News
Garden goodness at Rural Retreat Farmers Market
With produce coming in, the Rural Retreat Farmers Market is bustling on Wednesday afternoons. This week, garden-fresh items included cantaloupes and watermelons, potatoes, cucumbers and squash, and plenty of tomatoes to add to a hot biscuit or make a tomato sandwich. Local honey was available along with fresh baked goods, homemade goodies for pets, tie-dyed T-shirts, and a variety of craft products. The market tends to inspire creativity, and one young man busked for a while before enjoying the nearby splash pad. The market is open from 3-6 p.m.
News
Virginia Steel expands in Bland
Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced that Virginia Steel and Fabrication, Inc. will invest $3.6 million to expand its operational capabilities in Bland County and create 52 new jobs — more than tripling the company’s current workforce of 19 employees.
“Congratulations to Virginia Steel on expanding its operations in Bland County after more than 30 years in the community,” said Spanberger. “By making new investments in advanced manufacturing technology and more than tripling its workforce, Virginia Steel is demonstrating that innovation and job creation go hand in hand. This expansion strengthens a homegrown Virginia business, creates new opportunities for Southwest Virginia, and reinforces the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing.”
Founded in 1994, Virginia Steel provides custom steel fabrication, welding, and steel purchasing services for commercial and industrial construction projects across Southwest Virginia. As part of its investment, the company will upgrade and fully automate key manufacturing equipment and expand its existing facility to accommodate these enhancements and increase production capacity in response to growing market demand. The project also includes infrastructure upgrades to support the new technology, boost operational efficiency, and support the transportation of finished products to customers.
“Companies like Virginia Steel are well positioned to grow, reach customers efficiently, and compete in markets across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery. “This expansion is an example of how local and regional leadership, industry, and state partners are coming together to drive economic growth in every corner of the Commonwealth. Virginia Steel’s commitment to advances in manufacturing will improve its production capabilities while supporting the continued growth of Bland County and the surrounding region.”
“This investment is first and foremost an investment in the people of Southwest Virginia. We are creating careers that provide long-term opportunities, advanced technical skills, and a future for families right here at home while working alongside our educational, community, and state partners to strengthen the region’s manufacturing workforce,” said Virginia Steel and Fabrication, Inc., Directors Shaun Huffman and Blake Ray. “Southwest Virginia helped build America. For generations, the coal from these mountains powered our nation, and today, this region is helping build its future through advanced manufacturing and skilled trades. We are grateful to Governor Spanberger, the Commonwealth, and our local partners for recognizing what we have always known: when you invest in rural Virginia, you invest in some of the hardest-working, most capable people anywhere in the country.”
“Bland County is proud to support Virginia Steel’s continued growth in Bastian,” said Bland County Administrator Cameron B. Burton. “For over 30 years, this company has been a cornerstone of our community, and this expansion — representing a $3.6 million investment and the creation of 52 new jobs — further solidifies our region’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing. We are excited to partner with them as they strengthen our local economy and continue to offer quality career opportunities for our residents. We are also deeply grateful for the continued partnership with the Governor’s office, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Mount Rogers Regional Partnership, and the Bland County EDA, whose collaboration has been instrumental in making this investment possible.”
“We are grateful for Virginia Steel’s continued investment in our communities and appreciate the company’s commitment to growing in Southwest Virginia,” said Mount Rogers Regional Partnership Deputy Director Rebecca Fisher. “This expansion creates quality jobs, strengthens our regional economy, and reflects what can be achieved when local, regional, and state partners work together to support business growth.”
“It is always exciting to see a company that has been successful in Southwest Virginia grow and expand, and I am glad that the Tobacco Commission was able to help secure this expansion for the Commonwealth,” said Tobacco Commission Chairman and Delegate Will Morefield. “This expansion is proof positive that we have the resources and workforce to help businesses succeed. I want to thank Virginia Steel for being a great partner over the last 30-plus years and for continuing to invest in their operation here in Bland. Adding 52 new jobs and increasing their production capacity demonstrates Virginia Steel’s commitment to our region, and I wish them the very best as they get their expansion underway.”
“I am delighted that Virginia Steel and Fabrication, Inc. has chosen to continue to invest in Bland County, creating 52 new jobs,” said Senator Travis Hackworth. “Their willingness to make upgrades and increase production will have a positive impact in Bland County. Thank you to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Mount Rogers Regional Partnership, and my fellow members on the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for working with Bland County on this project.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Bland County, the Mount Rogers Regional Partnership, and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Spanberger approved a $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Bland County with the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
News
County revises zoning draft
Wythe County has released a revised draft of the proposed Land Use Classification Ordinance that reflects public feedback and recommendations from the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. The revisions were reviewed during a joint work session on July 27, and the county will host a community meeting on Sept. 3 to gather additional public input before any future action is considered.
County staff highlighted several revisions incorporated into the latest draft, including:
• Additional properties have been classified as Agricultural to better reflect existing land uses and create more consistent zoning patterns.
• Map revisions reduce instances of split zoning and, where practical, better align zoning boundaries with adjoining properties.
• The Transportation Corridor Overlay has been refined to provide greater clarity regarding its application, reducing its scope to manage development around interstate interchanges and where I-81 and I-77 run together.
• Zoning fees have been removed from the ordinance. If adopted, fees would instead be established through the county's annual Fee Schedule approved by the Board of Supervisors.
• Definitions have been clarified and standardized to improve consistency and interpretation.
Board members and Planning Commission members also discussed additional map changes during the work session. Those revisions are being incorporated into the draft published online and updated in the county's online GIS mapping tool.
To continue gathering public input, Wythe County will host a community meeting in the gymnasium at Scott Memorial Middle School on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. Residents will have an opportunity to review the proposed ordinance, ask questions, and share feedback before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors consider any future action.
The revised draft Land Use Classification Ordinance and interactive GIS zoning map are available at wytheco.org/zoning. Residents can search for individual properties, review proposed classifications, and submit comments directly through the site.
The proposed ordinance has not been adopted. Additional revisions are expected before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors hold future public hearings and consider final action.
