To: Wythe County

The waters from Michael are receding and the true damage from the storm is now showing. Roads have been washed out or damaged from moving water. VDOT is working hard to clear all debris and repair the damages that occurred. To find all the areas that VDOT is repairing, visit 511virginia.org or use the 511 app. If you come across an area that needs repair or VDOT’s attention, call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623). Please understand that these repairs may take time and VDOT is working hard to complete the repairs in a quick but safe manner.

Wythe County wants to thank its citizens for assisting in keeping everyone safe. Thanks to all the citizens that called neighbors or friends to check on them and make sure people were safe. It takes a community working together to keep everyone safe and it showed yesterday. We ask that you continue to do this as the weather changes over to cooler temperatures. Also, thank you to all the citizens who called in tips on issues in the county yesterday.

Moving forward, continue to be prepared. Visit wytheco.org to learn how to stay prepared year-round. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the more affected areas of the Commonwealth and across the Southeast United States. Thank you and Stay Safe!

Curtis W. Crawford

Emergency Services Coordinator

To: Wythe County

Wythe County has been dealing with a flash flooding event since last night. The County, along with VDOT, has been working with water issues, cleaning up, and closing routes throughout the county. The forecast for the county is more rain and some wind. Conditions will change throughout the day and could affect more areas. Areas of the county that are affected include:

• Millers Creek Rd – Water and Debris

• Grouse Ridge Rd – Road Damage

• Archer Rd – Closed due to Water at Glade Creek

• Reed Creek Dr – 1400 Block has a Sinkhole and Water

• Peppers Ferry Rd – 4000 Block has Debris and Water

• Ayers Rd – Water and Debris

• Locust Hill Road – Water

• Major Grahams Rd – Water and Debris

• Ivanhoe Road & Ft. Chiswell Road – Standing water in spots throughout

• Near Post Office at Ivanhoe – Lots of standing water

The following roads are closed according to the Wythe County Sheriff’s Department:

• Connors Valley

• Millers Creek

• Grouse Ridge

• Archer Road

• Whispering Pines

• 1400 Block of Reed Creek

• Shady River

* Peppers Ferry Rd. is currently open but there are areas of standing water so please use caution 

This list was created this morning and will change throughout the day. Remember if you come across standing water. Turn around and do not try to cross. Water is moving and can contain things that are unseen. Please TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN. If you see water affecting your area, report it so that we can take care of it. Please continue to watch local weather and media to stay informed of changes to road closures and schedules of events affected by the weather. Again, more weather is to come including winds that could cause further issues. Thank you for helping us protect you. STAY INFORMED AND SAFE.

Curtis W. Crawford

Emergency Services Coordinator

To: Citizens of Wythe County

As of this morning, Hurricane Michael was classified as a category 4 hurricane. Michael made landfall around 1:30 p.m. After landfall, the hurricane is moving Northwest into Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and then Southeast Virginia prior to heading back out to the Atlantic Ocean. This path is South of our area. The concern is twofold at this time. First, Michael is a very large storm. Our area could get rains from outer bands of the storms. Michael will also be meeting a front coming from the east that should keep it on this path, but bring us rains and cooler weather as the week continues. Second, this could be a changing storm. As we learned from Florence, Hurricanes can change from initial forecasts.

Wythe County is prepared for possible events that can happen from the weather. We are watching the storm closely and acting to protect everyone, but we need your help. Please stay informed and keep your family, and your friends informed with current information about the storm and weather impacting the area. Please be prepared for any issues that may occur. Flash Flooding can still be a real threat for our area. Please have your home heating ready for use in case it is needed. If you use electric heaters, please use as directed by the owner’s manual. If you are using fuel heaters or fireplaces, please make sure they are used in a safe way. Check and make sure that all ventilation pathways are clear (i.e. chimneys).
Again, Wythe County is prepared and we want all the citizens to be prepared as well. If you have any questions, please visit our website at wytheco.org for more information. STAY INFORMED AND STAY SAFE. Thank you.

Curtis W. Crawford

Emergency Services Coordinator

WYTHE COUNTY TO PARTICIPATE IN VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY DEDICATION CELEBRATION

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Clyde Easter has been diligently working to preserve the memory of all veterans within the mountains of southwest Virginia. 

For many years, Easter has strived to get U.S. Highway 52 through Carroll, Wythe and Bland Counties designated as Veterans Memorial Highway. Now, his dream is a reality. A dedication celebration is being held at each of the participating counties from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 20, 2018.

In a letter of support for Veterans Memorial Highway, Easter said: “Ladies and gentleman, I urge you to pass this resolution supporting the naming of U.S. Highway 52, Veterans Memorial Highway. I believe that by doing so that it would perpetuate, and preserve the memory of all veterans of all wars, those that survive, and those that gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.”

Easter said he is a twice wounded veteran of World War II.

“We know that sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance,” Easter said in his letter. “As America’s twelve million war veterans fast disappear from society’s landscape there are fewer standard bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed.”

The dedication celebration will take place in three different counties on October 20, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to take part in a procession with an antique car or motorcycle in the U.S. 52 Veterans Memorial Highway Procession.

Please come show your support for Mr. Easter and all veterans at the dedication celebration during all or one of the following events:

In Bland County, the dedication ceremony starts at the Bland County Veterans’ Memorial in Rocky Gap, at 9 a.m. There will be a ceremony recognizing veterans featuring an American Legion Gun Salute and bagpipes. Following the ceremony, participants will form a procession and travel via U.S. 52 south to Austinville (approx. 52 miles).

In Wythe County, the dedication event will start at 11 a.m. and officials will honor veterans in a ceremony at the historic Shot Tower, 283 Pauley Flatwoods Rd, Austinville. Following the ceremony, the procession will leave for Hillsville, Va. via U.S. 52 south at 11:30 a.m. (approx. 15 miles).

In Carroll County, the procession should arrive in Hillsville shortly after 12 p.m. The dedication event in Carroll County will start at 1 p.m. at the stage behind Hillsville Town Hall (410 N Main St, Hillsville, Va. 24343). The event will include, recognition of local veterans, remarks by an honored guest and music. Lunch will be served.

Easter is from the Fancy Gap area of Carroll County, Va.

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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Wythe County officials, please call Blake Stowers at 276-223-4522 or email Blake at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it