1function GetPreview32(){document.write(`<div class="col-12"> 2<div class="cus-default-menu-bar py-2" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted#dedede;"> 3<div class="text-uppercase fw-bold px-0 cus-130-label "> 4<span class="cus-default-menu "><a href="index32.htm" class="text-dark text-center">Washington County News</a></span> 5</div> 6</div> 7<div class="row pb-2" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 8 9<div class="col-lg-5 col-sm-12 col-md-5"> 10<div class="col-12 mt-2"> 11<a href="grant-to-expand-childcare-in-tazewell-washington-counties-p18350-32.htm"> 12<div class="ratio-3-2 rounded"> 13<div class="img-content"> 14<img class="img-fluid lazy loaded my-4 rounded " src="/articles-2026-09-28-17-29-27-047.jpg" data-src="/articles-2026-09-28-17-29-27-047.jpg" alt="Grant to expand childcare in Tazewell, Washington counties" data-was-processed="true"> 15</div> 16</div> 17</a> 18</div> 19<div class="col-12 col-8 mt-2"> 20<h3 class="col-12 h6 line-2 text-dark line-2 "> 21<a href="grant-to-expand-childcare-in-tazewell-washington-counties-p18350-32.htm" class=" text-dark fs-5 fw-bold text-red-hover">Grant to expand childcare in Tazewell, Washington counties</a> 22</h3> 23<time class="col-12 fs-6 "><i class="fa fa-calendar me-2 " aria-hidden="true"></i>September 28, 2026, 10:30 AM</time> 24<div class="fs-6 line-5 mb-3 mt-1"> Gov. Abigail Spanberger celebrated a \$7.2 million federal disaster-recovery grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to expand high-quality childcare in communities across Southwest and Southside Virginia. The grant will increase childcare capacity, strengthen workforce participation, and support economic development in the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, Tazewell County, and Washington County. EO Companies — the Virginia Department of Education’s designated regional early childhood partner for Ready Region Southwest — will implement the new projects. The projects are expected to create more than 55 new jobs while expanding access to care for nearly 450 children. “ Our future depends on our ability to support working families and prepare the next generation for success,” said Spanberger. “These investments will expand access to high-quality childcare in communities experiencing both workforce growth and childcare shortages — particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. I am grateful to EO Companies and our local partners for their commitment to ensuring these investments are used as effectively as possible to meet the needs of families. Together, we will strengthen Virginia’s economy, support parents, and create new opportunities for childcare across the Commonwealth.” <script type="text/javascript">AdGroup16();</script> Virginia applied for and received the federal disaster-recovery grant through the American Relief Act — which Spanberger voted to pass while serving as a Member of Congress following Hurricane Helene. Collectively, the projects represent an approximately \$18 million investment, with \$7.2 million coming from the HHS grant and the remainder generated through local partnerships. “ Strong childcare systems are essential to educational success, workforce participation, and economic prosperity,” said Secretary of Education Jeffery Smith. “This investment will help ensure more Virginia families have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality care while creating new opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive. We are proud to partner with EO Companies and local communities to advance this important work.” “ Dependable childcare gives parents the ability to work while providing kids with the head start they deserve,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Warner. “I’m thrilled to help deliver these federal dollars to communities across Southwest and Southside Virginia. This investment will expand access to safe, high-quality childcare — extending a helping hand to families, strengthening our workforce, and supporting our communities.” “ Throughout the Commonwealth, access to quality, affordable childcare is instrumental to so many families’ prosperity and stability,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine. “This investment in Southside and Southwest Virginia will improve access to childcare, especially in areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene. I am proud to have championed the American Relief Act that helped make this investment possible. I will always fight for policies that increase access to childcare, support working families, and help communities recover from disasters.” “ Community access to childcare programming, services, and investment represents the latest disaster relief resources coming to Virginia’s Ninth District. Through federal funding that I supported, a new childcare center in Tazewell County and an expansion of facilities in Washington County provide rural communities with this access,” said U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith. “I will continue to advocate for our region and work with Governor Spanberger to promote our region’s recovery from Hurricane Helene.” “
