Graduating from high school is a momentous step between worlds. It's when we step out of childhood and solidly into adulthood. The graduation tab helps preserve that moment. It gets immortalized in print and keeps that moment locked in time. Every school has yearbooks, where we have our school picture and our classmates can sign 'Have a nice summer!' but the graduation tab is unique. It's a special memento that can be kept for years, as proof that says, "I was there! This was me when I graduated high school!"

This week, we'll be looking at the Special Graduation Issue from May 1979, which features a graduate from The News-Gazette! Can you spot the teenage version of one of our staff members?

The front page stories for May 16, 1979 were:

• Water extension lines were placed to give water to Arnolds Valley families.
• Trouble with City of Lexington's budget could mean trimming for school system.
• A new air traffic control tower was being constructed.
• W&L gets an endowed professorship from alum Robert G. Brown. 

The front cover of the graduation tab for 1979 had a photo of two students and a camel. Each school had a interoduction to their section and the pages were full of graduating seniors and well wishes from local businesses.

The graduation tab is truly a wonderful keepsake for graduating seniors to look back on for years to come! If you want to see your graduation tab in a Flashback Friday, just message our Digital Media Specialist at bthorman@thenews-gazette.com. If you want to congratulate a senior at any of the local high schools in the graduation tab, contact April Mikels at amikels@thenews-gazette.com or (540)463-3113. The deadline is 4 PM today! 

Congrats Grads!

In this series, we’re going to talk with the area leaders of a wide breadth of denominations, religious organizations, and groups. We’ll learn about how they view their place in this area, the diversity of beliefs in our community, and their opinion of how religion affects people and their community. 

This week, I spoke with Jared Huntsman and Bill Braddy from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lexington. 

How long has this church been here in Lexington and how long have you been with this church?

Huntsman: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had an influence starting in 1840. There were missionaries that had come to this area and started to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1883, there was a small group of individuals that had joined the church in the Collierstown area, and that was the first official organization of members in the area. 

Braddy: Two families came together, the Irvine family and the Potter family. One family donated the plot of land (The Potters) and the Irvines donated timber off of their farm. It was milled to build this beautiful little white, mountain church. That chapel existed from about 1890/1900 until just a few years ago. It was taken down and is being archived for historical purposes. That little branch was really the start of a Rockbridge County congregation. 

Huntsman: Then in Lexington specifically, it was in 2006 that the church building, at 1340 Thornhill Road, was dedicated. The presence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been here since the early 1800s. I moved here in 2009 and have greatly enjoyed living in this area. For me and my family, this is like a piece of Heaven. I think that this area is predominantly an area of God-fearing people who truly love the Lord, and are striving to live Christian lives.

Braddy: My wife Elizabeth and I moved here in January of 2011. She came later that summer and I came in January '11 and started employment with Southern Virginia University.

Why do you think there are so many churches in the area, and especially just in Lexington?

Braddy: I believe it's because people, and families in this area, were brought up with wonderful values. Based on their faith in believing in God and seeking to know and to do his will, regardless of their faith, so many Christians believe and trust in a loving God and their Savior Jesus Christ and they were brought up with that faith. Ingrained in them are high character and values and that's one of the reasons we love living in this area.

Huntsman: We believe that religion should be protected and that people have the right to be able to worship the almighty God according to the dictates of their own heart, you know? We love the commonality of worshiping Jesus Christ as our Lord and our savior, and I think that's what brings us together.

Why do you think churches are typical elements in all cities, big or small?

Huntsman: You know, I think you'll see a lot of churches in the center of the city because they believe that Christ should be at the center of their heart. I think it’s a symbol. A lot of times you'll see churches downtown, whether they're big or small. I think it's a reflection of how we should have God in our life: he should be in the center of our life. That's another reason why I love Lexington. You walk downtown Lexington and you see so many different churches. It's a constant reminder that 'my belief should be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ and my life should reflect those beliefs.'

Braddy: Exactly what I was going to say. Throughout Europe, cities and villes from 300-400 plus years ago, the churches and cathedrals were placed in the city for exactly what President Huntsman just said. I believe that because much of our heritage has come from Europe, and other parts of the world but specifically Europe, we follow that pattern. Churches are at the center because Christ should be at the center of our lives.

What do you think your religious organization brings to our area?

Huntsman: There are many things I think the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brings to this area. I think it brings a people who are rooted in a relationship with the Savior. I think he brings faith, I think it brings hope, I think it brings happiness.

Braddy: I think it gives us, our congregations, the opportunity to love one another, to serve one another, and to worship together, united in our faith. As far as the benefit of that in the community, we invite all who are interested in worshiping their savior Jesus Christ to join us. Whether you're a member of our church or not, visitors are always welcome. We invite individuals that have a common interest of living a good, clean life, with virtues and values centered around the Savior Jesus Christ to worship with us. If not, then come serve with us. Come help us lift the community, as families and individuals, and make the lives of everyone around us better.

How would you describe your congregation’s demographics?

Huntsman: Currently we have six different family congregations in Rockbridge County and a Spanish group. Then there are also an additional six young single adult congregations in Rockbridge County.

Braddy: Specifically in our area, just in the six family congregations, plus the Spanish group, we represent individuals that are in their 90s approaching 100 years old, down to new infants. We have young marrieds that don't have children yet and young families with 1-7 children. Then we have empty-nesters, like President Huntsman and myself, that have raised our families and now enjoying grandchildren, and then we have other individuals that are single and/or maybe widowed. So we're very diverse in each congregation. 

We have many people that are multi-generational; their roots go back a hundred years in Rockbridge County. We call them our heritage members. They're the foundation of what's happening here. Then we have transplants like, Jared came from out west and I came from North Carolina. Very diverse congregations which, in my opinion, adds to the joy of meeting together because we're always learning from other people that have different backgrounds, different cultures, different experiences.

Huntsman: Currently we have about 2050 members on record in Rockbridge County, plus an additional thousand, I would guess, from the young single adult congregations. The approximate population of Rockbridge County is about 37,000 people. We're roughly around eight percent of people of faith in this area.

How has your service attendance been over the years?

Huntsman: This area continues to grow. So within the last 100 years, it's been amazing to see the growth of the church in this small area. 

Braddy: I'll add: specifically in the last 30 years. From that one congregation, to the 12 that are here, has all happened in the last 30 years. So, it's been in this area for over a hundred years, but in the last 25 or 30 years we've seen that growth. And these are not congregations of 30 or 40. These are congregations of a couple of hundred plus, and still growing. 

Although we've grown a lot, the numbers and the growth is not what really matters. What really matters at the end of the day is the personal one-on-one relationship that each person has with their Savior Jesus Christ. 

Have you seen any changes, shifts, or evolution of the area?

Braddy: It seems like over the last 15 or 16 years, I've noticed an increase of people seeking a good area like this to come and move to. They're seeking a beautiful, safe area, a good community where they can bring their family, where they could retire. I think people are noticing or seeking out this type of community, Rockbridge County. There's been growth all over the community - in the business arena, all three higher education institutions, and in other areas.

Huntsman: You know, I think one of the things that I've enjoyed recently is being welcomed at the Rockbridge Ministerial Alliance. We're religious leaders, coming together from all faiths, we share a common belief in the Savior Jesus Christ, and look for opportunities and ways to bless the community. I'm very grateful for the graciousness of other church leaders who are willing to open their arms to all people of faith and they say, "Let’s come together for the benefit of the community." 

How do you see the future of this area?

Huntsman: I am very much an optimist. I like to see the good in everyone. I think that the direction of the world is going to continue to be unstable, you know, to have problems. But I love that we can come together and there will be strength as Christians in this community. As we lock arms, serve and strive to bless one another regardless of denomination, the more that we can become united, we will continue to grow in strength. 

Braddy: I'm also an optimist, but also the realist and I agree with President Huntsman that there are probably some interesting times that lie ahead for the country and the world. Here's what I believe: when we, as a community here, stay centered in our hearts on God the Father and his son Jesus Christ, we are blessed. Love one another, serve one another, first serve our God - we're going to be great. Now, will there be some interesting times around us, probably.  I believe in our community, we're going to be fine. The future is very, very bright.

It was the fifth consecutive loss for the Wildcats (3-7), who came up short 9-6 at Blacksburg on Monday. Salem improved to 9-1.

In Thursday’s game, senior attackman Grayden Brown scored all three of the Wildcats’ goals, and RC senior goalie Chase Pooley made 16 saves.

Pooley and RC’s defenders kept the Spartans scoreless until Tucker Preas put in a little over six minutes into the game. Late in the quarter, the Spartans scored again to make it 2-0. 

Salem extended its lead to 4-0 early in the second quarter before Brown scored to cut it to 4-1. After four more Spartan goals, Brown scored from Salem goalie Richard Hof’s left side to cut Salem’s lead to 8-2, but the Spartans added two more goals to take a 10-2 lead into halftime.

