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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Gilbert sworn in as interim U.S. attorney
Former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia, was sworn in Monday as the interim U.S. attorney.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen, himself a former U.S. attorney, administered the oath in the federal courthouse in Roanoke.
Gilbert’s nomination is pending before the U.S. Senate. Republicans are currently in the process of picking a candidate to replace Gilbert as their nominee for his former seat in the House of Delegates representing Shenandoah County, Page County and parts of Rockingham and Warren counties.
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Virginia Humanities announces new round of grants
Museums, historic sites, libraries and other cultural nonprofits in Southwest Virginia can apply for grants of up to $5,000 through Virginia Humanities at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
The grants can be used to fund projects including book or film discussion programs, community history projects, oral histories, conferences, K-12 curriculum resources, exhibits and festivals, according to a news release from the organization.
To be eligible, applicants must be located within one of the following nine counties: Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington or Wise. The deadline to apply is July 31. More information is at RegionalCenters.VirginiaHumanities.org/uva-wise.
This round of funding follows an announcement last month of more than $32,000 in grants to seven Southwest Virginia nonprofits.
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Nominations open for 2025 Kendig Awards
Nominations are being accepted for the Perry F. Kendig Arts and Culture Awards program.
The awards program, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, is co-sponsored by Hollins University and Roanoke College. It recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations in the Roanoke region that provide exemplary leadership and support around the arts, according to a news release about the program.
The deadline for nominations is 4 p.m. Sept. 15. The nomination form and additional information about the program can be found at kendigawards.com.
Nominees can come from the counties of Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke; the cities of Roanoke and Salem; and the town of Vinton. Past Kendig Award recipients from 1985-2012 are also eligible.
Kendig awards are presented in three categories: individual artist, arts and/or cultural organization, and individual or business arts supporter.
They’re named for the late Perry F. Kendig, who served as president of Roanoke College and was a supporter and patron of the arts.
This year’s awards presentation and celebration will take place at Roanoke College on Oct. 14.
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Youngkin announces board appointments
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has named a new round of appointments to state boards and councils, including these residents of Southwest and Southside:
Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission: Lou Ann Jessee-Wallace of Russell County, member, Russell County Board of Supervisors.
Apprenticeship Council: William Dunn of Boones Mill, business agent, Local 10 Plumber & Steamfitters.
Cemetery Board: Susan Mini of Salem, president/CEO, Sherwood Memorial Park.
Virginia Board of Workforce Development: Doris Crouse-Mays of Vinton, president, Virginia AFL-CIO; Jeffrey Sluss of Salem, executive director, SkillsUSA Virginia Foundation; Travis Staton of Abingdon, president and CEO, EO Companies.
State Air Pollution Control Board: Ronald Jefferson of Moneta, retired, Appalachian Power.
State Water Control Board: Lou Ann Jessee-Wallace of Russell County, member, Russell County Board of Supervisors.
Virginia Land Conservation Foundation Board of Trustees: Katie Lamb of Damascus, mayor, town of Damascus.
Virginia Waste Management Board: Joseph Levine of Dublin, executive director, New River Resource Authority.
9-1-1 Services: James Lane of Norton, chief of police, city of Norton.