A Moneta family is facing an unimaginable loss after a fire and smoke tore through their home in the early hours of Dec. 8. What was once a place filled with memories is now reduced to rubble, leaving the Grimes family with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

The holiday season is all about giving, and a non-profit in Moneta is ensuring that all families feel the joy of Christmas. The Agape Center’s Angel Tree program is making a difference for families who may otherwise struggle to provide gifts for their children. This initiative is giving parents the chance to select gifts for their kids at no cost, helping create memories that will last a lifetime.

The 33rd annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour is happening this weekend, and you’ll have the chance to check out beautiful homes with stunning views.

Pirate Days has events all weekend long at Bridgewater Marina and Goodhue Marina at Blackwater, formerly Crazy Horse Marina.

The Department of Wildlife Resources is urging safe boating ahead of the Fourth of July: avoid alcohol, wear life jackets, and remember, "throw, don’t go."

A federal grand jury in Roanoke returned an indictment Thursday, charging a Moneta man with child sexual exploitation, stalking, and possession of child pornography in relation to his leadership role of a group of people who extort and “swat” people online, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days will remain at Crazy Horse Marina, now known as Goodhue Boat Company at Blackwater.

Wind Vineyards is planning to open its second location in Moneta this summer.

Hearts are heavy in Bedford County after the passing of a local firefighter.

A 71-year-old man is facing charges after a shooting in Bedford County Monday, according to the sheriff’s office.

A Bedford County firefighter is fighting for his life as he battles cancer.

The Ospreys came to play in their matchup against the Celtics.

The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two people after they stole two vehicles and multiple valuable items from a home in Moneta on Wednesday.

G.W. Danville took the win Friday night, 28-14.

The Franklin County community is remembering a four-legged member of the Sheriff's Office.

Thank you for submitting your sunset photos through Pin It.

Everything worked out in the end for a dog that almost lost its vision.

A special event is being held this weekend in support of veterans.

The Smith Mountain Lake Association is hosting a town hall meeting Thursday, July 6 to discuss the health of Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Lake Association is hosting its signature event, A Day At the Lake. This is a free and interactive event that the whole family can enjoy.

A man is dead after he drowned at Smith Mountain Lake, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

You can meet over a dozen adoptable animals that are looking for their forever home.

Crews are responding to a ‘large brush fire’ in Bedford County, according to the Huddleston Volunteer Fire Department.

The Bedford Fire Department says around 6:49 a.m. on Wednesday, crews responded to multiple reports of a residential structure fire in Moneta.

Lord Botetourt won against Staunton River 41-14.

Bring your spoons and your appetite to Bridgewater Marina on Saturday, Nov. 5 for the 19th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Chili Festival.

“The Woods Have Eyes” is the theme of this year’s Zombie Survival Walk.

It’s time to announce our 3 Degree Guarantee recipient!

Bedford County churches, businesses and people in the community came together to give the Durham family a new home nine months after theirs was destroyed in a fire.

Alleghany's Garrett Via didn't led the road trip to Staunton River stop him from dominating the game.

A new area is opening for lake-goers soon, just in time for the fall season.

The event’s proceeds will support programs and services that assist people in the area that are struggling with poverty, the release said.

Get ready to walk to the plank because Pirates are taking over Smith Mountain Lake this weekend.

Water balloons aren’t the treasure you want to leave behind as you could end up facing fines and punishment.

Thanks to Melina for sending us today’s Picture of the Day from Moneta.

The Department of Wildlife Resources has identified the man whose body was found in a Bedford County lake at about 6:30 p.m. Monday.

The Colonels notched another Blue Ridge District road victory on Tuesday night.

The Golden Eagles have eleven student-athletes headed to the next level.

The second annual HeRow Expo is raising money for Kayce Bradfield from Moneta, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

Two people are in the hospital after a car flipped over in Moneta, according to the Moneta Volunteer Fire Department.

An 18-year-old woman lost her life after crashing in Franklin County Thursday night, according to Virginia State Police.

Before this season, the last time the Golden Eagles took the court for a game was in February of 2020.

Two men have been arrested following a robbery and fatal shooting in Moneta, according to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office.

A woman is dead after a crash in Bedford County on Monday morning, according to Virginia State Police.

Amanda Ostrander with MKB Realtors gives us a look at this home

As the 75-year-old sifted through the rubble, strangers stopped by to pray, giving him cards and money.

