Mountain Top Media
Report: Two SW Va. hospitals at risk of closure due to funding cuts
by RODERICK MULLINS
A report released by the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen identifies 10 Virginia hospitals at risk of closure, including two in southwestern Virginia, following recent federal funding adjustments.
The report links the financial strain to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a legislative package supported by Republican Reps. John McGuire (5th District), Ben Cline (6th District), and Morgan Griffith (9th District). According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, the legislation is projected to reduce federal spending on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program by $911 billion over the next decade.
The two local facilities identified in the report include Buchanan General Hospital, in Grundy, and Dickenson Community Hospital, in Clintwood.
Virginia Democratic Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner criticized the legislation in a joint statement, arguing the cuts prioritize tax breaks for high-income earners over rural health care stability.
“Hospitals across the Commonwealth are now at risk of closure because of this bill,” the senators said. “This latest report shows the impact on reliable access to affordable, quality care.”
The financial impact is already being felt in some regions. Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville recently ended labor, delivery, and OB-GYN surgical services. Hospital officials stated the facility must adapt to “significant financial and operational challenges, including recently enacted reductions in federal healthcare funding.”
The legislative shift comes as redistricting changes loom for Virginia’s congressional map. Rep. Griffith is set to represent a portion of Augusta County pending the results of an April 21 referendum.
For more information about the potential closures, click here to see the complete article and charts on Public Citizen
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15th Region basketball All-State honorees
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The 15th region was loaded with talent this year in both girls’ and boys’ basketball, and their achievements did not go unnoticed around the state.
The Lexington Herald-Leader just released their All-State basketball teams from this past season, and the 15th region was well represented. Over 100 coaches around the state were asked to send in their top 10 players from both girls’ and boys’ high school basketball in Kentucky and the top 50 players that received votes make up the All-State list. This is a major honor as a basketball player and especially for our kids here in Eastern Kentucky where a lot of times their achievements and level of play go unnoticed.
15th Region Girls –
First Team:
Paintsville High School star, Kylie Kinner earned a spot on the Herald-Leader Girls’ All-State first team for her exceptional 2025 season. Kinner is only a junior and one of the best basketball and volleyball players in the state of Kentucky. She surpassed 3,000 career points and averaged 26.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game and helped lead her team to the 57th District championship game and won two games in the 15th Region Tournament. Kylie will certainly be a front runner for Kentucky Miss Basketball and 15th Region Player of the Year heading into her senior season.
Third Team:
Pikeville High School point guard, Kylie Alvin, also earned a spot on the Herald-Leader Girls All-State third team. The senior guard was outstanding all season; she led the Panthers to a 59th District championship and 15th Region Tournament championship. She averaged just under 19 points per game and was the focal piece of the Panthers’ impressive season. Kylie also earned 15th Region Player of the Year and was a finalist for Kentucky Miss Basketball.
Honorable Mention:
Sophomore Karlae Stanley from Johnson Central earned a spot on the All-State honorable mention list. She averaged 16.7 points per game and led the Golden Eagles to a 57th District championship. She will certainly be a player to watch in the 15th Region going into next season.
Martin County’s Maci Maynard – Maynard Maci recorded 17 double doubles with points and rebounds on the season. She was ranked 7th in the state for field goal percentage and 13th in state for rebounds. In her premier game, Maynard scored 21 points and pulled down 24 rebounds.
15th Region Boys –
First Team:
Braxton Keathley’s incredible season earned him first team honors on the Herald-Leader Boys’ All-State team. The four-star guard has scored over 3,000 career points and averaged 33.1 points (second in the state) and 9 rebounds per game and shot over 47% from 3 on over 250 attempts. If those numbers don’t get you excited for his senior season, check your pulse. Keathley led his team to a 15th Region All “A” championship, hitting a buzzer beater in overtime to beat Belfry in the semifinals then scored 26 points to defeat Pikeville in the championship game. Keathley has already taken “unofficial” visits to Kentucky, Louisville, and other major Division 1 programs. He will be a must watch player heading into his next season and will likely be a front runner for 15th Player of the Year and Kentucky Mr. Basketball.
Honorable Mention:
Austin Slone from Johnson Central earned himself a place on the All-State honorable mention list. The junior guard was one of the best players in the 15th region; he averaged over 21 points and 7 rebounds per game and helped lead the Golden Eagles to a 15th Region championship and won tournament MVP.
Phelps’ basketball star, Tyler Weddington also made the All-State honorable mention list after an insane junior season. He averaged almost 30 points and 17 rebounds per game and shot almost 60% from the field! Weddington is one of the best athletes to come out of Phelps High School and will most definitely be a player to watch next year.
Mountain Top Sports would like to congratulate these young student athletes on their recognition of their incredible achievements!
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