Recorder

Highland tax bills can be reviewed

BY M.K. LUTHER • STAFF WRITER — 11/20/2008

MONTEREY — More than a few Highland residents balked when they received their personal property tax bills recently, primarily because vehicle assessments increased from the last billing, giving them an unexpected tax hike. The tax bills, prepared and sent to residents by acting commissioner of revenue Debbie Botkin before Nov.

Photo

11/20/2008

A Virginia Department of Transportation truck plows snow along U.S. 220 Tuesday morning. About 2 inches of the white stuff fell in the area Monday and Tuesday. Schools closed in in Bath, but hearty Highland students were only two hours late. (Recorder photo by Mike Bollinger)

Wind energy ordinance drafted for Bath County

By Mike Bollinger • Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

WARM SPRINGS — Work has begun on a proposed ordinance that would regulate wind energy facilities in Bath County. County planner Sherry Ryder has completed the first draft, and the Bath County Planning Commission could comment on it for the first time at its meeting Monday night. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in room 115 of the Bath County Courthouse.

Ground work continues on four-day school week survey

By Mike Bollinger • Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

WARM SPRINGS — Survey says? That's what the Bath County Board of Supervisors and staff of Bath County Public Schools want to find out, and work continued Friday on preparing a survey that will be sent to the 160 school divisions nationwide that have implemented a four-day school week.

Photo

11/20/2008

Vanderpool resident Amy Middleton's Izuzu Trooper lies upside down in the middle of U.S. 250 at the top of Jack Mountain. Shortly after noon on Sunday, Middleton struck a piece of firewood lying in the road, causing the axle on her vehicle to break. Out of control, she went for a ride up the bank and rolled to a stop on the hardtop. Trooper Duane Hylton arrived at the scene to direct traffic and assist Middleton, who escaped the freak accident with minor cuts. (Recorder photo by Geoff Cox)

Horses in residential areas approved

By Mike Bollinger • Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

WARM SPRINGS — The Bath County Board of Zoning Appeals has ended an arduous process that has taken more than three years to settle. Monday, the BZA approved a conditional use permit that will, after months and months of debate, allow Allen and Ann Layman to keep horses on their property in Mitchelltown.

Pendleton mills film ready for release

BY JAMES JACENI CH • STAF WRITER — 11/20/2008

MONTEREY — History is often told by those who did not live it. In many cases, written accounts from the past tell us what people thought; and artifacts remain, though altered by time, to give tangible evidence of bygone eras. Yet these things don't tell the whole story.

Help available for job seekers, entrepreneurs

By Mike Bollinger • Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

WARM SPRINGS — Looking for a job? Want to start your own business? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then the Bath County Public Library is your first stop. The career network portion of the Workforce Information Center/Career Network at the library opened Thursday night, and the workforce information opening was held Nov. 6.

Hearing set on cell tower ordinance

11/20/2008

WARM SPRINGS — The Bath County Planning Commission will hear public comment Monday on a proposed telecommunications ordinance that will serve primarily to regulate the height and location of cellular phone towers in the county.

Forest service plans prescribed burns in Alleghany County

11/20/2008

COVINGTON — U.S. Forest Service officials plan to ignite two prescribed burns in Alleghany County during November or December. The exact date of the prescribed burns depends on weather and fuel conditions. When the date is known, the forest service will notify the public.

Lest We Forget

11/20/2008

The Bath County Republican Committee honored our military veterans on Veteran's Day by laying wreaths at the monuments in Warm Springs and Mitchelltown. Also participating in the wreath laying ceremony at the courthouse were members of the VFW and the Sheriff's Department. Pictured (l-r) are: Jeff Wilson, Andy Jones, Martha Glenn, Nancy Smith, Evelyn Gwin and Hugh Gwin. Not pictured are Capt. Rick Armstrong, Sheriff Larry Norfleet and Dickie Kershner. (Photo courtesy BCRC)

Thanksgiving: Make some fun of it

By Margo Oxendine • staff Writer — 11/20/2008

THE HIGHLANDS - There's no avoiding it. Thanksgiving is upon us. But you knew that. You've shopped at least once, probably twice, for the proverbial fixin's. And you just might have to run back to the store for a few forgotten somethings.

Photos

11/20/2008

After a long, cold, snowy day, the last bits of light shine down upon the village of Hot Springs as people make their way home.

