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ISSUE YEAR VOLUME

� Recreational Vehi-cle Owner Advise-ment Page 5

� Speedwell Fire De-partment elects officers page 2

� Local responders launch Website page 3

Wythe the news T HE H U B O F SO UT H W EST V I RG IN I A .

Resolution passed for GWHS team On February 26, 2012 the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting at the Coun-ty Administration Building. At the meeting the Board passed a resolu-tion in honor of the George Wythe Football team, heard from the school system’s superintendent and reviewed a letter from the Planning Commission. Chair Danny McDaniel read a reso-lution in honor of the George Wythe Football Team players and coaches. The resolution recognized the team for winning the 2012 State Football Championship.

Dr. Lee Brannon, superintendent of Wythe County Public Schools, re-ported that bids would go out short-ly for the Sheffey Elementary School and Rural Retreat Middle School projects identified in the school’s capital improvement plan. He noted that other projects may be considered depending on the bids received. Brannon added that the school sys-tem held over 20 public meetings, in which no one opposed a tax in-crease for school construction pro-jects.

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340 S 6th St Wytheville, VA 24382

Phone: (276) 223-4500

Fax: (276) 223-4515

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

www.facebook.com/wytheco

On February 12, 2012 the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting at the Coun-ty Administration Building. At the meeting the Board made a decision regarding the National Heritage Area Designation and reviewed letters from the U. S. Forest Service Area Ranger. During citizens’ time, Matthew Miller addressed the Board on be-

half of the Wythe County Farm Bureau. He noted that the Farm Bureau has worked to investigate the National Heritage Area issue and is not opposed to the Crooked Road, enhanced tourism, or to the promotion of music heritage, but does have an issue with the desig-nation as a National Heritage Area and what that entails from the fed-eral government.

Miller added that the Virginia Farm Bureau and the Southwest Ag Association have voiced oppo-sition to the designations and have contacted Senators to discuss the issue. He stated that the Farm Bu-reau would prefer that the Board oppose the designation and re-quested that the Board take no

Continued page 4

Volume 2 Issue 3

March 2013

Board votes against designation

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Fire and Rescue Officers Elected Speedwell Fire Department has elected its new officers for 2013. The list of officers in-clude: Chief—Jerry Porter Assistant Chief—Mickey Bass Captain—Mike Whalen First Lieutentant—AJ Whitlow Second Lieutenant—Gene Hor-ney Sergeants—Bill Tarter and Dale Jones Safety Officer—Jimmy Linkous Chaplan—Jo Swiney Secretary—Gus Kincer Treasurer—Stephanie Whitlow Trustees—Jimmy Linkous, Doug Robinson, Paul Townley.

Hydrant System aids in saving property from fire In mid– December 2012, the Wythe-ville Volunteer Fire Department re-sponded to a call on West Lee High-way where a family home was burn-ing. According to fire chief Ronnie King, if it had not been for the Wythe County hydrant system recently ex-tended to cover that portion of the County all could have been lost. “When we first got there fire was com-ing out of the windows and door,” said King. King added had if not for the hydrant system now in place, there would have been little water pressure and little water to stop the house from burning

to the ground. “They could have lost the house, the garage and much more,” he said. The hydrant system was extended to the West Lee Highway area in 2012. Thanks to the Wytheville to Rural Re-treat Waterline Extension, water pres-sure and water were readily available to extinguish the fire Not only do such systems provide wa-ter supplies for communities in Wythe County, they ensure the safety of resi-dents and their property in the event of an emergency.

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Wythe County Rescue has seen a surge of young volunteers in recent weeks after the successful presentation of a Youtube re-cruitment video. The young volunteers are hard at work ob-serving active EMTs, practicing procedures and getting hands on experience with real life emergencies.

