The pandemic was a blow to all places of worship. For Black churches in particular, it was the most recent development in a decades-long trend.
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.
Posted inCulture
Bassett Library kicks off fundraising campaign for expansion
The library in Henry County is embarking on a $2.25 million expansion that will add 4,000 square feet of space.
Posted inCulture
After a COVID hiatus, Martinsville-area youth council looks to continue its growth
The Harvest Foundation’s Youth Board gives high school students firsthand experience in the kind of work that’s typical of local government and professional organizations.
Posted inEconomy
Former Fieldale High School in Henry County is being turned into housing
Developers Jim Cherney and John Garland are converting four properties in Martinsville and Henry County into housing.
Posted inCulture
In Martinsville talk, pastor will discuss legacy of Black churches in the civil rights struggle
The Rev. Matthew Brown’s address, “The Legacy and History of African American Churches,” will cap Black History Month in the Martinsville area.
Posted inEducation
New College Institute lab school plan rejected; reapplication plans unclear
The Martinsville center requested $175,000 for planning a K-12 STEM school. It’s the only lab school proposal the state has rejected so far.
Posted inPolitics
New head of Henry County’s victim-witness program looks to spread the word about her office’s work
An almost 40-year tradition has been passed down to Shannon Barker, who has been named director of Henry County’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program. First mandated in 1984 and established in 1985 by the General Assembly, the program has become an integral part of criminal justice proceedings for localities throughout the state. Its purpose is to provide […]
Posted inEconomy
Confusion swirls about when Patrick County’s hospital, scheduled to open early 2023, will really launch
Patrick County’s only hospital closed in 2017 and was scheduled to reopen under new ownership in early 2023. But the project has been delayed, and county officials offer different predictions about a realistic opening date.
Posted inEducation
Incoming head of New College Institute emphasizes need for collaboration
Joe Sumner declined to talk about how he might approach the challenges that have faced NCI in recent years but said he plans to work with the community to address any issues.
Posted inEducation
New College Institute names new director
The New College Institute has a new executive director after officials appointed Joe Sumner to the position. Sumner comes to the Martinsville-based NCI by way of Georgia, where he currently serves as the associate vice president for economic development at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. He will officially start Feb. 28, according to a news release […]