Millboro Happenings

By Gina Hamilton — 11/20/2008

• Rockbridge Baths Firehouse will be the setting for a cake walk this Sunday, Nov. 23, to benefit Tammy Vess toward her upcoming bone marrow transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.. The event will be held 2-5 p.m. and will include performances by the Maury River Bluegrass Band.

Snow big deal, but then again …

By Margo Oxendine — 11/20/2008

By 9:30 in the morning, it was over. But oh, there's nothing like the first blanket of snow to give one a reason to hop out of bed at 6:30. A sprinkling covered the porch when I let Brownie out to survey the scene. It's funny, the startled look dogs and cats get when they're about to step out the door, and discover snow.

Hunting historically more than sport

By Jim Jacenich — 11/20/2008

A sign for sale in Highland County Crafts states simply, "Hunting isn't about life and death. It's more than that." Hunting is a popular and time-honored tradition in Bath and Highland counties. It's part of our pioneer heritage. Humans can eat almost anything — plant or animal.

Couple keeps singing

By Cynthia B. Coleman • Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

Warm Springs — What do you do with a kissing Kate who breaks your eardrum? Or a Petruchio who bruises ribs when slinging you across his back? Kiss and hug and caress a marriage that has spanned 44 years — and keep on singing, "All the Things You Are.

How much is unhealthy alcohol use?

By George Damewood, MD, Highland Medical Center — 11/20/2008

In 1997 the results of a study were reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that investigated the effects of alcohol and tobacco use. Over about a decade, almost half a million women and men were evaluated for alcohol use and the effects on their health. The average age in this study was around 55.

Highland again top among states in Relay for Life

BY JAMES JACENICH• STAFF WRITER — 11/20/2008

MONTEREY — She's a mother and wife, a cancer survivor and American Cancer Society Relay for life coordinator for Highland County for the past four years. She's passionate about her volunteer work with Relay for Life.

Photos

11/20/2008

Left: In the late afternoon, Piney Grove Baptist Church in Hot Springs receives little sunshine, but the beauty of the little church in the wildwood and snow remains. (Recorder photo by Cynthia B. Coleman)

What is it?

What By Cynthia B. Coleman • Staff writer — 11/20/2008

When trash was found on Switzerland Trail, a huge, intact leaf was found alongside the road. The tree from which it came was spotted down in the gully below. The tree still sported many leaves, both green and brown. The tree, however, was in bad shape, having been struck by lightning half-way up the tall, straight trunk, with the top snapped off.

Bath Christmas Mother Holiday Gift Program: How to help out

11/20/2008

• Adopt a family or individual • Make a monetary donation • Donate new or gently used items • Volunteer in the Christmas Mother Shop Guide How to contact the Christmas Mother Mail: Bath County Christmas Mother, P. O.

Photo

11/20/2008

On Sunday, Nov. 16, the "Toys for Tots" campaign began at Wal-Mart in Covington for the fifth year. This drive collects monetary donations and toys to help the Highlands and Bath County Christmas Mother programs complete their shopping lists. The collected toys will be given to children who have qualified for the area Christmas Mother programs. Monetary donations are collected also and used to purchase additional toys for each program. The next and final drive will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Wal-Mart, 2-8 p.m. If you are unable to be present and would like to make a donation, please contact the Bath County program at (540) 839-3591. Pictured (lr), front row Savanna Gum, student helper; back row Becky Gum, this year's "Toys for Tots" coordinator, Marty Reese, Bath County Christmas Mother, Ryan Woodzell and Katie Martin, student helpers. (Photo courtesy Bath County Christmas Mother)

Arbogast Inn greets guests at holiday open house

11/20/2008

AVAILABLE Hunter's One of several trees at the Arbogast Inn in Monterey shows off the Cockerham CLASS 3 FIREARMS family's love of Christmas.

Photo

11/20/2008

Members of the Rockingham Ballet Theatre modeled felted garments by Lisa Jacenich of Monterey and handmade clothing and jewelry by other Oasis artisans in Harrisonburg. Pictured (l-r) are Caitlin McAvoy, Madie Shinaberry, Emelie Todd, Amber Hertzler, Jessica Grant, Elyssa Ranck and Mandy Ruckman. The fashion show was a fundraiser for the RBT, which is in need of a new dance floor; and the holiday kickoff for the Oasis Fine Arts and Crafts Gallery. Oasis is a non-profit gallery with more 40 artists in residence, displaying original arts and crafts including painting, drawing, glass, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, wood, metal, sculpture, wearable art and mixed media. Jacenich has some of her fiber arts on display at the gallery. More information on Oasis is available online at http:www.oasisartgallery. org or by calling (540) 442- 8188 or email oasisart@ shentel.net. Oasis is open Sunday through Wednesday from 12-5 p.m., Thursday and Friday 12-8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. More information on Jacenich's Artful Gifts and Chi Experience is available by calling (540) 468-3699 or visiting the Web at http:www.chiexperience. com. The RBT is preparing for its holiday production of "The Nutcracker" at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 at Bridgewater College's Cole Hall. Call (540) 828-0026 for tickets and information. Tickets will also be on sale at the door. (Recorder photo by James Jacenich)