24 Childcare is workforce infrastructure, and for rural communities like ours, it is essential to our ability to grow and compete,” said state Sen. Todd Pillion. “When working parents cannot find dependable, high-quality care, employers feel it, families feel it, and our communities lose opportunities for growth. This investment in Washington and Tazewell counties will create lasting capacity, support working families, and strengthen our ability to attract and retain both employers and talent. I am proud to see Southwest Virginia leading through a strong public-private partnership that can serve as a model for communities across the Commonwealth.” Access to the type of childcare these projects will provide aligns with EO’s core mission of supporting and developing education, workforce, and economic development initiatives that make communities stronger. “ Access to affordable, high-quality childcare remains one of the most pressing workforce and economic development challenges facing communities across Virginia,” said Travis Staton, President and CEO of EO Companies. “This historic investment demonstrates what is possible when federal, state, local, philanthropic, and community partners come together around a common goal. These projects will not only expand access to early childhood education and out-of-school programming, but they will also strengthen local economies, support working families, and help communities remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent.” Tazewell County Childcare Center: \$2.5 million grant to construct a new approximately 10,000-square-foot childcare center in Tazewell County. The project represents a total investment of approximately \$5.8 million and will create an estimated 25 new jobs. Upon completion, the center will have licensed capacity to serve approximately 148 children. Project partners and investors include EO, VDOE, Tazewell County, and the Thompson Charitable Foundation. Washington County Expansion: \$615,000 for the expansion of EO’s Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub in Washington County. The expansion will add new outdoor recreational space and interior classroom facilities to establish a comprehensive after-school and summer enrichment program serving children ages 5 to 12. The program will have licensed capacity to serve approximately 100 students, providing critical after-school care, summer programming, and workforce support services for working families throughout the region.</div> 25</div> 26</div> 27<div class="col-lg-7 col-sm-12 col-md-7 pb-2" style="border-left: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 28 29<div class="row" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 30<div class="col-4 mt-2"> 31<a href="battle-to-serve-as-speaker-at-eo-luncheon-p17459-32.htm"> 32<div class="ratio-3-2 rounded"> 33<div class="img-content"> 34<img class="img-fluid lazy loaded my-4 rounded " src="/articles-2026-07-01-15-14-07-321.jpg" data-src="/articles-2026-07-01-15-14-07-321.jpg" alt="Battle to serve as speaker at EO Luncheon" data-was-processed="true"> 35</div> 36</div> 37</a> 38</div> 39<div class="col-8 col-8 mt-2"> 40<h3 class="col-12 h6 line-2 text-dark line-2 "> 41<a href="battle-to-serve-as-speaker-at-eo-luncheon-p17459-32.htm" class=" text-dark fs-5 fw-bold text-red-hover ">Battle to serve as speaker at EO Luncheon</a> 42</h3> 43<time class="col-12 fs-6 "><i class="fa fa-calendar me-2 " aria-hidden="true"></i>September 28, 2026, 10:30 AM</time> 44<div class="fs-6 line-2 mb-3 mt-1">EO Companies is excited to announce Huntsville, Alabama, Mayor Tommy Battle will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 nexEO Luncheon, taking place Thursday, Oct. 1, at the EO Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub in Abingdon. As mayor of âRocket Cityâ since 2008, Battle has led Huntsville through a remarkable period of economic transformation, innovation and population growth. Under his leadership, Huntsville has emerged