UPDATED: Tuesday, March 31, 9:44 a.m.
Weather: Above-normal temps, afternoon showers likely by midweek
We’re going to have well-above-normal temperatures mid-week through the start of the weekend, with rounds of showers and storms expected. Mostly sunny and breezy today with wind gusts up to 22 mph and a high of 80. Mostly clear tonight with a low of 60. Mostly sunny on Wednesday with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Look for a high of 83.
Local headlines:
Martinsville City Council held a special closed meeting Monday night, and when they emerged, they voted unanimously to have the city manager and the city attorney prepare a report from a forensic audit commissioned by the council to a Roanoke firm last year. Once the report is approved by the council at its next meeting, it will be released to the public. No word on whether the Sands Anderson report, which resulted in the forensic audit being ordered, will ever see the light of day.
More pain at the pump… blamed on the war in Iran. ABC’s Elizabeth Schulze
It all started with the public release of $1.4 million in credit card spending by the city of Martinsville employees over 15 months. Former City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Bendavides was placed on administrative leave and then fired. Several others left. Then the mayor was suspended from the city council by court order and is awaiting a hearing on the matter in June. Last week, newly appointed City Manager Rob Fincher announced that all cards would be scrapped and other arrangements would be made.
A new concern for homeowners. More insurance companies are turning to drones and, in some cases, artificial intelligence to survey homes. A Los Angeles woman is fighting back after what she claims was a costly secret inspection of her roof. ABC’s Hanna Battah
We’re going to have well-above-normal temperatures mid-week through the start of the weekend, with rounds of showers and storms expected. Mostly sunny and breezy today with wind gusts up to 22 mph and a high of 80. Mostly clear tonight with a low of 60. Mostly sunny on Wednesday with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Look for a high of 83.
The ripple effects from the war in the Middle East are spreading far and wide. Farmers are fuming over fertilizer. The Middle East is a major supplier. ABC News Foreign Correspondent Matt Rivers in Qatar for ABC’s Start Here podcast
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Community Calendar:
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 Centre. 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).
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).
Fellowship meal: 5:15 p.m. doors open, 5:30-6:30 p.m. meal is served. Starling Avenue Baptist Church, 932, Starling Ave., Martinsville. This occurs on the last Tuesday of each month.
Willis Gap Community Center Golden Oldies Rock and Roll Open Jam: 5:30 p.m. doors open, 6:30-9 p.m. dancing and music, 155 The Hollow Road, Ararat. Family-friendly. (Last Tuesday of each month).
Wednesday
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).
Nondenominational Bible Study: 3:30 p.m., Traditional Christian Church, 2630 Virginia Avenue, Collinsville. Attendees are encouraged to bring a Bible. (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).
Bob Ross workshop: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Piedmont Arts. Learn this famous painting technique with certified instructor Naomi Hodge-Muse. The subject is “Lift at the Summit.” $75 for members and $85 for nonmembers. Advanced registration is required at PiedmontArts.org.
Crochet group: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Collinsville Library. (Every Thursday).
Game night: 5-11 p.m., Scuffle Hill Brewing Company, 2620 Virginia Ave., Collinsville. Card, board, and video games. (Every Thursday).
Henry County Board of Supervisors special meeting: 5 p.m., in the 4th Floor Conference Room, Henry County Administration Building. Staff will present the proposed FY26-27 budget.
Henry County School Board regular meeting: 5:30 p.m., G.W. Carver Elementary School, 220 Trott Circle, Martinsville.
Friday
2nd Annual Bassett Egg Hunt: 11 a.m., Bassett High School practice field. All children 12 and under are welcome.
Good Friday service: 12 p.m., Grace Presbyterian Church, 218 Fayette Street. Various guest ministers will present the Seven Last Words of Christ. Rev. Kelvin G. Perry is the pastor.
Cascade School Community Center Music and Dance: 7-9:30 p.m., 3561 Huntington Trail, Cascade, with Creekside. $10.
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
April First Saturday Outing (FSO): 10 a.m., Paw Path and the Dick & Willie Passage Trail starting from the river access at the Smith River Sports Complex in Axton. This hike is a moderate 3.5-mile out-and-back. Open to the public and without charge by the Dan River Basin Association.
Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch: 10 a.m. brunch specials by the Clubhouse Grill, 11 a.m. egg hunt, Forest Park Country Club.
Storytime!: 10 a.m., Hylton Library, Spencer Penn Center. This monthly program includes special readers, crafts, and other fun activities. Free and fit for all ages—no registration needed.
White Chapel Baptist Church: 12 p.m., 6221 Horsepasture Price Rd., Ridgeway. Hot dog lunch with side dishes, desserts, and beverages. Good food and good fellowship. (Every first Saturday of the month).
Smoked pork butt sale: 2:30-4:30 p.m., Ridgeway Ruritan Club, 111 Magnolia Street, Ridgeway. Preorder by March 23 at 276-340-5228. $35.
Sunday
Karaoke Night: 6:30-9:30 p.m., San Jose Mexican Restaurant. 730 E. Church St., Patrick Henry Mall. (Every Sunday).
Monday
Bingo: 5 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. games start. Horsepasture Volunteer Fire Department (Every Monday).
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).
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