Day: May 22, 2014

Wythe County Hosts Emergency Driving Course for First Responders

by wytheGovernment

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – A capacity class of twenty-eight individuals – all wishing to become emergency responders – participated in a state sanctioned emergency vehicle operator’s course [EVOC] this past weekend at Wytheville Community College.

Completion of the two day training program is a requirement for any person interested in becoming a first responder, including law enforcement officers, fire and rescue personnel, as well as those seeking a career in emergency management.

Participants sat through eight hours of classroom presentation on Saturday, as Ikey Davidson, Wythe County Emergency Services Coordinator, lectured the class on the subject of state laws pertaining to emergency vehicles and provided students with safe driving instructions.

The following day, Davidson was joined by Virginia Department of Emergency Management personnel as the class was taken outside, where a temporary road course had been constructed on the campus’ upper parking lot.

Students weaved and raced through the cones in a wide range of vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances and heavy duty vehicles.

The training course was made possible thanks to a grant secured from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.

Instructor Ikey Davidson said the class was an overwhelming success, noting that dozens of people had to be turned away due to reaching capacity.

“We had people from as far away as Newport News calling, wanting to know if there was space available in the class,” said Davidson, adding, “Interest in the class was so impressive, we’re looking at trying to host a similar class next month.”

Persons interested in registering for future EVOC classes are encouraged to call Davidson at the following number: 276-223-4521.

According to Davidson, the class could not have been possible without the generous support of community leaders and organizations, including Wytheville Community College, as well as the several
Wythe County rescue and fire departments who both promoted the event and donated their vehicles to be used in the training session.

Wythe County Hosts Kids Fish Day

by wytheCommunity

RURAL RETREAT, Va. – Over forty children braved the unseasonably cool temperatures last Saturday to participate in the Rural Retreat Lake’s annual “Kids’ Fish Day.”

The event, which is part of a cooperative effort between the Wythe County Department of Parks & Recreation and the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (DGIF), began at 9 a.m. and provided many children with their first opportunity to fish.

With DGIF trucks having stocked the lake’s trout pond the previous evening, the county’s youngest anglers were provided the first opportunity of the season to reel in one of Virginia’s famous Rainbow Trout.

Assisting the fisherman were two DGIF field officers and Wythe County Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Williams. The pair of DGIF officers aided the children in fishing, as well as provided casting and reeling instructions, while Williams drew names for prize winners.

Though all participants left the event with a random assortment of gifts, a few lucky prize winners went home with new fishing poles and tackle boxes; courtesy of local businesses, including Sand Mountain Outfitters, Wal-Mart and Kmart.

Though the temperature remained in the mid-40s throughout the morning, by noon, the water had warmed considerably and smiling children could be spotted all along the banks of the pond proudly posing for pictures with their catch.

“It was great seeing the kids – many of them fishing for their very first time – having a fun time and enjoying themselves,” said Williams.

Last weekend marked the first weekend of the season that the Rural Retreat Lake Campground was open to the public. Williams said the campground’s first week reopened was huge success and park officials are looking forward to another fun-filled season at the iconic lake.

Individuals interested in reserving a campsite at the 90-acre lake are encouraged to call: 276-686-4331.