INSIDER
โThrow, Donโt Goโ: Lifesaving tips for boating emergencies
Read full article: โThrow, Donโt Goโ: Lifesaving tips for boating emergenciesThe Department of Wildlife Resources is urging safe boating ahead of the Fourth of July: avoid alcohol, wear life jackets, and remember, "throw, donโt go."
Moneta man charged with child exploitation, stalking, possession of child pornography
Read full article: Moneta man charged with child exploitation, stalking, possession of child pornographyA 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 โswatโ people online, according to the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.
Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days returns to original location after change in ownership
Read full article: Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days returns to original location after change in ownershipSmith Mountain Lake Pirate Days will remain at Crazy Horse Marina, now known as Goodhue Boat Company at Blackwater.
Bedford authorities searching for two suspects, stolen vehicle after armed robbery in Moneta
Read full article: Bedford authorities searching for two suspects, stolen vehicle after armed robbery in MonetaThe Bedford County Sheriffโs Office is searching for two people after they stole two vehicles and multiple valuable items from a home in Moneta on Wednesday.
Smith Mountain Lake Association to host town discussion on health of the lake
Read full article: Smith Mountain Lake Association to host town discussion on health of the lakeThe 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 hosting a free and interactive โDay at the Lakeโ
Read full article: Smith Mountain Lake Association hosting a free and interactive โDay at the LakeโSmith 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.
Smith Mountain Lake getting ready to celebrate the 19th Annual Chili Festival
Read full article: Smith Mountain Lake getting ready to celebrate the 19th Annual Chili FestivalBring your spoons and your appetite to Bridgewater Marina on Saturday, Nov. 5 for the 19th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Chili Festival.
โI thank God every day:โ Moneta family gifted new home nine months after house fire
Read full article: โI thank God every day:โ Moneta family gifted new home nine months after house fireBedford 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.
Get ready to walk to the plank because Pirates are taking over Smith Mountain Lake this weekend
Read full article: Get ready to walk to the plank because Pirates are taking over Smith Mountain Lake this weekendGet ready to walk to the plank because Pirates are taking over Smith Mountain Lake this weekend.
โItโs to help families like oursโ: HeRow Expo raising money for Moneta toddler fighting rare cancer
Read full article: โItโs to help families like oursโ: HeRow Expo raising money for Moneta toddler fighting rare cancerThe second annual HeRow Expo is raising money for Kayce Bradfield from Moneta, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.
4 residents, 3 firefighters hospitalized after large house fire in Franklin County
Read full article: 4 residents, 3 firefighters hospitalized after large house fire in Franklin CountyFive citizens and three firefighters are in the hospital following a large house fire in Moneta, according to the Franklin County Sheriffโs Office.
Smith Mountain Lake businesses hope to stay busy as summer comes to an end
Read full article: Smith Mountain Lake businesses hope to stay busy as summer comes to an endSmith 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.
First Smith Mountain Lake Restaurant Week underway
Read full article: First Smith Mountain Lake Restaurant Week underwaySpend 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.
Authorities believe someone falsely called a bomb threat in at Moneta Bojangles
Read full article: Authorities believe someone falsely called a bomb threat in at Moneta BojanglesThe Franklin County Sheriffโs Office has given the all-clear after a bomb threat at the Bojangles near Smith Mountain Lake.
Vaccinating the people who feed our families: farmers
Read full article: Vaccinating the people who feed our families: farmersProducing a variety of grains, Johnson helps run her husbandโs 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. โA lot of farmers think, โWell, I just stay here on my farm I donโt interact with people,โโ Johnson said. They can be exposed.โAdTherefore, Johnson encourages farmers to take charge of their health because they are the backbone of society.
Tasty Tuesday: CJโs Coffee and Sandwich Shop keeps racking up awards
Read full article: Tasty Tuesday: CJโs Coffee and Sandwich Shop keeps racking up awardsCJโs Coffee and Sandwich Shop in Moneta has all that and then some. Now, the โBest of Smith Mountain Lakeโ results are in, showing that the sky is the limit for this small shop. Owner, Christopher Genna, humbly lists off , โBest coffee, best breakfast, best lunch, best sandwich, customer service, bakery and catering tooโ 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.โIf youโre feeling seconds, go back for lunch.
Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department breaks ground on new station site
Read full article: Smith Mountain Lake Marine Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department breaks ground on new station siteMONETA, Va โ 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 departmentโs very first station. โThis will help tremendously with central location because right now weโre storing our equipment at different locations all across the lake,โ Ohlerich said. โWe 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,โ 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.
84-year-old man who admitted to killing his wife near Smith Mountain Lake died from COVID-19 complications
Read full article: 84-year-old man who admitted to killing his wife near Smith Mountain Lake died from COVID-19 complicationsTaylorโs husband, 84-year-old Donald Taylor, was at the house and admitted to killing his wife. MONETA, Va. โ Feb. 24, 2021 updateDonald Taylor died from COVID-19 complications, according to the Medical Examinerโs office in Roanoke. Feb. 19, 2021 UpdateAn 84-year-old man who โwoke up that morning and knew he was going to kill his wifeโ has died. Donald Taylor died on Feb. 8, 2021, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital while released on medical furlough, according to the Franklin County Sheriffโs 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.
