The National Weather Service (NWS) in Blacksburg has issued a wind chill warning for Wythe County and surrounding localities throughout today and much of tomorrow.

According to NWS, “bitter cold air, strong gusty winds and dangerous wind chills” can be expected in the coming hours as an Arctic front will move through the region.

NWS warns that “wind chills will begin to drop to dangerous values by 4 p.m. today.”

The quick drop in temperature will rapidly freeze any water left on the roads from rain that fell overnight. The severe cold may also result in frozen water pipes and frostbite will be a very real danger to exposed skin.

Monday evening’s temperature is expected to dip anywhere between five and fifteen degrees, while tonight’s lows have potential to fall to -10˚.

Wind chills will bring the “feels like” temperature anywhere from 0 to -15˚, by late this afternoon, and will reach as low as -30˚ tonight.  Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 40 mph.  This will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Pets need protection from the cold as well.

Wythe County residents are urged to take precautionary steps, in order to safeguard their lives and property.

Precautionary steps will include, avoiding going outside unless absolutely necessary over the next two days, bringing pets inside, preparing pipes for extreme freezing and having alternative heat sources ready, in the unexpected event of power loss.

Wythe County’s Emergency Management Department will continue to monitor weather conditions and the county’s public information officer will notify residents of any changes.

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This morning, Wythe County’s public information department announced that the county had been awarded a grant from the state’s Rescue Squad Assistance Fund in the amount of $42,566.59.

The grant will provide funding for the county’s E-911 center to purchase specialized computer software that will aid dispatchers in providing pre-arrival instruction to callers – instructions that can make all the difference in areas geographically cut off from main roads and dozens of minutes from local rescue squads.

By asking the callers specific questions concerning their medical emergency, dispatchers will be able to feed the software detailed information which in turn narrows down the patient’s exact medical needs and treatment procedure.

“This software will give our dispatchers the ability to provide critical emergency instructions to county residents, as well as those along our interstate highways, while emergency responders are in route,” stated James Copeland, Director of Wythe County Emergency Communications.

Jeremy Farley, Wythe County’s grant coordinator, agrees, “The implementation of this software is only a small element of a much larger undertaking, aimed at ensuring county residents and visitors are provided the very best level of care possible.  We’re grateful for our partners in the towns of Wytheville and Rural Retreat for their assistance in securing this grant.”

County emergency officials say once the software has been purchased, each E-911 emergency dispatcher will undergo extensive training in the program.

Dispatchers certified to offer emergency instructions to callers will undergo additional training  on the latest medical protocols every two years.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Steve Willis, East Wytheville’s newly elected representative on the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, took the oath of office Friday afternoon.

Willis, who has lived in Wythe County since 1976, was surrounded by family as Clerk of Court Hayden Horney administered the oath.

“I would like to see Progress Park reach capacity with new businesses and opportunities for the people of Wythe County,” answered Willis, when asked what he would hope to see accomplished while serving on the board.

An honors graduate from James Madison University, Willis has worked in the trucking and logistics industry since 1985.

After seventeen years of employment with Volvo Trucks, Willis left the company in 2002 to become general manager for Camrett Logistics.

The Wytheville based company has won numerous awards, including being named one of the 50 fastest growing businesses in Virginia and was twice the recipient of the IWLA award for being the “Safest Warehouse in North America.”

Willis, the son of a Virginia State Trooper, says his parents were his biggest influences.

Dr. Gary Houseman and Coy McRoberts, both returning board members who ran unopposed in the general election, were also sworn in Friday afternoon.

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SPEEDWELL, Va. – Firefighters servicing Wytheville, Rural Retreat and Speedwell now have dozens of new fire hydrants at their disposal.

Last week, the Wythe County Water Department approved the use of fifty-six additional hydrants, stretching from East Lee Highway to the community of Speedwell.

The ten-mile line of hydrants will bring the countywide number to 366, not counting fire hydrants located within the town limits of Wytheville and Rural Retreat.

“Instead of having to haul water back and forth, fire crews will now be able to hook to the hydrants directly at the scene. This new process will save time and be a lot safer,” stated Ikey Davidson, Wythe County’s Emergency Manager.

