An example foliage map from October 2025. These graphics show current conditions as reported by DOF staff around Virginia and are shared weekly on DOF’s website and social media.
An example foliage map from October 2025. These graphics show current conditions as reported by DOF staff around Virginia and are shared weekly on DOF’s website and social media.
Muralist Josh Johnston returned to Wytheville to complete his second mural.
While using spray paint here, Josh Johnston also used brushes on this mural near the Millwald Theatre.
Last week, artist Josh Johnston met Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi, who was accompanied by Town Manager Chris Slemp.
This mural captures the community's past and its transformation into its modern state.
To see the work of Boone, North Carolina, artist Josh Johnston, a person doesn’t have to go to a gallery or museum. They can visit Brevard, Asheville, or Boone, North Carolina, or Wytheville.
Earlier this month, muralist Josh Johnston brought his brushes and cans of spray paint back to downtown Wytheville to work on a smaller mural near the Millwald Theatre.
Having already completed a larger work in Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park, Johnston was striving to capture a scene that conveyed the town through the decades and its transformation.
This was Johnston’s sixth mural this year.
His artistic traits emerged as a child. In the 1990s, he refined his skills at a school for fine arts. Then, at the age of 45, he decided to pursue artwork full time.
Johnston was honest that winters can be tough when he’s limited to interior murals, but he’s still moving forward.
He’s an advocate for public art like Wytheville’s murals.
Such public art, Johnston said, brings a fresh perspective to towns. While murals aren’t expensive, he said they are an investment in and can change downtowns.
“It’s a great way to give everything a glow up,” he said.
Diversity in murals is an asset, Johnston contended, noting that the Appalachian Regional Commission has been funding public art projects.
While painting, Johnston has forged relationships with several local residents. Many who talked to him while he was working on the park mural checked in with him on this one just off Main Street.
Last week, he also got to show his work to Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi, who was touring Wytheville with officials.
The mural was funded by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development through a Downtown Investment Grant.
On Facebook, Downtown Wytheville said this piece of artwork will “celebrate a major chapter in our journey of revitalization and our recent recognition as a Main Street America Great American Main Street Award winner…. The mural will bring together elements of our past and present, recognizing the history that shaped our Downtown while celebrating the investment, partnerships, businesses, property owners, volunteers, and community spirit that have helped transform Downtown Wytheville into what it is today.”
Downtown Wytheville also said it plans to incorporate a metal artisan sculpture to showcase the award plaque “and help us tell our story through public art.”
Roanoke College linebacker Tandom Smith (15) celebrates his team’s win over Virginia University-Lynchburg during the 2025 season.
Roanoke College linebacker Tandom Smith (15) celebrates his team’s win over Virginia University-Lynchburg during the 2025 season.
Sheriff Anthony Cline has secured a $500,000 Cooperative Agreement between the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service to improve law enforcement presence and emergency response in the Jefferson National Forest.
Wythe County is home to approximately 58,414 acres, or more than 91 square miles, of national forest. These remote areas are used for horseback riding, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities.
The five-year agreement will provide approximately $40,000 annually for overtime and $60,000 annually for equipment. The funding will allow the Sheriff’s Office to place deputies in remote areas and provide the equipment needed to respond to emergency calls and other incidents.
The Sheriff’s Office will also look to purchase specialized equipment needed for rescue and emergency response in these remote areas. When someone becomes injured, lost, or experiences an emergency, reaching these locations can be difficult due to the distance and terrain. Having the proper equipment will help law enforcement and other first responders reach those in need more safely and efficiently.
As part of the agreement, the Sheriff’s Office has purchased a 2026 Chevrolet 2500 4x4, a 20-foot box trailer, and a 2026 Polaris Ranger XP 1000.
Sheriff Cline stated, “This funding allows us to be more present in these remote areas and gives our deputies and first responders the equipment they need to reach people when they need help.”
The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the U.S. Forest Service for partnering with the Sheriff’s Office to improve public safety and emergency response throughout these remote recreational areas.
The Wytheville Community College (WCC) Jamboree will host Coyote Ugly and the Demin & Plaid band on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m.in Snyder Auditorium.
The event will showcase the depth and diversity of bluegrass music with performances by Coyote Ugly and Denim & Plaid, bringing together experienced musicians and a rising generation of young performers.
Known for its unique harmonies and high-energy performances, Coyote Ugly is based in the Kingsport, Tennessee, area and is touted as one of the most energetic bands touring the bluegrass circuit today. The group features Joey Cox, Vince Bullins, Tom Horton, David Chrisley, and Beverly Horton, who blend traditional bluegrass influences with a modern approach to create a distinctive sound and spirited performance.
Joining them is Denim & Plaid, an on-the-rise youth band based right here in the Blue Ridge. The young musicians bring a high-energy, hard-driving style of bluegrass to the stage. While their youth may be part of what makes them stand out, their musical ability speaks for itself. Each member is a talented instrumentalist, and together they have earned numerous awards on the bluegrass competition circuit.
From Coyote Ugly’s seasoned musicianship and unique harmonies to Denim & Plaid’s youthful energy and award-winning talent, the two groups represent the continuing evolution of bluegrass music—honoring its traditions while showcasing the talented musicians who are carrying the sound into the future.
Seating for the event is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is free and open to the public; however, donations will be accepted to help defray the travel expenses of the bands.