Wythe County Rescue Welcomes New Crew of Junior Volunteers

Local Respond-ers Launch Website In an effort to recruit more vol-unteers throughout the commu-nity, Wythe County Fire Depart-ments and Rescue Squads are banding together. The groups are participating in an initiative called, “Will You Answer?” Following a video produced by Wythe County Res-cue, the Website was launched to spark even more interest. The Website asks “Have you ever wondered what happens when someone calls 9-1-1? Who answers those calls for help? Thousands of emergency calls are received in Wythe County each year and many times the crews that respond are volun-teers. Ordinary people who do extraordinary things for the community. You can be one of those people. You can make a difference! We understand that being a vol-unteer in emergency services isn't easy, it's a big responsibil-ity. It can be time consuming and takes a great deal of perse-verance, patience, and dedica-tion. But at the same time, being part of a Fire or EMS depart-ment can be the most exciting and rewarding experience of your life. It's not something you just do. It's a calling, are you ready to answer the call?” For more information on how to volunteer with a local depart-ment or squad visit www.willyouanswer.com.

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Cont.: GWHS The Board reviewed and discussed a letter and supporting data from Eric Crowgey, Chair of the Wythe Coun-ty Planning Commission, outlining the Commission’s recommendation to draft a Wind Energy Ordinance for WytheCounty. Cellell Dalton, County Administra-tor, explained that the Planning Commission has provided a draft

ordinance, which he would recom-mend sending to the County Attor-ney for revisions. Stephen Bear, As-sistant County Administrator, ex-plained that the Department of Envi-ronmental Quality and Virginia Cen-ter for Wind Energy have recom-mended that any locality with the potential for a wind energy project consider developing a wind energy ordinance.

He noted that the three major points to consider in the ordinance are setbacks, noise and decommis-sioning. Bear added that the Planning Com-mission has recommended that the Board consider drafting an ordi-nance in order to prepare for any potential wind energy projects within the County.

Cont.: committee members action in favor of the designation. The Board reviewed and discussed 24 questions and answers prepared by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia related to the proposed Crooked Road National Heritage Area designation. Cellell Dalton, County Administra-tor, explained that the County has spent enormous amounts of time

evaluating data from both sides con-cerning the National Heritage Area designation. He requested that the Board determine whether they plan to move forward as part of the Herit-age Area designation or ask to be removed from the designation. The Board voted to be removed from the designation. The Board reviewed and discussed a letter and map from Elizabeth

Wertz, U. S. Forest Service Area Ranger, outlining plans for a pre-scribed fire in the Snake Den Mountain and Horne Knob areas. The Board also reviewed and dis-cussed a letter and map from Eliza-beth Wertz, U. S. Forest Service Area Ranger, describing a pro-posed multi-use recreation trail to be constructed in the Raccoon Branch Campground area of the National Forest.

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ATTENTION RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OWNERS

Please familiarize yourself with the

WYTHE COUNTY FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE #2008-1

In light of recent flooding in Wythe County, the Building Inspection Department would like to remind everyone of the re-quirements for recreational vehicles located within the various flood zones of the County. The following requirements shall apply: D. Standards for Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles 1. All manufactured homes placed, or substantially improved, on individual lots or parcels, in expansions to existing manufactured home parks or subdivisions, in a new manufactured home park or subdivision or in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision on which a manufactured home has incurred substantial damage as the result of a flood, must meet all the requirements for new construction, including the elevation and anchoring requirements in Article 4, section 4.2 (A) and (B), and section 4.3 (A). 2. All manufactured homes placed or substantially improved in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision must be elevated so that

a. the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated no lower than the base flood elevation; or,

b. the manufactured home chassis is supported by reinforced piers or other foundation elements of at least an equivalent strength, of no less than thirty-six (36) inches in height above the grade;

c. the manufactured home must be securely anchored to the adequately anchored foundation system to re-

sist flotation, collapse and lateral movement; 3. All recreational vehicles placed on sites must either

a. be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days; Please Notify Building Inspection Department so the move can be verified.

b. be fully licensed and ready for highway use (a recreational vehicle is ready for highway use if it is on its

wheels or jacking system, is attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities and security devices and has no permanently attached additions); or,

c. meet all the requirements for manufactured homes in Article 4, section 4.3 (D).

