Hot Springs & Monterey, VA

Pedal pushers persevere       A trail of bikers 344 strong snakes up Jack Mountain at the beginning of last weekend's Mountain Mama Road Bike Challenge in Highland County. More ... Is noise a nuisance? Monterey residents debate new ordinance BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - "There's no **** law against this and you can't do a damned thing about it, old man," said a young man inside a car at the intersection. That's the way Monterey resident Bill Richards heard it the night he asked the driver of an unidentified vehicle to turn down his music because it w... More ...       Rampant rumors running wild around the county the past couple of months have been put to rest with the announcement Cucci's will take over the operation of the Varsity grill across from Bath County High School beginning More ... Come on in, water's fine BY CHARLES GARRATT • STAFF WRITER       LAKE MOOMAW - Looking south from the bridge at the upper end of Lake Moomaw in late July and August, the lake looks like a slow river meandering through grassy bottomland. The bridge, near where Back Creek joins the Jackson River, is at the southern end of Richardson's Gorge, a popular if somewh... More ... Inside the students' chamber They come to play, but fall for the food BY CHARLES GARRATT • STAFF WRITER       HOT SPRINGS - Dull and dreary they are not. Talented and hard working they definitely are. When asked why they came to Garth Newel Music Center to spend the summer playing chamber music they said, "It's the food. More ... Students with a serious note       WARM SPRINGS - All the student positions at Garth Newel are underwritten, providing full room and board and instruction for the entire six-week session. Students pay only $100 plus the cost of transportation to and from Garth Newel. More ... School board considers remaining oil spill issues Details discussed, but not disclosed BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - The situation has not been publicly disclosed, but during Monday's Highland County School Board meeting, a closed session was called to discuss the oil spill that occurred on school grounds three years ago. More ... Highland County Board of Supervisors In Brief . . .       The board of supervisors met Aug. 7 in the Highland County Modular Conference room. Supervisors Robin Sullenberger and Lee Blagg heard a report from John Wright of the Virginia Department of Forestry on the More ... Highland County School Board In Brief . . .       The school board met Aug. 6 in the Highland High School library, and hired Thomas R. Boxler, carpentry teacher; Elizabeth Hylton, business teacher; and Lois Terry, cheerleading coach. More ... West Virginia fair whirls into action BY MARGO OXENDINE • CONTRIBUTING WRITER       FAIRLEA, W.Va. - Here's something to love about summer: The West Virginia State Fair. It whirls into Fairlea, on Route 219 just outside Lewisburg, Aug. 10 (Friday) through Aug. 18. There's a world of things to do and see and enjoy and marvel at, and, above all, to eat. More ... Athletic director will now be able to coach BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - During the administration of Highland County Public Schools' superintendent Dr. Nancy Lightner three years ago, the school board made it policy that the athletic director could not also coach. More ...       A flying squirrel pokes its head out of the bird house at Ginger Morgan's residence in the Head Waters area. The species are endangered, but can sometimes be found in the Highlands. More ... Two accidents in Bath total vehicles       WARM SPRINGS - On Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 11 p.m., Ron Hall and a passenger, both 16, left the Millboro carnival. According to State Trooper J.D. Bostic, as Hall rounded a curve on Route 710, a tenth of a mile from Route 635, he went off onto the soft right shoulder, which caused the car to roll do... More ... Millboro Happenings By Gina Hamilton       The annual Clark family reunion was held Sunday, July 29, at the Millboro Ruritan building. Those attending were: Bobby Clark; Blanche and Edgar Madison; Kay Howard; Crystina and Ben, More ... Highlander named president of Opera Theatre of N. Va.       ARLINGTON - Lewis Freeman, a resident of Highland County and Arlington, has been elected president of the board of directors of Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia. Opera Theatre, based in Arlington and founded in 1962, is the oldest existing opera company in Virginia. More ... Taking to the streets, shops in Lewisburg Day Tripping By Margo Oxendine • Contributing Writer       Welcome to "Day Tripping," an occasional column that could help you decide where to go and what to see and do should you just have to get out of town for a day. We begin with my very favorite town within a day's drive - Lewisburg, W.Va. More ... Good crowds, great parade - no rain BY GINA HAMILTON • CONTRIBUTING WRITER       MILLBORO - "I cannot remember the carnival without rain, but this year, it stood still," said Rhonda Grimm, treasurer for the Millboro Volunteer Fire Association. "Even though it was very hot, we had a great time. More ...       