The Rural Retreat Lake and Campground Disc Golf Course is officially open for visitors to enjoy.  The Wythe County Parks and Recreation Department held the course’s grand opening on June 1, 2012.

Disc golf is one of the fastest growing recreation sports in the country.  The sport takes the childhood game of “Frisbee” and places it on a course focused on accuracy.

The course begins near the entrance of the park.  It then curves its way through trees and up hills to give players the ultimate obstacle experience.

Wythe County is expanding the public water system into several areas of the county that requested service due to failing wells and poor water quality. The new water lines and appurtenances are currently under construction but will be completed in the near future and available for service.

The water system will provide residents with drinking water that meets the strict standards set by the Virginia Department of Health in both quality and quantity. A secondary benefit provided by the new water system is the water lines, pumping stations and water tanks are sized to provide for fire protection.

At the Dec. 27, 2012, meeting of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, the Board appropriated funds from pet friendly license plates. These funds were donated to the Wythe-Bland Animal Welfare League (WBAWL) to promote the league’s and County’s efforts to help control the animal population in Wythe County.

In 1997, Virginia became the second state to offer animal friendly license plates as a voluntary way to proclaim its appreciation for animals and raise funds for spay/ neuter programs. Today, more than one third of all states take part in the program.

Barbara Johns, president of the WBAWL, first heard of the program from Wythe County’s animal control supervisor. From there, she contacted the County Administration Office to determine steps necessary to receive the funds.

On Jan. 28, 2012, emergency responders around Wythe County took part in training through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. The two courses included the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVO) and Mayday! Firefighter Down.

In Wytheville, emergency response organizations who took part in the EVOC were comprised of Ivanhoe Volunteer Fire Department, Max Meadows Fire Department, Speedwell Fire Department, Wytheville Fire Department, Wythe County Rescue, Rural Retreat Rescue, and organizations from neighboring counties.

The course was designed to enhance safe vehicle operation by stressing theory and principles of defensive driving in both emergency and non-emergency situations.