The reward for information leading to the arrest of man accused of killing ex-wife in Wise County five years ago has been raised. The Wise County Sheriff's Office announces that the U.S. Marshal's Office is now offering $15,000 for a tip leading to the arrest of Eric Monroe Jones. Jones is accused of shooting his ex-wife, Janina Jefferson, multiple times while she was working the overnight shift at the Town of Appalachia Water Treatment Plant on November 27, 2016. He is a black man, who weighs 175 pounds, and is 5'7. If anyone has any information on Jones' whereabouts, they are asked to call 276-328-3566. 

Heritage Hall names new facility after fallen Big Stone Gap police officer. Heritage Hall, in Big Stone Gap, will name its new expansion "Chandler Hall," in honor of Michael Chandler, a Big Stone Gap police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty in November. Chandler Hall will house 36 patients and specialize in the care of those living with Alzheimer's, dementia, neurocognitive disorders, and other neurological conditions. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for January 6 at 2 p.m. Heritage Hall invites first responders, health care workers, and families to attend to honor Chandler and launch a legacy that aims to assist its community members. The expansion recognized the need for an upgrade of the specialized memory unit. 

​A Gofundme Account Has Been Setup For A Washington County Virginia Sheriff’s Deputy Who Suffered A Neck Injury During A Car And Foot Chase On Monday In Abingdon. Deputy Tyler Arnold Suffered A Neck Fracture During The Incident. He Remains In The Intensive Care Unit At Bristol Regional Medical Center. The Fundraising Goal Is 10-Thousand Dollars And As Of Yesterday, More Than 65-Hundred Dollars Had Been Raised. If You’D Like To Donate, Visit Gofundme.Com
Donate at https://gofund.me/f92c0831

Stray dog rescues family from house fire in Big Stone Gap. A home off Silver Creek Road caught on fire Thursday morning. Charity Golloway and her two children lived at the home and were rescued by a stray dog, Butter, who was staying around their home. The fire started in Butter's dog shelter, which was less than five feet away from the house. An electric lamp apparently caught on fire. The dog noticed the fire and went to Golloway's bedroom window and started barking. Her son was able to use the garden hose to douse the flames and the home only received minor exterior damage, melted vinyl siding and a broken window. The Valley Volunteer Fire Department arrived shortly after, but the fire had already been put out. The VVFD posted a picture on Facebook with Butter, which is when the family found out that the dog has another name. A family saw the picture and recognized the dog as their family dog who ran away this summer, named Cooper. The dog will now be returning to his owners. 

 Lebanon, VA – On May 25, 2021, Thomas Scott Gross, a 29-year-old man from Cedar Bluff, Virginia, entered a guilty plea to rape of a child under age thirteen in the Russell County Circuit Court. Following a sentencing hearing on November 23, 2021, Gross was sentenced to 50 years in prison, with 20 years suspended. He will also have to register as sex offender and be on indefinite probation upon his release. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred between 2014 and 2015. The rape was later reported in July 2019. At the sentencing hearing, the victim’s mother asked the court to impose a life sentence and the Commonwealth’s Attorney adopted that request. Although a life sentence was not imposed, the sentence was above the Virginia Sentencing Guidelines recommendation. Commonwealth’s Attorney Zack Stoots stated, “This is a tragic case in which an adult took advantage of the victim because of age. No child should ever have to endure this abuse and hopefully the sentence imposed will deter further vile acts such as this one.” “We will continue to work jointly with our community partners and citizens to stop the victimization of children in Russell County and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Sheriff Steve Dye. This investigation was conducted by the Russell County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of the CARE Center, the Russell County Hospital, and Ultra Health. The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jessica Jackson.

Body found on Park Avenue in Norton on Monday morning has been identified. The Norton Police Department reports that police responded to the 800 block of Park Avenue Northwest at around 8 a.m. Monday after a passerby found a body in the downtown area. The body has been identified as 30-year-old Lindsey Kayla Allen, of Norton. No evidence has been found to suggest foul play at this time. The NPD continues to work closely with Allen's family during their time of grief and as the investigation is ongoing. 

A hit-and-run at the Norton Walmart leaves no serious injuries. The Norton Police Department reports that a father was pushing a shopping cart with his 5-year-old child when a 2015 silver Ford Explorer hit the father and the cart. The collision pushed the cart but neither the father or child were seriously hurt and they were both treated by EMS at the scene. The driver of the Ford fled the scene and surveillance video was unable to capture the license plate number. If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the NPD at 276-679-1212.