February 2025
Historic theaters thrive amid challenges
By Jessica Hoerter
Running a historic entertainment venue in a small town comes with unique challenges, but the Lincoln Theatre in Marion, and the Millwald Theatre in Wytheville, are thriving thanks to creative leadership and strong community support.
Both theaters are overcoming financial hurdles, shifting demographics, and economic pressures while working tirelessly to sustain their cultural relevance and provide diverse experiences for their audiences.
These challenges are evident at the Lincoln Theatre, where Executive Director Bob Watkins has brought a
fresh perspective to the historic venue after transitioning from a career in health and wellness.
Watkins, who became the theater’s executive director in 2024, is a music enthusiast who saw the position as an opportunity to pursue his passion for entertainment. One of the theater's most significant challenges is Marion's economy, which makes marketing to local patrons difficult. However, Watkins is optimistic that funding from the local government and expanded programming will encourage more residents to recognize the Lincoln’s value.
Despite these obstacles, the Lincoln has become a vi-
brant hub for entertainment in Smyth County. Watkins has diversified programming, offering music, film and comedy to attract a broad audience. While the theater has a strong tradition of hosting folk and country music, it also seeks to broaden its appeal to visitors and locals alike. Watkins believes that balancing the theater’s historical significance with modern entertainment trends is key to maintaining its relevance.
See THEATERS, Page 5
Donnie Bales, left, and Bob Watkins
Wytheville Community College honor rolls
Wytheville Community College has released its Fall 2024 Dean’s List and President’s Honor Roll. To qualify for the President’s Honor Roll, a student must have completed a minimum of 20 hours of credit at the college, carried a minimum of 6 semester hours in a given semester, and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Students who are carrying a minimum of 12 semester hours for credit and who earn a GPA of 3.2 or higher for the semester are included on the Dean’s List.
Those on the Smyth County Dean’s List includes Sarah Adams, Bryton James Atkins, Tena Mechelle Bott, Nicole Lee Brooks, Joshua Wayne Edwards, Savannah Dawn Farmer, Cameron Michael Ford, Brianna RayneGravely, Erin Elizabeth Harmon, ParkerAndrew Henson, Aiden Michael Keheley, Ericka Leigh Lester, LaurenOlivia Manis, Laura Ellen Rose Odham, Marshall Reid Osborne, Megan Lynn Parks, Zachary Parks, Jasmine Elizabeth Prater, Madison Roberts, Ian Brody Taylor, Artie Cassandra Wynn and Hannah Faith Yarber.
The Smyth County President’s Honor Roll includes Kristina Kaylene Barnette, Emily Paige Blankenbeckler, Kaylyn RenaeBlizzard, Raegan Elizabeth Burchett, AmaraElizabeth Combs, Byron ChaseGarrick, Angela Grace Gates, Hannah
Abagail Gates, Kelsey Alexandria Grubb, Jocie Nicole Hash, Erin Brice Hayden, Riley Joseph Horne, MaKinzie Jo Hutton, Sophia NicoleKeheley, Kaylee Long, Madison Preston Long, Isabelle Jeanne Magallanes, CassiePaige Martin, Emily Marie McInturff, Melissa Ann McInturff, Taylor Preston, Charisma Ray, Charles Brady Roberts, BonnieChristine Sexton, Markus Tyler Stacy, Kaitlyn Renee Tickle, James Layne Williams and Parker BradenWolfe.
Those on the Wythe County Dean’s List include Christian Thomas Akers, Marshall Armstrong, Abigail Joy Arnold, Brandie Marie Arnold, Timothy Craig Arnold, Kaiden Michael Atkinson, RobertJoseph Bandrimer, Duncan Keith Blair, Kayleigh Blevins, David Allen Bowen, Bryan Howard Butler, Caleb Sebastian Campbell, Isaac Cowan, Jacob Johannes Dalton, Maddie Dehart, David Evans, Lyla Rosemary Fallon, Rachel ReneeFleeman, Jonathan Lee Frost, Megan Glass,Aydin Wesley Grubb, Cody Lee Harrington, Luke Eli Hillenberg, Tyler Lane Hollingsworth, Tyler Michael Horton, Reanna MarieHowell-Manuel, Alexis Cheyanne Irvin, Kendra Rae Irvin, ValerieMercedes Jackson, Sebastian Micheal Lamrouex, Ethan Lawson, TaylorNichole Leonard, Sarah Linkous, Colby Lockhart, Jessica Dawn Lovern,
Jeffery Garrett Maxwell, Abigail Leigh Mcgillivray, WilliamJames Meredith, JessicaEileen Merritt, LoganMiichael Miller, Earl Andrew Mullins, Makenzie Breanna Nichols, Nathan Wyatt Norris, Erika Lynn O'Berry, Carolyn Pennell, Megan JustinePruitt, Nickolas Ryan Quesenberry, JessicaRamirez, Jessa Denise Reynolds, David Rhea, Alexandria Grace Richmond, Bradley Tyler Riggins, Caleb Riggins, Rayna Jade Robbins, Trevor Adam Rogers, Austin Lee Sayers, Bodie Trey Seagle,Courtney Danielle Seagle, Deborah Settles, Julianna Gal Shuler, Brock Smelser, Summer Leanne Smith, Brayden Smith, Lyndsey Grace Snider, Sean Keaton Staples, Wesley Cole Stroupe, AlyssaSullivan, Jonathan Emory Thompson, ReeceAndrew Vaught, Bryce Alexander Waller, Tyler Bruce Weatherman, Carmen Hope Webb, Skye Elizabeth Widner, Jaden Ty Wolfe, Kristen Renee Woodson, Michael Lane Wright, Roman Aaron Wrightand Madison Elyse Yontz
Wythe County President’s Honor Roll includeKimberly Aikens, Westley PhillipAker, Christopher Akers, Brent Charles Amick, Bailey Michelle Bise, Brandon William Bishop, Logan Michael Blair, Samuel Blair, WyattEthan Branscome,
