No Bull - Carroll Cowboy nabs honor
By Laura Sumner
Brody Robinson is a 17 year old that lives with his family in Carroll County who has just won the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) World Champion Bull Rider for 2024.
Brody won this world championship during his rookie year. He earned $46,654 for this season.
At only 4 years old, Brody started his rodeo career by riding sheep. He moved up to calves and then steers.
He got on his first big bull when he was 13 years old. For the past seven years, Brody has ridden in Junior High and High School rodeo associations and has made the High School Nationals during his freshman, sophomore and junior years and is currently on his way to earning a spot for his senior year as well.
As a student, Brody finished out his senior year virtually so that he could travel for rodeo competitions. He just completed his senior year in January. If Brody
decides to stop pursuing rodeo, he will most likely work in the carpentry field.
But not pursuing rodeo doesn’t seem likely as his mom, Crystal, states "Brody eats, breathes and sleeps bull riding.”
Brody will be 18 on Feb. 6 and plans to enter the PBR Velocity tour. In the spring of 2025, he could be picked during the draft for a PBR team.
Brody has just purchased his first bull and plans to
See COWBOY, Page 5
Smyth teen celebrates with special gift
By Zach Cooley
Mikey Watson celebrated his 17th birthday on Feb. 8 with an extra special gift.
Like me, the Marion resident suffers from cerebral palsy and desperately needed a travel power wheelchair.
When insurance denied his claim, Mikey’s devoted aunt and my longtime friend, Sarah Taylor, located a Florida-based company that funds mobility devices for children up to the age of 21. Through sponsorship, Mikey received his power wheelchair from Wheelchairs 4 Kids just in time for his birthday.
"I like the opportunity to be more independent,” Mikey told me. "I want to go on more trips and the new chair will make that easier. It is easy to lift and travels at a walking speed, not too fast and not too slow.”
I spoke with Programs Manager Nina Shaw, who explained to me how they helped my young friend.
"A lightweight power chair gives Mikey the independence of a motorized device without the need for a special vehicle,” she explained.
"They can fold up like a stroller and be stowed in the trunk of a car, which opens up a whole new world of opportunities for Mikey.”
Wheelchairs 4 Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities, founded in 2011 by Madeline
Robinson, who formerly with another wishgranting organization. She founded her organization with her loving husband Lonnie who encouraged her when she was dismayed at the disheveled condition of these children’s equipment.
"Well, are you going to talk about it or do something?” he asked.
As a result, Wheelchairs 4 Kids was born. Since then, more than 1,800 children with mobility impairments from across the country have been aided at no cost to them. Nina Shaw joined the organization just over eight years ago when she moved to Florida. She started out as a program coordinator before being promoted to project manager, where she now leads a team
their children and been turned down,” she said. "We get to come in and give them what they deserve—free, to keep forever. It’s a really awesome job to have.”
Shaw also mentioned their Wheely Fun Day program, an inclusion event created by the organization, which allows wheelchair-bound kids to experience things like zip lining at Gatorland in Orlando.
"I just got a letter from a parent expressing gratitude because she never believed her child could experience
anything like that,” she added. "Most people are not aware that things like this are possible for their kids, and it’s great to make families aware of that.”
Shaw says these events also foster a sense of community, where parents of disabled children can connect and form support groups. Disabled children also have the chance to meet peers who are like them.
Though Shaw did not meet Mikey personally, she acknowledges that the company is growing, which allows them
to sponsor children nationwide.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids reaches out to local charities and social clubs for sponsorship and conducts social media campaigns encouraging friends and family to donate.
"I tell family and friends that we will do whatever it takes to find the equipment their kids need,” she asserted. "We will look under rocks for the money if we need to, but we will make it happen.”
See GIFT, Page 15
of five.
"We have the most fun job in the company,” Shaw stated. "We get to talk to the kids and their families and be there when they receive their equipment.”
She also noted that kids aren’t always as thrilled about receiving wheelchairs as their parents are. So, Shaw and her team go the extra mile by bringing gifts for the kids and creating presentations to make the experience more enjoyable for them. For Shaw, it is particularly heartwarming to see the tears of joy on the faces of the parents when they receive the equipment that insurance had previously denied for their child.
"These families have fought with Medicaid for basic needs for
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Dental career fair planned for April 4
Wytheville Community College will host a Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Career Fair, connecting current or potential dental hygiene students to WCC staff and dental healthcare professionals, to explore
career opportunities and gain insights into the dental field.
The event will take place on April 4 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., in Johnson Lobby in Grayson Hall at the Wytheville campus.
This event offers stu-
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Reserve your spot in Wytheville garden
Spring is just around the corner and it will soon be time to think about your summer garden. Why not consider joining others in your community by planting at Wytheville’s Community Garden?
The garden is a unique venture between the Town of Wytheville and local citizens and is located on Cove Road near the elevated water tank.
There will not be a fee for the first 10-foot by 20-foot plot. The second plot will be $10. No more than two plots per person. All maintenance of the garden plot is the responsibility of the person renting the space. A 200-gallon water tank is located on the property so that gardeners can more conveniently water their plants with buckets or watering cans. Reserve your spot today by calling 223-3505.
dents the chance to meet with instructors, potential employers, and to learn about advancements in dental hygiene. The fair will feature various dental practices, dental supply companies, and other industry professionals actively seeking talented graduates.
