The Recorder Online
Miss Bath County, Junior Miss and Young Miss pageant winners were crowned last Saturday. Pictured are, from left: First runner-up Abbey Phillips; Miss Bath County Ashley Brummitte; second runner-up and audience choice winner Bayley Gardzinski; third runner-up Jess Ingram. See additional pageant photos, page 9. (Photo courtesy Kirby Smith)
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Bath County's Cam Lowry (8) delivers a pitch to the plate Thursday in the Chargers' season-opener against Pendleton County, W.Va. (Recorder photo by Mark Pifer) High School Baseball – Pendleton County, W.Va. 21, Bath County 1. The Wildcats scored 10 runs in the top of the first on the way to the five-inning win in
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• Last Thursday, the Bath County Board of Supervisors discussed the 2023-24 county budget. “The biggest issue that we are facing is the total revenues between the commonwealth and federal government,” said county administrator Michael Bender, “the shortfall between what has been asked for in the budget this year and what we’re expecting to get
therecorderonline.comBath board adds $75,000 to school budget proposal
HOT SPRINGS – Another $75,000 was added to the Bath County Public Schools budget this week. Tuesday, BCPS business manager Justin Rider gave a presentation to the Bath County School Board on the 2023-24 proposed budget. Totaling $12.5 million, the budget will see an additional $75,000 to fairly distribute pay raises. “Going through the budget,
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• Tuesday, Selena Abbott presented “Get Your Teach On” to the Bath County School Board. It was a summary about a conference several teachers recently attended, along with activities she will complete with her students for Read Across America Week. • The board accepted the retirement of Debbie Chaplin, who has 22 years of service
therecorderonline.comAirport to get new terminal
HOT SPRINGS – After 62 years of service, the terminal at Ingalls Field is being retired. Ingalls is the highest airport east of the Mississippi. “We get a lot of traffic just so they can stamp their passport and say they’ve been to Bath County,” said Jeff Ford, chairman of the Bath County Airport Authority.
therecorderonline.comBath budget talks a challenge
WARM SPRINGS – Tough discussions about the Bath County school budget erupted over two meetings in the past week. They resulted a school board member defending his wife’s role with the schools, disagreement over whether certain staff understood their federally funded jobs; and a decision to increase the budget while simultaneously cutting jobs and supplies.
therecorderonline.comBath’s low unemployment rate: Why is it harder to find workers?
WARM SPRINGS – At the Warm Springs Inn last Thursday, the Bath County Chamber of Commerce held a presentation to discuss ways to find employees during these challenging times. Giving the presentation was pastor Con Sauls, who previously worked for the U.S. Department of Labor and is now pastor at Windy Cove Presbyterian Church. “We
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• At the Feb. 14 Bath County Board of Supervisors meeting, Willie Smith did not mention anything related to putting lights along the paths at the courthouse, as reported in last week’s Recorder. Brandon Woodzell brought up putting lights along the crosswalks in Hot Springs. Smith addressed the board about a proposed pavilion at the
therecorderonline.comBath school board cuts several positions
WARM SPRINGS – Last Thursday, the Bath County School Board cut job positions within the school system. The positions eliminated are: • Valley Elementary School — One six-hour cafeteria position; 1.5 aide positions; one custodian; and one secretary. • Millboro Elementary School — One six-hour cafeteria position; and two fulltime aide positions. • Bath County
therecorderonline.comOrdinance talk gets heated in 3-hour meeting
The Bath County Board of Supervisors, left, and planning commission, right, met to go over three ordinances at a work session the Wednesday before last. The meeting saw agitated community members and plenty of debate between board members. (Recorder photo by Austin Hall) WARM SPRINGS – In a room packed with vexed citizens, the Bath
therecorderonline.comTUESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Boys' Basketball – Craig County 69, Bath County 55. The Rockets advanced to the semifinal round of the Pioneer District tournament Tuesday night with a first round win in New Castle over the Chargers. Craig County put up 47 points after the halftime break, climbing out of a seven-point hole. Matthew Lucas scored
therecorderonline.comWEDNESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Boys' Basketball – Bath County 69, Eastern Montgomery 60. The Chargers finished their regular season with a Pioneer District road win Wednesday night in Elliston. Jaden Ryder scored a game-high 23 points for Bath County, Landon Long had 12, Isaac Gwin scored 11 and Kamoy Stone had 10. Talen Bruce paced Eastern Montgomery
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• Tuesday, the Bath County School Board noted it will receive $1,037,000 from the state. The money can only be used for construction, and the board voted to use the money for costs associated with the renovations of Valley Elementary School’s plumbing. • Bath County Public Schools will try to standardize letters sent when students
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Feeling the love? A couple of gals have extended their love to the Bath County community by putting up a “kissing booth” across from the school administration building in Warm Springs. “People who work here, who live here, tourists, should feel free to stop and grab a photo beside the kissing booth,” they said.