MiriamBraxton, Carmen Elizabeth Brown, SarahElizabeth Buller, Kaylee Madison Carpenter, Kristofer David Charles, Lydia Rose Collins, Mason Thomas Courtney, Caroline Abigayle Cox, Noah Hunter Davis, Cody Lee Davis, Laci Faith Dixon, Autumn Brooke Dotterer, Paige Kaylee Edwards, Jack Warner Formato, Evan Grace Gilliard, Justin Tyler Gilman, Rebecca LeAnn Goad, Hannah Renea Graffham, James Douglas Greer, Megan Hope Harmon, Ciara Harris, Brieanna Elizabeth Horton,
Michael Huff, Luke Bryan Jollay, Emily Blaike Jones, Ellis
Keith Jones, Lori Justus, Madelyn Rae King, Meagan Elizabeth King, Sean Christopher Long Darden, Ashley LeAnn Lowe, Candice Miller, Karlie Jade Miller, EthanBlake Morris, Azure Lin Nasfell, Tanya Ogle, John ElliottOglesby, Sarah MarieOsburn, Amber NicolePalmer, Whitney Marie Parks, Thomas Pulliam, Dawn Rabara, Morgan Deborah Reigelsperger, Austin Repass, Jackson Grady Rosenbaum, ClaireMa -
rie Rudzinski, JamilynSaldiva, Keira Grace Scott, Colton Short, Sidda Rhiannon Shupe, Keisha Marie Smith, Melissa Robbins Stamper, Aaron Craig Stiltner, ErnestDonald Sullivan, DestiniCheyenne Taylor, Bryce Logan Tibbs, Makaela Katelyn Umberger, Alanna Gail Underwood, Destiny Shae Viars, Elissa Viars, Carmen Walton, Kaylee Elizabeth Ward, Maria Rohanha Consimino Webb, Elijah Michael Williams, Abigail Jewel Wilson and Makenzie Grace Wolfe
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Heath hitching couples this Valentine's
On Valentine’s Day, Marion’s Ken Heath is offering to officiate weddings at no charge at his office in Marion Town Hall.
Heath, a former DJ, received official certification by the Commonwealth of Virginia to officiate weddings in 2014 as a “backup just in case the preacher didn’t make it to a wedding we were playing” said Heath. Since then, he’s performed numerous ceremonies in his office as a service to the community. This Valentine’s Day, Heath will be performing weddings and vow renewals on Feb. 14 to celebrate the holiday of love.
Heath said he will fit as many couples in as they can and no appointment is necessary that day.
June marks 35 years on the way to forever for my angel and me, and I still get a bit of a lump in my throat when I get to help others on their journey together. And with our sweets shops, eateries, jeweler, flower shop, gift stores and boutiques, Marion is a perfect place to celebrate
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To participate, couples need to visit a County Clerk to secure a Virginia marriage license and pay the associated court fees, the walk across the street to Marion’s Town Hall where Heath will perform a civil service and waive the usual $50 officiant fee for Valentines.
“I’m a hopeless romantic so I think…it’s a good thing to get married on Valentine’s Day - it’s a date that’s so easy to not forget!” said Heath. “This
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your love every day, but even more on February 14.”
In 2015, Heath made national news, bringing NBC’s “Today Show” to Marion by organizing a full wedding celebration for a local bride who lost the memory of her wedding following an automobile accident. His DJ business was named “Top Wedding DJ” every year for over a decade by Virginia Living magazine. Heath retired his equipment in 2020, but still performs ceremonies on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia by appointment. For additional information, contact Ken Heath at ken_ heath@hotmail.com or at (276) 759-1102.
Theaters: Lincoln, Millwald drivers
Anna Bowman, a Lincoln board member since 2018, emphasizes the theater’s role in shaping Marion’s identity.
“It’s truly priceless – to those of us that can see a show here at home and for people that learn to love our downtown restaurants and lodging through their visits to the Lincoln. Behind the scenes, the Lincoln staff and volunteers work tirelessly to build and present a schedule of local events and a variety of world-class entertainment.”
The Lincoln also prioritizes fostering creativity in the community through summer arts programs, partnerships with the Missoula Children’s Theatre, and plans to launch a community theater program.
Watkins views these initiatives as vital to the Lincoln’s mission, saying, “We want the Lincoln to be a space that inspires creativity and brings people together.”
Song of the Mountains, the theater’s nationally syndicated bluegrass and old-time music series, remains a
cornerstone of its identity, drawing crowds from beyond the region. Watkins sees the Lincoln as more than a theater—it’s a space that celebrates the area’s heritage while providing entertainment for all.
Just 30 miles away, the Millwald Theatre in Wytheville has followed a similar path of reinvention and community focus.
Executive Director
Donnie Bales, became the Millwald’s executive director in 2022 after working in the performing arts in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Our community deserves to have quality theatre,” Bales said, emphasizing the Millwald’s role in enriching the region’s cultural landscape.
Originally opened in 1928, the Millwald was a popular venue for vaudeville and "moving pictures," serving as a hub for downtown Wytheville. After closing in 2006, the Millwald reopened in 2022 following renovations that preserved its historic charm while adding modern amenities.
Shane Terry, social media coordinator for the town of Wytheville,
praises the Millwald’s transformation.
