Willing Partners opened a new thrift store in Independence today, May 1, giving away free snacks to customers. The new store is right next to Walters' Drug on Main Street in the old Grayson Garment factory building. Willing Partners is a nonprofit member agency serving the Twin Counties and Galax. In Galax, the Willing Partners food bank gives away more than 1200 food boxes to needy families a month. The mission of Willing Partners is to “bring together people, churches, and groups who share a common desire to improve the lives of those in need.”

A North Carolina resident who is qualified to register to vote may register In-Person and vote at a One-Stop Site in the person's county of residence during the One-Stop Absentee Voting period. The One-Stop Voting period extends from 19 to 3 days before Election Day.

The process is sometimes referred to as “In-Person Registration,” but it is important to recognize that it not permitted on Election Day itself.

On Saturday, May 10, on Main Street in Independence, Grayson County will hold its first community-wide Earth Day celebration.  This all-day festival wraps up three weeks of Earth Day activities in the community, which have included river-side and roadside clean-ups, the planting of gardens, and tours of local businesses which are mindful of the environment.

The festival will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting for the new Farmer's Market and will conclude with a concert by Earth Mama at 4:00 p.m. in the middle of town.  A Procession of the Species Parade is scheduled at 2:00 p.m., in which participants will dress as their favorite species, and which will also feature environomentally friendly vehicles. 

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
    On National Maritime Day, America honors our highly skilled mariners who sail the high seas, support those on the front lines of the war on terror, and promote commerce around the world.
    Since 1775, the United States Merchant Marine has served our country, helping America become a great maritime power. During the Second World War, courageous mariners were among those who suffered greatly -- hundreds of ships were lost to enemy action, and many mariners made the ultimate sacrifice. We pay tribute to these heroes who answered the call to serve when our Nation needed them most. Today, our merchant mariners continue to protect our homeland, including by supporting our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.