therecorderonline.comPossible grants for housing study presented to town council
MONTEREY — The Monterey Town Council received a briefing last Thursday, Feb. 2, from Olivia Raines, a housing program manager for the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. “We provide planning and technical assistance,” Raines explained. She has been working with Highland and Bath County officials on a regional housing study and toured Monterey on a
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Tuesday, Feb. 14 • 6 p.m.Bath Courthouse, Room 115 • 2022 audit presentation from Robertson, Farmer, Cox Associates. • Schedule additional budget work sessions. • Board and commissions – Community Policy and Management Team. • Upcoming meetings — Feb. 22, board of supervisors joint budget work session with Bath County School Board, School Administration Building,
therecorderonline.comTUESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Covington’s Jayden Sammons presses Bath’s Landon Long in last night’s matchup. (Recorder photo by Austin Hall) High School Boys' Basketball – Covington 79, Bath County 65. J'yon Smith scored a career-high 34 points in Hot Springs Wednesday night, leading the Cougars to a Pioneer District boys’ basketball win over the Chargers. Purcel Turner added 10
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High School Boys' Basketball – Bath County 64, Craig County 46. The Chargers moved to 3-4 in the Pioneer District and 7-9 overall with a home win over Craig County Tuesday night. Andrew Turner led the hosts with 22 points and Jaden Ryder had 19 points to go with 15 rebounds. Matthew Lucas had 18
therecorderonline.comProbation violations reviewed by Bath circuit court
WARM SPRINGS – Five previously convicted defendants each faced charges of probation violation on a felony in Bath County Circuit Court Tuesday morning. Amanda Ryder has not paid court costs levied after her conviction in June on two drug charges, a felony and a misdemeanor. Her costs exceed $1,000. She was sentenced to five years.
therecorderonline.comUSFS anticipates successful 2023 Lake Moomaw season
HOT SPRINGS – The USDA Forest Service is providing a renewed recreation season at Lake Moomaw this summer. Bolar Mountain campgrounds 1, 2 and 3 in Bath County will be open to the public on May 24. Reservations are required and are available six months in advance on www.recreation.gov/. The Bolar Mountain day use area,
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• Tuesday, at the Bath County Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting, the Bath County Planning Commission brought up the issue of communication. As more counties around Bath change their systems, Bath County becomes more vulnerable, and it becomes harder to communicate with surrounding emergency services. Chairman Harold King asked for a plan to be put
therecorderonline.comFRIDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Boys' Basketball – Parry McCluer 63, Bath County 24. The Fighting Blues overwhelmed the Chargers Friday night in Hot Springs. Brayden Houck knocked down 19 points for Parry McCluer (4-1 Pioneer District, 8-6 overall), who led 30-16 at the half. Landon Catlett added 14. Andrew Turner led Bath County (1-4 Pioneer District, 3-8
therecorderonline.comForest Service anticipates successful 2023 Lake Moomaw recreation season in Bath, Alleghany
HOT SPRINGS – The USDA Forest Service is providing a renewed recreation season at Lake Moomaw this summer. Bolar Mountain campgrounds 1, 2 and 3 in Bath County will be open to the public on May 24. Reservations are required and are available six months in advance on https://www.recreation.gov/. The Bolar Mountain day use area,
therecorderonline.comTUESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Highland's Ethan Moore (15) gets off a shot in the lane Tuesday night in a Pioneer District boys basketball game at Bath County. (Recorder photo by Mark Pifer) High School Boys' Basketball – Glenvar 57, Alleghany 54 (OT). Gabe Ford hit a fadeaway three at the overtime buzzer, lifting the Highlanders past the Mountaineers in
therecorderonline.comMONDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Boys' Basketball – Highland 52, Pocahontas County 41. Tied at 33-all after three quarters, the Rams outscored the Warriors 19-8 in the final eight minutes to score a non-district win in Dunmore, W.Va. Monday night. Ethan Moore scored eight of his game-high 19 points in the final period and Colton Williams added six
