August 30, 2023
Volume 3, Number 30
Wythe man convicted on gun charges A 28-year-old Wythe County man who had been arrested while carrying guns on the highway in front of Fort Chiswell High School was found guilty on Wednesday of felony possession of a firearm on school property, felony brandishing a firearm within 1,000 feet of
school property and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Justin Reed remains jailed at the New River Regional Jail is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 10, 2024. “My office has always made it
an ultimate priority to protect the innocent,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Jones. “Our Wythe County school children deserve a safe space to attend school and school activities. The convictions today help ensure such a safe and peaceful place for our children.
Thank you to the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office for their prompt response and investigation of this incident.” Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Kathryn Hagwood prosecuted the case.
Contracting ceremony set for E&H cadet
Helping Hands moves Marion’s first thrift store is celebrating its 18th year in a brand new permanent location. Helping Hands Thrift Store is now located at 218 East Main, in the former Mike’s TV and Appliance building. Amanda Baxter, store manager, is delighted at the new, expanded space. Now, Helping Hands has nearly 1,800 square feet of retail space, filled with clothing,
home décor, toys, books, housewares and more. Store hours are Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Phone (276) 685-7967. “We proudly take donations any time we’re open,” said Baxter, “and our board meets every month to donate proceeds to support Smyth County nonprofit organizations.”
Amanda and her brother Todd Baxter have formed Baxter Southern Properties, and their first investment in Marion is the purchase of this building. Plans are to build out additional commercial space for lease and additional upper story apartments to serve the community.
See HANDS, Page 3
Emory & Henry to hold its fifth contracting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 6, in Byars Hall recognizing Cadet Thomas Peery at 2:30 p.m. Peery is a third-year student from Chilhowie, majoring in religion. He is a member of the Virginia Army National Guard and has been a varsity wrestler. The contracting c e re m o n y indicates Peery is stating his oath to serve in the United States Army. Unlike noncontracted cadets, a contracted cadet is considered a member of the military and will gain the rank of second lieutenant upon graduation. Contracting is a very important part of a cadets journey through ROTC, as it shows their commitment to being a future leader in the military. In 2018, Emory & Henry partnered with East Tennessee State University to bring back the ROTC program to its campus. Since that time, three students have been commissioned as officers in the US Army, eight are currently in the program, and many more are showing interest.
Dust off those Truffle Shuffle shoes Hey You Guys! 1985’s classic hit “The Goonies” will never say die and is showing back on the big screen at The Mill-
wald Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets available NOW online at www.themillwald.org. Old-fashioned yarn about a
band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build
a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of
See CADET, Page 3
lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles, including one-eyed Willie, along the way.