County of Wise, Virginia – Press Releases

Press Releases

PRESS RELEASES & ADVISORIES

IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jack Kennedy
20 December 2005 Grant PI

_______________________________________________________________________

Clerk of Court Grant Award Expands Crime Mapping Effort

          The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services has awarded the Wise County and Norton Clerk of Court office a grant of $66,500 to continue the advancement of the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS)
in law enforcement.

          The grant proceeds will be used to create an evolutionary spiral of crime mapping applications for local law enforcement ranging from annual crime analysis "hot spots" to utilization in on-going criminal investigations.

          Two years ago Clerk of Court Jack Kennedy launched a collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to use GIS mapping for crime analysis, provided GPS hardware to enhance accuracy of crime and traffic accident coordinates, and to provide GIS training to law enforcement officers in partnership with Mountain Empire Community College's Distance Education.

          Since the launch of crime mapping, the Commonwealth's Attorney office has repeatedly used GIS mapping to accurately depict distance and location of crime scenes in criminal trails. The Wise County Sheriff's criminal investigative unit regularly uses GIS. Each Wise County and Norton law enforcement agency has been equipped with GPS handhelds.

          "One goal is to enable new opportunities for Mountain Empire Community College and The University of Virginia's College students majoring in criminal justice to do stipend sustained research assistantships in criminal analysis, Kennedy said.   "Criminal analysis training is an important professional career advantage today."

        Wise County's GIS system was originally derived from the DEVELOP Scholars Program funded by a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) grant. Over 75 local students have been involved with the program from its 2001 inception.

          Criminal justice student majors of any regional higher educational institution may apply to participate in the Crime Mapping Project. The DEVELOP Scholars Program is
multidisciplinary and favors students with interests in science, engineering, and mathematics. Applications to become a student research assistant in either program are available at the Clerk of Court office.

Public Notice 10/20/05

Timmons Group contracted by Wise County to link 911 database

Please be advised that Timmons Group, a Richmond Virginia firm, has been contracted by Wise County, to validate 911 addresses for the purpose of emergency response. In order to do so, Timmons Group will be calling individuals who are not linked in the current 911-system database. Timmons Group will ask for your 911 address, a description of your home and, in limited cases, directions to your home. This information will be used in the event of an emergency to direct emergency responders to your home. Only authorized personnel will have access to this information. Upon project completion, 911 dispatchers will automatically have a mapped location of the residence the phone call originated from. Please inform your friends, family and neighbors of these potential phone calls from Timmons Group. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as Wise County continues to provide rapid response to emergency situations.

Contact info:

Wise County GIS
Jessica Swinney, 328-7110

(09/15/2004)

PRESS RELEASE

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Peace, II, today announced that Keep Wise County Beautiful (KWCB) has garnered a Keep Virginia Beautiful Award. KWCB earned first place in the Litter Prevention Category. By so doing, KWCB will be considered for recognition by Keep America Beautiful.

For more information contact Mr. Ray Couch, Executive Director, Keep Wise County Beautiful and Litter Control and Recycling Coordinator for Wise County.

(08/03/2004)

PRESS RELEASE

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Peace, II, today announced that the County's DEVELOP program has been selected as a recipient of a Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) 2004 Achievement Award in the Community/Economic Development category.

With financial assistance from NASA and ARC, and under the auspices of Clerk of the Circuit Court J. Jack Kennedy Jr., local students work with county and municipal offices to bring NASA earth sciences and remote sensing resources to address community issues and, promote individual professional development.

VACo received 45 entries from 17 counties. Eleven from ten counties received an Achievement Award. Winners were selected by an independent panel of judges with expertise in county programs and challenges.

Selection was based on innovation and collaboration, as well as the potential for the programs honored to serve as models for other local governments to learn from and implement.

Wise County has garnered Achievement Awards in 2004 from both NACo (RAM) and VACo (DEVELOP)

For more information contact the Honorable J. Jack Kennedy at 276-328-6111 or Edward L. Sealover, County Administrator at 276-328-2321.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PRESS ADVISORY

The ISO (Insurance Services Office, Inc.) has given Wise County a very good Building Code Effectiveness Grading Classification. The rating for 1 and 2 family residential property was 4; for commercial and industrial property it was 3. The rating scale is 1 to 10 with 10 less than minimum recognized protection.

The purpose of the Grading Schedule is to review building code enforcement activities and to develop a Effectiveness Classification for insurance underwriting information and rating purposes.