Wanted: Fire truck

11/20/2008

CLIFTON FORGE — "I think we should move on and look for a newer ladder truck," Mark Unroe, volunteer firemen declared at the Clifton Forge Town Council meeting Tuesday. After talking with several mechanics, Unroe came to the opinion the gears are infeasible to fix and purchasing a used ladder truck would benefit the town most.

TAP set to begin restorations on Keswick Street; town gives nod

By Alice Campbell • Contributing Writer — 11/20/2008

CLIFTON FORGE — Despite Thomas Haymaker's opposition to the proposal to rezone lots 1-9 of Keswick Street to R-3, residential, Clifton Forge Town Council members voted unanimously to approve the change. The vote included keeping lots 10-18 and lots A and B zoned Downtown Business (D-B).

In Brief ...

11/20/2008

• The Boy Scouts attended the Clifton Forge Town Council meeting Tuesday as part of the requirements for a "Citizenship in the Community" merit badge.

Clifton Forge full of events for the holidays

11/20/2008

Nov. 23 — Alleghany Highlands Orchestra Holiday Concert at Curfman Hall, Covington High School beginning at 3 p.m. Admission by donation. Nov. 25 — Alleghany Entrepreneur Express Workshop held at DSLCC from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Must register in advance at www. vastartup.org. Call 863-2863 for more information.

Kestrals on the wing in Highlands

11/20/2008

BATH and HIGHLAND — The American Kestrel (scientific name Falco sparverius), Virginia's smallest falcon, is one of the more spectacular residents of the fields and meadows in the Allegheny Highlands. Its scientific name "falco" is from the word "falcate," meaning sickle-shaped, referring to the profile of its wings in flight.

Bath's historic Broad Lawn receives face lift

By Cynthia B. Coleman • Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

HOT SPRINGS — Broad Lawn is one of northern Hot Springs' U.S. 220 grande dames and like every old beauty queen, needs a facial now and again, of which the 1890s era house recently received when its portico's columns were striped and repainted. It turned out that the north corner column needed more extensive work: a full face-lift.

Photo

11/20/2008

This photo was taken during the 2007 4-H All-Star ceremony. Highland County 4-H members and adult leaders who have been inducted into 4-H All-Stars are (l-r): Amy Halterman, 1996; Cathy Halterman, 2004; Roy Malcolm, 2007; Steve Botkin, 1978; Lori Botkin, 2007; Joe Malcolm, 1977; and Sharon Botkin, 1981. All-Stars for 2009 will be inducted and tapped in at the 2009 4-H State Congress at Viginia Tech, June 15-18. (Photo courtesy Christine Hodges)

Photo

11/20/2008

The Bath County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Wednesday morning at Wildwood Interiors, located at 6124 Sam Snead Highway just outside Healing Springs in the Peter Judah office building. Pictured (l-r) are chamber executive director Melinda Nichols, design assistants Hannah Pillow and Brittany Campbell, owner and certified designer Chezley Kincaid, chamber board president Jacob Yarrow and chamber directors Susan Phillips and Jonah Windham. Wildwood Interiors is a full-service interior design center, offering work from floor to ceiling including custom design projects. The business is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday with other hours available by appointment. For more information, call 839-2269, email chezley@wildwoodinteriors.com or visit wildwoodinteriorsllc.com. (Recorder photo by Mike Bollinger)

Photos

11/20/2008

This six-point buck was killed Monday afternoon, Nov. 10, by Wendy Andersen, wife of Ray Andersen, on their property in Highland County off Burnsville Road. Andersen used a Knight Disc Extreme 50 cal. muzzleloader and the deer dressed out at 100 pounds. (Photo courtesy Wendy Andersen)

Engagement

11/20/2008

TEL AVIV, Israel — Sarah Irwin and David Taylor of Millboro, Va., announce the engagement of their daughter, Rebecca Sorrel Taylor, to Mark Mazkin, son of Anna and Ginadi Katkov of Rishon Le-Zion, Israel. Taylor is a 2002 graduate of Garrison Forest School and studied photography at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Anniversary

11/20/2008

STAUNTON — Albert and Virginia Simmons of Staunton recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Since they are avid NASCAR fans, their children Sandra Beverly and her husband, Everette, of Buena Vista, and Sheldon Simmons and his wife, Gail, of Staunton, took them on a weekend trip to Charlotte, N.C., where they attended their first "live" race.

