Front Porch: Giles, Bland, Monroe, Mercer County

08/01/2024

Does anyone have any photos of Shrader's Gulf and/or Freddy?

07/26/2024

What do you think about this...

One of the featured acts for the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Paris on Friday was a drag performance that recreated the Last Supper, the final time that Jesus broke bread with his disciples before he was arrested and hung on a cross. The burlesque act that mocked one of Christianity’...

07/21/2024

Sometimes the front yard gets a little busy...

07/19/2024

School systems in our surrounding areas are getting electric school buses through a government grant...
What happens to the good school buses the school systems get rid of? They drill holes in the engine blocks so they can't be used and they cut the frames in two. What is left is crushed.
We saw this same ignorance in the great caper called Cash for Clunkers when they blew the motors of running cars before having them sent to be crushed.
We have back-door freedoms left in this country.

07/19/2024

I love that the UVA coach says she will flourish when she already does...
When your confidence is instilled by God, you can excel at anything your put your mind to.

Virginia women's basketball added yet another talented player to its roster for the 2024-2025 season, as Coach Mox announced on Thursday the signing of Payton D

07/16/2024

I need any old photos you might have of Rt. 100 between the bottom of Cloyd's Mountain to just above Cedar Crest Loop (Staffordsville Post Office road). Post away.

07/15/2024

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin

Governor's Order for the Commonwealth of Virginia

In accordance with the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in memory and respect of former Pennsylvania Volunteer Firefighter Chief Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life shielding his family on July 13, 2024 in Butler County at a rally for former President Trump. Virginia stands in solidarity with and extends prayers to all Pennsylvanians, especially those who remain in critical condition and their families.

I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at Noon on Monday, July 15, 2024 and remain at half-staff until sunset July 16, 2024.

Ordered on this, the 15th day of July 2024.

Sincerely,

Glenn Youngkin

07/14/2024

"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" - President Donald Trump 45

07/09/2024

Virginia ranks third... from the bottom in on time delivery of first-class mail. We all know the service has changed drastically and the numbers back it up. Yes, your mail is suspiciously slow in moving through the commonwealth.

About Service Performance The Postal Service’s ability to provide acceptable service is an ongoing concern across the United States. The Office of Inspector General reviews service performance and makes recommendations on where and how the USPS can improve. Our work encompasses nationwide performa...

07/04/2024

“Patriotism is easy to understand in America; it means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.” - Calvin Coolidge

07/02/2024

The effort to end Dillon's Rule in Virginia...

WHEREAS, the Dillon Rule is a 19th century judicial philosophy of statutory construction that holds that all local authority must be based on expressed constitutional or statutory provisions; and

06/26/2024

I am writing an article about the four-laning of Rt. 100 to the Pulaski County line...
Delegate Jason Ballard demanded and received a study from VDOT due to the unsafe nature of the road.
I am looking for your thoughts on the safety, maintenance, tourism and economy aspects. You may also have a person story to tell about how someone in your family has been affected by this road; I would like to hear it. If it is personal, send it to via private message.
Thank you.

06/25/2024

Virginia Museum of History & Culture Celebrates New Citizens With Annual July 4th Citizenship Ceremony and Celebration


Richmond, Va. – This Fourth of July, celebrate America by welcoming new citizens at Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s annual Independence Day Celebration and Citizenship Ceremony.

Approximately 75 candidates will be sworn in as newly naturalized citizens during an inspirational ceremony held in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The ceremony will be officiated by The Honorable Roger L. Gregory, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and begins at 11:00 am. The ceremony, sponsored by McGuireWoods with support from the Bob & Melinda Sledd Independence Day Fund, is free to attend and open to the public. Please visit VirginiaHistory.org/July4 for an up-to-date list of prohibited items inside the ceremony venue. Admission to the museum galleries will be available from 10am-5pm on July 4th, and tickets can be purchased through VirginiaHistory.org.

Following the ceremony, guests are invited to participate in a special July 4th celebration in Commonwealth Hall. Guests can enjoy live patriotic music, an in-gallery scavenger hunt, and Ukrop’s cake (while supplied last) to commemorate the 248th birthday of America. The VMHC Library will also display a selection of rare artifacts to offer a unique glimpse into early America.

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Founded in 1831 as the Virginia Historical Society, the VMHC, a private, non-profit organization, is the oldest museum and cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the United States. The museum cares for a renowned collection of more than nine million items representing the far-reaching story of Virginia.

06/15/2024

As our government focuses on plans to remove automobiles from roadways, passenger rail service has already become quite popular. This move back to the traditional main lines makes sense and will usher in travel that takes us back in time. We advance too quickly and pause too long to admire our successes in a world that never stops moving.

A new proposal would avoid a costly tunnel upgrade and make it easier to bring Amtrak service to Bristol.

06/15/2024

Prayers...

BREAKING: Mass shooting in Princeton

06/12/2024

God be with you Mike...

