Health
Currently, I am the Managing Editor for Smith Mountain Eagle newspaper and Smith Mountain Lake Life magazine in Smith Mountain Lake, VA. I’m a strategic communications professional with a passion for bringing brands and stories to life for businesses and communities, whether in print or digital journalism. I believe in creating personalized, intentional, and high-impact communications by really engaging with audiences, understanding their needs, and focusing on results. I’ve built strong relationships with key decision-makers and media professionals across Southwest Virginia. With over 20 years of experience in public relations, publishing, advertising, journalism, marketing and multimedia, I’ve had the honor of being recognized as an award-winning designer, journalist, and community leader.
Health
Centra held a Breast Cancer Awareness Pep Rally Day at CenterTown Square in Bedford today with nearly 100 people gathering for the community minded event.
We're not even two weeks into the summer season, but temperatures already skyrocketed into the upper 90s last week with heat index numbers going over the century mark. With extreme
The recent snowfalls and frigid temps have made for some tough work when it comes to shoveling sidewalks and driveways, especially when there's a thick layer of ice beneath the
November 11th is Veterans Day. It's a day Americans celebrate and honor veterans with festivals, parades and recognition events held in communities throughout the nation. The President will lay a
Clinic owner aims to meet growing demand for accessible family medicine near Smith Mountain Lake.
A new nonprofit cancer support foundation has been established at Smith Mountain Lake that honors the strength of breast cancer 'warriors' and 'survivors' through education, community involvement and charitable contributions
The month of April is designated as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, which is aimed at increasing awareness of risks, symptoms and the importance of early detection through
A new urgent care center has opened in Hardy, providing non-life threatening walk-in care for people of all age, no appointment needed.
Community
Just a couple years ago, Todd Kirkland had never heard of Smith Mountain Lake. "I was living in Florida, I painted a mural on the side of a horse barn
On New Year's Day, 11-year-old Maddie Peters got into the 50 degree water of Smith Mountain Lake holding on tightly to the tow rope. With her grandfather Ashley Cooper behind
90-year-old Lowell Foutz has been a professional boxer, dancing in the ring with the likes of Jack Dempsey. He's even boxed a gorilla (that's a story in itself). And he's
Sharon Hankins and her fur baby Bella are one happy pair this Mother's Day.
Smith Mountain Lake's newest farmers' market - the Moneta Farmers' Market located adjacent to Downtown Moneta - is a first of its kind in the downtown district area. But, as
This story begins with a story within a story.
It has been said that you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat a waiter or waitress. In this case, it was a lot of people
During the 6th annual Toys for Tots drive held at Napoli Cowboy on Dec. 5th, guests were lined out the door and into the parking lot to bring in toys
On Saturday, November 11th, a couple hundred people came out for the inaugural Cow Pie Bingo event held at Hot Shots Bar & Grill in Moneta. At the center of
On May 23rd, Southlake Community Market opened in the Union Hall area of Franklin County, which organizers say is the first of its kind for the community.
On May 3rd, in a corner of Bedford County called Montvale, friends and a huge flock of the Dooley family showed up in numbers at the Montvale Recreation Center for
Chris Fritze has been named the new park manager for Smith Mountain Lake State Park. He assumed the position late last month, succeeding long-time park manager Brian Heft, who retired
Well before the eleventh hour on Saturday morning, families began gathering at Bridgewater Plaza in anticipation for one of the lake communities' most cherished holiday traditions: the arrival of Jolly
The first movie I ever saw on a cinema screen was On Golden Pond. My Dad treated our family to the show - my Mom, two sisters, brother and me.
The Moneta Farmers Market, which debuted on the grounds near Downtown Moneta in 2023, has moved to the SML/Moneta Library for 2024.
'Having a catch' has a relevant ring to it now that baseball season is in full swing. But when you switch out a ball and glove for a fishing pole,
Nonprofits
For many high school seniors, spring break is looked forward to as a week for resting or getting away to relax, recharge and rejuvenate before resuming the final stretch of
On Sept. 18th, 100+ Women Who Care Smith Mountain Lake held its 2024 fall IMPACT meeting to select a local nonprofit as recipient of the group's individual donations totaling $15,000.
