Hot Springs & Monterey, VA

Christi Matheny chows down on her two slices of watermelon faster than all the other men and boys competing in this contest, one of many held July 4 at Bath County High School. Matheny won a blue ribbon and a $15 gift certificate and a belly full of delicious, sweet watermelon. All the contests were... More ... Bath board offers tentative support for Millboro group By Mike Bollinger • Staff Writer       WARM SPRINGS - The fate of the old Millboro school campus has been undecided for some time, and it will remain so for another month. The Bath County Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to postpone action on whether to allow the Millboro Preservation and Cultural Association Inc. More ... Highland commissioner's office independent, board says By Anne Adams • Staff Writer       MONTEREY - Complaints about delays and errors in tax bills sent to Highland residents have left county officials threatened by legal action. Several citizens have felt frustrated by problems they say stem from commissioner of revenue Bobbie Griffin, and a couple of them have threatened to sue, a... More ... Coursey Springs hatchery closed for renovations By Mike Bollinger • Staff Writer       WILLIAMSVILLE - The Coursey Springs fish hatchery in northern Bath County, Virginia's largest producer of catchable trout, closed for renovations June 1 and will remain closed for the next 18-24 months. Coursey Springs provides 30 percent of the trout stocked in all rivers and streams by the Vir... More ... Man with Bath ties shot in robbery       ROANOKE - A man with ties to Bath County was shot and killed July 1 in an alleged botched robbery attempt at a southeast Roanoke pharmacy. Corey Ramsey, 22, was killed as he tussled with Robert Kennedy, pharmacist and owner of Sanco Drug. Kennedy, 61, also accidentally shot himself during the st... More ... Bath meals tax gets little support       WARM SPRINGS - The Bath County Board of Supervisors wants to hear from residents concerning a possible meals tax. The board voted Tuesday to place the tax on its August agenda for action. The board will decide whether to start the process of having a referendum on the tax placed on the November ... More ... In Brief . . . Bath Board of Supervisors       n Following a joint public hearing with the board of supervisors and the planning commission Tuesday, the board agreed to amend the county's comprehensive plan to eliminate Route 678 from the designated growth area. More ... Crab Run bridge needs to find a new home BY M.K. LUTHER • STAFF WRITER       MONTEREY - The Virginia Department of Transportation is conducting a marketing campaign to find a new owner and new home for the U.S. 250 Crab Run Bridge in McDowell. Originally constructed in 1927, the bridge was deemed structurally deficient after a routine yearly inspection in September 2007,... More ... New principal hired for Millboro Elementary School By Cynthia B. Coleman • Staff Writer       Warm Springs - After a called closed session, the Bath County School Board voted to appoint Wesley "Wes" Eary as Millboro Elementary School's new principal. Eary, of Powhatan, was principal of Jouett Elementary School in Louisa County until June 30; he will begin his duties at MES officially on ... More ... Digital TV transition nearing BY M.K. LUTHER • STAF WRITER       MONTEREY - On Feb. 17, 2009, television stations across the U.S. will switch from broadcasting on analog signals to digital. Televisions with indoor antenna, or rabbit ears, that use an analog tuner will no longer receive a signal. Television viewers who do not already subscribe to a cable or sa... More ... On the agenda       Bath County School Board School Administration Building Tuesday, July 15 Called meeting 6 p.m. Closed meeting immediately following regular meeting ¦ Discussion of four-day school week. ¦ Discussion of salary scales. More ... DSLCC admissions workshop scheduled       CLIFTON FORGE - Dabney S. Lancaster Community College has scheduled an admissions workshop in Moomaw Center on the main campus in Clifton Forge Tuesday, July 22, from 4-6 p.m. Prospective students will gain an overview of the requirements for admission to DSLCC and the process of filing for finan... More ... Highland Medical Center reviews goals       MONTEREY - Highland Medical Center presented its report for the fiscal year ending July 1 at a board meeting on June 23. This week, Dr. D. Bradley Drawbaugh, the center's new executive director and chief financial officer, highlighted some of the year's accomplishments. More ... Court Cases Highland County       MONTEREY - The following decisions were handed down in Highland County General District