By Wytheville Mayor Beth Taylor
Fellow Citizens,
It is that time of the year when the temperature starts to drop, and we need to take into consideration the safety and well-being of our pets. Today, I will specifically address canines. No matter how these furry friends came into our lives, we accepted them as part of our family, and it is the owner’s responsibility to care for them and follow the State Law to keep them safe. If you witness an animal emergency or urgency, call 911 and your message will be delivered to the appropriate animal control officer. If you do not have the resources to properly protect your animal during cold weather, please call my office at 276-223-3356 and I will endeavor to connect you with assistance or resources to address the situation.
Here’s some Cold Weather Tips to keep in mind:
Adequate Shelter – At 32 degrees or less, no owned animal should be left outdoors unless they have access to a well-insulated structure that
1) is large enough to curl up in and has a wind block at the door.
2) includes a heated water bowl so they have access to an unfrozen water source.
3) has a floor, is elevated from the ground, has cedar shavings, dry straw or the equivalent, and has heating or an outdoor heating pad.
4) Includes a food bowl with a minimum of dry food available.
Walking Your Dog
1) Consider shortening your walks if the temperature is too frigid and increase indoor exercise.
2) Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from additional clothing beyond their “fur coat” in chilly weather.
3) Watch for any signs of injury or extreme cold to their paws especially in snow and ice.
Warning Signs
Trembling
Sleepiness
Slowed breathing
Mobility Issues
Dry skin
Numbness
Illness
Would you like to Volunteer?
Would you like to volunteer to serve on a Town of Wytheville committee, board, commission, or authority? There are current vacancies/upcoming vacancies for the following: Building Code Appeals Board, Recreation Commission, Economic Development Authority, and the Tree Advisory Committee. Please contact Sherry Corvin, Town Clerk, for more information (276-223-3349 or [email protected]). The application that must be completed is online through the OpenGov portal on the Town’s website.
Save the Date
Celebrate Veterans Special Events:
As a new twist on the traditional ceremony, the Wall of Honor Committee encourages citizens to attend a Veterans Parade beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Spiller Elementary School. The parade route will follow First Street to Monroe, Main and Tazewell Streets with an ending destination on Spiller Street at Withers Park. At approximately 10 a.m., a ceremony will begin in Withers Park featuring music by the George Wythe High School Band and the Spiller Fifth Grade Choir. Guest speaker for the event will be Donald E. Elmore, United States Army.
On Saturday, November 11, enjoy a special free showing of the movie “MAX” at the Historic Millwald Theatre beginning at 7 p.m. This family-friendly presentation is the story of a military dog that helped United States Marines in Afghanistan who returns to America and is adopted by his handler’s family after suffering a traumatic experience.
Christmas Activities in Downtown Wytheville: The Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Melody: Celebrating the Songs of Christmas.
For all the latest information on the parade, other activities, and how you can participate, visit https://www.downtownwytheville.org/christmas-celebration-parade.
Council Actions
October 11 – Special Called Meeting:
Conducted a public hearing and approved a resolution to authorize the issuance of General Obligation Bonds in the maximum amount of $843,000 to be used to acquire a refuse truck and a dehumidification unit for the Town.
I welcome the opportunity to talk to you regarding your ideas and concerns. I can be reached by phone at (276) 223-3356 or via email at [email protected]. Written correspondence may be sent to the Wytheville Municipal Building, 150 E. Monroe Street, Wytheville, VA, 24382.