The Agape Center in Moneta is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Appointments are needed. Some people find this out when they stop into the center for the first time. Help
With holiday shopping in full swing and Black Friday just around the corner, consumers are looking for great deals that offer the most bang for the buck. That's especially true
SML Gives Day 2026, the annual 24-hour online giving day event aimed at supporting the local nonprofit sector, wrapped up its annual online giving day and in-person nonprofit fair on
Sitting on a bookshelf in SML Good Neighbors' conference room in Moneta is an inspirational quote by American author Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo. "Reading should not be presented to children as
"One man's junk is another's treasure."
By the time the 330 supporters made their way to the starting line at Smith Mountain Lake State Park on Saturday for the 2024 SML Walk to End Poverty, a
Education
It's different, there's no question about that. But if you see it the way it's intended to be seen, it's a good kind of different. It's ONE Forest School. The
George Washington High School Class of 2023 celebrated its graduation on Saturday, June 10 at the north campus of Averett University in Danville. The class of 2023 had 229 graduates.
On Friday, October 13th, Staunton River High School observed its 60th anniversary prior to the varsity football game against Franklin County, recognizing alumni of the school, beginning with its first
If you've driven down Morewood Road in Hardy, chances are you've seen the herd of alpacas roaming the countryside at Smith Mountain Lake Alpaca Farm. They're cute animals, there's no
Saturday's Youth Outdoor Experience held at Smith Mountain Lake State Park provided kids with learning opportunities in the great outdoors - notably, how to have fun the smart and safe
Galileo High School Class of 2023 celebrated their graduation on Saturday, June 10 on the north campus of Averett University in Danville. The class of 2023 had 60 graduates. Aaron
The 61st Commencement for the Class of 2024 at Staunton River High School took place on May 25th at the Vines Center at Liberty University.
Tunstall High School Class of 2023 celebrated their graduation on Saturday, May 27 on the north campus of Averett University in Danville. The 2023 class at Tunstall High School, located
Sports
It's a game in which success is measured by a path that goes full circle, both beginning and ending at a plate named home.
Staunton River High School wrestler Graydon Martin won his first state wrestling title on Saturday. What lay ahead for Martin is a future full of possibility to ascend on and
The Virginia Big Bass Classic at Smith Mountain Lake kicked off this morning at Crazy Horse Marina with hundreds of anglers from around the country taking to the water looking
With less than a minute to go in the game between two of the best high school girls basketball teams in Virginia, junior Ailynn Macauley of Staunton River stood at
The VHSL Class 3 Region D wrestling tournament was held at Staunton River High School on Feb. 7 with 13 schools participating. Cave Spring (Roanoke) finished in first place while
For the second year in a row, Franklin County High School's varsity football team will kick off its regular season football campaign against Bassett - this year at the Bengals
More than 350 people representing seven US states did the 2025 Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon on Saturday, with nearly every participant completing the courses.
Staunton River started and ended its 2024 varsity regular season with victories over two powerhouse programs in the state that have a combined record of 18-3 on the season.
When Staunton River High School girls basketball coach Kim Jones began coaching basketball, she faced the same challenge many coaches who were former players do. How do you teach young
For the 2025 Staunton River High School varsity baseball team, it was one, two, three big wins to end the ol' ballgame season at 11-10, giving Golden Eagles' seniors a
Staunton River High School's boys' basketball head coach Brandon Harris starts his 18th season as with the Golden Eagles with hopes of improving upon last year's record of 3-20 record.
He has built it, and they are going places.
In a Dec. 2023 article of Smith Mountain Eagle about the Staunton River Varsity Girls basketball team, Head Coach Kim Jones addressed a pivotal challenge in coaching: how do you
Six out of the seven Staunton River wrestlers in this year's state tournament finished among the top six placers.
