An arrest has been made in connection with the recent armed robberies of the Stop-In Food store on West Midland Trail just outside of Lexington.
A Lexington man, Thomas Anthony Witten, was arrested and charged with two counts of armed robbery.
The robberies occurred October 2 and October 14.
A memorial service for 15 year old Victor Clark, who died Saturday in a tragic hunting accident in Buena Vista, will be held Thursday night at 6 p.m. at Parry McCluer High School. Clark was a freshman at PMHS and a member of the school's JV football team. Memorial contributions can be made to the PMHS Scholarship Fund.
The funeral arrangements are also set for John Evans, the VMI cadet who passed away last Saturday after a training event. The funeral mass will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Clarksville, Maryland. Contributions may be made to the John A. Evans Memorial Fund for the VMI Foundation, c/o St. Louis Catholic Church in Clarksville, Maryland.
All 4 lanes of Route 11 were closed overnight due to a haz-mat spill at the Lee High Travel Plaza. A highly flammable substance leaked from a tanker at the truck stop. There were no evacuations of homes but the Rt 11 lanes were closed for about 8 hours overnight.
The Rockbridge Supervisors agreed to send a letter to the state requesting that a dialogue be opened regarding the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center, which was closed in October. Supervisor Hunt Riegel says they'd like to try to get the facility re-opened. He says they also heard from citizens Monday regarding the latest fly rock incident at the Barger Quarry in Lexington. The State Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy was investigating the October incident and was expected to send the Board of Supervisors a report in the near future.
And a candlelight vigil was held Monday night in Buena Vista for 15 year old Victor Thomas, the Parry McCluer High School freshman who died in a tragic hunting accident last Saturday. Extra counselors were also on hand at PMHS Monday to help students deal with the tragic death of Clark, who was a member of the PM JV football team.
A tragic hunting accident Saturday in Buena Vista claimed the life of 15 year Victor Clark, who was shot Saturday afternoon around 4:40 in a wooded area on Route 501 near the city limits.
Codee Clark of Lexington was charged with involuntary manslaughter and recklessly handling a firearm. He was released from the Rockbridge Regional Jail on $1,000 bond.
Meanwhile, a freshman at VMI died Saturday after collapsing following a training event. 19 year old John Evans of Highland, Maryland collapsed in his barracks room after completing a 10 mile road march with other members of the VMI rat class. Evans was pronounced dead shortly after noon on Saturday at Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital.
Incumbents picked up victories Tuesday in the local area. Buster Lewis was re-elected to the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors in the Walkers Creek district. Rusty Ford ran unopposed in the Kerrs Creek district.
Benjamin Swisher took the Rockbridge County School Board seat from Kerrs Creek while Sarah Jane Deacon took the board seat from South River.
Glasgow Mayor Sam Blackburn was also re-elected. Monica Dock, Ruby Clark and Boyd Walker won the three Town Council seats up for grabs.
Republican Delegate Ben Cline also easily defeated Democrat Jeff Price in the race for the 24th District House of Delegates seat.
Voters go to the polls Tuesday to take part in state and local elections. In Rockbridge County, voters will decide the race for seats on the Board of Supervisors from the Walkers Creek and Kerrs Creek districts as well as two seats on the Rockbridge County School Board.
In Glasgow, the mayor's position and three seats on Town Council are up for grabs.
In the 24th House District, the incumbent, Republican Ben Cline is being challenged by Democrat Jeff Price.
Polls are open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rescue crews Sunday were able to rescue two Albemarle County volunteer firefighters in Rockbridge County who found themselves stranded in the James River near Balcony Falls after their canoe capsized and sank. The two people were able to use their cellphone to alert 911 Sunday at 6 p.m. Rescue personnel from the State Police, Glasgow, the Buena Vista Swiftwater Rescue team, the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office and the Rockbridge County Emergency Management Office got the canoeists out of the water by 9 p.m., cold but uninjured.
A reminder that the Rockbridge County-Wilson game has been postponed and has been rescheduled for Monday night at 7 p.m. You can hear the game Monday night on Classic 96.7, 3WZ starting at 6:45 p.m. with the pre-game show.
Fewer public schools across Virginia met increased federal targets this year under the No Child Left Behind Act.
The percentage of schools in Virginia meeting the benchmarks dropped from 74 percent last year to 71 percent this year.
About 150 schools overall passed reading and math tests to make AYP. Lexington was one of the school divisions meeting or exceeding the benchmarks in all schools across the division. Individual schools needed to meet targets in 29 measured objectives. Failure to meet one prevents the school from making AYP.
