Governor taps sheriff to serve
COVINGTON – Alleghany County/City of Covington Sheriff Kevin Hall has been named to the governor’s Substance Abuse Services Council. Hall’s appointment was among several key administration and board appointments announced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin last Wednesday, March 22. “I am grateful to appoint this talented group of individuals to important positions across the commonwealth,” Youngkin
therecorderonline.comVietnam veterans honored by VFW
Shawn Wright, left, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033 commander, speaks during a program to honor Vietnam veterans on Sunday, March 19, at the post home. Seated at right is Bill Atherholt, post quartermaster. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) COVINGTON — The Curtis A. Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1033 recognized and honored Vietnam
therecorderonline.comAlma Biggs Entsminger
COVINGTON — Mrs. Alma Biggs Entsminger, 67, of Covington, died Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the Brian Center-Alleghany, Low Moor. She was the wife of C. J. Entsminger Jr., who preceded her in death in 2020. Mrs. Entsminger was born March 11, 1956, in Covington, the daughter of the late Elbert Edmond Biggs and
therecorderonline.comEdith Dunford Boerner
COVINGTON — Mrs. Edith Dunford Boerner, 93, of Covington, died Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Brian Center-Alleghany, Low Moor. She was the wife of the late Harry Grover Boerner Jr. Mrs. Boerner was born May 31, 1929, in Giles County, the daughter of the late Giles W. Dunford and Naomi Myrtle Akers Dunford.
therecorderonline.comSheriff determined to find justice for missing Alleghany Co. man
Alleghany County/Covington Sheriff Kevin Hall, standing, held a press conference Monday on the case involving the disappearance of Donald Kelley, who has been missing for almost a year. About 30 of Kelley’s family, friends and loved ones attended. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) COVINGTON — An investigation continues in the disappearance of an Alleghany County
therecorderonline.comTUESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Alleghany's Xzavier Hayslett and Covington's Lauren Bragg race to gain control of the ball. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Baseball – Highland 14, Richwood, W.Va. 4. Highland scored six runs in the bottom of the second inning, added four more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning and two more in the
therecorderonline.comTHURSDAY SPORTS ROUNDUP
Covington catcher Kayleah Jones tags out a Riverheads runner at the plate. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Baseball – Riverheads 15, Covington 1. The Gladiators jumped on top 11-1 after two innings in a non-district, five-inning win over the Cougars at Casey Field. Lucas Edward was the complete-game winning pitcher for Riverheads, allowing
therecorderonline.comCarolyn Lambert Phillips
COVINGTON — Mrs. Carolyn Lambert Phillips, 84, of Covington, went to be with the Lord Tuesday evening, March 7, at LewisGale Medical Center, Salem. She was the loving wife of the late Ronnie Oris Phillips, who preceded her in death in 2010. Carolyn was born July 9, 1938, in Wyoming County, W.Va., a daughter
therecorderonline.comBridge closed on Thursday
COVINGTON — The Rayon Bridge will be closed today, Thursday, March 16, for water line repairs. It might also be closed again Friday, March 17. The water line being repaired is located on the bridge, and work will take place between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Public Works Office at
therecorderonline.comCovington City Council honors fallen police officer
COVINGTON — Covington City Council has adopted a Resolution of Respect honoring fallen Covington Police Officer Caleb Ogilvie. A year to the day after Officer Ogilvie was killed in the line of duty, council adopted the resolution during a meeting Tuesday evening. Officer Ogilvie, 35, died on Monday, March 14, 2022, while responding to a
therecorderonline.comMONDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Covington catcher Luke Conner shows the ball to the umpire last night after tagging out Alleghany's Connor McPeek at the plate. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Baseball – Alleghany 22, Covington 0. The Mountaineers routed the Cougars by run rule in the season opener for both teams Monday at Casey Field. Halen Lowman
therecorderonline.comAlleghany receives grant for new emergency vehicle
COVINGTON — The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office has received a Homeland Security grant to acquire an emergency response vehicle. The $250,000 grant was announced recently by Sheriff Kevin Hall. The emergency response vehicle will contain CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high yield Explosives) detection. Hall recognized the efforts of Sgt. Clinton Phillips for his
therecorderonline.comLodging space in short supply
COVINGTON — A recent study has concluded the Alleghany County area could use some additional lodging. Research indicates an existing and potential future demand for a new mid-range, mid-sized hotel, supporting 75-300 additional rooms. That was the conclusion of a 2022 Alleghany Highlands Regional Lodging Needs Assessment conducted by the Outreach and International Affairs Center
therecorderonline.comHigh-speed chase ends in arrest
Brandon Smathers COVINGTON – An Ohio man is being held without bond after leading authorities on a high-speed chase yesterday that ended in Alleghany County. Brandon Smathers, 32, of Ohio was arrested around 5 p.m. Saturday after leading U.S. Marshals on a high-speed pursuit from Waynesboro in Augusta County through Rockbridge County and ending near
