmart customers in Wytheville were welcomed inside the newly transformed Supercenter the morning of Nov. 3 as the much-anticipated remodel is now complete. Walmart associates marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony, community celebration, and a community inspired mural unveiling by regional artist, Addison G. “These renovations reflect our commitment to providing exceptional service to our customers,” said Beverly Curtis, Walmart Store Manager. “As we unveil the revitalized Supercenter, we’re excited about the enhanced shopping experience it brings.” During the celebration, Walmart recognized associate Bobbie Everhart, who has been with Walmart more than 30 years for their longstanding service. Vendors, including Frito-Lay, Nabisco, and Pepsi, contributed to the celebration with food and promotions. Fowler highlighted the store’s transformations and new interactive features, including: · Front end transformation with increased numbers of selfcheckout lanes and staffed registers for customer convenience · Walmart+ lane for easier checkout for members · Expanded Grocery Pickup and Delivery increasing customer
See WALMART, Page 3
Police investigate death under Interstate
The Virginia State Police said on Thursday that it was investigating an unattended death
of a man in Wythe County. Police said they were notified of a dead man located under
the Max Meadows Road overpass of Interstate 81/77’s Exit 80. The call came in at 10:58
a.m. on Nov. 8, a spokeswoman said. The VSP is notifying the
person’s next of kin and said there is no evidence to indicate the death was suspicious.