therecorderonline.comFRIDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Covington's Desmond Jordan attempts to block a shot from Bath's Frankie DeBoe during last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Boys' Basketball – Covington 64, Bath County 53. Covington outscored the Chargers 35-24 in the second half, breaking a 29-all tie in the Cougar Den Friday night. Purcel Turner led the Cougars
therecorderonline.comWEDNESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Boys’ Basketball – Craig County 40, Bath County 38. Craig County slipped past the Chargers in a low-scoring Pioneer District contest Wednesday night in New Castle. Matthew Lucas led the Rockets (2-1 Pioneer, 2-6 overall) with 18 points. Andrew Turner scored 14 points for the Chargers (0-2 Pioneer, 2-6 overall) and Jaden
therecorderonline.comTHURSDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Boys’ Basketball – Riverheads 72, Bath County 44. The Gladiators bounced the Chargers in a non-district match up Thursday night in Hot Springs. Bennett Dunlap led Riverheads (2-3) with 18 points, J.P. Crawford added 17 and Carter Mooneyham chipped in 11. Jaden Ryder scored 14 points and pulled in 11 rebounds to pace
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• Tuesday, the Bath County Local Emergency Planning Committee discussed the brief outage in 911 services that occurred Tuesday morning that affected 911 emergency call capabilities. Calls were redirected, then transmitted back to Bath County during the outage. Shortly before noon, all 911 services were fully operational. • Land mobile radios for the sheriff’s office
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• Tuesday, the Bath County Board of Supervisors approved a hiring authorization for the 2023-24 school year. A presentation by Bath County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Rick Bolling informed the board as to the needs of the school system. Currently, the division needs a science teacher, a band teacher, a Spanish teacher and one middle
therecorderonline.comFRIDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
The Alleghany and Covington girls’ basketball teams came together after the final game between the two schools Friday night at AHS. (Photo courtesy Alleghany Highlands Public Schools) High School Boys’ Basketball – Montcalm, W.Va. 56, Bath County 40. The Chargers fell at home to Montcalm, W.Va. on Friday night. Noah White scored 23 points to
therecorderonline.comSchool board aims to raise teacher pay; projects delayed
HOT SPRINGS – Tuesday, the Bath County School Board proposed pushing back big-ticket capital improvements in order to spend more on teacher salaries. The board reviewed its proposed capital improvement plan for 2023-24 through 2027-28. The draft allocates $75,000 to regrade a ditch line on U.S. 220 in front of the high school in 2023-24
therecorderonline.comWarm Springs Pools re-open next week
The iconic Warm Springs Pools will reopen next week, kicking off with a “Bath County Day” first, on Friday, Dec. 16, at which only Bath residents can take the waters, at a reduced rate. All proceeds that day will be donated to the Bath County Christmas Mother program. The following day, Saturday, Dec. 17, the
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The Hot Springs Garden Club met this week for its annual wreath workshop. The wreaths will decorate the Warm Springs Presbyterian Church, which hosts the club, and the Bath County courthouse. Pictured are, from left, back row: Betty Alexander, Cynthia Boteler, Linda Weiss, Barbara Seidler, and Virginia Nowlin; front row: Sandy Fischer, Susanne Fischer,
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• Tuesday, the Bath County School Board approved a bonus amount for educators. Full-time employees will receive a $1,000 bonus and part-time employees will receive $500. Employees who work less than parttime will receive a bonus in an amount to be determined at the superintendent’s discretion. • Fees for coaches, both paid and volunteer, will
therecorderonline.comBath County poverty rate affects future
HOT SPRINGS – Increased poverty. Diminishing, and aging, population. Lack of affordable housing. These are major challenges for Bath County, as they are for many rural localities. Bath County Department of Social Services estimates that Bath’s poverty rate is currently at 11.2 percent as of 2021. In 2020, it was at 10 percent. The federal
