SWVA SUN 9-27-23

September

Volume 3, Number 35

Rejected Cornerstone aims to help region

A small, and new nonprofit from Fries has big dreams.

Rejected Cornerstone Organization was formed in January by Abria Jones, after she had studied, dreamed and prayed to find a way to help children and families in crisis in this area.

In January, when Jones asked on Facebook what her friends saw as

needs in the area, eventual Rejected Cornerstone co-founder Pam Johnson offered her perspective from a former teacher. Others joined the project and soon an all-volunteer board was formed.

The name of the organization comes from passages in the biblical books of Psalms and Mark. Johnson said the name shows how Jesus Christ was

rejected and became the cornerstone of people’s lives.

In Mark 12:10-11, the passage says, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”

“We serve an often ‘rejected by their peers’ population of children and families,” she said. “We want these

children to have what they need to be clean and well clothed in school. This allowing them to focus more on their education and less on who is going to bully them because they are not clean.”

Rejected Cornerstone works with local schools, individuals and families

Marion plans boot camp Rock House restored

Built in 1823 to serve as a private home, the Rock House in downtown Wytheville has been restored, rejuvenated and breathed new life into.

Bought by Dr. John Haller, the site in 1972 became the town of Wytheville’s first museum, known as the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum. Haller served as the town’s first physician.

The house stayed in the Haller and Gibboney families for more than 140

years! In fact, the next owner, in 1967, was the town of Wytheville. Dr. Haller’s great-great-granddaughter, Kathleen Campbell sold the house to the town. The home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the same year it opened as the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum.

Work to restore the Rock House comes as the structure celebrates its 200th anniversary. The muse-

um closed a bit more than a year ago with stabilization and restoration work getting going last October.

Building & Design of Wytheville were contracted for the work, which, according to town officials, included strengthening and replacing the basement’s undersized and damaged structural and load-bearing supports as well strengthening and repairing the structure’s failing

The Town of Marion will host the next round of its popular small business boot camp starting Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m. at The Henderson School. Pop Up Marion, the community’s fiveweek business development program, provides training for all levels of entrepreneurs, from those interested in exploring opportunities to seasoned business owners looking for a tune up.

Funded by the Town of Marion, the program provides up to three grants of $5,000 to assist startup and expanding businesses in the town limits. Marion’s Director of Community and Economic Development Ken Heath enjoys the annual class to continue the legacy created with the program.

“Pop Up Marion was the first in Virginia to put all the pieces together for entrepreneur training,” said Heath, “from teaching business basics to base grant funding for startup to mentorship, and we’re so proud our program has been adopted by The Commonwealth of Virginia as their model for Community Business Launch to put more Virginians to work and in control of their own future.”

WCC VP honored at anniversary gala

At Wytheville Community College’s recent 60th Anniversary Gala event, the WCC Educational Foundation

Board of Directors honored Dr. Rhonda Catron-Wood, Vice President of Academics Institutional Advancement.

Board President Cameron Wolfe announced the establishment of the “Dr. Rhonda Catron-Wood Fund for

Growth and Excellence” in recognition of her 33-year career at Wytheville Community College.

See ROCK, Page 3 See

“Dr. Catron-Wood is one of the most dedicated people I know,” said Wolfe. “She

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September 21-23

Downtown Wytheville: The Millwald will be hosting a brand new fall festival this year, Apple Atcha Fest, featuring artists, authors, live music and the best of Appalachian culture.

September 22-October 22

Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre: “Fiddler on the Roof” tells the tale of Tevye, a poor milkman in the little village of Anatevka and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

Saturday, Sept. 23

New River Trail State Park: Celebrate National Public Lands Day at New River Trail State Park, in the Ivanhoe Car Parking lot. A day of service will be spend identifying and pulling invasive species along the Ivanhoe birding trail from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. From 3 to 7 p.m., get up close with some park mammals with “Skins and Bones,” followed by “Critters in the Creek” and Campfire and S’mores.

Hungry Mother State Park: Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Hungry Mother with a trailgate at the spillway. Various stations on birds, plants, bats, insects and more will be offered as will hikes and hands-on activities.

Saturday, Sept. 30

Lincoln Theatre: Got the best sound in town? Register your band to compete in the Lincoln Theatre’s Battle of the Bands at 5 p.m. Bands must register by July 15. Registration is limited to the first 10 bands. A grand prize of $1,000 is on the line. Tickets are $10

Sept. 22-Oct. 22

Wohlfahrt Haus: The classic “Fiddler on the Roof” is coming to the dinner theatre for the fall. Set in the little vil-

lage of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

Friday, Oct. 6

Millwald Theatre: Exile on Wytheville’s Main Street. On Sept. 30, 1978, a band that had formed to play small clubs in Kentucky in 1963 rocketed to worldwide fame as their song “Kiss You All Over” headed up the charts, eventually hitting No. 5. In the early 1980’s, Exile began to focus on country music. During their run on the country charts Exile had 10 number one singles including “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory,” “Give Me One More Chance” and “She’s A Miracle.” The band wrote their own songs, played on all their recordings and also proved to be prolific songwriters composing hits for other artists such as Alabama, Restless Heart, Engelbert Humperdinck, Huey Lewis, Diamond Rio, Janie Fricke and many more. During this country phase of their career, Exile received 11 nominations including Vocal Group of The Year and Best Instrumental Performance for the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music awards. The 5 original Exile members re-formed in 2008 with J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Steve Goetzman. Now, they’re coming to the Millwald at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $52 to $67.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Lincoln Theatre: Song of the Mountains is back on the Lincoln stage, featuring Rhonda Vincent & the Rage.

Millwald Theatre: Brit Taylor broke out on her own in 2020, releasing her debut album Real Me, followed by Real Me Deluxe in 2021, and is planning

a third effort release, Kentucky Blue. Now she’ll be gracing the Millwald stage.

Saturday, Oct. 21

Marion Downtown: Marion’s summer cruise-in wraps up at the Farmers Market Pavilion from 6 to 9 p.m. Music provided by HB Beverly.

Wytheville Meeting Center – Mixed martial arts action returns to Wytheville as titans of the Cage 34 gets underway. Doors open at 3 p.m. with fighting starting at 4 p.m. No. 34 features the first ever female main event as Gracie Grecco of Ruffin, North Carolina, faces Hannah Ross of Staunton for a title.