"Our Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Career Fair is a great opportunity for students to connect with potential employers and learn about the diverse career paths available in the field,” said Amber Shuler,
WCC Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Program Head, "We are excited to bring together professionals and students to help launch successful careers in dental hygiene and dental assisting.”
If you are interested in attending WCC in dental hygiene or dental assisting, you may attend and speak to a WCC representative and find out how to apply.
To register for the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Career Fair, or to find out more, contact Amber
Shuler, at (276) 2234831, or ashuler@wcc. vccs.edu.
Applications for WCC Selective Admissions Healthcare Programs including Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Physical Therapist Assistant, are currently being accepted for the upcoming academic year. For information about how to apply, contact Hunter Jackson, Health Professions Recruitment and Enrollment Specialist, at (276) 223-4741, or hjackson@wcc.vccs. edu. The deadline for applying is March 17.
Cowboy: Bullrider earns big honors
purchase several more to have at home to practice on. There is a lot of preparation that has to be done before riding a bull. You have to be in very good physical shape. Brody tries to eat healthy and is very consistent in his workout regimen. He uses the Curtis Bartlett Fitness Center to keep himself strong and healthy.
Brody has been very fortunate as far as injuries are concerned. His worst injury from bull riding was fracturing his ankle when he was 14 years old.
Brody isn’t the only one in his family that has pursued rodeo. Brody’s dad, Billy Robinson, was a bull rider for PBR for several years and his cousin, Seth Robinson, currently travels the rodeo
circuit as a bull fighter. Crystal says watching her husband ride bulls definitely prepared her to be calmer when she is now watching her child ride. But, she says that nothing can prepare you as a parent for the nerves that you feel just as your child is about to ride. Brody also travels by himself, which can be nerve-racking for any parent. Her biggest
concern is that Brody has a safe ride and safe get off, but she also wants him to be successful in the pursuit of his dreams. The future seems bright for this young man and his family. He will most likely be a contender on the world stage for many years to come. It’s great to see Carroll County being represented so well around the world.
Creeper rebuilt cleared
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests completed its analysis of the rebuild of the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail under National Environmental Policy Act requirements.
A public process, or scoping, began on January 16, 2025. The Forest solicited input on its proposed action to reconstruct Forest Service-owned sections of the trail, located in Washington and Grayson Counties, which were damaged and destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The forest received over 300 positive comments from the public.
The decision authorizes the removal of debris throughout the trail corridor and surrounding landscape. This debris includes trestle and trail materials, rocks, sediments, boulders, root wads, logs, grazing materials, general trash and other hazardous materials deposited from Hur-
ricane Helene.
Saturday, March 8
McGlothlin Center for the Arts: Miss Food City will be held at 7 p.m. on the campus of Emory & Henry University.
Tuesday, March 11
Lincoln Theatre: Golden Oldies Golden Oldies: Cinema Classics will be held at 11 a.m. The free film will be Michael Curtiz’s Sante Fe Trail (1940) starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland.
Thursday, March 13
Lincoln Theatre: Thirsty Thursdays continues with a 7 p.m. showing of “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.” Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets for the film can be purchased online or at the door for $5.
Friday, March 14
Millwald Theatre: Tyler Reese Tritt, daughter of country music star Travis Tritt, brings her own unique sound of traditional and modern country music to the Millwald Theatre, supported by Richlands native Noah Spencer, known widely for his turn on NBC’s hit show "The Voice.”
Saturday, March 15 and 16
Theatre Bristol: “Lessons from Shakespeare: How to Avoid a Personal Tragedy” is set for 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on March 15 and at 2:30 p.m. on March 16 at the ARTspace, 506 State St., Bristol, Tennessee. Tickets are available online at TheatreBristol.org/tickets.
Sunday, March 16
Historic 1908 Courthouse: The Arts Council of the Twin Counties opens its 2025 Series at the Historic 1908 Courthouse with Grammy award-winner, Redd Volkaert.
The concert is set for Sunday, March 16, at 3p.m. in Independence. As always, admission is by donation and there will be a reception following the concert.
Thursday, March 20
Bland Ministry Center: Free dental extractions and screenings are planned for March 20, with limited walk-ins for adults from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 21 and 22 at Big Walker Dentistry at 435 W. North St., Wytheville.
Saturday, March 22
Floyd Country Store: Award-winning duo Kenny & Amanda Smith will bring their bluegrass tunes to Floyd at 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 23
Theatre Bristol: A free audition workshop is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at Theatre Bristol at 512 State St., Bristol, Tennessee.
Lincoln Theatre: Kentucky-born Jason Crabb, supported by Consumed By Fire, will perform at 7 p.m. on the Lincoln stage. Tickets range from $23-$43 including fees. For more information about The Lincoln Theatre and event tickets, visit www.thelincoln.org or call (276)783-6092.