A dog is dead and a firefighter is in the hospital after a fire in Moneta.

Five citizens and three firefighters are in the hospital following a large house fire in Moneta, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities report that 36-year-old Matthew Carl Maffei, of Jacksonville, Florida, has been found safe.

A 25-year-old woman died in a crash in Franklin County, according to Virginia State Police.

Smith Mountain Lake saw a lot of traffic on Labor Day. The weather was perfect for boating, playing a game of mini golf, or even enjoying a meal outside. The holiday brought in a good deal of foot traffic for businesses on the lakefront, which gave it a very different look than last year.

Thanks to Madeleine for sending us today’s Picture of the Day from Moneta.

Thanks to Amy for sending us today's Picture of the Day from Moneta!

Conservation Police are reminding boaters to be safe on the water Memorial Day weekend.

10 News is working for you, making sure you can enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend while on the water.

A new veteran-owned farm in Moneta is revamping traditional farming with advanced technology to serve up the freshest greens all year long.

Spend less to eat local during the very first Smith Mountain Lake Restaurant Week. This two-week-long event has a list of more than 25 participating restaurants stretching from Moneta to Franklin County, even in Roanoke County.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has given the all-clear after a bomb threat at the Bojangles near Smith Mountain Lake.

Producing a variety of grains, Johnson helps run her husband’s 500-acre family farm of more than 100 years old in Moneta. Ninety percent of Virginia farms are owned by families or individuals, according to Virginia Farm Bureau. Now, she said about 140 farmers have received a dose, although other farmers still show hesitation. “A lot of farmers think, ‘Well, I just stay here on my farm I don’t interact with people,’” Johnson said. They can be exposed.”AdTherefore, Johnson encourages farmers to take charge of their health because they are the backbone of society.

Thanks to Chris from Moneta for sending us today’s Picture of the Day!

CJ’s Coffee and Sandwich Shop in Moneta has all that and then some. Now, the ‘Best of Smith Mountain Lake’ results are in, showing that the sky is the limit for this small shop. Owner, Christopher Genna, humbly lists off , “Best coffee, best breakfast, best lunch, best sandwich, customer service, bakery and catering too” as the awards they took home. I learned different recipes, tweaked things and made them my own. We offer a variety of different coffee and blends too.”If you’re feeling seconds, go back for lunch.

MONETA, Va – After serving the community for more than 40 years, the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is finally getting a home of its own. Thursday the Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department broke ground on the future site of the department’s very first station. “This will help tremendously with central location because right now we’re storing our equipment at different locations all across the lake,” Ohlerich said. “We do help a lot of people you know Smith Mountain Lake is very unique, we are the only one in the country that has an all-volunteer Marine base ISO certified Fire Department,” Volunteer Ray Talley said. The department hopes to have the building complete by the end of the year continuing to keep the Smith Mountain Lake community safe.

Taylor’s husband, 84-year-old Donald Taylor, was at the house and admitted to killing his wife. MONETA, Va. – Feb. 24, 2021 updateDonald Taylor died from COVID-19 complications, according to the Medical Examiner’s office in Roanoke. Feb. 19, 2021 UpdateAn 84-year-old man who “woke up that morning and knew he was going to kill his wife” has died. Donald Taylor died on Feb. 8, 2021, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital while released on medical furlough, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. 84-year-old Donald Taylor called 911 Thursday just after 8 a.m. to report the homicide after he killed his wife, 82-year-old Clara Taylor, according to warrants obtained by 10 News.

MONETA, Va. – Crews responded to a house fire in the Snug Harbor area of Moneta on Monday night. The occupants of the house on Spinnaker Way were able to get out safely, according to Bedford County authorities at the scene. As of 11:30 p.m., the fire was still burning, but crews had it under control. At this time, it’s not clear what caused the fire. The investigation is ongoing.

MONETA, Va. – In the aftermath of heavy rain that caused flooding across the region, docks across Smith Mountain Lake were still submerged Friday. Business and property owners at the lake found themselves, once again, cleaning up from severe flooding. The marina’s maintenance manager, Michael Dixe, said he’s never seen the lake quite like this. “I’ve seen water rise, but I didn’t see it rise this quick in that short of time," said Dixe. Boat owners are asked to stay out of the water and off the docks until the lake recedes.

