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BUCHANAN

Local outfitters raise red flag on new state fees to use waterways

BUCHANAN, Va. – People who want to hit Virginia’s waterways may have to pay more to do it this coming year. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is charging new fees for using state access ramps. Those with a boat registered in Virginia, a hunting or fishing license, or other state access passes are exempt as they already pay into the system. In Buchanan, Twin River Outfitters does half its business with out-of-state tourists. Only the operator will be required to pay the access fee, meaning one fee for a tandem kayak, for example.

Buchanan woman completes Drumstick Dash despite lifelong health challenges

ROANOKE, Va – The Roanoke Rescue Mission’s annual Drumstick Dash moved to a virtual race in 2020, but that didn’t stop one Buchanan woman from pursuing her dream. Kelly Berry and her mother Teresa said Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the Drumstick Dash. “It’s been an interesting year with the virtual races because a lot of people are missing important races; I know I do,” Kelly Berry said. “To all the ones that can’t make it home, ‘Happy Thanksgiving,’” Kelly Berry said. There is still time to sign up and run the Drumstick Dash.

Knights cut ribbon on new all-weather track

Buchanan, Va. – It was something that was always talked about, but never realized. James River high school unveiled its new, state of the art, all-weather six lane track. Planning began more than a year ago and Knights athletic director Vincent Wyatt says construction took just 3 months to complete. When I first started coaching here we’d always talk about how it’d be nice if we got a new track. And we have some really good kids, good student-athletes and they came down and loved it from the time they stepped foot on it,” Wyatt said.

Upgrades to Interstate 81 in Botetourt County will help improve dangerous stretch of road

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. – Safety improvements are coming to one of the most dangerous stretches of Interstate 81 in Virginia. Winding curves on the stretch of I-81 through Botetourt County near Buchanan oftentimes make it a very dangerous area, as it has one of the highest crash rates on the interstate. The most recent data from VDOT shows 52 crashes in that section in a two-year period. Crews will be:Repaving the road to increase tractionAdding new pavement markersInstalling underground drainsPermanently closing an exit that sees minimal traffic. “It’ll help reduce some of the speed differentials, the lane changes associated with the exiting vehicles there so that should help improve safety,” VDOT spokesperson Jason Bond said.

Local sunflower festival presses on, but with socially-distanced changes

The 5th annual Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival attracted thousands of people so far. Everyone that comes leaves here with a smile.”The event did make several socially-distanced changes for the year. We’re not going to cancel, so how do we make it happen?’”The sunflower festival also featured vendors such as Tamara Dennis who said it’s a vital event for her business. All of my summer events were either cancelled or modified.”Dennis said she’s grateful the sunflower festival could keep going this year. The sunflower festival continues on Saturday, Sept. 19.

Buchanan Fire Department’s memorial walk honors first responders killed in 9/11 attacks

When he moved to Buchanan last year, he decided to start a memorial walk down Main Street welcoming anyone who wanted to join him. To join the 2nd Annual Memorial Walk, meet at the Buchanan Fire Station on Main Street at 8 a.m. for opening remarks. Then the walk will begin promptly at 8:46 a.m., the same time the first plane (American Airlines Flight 11) crashed into a tower. Price’s godfather worked as a New York City Firefighter at the time of the attacks and was able to attend the first memorial walk last year. During the walk, Price carries a fire hose with the names of the firefighters killed.

Soak up the last of summer at Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival

Starting Saturday, Sept. 12 you can walk the more than 20 acres of Beaver Dam Farm in Buchanan for its annual sunflower festival. Changes this year include online ticket sales to make sure the event is meeting safety guidelines. Founder of the festival, Candace Monaghan said when you buy a ticket its for a specific time block. They just ask people not to show up or pick from their farm outside of farm hours. Online ticket sales are intended to limit the capacity at once, but that doesnt change the flow of business this festival brings to the entire community.

Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey surprises James River seniors with more than congratulations

BUCHANAN, Va. – Graduation ceremonies at James River High School came with a big surprise. I graduated from James River High School just like you and I’m here to say congratulations. You worked really hard to get hear,” said Old Dominion front man Matt Ramsey in a pre-recorded video. Ramsey didn’t just send his congratulations, but also a donation of $50,000 to James River High School for its fine arts program. “Before you run off into the world, going whatever you’re gonna do next, look around, you live in one of the most beautiful spots in the world,” Ramsey reminded the seniors.