Below is a look back at some of the top stories of 2018.
JANUARY:
Hospital auction held
The former Pioneer Community Hospital of Patrick fetched $5.7 million at auction Dec. 20, with only two registered bidders.
A representative of Virginia Community Capital (VCC) offered $5.7 million for the property in the second and final bid. The VCC held a large first lien on the property, according to previous reports.
Terry, Simmons elected to lead school board
In unanimous votes Thursday, Ronnie Terry and Brandon Simmons were elected to lead the Patrick County School Board in the coming year.
Boyce, Fulcher tapped to lead county
Lock Boyce, of the Mayo River District, will serve as chairman of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors in 2018. Rickie Fulcher, of the Peters Creek District, will serve as vice-chairman.
FEBRUARY:
Remains identified, foul play not suspected
Human remains found near Lovers’ Leap Thursday were identified as those of Phillip Daniel Lilly, 62, of Henry County.
Hospital license extended
Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday signed bills into law, effectively extending licenses of the former Pioneer Community Hospital of Patrick.
The search continues to find a new buyer of the hospital that closed in September, 2017 after filing bankruptcy in 2016.
EDA to take lead in hospital negotiations
The Patrick County Board of Supervisors and the Stuart Town Council unanimously approved separate motions during a special called meeting Wednesday to allow the Patrick County Economic Development Authority (EDA) to negotiate all matters pertaining to the hospital.
Local business poised for growth
A shuttered manufacturing facility on Dobyns Road has a new owner and a new lease on life, with new employees expected in the next few months. Shaw Plant HT, located on Dobyns Road in Stuart, closed at the end of 2017. Ten Oaks, LLC, in Stuart, bought the assets to accelerate expansion plans, help grow the county’s tax base, and bring new job opportunities.
MARCH:
Local man died in alleged shooting incident
A Patrick Springs man died March 7 after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, and a Bassett man was charged with first degree murder in connection with the incident.
EDA awarded judgment
The Economic Development Authority of Patrick County was granted a judgment of more than $1.7 million after an economic development deal failed to materialize. The EDA sought $1,774,659.80 in loan repayments and other costs in an alleged breach of contract suit filed in 2017.
APRIL:
New bookmobile will keep reading rolling
Blue Ridge Regional Branch Library officials announced the Patrick County Bookmobile Fund met its more than $180,000 goal 15-months after earnestly beginning, and delivery of the new bookmobile is expected later this year.
Efforts aimed at reopening hospital continue
Work on the concerted effort to reopen the local hospital is continuing, according to an economic development official.
Showcase deemed a success, plans for future events
The Patrick County Showcase Business Expo and Job Fair was a success, and plans already are in the works for a similar event next year and in the future.
MAY:
Pharmacy to change hands, remain open
CVS Pharmacy plans to acquire five Family Pharmacy locations in Virginia, including the store located at 301 B South Main Street in Stuart.
Cuts to school programs, personnel may be needed
School officials learned at a recent work session that some programs may be phased out when the current fiscal year ends on June 30, and personnel, generally the biggest expense, also may be on the chopping block.
Wood Brothers, Hunt receive awards
The Patrick County High School Student Government Association (SGA) honored Glen and Leonard Wood and Joni Hunt.
Debt service discussed
A nearly $1.5 million debt service payment was discussed during Thursday’s called work session of the Patrick County School Board.
JUNE:
Student to represent community in overseas contest
A local resident soon will travel nearly 10,000 miles to represent his community and state in the Down Under International Games.
Jared Biedrycki, a senior at Patrick County High School (PCHS), was asked to represent Virginia on the 2018 Track and Field Team in a series of competitions that are slated to be held on the Gold Coast of Australia.
JULY:
JROTC program ended June 30
The Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program ended its 25-year stint at the Patrick County High School on June 30. It began August 1, 1993.
Trio of local schools earn state recognition
Three schools in Patrick County earned the state Board of Education’s Distinguished Achievement Award, according to a release from Gov. Ralph Northam’s office and the state Board of Education.
Blue Ridge Elementary, Meadows of Dan Elementary and Woolwine Elementary schools were among the 202 schools and 15 school divisions that met all the state and federal benchmarks.
