CLIFTON FORGE

Three-year-old Mila Fridley, right, visits with Lychelle Hall, left, and Heather Wood of Safehome Systems, Inc at the event in Clifton Forge. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler)Clifton Forge Mayor Jeff Irvine takes a bath in the dunking booth.Dep. Kenny Curry of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, left, and K-9 “Rex.” demonstrate subject apprehension with Cpl.

SELMA — Marie Hicklin Eisenhower, 89, of 1301 Concord Street, Selma, Va, died Friday, July 22, 2022 at the Woodlands Health and Rehab in Clifton Forge. She was born in Highland County on Sept. 3, 1932 a daughter of the late Rosser Stuart and Twila Phillips Hicklin. She was a homemaker throughout her life

Long-time dance studios, Garlynda’s Fancy Feet and Patsy’s Dance Studio, are coming together in the 2022-2023 year, the owners and assistants said in a Facebook video.

A Clifton Forge man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping a 2-year-old boy from a church back in 2021.

Residents dance to the sounds of Domino during the Covington Parks and Recreation Department’s July 4 festivities at River Rock Amphitheatre in Covington. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE and COVINGTON — Residents of the Allegheny Highlands celebrated the 246th anniversary of America’s independence with two days of events in Clifton Forge and Covington.

The Resurrecting Praise Community Choir performs during the opening ceremonies of Clifton Forge’s first Juneteenth celebration on Monday, June 20, at the Masonic Amphitheatre. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE — Clifton Forge’s first celebration of the Juneteenth holiday was held Monday, June 20. Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States

CLIFTON FORGE — Thomas “Ty” Dobbs, principal of Sharon Elementary School has announced honor rolls for the fifth grade’s final grading period and yearly average. A honor roll — Ms. Carroll’s class: Levi Bartley, Tinley Brooks, Amelia Caldwell, Garet Cook, Gabriel Craft, Charley Feazell, Isaiah Humphries, Kaylynne McDavid-Kilgore, Braden Persinger, Luke Saville; yearly average, Levi

Two new Clifton Forge town employees were introduced Tuesday. Bridget Goff, left, will be working in the finance office. Taylor Ginger, right, will serve as administrative assistant and council clerk. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) COVINGTON — Clifton Forge Town Council has adopted its operating and capital budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Tuesday, council

Thanks to Teresa for sending us today’s Pictures of the Day from Clifton Forge!

COVINGTON — On May 31, in Alleghany Circuit Court, Michael Julian Wolfe, 25, was found guilty of second-degree felony murder and felony eluding a law enforcement officer. Wolfe pleaded guilty to killing Randall Lee Tinsley, 26, in a motor vehicle crash while fleeing from a Clifton Forge police officer. Alleghany County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ann Gardner

CLIFTON FORGE — The Clifton Forge Public Library is sponsoring a Summer Reading Program for readers ages three through adult. The program begins Monday, June 13, and will conclude on Friday, Aug. 12. For every five hours of reading or listening to a story being read to them, children ages 3-10 will receive a prize

COVINGTON — On May 23, Deborah Anne Coleman, 42, of Clifton Forge, was sentenced in Alleghany County Circuit Court to 30 years in the penitentiary with 12 years suspended for the felony murder of Shannon Anthony Clark. The court imposed the 18-year active sentence after hearing from Clark’s family, who testified how the homicide impacted

On Monday, a Clifton Forge woman plead guilty to murdering a man in the Alleghany County Circuit Court.

“Confidence” by Nicole Frye of Covington High School, was named Best in Show, high school level, at the student art show on display at the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center in Clifton Forge. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE — The 2022 Student Art Show is on display at the Alleghany Highlands Arts

Clifton Forge Main Street Inc. sponsored its annual Easter Bonnet parade Saturday morning. Residents donned their Easter best and paraded down Ridgeway Street to the Primis Bank plaza. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE — Residents of the Allegheny Highlands donned their Easter best Saturday morning, April 16, to participate in the annual Easter

Stephanie Clark, second from right, led the audience in song during a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for the relocation of Good News Church to Main Street. In the back row, from left, are Jeff Irvine, Clifton Forge mayor; Matt Garten, chairman of the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors; Tom Sibold, Covington mayor; David

One-year-old Meyer Nicely meets the Easter Bunny Saturday following the annual Easter Bonnet parade. Meyer is the son of Shawn and Kelsey Nicely of Clifton Forge. See story and photos, page 2. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler)

The Eastern Alleghany Ministerial Association observed the Easter weekend by holding its Way of the Cross event in downtown Clifton Forge on Good Friday. Those who participated carried the large wooden cross down Main Street where it was erected in front of Central United Methodist Church. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE — The

CLIFTON FORGE — The Alleghany County School Board and the Covington City School Board have voted to appoint Bryan Stinespring as activities director for Alleghany County Public Schools and the new Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. The appointment was approved tonight, Wednesday, April 13, during a joint meeting of the two school boards at Dabney S.

