Highway 64 with Big Al

08/21/2024

08/21/2024

As heard this morning on Highway 64 with Big Al ....

From MY friends at the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board's - Healthy Youth Coalition!!!

08/21/2024

GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING EVERYONE!!!

Highway 64 with Big Al is (((ON THE AIR))) right now on 103.1 The Bear and 103.5 BIG COUNTRY until 10 a.m.!!!

LISTEN ON THE GO VIA APPLE CAR PLAY OR GOOGLE CAR PLAY WITH THE FREE TUNE IN APP BY CLICKING ONE OF THE LINKS BELOW:

Listen to The Bear 103 with http://tun.in/seqVL

Listen to 103.5 Big Country with http://tun.in/seXiv

TAKE HIGHWAY 64 WITH YOU WHERE EVER YOU GO!!!

08/21/2024

Mark your calendars now for this free event hosted by the Greenbrier Valley Sportsman's Alliance....

08/20/2024

Highlands Media Group Sports is looking to add a team member to our sports broadcast crew for Alleghany Cougar Sports in 2024/25.
If you know the games of football and or basketball and have interest in joining our team, please private message us here on the 103.5 Big Country page and BIG AL will reach out to you. Former players, coaches and the like are great candidates!

Thank you! Let's go Cougars!!!

08/20/2024

From OUR friends at Mountain Gateway Community College...

On Tuesday, August 20, both Mountain Gateway Community College campuses will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Our facilities will reopen for services beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

08/20/2024

It was AWESOME seeing EVERYONE out at the State Fair of West Virginia these last couple of weeks. Here are a few pictures from last week....

Do you have pictures with BIG AL to share? Please do...

08/20/2024

Start your morning off right....

With a super huge dose of the "Superstars of Country" on Highway 64 with Big Al! LIVE right now on 103.1 The Bear and on 103.5 Big Country!

LISTEN HERE ON THE GO...

https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/index.cfm?stationCallSign=WRON

https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/index.cfm?stationCallSign=WKEY

08/19/2024

Good Morning EVERYONE!!!

Good to be back in STUDIO B this morning after being at the State Fair of West Virginia these past couple weeks! I hope everyone has a wonderful day and enjoys the show!

And yes, it's beard growing season!!!

Have a wonderful Monday!

BIG AL

08/18/2024

He's back TOMORROW MORNING!!!

BIG AL is in Studio B prepping for tomorrow morning's show...

08/15/2024

Day 8 of the 99th Annual State Fair of West Virginia is underway in Fairlea, WV....Bailey Zimmerman is on the Grandstand Stage tonight playing for a SOLD OUT crowd! Highway 64 with BIG AL gets underway at 2 pm on 103.1 The Bear and 103.5 BIG COUNTRY!!! Stop by and see him at the broadcast booth on Blue Ribbon Drive beside the Cecil Underwood Building!

Our broadcast is sponsored by:

811

West Virginia Beef Industry Council

Tri County Furniture, Flooring, Appliances & Bedding

08/13/2024

🎉 It's Day 6 of The State Fair of West Virginia, sponsored by 103.1 The Bear - Radio Greenbrier! 🎉

🗓 Tuesday, August 13, 2024
🎟 Gates Open: 8 am
🎢 Carnival Rides Open: 11 am
🎰 West Virginia Lottery Opens: 12 pm

🎶GRANDSTAND🎶
Anne Wilson with special guest Luke Bower at 7 pm!

🎟️FAIR DEALS
Senior Citizen's Day: 55 and Older $7.00 (sales tax included)
All Day Ride Special: $20.00 + 6% WV Sales Tax (all ages)

View the full livestock schedule: https://statefairofwv.com/livestock-competitions/

View our fair week specials: https://statefairofwv.com/tickets/

📸 Share your fair memories with us! Use 👉 & tag the State Fair of West Virginia when posting your fair pictures to social media.

👇Take a look at today's schedule👇

08/10/2024

BIG AL is LIVE from the 46th Annual Streetscene in downtown Covington, VA right now and until 11 a.m. on 103.5 BIG COUNTRY!!

Sponsored by:

Highlands Community Bank

People You Can Count On! Banking You Can Trust!

08/09/2024

LIve right now from the 99th Annual State Fair of West Virginia....2 pm until 6 pm daily on 103.1 The Bear and 103.5 BIG COUNTRY!!! No Sunday broadcast!

Our broadcast is sponsored by:

811

West Virginia Beef Industry Council

Tri County Furniture, Flooring, Appliances & Bedding

08/09/2024

Tonight and Saturday....

46th Annual Streetscene - Covington, VA..

CONGRATULATIONS KARS UNLIMITED!!!

08/09/2024

Friday, August 9, 2024

Today's Schedule of Events at the 99th Annual State Fair of West Virginia...

🎡 It's Day ✌️ of The State Fair of West Virginia, sponsored by Optimum!