The hydrants will be powered by an eight-inch waterline, pressured to provide a minimum of 500 gallons per minute to crews working blazes.

Installation of the hydrants is part of a greater county effort to supply residents in the community of Speedwell with a more reliable form of drinking water.

County officials are encouraging residents along the waterline’s route to notify their insurance carriers of the new hydrants. The Insurance Information Institute states that residents close to a fire hydrant may pay less for insurance.

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AUSTINVILLE, Va. – According to Wythe County officials, approximately 250 gallons of fuel oil was leaked into county sewer lines over the weekend. The contaminant eventually made its way into the Austinville Wastewater Treatment Plant, where it was discovered Saturday morning.

Once treatment plant workers noticed the pollutant, the county’s emergency manager was contacted and workers quickly worked to contain the unauthorized substance.

“Due to the swift actions of everyone involved, we were able to contain the oil before it made its way into local waterways,” said Wythe County Emergency Manager Ikey Davidson.

Much of the oil was contained through oil absorbent pads and through a process known as skimming.

Don Crisp, Wythe County’s Director of Water and Wastewater informed residents that sewer services would not be interrupted.

Additionally, Crisp advised that there is absolutely no threat of the county’s drinking water being at risk due to this weekend’s spill.

The source of the spill has been traced to a residence and has been determined to have been accidental.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has been notified and will be making a site visit today.

As part of restoration efforts, wastewater treatment plant tanks are scheduled to be pumped Monday afternoon.

The wastewater plant, which is located along Kohler Avenue in Austiville, services nearly 80 homes.

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This Friday marks the nineteenth anniversary of the murder of Wythe County Sheriff’s Deputy Cliff Dicker.

Dicker’s watch ended Tuesday, December 6, 1994, when he was shot and killed by a juvenile suspect on whom he was serving papers.

Speaking from an interview room inside the county sheriff’s office, Wythe County Sheriff Doug King spoke about Wythe County’s only sheriff’s deputy killed in action.

“I first met Cliff in 1983, when I started with the sheriff’s department. Cliff was one of the guys I looked up to. He was always so professional in his behavior and appearance.”

On the date of Dicker’s slaying, King was attending training in Richmond. “They left a note on my door to call dispatch. It was one of the greatest shocks of my life. It was a huge loss to the community and an even bigger loss to the family,” said King, adding, “He was just a decent and kind man who loved his family.”

To mark the solemn date, the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office has scheduled a full slate of events for Friday.

The day will begin with a memorial service inside the main conference room of the sheriff’s department at 10:15 a.m. 1st Sergeant Mike Honaker of the Virginia State Police will speak at the ceremony, which will include a moment of silence at 10:24 a.m., the time the department’s dispatch received the call stating that Dicker had been fatally wounded.

Later on Friday, the sheriff’s office will be hosting the fifth annual Cliff Dicker Memorial Blood Drive, lasting from 12 – 6 p.m. The Red Cross sanctioned event will be held across the street from the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office at the Fourth Street Civic Center.

Deputy Dicker was a fourteen year veteran of the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office and served previously in the United States Air Force.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Speedwell Phase 1 Water Project

1. Why do we have to pay a connection fee and minimum monthly bill?

Wythe County depends upon Federal and State funding in the form of low interest loans and grants to fund water line extension projects.  The Federal & State Agency’s require Wythe County to guarantee a high percentage of the people located the service areas of newly constructed water lines to connect to the systems and pay a connection fee and at least a minimum monthly water bill.  The only way Wythe County can make such guarantee is to require a mandatory connection.

2.      Will I be required to connect to the county water system?

Any building with water service within three hundred and fifty (350) feet from a right of way containing a water main is required to pay a connection fee and minimum monthly bill.

 

3.      Am I being required to connect to the public water system?

The requirement is that you shall pay the connection fee and pay the minimum monthly bill.

 

4.      Do I have to use the water?

Use of the public water is not mandatory.  Anyone within the service area is required to pay at least the connection fee and a minimum monthly bill whether they use the water or not.