Sgt. Chris Fisher of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office appeared before Clifton Forge Town Council Tuesday evening to discuss the Alleghany Highlands Youth Day Rodeo, which will be held Saturday, May 7, at Jackson River Sport Complex in Covington. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE — The town of Clifton Forge is progressing with

The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, March 24, at K. McConnell Legal, which has opened at 316 Commercial Ave. in Clifton Forge. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE — A law office specializing in veterans’ disability claims and appeals has opened in Clifton Forge. Kristen McConnell,

Officials from the area gathered to break ground at the future Cedar Creek Trailhead. Pictured, from left, are Chad Williams, director of Alleghany County Parks and Recreation; David Crosier, vice mayor for City of Covington; Jeff Irvine, vice mayor for Clifton Forge; Matt Garten, board of supervisors, Alleghany County; Roy Burns, board of supervisors, Bath County; Ron Shifflett, board of […]

CLIFTON FORGE — Funeral services for Covington Police Officer Caleb Ogilvie were held Saturday afternoon at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. Hundreds gathered in the DSLCC Armory to pay their respects to Officer Ogilvie, who lost his life in the line of duty Monday, March 14. Among those in attendance were law enforcement officers and first responders from departments throughout […]

A Clifton Forge Police officer salutes as the body of Covington Police Officer Caleb Ogilvie returned home Tuesday afternoon from the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler)COVINGTON — A shooting Monday afternoon took the life of a Covington police officer and two other men. The officer, Caleb Ogilvie, leaves behind his wife and daughters. Ogilvie, […]

CLIFTON FORGE — During the Tuesday, March 8, meeting of Clifton Forge Town Council, town manager Chuck Unroe said the town was notified several weeks ago by the water treatment plant of a water loss in town. The public works department located the leak in a six-inch water main, but the leak was “located in the worst possible place in […]

Officer Caleb Ogilvie will be escorted to Clifton Forge on Tuesday afternoon for his final ride home.

Clifton Forge Main Street presented Karen Buzzard, left, with its 2021 Volunteer of the Year award during Tuesday evening’s Clifton Forge Town Council meeting. Presenting the award are CFMS president Susan Hutchison, center; and vice president Jenny Oeltjen, right. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler)CLIFTON FORGE — Future members of Clifton Forge Town Council could potentially get pay increases. Tuesday, the […]

The town of Clifton Forge needs your input on a proposed park that would bring an inclusive play experience to area children.

If you’ve never been to Clifton Forge, it can be described as the ultimate small-town life. It’s a small town with a big personality thanks to all the shops and restaurants lining the streets of downtown.

A popular shop in downtown Clifton Forge will soon be closing its doors for good.

CLIFTON FORGE — During the Jan. 11 Clifton Forge Town Council meeting, town manager Chuck Unroe reported Alleghany County had taken delivery of a new refuse

CLIFTON FORGE — Local authorities are investigating the shooting deaths of two Alleghany County residents. Last Thursday, Jan. 13, at about 8:15 p.m., the

The Hulu show, “Dopesick” which premiered in October is based on the book by local author and former Roanoke Times reporter, Beth Macy.

CLIFTON FORGE — Local authorities are investigating the shooting deaths of two Alleghany County residents. On Thursday, Jan. 13, at about 8:15 p.m., the

CLIFTON FORGE — Clifton Forge Mayor Pam Marshall has resigned. On Tuesday afternoon, just hours before the Clifton Forge Town Council's monthly meeting,

"Whisper what you'll bring to me, Santa." Four-year-old Kyleigh Fitzgerald of Hot Springs visits with Santa Claus earlier this month at the C&O Railway Heritage

CLIFTON FORGE — When the crew from Dopesick was filming in Clifton Forge at Central United Methodist Church, one of the producers told members, including

CLIFTON FORGE — The seventh annual Soup-er Sunday on Nov. 7 was presented smoothly and deliciously with sold-out soups and eager customers. The John Hillert

CLIFTON FORGE — A discussion on rumors and racism dominated Clifton Forge Town Council's Nov. 9 meeting. The discussion, lasting over 45 minutes, surrounded an

A Clifton Forge man charged in connection of the abduction of a Giles County toddler will go before a jury next year.

