Here’s the latest from the Danville Police Department…

On 11-15-11 at approximately 7:15 PM, Danville Police responded to a [...]]]> I may not be on Star News anymore, but I’ll still try to bring you the best news coverage in Danville. The news doesn’t happen just between the hours of 1 & 9 PM, folks.

Here’s the latest from the Danville Police Department…

On 11-15-11 at approximately 7:15 PM, Danville Police responded to a report of a subject admitted to the Danville Regional Medical Center suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Police interviewed the 52 year-old Danville resident and he reported he was in the 1100 block of West Stokes Street when he got into an altercation with some individuals there. He said the altercation was over and the subjects left only to return a few moments later. One of the subjects produced a gun and started shooting resulting in the victim being struck. The victim is currently being treated for his injuries and is listed in stable condition at this time. The police investigation is ongoing.

(Editor’s Note: This is about the Tuesday, November 15th meeting)

The rumor mill has been flying around the SouthsideCentral region saying that Walgreens is going to open a store in Danville. More unconfirmed rumors say that they have an agreement to purchase customer records from Professional Pharmacy & Commonwealth Pharmacy.

The second edition of “Art on Main” was held on May 7, 2011. I didn’t get to attend the first one in [...]]]> “Art On Main” was an awesome street festival in May, and I was hoping for just as much open-ended fun for the fall edition. I’m starting to doubt if that will happen.

The second edition of “Art on Main” was held on May 7, 2011. I didn’t get to attend the first one in Fall 2010 because of work obligations, but I wanted to check the second one out. I went there fully expecting to spend about 30 minutes getting photos and then I’d move along to my next stop. Four hours later, I was still there and having a great time just seeing what the local arts community actually consists of.

I knew diddlysquat about Southside’s art community until I saw what it was all about. I knew that Melissa Charles was a catalyst for getting arts-related people organized and that she is a genius when it comes to that stuff. I spent well over four hours just walking around the two blocks of Main St and was amazed at what I saw. Crafters, photographers, singers, dancers, performance art… even a well rehearsed flash mob dance. I met new friends, saw new things and was totally amazed at what I saw and what the Southside art community was all about. There were even plenty of things or children to do there.

Let’s get real, folks. I’m not in the hoity-toity Art Appreciation Society where people look at paintings, tell you loads of bullcrap about what it really means, then look down on you because you think the painting looks like it was done by a chimpanzee. “Art on Main” was great because it was fun for People Like Me. “Art on Main” was a complete success and I promised that I would spread the word. I was really looking forward to the Fall 2011 festival for another round of laid-back fun and entertainment.

(insert sound cue of tires screeching & cars crashing).

Danville Arts & Humanities has taken over “Art on Main” and it’s now part of the new “River District Festival”. “Art on Main” in October is now the “1st Annual Art on Main Juried Show (An Official Event of the Danville River District Festival”. Melissa Charles now has nothing to do with the event, nor it seems does she have anything to do with Danville Arts & Humanities. Melissa is a class act, and she won’t (nor do I expect her) to say anything about what’s happened. That being said, I’m wondering what’s going on. The loss of Melissa Charles’ leadership, talent and skills is a giant loss for this festival.

From what I see at the River District Festival’s website, “Art On Main” is becoming a formalized juried art show. The prices for the vendors have more than doubled, the talent performances now include a talent competition (tough luck if you’re over 35 years old and wanted to perform in that). The website says…

The River District Festival is proud to host an eclectic array of local and visiting–vocalist, musicians, performing artists, and dancers. The day’s entertainment will divide into professional visiting performances, local professional performances, and an amateur talent competition.

… but I have no idea what that means. I thoroughly enjoyed the “very less than professional” entertainment at the May festival, which included pretty much ane range of anybody that had a decent amount of talent.

“Art on Main” was a festival for the regular Joe and that’s why I stayed there for over four hours. The museum held “Art on the Lawn” at the same time that day. I stayed there about 10 minutes in the High Society until I couldn’t wait to get back to the fun on Main Street. I don’t want to see a juried art show with high vendor fees. I don’t want to see only professional talent. I want to have fun like I did at May’s street festival.

“Art on Main” worked fine the way it was in May. I have no idea what’s going on with Danville Arts & Humanities or why a growing street festival seems to be having all the fun sucked out of it and is being replaced with a hoity-toity juried art show all in the name of the new “Danville River Festival”. Does anybody else know what’s going on?

