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New BBB report shows 25% increase in scams due to pandemic
More than 46,000 scams nationwide were reported to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker in 2020. The BBB scam tracker saw nearly 25% more reports in 2020 compared to 2019. “Locally, the (government agency) imposter scams were number one followed very close to online scams. His regret is finding out about the BBB Scam Tracker after the fact. The FTC found the gift cards scammers ask for the most are Ebay, Google Play, iTunes, Amazon and Target.
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FloydFest organizers encouraged by eased outdoor entertainment restrictions
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – Southwest Virginia’s largest music festival is planning its return this year, which has been made easier with Virginia’s new COVID-19 guidelines. FloydFest will come back to Patrick County between July 21 and 25, social distancing restrictions permitting. Ralph Northam announced the capacity for outdoor entertainment will soon increase to 1,000 customers, an encouraging sign for FloydFest chief operating officer Sam Calhoun. “It’ll be amazing,” Calhoun said. “We’re just waiting with cautious optimism that we can get a higher number than that and have more of a large gathering on that mountain in a safe manner.
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FloydFest announces 2021 lineup after last year’s canceled festival
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – Get ready to jam out at one of the biggest music festivals in our region this summer. FloydFest has announced its lineup for 2021 after being canceled last year due to coronavirus restrictions. The festival will be July 21 through July 25, and The Avett Brothers, Sturgill Simpson, the Old Crow Medicine Show and the Turkuaz will be the headlining acts for the four-day event. The Avett Brothers aren’t a stranger to FlodyFest and were in FloydFest 4 during 2005. For more information visit their website.
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More than 31,000 without power across Southwest, Central Virginia
Tree down in DanvilleROANOKE, Va. – Saturday’s winter weather continues to cause thousands to lose power. As of 10:15 p.m. Monday, Appalachian Power is reporting 9,011 customers without power in Virginia. Here’s a county-by-county breakdown:2,895 customers in Halifax County1,541 customers in Charlotte County1,138 customers in Pittsylvania County665 customers in Campbell County420 customers in Appomattox CountyAs of 10:20 p.m. Monday, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative is reporting 5,388 customers without power in our region. Here’s a county-by-county breakdown:2,751 members in Halifax County2,441 members in Pittsylvania County196 members in Charlotte CountyAs of 10:20 p.m. Monday, Southside Electric Cooperative is reporting 8,994 customers without power in our region. Here’s a county-by-county breakdown:3,405 members in Charlotte County3,039 members in Campbell County1,469 members in Bedford County866 members in Pittsylvania County215 members in Appomattox CountyAs of 10:24 p.m. Monday, Danville Utilities reports 1,556 customers are without power.
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Crash closes US-58 in Patrick County
A crash has closed both directions of US-58 in Patrick County, according to the Virginia Dept. of Transportation. Authorities said the crash happened near Central Academy Road at about 7:40 a.m.As of 7:50 a.m., all westbound and eastbound lanes are closed. Stay with 10 News as this breaking news story develops.
WATCH: Fleming and Radford boys get wins on the hardwoods Tuesday night
ROANOKE, Va. – On senior night at William Fleming, Mickey Hardy’s Colonels paced themselves in a 59-43 victory over Franklin County. In Daleville, the highly touted Radford Bobcats put their show on the road, earning a 65-55 win over Lord Botetourt. The three-point machine, Cam Cormany, tallied 23 points in the win for the Bobcats. Other scores from Tuesday night included:BOYS SCORES:Cave Spring 66, William Byrd 43E.C. Glass 74, Heritage 10Nelson County 46, Altavista 36Northside 46, Glenvar 42Patrick County 58, GW-Danville 8Patrick Henry-Roanoke 64, Salem 43Timberlake Christian 46, Blue Ridge Christian 22William Fleming 45, Franklin County 34
Power outages still impacting thousands across southwest Virginia
Around 11,000 without power due to winter weather moving through the area overnightAround 8,700 people are in the dark after winter weather made its way into Southwest Virginia overnight. Here’s a breakdown of the top areas with outages across our region as of 4:14 p.m.:Carroll County: 2,497Wythe County: 1,986Grayson County: 1.323Bland County: 761Giles County: 557Floyd County: 410Smyth County: 231Montgomery County: 161Galax: 146Patrick County: 119Henry County: 28Franklin County: 18Pulaski County: 12Click here for the latest information from Appalachian Power.
