Following Tuesday’s board meeting, members of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors toured two county schools undergoing construction.

Members first visited the Sheffey Elementary School, where renovation work began last summer. Construction efforts include modernization of facilities, adding classrooms and building an entirely new gymnasium.

The gymnasium will double as a community center, which county officials plan to use in providing recreational programs to local residents.

Coy McRoberts, Supervisor of the Lead Mines District, expressed his excitement in the new community center, stating, “I’m the most anxious man in the county to see this construction project completed.”

The visit to Sheffey Elementary School featured a cafeteria lunch and guided tour, led by Dr. Wesley Poole, Director of Facilities and Operations for Wythe County Public Schools.

Following their time at Sheffey Elementary School, board members traveled to Rural Retreat Middle School, where school board officials provided updates on the renovation project there.

Work in Rural Retreat includes replacing the existing plumbing system, electrical wires, windows and flooring in sections of the school with more modern versions.

Contractors also installed an entirely new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that will prove to be more efficient in terms of cost and comfort.

Dr. Gary M. Houseman, Black Lick representative and retired school principal, stated that he was happy for both schools.

“These projects were necessary and will aid in providing students with an environment that is conducive to learning,” said Houseman.

School board officials told members of the county’s Board of Supervisors that they hoped to have the bulk of construction work completed by the end of summer.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Wythe County’s emergency management team participated in a live conference call with state emergency officials, on the eve of what forecasters are referring to as “the biggest snowfall event of the year.”

Conflicting weather reports are calling for anywhere from 4-14” of snow for southwestern Virginia.

State officials informed county emergency managers that unlike previous snows this year, “where it had been cold in the days leading up to the event, the warmer weather could create a far wetter snow.”

Wetter snow has the potential to weigh heavily upon tree branches and power lines, creating the potential for loss of electricity due to downed limbs.

The snow is forecasted to begin sometime around noon tomorrow and is not expected end until Thursday afternoon.

Temperatures should continue to rise into Friday, however, and continue through the weekend.

As always, the county’s emergency management department is encouraging local residents to be prepared in the event of an emergency with essential items. Essential items include: water, canned food, can opener, snacks, personal hygiene products, first aid kit, trash bags, gloves, battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, food for pets, tools, glasses or contact lenses and backpack.