Month: August 2014

Wythe County Says ‘Thank you’ to Fire & Rescue Responders

by wytheGovernment

RURAL RETREAT, Va. – Wythe County leaders spent Saturday afternoon honoring the county’s first responders.

This year’s annual fire and rescue appreciation event was held at the Rural Retreat Lake Park and featured a catered meal, hundreds of dollars in door prizes and free helicopter rides, courtesy of Wings Air Rescue.

Jeremy T.K. Farley, who serves as Wythe County’s spokesperson, said the event was a great success and thanked local businesses for sponsoring the festivities.

“It wasn’t difficult finding sponsorship for this event. Everyone we spoke to was eager to show their appreciation for the county’s first responders. They do a great service for our community and today provided us an opportunity to showcase our gratitude,” said Farley.

Farley particularly thanked Southwest Virginia Environmental Services, Wings Air Rescue and First Call Environmental Services – all of which served as platinum sponsors.

Other activities for the day included a corn hole tournament for first responders, as well as a free swim day for all local residents at the county’s swimming pool at the Rural Retreat Lake.

Click LIKE to share this article with your friends on Facebook!

RURAL RETREAT LAKE POOL TO SHOW THE MOVIE ‘FROZEN’

by wytheCommunity

RURAL RETREAT, Va. – The Rural Retreat Lake Pool will be hosting its final pool party of the summer, Saturday, Aug. 30, showing the popular Disney movie, Frozen.

Gates at the pool will reopen at 8 p.m. and thirty minutes later the movie will be presented inside the pool area.

“This year’s communitywide pool parties have been a great success and we’re pleased to be capping the series off with the movie Frozen,” said Kevin Williams, Wythe County’s Director of Parks & Recreation.

Williams said that despite showing the movie “Frozen,” which features Elsa, the princess of Arendelle, who possesses cryokinetic powers to produce ice, frost, and snow at will, the pool will actually be very warm — thanks to the efforts of parks and recreation staff this week.

Children ages two and under will be allowed into the event free of charge, however, there is a $4 admission price for everyone else. The charges will help offset the costs associated with purchasing the rights to publicly display the movie, as well as compensate the park staff required to work the event.

The Wythe County Department of Parks & Recreation will be giving away free popcorn, while vending machines will be available for drinks and other snacks. Visitors to the pool are allowed to bring their own refreshments; however, glass containers are prohibited.

“The dive-in parties have been a great low-cost activity for families to enjoy throughout the summer,” said Williams.

Park officials say that chairs will be limited and encourage visitors to consider bringing lawn chairs from home.

Sponsors for next weekend’s movie are Depot Designs of Rural Retreat and Duke’s Printing.

Dale Yontz, who serves as vice mayor of Rural Retreat and co-owner of Depot Designs and general manager of Duke’s Printing says that he is excited to have a part in this event.

“Anything we can do to attract people to the lake and give back to the community is a good thing. We’re honored to help make this exciting event possible,” said Yontz.

Click LIKE to share this article with your friends on Facebook!

WYTHE COUNTY HOSTS CONCUSSION WORKSHOP FOR FOOTBALL PARENTS

by wytheCommunity

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Wythe County will be hosting a free concussion education workshop for parents of youth football players next week, part of the county’s ongoing efforts aimed at making youth sports as safe as possible.

The informational seminar, which will be held at Wytheville Community College (Grayson Hall – Room 219), is slated to begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25.

Kevin Williams, Wythe County’s director of parks & recreation, says the free event is part of a greater countywide initiative intended to minimize concussions and their consequences.

“Earlier this summer, the county held two separate concussion workshops for coaches and referees. At these events, local health officials discussed best practices in preventing concussions, as well as what to do in the event of a player showing warning signs of brain injury,” said Williams.

Scotty Vaught, who serves as Wythe County’s youth sports coordinator, has watched two generations pass through the county’s rec-league.

“Once concussions became a major topic on the national level, local sports officials began learning more about the long-term effects of head injuries,” stated Vaught, adding, “One result of our studies was to share the information we gathered with parents.”

The youth football league provided each child and parent with concussion literature at the time of registration this year, requiring each parent to read the publication with their child.

“Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing tragedy. By getting this information out there to as many people as possible, we believe that we’re doing our job in keeping kids safe,” said Vaught.

Monday’s concussion workshop will be taught by Traci Roberts, regional director of operations for Heartland Rehabilitation Services and is open free of charge to parents of youth football players in Wythe and Bland counties. Individuals desiring more information about the event are encouraged to call: (276) 223-4519.

