News Flash

Board of Supervisors to Conduct National County Administrator Search

The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to initiate a national search process for the next Pittsylvania County Administrator. The motion, which was passed during the Board’s May 17 Business Meeting, directs County staff to initiate a national search as...

Board of Supervisors Allocates $205,303 for Wayside Park Bridge Repairs

The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to allocate $205,303 from the Building and Ground Improvement Fund toward needed repairs and improvements to the trademark swinging bridge at Wayside Park. Some of the needed improvements include new timber decki...

Board of Supervisors Recommends Naming Two Bridges after Virginia State Police Officers

The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed two resolutions in support of renaming bridges in Pittsylvania after fallen Virginia State Police Officers. The Board is recommending that the U.S. 29 North Bridge in Hurt be named the "Trooper Henry Murray...

Pearson's Appraisal Services Selected to Complete 2024 Reassessment Process

The Board of Supervisors voted on May 17 to approve a contract with Pearson’s Appraisal Services, Inc. to complete the 2024 reassessment process. Work will begin in June with the goal of having updated values in place for real estate taxes in 20...

Chris Key Named Interim Public Safety Director for Pittsylvania County

With decades of experience in firefighting and public safety operations, Chris Key has been named the Interim Director of Pittsylvania County Public Safety. After a long and accomplished career with the City of Danville Fire Department and volunteer fire ...

Animal Control Serves Search Warrant, Seizes 68 Dogs in Poor Condition

With assistance from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office and Pittsylvania County Pet Center, Animal Control Officers with the Pittsylvania County Department of Public Safety served a search warrant at a residence on Peninsula Place in Hurt, ...

County's Public Safety Director Promoted to Director of Operations

With decades of experience in management and local government, Public Safety Director Chris Slemp has been promoted to Director of Operations for Pittsylvania County. Slemp will assume his new duties on May 1. 

"I have enjoyed overseeing the ...

Though widespread, “skill games” are illegal; authorities to prosecute those that keep operating

“Skill game” machines have appeared rapidly at convenience stores and game rooms across Pittsylvania County over the past several months, but the machines fall under the definition of illegal gambling devices under Virginia State Code. All known skill gam...

Missing Juvenile Found Deceased in Cascade

TUESDAY UPDATE: At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2, search parties located a deceased body that has been identified as Adrian Frank Mayberry. The location of the discovery was off Cascade Road in the Axton community in Pittsylvania County. ...

Internship Program Expanded for 2022

After a successful first year in 2021, Pittsylvania County is partnering with several community organizations to expand the summer internship program in 2022. The initiative will provide approximately 30 students to participate in a paid summer internship

Pittsylvania County Public Library - 2021 Progress

Parents and educators are worried about learning and literacy loss as a result of pandemic-related school closures, remote learning, and teacher shortages. As partners in literacy and learning, libraries are also concerned and working to collaborate with ...

Parks and Recreation - 2021 Progress

By Justin Price, Parks and Recreation Director 

Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation has had a good year in 2021. While we have still had difficulty dealing with the effects of Covid-19, we began to offer our programs in full again this year.

A...

Pittsylvania Pet Center - 2021 Progress

By Brent Weinkauf, Pittsylvania Pet Center Director 

The Pittsylvania Pet Center had an amazing year in 2021. As we all know, 2021 was a difficult year for all of us due to the lingering effects of COVID-19. There were a few hurdles along the way,...

Economic Development - 2021 progress

By Kattie Saunders, Project Manager for Pittsylvania County Economic Development 

New Announcements 

Pittsylvania County had a very strong year in Economic Development. Throughout the course of 2021, the County announced five projects; thr...

Chairman Vic Ingram - 2021 Progress

We made it through 2021, which was a productive and successful year for Pittsylvania County. 

I first want to thank our many volunteers that did such an amazing job in 2021. We have more than 20 volunteer fire departments and 12 volunteer rescue s...

Landfill Contract for Outside Trash Approved

The Board voted Tuesday night to allow additional trash to be buried at the Pittsylvania County landfill. This will generate approximately $435,000 in annual revenue without increasing operating expenses or requiring additional staff. The five-year contra...

Fire and Rescue Commission Membership Restructured

The Board of
Supervisors voted to restructure the composition of the Pittsylvania CountyFire and Rescue Commission during Tuesday night's meeting. In short, the Board
voted to increase the total voting membership from 8 to 11 members. Instead ofquad...