Friday, March 28
Lincoln Theatre: The Tri-Cities Orchestra Performs My Lady Of Whims The Lincoln Theatre is partnering with The Tri-Cities Orchestra to bring patrons back to the good old days of silent films and the Roaring 20s at 7:30 p.m. The orchestra will be performing the score for the 1925 romance comedy. Tickets for this event can be purchased online, over the phone, or in their box office for $15. All tickets are general admission. For more information about The Lincoln Theatre and event tickets, please visit www.
thelincoln.org or call (276)783-6092.
Saturday, March 29 and 30
Theatre Bristol: Auditions for “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory” are sset for March 29 and 30 at 512 State St. in Bristol, Tennessee. Auditions are open and roles are available for men, women, teens, and children.
Thursday, April 3
Hungry Mother State Park: A three-session fishing workshop, Fish On Academy, is presented by the park staff, Friends of Hungry Mother, Riverfeet Fly Fishing and the Department of Wildlife Resources. Those attending all three events will receive a Virginia resident freshwater fishing license, a fishing pole and a stocked tackle box. Cost for the workshop is $20 per participant.
Friday, April 4
Lincoln Theatre: Big Gun to perform AC/ DC tribute at 7:30 p.m. Hailing from Knoxville, Tennessee, Big Gun is a passionate group of rockers whose musical prowess is unmistakable. Over a decade of dedication to mastering the iconic guitar riffs and hard-edged vocals has made them the goto choice for an AC/DC experience. Secure your tickets now for as little as $41 and enjoy an electric evening at The Lincoln Theatre.
Thursday, April 10
Hungry Mother State Park: A three-session fishing workshop, Fish On Academy, is presented by the park staff, Friends of Hungry Mother, Riverfeet Fly Fishing and the Department of Wildlife Resources. Those attending all three events will receive a Virginia resident freshwater fishing license,
Living legend coming to Millwald
By Zach Cooley
A living legend of rock and roll is coming to the Millwald Theatre in Wytheville on Wednesday, March 12.
Jim Messina, who pioneered the blending of country and folk into rock and roll, will grace our local stage for an intimate evening of stories and classic songs. The 77year-old native Californian, now living near Nashville, Tennessee, says he is looking forward to his first stop in Wytheville, Virginia, after an amazing career that spans six decades.
"I love Virginia,” he said during a February 20 telephone interview, adding that playing in historic theaters like the Millwald is a particular treat for the music legend. "The history is always so alive in those places, and the stage always tends to dip down into the audience, which offers a closer interaction with them.”
Messina brings with him enough credits to cement his place as a legend in rock history, from his membership in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted Buffalo Springfield to his co-founding of the countryrock pioneering group Poco. Then, there’s his undeniable legendary status as half of the folk-rock duo Loggins and Messina. With his
partner, future yacht rock king Kenny Loggins, Messina sold over twenty million records throughout most of the 1970s.
In 1966, he was driving home from his job as an engineer at Audio Arts Studio when he heard the eclectic sounds of a song called "Bluebird.” He fell in love with the originality of the tune.
"It had a sound that was more reminiscent of the vast music I grew up listening to,” he recalled.
"My mother loved what were called ‘race records’ at that time, and my dad liked the Texas swing sounds of Spade Cooley.”
Messina first met David Crosby when he booked a 10 a.m. acoustic session, where he was producing what would become an iconic debut album for the then-unknown artist named Joni Mitchell. From that session, Crosby recommended Messina to Buffalo Springfield. Then, Neil Young brought in some 8-track tapes of the band’s songs, one of which Messina recognized as "Bluebird.” The band was looking for a replacement bassist, and Jim Messina happily fit the bill.
"It was a wonderful experience working with a band whose music I liked and could relate to,” he noted.
"Their music and lyrics had a way of creating images in your head like no other music.”
Go: Upcoming
a fishing pole and a stocked tackle box. Cost for the workshop is $20 per participant.
Saturday, April 19
Theatre Bristol: “Land of Jesters” and Rumpelstiltskin” shows are planned for Theatre Bristol on the Cameo Theatre stage at 703 State St., Bristol Tennessee. Tickets are available online at TheatreBristol.org/tickets.
Hungry Mother State Park: A threesession fishing workshop, Fish On Academy, is presented by the park staff, Friends of Hungry Mother, Riverfeet Fly Fishing and the Department of Wildlife
Tick time coming
As temperatures rise and dogs spend more time outdoors, it's crucial for pet owners to be vigilant about tick management. Ticks can pose serious health risks, including Lyme disease, making prevention and early detection essential. Here are some key steps to safeguard your beloved dog. Ticks are not just a nuisance; they can transmit diseases that seriously affect your dog's health. Lyme disease, among others, can lead to severe symp -
toms if untreated. By taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses. Start with preventive products. Flea and tick repellents, collars, sprays, and oral medications are effective deterrents. Consult your veterinarian to find the best product for your dog, as each may require a tailored solution based on their specific needs. After outdoor activities, inspect your dog thoroughly. Check areas like the underbelly, between toes, ears, and under the collar. Use a fine-toothed comb during grooming sessions to spot ticks early. If you find a tick, remove it promptly. Grip the tick near the skin with fine-tipped tweezers, pull straight out, and clean the area with antiseptic. Avoid squeezing the tick's body to prevent infection spread. If your dog shows symptoms like fever, lethargy, or swollen joints, visit the vet immediately.