as a national model for strategic economic development, workforce investment, and community advancement. Most recently, the city celebrated a significant milestone with the selection of Huntsville as the permanent headquarters for U.S. Space Command, further solidifying its position as a center of aerospace, defense, technology and advanced industry. EO is excited to bring Battle to nexEO to share how Huntsville is thriving as one of the 20 fastest growing cities in the United States. "Mayor Battle's leadership offers an extraordinary example of what can happen when a community aligns around a long-term vision and invests intentionally in its people, assets, and opportunities," said Travis Staton, President and CEO of EO Companies. "This type of growth is only possible when we intentionally invest in the conditions that allow innovation, talent, and investment to thrive. Leaders from across the region will gain valuable insight into how communities position themselves for transformational success.â <script type="text/javascript">AdGroup16();</script> During the luncheon, Battle will share the strategies, partnerships, and decisions that helped position Huntsville as one of the nation's 20 fastest growing cities. Attendees will gain firsthand perspectives on economic development, workforce readiness, talent attraction, and the importance of creating a shared vision to guide long-term progress. In addition to Battle and members of his leadership team, nexEO 2026 will feature the recognition of outstanding accomplishments and collaborative successes from across the region. The event will celebrate individuals, organizations, and partnerships that are advancing education, workforce, and economic development. "Food City is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of nexEO and support conversations that inspire regional growth and innovation," said Steve Smith, President and CEO of Food City and a foun
44ding board member of EO Companies. "Mayor Battle's leadership demonstrates what is possible when communities work together, think strategically, and remain focused on the future. His experience provides meaningful insights for leaders across the region who are committed to building stronger communities and creating opportunity for future generations." EO encourage business leaders, educators, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and community advocates to register early and reserve their seats for what promises to be one of the region's most impactful leadership gatherings of the year. Early bird registration is open now for the reduced price of \$25 per attendee. Register now at eoco.org/nexeo.</div> 45</div> 46</div> 47 48<div class="row" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 49<div class="col-4 mt-2"> 50<a href="hurley-named-to-etsu-deans-list-p18327-32.htm"> 51<div class="ratio-3-2 rounded"> 52<div class="img-content"> 53<img class="img-fluid lazy loaded my-4 rounded " src="/articles-2026-09-25-16-41-10-345.jpg" data-src="/articles-2026-09-25-16-41-10-345.jpg" alt="Hurley named to ETSU dean's list" data-was-processed="true"> 54</div> 55</div> 56</a> 57</div> 58<div class="col-8 col-8 mt-2"> 59<h3 class="col-12 h6 line-2 text-dark line-2 "> 60<a href="hurley-named-to-etsu-deans-list-p18327-32.htm" class=" text-dark fs-5 fw-bold text-red-hover ">Hurley named to ETSU dean's list</a> 61</h3> 62<time class="col-12 fs-6 "><i class="fa fa-calendar me-2 " aria-hidden="true"></i>September 26, 2026, 10:30 AM</time> 63<div class="fs-6 line-2 mb-3 mt-1">Emma Hurley of Abingdon was named to the East Tennessee State University summer 2026 dean's list. Hurley is among more than 200 students named to the summer 2026 dean's list. To receive this honor, undergraduate students must pass a minimum of 12 credits ( excluding audits, incompletes, repeats and pass/fail) with
63no grade below B- in any course taken, and a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. <script type="text/javascript">AdGroup16();</script></div> 64</div> 65</div> 66 67<div class="row" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 68<div class="col-4 mt-2"> 69<a href="jury-convicts-virginia-man-of-felony-murder-in-brothers-overdose-death-p18309-32.htm"> 70<div class="ratio-3-2 rounded"> 71<div class="img-content"> 72<img class="img-fluid lazy loaded my-4 rounded " src="/articles-2026-09-24-16-17-38-102.jpg" data-src="/articles-2026-09-24-16-17-38-102.jpg" alt="Jury convicts Virginia man of felony murder in brother's overdose death" data-was-processed="true"> 73</div> 74</div> 75</a> 76</div> 