In the third quarter, Salem scored five more goals before Brown put in his third goal with 2:17 left, and the Spartans scored again to take a 16-3 lead into the fourth quarter. Salem added two more goals in the fourth quarter.

Before the game, the Wildcats honored senior manager Hayley Higgins and their 16 senior players: Brown, Pooley, Trenten Cash, Benjamin Davis, Malcolm Forbes, Justin Higgins, Andrew Kelly, Aiden Meyers, Avery McDaniel, Brennan McDaniel, Cole Peters, Daniel Reed, Caleb Robinson, Dusten Sisk, Liam Stillwell and Jack Wonderly.

Although the Wildcats have one more home game scheduled on Wednesday, May 13 against William Byrd, Thursday’s game was likely the last to be played at Prasnicki-Ross Field at Veterans Stadium this field, as RC will be installing artificial turf on its home field. While the work is being done, the Wildcats will play their lacrosse and soccer games on the turf field at The Fields at Southern Virginia University. 

The Wildcats will return to action on Monday when they play at William Byrd, starting with junior varsity action at 5:30 p.m., with the varsity game scheduled to follow at 7.

For the story and photos from this week’s action, please see our May 6 newspaper.

This phase of the plan includes the creation a riverside amphitheater with terraced seating and an ADA-accessible picnic area which will “enhance public use and enjoyment of the Maury River,” the City of Lexington said in a press release. Randy Hostetter Excavating will be doing the work for the project, which is expected to last into late July. The clearing and grading for the amphitheater will take most of May, with seating and final furnishings being installed in June and July.

Portions of the park near the work zone will be closed to the public through the duration of the construction for public safety, and signage and barriers will be installed in the park to direct visitors. Unaffected park trails will be open to visitors if it is safe. Visitors are asked to “strictly observe posted signs and follow directions from on-site crews to ensure everyone’s safety.” Additionally, visitors and neighbors can expect construction noise and equipment activity during weekday work hours.

The final phase of improvements for the park are slated for completion in the 2026-27 fiscal year and will involve realigning the driveway to the boat ramp, which will also enhance safe access to the Maury River.

“We hope all members of the public will take the opportunity to connect with the Maury that this new investment will provide,” said Lexington Public Works Director Patrick Madigan.

In one release, the sheriff’s office reported that on Friday, April 17, special agents with the regional drug task force working with deputies from the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office made a traffic stop near Interstate 81 exit 156 in Botetourt County. During the stop, a K-9 unit from Botetourt County conducted an open air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of illegal drugs. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 34 grams of methamphetamine.

The occupants of the vehicle, identified as Shyanne Elizabeth Bryant and Charles Louis Fitzgerald Jr., both 23, of Natural Bridge Station, were taken into custody and each charged with one count of possession of 20 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Both are being held in the Botetourt County Jail without bond, pending hearings in Botetourt County General District Court.

In a separate press release, the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office reported that a Natural Bridge woman was caught in two different regional drug task force traffic stops in the past few months.

The first, conducted on Feb. 7, in the 4400 block of South Lee Highway in the Natural Bridge area, involved deputies with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office working in conjunction with special agents from the drug task force.

During the stop, a Rockbridge County K-9 conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of illegal drugs, and a subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jessica Belle Broughman, 45, of Natural Bridge. Criminal charges were deferred pending laboratory analysis by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

On April 19, during a separate traffic stop, this one conducted in Botetourt County in coordination with that county’s sheriff’s office, Broughman was stopped near I-81 exit 156. A K-9 unit conducted an open air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of illegal drugs. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of 13.5 grams of methamphetamine. Broughman was taken into custody and charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. She is currently being held without bond in the Botetourt County Jail pending a hearing in Botetourt County General District Court.

Both investigations against Broughman remain active and additional charges are forthcoming, the release noted.

“These cases demonstrate exactly how committed our agencies are to working together across jurisdictional lines to target and arrest those who are poisoning our communities,” said Rockbridge County and Lexington City Sheriff Tony McFaddin, Botetourt County Sheriff Matt Ward, and Bedford County Sheriff Mike Miller in a joint statement. “Through the James River Regional Drug Task Force, our offices work hand in hand with one another, the city and town police departments throughout Rockbridge, Botetourt, and Bedford counties, and the Virginia State Police to aggressively investigate drug trafficking wherever it occurs. If you bring illegal drugs into or through our counties, you will be investigated and you will be arrested. We will continue taking these dangerous substances off the street and holding drug traffickers accountable.” -In addition to releases about those arrests, McFaddin also put out a press release about another arrest that resulted from a separate operation conducted by agents with the regional drug task force in February in coordination with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office.

During the initial operation on Feb.7, conducted in the Vesuvius area, agents with the drug task force identified an individual and vehicle suspected of being a source of methamphetamine in Rockbridge County. Agents continued surveillance through the county and the city of Buena Vista, during which they observed what appeared to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction. A deputy with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office then conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle at the intersection of South Lee Highway and Fox Hunt Road in the Fancy Hill area of the county.

A K-9 unit from Rockbridge County alerted to the presence of illegal drugs inside the vehicle and a search found more than 20 grams of “suspected methamphetamine” and more than $1,800 in cash. The vehicle was seized but criminal charges against the driver, identified as Jeffrey Wayne Saunders, 55, of Lexington, were deferred pending analysis by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

On Feb. 15, investigators received information indicating that Saunders may be traveling to obtain more illegal narcotics. Agents with the drug task force and deputies with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office located another vehicle associated with Saunders and attempted to make a traffic stop on it after it returned to Rockbridge County. Saunders failed to stop and fled, discarding a backpack containing over one pound of methamphetamine during the pursuit. He was eventually taken into custody without further incident, and a subsequent search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of an additional 10 grams of methamphetamine.

Saunders was charged with two felony counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one felony count of eluding police, and three misdemeanors: one count of failure to stop at a stop sign, one count of failure to drive on the right side of the highway and one count of reckless driving.

He has been held at Rockbridge Regional Jail without bond since his arrest and the investigation remains active, meaning additional charges may be forthcoming, though no additional charges have been filed as of Monday afternoon. A preliminary hearing for the charges from his arrest is scheduled for June 5 in Rockbridge County General District Court.

“This case reflects exactly what our drug enforcement efforts are focused on — identifying repeat suppliers, disrupting trafficking activity, and removing large quantities of dangerous drugs from our community,” said McFaddin in the press release. “More than a pound of methamphetamine off the streets represents real harm prevented. We remain committed to working with our partners to aggressively pursue those who choose to profit from addiction.”

City Council’s budget and finance committee finalized the proposed budget Monday, completing the work of closing what had been a gap of $1.9 million in mid-March between planned expenditures and projected revenues. A state budget has not yet been adopted so that projected state funding for the schools is based on the latest best available information.

Under the proposed budget being advertised, the real estate tax rate would remain at 98 cents per $100 of assessed value and the personal property tax rate would stay at $5.85. A tax on cigarettes, instituted at a rate of 25 cents per pack on Jan. 1 of this year, is to be retained at this rate in the new fiscal year. City employees are slated to receive cost-of-living raises of 3 percent.

Waste collection and disposal fees for residential customers would rise by $2 per month, from $23 to $25, and commercial rates are to rise by $4 per week, from $38.37 to $42.37 for once per week pickup, from $76.74 to $80.74 for twice-weekly pickup, from $115 to $119.11 for three times per week pickup, from $149.48 to $153.58 for four times per week pickup, and $186.85 to $190.85 for five times per week pickup.

Water usage rates are to remain at $8.58 per 1,000 gallons while sewer rates are to climb from $10.04 to $11.04 per 1,000 gallons. Water and sewer connection fees are to remain at $1,500 each, though water and sewer system development fees may rise based on the size of the meters.

Camping fees at Glen Maury Park are proposed to rise as follows – $40 to $55 per night for tents with no hookups, $50 to $70 per night for water and electric hookups (no sewer) and $60 to $80 per night for water, electric and sewer hookups. Monthly camping rates are to go up from $500 to $680. Passport America membership rates are to remain at $20 per night, with seniors (age 62 and above) receiving a $1 discount.

Daily admission rates at the swimming pool are to rise by $1, from 5 to $6 for ages 13 and above, and from $4 to $5 for ages 4-12. Season pass pool fees are to rise as follows – $100 to $125 for one person; $200 to $300 for family of between two and four people; and $35 to $50 for each additional person above four. Pool party rates are to be as follows: 1-20 people, $180; 21-40, $225; 41-60, $270; 61-80, $310; 81-100, $350; 101-120, $390; 121-140, $430; 141160, $470; 161-180, $510; 181-200, $550.

Dog license fees have been raised to a flat $10 fee. The current rates are $8 for dogs that haven’t been spayed or neutered and $4 for those that have.

