WEATHER ALERT
Furniture imports next possible target for Trump tariffs
Read full article: Furniture imports next possible target for Trump tariffsIf President Trump gets his way, more American-made products will appear on the sales floor of furniture retailers. He hopes tariffs on imported furniture will bring production back home, but experts aren't so sure.
Franklin County Public Schools to host town hall on new Career and Technical Education center proposal
Read full article: Franklin County Public Schools to host town hall on new Career and Technical Education center proposalFranklin County Public Schools will be hosting a Town Hall today at 6:00 P.M. regarding the need for a new Career and Technical Education center in the county.
Christian Heritage Academy holds groundbreaking ceremony for campus expansion
Read full article: Christian Heritage Academy holds groundbreaking ceremony for campus expansionTwelve new classrooms will be added to Christian Heritage Academy, which will allow over 500 students to attend class by next school year.
Florida wildlife officials consider reopening bay nationally known for its oysters
Read full article: Florida wildlife officials consider reopening bay nationally known for its oystersFlorida wildlife officials have given preliminary approval to a plan to reopen Apalachicola Bay for oyster harvesting, five years after the waters were closed due to dwindling shellfish populations.
Celebration of Life held for beloved FCHS educator and basketball coach Tony Gill
Read full article: Celebration of Life held for beloved FCHS educator and basketball coach Tony GillGill was remembered as a loving father and husband who was loved by many within Franklin County High School and the greater Franklin County Community.
Friends and family gather for public viewing held for FCHS coach and educator Tony Gill
Read full article: Friends and family gather for public viewing held for FCHS coach and educator Tony GillTony Gill was many things in life and many people within Franklin County had positive things to say about the former educator and girls' basketball coach.
Therapist offers parents advice on how to approach their child after a traumatic event
Read full article: Therapist offers parents advice on how to approach their child after a traumatic eventRobin Wilay - a licensed professional counselor with LewisGale Medical Center - says that these traumatic events make emotions difficult to process and that parents need to be ready to speak with their child on their own terms.
Franklin County High School teacher dead, man arrested in connection with incident, law enforcement says
Read full article: Franklin County High School teacher dead, man arrested in connection with incident, law enforcement saysFranklin County High School announced on Monday that Tony Gill, a special education teacher and the head coach of the FCHS girls’ basketball team, has passed away.
Carilion Clinic enhances pediatric care with new facility in Rocky Mount
Read full article: Carilion Clinic enhances pediatric care with new facility in Rocky MountCarilion Children’s launched a new pediatric clinic in Rocky Mount, opening its doors to patients today, marking a significant expansion of healthcare services for families in Franklin County.
Franklin County fire department seeking donations after first responder loses home in fire
Read full article: Franklin County fire department seeking donations after first responder loses home in fireA fire department in Franklin County is calling on the community for help after one of its own tragically lost their home in a fire.
Carilion Clinic announces plan to open freestanding emergency departments in Franklin and Botetourt counties
Read full article: Carilion Clinic announces plan to open freestanding emergency departments in Franklin and Botetourt countiesCarilion Clinic announced Tuesday plans to open freestanding emergency departments in Smith Mountain Lake’s Westlake area and the Daleville Town Center area.
Death investigation underway after man found down embankment in Roanoke County
Read full article: Death investigation underway after man found down embankment in Roanoke CountyA death investigation is underway after a man was found down an embankment and later died in Roanoke County, according to the police department.
Peach crop impacted at Franklin County farm due to spring cold snap, summer weather helps remaining fruit
Read full article: Peach crop impacted at Franklin County farm due to spring cold snap, summer weather helps remaining fruitA spring cold snap wiped out half the peach crop at Woods Farm in Franklin County, but the peaches that survived are now thriving in the summer heat.
Two hospitalized, including Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, after multi-vehicle crash Tuesday
Read full article: Two hospitalized, including Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, after multi-vehicle crash TuesdayA Franklin County Deputy and another driver were hospitalized after a multivehicle crash in Franklin County Tuesday, according to FCSO.
Franklin County bus driver shortage to continue into school year
Read full article: Franklin County bus driver shortage to continue into school yearFranklin County Public Schools are facing a growing shortage of bus drivers, with the district currently needing three elementary drivers and six drivers for middle and high school routes.
160 years since Booker T. Washington’s emancipation honored in Franklin County this weekend
Read full article: 160 years since Booker T. Washington’s emancipation honored in Franklin County this weekendThis weekend, a historic milestone is being honored in Franklin County. The Booker T. Washington National Monument is commemorating 160 years since his emancipation. The event showcases how the monument is bringing Washington’s story to life through reflection, music, and education.
Franklin County schools seek extension on Styrofoam ban
Read full article: Franklin County schools seek extension on Styrofoam banA Styrofoam ban takes effect in Virginia on July 1, starting with food vendors with more than 20 locations in the commonwealth. School divisions also received guidance earlier this year that the ban would apply to them as well.
One rescued from vehicle trapped in floodwaters in Callaway
Read full article: One rescued from vehicle trapped in floodwaters in CallawayOne person was rescued from a vehicle trapped in floodwaters just moments before it was swept away by the current, according to the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department.