🗓 Friday, August 9, 2024

🎟 Gates Open: 8 am
🎢 Carnival Rides Open: 11 am
🎰 West Virginia Lottery Opens: 12 PM

View the full livestock schedule: https://statefairofwv.com/livestock-competitions/

View our fair week specials: https://statefairofwv.com/tickets/

🎶GRANDSTAND🎶
Lil Jon with special guest Landon Cube at 8 pm

📸 Share your fair memories with us! Use 👉 & tag The State Fair of West Virginia when posting your fair pictures to social media.

👇Take a look at today's schedule👇

08/08/2024

‼️ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to inclement weather, we will close our gates at 8:00 pm today, August 8.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the fair! See you tomorrow at 8:00 am! 🫶

Stay tuned to our social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

08/08/2024

This evening's Business After Hours at the State Fair of West Virginia has been postponed (thanks a lot tropical storm Debby Downer). We'll see you next week - Thursday, August 15! If you haven't already, RSVP to Erin at [email protected].

08/08/2024

Advisory: Flood Watch until 12:00AM Saturday

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

* WHERE...A portion of southeast West Virginia, including the following areas, Eastern Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Summers and Western Greenbrier.

* WHEN...Through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - As Tropical Storm Debby moves across the region, a prolonged period of rain, heavy at times, can be expected from tonight through Friday. Rainfall amounts between 3 and 7 inches are possible across the area by Friday night, with locally higher amounts possible. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* AFFECTED AREAS: MERCER ... SUMMERS ... MONROE ... EASTERN GREENBRIER ... WESTERN GREENBRIER

Instructions:

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

08/08/2024

INSTANT INFORMATION - 10 p.m.
Sponsored by Davenport Energy

Safe. Reliable. Dependable. That's the Davenport Energy Promise!

From the Alleghany Highlands School District:

Due to inclement weather, all Alleghany Highlands Public Schools offices will close at noon on Thursday, August 8. All in-person AHPS events scheduled after noon on Thursday are postponed, including the Covington Middle School Block Party and athletic practices. Depending on weather conditions, there may be additional updates. The public is advised to monitor official AHPS communication channels for more information. NOTE: The Elementary Extravaganza scheduled outdoors at Jackson River Sport Complex for August 8 has been canceled due to inclement weather. AHPS will now shift plans to focus on family night at each elementary school on the evening of August 26. Family night will differ from open houses scheduled for Monday, August 12. Details will be released soon.

08/07/2024

===============================

Severe Watches and Warnings

===============================

URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Flood Watch

National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
304 PM EDT Wed Aug 7 2024
..FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest North Carolina, including the following areas, Ashe and Watauga and Virginia, including the
following areas, Alleghany VA, Bath, Bland, Craig, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski and Wythe.

* WHEN...From Thursday morning through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

- As Tropical Storm Debby moves across the region, a prolonged period of rain, heavy at times, can be expected from Thursday
morning through Friday. Rainfall amounts between 3 and 7 inches are possible across the watch area by Friday night, with locally higher amounts possible.

- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood
Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared
to take action should flooding develop.

&&
DB

08/07/2024

Last Day In Studio B (BIG COUNTY) For Awhile...

Highway 64 with BIG AL is LIVE and (((ON THE AIR))) right now on 103.1 The Bear and 103.5 BIG COUNTRY from 6 until 10 this morning!

Joining me "In The Driver's Seat" at 8 a m. this morning is Kars Unlimited to talk with me about the 46th Annual Streetscene happening this weekend in Covington. Tune In!!!

REMEMBER:

Highway 64 with BIG AL is LIVE from the 99th Annual State Fair of West Virginia and Blue Ribbon Drive, August 8-17 from 2 pm until 6 pm daily! Dave Delort will be covering mornings until Monday, August 19, 2024!

LIVE coverage from the Midway at the 99th Annual State Fair of West Virginia is sponsored by:

811
West Virginia Beef Council
Tri County Furniture

08/05/2024

Alleghany Highands Public Schools Looking to Forge Apprenticeships with Local Employers....

LOW MOOR – Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is seeking to establish apprenticeship programs to connect high school students with employers willing to train them in fields related to career goals and technical education programs.

The school division shared its plans with representatives from businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Highlands during a recent information session at Clifton Academy. During the session, representatives from Mountain Gateway Community College, Virginia Works, and Roanoke County Public Schools outlined the benefits of businesses working in partnership with AHPS to create apprenticeship opportunities.

“Hopefully, we can learn from some existing programs in Virginia, and model it here in the Alleghany Highlands, as well,” said Seth Bradley, work-based learning coordinator for AHPS.
“We want to get our students out in the workplace. We are trying to get them out into the real world so they will have the training and experience they need to enter the job market after they graduate,” he said.

Through the apprenticeship model, students learn skills at a job site while they earn an hourly wage. The pay aspect helps make the experience appealing to high school students thinking about their goals for future work. High school students typically start as apprentices during their junior or senior year.