MONETA, Va. – With Halloween looking a little different this year, Roanoke Airsoft decided to create a zombie-survival-themed haunted trail at their field in Moneta. Roanoke Airsoft hosts military simulations every weekend, so they know a thing or two about making an experience as realistic as possible and this haunted event will be no different. For about a month, Roanoke Airsoft has worked to create fake blood, guts and other props for actors and mannequins. As you walk through the 21-acre trail zombies will come out and try to attack you. Roanoke Airsoft supplies you with an airsoft gun to shoot the zombies with.

MONETA, Va. – A Bedford man is facing charges after authorities say he stole a trimmer from a local hardware store. On Oct. 2, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office says it received a call that a Stihl String Trimmer had been stolen from Moneta Farm and Home Center. Deputies say they received tips on the theft throughout the weekend and investigators were able to identify and arrest a suspect. Ronald Allen of Bedford has been charged with one count of petit larceny in connection to the theft, and authorities say other charges may be pending.

MONETA, Va. Who knew you could find a zonkey, zorse and farm animals all in the same place here in southwest Virginia? Spring Valley Farm in Moneta has been around since the 1980s and prides itself in educating the community on animals and agriculture. From horseback riding lessons to petting zoos and trail rides, Spring Valley Farm has multiple activities for you to interact with all types of animals from all over the world. @... Posted by Spring Valley Farm on Wednesday, August 26, 2020The couple wants Spring Valley Farm to be that one place people can still learn and cherish agriculture and the sweet animals that come with it. For Spring Valley Farms number and information on the activities offered, click here.

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Authorities are searching for the man they say robbed a Moneta convenience store on Thursday. The robber walked into Lakers Country Store on Moneta Road wearing a red-and-black bucket hat and a blue bandana. He demanded money, according to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. The robber is believed to be somewhere between 5 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-586-7827.

One Bedford County high school student has learned to paint from watching a legend. “School closed and I wasn’t really doing much, because I figured we were going to go back to school,” Terry said. “Dad was sitting there watching Bob Ross and I decided to watch it with him,” said Terry. “He definitely says in order to get better you have to practice, so I wasn’t satisfied with my very first painting,” Terry said. “I really enjoy watching him and then getting an idea from what he did and painting my own thing,” Terry said.

So I called T.J.Hes referring to T.J. Tester another dominant force from Staunton River and lifelong friend, who had a season under his belt at Emory and Henry. ? He said, are you serious? and I said, Yeah Im pretty serious, Overstreet said. Tester said Grayson is no really happy at Richmond. And I said, Well we can make him happy at Emory, said Emory and Henry head football coach Curt Newsome. Thus the door was open for this Golden Eagle to soar once again in Southwest, Virginia. A dynamic duo, teammates and lifelong friends ready to create quite the buzz in the Wasps backfield-- in due time.

Amanda Ostrander from MKB Realtors gives us a look inside 40 Golf Villa, in Moneta. The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies.

MONETA, Va. As the weather heats up, a lot of us are going to the lakes. Thats why we visited a joint thats been there nearly two decades. The Blackwater Cafe has been in Moneta since the mid-2000s. Growing up, I was always in the kitchen cooking and dreaming to be a chef.Her dream is now a reality. Now, shes satisfying sweet teeth with a chocolate chip cookie recipe that dates back a few decades.

MONETA, Va. – Virginia State Police have issued a Senior Alert for Sonya Babiy Riche. The 80-year-old was last seen Saturday afternoon, July 11 leaving her home on Larboard Drive in Moneta, Virginia traveling to Cary, North Carolina. Riche is 5 foot 2 inches, weighing 148 pounds with hazel eyes and gray hair. According to the alert, Richie suffers from cognitive impairment and the disappearance poses a credible threat to her health and safety. Please contact the Virginia State Police Salem division with any information regarding her whereabouts at (540) 380-5700.

While that’s good news for some businesses at Smith Mountain Lake this Memorial Day, it’s far from business as usual. For many, spending Memorial Day at Smith Mountain Lake is a summertime tradition, but this year, it's an experience that's anything but traditional. “It’s just nice to get out of the house and see other people out of the house,” said Brittany Massey, who’s visiting the lake. It feels really great,” said Sheila Mohab, who’s also visiting the lake. On top of the bathing suits and boats, hitting the lake comes with a few more essentials this year.

