By Wytheville Mayor Beth Taylor
Fellow Citizens,
Spring is in the air! From Groundhog Day predictions to outdoor activities and yes, the Town of Wytheville Mowing Regulations!
Origin of Groundhog Day
We joke about this holiday every year, but what is the origin of the Groundhog Day prediction? The holiday, which began as a German custom in southeastern and central Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries, has its origin in ancient European weather lore, wherein a badger or sacred bear is the prognosticator as opposed to a groundhog. According to the Germanic tradition, if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on Feb. 2, winter/cold weather will last another six weeks. So, is he right? The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club states that, as of 2024, Phil (the groundhog) has predicted more winters (108) than springs (21).
The Stormfax Weather Almanac says that is a 39% accuracy rate.
Do You Need a Permit?
If you are planning to make changes to your property this Spring, here are some items that may need permits in the Town of Wytheville.
Swimming pools, inground and above, new and old (if they did not go through an inspection previously when they were put in place.)
Chickens (in Town limits)? Yes, you need a permit.
Construction of new buildings, housing, additions and storage or outbuildings also need permits.
You need a permit to put up new fences of any kind, in any place, in the Town of Wytheville. See the Town of Wytheville’s fence ordinance, which is found in Article 16, Section 16-20 (Fencing Regulations) of the Zoning Ordinance located on the Town’s website. (Go to www.wytheville.org, click the Government tab, and select the Ordinances link.) The online permitting portal can be found at https://wythevilleva.portal.opengov.com.
For further information, contact Dr. John Woods, Zoning Administrator and Director of Planning, at 276-223-3361, [email protected].
Mowing Ordinance
The Town of Wytheville would like to remind property owners of their obligation to the Town’s Mowing Ordinance Chapter 12. Solid Waste Collection and Disposal, Article IV. Nuisances on Premises, Removal of Weeds, Mowing, Etc., and Clutter, Division 2. Removal of Weeds, Mowing, Etc., of the code of the Town of Wytheville. This ordinance was amended on June 26, 2023, to reflect the need to control grass, weeds and other foreign growth to a height of 12 inches. NOTE: the previous verbiage of only having to mow three times a season is no longer in our code. The Town would like to remind citizens that it is unlawful to dispose of grass, weeds and other vegetative debris on the sidewalks and streets of the Town. The Town of Wytheville appreciates the efforts of its citizens in maintaining yards and outdoor spaces. Please contact the Town Clerks office at (276) 223-3349, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the Mowing Ordinance or if you would like a copy of Division 2. Removal of Weeds, Mowing, Etc., Sec. 12-92 Excessive Vegetation; Overgrowth; Sec.12-93. Nontraditional Landscaping of Property; and Sec. 12-94. Mowing Exemptions. The complete Code of the Town of Wytheville, Virginia, can be viewed online at https://library.municode.com/va/wytheville.
Contacting Town After Hours
Due to the Town’s aging infrastructure and cold/wet weather, we want Town citizens to be able to contact the appropriate department after hours. For water/sewer issues, contact the Public Utilities Department; for street maintenance and related issues from storm or snow damage, contact the Street
Maintenance Department, for traffic signals and Town building issues, contact the Maintenance Department. To relay any of the above issues after hours (Monday -Thursday after 5 p.m., Friday after noon, and on weekends), call (276) 223-3300. Please follow the “prompts” on the phone for your specific concerns and the department you need to reach.
From the Wytheville Fire & Rescue Department
The Burn Law is in effect from February 15 until April 30. Open burning is only allowed between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight, if it is within 300 feet of wooded area or dry grass. Burns must always be attended to. The 4 p.m. Burn Law applies to open air burning, which means any outdoor fire that is not
covered and/or contained within a non-flammable barrier and the smoke from the fire does not pass through a chimney.