Festivals
The SML Songwriters Festival shares a similar vision as the artists' who make it stand out year after year. "We are looking to bring the SML Songwriters Festival to a
The SML Songwriters Festival Open Mic Competition got a break from the weather last night and was held on the outdoor stage at Mango's. The six contestants who participated each
The 2024 SML Songwriters Festival open mic competition finale was held on Wednesday, June 19th at Mango's Bar & Grill with Calvin Lawhorn from Franklin County winning this year's competition.
The 2024 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival was held over the weekend at Bernard’s Landing with more than a dozen wineries, a cidery, over 60 craft vendors, and food vendors.
The spring kick-off for the 2026 SML Songwriters Festival was held on April 26 at Mango's Bar & Grill with local artists Christian Q, Annalyse Marie and Karlee Raye on
The annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival was held over the weekend, and despite a gloomy forecast to start the week, the poor weather held off on both Saturday and
Veteran's Corner
Dallas Keith Neel has seen and experienced a lot in his life. He spent 30 years in the United States Marine Corps. He retired from the US Marines as Sergeant
On Flag Day, June 14th, along Scruggs Road in Moneta, 200 American flags were erected by the American Legion post #62. The field upon which the flags stood, which was
On Saturday, August 12th, nearly 4,000 people came out to Crazy Horse Marina to be a part of Military Appreciation Day held to honor veterans, active duty service members, military
Sacrifice. Dictionaries define this word in multiple ways. To suffer without. To give up. To renounce. To lose. The biblical interpretation is different. It means to give whatever is required
American Legion Post #62 Smith Mountain Lake held Military Appreciation Day on Sept. 14th at Mitchell's Point Marina, treating Army National Guard units #116 out of Bedford and the 229th
What will I do when I am no longer in the military?
The 2025 Sunshine Daydream Festival was held at Mitchell's Point Marina in Huddleston on July 12th featuring Grateful Dead inspired music and a host of vendors. All proceeds from the
For golfers, every trip to the course is an opportunity to improve their game. While success in any sport is dependent on both physical skillsets and a mental mindset, golf
During the annual dinner, Post 62 announced plans to construct a lake vacation retreat at Magnum Point Marina to be used by local veterans, military first responders and their families,
Jeff Prowse served nearly 25 years in the United States Marines. If it could be done, Prowse has done it, on land and in the air.
Small Businesses
The Discovery Shop at Smith Mountain Lake has moved into its new location in Moneta where the shop's entire operation is now in one spot.
Get ready to have the "refresh" button pressed. Not on a phone or computer, though. Not digitally at all. This is a different kind of refresh. It's real life. Real
It's estimated that Americans will change careers three to seven times in their lifetime. Better life/work balance, more flexibility and overall job satisfaction top the list of reasons for making
A new indoor golf simulator location has opened at Westlake Towne Center that provides a realistic golf experience for both seasoned golfers and those just starting out in the game.
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards dinner celebration on March 19 at Mariners Landing to recognize and celebrate local organizations and individuals in the
A different take on the traditional general store has opened in Penhook that offers a mix of items from the good ol' days combined with modern conveniences.
