Norton News

NORTON, Va. - Coal underlies more than the landscape in Southwest Virginia: It's the lifeblood that fuels the region's economy, identity and heritage.

When emergency situations develop, or might develop, this blog shifts from light-hearted observations to strictly business.

BLUEFIELD, Va. - A delegation from Tazewell County completed its two-day legislative visit to the General Assembly in Richmond, Va., and emerged from a breakfast meeting on Friday filled with energy and excitement.

This morning 50 people were arrested and charged with drug-related offenses in Wise Co., Va.

The Jennings family Christmas shopping marathon began, as per tradition, with coffee - and 24 hours to buy presents and food for family and extended family members.

Yesterday afternoon, 10,340 Wise County customers were without power. As of 8 a.m., 8,270 customers were still in the dark.

State and local agencies continue to assist those affected by the weekend storm.

20 - Customers who get their water from the town of Coeburn and the Wise County PSA are being asked to conserve water until further notice.

The Virginia Department of Health in conjunction with the Cumberland Plateau and Lenowisco Health Departments are advising public water customers that has been without water at any time during this snow storm to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes.

The City of Norton and Wise County have declared a state of emergency due the severe winter weather and resulting power disruptions.

The convicted felon accused of firing a gun in a Rice Terrace apartment in the summer was arrested again last week, this time charged with forging a check and stealing three televisions.

A Gate City-based agency has received some stimulus funding that will be used to provide housing assistance for homeless people.

Working as a bluegrass bassist must be a pretty thankless task. Though you're providing the core pulse and harmonic framework for the music, you never get a turn in the solo spotlight - unlike the guitarist, fiddler, mandolinist, and banjoist .

A new study says a proposed trail system in southwest Virginia could created 300 to 500 jobs within 10 years and draw up to 200,000 visitors.

"Let the servants who perform the duties of their office well be considered doubly worthy of honor, especially those who labor faithfully in the word and teaching." I Timothy 5:17 Serving the Lord, his church, the community and country is a way of life for James R. Porter of Wytheville.

"Mountain Music Showcase," formerly held at the Twin City's train station, is now hitting the road and local radio airwaves.

Bigfoot inhabits the great Northwest. The Loch Ness Monster scares from the waters of Scotland's Loch Ness.

Please mail information to Reunions, The Coalfield Progress, P.O. Box 380, Norton, Va.

NEW THIS WEEK a Large-Mullins family. Descendants of Logan and Sarah Arrington Mullins, and George and Helen Large will gather for their 27th annual reunion at the Clintwood Park Picnic Shelter on Saturday, Sept.

June Tolliver House moves to autumn hours As the Trail of the Lonesome Pine outdoor drama closes its 46th season, the June Tolliver House Gift Shop and Museum adjusts hours to the autumn schedule.