The Schedule measures the resources and support available for building code enforcement. It also evaluates hazard mitigation efforts.

The Schedule evaluates:

- Codes administration

- Plan review

- Field inspection

For more information contact Robert Mullins, Code Official Zoning Administrator at 276-328-7119.

(07/21/2004)

PRESS RELEASE

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Peace, II, today announced that the County government has become a subscriber to Senior Navigator.org: Virginia's Resource for Health and Aging.

Senior Navigator is a free, statewide, public service, non-profit organization, whose mission is providing comprehensive health and aging information to seniors and their caregivers to support independence, dignity and quality of life. It supplies information on nearly 19,000 public and private local programs and services.

A noncommercial, consumer friendly website it:

Details local services available, through one easy access point;
Offers numerous information articles that empower consumers to make decisions;
Has an "Ask an Expert" where consumers can confidentially ask questions fielded by 35 volunteer specialists;
Features a "Community Calendar" for local happenings;
Has a "My Neighborhood" allowing visitors to participate in neighbor to neighbor discussions; and
"Things You Should Know" regarding time sensitive health or aging - related information

"At the risk of oversimplification, it's a comprehensive on-line resource for seniors, families, caregivers and government agencies", Peace said. The Chairman added that seniors account for better that 18% of the County's population. "We want to do all that we can do to help them", he noted. "Becoming a Senior Navigator Center along with the Library and MEOC, broadens the opportunity for assistance to them", he concluded.

For further information contact Katie Roeper, Executive Director of Senior Navigator.Com at (804) 827-1280 or Ed Sealover, County Administrator at (276) 328-2321.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PRESS RELEASE

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Peace, today announced three (3) initiatives being taken by the County to increase recycling/source reductions. They include:

Purchase of devices to be located at convenience centers with high volume use that will facilitate recycling of card board
Purchase/installation of clean burn furnaces that use waste oil. They'll be utilized to heat the shop at the Blackwood Landfill
Application for assistance from Dell to hold a computer recycling event in the Fall

For further information contact Ray Couch, Litter Control and Recycling Coordinator, at (276) 328-1000; Jackie Darter, Superintendent of Public Works, at (276) 679-0515; Edward L. Sealover, County Administrator, at (276) 328-2321.

(07/02/2004)

PRESS ADVISORY

Wise County Administrator Ed Sealover was recently elected to the Executive Committee of the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA). VLGMA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization composed of primarily city, town, and county managers and administrators.

Membership is on an individual basis. Funding is provided by dues based on salaries. A sixteen (16) member Executive Committee governs the Association. Staff is provided by the Virginia Municipal League and the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Services.

The primary goal of VLGMA is to strengthen the quality of local government through professional management. It seeks to promote professional management in a variety of ways including networking and resource sharing.

Sealover's term is for two (2) years.

For further information contact Edward L. Sealover, County Administrator 276-328-2321.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PRESS RELEASE

The National Association of Counties' (NACo) Achievement Award Program recognizes counties for improving the management and provision of services. Since its inception in 1970, the Achievement Award Program has honored hundreds of county government initiatives that have improved service delivery, achieved greater cost efficiency, provided better customer service, and helped to develop a well-trained work force. In addition, the award winning programs have provided NACo and its membership with an extensive database of successful county efforts.

Awards are made in more than 20 categories, ranging from Arts and Historic Preservation to Volunteerism. All counties and state associations of counties are eligible to apply.

In this 35^th year of the program, NACo is extremely proud to recognize counties' hard work to promote responsible, responsive, and effective county government. This year's winners represent 27 states and 106 counties.

Jacqueline Byers, Director of Research, said "As the recession has continued we have seen counties working smarter and smarter. They've taken a long hard look at more efficient ways to operate and still provide the programs, service and activities desired by their citizens. We have seen many examples of "working smarter" in our awards applications this year. I continue to be amazed at what America's counties are doing. Congratulations!"

This year Wise County won its first Achievement Award. The winning program Remote Area Medical Health Expedition came from the Health Department.

Wise was one of eleven (11) Virginia Counties receiving an Achievement Award.

For further information contact, Dr. Eleanor S. Cantrell, District Health Director at 276-328-8000.

(06/01/2004)

PRESS RELEASE

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Peace, II, today announced that the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development has approved the County's request for $25,000 to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed Childcare Facility to be constructed and operated at the Lonesome Pine Regional Business and Technology Park.

