RICHMOND, Va. — Advocates of recreational marijuana sales in Virginia were dealt a setback Tuesday, when Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed companion bills that would have allowed dispensaries to begin opening Jan. 1.

The veto comes as a surprise to many in the Old Dominion State, after she said she would sign the bill.
Spanberger’s decision is just the latest twist in the long and complicated effort to legalize recreational sales, now entering its sixth year.

In 2021, the Virginia legislature passed a bill that legalized possession of up to an ounce of marijuana, allowed residents to grow up to four plants, and authorized retail sales to begin in 2024. But while the possession and growing clauses remain law, the retail sales provision required a second vote which never happened after Republicans took control of the House of Delegates in 2021.

After Democrats regained control of both houses in 2023, they passed bills to establish retail sales in 2024 and 2025, but were vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin each time.

But with Spanberger’s election last year and Democratic control of the legislature, it appeared that recreational sales would soon begin after lawmakers passed House Bill 642 and Senate Bill 542 in this year’s session.

However, Spanberger sent the bills back with proposed amendments to push back implementation until July 1, 2027, reduce the number of dispensaries, increase penalties for public consumption, and to shore up testing and enforcement provisions. The legislture sent the bills without making any changes, resulting in the governor’s veto.

“As Virginia pursues a legal retail market, it is critical that we incorporate lessons learned by other states and ensure that our regulatory framework is fully prepared to provide strong oversight from day one,” Spanberger said in her veto message. “That includes clear enforcement authority and sufficient resources for compliance, testing, and inspections, and robust tools to crack down on bad actors who continue to profit from the illicit market.”

She added that she looks forward to working with lawmakers to pass a bill in next year’s legislative session.

The bill’s sponsors, Sen. Lashreese Aird and Del. Paul Krizek, released a joint statement afterwards, saying the veto and its consequences are on the governor’s shoulders.

“The governor’s veto ignores the reality that cannabis is already being sold every day across Virginia,” the statement said. “The only question is whether we as leaders finally ensure those sales occur within a legal, regulated market or continue turning a blind eye to a booming illicit market while pretending to be outraged by its existence.”

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ABINGDON, Va. — Two people pleaded guilty in federal court this week to conspiring to distribute meth in Wise County.

Randall Neil Peaks, 53, entered a guilty plea on Wednesday and Elizabeth Ann Sexton, 36, pleaded guilty on Friday.

Both had been charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of meth. Peaks pleaded guilty to that charge, while Sexton pleaded guilty to a lesser charge involving more than 50 grams.

Peaks now faces a potential life sentence, while Sexton faces up to 40 years.

Both are being held in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail at Abingdon. Sentencing dates have not yet been set.

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RICHMOND, Va. — As spring arrives across the region, wildlife officials are reminding residents to leave young deer alone — even if they appear to be abandoned.

With fawning season underway from May through July, it’s common for white-tailed deer fawns to be seen alone in yards, gardens and fields. Experts say this is normal behavior. Mother deer, known as does, often leave their fawns hidden for long periods to avoid attracting predators.

Fawns rely on their spotted coats for camouflage and will remain still when approached. Officials with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources say the mother typically returns several times a day to feed and move the fawn, even if she isn’t seen.

Authorities warn that well-meaning people often make the mistake of picking up fawns they believe are orphaned. In most cases, those animals should have been left alone.

If a fawn appears injured or truly abandoned, residents are urged to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Officials also remind the public that keeping wild animals as pets is illegal and can pose serious safety risks.

Experts say the best way to help wildlife this time of year is simple — give young animals space and let nature take its course.

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CLINTWOOD, Va. — The Dickenson County Board of Supervisors tackled ongoing public utility challenges and authorized new performance-based incentives for local emergency medical technicians during its recent April meeting.

The meeting was highlighted by a public comment from Nathan Edwards, who represented 10 families residing on Crooked Branch struggling with severely low-to-nonexistent water pressure. Edwards stated that the issue has worsened since October, leaving residents unable to perform basic household tasks.

According to Edwards, the county Public Service Authority indicated that a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) holds back pressure to protect the main pipeline at Sandlick, which operates at a Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure of 250 psig. While installing an additional PRV further down the line could safely increase pressure for Crooked Branch residents, the PSA previously estimated the project could cost up to $95,000 — funds the authority currently lacks.

Local officials and engineers discussed pursuing financial assistance through the Coalfield Water and Wastewater Fund via the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission. The proposed grant would fund a comprehensive hydraulic system model to identify structural deficiencies and pave the way for capital improvement funds to install the necessary equipment. The board agreed to coordinate with PSA Director Dennis Baker to expedite a grant application.

In other action, the board approved a revised funding structure for local rescue squad personnel seeking EMT certification.