Lincoln Theatre: Grammy and Dove award-winning artist Guy Penrod is set to perform live at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $28 to $38 for the can’t miss show.

Friday, Oct. 27

Lincoln Theatre: Celebrate the 50th anniversary with $5 admission to the 1973 horror classic “The Exorcist.” The show starts at 7 p.m. When a 12-yearold girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her.

Friday, Nov. 3

Lincoln Theatre: Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty, grandchildren of Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, are delivering their iconic grandparents’ super hits at The Lincoln Theatre at 7:30 p.m. VIP tickets are $100. Premium seating is $52, orchestra is $43 and balcony is $37. Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty have country music in their blood. The grandchildren of famed duo Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, the two have taken to the road to honor their grandparents in an intimate evening of music and storytelling as only they can tell.

November 3-

December 23

Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre: A Wohlfahrt Haus Christmas Carol closes out the 2023 season for the Wytheville theater. Charles Dicken’s beloved characters come to life with a Wohlfahrt Haus twist in “A Wohlfahrt Haus Christmas Carol.”

Scrooge, a wealthy miser goes on a journey Christmas Eve night with four ghosts to examine how his choices and actions in the past and present will affect his future as well as the true meaning of Christmas.

Friday, Nov. 10

Lincoln The-

atre: Celebrate the 50th anniversary with $5 admission to the 1973 classic “Paper Moon.” The show begins at 7 p.m. A traveling Bible salesman is tasked with taking an orphaned girl to her family.

The two have more in common than they first realize and after becoming a quick pair of con artists the orphan is loath to give the life up.

Friday, Nov. 17

Lincoln Theatre: Get ready to buzz with laughter along with legendary comedian Killer Beaz at 7:30 p.m. Premium seats are $55, orchestra and balcony tickets are $38. Killer Beaz has his own unique brand of “Hard Hitting” – “Laugh out Loud” – “Laugh A Lot” – “HI-PROOF” – “High Energy” – “Everyman” style humor that appeals to any audience. When asked, Beaz says about his shows, “I love the art of standup comedy! Having been given the opportunity to make people laugh and smile for all these years is truly a blessing!” With many thousands of radio, television, and stage appearances, Beaz has been entertaining audiences for over three decades.

Saturday, Nov. 18

Millwald Theatre: The Darkside Experience brings a tribute to the music of Pink Floyd to the Millwald Theatre at 8 p.m. The Darkside was born out of a mutual love and respect for the music of Pink Floyd.

Lincoln Theatre: Good Shot Judy is bringing swing and swagger to the Lincoln stage at 7 p.m. Grounded in the swinging cadence of the big band era, Good Shot Judy boldly ventures wherever whimsy leads them. The big amp jazz band brings melodic muscle to every show, fueled by revelers young and old who eagerly follow them on an exhilarating ride through this golden age of music. Premium seats are $25 with or-

chestra and balcony $20 and students and senior tickets $15.

Sunday, Dec. 3

Lincoln Theatre: The Church Sisters return to the Lincoln at 3 p.m. to share their favorite Christmas tunes. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Marion, adult tickets are $22 and senior and student admission is $17.

Saturday, Dec. 9

Lincoln Theatre: The Isaacs are bringing their Christmas show to the Lincoln stage at 7 p.m. Premium seating is $58. Orchestra tickets are $47 and balcony $30. Children tickets are $30 to $40. Multifaceted award-winning group The Isaacs have spent five decades creating the undeniable family harmonies and distinct sound that have made them a favorite among audiences everywhere. After touring in 2023 with Reba McEntire, The Isaacs are excited to return to The Lincoln Theatre to perform their Christmas show.

Sunday, Dec. 10

Lincoln Theatre: Don’t be Bahhumbugging. John Hardy is bringing is one-man version of a Christmas Carol to the Lincoln at 3 p.m. Hardy plays more than 40 roles in the show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. From the first moment of the play until the last, Hardy never leaves the stage and he never changes costume. How then, does he manage to portray over forty characters? “Well, that’s the reason it is a difficult play to act. The characters are defined by variations in accents and speech patterns as well as physical traits. Most of the time, when acting in a play or a film, an actor has the job of creating one character, and that is difficult enough, but forty? It’s a big job, to say the least. That challenge is also the reason this production is a unique event. Even if an audience member has seen a previous production of A Christmas Carol, they have not seen it done like this.”

This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Help: Organization has big dreams

From Page 1

to fill the gaps in government assistance, giving additional supplies that include school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, shoes and food. The group delivers monthly to schools in Carroll, Grayson, Smyth and

Wythe counties. Currently, Johnson said, more schools in Smyth are asking for products. She added that the greatest need is hygiene products, especially deodorant, and shoes, sock and underwear in in sizes 4T to

2XL.

Rejected Cornerstone has a form on its website, https://www.rejectedcornerstone.org/, that schools and families can fill out for help. The organization also takes referrals.

“In the past nine

months we have realized that there is a greater need than we anticipated,” Johnson said. “We have also learned how to hard it is to find donors for our cause.”

The group has delivered supplies to 12

schools so far and helped numerous families with a goal of delivering to all 48 schools in the four-country region. The organization, which got its nonprofit status in June, is looking for office, storage and distribution space in or

near Fries.

To help raise money for the group’s mission, Rejected Cornerstone Organization will cohost a wrestling event with All Star Entertainment at 7 p.m on Sept. 30 at Grayson County High School.

Marion: Next Boot Camp planned

From Page 1

Marion Pop Up’s Entrepreneur Development Boot Camp

Classes offer intensive training on all the aspects of small business, from legal structure to financials, marketing to credit. Participants are able to use the in-

formation to develop a business plan, and can be eligible for up to $5,000 in startup grant funds and an additional $15,000 in low-interest loan funds.

Since it began in the Fall of 2011, Pop Up Marion has trained

344 people, sold 13 downtown buildings, filled an additional 31 storefronts, created 44 new businesses, 158 new jobs, assisted with four facade improvements and over $2.9 million in private reinvestment. The program has dropped Marion’s

downtown storefront vacancy rates from over 17% to under 2%, and is being used in communities across Virginia and the region.

