Tragedy and economic ups mark 2019 in Smyth County

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Trooper Lucas P. Dowell of Chilhowie, a four-year veteran with the Virginia State Police, was shot and killed on Feb. 4 while assisting with a search warrant during a narcotics arrest operation at a residence in Cumberland County. About 1,500 people attended funeral services in Chilhowie. In addition to the throngs of family, friends and fellow law enforcement, other guests included Gov. Ralph Northam, Virginia Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran, Deputy Attorney General Victoria Pearson, state Senator Bill Carrico, and Congressman Morgan Griffith. Messages of encouragement and condolences to the family of Trooper Dowell and the law enforcement community were displayed on message boards throughout Chilhowie and other parts of the county. An interstate bridge and a park in Chilhowie have been named for Dowell in his memory.

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In January, Gov. Ralph Northam celebrated Smyth County Machine’s decision to invest $2.1 million in additional equipment and expanding its product line. The full-service machining and fabrication facility also planned to create 35 new jobs, which more than doubled the existing workforce of 30.

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Record flooding occurred during the year.

Linda Burchette

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Three historical markers were dedicated at three Marion sites that were especially important components of African-American history.

Linda Burchette

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Dogs large and small have their own play areas in Marion’s new dog park. The park was developed at the site of the old quarry next to the developing neighborhood on Callan Drive. While one of the quarry holes is being used for disposal of brush and leaves, the town hopes to transform much of the land into a multi-use recreation area. More than 40 donors helped raise $8,000 for the project. The town donated the land. Other amenities will be added such as benches for dog owners to sit on while their dogs play, and play items for the dogs. Training will also be allowed in the dog park. An amphitheater is planned nearby.

Linda Burchette

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Smyth County’s fourth annual Remote Area Medical Clinic recorded about 607 patient visits last weekend with free medical, dental, vision and hearing care. The three-day clinic enjoyed mostly beautiful weather this year at the Mountain Empire Airport site in Groseclose. Dental students and their instructors from the State University of New York returned for the fourth year. They get hands-on experience serving the RAM patients. Patients at the Smyth County RAM Clinic can seek follow-up care at free health care clinics in Marion and Wytheville that partner with RAM Smyth County. A French film crew and a Spanish-speaking crew from Washington, D.C., came to visit the clinic as did local television stations. Several volunteers were interviewed on the NBC Today Show.

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Marion Senior High School science teacher Sarah Deel was named Regional Teacher of the Year for Region 7 in Virginia and the school held a huge surprise party for Deel who was also celebrating her birthday in August. The celebration included state representatives, school board members and school officials along with the entire student body.

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Family, friends and co-workers gathered July 10 at the ARC Teaching Alternatives Program (TAP) center in Marion to celebrate a dedication of the building to Dianna Tibbs, longtime teacher with ARC.

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Four large transformers moved across Smyth County roads in March to Appalachian Power’s two Broadford substations. They were moved on consecutive weekends from Seven Mile Ford to Chilhowie to Saltville to Broadford. The project will expand or upgrade the two Broadford substations and increase electric reliability to customers in southern/southwestern Virginia. The transformers were hauled individually with each haul taking two to three days. Three more were scheduled to be moved in the latter part of the year but that move has been delayed.

Staff Reports

As would be expected, 2019 held its share of tears and excitement - the loss of beloved artists, community leaders, veterans and a young law enforcement officer, alongside gains in employment, the fight against opioid addition, revitalization of downtowns, and advancements in law enforcement and emergency services. Storms, a long-lasting heat wave, resignations of longtime servants and new faces elected to serve also marked the year for Smyth County.