As for how the rather substantial gap between planned expenditures and projected revenues was eliminated, several savings measures were undertaken. Proposed new positions in human resources and community development were eliminated. The police department is not filling a couple of vacancies it currently has. Portions of funding for several administrative positions were reallocated from the general fund to the city’s other major funds.

The local appropriation for the schools is to go up by $264,553 due to a change in the city’s composite index and to make up for a shortfall from the current budget.

The House and Senate both voted to accept the governor’s substitute for the bill during the General Assembly’s reconvened session, with the House approving it 69-31 and the Senate 21-18.

The Senate’s vote was split down party lines, with all 21 Democrats voting yes and nearly all of the 19 Republicans voting no — Republican Chris Head was marked down as “not voting.” As for the delegates that cover the Rockbridge area, Ellen McLaughlin of the 36th District voted against the measure, and Terry Austin of the 37th District voted in support of it.

The measure has now been signed into law and will take effect July 1.

Spanberger had returned the original bill without her signature, writing that she supported its “general purpose” but requested lawmakers adopt a substitute version. Her changes significantly altered how the study of VMI would be carried out.

Rather than creating a new state-appointed advisory task force, the approved version directs VMI’s own board of visitors to conduct the review. The board is tasked with examining the Institute’s response to a 2021 report by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and recommending further steps to address concerns related to inclusivity and the school’s historical ties to the “Lost Cause” narrative.

In a statement, VMI officials expressed support for the governor’s revisions.

“VMI views the governor’s amendments of HB 1377 as a constructive step that affirms the role of the board of visitors while enabling fair and balanced evaluations of the Institute’s mission and environment,” said Sherry Wallace, the Institute’s director of communications. “The Institute looks forward to continuing to demonstrate VMI’s value and distinctive role in Virginia higher education.”

The bill’s final passage caps a closely watched debate in Richmond over the state’s role in overseeing the 185-year-old military college. Earlier versions of the legislation would have created a separate task force and, at one stage, included language requiring a review of whether VMI should continue receiving state funding ¬— provisions that were later removed.

HB 1377 was one of several VMI-related bills introduced during the 2026 session. Another proposal, House Bill 1374, which would have restructured the school’s board of visitors, ultimately failed to pass before adjournment.

Appointed Interim Supervisor

Walkers Creek District has a new supervisor – and it’s the runner-up from last fall’s election.

In a court order signed by Rockbridge County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Russell Tuesday, Toria Brown was appointed to fill the Walkers Creek District seat on the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors on an interim basis until a special election can be held in November. All of the judges from the 25th Judicial Circuit, which runs from Augusta County to Craig County, participated in the selection process.

“I am honored and grateful to be appointed to this position to serve Walkers Creek and Rockbridge County,” Brown said in a press release from the county yesterday. “I am eager to get to work with the members of the Board and staff in doing my part to move Rockbridge County forward in a positive trajectory.”

“As a Board, we welcome Ms. Brown to the service of Walkers Creek and the entire county,” Board of Supervisors Chair David McDaniel said in the release. “We look forward to working with her in the important process of decision making as we collectively address challenges and seek opportunities for our citizens. Our job now is to, along with our staff, assist Ms. Brown in any way possible as she acclimates to this important role in our community.”

Brown was one of three candidates who sought to represent the Walkers Creek District in last fall’s election, running against incumbent Jay Lewis and Steve Reese. Lewis won the election with 702 votes, followed by Brown with 648 and Reese with 631.

Brown was born and raised in the Brownsburg area of the county, and she, her husband and their children operate a beef cattle farm in the county. In a candidate profile ahead of last fall’s election, Brown said that she has “many years [of] experience as a business owner and entrepreneur” to bring to the table.

“I want to see our county maintain its core values and natural beauty while also evolving with the times,” she told The News-Gazette for that profile. “I want this county to be a place that I can retire, sure, but I primarily want it to be a place where my children and grandchildren can thrive professionally and personally. To me, that means a community where livable job opportunities are present and the barriers to start or expand a business are small.”

An interim appointment was made necessary following the discovery last month that Lewis had not taken his oath of office within the specified timeframe following his reelection, meaning the seat had technically been vacant.

The change resulted in a vote on financing the proposed community recreation center, which had originally passed 3-2, failing in a 2-2 revote. The auditing process for the financing was what had uncovered that Lewis had not been sworn in.

Brown’s first meeting as a member of the Board of Supervisors will be the May 4 meeting, which will include the public hearing on the FY2027 budget.

A proposed state permit that would allow the Tribrook Club to withdraw millions of gallons of water annually from Woods Creek drew a wide range of public responses last week, from support for increased regulation to sharp criticism over environmental risks, data gaps and public health concerns.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) held a public hearing April 23 at Rockbridge County High School, following an information session outlining the draft permit and the agency’s review process. The hearing, which drew over 100 people, marked a key step in a months-long review that is expected to conclude with a final decision in September.

What The Permit Would Do During the information session, DEQ officials described the water withdrawal permitting program as a regulatory framework intended to balance human use with environmental protection.

“The intended purpose is to protect water resources and beneficial uses, which are defined as any instream or off-stream use of a water resource,” said Bryant Thomas, director of DEQ’s Water Resources Division.

Under Virginia law, any surface water withdrawal exceeding 10,000 gallons per day requires a permit. These permits typically run for 15 years and are designed to ensure that withdrawals do not harm aquatic ecosystems, drinking water supplies or recreational uses.

The Tribrook Club, formerly the Lexington Golf & Country Club, is seeking such a permit as part of a broader course renovation and modernization project. According to DEQ staff, the permit is required now due to increased withdrawal volumes, changes to infrastructure and the scope of the redevelopment.

“The requested water withdrawal volumes, changes to surface water infrastructure, and the proposed impacts of the course modernization project are required to have a permit,” DEQ staff member Kaelen Close said.

The draft permit would allow the club to withdraw up to 375,000 gallons per day, with a monthly cap of 9 million gallons. Annual withdrawals would be limited to 45 million gallons during the first two years — a turf establishment period — and 30 million gallons annually thereafter.

It also includes a requirement that a minimum flow of 0.19 cubic feet per second be maintained downstream in Woods Creek, unless inflows drop below that level. In that case, the club would be required to release whatever water enters the system.

DEQ officials emphasized that the permit addresses only water withdrawals and associated construction impacts. Other issues raised by the public, particularly stormwater management and erosion, fall under separate regulatory authority, primarily at the county level.

Still, those issues have been a major focus of community concern.

The permit process began with an application submitted March 28, 2025. A draft permit was released for public comment earlier this year, drawing 110 written comments and 102 requests for a hearing. The option to submit written comments remains open through May 8, after which DEQ will issue responses and hold a second public hearing before making a final decision, expected in September.

What Tribrook And Supporters Say At the hearing, Tribrook representatives framed the permit as a step toward greater environmental responsibility.

Jason Melvin, speaking on behalf of the club, said the permit introduces limits and safeguards that did not exist under previous regulatory conditions.

“The permit we elected to pursue limits the daily, monthly and annual withdrawal amounts and requires flow to Woods Creek at all times, both of which we felt were important to maintaining and preserving the waterway,” Melvin said.

Peter Danaher, the club’s golf course superintendent, echoed that view, describing the previous system as effectively unregulated.

“Under the previous conditions,” he said, referring to when the club was in operation as Lexington Golf & Country Club, “stream flow would be completely mitigated to nothing, and I didn’t feel like that was justified for downstream neighbors that were enjoying the creek.”

Supporters of the project, though few in number that evening, pointed to those changes in permitting and regulation as evidence of progress.

A small group of speakers backed the permit or the club’s overall direction, emphasizing improved technology, responsiveness to concerns and potential economic benefits.

Enrico de Alessandrini praised the club’s modernization efforts and described the permitting process itself as a positive shift away from “an era of zero accountability.”

Steve Chapin, who lives near the course, said Tribrook had shown a willingness to listen and adapt, calling the club “good listeners” making “significant efforts” to be environmentally responsible.

Fundamental Objections

Most speakers, however, voiced opposition, several of which challenged the premise of the project itself.

Ann Nelson, a certified water monitor, described Woods Creek as a shared community resource already under strain.

“I think that Woods Creek is one of the gems of Lexington. And I enjoy walking the stream, which is often, very, very often, barely a trickle that goes through our town,” she said.

“I think that any organization that can spend $25 million to $30 million on building a brand new golf course should be able to spend money to get water, rather than taking it from a community resource that is already impaired and depleted.”

Others framed the issue in moral or communal terms.

“Woods Creek was there before the golf course was built. Like me, [the course] is the creek’s neighbor, and good neighbors take care of their neighbors,” said Connie Janine, a longtime resident of that area.

Several speakers also highlighted the creek’s visibility and role in daily life, particularly for children.

“There are two schools on the creek: there’s a preschool, there’s an elementary school. There are two universities on the creek. This is going to impact a lot of people, said Caroline Coons.

