Archive for July, 2011

SALEM – In spite of the old saying, “Don’t take any wooden nickels,” they are welcome at the Salem Farmers’ Market. The round wooden tokens are worth much more than nickels, though. They are $1 and $5 denominations provided to customers who have credit or debit cards, and to participants in SNAP. The letters... »

Though media support and news stories have helped spark an upswing in the number of people donating at blood drives, some of whom had not donated in years, the crisis is far from over and supplies still remain dangerously low. “While we are certainly pleased to see folks responding to the media alerts and... »

One of the perks of being a freelance writer is that you get to check out a lot of neat places you might not have otherwise.  Since our papers cover an area greater than just the general Roanoke Valley, I often find myself in places I never even knew existed.  This is the story... »

Richard B. “Dick” Persinger, 97, formerly of Salem, passed away on April 28 at his home in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mildred Emory Persinger, also formerly of Salem. Dick was a graduate of Salem High School, Roanoke College and the University of Virginia Law School. He... »

ELLISTON – Minutes before Owen Higgins has a life-threatening seizure, his dog knows. The black, mixed longhair named Jigsaw makes sure to get cuddle up close to comfort the almost-5-year-old and to alert Owens’ parents, Michelle and Chris and his 9-year-old sister, Sammy. When Owen has a particularly nasty seizure, the amount of oxygen... »

SALEM  – Comcast cable television isn’t willing to make Salem-area viewers a priority, according to Salem City Council members. Representatives of the Maryland-based cable company and their lawyers met with individual council members, the city manager, council’s attorney and others before and after council’s regular meeting Sept. 25. After the closed session concluded around... »

Emily Michelle Peters and Fletcher Paul Abbott were joined together in holy matrimony on June 11 at Colonial Avenue Baptist Church in Roanoke. The covenant wedding ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Paul Abbott, father of the groom. He was joined by the bride’s pastors: the Rev. Dr. J. Michael Palmer and the Rev.... »

NEW CASTLE – A year ago, Jace McPherson got to go to the beach with his family, even though he had a tracheotomy tube. This year, his tube was removed – and Jace got his wish, to meet Donald Duck, Mickey and friends at Disney World. The 5-year-old and his family returned last week... »

The Stonegate Swim Club Gators will be trying to win their first Roanoke Valley Aquatic Association City-County championship in over 40 years this weekend when the Salem YMCA hosts the annual season ending event. ìI have not seen any records, but the rumor is that Stonegate has not won city-county since 1970,î said Gators... »

VINTON -  For many people, moments in life are celebrated by the timeless graduation ceremony.  Graduation from pre-school, from high school, from college and more.  For some very special ladies though, a special moment in their life is celebrated by a Reduation ceremony.  The special ladies, of course, are members of the Red Hat... »