4. All owners of a recreational vehicle placed on a site within the flood plain must have an evacuation plan approved by the Building Official for removal of the recreational vehicle during a flood period prior to receiving a building permit for the installation of any utilities to serve the recreational vehicle.

The requirements above are only a portion of the Ordinance. The ordinance applies to all structures which are located in flood prone areas. Please follow the link below to see the Ordinance in its entirety.

http://www.wytheco.org/documents/ord2008-1.pdf

Any questions may be directed to the Building Inspection Department.

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January Board of Supervisors Recaps On January 8, 2013, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting at the County Administration Building. At the meeting, the Board elected a chair and vice chair, discussed a proposed Agricultural Exposition Center, accepted a Stormwater Management Grant, appointed committee members and looked at progress made by Wythe County Rescue Squad. Cellell Dalton, County Adminis-trator, opened the first meeting of the 2013 year with nominations for the Wythe County Board of Super-visors Chairperson. Danny McDaniel, East Wytheville Super-visor, was reelected as Chairper-son. Supervisor Gary Houseman was also reelected as Vice Chair-person. Supervisor Tim Reeves reported that he, Supervisor Horney, and Dalton met with Mark Munsey on December 28 to discuss the pro-posed Agricultural Exposition Center. He explained that they provided criteria parameters to the engineer for the evaluation of each potential site for the Center. Supervisor Reeves noted that site location, convenience, accessibil-ity, security, visibility, compatibil-ity with surroundings, costs, site configuration and size, expansion capability, and parking were con-sidered. He added that they plan to meet with the engineer in February to review the preliminary evalua-tions of each potential site. Dalton explained that the Storm

Water Management Grant funding awarded would assist with a por-tion of the costs incurred with the Stormwater Management Program Wythe County is required to im-plement by the state. He noted that the Virginia General Assembly passed Stormwater Management regulations that force the County to enact Stormwater Ordinances and enforce the State law. He added that the grant funding would only cover approximately one-third of the total costs incurred with the program. Supervisor Coy McRoberts made a motion, se-conded by Supervisor Hall to ac-cept the Department of Conserva-tion and Recreation grant in the amount of $33,842 for Stormwater Management. McDaniel requested that Board members continue serving on the same committees as they had in the previous year. He noted that those appointments would be final-ized at the January 16 reconvened Board meeting. He explained that he had received a letter from the Tourism Advisory Committee requesting that all Committee members be reappoint-ed with the exception of the Black-lick District representative. McDaniel requested that the Board accept the Wythe Grayson Region-al Library Board’s nomination of Ernest Wheeler to the Wythe Grayson Regional Library Board. The Board reviewed and discussed a resolution adopted by the Mont-gomery County Board of Supervi-sors urging Congress to adopt the

Industrial Hemp Farming Act. Dalton explained that the Mont-gomery County Board of Super-visors has presented the resolu-tion to the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), who en-dorses the resolution. He noted that they have requested that Wythe County adopt a simi-lar resolution in support of their efforts to industrialize hemp farming. Supervisor Tim Reeves noted the VACo Environmental and Agricultural Steering Com-mittee discussed the issue and they also support the resolution. McDaniel explained that he re-ceived a memorandum from J. D. Hancock, Executive Director of the Wythe County Rescue Squad, updating the Board on the status of the Squad. He noted that the Squad had a profitable month, as well as receiving ten new volun-teers. ————————————— On January 22, 2013, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its bi-monthly meeting at the County Administration Building. At the meeting, the Board held a public hearing, appointed com-mittee members, presented a transportation bill and spoke with Wythe County Rescue Squad. A public hearing to solicit public input on local community devel-opment and housing needs in re-lation to Department of Housing and Community Development Funding for a project in Wythe County was held at the meeting.