County approves broadband survey
The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) will conduct a community broadband survey in the coming months to determine the needs in Patrick County.
Telephone vote prompts flap
Two members of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors refused to support the purchase of a new ambulance for the career crew to use when responding to calls.
Students voice support for JROTC
Several Patrick County High School students on Thursday said the Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program changed their lives.
Students addressed members of the Patrick County School Board on July 12 about the program that ended June 30.
Welding programs announced
The prospect of a new welding program for students in the Patrick County High School (PCHS) has topped the list of highlights for weeks, and now it is official.
Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) recently announced that PCHS students soon will have the opportunity to learn welding and earn both college credit and industry certifications beginning in the fall of 2019.
AUGUST:
Blast remains under investigation
Although the investigation to determine the cause of an explosion in Woolwine last week is not completed, officials believe liquid oxygen prompted the blast at Thomas Industrial Fabrication.
Ararat woman reported missing
Patrick authorities are asking for the public’s help to locate an Ararat woman, according to Sheriff Dan Smith. Sara Ashley Hill, 33, was last contacted by family via Facebook messenger in the early hours of June 16, Smith said in a release.
Economic development director resigns,
cites lack of support
Debbie Foley cited a lack of support when announcing she will step down from her post as director of the Patrick County Economic Development Authority (EDA).
Bid to reopen hospital
on life support
The effort to reopen the hospital in Patrick County may not be dead, but likely is on life support following the recent resignation of Debbie Foley, director of the Patrick County Economic Development Authority (EDA), according to State Sen. Bill Stanley.
Patrick schools fully accredited for third year
The results of the Virginia Department of Education 2017-2018 Standards of Learning tests (SOLS) indicate continued improvements in all schools in Patrick County, and showed that all schools have meet the requirements for full accreditation for the third year in a row, remained 19th in the Commonwealth in SOL performance and sixth in Virginia in terms of relative poverty and SOL performance, according to a release from the Patrick Count y School division.
Rose, others discuss request to step down
Two days after he was asked to step down from his post as county administrator, Tom Rose said he was not surprised at the request.
Crystal Harris, of the Smith River District, called for Rose to step down during an August 13 meeting of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, citing poor job performance and a lack of transparency.
SEPTEMBER:
Efforts to reopen hospital detailed
Nine potential operators were identified and contacted to determine the level of interest in operating the local hospital, according to information included in a packet of documents submitted at the behest of state officials during an Aug. 3 conference call.
New church marks beginning of new era
Progress continues on the rebuilding of the Meadows of Dan Baptist Church.
The former church, a white wooden building, was extensively damaged in a March 2015 blaze.
Pastor Shawn Carter said the community reached out following the fire, and has been instrumental and supportive in the rebuilding effort.
Vietnam heroes now grace Wall of Honor
Local servicemen who paid the ultimate price in the Vietnam conflict were honored Wednesday during a ceremony in the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Building.
The ceremony was held to showcase a new display of Vietnam-era memorabilia that was added to the Wall of Honor.
PAWS needs help to continue mission
A nonprofit agency that has done so much to help so many may close unless it secures it needs to continue helping the community.
The Patrick Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) was created in 2000, and reorganized in 2006, according to Murphy Brown, organizer.
Rose addresses issues, nixes dual roles
From issues brought up at recent meetings to a changed attitude from board members, County Administrator Tom Rose said he does not want to serve as director of the Patrick County Economic Development Authority (EDA) again.
OCTOBER:
Ceremony held at crash site of B-17 bomber
A dedication ceremony was held on Monday at Mabry’s Mill in Meadows of Dan to the mark Oct. 1 1944 crash of a B-17 bomber flight. The plane circled Mabry’s Mill twice before it crashed, officials said.
Longtime Patrick educator died,
scholarship fund to be created
George Daniel Rigney, 86, died Sept. 30 following a brief illness and hospital stay, according to Marsha Marcela, a former English teacher at Patrick County High School and one of Rigney’s longtime friends.
Rigney was a teacher for 50 years.
Patrick schools fully accredited under new standards
Patrick County Public Schools are 100 percent accredited under the new state accreditation standards, according to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
The VDOE reported the first school ratings on Thursday, Sept. 27.
