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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New president for New River Community College named
Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, announced today that he has appointed Dr. Robert Brandon to become the seventh president of New River Community College.
Brandon’s selection concludes a search that attracted 70 candidates nationwide. His service as president at New River will begin January 1, 2025. He succeeds Pat Huber, who announced her retirement earlier this year after more than three decades of service at NRCC.
Brandon currently serves as vice president of Academic and Student Services at Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands, Virginia, a position he has held since 2018. Previously, Brandon served as dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. From 2005 to 2013, he served as an associate professor of English at Rockingham Community College in Wentworth, North Carolina, where he also chaired both the English and Student Success departments.
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Lynchburg candidates to debate Oct. 28
The candidates for Lynchburg’s Ward III city council seat will debate Monday, Oct. 28, at Liberty University.
The debate between Democrat James Coleman and Republican Curt Diemer will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Demoss Hall, Room 1284, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Parking is available in the bookstore parking lot.
Hosted by the College Republicans at Liberty University, the debate is scheduled to last one hour. It will be co-moderated by radio personality Janet Rose and Andre’ Whitehead of Whitehead Media Ventures.
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Health department lifts swimming advisory in Amherst County
The Central Virginia Health District says samples from Mill Creek Lake show bacteria levels meet the state water quality standards for recreational waters. The swimming advisory is no longer in effect at this location.
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Harvest Foundation awards $64,000 in grants
The Harvest Foundation in Martinsville has awarded nearly $64,000 to fund six Project Hope grants. (Disclosure: The Harvest Foundation is one of our donors but donors have no say in news decisions; see our policy).
The Harvest Foundation releases a Request for Proposals annually for applicants to submit grant applications. The next application period will open in the summer of 2025. Call (276) 632-3329 or visit theharvestfoundation.org/project-hope for updates and to learn more.
List of Project Hope 2024 Grantees:
- $4,800 to the MHC Pride Coalition for the “Pride All Year” project, implementing local pride community events and initiatives;
- $5,025 to Smith Memorial United Methodist Church for the “Martinsville Henry County Social Club” program, offering support to individuals suffering from chronic mental illness;
- $15,000 to the Salvation Army of Martinsville & Henry County for the “Community Garden, Mural, and Picnic Area” project;
- $9,000 to Starling Avenue Baptist Church for the summer “Critter Camp” program;
- $15,000 to the Preston Community Center for renovation and beautification projects at the center; and
- $15,000 to the Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation for the “Horticulture Opportunities Promoting the Environment (HOPE): Growing Strong Communities” project, which will create a greenhouse for local organizations and community members to use for education and social opportunities.