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Discovery Channel Visits Max Meadows

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Cellell Dalton, County Adminis-trator, reported that the most recent housing project completed was in Austinville with a cost of $700,000. He explained that the County is currently considering a housing rehabilitation project in Slabtown, as well as, the addition of utilities to a subdivision in the Route 52 area. The Board made several commit-tee appointments for 2013. The appointments are as follows:

1. Community Policy and Manage-ment Team - Department of Social Services Director, Lewis Lafon 2. Crossroads Regional Industrial Facility Authority –Supervisor Gary Houseman 3. County and Town Industrial De-velopment Authority –Jennifer Atwell 4. Mental Health and Mental Re-tardation Board –Denise Grego 5. Mount Rogers Planning District Commission –Jacqueline King 6. Reassessment Committee – Chair McDaniel noted that the Re-assessment Committee was no longer needed. Supervisor Tim Reeves reported that he spoke with Governor McDonnell at a town hall meeting conference call on January 18. He noted that the Governor en-couraged the localities to support

the Transportation Bill, the elimi-nation of the gas tax, and an in-crease of the sales tax in Virginia to 5.5%. Supervisor Reeves add-ed that Governor McDonnell has also proposed that $45 million be returned to local governments to offset unfunded State mandates, as well as a $59 million pay in-crease for teachers. Supervisor Gary Houseman re-ported that he, Supervisor Hale, and Bruce Grant met with the rescue squads on January 15. He explained that J. D. Hancock, Executive Director of the Wythe County Rescue Squad, has pre-pared a video to recruit new members. Supervisor Houseman noted that the Fire and Rescue Taskforce has requested that Hancock work with Jenna Nichols-Coleman, Public Information Officer, to develop a recruitment video for all of the squads. Hancock addressed the Board and introduced Dustin Hazelwood, a paramedic who has worked with the squad for approximately six months. He noted that the Squad recently adopted a quality assur-ance program to ensure that the Squad provides the best care pos-sible to the citizens, which Mr. Hazelwood coordinated. Hazelwood said that the Squad is working to review call sheets to ensure that providers follow pro-tocols, increase involvement with the community, and to encourage volunteerism.

In late February, Be-

yond Productions, a contractor of the Dis-

covery Channel, visited Wythe County to shoot footage for the televi-

sion documentary se-ries “Deadly Women.”

The program is made by a company called

Beyond Productions based in Sydney, Aus-

tralia. Beyond Productions

specializes in factual and documentary style

programs for both Aus-tralian and US net-

works. One such program that

you may have heard of is the highly successful

show ‘Mythbusters’, which they produce for Discovery USA.

Deadly Women is an-

other series for the Dis-covery Network USA (Investigation Discov-

ery) which explores the psychological motiva-

tion behind why some women commit homi-cide.

The series hopes to cre-

ate a greater aware-ness and understanding of the effects of such

crimes, both on the in-dividuals involved and

the larger community.

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Building permits are re-quired for metal struc-tures over 200 square feet in size. The struc-tures must also meet the wind and snow load re-quirements for Wythe County and be an-chored. Metal structures over 600 square feet have other foundation re-quirements. Please con-tact the Building Inspec-tion Department for more information if you are considering installing a similar structure.

Required permits for metal structures

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Tourism Spotlight: West Wind Farm, Vineyard and Winery

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West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery is a true family-crafted business in the Eastern end of Wythe County. The ven-ue’s grapevines were planted in the spring of 2003 and the first wine made was in fall of 2005. Currently, there are five acres of grapes being cultivated on the farm. In the five years since the opening in 2006, West Wind’s wines have been awarded over forty awards at a variety of competi-tions. Virtually every wine they have made has been recognized. West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery was the second winery in Virginia to be certified Vir-ginia Green by the Commonwealth’s Department of Environmental Quality. Their wine was also approved for par-ticipation in Virginia’s Finest a recog-nized quality assurance program spon-sored by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

CafeSaturdayswillcontin-ueinto2013atWestWindFarmVineyard&Winery.Bringfriendsandjoininforagreatlunchwithlivemusiceachweek.From11amto3pmeachSatur-day,WestWindwillbeof-feringthefollowing:

March9th:Heartychickennoodlesoupandchickensaladcroissantwithbroccolisal-ad16th:Grilledchicken-pestopastawithwhitebeansoup23rd:Tacosoupwithgrilledcheese29th:Family-stylechickenstewwithbiscuitsandsal-adEnjoyLIVEMUSICeachSaturdayfromNoonto2pmDecadentdessertsavaila-bleweeklyalacarteWineavailableforpur-chasebytheglassorbottleAbountifulcheeseboardisalwaysavailable,tooCafeselectionsare$10eachexcludingbeverage,tax,andgratuity.