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More than 3,000 customers now without power in Southwest Virginia
Appalachian Power outage map as of 6:10 p.m. on Dec. 16, 2020. With wintry weather conditions affect our region, there are some areas in Southwest Virginia that are experiencing power outages Wednesday. [Snow, ice to cause slippery roads, scattered power outages Wednesday]As of 4:28, more than 5,000 customers were without power. According to Appalachian Power, as of 5:58 p.m. here are the top five localities by outage number. County/City Customer Outages Henry County 1,732 Albemarle County 354 Patrick County 288 Grayson County 178 Floyd County 129The outages started at 12:05 p.m.
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Man arrested for allegedly shooting into occupied vehicle in Patrick County
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – Authorities arrested a Patrick County man after he allegedly fired several shots into an occupied vehicle on Tuesday. 48-year-old Sammy Wayne Smith is facing charges of shooting into an occupied vehicle, brandishing a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith. The man got into his car and caught up with the vehicle he suspected in the shots fired incident, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The tactical response team for the Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Smith’s home around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and they took him into custody. Smith is being held without bail in the Patrick County Jail.
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Virginia General Election Results for Patrick County on Nov. 3, 2020
The 2020 General Election will be held on November 3. You can find results for Patrick County here. This includes how the county voted in the U.S. Presidential, U.S. Senate and any U.S. House races or locally-contested races. Use the picker below to find them:Find Race ResultsOnly care how other counties and cities in the area voted? You’ll find all those options in this picker:How cities, counties in our region votedGet the latest Virginia election news here
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Virginia General Election results for Sale Tax Referendums in some counties on Nov. 3, 2020
Taxes could be changing for some Virginians after this election. In our region, voters in Charlotte, Henry and Patrick counties will see a sales tax referendum on their ballot. Each referendum differs, but if approved, they would alter the county’s sales tax. Interested in the results of other races? Use the picker below:Find Race ResultsGet the latest Virginia Election news here
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Dirty Jobs' Mike Rowe to launch certification program at local community college
MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Mike Rowe from the hit TV show Dirty Jobs has developed a new employment certification, and Patrick Henry Community College has been chosen as one of the 20 schools for the pilot program. Rowe is partnering with the National Council of Certification Centers (NC3) for his new professionalism program, the Mike Rowe Works Foundation certification, that is centered around his S.W.E.A.T Pledge — Skill and Worth Ethic Aren’t Taboo. The certification program claims to be for anyone looking to establish workplace readiness skills based in its four pillars of professionalism: work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification and a positive attitude. Patrick Henry Community College is a NC3 Leader School and was chosen as one of the 20 schools to launch the pilot program. According to a press release from the college, the certification aims to create a generation of workers who know how to communicate and are reliable, trainable and collaborative.
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One dead, one hospitalized after Blue Ridge Parkway crash in Floyd County
FLOYD COUNTY, Va. – A 65-year-old Patrick County man is dead and another person is in the hospital after a two-vehicle crash near the Rocky Knob Visitor Center on Thursday afternoon. At about 2:30 p.m., authorities responded to the crash near milepost 168 on Blue Ridge Parkway, according to the parkway officials. Danny Shelton, of Meadows of Dan, was driving south when authorities say he crossed the center line and crashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle. Shelton died at the scene while the driver of the other vehicle was flown to a local hospital. Below is a map of the approximate location of the crash:
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70-year-old man dies in Patrick County motorcycle crash
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – A 70-year-old man is dead after a crash in Patrick County on Sunday, according to Virginia State Police. Authorities say the crash happened around 12:20 p.m. on Route 58 two miles east of Route 620. According to state police, Ronald Elliott of Ridgeway was going west on Route 58 on a 2004 Harley Davidson when the motorcycle crossed the center line and hit a 2018 Nissan Titan. Police say Elliott was wearing a helmet and died at the scene. Authorities say the driver of the Nissan, Michael Hubbard, 76, of Meadows of Dan, was wearing his seatbelt and was not hurt in the crash.
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Descendant of J.E.B. Stuart wants statue at his birthplace
Stuart says he wants to bring his ancestor's statue from Richmond to the cavalryman's birthplace in Patrick County in southwest Virginia. Stuart V, a Richmond orthopedic surgeon, formally asked Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and the City Council on Monday to allow the transfer of the statue to the J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust Inc., the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports. Stuart made clear this week that he has no interest in the statue returning to the perch it had held on Monument Avenue since 1907. The trust was established in 1991 to manage Laurel Hill on 75 acres of what had been a 1,500-farm at Ararat, near Mount Airy, North Carolina.
