Rescue challenge provides training, education for emergency volunteers
During the recent 2022 Rescue Challenge, hosted by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, members of the WestRock Rescue Squad scaled the 305-foot Intimidator rollercoaster at Kings Dominion to rescue a “patient.” (Photo courtesy Howard Thompson/WestRock Rescue Squad) COVINGTON — The WestRock Rescue Squad is taking rescue efforts to new heights. Fifteen members from the
therecorderonline.comEducation, integration evolves in Alleghany, Bath schools
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — You’ll never know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been. There’s no truer axiom than this as we continue to delve into the merger of the Alleghany County and Covington school systems. But while immense in its breadth, complexities, and accomplishment, it wasn’t the region’s first school merger. In
therecorderonline.comPublic works facility struck by lightning
A van was rolled by the explosion, which spread debris to a nearby parking lot. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) COVINGTON — Unexpected storms severely damaged Covington’s Public Works facility early last Friday morning. Shortly after midnight, a lightning strike is believed to have struck the metal fence surrounding the public works facility on West
therecorderonline.com60 new COVID-19 cases reported in this area
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — Cases of coronavirus have fallen throughout Virginia with a seven-day moving average of 2,414 daily new cases reported throughout the state — a decrease from last week’s seven-day moving of 2,716 daily new cases. There were 29 new cases reported in Alleghany County over the past week, one new case in Highland
therecorderonline.comSaturday Sports Roundup
A Harrisonburg runner steals second while Covington's Bradke Lohry waits for the throw in last night’s game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Valley League Baseball — Harrisonburg Turks 13, Covington Lumberjacks 1. Matt Kleinfelter (James Madison) checked the Lumberjacks on just three hits over 6.1 innings Saturday night at Casey Field in the Turks run-rule
therecorderonline.comClifton Forge adopts budget, prepares for paid EMS
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
therecorderonline.comCovington celebrates 51 grads
Members of the CHS Class of 2022 toss their mortarboards in the air after being declared graduates. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) COVINGTON — Members of the class of 2022 became Covington High School alumni Friday evening. Fifty-one graduating seniors received their diplomas and heard congratulatory well-wishes as they bid farewell to CHS during commencement
therecorderonline.comTuesday Sports Roundup
Waynesboro Generals' Victor Castillo (11) slides safely into second ahead of the tag from Covington's Gavin Baird (2) during yesterday’s first game of a doubleheader. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Valley League Baseball — Waynesboro Generals sweep Covington Lumberjacks. The Generals limited the Lumberjacks to just six base hits in two games, sweeping a doubleheader
therecorderonline.comAttempted capital murder charges pending on Covington man
Jody Kern in 2015. (Photo courtesy Cpl. R.W. Keen Jr./Alleghany sheriff's office) COVINGTON – At the request of the Alleghany Sheriff's Office, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Salem Field Office is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday, June 9. Once the state police complete their investigation, the findings will be turned
therecorderonline.comBoys Home of Virginia celebrates graduation ceremony
From left are Pastor Anne Grizzle, Chris Harris, Sincere Peters and Bereket Morris. (Photos courtesy Boys Home) COVINGTON — On Saturday, May 21, Boys Home celebrated the fourth annual graduation and awards ceremony in the Costan Gymnasium led by executive director Chris Doyle. The day was filled with joy and celebration, beginning with a wonderful
therecorderonline.comMan convicted for killing 26-year-old in vehicle crash
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
therecorderonline.comConcerns about tax increases raised in Covington
Wanda Martin, pictured at right, asked the council about reducing tax rates on the second half of personal property taxes. COVINGTON — Ongoing concerns over the tax increases Covington has put in place were addressed during a work session Tuesday. The issue was raised during a public hearing where council received citizen input over the
therecorderonline.comDouthat Park car show hosts 120 enthusiasts