She added: “I work with children … When I told a group of people I was coming, a 10-year-old spoke up and said that he had been with his class testing the water last week and he found high nitrates. And he said, ‘That means there is fertilizer in the water.’ And then he said, ‘And we found a lot of dead waterpenny beetles.’”

Technical Critiques

A larger and more technically detailed set of comments focused on the permit’s specifics, with several scientists and environmental professionals arguing that it is based on incomplete or flawed assumptions.

Barbara Walsh, a hydrogeologist, summarized a central concern shared by multiple speakers.

“In this case, of an already impaired stream … the permit must take into account that water volume is not independent of water quality,” she said.

“As currently drafted, the permit appears to continue past practices and may even allow greater withdrawals without adequate safeguards.”

Several speakers questioned whether the withdrawal limits were appropriate given the creek’s actual flow, with multiple comments pointing to the data and modeling used to support the permit.

John Pancake, a certified water monitor, pointed to the proposed increase in annual withdrawals.

“This permit allows 30 million gallons a year. And in the first two years, 45 million gallons — two and a half times the historic use, even though there may be less water coming in,” he said.

Underlying those concerns was a broader critique raised by several speakers: that DEQ’s modeling relies in part on flow data from Kerrs Creek, a different local waterway, rather than sitespecific measurements from Woods Creek itself.

Geologist David Harbor argued that comparison may be fundamentally flawed due to differences between the two watersheds.

“The low flow stream statistics for the seven-day, 30-day, 10-year drought flows are well below the 0.19 cubic feet per second that would be necessary to keep Woods Creek supplied,” Harbor said. “So the golf course would not be required to release that, because I don’t think that kind of flow is coming in.”

Harbor and others said Kerrs Creek differs significantly in both geology and hydrology, including its underlying rock structure and base flow characteristics. Woods Creek, by contrast, flows through a “karst landscape,” which means water movement between surface and groundwater systems is more complex and less predictable.

That concern was echoed by multiple speakers, including Morris Trimmer and Jamie Goodin, executive director of Rockbridge Conservation, who called for direct flow measurements within the Woods Creek watershed rather than reliance on extrapolated data.

Without site-specific data, several argued, the permit’s withdrawal limits and minimum flow requirements may be based on assumptions that do not accurately reflect real conditions, particularly during droughts, when stream flow is already limited.

Public Health Concerns

A third category of comments focused on contamination issues that fall largely outside the permit’s scope but remain central to public concern.

Multiple speakers cited testing showing pollutants in groundwater wells on the property.

“Evidence of legacy chemical pollution has been found in recent testing of the two wells on the property. One is contaminated with extremely high levels of lead and the other with extremely high levels of PFAS,” said Gretchen Succo.

“Although the latter well is being decommissioned, the polluted water remains and will likely continue to make its way untreated to the rest of the aquifer.”

Cathryn Harbor, a physician, emphasized the potential health implications.

“PFAS are called forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment. They do not break down in our bodies,” she said.

Toxicologist Joe DiNardo raised additional concerns about how contaminants could spread.

“All of this water, as it comes up out of the ground contaminated and reused, revolatilizes these chemicals, so they will aerosolize and can travel as far as 25 miles in the air,” he said.

Other speakers described visible environmental changes in the creek.

“It’s been very disturbing to see the rise of sediment levels in the creek and to learn about what we can’t see: the effects of chemical pollution on aquatic life and on the safety of local wells,” said Cinder Stanton.

Throughout the hearing, speakers repeatedly returned to the broader question of whether the permit, as drafted, fulfills DEQ’s stated goal of protecting water resourced.

“Literally hundreds of local citizens have volunteered countless hours for years to try to improve the health of the creek and the ecosystems that depend on it,” Succo said.

“I don’t think anyone here can say they believe the golf course has had a positive or even a neutral influence on the health of the creek.”

With written comments accepted through May 8, DEQ officials said the agency will review all submissions and issue formal written responses to all commenters. A second public hearing, focused on those responses, will then be scheduled, intended for anyone who previously submitted comments to give their own responses. The agency is expected to make a final decision on the permit in September.

The town of Goshen is working on developing a large parcel of town-owned land into a park.

The property in question, located behind the Dollar General Store on Virginia Avenue, has been owned by the town since 2000. It covers 45 acres of land between the store and the Calfpasture River, including between 2,000 and 2,500 feet of river front.

The land hasn’t been utilized by the town since its purchase, due in part to the fact that that the original access to the property was cut off when the town sold part of it for the site of the Dollar General in 2012.

However, a recent acquisition of some property adjacent to the Dollar General – which included a section of a private lane called Sunset Drive – by the town opened access to the property again.

With the town now able to get back to the land, discussions began being held about what to do with the property.

Vice Mayor Steve Bickley told The News-Gazette last month that the only idea that the town kept coming up with was to develop a park.

The town held a public hearing at the Goshen firehouse and an open house on the property itself to get feedback from citizens about what to do with the property, and the town got a lot of feedback on what not to put on the property, along with support for the idea of a park.

“Nobody was interested in a warehouse that was going to bring a bunch of extra truck traffic through Goshen, or a data center,” Bickley said. “Since the property is on the river, the park was what seemed to make the most sense to everybody. It was pretty unanimous from the people that showed up to the public hearing and the open house that they wanted a park.”

The proposed plans for the park include a parking area near the entrance with public restrooms, a concession stand, a sports field and a small playground, along with a handicap accessible walking trail that will loop near the parking lot with minimal grading changes for easy accessibility. Additional trails will branch off and go further into the property toward the river for a total of 1.5 miles of trails which will be accessible for walking, biking, and even horseback riding. Picnic areas will be installed along the trails, with a potential overlook on the river, as well as an access path down to the water front.

The town has been working on taking steps to turn the land into a park since those hearings last year.

With assistance from the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, the town recently completed an application for a $350,000 grant for a conservation easement for 40 acres of the property – five acres of the property nearest the Dollar General are being held back as the town is working on trying to get a Dollar General Market to be built in Goshen to replace the current store – through the Virginia Outdoor Foundation.

The town sent in the application for the grant on March 18 and expects to hear the results of the application in either mid-June or early July.

The town is also planning to apply for a grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Land and Water Conservation Fund, and plans to put up the money from the conservation easement grant as matching funds for that grant.

Additionally, they will also utilize the value of a variety of donated services related to the park project, including Lynchburg- based appraisal group Myers and Woods for the appraisal of the property for the conservation easement grant, and donated services from David Hill Studio in Roanoke for designing the park.

Bickley estimates that, with the full funding for the conservation easement, the town will have approximately $425,000 in funds or in-kind donations to put toward the conservation fund grant.

Additionally, the town has made inquiries to local businesses about sponsoring the construction of various aspects of the park. Bickley has reached out to Stella-Jones, which operates a manufacturing plant just outside of Goshen, about sponsoring the construction of the bathrooms, and told The News-Gazette on Monday that he hopes to get an update from them next week. Town Council member Derrick Ogden has also made inquiries to Wal-Mart and Lowe’s about sponsoring the playground and the sports field.

“I really think that, once we get off the ground with it, we’re going to get a lot of interest from folks who are going to want to get in on something like this,” Bickley said. “We’ve got Goshen Pass, but other than that, there’s not a whole lot out here. I think it can be quite a jewel for the area, I really do.”

The town is also looking into putting in electric vehicle charging stations in the park.

Currently, there aren’t any charging stations between Staunton and Hot Springs along Va. 39, so having one in Goshen will provide a resource for drivers with electric vehicles, and will allow them to stop in town and utilize the park.

Additionally, if they can put in an electric vehicle charging station, the town will get a stipend for having it which can be put toward park maintenance and if they can get a grant to fund the installation, the electricity for the bathrooms and concession stand can be paid for with that grant and not come from the town’s other grant funds.

At the Town Council meeting earlier this month, Bickley reported that the grants available for these charging stations are for nonprofits and not available for municipalities, so the town is currently looking for a local nonprofit to apply for the grant on the town’s behalf.

Given the inflationary times we live in, due primarily to skyrocketing energy prices caused by the war in Iran, it’s remarkable that our local governments are managing to hold the line on taxes. None of the three proposed local budgets call for raising taxes in the upcoming fiscal year.

Rockbridge County’s proposed budget keeps the real estate tax rate at 61 cents per $100 value and the personal property tax rate at $4.25. In Lexington, the proposed real estate tax rate would remain at 92 cents and the personal property tax rate at $4.25. Buena Vista’s proposed budget leaves the real estate tax rate at 98 cents and the personal property tax rate at $5.85.

Not having to raise the real estate tax rate in Buena Vista, in particular, is quite a feat, given that City Council’s budget and finance committee was staring at a $1.9 million gap between planned spending and projected revenues back when the budget planning process began in mid-March. Just six weeks later, the city’s proposed budget is balanced without having to resort to a tax increase.