Arrest Made in December Double Homicide

The Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office arrested Omar Guevara-Rodriguez, a Danville resident, who is being charged with two counts of first degree murder for the December 2021, murders of Onesimo Fermin Silva Garcia and Victor Alanzo Garcia Mayo...

Clarence Monday Installed as Interim County Administrator

Clarence Monday was officially installed as the Interim Pittsylvania County Administrator on February 1. Monday has significant experience in local government leadership and transitions, including a stint as Pittsylvania County's Administrator.

Board of Supervisors January Recap

The Board of
Supervisors made some important decisions during Tuesday Night's Businessmeeting. Below are some of the highlights: 

Instituted One-Time $500 Hazard Pay Bonuses for Fire and Rescue Volunteers

 The Board of
Supervisors vote...

Reorganizational Meeting Recap

During the Board's reorganizational meeting on January 4, three new Supervisors were sworn into office, a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman were appointed, and the County Administrator was terminated effective immediately.

Three New Board Members Sworn into Office

During Tuesday night's reorganizational meeting, three new Board members were sworn into office and a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman were appointed. After winning November elections, , Tim Chesher (Dan River, left), Darrell Dalton (Callands-Gretna, center...

Board of Supervisors December Recap

The Board of Supervisors made some important decisions during Tuesday night's meeting: 

Extended Reassessment Certification by Three Months

A sharp increase in property values has taken place across the Country, and that increase has also been refl...

Governor Announces $150 Million in “Site Ready” Funds; Southern Virginia Megasite to Benefit

Virginia Governor Northam announced that $150 million will be allocated to the Virginia Business Ready Site Program, and $100 million of that will be used for mega sites, including the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill, across the Commonwealth.

Grant Award to Connect 12,000 Unserved in Pittsylvania County

The Pittsylvania County–RiverStreet Networks partnership to bring fiber-to-the-home internet to every unserved home in the County got a boost with the announcement of a $39.5 million grant award. These funds will facilitate a $75 million fiber network.

Pet Center Partners with BISSELL Pet Foundation for "Empty the Shelters" Event

The Pittsylvania Pet Center has partnered with BISSELL Pet Foundation for the "Empty the Shelters" Holiday Hope Event, where all pet adoptions will cost just $25 through December 18.

Redistricting Plan Selected for Advertisement

Board of Supervisors Update Solar Ordinance

During Tuesday's meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved changes to the County's Solar ordinance. Some of the changes included increasing buffering and setback requirements and reducing the allowed distance between projects.

County IDA Enters Option Agreement with Energy Company; $150 Million Capital Investment Expected

The Industrial Development Authority entered into an option agreement with Pittsylvania Energy Storage, LLC for a parcel in the Ringgold West Industrial Park. The proposed energy storage project would include a capital investment of at least $150 million.

Pittsylvania Pet Center to Host Food Pantry

Through a partnership with GreaterGood®, the Pittsylvania Pet Center will be holding a Pet Food Pantry on Friday, November 19. A donation of $10 can get 50 pounds of pet food. 

Pittsylvania Pet Center Director Brent Weinkauf stated, “All of us at ...

Tyson Breaks Ground on New Facility in Ringgold

State, regional, and local officials joined Tyson Foods for a groundbreaking on its new, 325,000 square-foot facility in the Cane Creek Centre on Thursday morning. The facility is expected to be operational in 2023.

Board of Supervisors October Recap

The Board of Supervisors held a busy day of meetings on Tuesday. Some of the highlights included: 

Discussed Allocation Process for ARPA Funds for Fire and Rescue Agencies

The Board continued discussing the application and distribution process for ...

Redistricting Public Comment Period Begins November 1

As required by State Code, Pittsylvania County's redistricting process is underway. This process is done to realign election districts with updated population data from the United States Census Bureau. Three redistricting plans will be published ...

Legislative Committee Recommends Advertising Appropriate Revisions to Solar Ordinance

During a called meeting on Tuesday, the Legislative Committee of the Board of Supervisors made a recommendation to have staff advertise appropriate revisions to Pittsylvania County's solar ordinance.

"There are some holes in our current ordinance,&quo...