Court on July 2. Criminal and traffic divisions: Jennifer Evans Bilchick, speeding 67/55, costs $61, dismissed; Robert Norman Cooper, speeding 66/55, fine $55. costs $61, guilty in absentia; Alvin E. More ... Bath, Highland full of July 4th activity      Kids own the road during the Blue Grass Children's Parade and eat delicious cookies made by Frida Bird and ice cream before lunch on Independence Day morning. More ... What's blooming in your back yard? By Cynthia B. Coleman • Staff Writer       What do you think of when you hear the name, milkweed - breaking open a stem to watch the sticky "milk" drip out or, in the fall, collecting the dried seed pods to make seasonal crafts? Perhaps you think about butterflies, especially Monarchs. But would you ever spy the plant and think of a Greek... More ... Millboro Happenings By Gina Hamilton       n The Millboro Christian Church will conduct Vacation Bible School the week of July 21-25, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., for children from pre-school to sixth grade. The closing service will be Sunday night, July 27, at 6:30 p.m. More ... Good Friends concert in McDowell July 19       McDOWELL - Local violinist Amanda Blagg and The Sometime, Old-Time Band will present a evening of string music at the McDowell Presbyterian Church on July 19 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will end with a reception hosted by the Highland County Arts Council. More ... 'The Winter's Tale' at Douthat State Park       DOUTHAT - Traveling Players Ensemble tours Virginia bringing theatre into the outdoors, and Douthat State Park is proud to offer guests "Shakespeare in the Park" at the amphitheatre on Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m. both nights presenting The Winter's Tale. More ... Bath art show to open Sunday See A Show! By Margo Oxendine, Staff Writer       ASHWOOD - It's time to plan, again. The 44th annual Bath County Art Show opens Sunday, July 13 and runs for a full week, closing at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 20. More than 675 entries were received by volunteers from the Bath County Arts Association last Saturday and Sunday. More ... Births Cooper Rigginz Botkin       SCOTTSVILLE - Berlie and Sherry Botkin announce the birth of their fourth child, Cooper Rigginz Botkin, born Wednesday June 4, 2008. He was born at 12:38 p.m. at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville. He weighed eight pounds, 14 ounces and was 22.5 inches long. More ... Summer Concert Series a Wednesday lunchtime delight By Margo Oxendine • Staff Writer       COVINGTON - "Music on the Corner." That's something one might expect to find in New York City, or perhaps Paris. But Covington? Yes. Wonderful music. At no charge. With tasty refreshments afterward. Could there be a better way to spend a summer Wednesday? More ... Demolition of dilapidated band room at Old Millboro School       MILLBORO - Mark Nelson, director of parks and recreation, discovered potential safety hazards for the public in the continuing deterioration of the band room at Old Millboro School. The roof was falling in and it was extremely unsafe. More ... Engagement Ralston - Will       MONTEREY - Michael and Joyce Ralston of Monterey announced the engagement of their daughter, Erin Marie Ralston of Monterey, to Jamie Trent Will also of Monterey. Ralston graduated from Highland High School and recently received a bachelor of science degree in communication with a concentration i... More ... Highland summer theater brings out local stars      Top: Soloist Margaret Jewett displayed her beautiful vocal ability singing "Conjunction Junction," one of 11 songs performed Friday and Saturday night by the 50 children of the Highland County Arts Council summer camp. Jewett lives in Richmond but came to Highland to stay with family friends. More ...      The Eden United Methodist Youth Group in Hot Springs recently attended ReCreation Experiences, a mission trip in Weaverville, N.C. ReCreation Experiences helps provide housing to low income, elderly and disaster related cases. The group worked to build a porch for an elderly lady and helped paint a ... More ... Gilmore, Warner to debate in Hot Springs       HOT SPRINGS - The Virginia Bar Association has announced that former Virginia governors and current U.S. Senate candidates Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore have accepted invitations from the association to debate at the VBA's 118th annual summer meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at The Homestead. More ... Landmark Goshen restaurant reopens next week By GINA HAMILTON • CONTRIBUTING WRITER       GOSHEN - Get those taste buds ready