Back in 2010, 5-year-old Kolton Karnes drowned at the low-head dam at Danville’s Dan Daniel Park. The dam is a safety hazard and will be removed soon but until that happens, the city has put up lots of [...]]]> Signs that warn you of danger are always a good thing, right? Well… maybe not always.

Back in 2010, 5-year-old Kolton Karnes drowned at the low-head dam at Danville’s Dan Daniel Park. The dam is a safety hazard and will be removed soon but until that happens, the city has put up lots of warning signs to remind people about the dangers.

Although I’m sure that the city’s artistic design team didn’t mean to make a sign which was a highly realistic representation of a small child being caught in the potentially fatal hydraulics of a low-head dam, they did just that…

Mr. Picard will express my sentiments on this sign.

Union decries Swedwood conditions

Danville’s getting a good reputation as a place that’s business-friendly. The only big union employer in the area is Goodyear, and Goodyear pretty much told the union what concessions they would have to take to keep the plant open in the last [...]]]> The “Union at Swedwood” talk is starting again.

Union decries Swedwood conditions

Danville’s getting a good reputation as a place that’s business-friendly. The only big union employer in the area is Goodyear, and Goodyear pretty much told the union what concessions they would have to take to keep the plant open in the last round of contract talk. The local USW members stomped their feet a little bit, made a little noise, then did the only rational thing they could do and accepted the company’s terms. I gained a lot more respect for the local USW membership when they did the right thing. Goodyear played fair as well in that situation by telling exactly what was needed, then rewarded the local plant by expanding. That being said, the absolute last thing that Southside needs is a new unionization because that would pretty much destroy economic development efforts in the region.

Now you’ve got this union that is trying to insert itself between the Swedwood workers and the company. The violations noted in the article are quite minor, and the plant seems to be doing well. It seems that this union will do anything to get their name out there.

Building and Wood Workers’ International led a protest against Swedwood Danville conditions on Dec. 7 at the IKEA in Geneva.

Oh, I’m sure that accomplished a lot.

Swedwood maintains it hasn’t violated the agreement and that when Swedwood learned of the claim that workers wanted to join the union, it suggested a secret ballot process to determine the accurate position of workers, Steén said.

“And, we will respect the result of the election process,” Steén said. “This offer has, however, been declined by union representatives.”

Gee, I wonder why? Could it be because this union knows they wouldn’t have a chance in hell of winning? When the company encourages a union referendum, you have to believe that things are going well inside the walls. If you ever wanted a reason on why the “Employee Free Choice Act” (card check) is horrible legislation, all you have to do is point to this example. I’m not totally anti-union because in plants like Goodyear, the USW can actually help with safety issues. I am totally against union thuggery (looking at you on the picket line, USW!) and the way that lots of unions have became mouthpieces for politics.

There still is a small place for labor unions in this country, but Swedwood isn’t that place.

That happened to me today at the “Old 97 Rail Days” at Danville’s Community Market. Enjoy this slideshow of the model train awesomeness and some bonus photos of the Danville Science Center & [...]]]> Have you ever been to an event where you expected little but were totally blown away by what you saw?

That happened to me today at the “Old 97 Rail Days” at Danville’s Community Market. Enjoy this slideshow of the model train awesomeness and some bonus photos of the Danville Science Center & train station.

The Southside tour started with Chatham on Monday, Danville on Tuesday, Martinsville on Wednesday, and South Boston on Thursday. Let’s go to the “random thoughts” board…

Humane Society offers reward after pit bull found dead

Words fail me at this atrocity. No animal ever deserves this kind of treatment and I strongly hope that the [...]]]> …is someone who abuses an animal. I was so mad about this news story that I did an entire hour of TV on it tonight.

Humane Society offers reward after pit bull found dead

Words fail me at this atrocity. No animal ever deserves this kind of treatment and I strongly hope that the person(s) responsible for this is cnvicted and sentenced to the maximum penalty that the law allows. Somebody knows something, and I hope they call the Danville Area Humane Society and supply the information to get an arrest.

Based on the injuries that this dog suffered, it’s logical to assume that there is dogfighting going on in the region. It’s time for all of the law enforcement agencies in the area to work together to find and stop it now.

The Register & Bee’s John Crane wrote an excellent article about the meeting, so I’ll refer you to that for the play-by-play. I just want to touch on two experiences I had during the meeting.