Pittsylvania County Employee Morale Continues Upward Trend, Survey Shows

After a gap-year during 2020 due to the pandemic, Pittsylvania County conducted its third annual employee satisfaction survey, and the results show that employees by and large enjoy working for the county, feel that their supervisors encourage and promote...

Setting the Record Straight on the Blue Ridge Rock Festival

To clarify misinformation about the County's relationship with Purpose Driven Events and what happened at the Blue Ridge Rock Fest, the County is publishing a two-part series about what happened at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival and why the Blue Ri...

Pittsylvania County Invoices Total $337,592 for Planned and Unplanned Expenses at Rock Festival

As allowed by our music festival ordinance and is common in other localities, Pittsylvania County billed Purpose Driven Events for all costs incurred during the two music festivals at the Blue Ridge Ampitheater. 

Many of the County’s costs – such ...

Pittsylvania County Public Safety Encourages Community to Seek Appropriate Level of Care

Amid frequent hospital diversions and staffing shortages, Pittsylvania County Public Safety, along with the many volunteer EMS agencies across the county, is encouraging the community to seek the appropriate level of care when dealing with injuries and il...

Board of Supervisors Legislative Committee to Discuss Limiting Solar Projects

A called meeting of the Legislative Committee of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors has been scheduled for 5 p.m., Tuesday, October 12 at the request of Dr. Charles Miller, Chairman of the Legislative Committee and Banister District Supervisor. ...

After Ikea Closure, Cane Creek Centre Seeing Flurry of Development

In what was a major blow to the regional economic outlook, Ikea announced in July of 2019 that it would close down its operation in the Cane Creek Centre in Pittsylvania County. After multiple rounds of layoffs, the company was down to about 300 employees...

Pittsylvania County, Schools, and RiverStreet Networks Commit to Expanding Internet Coverage

With MOU, Pittsylvania County and RiverStreet Commit to Providing Universal Coverage Across the County

Pittsylvania County and RiverStreet Networks are jointly committed to creating an extensive fiber-to-the-home network that reaches almost every home in t...

State of the Region Update

Pittsylvania County Administrator David Smitherman and Board Chairman Bob Warren joined leaders from the City of Danville for the annual "state of the region" to discuss how our area has made great strides despite the pandemic.

Redistricting Process Underway

As required by the Virginia Constitution, Pittsylvania County is currently undergoing the process of redrawing election districts. After a months-long process of developing plans and gathering public input, and after the plan is certified by the Virginia ...

Blairs Bridge Officially Renamed after the Late William Pritchett, First Black Supervisor in County

Many officials and community members gathered Wednesday morning to officially rename and dedicate the 29 Business North Bridge in Blairs as the William H. Pritchett Memorial Bridge. The late William Pritchett was the first Black person on the Board of Sup...

Despite Inaction of Franklin County, Pittsylvania County Pledges Support for Cool Branch Agencies

During Tuesday night's meeting, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors showed its support for Cool Branch Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad by pledging to match all private donations made to the agencies between July 1 and...

Board of Supervisors August Recap

The Board of Supervisors held a busy afternoon and evening of meetings on Tuesday. Some of the highlights included:  

Approved Premium Pay for County Employees and Fire and Rescue Allocations with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) ...

Pittsylvania County Successful in Economic Development in 2021

Pittsylvania County Economic Development is off to a great start for 2021! Four projects have already been announced this year. These projects total $63.8 million in new capital investments in our community and 168 new jobs. The projects announced so far ...

Chatham Bridge Officially Named after Clyde L. Banks, Sr.

County and district officials gathered on Monday for a ceremony to dedicate the newly renamed Clyde L. Banks, Sr. Memorial Bridge on 29 Business entering the Town of Chatham. The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors and the Commonwealth Transportation...

Morgan Olson Donates $175,000 Air Utility Vehicle to Pittsylvania County Public Safety

Morgan Olson donated a new air utility vehicle worth approximately $175,000 to Pittsylvania County Public Safety on Wednesday morning. This vehicle allows for mobile refilling of air units and will be a major asset to Pittsylvania County.

Pittsylvania County Administration Hosts Training for Board of Supervisors Candidates

Pittsylvania County Administration held a training session Tuesday afternoon with each of the candidates running for the Board of Supervisors in the upcoming November election. Members of Pittsylvania County's Executive Team provided a high-level overview...