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Patrick County man charged after shooting at girlfriend, authorities say
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – A Patrick County man is in jail after he shot at and “narrowly missed” hitting his girlfriend, according to Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith. When deputies arrived to arrest Williams, he made threats to fire at them, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Early Thursday, tactical teams from both the Patrick and Henry County Sheriff’s Office surrounded the home to execute both an arrest warrant and a search warrant. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office used its armored vehicle for the initial approach and gave commands for Williams to exit the home. A search of the home produced multiple firearms and an assortment of ammunition, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
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Whats News Today: Superintendent announcement, school schedules
ROANOKE, Va. Road work could impact your commute this week. The Giles County School Board will meet in closed session today to interview a finalist for the principal position at Macy McCalugherty Elementary/Middle. The Botetourt County School Board will meet this morning and could name a new superintendent, following a closed meeting to discuss the position. The school board could also approve the instruction plan for the reopening of schools and the health plan for athletics. Salem City Council will meet today, holding a closed session to consider candidates for the assistant city manager position.
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17-year-old dies in Patrick County dirt bike crash
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – A 17-year-old is dead after a crash involving a dirt bike and another car in Patrick County Wednesday night, according to Virginia State Police. Authorities say the two-vehicle crash happened on Route 57 around 9:45 p.m., just east of Route 844 in Patrick County. A 2000 Chevrolet Lumina was going east on Route 57 when it came across a 1996 Honda dirt bike going the same direction, according to police. The driver of the Chevrolet swerved left to avoid the dirt bike, and officers say the driver of the dirt bike swerved to the left at the same time to avoid the Chevrolet. Authorities say the crash remains under investigation.
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The Avett Brothers to headline FloydFest 21
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – Although it may not be for more than a year, we already know who will be headlining next year’s FloydFest, The Avett Brothers. FloydFest announced the news Monday at noon. The Avett Brothers first performed at the music festival in 2005, during FloydFest 4. On May 14, this year’s FloydFest was canceled due to coronavirus restrictions. Tickets are on sale now and more artists will be announced soon.
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Flash Flood Warning issued for areas across southwest Virginia
Published: May 21, 2020, 7:10 amBLACKSBURG, Va. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for parts of southwest Virginia. The following areas are under a Flash Flood Warning:Floyd CountyCarroll CountyNorthwestern part of Henry CountyGalaxWestern part of Franklin CountyPatrick CountyFlooding of small creeks and streams, highways, streets and underpasses and other drainage and low lying areas are expected to be impacted.
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FloydFest canceled due to coronavirus
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – FloydFest, an annual music festival that draws in thousands of visitors to Southwest Virginia each year, has been canceled due to COVID-19. “Music is king around here,” said Patrick County resident Mike Shepherd. FloydFest 2020 joined countless other events and festivals pulling the plug on this year’s schedule because of the virus. Patrick County will also not get meals or occupancy taxes from festival-goers. The theme, website and more are set to be announced next week for the 2021 FloydFest, which is scheduled for July 21-25.
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Thousands in Southwest Virginia without power as strong storms move through region
ROANOKE, Va. – Thousands are without power in Southwest Virginia as strong storms continue to move through the region. Some areas were under a tornado warning earlier today, while others have seen hails and strong winds. As of 11:28 p.m. Wednesday, here’s a look at some of the counties hardest hit by these storms. Patrick County - 3,441 outagesGiles County - 1,789 outagesHenry County - 1,554 outagesMontgomery County - 1,463 outagesPulaski County - 967 outagesFloyd County - 944 outagesPittsylvania County - 393 outagesFranklin County - 266 outagesCheck with Appalachian Power for the latest outage numbers.
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Patrick County man charged with DUI, vehicular manslaughter after deadly motorcycle crash
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – A Patrick County man has been charged with DUI and vehicular manslaughter after a fatal crash earlier this week, according to Virginia State Police. Authorities say the two-car crash happened Wednesday around 6:45 p.m. on Route 677, just south of Route 672. According to police, a 2018 Nissan Rogue was going south on Route 677 when it crossed the center line and hit a 1999 Harley Davidson. Police say the Nissan driver, 35-year-old Joshua Ray, was not hurt. Ray was reportedly charged with DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
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Franklin County has its first confirmed coronavirus case
ROANOKE, Va. – A woman in her 60s is the first case of coronavirus in Franklin County, according to the Virginia Department of Health. While the initial release from the West Piedmont District only confirmed she lived within the district, Robert Parker with the health department later confirmed to 10 News that she lives in Franklin County. She is currently isolated at home and monitoring her health. “The Virginia Department of Health and our healthcare partners are working together around the clock to identify cases of COVID-19 in our communities and across the Commonwealth,” said Kerry Gateley, M.D., interim director, West Piedmont Health District. “We work to identify potential contacts of each case, assess their risk of exposure and recommend appropriate public health and medical measures, as needed.”
