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'Round the Mountain announces storytelling workshops to support Southwest Virginia artisans (copy) (copy)
Upcoming storytelling workshops are expected to provide an
opportunity to help artisans strengthen their voices.
SPorter / Submitted photo
'Round the Mountain Artisan Network is hosting two upcoming Storytelling Workshops designed to help Southwest Virginia artisans strengthen their personal and professional storytelling skills.
The workshops are made possible through funding from Virginia Humanities and are part of an initiative to support artisans in sharing the stories behind their craft, creative processes, and cultural contributions to the region.
The first Storytelling Workshop will take place on Friday, July 24, from 3-6 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace in Abingdon. A second workshop will be held on Friday, Aug. 14, from 3-6 p.m. at The Floyd Center for the Arts in Floyd.
Participants will explore ways to communicate their unique stories through artist statements, interviews, marketing materials, and conversations with visitors and customers.
"Storytelling is an essential part of Appalachian craftsmanship and the creative economy of Southwest Virginia,” said Kim Davis, executive director of ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network. “Our artisans do more than create beautiful work, they carry forward stories, traditions, and experiences that connect us to our communities. These workshops provide an opportunity to help artisans strengthen their voices, share their journeys, and ensure the stories behind their craft continue to inspire future generations.”
'Round the Mountain Artisan Network connects artists, makers, and communities throughout Southwest Virginia by promoting regional craft, supporting creative entrepreneurship, and preserving Appalachian traditions.
For more information about ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network, visit roundthemountain.org.
Southwest Virginia Community College Receives $15,000 Gene Haas Scholarship Grant
Jim Talbert
Southwest Virginia Community College has received a $15,000 Gene Haas Scholarship Grant to support students pursuing careers in precision machining and advanced manufacturing.
The Gene Haas Scholarship is awarded to students who are currently enrolled, or are planning to enroll, in a machining-focused training program at SWCC, such as the Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate. This marks the fourth time the College has been selected to receive this prestigious award, further demonstrating its commitment to workforce development and technical education.
“This scholarship will help students further their educational goals by providing financial support for tuition, and we are incredibly grateful for this continued investment in our students,” said Steven Olinger, Assistant Professor of Machining/CNC Technology and Industrial Safety.
Students enrolled in the Precision Machining and Advanced Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate programs have the opportunity to earn a variety of industry-recognized credentials. These include certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), National Coalition of Certification (Starrett/Snap-On), as well as First Aid/CPR/AED and OSHA 10 certifications, enhancing graduates’ readiness for the workforce.
The Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate can be completed in just one year and features hands-on coursework in areas such as Machine Shop Practices, Blueprint Reading, Introduction to Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and Computer Numerical Controls (CNC).
For more information about the Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate or other programs offered through the Business, Engineering, and Industrial Technology Division, contact SWCC at 276-964-7277, or email beit@sw.edu.
After four years as chief of police, Ron Holt has resigned effective July 31.
Holt, who also served in a dual role as town manager for part of that time, announced his resignation July 2. He did not elaborate on future plans or offer specific reasons for his departure.
Interim town Manager Don Marr thanked Holt for his service and said his goal is to have a new chief named before Holt’s last day. He said the process of finding a new chief was already underway.
Marr said the goal was to ensure a seamless transition of leadership and to ensure stability in the department. He also assured the public the council and management of the town are committed to public safety.
Under Holt’s leadership the department the department was fully accredited by the state and is pursuing national accreditation.
They are also seeking recognition as a crime prevention community. They added a canine to the department and an in-house emergency management division.
Holt came to the town from the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office where he served in a variety of roles. Overseeing the town’s transition to the 911 dispatch system through the county was one of the first tasks he undertook.
Area residents tapped to serve on various state boards (copy) (copy)
Staff Report
Last week, Gov. Abigail Spanberger appointed multiple area residents to state boards.
Among those were Julia B. Jones, of Chilhowie, an assistant vice president at The Bank of Marion, who was named to the Cattle Industry Board.
Joshua Chandler, of Bland County, manager of Product Operations for Speyside Bourbon Cooperage and a manager at the currently-shuttered Atkins Speyside Cooperage, was reappointed to the Spirits Board as was Thomas H. Nichols Jr., of Abingdon, a Master Distiller at Appalachian Heritage Distillery.
Col. Richard Alsbrook, of Tazewell County and superintendent of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, was named to the Criminal Justice Services Board.
Rodney Y. Wagner, of Abingdon, and owner of Green Valley Poultry Farm, and W. Lake Wagner, of Abingdon, and president of Dutt & Wagner, were reappointed to the Egg Board.
Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia to hold community meeting (copy)
On July 22, the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is hosting a community meeting in Tazewell County that will focus on options for residential solar power in the commonwealth. These options include rooftop solar, shared solar and plug-in solar for both homeowners and renters.
The meeting will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Appalachian Arts Center, 112 River Road, Cedar Bluff. The event is free and will include dinner. Attendees will be registered for a door-prize drawing for a Solar Workgroup Solsquatch T-shirt. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register by July 17.
The Solar Workgroup is made up of nonprofit and community action organizations, colleges, state agencies, and residents and businesses interested in helping develop a renewable energy industry in the seven coalfield counties of Southwest Virginia.
Richland_clinch_valley
Richlands man charged with armed robbery
A Richlands man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery that took place last year.
A press release from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office July 2 said Junior Earl Rowe, 43, of Richlands, was charged with a robbery at the Sunoco in Belfast last July. It went on to say the sheriff’s office had continued to investigate the incident since it happened.
“The sheriff’s office has continued to pursue all leads in this crime and ultimately it has led to criminal charges. Today shows our continued effort to protect the community," Sheriff Bill Watson said.
“Charges have been placed on the defendant, and the Russell County Sheriff’s office never gave up on this case," Commonwealth’s Attorney Zach Stoots said. The Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted with the investigation.
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