The $6 million facility includes several welding stations, a robotic welding room and a virtual welding room, among other offerings.

Dean-Paul Stephens
Dean-Paul Stephens is a reporter for Cardinal News. He is based in Martinsville. Reach him at dean@cardinalnews.org or 276-618-6609.
Martinsville-area drug court focuses on treatment over punishment for cases that stem from addiction
The program, which graduated its first participant this year, is one of 56 in Virginia. Last year, 260 people completed a drug court program in the state.
Martinsville to get new park
The 4.2-acre park is in the heart of one of the city’s commercial districts and will feature walking trails and benches.
Martinsville students look for a Lego robotics win on Saturday
Eleven teams of elementary and middle school students from Martinsville will participate in a regional Lego robotics competition on Saturday. Last year, three teams from the city went on to the state contest.
New administrator looks to economic development to jumpstart Patrick County
Beth Simms comes to Patrick County from neighboring Franklin County, where she headed economic development efforts.
‘We want someone who will stand on integrity’
Aretha Ferrell-Benavides says she was fired from her previous job as a city manager in Texas because she raised concerns about the city’s bookkeeping and other issues. “That is exactly who we want in Martinsville,” one council member said.
Pickleball fever comes to Martinsville-Henry County
The project is expected to bring eight courts to the region late next spring.
How the Martinsville region is working to course-correct troubling health numbers
Health officials have put out a call for Martinsville-Henry County residents to get involved in finding solutions to the region’s health challenges.
Plans underway to improve U.S. 220, the economic gateway between southern Virginia and Greensboro, NC
Local support in Henry County for improving the existing road represents a change. Previously there were calls for an entirely new bypass around Martinsville called the Southern Connector.
Glass company expands in Henry County, to add 335 jobs
Press Glass Inc. will invest $155.2 million, making this the largest economic development investment in Henry County history.