“The Millwald has been lovingly restored with care and authenticity, breathing new life into this historic space. Attending an event there now feels like a truly unique and memorable Wytheville experience.”
The Millwald has succeeded in drawing diverse audiences. Comedy and live rock music have proven particularly popular, with Colin Mochrie, the improvisational comedian and Whose Line Is It Anyway? star, serving as one of the
venue’s biggest draws. Educational programming also remains a cornerstone of its mission. Recently, the theater partnered with the Charlotte Children’s Theatre to present School House Rock Live, which brought hundreds of students from Wythe and Bland counties to experience live performance.
Financial sustainability remains the Millwald’s biggest challenge as the theater continues to establish itself as a vital part of the community. Bales
Saturday, Feb. 1
Lincoln Theatre: Song of the Mountains will present another fine concert on Saturday, Feb.1,at the historic Lincoln Theatre. The legendary Seldom Scene featuring their new lead singer, Clay Hess will headline the show along with opening act the Amanda Cook Band.
WCC: The Wytheville Concert Series continues at 7 p.m. in Snyder Auditorium, at Wytheville Community College, when violist Bryan Matheson and pianist Melia Garber will perform lyrical romantic-era works by Glinka, Glazunov and Bartok’s famous Rumanian Folk Dances. The concert concludes
with Shostakovich’s last composition, his Sonata for Viola and Piano (1975) which is sparsely written, jaunty and concise with a reference to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to support the Wytheville Concert Series and the Wytheville Community College Food Bank.
Friday, Feb. 14
Millwald Theatre: The Brit Pack - The most authentic British Invasion experience this side of the Atlantic will play the Millwald at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21
Lincoln Theatre: The Lincoln Theatre hosts multiple film events in the month of February including the next lecture in their Film Freaks series, the newest movie in their Friday Flix program, and the continuation of Golden Oldies. Tombstone (1993) will be screened on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. This modern western features a star-studded cast including Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott, and Bill Paxton; it tells the amazing real-life story of Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and the infamous Doc Holliday. Tickets for the film can be purchased online or at the door for $5.
Wohlfahrt Haus readies for second act
The stage is set for an unforgettable new chapter at Wytheville’s Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre and the rebranded Red Stag Restaurant and Matterhorn Lounge.
Under the ownership of Wythe County native Dr. Amanda Brewer-Lord and her family, this beloved Southwest Virginia landmark is poised to delight audiences and diners alike with a renewed vision of excellence, community, and creativity.
Dr. Brewer-Lord and her family have embraced the legacy of the Sutphin family, founders of Wohlfahrt Haus in 1999, with the goal of elevating the experience for every visitor.
"Our mission is to honor the roots of this incredible institution while taking it to new heights,” says BrewerLord. "From the stage to the kitchen, we’re committed to excellence in every detail.”
The reimagined Red Stag Restaurant and Matterhorn Lounge reopens on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The Red Stag Restaurant will debut its updated space and a menu of elevated pub fare designed to complement the theatre experience. Visitors will enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere and a fresh culinary approach perfect for families, locals, and travelers exploring the region. Live music will once again be a mainstay at the restaurant with beloved elements
like the bier garden reopening later this year.
The lights on the main stage at the Wohlfahrt Haus go up again at the end of the month with a string of special engagements before the regular theatre season begins in February. WHDT alum Jonathan Scott Roth brings his "Thank God I’m A Country Boy” revue to the stage Jan. 31 and Feb.1. Jill Spiecker takes the stage with her "Many Voices of Jill Spiecker,” and Hank Williams tribute are also on deck this spring. The regular theatre season begins Feb. 28 with The Foreigner, a callback to one of the first performances to ever grace the Wohlfahrt Haus stage. Whether a longtime pa -
tron or a first-time visitor, we invite you to join us for this exciting new chapter. Purchase tickets or season passes online and experience the magic of Wohlfahrt Haus for yourself. Special group pricing is available for parties of 20 or more. Through a partnership with Millwald Theatre, online ticketing for all shows and events is now available for the first time in Wohlfahrt Haus’s history. Reservations are live now at wohlfharrthaus.com
For more information about the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre and Red Stag Restaurant, visit wohlfahrthaus.com, follow us on social media (Facebook/Instagram), or call 276-2230891.
Obituaries
Diana Alexander Kime
Diana Alexander Kime, age 85, of Wytheville, VA passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025.
She was born May 9, 1939 in the Philippine Islands, daughter of the late George Morgan Alexander and Frances Greenfield Alexander. She was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret "Peggy” Alexander Pearce. Survivors include her husband, Ronald Kime; two daughters, Heather Louise Kime of Wytheville and Debrah Gail Trout of Longmont, CO; two sons, Alexander Stuart "Sandy” Kime of Snowshoe, WV and Michael Stuart Kime of Wytheville; four grandchildren, Landon Kime, Gavin Kime, Jordan Lynette Trout and Duncan Trout; a sister, Heather Jean Williams of Arizona. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025 at St. John’s Episcopal Church with the Reverend Paul Hicks officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice. com Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Kime family.
Theaters:
sees the Millwald as a way to boost the local economy, noting that many patrons also dine at restaurants, stay in hotels and shop locally when attending events.
Both theaters face the challenges of sustaining nonprofit operations in rural communities, where attracting patrons and balancing budgets require constant innovation. Their shared commitment to preserving historic spaces and providing access to the performing arts demonstrates that creativity and perseverance can transform challenges into opportunities. With strong leadership and community support, the Lincoln and the Millwald are redefining the role of small-town theaters as cultural and economic cornerstones.
