WJVR HD - 101.9 The River

09/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MF91xsaRg/

09/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19PQhW5Pia/

🏍️ IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT WITH BIG AL

Join BIG AL Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. when Bob Johnson with the Patriots Motorcycle Club joins us by phone In the Driver’s Seat!

Bob will be talking about the upcoming Patriots MC Raines Ride to Give Poker Run, happening Saturday, September 12. We’ll talk about this year’s ride, the meaning behind the event, and how the Patriots MC continues giving back to the community through its Christmas and Scholarship Fund.

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 8:00 a.m.
📞 Bob Johnson joins us by phone

📻 HOW TO LISTEN:
Listen on 103.5 Big Country in Virginia and 103.1 The Bear in West Virginia.

💻 Listen online at Highway64withBigAl.com — click Listen Live, and don’t forget to hit the play button! ▶️

🏍️ FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE RIDE CALL:

304-667-7023.

🍽️ In the Driver’s Seat is sponsored by Dragon Buffet, inside the Red Rose Hotel at 820 East Madison Street in Covington. Open now for business! Come hungry… leave happy!

09/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/199Uk61tA9/

📍 THE LOCAL LOWDOWN WITH BIG AL

From the Alleghany Highlands to the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia

Tuesday, September 8 – Sunday, September 13, 2026

🍕 The Local Lowdown with BIG AL is sponsored by Bella Pizza, Pasta & Subs and Bella’s Ice Cream!

Craving something delicious? Stop by Bella Pizza, Pasta & Subs and Bella’s Ice Cream, 1625 Main Street in Clifton Forge! Enjoy hand-tossed pizza, pasta, loaded subs, burgers and more—then treat yourself to hand-dipped Hershey’s Ice Cream, milkshakes, sundaes, snow cones and Italian ice! Catering and party room rentals are available, too. Call 540-862-4548. Bella’s—great food and sweet treats, all in one stop!

Now, here’s what’s happening around the area this week!

🎄 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 — OLDE TOWN CHRISTMAS PLANNING MEETING

The 2026 Olde Town Christmas Planning Committee meets Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the second-floor community room at the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library, 406 W. Riverside Street in Covington.

Downtown businesses and anyone with ideas for this year’s celebration are encouraged to participate.

For more information: Contact Kester Dingus at 540-969-4424 or visit OldeTownCovington.com.

---

🎻 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 — KEN WALDMAN: OLD-TIME FIDDLE, SONGS & STORIES

The Historic Masonic Theatre welcomes Arts Council resident artist Ken Waldman Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Tom Dean Underground in Clifton Forge.

Enjoy an evening of traditional old-time fiddle music, songs and stories.

🎟️ Tickets are $8.

For more information: Visit HistoricMasonicTheatre.com.

---

🏈 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 — BATTLE OF THE BORDER GAME

Friday night, the Alleghany Cougars are home at Boodie Albert Stadium as they host the Greenbrier East Spartans for the Battle of the Border Game!

🏈 Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.

Can Alleghany take the trophy home for the fourth year in a row?

📻 Join Stacy Patterson and Tony Taylor for all the calls!!

📻 Hear all the action ONLY on 103.5 Big Country!

---

🚔 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 — ALLEGHANY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY

Sheriff Kyle “Matt” Moore and the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office invite everyone to their 1st Annual Community Block Party at the Jackson River Sports Complex.

🏍️ The day begins with the Joy Ride at 10:00 a.m., leaving from the Jackson River Sports Complex, and returning around noon.

Then stick around for BBQ pork and chicken, bouncy houses, sack races, co****le, basketball, tennis and a People’s Choice vehicle award.

🎶 Full Tilt Boogie performs from noon until 2:30 p.m., followed by Highway 42 with bluegrass and gospel from 2:30 until 5:00 p.m.

📻 BIG AL from Highway 64 will be LIVE on location from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on 103.5 Big Country!

The live on-location broadcast is sponsored by Greenbrier Valley Sportsmen’s Alliance, Jay’s Trading Post, and Buckhorne Country Store and Campground.

---

🏍️ SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 — PATRIOTS MC RAINES RIDE TO GIVE

The Patriots MC Raines Ride to Give Poker Run takes place Saturday.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. at Alta Station, I-64 Exit 161, with the last ride out at 11:00 a.m.

Registration is $25 and includes an event T-shirt and commemorative Patriots MC poker chip.

🚙 All vehicles are welcome — motorcycles, cars, trucks, Jeeps and all makes and models.

The ride ends at Greenbrier State Forest, Picnic Shelter #1 in Harts Run, West Virginia, with the last ride in at 4:00 p.m.

There’ll also be a 50/50 drawing, Bug Splat Contest and whole-hog BBQ after the ride.

Proceeds support the Patriots Motorcycle Club Christmas & Scholarship Fund.

📞 For more information: Call 304-667-7023.

Or visit Patriot Motorcycle Club on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/share/19RMQjEP6P/

---

📣 HAVE AN EVENT FOR THE LOCAL LOWDOWN?