 

5.      Can I still use my existing well or do I have to abandon it?

Owners may use their existing well.  The water supply from the well may not be physically connected to the water supply from the public water.

 

6.      Do I have to have a separate connection for each residence?

Yes, each residence must have a separate connection to the public water supply unless the residences are apartments or manufactured homes within a manufactured home park.

 

7.   How much is the connection fee?

Normal connection fee is one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars but for new water line projects the connection fee is at a discounted rate of three hundred & fifty ($350.00) dollars for a period of ninety days after you are notified to connect.  After the ninety (90) days the full one thousand ($1,000) fee will be charged.

 

8.     Do I have to pay the connection fee all at once?

No, the county has a payment plan with a low interest rate.  A down payment of fifty ($50.00) dollars is required and a monthly payment of fourteen dollars & twenty-five cents ($14.25) for twenty-three months and a final payment of ten dollars & eighty two cents ($10.82).  Total cost with interest is three hundred eighty & eight dollars and fifty seven cents ($388.57).

 

9.  Is there a discounted rate for low income households?

Yes, qualifying low income household’s connection fee will be reduced to one hundred & fifty dollars ($150.00).  In order to qualify for the reduced connection fee, you must complete an application at the county offices.  The application should include all cash on hand, copies of all bank accounts, assets and the latest tax forms for all members of the household.  The household cannot exceed 120% of the poverty level and cannot exceed $1,500.00 of cash on hand.  A payment plan is available if needed.  A down payment of fifty dollars ($50.00) is required and a monthly payment of seventeen dollars & fifty cents ($17.50) for five (5) months and a final payment of sixteen dollars ($16.00).  A total cost with interest is one hundred & fifty three dollars & fifty cents ($153.50).

 

10.      When will I have to pay the connection fee?

Customers are required to pay the connection fee within ninety (90) days of being notified that the public water is available.  Connection fees may be paid prior to notification.

 

11.   What happens if I refuse to pay connection fee and monthly bill?

Property owners with buildings requiring water service within the water service area that do not pay the connection fee within ninety (90) days will be billed the full connection fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and a minimum monthly water bill of eleven ($11.00) dollars.

 

12.  How much is the monthly bill?

Water rates are $11.00 for the first 1,000 gallons and $9.00 per 1,000 gallons after.  Rates are set each year by the Board of Supervisors to cover actual cost of the system.

 

13.  How much will it cost to run the line from the meter to my house?

The price may vary based upon ground conditions and any underground utilities that they may encountered.  Please contact a contractor to receive a quote.

 

14.  May I install my own line?

Yes

 

15. How do I get existing utilities such as power, gas, telephone or cable located?

State law requires all persons excavating to call  Miss Utility of Virginia at 811. Virginia 811 is the free one call communications center for excavator, contractors and property owners planning any upcoming excavation. They will notify participating utilities of the upcoming excavation work so they can locate and mark their underground utilities in advance to prevent possible damage to underground utility lines, injury, property damage and service outages. Utilities are marked within 48 hours of calling 811.

 

16.    How deep should my line be buried?

Water lines are required to be at least 24 inches deep, 36 inches is preferred.

 

17.    Where will my meter be installed?

Meters are installed within the public right-of-way at/or near the owner’s property line.  A county

representative will work with you to locate this meter installation.

 

18.    How far away from my sewer system does my water line I have to be?

The water service line needs to be at least five feet from sewer distribution lines.

 

19.    What assurance do I have that the rate will not increase?

The Wythe County Board of Supervisors determine the water rates based on the maintenance and capital outlay cost as they develop a budget on an annual basis.  Any change requires a public hearing and notice to the public.

 

20.    Where will the main water line be placed?

Water lines will be placed within the public right-of-way, except where the county obtains a signed easement.

 

21.    How close to my house will a fire hydrant be installed?

Fire hydrants are generally installed approximately one thousand feet (1,000) apart.  Your property should have a fire hydrant within a maximum of five hundred (500) feet from your property. This may have a positive effect on home owner’s insurance policy premiums.