for incredible menu offerings when the Mill Creek Café reopens on or about July 15 under new ownership, with four chefs bringing diverse experience, totally renovated kitchen and deli, and enough variety to tempt diners from the most discerning to early bi... More ... Court Cases Highland County       MONTEREY - The following decisions were handed down in Highland County General District Court on June 18. Criminal and traffic divisions: Joshua Michael Adams, speeding 73/55, not guilty; Robert Cary Ambler IV, speeding 74/55, fine $95, costs $81, guilty in absentia; Billie Nichole Armstrong, s... More ... Ashley Bryan, African American artist: A life celebrated       WARM SPRINGS - The art and life of Ashley Bryan, African American artist, educator, author, illustrator, and storyteller will be showcased in a collaborative exhibition of African American artists at the Warm Springs Gallery in Warm Springs, opening this month. More ... Club Car invites all aboard Dining Delights By Margo Oxendine, Staff Writer       CLIFTON FORGE - This town was built on, by, and around the railroad. So, it is only fitting that one of the best places for lunch is called "The Club Car." On any given Monday through Friday, from 10 until 3, this charming little deli is crowded with diners in the know. More ... Clifton Forge Happenings Ghosts of Music City USA at Lime Kiln Friday       LEXINTONG - Theater at Lime Kiln's original country music revue, The Ghosts of Music City USA, opens this Friday, July 11 in The Bowl at 7:30 p.m. Ghosts, which replaced Honky Tonk Angel on the Lime Kiln schedule, showcases the talents of most of the cast from the musical chosen to... More ... Clifton Forge appoints Town Manager       CLIFTON FORGE - The Town of Clifton Forge has announced the appointment of Tracey D. Shiflett as town manager effective Tuesday, July 8. More ... Riders Up Outfitters: A fascinating shop of fun Let's Shop! By Margo Oxendine, Staff Writer       CLIFTON FORGE - Have you been to Clifton Forge lately? No? Well, you're not just missing something; you're missing lots of things. A town that once seemed to be dying is bursting forth with a resurgence of busy streets and bustling commerce. One needs no other indicator than the fact that, th... More ... ARH announces the addition of Signa HDx 1.5 MR system       LOW MOOR - Alleghany Regional Hospital has incorporated one the most advanced diagnostic tools for helping physicians reach confident diagnoses to provide patient care. The new Signa HDx 1.5T MR system from GE Healthcare delivers highly detailed images of the human body with increased speed, bett... More ... Fourth of July weekend markets go off with a blast Growth Spurts By Jim Jacenich       Local gardens are turning from furrowed brown earth to speckled green vegetation as vegetables reach for the summer sun. Occasional rain showers bring much needed water on these balmy July days. Our Bath and Highland farmers' markets were open over the holiday weekend. A benefit of local markets ... More ...      The Monterey Garden Club met on Tuesday, July 1, at the Highland County Public Library to make final plans for the House and Garden Tour to be held on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Patsy Hamilton and Tessie Jordon were hostesses for the meeting. Lisa Munchel and committee members reported th... More ... Admission workshop scheduled for DSLCC       CLIFTON FORGE - Dabney S. Lancaster Community College has scheduled an admissions workshop in Moomaw Center on the main campus in Clifton Forge on Tuesday, July 22, from 4- 6 p.m. More ... First National Bank goes green       RONCEVERTE, W.Va. - First National Bank, a provider of financial services to West Virginia and Virginia communities, announced that it is officially Greenified. More ... Weather report       Both temperatures and precipitation were very close to normal for the month of June. John R. Sweet of Mustoe, who runs a weather station for the National Weather Service, compiled these statistics. More ... Book-lover's guide program to be held in Bath       WARM SPRINGS - Have you ever wanted to get more fun out of your reading? Do you have books lying all over your house that you've meant to read but never got around to? Have you forgotten half of the books you've already read? If so, then "Booklover's Guide to Fun" is for you. More ... Calling all shutterbugs       RICHMOND - In conjunction with its Tenth Anniversary celebration, Scenic Virginia is sponsoring its first-ever Viewshed Photo Competition. "We are looking for the best of the best," notes president Eugenia Anderson-Ellis. "We challenge all photographers to send us their favorite images of Virgin... More ...