Board of Supervisors July Meeting Recap

The Board of Supervisors held a busy day of meetings on Tuesday. Here are some of the highlights.

Approved Permit for Blue Ridge Rock Festival 

After Pittsylvania County underwent a thorough revision of its music festival ordinance in June and a th...

Staunton River Plastics Breaks Ground on New Facility in Hurt

Staunton River Plastics broke ground on a new 250,000-square foot facility in Hurt on Wednesday morning alongside of many state and local officials and community leaders. This will be the first project in the Southern Virginia Multimodal Park.

Volunteer Agencies Improve Response Rate in FY 2021

With increased financial investments from the Board of Supervisors, oversight and guidance from the Fire and Rescue Commission, and assistance from the Public Safety Department, nearly every Pittsylvania County volunteer EMS agency has improved its respon...

Chairman Warren Addresses Fire and Rescue Commission about Cherrypicking Calls and Agency Funding

Bob Warren, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, provided comments at Tuesday night's meeting of the Fire and Rescue Commission regarding misconceptions about a new agency funding structure and expressed concern about an agen...

Pittsylvania County Welcomes New Assistant County Administrator

A proven leader and manager with significant experience in geospatial technology, information and personnel management, and local government operations, Dave Arnold stepped into the new position of Assistant Pi...

Board of Supervisors Conditionally Approves Permits for Two Music Festivals at Called Meeting

The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors approved permits for a country music festival and a Christian music festival at the Blue Ridge Ampitheater in Blairs during a special called meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Bot...

Board of Supervisors June 15 Recap

The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors held a busy day of meetings on Tuesday that included several committee meetings, a joint session with the Pittsylvania County School Board about internet availability in&...

Board of Supervisors Recap - May 18

The Board of Supervisors held an afternoon work session and an evening business meeting on May 18. Below are some of the highlights. 

While Franklin County Considers Options, Pittsylvania County to Match Franklin County Funding for Cool Branch Age...

After Successful Operation, Gretna Community Vaccination Clinic to Close

After approximately two months of serving as a central vaccine hub for Pittsylvania County, the Gretna Community Vaccination Clinic will be shut down after its last clinic on May 20. A decline in demand for the vaccine combined with more widespre...

Fire and Rescue Commission Continuing to Make Progress

The Pittsylvania County Fire and Rescue Commission continues to make progress in advancing the coordination and efficiency of fire and rescue operations. During its meeting at the end of April, the Commission made some important recommendations and progre...

AeroFarms Breaks Ground on World's Largest Aeroponic Vertical Farm in Pittsylvania County

Officials from Pittsylvania County and Danville, along with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, joined AeroFarms representatives on Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony for an indoor vertical farming facility in Ringgold, which will be the world's largest.

Funding approved for two fire trucks, future purchases to follow new replacement schedule

During its Tuesday night business meeting, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors agreed to appropriate funding from the County's Capital Improvement Fund for the purchase of two new fire trucks, to be positioned at Cascade and Mt. Cross Volunteer F...

Supervisors Meeting Recap - April 20

Beginning with committee meetings in the afternoon, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors held a busy day of meetings on Tuesday. Some of the highlights included: 

Passing a Resolution to Initiate a 1% Sales Tax Referendum for School Capita...

Board of Supervisors Unanimously Approves FY 2022 Budget

The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the budget for fiscal year 2022 during a called meeting on Thursday night. This budget, which will  includes no tax or rate increases, features a general fund of $71.5 mill...

New COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic to Open in Gretna

(GRETNA, VA.) -- The Virginia Department of Health's Pittsylvania/Danville Health District, with the support of Pittsylvania County and other local COVID-19 response partners, is working to open the Gretna Comm...

New Partnership Bringing Broadband to Pittsylvania County

RiverStreet Networks and Pittsylvania County announce a partnership to bring broadband internet service to Pittsylvania County. Over the past few months, RiverStreet Networks has worked with Pittsylvania County Officials to offer much needed high-speed in...

Board of Supervisors March 16 Meeting Recap

County Administrator Presents FY 2022 Budget

Pittsylvania County Administrator David Smitherman presented the proposed budget for Pittsylvania County's fiscal year 2022 during a Tuesday finance committee meeting. The budget includes no tax increas...

