The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has entered into an amended agreement with Branch Civil Inc. to widen 7.4 miles of U.S. 58 in Patrick County. The $300 million project will improve safety on the portion of U.S. 58 over Lovers Leap Mountain by expanding the road from two lanes...

Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith and his office are second among the 40 Virginia counties bearing the rural designation. By Staff Reports The Patrick County Sheriff’s Office continues to be one of the busiest in the state in terms of law enforcement activity, second only to Scott County in terms of...

Patrick County Administrator Geri Hazelwood said discussions are underway about moving the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Select to an appointment-only system, but there are no plans to close the local office. Appointments may help prevent the long lines and customer frustration, Hazelwood said. (By Taylor Boyd) By Taylor Boyd...

Mike Weber is among two candidates in the Smith River District. By Taylor Boyd Mike Weber is seeking the Smith River District seat on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors in the November election. Doug Perry also is seeking the post. Long-term incumbent Crystal Harris said she will not seek...

Several people attending a March 24 public hearing encouraged the Patrick County Board of Supervisors to nix a proposed real estate tax increase.  By Taylor Boyd Several residents opposed an up to 5-cents real estate tax increase during a March 24 public hearing. “I guess by now you know we’re...

By Taylor Boyd In a 3-2 vote, the Patrick County Board of Supervisors narrowly held the line on real estate taxes, after hearing input on a proposed increase of up to 5-cents. The board did not set the personal property tax rate. The current rate is $1.71 per $100 of...

Woolwine native Doug Perry will seek the Smith River District seat on the Patrick County Board of Supervisors in the November election. By Taylor Boyd The timing is right for Doug Perry to throw his hat into the ring and seek the Smith River District seat on the Patrick County...

By Taylor Boyd The Town Council of Stuart approved an allocation of $2,000 to help fund the creation of a mural in Uptown Stuart. The mural will be installed on the large wall in-between Main Street and Slusher Street in-between the Schneider & Williams, P.C., and Divine Designs buildings. Britt...

Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation abolishing the death penalty during a ceremony outside the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Va. (Contributed photo) Last week, Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation abolishing the death penalty, making Virginia the 23rd state, and the first in South, to stop executions. Senate Bill 1165 and House...

3rd Grade Academic Award – Bronx Davidson Beasley, Haylee Grace Bowman, Gavin Lee Burris, Ryan Mason Chanley, Hunter Everett Draughn, Mason Reid Epperson, Maddox Kent Frye, Kimberly Gutierrez, Christian James Humble, Chloe Belle Lawson, Mason Calvert Stanley. Principal’s Award – Camdon Blake Fain, Reese Elizabeth Horton, Brigham Lee Meredith, Eli...

Academic Award 3rd Grade – Isaiah Bocock. 4th Grade – Kaylee Belcher, Isabella Martin, Corrynn McAlexander, Levi Ojodeagua. Principal’s Award – Mason Conner, Addison Friedrichs, Conner King, Ainsley Lawson. 5th Grade Academic Award – Tristen Eldridge, Tony Harris, Anay Huerta-Dominguez, Analeigh Jones, Mason Keith, Leah Kendrick, Kinley Morrison, Colton Wood....