Tag Archive

A joke becomes reality in ‘country store’ book

CRAIG COUNTY, VA – If Craig County had a Best Seller list, “Craig County Stores & Other Points of Interest” by local residents Jerry Carper and Glenn Paxton would certainly be at the top. The book which Paxton says started out as a joke has sold 435 copies and is currently on its fourth... »

Veterans’ Plaza will be dedicated Wednesday for D-Day

SALEM – A new Veterans’ Plaza to recognize the nation’s veterans will be dedicated on D-Day, June 6, at the Salem Museum. The ceremony will start 4 p.m., with veterans of the armed forces especially invited. The Salem High School Jazz Band will play, and local veteran Douglas Dowe will raise the flag on... »

Craig resident remembers Audie Murphy plane crash

CRAIG COUNTY – Memorial Day is a day of remembering and paying homage to those who have given their lives in countless wars so that Americans of yesterday, today and forever, God willing, can live a life of freedom. Audie Murphy, who died in a plane crash on Brushy Mountain in Craig County, was... »

D-Day veteran Bob Slaughter passes away

ROANOKE – D-Day veteran Bob Slaughter died the day after ceremonies marking Memorial Day at the memorial he fought so hard to get established.   Roanoke County resident Slaughter was one of the main men who pushed for establishment of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford County. The location was chosen by Salem, Roanoke,... »

History mystery of World War II intrigues 11-year-old

SALEM – Gabby Peppers is fascinated with the past, particularly a history mystery she discovered while walking in a cemetery with her dad. Walking in cemeteries and reading grave markers is one of the favorite activities of the 11-year-old Salem resident and her father, Todd Peppers. A little more than a month ago they were... »

Re-Creation’s ‘Everyday People’ show salutes veterans at veterans’ hospital

SALEM – Weathered veterans from World War II and Korea smiled, applauded and waved at the young people who showed their appreciation for the older folks’ service to the United States in a high-energy show March 1. Those who were able gave a standing ovation for the seven-member cast and two crew who put... »

Paine writes memoirs of growing up in Salem

SALEM – Bob Paine’s memoir on growing up in Salem is more than recollections of growing up in Salem. He also believes he had the original ideas for “Forrest Gump,” “Saving Private Ryan” and almost 100 more story lines for major films and books. In “Hollywood Ate my Brain,” Robert Parson Paine explains how... »

Reynolds, Billy R., Sr.

Billy R. Reynolds Sr., 88, of Craig County passed away Nov. 9, 2011. He was born on March 7, 1923. He served in the United States Army in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was the beloved father of Linda L. Reynolds, Pat Laity, Mary J. Reynolds and Billy R. Reynolds Jr.... »

Caring for horses helped POW live through war

SALEM – He and other prisoners of war were forced to march close to 1,100 miles. For almost three years, Staff Sgt. Paul Grover was a German POW. Although it’s been more than 65 years since he was released, the World War II Army veteran remembers details as though it was last week. He... »

Abbott, Edwin Vaden

Edwin Vaden Abbott, 87, of Johns Creek in Craig County let go of the bonds of this earth on Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, to dwell in a better place with his Lord. Ed was born on Sept. 21, 1923, in Buena Vista, to Kate and Hezzie Abbott. The oldest of four children to survive... »