Resources. Those attending all three events will receive a Virginia resident freshwater fishing license, a fishing pole and a stocked tackle box. Cost for the workshop is $20 per participant.
Saturday, April 26 and 27
Theatre Bristol: “Land of Jesters” and Rumpelstiltskin” shows are planned for Theatre Bristol on the Cameo Theatre stage at 703 State St., Bristol Tennessee. Tickets are available online at TheatreBristol.org/tickets.
Sunday, May 24
Floyd Country Store: Amanda Cook Band is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m.
PLANTS PREVENTATIVES
to pets. When selecting garden or house plants, remember to be cautious.
your vet regarding preventatives for fleas, ticks, and internal parasites.
Our skilled and knowledgeable team of Vets, Technicians, Customer Service Representatives, and Veterinary Assistants all work together to make sure your experience at Community Animal Clinic is exceptional. Make sure your pet wears a collar with an updated tag during outdoor activities and ensure microchip information is current.
Solution on Page 15
Bluegrass royalty bound for the Rex
By Laura Sumner
Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys are getting ready to take the stage in Galax at the Rex Theatre on Friday, March 15.
Ralph II said he enjoys visiting Galax and performing there. His dad,legendary bluegrass giant
Dr. Ralph Stanley,played several shows at Galax and Ralph II played along with him. He likes the character of Galax and the musical history of the town. He mentioned what a nice venue the Rex Theatre has become and how much restoration has been done to this great building.
Dr. Ralph Stanley formed The Clinch Mountain Boys in 1946.
The band has included many well-known and talented performers throughout the years. Some of these performers include Curly Ray Cline, Jack Cooke, Ernie Thacker –who is buried in the Stanley family cemetery, George Schuffler, Ricky Skaggs, Larry Sparks – who was the first lead singer after Ralph’s brother, Carter passed away.
Another great performer that was with the Clinch Mountain Boys is the man that inspired Ralph II to be a performer. This man was Keith Whitley, known far and wide for his
See BLUEGRASS,Page 11
LOOKING FOR A NEW PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER?
Damascus ready for a return in 2025
The Town of Damascus is gearing up for a busy 2025 season and has added more new events for outdoor enthusiasts: Damascus Trout Days in April and September, and the Damascus Adventure Moto "DAM 200” in June. Registration is now open for both events and space is limited. Both events are also accepting corporate sponsorships. All proceeds from these new events go toward supporting the Town of Damascus in longterm recovery efforts from the impacts of Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Most businesses in Damascus have reopened and are eager to welcome visitors back to town. Damascus has built quite the reputation for offering can’t-miss events that draw a large crowd, including the Appalachian Trail Days Festival in May and the Independence Day Celebration in July. These two events bring an estimated 25,000 and 10,000 visitors, respectively, to the small trail town of 700 residents.
A fishing destination in its own right, Damascus sits at the confluence of Whitetop Laurel, Tennessee Laurel, and Beaverdam Creeks. These streams form Laurel Creek for a short distance, then join the South Fork of the Holston River just outside of town limits and flow into South Holston Lake a few miles downstream. Fishing options around
Damascus cover a wide range, from roadside to remote. Just upstream of Damascus lies one of Virginia's greatest wild trout streams, Whitetop Laurel Creek. Registration is now open for the first of the two new trout fishing tournaments, scheduled for April 11-13 and Sept.12-14. Trout Days will be held on the portions of Laurel Creek and Beaverdam Creek within town limits and will be limited to 200 registered anglers at each event. Entry is $100 per person.
Trout Days is a catch-andrelease tournament, single hook, artificial lures only, to help promote conservation and the restoration of the local trout population. A current Virginia freshwater fishing license is required and state regulations apply. A stocking is scheduled prior to the event and 200 of the stocked trout will be tagged. The fishing tournament is open from 7 a.m. Saturday to noonSunday. Awards will be determined by a trout tag lottery on Sunday after the tournament. Each trout tag collected equals one entry; the
more tagged trout you catch, the more chances to win! Prizes include cash awards of up to $1,000 each, plus a mix of gear, guided trips, and other sponsored items. Also included is a separate raffle for all participants on Saturday evening.
More information on Trout Days and register online at www.visitdamascus.org/troutdays.
Damascus is the hub where the Mid-Atlantic and South East Backcountry Discovery
Routes meet. These two routes are part of the East Coast Trilogy, three interconnected eastern BDRs that stretch from Florida to the Canadian border. Locally, the Damascus area is home to an endless network of dual sport adventure rides, from the winding blacktop of The Snake 421 and the US-58 Mount Rogers Scenic Byway to many miles of gravel Forest Roads, to the technical singletrack of the Iron Mountain Trail.