“We are very pleased,” said Andrea Cassell, assistant superintendant of instruction.
Shortfall, furlough discussed at board meeting
Schools Superintendent Bill Sroufe said on Sept. 25, Patrick County Treasurer Sandra Stone notified his staff the county had the funds to meet the September payroll, but may run $11,000 low on funds to pay other bills.
More details emerge in deaths
A tumultuous relationship that allegedly included domestic abuse is believed to be the motive in what authorities deemed a murder/suicide earlier this week. Misty Dawn Blevins, 30, and Michael David Lawson, 32, were found inside a singlewide mobile home they shared together on Horace Lane Monday.
Treasurer details revenue woes
For months, Patrick County’s Treasurer Sandra Stone has asked the Patrick County Board of Supervisors to create a plan to deal with the county’s money woes.
“We have hit rock bottom and it’s your call what to do,” Stone said at a Sept. 10 meeting.
County eyes hospital purchase,
may borrow funds for payroll, bills
The county is moving forward in the process to borrow funds to pay bills and meet payroll, and also discussing a lease purchase of the former Pioneer Community Hospital property.
Medicaid applications accepted Nov. 1
Beginning on November 1, 2018, state agencies will accept applications from Virginia adults newly eligible for health coverage under Medicaid expansion, according to a release from Gov. Ralph Northam.
Allen honored for lifesaving efforts
Steve Allen, Patrick County’s Emergency Services coordinator, was among those honored by Surry County, N.C. officials.
Allen was among several EMS personnel honored for saving five lives in the field.
NOVEMBER:
Foundation receives grant to expand
Patrick County women and men wishing to train for careers in high-demand fields such as mechatronics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), or complete a variety of workforce credentials, won’t have far to go for that training thanks to a grant from the Kathryn B. McQuade Foundation.
The Patrick County Educational Foundation (PCEF) has been planning and partnering with the town of Stuart, Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC), and the Patrick Henry Community College Foundation to bring an expanded community college presence to Patrick County. Recently, the town of Stuart purchased a former Food Lion building that will be converted into the town’s base of operations for fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Division moves forward with studies
The Patrick County School Board will move forward with two studies following a vote at their meeting Thursday. A Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued for a transportation study, and the board also is considering a consolidation study.
Family service agency to open satellite office
New services are coming to Patrick County, according to officials with Family Preservation Services.
The private mental health agency soon plans to open a satellite office in Patrick County, according to Terry Catoe, regional coordinator.
Local nonprofit gets second chance
The Patrick Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has a new lease on life after teetering near the brink of closing.
Murphy Brown, organizer of PAWS, said in a recent story that she feared the agency would be forced to cease operations due to the loss of a treasurer and the lack of community involvement.
Patrick native memorialized for duty
A Bridge dedication ceremony was held on Nov. 12 in Stuart in remembrance of Army Spc. 4 Frederick C. Bullington Jr. What was previously known as the Spoon Creek Bridge is now Frederick C. Bullington Jr. Memorial Bridge.
Supervisors oppose outsourcing transportation, consolidation
Patrick officials unanimously passed two resolutions, both to voice their opposition to school officials about a transportation study and a consolidation study.
PHCC not involved in relocation discussions
When Lock Boyce broached the idea of Patrick Henry Community College leasing 75 percent of the former Pioneer Community Hospital of Patrick and relocating their nursing department there, it was without input from the college.
DECEMBER:
Part-time squad employee on unpaid leave
pending outcome of state investigation
A part-time employee of the Jeb Stuart Rescue Squad is on unpaid leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the state Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Squad in jeopardy of losing support
The chairman of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors plans to ask his board to agree to an immediate suspension of the county’s support to the Jeb Stuart Rescue Squad.
Lock Boyce said he will introduce a resolution to that effect at the meeting on Monday, Dec. 17 in the Patrick County Veterans Memorial Building in Stuart.
Slow market conditions prompt
layoff at local flooring facility
An estimated 40 employees were among those affected by a Wednesday layoff at Ten Oaks, a local flooring production facility with two locations in Patrick County.
“The Enterprise” to publish year end edition
In our continued efforts to inform and serve our readers, “The Enterprise” will publish a newspaper the final week in December.