“You are creating a structured training program,” said Kara Joyce of Virginia Works, outlining the benefits of apprenticeships to employers.

Joyce is a registered apprenticeship consultant with Virginia Works' Blue Ridge Region office in Roanoke. Virginia Works is part of the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement.

“Everyone who comes through an apprenticeship is trained in the same way. These apprenticeships are also adaptable to reflect what the business needs. You are creating a pipeline for future employees,” she said.

Students can continue their apprenticeships at Mountain Gateway Community College and receive a nationally recognized credential, said David Shofstahl, workforce solutions, and community education apprentice coordinator at Mountain Gateway.

AHPS would closely model any future apprenticeship program with one that has existed in Roanoke County Public Schools since 2017. The Roanoke County program started with five students and it expects to have 30 to 40 in the coming school year, with apprenticeships available with 18 businesses.
“Everything is employer-driven and it’s a strictly volunteer program from a business perspective,” said Jason Suhr, career and technical education director for Roanoke County Public Schools.

One of the main focuses of Roanoke County schools’ apprenticeship program when it started seven years ago was to assist the Western Virginia Water Authority with its training needs. The program has been highly successful in supporting workforce needs.
Data from the state shows that apprenticeship programs benefit employers and the community directly. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office on Apprenticeship, the average starting salary for a person who completes an apprenticeship program is $80,000. Furthermore, approximately 90 percent of individuals retain their employment after they complete an apprenticeship.

“A lot of the jobs you apprentice for pay very well, and for every dollar an employee spends on an apprenticeship, they receive a $1.40 return on their investment,” Joyce said. “This is a good way for employers to invest in local talent, and keep that talent here.”

AHPS is well-positioned to support employers in establishing apprenticeship programs. The Alleghany Highlands School Board has consistently supported the role of Bradley, who is a dedicated work-based learning coordinator. Several work-based learning options are available and they include internships and mentorships. In recent years, AHPS work-based learning experiences have varied greatly by student interest. Topics have included construction, medicine, government, and others.

“We are consistently grateful for the involvement of local employers in preparing our students for their futures,” said Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson, leaders of AHPS.
AHPS places a high priority on providing opportunities to support students in their transitions to adulthood, including the workforce, military, and additional education. As an example, the school division has re-established a career-technical education program in building management at Jackson River Technical Center. AHPS has also established two Alleghany Highlands Advancement (AHA) programs for students interested in healthcare and law. There is also a specialized lab that provides students with disabilities to practice work skills.

Employers interested in learning more about work-based learning or apprenticeship opportunities should contact Bradley at [email protected].

With approximately 2,700 students, AHPS was created when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center merged in July 2022. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington.
AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and Instagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at www.ahps.k12.va.us.

# # #

Caption Information —

Representatives from Mountain Gateway Community College, Virginia Works, and Roanoke County Public Schools participated in a recent forum on the benefits of apprenticeship programs between public schools and the business community. From left are David Shofstahl of Mountain Gateway Community College, Kara Joyce of Virginia Works, and Jason Suhr of Roanoke County Public Schools. Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is seeking to establish apprenticeship programs with employers in the Highlands. (AHPS Photo)

08/05/2024

SKYVIEW TRAFFIC ALERT
Monday, August 5, 2024 - 9:45 a.m.

I-81 Northbound - 196.3 Mile Marker - Vehicle Fire - Back up 1 mile!

Please avoid this area if at all possible!

Updates may follow...

This SkyView Traffic Alert is sponsored by:

Dewey's Automotive, LLC
609 W. Chestnut Street
Covington, VA 24426
540.962.3255
Or check them out on Facebook

08/03/2024

****PLEASE SHARE****

NEEDING SOME HELP FOR STREETSCENE NEXT WEEKEND....

Help needed would be handing out FREE fans to spectators Friday evening at the Jackson River Sports Complex during the Pre Streetscene Cruise In and at the 46th Annual Streetscene on Saturday in Covington. Would work approximately 2 hours each day. I need at least 2 people. Pays $12 per hour. Looking for responsible teenagers or adults ages 16 and up. Must have own transportation.

If you are planning on being at Streetscene and want to help, or may be interested in helping or know someone who is, please private message me here on my "Highway 64 with BIG AL" page.

Thanks,

BA

08/02/2024

SKYVIEW TRAFFIC ALERT
UPDATED: 2:55 p.m.

****I-64 MM168 REOPENED****

SKYVIEW TRAFFIC ALERT - Original Alert
Friday, August 2, 2024 - 2:05 p.m.

I-64 eastbound shutdown at mm168 (just before Lewisburg exit 169) due to accident. Use alternate routes or expect delays.

Please avoid this area if at all possible!

Updates may follow...

This SkyView Traffic Alert is sponsored by:

Dewey's Automotive, LLC
609 W. Chestnut Street
Covington, VA 24426
540.962.3255
Or check them out on Facebook