Dave Fraley of Covington polishes up his 2000 Corvette during the Douthat Lake Run Car Show held Sunday, May 22. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) MILLBORO — Hundreds of spectators converged on Douthat State Park on Sunday, May 22, for the 24th annual Douthat Lake Run Car Show. The show was sponsored by the Douthat
therecorderonline.comPolice department loses Gera, beloved K-9 officer
Officer Gera, a German shephard, served six years with the Covington Police Department. (Photo courtesy CPD) COVINGTON — “It is with profound sadness that Covington Police Department must inform you all of the passing of K9 Officer Gera, our beloved and dutiful German Shepherd,” said the department Monday. The department explained that Gera fell ill
therecorderonline.comMock disaster: ‘We hope they get the message’
Members of several Covington and Alleghany County public safety units participated recently in a mock disaster simulation at Covington High School, prior to the school’s annual prom. Participating were the Covington Fire Department, Covington Rescue Squad, Covington EMS Department, Covington Police Department and Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office. It also included a visit from a medical
therecorderonline.comSaturday Sports Roundup
Covington’s Kayla Bartley, right, congratulates second baseman Lexi Dressler after a big infield play during yesterday’s softball game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Baseball — Alleghany 3, James River 1. The Mountaineers advanced in the Class 2, Region C tournament with a quarterfinal win over the Knights Saturday evening in Springwood. Halen Lowman pitched four
therecorderonline.comFriday Sports Roundup
Alleghany senior Baron Leitch won the Region C singles crown Friday at Virginia Tech. (Photo courtesy Seth Davis) Alleghany’s Carlee Lanford scored four goals in Friday’s soccer tournament match against Appomattox. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Baseball — Grayson County 5, Covington 4. The Cougars battled the Blue Devils in a Class 1, Region C
therecorderonline.comHighlands Community Bank to mark 20 years in region
COVINGTON — Highlands Community Bank is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022 after experiencing another profitable year in 2021. The bank’s balance sheet continued to expand in 2021 with total assets growing over $16.8 million, or 9.8 percent, to $188.3 million. Total deposits increased $17.4 million, or 11.8 percent, to $165.1 million. Because of this
therecorderonline.comWoman sentenced to 18 years for felony murder
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
therecorderonline.comCOVID cases continue to rise across area
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — Cases of coronavirus have risen throughout Virginia with a seven-day moving average of 3,261 daily new cases reported throughout the state — an increase from last week’s seven-day moving of 2,750 daily new cases. There were 26 new cases reported in Alleghany County this past week; five new cases in Highland County;
therecorderonline.comWednesday Sports Roundup
Christina "Shiner" Terrrell scoring on a wild pitch during the Covington-East Mont softball game. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Baseball — Parry McCluer 9, Covington 6. The Fighting Blues overcame an early 4-0 deficit to slip past the Cougars in a Pioneer District tournament semifinal in Buena Vista. Maison Hamilton had two hits for
therecorderonline.comShanklin, Jordan named top in class
Alexia Shanklin, left, is the valedictorian of the Covington High School Class of 2022. Niki Jordan, right, is the salutatorian. (Photo courtesy CCPS) COVINGTON — Covington High School has named its top two students for the graduating class of 2022. The valedictorian is Alexia Shanklin and the salutatorian is Nikki Jordan. Shanklin will graduate with
therecorderonline.comCity council chooses members for new school board
COVINGTON — Jonathan Arritt, Tammy Scruggs-Duncan, and Marie Fitzpatrick were appointed by Covington City Council to serve on the new Alleghany Highlands School Board Tuesday at Covington City Hall. Arritt was appointed to a four-year term; Scruggs-Duncan was appointed to a three-year term; and Fitzpatrick was appointed to a two-year term. They will join four
therecorderonline.comResidents, clergy join for National Day of Prayer
Local clergy, business leaders and church members lift up prayers during the National Day of Prayer service held Thursday, May 5, in front of Covington City Hall. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) COVINGTON — National Day of Prayer was observed on Thursday, May 5, as a crowd of about 40 people gathered in front of
therecorderonline.comCougars finish season with pair of wins
COVINGTON — The Covington Cougar middle school baseball team recently concluded its season with a pair of wins over the Bath County Chargers’ JV team and James Madison Middle School of Roanoke. The Cougars hosted the Chargers at Casey Field at Boodie Albert Stadium on Wednesday, April 27 in a 10-8 victory that saw the