Court Cases

11/20/2008

MONTEREY — The following decisions were handed down in Highland County General District Court on Oct. 15. Criminal and traffic divisions: Virgil Lee Armstrong, taking wildlife in a closed season, fine $350, costs $571, guilty; Debra Lynn Beck, speeding 64/55, fine $45, costs $61; Alwin Bethge, speeding 65/55, fine $50, costs $61; Jenny J.

Teresa Marie Graham Windon

11/20/2008

LITTLE RIVER, S.C. — Teresa Marie Graham Windon, 48, of 4325 Brown Bear Lane, Little River, S.C., died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 at her residence. She was born April 25, 1960 in Covington, Va., the daughter of the Charles Graham and late Marjorie Entsminger Graham. She was married to Leslie Windon. She was a loving wife and loving mother.

Honor Roll

11/20/2008

WARM SPRINGS — Pete Pitard, principal of Bath County High School, has announced the honor roll for the first nine weeks of the grading period.

Photos

11/20/2008

Millboro Preschool children recently took a field trip to the Hot Springs Firehouse, where they spent the morning learning about fire safety and saw big fire trucks and first aid vehicles. It was a great experience for the preschoolers as they were able to see firemen dressed up in full safety uniform and equipment. As the morning came to an end the children posed in front of one of the fire trucks. (Photo courtesy Brenda Altizer)

Photo

11/20/2008

The top right side of the JMU stands were dominated by upwards of 150 Bath County fans Saturday to cheer on hometown favorites Jake Phillips and Corey Jessee in the William & Mary game last weekend. A host of Phillipses, including Jake's parents Susan and Bugs, as well as brother John, were there. John brought several of his UVA teammates to the game and their former Charger coach Chris Jones was there as well. "It feels special to play close to home ... for the people who give their support," Jake said. W&M lost a tight match against #1 ranked JMU. (Recorder photo by Geoff Cox)

Chargers beat Bears to advance in Region C

By Geoff Cox • Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

BASTIAN — The Bath County Chargers took a step toward defending their Region C title by holding off a hard-charging Bland County Bears team, 17-13, last Friday night.

King named TV player of the week

11/20/2008

This Friday be sure to watch Channel 7 at 11:30 for Friday football extra (If you're going to the game set the DVR). Not only will there be highlights of the Region C championship game but Charger kicker, wideout, and defensive back Jim King has been named the Friday Football Extra Player of the Week for his efforts against Bland in the regional semis.

Football schedule

11/20/2008

Bath Friday, November 22 Football Region C finals @ Holston, 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 29 Football State semifinals — Region C champ @ Region D champ, TBA Saturday, December 6 Football State semifinals @ Salem City Stadium,

Chargers meet Cavaliers for Region C

By Geoff Cox • Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

There is just one more contest left for the Bath County Chargers to repeat as the Region C Champions. Their opponents Friday, the Holston Cavaliers, are one of the feel-good stories of the region. In 2006 the Cavs were 1-9. Last year they lost in the playoffs to Bath and finished 6-5. This year they finished 9-2.

Bath @ Bland

11/20/2008

Score by quarters Scoring summary Bath — Michael Robertson 2-yard run (Jim King kick), 1:33, 1st Bath — Dillon Perdue 15-yard run (King kick), 8:52, 2nd Bath — King 37-yard field goal, :44,

Pioneer District football

11/20/2008

Standings Last week Group A - Division1 Region C playoffs Bath 17, Bland 13 Holston 13, Eastern Montgomery 12 Region D playoffs J.I.

Chargers vs. Cavaliers

11/20/2008

Bath County Chargers (8-3) 2008 Results Offensive points per game average — 25.8 Defensive points per game average — 16.5 Holston Cavaliers (9-2) 2008 Results Offensive points per game average —26.

On Campus

By Mark Griffin • Contributing writer — 11/20/2008

The college football season nears its final weekend for four former Bath County High School athletes at three campuses across Virginia this fall. In Harrisonburg, Jake Phillips, Cory Jessee and William & Mary suffered a 48-24 road loss to No. 1-ranked James Madison on the road in Colonial Athletic Association play. The loss snapped W & M's five-game win streak.