View Brenda Ann Gillespie's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

06/11/2024

It is great to see Ms. Reasor, the daughter of the former April Wilson, and granddaughter of Edward and Margaret Wilson of Bane (yep, Sugar Run) realize a dream. Reasor has a scholarship to UVA and is just a junior.

Blue Demons defeated Turner Ashby 6-3 in eight innings of play.

06/05/2024

25 TRAFFIC DEATHS IN 7 DAYS HAVE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE RE-EMPHASIZING NEED FOR SAFE DRIVING
Alarming Number of Fatal Traffic Crashes Across Virginia Since Memorial Day

RICHMOND – Virginia’s summer is off to an alarmingly tragic start. Virginia State Troopers have investigated 21 traffic crashes resulting in 25 fatalities between Tuesday, May 28, 2024, and Tuesday, June 4, 2024. The final two just occurred this morning (June 4, 2024) in Caroline and Carroll counties. A Buckingham County crash on May 28 claimed four lives and a May 31 crash in Dinwiddie County killed two people. The Virginia State Police is insisting on drivers stepping up their commitment to driving within posted speed limits, buckling up, avoiding distractions, and driving sober and drug-free as they travel Virginia’s roads this summer.

The crashes have occurred in all corners of the Commonwealth, including Accomack, Augusta, Buckingham, Brunswick, Caroline, Carroll, Dickinson, Dinwiddie, Frederick, Goochland, Hanover, James City, Loudoun, Louisa, Mecklenburg, Prince George, and Rockingham counties, as well as the cities of Newport News and Virginia Beach. Two of the crashes involved motorcycles, one in Dickenson County on May 31 and the second in Virginia Beach on June 1. A pedestrian was struck and killed in Goochland County on May 30. Two of the fatal crashes occurred in Rockingham County, and two occurred in Caroline County. A teen driver lost her life to a crash June 1 in Loudoun County.

“Twenty-five traffic deaths in one week should be of very serious concern for every Virginian,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “In order for this summer to be a safe one, we need Virginians to re-commit to safe driving habits. Driving smart, safe and sober must be everyone’s number one, and only, focus when behind the wheel.”

To help enhance motorcyclist safety, Virginia State Police is offering free Ride 2 Save Lives Motorcycle Assessment training around the Commonwealth. Virginians can find locations near them at Virginia State Police Events - 22 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite. These events often fill up fast.

In addition, Virginia State Police and its “Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety” (YOVASO) program, is participating in the “100 Safest Days of Summer Campaign.” The initiative emphasizes the critical role parents play in influencing teen driving behaviors. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is traditionally considered the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen driving with students out of school.

Preliminary figures show Virginia has had 336 traffic fatalities on the Commonwealth’s highways during the first five months of the year (January 1, 2024 - June 4, 2024). In 2023, there were 341 deaths for the same timeframe.

05/30/2024

There is no sadness in the leadership of the United Methodist Church in the United States of America regarding this exit. The UMC has been trying to get these Bible believers out of their ointment for years. It is sad to see an organization I grew up in and came to Christ in, turn to the ointment of Satan. There is no balm in Gilead.

United Methodism in U.S. won't meaningfully exist in 10 years, but Methodism in Africa will thrive, writes IRD President Mark Tooley.

05/30/2024

ELEVEN KILLED IN NINE CRASHES ON VIRGINIA ROADS OVER 2024 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
300+ Drivers Cited for Violating Virginia's Hands-Free Law



RICHMOND – The summer travel season is off to a deadly start in Virginia, as preliminary data indicates 11 people were killed on Virginia’s roadways over the 2024 Memorial Day Holiday weekend, including two double-fatality crashes in Goochland and Henry Counties. The number is an uptick from the 2023 Memorial Day holiday, when nine people were killed on Virginia’s highways.**

The fatal crashes occurred in Craig, Dinwiddie, Fairfax, Franklin, Goochland, and Henry counties, as well as the cities of Hampton and Lynchburg. Two people were killed in a head-collision that occurred in Goochland County on May 24, 2024. A single-vehicle crash in Henry County on May 25, 2024, claimed the lives of two people. There was one fatal motorcycle crash that occurred May 26, 2024, in the City of Lynchburg. A pedestrian was killed in Fairfax County on May 24, 2024. There were two separate fatal crashes to occur in Dinwiddie County during the four-day holiday statistical counting period.

“Our goal for every major holiday travel weekend is for there to be no fatal crashes on our highways,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Eleven people is far too many lives lost. If this summer is going to be a safe one, drivers must watch their speed, buckle up, drive sober, and focus on the roads.”

As part of the nationwide, state-sponsored Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), Virginia State Police had all available troopers and supervisors on patrol during the 2024 holiday weekend. During the statistical counting period, troopers cited over 3,500 drivers for speeding and over 1,400 drivers for reckless driving. Ninety-two drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DUID). Virginia state troopers also cited 303 drivers for violating the “hands-free” phone law.

