57º

INSIDER

MONETA

Vaccinating the people who feed our families: farmers

Producing a variety of grains, Johnson helps run her husband’s 500-acre family farm of more than 100 years old in Moneta. Ninety percent of Virginia farms are owned by families or individuals, according to Virginia Farm Bureau. Now, she said about 140 farmers have received a dose, although other farmers still show hesitation. “A lot of farmers think, ‘Well, I just stay here on my farm I don’t interact with people,’” Johnson said. They can be exposed.”AdTherefore, Johnson encourages farmers to take charge of their health because they are the backbone of society.

Tasty Tuesday: CJ’s Coffee and Sandwich Shop keeps racking up awards

CJ’s Coffee and Sandwich Shop in Moneta has all that and then some. Now, the ‘Best of Smith Mountain Lake’ results are in, showing that the sky is the limit for this small shop. Owner, Christopher Genna, humbly lists off , “Best coffee, best breakfast, best lunch, best sandwich, customer service, bakery and catering too” as the awards they took home. I learned different recipes, tweaked things and made them my own. We offer a variety of different coffee and blends too.”If you’re feeling seconds, go back for lunch.

Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department breaks ground on new station site

MONETA, Va – After serving the community for more than 40 years, the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is finally getting a home of its own. Thursday the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department broke ground on the future site of the department’s very first station. “This will help tremendously with central location because right now we’re storing our equipment at different locations all across the lake,” Ohlerich said. “We do help a lot of people you know Smith Mountain Lake is very unique, we are the only one in the country that has an all-volunteer Marine base ISO certified Fire Department,” Volunteer Ray Talley said. The department hopes to have the building complete by the end of the year continuing to keep the Smith Mountain Lake community safe.

84-year-old man who admitted to killing his wife near Smith Mountain Lake died from COVID-19 complications

Taylor’s husband, 84-year-old Donald Taylor, was at the house and admitted to killing his wife. MONETA, Va. – Feb. 24, 2021 updateDonald Taylor died from COVID-19 complications, according to the Medical Examiner’s office in Roanoke. Feb. 19, 2021 UpdateAn 84-year-old man who “woke up that morning and knew he was going to kill his wife” has died. Donald Taylor died on Feb. 8, 2021, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital while released on medical furlough, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. 84-year-old Donald Taylor called 911 Thursday just after 8 a.m. to report the homicide after he killed his wife, 82-year-old Clara Taylor, according to warrants obtained by 10 News.

'This is a sight to see’: Smith Mountain Lake business, property owners clean up after flooding

MONETA, Va. – In the aftermath of heavy rain that caused flooding across the region, docks across Smith Mountain Lake were still submerged Friday. Business and property owners at the lake found themselves, once again, cleaning up from severe flooding. The marina’s maintenance manager, Michael Dixe, said he’s never seen the lake quite like this. “I’ve seen water rise, but I didn’t see it rise this quick in that short of time," said Dixe. Boat owners are asked to stay out of the water and off the docks until the lake recedes.

Celebrate Halloween at a Zombie Survival Haunted Trail

MONETA, Va. – With Halloween looking a little different this year, Roanoke Airsoft decided to create a zombie-survival-themed haunted trail at their field in Moneta. Roanoke Airsoft hosts military simulations every weekend, so they know a thing or two about making an experience as realistic as possible and this haunted event will be no different. For about a month, Roanoke Airsoft has worked to create fake blood, guts and other props for actors and mannequins. As you walk through the 21-acre trail zombies will come out and try to attack you. Roanoke Airsoft supplies you with an airsoft gun to shoot the zombies with.

Man arrested after authorities say he stole trimmer from Bedford County hardware store

MONETA, Va. – A Bedford man is facing charges after authorities say he stole a trimmer from a local hardware store. On Oct. 2, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office says it received a call that a Stihl String Trimmer had been stolen from Moneta Farm and Home Center. Deputies say they received tips on the theft throughout the weekend and investigators were able to identify and arrest a suspect. Ronald Allen of Bedford has been charged with one count of petit larceny in connection to the theft, and authorities say other charges may be pending.

Get the kids playing and learning outside with animals at Spring Valley Farm

MONETA, Va. Who knew you could find a zonkey, zorse and farm animals all in the same place here in southwest Virginia? Spring Valley Farm in Moneta has been around since the 1980s and prides itself in educating the community on animals and agriculture. From horseback riding lessons to petting zoos and trail rides, Spring Valley Farm has multiple activities for you to interact with all types of animals from all over the world. @... Posted by Spring Valley Farm on Wednesday, August 26, 2020The couple wants Spring Valley Farm to be that one place people can still learn and cherish agriculture and the sweet animals that come with it. For Spring Valley Farms number and information on the activities offered, click here.

Bucket hat bandit robs Bedford County convenience store

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Authorities are searching for the man they say robbed a Moneta convenience store on Thursday. The robber walked into Lakers Country Store on Moneta Road wearing a red-and-black bucket hat and a blue bandana. He demanded money, according to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. The robber is believed to be somewhere between 5 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-586-7827.

Happy little hobby: Bedford County teen learns to paint watching Bob Ross

One Bedford County high school student has learned to paint from watching a legend. “School closed and I wasn’t really doing much, because I figured we were going to go back to school,” Terry said. “Dad was sitting there watching Bob Ross and I decided to watch it with him,” said Terry. “He definitely says in order to get better you have to practice, so I wasn’t satisfied with my very first painting,” Terry said. “I really enjoy watching him and then getting an idea from what he did and painting my own thing,” Terry said.

Former Golden Eagle spreading his wings at Emory & Henry

So I called T.J.Hes referring to T.J. Tester another dominant force from Staunton River and lifelong friend, who had a season under his belt at Emory and Henry. ? He said, are you serious? and I said, Yeah Im pretty serious, Overstreet said. Tester said Grayson is no really happy at Richmond. And I said, Well we can make him happy at Emory, said Emory and Henry head football coach Curt Newsome. Thus the door was open for this Golden Eagle to soar once again in Southwest, Virginia. A dynamic duo, teammates and lifelong friends ready to create quite the buzz in the Wasps backfield-- in due time.