Moneta, Va – Several crews are on the scene of a barn fire in the 4000 block of Joppa Mill Road in Bedford. At least two agencies including the Moneta and Bedford Fire Departments are working to put out flamesThis is a developing story, WSLS has a crew on the way and is working to learn more information.

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – A Bedford County college freshman is getting support as she battles cancer. Family, friends and community members stopped by Radford Baptist Church in Moneta on Friday to offer prayers and well wishes for Hope Mullins. They wanted to get together in a big group, but instead had a drive-by prayer vigil because of the virus outbreak. Mullins has spent the last few months in treatment at UVA and St. Jude’s for a tumor on her brain. The church said Mullins’ family is incredibly appreciative of all the support they’ve received.

For Smith Mountain Lake, it means missing the Memorial Day kickoff to summer. Instead of promoting the lake as a destination, Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce executive director Christopher Finley said they're now shifting priorities to help small businesses navigate the crisis. Smith Mountain Lake has always been a welcoming destination and will always be. The #StrongerTogetherSML social media campaign is targeted at encouraging small businesses to share tips and best practices on how to survive in this climate. They’re also encouraging people to continue supporting small businesses through delivery and takeout at restaurants, buying gift cards and shopping online.

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Authorities arrested a 61-year-old Moneta man believed to be responsible for different sex crimes on Monday. Ralph Lonas Jr. faces the following charges:Two counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child under the age of 13One count of taking indecent liberties of a child under the age of 15One count of forcible sodomy of a child less than the age of 13Lonas is being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail in Bedford without bond. This is an ongoing investigation, with further charges possible, according to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office.

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – A Moneta woman is facing DUI manslaughter and felony child neglect charges in connection with an August 2019 crash that left a man dead. Credille is charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter, driving while intoxicated and two counts of felony child neglect. In August 2019, Credille was driving on Route 122 in Bedford County when she crossed the center line and hit a pickup truck, according to Virginia State Police. The driver of the pickup truck, 83-year-old William Keeney, of Moneta, died at the scene, according to state police. A 2-year-old passenger and 8-year-old passenger also were transported to a hospital, according to state police.

MONETA, Va. - If you love local wine or maybe you just want to find a new favorite, you may want to stop by the annual Smith Mountain Lake Festival this weekend. The celebration features more than 30 Virginia wineries and a brewery along the lake at Crazy Horse Marina in Moneta. The two-day festival isn't just about alcoholic beverages, there will be 50 craft artisans, food vendors and live music. It's the reason Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce puts it on every year. "We have new people that come in every year and they get exposed to Smith Mountain Lake for the first time and all these wonderful Virginia wineries that we have and then we have people who come back year after year.

MONETA, Va. – 'Fear the Wing' racked up a pair of 13 win seasons and a state runner-up finish in the past two football campaigns out in Moneta. Monday departing coach Chuck Poston watched five players from his stellar squad moving on. The senior class has 36 wins in four seasons and a state runner-up finish in 2016. You get your chance to bring kids into your program and to see them grow, and not just as football players but as young men. Tester, Kirtley and Haner were all captains on the 2017 squad.

After the April 15 storms, there are now six confirmed tornadoes in the StormTeam 10 viewing area. The most recent was confirmed Thursday evening in Moneta and was categorized as an EF-1 tornado. This now takes the tally up to four EF-1 tornadoes. One of the tornadoes confirmed was an EF-0 in Amherst County. The most dangerous of the six was the EF-3 tornado that started on Timberlake Rd., moved through Lynchburg and north into Amherst County.

MONETA – Natalie and Brittany are at JJ's Meat Shak in Downtown Moneta trying some of their best cuts, sauces and sides.

Moneta (WSLS-10 Sports)- "Fear the Wing" is sending four players to the next level. Coach Chuck Poston's 13-2 state runner up football squad sends defensive end Terrance Drew to Virginia Union, lineman Thomas Sheets and linebacker Jordan Thompson to Ferrum and center Patrick Esarey to Bridgewater College. The Golden Eagles won a conference championship, regional championship, and finished as the VHSL 3A state runner up this past season. "I didn't start my freshman, sophomore, or junior year-- I finally started my senior year at Staunton River it was a blessing to be able to start. I worked hard all summer long to finally get where I'm at now," explains Terrance Drew.