Archive for January, 2011

CAVE SPRING–“When they diagnosed him with this kind of brain tumor, they said the average survival rate was five years. But he’s beat a lot of odds,” Rhonda Skelton said. “We told the doctors, ‘He doesn’t have an expiration date stamped on his foot.’” So far her husband Travis Skelton is beating the average.... »

Grethel Louise Blankenbeckler, of Salem, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Jan. 19, 2011. She was born on August 26, 1923 and was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Blankenbeckler. Her surviving family includes daughter Sandra B. Lipes of Salem, son William L. Blankenbeckler Jr. of Petersburg, W. Va.;... »

SALEM – Tattoo parlors, financial institutions and day care – to name a few uses – won’t be automatically allowed to locate in certain residential areas, after Salem City Council action Monday night. Council took a step forward to reassure residents nervous about business uses encroaching into their neighborhoods. Council voted 4-0, with Council... »

Carissa Szuch and Keegan Sturdivant are excited to announce their engagement. Carissa is the daughter of Debbie Szuch and the late Bill Szuch of Salem. Keegan is the son of Keena Petty and Mike Bame. Carissa is a 2000 graduate of Glenvar High School and received a Communications Studies degree from James Madison University... »

Rob and Dee Looney of Salem are delighted to announce the engagement of their daughter, Arin Elise Looney, to Jeremy Brian Szuch, son of Debbie Szuch and the late Bill Szuch. Arin is a 2005 graduate of Glenvar High school and will receive a B.S.N. from Jefferson College of Health Sciences as well as... »

Amanda Carroll and Jesse Wright would like to announce the birth of their son, Jesse James Wright, born Dec. 19. He weighed 4 pounds, 14.3 ounces, and was 18 inches long. His proud grandparents are Penny and Darey Carroll and Anna Wright and Cliff Roberts. His great-grandmother is Shirley and uncle, Doug Carroll. »

James Lewis Swingle Sr., 69, of New Castle passed away Jan. 18, 2011. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Swingle, and mother Julia Haynes. He is survived by his wife Helen Swingle, sons James L. Swingle Jr. and wife Angie of New Castle and Christopher Swingle of New Castle; stepdaughter Donna... »

NEW CASTLE  - “The Jack of all trades” is what Jack Guthrie called his son Mark way back when they were in business in Salem refinishing floors and antique furniture in a shop on College Avenue. Today Mark has added many things to his repertoire including professional photography, computer repair and refurbishing and developing... »

SALEM – It’s been 1 year today since Joan Renee Cook went missing, and family and police are no closer to knowing if she is dead or alive. Now Roanoke County Police are renewing their plea to local people who might have seen the dark-haired 45-year-old or know anything about her disappearance Jan. 24,... »

NEW CASTLE – Local residents thought it was another massive drug bust when dozens of members of the Virginia State Police Tactical Team met up to assist Craig County Sheriff’s Deputies last week. Instead, it was to arrest one man, who was identified as Richard Todd Will in the Paint Bank area. According to... »