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Chilhowie man faces multiple charges in domestic violence incident (copy)
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
BRISTOL, Va. – A Chilhowie man faces multiple charges following his second arrest.
Joseph T. Ayers
Joseph T. Ayers, age 21, of Chilhowie, Virginia, was initially arrested and charged with assault and battery against a household and family member, according to a statement from the Bristol Virginia Police Department.
After further investigation, Ayers arrested again and charged with one count of aggravated malicious wounding and one count of malicious wounding.
The investigation began during the early morning hours of March 19 after the Bristol Virginia Police Department received a be-on-the-lookout notice regarding a rolling domestic violence incident.
Patrol Officer Shana Heisler subsequently conducted a traffic stop on an SUV traveling along Lee Highway in Bristol, Virginia. Upon speaking with the driver, officers quickly determined that the individual was a victim of an assault, according to the statement.
Following the initial investigation at the scene, Ayers was transported to the Abingdon facility of the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, where he was later released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
Later that day, Detective Seth Jones, the department’s domestic violence detective, conducted follow-up interviews with the victim and additional witnesses.
As a result of the continued investigation and the severity of the allegations, it was determined that additional assaults had occurred during the same incident.
Based on this information, further charges were obtained against Ayers.
Acting on a tip, authorities located Ayers at a residence in Independence, Virginia. With the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Ayers was taken into custody without incident. He is currently being held without bond at the New River Valley Regional Jail.
This investigation remains ongoing.
DWR announces winners of 2026 Restore the Wild Art Competition
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) announced the winners of the sixth annual Restore the Wild Art Competition. More than 250 pieces were submitted in four categories, including Natural History, Artistic Expression, Youth 11-17, and Youth 10 and Under. There was also art selected for the 2026 Restore the Wild sticker and fine-art print.
Handcrafted awards for the winning artists were donated by Moslow Wood Products and additional prizes were provided by Plaza Artist Materials and the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. The subject for the 2026 competition was the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat.
The winners were:
• Natural History: “Echolocation” by Michelle Gates;
• Artistic Expression: “Happy Hunting” by Cassandra Picard;
• Youth 11-17: “I’m all ears!” by Emma Bridges;
• Youth 10 and Under: “In the Forest by the Creek” by Ellie Chapman;
• Fine-Art Print: “Twilight Trio” by Joyce Cornelius;
• Restore the Wild Sticker: “Rafinesquii in the Taxodium” by Grace Mae Huddleston.
On March 6, more than 400 artists, friends, family, and conservation enthusiasts were welcomed to the Gallery at Main Street Station for opening night of the exhibition. The evening included ambassador bats from Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia, a silent auction, raffle, and exclusive merchandise designed by tattoo artist Nate Moretti.
Thanks to the artists who donated their pieces, the opening night silent auction raised more than $2,500. That in combination with raffle and merchandise sales, raised more than $4,300 for Restore the Wild.
Art will be on display at Main Street Station through Sunday, March 29, where individuals can cast a vote for their favorite bat inspired art for the People's Choice Award. And, there are even more pieces from the exhibition up for auction online. Bids will be accepted through March 30.
Proceeds from the event, including sales, raffles, and auctions support the Restore the Wild initiative, funding restoration of critical habitat that helps wildlife thrive statewide.
DWR extended special thanks to all the artists as well as the businesses, partners, and non-profits that made opening night and the entire contest and exhibition a success.
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