Thanks to Khush for sending us today's Picture of the Day from Clifton Forge!

CLIFTON FORGE — The Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center has announced the winners and participants of its annual Fall Festival Art Exhibit currently on

CLIFTON FORGE— Dabney S. Lancaster Community College is one step closer to a new name. Monday afternoon, during a meeting held in the Moomaw Center, the DSLCC

CLIFTON FORGE — A milestone event occurred over the weekend as the Clifton Forge Shrine Club held its 50th Fall Festival. The festival, originally scheduled to

CLIFTON FORGE — The Clifton Forge Police Department will soon lose an officer. Christopher Conner submitted his resignation to Chief Chad Wickline Wednesday,

CLIFTON FORGE — The local board for Dabney S. Lancaster Community College has accepted the 25-member task force recommendation of "Mountain Gateway Community

Hundreds of people at the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge got to watch their town make its debut in the new Hulu show, “Dopesick.” The people of Southwest Virginia have spoken and they’re saying the mini-series is a hit.

CLIFTON FORGE — Clifton Forge has entered into an agreement with Alleghany County and Covington for recycling services. The Clifton Forge Town Council voted 5-0

A new series filmed right here in southwest Virginia dropped on Hulu Wednesday morning.

CLIFTON FORGE — The Green Pastures Recreation Area has been given a new lease on life. Friday morning, Gov. Ralph Northam, along with local and state officials

CLIFTON FORGE — A prominent Clifton Forge native has been remembered with a historic highway marker. On Friday afternoon the marker, which commemorates the life

A new state historical marker issued highlights the career of Alleghany County native R. Arliner Young.

Hundreds of participants who completed the Gauntlet program will now be eligible to receive college credit.

Editors are putting the finishing touches on “Dopesick,” the Hulu miniseries based on the book written by local author Beth Macy.

HEALING SPRINGS – A woman who escaped from Botetourt law officers while handcuffed, drove her car to Clifton Forge, and later escaped from Bath County Sheriff's

CLIFTON FORGE — The "What's Your Story?" project is up and running again, with its next book production focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic in the Allegheny

The Walkaways will perform on the Masonic Amphitheatre stage in Clifton Forge on Friday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. They are made up of Todd Daniel, lead vocals,

CLIFTON FORGE — Dabney S. Lancaster Community College is getting a new name. During a meeting Monday afternoon in the Moomaw Center on its Clifton Forge campus,

It’s time for tea. A Clifton Forge bed and breakfast is spotlighted in a national publication, Tea Time Magazine.

The Alleghany Highlands may be known as a destination for outdoor adventures, but there’s also a big arts community.

Many people are being educated about and then celebrating Juneteenth for the first time this year.

Nestled in the Alleghany Mountains, the small but mighty town of Clifton Forge has served as a witness to history — from two world wars, the heyday of rail, and of course, a global pandemic.

If you’re looking to enjoy a movie or concert this summer, the Historic Masonic Theater and Amphitheater have finally reopened.

Family and authentic tastes keep Michael's at the top of its game two decades later

The Alleghany Highlands region offers all the beautiful sights and sounds an outdoors enthusiast could ever want as the area is made up of more than 50% national forest.

Tom Greenwood was one of the first in Clifton Forge to come down with COVID-19. 15 months later, he's still fighting the after effects.

CLIFTON FORGE — Phyllis Ann Bogan Waskey, 81, of 800 Ridgeway Street, Scott Hill Apartments, Clifton Forge, and formerly of Bacova, died Tuesday, May 18, 2021

CLIFTON FORGE — Caroline Deeds Wilson, 86, of 3318 Douthat Road, Clifton Forge, died Thursday, April 29, 2021, at the Woodlands Health and Rehabilitation Center

The Giles County Sheriff’s Office is holding a second news conference on Monday afternoon to discuss in greater detail, the safe return of 2-year-old Noah Trout.