The next round for Pop Up Marion will be held Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. at the Hender-

son School in downtown Marion beginning Oct. 19. Classes are free, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

For additional information, contact Heath at (276) 378-5026 or email kheath@marionva.org.

WCC: Catron-Wood honored

From Page 1

has worked tirelessly to seek support for WCC and has helped grow the WCC Educational Foundation and the WCC Scholarship Foundation significantly over the years. She is most deserving of this recognition. I wish I could take credit for the idea of this new fund, but my Board colleague Larry Corvin gets the credit.”

The new fund in Catron-Wood’s name will provide funding beyond scholarships for students and the college.

According to Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President, the fund will provide financial support for things such as program development, start-up costs, renovation projects, and

other college needs determined by the Foundation Board in conjunction with college leadership.

“It is difficult, if not

impossible, to overstate the impact Dr. CatronWood has had on WCC and the communities we serve. The relationships she has built will

continue to have an impactupon the college for years to come. Dr. Catron-Wood has worked with individual and corporate donors, community foundations, and other entities to provide scholarships to countless students.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone in service to our community who has the dedication, compassion, expertise, and professional knowledge of Dr. Catron-Wood.”

Following the surprise announcement, Catron-Wood thanked the Foundation Board, saying: “I was not expecting this. I am truly humbled and honored by your extraordinary generosity. I love WCC and the students and community that we

serve. I greatly appreciate your establishing this fund that will continue to support our students and community for generations to come. Thank you so much for this unexpected gift.”

Catron-Wood began her career at WCC in 1990 as a faculty member in the English Department. In 1999, she accepted an administrative faculty position, managing the WCC Educational Foundation and the WCC Scholarship Foundation, as well as the Public Information Office. Throughout her tenure, she also served as the college’s liaison with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, coordinating WCC’s

For additional information on “Pop Up Marion”, the Marion Small Business Loan Pool, or business opportunities within “America’s Coolest Hometown”, contact Ken Heath at (276) 3785026 or email kheath@ marionva.org.

regional accreditation process. Since 2020, Catron-Wood has also served as the college’s Chief Academic Officer.

Catron-Wood earned a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech, as well as a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English from Radford University.

Catron-Wood plans to retire in the coming months to spend more time with her husband, Noel Wood, and her parents, Bobby and Ada Catron.

For more information about the “Dr. Rhonda Catron-Wood Growth and Development Fund,” contact the WCC Foundation Office at (276) 223-4771 or foundation@wcc.vccs. edu.

Rock: Museum restores oldest home

From Page 1

stairs and weakened floor joists.

Officials noted that additional work included installing a porch drain and lattice work on the Tazewell Street side porch.

Workers also replaced copper gutters, downspouts and chimney caps, along with repairing window frames and sashes and repairing plaster. Wallpaper was also installed in the dining room and the second- and third-floor landings saw repairs. The interior and exterior of the building was re-painted completely.

Cost for the work rang in at $350,000 with funding coming from the Wythe-Bland Foudnation, Camrett Logistics, the Wythe County Historical Society and the town. On Sept. 15, the town received word that a state budget amendment was approved for $350,000 for the Rock House project.

As the town’s first museum, preserving the landmark was a top priority.

Passes to go back in time are $5 for adults and $2.50 for children 6 to 12, with those under 5 free. Seniors over 65 get $1

off admission. Once inside, visitors learn about Haller and his family and get a glimpse of what life was like in Wytheville during the 19th century thanks to period furniture and artifacts that help tell the stories of one of the town’s first families.

Up next for the town of Wytheville’s museum department is Oktoberfest. Last year, the first Saturday in October date was re-arranged thanks to hurricane weather encroaching, but the event was still well attended.

This year, Oktoberfest is set for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Homestead Museum site near the Wytheville Visitors Center at 975 Tazewell St. Admission is free and there will be food and beer for sale.

From noon to 3 p.m., the Sauerkraut Band will return along with several heritage trade demonstrations and kids activities. New this year will be the German tradition of Burning of the Buzemann (a scarecrow). Joseph Hand of Remax Landmark Real Estate sponsored the event to enable admission to be free.

Beverly Dean BeCraft

Beverly Dean BeCraft (Spanky) died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023.

He was the son of the late Oscar and Louise BeCraft and was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Jean Goodwin BeCraft; daughter Beverly Jean BeCraft; and brothers Gerald H. BeCraft and Lewis K. BeCraft.

He was nicknamed Spanky by his brothers at a very young age and carried it until his death. He worked with his father, Oscar, and learned the trade of plumbing, which led to him becoming a Master Plumber and Electrician. He worked in the construction trade until accepting the position of Superintendent of Ground and Maintenance at Wytheville Community College where he worked until retirement.

He is survived by his life partner, Barbara Jean Shelton; daughter and spouse Caroline BeCraft Jackson and Travis Jackson; granddaughter and spouse Retta and Sabrina Jackson; and two greatgrandchildren.

During his retirement, he discovered his love for cooking, baking and grilling. He especially loved being a grandfather, caring for his horses, cars and John Deere tractor. He and Barbara loved music and would go dancing at every opportunity.

BeCraft developed a passion for helping children from his daughter Beverly, who was an elementary school teacher. She would identify children with needs and tell her parents who in turn would provide those students with assistance. He continued to help children even after his daughter’s death.

Keeping with that tradition, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to assist with those agencies providing services to children, or to a child you know.

A private graveside service will be held later. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www. grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Michael Jeffrey Clark Sr.

Michael Jeffrey Clark Sr., 73, died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at his home in Marion.

Clark was born in Smyth County, VA on

March 3, 1950. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Elizabeth Romans Clark; three brothers, Al Clark, Dave Clark and Walter Clark Jr.; sister Rebecca Clark Trent; and a granddaughter Shayna Funk.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dana Darnell Clark; three daughters, Sonya Ball (Leslie) of Lexington, North Carolina, April Keesling (Richard) of Marion and Kristi Tuell-Eller; two sons, Jeff Clark (Ashleigh) of Marion and Kevin Clark (Audri) of Clemmons, North Carolina; eight grandchildren, Angel Maxwell, David Funk, Steven Shipley, Paul Shipley, Kaycie Clark, Danielle Clark, Ellie Clark and Delilah Clark; three greatgrandchildren, Berkley Funk, Kristlyn Maxwell and Michael Maxwell; two sisters, Cathy Blizzard of Rural Retreat and Robin Tisdale (Jeff) of Chesnee, South Carolina; two special friends, Bobby Combs and David Lowe; and several nieces and nephews.