CafeSatur-daysatWestWind

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Planning Commission Spotlight What is a subdivision of land? The Wythe County Subdivision Ordinance defines a subdivision as a division of a parcel of land into two (2) or more lots. Therefore, anyone that wants to divide his or her property to convey even one lot must meet the terms of the Subdivi-sion Ordinance. There are various types of subdivisions in the ordinance includ-ing family, adjoining owner, minor, major and townhouse subdivisions.

In addition, the ordinance has guidelines for lot line revisions. A lot line revision is typically a relocation or abandonment of an internal lot line or lines on adjoin-ing parcels that individuals own. Over the next several issues we will be addressing each of the above subdivi-sions. If you are interested in subdividing your property it is encouraged that you be-

come familiar with the regulations in the Wythe County Subdivision Ordi-nance. This ordinance can be found on the county website at www.wytheco.org. Contact Michelle Cassell in the Wythe County Planning Commission Office at 276-223-4508 if you would like additional information or would like to schedule a meeting to discuss subdi-viding your property.

Upcoming Sport Registration The K-3 Max Meadows Youth Bas-ketball league began on Thursday, Jan-uary 24 and will end on Thursday, March 7. This is an instructional league for par-ticipants to learn the fundamentals of basketball, as well as developing skills to work as a team. This league will meet on Thursdays at the Max Meadows Elementary School gymnasium at 6:00 P.M.

If you would like to register your child, please call (276)223-4517 or come watch a night of youth basketball. Registrations for both Dixie Youth Baseball and Spring Soccer have be-gun. ***Max Meadows students need to register through WCPRD*** Dixie Youth Baseball – Registrations end Friday, March 1.

Practice begins Monday, April 1. Spring Soccer - U10, U12 & U14 Registrations Thursday, February 21. Practice begins Monday March 18. Season begins Monday, April 1.

Upcoming Classes “EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF PAINTING” Join Judy Moore-Gist, an experi-enced and Certified Bob Ross In-structor, as she changes your life forever by making you more aware of beautiful cloud shapes and colors that you took for granted before. She will teach you in just one session and you will find that there is noth-ing more inspiring than seeing a beautiful landscape that you have created and will treasure forever. DEADLINE: Monday, March 4

WHEN: SUNDAY, MARCH 10th. WHERE: MAX MEADOWS RU-RITAN BUILDING. TIME: 1:30pm-5:30pm. FEE: $65 Per Person; Pre-Registration and pre-payment RE-QUIRED. Minimum of 8 Partici-pants. Ages 15 & Up SPONSORED BY: For more information or to register, call (276)223-4517 or email us at recdept@wytheco.org Registration forms can be found online at www.wytheco.org or by visiting our office at 340 South Sixth Street, Wytheville.

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Schedule of Events

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 24 25 26 27 28 1 2

3 4 Planning

Commission

5 Building

and

Grounds

6 7 Economic De-

velopment

8 9

10 11 12 Board of

Supervi-

sors

13 14 15 16

17 18 19 Water

Committee

Tourism

Committee

Budget

20 21 22 23

24 25 26 Board of

Supervi-

sors

27 28 29 30

31 1 2 3 4 5 6

March 2013

• 3/12 Wythe County

Board of Supervisors

will hold its bi-monthly

meeting at 7 p.m. in

the County Administra-

tion Building, 340 S 6th

Street, Wytheville.

• 3/9 Budget Committee

will meet in the confer-

ence room of the Coun-

ty Administration

Building, 340 S 6th

Street, Wytheville at 8

a.m.