Click LIKE to share this article with your friends on Facebook!

WYTHE COUNTY HOSTING FIRE & RESCUE APPRECIATION DAY NEXT WEEKEND

by wytheGovernment

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – The Wythe County Board of Supervisors is hosting the second annual “Wythe County Fire and Rescue Appreciation Day,” next Saturday, Aug. 23.

The event is open to the county’s fire and rescue responders, as well as emergency 911 dispatchers and their respective families.

Slated to be held at the Rural Retreat Lake Park, the festivities will begin at noon and last until 4 p.m., with a catered meal around 1 p.m.

Event organizers say they have been working tirelessly to ensure the appreciation day lives up to a standard worthy of the county’s first responders.

“It’s going to be a fun day. The participation from local businesses has been nothing short of overwhelming,” said Ikey Davidson, Wythe County emergency manager.

Davidson says the county has collected roughly $500 in gift cards from local donors, as well as countless shirts, hats and other items, which will be given away as door prizes at the event.

“Wings Air Rescue has agreed to raffle off free helicopter rides, there’s going to be a corn hole tournament, catered meal and games for the kids,” said Davidson.

Corporate sponsors for the event are Southwest Environmental, First Call Environmental and Wings Air Rescue.

Though attendance for the event will be open only to the county’s first responders, Wythe County officials made the decision to allow free swimming at the Rural Retreat Lake Park Pool for all local residents on Aug. 23, in honor of the county’s emergency responders.

“None of us could ever adequately thank the first responders who serve our communities. We do hope, however, that by opening the county’s swimming pool up to the general public, free of charge, in their honor, we would at least be sending a message that we are aware of the work they do and appreciate it very much,” said Kevin Williams, Wythe County’s Parks & Recreation director.

“The Board of Supervisors appreciates all the work, time and effort the county’s emergency responders selflessly provide to our community.  Because of them, Wythe County a better place,” said Tim Reeves, Chairman of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors

Click LIKE to share this article with your friends on Facebook!

WYTHE COUNTY ANNOUNCES FREE POOL DAY IN HONOR OF FIRE & RESCUE RESPONDERS

by wytheCommunity

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Wythe County Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Williams announced today that the Rural Retreat Lake Pool will be open – free of charge – to all local residents, Saturday, Aug. 23.

Williams says the county will be hosting a fire and rescue appreciation day at the park for families of the county’s first responders.

“None of us could ever adequately thank the first responders who serve our communities. We do hope, however, that by opening the county’s swimming pool up to the general public, free of charge, in their honor, we would at least be sending a message that we are aware of the work they do and appreciate it very much,” said Williams.

The free swim day comes just one week before the pool’s close for the season, which is slated for Labor Day weekend.

This week, with the start of school in Wythe County, the Rural Retreat Lake Pool changed its hours to weekend only, Saturday 12-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m.

“We appreciate the county proclaiming a free swim day at the pool, in honor of fire and rescue responders,” said Ikey Davidson, Wythe County’s emergency manager.

Click LIKE to share this article with your friends on Facebook!

Wythe County and Wytheville Parks and Recreation Departments Youth Football – 2014 Schedule

by wytheCommunity

Wythe County and Wytheville Parks and Recreation Departments

Youth Football – 2014 Schedule

 

Saturday, August 23rd @ Bland

9:00am – Wytheville Maroons vs. Bland Co. Bears – Varsity

10:15am – Max Meadows Pioneers vs. Rural Retreat Indians Orange – Junior Varsity

11:30am – Rural Retreat Indians Orange vs. Max Meadows Pioneers – Varsity

1:00pm – Sheffey Wildcats vs. Rural Retreat Indians White – Junior Varsity

2:15pm – Rural Retreat Indians White vs. Sheffey Wildcats – Varsity

3:30pm – Wytheville Maroons vs. Bland Co. Bears – Junior Varsity

 

Tuesday, August 26th @ Scott Mem.

6:00pm – Jackson Eagles vs. Wytheville Maroons Silver – Junior Varsity

7:15pm – Wytheville Maroons Silver vs. Jackson Eagles – Varsity

 

Saturday, August 30th @ Fort Chiswell High School

9:00am – Max Meadows Pioneers vs. Rural Retreat Indians White – Junior Varsity

10:15am – Rural Retreat Indians White vs. Max Meadows Pioneers – Varsity

11:30am – Bland Co. Bears vs. Jackson Eagles – Junior Varsity

1:00pm – Jackson Eagles vs. Bland Co. Bears – Varsity

2:15pm – Sheffey Wildcats vs. Wytheville Maroons Silver – Junior Varsity

3:30pm – Wytheville Maroons Silver vs. Sheffey Wildcats – Varsity

 

Tuesday, September 2nd @ Scott Mem.