Burial was at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Marion. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleyfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Clark Family.

Edward Leonard “Ralph” Corvin

Edward Leonard

“Ralph” Corvin (aka Pops) born Nov. 12, 1937, died Sept. 15, 2023 at the age of 85. He was the son of the late Arthur and Laura Hounshell Corvin. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty W. Corvin; six brothers, Burford Corvin, Melvin Hounshell, Rudolph Corvin, Henry Corvin, Charles Corvin and Levine Corvin; and two sisters, Annie Bishop and Joy C. Waller. Corvin is survived by sons, Gerald Corvin and daughter-inlaw Jennifer Corvin of Wytheville, David Corvin and daughterin-law Tresi Corvin of Wytheville and Edward Stanley and wife, Judy, of Tennessee; sister Josephine Corvin of Crockett; brother Clayton Corvin of Wytheville; grandchildren Nikki and John Gardner, Kati and Brent Taylor, Lorrye and Branden Tibbs and Chelsey and Jason Duncan; greatgrandchildren, Carter Duncan, Kimber Tibbs, Emma Gardner and Charlotte Gardner; best friend “Jake” Gauge;

and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Burial was at Berea Christain Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www. grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Chad Deans

Chad Deans, 52, of Max Meadows died Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

Born Aug. 9, 1971, in Baltimore, he was the son of Vicky Lawson and Paul Deans

He was an amazing husband of 32 years, and a loving father. His family was his treasure. He was a good son and a dear friend to many. He loved Star Wars and anything sci-fi, golfing and fishing. He enjoyed collecting comic books, guns, and knives. He was an excellent poker player and a great cook. He had a kind and loyal heart.

Survivors include his wife, Kim Deans of the home; two children, Michael Paul Deans and Cora Rae Deans of the home; mother Vicky Lawson and husband, Patrick Kelly, of Cripple Creek; father Paul Deans of South Carolina; one sister Carrie Viars and husband, Chico, of Wytheville; and several nieces and nephews and close friends and extended family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com

Reese Funeral Home is serving the Deans family.

Ruby Mae Dellinger

Ruby Mae Dellinger, 102, formerly of Vansant, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at Francis Marion Manor, Marion.

Dellinger was a loving mother and Granny Mae. She loved her family and they adored her, especially when she served up anything from the kitchen—fried chicken, dumplings, pork cake and candy.

Dellinger loved to sew and quilt. She was the most loving lady but also very stubborn, independent and strong willed. 102 seems like a lifetime but it will never be enough.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Omer Dellinger; son, James Dellinger; parents, Bud and Lucinda Riddle; and grandson, Brandon Dellinger. She was the last of seven

children.

Dellinger is survived by her son, Robert Dellinger and wife, Marylin, of Poquoson, Virginia; two grandchildren, Dr. Theresa Ann Dellinger and husband, Steve Swenson, of Christiansburg and Dr. Laura Lester and husband, Jeff, of Chilhowie; five greatgrandchildren, Cameron Hutton, Carson Hutton, Ally Swenson, Caden Hutton and Aiden Lester; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Loweda Gillespie, Betty Morefield and Mary Ruth Spencer.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Sept., 20, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Fraziers’ SeaverBrown Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Mike Rife officiating. Graveside services will be held Thursday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. at Temple Hill in Castlewood. Family and friends are asked to be at the cemetery by 1:45 p.m.

Flowers appreciated but donations to your favorite charity in her honor would make her smile.

To share memories of Ruby Mae Dellinger, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Dennis Paul Hart

Dennis Paul Hart died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tennessee.

Hart was born in Damascus on July 25, 1955. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Paul Hart, Glenna Roop Hart and three sisters, Edith Francisco, Diane Hart and Delores Sligh.

He is survived by two brothers, David Hart (Lou) and Neal Hart; sisters Patsy Fout, Mary Wright (Joe) and Deborah Raybourne (John); his former wife and

special friend, Terry Delaney; and his very special Aunt Charlotte, nieces and nephews.

Hart was a true mountain man. He lived a simple life, loved the land and bib-overalls. Most of his friends were the four-legged kind. He normally had a small pack of dogs following him around as he did his chores. He was gruff on the outer surface, but deep within, underneath the many layers, was a very caring man. A memorial for Dennis will be held later. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh. com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Hart Family.

Naomi Rose

Nash Hart

Naomi Rose Nash

Hart, 96, of Max Meadows died Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at home.

She was born in Honaker to Major and Eva Nash. Her greatest joy in life was her family and her faith. She was a member of Finney Baptist Church for many years until she moved to Max Meadows and became a member of Graham’s Forge United Methodist Church. She was a faithful and devoted member to each church. She was preceded in death by her first husband Earl Ball; mother and father Major and Eva Nash; daughter Linda Musick; greatgrandson Christopher Musick; sisters Mary Cook, Thelma Hughes, Leona Monk and Elizabeth Nash; and brothers Bass Nash, Willis Nash, P.L. Nash, Ellis Nash and Don Nash.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Harold Hart; son Larry Ball and wife, Carol; granddaughter Katrina

Monahan and husband, Derek; grandsons Shannon Ball and wife, Carrie, Adam Ball and wife, Pam, Gary Musick, Joe Musick and wife, Shannon, Tom Musick and Andrew Musick; granddaughter-in-law Kelli Musick; great-grandchildren Seth Freeman, Brady Freeman, Ivy Freeman, Ryan Ball, Jenna Ball, Sally Ball, Sydney Ball, Darcie Ball, Katy Turpin and husband, Jonah, Carlie Musick, Matthew Musick and Riley Musick; sister-in-law Sue Kiser; special niece Pam Richardson; several nieces and nephews; and special caregivers Jesse Dalton and Barbara Brown.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m. at Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville with the Revs. Stephen Musick and Ray Bolen officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 – 3 p.m. Burial will be at Hart Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Finney Baptist Church, 1223 Finney Rd, Honaker, VA 24260. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, is serving the Hart family.

William Howard Mooney Jr.

