Local News

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.

DUGSPUR —A long-time Dugspur business man and Carroll County public servant — who family members remember as a man that worked tirelessly for his community — died Oct. 21.

Avis H. Collier, 81, ran Collier's Store from the 1950s to the dawn of the 21st Century, and still made time to serve on the Carroll Board of Supervisors and the Carroll School Board, found the Dugspur Rescue Squad and work toward the creation of the Twin County Regional Hospital.

WOODLAWN — If the weather at the groundbreaking for the Happy Hollow water project is any indication, neighbors installing the lines will have to bundle up while they're in the trenches.

Neighbors, joined by state and local officials, braced themselves against a windy and chilly morning to celebrate the community's success in landing the Self-Help project.

The residents' willingness to work is responsible for this project coming to pass, noted David Hutchins, chairman of the Carroll Public Service Authority.