Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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Free Martinsville clinic will explain changes to Virginia expungement law
The law governing how Virginia deals with sealing criminal records will change next year, and local legal experts want residents to learn how to take advantage of new opportunities it brings.
Martinsville’s Blue Ridge Regional Library will host an informational clinic from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday on the coming changes.
Expungement is the legal process of getting records of arrest erased or cleared from public view, according to information provided by justice reform advocacy groups the Expungement Council, Nolef Turns, Legal Aid Justice Center, New Virginia Majority and Justice Forward Virginia, which are organizing the event. The terms expungement and record sealing are often used interchangeably, although there are some legal differences.
The new guidelines originated in the 2021 General Assembly session, though the law doesn’t take effect until July 1, 2025. The changes provide a path for those convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions hidden from the public, which includes most background checks and other probes.
At the time, it was considered landmark legislation that could serve as an example to help alleviate recidivism. For those who qualify, record sealing could allow for easier job and house hunting.
Sealed records are not completely safe from being unsealed. The 2025 law does not protect from background checks relating to firearm purchases, law enforcement-related employment, matters relating to national security, and several other scenarios.
Not all crimes are eligible for sealing, and Saturday’s clinic will provide more details. Participants are encouraged to sign up online.
— Dean-Paul Stephens
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4 development projects selected for Opportunity Appalachia program
Four Virginia development projects have been chosen for support from Opportunity Appalachia.
The projects, which all involve restoring and repurposing aging buildings for new uses, are in Appalachia, Big Stone Gap and Clifton Forge.
Opportunity Appalachia is a program of Appalachian Community Capital; the state lead for Virginia is the University of Virginia’s College at Wise/Opportunity SWVA.
The projects will receive technical assistance and help with developing investment prospectuses, structuring financial transactions, conducting market research, working on architectural design and carrying out investor outreach.
An investor convening event will be held in early 2025, targeting both local and national investors, as well as federal and state funders. A web-based platform hosting prospectus and pitch decks will be made available.
The Virginia projects are among 29 across Central Appalachia that were selected to participate in the program this year.
- 608 Main St., town of Clifton Forge: Rehabilitation of a former furniture company building to serve as the Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society’s museum space on the ground floor and apartments above. Total costs estimated at $2 million with creation of two jobs.
- Appalachian Mercantile & Good Coffee, town of Appalachia: Restoration of a downtown building to rehab and create new commercial spaces, and provide short-stay rentals and long-term middle-income housing options. Total costs estimated at $1.6 million with creation of three jobs.
- Lonesome Pine Motor Co., Gap Partnership LLC., Big Stone Gap: Revival of a historic building to serve as retail space on the ground floor and affordable housing above. A second building will serve as a gallery with artist-in-residence space in the apartments above. Total costs estimated at $1.5 million with creation of three permanent jobs.
- The Peake and Lavigne Buildings, Appalachian Rising Ventures LLC, Appalachia: Restoration of two downtown spaces to serve as retail or food service on the first floor and short-term rentals above. Total costs estimated at $3.1 million with creation of six permanent jobs.
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McCloskey named dean of Radford University’s Davis College of Business and Economics
Radford University has announced Donna Weaver McCloskey as the new dean of the Davis College of Business and Economics, effective July 10.
McCloskey most recently was associate dean of undergraduate programs at Widener University, according to a news release announcing her appointment.
McCloskey earned a doctoral degree in business administration from Drexel University, an MBA in finance from Widener University and a bachelor of science in finance from the University of Delaware.