A Smyth County educator took part in a ceremonial check presentation to recognize the $914 million the Virginia Lottery has raised for Virginia’s K-12 public schools.

Hunter Trivette believes in pursuing excellence, but, as he’s matured, his idea of what that means has changed.

The stretch of U.S. 11 that goes by Chilhowie High and Middle schools carries about 6,500 vehicles a day. Each school day, more than 100 students cross that road. During this school year, officials hope that those students and community members will be safer.

Early this week, the search continued for a Virginia Beach man facing multiple charges in Marion after a Friday incident.

As the Appalachian Center for Hope begins accepting patient applications and prepares to open its door to provide addiction treatment, those behind the institution aren’t pausing their work to help Southwest Virginia. The center’s executive director said, “We see this as the first step.”