William Howard Mooney Jr., 76, of Rural Retreat died Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. He was the son of the late William “Bill” Sr. and Donnie Gaynell Mooney. He was preceded in death by his in-laws Hobert Fielden and Myrtle Repass Cornett; sisters Ann “Tiny” Harris and Frances Mooney; and niece Kar-

See OBITUARIES, Page 5

en Harris.

Mooney served in the United States Navy from September 1965 to September 1969, along with his brother-in-law, Richard Cornett and lifelong friend, Richard Johnson. He was discharged as an E4, ABE3. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Campaign Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.

He was a motor head, mechanic, truck driver, baseball and football fanatic, animal lover, sweetheart, husband, dad and granddad.

He is survived by his wife, Leona Cornett Mooney; children John and Meigha Umbarger Mooney, Marsha and Chad Underwood; grandchildren, Haley Litton and partner Daniel Choi, Everett Cole Underwood, Austin Mooney and Alexus Smith, Cy Underwood; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Linda Cornett; several nieces and nephews in Virginia and Florida; fellow motor heads, Kerry Eller, Josh Eller and James Scott; and special caregivers, Amy Kerns and Jenny Tarter. Burial was at Fairview United Methodist Church Cemetery in Rural Retreat. Expres-

sions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Wayne Powell

Donald Wayne Powell, 78, died Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at home.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Lura Mae Powell; parents George and Nonnie Powell; brothers Ronnie Powell, Eddie Powell and Jimmy Leonard; and sisters Peggy Snapp, Sadie Sturgill, Imogene Bonham and Merle Powell.

Powell is survived by his daughter, Opal Mae Carrico and husband, Richard; grandson, Phillip Carrico and wife, Mikayla, of Independence; great-grandchildren, Addilyn and River; and special friends, Leon Gross, Carol Gross, Georgia and Junior.

In keeping with Powell’s wishes, all services will be private.

To share memories of Donald Wayne Powell, please visit www. seaverbrown.com.

Leta Marie Stines

Leta Marie Stines, 86, died Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at her home in Marion.

Stines was born in Chilhowie to the late Millard and Elsie Crutchfield Blevins. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, John Henry

Stines; two sisters, Mildred “Tootsie” Payne and Helen Blevins; brother Kenneth Blevins; granddaughter Jeannette Gibbs; and great-granddaughter Danielle Sims.

She retired from Greever’s Drug Store. Her caring, loving and giving heart continued after retiring and she was a caregiver for many years. She was a Godly woman strong in her faith. She loved spending time with God and reading her Bible. She was a dedicated member of Glade Spring Church of God. Stines always put God and her family first in her life as most important. She will be lovingly remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many.

Survivors include her three daughters, Patty Stines, Debbie Stines (John) and Susan Taylor; sister Betty Maxwell; brother Harvey Blevins (Dawn); grandchildren Jason Stines, Jennifer Gibbs, Jessica Gibbs, Johnny Hood (AJ), John Hood, Ashlea Stines, Victoria Patton (Simeon), Mackenzie Taylor, Stacy Anderson (Matt), Amy Reese, Leon Reese Jr. (Natalie), Charlie Reese (Kacie), Suzanne Reese, Amber Reese, James Reese and Nicholas Reese; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and a special cousin Judy Bradley.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday at Mountain

View UMC Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral chapel at 10:30 a.m. for the procession to the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh. com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Stines Family.

Clarence Edward “Junie” Turpin Jr.

Clarence Edward “Junie” Turpin Jr., 72, of Wytheville died Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. He was born Oct. 24, 1950, to the late Mary Turpin and Clarence Turpin Sr. and was a 1970 graduate of George Wythe High School where he ran track and played baseball. He had a love for sports and coached Little League for the town and also enjoyed playing Rec League himself. Later in life, Turpin developed a true love for the game of golf. He played often and aced a hole in one at the New River golf club with his lifelong friends Tom Eller and Fred Keller. Turpin had many close friends and if you saw him out you often heard “Hey Junie” or “Hey Turp.” He enjoyed traveling to golf courses with friends and had special memories of going to the beach with his family. He loved music and wherever the “oldies” or beach music was playing you could find him dancing and celebrating life.

Turpin was the proud father of Chris Turpin and Lori Parks. He was the grandfather to Jessica Mabe, Justin Parks, Miranda Turpin, Marisa Turpin and Jackson Turpin. He became a great-grandfather in 2020 to his great-grandson, Tucker Mabe. His heart was dedicated to his family. If there was a sporting event, school assembly, graduation, anything big or small, he was there supporting taking pictures holding onto those memories for us.

Turpin is preceded in death by his father Clarence Turpin Sr., his mother, Mary Turpin, and his sister, Juanita “Suzy” Turpin of Wytheville.

He is survived by his sister Patricia Dillow of Wytheville; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Dee-Dee Turpin of Crockett; daughter and son-in-law Lori and Roy Parks of Ivanhoe; grandchildren, Jessica and Parker Mabe of Max Meadows, Justin Parks of Ivanhoe, Miranda Turpin and Trent O’Neil of Wytheville, Marisa Turpin of Conway and Jackson Turpin of Max Meadows; great-grandson Tucker Mabe of Max Meadows; special companion, Linda Lucas, of Radford; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Roger Crigger. The family will receive friends

Thursday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until service time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Kevin Michael Welch

Kevin Michael Welch, 64, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Matthew Welch and Bradley Tilson officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery in Rural Retreat. The family will receive friends on Monday, Sept. 25, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www. bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Welch family.

Anthony Sean Yacovielle

Anthony Sean Yacovielle, 40, died Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, from injuries received in an automobile accident in Wildwood, Missouri.

Funeral arrangements will be announced soon. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the family.

Chili Championship coming to Marion

The 37th annual Marion Downtown Chili Championship is coming to downtown Main Street on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Live music starts at noon with Mark Larkins live at Willbeez General Store. Beer gardens open at 2 p.m., with Morrison & Perkins kicking off live music on the Main

Stage. Victor Lawson & Boogie Chillin follows Morrison & Perkins, and the night is closed out 7:30 p.m. as Marion is transformed to Marionritaville with a live tribute to the late great Jimmy Buffett. Free beach balls and Hawaiian lies while supplies last, and visitors are invited to take parrot in the best

dressed Parrothead contest. Also on Oct. 14, the Marion farmers market will host its Plumpest Pumkin contest, with the pumpkin measuring the most inches around winning two tickets to Dollywood, $100 cash, a $30 gift certificate to the Wooden Pickle, two tickets to the Lincoln Theatre and more.

