Politics

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Two years ago, on May 27, 2022, an EF 2 tornado tore through Bedford County, downing trees and leveling homes. Crockett Road in Goode took the brunt of the damage. The Surber family lives off of Crockett Road. They were on vacation when they...

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)– The Virginia Department of Transportation says drivers can expect delays on US-220 in Franklin County due to a multi-vehicle crash near Burgess Road. As of 7:11 p.m., all south lanes are closed. VDOT reports traffic is being detoured off at Grassy Hill Road Rt. 919...

The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution authorizing the Pittsylvania County School Board to apply for state Literary Loan funds to be used for school capital improvements. The authorization, not to exceed an aggregate principal amount of $26,486,278, was approved at the May 21 Board business meeting and...

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — A petition on Change.org was created by community members Beth Manns and Debbie Farrago who are concerned about the increase of high-density developments in the Forest area. "We kind of researched what is going on and debated the points and what they were presenting...

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. (WFXR)—The Smith Mountain Lake Association is hosting ‘A Day at the Lake,’ showcasing all the ways to enjoy the lake and recognizing those who work to keep it safe and clean on Saturday, June 8. The free event is from 11 a.m. to...

DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR)—Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that The City of Danville’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism (DOEDT) was awarded $32,500 from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Marketing Leveraging program. DOEDT plans on using the funding to promote Visit SoSi’s ‘So Let’s Go’ digital marketing campaign. The campaign will target residents from neighboring communities and […]

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - Wednesday was the last day of school before summer for some students. It also marked the last time any students will ever be in two Franklin County elementary schools. In a final farewell to students as they took their last ride out of Burnt Chimney...

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded $2,578,604 to Tri-Area Community Health. Today Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Tri-Area Community Health maintains a vast network of critical health centers serving the people of Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson and Patrick Counties, as well as the City of Galax.” “This HHS grant for $2,578,604 is welcome news as rural communities can get the access they need to vital healthcare services and treatments.”

The Campbell County Health Department has received confirmation that a stray kitten, about 8 weeks of age, has tested positive for rabies. The kitten was found in the vicinity of Park Street and Lola Avenue in Altavista. Anyone who may have been exposed to a stray cat or other animal, by a bite, scratch or contact with saliva, in that area should consult with their physician and contact the Campbell County Health Department at (434) 332-9550. You may also contact the health department by email at AskCVHD@vdh.virginia.gov. This incident is a reminder that rabies is present in Virginia. Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system and is lethal if proper medical care is not given following an exposure to the virus. The most common source of exposure to rabies is a bite by a rabid animal. Rabies may also be transmitted by saliva from a rabid animal coming into contact with open wounds, the mouth, eyes, or nose. Everyone should take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies. Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current. It is important to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, and parents should be sure that their children are taught to not touch, pet, or otherwise handle unknown animals. Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:

(Chatham) — Pittsylvania County leaders have adopted their first-ever set of rules governing data centers. There are no data centers in the county, but County Planning Director Emily Ragsdale says that could change. “Staff is proposing this because currently we don’t have data centers listed as a use in our zoning code,” Ragsdale explained. “This...

Virginia is home to nearly 80 national champion big trees, consistently placing the commonwealth in the top five states with the most documented champion trees, or trees that have grown to be the largest specimens of their particular species.  The Virginia Big Tree Program, coordinated by the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at […] The post Documenting and preserving Virginia’s largest, most revered trees appeared first on Virginia Mercury.

Forecasted highway projects that may affect travel during the week ahead are provided by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). VDOT notes that work schedules and construction project timelines are always subject to change and are weather dependent. New information and changes to current projects are noted in this week’s update.

(Chatham) — Mobile home owners in Pittsylvania County are getting a chance to appeal their personal property assessment. Pearson’s Appraisal will field informal appeals this week in the Art Room at the County Community Center in Chatham. Appointments are required — you can call 800-767-0856. Mobile homes are appraised during the general reassessment conducted...

Danger with every step from landmines and contaminated spikes on the ground…grenades whizzing through the air and dangling in the dense foliage of South Vietnam jungles…ambushes around every corner…these are just a few of the dangers that faced soldiers in the Vietnam war. A very special day...

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — The Moneta Volunteer Fire Department responds to more than 400 calls a year, and they need the equipment to stop house fires or respond to car crashes. “Being volunteers, we don’t have a constant funding source,” said Assistant Chief Laird Wysor. Bedford...