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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Claytor Lake fully reopens after flood cleanup
Claytor Lake State Park has reopened after a months-long cleanup of debris left by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
Massive flooding that followed the late-September storm washed construction materials, hazardous waste and general trash into the lake. Debris was collected using barges, tugboats, excavators and a 40-cubic-yard roll-off container. The work was led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Friends of Claytor Lake, according to a news release from the state.
The state park, which served as the operations center for the cleanup, sits on the northern shore of the lake and offers water access, 4 miles of lake frontage and more than 470 acres of fields and woodland.
The Claytor Lake State Park boat ramp and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources boat ramp located off Bear Drive are now operating as normal seven days a week. Due to damage caused by large equipment, the park’s boat ramps and parking lots will need to be repaired, and DWR’s parking lot will also need to be regraded. Temporary closures of these facilities will be announced.
For more information about Claytor Lake State Park, please go to virginiastateparks.gov/claytor-lake.
Telethon will collect funds for flood victims
A three-hour telethon this Saturday will raise money for victims of last months flooding in Southwest Virginia and West Virginia.
The Two Virginias, One Mission Helping Hands, Healing Hearts telethon will broadcast live from the WVVA-TV studios in Bluefield from 6-9 p.m. The fundraiser will also be simulcast on dozens of other television and radio stations throughout the region and will stream online.
The three-hour event will feature entertainment and sports celebrities with ties to the region, including “America’s Got Talent” winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., Steve Earle, “American Idol” champion Noah Thompson, Vince Gill, T. Graham Brown, Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys and actress Tia Carrere. The event will be cohosted by WVVA’s Joshua Bolden, Murphy, West Virginia-born actor Kevin Sizemore and Homer Hickam, whose memoir “Rocket Boys” became the hit film “October Sky.”
Contributions can be made at https://give.helpsalvationarmy.org/campaign/gray-media-west-virginia-floods/c667334.
All proceeds will be collected and distributed by local Salvation Army chapters directly serving the flood-stricken areas.
The telethon will be simulcast and streamed across other television stations across the region: WSAZ Huntington/Charleston (streaming live on wsaz.com), WDBJ Roanoke (streaming live on its Facebook page), live on Parkersburg/Marietta’s Me/MY TV and streaming live on wtap.com, live on Clarksburg’s Me TV, streaming live on WDTV Clarksburg/Fairmont and streaming live online at Watch Live through wvva.com as well as WVVA’s Facebook page.
Martinsville’s Uptown Partnership kicks off facade program
Martinsville’s Uptown district could be getting a makeover via the Uptown Partnership’s facade grant program.
The partnership is a collective of businesses and residents that seeks to enhance Martinsville as a tourist destination.
Last year, Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development identified organizations throughout the state for access to grants to promote preservation and economic development projects. It designated the Uptown Partnership as Martinsville’s administrator for future grant funding.
“As Martinsville’s Advancing Main Street organization, we are committed to fostering economic growth and enhancing our district’s visual appeal,” said Spencer Koger, executive director of the Uptown Partnership. “This program is a key step in helping business and property owners invest in their storefronts, ultimately making Uptown Martinsville a more vibrant and welcoming destination.”
On Monday evening, the Uptown Partnership announced the Facade Improvement Grant Program, which will provide awards of up to $5,000, with participants expected to provide an equal match. Applicants can be owners of commercial or mixed-use properties within the Uptown area. Tenants may also participate, with permission from property owners.
Those interested can apply at https://www.uptownpartnership.com/grants. The deadline for applications is March 31. All applications will be reviewed by the Uptown Partnership’s design committee.
Successful applicants must complete their respective projects within a year. Grant funding will only be released after a project is completed.
— Dean-Paul Stephens