• 3/19 Water Committee

will meet in the confer-

ence room of the Coun-

ty Administration

Building, 340 S 6th

Street, Wytheville at

9:30 a.m.

• 3/19 Tourism Commit-

tee will meet in the

Board room of the

County Administration

Building, 340 S 6th

Street, Wytheville at 4

p.m.

• 3/26 Wythe County

Board of Supervisors

will hold its bi-monthly

meeting at 9 a.m. in

the County Administra-

tion Building, 340 S 6th

Street, Wytheville.

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340 S 6th St Wytheville, VA 24382 Phone: (276) 223-4500 Fax: (276) 223-4515

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

The HUB of southwest VA

Wythe County Board of Supervisors

Wythe County Water Updates Construction projects Wytheville to Rural Retreat Water Extension Project: The water service along A Frame Drive and the extension to St. Paul Ln and east on Huffard Ln has been completed. Customers along these lines may apply for service at any time. Customers will receive an offi-cial letter explaining the details con-cerning connection requirements. Wytheville to Speedwell Water Pro-ject: Construction has begun on a water extension project that will extend water from the existing County water system on West Lee Hwy to the Speedwell area. The water will be extended along South Fork Drive, Old Stage Rd., Tabernacle Rd, Sce-nic Trail , Crockett Rd on to Grayson Turnpike Rd and on to Speedwell. In addition a one-half million gallon water tank will be constructed along Grayson Turnpike. The water exten-sion will bring a much needed sec-ondary source of water to the Speed-well community which now relies on two wells to serve the 180 customers including the Speedwell Elementary. In addition, the extension will help those along the route with water quality and quantity issues and pro-vide fire protection. This project is approximately 12% completed and is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. Old School Road Water Project: Steve Martin’s Trenching was awarded the contract and work began in late December. The extension will loop around Old School Rd to the end of Marble Ln. The water main installation is nearly completed and the contractor will begin setting wa-ter meters soon. The County inspec-tor has been contacting customers along this route to discuss meter lo-cations. This work should be com-pleted in March 2013.

Grahams Forge Sewer Project: The Grahams Forge Phase III sewer project is progressing on schedule and the contractor has completed approximately 80% of the work . The project will provide sew-er service along East Lee Hwy near Gateway mobile home park to the Estes Truck terminal. Customers in the project area will be notified by mail of a completion date and con-nection requirements. This project is scheduled for completion in March of 2013. Applications for service can be made at any time at the Coun-ty Administration building. Project in the planning stages Slabtown Community Improvements Project: The County is evaluating the information received from the community surveys which will deter-mine if the project will meet grant eligibility requirements. This evalua-tion will outline what the improve-ments project will encompass, which could include water system improve-ments, roads and housing. Exit 24 Wastewater: The Board of Supervisors has com-missioned a Preliminary Engineering Report that will outline construction alternatives, cost estimates and po-tential funding to construct a wastewater system at exit 24 on I-77, Poplar Camp. A draft report is under review and should be completed in March 2013. Castleton Road/Barren Springs Wa-ter Extension: The Board of Supervisors has com-missioned a Preliminary Engineering Report that will outline construction alternatives, cost estimates and po-tential funding to construct a water system extension along Castleton Road to Barren Springs. A draft re-port is under review and should be completed in March 2013. Jackson Elementary School Exten-

sion: The County has receive grant funds from the Mount Rogers Plan-ning District Commission and Southeast Rural Community Assis-tance Program to design a water extension to serve the Jackson Ele-mentary School and also approxi-mately twelve homes along the route which have contaminated wells. The design is 90% completed and funding applications are being prepared for construction and relat-ed costs. Speedwell Phase II: Design of a water main extension from the in-tersection of Crockett Road and Grayson Turnpike north toward Wytheville is underway and ap-proximately 75% completed. This project will provide water service along Grayson Turnpike to approxi-mately 200 customers. Additional areas that are being considered for service are Barrett Mill Rd and Pump Hollow Rd. Residents along these two roads will be mailed a survey to gain their input on any water needs they may have.