Danville’s first public hospital falls victim to old age

It didn’t fall victim to “old age”. It fell victim to owners that didn’t give a damn about about the property, a neighborhood that’s a war zone and a fire that happened 14 years ago. Now [...]]]> For a very brief moment, I was almost concerned.

Danville’s first public hospital falls victim to old age

It didn’t fall victim to “old age”. It fell victim to owners that didn’t give a damn about about the property, a neighborhood that’s a war zone and a fire that happened 14 years ago. Now that the wrecking ball has finally entered the building, we’ve got an outcry of “Save The Historic Hospital!”

The owners, the historic societies and people with enough money to actually do something with this building have had plenty of time to do something about this dilapidated eyesore and they have done absolutely nothing. The current owner, Cora Tucker, is a landlord in Durham NC and has had seven years to try and make the building livable. How’d that work out?

Of course, Danville’s history is important and certain things should be preserved… but this building has gone past its lifespan. Unless a Millionaire with Magical Money steps up in the next week, it’s time for the City of Danville to show that it’s fighting blighted properties no matter what building it is.

Danville Utilities awards $12,000 grant to Habitat

During the past winter, customers of Danville Utilities frequently complained about high electric bills. Despite assurances from the mayor and city council who said “We’re listening to you”, [...]]]> $12,000 isn’t that much for Danville Utilities in the overall budget, but they’ve got a bad sense of timing.

Danville Utilities awards $12,000 grant to Habitat

During the past winter, customers of Danville Utilities frequently complained about high electric bills. Despite assurances from the mayor and city council who said “We’re listening to you”, nothing has came out of this listening yet and we’re five months past the issue. Danville has a Utility Commission that meets monthly but again, we’ve heard nothing about any billing policy changes. Now comes this donation of $12,000. It’s a good program and it’s a good cause, but there’s no explanation where the $12,000 came from. That amount of money wouldn’t affect anybody’s utility bill, but it’s the image of giving money away when customers are complaining about utility rates that cast this donation into a bad light.

Good donation. Bad timing. Danville Utilities should have seen this public reaction coming.

Early this morning, Danville City Council member and former Mayor Ruby Archie passed away at the age of 76. She had taught in the Danville Public School system for 37 years before her retirement then embarked on a 16-year political career with City Council.

Danville Police responded to a call of a shooting in the 100 block of Camp St on June 25, 2010.

At approximately 4:54 PM Danville Police responded to the 100 block of Camp St in regards to a shots fired call. Responding officers discovered [...]]]> We just got this from the Danville Police department…

Danville Police responded to a call of a shooting in the 100 block of Camp St on June 25, 2010.

At approximately 4:54 PM Danville Police responded to the 100 block of Camp St in regards to a shots fired call. Responding officers discovered a 32 year-old female, a Danville resident suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to her chest. Also discovered at the scene was a 35 year-old male, a Danville residence suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. Rescue personnel responded and transported the female to the Danville Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. The male, Andrew Adore Smith, age 35 of Danville was pronounced dead on the scene at 5:20 PM. Smith’s body will be taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke for an autopsy.

The police investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Danville Crimestoppers at (434) 793-0000, or via our crime tips line on your computer at crimetips@ci.danville.va.us. Information given will remain confidential.

Citizens who contact Crimestoppers by telephone may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

More to come as details come in…

Telvista to transfer call volume to Danville

Now, let’s take a look at this story from the other side…

Odessa American:City reacts to Telvista closure

Ultimately, Owens said Telvista, which opened in 2004, didn’t make it because of “macroeconomic” factors. Translated, that means its relatively low-paying [...]]]> And that cost is paid by another city.

Telvista to transfer call volume to Danville

Now, let’s take a look at this story from the other side…

Odessa American:City reacts to Telvista closure

Ultimately, Owens said Telvista, which opened in 2004, didn’t make it because of “macroeconomic” factors. Translated, that means its relatively low-paying jobs couldn’t compete when oilfield activity picked up.

“Indirectly or directly, that would definitely be the case,” she said.

She said the facility has often struggled to attract and retain workers.

“It’s something we have struggled with the majority of the time since we have been in Odessa,” she said.

The Danville facility has also struggled to retain workers, as Telvista always seems to be in a drive to hire new workers. Although they do have workers who have worked a number of years with the company, the constant monitoring and performance goals have made Danville’s Telvista office lose a fair share of the workers that they continually hire. Currently, I know that Telvista does in-bound customer service for regional prepaid cellphone company MetroPCS. I’m not sure of any other company that they support, but maybe somebody else does.