Registration is now
open for the DAM 200, scheduled for June 6-8. The DAM 200 is an epic dual sport adventure motorcycle ride on a 200-kilometer route along the scenic, winding back roads surrounding Damascus. It will be a moderate ride-at-your-ownpace route on a mix of paved and gravel surfaces, big-bike friendly, and a real delight for beginners and experienced riders alike.
The DAM 200 is $200 per person and is limited to 150 riders. The event includes
the ride on Saturday, plus primitive tent camping at Tent City from Friday to Sunday, breakfast and dinner on Saturday, one raffle ticket, and a DAM 200 event T-shirt. Also included is access to a film screening of the new South East Backcountry Discovery Route (SEBDR) on Friday night and local live music on Saturday night. There will be lunch and refuel options available for riders to choose from along the DAM 200 route on Saturday.
Hillsville leaders make trek to Richmond
By Laura Sumner
Leaders from the Town of Hillsville visited Richmond, Virginia recently. The visit to the state Capital was during Legislative Days when community members can advocate for their priorities with legislators.
LeAnna Surratt, Town Manager andTreasurer and Shannon Goad, Police Chief, were in meetings most of the day onWednesday, Jan. 29, advocating for Hillsville.
Surratt mentioned what an important opportunity this trip was for Hillsville.
"Chief Shannon Goad and I were able to meet face to face, directly engaging key decision-makers to secure financial resources for our town. We were proud to support a budget amendment for the construction of the Hillsville Police Department, facilitated by Richard Crouse and proposed by Senator Bill Stanley and Delegate Morefield, who also serves as Chair of the Tobacco Commission.”
Surratt and Goad met with Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) officials and discussed the Community Business Launch grant program award to Hillsville along with discussions about the newly opened Main Street grant applications, to insure that they are constructing the strongest possible
application. The Town Manager and Chief Goad had quite the surprise when Senator Stanley introduced them on the Senate floor! They were seated in the gallery of the Senate in the front row usually reserved for family. They were welcomed by Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears who posed for a picture with them. Thelieutenantgovernor also personally thanked them for being in attendance. On the evening of Jan.29, Surratt and Goad attended a social event at the Library of Virginia. Gov. Glenn Youngkin was there and briefly spoke. After that event, another social was hosted at The Hard Shell
They were joined at this dinner by Carroll County Administrator, Michael Watson. They got to meet and talk with the Town Manager of Pulaski Shawn Utt, the Mayor of Marion, Avery Cornett and Marion Police Chief, John Clair among others.
ficial Governor’s residence in the nation. It was stated that thegov
ernor had planned
restaurant in downtown Richmond. The meal was sponsored by Mount Rogers Regional Partnership, Marion and Smyth County.
On Thursday morning, Jan.30, the Hillsville team were treated to a private tour of the Governor’s Mansion. The executive mansion has been the home of three Presidents. This home is the oldest continuously occupied of-
RISE: Galax man finalist for award
From Page 8
four distinguished national finalists for the 2025 RISE Award.
"We are thrilled that one of Virginia’s very own was selected as a RISE Award finalist and has received this well-deserved national recognition,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons. "Mr. Horton’s exemplary work and efforts has made a lasting impact on his students and school community. We are grateful to have him represent
Virginia and are thrilled to congratulate him on this remarkable achievement.”
The RISE Award, established by Congress in 2019, honors the outstanding contributions of classified school employees in PreK-12 education. Nominees are selected based on their work performance, community involvement, leadership, and support for students and staff.
With over 27 years of experience in the transportation industry, including 12 years as a Fleet Mechanic at
Galax City Public Schools, Horton exhibits exceptional dedication to both his profession and his school community.
He dedicates his time to his students through summer internships, which provides them valuable hands-on experience, mentorship, and fosters their growth. Beyond his technical expertise, Mr. Horton regularly shares his deep passion and knowledge for beekeeping, teaching students about the vital role that bees play in the environment. His commit-
ment to supporting his colleagues and students made him a standout finalist for this prestigious award and national recognition.
"Mr. Horton's recognition as a Top Five Finalist is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Susan Tilley, Superintendent of Galax City Public Schools. "Jimmy continues to inspire us with his dedication, hard work, and willingness to do whatever it takes to serve the students and staff in Galax City Schools. Jimmy approaches every
situation with the belief that he can make it work, and he always finds a way to do so. Mr. Horton is truly deserving of this recognition.”
"Mr. Horton is a highly respected member of our Maroon Tide family,” said Shelia Ramey, Director of Human Resources and CTE for Galax City Public Schools. "Going above and beyond is second nature to him and he always does so with kindness. His dedication to our students and staff inspires us all."
Bluegrass: Ralph Stanley II to play Galax
From Page 8
bluegrass and country music. Ralph II took lessons on the banjo from his father, beginning at age 3. But at age 5, he picked up the guitar and has never put it down. He began working with his Dad professionally in 1995 and he continues the legacy to this day. Ralph II has 11 No.1 singles and earned his first Grammy with his father in 2002.
Currently, the Clinch Mountain Boys includes Stanley Efaw on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Alex Leach on guitar and vocals, Randall Hibbitts on upright
bass and vocals, Curtis Coleman on banjo and vocals and Ralph II on guitar and lead vocals.
