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Animal shelter upgrades, VA250 events and campground reopening requests highlighted at Smyth County meeting
Summary
Presenters reported shelter improvements and upcoming VA250 events; public commenters asked the board to oppose a redistricting amendment, queried AI health effects and urged reopening Grindstone Campground — staff said funding for a new sewer system is believed fully funded and will follow up with the campground manager.
At its March 12 meeting, the Smyth County Board of Supervisors heard community presentations on animal services and local VA250 events and received several citizen comments including a request to reopen a closed campground.
Smyth County Animal Rescue Director Susie Fields said the shelter has adopted policies to vaccinate, sterilize and microchip all adoptable animals prior to placement and used a grant to add a backup generator and a dog play area at the shelter on Fox Valley Road. Fields said additional grants will fund future improvements such as raised cat beds and an isolation room.
"We now vaccinate, sterilize and microchip all animals prior to adoption," Fields said, describing grant-supported capital improvements.
Library Director Rose Likins and Director of Tourism Amanda Livingston (listed in the minutes with variant spellings) gave an update on local VA250 activities and outlined 2026 events including film screenings at the Lincoln Theatre, a July 4 Declaration reading, a VA250 Mobile Museum visit on July 18 and an exhibit at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians in September.
During Citizen’s Time, Dr. Charles Wassum read a letter regarding the board’s resolution opposing a proposed state constitutional amendment on redistricting. Travis Griffey asked whether the board would pursue legislation to protect people from "AI microwaves"; County Administrator Shawn Utt said he was unaware of state legislation and provided his contact information for follow-up.
Joey Cook asked for board support to reopen Grindstone Campground and requested state representatives’ help. Vice Chair Mike Sturgill said the campground closed for waste-management policy violations and asked for a resolution to support reopening; Utt said he believed funding for a new sewer system had been fully funded and Assistant County Administrator – Development Clegg Williams said staff would contact the campground manager, Ed Wright, for an update.
The board thanked presenters and said staff would follow up on the campground and any additional citizen concerns.
