The city’s tree board has partnered with Green Infrastructure, an environmental advocacy group, to advocate for new growth and study the state of Martinsville’s greenery.
Martinsville area
News from the Martinsville area.
Texas city chooses not to hire Martinsville city manager
Aretha Ferrell-Benavides, who was suspended from her Martinsville job last week, was one of four finalists for the Texas position.
Restaurant Roundup: Consistency is key for owner of Martinsville’s 3rd Bay Cafe
A look at the Martinsville restaurants that were inspected in June, part of Cardinal’s monthly coverage.
Martinsville city manager’s termination temporarily deferred as council seeks to comply with city charter
After a 60-day suspension with pay, Aretha Ferrell-Benavides’ termination will again take effect.
Advocates for the homeless make a case for a year-round shelter in Martinsville
The city’s Warming Center provides shelter during the cold winter months, but Martinsville’s unhoused residents have nowhere to go when temperatures soar.
Martinsville sheriff’s deputy claims she was signaled to remove city council member from March meeting
The filing in the lawsuit brought by Aaron Rawls contradicts earlier statements by the city manager.
Martinsville places city manager on administrative leave, sets audit in motion
On the same day, a Texas city announced that Aretha Ferrell-Benavides is a finalist for its top job.
In split vote, Martinsville finalizes city manager’s new salary at $215,000
Aretha Ferrell-Benavides was hired in 2023 at a salary of $175,000.
Henry County to demolish dozens of blighted properties
The demolitions, which are spread across the county’s six districts, are expected to cost a total of $390,000.
Martinsville deputy misses response window in ongoing civil rights suit
Aaron Rawls named Deputy Reva Keen and City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides in the suit, which stemmed from his removal from a March city council meeting.