therecorderonline.comTuesday Sports Roundup
Covington’s Mitchell Tallman and Bath's Andrew Turner facing off during yesterday’s soccer match. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Baseball — Alleghany 11, Floyd County 10 (8 innings). Anthony Webb's double in the bottom of the eighth scored Andrew Middleton, giving the Mountaineers a comeback Three Rivers District home win. Alleghany scored five times in the
therecorderonline.comMonday Sports Roundup
Bath's Sarah Eaton playing No. 1 doubles at the BCHS-Alleghany girls’ tennis match. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Baseball — Parry McCluer 10, Covington 0. Chase Smith pitched his second complete-game victory over the Cougars in the last seven days, scattering eight hits in the Fighting Blues win in Buena Vista. Jacob Bartley had three
therecorderonline.com10 residents hope to serve on newly formed school board
LOW MOOR — Ten Alleghany County residents have expressed interest in serving on the new Alleghany Highlands School Board. The merged school board will be seated on July 1 and will be composed of four atlarge members from Alleghany County and three from the city of Covington. The deadline for applicants to apply for consideration
therecorderonline.comMonday Sports Roundup
Bath's Andrew Turner and Covington's Elizabeth Ratliff battle it out during Monday’s match. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Baseball — Narrows 4, Covington 1. Aidan McGlothlin checked the Cougars on just three hits while fanning 18 and only walking two in a key Pioneer District clash at Casey Field. The Green Wave scored a pair
therecorderonline.comThursday Sports Roundup
Covington’s Brady Howard steals third ahead of the tag from Bath's Sean Tucker. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Baseball — Covington 12, Bath County 2. Ashton Cook pitched six strong innings, allowing three hits while fanning 11 and walking only one as the Cougars run-ruled the Chargers in a Pioneer District contest at Casey Field.
therecorderonline.comWednesday Sports Roundup
Eli Entsminger playing No. 4 singles during the AHS-Glenvar boys’ tennis match yesterday. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) Baseball — James Monroe 16, Covington 14; James Monroe 16, Covington 6. The Cougars were swept in a doubleheader at James Monroe. The Mavericks won the first game, the completion of a contest suspended by rain in
therecorderonline.comThursday Sports Roundup
Chadwick Tacy got 3 in the goal last night in Covington's win over Craig. Jesus Reyes scored the other 3. Baseball — Alleghany 12, Floyd County 6. The Mountaineers rallied from behind in the seventh inning, scoring nine runs to knock off the Buffaloes in a game played at Floyd. Andrew Middleton and Anthony Webb
therecorderonline.comClifton Forge approves hiring pool of part-time EMS staff
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
therecorderonline.com$6.1 million project to continue under joint effort
COVINGTON — The Covington- Alleghany County Industrial Development Authority is working to develop a business-ready site at the Alleghany Regional Commerce Center in Low Moor. The $6.1 million project will be jointly funded through bonds by Alleghany County and the city of Covington with construction expected to begin in June. A public meeting regarding the
therecorderonline.comThursday Sports Roundup
All games and matches scheduled in the area on Thursday were postponed. Here is a list of the events with make-up dates that have been announced: Varsity Baseball: Bath County at Covington, postponed to April 21 Varsity Softball: Alleghany at Staunton, postponed; no make-up date announced Varsity Softball: Greenbrier West at Covington, postponed; no make-up
therecorderonline.comMan exits peacefully after brief police standoff
COVINGTON — At 10:24 a.m. April 2, the Covington Division of Police attempted to serve several outstanding warrants for probation violations and contempt of court for failure to appear at 827 N. Rockbridge Avenue. As the officers attempted to make contact with Timothy R. Boyd, a 53-year-old man, he barricaded himself inside the residence and
therecorderonline.comTuesday Sports Roundup
Covington courtesy runner Trinity Scott steals second ahead of the tag from Alleghany's Averi Phillips. Baseball — Alleghany 11, Covington 0. Hunter DePriest and Mason Kinsey combined on a two-hit shutout, pitching Alleghany to an 11-0 win over the Cougars at Mountaineer Field. Anthony Webb had two base hits to lead the AHS offense and
therecorderonline.comMonday Sports Roundup