For more information about the theaters and to see their 2025 schedules, visit thelincoln.org and themillwald.org.
Show your loves some love
Valentine's Day is a time of love, chocolates, and sweet treats. However, for our furry friends, this day can be dangerous if they come across the wrong kind of sugary delights. Chocolate, while a favorite treat for humans, can be toxic to pets, especially dogs, but we'll help you navigate through the sweet chaos of Valentine's Day safely.
Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which is toxic to pets. Theobromine primarily affects the heart and nervous system of animals, potentially leading to serious health issues or even fatal poisoning. It's important to note that not all chocolates are equally dangerous. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate
contain higher levels of theobromine compared to milk chocolate, making them more hazardous. Even in small amounts, chocolates can pose a risk to pets, so it's crucial to keep them out of reach.
Secure Storage: Store chocolates in a secure, high cupboard or a lockable container where pets cannot access them. Ensure all family members and guests are aware of this arrangement.
Educate and Inform: Teach children and visitors about the dangers of chocolate to pets. Encourage them to keep chocolates out of reach and not to share treats with the furry family members.
Pet-Proof Containers: Invest
WINTER PET SAFETY
• Stay active in cold weather
• Keep your home humidified
• Trim fur that might cling to ice
• Wash your pet’s feet and stomach
• Give your pet a warm spot to sleep
in pet-proof containers or cabinets to store chocolates and other sweet treats. This adds an extra layer of safety, especially if you have inquisitive pets.
Child-Safe Practices: When gifting chocolates to children, ensure they understand the importance of keeping them away from pets. Consider supervising their snacking sessions to prevent accidental sharing.
Pet-Safe Alternatives: Opt for pet-safe treats as alternatives during Valentine's Day celebrations. This way, your pets can still enjoy the festivities without any health risks.
What
to Do If Your Pet Eats
See PETS, Page 7
• Spend long periods outdoors in the cold
• Expose your pet to dry environments
• Shave your dog
• Bathe your pet often in the winter
• Leave your pet’s bed in a drafty area
SCCH names chief medical officer
Ballad Health has selected Dr. Jesse Sulzer, a seasoned physician leader with expertise in operational, clinical and strategic healthcare leadership, to serve as the chief medical officer of Johnston Memorial Hospital, Russell County Hospital and Smyth County Community Hospital, effective December 2024.
In his new role, Dr. Sulzer oversees the clinical operations of those three hospitals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and enhancing patient outcomes. He is responsible for implementing and maintaining clinical quality standards, supporting medical staff and collaborating with teams across departments to drive operational efficiency and strategic growth. Dr. Sulzer also leads efforts to advance physician engagement and development, foster multidisciplinary collaboration and support the hospital’s mission to deliver exceptional care to the commu -
nity.
"I am extremely excited and honored to join this team as chief medical officer,” said Dr. Sulzer. "The three hospitals have a strong history of serving Southwest Virginia with excellence, and I am committed to working closely with our medical staff, team members and leadership to advance that legacy. Together, we will focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, fostering innovation and ensuring operational and clinical efficiency. I am excited to collaborate with our talented team of professionals to create meaningful improvements for our patients and their families. It is a privilege to serve this community and be part of such a dedicated organization.”
Dr. Sulzer joins Ballad Health from Mission Health, a member of HCA Healthcare, in Asheville, North Carolina, where he held several leadership roles, including chair of surgery, chair
of robotics and medical director of surgical services. As head of the surgery department, he successfully led the department’s 10 clinical sections, implemented quality assurance policies and ensured regulatory compliance.
Dr. Sulzer also has a strong background in academic medicine, having served as a clinical faculty member for the General Surgery Residency program at Mountain Area Health Education Center and as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of North Carolina.
"Dr. Sulzer is a dynamic and accomplished physician leader, with comprehensive knowledge of clinical care operations, financial stewardship and physician management,” said John Jeter, chief executive officer of Johnston Memorial Hospital and Bristol Regional Medical Center.
"His experience in clinical operations,
quality assurance and multidisciplinary collaboration will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the care we provide. Dr. Sulzer’s commitment to excellence aligns with the mission of Ballad Health, and I am confident that, under his leadership, we will achieve new levels of clinical success and innovation.”
"Dr. Sulzer is an outstanding addition to the leadership team here for these hospitals,” said Dr. Chad Couch, president of Ballad Health’s North-
ern Region. "Dr. Sulzer’s passion for innovation and patientcentered care, combined with his proven leadership in both healthcare and education, positions him effectively to lead our medical teams with vision and purpose. I am confident his expertise will help us achieve new levels of clinical excellence while fostering collaboration among our physicians and team members. We are excited to welcome Dr. Sulzer and look forward to the positive impact he will
make across our hospitals and the region.”
Dr. Sulzer earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree from Louisiana State University, and a doctorate degree in physiology from Louisiana State University Health Services Center, where he also completed his residency in general surgery. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of North Carolina.
Chocolate
If, despite your best efforts, your pet ingests chocolate, here's what you should do:
Stay Calm: Assess the situation calmly and try to determine how much chocolate
your pet has consumed and the type of chocolate involved.
Contact a Veterinarian: Immediately reach out to your vet or a pet poison control hotline. Provide details about the chocolate and any symptoms your pet is
exhibiting.
Symptoms to Watch
For: Be vigilant for signs of chocolate poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid heart rate, or seizures. Early intervention is crucial for treatment.
WCCH receives A grade from Leapfrog
By Zach Cooley
Wythe County Community Hospital received national recognition this past November with a special award from the Leapfrog organization, an independent watchdog group with a long history of assigning letter grades to hospitals across the United States. Based on a hospital’s proficiency in minimizing harm to patients and reducing medical errors, the Wytheville hospital received an “A” for the fall of 2024.
