Entries for September 2008

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Traffic Alert
By Rodney @ 12:09 PM :: 29 Views :: News Events

TRAFFIC ALERT – ROUTE 1228 – HENRY COUNTY

On Wednesday, October 1, Route 1228 (Governor Stanley Highway) in Henry County will be closed to through traffic for bridge deck replacement. Directional signs will allow for traffic to be detoured. All work is anticipated to be complete within three (3) weeks, weather permitting.

Motorists should use alternate routes.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Exercise Caution
By Rodney @ 3:08 PM :: 42 Views :: News Events

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.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Sheriff Draper to be named
By Rodney @ 12:40 PM :: 47 Views :: News Events

Sheriff Draper to be named President of Virginia Sheriffs’ Association

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Martinsville Sheriff Steve Draper will be installed as president of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association (VSA) in a ceremony to be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center in Roanoke, VA. The VSA is a 6,500 member professional trade association representing the interests of law enforcement and the sheriffs' offices in Virginia. Sheriff Draper is the first Sheriff in Martinsville or Henry County to hold this office. Among its priorities are the following:

The Virginia Sheriffs' Association (VSA) gives a voice to Virginia sheriffs and deputies. Working on many levels and in cooperation with the various segments of the criminal justice system and state government, VSA gives representation for sheriffs and deputies throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As the organization speaking for sheriffs and deputies, VSA enjoys high recognition by the Virginia General Assembly.
VSA provides members with information about emerging law enforcement issues, crime prevention, and various other topics related to the sheriffs' office.

As president of the VSA Sheriff Draper’s duties will include, but are not limited to the following:

· Presiding at all meetings of the board of directors and members.

· Presenting at each annual meeting of the members and directors a report of the condition of the business of the association.

· Calling annual and special meetings of the members and regular and special meetings of directors in accordance with bylaws.

· Signing and making all contracts and agreements in the name of the association, and much more.

“I feel very honored and privileged to be chosen by my peers to serve in this capacity. I will do everything I can to fulfill the duties of this office to the very best of my ability and represent the City of Martinsville and the Martinsville Sheriff’s Office across the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Sheriff Draper.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Lillie has a new home
By Rodney @ 2:44 PM :: 42 Views

The newest member of the Billings Family

A two year old retired Greyhound racer named Lillie. We feel in love with her the first day we saw her. We were able to adopt her through Star City Greyhounds in Roanoke. Their mission is to educate the public about these wonderful dogs and find them loving, quality, forever homes. Their interest in the adoption doesn’t stop when they place a dog. Star City offers 24 hour greyhound support, and try to work with the adopter and dog to solve any problems that may arise. If at any time the dog is no longer wanted or they feel the home is not beneficial to either parties, the dog always has a home at Star City. Pet Smart in Roanoke allows Star City Greyhounds to set up each weekend at their Roanoke location if you would like an up-close look at some of this beautiful breed of dogs. Greyhounds are generally family and kid friendly. Our family couldn't be more happy. Visit http://www.starcitygreyhounds.org/ for more information.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

PSA WARNING
By Rodney @ 3:13 PM :: 44 Views :: News Events

PSA manager: Employees do not need access inside customers’ homes

If someone who claims to work for the Henry County Public Service Authority wants to enter a customer’s home, then that person doesn’t work for the PSA, the Authority’s General Manager said today.

The PSA Customer Service office was informed today that someone representing himself as a PSA employee told some customers in the Fieldale area that the employee needed to enter the customers’ homes in order to check on the home’s water line. However, PSA General Manager Benny Summerlin said such action is not coming from a PSA employee. It is against PSA policy for any employees to enter the homes of customers for any reason.

“We don’t have any reason to be inside a customer’s home, because the only part of the water line that is our responsibility is the water meter and the main line,” Summerlin said. “If someone comes to a home under these pretenses, then that person doesn’t work for the PSA. I would urge our citizens that if this happens to them, to not let the person in and to call the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.”

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office may be reached through the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center.

Thursday, September 04, 2008

CITY FIRE
By Rodney @ 2:26 PM :: 57 Views :: News Events

Investigators gathering information on suspicious fire

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – The Martinsville Fire Marshal’s Office and the Martinsville Police Department are conducting a joint investigation into the fire that caused heavy damage to a house that was supposed to be vacant located at 1128 Drewry Road in Martinsville. The fire was fully involved when police officers arrived on the scene this morning at approximately 12:15 a.m. Damage to the home was extensive; no exact value has been given. There were no injuries.

“Although the property was supposed to be vacant, there have been reports of people staying at this residence recently. We have reason to believe the fire may be of suspicious origin and we are conducting a thorough investigation,” said Martinsville Fire Marshal Ted Anderson.

Anderson added that there was no utility service at the residence at the time of the fire. Glen Hairston of Martinsville is listed as the owner of the property, the home was not insured.

Assistance was provided on scene by Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, Martinsville Fire Volunteers, Stone Ambulance Service, and the Martinsville Police Department.

Due to the sensitive nature of the incident and the ongoing investigation, specific details are limited at this time. Additional information will be released to the media and the public as soon as possible.

Investigators are gathering information, following leads, and asking anyone who may have seen any type of suspicious or unusual activity at or near the residence recently to report what they saw.

If you have information pertaining to this incident you should contact the Martinsville Fire Marshal’s Office at 403-5202, 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).