I asked Ralph II if there was a favorite song that his dad performed that he also likes to perform. He said that song would have to be "Rank Stranger.” He sang that song with his dad on the Bill Gaither show and said that is still a very special night to him. As for a favorite song of his own, Ralph II is proud of all of his songs. A fun song that he likes to perform is "Train Songs.”
There are lots of exciting things coming up
this year for the band and their fans. The 54thDr. Ralph Stanley Bluegrass Festival will be held on May 21–May 24 at the Hills of Home Park in McClure. There is onsite camping, food vendors, shower facilities and great, great music the entire time! You can visit www.drralphstanleyfestival.comfor more information about this festival.
Also this year, Ralph II and the Clinch Mountain Boys have been working hard to get a new albumout. It will be out later this year with 12 new songs. If anyone remembers
Ralph’s song "Pretty Polly,” you will want to pay close attention to the first single to be released. It is an answer to the song "Pretty Polly: and it is called "Polly’s Revenge.”
Ralph II said he is excited to be coming in to Galax in just a couple of weeks. He said he and the band have come close to selling out The Rex in the past and he really hopes that they can sell it out this time. He asked that everyone help spread the word so they can have a sold out show! You can visit www.rex.theater. comto purchase your tickets.
Leaders: From Hillsville to Richmond
From Page 10
be at home on this Thursday morning but the tragic plane crash in Washington D.C.
required him to leave. The Youngkin family dogs greeted the guests with open paws and seemed very excited to meet them!
In reflecting on the trip, LeAnna Surratt summed it up with just a few sentences, "These in- person discussions will prove im-
perative in what I like to call ‘putting Hillsville on the map’. No email, phone call, or letter will ever take the place of a face-to-face experi -
ence. I have high expectations from this trip, where our focus was on communicating the excitement for our town’s growth and our unwavering dedication to securing the resources needed to make that happen.”
Golden in the Mountains
Southwest Virginia wrestlers claim every state title at Virginia High
By Jessica Blevins
By the time the final whistle blew and the last hand was raised, the message was clear: Class 1 wrestling belongs to southwest Virginia.
Inside Virginia High’s Bearcat Den, title after title stayed in the mountains.
Alll 14 VHSL Class 1 individual championships were claimed by wrestlers from the region.
Grundy, Rural Retreat and Grayson County swept the top three spots in the team standings and once again, the rest of the state was left chasing.
Grundy led the charge, as it so often does. The Golden Wave added another trophy to their overflowing case, capturing a 10th consecutive state championship and 28th overall with a performance that left little doubt.
Following Grundy’s lead, Rural Retreat and Grayson County added their own exclamation points, filling out the podium with plenty of local power.
Chaz Penwright rolls toward a pin during a regional tournament. To buy this or other
www.swvaphotography.com.
The dominance wasn’t anything new. With most of the state’s smallest schools concentrated in far south -
west Virginia, the region has long been the home of Class 1 wrestling. But that didn’t make the night any
Jill Snider, MSN, CFNP
go
less electric. From dominant pins to technical falls and gritty decisions, the wrestlers on the mat turned a fa-
miliar outcome into a show worth watching.
Grundy’s senior core took the spotlight one final time. Talan Hall (132 pounds), Shaiem Gordon (157), Carson Deel (165) and Wyatt Bush (215) closed out their high school careers as state champions, each adding one last title to the Golden Wave’s legacy. Juniors Talon Looney (190) and Luke Shelton (285) kept the run going, giving Grundy six gold medals and another banner to hang.
Rural Retreat wasn’t far behind, going a perfect 3-0 in head-to-head finals against Grundy. Houston Bear (106), Caleb Gibson (120) and Chaz Penwright (144) each stood atop the podium after clutch performances that helped the Indians lock in second place. Grayson County made sure its presence was felt as well. Caleb Thompson (126) and Aaron Peterson (150) both won by pin in their fi-
Etthan C. Miller, FNP-BC
Grayson grappler takes back-to-back gold
Grayson County’s Isabella Hill earned her second state title at the VHSL girls state wrestling tournament held at Glen Allen, Virginia.
Hill, who secured her first title last season, repeated with a win at 138 pounds.
After opening with an 18-0 tech fall over Courtland’s Chloe Boseman, Hill picked up a quick pin over Westfield’s Stephanie Rodriguez.
In the semifinals, Hill claimed a 10-1 decision over Abigail DeBerry of Stafford Senior High.
In the finals, Hill pinned Sydney Ogburn of Dinwiddie County in the first period.
Freshman Alliya Walker also made the podium, taking second at 100 pounds.
After a first-period pin over Amiya Walker of Louisa County, Al -
liya Walker picked up a 16-0 tech fall over Gurleen Khattra of Brentsville District. In the semifinals, Walker continued to roll, posting a 16-0 tech fall win over Orange County’s Kaitlyn Turner.
In the finals, Walker dropped a hardfought 3-2 decision to Prince George’s Sydney Branch.
Chilhowie’s 145-pounder finished sixth at the VHSL girls state wrestling tournament held at Glen Allen, Virginia.