Jake Johnsen (left) holds his brother Jason's 12 inches of hair that was recently cut for Locks of Love. Jason has been growing his hair all of his eight years. He is the son of Sue Johnsen of Monterey and Steve Johnsen of Doe Hill. More ... HealthConnection Screening colonoscopies recommended By Christine Taylor, RN, BSN Bath Community Hospital       It's probably not the first time you've heard that early diagnosis of cancer saves lives, but it just can't be said enough. Yearly recommended screenings such as mammography and PSAs can catch cancer in its early stages, but what about the dreaded colonoscopy? More ... Foundation elects officers       COVINGTON- The Alleghany Foundation has announced that Charles Kahle has been elected president of its board of directors at the 2007 annual meeting held July 28. Other officers include James Dill, vice president; Patrick Winston Jr., secretary; and William Withrow, treasurer. More ... Highland Senior Center planning trip       MONTEREY - The Highland Senior Center is planning a trip to Lancaster, Pa. for Oct. 9-11. Fifteen seniors have signed up so far, but 15 more seats remain to be filled. Everyone is welcome. Reservations must be made by Aug. 31. More ... On the agenda       Bath County Board of Supervisors Bath County Courthouse, Room 115 Tuesday, Aug. 14- 6 p.m. Request to approve Rockbridge Area Community Services performance contract. More ... Photos      Bath senior center has a new paved parking area and driveway thanks to TJ Dressler and Bath supervisors. Vinyl siding and landscaping are next. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with these are needed and welcome. Call (540) 839-5604. (Photo courtesy Bath County Community Senior Center) More ... Reunion Rexrode family       LYNDHURST - The family reunion of Arthur and Grace Rexrode was held July 8 at their granddaughter's home, Eveyln and Barry Argenbright. The meal blessing was given by George Taylor, then a covered dish meal was enjoyed by all. More ... What's blooming in Bath, Highland BY CHARLES GARRATT • STAFF WRITER       WARM SPRINGS - Many members of the mint family grow and bloom in the Highlands, including the well-known wispy flowered bergamot. Wild bergamot, Monarda fistulosa, is also called bee balm. Another member of the family, scarlet bergamot, blooms earlier in the summer and is commonly known as Osw... More ... Cloverbud campers get creative       MONTEREY - Seventeen children, ages 5-8, participated in the Summer Cloverbud 4-H Camp in Monterey last week. The camp, sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension, was held over three days. Extension staff and senior teen 4-H members Lori Beverage, Kari Obaugh, and Sam Leech served as camp coun... More ...       On July 28, the Sundance Express attended the Orange County Clogging Competition at Historic Montpelier in Orange. The group earned first place in line and traditional line, second place in exhibition and open line, and third place in small teams line. More ... Virginia competes in nation 4-H forestry invitational       WESTON, W.Va- Virginia was among 17 states that participated in the 28th annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational Sunday, July 22 through Thursday, July 26. The event was held at West Virginia University's Jackson's Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston. More ... Conservancy named beneficiary of Southern Accents       HOT SPRINGS - Southern Accents magazine and Homestead Preserve named The Nature Conservancy as the beneficiary of a portion of the proceeds from the 2007 Southern Accents Showhouse, which is located in Homestead Preserve's Sheep Meadow neighborhood adjacent to The Homestead. More ...       Hunter Blake Woodzell and his Mamie, Joy Chestnut, caught this 3.5 pound bass on Big Back Creek. Carl "Pappaw" Chestnut captured this exciting event in his grandson's life on Friday, Aug. 3. More ... Online directory simplifies search for artisans, galleries       WAYNESBORO - Looking for crafts? The search has just become easier. The Allegheny Craft Network supports an online directory of artisans, and the galleries and festivals that carry crafts made within nine rural counties of the western part of Virginia. More ...       Bath County Chamber of Commerce 2007-08 officers were elected by the chamber board of directors at their monthly meeting July 12. Pictured are (l-r): Jonah Windham, vice president; Jacob Yarrow, treasurer; Pete Pitard, secretary; and Pete Minetree, president. More ... Doyle family holds reunion with 68 present Reunion       The Doyle Reunion was held Saturday, Aug. 5 at Fairview Community Center with 68 in attendance. Family and friends of the late Ceba Fannie Doyle attending were: Daisy Terry, Billy and Marie May, Tommy and Lowell Terry, Andrew Terry, Elmer and Carol Waybright, Linda Hodge, Crystal Waybright, Jaco... More ... Building permits       Highland County MONTEREY - The following building permits were issued by the Highland County Department of Building and Zoning in the month of June: Blue Grass district - Ballard Preston, alteration and addition; Beulah Presbyterian Church, electric; Faye M. Chapman, repair and replacement; G... More ...