LOCAL EMERGENCY TEAM TO TEST CITIZEN ALERT SYSTEM

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Emergency officials at the Wythe County Consolidated 911 Center will be performing a test of the countywide citizen notification system next week.

The test, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 16 at 2 p.m. will be the second such test of the year and is anticipated to serve as the final one for some time.

“Since we performed the first test in July, we have registered hundreds of additional mobile devices into the system and we simply want to make for sure that it is still operating as it should,” said James Copeland, Wythe County’s Director of Emergency Communications.

According to Copeland, residents and businesses will receive a call on their landlines, informing them of the system test.

Copeland added, “Residents who have registered their mobile devices will receive a phone call, text message or email, depending upon their registration preferences.”

Throughout the summer, local leaders have encouraged citizens to register their mobile phones in order to receive special notifications from emergency officials regarding extreme weather and other dangers. Residents who wish to sign up their mobile devices can do so by visiting filling out the forms available at the administrative offices of the Town of Wytheville, Wythe County and the Town of Rural Retreat.

Emergency officials say most residents have expressed a sincere gratitude for the alert system, which is designed to notify local residents in the event of catastrophe.

In addition to emergency alerts, citizens can also sign-up for optional weather alerts, supplied by the National Weather Service.

The mass notification system was funded by a grant from the Wythe-Bland Foundation and is part of a cooperative effort between the towns of Rural Retreat and Wytheville, along with Wythe County.

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SOME WYTHE COUNTY RESIDENTS MAY SEE VEHICLES THEY NO LONGER OWN ON THEIR TAX TICKETS

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – This month, Wythe County residents will be receiving their personal property tax tickets from the county’s treasurer’s office.

Unlike in previous years, this year’s tax tickets will include an assessment for all vehicles titled in an individual’s name, not just those which are registered – per the Code of Virginia.

Through this process, it has come to the attention of many residents that several vehicles they thought were no longer titled in their name actually are – either they or the person they sold the vehicle to never transferred the tags through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

County leaders are advising any individual who receives a tax assessment for a vehicle they no longer own to go to the Virginia DMV (800 E. Main St., Wytheville) and notify them that they are no longer the owner of the vehicle.

Once an individual has contacted the DMV, they may then notify the Wythe County Commissioner of the Revenue (located inside the Wythe County Court House) and have the vehicle exonerated from their tax ticket.

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WYTHE COUNTY MAKES PREPARATION FOR CATASTROPHIC COMMUNICATIONS ATTACK

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Nearly all emergency experts agree that effective communication is the key to properly managing any type of disaster situation.

Over the past several years, Wythe County’s emergency management team has feared that the nation was becoming too reliant upon modern communication technologies, including landlines and satellites. Such dependence, they feared, would leave the nation and local residents vulnerable should the region’s communications infrastructure suffer a hit.

As part of the county’s multimillion dollar commitment to emergency management, county leaders reached out to local HAM radio enthusiasts to serve the county in the event of a catastrophic emergency.
Thanks to grant funding made possible by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the county has purchased HAM radios, capable of broadcasting anywhere on the globe, to be used in the event of an emergency.

“Virginia’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) constantly monitors all radio frequencies. Should all phone lines and internet go down in Wythe County, we will still be able to stay connected to emergency leaders in Richmond and in Washington,” said Ikey Davidson, the outgoing Wythe County Emergency Manager.

Overseeing the program is longtime amateur radio specialist, Mike Farris.

Farris has received the highest level of license available to amateur radio operators by the FCC – authorizing him and his team of radio operators to broadcast on all frequencies.

County emergency leaders tested the radio system Tuesday morning, which is stored at an undisclosed location, and were pleased with the radio’s capabilities.

“The radios work as good as any radio I have ever seen,” remarked Farris, adding “We can reach – even without repeaters – way down into Carolina and far north into West Virginia.

With the aid of repeaters and other boosters, Farris has access to frequency allocations throughout the RF spectrum to enable communication across the region, state, country, world, or even into space.

Though emerging technologies are a vital part of their emergency management plans, officials also acknowledge that each new technology is subject to new and more complex threats.

“With all of the technology available to emergency officials, it is fascinating to see a return to the time tested communication methods which date back to the late-1800s,” noted Jeremy T.K. Farley, Wythe County’s Public Information Officer.

“Though we certainly don’t wish for any terrible disaster or attack, in this line, you have be imaginative and prepared,” said Davidson.

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WYTHE COUNTY REGISTRAR REMINDS LOCAL CITIZENS OF VOTING RULES

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – As mid-term congressional elections approach, the Wythe County General Registrar is seeking to remind local residents of important rules concerning voting in the county.

According to Carolyn J. King, the county’s General Registrar, the deadline for citizens seeking to register to vote is Tuesday, October 14. Other deadlines King says voters should keep in mind is the deadline to receive absentee ballot applications by mail, which is October 28, and the deadline to vote by absentee ballot in person, which has been set for November 1.