"Should this project be brought to fruition, it will be a tremendous asset to the Tech Park and our community in general," Peace said.

For more information contact Carl Snodgrass, Economic Development Director at 276-328-2321 extension 211.

(06/01/2004)

PRESS RELEASE

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Peace, II, today announced that Wise County has been awarded a Virginia Citizen Corps grant in the amount of $7,000.

This program was created in September 2002 by Governor Warner to expand citizen participation in volunteer and community service. "It's primary focus is increased involvement in emergency preparedness and security efforts" Peace said. Peace noted that the County has previously obtained grant funding to establish CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Medical Reserve Corps programs.

"Virginia Corps also serves as a catalyst to promote volunteerism and community service in general through co-operation with the Virginia Commission on National and Community Service which also encourages and supports civic engagement throughout the Commonwealth" the Chairman added.

For further information on Virginia Corps, visit its website at www.virginiacorps.org.

For more information contact Delilah T. Long, Health District Emergency Planner at 276-386-1312 extension 130.

(03/23/2004)

PRESS RELEASE

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Peace, today announced that the County has been awarded a $25,000 Coalfield Rural Wastewater Solutions Project Planning Grant from VA DHCD. The project involves:

- establishing a focus group consisting of "stakeholders" knowledgeable of waste water issues

- convening a round table to discuss those issues, particularly ways to eliminate straight-piping

- creating a Management Team which will serve as the steering committee responsible for implementation of the planning effort

- developing a Management Plan

- conducting a public hearing on the proposed Plan

- submitting the action plan to VA DHCD

Peace noted that the County through the PSA, Norton, and the towns have made great strides in providing public water to those in the unincorporated areas of the County. "The next step to be taken is to assess our needs and alternatives in order to extend waste water disposal out into the unincorporated areas" Peace said. "This is a high priority of the Board," he added.

The Chairman concluded by commenting that ".this is a very important undertaking for the County. Bringing it to fruition will have a significant impact on improving water quality... protecting the environment... facilitating sustainable development... and strengthening the quality of life in our community."

For more information, contact County Administrator, Edward L. Sealover at 276-328-2321.

(01/26/2004)

PRESS RELEASE

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Peace, today announced that the County's application to access $133,014 in U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Domestic Preparedness 2003-II Grant Program funding has been approved by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the administering agency. "This money will be used to purchase equipment for:

- the Wise County Sheriff's Office

- the Ambulance/Rescue Squad's in the County

- the Health Department

- the County's Civil Defense/Emergency Services department.

"It will be used by these agencies not only in the case of terrorism incident prevention but also for ongoing emergency responses." Peace added. "Our community will clearly benefit from this," he concluded.

For more information, contact County Administrator, Edward L. Sealover at 276-328-2321.

(01/22/2004)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, John Peace, today announced that the County has been awarded a $6,900 VDEM Citizen Corps grant to establish a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). "The funding will be used for a training program to prepare our citizens and community to taker a more active role in emergency preparedness" Peace said. "CERT participants are trained to be part of a neighborhood or workplace response team. They'll obtain the basic skills needed to deal with those situations immediately following a major disaster when emergency services may not be available and our residents may have to rely on each other for life-saving and life-sustaining needs" he added.

The Chairman went on to recognize and thank Dr. Sue Cantrell and Delilah Long of the Health Department for their assistance regarding the County's emergency management efforts. It has included among other things: development of a new Emergency Operations Plan (EOP); and obtaining grant funding for a Medical Reserves Corps and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). "Supervisors Adkins and I want to express our appreciation to them for their help in this very important undertaking - protecting our community" he concluded.

For more information contact Dr. Cantrell at 328-8000 or Delilah Long at 328-8000 or 276-386-1312.

(12/01/2003)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Douglas A. Stallard, today announced that Wise County will receive $45,298 in 2003-I grant funding from the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Domestic Preparedness. This money will be used for the purchase of equipment, supplies, etc., for departments involved in emergency management. The distribution will roughly be as follows:

Hazmat Team $23,500

Sheriff 20,000

Health Dept. 2,000

The purchases feature among others: a special litter carrier that can be used in "rough" terrain; a camera system to improve security at the Courthouse/County Office Building; and doxycyline.

For further information, contact Edward L. Sealover, County Administrator at 276-328-2321.