6:00pm – Wytheville Maroons vs. Rural Retreat Indians Orange – Junior Varsity

7:15pm – Rural Retreat Indians Orange vs. Wytheville Maroons – Varsity

 

Saturday, September 6th @ George Wythe High School

9:00am – Rural Retreat Indians Orange vs. Sheffey Wildcats – Junior Varsity

10:15am – Sheffey Wildcats vs. Rural Retreat Indians Orange – Varsity

11:30am – Max Meadows Pioneers vs. Bland Co. Bears – Junior Varsity

1:00pm – Jackson Eagles vs. Rural Retreat Indians White – Junior Varsity

2:15pm – Wytheville Maroons Silver vs. Wytheville Maroons – Junior Varsity

3:30pm – Wytheville Maroons vs. Wytheville Maroons Silver – Varsity

 

Tuesday, September 9th @ Scott Mem.

6:00pm – Rural Retreat Indians White vs. Jackson Eagles – Varsity

7:15pm – Bland Co. Bears vs. Max Meadows Pioneers – Varsity

 

Saturday, September 13th @ Rural Retreat High School

9:00am – Rural Retreat Indians Orange vs. Rural Retreat Indians White – Junior Varsity

10:15am – Max Meadows Vikings vs. Sheffey Wildcats – Junior Varsity

11:30am – Sheffey Wildcats vs. Max Meadows Pioneers – Varsity

1:00pm – Wytheville Maroons vs. Jackson Eagles – Varsity

2:15pm – Jackson Eagles vs. Wytheville Maroons – Junior Varsity

3:30pm – Rural Retreat Indians White vs. Rural Retreat Indians Orange – Varsity

 

Tuesday, September 16th @ Scott Mem.

6:00pm – Wytheville Maroons Silver vs. Bland Co. Bears – Junior Varsity

7:15pm – Bland Co. Bears vs. Wytheville Maroons Silver – Varsity

 


 

Saturday, September 20th @ Bland

9:00am – Max Meadows Pioneers vs. Wytheville Maroons Silver – Junior Varsity

10:15am – Jackson Eagles vs. Rural Retreat Indians Orange – Junior Varsity

11:30am – Rural Retreat Indians White vs. Wytheville Maroons – Junior Varsity

1:00pm – Wytheville Maroons Silver vs. Max Meadows Pioneers – Varsity

2:15pm – Sheffey Wildcats vs. Bland Co. Bears – Junior Varsity

3:30pm – Bland Co. Bears vs. Sheffey Wildcats – Varsity

 

Tuesday, September 23rd @ Scott Mem.

6:00pm – Jackson Eagles vs. Rural Retreat Indians Orange – Varsity

7:15pm – Rural Retreat Indians White vs. Wytheville Maroons – Varsity

 

Saturday, September 27th @ Rural Retreat High School

9:00am – Wytheville Maroons Silver vs. Rural Retreat Indians Orange – Junior Varsity

10:15am – Jackson Eagles vs. Max Meadows Pioneers – Junior Varsity

11:30am – Max Meadows Pioneers vs. Jackson Eagles – Varsity

1:00pm – Rural Retreat Indians White vs. Bland Co. Bears – JV

2:15pm – Wytheville Maroons Silver vs. Rural Retreat Indians Orange – Varsity

3:30pm – Bland Co. Bears vs. Rural Retreat Indians White – Varsity

 

Tuesday, September 30th @ Scott Mem.

6:00pm – Sheffey Wildcats vs. Wytheville Maroons – Junior Varsity

7:15pm – Wytheville Maroons vs. Sheffey Wildcats – Varsity

 

Saturday, October 4th @ Fort Chiswell High School

9:00am – Max Meadows Pioneers vs. Wytheville Maroons – Varsity

10:15am – Jackson Eagles vs. Sheffey Wildcats – Junior Varsity

11:30am – Rural Retreat Indians White vs. Wytheville Maroons Silver – Junior Varsity

1:00pm – Bland Co. Bears vs. Rural Retreat Indians Orange – Junior Varsity

2:15pm – Rural Retreat Indians Orange vs. Bland Co. Bears – Varsity

3:30pm – Wytheville Maroons vs. Max Meadows Pioneers – Junior Varsity

 

Tuesday, October 7th @ Scott Mem.