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Wanted Southside man facing handful of new charges after fleeing police, deputies say
HENRY COUNTY, Va. – A Southside man is in jail and facing a handful of charges out of multiple localities after authorities said he refused a traffic stop on Thursday in Henry County. 31-year-old Dustin Dillon, of Martinsville, is facing charges of felony eluding, driving under the influence of drugs, driving suspended (third offense) and defective equipment, according to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. After the deputy activated his lights and siren, Dillon drove away, heading southbound on U.S. 220, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Dillon tried to run away, but deputies captured him shortly after, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He is currently being held in the Henry County Jail without bond.
Flash flood warning issued for many Virginia counties along NC border
ROANOKE, Va. – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for multiple counties along the North Carolina, Virginia border. The warning for southeastern Carroll County, southeastern Grayson County and Patrick County expires at 6 p.m. The warning for Danville, Martinsville, southern Pittsylvania County, southern Halifax County and Henry County expires at 5:45 p.m.At 11:52 a.m. radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Two to three inches of rain have already fallen with an additional inch or so possible over the next few hours. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly, according to the NWS.
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Three more arrested after drug deal turned homicide in a Patrick County church parking lot
PATRICK COUNTY, Va. – Three more people have been arrested in connection with a Sunday night homicide in Patrick County. Deputies found 27-year-old Damien Hairston dead in the parking lot of the True Gospel Baptist Church on Salem Highway around 8 p.m., according to the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office. Stephen Gravely, 20, of Martinsville, was charged with possession with intent to distribute more than ½ ounce of marijuana. A 17-year-old has been charged with conspiracy to distribute more than ½ ounce of marijuana and conspiracy to commit robbery. Hagen is being held in the Patrick County Jail without bail.

Virginia high school football playoff projections for 2019
ROANOKE, Va. - Looking at more than 100 games tonight, we are able to look ahead and predict how the playoffs will shape up for the 2019 season. While VHSL's matchups will likely be posted Saturday, here's our region-by-region breakdown of what we think will happen. Region 6AOscar Smith Ocean Lakes Thomas Dale Landstown Franklin County Grassfield Cosby Western BranchRegion 5DMountain View North Stafford Patrick Henry Harrisonburg William Fleming Albemarle Brooke Point StaffordRegion 4DSalem E.C. Glass Pulaski County Halifax County G.W. Danville Blacksburg Jefferson Forest Amherst CountyRegion 3CHeritage Spotswood Rockbridge County Liberty Christian Academy Turner Ashby Brookville Fluvanna County Western AlbemarleRegion 3DLord Botetourt Northside Magna Vista Hidden Valley Bassett Christiansburg Abingdon William ByrdRegion 2CAppomattox County Radford Gretna Glenvar Floyd County Dan River Patrick County ChathamRegion 1BRiverheads Sussex Central William Campbell Central (Lunenburg) Franklin Altavista Surry Rappahannock CountyRegion 1CGalax Narrows George Wythe Covington Auburn Parry McCluer Grayson County Eastern MontgomeryCopyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

Local cities, counties lift burn bans while other areas remain under ban
iStock/klikkROANOKE, Va. - Several local cities and counties are lifting burn bans after dry conditions across the region and drought in some areas increased fire hazards. On Thursday, Rockbridge County announced that its burn ban has been lifted. On Wednesday, Montgomery County announced that its burn ban would be lifted at noon. On Tuesday, Botetourt, Franklin and Wythe counties announced that their burn bans had been lifted. On Monday, Pittsylvania County and Danville city officials announced that the citywide burn ban has been lifted.

Rockbridge County added to growing list of local burn bans
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. - Rockbridge County is joining the growing list of cities and counties that have a burn ban in place. The county enacted the open-air burn ban on Oct. 11. A violation of the burn ban is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which, if convicted could land the perpetrator up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Here is a list of all cities and counties currently under a burn ban:Amherst CountyHenry CountyFloyd CountyRadfordRocky MountDanvilleWythe CountyPatrick CountyMontgomery CountyPittsylvania CountyFranklin CountyBland CountyGiles CountyCopyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

Local students use virtual reality to learn about working on ships
MARTINSVILLE, Va. - Some local middle and high school students may now be thinking about new potential career paths. Students in Martinsville and Henry and Patrick County got to use virtual reality to learn about working on ships. The students worked with representatives from Old Dominion University and the Newport News Shipbuilding company. "Today, the students are coming through and they're visiting numerous stations, where we teach them about the different technologies that we are using at Newport News Shipbuilding," Newport News Engineering Design Manager Heather Westmoreland said. Middle and high school students and their family members can compete in an engineering challenge.