 

22.    What kind of pipe do I use?

The pipe should be a minimum of 160 psi.  The pipe may be plastic, copper or galvanized.

 

23.   What will my water pressure be?

Water pressure will vary by elevation.  When pressures exceed 75psi, the county will install pressure reducing valves, at the meter, that will allow pressure adjustment between 45 to 75 psi.  Pressures will be adjusted to suit customers.

 

24.   Are expansion tanks required?

In accordance with the statewide building code 607.3, a thermal expansion tank is required on the hot water system within the home.  Expansion tanks can be purchased at local hardware stores.

 

25.    Is an aerial view of the meter location and the house available?

An aerial view will be available on the county web site www.wytheco.org.

 

26.    Where is the water coming from?

Water will be furnished from the Town of Wytheville Reed Creek Treatment Plant and the New River Regional Water Authority Plant.

 

27.   How can I know the water quality is trustworthy?

Water quality is tested daily at the source and monthly in the distribution systems to ensure it meets Virginia department of health standards. In addition, annual water quality reports are mailed to customers each July.

The Wythe County Department of Emergency Management was recognized Tuesday morning by the United States Department of Agriculture for offering “outstanding support” during the recent forest fire.

Telling the county’s Board of Supervisors that the recent fire at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area was a “fairly extraordinary event,” Ranger Beth Merz praised the county’s emergency management department for its cooperation with Forest Service officials.

On behalf of the United States Department of Agriculture, the veteran ranger presented the board with a certificate that recognized the county’s contribution, “in providing firefighter access, public information and overall incident coordination.”

“We’re grateful for the wonderful support we’ve received from Wythe County, especially the emergency management and information departments,” announced Merz.

Speaking of the fire, which grew to roughly 1,500 acres, the US Forest Service representative stated, “It’s been a really long time since anyone can remember a fire of this magnitude.”

According to the US Forest Service, law enforcement officers have identified the fire’s initial source and are in the process of conducting further investigations.

In addition to recognizing the county’s emergency management department for their cooperation, the Forest Service will also be presenting the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department with a similar award of recognition for their cooperation throughout the incident.

In addition to offering their firehouse to Forest Service firefighters for use as a base headquarters, during the fire, members of the Speedwell Volunteer Fire Department and others in the community supplied firefighters with a constant stream of food and refreshments.

“The community of Speedwell was just wonderful to us. We really appreciated their help and understanding,” said Merz in closing.

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The Wythe County Engineering and Building Inspector’s Departments will be hosting an information workshop regarding new state mandated stormwater regulations.

The educational workshop is scheduled to be held Thursday, December 5, 2013, at 6p.m., inside the Wythe County Board of Supervisors Board Room.

The goal of the information meeting will be to pass along news to the public, regarding new state laws governing stormwater management.

In addition to sharing information with the citizens, county stormwater management officials will also use this time to listen to the concerns of citizens.

In compliance with Virginia law, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors will be establishing a stormwater ordinance in the coming year.

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In 2012, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors adopted a new ordinance regarding motor vehicle license fees and county decals. Below you will find the facts regarding the new process:
1. For calendar year 2013, the Board of Supervisors elected to keep motor vehicle decals in place. These decals will expire on December 31, 2013. This year’s county decals were sold at a reduced price, as they were set to expire at the end of the year.

2. In place of windshield decals, the county enacted a motor vehicle license fee. For calendar year 2014, the license fee will be assessed only upon all registered vehicles and will be shown on the personal property bill due by December 5, 2013.

3. For calendar year 2015, the fee will be assessed upon all vehicles “registered or titled upon the records of the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles…”

4. The license fee amount shall be $20.00 “for each and every automobile, passenger vehicle, and bus;”

$10.00 for “each and every motorcycle, motor scooter, or motor bike…”

$20.00 for “each and every truck, semi-trailer, ambulance and other similar vehicles…”

The license fee for trailers will be $10.00.

5. No county license fee shall be imposed upon antique motor vehicles for which antique license plates have been issued by the Virginia DMV.

6. Residents of the Town of Wytheville and Town of Rural Retreat are not subject to any of the above listed points.

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