Renovation work at the Lylburn Downing Community Center should be finished by December the 18th.
Lexington City School Superintendent Dan Lyons says most of the ceilings have also been removed from the main school building and excavation for the addition and new parking area is nearly complete.
Lyons says the fire marshal has also inspected the school and declared it to be 100 percent safe.
The Boy Scouts of America has decided that it will no longer consider the Goshen Scout Reservation in Rockbridge County as a potential location for the National Scouting Center and the 2013 National Scout Jamboree, due to significant restrictions of land utilization. Jack Furst, national chairman and lead volunteer for the National Scouting Center, said it is simply too restrictive from a land utilization perspective. He says the BSA recently signed an agreement to purchase more than 10,000 acres near Beckley, West Virginia for a new high-adventure base. The BSA expects to close on that property in the fall and may look at that property, to see if it could support a National Jamboree. Furst says the Jamboree, which could attract 200,000 Scouts and others every four years, should have a new location by 2013.
State health officials fear that some college students returning to campus this fall will bring the Swine Flu virus back to campus with them.
Governor Tim Kaine says the state has been careful not to overuse Tamiflu, and as a result Virginia has a good supply of the antiviral medication on hand should it be needed.
Dawn Watkins, Vice President for Student Affairs at Washington and Lee, says this is a serious situation, in the wake of last spring's Swine Flu outbreak at W & L. Washington and Lee had at least 14 cases of Swine Flu, most of which were among first year students living in residence halls.
Glasgow's new Town Sergeant will be on the job in a few weeks. 38 year old Jeff Grimm of Raphine was recently hired as the new Town Sergeant. Grimm has been in law enforcement for 14 years, 11 years with the Bath County Sheriff's Office and 3 years with the Staunton City Sheriff's Office.
Some good news for Goshen. The town will receive a $1 million grant, and $26,000 in loans, from the USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Program.
The money will be use to help pay for the replacement of old water lines and the installation of a new elevated water storage tank and water meters.
Two of the four victims from the fatal July 5th plane crash in the Raphine area of Rockbridge County have been positively identified by the medical examiner's office in Roanoke.
The victims were identified as 37 year old Jenny Gajewski and 23 year old Stepan Matkovski. The others on the flight were identified as Tampa businessman Daniel Dorsch and his wife Cyndie.
And a new poll from Rasmussen Reports rates the Virginia governor's race as a tossup. The poll gave Republican Bob McDonnell 43 percent compared to Democrat Creigh Deeds' 41 percent. The contest could be viewed as a dead heat because McDonnell's advantage is within the poll's margin of error, plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.
A former VMI cadet was indicted this week by a grand jury in Rockbridge County on charges that he sexually assaulted a female classmate at VMI last March.
The grand jury indicted Stephen Lloyd on charges of rape and sodomy, the first time that a male cadet has faced charges with assaulting a female cadet since women were admitted to VMI in 1997.
Lloyd's trial is set for October 14 and 15.
A judge has ruled in favor of the city of Lexington in connection with a $9 million lawsuit filed against the city by the family of Charles Volpe. Judge Michael Irvine issued the decision after a jury was unable to reach a verdict in the lawsuit. Volpe, a student at Rockbridge County High School, drowned in the Maury River in April of 2006 while swimming at Jordan's Point near a low-head dam.
Health officials say Virginians need to continue to protect themselves against the Swine Flu virus. Health Department spokesman Dr. Doug Larsen is advising folks to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, wash their hands with soap and water and limit close contact with sick people.
Red Cross blood drives are coming up in the Rockbridge area. A blood drive will be held July 20 at the American Legion Building in Buena Vista from 11 until 5pm and July 23 at Central Elementary in Lexington from 10 until 4pm.
In local sports, in Valley League play, Rockbridge beat Fauquier on Thursday 5-1. The Rapids are now 8-18 on the season.
Be sure to catch my local news updates Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons on Classic 96-7, 3WZ and Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450, WREL. And don't forget to tune in for Online weekdays at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450, WREL. It's the Rockbridge area's only local talk show and we always take your phone calls at 463-9735 if you'd like to voice an opinion on any topic!
Investigators continue to investigate the fatal plane crash last Sunday in Rockbridge County. The crash near the McCormick Farm in the Raphine area scattered fragments of the aircraft several hundred yards from the point of impact and left a crater five feet deep. Investigators are trying to determine if the plane had engine problems and if it may have broken up in flight.
