2024-12-25
Fancy New Sleigh
Santa Claus, accompanied by one of his highest-ranking elves, “Sugarplum,” decided to let his reindeer rest and rode around Blackstone in style Saturday afternoon — in the bucket of the fire department’s $1.8 million ladder truck. Also shown here is firefighter Jacob Watkins, whom Santa said has made this year’s “Nice” list. Firefighter Mike Smith (not shown) and wife Andrea […]
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT ALIVE IN LUNENBURG
Couple donate $24,000 worth of hay to farmers impacted by HeleneA Lunenburg County farm couple has given 504 round bales of hay they harvested — worth approximately $24,000 — to animals and families in southwest Virginia devasted by Hurricane Helene in late September. Mark & Susan Osborne of Victoria are beef cattle farmers who, this past Spring, decided to liquidate their angus and baldie herd and take a break until […]
Around Town
I was able to land a brief interview with Santa. He asks Blackstone parents to make sure their kids stay in bed until at least 8:00 a.m. Christmas morning because he’ll be running late this year. Blackstone is one of his final stops, and he’ll be slowing down around Food Lion and Walmart so he doesn’t get a ticket on […]
Coles
Barbara Ann Coles, 65, of Dundas, VA, died on December 4, 2024, at VCU Hospital, Richmond, VA. She is survived by her significant other of 26 years, Alfred Jackson, Jr.; her loving and caring children Antione (Sharrell) Coles of Covington, VA; Angela Coles (Reginald) of Burkeville, VA; Demetrie Coles of Blackstone, VA; Jervon Coles of Upper Marlboro, Md.; her mother, […]
Hastings
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John L. Hastings Jr., age 66, on December 13, 2024. He was a dedicated father, loyal friend and a devoted coach; he is survived by his three children, Brittany, Lux (Teensie), and JC; two grandchildren, Khloe and Victoria; and two grandpups, Stella and Penelope. Johnny was a proud resident […]
Rusch
Clifford “Cliff” George Rusch, age 79, passed away peacefully, supported by his family, at his home on December 11, 2024. Cliff was born in Milwaukee, WI, on September 11, 1945. He met and married his beloved wife, Sue Rusch (predeceased), while serving in the Army and stationed at the former Fort Pickett. He and Sue raised their family in Racine, […]
In Memory
Loved ones of the late Michael Johnson, 57, of East Broad Street, Blackstone, recently created a roadside memorial near where he was found deceased Monday morning, Dec. 2nd on Nottoway Avenue near the intersection of Fort Avenue. Chief of Police Sam Murphy says initial findings list the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the neck, but that it’s […]
STEP INTO ‘25
New Year’s Day eventSailor’s Creek Battlefield, located at 6541 Saylers Creek Road, Rice, invites area residents to start the new year on the right foot! The Visitor Center will remain open next Wednesday, Jan. 1st, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to allow for both early and late risers a chance to hike at their own pace. Warm beverages will be available […]