77<div class="col-8 col-8 mt-2"> 78<h3 class="col-12 h6 line-2 text-dark line-2 "> 79<a href="jury-convicts-virginia-man-of-felony-murder-in-brothers-overdose-death-p18309-32.htm" class=" text-dark fs-5 fw-bold text-red-hover ">Jury convicts Virginia man of felony murder in brother's overdose death</a> 80</h3> 81<time class="col-12 fs-6 "><i class="fa fa-calendar me-2 " aria-hidden="true"></i>September 24, 2026, 10:30 AM</time> 82<div class="fs-6 line-2 mb-3 mt-1">A Washington County jury has convicted a Virginia man of felony murder and distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance in the fatal fentanyl overdose of his brother, prosecutors said Thursday. Joshua Maggard was found guilty Wednesday in Washington County Circuit Court after a three-day trial, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for Washington County announced. The jury deliberated for more than six hours before reaching its verdict, the office said in a statement. The case stemmed from the death of Richard Jason Maggard, who was pronounced dead at the scene on Aug. 18, 2024, after the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Goodson Kinderhook Fire and Rescue responded to an address on Oak Grove Road. Deputies had been dispatched to what was first reported as a suspected overdose. <script type="text/javascript">AdGroup16();</script> Prosecutors said Joshua Maggard shared a pill with his brother that he believed was Roxicodone, a prescription painkiller. Toxicology testing showed the pill contained fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, and that the drug caused the death. Under Virginia law, felony murder applies to an accidental killing that occurs during the commission of a separate felony. Maggard was indicted and convicted on the charge in connection with the drug distribution, the commonwealth's attorney's office said. Commonwealth's Attorney Josh Cumbow, who prosecuted the case, said he was grateful for how deputies handled the initial call. "I am grateful to the Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies who responded to the scene and immediately began an investigation into a possible crime rather than just an overdose," Cumbow said. He described the case as tragic but familiar. "This is a tragic case but we see these facts all too often," Cumbow said. "Fentanyl is deadly and, unfortunately, often disguised as other drugs, including over the counter medications." Cumbow said he hoped the conviction would serve as a warning about the risks of street drugs. "If just one person decides not to take street drugs because of the likelihood of illicit fentanyl this is a successful prosecution," he said. </div> 83</div> 84</div> 85 86<div class="row" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted #dedede;"> 87<div class="col-4 mt-2"> 88<a href="washington-county-sheriffs-office-warns-of-scam-p18302-32.htm"> 89<div class="ratio-3-2 rounded"> 90<div class="img-content"> 91<img class="img-fluid lazy loaded my-4 rounded " src="/articles-2026-09-23-15-06-42-927.jpg" data-src="/articles-2026-09-23-15-06-42-927.jpg" alt="Washington County Sheriffâs Office warns of scam" data-was-processed="true"> 92</div> 93</div> 94</a> 95</div> 96<div class="col-8 col-8 mt-2"> 97<h3 class="col-12 h6 line-2 text-dark line-2 "> 98<a href="washington-county-sheriffs-office-warns-of-scam-p18302-32.htm" class=" text-dark fs-5 fw-bold text-red-hover ">Washington County Sheriffâs Office warns of scam</a> 99</h3> 100<time class="col-12 fs-6 "><i class="fa fa-calendar me-2 " aria-hidden="true"></i>September 24, 2026, 10:30 AM</time> 101<div class="fs-6 line-2 mb-3 mt-1"> The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a concerning scam involving recent arrests. The Sheriff’s Office has received a report of an individual being contacted within hours of a family member’s arrest by someone claiming they could assist with bond and requesting payment. Bextremely cautious of any unexpected phone call involving an arrest, bond, or request for money. Do not provide personal or financial information, and do not send money based solely on a phone call. If you receive a call like this, hang up and independently verify the information through the appropriate law enforcement agency or detention facility using a trusted phone number. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly. Take the time to verify before sending any money. <script type="text/javascript">AdGroup16();</script></div> 102</div> 103</div> 104 105</div> 106</div> 107</div>`);}
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