Hospital CEO Vicki Parks said during a New Year’s Eve phone interview that Leapfrog’s grading system is peer-reviewed, highly transparent, and free to the public for online review. Leapfrog bases its scores on over thirty criteria, which
New school unveiled
Members of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors and the Wythe County Public School Board gathered for a joint meeting and the dedication of the new Scott Memorial Middle School on Thursday, Jan. 16.
The Boards were joined by Wythe County Administration and staff, School Board administration and staff, representatives from ZMM Architects and Engineers, RL Price staff, members of the Wytheville Town Council, Wythe County Public Schools teachers, and community members. Following the meeting, Dr. Wesley Poole, Superintendent of WCPS, led a guided tour of the new school, highlighting its modern features and facilities.
are updated every fall and spring.
Parks joined Wythe County Community Hospital as CEO in late 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Achieving this recognition had been a top priority for the hospital throughout her tenure in Wytheville.
“It’s not an easy thing to achieve,” she noted. “We are very proud to accomplish this.”
This accreditation, Parks added, instills confidence that patients will receive quality care when they enter Wythe County Community Hospital.
“If patients took the time to look at the scores of surrounding facilities, they would notice that many aren’t even a ‘C,’” she explained. “To achieve an ‘A’ in Southwest Virginia is a significant accomplishment.”
165 W. Main St., Wytheville, VA rbird@lestergrp.com
276-699-3160
Patient surveys, which are distributed upon discharge from the hospital, emergency room, or surgical department, also influence the hospital’s score.
“You receive closer attention to your care in a rural healthcare setting,” Parks added. “Providers tend to pay more attention to individual care than in larger hospitals.”
Improving the hospital’s reputation has been a key goal during her tenure. One such initiative has been enhancing the hospital’s Google rating, which is based entirely on patient reviews. The current rating is 4.3, which Parks says is likely one of the highest in the region.
“That is an extremely high rating for a hospital,” she explained. “It would be very unlikely to find
another hospital with that high a rating.”
Another achievement for the hospital was being named a National Quality Program by its parent company, Lifepoint, in December 2023. Wythe County Community Hospital has been working to achieve this distinction since 2015.
“It has been a long, arduous process,” she admitted. “However, we are making strides toward becoming a highly reputable healthcare facility.”
Another improvement has been the reinstitution of specialty practices in Wytheville, including gastroenterology, urology, orthopedics, and the addition of a midwife to the OB-GYN program.
See WCCH,Page 11
Nurse practitioner a lifelong learner
By Zach Cooley
Melissa Carrico was born with a desire to help people.
She knew from the time she volunteered at Edgemont Center in Wytheville as a 17-year-old that she wanted to be a nurse. After graduating as a licensed practical nurse in 2011 and later as a registered nurse in 2018 from Wytheville Community College, she achieved her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Chamberlain University in Illinois through online courses in 2021.
Now, she is Wythe Physician Practices’ newest neurological nurse practitioner.
Carrico earned her certified nursing assistant’s license at 17.
"I’ve known from early on that I wanted to make things easier for people who couldn’t help themselves,” Carrico recalled during a New Year’s Eve phone interview. "I knew I would work in healthcare.”
Coupled with her helpful nature is an insatiable appetite for learning.
"I am continually fascinated by the medical field,” she stated. "I love to learn.”
With aspirations of eventually earning a doctorate, the Wythe County native, wife, mother and grandmother, formerly held positions such as director of nursing at Martinsville Health and Rehab.
"I wanted to become a nurse practitioner so I could have a closer relationship with my patients,” Carrico remembered. "I felt like I wasn’t making a difference in people’s lives in nursing management.”
After Jenny Cyphers left the Ballad Health Cardiology, the company offered Carrico that position, but she chose the neurological practice instead. It was her father’s open-heart surgery in 2022 that almost persuaded her to specialize in cardiology, although neurology ultimately won out due to another familial connection.
"My grandmother has been bedridden and paralyzed from a stroke since 2014,” she stated. "I’ve always had an affinity for dementia patients and those with Parkinson’s disease.”
She also credited her father, Udale Reed, as a constant source of encouragement in her studies.
"When I felt like I couldn’t keep going, he made sure I never gave up,” Carrico recollected. "Next to God, I could not have gotten through it all without him.”
Her desire to further her medical education also stems
from her time as a medical technician.
"I kept getting more and more intrigued by the things I was learning,” she remembered.
"Being a med tech made me want to become an LPN. Then, I wanted to become an RN. It just kept building and building from there.”
However, it is her love for her patients that has kept her progressing in the field.
"You don’t stay in the healthcare field as long as I have if you don’t love it,” Carrico asserted. "You certainly don’t keep advancing in the field without a genuine love of medicine.”
"I feel that if you’re not in the medical field to connect with patients and improve their quality of life, you shouldn’t be in it at all,” she offered. "I have maintained a heart for the job, and I have never given up.”
She says she would eventually like to become a medical doctor or psychiatric nurse practitioner, for which she acknowledges there is a great need.
"The world of psychiatry intrigues me,” she said.
"My husband jokes that I’ll be 102 years
old, still studying my books,” she quipped. "I told him that at least I’ll still be using my mind.”
Carrico holds a Master of Science in Nursing from South College in Knoxville, Tennessee, and completed her undergraduate studies at Chamberlain University. She specializes in generalized neurology, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, poststroke management, and many other neurological diseases.
