See below for the round-up of this weeks news briefs for the Charlotte Gazette.

Spring comes to Abilene

Ronald Card sent this to us, with the hope winter is finally over and spring is here.

School highlights Arrive Alive campaign

On April 3, Randolph-Henry High School, in conjunction with the Virginia State Police, hosted a distracted driving simulation. This event is part of the April Arrive Alive Campaign, where the school works to inform students about making good choices on prom night.

AARP warns about student loan scams

If there is one constant in the criminal world it’s that scammers follow the news. Student loan forgiveness has been the focus of recent headlines, which has given scammers room for student-loan-related fraud.

On Monday, April 17, the American Association of Retired Persons issued a statement, warning people to be wary of any unsolicited contacts from “debt relief experts” offering access to instant, easy-to-access loan forgiveness options or mentioning the “Biden Plan.” They often ask for upfront payment or for personal information such as your Social Security number or your FSA ID (the username and password on your loan account).

It is illegal for debt relief companies to collect payment from you before they get results, so upfront fees are a surefire sign of fraud. Secondly, these offers provide nothing you can’t find yourself for free by contacting your loan servicer or the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information, you can visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.

Bank opens new branch

The Bank of Charlotte County will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at its new branch in Drakes Branch on Thursday, April 20 at 11 a.m. Citizens can register to win an Apple 10.2- inch Ipad.

The lobby will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drive-Thru hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The branch is located in the former First Citizens Bank building at 4767 Main Street.

Team places first in state contest

The Randolph-Henry High School cattle working team placed first at the State Championship Youth Cattle Working Contest. The event took place at the Virginia Beef Expo at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Team members included Daschal Pettus, Jay Duffey and Mason Hamlett.