Archive for September, 2011

ROANOKE - It is hard to be above the age of 21 in this Valley and not know Bear.  Michael “Bear” Russell, 51, has been a bouncer since he was 19.  In Roanoke he is the most well-known bouncer.  Bear has worked in most every well known venue there is, or has been, in Roanoke. ... »

VINTON - The Grand Opening celebration of the new Vinton Jazzercise Center, located at 1326 E. Washington Ave., in Vinton included the traditional ribbon cutting and light hors d’oeuvres.  It also included free classes for those interested, which included a nearly packed house moving to the fast-paced music.  Owner Angie Lancaster was even able to... »

VINTON - Many a young child spent their youth fascinated by the Old Westerns on television.  Wearing their cowboy hats proudly, dreaming of their trusty revolver, and knowing that, given the chance, at high noon they would be the one left standing. Of course, we live in Virginia, where the dusty trail isn’t so dusty... »

BOTETOURT – Botetourt County Sheriff Ronnie Sprinkle is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 30-year-old U.S. Marine whose vehicle was found abandoned September 22 south of Buchanan off U.S. 11. Sheriff Sprinkle identified him as Stephen M. Wolchok, 30, who is assigned to a Marine Corps installation in Jacksonville, N.C., and said that... »

SALEM – By the time trees are budding out along the Roanoke River in South Salem next spring, the Roanoke River Greenway will run along the water another 1.2 miles. Bids are due to be opened Friday, Sept. 30, and shortly afterward, the contract is expected to be awarded for the stretch along Riverside... »

SALEM – Wood chips flew as Otis and Henry dashed in happy circles around the new Salem Rotary Dog Park. They and canine friends Mango and Cookie were the first lucky dogs to check out the new park on Sept. 22, when members of the Dog Park Committee and their pets gave the facility... »

NEW CASTLE – Where in New Castle could you go to get a cup of Keurig coffee and have 15 different flavors to choose from, or learn to Zumba, or take a computer class? Or perhaps young people would like some help with their homework or just want to hang out with friends in... »

SALEM – Quite a few Salem residents’ feathers were ruffled when word began spreading around Salem that the much anticipated Chick-fil-A restaurant won’t be going in as soon as anticipated. During City Council’s meeting Monday night a letter that brought forth on behalf of Stan Seymour, owner of Bojangles’ on West Main Street, brought forth an... »

CAVE SPRING - Everyone knows the story. On Sept. 11, 2001, workers drove in the clear, cool weather towards another day of work. The events that shook not just this country but the world started at 8:46 a.m. with the plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Seventeen minutes later the second... »

VINTON - Folks who think there is never anything to do around here will be pleasantly surprised, as should we all, to see so many things going on in Vinton. First off the new Vinton Jazzercise Center, located at 1326 E. Washington Ave in Vinton will be hosting their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting this... »