To address recruiting shortages across the county’s volunteer agencies — including Haysi, Clintwood, and Sandy Ridge — the board agreed to cover the $750 tuition for a local EMT class starting May 9. However, citing a historically low pass rate for the rigorous exam, the board instituted strict performance requirements. The county will reimburse the rescue agencies for up to two candidates per squad only after the individuals successfully pass the certification exam. Additionally, the newly certified EMTs must sign an agreement to serve a local agency for a minimum of 24 hours per month for one full year.

Other Business:

• Septic Regulations: Board members voiced frustration over strict state regulations regarding septic system installations. Officials noted that the health department currently has only 26 open applications, arguing that Richmond-based topography rules are disproportionately expensive and restrictive for rural development in Southwest Virginia.
• Litter Control: The county’s litter control program reported a highly active month, collecting 581 bags of trash across local roadways.
• Audit Engagement: The board unanimously approved the 2026 audit engagement letter with Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates to perform the annual audit for the county, school board, Department of Social Services, behavioral health, and the PSA.

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CLINTWOOD, Va. — The Dickenson County School Board moved to reward district employees and celebrate student achievement during its April monthly meeting on Wednesday April 22, unanimously approving one-time stipends for all staff and recognizing the high school’s top academic performer.

The board approved a $1,000 bonus for full-time employees and $500 for part-time staff. To be eligible, staff must have been employed by the district on or before Jan. 6, 2026. The move impacts 273 full-time and 75 part-time workers, funded through an amendment to the FY26 state budget.

The meeting began with a special recognition of LaKendra Vitatoe who serves as the student representative on the board, as the valedictorian for Ridgeview High School. Board members also extended congratulations to former student representative Koen Powers, who was named salutatorian.

Compliance Director Karen Martin reviewed the March enrollment report, which showed a slight increase of 10 students over the previous month, bringing the district’s total to 1,701.

While year-to-date attendance remains at 91.51 percent, officials noted that a late-season flu outbreak in March dropped the monthly average to 88.38 percent. Chronic absenteeism remains a point of concern, particularly at the high school level, where the raw rate rose to 29 percent. However, officials noted these figures do not yet account for students in homebound instruction or alternative credit programs.

The district’s financial outlook remains tied to state-level decisions. While the FY27 budget was adopted in March, the Virginia General Assembly has yet to pass a final state budget. A special session to address the matter is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 23, in Richmond.

In other financial action, the board approved the 2026-27 Special Education and Career and Technical Education (Perkins) plans. The special education budget includes over $547,000 in Section 611 funding for personnel and services. The Perkins allocation of $73,450 will focus on equipment and capital outlay, with the district planning to pursue additional grants to supplement these funds.

The board granted a request from the Dickenson County Fair Committee and committee chair Billy Branham to release students early on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, for “Kids Day.” The fair will feature the return of singer-songwriter Celeste Kellogg for a special Friday night performance, along with the return of Gospel Night on Wednesday and Carson Peters and Iron Mountain on Thursday along with new activities.

Policy updates were also a focus, with 16 revised policies approved. These include an update to weapons policy to reflect legal prohibitions while allowing limited superintendent discretion as authorized by law. There were new requirements for staff training to identify and respond to gang behavior and an early update to improve district-wide wellness initiatives.

Board member Jason Hicks highlighted the success of the district’s nursing program, noting positive feedback from the community while board member Damon Rasnick pointed to high levels of student engagement, reporting that approximately 750 students — nearly half the student body — are active in extracurricular activities.

The board concluded the meeting following a closed session to discuss personnel recommendations and legal consultations regarding school construction investments.

The next monthly meeting is scheduled for May, where the board expects to provide a finalized update on the state budget’s impact on local school funding.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, of Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District, announced a $779,421 investment for Virginia students through the Secure Rural Schools program.

The announcement follows the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to provide $248 million to U.S. communities through the program.

The funds are meant to supplement payments in lieu of taxes. Here’s a breakdown of some of the funding where the funds will go locally:

• $12,862 to Dickenson County
• $55,200 to Wise County

“It is not right for rural communities to miss out on property tax revenue from public lands that could be used for local schools and roads,” Griffith said in a statement released to the media. “I am glad that the ‘Secure Rural Schools’ program provides some relief to localities that contain tracts of federally owned national forests.”

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CLINCHCO, Va. — On April 30, Appalachian Voices is hosting a community tree planting event at Quarry Drive, a former mine site near Clinchco in Dickenson County, Va.

Appalachian Voices purchased the site earlier this year as part of its Mineland ReLeaf program, which seeks to restore native trees and wildlife to poorly reclaimed mineland. Quarry Drive was overgrown with invasive autumn olive trees, which have been removed. The soil — heavily compacted by mining and reclamation activity — has been prepared for native tree plantings.

