LOCAL NEWS
Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty to attempted murder and aggravated malicious wounding in the July 30 attack on Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler. Court records show Buck-Hayes, upset over his divorce and his wife’s past affair with Vogler, poured a gasoline-based substance on Vogler at his workplace and set him on fire without speaking. Vogler suffered severe burns but survived. He was arrested later that day.
The Virginia Museum of Natural History will host its annual Reptile Festival April 24–25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The popular Martinsville event features live reptiles, hands-on science exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Drawing large regional crowds, the festival highlights herpetology while educating visitors and dispelling common fears about reptiles and amphibians through interactive demonstrations and engaging presentations.
Rocky Mount police say three local vape shops are under investigation for allegedly selling illegal cannabis-related products. Search warrants were executed on April 16 following complaints from citizens and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Hemp Enforcement. Undercover purchases and field tests identified THC and THCA products believed to exceed Virginia’s legal limits, particularly when heated. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released the names of the businesses involved.
Frost advisories and freeze warnings have been issued to our north and northwest. Also, in the northwest, a wind advisory calls for gusts up to 50 mph extending westward. For us, the next real chance of rain won’t be until next weekend. A cold front having arrived could bring frost and freezing conditions tonight, especially Monday night, then warming up mid to late week.
CURRENT OBITUARIES
James Norman Aseph, 56, passed away on Wednesday, April 15. Services will be private. Wright Funeral Service is in charge.
Dorothy Haskins Smith, 99, passed away Thursday, April 16. A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. McKee-Stone Funeral Home is in charge.
Annie Turner Cassell, 96, passed away on Thursday, April 16. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 21, at 11 a.m. Wright Funeral Service is in charge.
Olivia Yvette Knott, 12, passed away on Sunday, April 12. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 22, at 12 p.m. at Mount Airy Wesleyan Church, followed by the service. Interment will be in the People’s Church Cemetery. Moody Funeral Services is in charge.
Roger Claude Cousins, 67, passed away on Thursday, April 16. A visitation will be held at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church on Friday, April 24, from 6-8 p.m., and a celebration of life service will be held at the church at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. McKee-Stone Funeral Home is in charge.
Gary Lawrence “Larry” Johnson II, 56, passed away on Tuesday, April 14. A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 26, at 2:00 p.m. at Stone Memorial Christian Church in Collinsville. Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.
CALENDAR
Sunday
AA meetings: 9 a.m., Making the Connection Group, 97 Wards Farm Rd., Martinsville; 5 p.m., Zoom ID#6109351947, Passcode 12.
MHC Historical Society Sunday Afternoon Lecture: 3 p.m., Laying the past to rest, a history of funeral traditions with Jarred Marlowe. 1 E. Main St., Martinsville.
Karaoke Night: 6:30-9:30 p.m., San Jose Mexican Restaurant. 730 E. Church St., Patrick Henry Mall. (Every Sunday).
Monday
AA meetings: 12 p.m., Peer Recovery Connection, 1100 Spruce St., Martinsville; 6 p.m., Any Lengths Group, First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 23 Starling Ave., Martinsville.
The Art of Afternoon Tea: 1 p.m., Ridgeway Branch Library, Tuesday; at the Patrick County Branch Library, Wednesday; at the Collinsville Branch Library, Thursday; at the Bassett Branch Library, Friday; and at the Martinsville Main Library. Immerse yourself in the art and elegance of afternoon tea. Guests are invited to dress in the finest tea attire, though it is not required. A $10 non-refundable and non-transferable supply fee is required at registration.
Bingo: 5 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. games start. Horsepasture Volunteer Fire Department (Every Monday).
Henry County PSA Board meeting: 5:30 p.m., Summerlin Meeting Room, Henry County Administration Building.
Pub Run: 6 p.m., Meet at the Ground Floor and head out for a walk or run. Afterward, enjoy $1 off drinks back at Ground Floor. Sponsored by the YMCA. (Every Monday).
Yoga Flow with Ally Snead: 6-7:15 p.m. today, May 11, and May 28, at the Reynolds Homestead. Beginners are welcome, and options will be offered to all levels. $15 per class paid to the instructor on the day of the class. Bring a yoga mat if able.
Public Hearing: 7 p.m., Summerlin Meeting Room, Henry County Administration Building. A public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed School Board budget, and Total County Budget will be held.
Tuesday
TOPS meeting: 9 a.m. weigh-in, 10 a.m. meeting at Chatham Heights Baptist Church, 1235 Chatham Heights Rd., Martinsville. (Every Tuesday).
Chair aerobics: 9 a.m. at Spencer-Penn Centre with Judi Perrin. This 45-minute exercise builds strength and is fun. $5 fee. (Every Tuesday).
Bingocize: 10 a.m. at Spencer-Penn Center. Play Bingo and prevent falls with simple exercises. This class is free. (Every Tuesday and Thursday).
Preschool story time: 11:15 a.m. at Collinsville Library. This program is for children ages 2-6. Stories, songs, games, crafts, and learning. (Every Tuesday).
Canva Workshop: 12 p.m., P&HCC Stuart site. Learn how to create eye-catching graphics for social media, flyers, and more with no design experience needed. This hands-on session will cover Canva basics, branded content, and time-saving tips to help your business stand out. Bring your laptop or tablet. Sponsored by the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce.