therecorderonline.comFRIDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Covington's Luke Conner wrestles in the 215-pound weight class Friday during the first round of state wrestling tournament at the Salem Civic Center. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Wrestling – Miller, Walden in state semifinals. Alleghany's duo of Dontae Miller and Caleb Walden advanced to Saturday's semifinal round of the Class 2 state
therecorderonline.comTHURSDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Boys' Basketball – Parry McCluer 71, Covington 47. The Fighting Blues led 34-20 at the half and pulled away in the final two quarters for a victory over Covington in the Pioneer District semifinals Thursday night in Buena Vista. Landon Catlett led Parry McCluer (16-8) with 16 points, John Snider added 14 points
therecorderonline.comMONDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
CHS' Purcel Turner, left, drives past Highland's Ethan Moore en route to the basket last night. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Boys' Basketball – Covington 75, Highland 57. The Cougars advanced to the Pioneer District tournament semifinals and gained a berth in the Class 1, Region C tournament next week with a win
therecorderonline.comTHURSDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Cougar J'yon Smith goes up for a bucket in last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Swimming – Three local athletes qualify for state meet. Alleghany's Alivia Hoover and Charlotte Smith, and Covington's Rocklynn Phillips, qualified for state competition on Thursday at the combined Class 1 and 2, Region C championships at
therecorderonline.com3 more die of COVID-related causes in Highlands region
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — Three more COVID-related deaths occurred in the region over the past week — one in Covington and two in Alleghany County. There were also three more COVID-related hospitalizations, all in Alleghany. There were 60 new cases of COVID reported in Alleghany; six cases in Covington; six cases in Bath; and two new
therecorderonline.comMONDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Boys' Basketball – Covington 82, Craig County 45. Covington started the final week of the regular season with a rout of the Rockets at home Monday night. Purcel Turner led four Cougars (8-2 Pioneer District, 13-7 overall) into double figures with 19 points. Desmond Jordan added 13 points, while Jayden Sammons and Hayden
therecorderonline.comSATURDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Alleghany's Ryan Cole, right, attempts to block the shot by Covington's Purcel Turner. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Boys' Basketball – Alleghany 80, Covington 50. The Mountaineers went on a 19-3 run that bridged the first and second quarters, taking command at home against Covington in the last boys' basketball game between the
therecorderonline.comHistoric home gets new life as bed and breakfast
The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 19, for the grand opening of Rosedale Manor Homestay Bed and Breakfast in the Rosedale section of Alleghany County. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) COVINGTON — Visitors to the Highlands can now enjoy a stay in a turn-of-the-century Victorian
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
therecorderonline.comWEDNESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
AHS' Sam Rusmisel competes in the 165-pound bout yesterday. Rusmisel won by decision. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Girls' Basketball – North Cross 39, Covington 36. Covington lost a home non-district game to the Raiders Wednesday night. Alexis Teter and Sophia Brown each had 10 points for North Cross, who improved to 8-2
therecorderonline.comAlleghany man convicted of drug, gun violations
COVINGTON — Craig Allen West, 44, was sentenced in Alleghany County Circuit Court on Jan. 23 to serve 12 years in the penitentiary on six felony convictions and three misdemeanor convictions involving drug and firearm violations. On Oct. 4, 2022, West was tried in front of Judge Edward K. Stein, and found guilty of six
therecorderonline.com41 new cases of COVID reported
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — There were 24 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Alleghany County over the past week, plus 12 new cases in Covington, four cases in Bath, and two new cases in Highland. The new cases in Alleghany brings the cumulative total there to 4,408. In Covington that total is now 1,850; in Bath,
therecorderonline.comMONDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Covington's J'yon Smith drives past Boys Home's Nick Rodgers for a layup in last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Boys' Basketball – Lord Botetourt 74, Alleghany 55. Tyler Meade scored a game-high 27 points — 20 in the first half — as the Cavaliers opened a big early lead and cruised
therecorderonline.comThe Recorder Online
Casa de Leones Mexican Grill is located at 348 W. Main Street in Covington. It is open seven days, from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday. A wide and varied Mexican-focused menu is available every day. See story, page 10. (Recorder photo by Margo
therecorderonline.comThe Recorder Online
Alleghany County Circuit Court Clerk Debra Byer, left, administered the oath of office to Covington City Councilman Lance Carson on Thursday, Dec. 29. Carson has represented District 1 since winning a special election in November 2020 to fill the unexpired term of the late C.J. Entsminger, and was elected to a full four-year term
