Local News

HILLSVILLE — Circumstances have changed since the last time Hillsville and Carroll County sat down to talk about water and sewer billing disagreements.

For one, Carroll County has made strides to be able to provide its own water and sewer service to the industrial park near Interstate 77 and U.S. 58 — a matter from which part of the billing disagreements stemmed.

Still up in the air is the possibility of annexation and changes in distribution of tax revenue from commercial businesses at the interchange. The monies are being split by Carroll and Hillsville.

Appalachian Power Co. officials will embrace a tentative, negotiated settlement that could mean customers' electric bills would increase by about 17 percent instead of by about 24 percent.

That figure would include a recent increase in the utility's fuel factor.

John Shepelwich, a spokesman for APCo., emphasized that the 17 percent "is a ballpark estimate."

Landmark Media Enterprises LLC announced Wednesday that it has suspended the search for buyers for most of its properties, including community newspapers The Gazette and The Declaration, citing the "credit crisis."

But the company is continuing negotiations to sell The Virginian-Pilot.

"We are having discussions regarding The Virginian Pilot with an interested buyer," said Landmark's vice chairman, Richard F. Barry III, on Wednesday. "The buyer is encouraged about obtaining financing."

INDEPENDENCE — In a year in which America will choose a new leader, citizens of the Elk Creek District in Grayson County will select a new supervisor through a special election.

Three candidates are running for the seat, and that doesn’t include Chris Morton, who opted to not seek election Nov. 4 to the post he was appointed to fill.

The Grayson County Board of Supervisors appointed Morton last December to serve part of the unexpired term of Ralph Tuggle until a special election could be held.