CLIFTON FORGE

CLIFTON FORGE — Clifton Forge Town Council has amended the town code to streamline the process of dealing with nuisance properties. The unanimous vote was made Tuesday to amend Chapter 46 (Environment), Article II (nuisances). “The point of the amendment tonight is to deal with the issues around town that are specifically defined as nuisances,

UPDATE

Perhaps the most unique place for a pick-me-up in Southwest Virginia, Caffé Museo, has now expanded it’s menu to offer beer and wine.

Sharon Elementary will be closed on Jan. 27 due to a rodent issue in the building, according to Alleghany Highlands Public Schools officials.

Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 17, for Cora Dance – Alleghany. The ceremony was held in front of the Historic Masonic Theatre in downtown Clifton Forge where Cora Dance’s offices and rehearsal space are located. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE — A dance

Clifton Forge is holding an open forum Tuesday to get opinions on their all abilities park plan.

Virginia State Police in Area 38 in Clifton Forge is thanking a local church for their kindness in donating handmade items for children in emergency situations.

The street value for the amount of methamphetamine found was over $27,000.00, according to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.

A Georgia man has been sentenced for the murder of a Clifton Forge resident in 2020, according to Ann Gardner, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alleghany County.

With the Grinch at the throttle, visitors enjoyed a ride on the Little C&O miniature train during the Santa at the Depot event held Saturday, Dec. 3 at the C&O Railway Heritage Center in Clifton Forge. Toys and money were collected for the Highlands Christmas Mother program. See more photos, page 34. (Recorder photo

CLIFTON FORGE — The Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society will host a Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the C&O Heritage Center in Clifton Forge. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, experience a ride on Little C&O, the miniature railroad driven by “The Grinch,” enjoy

• During the Clifton Forge Town Council’s November meeting, town manager Chuck Unroe noted there are two vacancies on the planning commission, and as of Nov. 9, the town had received no letters of interest. “So, if you know of anybody interested in serving Clifton Forge on the planning commission, please ask them to give

HOT SPRINGS — Robert “Bobby” Alexander Ginger, 77, of Clifton Forge, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, at Botetourt County. He was born Dec. 25, 1944, in Bath County, the son of the late William M. Ginger and Eva Daniels Ginger. He was retired from Westvaco. He loved to hunt and play golf. He

Zion Shirley (3) on defense for MGCC. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Men's College Basketball – Southwest Virginia CC 86, Mountain Gateway CC 78. The Flying Eagles improved to 2-0 on the young season Tuesday night with a victory in Clifton Forge. Titus Cunningham had 19 points for the winners, from Tazewell County, Brennan Howard

We’re told the incident was isolated, and charges against the student are pending.

Alleghany Highlands Community Services, in conjunction with Alleghany Highlands Healthy Youth Coalition, Lock and Talk Virginia, LewisGale Hospital-Alleghany, and local law enforcement agencies, participated in National Drug Take Back Day Saturday. Drop-off stations were set up at CVS in Clifton Forge and Walmart in Covington for folks to drop off their expired and unused

CLIFTON FORGE — A new playground concept in Clifton Forge will bring recreational offerings to children of all ages and abilities. Money is currently being raised for the Clifton Forge All-Abilities Playground, a concept which has won approval by Clifton Forge Town Council. Following council’s recent vote to proceed with the playground, and for the

Rep. Ben Cline, left, held a meet-and-greet last Wednesday in the Historic Masonic Theatre Underground in Clifton Forge. Cline became Congressional representative for the Allegheny Highlands last December. Pictured, Cline speaks with Justin Reiter, center, executive director of the Historic Masonic Theatre, and Greg Madsen, right. (Recorder photo by David Crosier) CLIFTON FORGE — Incumbent

CLIFTON FORGE — The Main Street movement grew out of the recognition that a community is only as strong as its core. In an era when many folks had given up hope about the commercial and cultural viability of downtowns – when suburbs, shopping malls, and big box retailers were dominating the American landscape, seemingly

Clifton Forge Town Manager Chuck Unroe points to an aerial photograph of Commercial Avenue Tuesday. Clifton Forge Town Council voted to rezone the property from Business General (BG) to Residential (R3). (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE — Clifton Forge Town Council approved rezoning a portion of Commercial Street. Tuesday evening, town council voted

CLIFTON FORGE — Candidates for Clifton Forge Town Council had a second chance last week to outline their platforms as they approach the Nov. 8 election. Six candidates are vying for three seats on the council — incumbents Bob Umstead, Dale Burdette and Debbie Laudermilk, along with newcomers Ben Nicely, Courtney Howard and Jeremy Bastian.

CLIFTON FORGE — The Virginia Opry will perform a benefit for Tunnel To Towers at the Jackson River Sport Complex’s River Rock Amphitheatre Saturday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. Glen Shelton, a familiar vocalist in the Allegheny Highlands, will emcee “The Keith Bryant Showcase.” The concert is open to the public and free of charge.

CLIFTON FORGE — Three seats on Clifton Forge Town Council are up for grabs in the Nov. 8 election. Last Thursday, six candidates, vying for those three seats, got their first chance to publicly discuss their positions and interest in earning a spot on council during a candidate forum held at the Historic Masonic Theatre.

The Alleghany and Covington Sheriffs’ Office arrested two men after a break-in at the Immanuel Baptist Church on Sept. 6.

“Dopesick” star Michael Keaton took home his first Emmy for lead actor in a limited series on Monday.

For this week of In Your Town, we're stopping in Clifton Forge to take a closer look at the Masonic Theater.

CLIFTON FORGE — Carter David Wickline, 17, of 1714 Forrest Hill Avenue, Clifton Forge, died on Sept. 3, 2022, at his residence. Mr. Wickline was born July 26, 2005, in Lexington, a son of Chad D. Wickline and Jessica Burks Pullin. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, David Wickline; maternal grandparents,

Alleghany County has a wide-variety of outdoor recreation spots, and officials are looking to continue growing the opportunities.

A Virginia casting director is getting special recognition for playing a key role in bringing a critically acclaimed Hulu series to life.

CLIFTON FORGE — A Chili Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament hosted by the Mountain Gateway Community College (formerly Dabney S. Lancaster Community College) Educational Foundation has been postponed to Saturday, March 18, 2023. The benefit tournament was originally scheduled for Sept. 24. For more information contact scholarship coordinator Vicki Pickle at (540) 863-2835 or email vpickle@mgcc.edu.

A praise team comprised of vocalists, from left, Cindy Brokaw, Suzy Mullikin, Michele Wright, Meghan Powell and Robin Powell, led the audience through a selection of numbers during Sunday’s Community Prayer for Schools. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) CLIFTON FORGE — Residents gathered in downtown Clifton Forge Sunday afternoon to pray for schools as the

From the Star City to the Hill City, there are several towns in our area nominated for the Blue Ridge Outdoors Top Adventure Towns of 2022 contest.

The author of the best-selling book turned Emmy-nominated Hulu series “Dopesick,” filmed in parts of the Highlands, is returning back to familiar grounds.

Thanks to Andrea for sending us today’s Pictures of the Day from 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!

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 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

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

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 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)

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,

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 […]

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 […]

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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, 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.