therecorderonline.comCOVID -19 cases rise, new hospitalizations in area
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — Cases of coronavirus increased throughout Virginia over the past week with a seven-day moving average of 1,132 daily new cases reported — an increase from last week’s 854 daily new cases. There were 10 new cases reported in Alleghany County, three cases in Covington, and three new cases in Highland over the
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All the way from Avery County, N.C., this year’s Great Hall tree at The Homestead traveled 250 miles to make it to Bath County. Rope pullers and tree pushers use all their strength to get the Fraser fir to an upright position. See additional photos, page 29. (Recorder photo by Austin Hall)The basement of the
therecorderonline.comCOVID-19 cases continue to emerge across the region
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — There were 17 new cases of coronavirus reported in Alleghany County, five in Covington, and one in Highland over the past week. Bath County had no new cases this week. The new cases in Alleghany brings the cumulative total there to 4,189. In Covington that total is now 1,764; in Bath, 1,022;
therecorderonline.comBoard holds second hearing on short-term rental ordinance
WARM SPRINGS – Several citizens brought up concerns they had with the proposed short-term rental ordinance at the Bath County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday. The ordinance language has changed quite a bit since its last public appearance. Sherry Ryder, planning and zoning administrator, explained the changes during the second hearing. The age to rent
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• Tuesday, the Bath County School Board approved state educator bonuses. Full bonuses will be provided to all full-time contracted employees of Bath County Public Schools. Further, any long-term substitute who is pursuing licensure and has been the only teacher for a classroom since school started, who possesses a letter of intent to hire pending
therecorderonline.comWEDNESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Patton Hull, left, and Eli Moore during their race at yesterday’s cross country meet in Bath County. Eli led the Rams for the day. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Volleyball – Covington 3, Parry McCluer 0. The Cougars advanced to the championship match of the Pioneer District tournament at home Wednesday with a
therecorderonline.comMONDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Volleyball – Parry McCluer 3, Bath County 1. The Fighting Blues defeated the Chargers Monday in a Pioneer District first-round tournament match in Buena Vista, 17-25, 28-26, 25-20, 25-20. Parry McCluer (8-10) advances to the tournament semifinals and a match at Covington on Wednesday night. The match was originally scheduled for Tuesday but
therecorderonline.comWEDNESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Cross Country — Chargers run at Metro Championships. Four Bath County runners participated in the Metro Championships on Wednesday afternoon at Blacksburg High School. Junior Natalie White placed 28th in the girls race with a time of 23:08, while Caitlin Haley placed in 129th (40:38). Aiden Sensabaugh and Noah Phillips competed in the
therecorderonline.comTourism spending climbing back to pre-pandemic levels
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS – Last week, Virginia Tourism Corporation announced that travelers to Virginia spent $69 million a day in 2021 — up from $48 million in 2020. The latest numbers show the Allegheny Highlands saw similar trends to the statewide figures as most other regions still struggling to recover from the big economic hits caused
therecorderonline.comMultiple cases heard in Bath County circuit court
WARM SPRINGS – A Millboro woman will spend six months in jail and, following that, be on probation for 12 months. Ariel Nichole Arbogast, 24, was also ordered to pay a $250 fine for being drunk in public. In Bath County Circuit Court last Wednesday, Arbogast pleaded guilty to assault and battery, fleeing from law
therecorderonline.comFriday Sports Roundup
Desmond Jordan runs the ball for CHS during last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Football — Bath County 33, Eastern Montgomery 13. Kamoy Stone set the tone by running the opening kickoff back 75-yards for a touchdown in the Chargers Pioneer District victory over the Mustangs Friday night at Carl F.