(09/19/2003)

Attached is the County Attorney's summary of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Landfill Use Fee. She also touches on the issues of refunds, continued collection, etc. Additionally, she cited two (2) Virginia Supreme Court decisions pertaining to refunds (Wm. A. Perkins, Jr., Ann P. Perkins and Polly P. McGavock et al v. County of Albermarle (August and November 1973). The case was reheard.

Lastly, the Board of Supervisors will hold a called meeting 2:00, Thursday September 25.

For further information contact the County Administrator, Ed Sealover, at 276-328-2321.

(09/02/2003)

Mr. Robert M. Mullins, Wise County's Code Official has recently been appointed by Governor Mark R. Warner to serve on the State's Design-Build/Construction Management Review Board.

For further information, contact Mr. Mullins at 276-328-7119.

(08/29/2003)

Wise County Administrator Ed Sealover has been re-appointed to the National Association of Counties' (NACo) Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee. The Committee's charge is to review and make recommendations on all matters pertaining to the financial resources of counties: fiscal management; federal assistance; borrowing; county revenues; the federal budget and federal tax reform.

The policy development process initiated by NACo's steering committees leads to the publication of the American County Platform, which NACo uses as a guide to deliver the County government message to the Administration, Congress and the American public.

All NACo committee members, with the exception of the Audit Committee, are by presidential appointment. Nomination by the state association (VACo) is required.

Sealover also serves on VACo's Finance Steering Committee.

For more information contact NACo staff liaison to the committee Alysoun McLaughlin at 202-942-4254 or Ed Sealover at 276-328-2321.

(08/21/2003)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Douglas A. Stallard, today announced that the County's Department of Public Works will be making available free chipped-wood mulch at the County landfill starting Tuesday September 2. "In combination with recycling efforts, this program will prevent items from being dumped in the landfill unnecessarily, and should also be a great resource for homeowners and business owners trying to spruce up their landscaping" Stallard said.

The chipped-wood mulch will not be available for business who intend to use the product for any other purpose than beautification of their own property.

Citizens can obtain the mulch on a first come first serve, self-serve basis at the Landfill during the following hours:

Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For more information contact Jackie Darter at 276/679-0515 or Carol Doss at 276/328-1000.

(07/31/2003)

Wise County Administrator Ed Sealover recently received the International City/County Management Association's (ICMA) Credentialed Manager designation. Sealover is one of 558 local government management professionals from across the country to achieve such status. Slightly less than forty are from Virginia.

To be credentialed by ICMA, a member must have significant experience as a senior local government management executive; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrated a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.

Sealover is qualified by almost twenty three (23) years of professional local government experience. Prior to his appointment as County Administrator in March 2001, he served as Sanibel Florida City Manager.

Sealover has been an active member of the National Association of County Administrators (NACA), the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA) and serves on steering committees for both the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) and the National Association of Counties (NACo).

For information on the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program, contact Ms. Amanda Relyea at 202-962-3556.

ICMA promotes excellence in local government through professional management. To achieve that, it makes available an information clearinghouse, technical assistance, training, and professional development opportunities to nearly 8,000 chief appointed administrators, assistants, and other individuals throughout the world. Its resources and services reach thousands of county, municipal, and state government professionals, academics, and consultants.

For further information contact Ms. Felcia Logan of ICMA at 202-962-3626 or Ed Sealover at 276-328-2321.

(06/19/2003)

The County has added the LGEAN (Local Government Environmental Assistance Network) Web page template to its Web Site. It includes fact sheets, state and federal regulatory information, links, other resources and environmental liability news updates. LGEAN is sponsored by ICMA (International City-County Management Association).

To logon:

- go to the County's Web Site (www.wisecounty.org)

- click onto Quick Links (Select Desired Page Here)

- scroll down to Direct Office & Service Links, sub heading Environmental Liability Information.

For further information contact Ed Sealover, County Administrator at 276-328-2321.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Douglas A. Stallard, today announced that the Board would be participating in the Virginia Association of Counties' (VACo) public awareness the goal of which is to urge members of the General Assembly to fulfill their obligations to adequately fund services delivered at the local level. "The voters need to understand that when candidates pledge "no new state taxes" the burden for funding services shifts to the local governments and their taxpayers" Stallard said. "Counties have had to rely too much on local taxes, fees, service charges, etc., to pay for the functions the Commonwealth requires us to provide, particularly education," he added.