The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Front Porch Realty, LLC on July 25th to officially welcome the new real estate brokerage firm
Loper Financial, which offers wealth management and retirement planning, has opened in Moneta/Westlake. The Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the new location on
Monuments
On Friday, December 6th, rangers and interpreters provided an interesting and joyous account of what a mid-19th century Christmas was like for Washington and his family with guided light tours
On Saturday, June 15th, a Celebration of Freedom event was held at Booker T. Washington National Monument offering a gospel music concert, food vendors and tours of Booker T. Washington
Traditionally speaking, a span of four years marks the length of time it takes to complete a bachelor degree program at a college or university. In 2024, it's also the
The 12th annual Booker T. Washington Legacy Event was held Saturday, April 26th at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Center in Wirtz. This year's event theme to honor Washington's legacy was,
Dr. Sarah Washington O'Neal Rush, great-granddaughter to Booker T. Washington, was the honored guest and speaker at this year's annual Legacy Dinner held at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Center
Brittany Lane is a park ranger at Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy. During the Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom held June 17th on the grounds of the Monument, Lane
Sponsorship Marketing
It's one of Rocky Mount's newest boutiques. Like most boutiques, The Magnolia Closet, owned and operated by daughter and mother team Alexandra and Sara Gill, offers an eclectic assortment of
Steven Cauley's vision for his Dream Landscaping clients starts very much like his own did for his business. "As a kid, I mowed yards. It was so rewarding that I
Sponsored Content
Richard and Vickie Millar's journey to find their retirement home started at Mountain Lake in Pembroke. Where they ended up making home was at another mountain lake - the one
The dictionary defines the word "shack" as a roughly built hut or cabin. The Shack on Moneta Road shares a closeness with that description, but more so to a cabin
Tucked away in the cozy cove of Crystal Shores Marina Resort in Moneta is Drifter's Restaurant. Come by boat or by car and dine dockside beneath the Tiki umbrellas or
Cilantro Mexican Grill is relatively new to the Smith Mountain Lake community, having just opened February 14, 2023 - Valentine's Day. It's a fitting day to open for a place
Little Ponderosa Pet Resort & Spa in Moneta is a place that owner Annette Giles says is "built with community support, and we're so happy they put their trust in
SPONSORED CONTENT
The name on the old corner building on Franklin Street makes it pretty clear what's being served up as the house specialty at Rocky Mount Burger Company. Still, with burgers
What's the first thing that comes to mind about Westlake Coffee and Café? It's a place where friends become family.
Whether you’ve just finished a round of golf or spent a day on the lake, and you’re looking for good dining – for breakfast, lunch or dinner – Bruno’s Clubhouse Bistro is a place that will serve your tastes.
Some places at Smith Mountain Lake seem like they have been around as long at the waters have been. Moosie's Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Plaza is one of them,
"Come on in." Make yourself at home. We've been expecting you. How may we help?"
In real estate, the rule of thumb is 'location, location, location'. In the dessert business, there's a parallel theme: 'sweets, sweets and more sweets'. As a real estate expert, I
Here in the south, the term 'comfort food' applies to a certain style of cooking. Rich in flavor, creamy, filling and made with the love of heart. By those standards,
The Farmhouse, located in Moneta, is a place that is decorated with a feeling of southern charm and many of the comforts often found in country town. It reminds me
SPONSORED CONTENT
Hola, amigos! This week, my 'Out on the Town' adventure continued with a visit to the beautiful setting of Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Grill in Hardy, where I sat down
Hot Shots Bar & Grill is much more than a restaurant. With miniature golf, axe-throwing and weekly karaoke, games and music, it's a family experience. On the dining side -
Law Enforcement/Fire/EMS/Breaking News
You hear sirens and see first responders hurrying to a traffic accident and the first hope is that no one is seriously injured. But this is not a typical traffic
A high-rise multi-family structure fire occurred at Bridgewater Pointe condos on Tuesday night, leading to the evacuation of the building while fire and EMS crews worked the scene.
For trivia buffs, here’s a question that might fall into the general knowledge category: Of these five positions in law enforcement, which one stands out as the most different?
National Night Out was held in Bedford and Franklin Counties on Aug. 5th for the annual event intended to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the community. Law enforcement,
'Fully involved." In the first responder field of firefighting, it's a term used to describe a fire that has spread and engulfed a structure or building.
UPDATE
Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency on Nov. 7th to help firefighter with their response efforts on two wildfires around the state due to dry conditions and high
The Rocky Mount Police Department has a cuddly new addition to its crew.
A teenage boy being pulled on a tube by boat was struck by another boat earlier this afternoon at Smith Mountain Lake.
A major commercial structure fire occurred at Copper Cove Golf Club in Hardy this morning (May 16, 2025). "There were no injuries," said Franklin County Public Safety Station 15 medic/firefighter
On October 7th, the Hardy Volunteer Fire Company celebrated 50 years serving the Bedford community with an open house complete with homecooked foods, a bounce house and face paintings.