Columns & Opinion

I saw my first dandelion of 2026 this past weekend in my yard, and I could swear that various clumps in my backyard appear to be turning green. I’m getting the golf bug again, so I know Spring’s right around the corner. We Spring Forward on Sunday, March 8th, which is just over two weeks away. *** Today’s the first […]

Save Pickett Park! Dear Sir: Pickett Park (PP) is a piece of land that the County wants to sell. It’s been portrayed as a bedbug-infested money pit. But it’s SO much more, hidden away. WE are the people of PP — not Chinese spies. Real people who are working, living, and paying taxes in Nottoway. Let me introduce some of […]

County police departments in Feb. 1986 recorded a high number of “arrests” during the American Heart Association’s “Cardiac Arrest” fundraiser. Among those “taken into custody” was the notorious “Country Squire,” Sonny Armes. He’s shown here with then Chief of Police, the late Wayne Shields and thenofficer Mike Hall. Armes and other volunteers were freed after residents posted $100 “bond,” which […]

Nottoway High basketball coach J. T. Hanley (left) is shown 40 years ago with two of his All-District players: senior James Oliver (#22) and Kelly Jennings (30). Oliver made First Team All-District, and Jennings and was named Honorable Mention. Not pictured is Russell Williams who made Second Team All-District.

Today’s lead story and the mugshots inside are going to make some readers angry. We are simply providing information that is public and, to the best of our knowledge, legitimate. I can only presume — but have no way confirming — that some or all of the illegals arrested in this region already were being incarcerated in various facilities. If […]

Focus on the law, not an office Dear Sir: So the puppet mayor suddenly wants an office — and Councilman Page is suggesting the armory? Why not put a desk beside the Town Manager’s or have El Presidente put an office in his Cross Thomas Center? That way, the mayor probably won’t have to leave prestigious Ward C. When is […]

When Nottoway High School held its annual Valentine Program in February 1986, Neal Jones and Kitty Foote were crowned King and Queen. Doing the honors 40 years ago were principals Hartwell Glover (left) and Wally B. Hurt.

It was early 1986 — 40 years ago — when 4th grader Sharri Rhodes (left) won Blackstone Primary School’s spelling bee. Travis Hobbs was runner-up.

Third graders at Blackstone Primary School back in Feb. 1986 treated fellow students and parents to a Valentine’s Day program called, “February Favorites.” Included was a play entitled, “A Valentine Surprise.” Cast members from left: Amanda Kreider, Franklin Yancey, Andy Parker, Sharmila Wilson, and Myca Carter. Not pictured is cast member Tonya Evans.