Smith Mountain Eagle

01/10/2025

The Town of Bedford Police Department is excited to announce that testing is quickly approaching this month!

If you’re interested in a rewarding career in law enforcement, now is the time to take the next step. Call 540-587-6011 and ask to speak with Officer Thomas, or email [email protected] for more details.

Don’t wait—secure your spot and start your journey toward making a difference in our community!

01/10/2025

Road trip, anyone? Just kidding, stay home! But if you must travel, prep that vehicle and yourself for the winter wonderland. Clear off that snow, it's not a car accessory!

Deputies will be on the lookout overnight, keeping us all safe and sound.

Big thanks to the power companies for getting the juice flowing again!

Now, let's give those VDOT crews a wide berth.

Stay cozy, Bedford!

01/10/2025

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be available in the Tharp Room at the Bedford Central Library to help individuals complete their tax returns. They will continue the appointment drop off method

01/10/2025

📢 Stay Safe, Rocky Mount! ❄️
As temperatures drop below freezing, we want to remind our community of an important safety tip: never plug space heaters into power strips or extension cords.
🔥 Why? Space heaters draw a lot of power and can easily overload power strips, causing overheating and even fires.
✔️ What to do instead? Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
Let’s work together to keep everyone safe and warm this winter! 🏠💙

01/10/2025

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our region that extends into tomorrow morning. Snow is forecasted for after 4 p.m. today and to continue until

01/10/2025

On August 30, 2024, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations and Patrol Divisions conducted a surveillance operation related to reported drug trafficking activities at the Lake Inn

01/10/2025

On Thursday, January 9th, 2025, members of the Office of the Sheriff arrested a local man on child s*x crimes after an investigation and search warrant.

01/09/2025

There has been a surge of phone calls to registered s*x offenders in an attempt to scam them out of money by telling them if they don't provide a cash

01/08/2025

RICHMOND, Va. — In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has announced a $1.29 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims

01/07/2025

Bethlehem United Methodist Church has received their new church organ. They are planning a concert series to feature it for the community in the spring.

01/07/2025

Last week in the Town of Bedford, C.G. Stanley was sworn in as mayor and Darryl Updike as vice-mayor. Representatives Stacey Hailey, Todd Foreman, Dwight Evans, Dave Foster and Jai

01/07/2025

Placement in Lake & More Weekly Events is free for public events taking place in the Smith Mountain Lake community, the surrounding counties of Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania, and the

01/07/2025

01/07/2025

UPDATE: The Winter Warming Shelter is staying open ALL DAY today (Jan. 7, 2025) thanks to help from our Social Services staff. It will remain open tonight and through tomorrow morning. Hours may be extended pending volunteer assistance.

Anyone is welcome - even if you need to just take a shower or get something to eat!

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Due to the significant power outages in our area, Bedford's Winter Warming Shelter will be opening tonight and tomorrow night (January 6-7) at 7 p.m. Guests can stay in the shelter overnight until 7 a.m.

The warming shelter is located at 112 Center Street, Bedford, and is typically only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (dependent on volunteers) but is extending its hours due to the winter storm.

Pets are welcome. The shelter has cots/blankets, food, showers, and laundry facilities.

This shelter is a ministry of St. John's Episcopal Church, and Bedford Presbyterian Church provides the building. If you would like to help out as a volunteer or financially, contact Tim Brooke at [email protected].

01/07/2025

The first winter storm of the season entered the region on Sunday, bringing with it just enough of a mixture of snow, sleet and ice to put a halt to

01/06/2025

🎉Franklin County, VA is proud to announce that two of its professionals, Karli Foster and Stephanie Mathena, have been honored in The Roanoker magazine's 2025 "40 Under 40" list. This annual recognition celebrates young leaders who have significantly contributed to the Roanoke Valley through their professional achievements and community involvement.

Karli Foster serves as the Business Retention & Expansion and Workforce Manager for the Franklin County Office of Economic Development. In this role, she focuses on building relationships with local industries and aligning workforce efforts with employers' needs.

“I get the chance every day to invest in the future of our region by strengthening connections, engaging with businesses and working toward a vision that reflects the community we all love,” stated Foster. “There is truly no greater feeling than knowing that I am making a positive impact in the place I proudly call home.”

Foster holds a Bachelor of Science in Smart and Sustainable Cities from Virginia Tech and a Master of Public Administration from James Madison University. She is an active member of the Virginia Economic Development Association and the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount.

Stephanie Mathena serves as the Principal Planner for Franklin County. She has led the update of the county’s Comprehensive Plan and is currently overseeing the rewrite of its Zoning Ordinance to modernize regulations.

“A place is defined not just by its structures, but by the community that breathes life into it,” stated Mathena. “I’ve had the privilege of listening to residents and using their insights to help shape our environment. The recognition of human needs drives me, and I hope my work reflects the community’s growth.”

Mathena earned a Bachelor’s in Historic Preservation and Community Planning from the College of Charleston and a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech. She is a certified planner with the American Planning Association and volunteers with the Roanoke County VCE Master Gardeners.

Franklin County Administrator, Christopher Whitlow, commended the achievements of Foster and Mathena, stating, "Their hard work and commitment have made a meaningful impact on our community. This recognition is a testament to their efforts, and we appreciate their continued dedication to Franklin County."

We also want to congratulate all the remarkable leaders recognized in this year’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025! Your dedication, innovation, and passion are shaping the future of the Roanoke Valley and beyond.

A special thank you to those working in Franklin County—you inspire us daily with your contributions to our community.

Join us in celebrating these exceptional leaders and their well-deserved recognition! 👏

01/06/2025