VACo has produced two 30 second TV videos and three 30 second radio spots focusing on the importance of education funding. "Adequate education funding must be our legislators top priority" Stallard noted.

The Board plans to contact citizen groups regarding the public awareness campaign. They are also encouraging Wise County residents to obtain more information about this very important matter by contacting County Administrator Ed Sealover at 276-328-2321, visiting www.BetterVa.org or calling VACo at 1-888-822-6771.

(02/04/2003)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Douglas A. Stallard today announced that the County is seeking to place ten (10) automatic external defibrillators (AED) with County operations and public facilities that have high levels of traffic or visitors.

"These emergency devices will enhance the survivability of those in our community who suffer cardiac arrhythmias" Stallard said. "Their use has been proven effective in significantly decreasing deaths where the stricken may be relatively remote from emergency services and care" he added.

The federal government recently made funding available for distribution of AEDs in qualifying rural jurisdictions (Wise County is one). The Virginia Health Departments Office of Emergency Medical Services is serving as the lead agency for this program. The County has sent a commitment and support letter. The County will provide, up to 10% of the cost of the ten AEDs and will arrange for training in their usage.

Tentative plans call for their distribution to the Sheriff's Office and placement in the Courthouse, Health Department, Department of Social Services and library branches.

"AEDS can help to save lives. The Board is happy to participate in an effort of this sort," Stallard concluded.

For further information contact Mr. Steven R. White, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council (276-628-4151) or Ed Sealover, County Administrator (276-328-2321).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Douglas A. Stallard today announced that Norfolk Southern has approved conveying their recently abandoned railroad line approximately 3.1 miles in length between Arno and Derby. The cost to the County will be $3,000. "The County had two objectives in acquiring this property" Stallard noted. "First, it would greatly benefit the Derby Community Renovation Project. It would reduce the amount of "sweat equity" involved in the self-help component of the project as well as the cost of the sewer line" he said. "Second, after the Derby Project is completed, the County wants to pursue a "rails to trails" effort converting the old railroad line into a path for hiking, biking, jogging, etc.," the Chairman indicated. "That dovetails nicely with the Derby Project and enhances recreational and tourism opportunities in the County" he added.

Stallard concluded by expressing the Board's appreciation to Norfolk Southern for making the old line available to the County for a "nominal" amount.

For more information contact Ed Sealover, County Administrator at (276) 328-2321, Mr. Jeffrey M. George, Manager - Real Estate for Norfolk Southern at (540) 981-4226, Mr. Jimmy Wallace, VA DHCD, (276) 676-5471.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Douglas A. Stallard today announced that the County is poised to implement a voucher program to assist those with spay/neuter expenses who adopt animals from the pound. State law requires that all adopted animals be spayed or neutered within a certain time period. Those who fail to do so can be fined.

"A voucher form has been drawn-up and an agreement reached with three local veterinarians to accept them" Stallard said. The voucher is worth $20. Funding for the vouchers will be provided primarily from the proceeds remitted to the County by those who purchase the Animal Friendly license plate from DMV and donations made by citizens for animal control. "We tapped into the license plate money for the first time last year" Stallard noted. "We are entitled to another $555 this year," he added.

That funding source is restricted to dog and cat sterilization programs.

"By reducing the cost of spay/neuter, the County is trying to encourage increased adoption, less euthanization, and most importantly reducing pet overpopulation," the Chairman indicated. He concluded adding that the voucher program is "another visible sign of our ongoing efforts to improve the way the County does animal control."

For more information contact Carter McCoy, Chief Animal Control Officer at (276) 679-6750 or Ed Sealover, County Administrator at (276) 328-2321.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Douglas A. Stallard today announced that the County has received a $24,000 grant from the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service for stream restoration in three areas of the County. The work involves removing obstacles, restoring channels, installing rip rap and seeding banks and adjacent areas for the following:

- approximately 400 linear feet of Cranes Nest River along Rte 72, 7 miles north of Coeburn

- approximately 730 linear feet of Preacher Creek in Derby along Rte 686

- approximately 400 linear feet of Honey Run on Rte 628 at the Russell-Wise County line.

The work will be done by the County - County employees, equipment, etc., thus satisfying the $6,000 local match requirement. Its anticipated the project will commence around the middle of February and be completed within thirty (30) days.

"The County sought NRCS's assistance after the flooding of last March," Stallard noted. "This work will put in place watershed protection measures to relieve hazards and damages created by that flooding event and hopefully future ones" he added.

