Archive for December, 2011

BLACKSBURG — On December 21, 2011 at approximately 9:53 p.m. Blacksburg police responded to a residence just outside of the downtown area in reference to a physical altercation. An investigation into an alleged home invasion began shortly thereafter and resulted in the arrests of three Blacksburg men.  Cody J. Journell, 20 years of age,... »

 RICHMOND—Virginia State Police are investigating a police-involved shooting that occurred in Rockbridge County Tuesday, December 20, 2011. The incident began Tuesday morning when Virginia State Police were notified by the Town of Vinton Police of a reported stolen vehicle possibly being in the area of Natural Bridge. Troopers responded to the area to search... »

SALEM – Heads thrown back in perpetual song, a multitude of tiny carolers sing silently on the 10 deep windowsills in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Salem. The carolers arranged in groups are the majority of member Marlene Wine’s collection of Byers’ Choice people she’s been gathering for 30 years. The... »

CRAIG COUNTY – From nativity scenes in the front yards of homes to Santa Claus listening to children’s wishes, Craig County and her people are celebrating Christmas. Craig people still have the opportunity of old-fashioned Christmas traditions that many people in cities envy: • attending worship services in a historic old church lit only... »

Danielle Vinese McPeak has pled no contest to the charge of first degree murder of her estranged husband, James Matthew McPeak.  The trial was held in Montgomery County Circuit Court Monday afternoon. James Matthew McPeak, 25, was found dead in his 305 Miller Street, Christiansburg, home on December 21, 2010.  Don Nathan Walker II,... »

by Pat Brown A funeral that required a coliseum to hold it was nevertheless personal and touching as family, friends, and fellow officers paid respect Monday to fallen hero Deriek Wayne Crouse, 39. The most personal words came from Sgt. Danny Sweeney, who served with Crouse in the army, and Sgt. Tom Gallemore, who... »

SALEM – Hometown son Shaine Miles, the Chick-fil-A cows and Salem elected officials officially shoveled dirt and gravel with gold-painted shovels today to break ground for the long-awaited restaurant. The free-standing restaurant will be located in front of Kmart on West Main Street, and is expected to open in April, Miles said. Chick-fil-A lovers... »

 VINTON–Children’s library assistant, Emily Metrock, and juvenile library assistant, Di Gagnier, kept a group of elementary school children completely focused on a task in spite of the presence of mountains of vanilla frosting and candies Monday afternoon at the Vinton library. Most of the children had spent the day in public school classes, but... »

ROANOKE - We have all seen the movies and know how the story goes if you want to become a writer.  First you get a big grant so that you may quit your job and either travel the world or move to the country where you can immerse yourself in the writing of your novel. ... »

NEW CASTLE – The Craig County girls picked up their first win of the season when the Rockets defeated Montcalm in West Virginia last Thursday, 47-32. The girls fell behind early but outscored Montcalm in the second quarter, 11-2, to take a 19-12 halftime lead. Craig upped the lead to double figures after three... »