Afterschool story time: 3:15 p.m. at Collinsville Library. This program is for children in K-2nd grade. Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts. (Every Tuesday).
Bulldog Basketball Academy: 5:30-7 p.m., Martinsville Middle School gym, Tuesdays beginning today through May 12. The clinics will combine skill development and games, with instruction from Bulldog players and coaches, including Coach Gary Hall. $10 per session. Call 703-930-9336 for more information.
Henry County – Martinsville Republican Party meeting: 6:30 p.m., Benny Summerlin meeting room of the Henry County Administration Building. (Third Tuesday of each month.)
AA meeting: 7 p.m., Zoom ID#6109351947, Passcode 12.
Wednesday
Historic Garden Week in Martinsville and Henry County: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Garden Club of Virginia.
Congressman Griffith’s Ninth District traveling staff office hours: 10-11:30 a.m. City Hall, Room 208, 55 W. Church St., Martinsville; 12:30-2 p.m., Patrick County Administration Building, Conference Room, 106 Rucker Street, Stuart.
Administrative Professionals Day: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., P&HCC campus at Frith Exhibit Hall. Enjoy lunch and choose from sessions on laser etching or healthy eating. The speaker will be SOVAH Health CEO Tory Shepherd. Tickets are $75. Register by Friday, April 17 at bil.ly/3MtZU54.
Community Bible Study: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church, 120 Old Bassett Heights Road, Bassett, in the fellowship hall. This is a gathering of Christians of various denominations for Bible study. (Every Wednesday).
AA meetings: 2 p.m., Afternooners, Broad Street Christian Church, 106 Broad Street, Martinsville; 7 p.m., Zoom ID#6109351947, Passcode 12.
Nondenominational Bible Study: 3:30 p.m., Traditional Christian Church, 2630 Virginia Avenue, Collinsville. Attendees are encouraged to bring a Bible. (Every Wednesday).
Takeout Community Meal: 5-6 p.m., Smith Memorial United Methodist Church, corner of John Redd Boulevard and Daniels Creek Road, Collinsville. This meal occurs on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from February through October. Call 276-647-8150 by 12 p.m. to reserve meals.
Boot Scootin’ and Groovin’: 8-11 p.m., Wild Mag’s. Line dancing and free lessons with DJ Taylor. (Every Wednesday)
Thursday
Men’s fellowship of prayer and singing meeting: 9 a.m., Martinsville Senior Center at the corner of Moss and Market Streets. (Every Thursday).
Crochet group: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Collinsville Library. (Every Thursday).
Henry County Extension Office presentation: 12:15 p.m., Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Ave., Martinsville. The Piedmont Arts Guild will host a presentation by Melanie Barrow on patio gardens. The public is invited to attend.
AA meeting: 7 p.m., Zoom ID#6109351947, Passcode 12.
The Savannah Sipping Society: Today through Saturday and May 1-2 at 7 p.m., and May 3 at 2 p.m. Black Box Theater, 44 Franklin St., Martinsville. Tickets are $15 and available at twcp.net.
Singo Night: 7:30-9:30 p.m., Scuffle Hill Brewing. Join us for a fun night of music bingo with your host, Remy. (Every Thursday).
Friday
Reptile Festival: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today and tomorrow, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Starling Avenue, Martinsville.
Lunch and Learn workshop “Ensuring Your ADA Compliance”: 12 p.m., Patrick & Henry Community College, Stuart Site. The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with P&HCC, is providing this informative session free of charge, but registration is requested by calling 276-692-6012.
AA meetings: 6 p.m., Any Lengths Group, First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 23 Starling Ave., Martinsville; 7 p.m., Zoom ID#6109351947, Passcode 12.
Personalized monogram for mom: 6-8 p.m., Dalton Idea Center and Patrick County Fab Lab, $15. You will use the laser cutter to design and craft a custom monogram.
Cascade School Community Center Music and Dance: 7-9:30 p.m., 3561 Huntington Trail,
Cascade, with the Bullet Band. $10.
Karaoke night: 8-11 p.m., Scuffle Hill Brewing. (Every Friday)
Karaoke night: 9-11:30 p.m., Wild Magnolia. Singers of all skill levels — good, bad, or somewhere in between — are invited to take the stage, or cheer on friends and fellow performers. (Every Friday).
Saturday
Master Gardener’s Annual Plant Sale: 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Rotary Building, 420 Woodland Drive, Stuart. Shop for a variety of annual and perennial flowers, shrubs, and trees at low prices.
AA meeting: 12 p.m., Any Lengths Group, First Baptist Church Fellowship, 23 Starling Ave., Martinsville.
Bingo Fundraising Event: 4 p.m. doors open, 6 p.m. bingo starts, HJDB Event Center, 3289 Riverside Drive. Concessions will be available. This is to benefit the Bassett Branch Library Expansion Project.
Movie Night: 6:30 p.m. crafts, 7-9:30 p.m. movie featuring “Tangled.” Dr. Dana Baldwin Memorial Park, Swanson St., Martinsville.
Jerry Wimmer live: 8-11 p.m., Scuffle Hill Brewing.