For more information contact Ed Sealover, County Administrator at (276) 328-2321; Arvil Pilkenton, E-911 Technician at (276) 328-7119 or Jackie Darter, Superintendent of Public Works at (276) 679-6750.

(01/09/2003)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Douglas A. Stallard today announced that just under $337,400 in federal and state funds, as part of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program have been approved for use by the County for acquisition and demolition of six residences in the Bold Camp Creek area damaged in the flooding of late Summer, 2001. While observing that ".it's been a long time coming." Stallard noted that with the funding award ".we're close to finally closing the book on a most worthwhile project: removing structures and their occupants from a flood prone area." "Everyone benefits from this," he concluded.

For further information contact Mr. Robert M. Mullins, Code Official & Zoning Administrator at (276) 328-7119.

(12/27/2002)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Douglas A. Stallard, today announced that the County will receive $12,672 in State and Local All-Hazards Emergency Operations Planning Grant Program funds made available through FEMA. This is in addition to the grant funding recently authorized to purchase certain first responder related equipment.

The money will be utilized to:

- revise the County's emergency operations plan (EOP) to include, among other things, addressing all-hazards, continuity of government and operations, mutual aid and terrorism

- conduct a self-assessment of capabilities, judged against FEMA standards

- develop a strategy for enhancing and improving the overall preparedness level of the County

- address internal processes related to federal assistance for preparedness, response and recovery.

These activities must be concluded by mid-December, 2003.

"This funding will enable us to enhance our current EOP and start developing strategies for overall local preparedness" Stallard said. "Continuous all-hazards operational planning, including plans, training opportunities and conducting exercises is the basis of emergency management" he added. "Supervisor Bob Adkins, who oversees these efforts knows what a great help this funding will be and how it will result in better service to our community" the Chairman concluded

For further information, contact Ed Sealover, County Administrator at 276-328-2321.

(12/16/2002)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Douglas A. Stallard, today announced that Wise County will receive just over $43,900 from the U.S. Department of Justice Equipment Grant Program. "The money will be used to purchase equipment to respond to weapons of mass destruction incidents that we identify as being needed locally," Stallard said. This would include:

- personal protective equipment

- detection and monitoring equipment

- decontamination equipment

- communications equipment

- explosive device mitigation and remediation equipment

- WMD technical rescue equipment

- medical supplies and certain pharmaceuticals

- equipment trailers

"County and Virginia Department of Emergency Management staff are exploring what devices and equipment are needed to best serve our first responders" he added.

Stallard concluded by noting that ".equipment purchased will be used not only for responding to terrorist incidents but also as part of our ongoing emergency management and public safety efforts to serve our community."

For further information contact Edward L. Sealover, County Administrator at (276) 328-2321.

(08/16/2002)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Douglas A. Stallard today announced that Wise County has received a grant in the amount of $10,000 to enhance its terrorism consequence management preparedness. Specifically, the funding is from FEMA through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). "It will be used by the Hazardous Materials Response Team for planning purposes and conducting a regional exercise" Stallard indicated. The goal of the exercise is to assess the status and effectiveness of state and local plans, organizational response structure, response protocols and resources available to the Hazmat Team. "The lessons learned will shape future activities," he added.

On a related matter, Stallard also noted that the County recently endorsed the Health Department's $50,000 grant application to the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a volunteer Medical Reserve Corps to strengthen local emergency response and public health programs.

For further information contact: Michael Cline, State Coordinator, VDEM (804/897-6500); Jack Tolbert, Hazardous Materials Officer (276/328-2329); Dr. Eleanor Cantrell, Health Officer (276/328-8000); or Ed Sealover, County Administrator (276/328-2321).

(07/31/2002)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Douglas A. Stallard, today announced that with the acquisition and installation of $1.25 million in new equipment, TeleMed Inc. plans to add 50 new jobs initially to its Wise operations and up to 265 jobs in three years. The County assisted TeleMed with obtaining a low interest loan to acquire the equipment which in turn enabled the expansion. "Our assistance not only benefited TeleMed, but also our community" Stallard noted.

TeleMed Inc., a Georgia based family owned business, is a nationwide medical call center. Its been operating in Wise since l999. It currently has 65 employees.

The Wise County IDA assisted in the original expansion from Atlanta. "It was the best decision I ever made" noted Ms. Betty Neisler, President. She added that she couldn't find in that area the quality of employees they have in Wise and is "delighted" with their retention level here. That success prompted this expansion.