"We treat everything from headaches to
multiple sclerosis,” she said. "I am brand new and still learning the ropes, but I am excited for the opportunity to treat and establish relationships with my new patients.”
"We are excited to have Melissa Carrico, FNP-BC, join our medical staff at Wythe County Community Hospital. We are committed to outstanding neurological care, providing a seamless experience to the patients who need this specialized service,” said Vicki Parks, CEO of WCCH.
WCC graduates heavy equipment cohort
Wytheville Community College celebrated the graduation of its latest cohort of Heavy Equipment Operators Program on Dec. 10, 2024.
The ceremony, held at the Crossroads Institute in Galax, recognized the students who have completed their training in the operation and safety of heavy machinery.
The program, designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in construction and industries, has been an essential part of the college’s commitment to
workforce development.
WCC Vice President of Workforce Development and Occupational Programs, Perry Hughes, addressed the graduates with a message of encouragement.
"Today, you show your families and fellow classmates your dedication to mastering the skills that will open doors to new career opportunities in one of the most vital jobs in our region. You are not just learning to operate heavy machinery—you are learning to be part of the infrastructure that
keeps our industries alive.”
Students complete the short-term training program in 10weeks. Classes are held at the Crossroads Institute in Galax.
For more information about WCC’s Heavy Equipment Operator Program or other shortterm training classes, contact Lisa Lowe, WCC Workforce Development Credentials and Career Coach, at (276) 2234717, or llowe@wcc.vccs.
edu.
ApCo receives emergency response award
Appalachian Power was announced as an Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Response Award recipien. Presented to EEI member companies twice a year, the Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. EEI awarded Appalachian
Power its prestigious Emergency Response Award for its Hurricane Helene response just five months after recognizing the company for its response effort after a historical weather event struck parts of Virginia in the Spring 2024.
"Throughout 2024, America's electric companies and their dedicated workforce answered the call to help restore power and hope
to communities impacted by extreme weather events and natural disasters," said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn.
"EEI commends Appalachian Power for its efforts to respond safely and efficiently to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Appalachian Power and its storm response team are extremely deserving of this well-earned recovery award."
After the winds subsided and flood waters receded on Sept. 27, Hurricane Helene would be the most destructive storm to strike Appalachian Power's threestate service area since the 2012 derecho. It was also the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Some 282,000 homes and businesses lost electric service, including nearly
176,000 in Virginia, 85,000 in West Virginia and over 21,000 in Tennessee. Over 10 days, crews put in an estimated 1 million hours of work to rebuild the company's heavily damaged grid. Workers faced historic flooding, fallen trees and debris, and road and bridge closures to restore service. In total, crews replaced 1,485 poles, including 100 by helicopter.
WCCH: Hospital receives A grade
“We are the only hospital in the area that has an obstetrics unit,” Parks added. “We still deliver about 325 babies each year.”
The midwife joined Dr. Brad Terry’s practice from Blacksburg when the hospital there closed its OB unit.
“It’s scary to think that the younger gen-
eration would have to go to an ‘OB desert’ to deliver their babies because so few hospitals have their own OB units,” she remarked.
“I think it is one of Wytheville Community Hospital’s greatest assets to keep this service going for our patients.”
Additionally, Wythe County Community
Hospital has a fivestar rated surgical unit, a highly competent emergency department, and rapid care facilities in Wytheville. Parks says Wytheville offices treat more than 12,000 urgent care patients annually.
“We are not the same hospital we were ten years ago,” she encouraged the community.
“If anyone out there has had a bad experience with us a long time ago, I invite them to give us another try.”
“When I first came here, so many physicians had left that we were pretty much gutted,” she recalled. “Now, we have a number of providers who have significantly improved our quality of care.”
An Alabama native, Parks worked in accounting before joining Lifepoint a dozen years ago, halfway through her 25-year career. Before coming to Wytheville in December 2020, she worked in Kentucky, North Carolina, and her native state.
“It has been a joy to
work at Wythe County Community Hospital,” she stated in closing.
“It is a wonderful community, and I have enjoyed every minute.”
Vicki Parks lives in Wytheville with her husband of almost forty years, Brady.
“We’ve made a real home here,” she said.
Heavy Equipment Operator Graduates Mark Bass, Christopher Crockett, Carl Crouse, Justin Falconi, Jason Luttrell, Nicholas Walters and Instructor Jason
Twin brothers leading Eagles charge into a new day, new season
By Zach Cooley
With the unfortunate closing of the Appalachian Christian Academy in Rural Retreat this past summer, the building is now called the Appalachian Christian Youth Facility.
It is home to practices and games for the Appalachian Christian Eagles, a team consisting entirely of homeschooled high schoolers.
"It is nothing new to allow homeschooled players on our team,” said basketball coach Charlie Cressel. "What is new is not having our team affiliated with a school like the Appalachian Christian Academy.”
As a result, the sports program is entirely self-funded through regular community fundraisers and is limited to only a boys’ basketball team and a girls’ volleyball team.
As in years past, the boys’ basketball team has developed its own star power with impressive statistics.
A pair of twin brothers from Pulaski County are a highlight of the team this year as the only seniors. Jacob and Luke Saufley have a lifelong history with Appalachian Christian athletics. Two of eight siblings, the twins were born in Washington State before relocating to Pulaski County at the
age of 2. The entire family was homeschooled, with all but one sibling participating in Appalachian Christian
sports teams. Their three sisters, Corrie, Sarah Kate and Elizabeth, all played on the now-defunct girls’ basketball team. Brothers Kelly and Blake played baseball and basketball, respectively.
"Blake was the first senior player to be invited to play in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes senior tournament game,” Cressel stated.
