Hot Springs & Monterey, VA

Kyle Petty charity ride roars into Bath BY GEOFF COX • STAFF WRITER       HOT SPRINGS - Tuesday the clouds from a late afternoon thunderstorm began moving over the mountains. Soon a rumble could be heard that sounded like thunder, but it wasn't. More ... Highland Center seeks $2 million BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - "She's past due for necessary repairs and improvement for the continued and expanded enjoyment of the Highland Community," said Lloyd Bird, president of The Highland Center board, last Friday. More ... Officials tour Millboro to see flood damage BY GINA HAMILTON • CONTRIBUTING WRITER       MILLBORO - A lack of adequate drainage from Cabin Creek on Lower Yard Road during periods of heavy rain is causing worry and frustration with repeated flooding that affects residents here, as well as the Buckingham Branch Railroad Co. More ... SCC hears more on wind project BY ANNE ADAMS • STAFF WRITER       RICHMOND - In yet another round of testimony, the environment played a central role in discussions on how a proposed 39-megawatt industrial wind utility may or may not be harmful to some of the richest and rarest species of wildlife in Virginia. More ... Liberty Gap does not ask PSC to reconsider W.Va. wind proposal       CHARLESTON, W.Va. - After filing for more time to decide, Liberty Gap LLC has opted not to ask the West Virginia Public Service Commission to reconsider its decision denying a state permit for the proposed wind energy utility in Pendleton County. More ... Millboro High reunion brings 250 together BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - "We are blessed to have been brought up in this county," said Beatrice Clark, Millboro High School Class of 1957. Millboro High School classes of 1916-1970 held their reunion July 7 at Millboro Elementary School. More than 250 alumni and guests attended. More ... Monterey High gathers classes '22-'66 JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - The Highland Center hosted the reunion of the Monterey High School classes of 1922-66 last weekend, with around 300 alumni in attendance. "Monterey High School was the center of activities in our community," said Louise Rexrode, co-chair of the MHS reunion committee. More ... Walters' passing a loss to Bath County BY MARGO OXENDINE • CONTRIBUTING WRITER       MILLBORO - His well-written obituary tells us, "Edward T. Walters, public servant, cattleman, and ardent conservationist, died on July 10, 2007. He was 78 years old." Ed Walters was ageless. A renaissance man. The consummate gentleman and diplomat. More ... Millboro woman travels with Clydesdales BY GINA HAMILTON •CONTRIBUTING WRITER       MILLBORO - It's obvious Amy Trout loves her job as a handler for a team of the Budweiser Clydesdale horses for Anheuser-Busch, which travels the East Coast for shows, parades and fairs. She also loves her home here in Millboro, but she's on the road most of the time. More ... Millboro Happenings By Gina Hamilton       Millboro Christian Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Monday, July 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., with a variety of events for any area children from preschool to sixth grade. The theme this year is "Water Works Park" because the activities - crafts, Bible stories and songs - will be water-r... More ... Wedding Burns - Williford       OCHO RIOS, Jamaica - On Monday, May 7, 2007, Aaron Kyle Williford and Tiffany Lynn Burns were wed under cloudless, blue skies on the beach at the Club Hotel Riu in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Williford is the son of Glen and Melissa Williford of Willow Springs, N.C. More ... Bath County Art Show 2007 Award Winners       ASHWOOD - The 43rd Bath County Art Show opened last weekend and runs through Sunday, July 22. More than 600 pieces are on display at Valley Elementary School. Judge's statement: "I have heard about the Bath County Art Show for several years, but I have not seen it before this year. What a wonde... More ... Skating in the rain ...      Justin Hughes didn't let the rain stop him Tuesday afternoon at the skateboard park. The umbrella might have been as much help with balance as it was with the weather. More ... More gypsy moth mayhem? BY CHARLES GARRATT • STAFF WRITER       WARM SPRINGS - State forester John Wright told the Bath County board of supervisors last week the gypsy moth population may experience another devastating explosion next year in Bath or Highland counties. "What we have learned," he said Monday, "is that once you have gypsy moths, you always have... More ... New farmers' market pavilion opens BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - Fresh produce, Virginia made fruit products, and baked goods were only a few of the options shoppers had at the Highland Farmers' Market last Friday, held for the first time in the all-but-complete farmers' market pavilion. More ... Bath recreation meets goal       HOT SPRINGS - Bath County Parks and Recreation director Mark Nelson compiled an annual report outlining the department's achievements throughout the year. "We are one of the last locations on the East Coast that does not charge our youth to participate in youth sports programs," Nelson pointed o... More ... New director has sports in his blood BY GEOFF COX • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - The search for a recreation/athletic director for Highland county is over. Last Wednesday the county filled the position by hiring Brian Parker of Suffolk. Parker, 38, is single, has two dogs and two cats, and is currently boarding a horse. "It (the horse) probably won't come with me,... More ... Doyle running for commissioner of the revenue General Election 2007 BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - "I believe I have the variety of work experiences and the background needed for this position," said Lunora Doyle, candidate for Highland County Commissioner of the Revenue. She said her strengths include a good work ethic, a happy personality and a devotion to whatever she is doing. More ... Griffin seeks second term as commissioner General Election 2007 BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - Bobbie Griffin is running for a second term as Highland County Commissioner of the Revenue. She has worked for the commissioner of the revenue's office for 20 years. "I was a pleased person (when I went to work for Toby Swecker as deputy)," said Griffin. "It wasn't in my thoughts she w... More ... Douthat State Parks hosts 9th annual Arts and Crafts Fair       DOUTHAT - The Ninth Annual Douthat State Park Arts and Crafts Fair will be held on July 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Upper Beach Parking Area. Crafters from several different states will be on hand to display and sell their handcrafted items. More ...       Burgundy Hicks, 11, of Blue Grass, holds the 10 inches of hair she had cut to donate to Locks of Love. She is the daughter of Richie and Christy Hicks. (Recorder photo by Geoff Cox) More ... Reunion Townsend       CHURCHVILLE - Descendants of Icie and Howard Townsend recently met at St. James United Methodist Church for their annual reunion. Hostesses were Linda Townsend, Carol Cash and Cindy Woods. Dotty Hevener welcomed family and guests. After the blessing by Wayne Duff, a bountiful buffet was served. More ... Photos      The Monterey Lions Club put on the first street dance of the summer last Saturday on Spruce Street in Monterey. Folks enjoyed the bluegrass sounds of the band "Uncle Henry's Favorites." Cakewalks and square dancing followed a performance by the Little More ... Court Cases Bath County       HOT SPRINGS - The following decisions were handed down in Bath County General District Court on June 27. Criminal and traffic divisions: Carlos Mendell Debrill II, speed- ing 72/55, dismissed; Raymond Stuart Fix, failure to obtain registration, $25 fine, $56 costs; George A. Jones, bad check, t... More ...       Highland civic organizations gathering support to build a veterans' memorial on the Highland County courthouse lawn. Last week Dr. Richard Robinson (left) and his wife, Dottie, contributed the first private donation to the memorial. More ...