Health officials say Virginians need to continue to protect themselves against the Swine Flu virus. Health Department spokesman Dr. Doug Larsen is advising folks to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, wash their hands with soap and water and limit close contact with sick people.
Red Cross blood drives are coming up in the Rockbridge area. A blood drive will be held July 20 at the American Legion Building in Buena Vista from 11 until 5pm and July 23 at Central Elementary in Lexington from 10 until 4pm.
In local sports, in Valley League play, Rockbridge beat Fauquier on Thursday 5-1. The Rapids are now 8-18 on the season.
Be sure to catch my local news updates Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons on Classic 96-7, 3WZ and Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450, WREL. And don't forget to tune in for Online weekdays at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450, WREL. It's the Rockbridge area's only local talk show and we always take your phone calls at 463-9735 if you'd like to voice an opinion on any topic!
Investigators continue to investigate the fatal plane crash Sunday in Rockbridge County. The crash Sunday morning near the McCormick Farm in the Raphine area scattered fragments of the aircraft several hundred yards from the point of impact and left a crater five feet deep. It appears as many as four people were on the plane. Investigators say they're trying to determine if the plane may have had engine problems and if it may have broken up while in flight.
Health officials say Virginians need to continue to protect themselves against the Swine Flu virus with new cases still being confirmed in Virginia. Health Department spokesman Dr. Doug Larsen says they're advising folks to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, wash their hands with soap and water and limit close contact with sick people.
The next installment in the Friday's Alive concert series, hosted by the Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees, is coming up on Friday at Davidson Park. The next concert Friday at 6 p.m. will feature the Key West Band.
In local sports, in Valley League play, Rockbridge beat Luray on Wednesday 7-4. The Rapids are now 7-18 on the season.
Be sure to catch my local news updates Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons on Classic 96-7, 3WZ and Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450, WREL. And don't forget to tune in for Online weekdays at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450, WREL. It's the Rockbridge area's only local talk show and we always take your phone calls at 463-9735 if you'd like to voice an opinion on any topic!
Investigators continue to investigate the fatal plane crash Sunday in Rockbridge County. The crash Sunday morning near the McCormick Farm in the Raphine area scattered fragments of the aircraft several hundred yards from the point of impact and left a crater five feet deep. It appears as many as four people were on the plane. Investigators say they're trying to determine if the plane may have had engine problems and if it may have broken up while in flight.
Health officials say Virginians need to continue to protect themselves against the Swine Flu virus with new cases still being confirmed in Virginia. Health Department spokesman Dr. Doug Larsen says they're advising folks to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, wash their hands with soap and water and limit close contact with sick people.
The next installment in the Friday's Alive concert series, hosted by the Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees, is coming up on Friday at Davidson Park. The next concert Friday at 6 p.m. will feature the Key West Band.
In local sports, in Valley League play, Rockbridge beat Luray on Wednesday 7-4. The Rapids are now 7-18 on the season.
Be sure to catch my local news updates Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons on Classic 96-7, 3WZ and Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450, WREL. And don't forget to tune in for Online weekdays at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450, WREL. It's the Rockbridge area's only local talk show and we always take your phone calls at 463-9735 if you'd like to voice an opinion on any topic!
The Buena Vista Volunteer Fire Department is having its 3rd Annual Expo Day this Saturday, May 30th. There will be vendors, trucks and displays. A great time to see new products and new apparatus from some of the same vendors that are at the Virginia Beach show. Don't miss the vehicle extrication competition or the parade through the city at 3 p.m. Chicken dinners and other food available. Make plans to be there! For more info, call 460-2090
You're invited to the grand opening celebration Saturday, May 30th, 8 a.m. – 12 noon! Beginning with a flea market, bring your table and join us for the community flea market. Enjoy door prizes, hot dogs and drinks from 10 'til noon. Bring your honey do list and enjoy great bargains during the Grand Opening of Irvine's Home Store in Natural Bridge Station. If we don't have it….we will get it for you.
What: A music festival for local amateur bands and musicians to showcase their talent and celebrate the cause of Rachel's Challenge
When: Thursday, June 11 @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: Multi-Purpose Pavilion at Glen Maury Park, Buena Vista
Admission Price: $1.00 donation to Rachel's Challenge
*** Anyone interested in performing please contact Mark Wheeler at 261-2127 or 784-0721 or email: mark.wheeler@bvcps.org
SPONSORED BY THE PMHS CHAPTER OF FRIENDS OF RACHEL
Project Horizon will offer volunteer training June 20, 21, 23, 24 25 and 27 at the Lexington Police Department. This is the second of three yearly training sessions offered by PH. Volunteers answer a 24-hour hotline, interact with residents, provide child care and work on special events. Project Horizon says the dedication of their volunteers allows them to provide support for victims of domestic and sexual violence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Lexington City Council meets tonight at 8 p.m. as Council holds a public hearing on a resolution authorizing up to 9 million dollars in short term bonds for the Lylburn Downing Middle School renovation project. City School Superintendent Dan Lyons says they hope to start the renovation work June 9.
