WAFC Local News – April 30, 2026, 8:33 AM
Transcript
I’m Charles Murphy reporting. Henry County Schools held a ceremony to break ground on the new LaBelle High School. The new $78.6 million school measures over 220,000 square feet. It’s the first school built in the Henry County District since the 70s. The 80-acre campus will be built at 850 Helms Road and is due to accommodate up to 1,500 students. The first day of opening the school is August 2027. Superintendent of Schools Michael Swindle called it a new day for education in Henry County. Today’s ceremony symbolizes a new era. An era where students have the opportunity to learn, engage, explore, and be challenged in a modern and safe learning environment where they will be nurtured and have the opportunity to prepare themselves for their successful path. Principal Tammy Bass says the new building will enhance education. Our students, without a doubt, are some of the most hardworking, dedicated, and talented young people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. For too long, they’ve excelled in spite of their surroundings, and boy have they. Now they will excel because of them. Sophomore Aaron Gonzalez says students will soar to greater heights academically now. LaBelle High School, as far as I know, is currently a B school, but I am certain that under this new building, we will transform into an A school. A 45-year-old Henry County man charged after a gun incident. Henry County deputies say it happened in the LaBelle area at a convenience store. Nathan Gofford admitted to having a problem with a person at that location. Deputies say it appeared that the man was intoxicated. He searched the suspect’s vehicle and found a Taurus handgun. A Hokie mayor, Keith Babb, is becoming under fire at recent meetings, defended his record over the past 10 years. I think we have done a great job doing my tenure as mayor. He also defended the work of disgraced city manager Chandler Williamson. Chandler Williamson, who I think was one of our best city managers that we ever had. Chandler had some issues. He’s not a perfect servant, but he was a public servant. He says things accomplished during his tenure include the Barfield Highway reconstruction, demolition of the old hospital, the McClure Road project, and new townhouses. He also added a splash pad for the kids, $550,000 in park improvements, and about $1 million for a new youth football field. Glades County schools have been discussing a change from an elected to appointed superintendent. The district defended a recent auction where they sold off surplus equipment from the old Moorhaven Elementary School and received $15,616. Superintendent Dr. Beth Barfield assured all state laws were followed. There has been some concern about the district selling off the Moorhaven ball fields. Barfield says the district is looking at all the properties they own and evaluating existing leases and what benefits they provide students. School board chair Crystal Drake says you must beware public comment sometimes on issues. Ten people showed up to voice their opinion, but there were 500 that stayed home. Board member Larry Lucky says some people are interested in the land sales. If you sell something to the city, please keep in mind that if it’s land, the city has been leasing, that they have already paid for things that are on the property. I’m Charles Murphy, WAFC News.
Recorded from the WAFC daily newscast (Glades Media).