CLIFTON FORGE — Sandra Marie Hall Porter, 83, of 1320 Forester Road, Clifton Forge, died Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at her residence. She was born March 17, 1938 in

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – It’s lights, camera, action for the Alleghany Highlands. The production of the upcoming Hulu mini-series “Dopesick” moved to Clifton Forge on Friday. “We need to get this little town back on the map like it used to be and move the town forward,” said Clifton Forge town manager Chuck Unroe. “You’ll definitely know you’re in Clifton Forge,” Unroe said. “They’ve included the town and the townspeople and really made it a community thing.”“Dopesick” will continue filming in Clifton Forge through next week.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – UPDATEClifton Forge Police have arrested the person they say is responsible for Friday night’s multiple robbery cases. Officers were able to recover a stolen vehicle from the 1300 block of Jefferson Ave, another vehicle from Rose Ave and one last one taken from Botetourt County. ORIGINAL STORYThe Clifton Forge Police Department is investigating a multiple robbery case that happened on Friday. The second incident happened shortly after on Rose Ave. where the person used the stolen firearm to steal a vehicle. The person police say is responsible for the robberies is a man in his early to mid-20s.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – Nine-month-old Manning James is just like any other baby. He loves exploring, looks up to his big brother Mason, and is sometimes a little too curious for his own good. We don’t know anyone who’s deaf, so it was a really big shock for us,” said Noelle. Monday morning, two days before the surgery, Noelle got a call. “It feels like a million pounds have been lifted.”Now, Noelle is returning the money raised because this Christmas she got the best gift of all.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – When you think of the Alleghany Highlands, coffee is not probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, one couple in Clifton Forge hopes you will not only stop by for a cup of joe but also walk through their newly opened coffee museum, Caffé Museo. One couple in Clifton Forge hopes you will not only stop-by for a cup of joe, but also walk through their newly opened coffee museum. (Judith Sivonda)This fall, Judith Sivonda and her husband added a coffee grinder museum to their café. We get into conversations that are quite pleasant and they haven’t seen anything like it and they’ll remember Clifton Forge,” said Sivonda.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – One local assisted living facility is proving picture day is not just for the kids. The Highland House in Alleghany County is getting a lot of attention for its fall photos. Thank you so much Jane & Mae Photography for showing the fun loving spirit of our Residents!! Posted by Highland House Assisted Living on Tuesday, October 20, 2020A local photographer, Jane and Mae, took whimsy pictures of residents. Before getting their pictures taken some residents even got their hair and make-up done.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – A loveable personality and loveable food combine to make The Colorful Chameleon a great spot in downtown Clifton Forge. She tells me, “We were snapping green beans at age 4.”The Colorful Chameleon is more of a recent development from humble beginnings. “We were doing shaved ice from a table and then just progressed from there.”Now, it’s a centerpiece of Clifton Forge just like food is. We have smoked pretty much everything you can think of.”The mountain views and the railroad museum just yards away make for a quick and quiet oasis. Reminiscing, Adcock tells us, "I made it about five years ago.

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.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – A local business is trying to help others make money for themselves. Occam’s Mill opened in the Clifton Forge School of the Arts at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The mill’s owner, Mac Beard, has created a maker’s space where people can use the mill’s wood carving technology to create products that they can sell. “It’s very apparent that there’s no teaching without learning, these guys teach me something every day,” said Beard. A portion of the rental fee will help support the Clifton Forge School of the Arts.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – When you think of cornhole you may think of tailgating fun, but one local man is actually a cornhole professional. 10 News caught up with the Clifton Forge native to chat about taking his hobby from his backyard to the big stage. “It feels really good to have a successful group in Clifton Forge,” said Chestnut. “We’ve come a really long ways and that’s one of my most proud things of cornhole is getting the club started and going in Clifton Forge,” Chestnut said. Chestnut started playing in 2007, but didn't get serious about the game until 2016, turning pro in 2018.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – After an area florist adjusted its model to survive the pandemic, the owner warned against protesting local businesses because of the mask rule. Since March, The Flower Center in Clifton Forge has had to adapt its services to stay afloat. They partnered with a local bakery to deliver cupcakes with flowers, and they’re also shipping bouquets for the first time. The owner said people who are frustrated with Virginia’s mask requirement and pledging not to wear them while shopping are only hurting small businesses like 'mom and pop’ places. Huffman said small businesses like The Flower Center are just doing what is required in Virginia.

