Today's News

ABINGDON ― Three more locals were sentenced to federal prison last week, resulting from Operation Rolling Thunder, a joint investigation into a local methamphetamine distribution network.

The defendants were sentenced March 6 in the Western District of Virginia Federal Court in Abingdon, in proceedings held before Judge James P. Jones. All pleaded guilty last year to charges conspiracy to distribute meth.

They include:

For six years, local legislators have campaigned on behalf of our community to reverse the impending closure of the Southwestern Virginia Training Center in Carroll County.

But this year, with the mental health facility still slated to close by the end of June, after 40 years, there’s a deep sense of loss and discouragement. Our state representatives’ efforts once again were denied advancement in the 2018 General Assembly, which is set to adjourn this week.

A year ago, on March 9, Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy Curtis Bartlett died in the line of duty when his cruiser hit a tractor-trailer while responding to a call for help from his fellow officers, who were engaged in a pursuit.

Curtis, a veteran, law enforcement and school resource officer, personal trainer and internet fitness celebrity, was beloved by the community. His funeral at Galax First Baptist Church — where his father, Sam Bartlett, is pastor — drew expressions of grief, sympathy and support for his family, friends and coworkers.

Staff Reports

The deadline for candidates to file for this year’s town council races has passed, and the ballots are set for the May election.

March 6 was the deadline for candidates to turn in their paperwork to local voter registrars, and each locality has at least one challenger going up against incumbents seeking re-election.

Incumbents C.M. Mitchell (who serves as mayor), Willie Greene (who serves as vice mayor) and John Garner are seeking re-election in Galax, joined on the ballot by newcomers Travis Haynes and Sharon Ritchie.