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• Tuesday, the Bath County Board of Supervisors approved extending this year’s county tax deadline to Dec. 19. The original deadline was set for Dec. 5, but due to a delay with holding a public hearing for the county’s tax rate, the meeting was moved to give taxpayers more time. • The personal property tax
therecorderonline.com1st and 10 Camp Tour: Phillips returns to lead Bath County to success
Our Camp Tour rolls to the Highlands where Bath County alum Jake Phillips has returned as head coach. Phillips is no stranger to winning, he helped lead Bath to a state title in 2001, finishing his high school career with nearly 10,000 yards of offense before heading to William and Mary.
Hot Springs named one of America’s safest places to visit during COVID-19 pandemic
HOT SPRINGS, Va. – With many people staying indoors and limiting travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Forbes is stepping in to help. Forbes writer Peter Taylor compiled a list of 10 best places to travel and Bath County’s own Hot Springs made the list. Hot Springs was listed as a safe area to visit with a total of 246 coronavirus cases, 8 total deaths and no new cases in the past week. For history enthusiasts, Hot Springs is also home to the Omni Homestead Resort which 23 U.S. Presidents have stayed at in the past 200 years. After a relaxing day, you can go on a hike or bike riding right outside of the downtown area.
Man found hiding in Botetourt County Sheetz bathroom after 20+ mile chase, police say
The stolen Saturn Vue ended up parking at the Sheetz in Daleville, according to Virginia State Police. BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – A 50-year-old Dublin man is in jail after police said he led them on a chase for about 30 miles on Friday. Eventually, Bedford police ended their pursuit and Virginia State Police took over. The chase went into Botetourt County and ended on U.S. 220 when Rakes ran over spike strips laid down by state police, according to state police. He was wanted in Bath County for the stolen vehicle and will face additional charges relating to the pursuit.
Omni Homestead chefs cooking up a sweet life together outside the resort kitchen
HOT SPRINGS, Va. – February is the month of love and two local chefs at The Omni Homestead are cooking up a sweet life together. 10 News sat down to talk to them about falling in love in the kitchen and the best thing they have created together so far. Newlyweds Todd and Kelly Owen spend a lot of time together here in the Homestead kitchen. “Not everybody is able to work together, but I think we do really well at it. Below is a recipe the Owen’s created together for the Omni Homestead:
Homestead scales back operations amid ‘devastating impact’ from the coronavirus pandemic
BATH COUNTY, Va. – Despite signs of hope amid the coronavirus pandemic, the tourism industry is still being hit hard, forcing the Omni Homestead Resort in Bath County to scale back its operations. Though guests are checking out, no one is checking in at the Homestead. “COVID-19 has definitely had a devastating impact on our resort, on Omni hotels and resorts and on our industry as a whole. “We have a very significant economic impact on the county in this region and so we don’t make these decisions lightly,” Swann said. It’s not yet clear what operations will look like beyond January, but Swann said the Homestead’s long-term viability is top of mind.
Guns, vehicles and more stolen from Bath County hunting cabins
BATH COUNTY, Va. – A string of break-ins in the northern part of Bath County has led to some high-profile items being stolen. The Bath County Sheriff’s Office says that items were stolen from multiple hunting cabins as the suspects forced entry into the back doors of buildings, cutting chains and locks to break-in. Here’s a list of what the Sheriff’s Office said has been stolen:2016 Camo-colored Can-Am 4-wheeler2012 green Kawasaki MULEHomelite generator12-gauge shotgun.22-caliber rifle with scopeAssorted toolsAssorted household itemsAntique red/blue vaseAntique blue/greenish ceramic horse figurineChain sawCamping equipmentA reward is being offered for any information leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with information about these break-ins and thefts is asked to contact the Bath County Sheriff’s Office at 540-839-2375.