Virginia is also currently participating in the annual Click It or Ticket seatbelt education and enforcement campaign. Over the holiday, there were 535 seatbelt violations and 112 child restraint citations issued by state police.

Funds generated from summonses issued by Virginia State Police go directly to court fees and the state’s Literary Fund, which benefits public school construction, technology funding and teacher retirement.

05/08/2024

You can fight city hall, but you will foot the bill and city hall will still win...

The project was first proposed in 2014, and the original in-service target date was 2018 at a cost of $3.5 billion.

04/18/2024

Just because it looks like pepper...
Yes, that little grain on my stomach seemed out of place in the shower. I tried to wash it off, but it just wouldn't come off. It quickly dawned on me, as a survivor of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, that this little grain was likely a tick. So, I washed much more carefully and toweled off even more carefully.
Alcohol did not get the dude to loosen. Peroxide did not get the dude to loosen. My son recommended I light a match, but I didn't cozy up to lighting my stomach on fire.
Anyway, after quite a bit of nudging, some magnifying glass and tweezer work, I finally removed the entire piece of work off of my stomach.
I doctored it a bit more and went on to bed.
Yes, this is your public announcement that though tick season never seems to end, it ramps up this time of year. Be careful and do not take for granted that the tiny speck on you is not a tick.
God Bless you and be diligent.

04/05/2024

When I ran for the Giles County Board of Supervisors umpteen years ago, my priority was county-wide sewer over county-wide water, simply because human waste is, to an extent, contaminated and it can lead to contamination of well water. I like seeing the large sewer projects and view them as very impactful toward overall public health.

The project will serve residents and businesses now on septic tank systems, some of which are failing.

04/04/2024

Campaign Speech, Charleston, West Virginia - October 27, 1958

"After the first allocation of mileage to West Virginia, there were representations made by Senator Revercomb, and by your then chairman, Senator [Hoblitzell], as to the greater need of West Virginia, and that allotment of highway was more than doubled."

- President Eisenhower

04/03/2024

Found on Eaton's Chapel Road...
Good looking dog. If this is your dog let me know.

04/01/2024

Unleash your inner bookworm and join us for an evening of literary delights at our Book Tasting event on Thursday, April 11, at 5:30 pm! Step into a world of stories and possibilities as you browse through a selection of books waiting to captivate your imagination. Whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, science fiction, or non-fiction, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Connect with like-minded book lovers, share your favorite reads, and perhaps even discover a new favorite author.

Come celebrate the joy of reading with us! Space is limited, sign up today! Adults can register at the library, by calling 304-325-3943, or online in our events calendar at https://craftmemorial.lib.wv.us,

Craft Memorial Library is located at 600 Commerce Street, Bluefield, WV. For more information, please call 304-325-3943.

04/01/2024

Spring cleaning is on everyone's mind (even if we don't do it)...
That means the relevance of spiders ramps up. The Black Widow is the most dangerous spider we have in Virginia (I think). I see drawings of it and photos of it, but having placed my hand within less than an inch of one in the garden (its web was under a nice ripened tomato), I can say it is a beautiful creature. Nausea, vomiting, stiffness in the joints and fever should send you to the hospital immediately to seek care if you are bitten by one.
There is also the Brown Recluse that tends to be on the yellow/brown side. It is much more venomous than the Black Widow, but it seldom bites, and when it does it injects less venom so it goes widely unnoticed.
The last one I have pictured (all photos by someone else) is the Brown Recluse. I have notably seen two that I am aware of. One was nestled under a window air conditioning unit that I was taking out of a house in Pearisburg. Of course, my hand was within inches of it when I was lifting the unit out. This thing tends to release venom that can eat away flesh.
They all like to go unnoticed and tend to hide around things we humans build or pile up. I highly recommend wearing gloves when doing these cleaning activities. I also highly recommend that you take every portion of those gloves and squeeze them just in case one of our unfriendly creatures happens to be in them. Also, as a habit, take your shoes and give them a good shaking before putting them on because they are good hiding spots for the spiders.
Depending on your budget and how you feel about chemicals, you may want to invest in a service that handles these spiders. Understand that even though these folks come and spray you are not completely out of danger as many of our venomous creatures are far more shy and evade the spraying.
Alas, enjoy your Spring cleaning, but be aware of your environment.

03/31/2024

He is risen...

03/22/2024

The article encapsulates the events, but the highlight is the quality and quantity of the photos that go along with it. These photos were taken by one of my closest friends and the one God chose to put in my life to direct my initial steps in getting essential treatments to prolong my life. I have visited Dr. Crews virtually every month since 2013. He literally knows more about me than anyone aside from my mother on this earth. We share in each other's trials and in our victories. I praise God that Michael Crews was placed in my life at just the right time. If you enjoy technical photos featuring race cars running at full speed in day and night conditions, you will find these incredible. Enjoy.

Report IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship 2024 - 12 Hours of Sebring on Racing Sports Cars website

08/29/2022