therecorderonline.comTUESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Highland's Eli Moore, center, is double-teamed by Covington's Desmond Jordan, left, and Greg Rice during last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Boys' Basketball – James River 52, Alleghany 45. James River handed the Mountaineers their sixth straight loss Tuesday night at Alleghany. Ryan Steger nailed six threes and led the Knights
therecorderonline.comWEDNESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Abbie Fridley hauls in a rebound for the Mountaineers during last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Boys' Basketball – Covington 70, Meadow Bridge, W.Va. 32. The Cougars rolled past Meadow Bridge in a home non-district matchup Wednesday night. Covington led 43-11 at the half. Desmond Jordan led the winners with 18
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
Alleghany's Simien Brown goes up for a shot against Covington's Greg Rice in last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Boys’ Basketball – Alleghany 84, Covington 42. The Mountaineers scored the first 20 points of the game and overwhelmed Covington in the Cougar Den Wednesday night. Davien Moore buried a couple of
therecorderonline.comTUESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Covington's Taylor Stayton battles an Auburn player for possession in last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Girls’ Basketball – Auburn 58, Covington 21. Auburn scored the first 11 points of the game and shut out the Cougars 17-0 in the second quarter of a non-district win Tuesday night at CHS. Carli
therecorderonline.comArea deputies honored with Medals of Valor
Four Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office deputies were awarded the Medal of Valor during a ceremony last week at the Alleghany Regional Jail in Covington. Pictured are, from left: Maj. Casey Gibson, medal recipients Cpl. Sierra Cosby, Cpl. Phil Lewis, Deputy Josh LaPrade, and Sgt. Jeremy Morris, Sheriff Kevin Hall and Chief Deputy Matt Bowser. (Recorder
therecorderonline.comTUESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Alleghany's Charlotte Smith competes in the 100-yard butterfly during last night’s meet. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Swimming – Meet hosted at Alleghany Highlands YMCA. The Alleghany and Covington swim teams hosted Rockbridge County and Parry McCluer Tuesday night. Official results were not available on Wednesday morning. A total of 14 Mountaineers and
therecorderonline.comFRIDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Alleghany's Xzavier Hayslett drives past Covington's Ayden Weinger for a lay-up during last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Boys’ Basketball – Alleghany 58, Covington 31. The Mountaineers held the Cougars to just four points in the second half, winning a semifinal match-up in the Boo Boo Whitehead Memorial Christmas Tournament, presented
therecorderonline.comTUESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Highland's Colton Williams goes up for a shot during last night's game against Covington. (Recorder photo by Anne Adams) High School Boys’ Basketball – Covington 81, Highland 65. The Cougars scored a Pioneer District boys’ basketball win Tuesday night in Monterey over the Rams. Desmond Jordan led Covington (3-0 overall, 1-0 Pioneer District) with 21
therecorderonline.comSATURDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Girls’ Basketball – Greenbrier West, W.Va. 63, Covington 34. The Cavaliers pulled away in the second quarter in a game played at Mountain Gateway Community College on Saturday night. Abigail Thomas led four West (2-0) players into double figures with 15 points, Megan Poticher and Preslee Treadway each had 12 and Brilee Redden
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.comSATURDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Wrestling — Alleghany, Covington at Parry McCluer Tournament. Alleghany's James Nicely placed second in the 215-pound weight class, leading an area contingent at the Blues Invitational in Buena Vista. Nicely posted a 6-1 record with six pins, losing in the championship match to Aaron Bailey of Fort Defiance by pin in 1:30. Other
therecorderonline.comWEDNESDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
High School Girls’ Basketball — Riverheads 45, Covington 30. The Gladiators handed Covington a non-district loss Wednesday night in the Cougar Den. Taia Chandler led Riverheads (1-1) with 12 points, while Grace Golladay added 11 points. Lauren Bragg paced the Cougars (0-2) with 13 points and Alexus Wall chipped in 10. Riverheads led at the
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
therecorderonline.comMONDAY’S SPORTS ROUNDUP
Alleghany's Emma Skidmore and Covington's Lauren Bragg battle for possession of the ball during last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Girls’ Basketball — Alleghany 51, Covington 12. The Mountaineers jumped to a 21-2 lead early and rolled to a victory in the area season opener in the Cougar Den Monday night.
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.comEducation expert explains role of school board members
Dr. Alan Seibert was on hand last week to explain the responsibilities of school board members. LOW MOOR — Appointed versus elected school board members in Covington and Alleghany County was a hot-button issue on the ballot this week. Tuesday, voters overwhelmingly agreed to make the change to an elected school board. In Alleghany County,
therecorderonline.com‘All together, we will’: Rivalry teams come together after game, show unity ahead of school system merger
While some may still be skeptical about the merger, it was clear to see the unity between the two rival teams after their final volleyball faceoff on Thursday night, according to a release by the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools.