Barker gets 15 years for role in murder
Terri J. Barker, 35, was sentenced to 15 years for second degree murder in the July 4 2001 killing of Johnny Keith Harvey, 53, of Rock, Mercer County. She pled guilty last year and faces parole eligibility after 10 years. Co-defendant Jesse Overton, 26, already received a life sentence with mercy, parole possible after 15 years.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rinceton
Rocky Po Gap
Mercer County
Terri J. Barker
Johnny Keith Harvey
Route 2
Rock
John R. Frazier
Timm Boggess
Barker
Jesse Raymond Overton
Overton
Boggess
Harvey
Bill Sadler
Charles Owens
Cowens
Bottonline
Police blotter items from Bluefield area roundup
Reports include a stranded motorist on College Avenue assisted by police, a reckless driver on Union Street unresolved, and a suspicious juvenile taken to Bluefield High School. Multiple arrests follow for worthless checks, including April Lynn Southard and Kara Leigh Martin, plus property damage from a stuck truck on Combs Run Road and thefts in Rockwood Road garage break in.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
College Avenue
Police Department
H.L. Harmon
Albemarle Street
Bluefield High School
M.D. McPherson
Combs Run Road
Goodyear
S. Cary
Education Budget Cuts in Mercer and Neighboring Counties
The governor recommends reductions across several counties including Mercer County with a $157,067 cut from a $4,192,699 request, McDowell County to $2,000,162 after a $74,728 cut from $2,074,890, Monroe County trimmed to $892,009 from $925,408, Summers County lowered to $712,203 from $738,874. The plan warns major changes may occur before the 60 day session ends. A special session will finalize the budget with a potential shortfall of $280 to $300 billion if new revenues are not found. Governor Wise asserts education will not be reduced and K-12 funding remains high.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mercer County
McDowell County
Monroe County
Summers County
Education and Finance
House
Senate
Wise
Budget cuts touch Mercer and surrounding counties
Mercer County faces a cut of 157,067 from a 4,192,699 request while McDowell County's request drops to 2,000,162 and Monroe County shifts to 892,009. Mercer School Superintendent Dr. Deborah Akers notes no teacher or student reductions but worries about non educational cutbacks. Friday saw House committees shaping 2003 bills and a Senate substitute on workers compensation generating Capitol chatter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mercer County
Deborah Akers
Senate
House
Barbara Hawkins
Bhawkins
Bottonline
Virginia man charged in Jefferson National Forest shooting
A Raven man, Jackie Leon Keen Sr., 43, faces a reckless handling of a firearm charge after a Jan. 1 accidental shooting on a trail in the Jefferson National Forest Bland County. Victim George L. Ziegenfuss, 71, of Bland, was flown to Bristol Regional Medical Center and later released. Keen awaits court March 20 at Bland County Courthouse.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bastian
Raven
George L. Ziegenfuss
Bland
Jefferson National Forest
Smith
Ziegenfuss
Bristol Regional Medical Center
Keen
Bland County
Mark Blevins
Mblevins
Boltonline
Tazewell man faces eight to ten years for drug trafficking
Tazewell, Virginia resident Harlan Grose, 48, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to distributing oxycodone and using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. A sentencing hearing is set for April 1 in Abingdon. Prosecutors note he could face roughly eight to ten years, with forfeiture of his house or $45,000 in cash. The investigation involved undercover informants and about 30 firearms seized in connection with the case.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tazewell
U.S
Harlan Grose
Abingdon
Eric Hurt
Hurt
Hart
Charles Owens
Cowens
Bottonline
Snow likely Monday as region braces for more wintry weather
National Weather Service forecaster predicts snow showers on Martin Luther King Jr Day with additional snow later in the week. Virginia and West Virginia crews report improving primary routes but slick secondary roads and a footprint of up to a foot in some areas. Motorists urged to use extreme caution and check state helplines or websites for conditions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mercer County
DOH
Ken Kostura
National Weather Service
Blacksburg
Martin Luther King Jr
Dave Griffith
Virginia Department of Transportation
Tazewell
Tazewell County
West Virginia
Virginia
VDOT
Virginiadot.org
Blevins
Redistricting Plans Draw House Support and Skepticism
The Legislature names six members from both parties for a redistricting board with a 13th member chosen by majority vote or by the Virginia Supreme Court if needed. An alternative plan proposes retired judges to serve as commissioners. Alan Puckett doubts any proposal will pass, noting Republicans now control redistricting.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Virginia Supreme Court
House
Del
Bill Barlow
D-Isle of Wright
Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
Circuit Courts
Puckett
Senate
Pharmacy robber警警 advisory urged vigilance after dark
Law enforcement cautions the public to stay aware of surroundings and avoid loiterers near pharmacies after dark. Residents are urged to call 911 if followed and to contact the Sheriff's Department at 425 2274 with information about the male suspect.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Beasley
Sheriff’s Department
Also Mentioned on This Page
The
Daily Telegraph
D Police Department
Union Street
S.S. Whitt
Mercer County Sheriff's Department
Lynn Southard
Bluefield
J.E. Parks
Kara Leigh Martin
Parkersburg
L.B. Murphy
Rockwood Road
M.L. Gills
Terry Lee Mullins
KFC
Stafford Drive
Bb&t
Princeton Police Department
J.W. Howell
Princeton
Deliverance Temple
Brushfork
Haynes
Woody
Young
Lorton Lick Road
Haynes and
A-1
McDowell
Monroe
Buchanan County
John Nelson
Amanda Shumate
Eakfast
Fte
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!