Local

Reassessments are based on the fair market value of properties.

As budget process begins in Martinsville, real estate tax among primary concerns

by Dean-Paul Stephens April 3, 2025April 2, 2025

After a recent citywide reassessment brought increased property values, a reduction in the real estate tax rate is a “big goal,” the city manager said.

Local

Agenda Lynchburg: Joint city council-schools committee meets Thursday

by Jeff Lester April 3, 2025April 2, 2025

The joint committee will deliberate the T.C. Miller conversion as well as other school changes.

The welcome sign for Martinsville. Photo by Dean-Paul Stephens.

Local

Agenda Martinsville: Opioid settlement could result in new DSS position

by Dean-Paul Stephens April 1, 2025March 31, 2025

The council will discuss adding a new kinship navigator family services specialist using opioid settlement money.

A sign stands in front of a row of townhomes, the Monument Berryman housing project in Danville.

Local

Agenda Danville: Annual federal funding for housing projects in Danville comes before council

by Grace Mamon March 31, 2025March 28, 2025

The city receives yearly funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing-related programs.

Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville, Tennessee

Local

Agenda Bristol: City council holding called meeting Monday to consider $75,000 contribution to a fund set up to entice a new airline to Tri-Cities Airport

by Susan Cameron March 31, 2025March 30, 2025

In December, a privately funded economic development organization announced it was talking to an unnamed airline about bringing passenger air service to two major markets to the airport this year.

Councilors Aaron Rawls and Julian Mei held a press conference on Thursday to address Rawls' removal from the most recent regular session.

Local

Martinsville council members address meeting controversy at press conference

by Dean-Paul Stephens March 28, 2025March 28, 2025

Council member Aaron Rawls, who was removed from Tuesday night’s meeting by a sheriff’s deputy, said he worries what the incident will do for the city’s reputation.

A deputy escorts Councilmember Aaron Rawls out of Tuesday's regular session.

Local

Rawls removed from Martinsville council meeting

by Dean-Paul Stephens March 26, 2025March 26, 2025

Martinsville’s Tuesday night city council regular session ended with pointed comments between council members and resulted in Councilor Aaron Rawls’ removal by a deputy. Much of Tuesday’s packed city council meeting proceeded without incident until near the end of the meeting when councilors are encouraged to provide comment. Rawls used his time to address recent […]