Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC president, with Dr. Phyllis Ashworth, 2026 Administrative Professional Faculty Emeritus.
Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC president, with Dr. Phyllis Ashworth, 2026 Administrative Professional Faculty Emeritus.
A 250th anniversary celebration
Folks were battling at least one Redcoat in Wytheville Saturday. However, this time, no firearms were involved. A strong throwing arm and a good aim was all it took to dunk the Redcoat in a tank outside the Millwald Theatre.
If you did want to know about battling the Redcoats, who wanted to keep this country as part of the British Empire, members of the Fincastle Company re-enactors were just up Main Street ready to share their knowledge.
Other folks in downtown Wytheville were checking out classic cars, while others were playing games.
Multiple food trucks and specialty stands were ready to serve the hungry and thirsty along with downtown restaurants.
In addition to music, cars and more on hand, the town celebrated 101 years of Skeeter Dogs with its annual hot dog eating contest, with two past winners squaring off for bragging rights (and $500 in prize money). Chris Callahan emerged victorious, finishing his dogs in six minutes.
On the Fourth of July 2026, with events in the downtown and at Rural Retreat Lake, Wytheville and Wythe County joined with others from sea to shining sea to mark the country’s 250th anniversary.
From left to right, Emily, Zach, and Bella Cooley pose outside the Mickey Mouse: Vacation Fun attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida on June 2.
From left to right, Emily, Zach, and Bella Cooley pose outside the Mickey Mouse: Vacation Fun attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida on June 2.
Wytheville OKs plans for Madison Street
Wytheville council on June 22 moved forward on plans to increase access to West Madison Street.
The section of town, with around 70 residents, is currently accessible through either West Railroad Avenue and the newly rehabilitated 20th Street Bridge. Town Engineer Billy Anderson said both have issues. The bride, though finished, still has load restrictions preventing heavy firetrucks from utilizing it. In the event of a derailment, he said, the railroad bridge at Grayson Turnpike could make that path inaccessible, too, meaning that the community can’t be reached by some first responders.
Anderson said the proposed completion of West Madison – around 700 to 800 feet of roadway – would allow unrestricted access in the event of an emergency.
Overall, the project is estimated to cost around $2.7 million.
Town Council also approved a request from ARGMOS, LLC, for a temporary construction easement and permanent drainage and maintenance easement across town-owned property on North 4th Street.
Council gave its OK to the New River Regional Water Authority to hold off till the fall to refinance debt obligations.
The town also approved funding for an employee certification incentive program that would provide financial boosts for employees who earn and maintain approved professional certifications as part of their jobs.
Alert Wytheville to aid public safety
The Town of Wytheville is partnering with Everbridge, the global leader in critical event management and public warning systems, to keep Wytheville’s citizens and visitors safe and informed with quick and reliable emergency notifications and public service announcements.
“Town staff has been looking into a better way to communicate with citizens during emergencies and day-to-day operations, and to improve the Town's continuity of government operations in case of disasters,” stated Interim Town Manager/Fire Chief Christopher Slemp. “The Everbridge Mass Notification System is used by over 75 percent of the counties, cities and state agencies in Virginia. Staff have been working with Everbridge to learn their software system and build the infrastructure needed to begin use.”
Launching this summer, the service will locally be called Alert Wytheville and allows residents to receive timely alerts and important information directly from the Town by text message, email or phone call. Alerts may include emergency notifications, public safety information, weather related updates, service disruptions, and other important announcements. Examples of alerts might be road closures, detours, and major traffic impacts; police and fire informational updates; water main breaks, service interruptions, or pressure issues; repairs that impact streets and sidewalks; weather-related safety measures; Town facility closures or delayed openings; and trash pick-up and recycling changes, to name a few.
Signing up is free and voluntary. Residents may choose how they receive alerts and which types of notifications they want to receive. Follow the link below or download the Everbridge App from the App Store or Google Play and search “Wytheville.” https://member.everbridge.net/76486388220115