Lime Kiln's next big event is set for May 30. Mandolin star Chris Thile brings his unique brand of bluegrass magic to Theater at Lime Kiln on Saturday, May 30th, at 7:30pm. Punch Brothers combines traditional bluegrass with jazz and classical overtones. Those seeking tickets can call 540-463-7088.
Be listening for ONLINE, our local weekdays talk show at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450. Due to vacations, our next Online show will be June 1. We also take your phone calls on the show anytime at 463-9735 if you've got an issue to discuss!
And remember to catch my morning and afternoon news updates on 3WZ-FM and WREL-AM.
Lexington City Council meets Thursday at 8 p.m. as Council gets an update Thursday on the Moore's Creek project. Council will also hold a public hearing Thursday night on a resolution authorizing up to 9 million dollars in short term bonds for the Lylburn Downing Middle School renovation project.
The state will give Virginians a tax break, to get ready for Hurricane Season! Virginia's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday will be held May 25 through May 31. During the weeklong holiday, state and local sales taxes won't be collected on generators costing $1,000.00 or less, and also on other items ranging from duct tape to flashlights.
In local sports, in college baseball, VMI takes on Gardner Webb tonight at 7 in a play-in game in the Big South tournament. If VMI wins, the Keydets take on Coastal Carolina on Wednesday.
Be listening for ONLINE, our local weekdays talk show at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450. We'll be talking Virginia sports with Chris Graham of the Augusta Free Press and we'll also take your phone calls at 463-9735 if you've got an issue to discuss!
And remember to catch my morning and afternoon news updates on 3WZ-FM and WREL-AM.
Rockbridge County High School was the location this week for an informational forum on the Boy Scouts National Jamboree that's been proposed for the Goshen Scout Reservation.
One has to wonder if the Boy Scouts will pursue the project in Rockbridge County. Boy Scouts officials said this week that the jamboree will certainly not take place at the Goshen Scout Reservation in 2013. They also said they hope to make a decision in the next 6 to 7 weeks whether to pursue the project at the location just a few miles from the town of Goshen.
VMI's commencement ceremony will be held Saturday morning at 11 o'clock in Cameron Hall. General David Petraeus will be the main speaker for the ceremony.
In local sports, in college baseball, Washington and Lee lost to Washington and Jefferson on Thursday in the second round of the South Region of the Division 3 Baseball tournament, ending the Generals' season. VMI is hosting High Point this weekend, with the Big South tournament coming up next week.
Be listening for ONLINE, our local weekday talks show at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450. We'll take your phone calls anytime at 463-9735 if you have an issue you'd like to discuss!
Remember to catch my local news updates mornings and afternoons on both 3WZ-FM and WREL-AM.
Rockbridge County High School will be the location Wednesday night at 7 for an informational forum on the Boy Scouts National Jamboree that's been proposed for the Goshen Scout Reservation. The Rockbridge Area Conservation Council is hosting the forum, which will include a Q and A with Boy Scout reps at 8 p.m. Good chance for citizens to get some questions answered!
Money is tight in Buena Vista. Buena Vista City Council is talking about raising the city's real estate tax rate by 5 and a half cents for the coming fiscal year. A public hearing on the Fiscal 2010 budget will be held Thursday at 6 p.m.
The Friday's Alive concert series is coming back to Davidson Park in Lexington! Great to see it back near the downtown area. The first concert in the series is set for June 12, featuring Southpaw.
in sports, in college baseball, Washington and Lee is in action over the next few days in the South Region of the Division 3 Baseball tournament...Washington and Lee is making its first ever NCAA baseball tournament appearance. VMI wraps up the regular season at home this weekend against High Point.
Don't forget ONLINE, our local weekday talk show at 11 a.m. on Fox Sports Radio, AM-1450. We'll be talking with several different guests on Thursday, including Charlie Miller of Athlon Sports as we focus on major league baseball. We also take your phone calls anytime at 463-9735 if you have a topic or issue to discuss!
Catch my news updates mornings and afternoons on both 3WZ-FM and WREL-AM!