Homestead Resort cutting back on hours as coronavirus pandemic continues
HOT SPRINGS, Va. – Starting next year, Bath County’s biggest employer is making some major changes. Beginning Jan. 4, the Omni Homestead Resort will be open from Noon Thursday until 3 p.m. Sundays. “As we enter into the new year at The Omni Homestead Resort, we have made the very difficult decision to alter our hours of operation in January. It’s been a difficult 2020 for the resort, closing March 29 to reopen three months later on June 29. Click here for more information about the resort’s changes to its hours of operation
Colder temps put Omni Homestead ahead for start of ski season
BATH COUNTY, Va. – Santa’s workshop isn’t the only place racing against the clock to make winter magic happen. The Omni Homestead Resort is preparing to open for the snow sports season Saturday, Dec. 26. The Bath County resort has 26 snow guns, six of them are mobile, but it takes more than just fancy equipment to create its winter wonderland. “We are a little bit ahead of last year as for good snow-making weather goes and the progress we’ve made,” said DeBoe. For additional safety measures and to purchase lift tickets ahead of time, click here or call 540-839-3860.
Virginia General Election Results for Bath County on Nov. 3, 2020
The 2020 General Election will be held on November 3. You can find results for Bath County here. This includes how the county voted in the U.S. Presidential, U.S. Senate and any U.S. House races or locally-contested races. Use the picker below to find them:Find Race ResultsOnly care how other counties and cities in the area voted? You’ll find all those options in this picker:How cities, counties in our region votedGet the latest Virginia election news here
5 tips for making the most of a day trip to Hot Springs, Virginia
Getting to the heart of Hot Springs is an easy and gorgeous day’s drive. Stacey Sexton is the general manager for Natural Retreats, Hot Springs, and works and lives in the area. Natural Retreats is a company that manages 13 homes in the Hot Springs area. Hot Springs, and the neighboring town of Warm Springs, aren’t just named that way for show. Other presidents such as James Madison have also visited Hot Springs to take advantage of their healing properties.
New health metrics label several SWVA school systems as ‘high-risk' COVID-19 locations
MARTINSVILLE, Va. – A new metrics released last week by the Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list several Southwest Virginia schools “high-risk" for coronavirus transmission. As of Wednesday, Montgomery County, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Lynchburg, Pittsylvania County, Danville, Buena Vista, Lexington, Bath County and Martinsville were on the list. The “high-risk” classification is made largely because of new coronavirus cases per 100,000 persons within the last 14 days. We still have up and down days," stated Chris Garrett, local health emergency coordinator of Pittsylvania-Danville & Southside Health District. To see where your school system ranks, click here.
20 arrested, two still wanted on drug charges in ‘Operation Unmasked’
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. – An operation involving law enforcement from several local and state agencies resulted in an Alleghany County grand jury indicting 22 people on 59 mostly drug-related charges. On July 23, officers started arresting those indicted, and as of Thursday, all but two people indicted as a result of “Operation Unmasked” had been arrested, according to Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall. The two people who are still wanted are Regina Angle and Micahel Brewster Jr., who are both from Covington, according to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office. Officers from the Craig County Sheriff’s Office, Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, Clifton Forge Police Department and Covington Police Department assisted the task force in this effort. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Angle and Brewster Jr. is asked to call the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office at 540-965-1770 or the Drug Task Force at 540-965-6308.
When and how Southwest, Central Virginia students will return to school this fall
All elementary school students wil be in school Monday through Thursday with block scheduling in placeFor middle and high school students, they will be split into groups. Franklin CountyThe school board has decided that students will go back to school on Sept. 8, but has not made a decision as to how students will return. Middle and high school students will have a hybrid program — half of students will attend school in the morning, and half will attend in the afternoon. Elementary school students will only be in school for half days, either in the morning or afternoon, four days a week. Pulaski CountyElementary school students will be assigned one teacher for reading, math, science and social studiesMiddle school students will do block scheduling and teachers will rotate classrooms.
Every Virginia city, county has now had a coronavirus case
ROANOKE, Va. – It took a day over four months, but now, the coronavirus has spread to all 133 counties and cities in Virginia. Bath County held out for a while, 123 days to be exact, but on Wednesday, VDH data show there is one COVID-19 case in the county. Only about 4,400 people live in Bath County, making it Virginia’s second-least populated city or county. Watch the daily spread of COVID-19 in Virginia:It had been the lone county without a case since June 19, when Bland County reported its first case. Below is an interactive look at how the coronavirus has spread day-to-day since Virginia’s first reported case on March 7.