BTW 21 Your Neighborhood Network

Traffic Alert

By Rodney - Monday, October 06, 2008

Traffic Alert: Route 639 – Henry County – Town of Ridgeway

On Wednesday, October 8, Route 639 (Phospho Springs Road) will be closed to through traffic from 2/10 of a mile from Route 220 (Main Street) for bridge demolition. The anticipated work completion date is Friday, October 24, 2008, weather permitting.

24-25 Patrick County

By Rodney - Saturday, October 04, 2008

The Harris Express Rolls On

When Patrick County offensive phenom John Harris took the opening hand-off 63 yards to the house for a touchdown on Friday night, it proved to be a sign of bad things to come for the Bassett Bengals.

The senior Cougar proved why he's the Timesland's top offensive player early and often as he rushed for 239 yards and two touchdowns- the last coming on a 45-yard run with 5:45 to play -- as Patrick County overcame an 18-point second-half deficit for a 25-24 upending of the Bassett Bengals in a Piedmont District season opening showdown at Ed Bassett Stadium.

The Cougars (5-1 overall,1-0 PD) handed Bassett its second consecutive loss in one week as the Bengals fell to McMichael Monday on the road. PC coach Brad Dalton said Friday's stunning victory over Bassett is one of the two greatest wins in school history. "This is right up there with when we finally beat Martinsville in a district game," he said. "It's just a huge win for our program." Harris has almost 1,500 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns in just six games as he closes in on numerous school and state records.

The Bengals (4-2,0-1) took a 21-6 lead into halftime and, according to head coach Jay Gilbert, his players may have relaxed a little too much. "We took that big lead and got a little big-headed, I guess," said Gilbert. "You definitely can't go to sleep on a team as talented as Patrick County. They made us pay for it." Patrick County's Josh Walker blocked a punt and recovered it for a touchdown with 1:02 left in the third quarter to cut Bassett's lead to 24-12. Patrick County quarterback Jake Reynolds broke loose for a 47-yard TD run on the Cougars' next possession to bring the visitors within five points at 24-19. Harris' second touchdown with 5:45 remaining iced the victory. Emanuel Alston had rushing touchdowns of four and ten yards for Bassett. Boo Woods connected with Vershaun Norman on a 17-yard TD pass in the first quarter. Woods also rushed for 111 yards. Tyler Martin hit a 22-yard field goal early in the third quarter before the Cougars comeback began.

The Bengals hit the road next Friday to face Buddy Brown's Tunstall Trojans at Dry Fork.

Story by: Chris Dollarhite

City Arrest

By Rodney - Saturday, October 04, 2008

Police chase leads to arrest, multiple charges

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The Martinsville Police Department arrested a local man on multiple charges stemming from a chase that occurred shortly before 10:00 p.m. last night.

MPD Officer E.R. Martin observed a dark colored Chevrolet Trail Blazer being operated without headlights on Memorial Boulevard near the Bridge Street intersection. Officer Martin activated lights and siren and attempted to pull the vehicle over. The sport utility vehicle (SUV) then pulled into the parking lot at the Hardee’s restaurant on Bridge Street. After pulling into the parking lot the driver quickly accelerated, circling the building. The SUV then exited the parking lot crossing Memorial Boulevard and traveling onto Henry Street, which is a dead end. MPD Officer E.R. Martin pursued the vehicle with back-up from MPD Officer M.L. Peters. Upon reaching the end of Henry Street the driver of the SUV cut across the grass median back onto Memorial Boulevard heading southbound. The driver, who was later identified as Anthony Tyrone Menefee, proceeded to run a red traffic signal at the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and Bridge Street and continue southbound. MPD Officer A. Spencer also joined the pursuit to provide assistance.

Menefee continued operating the vehicle at a high rate of speed and weaving across lanes erratically until he lost control and crashed, overturning the vehicle near Riverside Flea Market, just outside of the Martinsville city limits in Henry County. Menefee then exited the driver’s side of the SUV and ran on foot. Officers E. R. Martin and M.L. Peters continued the chase on foot. Martin was struck in the leg at a low rate of speed by Officer Spencer’s patrol car as the vehicle came to a stop.

Officer Peters continued chase of Menefee on foot, tackling him. Officer Martin was not injured and rejoined the chase assisting Officer Peters in subduing Menefee. Menefee fought with the officers and refused to comply with numerous requests of him to place his hands behind his back and surrender. After Officer Martin deployed his stun gun and used it once, Menefee placed his hands behind his back and was taken into custody without further incident. There were no injuries and no property damage except to the Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Menefee. The chase continued approximately 1.6 miles before coming to an end. The Virginia State Police is investigating the vehicular accident because it occurred in Henry County. Anthony Tyrone Menefee, age 34, of 1817 Stultz Road in Martinsville was arrested and charged with the following:

Felony Eluding Police
Reckless Driving
Resisting Arrest
Driving with Revoked License (DUI-related)
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
Failure to Operate Headlights

The Martinsville Police Department is continuing to gather evidence and information in this case. Further charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information on this crime should contact the Martinsville Police Department Investigations Unit at 403-5301, the 911 Center, or Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers pays rewards of up to $1,000 in certain cases. You do not have to reveal your identity. Report tips anonymously to 63-CRIME (276-632-7463).

Exercise Caution

By Rodney - Friday, September 26, 2008

Police remind motorists to exercise caution at crosswalks

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The Martinsville Police Department is concerned about the number of motorists who are failing to yield or stop at crosswalks, in particular, the crosswalk which is part of the walking trail that crosses Lester Street in Uptown Martinsville.

“Our goal is to educate the motoring public on Virginia laws governing crosswalks. Section 46.2-924 of the Virginia Code specifies that the driver of any vehicle on a highway shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing such highway,” said MPD Captain Tim Porter.

The City of Martinsville has erected signs that flash amber as pedestrians approach and enter the crosswalk. The lights are triggered by motion sensors on the trail. Any motorist approaching the crosswalk should use extra caution when the lights are flashing and be aware of pedestrian and bicycle traffic that is about to, or has entered the crosswalk. The flashing lights are a warning that the motorist must slow down or stop if necessary to permit pedestrians to cross such intersections safely. Any motorist failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk shall be guilty of a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of no less than $100 or more than $500.

“Our goal at the Martinsville Police Department is to keep our streets safe for pedestrians and the motoring public. Education is one of the keys to this goal and our first step. The second step will be enforcement. We are asking motorists to do their part in helping us to achieve this goal,” said Captain Porter.