In addition to their Monday through Friday hours of operation, Kings says her office will be open for absentee voting on two Saturdays leading up to the election, on October 25 and November 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Polls throughout the county will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on the day of the election, Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

In addition to casting their votes in a contested U.S. Senate race and congressional elections, Virginia residents will be given the opportunity to vote in favor or against of a proposed amendment to Commonwealth’s Constitution, which will allow the General Assembly the right to “exempt from taxation the real property of the surviving spouse of any member of the armed forces of the United States who was killed in action, where the surviving spouse occupies the real property as his or her principal place of residence and has not remarried…”

In a written statement, King also sought to remind county voters going to the polls to bring proper identification.

“The law requires that you show photo ID when voting, either in the office or at the polls. If you do not have a photo ID, you can have a free one made at the registrar’s office Monday through Friday; the office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,” said King.

King’s office is located at 245 South Fourth Street in Wytheville.

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FREE RX DISCOUNT CARD AVAILABLE TO ALL WYTHE COUNTY RESIDENTS

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Uninsured Wythe County residents are eligible for a free prescription discount card, part of a joint effort between the county and the National Association of Counties (NACo).

Through the program, county residents who are without prescription coverage may be eligible for a discount when purchasing their prescribed medications from local drug stores.

Though the program is aimed specifically for uninsured citizens, local officials say the program has potential to be beneficial to all county residents, regardless of their insurance status, “County citizens who do have prescription drug coverage may find that the discount card will offer prescriptions their existing plans do not cover at reduced rates,” said Wythe County spokesman Jeremy Farley.

County leaders stress the fact that the discount card is not insurance and should not be used in the place of prescription insurance; however, they do hope the national program will help ease the burdens associated with rising healthcare costs.

The free prescription discount cards are available to all county residents – free of charge – at the county administrator’s office, located at 340 S. Sixth St. in Wytheville.

According to NACo’s Rx website (www.nacorx.org), the prescription discount card is accepted at 9 pharmacies located in Wythe County and at 9 out of 10 pharmacies across the nation.

Program leaders say county residents should present the discount card at a participating retail pharmacy along with their prescription(s).

NACo officials say that holders of the card save an average of 24% on their prescribed medications, adding, “There are no limits on how many times the card can be used. You can use it for the whole family. Even use the card for your pets. If your pet is prescribed a medication that is also used for humans, ask your veterinarian for a prescription to use at a participating pharmacy.”

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LONGTIME WYTHE COUNTY SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER RETIRES

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office held a luncheon Friday afternoon to say good bye to Deputy “Randy” Mitchell, a long serving county deputy and school resource officer.

Prior to his employment with the county’s sheriff’s office, Mitchell served in the Virginia Department of Corrections, where he began his career in law enforcement.

Mitchell was hired by the sheriff’s office in 1995 and became one of the county’s first school resource officers.

Though the deputy served in schools throughout the county, Mitchell may best be remembered for his service at Fort Chiswell High School, where he served during the final years of his assignment.

Robbie Patton, Fort Chiswell High School Principal, described Mitchell as being well known among the students, adding “We’re going to miss him – he cared about the kids.”

Patton’s sentiments were echoed by Wythe County Sheriff Doug King, Friday afternoon.

“Randy has shown great personal integrity. He’s been steadfast, loyal and hard working,” said King.

When asked about his plans for retirement, Deputy Mitchell said that he is excited about the thought of spending more time with his family.

“I’m going to miss the kids and staff at the schools, as well as my family at the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office,” said Mitchell.

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WYTHE COUNTY SEEKING OFFICERS OF ELECTION FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Carolyn King, Wythe County’s registrar, is notifying local citizens that the county is in need of election officers for the upcoming midterm Congressional election.

“For years, the county has enjoyed a full roster of dedicated poll workers, however, we’re now reaching a point where it’s time to begin seeking additional people to help us with this very important job,” stated King.

King said that election officers must be registered voters and will attend an election workshop prior to working the polls. The workers, she said, will receive compensation for their time.

Mary “Sis” Cassell, chairwoman of the Wythe County Electoral Board, stated, “The work they do is tough, but extremely rewarding.”

Cassell, who formerly served as Wythe County’s longtime Commissioner of the Revenue, added “The electoral process simply cannot take place without the help of local citizens.”

Individuals interested in serving as an election officer are encouraged to fill out an officer of election interest form at the state’s Department of Election’s website: www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/OnlineForms/OfficerofElection or stop by the county registrar’s office, located at 245 S Fourth Street in Wytheville.

In addition to voting in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives races, Virginia voters will also be determining the fate of a proposed amendment to the state constitution.

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

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.

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WYTHE COUNTY HOSTING FIRE & RESCUE APPRECIATION DAY NEXT WEEKEND

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

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Precautionary Boil Water Notice Lifted in Southern Wythe County

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.

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