BCHS golfers celebrate successful season

11/20/2008

HOT SPRINGS —The Bath County High School Golf team met at the Upper Cascades Sunday to hand out recognition hardware for the 2008 season. A crowd of family and friends attended as head coach Terry Bradley recognized the contributions of the entire team, along with the efforts of The Homestead staff and golf professionals, and assistant head coach Wade Ryder.

Ailstock, Richards win Caddy Tourny

11/20/2008

HOT SPRINGS —Bart Ailstock and Oliver Richards teamed up to post a 66 to win the annual Homestead caddy's Golf Tournament last week. Mark Fry, Head Golf Pro- fessional at the Cascades, welcomed the 44 caddies competing.

RELIGION

11/20/2008

Special Services Thursday, Nov. 20 ¦ Burnsville United Methodist Women meet at the church at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 ¦ Ashwood United Methodist Church will hold a community Thanksgiving service.

History comes alive at McDowell Presbyterian Church

11/20/2008

McDOWELL — During the Sunday service on Nov. 16, Clay Hamilton of Hightown presented Pastor Beth Pyles, on behalf of McDowell Presbyterian Church, with a copy of a collection of papers from the Robert Sitlington Collection housed at the Highland Historical Society in McDowell.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

11/20/2008

BATH Mondays ¦ The Food Pantry at Ashwood United Methodist Church, 6-7 p.m. the first Monday of each month. For information call (540) 839-2276 and leave a message. Monday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Dec.

Dam project: Control will be unilateral

11/20/2008

Editor's note: The following article was gleaned from the Thursday, Sept. 20, 1979 edition of The Recorder. Joseph C. Pritchard was editor and publisher.

Photo

11/20/2008

The Highland High School cheerleading squad, circa the late 1970s, practicing their routine. Pictured are (l-r) on back row: Susan Kincaid Murray, Theresa Colow Lightner; middle row: Teresa Harold, Linda Swadley, Tonia Marshall; top, Kathy Ralston; front row: Debbie Harper, Christie Waybright. (Photo courtesy Highland Historical Society)

25 years ago

11/20/2008

Ashwood man holds off police for 8 hours ASHWOOD — Leroy Ryder Jr., a 28-year-old resident of Ashwood and an employee of Home Oil Co., surrendered to authorities at 10:30 p.m. Sunday night, after holding police at bay for more than eight hours with a 12-gauge shotgun and a .22-caliber pistol. The incident took place at an apartment building in Ashwood.

50 years ago

11/20/2008

Early morning fog hampering hunters in county Dense early morning fog has been the only handicap for hunters so far this week, unless the unseasonable warmth can be considered, but early reports indicate that the deer kill at this point is down from last year.

Concerns about economy reveal U.S. selfishness

11/20/2008

Editor, The Recorder, I must convey my sense of surprise and somewhat shock as I realized how we as a nation are so selfish, thinking of ourselves more than others and of our comforts and desires over the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves.

SPCA member urges pet owners to act responsibly

11/20/2008

Editor, The Recorder, What is it with people who abandon animals? It is a cowardly act. If you are unable to keep your pet, surrender him decently to the SPCA. We might ask why, but just so that we know something about the animal. No judgments will be made. Heck, we all have animals — we know that they can be very exhausting and expensive.

Recorder columnist naive about Obama campaign

11/20/2008

Editor, The Recorder, Although a resident of Bath County for only three years, I consider the Highlands of Virginia to truly be God's country and an area that I hope to have the blessing of returning to in retirement if not sooner.

Reader sickened by thought of Obama in the White House

11/20/2008

Editor, The Recorder, "Appalled" sounded like a good word to describe the last article in The Recorder by writer Jim Jacenich. As I may quote some of his biased remarks that I assume were approved by the staff of The Recorder, I will list them so that rural Highland can read them, even though most of us don't take the time to read his rhetoric column.

Getting ahead of the game

11/20/2008

Next week, Bath County planners are likely to discuss and review what may be one of the most important new ordinances our county has considered in decades — one to guide them on how applications for industrializing their mountaintops with wind energy turbine towers will be handled.

Pictorial

11/20/2008

Mary Beth Gutshall has once again proven herself an asset to Highland County as coordinator for the Relay for Life event. At Sunday's award ceremony, the American Cancer Society recognized Highland for having the highest per capita donation rate of any county not only in Virginia, but also in West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Delaware.