Developer awarded additional state funds for affordable housing in Pittsylvania County

Landmark Asset Services, Inc. was awarded $615,000 from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which is from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, to help in the conversion of the old Southside High School and Blairs Middle Scho...

Pittsylvania County Spring Baseball to Proceed with Safety Precautions

After being forced to cancel the past few sporting seasons due to COVID-19, Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation will move forward with spring baseball in 2021. The season will run from the middle of May through July 17.

"Cancelling all of our spo...

Pittsylvania County continues to negotiate Cool Branch funding and coverage with Franklin County

Pittsylvania County leaders are committed to finding a productive and mutually beneficial resolution with Franklin County regarding funding and coverage area for the Cool Branch Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, both of which are based and prima...

Tipping Fee Waived at Pittsylvania County Landfill through May 14 after Severe Winter Weather

After the severe winter weather that slammed our region on February 13, downing trees and power lines and leaving many without power, Pittsylvania County leaders decided to waive tipping fees for storm debris at the landfill through May 14. This 90-day wa...

Pittsylvania County apologizes for confusing reassessment letter, seeks to clarify misinformation

Pittsylvania County mailed a letter about the 2022 reassessment to all property owners this week, and poor editing on our part has caused some confusion. The County apologizes for this&nbs...

Pittsylvania County Offices Closed on February 18

In anticipation of the severe winter weather that is projected for early Thursday morning through Friday, all Pittsylvania County offices will be closed on Thursday, February 18. This includes all branches of the Public Library, the Pet Center, the Commun...

Pittsylvania County Declares Local State of Emergency for Upcoming Winter Weather

The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors held a busy day of meetings on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Below are some of the highlights.

The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors….

Declared a Local Emergency in Preparation for Thursday Ice Storm

The P...

Registrar's Office Moving to New Elections and Training Center

Effective February 22, the Pittsylvania County Department of Elections and Voter Registrar is moving into the new Pittsylvania County Elections and Training Center, located at 18 Depot Street, Chatham, VA 24531. The former Elections Department building di...

Black History Month 2021

In honor of Black History month, learn about some of the most impactful African-Americans in Pittsylvania County. These individuals fought for and spearheaded significant social change and progress.

Board of Supervisors give laptops to county resident DCC students

Utilizing $150,000 in CARES Act funds, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors visited Danville Community College on Friday to provide laptops to several hundred students that live in Pittsylvania County. 

“The Pittsylvania County B...

Pittsylvania County Economic Development Director Recognized in Virginia Business’ “2020 Power List”

CHATHAM – Virginia Business recognized Pittsylvania County Economic Development Director Matt Rowe in its “2020 Power List,” a recognition of Rowe’s innovative work in recruiting and retaining businesses in...

Reassessment contractor using technology to increase accuracy, reduce costs

CHATHAM – During a typical reassessment of Real Property, assessors would go out and visit properties on foot, taking one or two pictures for records. Deterrents such as dogs, locked gates, and citizens who were not home or did not want to provi...

Six Months in, Director Pushing for Comprehensive Modernization of Community Development

After taking up the post of Pittsylvania County Community Development Director just over six months ago, Emily Ragsdale is looking to make sweeping changes to planning and zoning that will benefit Pittsylvania County and its citizens.

“Creating m...

Pittsylvania County, regulatory agencies hold productive informational session

To address concerns presented about First Piedmont Corporation’s landfill in Ringgold that have been voiced in recent months, Pittsylvania County held a productive information session via Zoom on Thursday. Regulating agencies, landfill engineers...

Board of Supervisors reappoint Chairman, Vice-Chairman

The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors reappointed Bob Warren as the Chairman and Ron Scearce as the Vice-Chairman during its reorganizational meeting on Monday. 

"I am honored that my colleagues on the board elected to reappoint me as ...

Taxation Department Conducting Field Visits

As part of Pittsylvania County’s 2022 reassessment process, representatives from the Virginia Department of Taxation will be in the County on February 9 and 10. They will be conducting field visits in clearly marked vehicles. This is part of the advisory ...

Board of Supervisors Invalidates Reassessment Data

At its regular Business Meeting on March 15, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to invalidate the 2022 reassessment data. This action was taken due to significant concerns that have emerged regarding the assessment’s statutory reassessment compl...