Fishing Tournament Facility: Cutting a ribbon Saturday to officially open the new fishing tournament facility at Twin Ridge Park on the Franklin County side of Philpott Lake were Bobby Thompson, Franklin County Supervisor for the Blue Ridge District; Michael Burnette, Franklin County Director of Commerce and Leisure; Burnette’s daughter, Claire; Earl Wright, Philpott Lake Assistant Operations Project Manager; Doug Stewart, Commander, Henry County Post 2820 VFW; Craig “Rocky” Rockwell, Philpott Lake Operations Project Manager; and Marc Thomas, Commander, Chapter 52 Martinsville DAV.

McAirlaid's to Expand: A Franklin County company is expanding, and adding 40 new jobs. McAirlaid's announced Wednesday that it will increase its manufacturing facility by 75,000 feet, so it will stand at 145,000 square feet. The extra space will allow for more manufacturing equipment and storage. McAirlaid's makes products like absorbent pads for food manufacturing, medical and wound care products, and absorbent cores for hygiene products. McAirlaid's is a German company. The Franklin County site is its only U.S.