Archive for January, 2010

I figured it was about time for some animal high jinx; the wildlife have been too quiet around our place lately. The outdoor animals have been behaving, except for those dratted squirrels stealing not only the bird food last week but also the suet cage – what do they do with those things, anyway? I... »

BLACKSBURG – Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Virginia Tech students, faculty and staff members are teaming up to spruce up day care centers throughout the New River Valley. The university’s Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships is sending out teams of volunteers to help the region’s daycare centers. The 2010 Martin Luther King... »

RADFORD – Work on improvements to the central business district of West Main Street have been put on hold until March. At a recent Radford City Council meeting, Interim Radford City Manager David Ridpath reported to council members that this winter’s cold weather and frequent precipitation has delayed the project on several occasions, leading to... »

CAVE SPRING- While many come to Cosmic Castle for LEGO’s, board games, card games such as Magic, and e-gaming, the most loyal customers are fond of the store for its atmosphere. “They provide a living room environment for hanging out and getting to know new people,” Johnny Blanding, one of Cosmic Castle’s many customers, said... »

SALEM – Although most college students catch up on their sleep while home during their Christmas break, Jenny Lewis decided on the spur of the moment to build an igloo. In her parents’ back yard. In Salem. The Notre Dame graduate student was burned out from writing papers and finishing exams in her the sacred... »

BOTETOURT – Attic Productions, Botetourt’s community theater, will present “Harvey” as its first play for 2010. This play was written by Mary Chase and is directed by Jayne Brill. Performance dates are February 4- 6 and 11- 13. Evening performances are at 7:30 and Saturday matinees are at 2:30. “Harvey” is a heartwarming comedy about everybody’s friend, Elwood... »

Alma V. Freeman, 84, of New Castle went to be with the Lord Sunday, January 17, 2010. She is survived by son Buddy Shires, daughter Sue Shires, sons Frog Shires and girlfriend Donna, son Jay Shires; granddaughter Nikki Garey and husband Eddie, grandson T.C. Shires and wife Sarah, great-grandson Kolby Shires, sister-in-law Mary Swingle and... »

Margaret Davey Barbee, 96, of Clearwater, Fla., and formerly of Salem died January 18, 2010, in Largo, Fla. She graduated from Duke University, School of Nursing, Class of 1935, and was an avid fan of the ACC and the Duke Blue Devils throughout her life. As a registered nurse, she worked many years at... »

Margaret Ritchie Tysinger of Thomasville, N.C., died January 13, 2010. Mrs. Tysinger was a life long resident of Thomasville where she was a bookkeeper until her retirement. Survivors include daughter Patricia Shoemaker and husband Don of Salem, son Michael Tysinger and wife Linda of High Point, N.C., and daughter Rose Caulder of Thomasville, N.C.;... »

Betty Stanford Peters, 69, who was born in Salem and lived in Moneta, died January 12, 2010. Preceding her in death were her parents, John R. and Lena Hall Crotts; her first husband Roy C. Stanford Jr.; brothers James and Nick Crotts; and sisters Dorothy Bates and Margaret Brooks. Mrs. Peters was a retired... »