Franklin Co. gears up for Antique Farm Days
Read full article: Franklin Co. gears up for Antique Farm DaysAgricultural heritage takes center stage this weekend as the Southwest Virginia Antique Farm Days celebrates its 22nd year of connecting generations through historic machinery and rural traditions.
Tip leads to arrest on 21 charges of child pornography in Franklin County
Read full article: Tip leads to arrest on 21 charges of child pornography in Franklin CountyA man was arrested on Sunday after law enforcement received an Internet Crimes Against Children tip in Franklin County on Friday, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.
Franklin County high School senior celebration prompts response from school officials
Read full article: Franklin County high School senior celebration prompts response from school officialsFranklin County Public School officials made a statement on Facebook saying that, while prior approval had been given for some "celebratory activities," the event expanded into unauthorized area
Appeals Court to Reconsider Overturned Felony Conviction in Animal Cruelty Case
Read full article: Appeals Court to Reconsider Overturned Felony Conviction in Animal Cruelty CaseThe Virginia Court of Appeals will reconsider the overturned felony conviction of Terry Michel, who confessed to shooting his dogs, after the Commonwealth requested a rehearing by the full court.
Callaway Elementary School’s Girls Empowerment Club holds Year-End Event
Read full article: Callaway Elementary School’s Girls Empowerment Club holds Year-End EventCallaway Elementary School’s long-running Girls Empowerment Club is closing out the school year with an inspiring event aimed at connecting students with local women leaders.
Franklin County Humane Society receives $17,000 grant investment from Petco Love
Read full article: Franklin County Humane Society receives $17,000 grant investment from Petco LoveThe Franklin County Humane Society has secured a $17,000 grant investment to support its mission of saving and bettering the lives of pets in Franklin County.
WATCH: ‘Stop the Cuts’ Rally opposing federal cuts in Franklin County
Read full article: WATCH: ‘Stop the Cuts’ Rally opposing federal cuts in Franklin CountyDozens of people came out in force at the Franklin County Government Center Thursday. They were protesting potential cuts to various social programs.
Conviction overturned for Franklin County man in animal cruelty case
Read full article: Conviction overturned for Franklin County man in animal cruelty caseA recent ruling from the Virginia Court of Appeals has overturned the conviction of Terry Eugene Michel, who was previously found guilty of felony animal cruelty.
Student facing charges after handgun found at Franklin County High School
Read full article: Student facing charges after handgun found at Franklin County High SchoolThe Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Public Schools, and the Rocky Mount Police Department are assessing an incident that occurred this morning at Franklin County High School.
Jury awards $750,000 to two families who were racially discriminated against by owner of “Lazy Cove Campground”
Read full article: Jury awards $750,000 to two families who were racially discriminated against by owner of “Lazy Cove Campground”Two families have been awarded $750,00 after a jury ruled that the owner of a Smith Mountain Lake campground discriminated against them because of the color of their skin.
Burnt Chimney Vol. Fire Dept. launches fundraising campaign in response to rising costs
Read full article: Burnt Chimney Vol. Fire Dept. launches fundraising campaign in response to rising costsFire Chief Lee Powell said the board decided to move forward with the campaign in response to rising costs, and flat funding from the county.
High schoolers compete in Ferrum College’s Crime Scene Investigation Competition
Read full article: High schoolers compete in Ferrum College’s Crime Scene Investigation CompetitionA “Crime Scene Investigation” Competition was held at Ferrum College on Friday, and was attended by Franklin County High School and E.C. Glass High School students.
Ferrum College and Franklin County Board of Supervisors announce $100,000 scholarship
Read full article: Ferrum College and Franklin County Board of Supervisors announce $100,000 scholarshipFerrum College and the Franklin County Board of Supervisors are looking to mitigate the costs of college with a whopping $100,000 Resident Impact Scholarship.
Franklin County Public Schools to have virtual day Monday
Read full article: Franklin County Public Schools to have virtual day MondayFranklin County Public Schools announced Sunday that they will be holding a Code 10 virtual day on Monday, Feb. 17. All but one school will require large-scale disposal of spoiled food, FCPS said.
Franklin County residents battle power outages, find relief at warming center
Read full article: Franklin County residents battle power outages, find relief at warming centerThe aftermath of this week’s winter storm continues to impact many areas in the region, with cleanup efforts still underway. Floyd and Franklin counties have both declared a state of emergency due to widespread power outages, with more than half of residents in Franklin County still without electricity as of late Friday afternoon.
Third person arrested in connection with 2024 Franklin Co. homicide
Read full article: Third person arrested in connection with 2024 Franklin Co. homicideA third person has been arrested in relation to the murder of Brandon Holland which occurred in December of last year, according to the Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Office.
Franklin County declares local state of emergency following winter storm
Read full article: Franklin County declares local state of emergency following winter stormFranklin County has declared a local state of emergency and activated its Emergency Operations Center to respond to a recent winter storm that caused widespread power outages and hazardous road conditions.
Man arrested in Franklin County following reports of child exploitation
Read full article: Man arrested in Franklin County following reports of child exploitationA man was arrested in Franklin County after authorities received a tip he was involved in the production of child pornography, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.