Jacob and Luke have played with the Appalachian Christian basketball team for the past six years, ever since they became eligible.
"It’s exciting to have twin brothers as our only seniors,” Cressel added. "They are two of the most dedicated players I have ever worked with at ACA. They work hard and are great teammates.”
"We don’t have the senior backing we did last year,” explained Jacob Saufley, the older of the twin brothers by 12 minutes. "So, it is up to us to coach the younger kids and encourage them to follow our lead.”
"I prefer running around and telling everybody else what to do,” he said with a laugh, referring to his shooting guard position. "My brother is a very aggressive point guard.”
While Luke averages 16 to 18 points per game, Jacob averages 21 points per game. Both brothers say they are involved with their teammates on and off the court.
"We try to attend all their birthday parties and get together with our teammates to run every day,” Jacob added.
"It’s important to us to keep the friendships we’ve established throughout our lives.”
For Luke, life lessons learned on the court are imperative.
"If you slip up in basketball, you have to keep going,” he reasoned. "It’s the same in life.”
Luke also said that having his brother as a teammate has strengthened their bond as twins.
Jacob concurs.
"It’s a great relief to rely on my brother and pass the ball off to him when I need,” Luke stated.
"We always know where the other is, and that helps a lot.”
"I think we have one of the
See EAGLES, Page 13
Departure of RR football coach stuns fans Homeschool hoopers
By Zach Cooley
Many Rural Retreat High School students, athletes, parents, and fans are upset over the resignation of Jamey Hughes as the head coach of the Indians’ varsity football team.
He announced in a Dec.9 Facebook post that, after being asked to step down, he had resigned, effective immediately. In a Dec.18 interview via email, Hughes discussed his dismissal with a matter-of-fact outlook.
"The only reason dis -
cussed was my win-loss record,” Hughes wrote. "We have played for a district championship in each of the last two seasons, but we couldn’t quite get over the hump to get it done.”
Prior to this unfortunate news, Hughes had been
looking forward to future seasons with the Indians.
"I was very excited about the group of players that are coming back and felt like next year’s team would have an excellent chance to play for another district championship,” he said. "If they put
in the work and stay healthy, I think they will have a successful year next fall, and I look forward to being there to support them.”
Despite this setback, Hughes has had a long
See COACH, Page 13
Coach: Rural Retreat football
and happy tenure at Rural Retreat High School as a coach.
"This season was my seventh as head coach, and my twentieth overall in the football program,” he explained.
"There were some growing pains during my first few seasons as head coach, but we kept working and got to a point where we became a pretty tough outfit over the last few seasons. I have coached in over 200 football games at Rural Retreat, so it is hard to pick out specific highlights.”
Though he is unsure about his future as a coach, Hughes plans to continue his two-decade career at
Eagles:
From Page 12
Rural Retreat High School as a teacher and athletic director. He began in 2005 as a volunteer assistant with the football program before joining the full-time coaching staff the following year.
Hughes has spent the last twenty summers helping students with workouts, setting up camps, and playing in 7-on-7s, which are football games without linemen that focus primarily on passing the ball.
"My time in the football program has been very rewarding, and I have built a lot of relationships that are important to me,” he stated. Being a part of high school football is second nature to Hughes.
best offensive lines in the league,” Jacob added.
"I’m pretty comfortable letting my brother take the lead,” noted Luke. "But when he’s not on the court, I step up.”
While Jacob would gladly pursue a lifelong career in basketball if possible and is very hopeful for collegiate opportunities, Luke has more militant aspirations. He has applied for ROTC and hopes, after college, to become a Navy pilot.
"I might try out for basketball in college,” Luke considered. "But I have a backup plan.”
Jacob, on the other hand, plans to attend New River Community College and then transfer to either Radford or Liberty University to major in criminal justice.
Both boys are grateful to their coach for his guidance and mentorship.
"We want to thank Coach Cressel for allowing us to play for him during the past six years,” Luke offered. "Even when things were difficult, he always stuck by us and kept encouraging us.”
For now, the Saufley twins are simply focused on having a successful season.
"We just need to keep on winning, hopefully,” declared Luke.
Born and raised in Abingdon, his father was a high school teacher and was immersed in the athletic scene daily.
"We also spent a lot of time going to high school games,” Hughes remembered.
After graduating from Abingdon High School in 1996, Hughes spent two years as a member of the football team at Emory & Henry College.
"I was surrounded by a lot of good football coaches there, and some great teammates as well during my two years with the program,” Hughes recollected. He began his high school
coaching career in 1999, with his first job as a teacher starting the following year.
"There were a lot of teachers and coaches who invested in me when I was younger, and I think that definitely played a role in my career path,” Hughes recalled. "Since then, I’ve spent 24of the last 25football seasons coaching under the lights.”
Despite not having the record he had strived for as coach of the Rural Retreat Indians, hefaces the future without regret.
"If you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” he remarked. "I
have loved this job. I have been blessed to coach good kids, and I have loved the people I have gotten to work with in this position.”
Hughes expressed gratitude toward his many supporters in the school and community following his untimely exit as head coach of the varsity football team.
"We did things the right way as a program, and it was an honor to serve as head football coach,” he said in closing of his Rural Retreat High School team. "I am proud of and thankful for all the players and coaches I got to work with during my 20years in the program.”
Registration open for New River triathlon
Registration is open now for Virginia’s longest and longest-running adventure triathlon, the New River Trail Challenge Triathlon.
Par of the Virginia State Parks Adventure Series, the triathlon is set for Sept. 20. It was first held in 1999 and now welcomes competitors from across the region.
