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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Central Virginia opens location in Appomattox
Central Virginia Community College now has an off-site location in Appomattox.
Programs offered include certified nursing aide (in partnership with Centra), emergency medical technician, advanced EMT and welding technology. The new welding and fabrication area welcomed the inaugural class of high school seniors from Appomattox County High School on Aug. 25. The welding program will be offered to adult students beginning Fall 2026.
“The development of a Vocational/Technical Center in Appomattox is a dream that has now become a reality,” said Susan Adams, county administrator for Appomattox County, in a statement.
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Department of Wildlife Resources launches art competition
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has announced that its annual Restore the Wild artwork competition is open for submissions. This year, artists are asked to create original pieces depicting the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii), a medium-sized bat that lives in Virginia’s coastal plain and is designated as a state endangered species. The Rafinesque’s big-eared bat, as per its name, has enormous ears and roosts in hollow trees and abandoned buildings.
Artists may submit their work in two different categories, including artistic expression and natural history illustration. There are also two age-based youth categories, ages 11-17 and ages 10 and under. A submission form must accompany every piece, and all artwork must be received by DWR by Feb. 3. For rules and submission details, visit the DWR webpage.
Artwork will be displayed in The Gallery at Main Street Station in Richmond, March 6-29. There will be an opening reception on March 6, where the category winners as well as the art selected for the Restore the Wild fine art print and sticker will be announced.
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Mountain Gateway Community College Educational Foundation names new executive director
The Mountain Gateway Community College Educational Foundation has appointed Bruce Loving as its executive director. Loving will lead the foundation’s next phase of growth, expanding scholarships, strengthening donor stewardship and deepening partnerships that advance student success and regional workforce development, the school said in a statement.
Loving is the president of the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge; past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Chapter in Roanoke; and a board member of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism in Covington.
To support scholarships and student success initiatives at MGCC, visit mgcc.edu/foundation or contact Loving at 540-863-2835 or foundation@mgcc.edu.