Anyway, Odessa’s loss is Danville’s gain. It’s a hollow feeling of success, though.

Of gays,marijuana laws and Perriello

It is clear that open homosexuality in our military will bring a reproach to our fighting force. It is also well-known that the homosexual movement has a far-reaching agenda and we are only aiding them in achieving their perverted goals by approving them for [...]]]> His “we” doesn’t include me.

Of gays,marijuana laws and Perriello

It is clear that open homosexuality in our military will bring a reproach to our fighting force. It is also well-known that the homosexual movement has a far-reaching agenda and we are only aiding them in achieving their perverted goals by approving them for active military duty.

Clear to who? Riiiiiiight.

“Brother” Chad Branch is the pastor at Victory Baptist Church. How quaint.

Mammatus clouds are relatively rare but occasionally occur in this area for short periods of time. Sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time with [...]]]> Today, Danville residents got a chance to see a very unusual cloud formation and I was lucky to be in the right spot to get a photo.

Mammatus clouds are relatively rare but occasionally occur in this area for short periods of time. Sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time with your camera.

Enjoy.

DOVES working to get employees back pay

No, they’re not working to get their employees back pay. They’re floundering around like they have been doing for the past two years and getting nothing accomplished. They may want to point fingers and blame John Scott (their former director who was convicted [...]]]> This is getting ridiculous.

DOVES working to get employees back pay

No, they’re not working to get their employees back pay. They’re floundering around like they have been doing for the past two years and getting nothing accomplished. They may want to point fingers and blame John Scott (their former director who was convicted of stealing), but he’s not the only reason why this organization imploded.

The R&B article doesn’t tell you that Kim Carson sued DOVES for $8304.92 and won by default on April 27th. That’s right, default. Greg Hairston was listed in the court action but nobody even showed up from DOVES to even state their case. Classy.

It would “probably would have been worth it” if all of the employees got judgments and let a crappy court show pay the bills? I guess when your business reputation is already at the level they’re at, what’s more public humiliation? I wonder if Hairston or DOVES would show up for a fake TV courtroom taping? (By the way, it’s either Joe Brown or Greg Mathis… not Joe Mathis).

He (Hairston) said it takes so long to get the board together now that the shelter is closed that nothing was ever done about responding to the show.

Ridiculous. Maybe this bad publicity will light a fire under the board’s ass and get them together.

Happy Trails to this organization, and let’s hope the next organization has their act together.

Shaping the future of the Berry Hill Road industrial mega park

An industrial park will need to ratify covenants before construction takes place. In other breaking news, the Pope has declared himself to be Catholic.

I’ll give John Crane some slack… it [...]]]> This is what happens when a newspaper has empty space to fill.

Shaping the future of the Berry Hill Road industrial mega park

An industrial park will need to ratify covenants before construction takes place. In other breaking news, the Pope has declared himself to be Catholic.

I’ll give John Crane some slack… it was Friday and he was probably ready to go home.

City Attorney Clarke Whitfield and Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Newman presented the award to Archie and had this to say…

This evening we have the distinct privilege of presenting the 2010 Liberty Bell Award. This [...]]]> At tonight’s Danville City Council meeting, Ruby Archie was presented the 2010 Liberty Bell award by the Danville Bar Association.

City Attorney Clarke Whitfield and Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Newman presented the award to Archie and had this to say…

This evening we have the distinct privilege of presenting the 2010 Liberty Bell Award. This is truly an honor because we were both students of this year’s recipient.
The Liberty Bell award is given each year by the Danville Bar Association to a person who has:

• Promoted better understanding of the rule of law
• Encouraged a greater respect for law and the Courts
• Stimulated a sense of civic responsibility
• Contributed to good government in the community

This year’s Liberty Bell recipient has served on Council since 1994. In that time, she served as Vice-Mayor and as Mayor of Danville. She will retire from council this year on June 30. We are proud to present the 2010 Liberty Bell Award to Ruby Archie.

(Pictured L-R: City Attorney Clarke Whitfield, Ruby Archie, Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Newman)

Editor’s Note: Not much to see here, but I’ll keep the recap up.

<a href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=061994b4ee” mce_href=”http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=061994b4ee” >Danville City Council Meeting – (5/18) – LIVE!</a>