And that’s your Local Lowdown! If your church, civic organization, school, nonprofit or business has an upcoming event you’d like us to share, send the information to BIG AL at [email protected] for consideration.

Keep listening for more of what’s happening from the Alleghany Highlands to the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia, right here on Highway 64 with BIG AL!

09/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18FU5NjwXS/

🏢 COME MEET YOUR CHAMBER! First-Ever Open House Set for Thursday

COVINGTON, Va. — Ever wondered exactly what the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism does for local businesses and the community? Thursday is your chance to stop in, meet the team and find out!

The Chamber is hosting its first-ever Chamber Open House on Thursday, September 10, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Chamber office and Alleghany Highlands Visitor Center, 110 Mall Road in Covington.

And you do NOT have to be a Chamber member to attend.

Chamber members, business owners, organizations, community partners and area residents are all invited to drop by. Visitors can meet Chamber staff, ask questions and learn more about membership benefits, business resources, community initiatives, tourism promotion and the work being done throughout the Alleghany Highlands.

“We want our Chamber to be an organization that our business community feels connected to and comfortable engaging with,” Executive Director Josh Taylor said. “This Open House is simply an opportunity to open our doors, introduce our team, answer questions and give people a better look at what their Chamber is doing for the Alleghany Highlands.”

There’s no formal program and no need to arrive at a specific time. Just stop by whenever your schedule allows between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be available.

📅 Thursday, September 10
⏰ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
📍 110 Mall Road, Covington
☎️ 540-962-2178
✅ Open to everyone

Whether you're already a Chamber member, thinking about joining, own a local business or simply want to learn more about what's happening in the Alleghany Highlands, you're invited to stop by.

📣 HELP SPREAD THE WORD! SHARE this post with a local business owner, organization, friend or neighbor who should know about Thursday's Open House.

09/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ES1qqxjfH/

🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT — COVINGTON 🚨
FROM THE TWO VIRGINIAS NEWSROOM

🚧 MAJOR COLUMBIA GAS PROJECT TO IMPACT COVINGTON STREETS

COVINGTON, Va. — Drivers should prepare for traffic delays, temporary stops and parking disruptions as Columbia Gas of Virginia begins a natural gas infrastructure upgrade in mid-September.

The project is expected to continue through March 2027, with crews generally working 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekend work is also possible.

⚠️ STREETS EXPECTED TO BE AFFECTED:

• East Beech Street
• East Chestnut Street
• East Walnut Street
• South Alleghany Avenue
• South Highland Avenue
• South Monroe Avenue
• East Oak Street
• East Pine Street
• East Fudge Street
• South Mercer Avenue

Motorists should slow down, watch for changing traffic patterns, obey signs and flaggers, and expect delays when traveling through work zones.

Temporary surface patching may also occur during construction, with permanent restoration planned after the project is completed.

📲 PLEASE SHARE — especially with anyone who lives, works or regularly travels through these areas of Covington.

09/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DXz7Aby5z/

🏈🏆 BATTLE OF THE BORDER WEEK!

Three years. Three trophies. Can Alleghany make it four?

This Friday night, September 11, the Greenbrier East Spartans cross the state line to take on the Alleghany Cougars at Boodie Albert Stadium in The Battle of the Border Game for the ABK Trophy!

🐾 Can the Cougars bring the Battle of the Border trophy home for the FOURTH year in a row?

📻 GAME NIGHT ON 103.5 BIG COUNTRY

6:40 PM — The Cougar Countdown Show
Sponsored by Greenway’s Real Estate and Auction Company — Where Auction Is Action!

6:50 PM — In the Coach’s Corner
Sponsored by ALCOVA Mortgage

7:00 PM — KICKOFF
🏈 Greenbrier East Spartans at Alleghany Cougars

🎙️ Stacy Patterson and Tony Taylor have the call LIVE from Boodie Albert Stadium!

📻 HOW TO LISTEN

📻 ONLY on your radio — 103.5 Big Country — WJVR-HD2

💻 Listen online at:

1035BigCountry.com — click Listen Live and don’t forget to hit the ▶️ play button!

📱 Or download the FREE Highlands Media Group App from your Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

🏈 2026 ALLEGHANY COUGAR FOOTBALL SPONSORS

ALCOVA Mortgage • Alleghany Family Pharmacy • Alleghany Highlands Community Services • Bath Community Physicians Group • Chapman Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning • Commonwealth Arms • Creekside Bar & Grill • Cucci’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant and Luca’s Pizza • Delegate Terry Austin for House 37th District • Dewey’s Automotive, LLC and D&R Collision • Gerald Franson Insurance Agency • Greenway’s Real Estate and Auction Company • Halsey’s Repair Shop • Highlands Community Bank • Image Express • Jackson River Community Credit Union • Kissito Healthcare — The Brian Center — Low Moor • Melissa Hylton — State Farm Insurance • Mountain Gateway Community College • Standard Printing Company, Inc. • S. J. Neathawk • Tri-County Furniture, Flooring, Appliances and Bedding

👏 A special thank you to these businesses and organizations for purchasing their advertising from Highlands Media Group. Their continued support helps make our coverage of Alleghany Cougar Football possible all season long.

