Humane society breaking ground on new facility
Every year, more than 110,000 dogs and cats enter shelters across Virginia, a challenge that affects communities of every size, including rural areas like Floyd County.
To help meet this growing local challenge, the Floyd County Humane Society is breaking ground on a new permanent facility on Monday, April 13. The ceremony marks a major milestone for the organization and the community they serve.
“This moment represents years of persistence from volunteers and supporters who believed Floyd County could do more for its animals,” said Mary Weeks, Humane Society president. “We’ve made a difference for so many animals over the years, and this facility will allow us to multiply that impact.”
Founded in 1999, the Floyd County Humane Society has long relied on a network of foster homes, volunteers, and community partners to care for animals in need. The new shelter will include a dedicated meet-and-greet room, space for medically complex animals, 10 dog kennels, a laundry room and more.
The path to this moment was accelerated by a transformational estate gift in 2020, which enabled the purchase of property and laid the groundwork for a permanent home. Since then, the project has been shaped and sustained by community support, including individual donors and local businesses contributing time, expertise, and resources.
Key partners helping bring the facility to life include Cabin Fever Charities, OMNIBuild, Streamline Timberframe and 7 Springs Farm, alongside many other donors who have invested in the organization’s long-term vision.
Over the years, the Floyd County Humane Society has provided a range of services beyond rescue and adoption, including spay and neuter assistance, pet food distribution, rabies clinics and winter shelter support. The organization also works closely with local animal control to take in and rehome dogs and remains the only consistent resource in the community focused on caring for cats and kittens.
The new facility is expected to increase capacity, improve outcomes, and create new opportunities for volunteer engagement and community education, all strengthening the safety net for animals across Floyd County.
The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and be part of this next chapter. To learn more about the Humane Society and support this transformative project, visit www.floydhumanesociety.org.
Big Beef tomato has remained one of the most popular red tomatoes in North America with its 8-to-12-ounce fruit.
Big Beef tomato has remained one of the most popular red tomatoes in North America with its 8-to-12-ounce fruit.
True crime author coming to library
Jessie Peterman Memorial Library is excited to welcome acclaimed Virginia-based true crime author Ron Peterson, Jr. for a special event highlighting his newest book, Runaway Groom. Known for his gripping true crime storytelling and best-selling works, Peterson will share insights into his writing and the real-life investigations behind his books.
Peterson will be at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library at 321 W. Main St. at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 9.
At the upcoming event, Peterson will discuss Runaway Groom, which examines the decades-long mystery of Petie Miller, who disappeared without a trace just two days before his wedding in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in 1983. Although the bride’s stepfather was considered the prime suspect, a lack of evidence prevented charges. Petie’s father spent over thirty years advocating for the case, keeping the investigation alive until new witnesses emerged in 2015.
In addition to Runaway Groom, Peterson is the author of several other acclaimed true crime books which he will also discuss and provide updates on:
• Under the Trestle, focusing on the local case and disappearance of Gina Hall, recognized as one of the Top 100 true crime books of all time.
• Chasing the Squirrel, a fascinating look at the pursuit of notorious drug smuggler Wally Thrasher – also set in the New River Valley.
• Eyes of a Monster, which explores the unresolved 1981 murder of schoolteacher Olivia Dare Christian and follows Detective Randy Mayer and the FBI as they uncover a suspect linked to multiple murders.
• In the Wind, focusing on Detective Kay Schucker and her investigation of a high-profile 1981 missing persons case at Old Dominion University, as she navigated the challenges of being a woman in law enforcement.
Peterson is a sought-after speaker and guest lecturer at colleges and universities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. His compelling narrative style and deep research make his presentations a must-see for true crime fans and anyone interested in real-life mysteries and the pursuit of justice.
Peterson is a graduate of Radford University, where he majored in Journalism/Communication. He went on to have a career in media including work at the Virginian Pilot and creating ad campaigns for Cox Media that appeared on ESPN, CNN, and Fox News. He and his wife currently reside in historic downtown Smithfield, Virginia. Find out more at https://www.ronpetersonjr.com/
For more information about the program, please call Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library at (540) 382-6969 ext. 215 or email kcopus@mfrl.org.
Giving Day coming up in June
The Community Foundation of the New River Valley team celebrates the 2025 GiveLocalNRV Giving Day with partners from Buzz4Good and the Lyric Theatre.
Sign-up is open for the 13th annual online GiveLocalNRV Giving Day at givelocalnrv.org. Hosted by the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, this event harnesses the generosity of the New River Valley community by raising funds and awareness for charitable organizations serving the NRV region. This year’s GiveLocalNRV Giving Day will be held from noon on Wednesday, June 24, to noon on Thursday, June 25, with the early giving period beginning on Monday, June 1.
Each year, this online event drives thousands of donors to givelocalnrv.org, where they can support dozens of charitable organizations with a gift of $5 or more. Fueling the excitement of the event are dozens of incentive awards totaling more than $25,000 that participants can win by meeting certain goals and through random chance drawings. These awards range from $250 - $1,500. These awards are funded by the CFNRV and generous sponsors, including the National Bank of Blacksburg and Cranwell Family Foundation.
Organizations classified as 501(c)3 by the IRS or units of government (i.e. libraries, animal shelters, etc.) that serve the NRV in the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and Wythe as well as the City of Radford, are eligible to participate in the giving day. More than 75 organizations have already signed up for this year's event. These organizations work in a wide range of areas, including animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health, poverty, and much more.
“The NRV’s charitable organizations work tirelessly every day to assist neighbors in need, protect animals and our environment, celebrate history and the arts, and so much more,” said Lindsey Gleason-Reed, CFNRV’s assistant director. “The GiveLocalNRV Giving Day uplifts their invaluable work while highlighting the power of what happens when many people come together to support their work.”
Since 2014, this event has raised more than $5.15 million for nonprofits serving the NRV, including raising more than $750,000 in each of the last three years’ events. As an incentive for signing up early, all organizations that sign up by April 1 will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $250 prizes. The final deadline to sign up for the event is May 1 at givelocalnrv.org.
Sponsorship packages are available to businesses interested in partnering on this event. If your business is interested, please reach out to Lindsey Gleason-Reed at 540-381-8999 or cfnrv@cfnrv.org.
