Rockingham County Sheriff #SamPage watches as primary #election results come in across #NC Senate District 26 at Oak Level Baptist Church in #Stokesdale, N.C. on March 3, 2026.

#ncpol #ncphotographer #ncsenate #philberger #ncga #rockinghamcounty #republican #gop #news #photog

Board approves FY27 capital plan; grants limited flexibility to use $1.2M in restricted sales tax for computers, approves Head Start budget The school board approved a $5,950,000 FY27 capital budget and granted the superintendent authority to use up to $1.2 million of restricted 25/26 sales tax funds for computer purchases. The board also approved the Head Start grant budget totaling $2,599,443.03 (packet per-student figure $10,371).

Rockingham County's school board just approved a $5.95 million capital budget and a Head Start funding boost—what does this mean for students and technology in the district?

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #HeadStartSupport #EducationFunding

Board to seek public input on proposed Reesville elementary merger, staff cite cost savings and $44 million plan District staff proposed merging South End and Mall Street into a single new elementary to speed construction and concentrate Title I resources; they recommended a parent meeting March 16 and a public hearing/work session March 23. The district estimated reduced funding next year and projected operating savings if the merger proceeds.

A bold plan to merge two elementary schools into a state-of-the-art facility could save the district up to $750,000 while enhancing educational resources and minimizing disruption for students.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #SchoolConsolidation

Rockingham County elections board reopens after unusual post-primary closure County offices are supposed to be open so voters can resolve issues with their ballots. The State Board of Elections stepped in after learning of the issue.

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#RockinghamCounty
#NorthCarolina

Something is stoking in Rockingham. Is Woodhouse loose?

Rockingham County Schools previews $27 million county request as state funding remains uncertain District finance staff presented an initial $27 million request to county commissioners for 2026–27 and warned that state planning allotments and low‑wealth funding remain uncertain; the board scheduled further review at a finance committee meeting this week.

Rockingham County Schools is eyeing a $27 million local funding request as uncertainty looms over state support for the upcoming budget year.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CommunityEngagement #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #RockinghamCountySchools #EducationFunding

Mum-of-three who vanished 24 years ago found alive and living a double life

Mum-of-three who vanished from her North Carolina home 24 years ago found alive and living a double life #MicheleHundleySmith #EdenNC #NorthCarolina #RockinghamCounty #MissingPerson

U.S. Senate hopeful Orey Quick frames campaign around constitutional restoration, calls for ICE accountability At the Rockingham County forum, Orey Quick emphasized constitutional themes, called for accountability for immigration enforcement and proposed higher teacher pay while defending Medicare and the Affordable Care Act.

Orey Quick is shaking up the U.S. Senate race with a bold call for ICE accountability and a commitment to higher teacher pay, all while championing constitutional values.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #HealthcareProtection #CitizenPortal #ImmigrationAccountability #EducationFunding

5th District Democratic hopefuls clash on health care, wages and election control in Rockingham forum At a Rockingham County town hall, U.S. House candidates Kaya Prebmore and Chuck Albert both backed higher minimum wages and rural health investments but diverged on strategy for federal election rules and the scope of health reform.

In a heated town hall debate, Democratic candidates Kaya Prebmore and Chuck Albert laid out starkly different visions for health care, wages, and election integrity in North Carolina's 5th Congressional District.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #RuralInfrastructure

Rockingham County town hall brings Democratic candidates together to debate health care, schools and policing An afternoon town hall in Rockingham County featured Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state legislature, school board and sheriff who answered audience questions on Medicaid, Medicare-for-all proposals, school funding, rural hospitals and jail conditions.

Rockingham County's town hall ignited passionate discussions among Democratic candidates on critical issues like health care, education funding, and police oversight—setting the stage for a heated primary battle.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #HealthCareAccess

Rockingham County commissioners approve multiple procurement reviews, $1.17M accounts payable The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 19 authorized staff to review bids for fuel, IT equipment and duct cleaning, approved an accounts payable run of $1,167,812.78 and signed several contracts and personnel items, voting unanimously on routine business.

Rockingham County commissioners just approved over $1.1 million in expenditures and several key contracts—find out what this means for the community!

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#RockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalServices #FinancialTransparency #RockinghamCountyProcurement #PublicMeetings

Rockingham County leaders cite rising jail population, weigh more electronic monitoring and regional housing options County corrections officials told commissioners that jail counts have risen in the last year and described new electronic-monitoring tools that could expand pretrial releases; commissioners discussed regional transfers and approved one inmate administrative transfer from Hillsborough County.

Rockingham County is grappling with a significant rise in jail population, prompting officials to explore innovative electronic monitoring and regional strategies to manage the growing crisis.

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#RockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #TechnologyInnovation #CommunitySafety

Rockingham County elections board narrows electioneering rules, permits 'snacks' and adds 1‑foot walkway safety rule The Rockingham County Board of Elections on Feb. 17 approved several changes to its electioneering and campaign‑sign policies — permitting snacks in the electioneering area, shortening pre‑election sign posting to 14 hours and adopting a 1‑foot walkway safety buffer — citing safety and enforceability concerns.

