Virginia

Amherst New Era-Progress wins Virginia Press awards

Published

2 years ago

May 8, 2024

Amherst New Era-Progress wins Virginia Press awards

Staff Reports

The Amherst New Era-Progress newsroom brought home 19 awards from the Virginia Press Association’s annual News & Advertising Contest.

The press association each year recognizes newspapers around the commonwealth for exceptional writing, photography, multimedia projects, graphics, newspaper design and advertising. The New Era-Progress also won the news sweepstakes in the Non-Daily 1 category and Best in Show for Non-Daily Design and Presentation.

Results were announced at a banquet in Charlottesville on May 4. A list of award recipients is below.

First place

Sports News Photo — Lee Luther Jr. for Trapped

Business and Financial Writing — Justin Faulconer for Solar farm operation planned in Piney River at former titanium mine site; New multi-tenant building in Amelon Commerce Center moving closer to bid stages for construction; She leads by example’: Amherst McDonald’s manager honored with award

Video — Justin Faulconer for Camp Trapezium farm manager giving tours of Amherst brewery’s grounds

Feature Writing Portfolio — Justin Faulconer for Lancer baseball program pays homage to Coach Jim Procopio; ‘Sister Act’ three years coming for Amherst high school drama program; ‘Epitome of a public servant’: Longtime Amherst County purchasing agent David Proffitt retires

Education Writing — Justin Faulconer for Celebrating the moment: Amherst graduates recall navigating COVID to reach milestone; Schools chief: Major focus on engaging students more in 2023-24 year; Amherst schools bracing for county population growth

General Make-Up — Staff for Feb. 9; May 4; June 29

Government Writing — Justin Faulconer for Amherst board supports US 29 corridor cleanup position, opposes adding fire marshal post; Public comments continue on Confederate monument in Amherst; Council denies two special use permits for short-term rentals

Slideshow or Gallery — Paige Dingler for Amherst County High School graduation

Feature Photo — Paige Dingler for Powwow

Combination Picture and Story — Justin Faulconer and Lee Luther Jr. for LANCER LEGEND

Pictorial Photo — Paige Dingler for Reflections

Headline Writing — Justin Faulconer for Learning the strings at Ukulele summer camp; ‘Epitome of a public servant’; CARTOON CHRISTMAS PARADE COMES TO LIFE IN AMHERST

Combination Picture and Story — Justin Faulconer, Paige Dingler for Future Opportunity Night events showcase career pathways for Amherst fifth-graders, families

Third place

Slideshow or Gallery — Lee Luther Jr. for Lancers show dominance in home win over Liberty

Feature Profile Writing — Justin Faulconer for ‘True examples’: Two Amherst Education Center students find solace in smaller class setting

Headline Writing — Justin Faulconer for LANCERS LIGHT UP THE COURT; Happy (future) trails: Amherst bike club eyes expansion of land, locations for use; LANCER LEGEND

Sports Feature Photo — Lee Luther Jr. for Dribbling

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Virginia

First responders train in Blacksburg

Published

7 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – First responders never stop training, and this week almost 500 from across Virginia are honing their skills in Blacksburg.

The Virginia Association of First Responders now includes EMTs, firefighters, police officers and many others who answer the call in an emergency.

Thursday, a farm accident and a collision involving a car and school bus were just two of the scenarios they encountered.

“It’s a week-long opportunity, not only for technical stuff like this, but for medical classes,” said Covington Volunteer Rescue Squad member Greg Burton. “People call 911 every day for something. And we’re just here to help ease the problem a little bit.”

The annual conference also includes a Rescue Camp for young people with an interest in emergency services.

43 campers are taking part in a variety of activities, including a session on scuba diving Thursday afternoon.

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Virginia

Brush fire in Virginia Beach set by children playing with fire

Published

17 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Press Room

Brush fire in Virginia Beach set by children playing with fire

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A brush fire in a wooded area on Criollo Drive Wednesday afternoon was set by children playing with fire, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.

Units with Virginia Beach Fire and Virginia Beach Police were dispatched to the 3700 block of Criollo Drive in reference to a report of a possible fire in a wooded area at approximately 5 p.m.

Upon arrival, crews saw light smoke coming from a wooded area. They quickly had the brush fire under control at 6:05 p.m. and marked out at 6:37 p.m.

There were no injuries reported to civilians, firefighters or pets.

A VBFD Fire Investigator determined that the fire was set by kids playing with fire.

There are no charges being filed currently.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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