It is true that certain fees in Buena Vista are going up. The garbage collection fees are rising by $2 monthly for residential customers and $4 weekly for commercial customers. Camping and swimming fees are climbing at Glen Maury Park. Sewer rates are rising, in anticipation of major upgrades being made to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

In Lexington, a substantial amount of money is being taken from reserves to pay for much-needed capital improvements. The same is true in the county. Both jurisdictions have been saving up for long-planned projects. Buena Vista too is having to make plans to pay for not only an upgrade to the WWTP but for an addition to Parry McCluer High School to accommodate the city’s middle school students who are leaving a centuryold building.

Complicating matters for the local governments is that the state has yet to approve a budget. The holdup is a difference of opinion between budget planners in the House of Delegates and the state Senate over whether to end a tax exemption for data centers. Because of this dispute, the General Assembly adjourned its regular session without a budget in March and was unable to resolve the budgetary disagreement during the veto session last week.

Local governments, therefore, are having to approve their budgets not knowing exactly what state aid they’re getting. This is especially problematic with regards to funding for the schools, a substantial amount of which comes from the state. Localities are having to use the latest, best available information from the state to finalize their budgets. They may be having to amend their budgets later, once this information becomes available.

Even so, our local governments are to be commended for making plans to make do without resorting to tax hikes. Times are tough all over so local taxpayers are surely appreciative of not having to pay higher tax bills in the upcoming year.

Mike Lowry

During the 19th and early 20th century, the Democrats that controlled the politics of the state of Virginia enacted legislation to suppress Black voting and civil rights.

In 1900, the Democrats passed laws requiring schools, transportation and public facilities to be segregated based on race.

They went farther in creating the 1902 Virginia Constitution that further restricted voting by the same individuals and added a poll tax of $1.50 to vote. (In 1902, $1.50 would buy what nearly $60 buys today — talk about the impact of inflation!)

In 1924, the Democrats voted to banned interracial marriage.

Then as now, the political power centers were near Richmond and Northern Virginia, and they sought by legislation to control and restrict the power of other areas of the state as well as those who thought differently than those in power.

It would not be until Jan. 23, 1964, that the federal government would act and pass the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified on Jan. 23, 1964, to prohibit the use of poll taxes as a condition for voting in federal election.

Today, the Democrats now are targeting those citizens living in rural areas outside of the Beltway, Richmond and the coastal areas with the gerrymandered plan voted on last week. The map is so blatantly one-sided that most of the rural parts of the state are merged with larger populated parts in the chosen areas.

The purpose is strictly to ensure Democrat control of the state’s politics as it used to be in Virginia. The law clearly violates the state constitution, making the supreme law of the state nothing more than a suggestion document that can be ignored.

The ballot referred to the measure as a “fairness” issue — it is hardly that if you live outside of the chosen areas or are an independent, Libertarian, Republican or member of one of the smaller political parties. This is clearly a Democrat power grab.

The vote called it a temporary break from the state constitution —apparently four years is defined as “temporary” by the Democrats in power.

The election, at the time of this writing, is in the hands of the state Supreme Court who will debate the legality of the calling for the election, the misleading wording of the ballot description, and other factors.

Some had called for the Virginia Supreme Court to rule on the issue prior to holding an election but the court in its questionable decision said they would take the matter up after the election. If the measure was defeated, no need for a court decision was perhaps their logic.

Or perhaps, the court did not want to seem to be partisan, but the court is supposed to be nonpartisan and base their decision on the law as it is written in the Virginia Constitution.

So the Virginia taxpayers had to pay for the cost of the election. Just here in Rockbridge the cost for printing, manning voting precincts, publication costs, etc., was quite high.

The purpose of this election, according to Democrats, was to respond to the proposed gerrymandering in Texas. Why is what other states do something Virginia has to deal with? Like the so-called gerrymandering in Texas is somehow different than the gerrymandering done in other states? Neighboring Maryland is a classic example of gerrymandering that is also found in many Democrat-controlled states as well the gerrymandering in some Republican controlled states.

The justification was not really that Texas was doing it, but President Trump encouraged them to do so. Nearly all ads calling for voters to vote yes referred to it as a Trump power grab but Trump is not allowed to run for president again. He is limited to two terms by the U.S. Constitution but Democrats seem to have forgotten this - or really do believe he has the power of a king?

Virginians earlier said we are above the partisan politics and created a bipartisan commission to draw the election district lines and put it in the state constitution. The wording in the state constitution is very straightforward and is to be the law of the land - apparently unless Trump suggests Texas do something?

Unless the Virginia Supreme Court follows the law as spelled out in the constitution, Virginia will go back to the bad old days of oneparty rule. Yesterday, it was discrimination based on race; today it appears it is discrimination against rural area residents and non-extreme Democrat, Republican and independent voters?

I guess we have to wait to see how the Supreme Court rules? Virginia was praised as an example for other states to follow in drawing election district lines. Will Virginia continue to be praised for its farsighted constitutional mandate for a nonpartisan commission to draw the election lines or be considered no better than other badly gerrymandered states?

April 28, 1976

The president of the Lexington- Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce announced the complete reorganization of the chamber and the appointment of John Mc-Nutt, a retired official at Lees Carpets, as executive director. - The five candidates for Lexington City Council wrestled with the problem of cutting the budget without cutting services and came up with no clear-cut solutions at a “meet the candidates” night. Only two dozen citizens attended the event. - Buena Vista City Council learned that the state Bureau of Outdoor Recreation had given the city a $70,000 grant to fund the implementation of phase III at Glen Maury Park.

20 Years Ago

May 3, 2006

Goshen elected a new mayor as logger Danny Goodbar unseated Mayor Darrell “J.B.” Sprouse in the only contested race in the town elections held in Glasgow and Goshen. - About 50 people attended a brainstorming session at the Holiday Inn Express to share ideas on how to keep Lime Kiln Theater from going dark.. - The Reeves Brothers building in Buena Vista, which had been vacant for nearly 19 years, was sold and plans were being made to turn it into the metal recycling business Auto Recyclers.

The citizens in Buena Vista are very fortunate to have Josh Elrod as their commonwealth attorney. Mr. Elrod is a brilliant, dedicated attorney who works tirelessly for those who are victims of the senseless acts of others.

Mr. Elrod always recognizes his assistant, Joy Dudley, for her work ethic. Carrie Chittum runs the commonwealth’s attorney’s office well. Michele Clark, victim witness coordinator, is dedicated to her job. She always explained the upcoming court proceedings and what to expect.

Our community is fortunate to have the police officers we have. Officer Christopher Plogger apprehended the one running from the accident. He was assisted by Officer Chase Camden. Officer Matt Slagle did a thorough job investigating the accident and revealed truths pertinent to the case.

Thank you to a key witness, Ashley Montgomery, and the jurors for weighing the evidence and making decisions based on facts. I appreciate Gus and Susan Moore for being with Donnie at the scene of the accident. Although my brother, Donnie Coleman, is no longer with us, he was represented well.

If I left out anyone, know my family is grateful. We are fortunate to have these employees of our community working for us. God bless all who strive for justice and truth.

SHEILAC. CAMPBELL Buena Vista

That’s why I read a local newspaper. I suspect you read this paper for the same reason. So why all the letters to the editor on subjects about other backyards light years away. I enjoy my backyard and I have never complained about yours.

Why write about a crazy king who thinks he can steer the ship of state down the Potomac? The only president to successfully navigate that river is one who lived at Mount Vernon. He knew the waters. Or head east on I-64 and visit Virginia’s first queen. She also has a lease on a white house. This one sits on the banks of the James. But, don’t worry, both leases are short.

By my unofficial count of your last three issues there were 22 letters, all but six dealt with Washington or Richmond madness. What’s wrong with going local and not just to shop? Maybe the problem here is so few complain. Or maybe it’s that we are simply too proud to ask for help.

Nonetheless, my friends, there are folks here in paradise who are hurting. Some can’t afford to see a doctor or just won’t. And none of us are getting any younger. Along with better health goes a good mind. What’s wrong with having the best schools in Virginia? It doesn’t cost a ton of taxes. It only costs intent.

How about it? You live here — not elsewhere. You enjoy hanging around happy people. So why not make the Rockbridge area a better place? Just keep in mind that nothing is as powerful as an idea; money comes in second. What are your thoughts? Write a letter to this newspaper. But please, please keep it local. DAVID REYNOLDS Rockbridge County

The war in Iran is not a war against its people — it is a confrontation with the Islamic Republic and its Revolutionary Guard (recognized as a terrorist organization). And the current ceasefire does not extend to the Iranian people. The regime’s war against its own citizens continues unabated. For more than four decades, Iranians have endured a relentless struggle against repression, violence, and coercive control over their way of life.