On April 30 at 5:15 p.m., residents interested in helping with the reforestation effort can meet beside the Clinchco Town Hall for shuttles to Quarry Drive. In addition to the tree-planting, there will be a cookout, and participants are encouraged to bring an item to include in a time capsule to be buried on site.

Participants are asked to wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear and rugged clothes. Bug spray is also recommended. This activity is open to all ages and abilities. Appalachian Voices will provide food, water, seedlings and tools. To help organize carpools to the site and ensure enough food, participants are asked to register for the event.

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by RODERICK MULLINS

DICKENSON COUNTY, Va. – Health officials have issued a fish consumption advisory for the John W. Flannagan Reservoir in Southwest Virginia following the discovery of elevated chemical levels in several species.

The Virginia Department of Health announced the advisory after tests revealed high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, in walleye, channel catfish and largemouth bass.

The advisory covers specific sections of the reservoir, including:

The Cranesnest River arm: Extending upstream to the Highway 83 Bridge.

The Pound River arm: Extending upstream to the Lower Georges Fork Hollow (Route 621) Bridge.

Under the new guidelines, officials recommend that consumers eat no more than two meals per month of channel catfish or largemouth bass caught from these areas. VDH has issued a stricter warning for walleye, advising the public not to eat the species at all if caught within the advisory limits.

State health officials define a single meal as 8 ounces of fish

PCBs are man-made organic chemicals that were used in industrial and commercial applications until they were banned in 1979. They are known to persist in the environment and can accumulate in the fatty tissue of fish over time.

For more information regarding fish consumption safety, residents can visit the Virginia Department of Health website.

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META, Ky. — A Letcher County woman who pleaded guilty a federal meth distribution conspiracy charge last month has been arrested for meth trafficking again.

Just before 1 a.m., Saturday, a state trooper pulled over a truck traveling 35 miles an hour along U.S. 119 near the Zebulon exit. The driver, 39-year-old Britia Noel Johnson, of McRoberts, turned over her license and registration, and the officer soon learned she had a lengthy criminal history and was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service in Virginia.

On March 13, Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of meth in Abingdon federal court. She was allowed to remain free while awaiting sentencing.

Johnson was handcuffed and allowed to sit on the ground by the police car’s front tire while the trooper conducted a search. That search turned up a glass pipe in the truck.

But another officer noticed a small bag containing 3.5 grams of meth in front of the tire where Johnson had been sitting. Johnson claimed the drugs were not hers, but dashcam video showed her acting suspiciously while sitting there.

Johnson was placed under arrest and put into the police car. As the trooper backed up to take her to jail, he heard a crunching sound and felt his tire roll over something. When he went to look at what he had run over, he found a larger bag containing between 4 and 8 ounces of meth.

The officer wrote in his report that he believes the bag was missed because it had been placed either directly behind or on top of his tire. Johnson again protested that the drugs were not hers and suggested the trooper planted them.

She is now charged with meth trafficking, evidence tampering and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is being held without bond in the Pike County Detention Center.

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by RODERICK MULLINS

CLINTWOOD, Va. — On March 28, downtown Clintwood was full of energy as local businesses came together for the community’s first-ever Chocolate Crawl.

Participants purchased a “passport” and made their way through downtown, stopping at participating businesses to enjoy a variety of unique chocolate treats at each location. Those who completed their passport by visiting all participating businesses were entered into a prize drawing, adding an extra layer of fun and incentive to explore. Participating businesses included:

• The Well on Main
• M&K Floral, Gifts & More
• Revibe Resale Boutique
• Modern Hardware & Furniture
• Three Gen Boutique and Salon
• Bise Ridge Sweet & Savory
• Brooke’s Homestead Heaven
• The Jettie Baker Center
• Jonnie B. Deel Memorial Library
• Gift Baskets Instead

The event brought people into town, supported small businesses, and highlighted what real community development looks like. Businesses got creative, offered treats, and worked together to create an experience that benefited everyone involved.

Support for the event came from across the community. Local businesses donated prizes, including a car detailing from Johnson Chevrolet and items from Solid Rock Craft Corner. Proceeds from passport sales were reinvested into prizes, and many participants contributed additional support through donations and supplies.

“Everyone just pitched in and helped however they could,” said one organizer.

Events like the Chocolate Crawl show that progress isn’t always about large projects or major investments. Sometimes, it’s people showing up, working together, and creating something meaningful for their community.

According to organizers, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many already asking for another event this summer.

Dickenson County Economic Development is proud to support the businesses and individuals who continue to invest in our community and make events like this possible.

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