March 29

100 Years ago – 1925

State Prohibition Inspector Z.C. Ramsey and Railway Officer B.Q. Steith made a search of freight train 33 at Koehler and caught a hobo with 2 gallons of Franklin County booze. The man was taken before Justice P.R. Wray and fined $10 and 10 days in jail for hoboing. The liquor charge was sent on the grand jury, April term.

75 years ago – 1950

The Henry County Tuberculosis Association had sponsored free X-ray clinics in the area, but the X-ray equipment broke down. A transformer on portable equipment blew out. While waiting to get it fixed, the clinic was postponed until June.

50 years ago – 1975

The State Air Pollution Control Board reported that its latest measurement showed Bassett had practically the dirtiest air in Virginia, and Martinsville was close behind. Only Frederick County and Boutetourt County had higher levels of air pollution.

25 years ago – 2000

Clean Community of Martinsville and Henry County developed and promoted programs to educate and involve the community in litter prevention. The Clean Community Commission was established in 1979 and worked through the schools. It was funded by grants from the Virginia Commission of Litter Control. The funding in 2000 was $16,236 from VCLC, $12,753 from Henry County and $4,500 from Martinsville. Lesley Cornett was the executive director, working 30 hours a week.