The spooky season gets kicked off in style Oct. 1827 as Scarecrow Lane’s scarecrow contest returns to downtown.

On Oct. 21, H.B. Beverly will play the Saturday Night Cruise-In at the farmers market from 6 to 9 p.m.

Halloween Madness’ downtown trunk or treat event is

set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Beyond October, Marion’s Christmas market will run Saturdays from Thanksgiving through Christmas at the farmers market. Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 will be the Merry Marion Christmas Celebrations, with the community Christmas tree lighting

Wytheville Concert Series returns

Energetic and enjoyable performances have become a hallmark of the Wytheville Concert Series. The 14th season will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, with a program of Hauntingly Beautiful Music performed by Kevin Matheson, violin and Judy Clark, piano, including the Devil’s Trill Sonata by Tartini, Witches’ Dance by Paganini, Dance of the Goblins by Bazzini and Saint-Saens’ Danse Macabre. This concert is held at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Friday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m.

Beethoven, Haydn, Dvorak

Anna Billias, piano; Julia Goudimova, cello; Kevin Matheson, violin

St. John’s Episcopal Church

275 E Main St, Wytheville

In keeping with tradition, Leslie Mabe and the Rainier Trio will begin the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. with some new Christmas Favorites at WCC

Snyder Auditorium.

To lighten the dark days of winter, Judy Clark, Julia Goudimova and Kevin Matheson will perform lively piano trios by Dvorak and Faure on

Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at 7 p.m. at Wytheville Presbyterian Church.

Saturday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Hauntingly Beautiful Music

Kevin Matheson, violin; Judy Clark, piano

St. John’s Episcopal Church 275 E Main St, Wytheville

Saturday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Favorites Soprano Leslie Mabe and the Rainier Trio Snyder Auditorium, Wytheville Community College 1000 East Main St, Wytheville

Anna Billias, Julia Goudimova and Kevin Matheson will play beautiful Music for Mother’s Day 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024, at St.

John’s Episcopal Church. The program includes Beethoven’s Spring Sonata, Haydn Piano Trio and Dvorak’s Songs My Mother Taught Me.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to support the Wytheville Concert Series and the Wytheville Community College Food Bank.

Wytheville Concert Series performances are presented by Wytheville Community College, St. Paul United Methodist Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Wytheville Presbyterian Church the WCC Educational Foundation and MacDowell Music Club and are under the artistic direction of Kevin Matheson. For more information, please visit www.ClassicStringsDuo.com.

Warriors take Apple Bowl victory

The game of the year is finally here for Smyth County. It is time for the Apple Bowl!!!

This game will crown the Smyth County Champions for 2023. On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Northwood Panthers hosted the Chilhowie Warriors. Coming into this game Northwood was 1-3 for the season and Chilhowie was 3-1. We caught up with the coaches before the game and this is what they had to say.

As host for the match up Coach Greg Prater for the Northwood Panthers said,” I believe we are ready we just have to play hard and with some excitement and enjoy the moment.” Coach ReidSturgill of the Chilhowie Warriors stated, “Northwood is a team that is improving every week. It should be an exciting game tonight with the Smyth County Championship on the line.”

To open the match up, Northwood introduced fans to their middle-school football team and the Little Leaguers, who the audience will one day cheer as Panthers.

The Chilhowie Warriors made their way across 107 Friday night into Panther territory to play the Apple Bowl of 2023. The war drums echoed through the valley as the Panthers kicked off to the Warriors to start the event.

By the middle of the first quarter the Warriors were on the board with a touchdown pass and 2-point conversion, 8-0. Senior Ian Sturgill, number 22, would keep the momentum high in the second quarter with a touchdown followed by sophomore kicker, Justin Gonzalez, number 4, for the extra point, 15-0. Sturgill will keep the fans on their feet as he completes an interception giving the ball back to Chilhowie. Junior Rylan Willimas, number 6, will respond with a touchdown of his own; Gonzalez good for the extra point. Chilhowie will lead going into halftime 22-0. The first half will close out with a personal foul called against the Panthers.

The second half will not make the fans wait; Ian Sturgill will take the touchdown pass to bring the Warriors to 28-0. Senior, Marcos Silverio, number 9, will be good for the 2-point rush conversion; bringing the Warriors to a staggering 30-0 lead. The third quarter will wrap up with a personal foul and delay of game against the Panthers. Northwood junior, Gabe Frye, number 50, will leave the game injured with 6:28 to go in the 3 rd . The fourth quarter will open with a personal foul against Saltville. Freshman Luke Mullinax, number 12, will respond with a rushing touchdown to bring the Warriors to 36-0. Gonzalez will be good for the extra point, 37-0.

With emotions high the Smyth County Champions for 2023 will be the Chilhowie Warriors. This game brings

Northwood to a 1-4 season and Chilhowie to a 4-1 season. Catching up with the coaches after the match up, this is what they had to say.

Coach Prater stated, “I am proud of the way we played,

Chilhowie does a good job of spreading you out and getting the ball to their playmaker’s we just have to go to work on Monday and get ready to play Castlewood next Friday.”

Coach Reid said “I’m proud of

this team and the effort put forth tonight. We had quite a few guys step up and rise to the occasion. We have some mistakes to clean up, but I was very pleased with the performance.”

Next week the Panthers will travel to Castlewood and the Warriors will make the trip to Honaker. Let us follow these boys down the road and show them the support they deserve!

Local runners compete at Marion event

Bland County junior Tyler Boone cracked the top 10 at Marion’s Walkers Run cross country event held at Hungry Mother State Park.

Boone finished seventh with a time of 17:49.1.

Sophomore teammate

Bryce Miller clinched 25th with a time of 18:51.3, while senior Kary Romano finished in 18:53.2 for 26th.

Chase Parker’s 22:49.5 finish earned him 80th place.

Freshman Abram Quesenberry’s 27:00.8 earned him 98th, and Calvin Nelson took 99th with a time of 27:01.4.

