Today's News

A career bank robber was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in prison today by a federal judge who said, "He just keeps doing it."

Richard Hawes, 50, of New Castle, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for the August robbery of Grayson National Bank in Hillsville. U.S. District Judge James Turk in Roanoke also ordered Hawes to repay $9,605 he stole in the stickup and $17,000 he still owes from previous robberies.

Hawes blamed the holdup on his bipolar disorder and apologized. He asked the judge for another chance at a law-abiding life.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is awaiting approval from the Federal Highway Administration to proceed with an emergency contract to replace the Carico Bridge.

The Virginia 94 bridge, which crosses New River in Grayson County, closed March 11 after a highway department inspector noticed damage to the crossbeams, apparently the result of a too-tall vehicle driving across the bridge. The bridge is closed indefinitely while VDOT pursues an emergency bridge replacement.

HILLSVILLE — Losing Carroll County as a water and sewer customer will probably cause future rate increases for other users in Hillsville, the town manager warns, but for the upcoming fiscal year the budget proposes holding the line on both fees and taxes.

The fiscal year 2010-11 budget proposal is a lean one, according to Town Manager Larry South in his annual budget message. On top of the challenging national economy, Hillsville will also take a hit with Carroll County's decision to change water and sewer service providers.

Chestnut Creek School of the Arts will celebrate its official opening in downtown Galax with a black tie gala on Friday evening and a community celebration of the arts on Saturday.

The Colorful Black Tie Gala is planned for Friday evening from 7 to 10. The school will host “Women of the Blue Ridge Plateau,” the opening exhibit for “Minds Wide Open: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts.”