Rockingham County just made significant changes to its election rules, allowing snacks in polling areas and implementing a new safety buffer for campaign signs!

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CampaignReform #ElectionSafety #VoterAccessibility

Board approves four rezonings across Rockingham County in unanimous voice votes The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners approved four rezoning requests—Cases 2025‑16 (Deacon), 2025‑17 (Quad Oaks LLC), 2025‑19 (Bryant) and 2025‑21 (Cardwell)—each recommended by staff and the planning board; approvals were by voice vote with no recorded roll‑call tallies provided in the meeting transcript.

The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners just greenlit four significant rezoning requests in a unanimous vote, paving the way for new developments in the area!

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #CommunityParticipation

Commissioners approve $1.61M health‑insurance transfer and $618,769 for inmate medical costs The board approved moving $1,610,000 within the health insurance fund to cover higher‑than‑expected claims and appropriated $618,769 from fund balance to cover projected inmate medical expenses through June 30, 2026, after staff presentations and commissioner questions about trends and Medicaid eligibility.

Rockingham County commissioners have approved a significant $1.61 million boost to health insurance funding amidst rising medical claims and an additional $618,769 for inmate medical care—what’s driving these costs?

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal

County updates major infrastructure plans: broadband expansion, water/sewer repairs and landfill gas project Commissioners heard updates on Connect Rockingham broadband expansion, multiple water/sewer projects including an emergency 4,000‑foot force main replacement, and a landfill gas‑to‑renewable‑gas project (Wagga) with phased payments; staff outlined funding sources and timelines.

Rockingham County is set to transform its future with major infrastructure upgrades, including a $20 million broadband expansion and ambitious water and sewer projects!

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #BroadbandAccess #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment #RenewableEnergy

Rockingham commissioners approve tentative budget calendar, reaffirm mission and focus areas At a recessed planning retreat, the Rockingham County Board approved a tentative FY 26–27 budget calendar and reestablished the county's existing vision, mission and strategic focus areas while staff outlined strategic accomplishments and next steps on major projects.

Rockingham County is setting the stage for a transformative FY 26-27 budget with a renewed focus on strategic goals and impactful projects that could reshape the community!

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#NC #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #StrategicGoals #RockinghamCounty

Rockingham County leaders present draft FY26–27 budget and early tax-rate placeholder County staff outlined a proposed FY26–27 general fund budget projected near $131 million, flagged a 0.67‑penny placeholder that could raise about $2 million, and described assumptions including a 3% COLA and merit adjustments. Commissioners gave early direction but no final tax decision was made.

Rockingham County's proposed budget for FY26-27 reveals a staggering $131 million projection, driven by rising personnel costs and a potential new tax rate—could this impact your wallet?

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #PublicSafety #FiscalResponsibility

County risk manager says state insurance investigators found no criminal activity in Travis suit; commissioners defended by insurer Rockingham County’s safety and risk manager told the board Travelers Insurance provided representation to commissioners named in a 2023 suit and that the North Carolina Department of Insurance closed its inquiry finding no evidence of criminal activity; he called public accusations against staff and insurers baseless and defamatory.

Rockingham County's risk manager has revealed that state investigators found no criminal activity in a controversial lawsuit, defending the commissioners against baseless public accusations.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CivicAccountability #InsuranceTransparency #CitizenPortal

NCDOT seeks $2 million study to plan I‑73/US‑220 upgrades in Rockingham County NCDOT told the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners it has $2 million for a preliminary engineering study to begin environmental review and concept design for upgrading US‑220 to interstate standards (I‑73) between I‑73 and NC‑135; construction funding is not yet secured and the study could take about three years.

Exciting news for Rockingham County: NCDOT has secured $2 million to kick off a study that could transform US-220 into interstate standards, promising major upgrades and improved access for residents!

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureDevelopment

County approves renewal of Kerpal (PDK) contract as attorneys warn of rising digital‑evidence storage costs Board approved a $49,250 renewal and bid waiver for Kerpal Solutions (referred to in discussion as PBK/PDK) to continue case‑management and evidence storage services beginning April 1, 2026, after county attorneys described rising discovery and video storage expenses and discussed alternatives including evidence.com and retention policies.

Rockingham County is facing rising digital evidence storage costs, prompting a controversial contract renewal with Kerpal Solutions that could reshape how they manage critical case files.

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#RockinghamCounty #NH #RockinghamCountyEvidence #CitizenPortal #CostManagement

Rockingham County Schools warns of $6.8M potential state funding drop, asks board to study consolidations District staff told the school board that lagging enrollment and uncertain state revenues could reduce state funding by an estimated $6.8 million for 2026–27, possibly eliminating 8.5 teaching positions and requiring difficult budget choices including consolidation of facilities.