6:00pm – Jackson Eagles vs. Sheffey Wildcats – Varsity

7:15pm – Rural Retreat Indians White vs. Wytheville Maroons Silver – Varsity

 

Saturday, October 11th @ Fort Chiswell High School – PLAYOFFS

9:00am – Game #1 – #1 seed vs. #8 seed – Junior Varsity

10:15am – Game #2 – #4 seed vs. #5 seed – Junior Varsity

11:30am – Game #3 – #1 seed vs. #8 seed – Varsity

1:00pm – Game #4 – #4 seed vs. #5 seed – Varsity

2:15pm – Game #5 – #3 seed vs. #6 seed – Varsity

3:30pm – Game #6 – #2 seed vs. #7 seed – Varsity

 

Tuesday, October 14th @ Scott Mem. – PLAYOFFS

6:00pm – Game #7 – #3 seed vs. #6 seed – Junior Varsity

7:15pm – Game #8 – #2 seed vs. #7 seed – Junior Varsity

 

Saturday, October 18th @ George Wythe High School

9:00am – Game #9 – Game #1 winner vs. Game #2 winner – Junior Varsity

10:15am – Game #10 – Game #7 winner vs. Game #8 winner – Junior Varsity

11:30am – Game #11 – Game #3 winner vs. Game #4 winner – Varsity

1:00pm – Game #12 – Game #5 winner vs. Game #6 winner – Varsity

 

SUPERBOWL XIX – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH @ RURAL RETREAT HIGH SCHOOL

 

9:30am – Junior Varsity Cheer Mania

10:45am – Varsity Cheer Mania

1:00pm – Junior Varsity SuperBowl XIX – Game #9 winner vs. Game #10 winner

2:45pm – Varsity SuperBowl XIX – Game #11 winner vs. Game #12 winner

Precautionary Boil Water Notice Lifted in Southern Wythe County

by wytheGovernment

SPEEDWELL, Va. – Wythe County officials have lifted the precautionary boil water notice for residents in southern Wythe County, after two separate tests revealed the water was safe for drinking.

The boil water notice was issued on Monday – strictly as a precaution – following two waterline breaks in the community of Speedwell.

Multiple tests on water samples, collected over a two-day period, were performed in order to ensure that no contaminants had entered the water system while lines were experiencing a loss in pressure.

Eric R. Herold, district engineer for the Virginia Office of Drinking Water, notified county officials by email Thursday that test results indicated the water was safe for drinking.

Wythe County water department officials say they routinely monitor all water in the county’s water system in order to provide the highest level of quality possible. Department administrators say that though the tests proved the water was safe for drinking, the boil water advisory was necessary simply to serve as a precaution while tests were being performed.

Click LIKE to share this article with your friends on Facebook!

WATERLINE BREAK IN SPEEDWELL: PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER NOTICE IN EFFECT

by wytheGovernment

SPEEDWELL, Va. – Officials from the Wythe County Water Department detected a waterline break along Old Bank Rd. in Speedwell early this morning. A second break was discovered in the same area, along Grayson Tpk., shortly thereafter; believed to be a result of the abnormal pressures associated with the first break.

County leaders say the waterline’s rupture was responsible for draining all the water in the reserve tank on Lanter Rd.

Immediately upon learning of the break, crews went to work repairing the waterline on Grayson Tpk.

At noon, the county’s water department said the Grayson Tpk. break had been fixed, but cautioned that water would not be restored to customers until the lines had been flushed – a process which may take several hours.
Crews are now in the process of repairing the line that runs along Old Bank Rd. and say they anticipate having that line fixed by the end of the day.

Once the lines have been restored, Wythe County’s Water Director, Don Crisp, says residents may see what he described as “murky” water – a common observance following a disturbance in water lines.
To combat the murky water, Crisp says his department will be flushing the lines throughout the day.

As a precaution, Wythe County officials are advising residents affected by the waterline break that a precautionary boil water notice has been ordered for the next 48-hours, as local officials perform standard water tests.

Virginia Department of Health regulations mandate that a precautionary boil water notice be implemented anytime a waterline breaks, until two separate water tests are performed 24-hours apart.

Click LIKE to share this article with your friends on Facebook.

Click the image below to see full map of affected area:

Map of Speedwell