Josie Couch opened up her two-day tournament with a pin over Alexandra Schmidt of Stafford Senior High. In the quarterfinals, Couch was sent to the back of the bracket by a pinfall loss to Hana Coutts of Oakton.
In the consolations, Couch pinned Jack -
nals, giving the Blue Devils two champions and a third-place team finish.
Honaker’s Hunter Dye (113) and Eastside’s Nick Ward (138) added to the title haul, helping Southwest Virginia leave little doubt about who runs Class 1.
At 175 pounds, where Giles’ John Smith edged Grundy’s Brody Ford in a tight battle.
Delayed a week by winter weather and relocated from the Salem Civic Center to Bristol, the tournament stretched deep into the night. But the change in plans didn’t slow the region’s best.
One match after another, gold stayed home.
son Barnett of Radford and Nijah McLean of Potomac Falls before losing by pin to Lord Botetourt’s Serenity Shearer. In the fight for fifth, Couch lost by
And when the final match ended in the early hours of Sunday morning, the numbers told the story: 14 of 14
pin to Lanesha Boone of Churchland.
Four Carroll County wrestlers represented the Cavaliers at the VHSL girls state wrestling tournament held
last week at Glen Allen, Virginia
At 100 pounds, Alivia Hanshaw kicked off her tournament with a pin over William Monroe’s Alexis Esquivel. In the quarterfinals, Hanshaw fell by pin to Sarina Gunn of Woodbridge Senior High. Hanshaw bounced back with a pin over Radford’s McKenzie Leighton and then lost 14-0 to Madison County’s Juliet Lamb.
Chloe Wall, wrestling at 107 pounds, fell by pins to Betsy Polanco of Rock Ridge and Jennah ElBardicy of George C. Marshall.
The Cav’s 120-pounder, Kadence King, lost by pins to Caylie Frazier of Orange County and Avery Mattison of Ocean Lakes.
At 132 pounds, Aubrey Hanshaw dropped
state titles, the top three teams, and another year of dominance from a region that has made Class 1 wres-
tling its own.
a 19-2 tech fall to Layla Espinosa of Courtland and lost an 8-4 decision to Woodson High’s Danielle Hyder.
Olivia Scott, the 114-pounder for Fort Chiswell competed last week in the VHSL girls state wrestling tournament at Glen Allen, Virginia.
Scott fell by 17-1 tech fall to Brynan Hildebrand of Buffalo Gap and by a 17-0 tech fall to Kimora Mervilus of Bayside.
Bland County’s 132-pound wrestler competed at the VHSL girls state tournament held this week in Glen Allen, Virginia.
Kendell Wyrick fell by pin to J.R. Tucker’s Isabella Le and lost 9-1 to Hailey Funkhouser of Stonewall Jackson High School.
George Wythe sweeps regional titles
Reed Kirtner finished the regional finals with a double-double, draining 27 points and hauling down 11 rebounds to lead the George Wythe Maroons to a 75-57 win over Parry McCluer. Somewhere in those shots was the
one that propelled Kirtner to the honor of being George Wythe’s alltime leading scorer.
Parry McCluer, for a brief bit there in the first quarter actually led the Maroons by one point. By the second, though, GW
had erased that deficit and gone ahead by four. After the break, the Maroon continued to press the PM boys, wrapping things up with a 24-16 run in the final frame.
David Goode dropped in 17 points for the
Maroons. Kirtner and Goode each stroked a pair of treys for the victors.
The win means GW will play Chilhowie in the state quarterfinals.
The Lady Maroons also secured a regional title, taking out Fort
Chiswell one more time, this time 47-39.
The GW girls got off to a strong start, nabbing an early six-point advantage that would last through the half, when the Maroons tacked on one more point.
Defense was key for the Lady Maroons, who held Fort Chiswell standout Blair Jackson to just 10 points. Makaylan Luttrell led GW with 12.
The GW girls will host J.I. Burton in the state quarterfinals.
VHSL to comply with Executive Order
The Virginia High School League announced the Executive Committee voted to bring the League in compliance with the Executive Order "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports." The Executive Order limits competition in girls' sports to students assigned female at birth only. This is effective immediately. "The VHSL is an association comprising 318 member schools with more than 177,000 students participating yearly in sports and academic activities. The VHSL is the governing body, and our member schools look to and rely on the VHSL for policy and guidance.
Local Extension Agents recognized after hurricane
The Virginia Agribusiness Council has recognized the dedicated service of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) agents in the wake of Hurricane Helene with the 2025 Land Grant University Award. The award acknowledges agents from the 21 counties of Extension’s Southwest District for their extraordinary leadership and tireless efforts to help their communities recover from the hurricane’s devastation.
The recognition came as a surprise for the 450 people attending Virginia Cooperative Extension’s recent winter conference at the Inn at Virginia Tech.
Jim Riddell, a retired Extension leader and longtime agent, took the podium under the guise of sharing an account of Extension’s history. Instead, Riddell, who is also vice president of the Virginia Agribusiness Council’s board of directors, presented the agents with the Land Grant University Award.