On the girls side, Jocelyn Parks, a freshman, finished in 18th, boasting a time of 23:02.6.

Freshman Emma

Faulkner continued to turn in fast times for the Maroons, finishing second in Marion’s Walkers Run at Hungry Mother State Park.

Faulkner clocked in at 18:48.5 to lead the GW contingent.

In 17th place, freshman Alana Malavolti clocked in at 22:57.5 while sophomore Sophia McCroskey finished in 23:33.8, earning 22nd. Haley Faulkner, a senior, took 40th with a time of 24:37.0. Maggie Simons clocked in at 27:18.7 to earn 64th, and Willow Delp’s time of 27:27.9 was good for 67th place.

Sophomore Conor Martin led the GW boys with a time of 18:18.3, good for 12th place.

Canes clinch golf title

The Scarlet Hurricane golfers clinched the Southwest District regular season title with a strong showing at Tazewell County Club and a team score of 156.

Grayson Sheets led the effort and won medalist honors with a 34. Jack Ford shot a 39 and Isaac Roberson a 40. Ethan Baggett carded a 43.

In the Hogoheegee, Patrick Henry and Chilhowie won automatic bids in the regional tournament, with the second place Warrior’s Will Barnes earning medalist honors on the Holston

Hills Community Golf Course. Barnes shot a 79. Ethan Doss carded a 90, Brody Davidson a 91 and Will Goodwin a 93.

Northwood’s Walker Jones finished with an 81. Dawson Prater shot a 105 and Duke Colley a 106. Bricen Frye finished out the third-place Panther field with a 118.

Rural Retreat claimed fourth behind a 92 shot performance from Isaac Miller. Tripp Umberger shot a 108, and Olivia Bailey finished with 110. Olivia Crigger and Ben Ference each carded a 116.

Maroon freshman Brandon Pannell’s 22nd place finish arrived at 18:40.7. Eli Tomiak took 44th with a time of 19:47.7.

Senior Oscar Montgomery earned 57th with a 20:22.7 finish, while Caden Horton’s 22:29.0 was good for 76th. Dylan Mann clocked in at 25:38.0 to earn 94th.

Carroll County senior Davis Reitzel just missed the top 10 at Walkers Run held at Hungry Mother State Park.

Reitzel took 11th with an 18:01.5 race. Following in 23rd was junior teammate Ethan Edwards, finishing at 18:43.3.

Galax’s Caleb Mitchell finished in 34th, crossing the finish line at 19:12.3. Finishing in 19:42.8, Galax’s Caleb Whitman earned 41st. Junior Walter Whitman finished in 48th with a time of 19:55.2.

Cavalier Samuel Collins earned 62nd with a time of 21:07.6, while Galax freshman Manuel Moya Jr. took 63rd with a time of 21:10.2. In 67th, Carroll County senior Avery Hart finished in 21:20.1. Hart’s teammate Ethan Sechrist clocked in at 21:58.1 to claim 73rd.

Garrison Wheatley from Carroll clocked in at 22:38.2, earning 78th. Micah Gwynn finished in 83rd with a time of 23:45.4.

Galax freshman Josiah Whitman finished in 101st, stopping the clock at 28:37.0.

Maroon Tide sophomore Vivian Fant led on the girls’ side, clocking in at 24:17.7 to claim 36th.

Carroll County freshman Amelia Forsyth finished in 42nd with a time of 24:44.7.

Galax runners Heaven Crookshanks and Alexis Mitchell finished in 60th and 61st, respectively. Crookshanks clocked in at 26:50.2 while Mitchell stopped the clock at 26:51.7. Addison Sheets finished in 27:25.8, earning 66th. Sophomore Briana Tasselmyer clocked in at 30:13.1, good for 75th, and Phoebe Fant finished in 76th with a time of 30:13.2.

Carroll County senior Nahirana Cruz stopped the watches at 30:25.2, claiming 77th. Katelyn Wheatley, also a senior, finished in 80th place with a time of 31:21.1.

Senior Tess Somervell led the Chilhowie runners at Marion’s Walkers Run, held at Hungry Mother State Park.

Somervell finished in seventh place, clocking in at 21:59.9.

Fellow Warrior Kendly Gross clocked in at 24:35.3 to take 39th.

Tori Blackwell nabbed the 43rd spot with a 24:49.6 finish. In 52nd place, Madison Gwinn, a sophomore, finished in 26:00.5.

Northwood’s Shaylee

Phillips finished in 70th place. The sophomore clocked in at 27:47.2.

Chilhowie senior Mason Lee led the Warrior boys, claiming 15th place with an 18:21.2 run. Junior Lucas Hubble clocked in at 18:56.9, earning 28th. Nate Thomas clocked in at 24:09.7 to claim 89th place.

Northwood freshman Jake Cook finished in 75th with a 22:13.3 time.

Marion junior Ruby Hoerter led the Hurricane runners at their home meet in Hungry Mother State Park, finishing 12th with a time of 22:30.5.

Alexa Blevins, a Marion junior earned 69th, clocking in at 27:38.2. Gracie Widener finished in 31:23.3, claiming 82nd. Emily Hash’s time of 31:43.7, earned her 83rd.

On the boys’ side, junior Alex Armbrister

turned in a 16th-place performance, finishing in 18:22.2. Clocking in at 18:35.6, Elijah Wheatley claimed 20th.

Senior Wyatt Hall finished in 49th with a time of 19:57.3. Will Burkett’s time of 21:51.0 earned him 72nd. Collin Creggar finished in 87th, stopping the watch at 24:06.0. Gage Stamper clocked in at 25:37.5 to claim 93rd, while Jonathan Barbrow’s 25:49.4 was good for 95th. Sophomore Camden Wilcox finished in 96th with a time of 25:49.5. Junior Josh Marousek finished in 97th, clocking in at 26:08.9.

Kylea Davis led the Rural Retreat runners at Walkers Run held at Hungry Mother State Park.

The sophomore finished in 14th place, finishing at 22:42.3.

Senior Annabelle Fiscus clocked in at 24:14.9, earning 32nd. In 45th place, senior Olivia Bailey stopped the clock at 25:05.9. Olivia Crigger’s 25:26.4 was good for 46th, while Elaina Terry earned 56th with a time of 26:34.6.