A nation rich in history and culture has been driven backward by an ideologically driven oligarchy. The costs have been tremendous: loss of basic human and women’s rights, the erosion of family life, and incitement of regional conflicts across the Middle East, with the aim of “plowing out” Israel. Since the revolution, tens of thousands of Iranians and innocent people outside the country, most notably in Syria, have been killed, disappeared, or imprisoned.

In Iran, successive generations have risked their lives in pursuit of freedom and dignity only to face violent crackdowns. During the January 2026 uprising, thousands of people were gunned down within two days, and the people arrested are being executed on a daily basis. Shutdown of the internet has cut the country off from the world.

Today Iranians across the globe gather peacefully to amplify the voices silenced at home, asking the free world to uphold its principles and place human rights above economic interests so that a free, modern-thinking regime can emerge and shape a the better future for its people and the world. SINASHABGARD Rockbridge County

Eric came to Washington and Lee in the early 1960s. He was a standout baseball player and a student leader both on the undergraduate campus and at the Law School. Eric often told us about his tryout with the New York Yankees but that being an attorney was more his calling.

Eric had a long and successful legal career here in town. He had two separate stints as commonwealth’s attorney and was known as a vigorous and skilled prosecutor. He had a private practice as well where he helped many, many hundreds of local people with all matters of assistance. He provided not only legal work but also wisdom and compassion to the individuals whose lives he touched.

For those of us in the legal community, Eric was more than just a colleague; he was a friend. All of us had gone to Eric, at one time or another, seeking his counsel and guidance. He never hesitated to offer words of encouragement and advice and usually had a good story illustrating his point. He was a very kind man.

Eric cared deeply about our community and the legal system writ large. While he will be dearly missed by his family and so many friends, he will always provide an example of the highest ideals of the legal profession and a model of a true gentleman. H. DAVID NATKIN Lexington

Mark Twain warned that “anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.” That feels less like wisdom and more like a daily headline.

At the Global Faith Forum held in Washington, D.C., in February 2026, the Rev. Roberts quoted Jesus Christ’s command to “love your enemies” and asked Marcus B. Nash what that looks like in practice. Elder Nash pointed to a line often attributed to Abraham Lincoln: when criticized for befriending his enemies, Lincoln replied, “When I make them my friends, am I not destroying my enemies?”

It’s a compelling idea — and completely out of step with how we tend to operate.

Even The Simpsons manages to capture the absurdity. In boot camp, Homer Simpson is told, “I don’t like you, and you don’t like me!” Homer replies, “I like you.” The instructor fires back, “Well, I don’t like you!” Homer shrugs: “Maybe you’d like me if you got to know me.” It’s a joke, but it lands because it’s recognizable. We’ve normalized hostility to the point that basic decency feels naïve.

This scripture is blunt but is needed and should be heeded: “Six things the Lord hates … a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community” (Proverbs 6:16–19, NIV).

We don’t have a disagreement problem. We have a contempt problem. And until we deal with that, no amount of being “right” is going to fix what’s broken. DOUG LARSEN Lexington

Why do Republicans keep referring to the referendum vote as close?

It passed by 3 points: 51.5% to 48.5%. A member of the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia called that “the narrowest of margins.” The chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee said, “This close margin reinforces that Virginia is a purple state.”

If those descriptions are true, then they also apply to Virginia’s last Republican governor. Youngkin won by only 2 points: 50.6% to 48.6%.

They also apply to the last presidential race. Trump won the national popular vote 49.8% to 48.3%. That’s one and a half percentage points. Trump and his followers call that a “landslide.”

Virginia saw an actual landslide last year. Spanberger won 57.6% to 42.2%. Compared to that 15-point margin, sure, the referendum was “close.”

But it still isn’t evidence of a “purple” Virginia. Some Democrats stayed home or voted no because they opposed Virginia gerrymandering more than they opposed Republicans controlling Congress through greater red state gerrymandering.

Some Republicans have begun to adopt a similar principle. When California passed its referendum, Rep. Kevin Kiley said, “I think we should take [this] as a call to action to get rid of gerrymandering nationwide and establish independent redistricting across the country.”

Like Kiley, Rep. Ben Cline faces reelection in a district drawn to favor his opponent. Unlike Kiley, Cline isn’t condemning gerrymandering at the national level. Cline isn’t supporting anti-gerrymandering legislation.

The Democrats’ Redistricting Reform Act of 2024 would have ended gerrymandering in every state. Republicans didn’t even allow it to the floor for a vote. Fortunately, the Redistricting Reform Act of 2025 is waiting in a Republican-controlled committee right now.

If Republicans actually oppose gerrymandering, they will end it. CHRIS GAVALER Lexington

With a dominant second half, the Rockbridge County High School boys soccer team earned a 6-1 home win over Shenandoah District rival Alleghany on Friday night in Lexington.

The Wildcats improved to 6-2-0, while the Cougars fell to 3-5-1, both overall and in the district. RC extended its winning streak to five games.

Junior forward Cooper Fox continued to prove himself to be the Wildcats’ main offensive weapon, leading RC with three goals. Through Friday’s game, Fox has scored 14 goals this season to lead RC.

RC head coach Jeffrey Tomlin said he was expecting Alleghany to be a tough opponent because they had beaten Fort Defiance 4-3 on Tuesday of last week, and the Wildcats had eked out a 2-1 road win over Fort on April 16. “I figured they’d be riding high with a lot of confidence,” said Tomlin of the Cougars.

From the start, the Wildcats possessed the ball well. “That’s been the goal, to wear teams down,” said Tomlin.

About 13 minutes into the game, RC midfielder Tate Mayo found forward Parker Fountain open near the goal, and Fountain scored to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. Neither team scored for the rest of the half.

“Coming out of halftime, I challenged the guys to put on the gas a little more,” said Tomlin. “I asked the guys to be a little aggressive.”

The Wildcats’ players responded well. At the start of the second half, Fox scored on an assist by midfielder Dante Kelly. Three minutes later, midfielder Charlie Cosgriff used the outside of his foot to curl the ball into the back of the net, extending the Wildcats’ lead to 3-0.

The Wildcats scored their next goal with about 23 minutes left when Fox converted on an assist from midfielder Jonathan Roy.

Alleghany scored on a throw-in midway through the second half, but RC center back Brennan Roeder took a free kick and found forward Carlos Reynolds, who put the ball in the back of the net. Tomlin said Roeder has “a wand of a right foot… He has such good delivery, so much curve.”

In the last two minutes of the game, the Wildcats scored their final goal when Roeder took another free kick that went over the Alleghany goalkeeper, and Fox put the ball in the goal.

RC goalkeeper Jacob Wallace played the first half and made two saves, and Patrick De Marcellus played the second half and made one save.

Tomlin said he “challenged the midfielders to play better transition moments defensively. If Alleghany was going to get us, it was going to be when we lost the ball. I think that’s a big reason that Jacob and Pat stayed clean.”

The RC coach also credited Roeder and Jonathan Whitten for strong defense to help the Wildcats pick up their recent wins.

The Wildcats were scheduled to play host to Staunton last night and will play at Waynesboro on Friday before playing host to Stuarts Draft on Tuesday. Both nights will start with junior varsity action at 5:30 p.m., with varsity games scheduled to follow at 7.

Pulling away from a close game, the Rockbridge County High School baseball team earned a 25-9 win in five innings on Tuesday of last week at Parry McCluer to complete a sweep of the season series.

The Wildcats (4-7) faced a much tougher battle early on than in their 27-1 home win over the Fighting Blues (2-9) on March 26 in Lexington.

In the rematch between the two local rivals, RC jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the first two innings. The Wildcats scored their first run when Rocky Perlozzo doubled to bring home Trevor Hoke, and RC went up 2-0 when Perlozzo scored on an error.

In the bottom of the first, Colby Camden walked and then advanced to second base on an error before moving to third on a groundout. Camden then scored on a wild pitch to cut RC’s lead to 2-1.

The Wildcats extended their lead to 4-1 in the top of the second when Austyn Gannutz doubled on a hard grounder to left field, driving in Hoke and Chase Potter.

PM answered back by scoring four runs in the bottom of the second to take a 5-4 lead. Camden singled on a line drive to left field to bring home Eduar Meza. The Blues then loaded the bases when Curtis King walked, and Lane Luckton walked to bring home Kyle Smals, cutting RC’s lead to 4-3. Kyler Ramsey then singled on a grounder to second base to drive in Camden and King, giving the Blues the lead.

The Wildcats responded three runs in the third, on an error and a sacrifice fly, and four runs in the fourth to go up 11-5. RC then had a monster fifth innings, erupting for 14 runs, to pull away. PM scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth before the Wildcats ended the game with strong fielding and a strikeout thrown by Austin Moyers.

The Wildcats racked up 14 hits, while the Blues had four. “We’re swinging it well,” said RC head coach Travis Roadcap.

The RC coach added that his players “ran the bases very well. I was very pleased with that and the dirt ball reads.”