As he called the Southwest District agents to the stage to receive the award, the audience gave them a standing ovation. Grayson County Extension Agent Kevin Spurlin said he was overcome with emotion. "The emotions came from knowing that the Southwest Virginia Extension agents responded to the crisis not for recognition, but because our communities needed
To that end, the VHSL will comply with the Executive Order," said VHSL Executive Director Dr. John W. "Billy" Haun, Ed.D. "The compliance will provide membership clear and consistent direction."
The Executive Commit-
tee also directed staff to immediately propose policy changes in the form of emergency legislation to comply with the Executive Order. Staff will adjust the language to the VHSL Handbook and Policy Manual in the coming days.
Radford University honor rolls
Radford University has released its Dean's List for Fall 2024. Appearing on the Dean's List is the most prestigious academic recognition RU students can receive for their performance during a semester.
Students will be placed on the Dean's List if they meet four specific criteria. They must have 12 semester hours of coursework graded A-F; earn GPA's of at least 3.4 for courses not graded on a pass-fail basis; obtain no grade lower than "C"; and receive no incomplete grades.
Those honored include Hallie Davis, Amy Mead -
ows and Keri Wynegar, all of Bland; Joshua Havens, Gabriella Stinson and John Stinson, all of Rocky Gap; and Taylor Sarver of Bastian; Kaylyn Baggett, Wyatt Hall and Rachel Musser, all of Atkins; Tucker Blevins, Jacob Conner, Ashley Douglas, Haley Freeman, Matisyn Hutton, Haylee Keck, Chana King, Ken Morris, Britney Poston, Riley Russell and Alexa Yingling, all of Marion; Lakyn Burchett, Dylan Carter, Richard Gonzalez, Catherine Schleife and Ava Tuell, all of Saltville; Brian Cooper, Jenna Mutter and Ethan Terry, all of Chilhow-
ie; Katie Alderman, Erica Hernandez, Tyler Mims and Seth Robbins, all of Barren Springs; Nathan Barton, Nicholas Barton, Johnee Bentley, Cody Duncan, Amber Gordon, Alexis McAllister, Ashleigh Merritt, Brelyn Moore, Lacy Sullivan and Branson Turner, all of Rural Retreat; Nathanael Beaver of Cripple Creek; Benson Blevins, Haley Carter, Michael Clark, Aimee Cutler, Lianna Dillon, Autumn Dillow, Juliana Doby, Jasmine Faulkner, Chloe Golliher; Thomas Hundley, Sydney Leonard, Abigail Long, Keily Monday, Colton Mooney,
Tara Patterson, Patricia Richardson, Michael Rodgers, Kelly Scott, Samara Sheffey, Ethan Tickle, Samuel Wilner and Camille Wolfe, all of Wytheville; Jacob Fitzgerald, Samantha Greer, Trinity Groseclose, Alissa Moffitt, Haley Newberry, James Parks, Trenton Taylor, Seth Wolfe and Jessica Wright, all of Max Meadows; Makayla Mabry of Ivanhoe; and Emily Snyder of Crocket; And Grace Addison, Brooke Blevins, William Dorton, Jaiden Flanary, John Godfrey, Abby Hawkins, Andrew Newman, Olivia Opper, Mor-
Gift: Smyth County birthday
From Page 3
Besides wheelchairs, the organization provides other mobility equipment, such as standers, gait trainers, and walkers. They also assist with small home modifications, like widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, and provide entrance and exit ramps and bathroom remodels for roll-in showers. They can even subsidize the addition of small lifts to modified vehicles, enabling unoccupied
wheelchairs to be properly transported.
"Even though power chairs are often obtained through insurance, families are often faced with only being able to use the power chair inside their homes or on the school bus,” Shaw noted. "These are problems we try to solve.”
Shaw says she has learned about the endless variety of individual equipment needs for every person. No two cases are the same, so there is no blue-
print for mobility equipment.
"The pric es of these equipment modifications are astounding,” she said. "They are unnecessarily high simply because they are for special needs.”
"People don’t know how to interact with people with disabilities,” she added.
"They don’t understand that they’re just like everyone else. I enjoy getting to be an advocate for them to help break the barrier between the disabled com -
Extension: Agent
From Page 4
us,” Spurlin said. "We were there helping our clients who are also our neighbors, family, and friends. We expended so much of ourselves over the last
four months, and all of that came out during the awards presentation.”
Riddell then recognizedDan Goerlich, Extension’s associate director for
economy, communities, and food, with a Land Grant University Award for his outstanding service to Virginia agribusiness.
munity and the rest of the world.”
In closing, Shaw mentioned the Guardians of the Wheel Kids Club, where donors can set up automatic monthly donations to the program, starting at a minimum of $10.
As for Mikey, he plans to celebrate his birthday by hosting a Wheelchairs 4 Kids fundraiser party. For more information on the organization and how to donate, visitwww.wheelchairs4kids.org.
gan Rife and Ella Woods, all of Abingdon; Audrey Allen of Glade Spring; Claudia Booher; Kolby Felty, Makayla Hart, Kelleigh Messick and Kaitlyn Woodby, all of Bristol, Virginia; Zoe Carter of Meadowview; and Matthew Rose of Damascus.