Alleghany's Kellen Lowman and Covington's Mitchell Tallman. Softball — Alleghany 17, Pocahontas County, W.Va. 0. Averi Phillips and Daphne Shinault combined on a five-inning no-hitter Monday at Mountaineer Field in Alleghany's big win over the Warriors. The two combined to strike out eight and walk only one. Cassidy Puffenbarger and Abbie Fridley led the AHS
therecorderonline.comHistoric building added to Virginia Landmarks Register
The Rivermont Elementary School building in Covington is among nine historic sites recently added to the Virginia Landmarks Register. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) COVINGTON — The old Rivermont Elementary School building in Covington is among nine historic sites recently added to the Virginia Landmarks Register. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources board approved the
therecorderonline.comMonday Sports Roundup
Alleghany's Mason Kinsey steals second on Covington's Ashton Cook. Baseball — Alleghany 12, Covington 2. The Mountaineers scored six times in the top of the first and rolled past the Cougars at Casey Field in five innings. Anthony Webb pitched the complete-game win for Alleghany, allowing just four hits and two unearned runs, while striking
therecorderonline.comThursday Sports Roundup
Alleghany's Kelsey Nicely caught in a rundown between third and home. Baseball — Riverheads 22, Covington 0. The Gladiators (5-0) scored 12 times in the top of the third inning on the way to the shutout win at Casey Field. Camden Huffer had three hits and drove in five runs for the winners. Covington, which
therecorderonline.comCovington Police Officer Caleb Ogilvie laid to rest
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 […]
therecorderonline.comAlleghany County marks bicentennial this year
COVINGTON — Alleghany County is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2022. The county was formed from parts of Botetourt and Bath, along with a portion of Monroe County, which is now a part of West Virginia, on Jan. 5, 1822, by an act of the Virginia General Assembly. Its name was taken from an old Indian word meaning “endless,” which […]
therecorderonline.comPolice officer killed on duty
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, […]
therecorderonline.comTuesday Sports Roundup
Baseball — Covington 17, Roanoke Catholic 1. Ashton Cook, Brady Howard and Luke Conner combined to strike out 10 and allow just one hit in the Cougars' season opener at Casey Field. Ethan Martin had two hits and drove in three runs for the winners, Cook added a pair of hits and Conner drove in two. Covington scored seven […]
therecorderonline.comTallman, Miller win state titles
Alleghany senior Gabe Miller (left) and Covington senior Mitchell Tallman (right) won state titles last week at the Class 1/Class 2 state indoor track championships at Liberty University. Miller won the 1,600 meter run and Tallman won the pole vault. (Left photo courtesy Seth Davis/right photo by Mark Pifer)LYNCHBURG — Mitchell Tallman and Gabe Miller both brought back state championships […]
therecorderonline.comCOVID-19 cases slow down as spring weather begins
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — The rate of new cases of coronavirus continue to plummet while hospitalizations and deaths are also falling. There were 16 new cases in Alleghany County this past week, three in Covington, two cases in Highland County, and seven in Bath County. As of Tuesday, Bath is ranked 32nd in new cases per 100,000 in Virginia; Alleghany is […]
therecorderonline.comCovington schools to relax mask mandate, starting Monday
COVINGTON — Beginning Monday, March 7, wearing masks by students on buses and other vehicles operated by Covington City Public Schools will be optional. This change in guidelines aligns with updated guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On Friday, Feb. 25, the CDC announced it’s no longer necessary for people to wear masks on buses or […]
therecorderonline.comCOVID-19 deaths continue to climb in local counties
ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — Deaths directly linked to the virus are up in this area compared to last week, as cases around the state continue to find new lows. There were 25 new cases in Alleghany County this past week, nine in Covington, six cases in Highland County and three in Bath County. As of Tuesday, Highland is ranked 18th in […]
therecorderonline.comCovington senior Mitchell Tallman gets 4th state championship
Wednesday Sports Roundup … Indoor Track — Mitchell Tallman wins State Championship! Covington senior Mitchell Tallman won his fourth state pole vault championship at Liberty University on Wednesday afternoon in the combined Class 1 and Class 2 state indoor meet. Tallman cleared 12-feet, 3 inches to win his third consecutive indoor title to go with an outdoor state victory last […]
therecorderonline.com