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🌱 What Martinsville leaders learned about data centers, housing and voting costs

Martinsville, Virginia Patch AM: a 4 min read

Hey hey Martinsville! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Martinsville leaders learned about data centers, housing and voting costs
  • How a $5 million gap could hit Martinsville tax and power bills
  • Want a new best friend? Martinsville SPCA slashes adoption fees this month

Also on today's calendar: Smartphone Video Advertisement, Part 2 and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: Why can't you play cards with pirates ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 64 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 71, low: 45.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 77 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Stanley, Phillips address regional issues at chamber event (henrycountyenterprise.com) — Local residents heard State Sen. Bill Stanley and Del. Eric Phillips tackle Martinsville-Henry economic development, data centers, energy, housing, and healthcare at a chamber breakfast attended by Martinsville Vice Mayor Kathy Lawson. The lawmakers weighed in on data center tax benefits, solar versus natural gas, housing shortages, healthcare funding risks, minimum wage costs, and the burden of Virginia’s 45-day early voting period on localities.
   

2. Fincher outlines plan to address $5 million budget shortfall (henrycountyenterprise.com) — Martinsville is facing a $5 million budget shortfall that could mean higher real estate taxes, electric rates, and trash collection fees for residents in the 2026-27 fiscal year. City Manager Rob Fincher outlined cuts, postponed pay raises, and frozen positions, while stressing priorities like schools, public safety, and mandated child services. City Council will now dig into the proposal before final decisions are made.
   

3. SPCA lowers adoption fees during busy kitten season (henrycountyenterprise.com) — If you’ve been thinking about adopting a pet, the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA is cutting dog and cat adoption fees May 1–15 to ease crowded kennels during kitten season. With more than 100 animals in care, including long-waiting pets like Mr. Squash, Dipper, and Uno, the shelter on Joseph Martin Highway is also asking for donations of kitten food and supplies.
   

4. Roanoke shooting renews debate over newly approved gunshot detection system (wsls.com) — Roanoke’s renewed debate over a new gunshot detection system now includes lessons from Martinsville where a similar technology was reportedly phased out after missing many shots. City leaders say they’ve consulted Martinsville’s command staff and promise to closely monitor Roanoke’s two-year, grant-funded rollout before deciding whether to keep the system long term.
   

📸 Around Martinsville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Amvets Post 35 - Collinsille, VA
    We have a blood drive coming up we are looking for volunteers to give blood to the local center for storage increases. Disqualification: Summary… (Nextdoor Farmingdale)
  • Fresh Catch Seafood Market Open Daily !!!
    1541 Irisburg Rd. Axton, Va. 24054 (704) 200-0096 (Nextdoor Forest St/Starling Ave)
  • The Retail Outsource Group posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate in Martinsville. Apply here.
  • CVS Health posted a job opening for Shift Supervisor in Martinsville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Martinsville here.

Ok Martinsville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because they are always sitting on the deck ? (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Martinsville

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Martinsville

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.