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Betty Lou Campbell Nicely Wall

COVINGTON — Betty Lou Campbell Nicely Wall peacefully departed her earthly body May 8, 2025, in Covington, to join the Lord and loved ones who have gone on before her. Born Aug. 23, 1967, in Staunton, Betty was adopted by parents Ralph and Reba Nicely when she was two years old and grew up near Clifton Forge. She later lived in Roanoke before eventually returning to Covington. She is survived by her husband, F. Raymond Wall; cherished sons, F. A…Monterey · Monterey Read Article

Homeland Security warrant unsealed

MONTEREY — Wednesday morning, Highland County Circuit Court Judge Correy Smith dismissed all charges related to possession of child pornography and bestiality against Peter Lee Bucker and Alyshia Marie Burleigh after all evidence collected was suppressed due to faulty execution of the search warrant and affidavit. Burleigh was charged with 66 counts of knowingly possessing child pornography and two counts of knowingly engaging in sexual contact …Monterey · Monterey Read Article

Candidates face off in upcoming Republican primary

ALLEGHENY HIGHLANDS — A Bath County native is hoping to unseat a six-term incumbent for the 37th District seat in the General Assembly. Political newcomer and Bath native Austen Schwend has thrown his hat in the ring in an attempt to unseat incumbent Terry Austin in the upcoming Republican Primary for the seat Austin has held since 2014. Virginia will hold Democratic and Republican primaries on June 17, with early voting kicking off earlier this…Monterey · Monterey Read Article

June Elizabeth ‘Sue’ Lacks

HOT SPRINGS — June Elizabeth “Sue” Lacks, 82, of Hot Springs, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, in Roanoke. She was born June 13, 1942, in Waynesboro, the daughter of the late James Bell Bonner and Ethel Frederick Bogan. She was married to the late Robert William “Bobby” Lacks, whom she married Aug. 31, 1960. He preceded her in death Jan. 13, 2022. Sue retired from the United States Forest Service with 31 years of s…Monterey · Monterey Read Article

Highland man still at large

Charles “Chuck” Houston Smith MONTEREY — The Highland County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for Charles “Chuck” Houston Smith of Monterey after a shooting incident on May 10. The sheriff’s office has arrest warrants for Smith, charging him with six felonies and two misdemeanors. Highland County Sheriff Robert Kelly said Smith chased his girlfriend, each driving their own vehicles, until she pulled over along Crab Run near McDowell. “He pull…Monterey · Monterey Read Article

Bath County High School graduates 32

The BCHS Class of 2025 celebrates their graduation with confetti and cheers!!! (Recorder photo by Zach Potter) HOT SPRINGS — There may have been just 32 graduates on the stage but Saturday, it seemed as if every seat in the auditorium was filled with family, friends and well-wishers. The audience shouted, cheered and whooped with joy for the Bath County High School Class of 2025. Kalea Hilton led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and then K…Monterey · Monterey Read Article

Dismissed recall case faces hurdle

MONTEREY — Debbie Hodges filed an objection to the motion to dismiss the recall of two county supervisors on May 15. Hodges has led multiple efforts to recall supervisors Harry Sponaugle and Henry Budzinski. She started the first petition April 11, 2024, after those two supervisors voted to rescind Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad’s authority to operate in the county at a meeting. The decision was part of a new Emergency Medical Services P…Monterey · Monterey Read Article

Lower Property Tax Rate Would Still Allow for Balanced Budget, Martinsville Council Hears

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Martinsville staff reports that the city council’s proposed tax rate of 75.33 cents per $100 is enough to balance the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. Councilors discussed the tax rate during their Tuesday evening regular session. The discussion is a continuation of a meeting held the prior week in which staff was directed to come back with details on how the proposed rate would impact the city’s finances.“I’m proud to report that we are presenting…Monterey · Monterey See the Story