COVINGTON, Va. – A local community is resurging its chapter of the NAACP. Residents of Clifton Forge and Covington are organizing to create one chapter in the Highlands. Right now, they are short of the 100 members needed to become official, so organizers are holding a membership drive. The vice mayor of Clifton Forge says when she got elected to council that’s when the community started coming to her, asking to bring the chapter back. She says their biggest concerns were access to jobs and economic opportunities for minorities.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – A teenager in Clifton Forge has spent the past several months getting creative while staying at home. Colorful characters litter the sidewalk outside of Erin Crowder’s home. The high school freshman has never taken an art class, but managed to bring beloved cartoon characters to life. Her mom said neighbors and strangers have stopped to take pictures of Erin’s freehand masterpieces.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – LATEST:A Georgia man is facing several charges in connection with a murder last month in Clifton Forge. Kenneth Staples, of LaGrange, Georgia, is charged with second-degree murder and grand larceny in connection with the murder of 41-year-old William Brandon Wright on April 27, according to Clifton Forge Police Chief Chad Wickline. Clifton Forge police first identified Staples as a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection with their investigation. The man defined as a person of interest by the Clifton Forge Police Department in Monday night’s suspicious death is now in custody in Georgia. The Clifton Forge Police Department released the name of the 41-year-old Clifton Forge man who died on Monday night.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – Teacher parades have become popular as educators want students to know they miss them, but some students in Alleghany County want teachers to know they’re appreciated as well. On the sidewalks of Sharon Elementary School, a few parents and children spent time over the weekend writing notes of love to the staff. They even wrote the name of every person who works in the building, telling them they miss them.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – A popular Clifton Forger restaurant is making a change because of the coronavirus. Starting Saturday, Jack Mason’s Tavern in Clifton Forge will only offer takeout or delivery service. The full menu will be available at first, but that could eventually change, based on what people order and how much. Co-owner Martha Atherholt said Tuesday the move is as much about being able to continue making money as it is about continuing to be a place for the community to come together. Delivery service will be available for people in Clifton Forge, Longdale, Low Moor, and possibly Callaghand.

CLIFTON FORGE, Va. – Fire crews responded to a house fire in Clifton Forge on Wednesday evening. Two people who were inside at the time of the fire were able to make it out of a first story window, according to the Clifton Forge Fire Department. It happened at a two-story house in the 600 block of Brussels Ave. Officials said there is “significant” fire and smoke damage to the house, but there isn’t a damage estimate yet. The Clifton Forge Fire Department was assisted by crews from Selma, Sharon and Iron Gate.

ROANOKE, Va. – Wytheville Community College holds its monthly Bluegrass and Old-Time Jamboree. Bad Ridge and The New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters will perform. The George Washington Train Show returns to Clifton Forge this weekend. It’s Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes admission to the C & O Railway Heritage Center.

James WoodsWILMINGTON, N.C. James Jim Warren Woods, of Wilmington, passed away Oct. 12, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Eleanor Simmons Woods. He was born in Clifton Forge, Va., on April 9, 1933, to Harvey Drewey Woods and Lydia McCoy Woods. The youngest of the six Woods boys, he had a story filled childhood roaming the alleys of Clifton and storming the football field as a Mountaineer. Some of his favorite memories came from his days with the class of 1952.

Clifton Forge is proclaiming Saturday, August 10 as Trudi Lacey Day. Among the shelves of books in the Clifton Forge Library sits a display of all things Trudi Lacey. She always had that ball like right here and so we knew that was her passion, said Clifton Forge Vice-Mayor Pamela Marshall. As I wrote the proclamation, I thought, I can't put all the things on it that this woman has done, said Clifton Forge Town Manager Darlene Burcham. Nobody accomplishes anything without love and support, and I certainly had that in our community of Clifton Forge, said Lacey.

Clifton Forge is proclaiming Saturday, August 10 as Trudi Lacey Day. Among the shelves of books in the Clifton Forge Library sits a display of all things Trudi Lacey. “She always had that ball like right here and so we knew that was her passion,” said Clifton Forge Vice-Mayor Pamela Marshall. “As I wrote the proclamation, I thought, I can't put all the things on it that this woman has done,” said Clifton Forge Town Manager Darlene Burcham. Nobody accomplishes anything without love and support, and I certainly had that in our community of Clifton Forge,” said Lacey.

Last year's architecture students at Virginia Tech completed the design and construction of the field house. Now, current students apart of the design/build LAB are working on two new baseball fields with dug outs and a press box. Little League leaders say the design/build LAB students are making the goal of hosting state tournaments in the future a reality. "With these additional fields [in Sharon] and in Clifton Forge I can only see brighter things," explained Gary Price, President of Clifton Forge Little League. This is the fifth project architecture students have worked on in the Covington and Clifton Forge areas.