Multiple Southwest Virginia Schools closed due to flu outbreaks and lack of staff
Read full article: Multiple Southwest Virginia Schools closed due to flu outbreaks and lack of staffMultiple schools in our area have closed this week due to a flu outbreak that has affected students and staff. Snow Creek Elementary, Christian Heritage Academy, and Natural Bridge Elementary have temporarily closed due to the outbreak.
Snow Creek Elementary School, Christian Heritage Academy closed for the remainder of the week
Read full article: Snow Creek Elementary School, Christian Heritage Academy closed for the remainder of the weekSnow Creek Elementary School in Franklin County will be closed for students on Thursday, Jan. 30, and Friday, Jan. 31 due to an outbreak of the flu and other illnesses.
Franklin County fire contained, crews to continue conducting fire watch
Read full article: Franklin County fire contained, crews to continue conducting fire watchCrews are making progress in containing a Franklin County brush fire that they’ve been fighting since Wednesday afternoon, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
20 Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputies assist with Inauguration Security
Read full article: 20 Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputies assist with Inauguration Security20 members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office assisted with Inauguration Security in Washington D.C. Monday, the Office announced.
Franklin Co. Public Schools announces academic calendar changes following winter storm
Read full article: Franklin Co. Public Schools announces academic calendar changes following winter stormFranklin County Public Schools will be making changes to its academic calendar following school closures caused by a winter storm last week.
Henry County man receives additional charges following drug bust in Franklin County
Read full article: Henry County man receives additional charges following drug bust in Franklin CountyFranklin County Sheriff’s Office said a man received additional charges following a drug trafficking investigation on Wednesday.
Former Franklin County Sheriff’s Major sentenced following sexual abuse conviction
Read full article: Former Franklin County Sheriff’s Major sentenced following sexual abuse convictionJustin Sigmon was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl last year. The U.S. district court in the Southern District of Florida sentenced him to 24 months with time served.
Route 220 to reopen following overturned raw milk tanker in Franklin County
Read full article: Route 220 to reopen following overturned raw milk tanker in Franklin CountyA tanker crash in Franklin County spilled over 1,000 gallons of raw milk and 75 gallons of diesel, prompting lane closures and a detour on Route 220.
Franklin County Father Takes Legal Action Against VSP Trooper for Gunpoint Incident in 2022
Read full article: Franklin County Father Takes Legal Action Against VSP Trooper for Gunpoint Incident in 2022A Franklin County father is taking legal action against the Virginia State Police (VSP) and Trooper Timothy Derosha after an incident in December 2022 where he was pulled over and held at gunpoint.
Former Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Major, found guilty of sexually abusing young girl, denied new trial
Read full article: Former Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Major, found guilty of sexually abusing young girl, denied new trialA former major with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, who was found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl, has been denied a new trial, court documents reveal.
Busload of Trouble: Allegations Against Driver Stir Community
Read full article: Busload of Trouble: Allegations Against Driver Stir CommunityFranklin County is reeling as parents call for accountability in the wake of school bus driver Matthew Davis's arrest for alleged sexual misconduct with minors.
Franklin Co. school bus driver arrested and charged for child sex crimes
Read full article: Franklin Co. school bus driver arrested and charged for child sex crimesA Franklin County bus driver was arrested and charged on Monday on charges related to sexual acts with a minor, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Making Waves: YMCA’s Adaptive Swim Program Empowers All Abilities
Read full article: Making Waves: YMCA’s Adaptive Swim Program Empowers All AbilitiesThe Franklin County YMCA's adaptive swim program provides personalized swimming lessons for individuals with neurological and physical disabilities, promoting safety and independence in the water.
Franklin Co. deputies searching for missing 10-year-old girl
Read full article: Franklin Co. deputies searching for missing 10-year-old girlThe Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in locating a 10-year-old girl who was last seen Monday at about 1 p.m. leaving her home with her grandfather on security footage.
Franklin Co. High School teacher arrested on child sex crimes charges
Read full article: Franklin Co. High School teacher arrested on child sex crimes chargesThe Franklin Co. Sheriff’s Department announced that it had arrested a local high school teacher on charges related to sexual acts with a student.
Ceremonies mark Veterans Day across the region
Read full article: Ceremonies mark Veterans Day across the regionVeterans Day is this Monday, and there are lots of events taking place in Southwest Virginia, starting with the Virginia Veterans Parade this Saturday, November 9, at 11 a.m. in Downtown Roanoke.
Specialized Hospice Care Program Honors and Supports Veterans Facing Terminal Illness
Read full article: Specialized Hospice Care Program Honors and Supports Veterans Facing Terminal IllnessIn Southwest Virginia, a quarter of people with a terminal illness is a veteran, a statistic that highlights the unique challenges many former service members face in their final days.
Whitey Taylor Case Highlights Citizen-Initiated Legal Proceedings
Read full article: Whitey Taylor Case Highlights Citizen-Initiated Legal ProceedingsBoones Mill Mayoral candidate Whitey Taylor faces assault and indecent exposure charges filed by three former employees, raising concerns of election interference.