Leading RC with two hits each were Hoke, Perlozzo, Gannutz and Bradi Ziegler. Gannutz, who led the Wildcats with six RBIs, hit a three-run home run in the fifth inning, his third home run of the season.

Roadcap said Gannutz “continues to be lights out.” Roadcap said Gannutz also played well at catcher. “The kid’s legit.”

Another bright spot for the Wildcats was senior Price Lunsford, who had his first at-bat in two years and went 1-for-2, stealing a base, batting in a run, and scoring a run.

Recording one hit each for the Blues were Camden, King, Luckton and Ramsey.

RC’s pitchers were Eli Sorrells, Ziegler and Moyers, while PM used five pitchers.

The Blues committed eight errors, while the Wildcats had two.

“We’ve got to field a little bit better,” said Roadcap.

Reviewing his team’s performance, PM head coach Bryan Loy said the young Blues’ pitching has been enough to keep them in games, and they’re scoring enough to win. “We’re improving,” he said. “We’re trying to get better each day. We’re scoring runs. We’ve just got to make plays in the field.”

“We’re never gonna give up,” added Loy. “We’re gonna keep fighting. We had the bases loaded at the end of the game. Our guys are not gonna quit.”

Acknowledging the progress by the Blues, Roadcap said, “Credit to Parry McCluer. They’re getting a lot better.”

PM senior Josh Cooper won his heat in the boys’ 800-meter run and placed second in 2:02.34, a personal record (PR). Glenvar’s Evan Harris raced in a different heat and was the overall winner in 2:01.7, while Blacksburg’s Isaak Wisnisoki finished third in 2:03.22.

Sophomore teammate Sebastian George placed fifth in the boys’ 1600-meter run in 4:53.49, a PR, about 12 seconds faster than the time George ran at the ASICS Carolina Distance Carnival the previous Saturday in Matthews, N.C. Auburn’s Blake Brown won the 1600 in 4:41.67. George also competed in the 800-meter run, finishing 22nd in 2:16.72.

“Sebastian got back on course,” said PM head coach Chris Poluikis.

Freshman Victor Poluikis placed 26th in the boys’ 1600-meter run in 6:37.24, a PR by nearly five seconds.

Poluikis rested most of his runners because they ran so well in the ASICS Carolina Distance Carnival the weekend before and also because Saturday was prom at PM.

With just three runners competing, the PM boys scored 12 points to place 12th of 14 scoring teams. Blacksburg won with 108 points, Auburn (105) placed second, and Heritage (101) finished fourth. Rounding out the top five were Radford (71) and Patrick Henry (Roanoke) (66).

The PM throwers did not compete last week. The Blues’ top runners and PM senior thrower Griffin Harlow will compete at the Dogwood Track Classic, a meet athletes qualify for, on Friday and Saturday at the University of Virginia’s Lannigan Field in Charlottesville.

Poluikis said most of his runners will race in the boys’ 3200-meter run, with junior Kebryl Chandler possibly racing in the 1600-meter instead, and he was hoping Cooper would qualify to race in the 800-meter run.

With the setbacks, the Wildcats fell to 0-11, both overall and in the district.

At Riverheads (5-6 overall and district), RC’s lone winner was Claire Taylor with an 8-6 victory at No. 5 singles. At No. 1 singles, RC’s Corinna Allen battled before falling 9-8 (7-4 tiebreak).

Against Fort Defiance (12-0 overall, 11-0 district), the Wildcats’ lone victory was an 8-3 triumph by Charlotte Taylor at No. 6 singles. At No. 3 doubles, Charlotte teamed up with her sister Claire to lose 9-8 (7-5 tiebreak).

The Wildcats were scheduled to play at Waynesboro on Monday and will continue district action at home against Alleghany on Thursday before visiting Wilson Memorial on Monday. Both matches are scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

RHS 8, RC 1

SINGLES – Molly Fitz (R) d. Corinna Allen (RC) 9-8 (7-4 tiebreak); Maci Eppard (R) d. Diya Gandhi (RC) 8-1; Erika Ashby (R) led Grace Maquera Ramos (RC) 8-7 (stopped due to darkness); Mirana Ayers (R) led Mila Baker 8-7 (stopped due to hurt ankle); Claire Taylor (RC) d. Bryleigh Newlen (R) 8-6; Rebekah Dudley (R) d. Aleaha Strowbridge (RC) 8-2.

DOUBLES – Fitz and Eppard (R) d. Allen and Gandhi (RC) 9-7; Ashby and Ayers (R) d. Ramos and Baker (RC) 8-5; Newlen and Dudley (R) d. Taylor and Strowbridge (RC) 8-3.

FD 8, RC 1

SINGLES – Maecy Ann Frizelle (FD) d. Allen (RC) 8-2; Clara Lambert (FD) d. Gandhi (RC) 8-1; Savanna Monger (FD) d. Ramos (RC) 8-3; Natalie Shaw (FD) d. Baker (RC) 8-0; Tatum Birt (FD) d. Claire Taylor (RC) 8-3; Charlotte Taylor (RC) d. Kendra Gaylor (FD 8-3.

DOUBLES – Frizzelle and Henley Ann Coffman (FD) d. Allen and Gandhi (RC) 8-0; Monger and Clara Lambert (FD) d. Ramos and Baker (RC) 8-2; Marina Mansour and Olivia Lambert (FD) d. Claire and Charlotte Taylor (RC) 9-8 (7-5 tiebreak).

With the victories, the Wildcats improved to 7-3, both overall and in the district, and extended their winning streak to four matches. Against Riverheads (5-5 overall and district), a team the Wildcats had beaten 6-3 on March 19 at Riverheads, the showdown came down to the No. 6 singles match. Sophomore Elliott Allen secured the team win for the Wildcats by earning an 8-6 victory over Hayden Arbogast of Riverheads.

The Wildcats were scheduled to play host to Waynesboro on Monday and will continue district action at Alleghany on Thursday. They’ll play host to Wilson Memorial on Monday before concluding the regular season at Stuarts Draft next Thursday, May 7. All matches are scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.

RC 5, RHS 4

SINGLES – Joe Vargas (RC) d. Riley Dunlap (R) 8-4; Jaxon Johnson (RC) d. Joel Maybush (R) 8-1; Dean Fafatas (RC) d. Copper Arehart (R) 8-1; Jake Argenbright (R) d. Tyler Watson (RC) 8-4; Rachit Yakkanti (RC) d. Mason Wood (R) 9-8 (7-4 tiebreak); Elliott Allen (RC) d. Hayden Arbogast (R) 8-6.

DOUBLES – Dunlap and Maybush (R) d. Vargas and Johnson (RC) 8-6; Arehart and Argenbright (R) d. Fafatas and Watson (RC) 8-2; Wood and Branson Garrison (R) d. Allen and Jacob Barney (RC) 8-6.

RC 8, FD 1

SINGLES – Vargas (RC) d. Landon Jarvis (FD) 8-0; Johnson (RC) d. Landyn Rose (FD) 8-1; Fafatas (RC) d. Camden Smith (FD) 8-0; Watson (RC) d. Landyn Patnode (FD) 8-1; Barney (RC) d. Douglas Lara Uribe (FD) 8-3; Tim Simon (FD) d. Frank Kinzer (FD) 8-0.

DOUBLES – Vargas and Yakkanti (FD) d. Jarvis and Smith (FD) 8-4; Rose and Patnode (FD) d. Allen and Vinicius Fernandes (RC) 8-3; Ben Holston and Piero Vilca Silva (RC) d. Uribe and Kinzer (FD) 8-5.

With a dominant pitching and hitting performance, the Rockbridge County High School softball team coasted to a 22-0 road win over local rival Parry McCluer on Tuesday of last week in Buena Vista.

The game was similar to the previous showdown between the two teams, when the Wildcats beat the Blues 17-0 on March 26 in Lexington. RC would end the week at 7-3 overall, while the Blues would wrap up the week at 3-8.

In the rematch, RC senior pitcher Sadie Moore held PM to just one hit, a double in the fifth by Patience Hill, while striking out nine and allowing no walks in the shutout.

At the plate, Moore led the Wildcats with five hits and six RBIs, hitting an inside-thepark- home run in the third inning, and RC racked up 24 hits. Brooke Hostetter and Gracie Pelter each recorded four hits for the Wildcats, while Kayleigh Rosson had three hits. Contributing two hits each were Page Wright, Willow Rogers and Landrey Campbell.

The Wildcats spread their runs throughout the five innings. RC scored two runs in the first, eight in the second, five in the third, two in the fourth, and another five in the fifth.

Freshman Caroline Watts pitched for PM, striking out three while allowing six walks. Only one of the Wildcats’ runs was unearned. PM committed one error, while RC had none.