With the new telecommunications related equipment, TeleMed will be able to offer additional outsourcing services which will allow better focus by the physician's staff on patient care New services will include nurse triage, automated and internet based appointments, and lab services.

"Quality, sustainable economic development is a high priority of the Board" Stallard added. "TeleMed's location here and their expansion is clearly an example of that and a plus for our community" he concluded.

For further information contact Carl Snodgrass at (276)328-2321 and Betty Neisler at (276)328-5500.

(07/26/2002)

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Douglas A. Stallard, today announced that Wise County will receive a Local Innovative Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $75,000 to be applied towards establishing a Food Distribution Center for and operated by Appalachia Regional Head Start.

Wise County is serving as the fiscal agent for this project.

"The Board is pleased to have been part of this project and its successful funding," Stallard said. "The food bank will certainly help those in our community who for a variety of reasons are in need," he added.

For further information contact Bill Bowen, Executive Director at (276) 679-0518.

(07/25/2002)

Wise County Administrator Ed Sealover has been appointed to the National Association of Counties' (NACo) Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee. The Committee's charge is to review and make recommendations on all matters pertaining to the financial resources of counties; fiscal management; federal assistance; borrowing; county revenues; the federal budget and federal tax reform.

The policy development process initiated by NACo's steering committees leads to the publication of the American County Platform which NACo uses as a guide to deliver the County government message to the Administration, Congress and the American public.

All of NACo's committee members, with the exception of the Audit Committee, are by presidential appointment.

For information contact Ed Sealover, County Administrator, (276) 328-2321 or NACo Staff Liaison to the committee Ralph Tabor at 202-393-6226.

(07/17/2002)

Tentative plans call for their distribution to the Sheriff's Office and placement in the Courthouse, Health Department, Department of Social Services and library branches.

"AEDS can help to save lives. The Board is happy to participate in an effort of this sort," Stallard concluded.

(06/12/2002)

Message from Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Douglas A. Stallard about West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis or meningitis in humans and other animals. It's named after the West Nile region of Uganda where it was first isolated in 1937. The virus appeared for the first time in the United States during a 1999 outbreak in New York that killed seven people.

West Nile virus is spread to humans, birds and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that is carrying the virus. West Nile virus is not spread from person to person, and no evidence indicates the virus can be spread directly from birds to humans.

In areas where West Nile virus has been detected, only a small proportion of mosquitoes are likely to be infected. Most people are bitten by an infected mosquito do not become sick.

The symptoms generally appear about 3-15 days after exposure. People over age 50 are at greater risk of severe illness.

Milder symptoms include:

- slight fever

- headache

- body aches

- swollen glands

- sometimes a skin rash

Severe symptoms include:

- high fever

- intense headache

- stiff neck

- confusion

If you are bitten by a mosquito, you don't need to see a doctor. Most people who suffer a mild illness due to West Nile virus recover, and no treatment is necessary. Only supportive treatment is available for more serious cases. Testing for West Nile virus involves a blood or spinal fluid test that can take several weeks to confirm. No vaccine exists at this time for West Nile virus infection in humans.

The Health Department along with other agencies, is monitoring for mosquito-borne viruses in birds, mosquitoes, horses and humans.

The public can help state officials monitor for the virus by reporting all dead birds to the Health Department. The state will compile data on the number of dead birds reported. Selected crows, blue jays and raptors will be tested for the virus. Birds must be tested within 24 hours of death before they become too decomposed.

PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS

The Health Department is encouraging the public to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around the home. The species of mosquitoes most likely to carry West Nile virus can breed in your own backyard.

To Control Mosquitoes from Breeding:

- Turn over or remove containers in your yard where rainwater collects, such as potted plant trays, buckets or toys.

- Empty birdbaths once a week.

- Remove old tires from your yard.

- Drain wading pools often.

- Clean rood gutters and downspout screens.

- Eliminate standing water on flat roofs.

- Do not allow water to collect in garbage cans.

To Protect Yourself and Your Family:

- Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.

- If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting.

- Use insect repellent products with no more than 35 percent DEET for adults and less than 10 percent for children.

- Only adults should apply repellent on children.

- Spray repellent on your hands and then apply to your face.

- Only apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing. Do not use it under clothing.

- Do not apply repellent over cuts, wounds, sunburn, or irritated skin.