News

Blackstone firefighters encountered flames and thick smoke but were able to save Spainville Store last week. “The building sustained water and smoke damage,” said Blackstone Fire Chief Zac Beares, “but we were able to knock the fire down quickly and save contents and the structure.” Spainville Store, a popular community hub 10 miles north of Blackstone on Rocky Hill Road […]

Court records indicate that a Blackstone man, who was arrested last year on Nottoway Avenue and charged with several drug and gun offenses, is now a fugitive from justice. It was last April when 44-year-old Derrick Jermaine Lawrence was arrested after a search warrant was executed in the 400 block of Nottoway Avenue. According to authorities, members of a State […]

QUESTIONS PLANS FOR $20 MILL.+ BUILDING Does Nottoway County truly need to build a brand new courthouse, estimated informally at $20 million or more. District Two Supervisor John Roark is urging his colleagues to make renovations and other repairs, where needed, to lessen the burden on taxpayers, who have endured significant tax increases in 2024 and again last year. Roark […]

Blackstone’s former Fire Chief was honored during the department’s annual banquet for leading the department for 10 years. Dion Tomer, who served as Chief from Oct. 2014 through January 2025 — and who is known for his professionalism and calm manner under pressure — was presented a commemorative ax for his decade as Chief during the annual awards dinner held […]

Blackstone’s Firefighter of the Year for 2025 is a busy working man who makes time for his family and the volunteer department. Matthew Oakes received the honor during the department’s annual banquet in December at the Pickett Officers Club. The selection is made in secret voting by the department’s membership. Chief Zac Beares said Oakes’ “commitment to serve the community […]

Blackstone’s top fire department officer for 2025 is Captain Dylan Jones, who was honored during the department’s annual banquet in December. The selection was made by the department’s membership based on who volunteers believe has gone above and beyond. Fire Chief Zac Beares said Cpt. Jones “has been a role model to many as he makes his way up through […]

Firefighter Jay Jay Jones was honored by Blackstone Vol. Fire Department last month for reaching the milestone of 30 years of service. Jones received a watch during the department’s annual banquet and was praised by Chief Zac Beares for his bravery — having received a Medal of Courage in 2004 for rushing into a burning home to save a life. […]

The winner of Blackstone Vol. Fire Dept.’s 2025 Anderson Mayton award is none other than long-time volunteer Phillip Armes. The award, which goes to the volunteer answering the most fire calls, has been won by Armes for many years. Fire Chief Zac Beares said Armes “continues to respond to the majority of the calls and continues to show his commit- […]

Laurie Maitland is the 2025 winner of the Phillip Armes, Sr. First Responder of the Year award. Laurie, a Sgt. in Blackstone Vol. Fire Department’s First Responder program, was honored during the department’s annual banquet at the Pickett Officers’ Club. Fire Chief Zac Beares said of Laurie, “She shows day in and day out her commitment to the organization in […]