Golf All-State teams named
Plenty of local names were on the Virginia High School Leagues’ Class 1 All-State Golf Team.
George Wythe standout David Goode finished second with an even par on the year. No. 1 was Drew Royal of Auburn. Fellow Eagle Matthew Atlizer was in the third spot.
Galax’s Carson Iroler finished in fourth with a plus three par.
Will Barnes of Chilhowie was tied for fifth with Lancaster’s Isaac Hernandez. Alex Young of Auburn rounded out the 10 spots in the field, tied for seventh with Northumberland’s Amanti Starks.
Abingdon High School’s Connor Bummitt was in a four-way tie for fourth place on the Class 3 list, and Christiansburg’s Josh Cummins was in a two-way tie for eighth place in Class 3.
In Class 2, Graham’s McCartney Hinkle led the field with a plus one par. Floyd County’s Isaiah Cantrell took fourth place in the Class 2 list, finishing at plus four. Radford’s Hunter Crist was in in a three-way tie for fifth, and Marion’s Grayson Sheets and Floyd’s Peyton Mason were in a threeway tie for eighth place.
Faulkner named to All-State team
Emma Faulkner, a sophomore at George Wythe secured the second spot in the Virginia High School League’s All State Class 1 girls team.
Faulkner was joined by Auburn runners Alyson Funk and Beverly Warner. The sophomores were in third and sixth, respectively.
Senior Aija McHone of Eastern Montgomery was eighth on the list.
Marion placed a runner on the Class 2 All State Cross Country team, with senior Domenico Bruzzo-Morello claiming the fourth spot.
Floyd dominated the Virginia High School list with Buffalo runners claiming the top two spots. Mason Erchull was in first and Quinlan Beegle was in second. Tazewell’s Drake Young took the eighth spot.
Floyd girls also had an impressive finish in the all-state rankings, taking second, third and eighth places. Reagan Lynch, a junior, finished in second, and freshman Annika Beegle was in third, just ahead of Radford’s Cora Mosby. Abigail Allen nabbed the eighth spot.
Tazewell’s Abigail Rhudy earned the top spot in the Class 2 rankings.
Due to extensive trail damage from Hurricane Helene, this year’s course may be altered. The race is capped at 275 participants and consists of three stages along the New River. The trail is flat with a crushed cinder surface, and the river flows smoothly with
small rapids under normal conditions.
The race begins with a 40-mile out and back bike leg, followed by a 12.1-mile downriver kayak paddle, and ends with a half marathon run along the river for a total of 65.2 miles. Although the race is long, it's perfect for both beginners and accomplished athletes
due to its flattish nature. Participants may compete solo or in teams of two or three.
Overall male and female winners will receive a $250 gift Virginia State Parks gift certificate, with a $300 gift certificate awarded to the fastest team.
Certificates are good for annual passes,
camping and cabins at Virginia State Parks. Fees through June 30 are $85. From July 1 to Aug. 31, fees are $100, and $110 from Sept. 1 through race day. Team fees through June 30 are $225. From July 1 to Aug. 31, team fees are $250, and $280 from Sept. 1 through race day.
Tobacco Commission grant helps with Smyth sewer project
During its first meeting of the year, the Tobacco Regional Revitalization Commission approved a $257,450 grant to the Smyth County Economic Development Authority for design work for the Groseclose sewer/General Shale infrastructure.
The money will support 50 percent of the engineering and design services costs for a sewer line extension aimed a serving the former General Shale site near the Interstate 81 Exit 54 interchange. Funds would be used to fund preparation of plans and specifications.
Citizens awarded USDA connect grant
The Co-op has now been awarded a Community Connect Grant from the USDA enabling the Internet company to expand their service footprint into portions of neighboring Carroll County.
"Today, Citizens has LECAP (Line Extension Customer Assistance Program) funding through the Virginia DHCD (Department of Housing and Commu-
nity Development) to help connect neighbors to our existing fiber network in Carroll and Grayson counties. In addition, the Community Connect Grant will cover a large portion of the Dugspur and Laurel Fork areas. Together, these projects will further expand our fiber-to-the-home Internet service,” stated Donna Smith, CEO & General Manager of
Citizens.
The Cooperative plans to pass over 2,500 homes offering 1 Gbps symmetrical Internet service. Construction is anticipated to begin in the early Spring of 2025.
"Today, the average home has over 20 devices connected a any given time. Our mission is to provide a service so no matter what you do online, no one
in the home experiences slow speeds, buffering, or lagging issues,” continued Smith.
Residents should rest assured that through the process, as construction is complete and the fiber is tested, eligible residents will receive emails, letters, and phone calls.
For more information, visit www.citizens.coop or press 2 to speak to a sales
agent by calling a local number 540-7452111 or 276-637-6485.
Citizens is a leadingedge, member-owned Cooperative providing the newest telephone, Internet, and TV technology to Floyd County and surrounding communities for over 110 years.
Citizens' business offerings include broadband, data
Wythe man facing murder charge
The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting death that occurred in the early morning on Thursday.
According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, their deputies responded with officers from the Wytheville Police Department to a 1 a.m. call to West Ridge Road regarding a shooting.
Arriving at the 2605 W. Ridge Road home, law enforcement officers discovered a female victim dead from a gunshot wound.
Chad Nelson Hawks was taken into custody at the scene and charged with seconddegree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, reck-
less handling of a firearm and discharging a firearm inside an occupied dwelling. Hawk is being held at the New River Regional Jail.
transport, web services, hosted phones, and more. Citizens is located at 220 Webbs Mill Road in Floyd. Lobby hours are 8 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday; and 9 a.m. -noonon Saturday.