For Blues

PM Falls In Baseball To Liberty, EM

The Parry McCluer High School baseball team began the back half of its schedule last week, and the big inning continued to plague the Fighting Blues, as they dropped three games, including another Pioneer District setback.

PM surrendered 14 runs in the second inning en route to a 25-8 loss to Liberty (Bedford) on Monday of last week in Buena Vista and gave up 14 runs in the fifth to fall to visiting Rockbridge County 25-9 the next afternoon. (See separate story.) The Blues then allowed Pioneer District rival Eastern Montgomery to put up crooked numbers in four of the five innings of a 13-3 loss on Thursday in Elliston.

The three losses left the Blues with a 2-9 overall record, 0-4 against league foes.

Against Liberty (2-10), PM’s bats came to life somewhat under the lights, as the Blues tallied eight runs after being shut out in two of their three previous games, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a huge second inning from the Minutemen.

Liberty took a 2-0 lead after the first frame and blew the game open with 14 runs in the second, batting around twice and running wild on the base paths. In addition to the seven hits in the inning, Liberty stole three bases and took advantage of six walks, four passed balls and a pair of wild pitches. Aiden Cottrell delivered the big blow in the inning, lacing a bases-loaded triple to plate three runs.

Cottrell finished the game with three hits and seven RBIs to lead the Minutemen. Colton Manning also had three hits and scored three times, while Parker Armstrong went 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

The Blues plated three runs in both the third and fourth. Kyler Ramsey drove in one of the runs in the third with a single, and Curtis King plated a pair with a triple in the fourth. However, it was not enough to overcome the big second inning from Liberty.

Kyle Smals, Colby Camden and Ramsey each had two hits to lead Parry McCluer. Camden scored twice for the Blues, and Sam Griffin added two RBIs.

EM 13, PM 3

The Blues looked to avenge a 15-0 road loss to the Mustangs on March 31, and they got off to a great start with three runs in the top of the first inning on Thursday.

Kyle Smals started the rally by reaching on an error and later scored on a passed ball. Ramsey chased home Camden with a ground ball, and a fielder’s choice off the bat of Adison Haynes pushed King across the plate to give PM the 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the first, however, EM (7-6 overall, 3-1 district) scored four times on just one hit. Aided by five PM errors in the frame, sandwiched around three strikeouts by King, who started on the mound for the Blues, the Mustangs turned backto- back walks to start the inning into runs. They took the lead when Mason Phoenix reached on an error and raced around to score on two more PM miscues.

That was all EM needed as the Blues failed to score the rest of the way. But the Mustangs ensured the victory by tacking on five more runs in the third and three more in the fifth to end the game.

The Blues did threaten in each of the final three innings. They loaded the bases in the third but EM got out of that jam with a 6-2-3 double play. PM got runners as far as third base in the last two frames, but both were stranded there.

The Blues were held to just four hits in the game, with Ramsey picking up two of those, including a double and an RBI. The Mustangs had only six hits in the contest, led by Phoenix and Coltin Conner with two hits each.

Conner also picked up the win on the mound for the Mustangs. He went four innings, allowing just one earned run on three hits while striking out five.

The Blues will visit Grace Christian School in Staunton on Friday at 6:30 p.m. before returning to Pioneer District action at Narrows on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

The Rockbridge County High School boys lacrosse team lost all three of its games last week, suffering road losses to Jefferson Forest and The Covenant School before a 16-0 setback against E.C. Glass on Thursday.

With the losses, the Wildcats fell to 3-5. RC started the week with a 16-1 setback at Jefferson Forest (5-3). The next night, the Wildcats fell 13-3 at The Covenant School (11-2).

Thursday’s game against E.C. Glass was part of a lacrosse tripleheader at Prasnicki-Ross Field at Veteran Stadium, which centered around a celebration of the 50th anniversary of prep lacrosse in Lexington. The first boys lacrosse team launched in April 1976, and several alumni and former coaches from the past half-century were in attendance.

But the varsity boys’ contest itself was one-sided in favor of the Hilltoppers, who improved to 6-1. Glass took the lead just eight seconds into the game, with David Matthews winning the opening faceoff and flying down the field to score. Matthews finished 15-of-17 at the faceoff X.

Preston Laughon led the Hilltoppers’ attack with five goals and one assist. John Sorenson notched three goals and one assist, and Landry McCall registered one goal and three helpers. And though Glass limited the number of offensive chances for RC, Charlie Kershaw shut the door on the Wildcats with six saves.

Chase Pooley was a key bright spot for RC, making 13 saves while yielding 12 goals in three quarters of action. The senior goalie, who recorded his 150th career save, recorded five stops apiece in the second and third periods despite an onslaught of Glass chances.

“Chase has been such an anchor for our defense – and frankly, he’s keeping us in games longer,” RC head coach Davey Jones said. “He’s a kid who just, if he does get scored on, he goes right to the next play. You don’t see his hands up; he’s not blaming other people. He’s played phenomenal this year.”

As the Wildcats look to improve upon other facets of their performance, they should be able to draw inspiration from the history and tradition that have been built for lacrosse in Lexington.

Fifty years ago, the prep program was established right after Washington and Lee University had made three consecutive trips to the NCAA Division I semifinals from 1973-1975. RC’s connections to W&L – now a routinely successful Division III program, which reached the national semifinals again in 2024 – remain as strong as ever.

Jones, who’s in his second year as the RC mentor, praised current W&L head coach Gene McCabe and his staff for continuing to boost the local high school and youth programs. He mentioned shooting clinics and summer sessions at W&L, as well as informal chats with McCabe and his staff to discuss schemes and strategies.

“They’ve supported us in so many different ways,” Jones said of W&L. “Fifty years ago, it was really just kind of on the back of W&L lacrosse that Lexington lacrosse started … I think that the lacrosse community here, although small, is just super tightknit and really supportive of one another.”

The Wildcats were scheduled to play at Blacksburg on Monday and will play host to Salem on Thursday before visiting William Byrd on Monday. Both nights will start with junior varsity action at 5:30 p.m., with the varsity games scheduled to follow at 7.

Averaging over 13 runs per game in their previous five outings, the Fighting Blues were held to just six hits and were shut out three times in a trio of five-inning losses. In addition to a 22-0 setback to rival Rockbridge County last Tuesday (see separate story), the Blues were blanked by visiting Liberty 11-0 on Monday of last week and fell to Eastern Montgomery 11-0 on Thursday in Elliston.

After those three setbacks, the Blues fell to 3-8 overall and 1-5 against Pioneer District competition.

Against Liberty (4-9), the Blues found themselves in a pitchers’ duel for three innings last Monday night in Buena Vista as PM’s Caroline Watts and Liberty’s Bella Pierro allowed just one run, an unearned tally for Liberty in the third. But a seven-run fourth inning for the visitors blew this one wide open.

Watts, a freshman, induced a double play after allowing a hit to start the inning, but two singles and a walk loaded the bases. Then an error opened the door to three consecutive hits, and by the time the inning was over, Liberty extended its lead to 8-0.

That was all the help Pierro needed. She allowed just three base runners in the contest, retiring 10 straight PM batters at one point, and only one hit, a one-out single off the bat of Harleigh Fulwider with one out in the fifth. Pierro finished the game with nine strikeouts.

Watts fanned three in her five innings of work, allowing 13 hits but only one earned run. The Blues committed seven errors in the game.

Reagan Jones paced the Liberty offense with two hits in four trips to the plate. She scored twice and drove in two runs.

EM 10, PM 0

The offensive woes continued when the Blues traveled to Eastern Montgomery to begin their second trip through the Pioneer District on Thursday. PM was held to just four hits in the game, and another big inning proved to be its undoing.

The Mustangs tallied six runs in the third inning, and just like Monday’s game, the big rally began with an error. Mary Miller made it all the way to third base on that miscue, and after Macie Akers was intentionally walked, Kenzie Dunbar chased both the plate with a double. Two more PM errors and RBI singles from Alanna Collins and Chelsie Kennedy followed, and Eastern Montgomery had a 6-0 lead.

The Mustangs (10-5 overall, 6-0 district), who had beaten the Blues 14-0 on March 31 in Buena Vista, added four more runs in the home half of the fourth inning of the rematch, but that was just icing on the cake, as Miller shut down the Blues from the mound. Miller scattered four hits in the contest and did not allow a runner past second base, striking out six and walking none.

Kendall Painter had two of those hits, both singles, for the Blues. Zoey Tolley and Sophia Bouchelle accounted for the other PM hits.

Dunbar was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate for EM, finishing the game with a double, triple and three RBIs. Sam Brein and Lexi Perkins also drove in two runs for the Mustangs.

The Blues were scheduled to play host to Patrick Henry (Roanoke) on Monday and will have a key district home game against Craig County on Thursday at 5 p.m. They’ll pay host to nondistrict rival Nelson County on Monday at 5:30 p.m. before visiting district rival Narrows on Tuesday at 5 p.m.