From the Wytheville Police Department
NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING – IT’S THE LAW
What is distracted driving? Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating, drinking, talking to people in your own vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system, anything that takes your attention away from safe driving. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading your text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
What are some of the consequences? Using a cell phone while driving creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads. In 2020, 3,142 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Teens can be the best messengers with their peers, so we encourage them to speak up when they see a friend driving while distracted, to have their friends sign a pledge to never drive distracted, to become involved with their local Students Against Distractive Decisions chapter, and to share messages on social media that remind their friends, family and neighbors not to make a deadly choice to drive distracted. Parents first must lead by example by never driving distracted as well as having a talk with their young driver about distraction and all the responsibilities that come with driving. Have everyone in the family sign the pledge to commit to distraction-free driving. Remind your teen driver that in states with a graduated drivers license (GDL), a violation of distracted-driving laws could mean a delayed or suspended license. Educators and employers can play a part too. Spread the word at your school or workplace about the dangers of distracted driving. Ask your students to commit to distraction-free driving or set a company policy on distracted driving.
Save the Date
Shred-It Event on Saturday, March 9, at the Wytheville Municipal Building parking lot, 150 East Monroe Street, from 9 a.m. to noon. Citizens may bring white and colored paper, envelopes, paper with staples and newspapers. The service is free for citizens only, no businesses. For more information, call 276-223-3365 or [email protected].
Wythe Arts Council’s Silent Auction is coming up on Tuesday, March 12, at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre from 5 to 8 p.m. Let’s help the Arts Council raise money for the 40th Anniversary Chautauqua Festival 2024. There is no admission fee to attend. Come participate in the silent auction and listen to some great music. There will be food and drinks available for purchase if you desire. If you cannot make it that evening, you can participate by donating an item to the silent auction. The Arts Council accepts all types of items including: art, woodwork, theater tickets, housewares, gift cards, a night at the B&B, yard and gardening tools and many other items. If you want to donate, Arts Council members can come and pick up your item, just email your request to [email protected] or you can call me at 276-620-7301, leave a message, and I will contact them for you.
Hometown Sounds: Musical Culture in Wythe County is now on display at the Wythe County Decorative Arts Museum and will run through March and April. Located at the Homestead Museum at 1125 Tazewell Street, it is open for tours Wednesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 2024 BA-BA (Bands, Art, Bourbon and Ale) Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, at the Homestead Museum located at 1125 Tazewell Street from 2 until 8 p.m. Free admission into the event. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Some of the featured musical artists are Adam Boly, Nate Mongomery and Annabelle’s Curse. If you know an artisan, distiller, brewer, winery or food truck vendor that is willing to participate, or if you or your company want to be a sponsor, call Museums Director Grant Gerlich at (276) 223-3433.
Committee Vacancies
Want to be involved in your Town? Here are the committee vacancies coming up soon.
1)Tree Advisory Committee: One position is open now and two more opening in May.
2) Smyth-Wythe Airport Commission: One position is opening in June. For more information, contact the Town Clerks office at 276-223-3349.
Council Actions
February 12, 2024:
Authorized the Town Treasurer to write the following amounts off the Town books: 2018 Personal Property/Mobile Home Taxes of $758.51; water and sewer accounts over the statute of limitations of $60,085.96. Scheduled a Special Town Council Meeting for Wednesday, March 6, at 4 p.m. and scheduled a public hearing for this meeting to consider a bond in the maximum amount of $491,784 to be used to pay the cost of capital improvements to the Town’s wastewater facilities.
Approved the request of Open Door Community’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Mr. Eric Bucey, to provide traffic control on Saturday, June 15, 2024, to conduct the Fast and Fiorini Metric Century Charity Ride.
Appointed Mr. Rick Krietemeyer as the second alternate member to the Wytheville Building Code Appeals Board (term expires July 26, 2028).
Reappointed Mr. George Wittwer to the Wytheville Planning Commission for a four-year term (new term expires March 2, 2028).
Conducted a closed meeting for consultation with legal counsel for legal advice.
February 26, 2024:
Approved the request of Rural King Realty, Inc. for a Subdivision Variation, as presented.
Approved the request of District Three Governmental Cooperative for a Waiver of Fees for the use of Withers Park on Thursday, June 13, for a Senior Day in the Park event.
Scheduled a public hearing for the Town Council meeting on Monday, March 11, at 5 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, to consider amendments to the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget.
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.
