Local

The Indie Bookstore Resurgence

You’ve heard of shopping local, but how about reading local? In a time when local businesses face many challenges, from e-books to competition from big- box stores to the pandemic, one type of business that is maintaining its place in the local market is the independent bookstore. Once a staple of any community and a... Read More

Features, Local

April 10, 2022

Shooting Her Shot

In the second quarter of George Washington girls basketball’s matchup against Salem last December, GW senior Amara Harrell launched a jump shot that fell through the net. GW head coach Mancino Craighead immediately called a timeout and walked onto the court and over to his player. He didn’t offer words of criticism or advice, but... Read More

Cover Feature, Education, Local

March 4, 2022

Write Every Day

“Write every day.” Those were the words of wisdom given to Barry Koplen when he was an aspiring writer—before he ran a business, taught creative writing, practiced photography, or wore many other hats he’s tried on over his years in Danville. But now that he’s “retired,” Koplen does exactly that. He writes every day. So... Read More

Cover Feature, Culture, Local

December 13, 2021

2021 Community Strong Person of the Year: Constance Covington

Constance Covington grew up in Danville and has been part of the community all her life. She has worked with one area of the community, Cardinal Village, for the past fourteen years plus. Covington says, “God has blessed me with this opportunity to have housing here. Based on what I saw within my community, I... Read More

Community Strong, Local, People

December 9, 2021

2021 Community Strong Person of the Year: Chenise Blackwell

In 2019, Chenise Blackwell was recognized by Sovah Health as a Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award is given to an employee who “proudly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.” Blackwell serves as the patient advocate at Sovah Health Danville. She is married... Read More

Community Strong, Local, People

December 4, 2021

2021 Community Strong Person of the Year: Sherry Smith

Sherry Smith was the youngest child and left at home with aging parents. Her other 4 siblings had left home to start families of their own. As Smith parents’ health declined there were many doctor’s appointments. A strict schedule became a necessity. It was the only way she could balance her life to fulfill the... Read More

Community Strong, Local, People

December 3, 2021

Holiday Help

The holiday season is upon us, and for many area residents, the spirit of giving that permeates this time of year spreads beyond our homes and families and into the community at large. The needs of local nonprofits and charitable organizations during the Christmas season are great, and this year is no exception. Whether your... Read More

Features, Local, People

December 2, 2021

2021 Community Strong Person of the Year: Robert David

For the past 3 and a half years, Robert David has been employed with the city of Danville’s city manager’s office as the Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator. While in this position, he created the award-winning gang prevention and intervention collaborative system, Project Imagine. David is an Air Force veteran with over 25 years... Read More

Community Strong, Local, People

November 5, 2021

How to Volunteer to Help a Veteran

One of the best and most important ways to express gratitude toward our veterans is by volunteering to help those in need. There are numerous organizations that provide opportunities to give of one’s time and effort to help veterans, many of which are housed under one umbrella. World War II Gen. Omar Bradley created the... Read More

Local, People

October 28, 2021

Haunted Southside

We’ve all heard (and been scared by) urban legends such as a maniac with a hook for a hand, a headless phantom that walks the railroad tracks with a lantern looking for his head or a witch who’s put a curse on the town. In most cases, those stories are just stories, but as it... Read More

Features, Local