Talan Hammack led the Indian boys with a time of 21:06.3.

OPINION: Meeting a music legend

CONGRESSMAN MORGAN GRIFFITH

In the House of Representatives, Republicans are working hard to come up with a government spending agreement that makes sense for the American people. For too long government spending has been out of control and we are working on strategies to rein in the spending before we pass legislation to fund the government.

As Otto Von Bismarck, Chancellor of Germany in the 19th Century, is reported to have said, “Laws are like sausages. It’s better not to see them being made.” It is a messy process, but hopefully we will come out with a good product Americans can be proud of.

That aside, during the sausage making I saw a Virginia Mercury article about a recently introduced bill, the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia Federal Recognition Act. I asked for the bill to be brought to me so I could read it. I remembered some of their history and believe their

claim for recognition is long overdue. After confirming the bill prohibited them from casino gaming on tribal lands, I signed onto the bill.

The Patawomeck Indians are a Virginia Indian tribe whose 2,600 members live mostly in Stafford and King George Counties. Their presence in Virginia can be traced back to at least the 1300s.

Unfortunately, like all Native American tribes in the Americas, their history within the United States has been a difficult one and up until 2010, the tribe was neither officially recognized on the state nor federal level.

When I was Majority Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates in 2010, the tribe petitioned Richmond for state recognition.

To support their cause, they brought in “Mr. Las Vegas,” Wayne Newton, famous for his many years of performing in Vegas casinos during the 1970s.

His biggest hit was “Danke Schoen,” a song of German origin. Mr. Newton recorded an American version in 1963,

which became an international hit.

What many of you probably don’t know is that Mr. Newton is of Indian ancestry (his mother was of Cherokee descent and his father of Patawomeck descent). Because of this, he cared deeply about getting his Indian tribe the recognition they deserved.

I have known since I was a kid that he had lived in my hometown, Salem, Virginia, for a period of time in his youth. When he came to my office, after we shook hands, I told him:

“I grew up on Broad Street in Salem, Virginia.”

He responded back:

“Ridenhour Music! That’s where I learned to play the guitar.”

That was a music store in Salem, at the intersection of Broad and Main streets.

It was an honor to meet the music legend. I’ve always appreciated Mr. Newton for remembering his roots in Virginia.

Accordingly, I voted in favor of recognition. And thanks to his, and others’ efforts, a

politically divided Virginia General Assembly officially recognized the Patawomecks in 2010. Since then, the tribe has been working to gain federal recognition – a difficult task.

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, in order for a tribe to receive federal recognition, they must meet seven different criteria. This includes demonstrating “that it has been identified as an American Indian entity on a substantially continuous basis since 1900,” and showing “that a predominant portion of the petitioning group comprises a distinct community and has existed as a community from historical times until the present.”

And that definition has been a problem for many Virginia tribes in seeking federal recognition.

The problem arises because in an effort to erase the identity of Native Americans within the state, the Democraticcontrolled Virginia General Assembly passed the Racial Integrity Act of 1924 stating that a person could either be

classified as Black or White. There was no classification for American Indians. Therefore, for decades Virginia Indians were identified as Black by the state on their birth and death records.

Additionally, during the Civil War, many Virginia state and local records were destroyed, which would have proven to be useful for tribes in the present day as evidence of their history and status within the state.

Further, Virginia also attempted to erase the cultural identities of Virginia Indians, by discouraging traditional ways and forcing tribes to speak English.

Despte everything, the Patawomeck Indians continue to persevere. They have worked to restore their identity, over the past 30 years teaching their members their many historical traditions and their native language.

I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to finally give the Patawomeck people the recognition they deserve from the federal government.

George Wythe handles RR threat

It was special teams that kept the Maroons from holding the Indian scoreless on Friday night.

In the third frame, Gunner Hagerman toted in an 82-yard kickoff return to put the Indians’ lone points on the board as George Wythe took a 23-6 win over their county, non-district rival.

The score, though wasn’t lopsided during that third quarter.

George Wythe, at the time of Hagerman’s

Surprises on the volleyball court

Local teams hit the hardwood over the past few days, with some surprises and some upsets across the board.

Grayson County fell to Giles despite a 10kill, 10-dig effort from Kensey Parks. Giles claimed a 25-19, 25-18, 25-16 victory.

Carli Campbell had 22 assists and a dozen digs for the Blue Devils.

The Radford Bobcats stung Carroll County with a 3-2 loss, taking down the Cavs 17-25, 26-24, 25-23, 14-25 an 15-9.

Madison Lyons led the Cavaliers with 17

kills while Emily Dalton dished out 16 assists and 15 digs. Sarah Alderman had 21 dig and eight kills.

Carroll rebounded with a win over Marion 26-24, 25-21, 18-25 and 25-18.

Alyssa Ervin knocked down 13 kills and Aza Petty finished with 23 digs. Alderman finished with 21 digs and seven kills.

Marion’s efforts were led by a 15-kill, 14dig night by Ella Moss. Brooke Langston had eight kills, five digs and served up three aces.

Mya Ferland finished

with 18 digs.

The loss to Carroll followed a 3-0 whipping of Southwest District rival Graham. Marion crushed the G-Girls 2510, 25-14, 25-8, led by nine kills and six blocks from Moss. Aubree Whitt dished out 11 assists and nine kills while Langston had six kills.

Rural Retreat also swept Chilhwoie 2513, 25-14, 25-11, and Northwood hung a 3-0 loss on Holston, thanks in part to eight digs and four aces from Maddie Lowe. Sydney Carter chipped in a dozen kills and as many digs.

run, held just a 9-6 advantage, having scored twice in the second quarter.

Laden Houston broke out to take a 15-yard run to the house and later in the frame, Thomas Mitchell booted in a 26-yard field goal.

It was after the Hagerman score that the GW offense powered by Trey Rainey and Tandom Smith got fired up.

Rainey found the end zone on a 15-yard run and Smith plunged in from two yards out.

The Indians managed just six first downs and 47 rushing yards. The Maroons piled up 301 yards on the ground. Rural Retreat held an edge in the air with 58 passing yards to the Maroons’ 43.

In other sports headlines, Grayson County rolled over Giles for its first Mountain Empire District victory of the year, doling out a 42-7 whipping.

Macey Ayers