Army Reserve Pvt. Bradley S. Bobbitt has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Bobbitt is the son of Rhonda Smith of Warren Lane, and Steven Whitaker of Water Wheel Road, both of Galax, Va.

In 2006, the private graduated from Grayson County High School, Independence, Va.

In the narrowest of decisions, the US Supreme Court signaled the end of empire and return of the republic by rejecting the disregard of the Bush Administration of the time-honored principle of Habeas Corpus.

Justice Kennedy wrote that the Constitution’s authors “deemed the writ to be an essential mechanism in the separation-of-powers scheme” and that the mechanism they included for suspending habeas “protects the rights of the detained by a means consistent with the essential design of the Constitution. It ensures that, except during periods of formal suspension, the Judiciary will have a time-tested device, the writ, to maintain the ‘delicate balance of governance’ that is itself the surest safeguard of liberty.”

Galax City Market is a producer only market in downtown Galax, Va. 2008 season runs from Friday, June 6 to Saturday, November 1. Hours: Fridays 9am to 1pm, Saturdays, 8am to noon. Currently seeking new vendors of fruits, vegetables, honey, meat, eggs, and plants. Small-scale producers and backyard growers welcome! Contact galaxdowntown.com or stop by the city office for an application.

221 Main Street (corner of Washington St and Main St)
Galax, VA 24333

(June-October)
Fridays 8 am to noon

Saturdays 9am to 1pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Mary Kay Leonard and her mother Iva Martin at this time of sorrow. We pray for God's comfort to the families and friends.

We are reaching out with our love and prayers to the victims of the explosion, the rescue personnel, and the town of Fries and all its people. God's peace be with you.

Army Reserve Spec. Rodney A. Pugh has been awarded the Army Achievement Medal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The medal is awarded to soldiers who have served in any capacity in an area authorized by the Secretary of the Army. The recipients must have distinguished themselves by meritorious service or achievement while acting on behalf of the Army.

Pugh, an ammunition specialist, is assigned to the 811th Ordnance Company, Rainelle, W.Va. He has three years of military service.
He is the son of Walter L. Pugh of Rural Route 1, Crumpler, N.C., and Carol S. Hash of Fox Creek Road, Independence, Va.

The specialist is a 2003 graduate of Grayson County High School, Independence.

The idea has been around for ages and we just started doing something about it - "it" being the promotion of local commerce. By local commerce we mean the exchange of goods and services between members of the local community. That includes individuals, groups, businesses owned by local people, etc. but not chains and big box stores owned by non-local corporations.

The first seeds can be seen at http://downtowngalax.com/. We are pretty sure the eCommerce module will be replaced. Auctions are difficult. I envision a system where local people can publish "goods" and other people can contact them with an offer. The seller can accept or reject any offer, make a counter offer, publish the best offer and see if anyone wants to make a better offer. Settlement will probably be off-site; remittances look like a nightmare.

During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Hodges earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Richard B. Hodges of Magnolia Farms Lane, Mooresville, N.C., and Barbara J. Cason of Preacher Field Road, Elkin, N.C. In 2007, he graduated from Lake Norman High School, Mooresville.

Kevin A. White Air Force Airman Kevin A. White has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Judy Jenkins of Bullhead Road, Sparta, N.C.
White is a 2005 graduate of Alleghany High School, Sparta.