Our Community Heroes for March are the volunteers of the Pulaski County Free Store, who packed hundreds of donations for Wise County flood victims.
Wise County was one of many counties in Southwest Virginia that experienced devastating flash flooding in February. Donations, like those from the free store, are being collected at the Southwest Virginia Movement Hub in Big Stone Gap, and Lonesome Pine Mutual Aid volunteers are distributing them throughout the region. Photo by Jinny Turman.
“The House that Demon Built:” Literary profits build a rehab center
Barbara Kingsolver, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel “Demon Copperhead” (set in Lee County) donated royalties to a women’s opioid recovery center in Pennington Gap.
Virginia Cooperative Extension agents recognized for Hurricane Helene relief work
Twenty-one Virginia county cooperative extension staff members were recognized with the Land Grant University award for their dedication to their communities’ recoveries in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
National Guard ends Southwest Virginia missions after offering extensive support
On Feb. 14, the Virginia National Guard deployed approximately 60 individuals to Southwest Virginia following severe flooding in the area. The soldiers assisted with evacuations, dispersal of supplies, welfare checks and debris removal until Feb. 23.
Bill to reduce power bills passes Virginia General Assembly
The APCo Rate Reduction Act passed in the Virginia General Assembly at the end of the session. If signed by Gov. Youngkin, the bill will increase the moratorium on late fees, interest and disconnection fees, and it will prevent winter rate increases, helping residents of Southwest Virginia.
Virginia Clean Cities expands to Southwest Virginia
The Virginia Clean Cities program, which works to bring clean fuels infrastructure to communities in the commonwealth, is planning to address a "charging desert" in Southwest Virginia by installing new electric vehicle chargers in the area.
2025 Flood Resources Last month, the region was once again faced with floods as heavy rains combined with melting snow. If you're in need of assistance or want to find opportunities to donate or volunteer for recovery efforts, visit our flood resources webpage. Photo by Sidney Kolb.