Investigation underway after house fire in Moneta
Read full article: Investigation underway after house fire in MonetaMONETA, Va. โ 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, itโs not clear what caused the fire. The investigation is ongoing.
'This is a sight to seeโ: Smith Mountain Lake business, property owners clean up after flooding
Read full article: 'This is a sight to seeโ: Smith Mountain Lake business, property owners clean up after floodingMONETA, Va. โ 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 marinaโs maintenance manager, Michael Dixe, said heโs never seen the lake quite like this. โIโve seen water rise, but I didnโt 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.
Celebrate Halloween at a Zombie Survival Haunted Trail
Read full article: Celebrate Halloween at a Zombie Survival Haunted TrailMONETA, Va. โ 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.
Man arrested after authorities say he stole trimmer from Bedford County hardware store
Read full article: Man arrested after authorities say he stole trimmer from Bedford County hardware storeMONETA, Va. โ A Bedford man is facing charges after authorities say he stole a trimmer from a local hardware store. On Oct. 2, the Bedford County Sheriffโs 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.
Get the kids playing and learning outside with animals at Spring Valley Farm
Read full article: Get the kids playing and learning outside with animals at Spring Valley FarmMONETA, 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.
Bucket hat bandit robs Bedford County convenience store
Read full article: Bucket hat bandit robs Bedford County convenience storeBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ 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 Sheriffโs 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 Sheriffโs Office at 540-586-7827.
Happy little hobby: Bedford County teen learns to paint watching Bob Ross
Read full article: Happy little hobby: Bedford County teen learns to paint watching Bob RossOne Bedford County high school student has learned to paint from watching a legend. โSchool closed and I wasnโt really doing much, because I figured we were going to go back to school,โ Terry said. โDad was sitting there watching Bob Ross and I decided to watch it with him,โ said Terry. โHe definitely says in order to get better you have to practice, so I wasnโt satisfied with my very first painting,โ Terry said. โI really enjoy watching him and then getting an idea from what he did and painting my own thing,โ Terry said.
Former Golden Eagle spreading his wings at Emory & Henry
Read full article: Former Golden Eagle spreading his wings at Emory & HenrySo 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.
This home is fit for vacations by the lake
Read full article: This home is fit for vacations by the lakeAmanda 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.
TASTY TUESDAY: The Blackwater Cafe offers variety, quality for lake-goers
Read full article: TASTY TUESDAY: The Blackwater Cafe offers variety, quality for lake-goersMONETA, 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.
Senior alert issued for 80-year-old Moneta woman traveling to NC
Read full article: Senior alert issued for 80-year-old Moneta woman traveling to NCMONETA, Va. โ 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.
Summerโs unofficial start looks different than normal at Smith Mountain Lake
Read full article: Summerโs unofficial start looks different than normal at Smith Mountain LakeWhile thatโs good news for some businesses at Smith Mountain Lake this Memorial Day, itโs 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. โItโs just nice to get out of the house and see other people out of the house,โ said Brittany Massey, whoโs visiting the lake. It feels really great,โ said Sheila Mohab, whoโs also visiting the lake. On top of the bathing suits and boats, hitting the lake comes with a few more essentials this year.
Crews on scene at Bedford barn fire
Read full article: Crews on scene at Bedford barn fireMoneta, Va โ 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 church rallies around teen in cancer fight
Read full article: Bedford County church rallies around teen in cancer fightBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ 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. Judeโs for a tumor on her brain. The church said Mullinsโ family is incredibly appreciative of all the support theyโve received.
Stay-at-home order forcing a delayed start to Smith Mountain Lake busy season
Read full article: Stay-at-home order forcing a delayed start to Smith Mountain Lake busy seasonFor 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. Theyโre also encouraging people to continue supporting small businesses through delivery and takeout at restaurants, buying gift cards and shopping online.
Moneta man arrested on 4 child sex charges
Read full article: Moneta man arrested on 4 child sex chargesBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ 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 Sheriffโs Office.
Moneta woman charged with DUI manslaughter, child neglect from August fatal crash
Read full article: Moneta woman charged with DUI manslaughter, child neglect from August fatal crashBEDFORD COUNTY, Va. โ 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.
Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival highlights local wine industry
Read full article: Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival highlights local wine industryMONETA, 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.
Staunton River football sends 5 to college ranks
Read full article: Staunton River football sends 5 to college ranksMONETA, Va. โ '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.
Six tornadoes confirmed after April 15 storms
Read full article: Six tornadoes confirmed after April 15 stormsAfter 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.
Staunton River Sends Four to Next Level
Read full article: Staunton River Sends Four to Next LevelMoneta (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.