Rockingham County Schools could face a staggering $6.8 million drop in funding next year, raising tough questions about staffing and facility consolidations.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #EnrollmentChallenges #RockinghamCountySchools #FacilityConsolidation

Council tables proposed clear‑cutting policy changes after members raise legal concerns Council moved to table proposed amendments to the city's clear‑cutting policy for 60 days after debate over buffer widths, bond provisions, exemptions, and a cited North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling that council members said could expose the city to takings litigation.

Reidsville's council is putting the brakes on proposed clear-cutting policy changes amid rising legal concerns and potential litigation risks.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #LegalRiskManagement #EnvironmentalPolicy #RockinghamCountyClearcutting

Council hears Mount Jubilee proposal for housing and services for adults with disabilities; conditional rezoning recommended by staff Mount Jubilee Ministries sought a conditional rezoning for an 11.66‑acre Rockingham County parcel to allow limited highway‑business uses and residential services; staff recommended approval and the applicant described plans for residential and program space for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Motion to approve was made; transcript does not include roll‑call tally.

Mount Jubilee Ministries is seeking to transform an 11.66-acre parcel in Rockingham County into a vital space for adults with disabilities, combining residential clusters and community amenities.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #IntellectualDisabilities

Rockingham County Schools warns of multimillion‑dollar shortfalls as state budget remains unsettled District finance staff told the school board the stalled state budget and lower projected ADM could cut state funding by about $6.8 million next year; staff flagged a worst‑case $3.6 million shortfall in exceptional‑children funding and recommended planning steps including reducing positions via attrition and exploring school consolidation.

Rockingham County Schools faces a daunting $6.8 million shortfall as state budget uncertainties loom and enrollment declines threaten classroom resources.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #ClassroomStaffing #CitizenPortal #RockinghamCountySchools #EducationFunding #BudgetTransparency

Rockingham County Schools staff outline $6.8M potential state shortfall, warn of staff and building consolidation District finance staff told the school board the unresolved state biennium budget and falling enrollment could cut up to about $6.8 million in state funding for 2026–27, forcing position reductions, potential school consolidations and a $3.6 million shortfall in special-education funding that may require at least $1 million in local support.

Rockingham County Schools could face a staggering $6.8 million shortfall in state funding for 2026–27, prompting potential cuts to staff and the consolidation of schools.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #EducationFunding #BudgetTransparency

Planning board backs Mount Jubilee Ministries rezoning for residential community serving adults with disabilities Mount Jubilee Ministries told the Reidsville planning board it seeks conditional highway-business zoning for an 11.66-acre site to develop small residential homes and a 15,000 sq ft multi-use building for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; the planning board voted to recommend the rezoning to city council.

Mount Jubilee Ministries is one step closer to creating a transformative "work-live-play" community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, featuring small homes and a vibrant multi-use center.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal

NCDOT presents multi-year plan for Rockingham County, wins public input on US 220 prelim engineering NCDOT Division staff updated county officials on several projects — Barn Street bridge, Lindsay Bridge, NC 135 over US 220, Eden roundabout and a $2 million allocation for preliminary engineering on US 220 — and described timelines and public-engagement steps for environmental review and design.

Exciting infrastructure upgrades are coming to Rockingham County, including a new five-lane Barn Street bridge and a complex Lindsay Bridge project that will enhance local aesthetics!

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #EnvironmentalPlanning

Public commenter demands answers on county insurance used in campaign lawsuit A Rockingham County public speaker asked commissioners to disclose whether county insurance has been used to defend elected officials in defamation suits arising from campaign speech, calling for records about the claim, who authorized it, and amounts paid or reserved.

A local resident is demanding transparency from Rockingham County officials over the controversial use of taxpayer-funded insurance to defend commissioners in a defamation lawsuit tied to the 2024 primary.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal

Rockingham County Schools warn of multimillion-dollar state funding gap; consolidation options discussed Superintendent staff presented a high-level 2026–27 budget showing a potential ~$6.8 million cut in state funding for Rockingham County Schools if state tax changes hold; staff outlined likely position and dollar reductions, a projected $3.6 million EC shortfall, and asked the board to consider school consolidation and other efficiency measures.

Rockingham County Schools faces a staggering $6.8 million funding cut, prompting urgent discussions on budget cuts and school consolidations to safeguard education.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #BudgetChallenges #SpecialEducationSupport #EducationFunding

Sheriff candidates prioritize staffing, training and interagency partnerships Three Republican candidates for Rockingham County sheriff — Darren Wright, Billy Parker and Brian Harbour — emphasized training, retention and partnerships with federal and regional agencies to address drugs, violent crime and jail oversight. Candidates urged cooperation with county commissioners for compensation reforms.

Three sheriff candidates in Rockingham County are shaking up public safety with bold plans for training, retention, and interagency cooperation to tackle crime.

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#RockinghamCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #InteragencyCooperation #RockinghamCountyPublicSafety #TrainingAndRetention