Appalachian Power, whose service area includes Smith Mountain Lake, issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) for up to 300 megawatts (MWs) of solar and/or wind generation resources. The request for bids is the first in a series of RFPs Appalachian Power will issue this year to comply with provi…

Several zoning issues came up before the Bedford County Board of Supervisors in its regular meeting Monday. The board also voted to give approval for Bedford County Economic Development Director Traci Blido to apply for a grant for use in the continued development of the New London Business …

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors, by way of a 3-3 split vote, decided to hold off on a decision to authorize a distillery in the Westlake Towne Center, which would be located at 96 Builders Pride Drive.

The Bedford County School Board voted at its Thursday meeting to remove the ban on student-athletes that are participating in travel sports.

Gov. Ralph Northam announced that seven companies have graduated from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s (VEDP) Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program, including Sentry Equipment & Erectors from Bedford County.

The Smith Mountain Arts Council announced the availability of two $2,000 college scholarships for high school seniors demonstrating talent in the Performing, Visual or Literary Arts.

Bedford County residents and businesses are asked to complete a survey so the county has a better understanding the specific areas that do not have internet service or have inadequate internet service.

With a system breach that happened at a water treatment facility in Oldsmar, Florida, on Friday, Feb. 5, water utilities across the nation have begun re-examining their current security measures to ensure that the community’s water supply is protected from harmful attacks.

Update:

Franklin County is currently working with multiple state and local agencies with emergency preparations for tomorrow’s pending winter storm.  The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are urging localities to be prepared for a significant i…

9th grade Principal’s List:

James Madison University announced that the following local students made the President’s List and Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester.

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Public Information Officer Paige Pearson provided additional information today pertaining to the death of Richard Donald Haynes III, who fell in Smith Mountain Lake on Friday.

During this pressure-packed and technology challenged week, the House processed their remaining bills by Crossover on Feb. 5. After Crossover, the House may only consider Senate bills and visa versa, except for the budget bill.

Applications for the annual Southside Opportunity Fund scholarships for students headed to college or a trade/technical school will be taken through late March.

Current forecasts indicate that most of the Commonwealth of Virginia will be covered by mixed precipitation at various times into early next week and the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is prepared to respond.

The Franklin County Family YMCA will host a Swim-a-Thon on February 22-23, 2021 to raise funds for the Riptide swim team. Riptide swimmers will be reaching out to community members to secure pledges for new equipment.

Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (“Shentel”), whose service area includes Smith Mountain Lake, plans to sell its wireless assets and operations (“Shentel Wireless”) to T-Mobile US Inc. (“T-Mobile”) for $1.95 billion and announced last Wednesday the expected uses of the approximately $1.…

Scruggs Volunteer Fire and Rescue is holding a food drive to assist families in need.

Lake Writers, the literary branch of the Smith Mountain Arts Council, is welcoming writers of all levels of experience to join its community and is offering the first 10 new members in 2021 free publishing of their work through Snowy Day Publications, the publishing arm of Lake Writers.

The Bedford County School Board voted unanimously to move forward with the competition of fall and spring sports with some guidelines to follow.

Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Southwest Virginia, State Farm has awarded The Advancement Foundation in Vinton a $35,000 grant to help sustain and scale the Commonwealth’s largest business program and competition, The Gauntlet.

After bringing about 1,000 shows to Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount, General Manager Gary Jackson will retire from his post at the venue in this month.

Smith Mountain Lake Antique and Classic Boat Society Publicity Chairman George Blosser will step down after 11 years in the position. Blosser will continue to remain a member of the club but feels it’s time for new leadership.

5th Grade Principal’s List:

Bedford County Public Schools High School Assistant Principal Dr. Austin D. Norman II has been named the 2021 Outstanding Secondary School Assistant Principal of Virginia by a panel of principals and superintendents representing the Principal Awards Committee of the Virginia Association of S…

Weichert, Realtors - Bridges & Co., located in Moneta, announced Thursday that Rachel Greer successfully completed the Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc. Fast Track training program.

EastLake Community Church, located at 1201 Timberwood Lane, Moneta, is holding a seminar titled “Loss of a Spouse” 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6.

While in person events may be restricted for now, that doesn’t stop the Bedford Public Library System from offering virtual social opportunities for patrons.

The Chromebooks for Community Success class is now being offered at the Bedford Central Library.

The four-month ban on dredging within Smith Mountain Project lake boundaries begins next month.