🏆 THREE STRAIGHT. CAN THEY MAKE IT FOUR?

🐾 PACK BOODIE ALBERT STADIUM — GO COUGARS! 🏈

09/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FEdfbQM5p/

📍 THE LOCAL LOWDOWN WITH BIG AL

From the Alleghany Highlands to the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia

Monday, September 7 – Sunday, September 13, 2026

🍕 The Local Lowdown with BIG AL is sponsored by Bella Pizza, Pasta & Subs and Bella’s Ice Cream!

Craving something delicious? Stop by Bella Pizza, Pasta & Subs and Bella’s Ice Cream, 1625 Main Street in Clifton Forge! Enjoy hand-tossed pizza, pasta, loaded subs, burgers and more—then treat yourself to hand-dipped Hershey’s Ice Cream, milkshakes, sundaes, snow cones and Italian ice! Catering and party room rentals are available, too. Call 540-862-4548. Bella’s—great food and sweet treats, all in one stop!

Now, here’s what’s happening around the area this week!

🎄 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 — OLDE TOWN CHRISTMAS PLANNING MEETING

The 2026 Olde Town Christmas Planning Committee meets Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in the second-floor community room at the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library, 406 W. Riverside Street in Covington.

Downtown businesses and anyone with ideas for this year’s celebration are encouraged to participate.

For more information: Contact Kester Dingus at 540-969-4424 or visit OldeTownCovington.com.

---

🎻 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 — KEN WALDMAN: OLD-TIME FIDDLE, SONGS & STORIES

The Historic Masonic Theatre welcomes Arts Council resident artist Ken Waldman Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Tom Dean Underground in Clifton Forge.

Enjoy an evening of traditional old-time fiddle music, songs and stories.

🎟️ Tickets are $8.

For more information: Visit HistoricMasonicTheatre.com.

---

🏈 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 — BATTLE OF THE BORDER GAME

Friday night, the Alleghany Cougars are home at Boodie Albert Stadium as they host the Greenbrier East Spartans for the Battle of the Border Game!

🏈 Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.

Can Alleghany take the trophy home for the fourth year in a row?

📻 Join Stacy Patterson and Tony Taylor for all the calls!!

📻 Hear all the action ONLY on 103.5 Big Country!

---

🚔 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 — ALLEGHANY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY

Sheriff Kyle “Matt” Moore and the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office invite everyone to their 1st Annual Community Block Party at the Jackson River Sports Complex.

🏍️ The day begins with the Joy Ride at 10:00 a.m., leaving from the Jackson River Sports Complex, and returning around noon.

Then stick around for BBQ pork and chicken, bouncy houses, sack races, co****le, basketball, tennis and a People’s Choice vehicle award.

🎶 Full Tilt Boogie performs from noon until 2:30 p.m., followed by Highway 42 with bluegrass and gospel from 2:30 until 5:00 p.m.

📻 BIG AL from Highway 64 will be LIVE on location from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on 103.5 Big Country!

The live on-location broadcast is sponsored by Greenbrier Valley Sportsmen’s Alliance, Jay’s Trading Post, and Buckhorne Country Store and Campground.

---

🏍️ SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 — PATRIOTS MC RAINES RIDE TO GIVE

The Patriots MC Raines Ride to Give Poker Run takes place Saturday.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. at Alta Station, I-64 Exit 161, with the last ride out at 11:00 a.m.

Registration is $25 and includes an event T-shirt and commemorative Patriots MC poker chip.

🚙 All vehicles are welcome — motorcycles, cars, trucks, Jeeps and all makes and models.

The ride ends at Greenbrier State Forest, Picnic Shelter #1 in Harts Run, West Virginia, with the last ride in at 4:00 p.m.

There’ll also be a 50/50 drawing, Bug Splat Contest and whole-hog BBQ after the ride.

Proceeds support the Patriots Motorcycle Club Christmas & Scholarship Fund.

📞 For more information: Call 304-667-7023.

Or visit Patriot Motorcycle Club on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/share/19RMQjEP6P/

---

📣 HAVE AN EVENT FOR THE LOCAL LOWDOWN?

And that’s your Local Lowdown! If your church, civic organization, school, nonprofit or business has an upcoming event you’d like us to share, send the information to BIG AL at [email protected] for consideration.

Keep listening for more of what’s happening from the Alleghany Highlands to the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia, right here on Highway 64 with BIG AL!

09/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/19FL8CPGpc/

🏍️ PATRIOTS RAINES RIDE TO GIVE IS THIS SATURDAY!

The Patriots Motorcycle Club invites everyone to come out this Saturday, September 12, for the Patriots Raines Ride to Give, honoring and remembering Paul and Lindsey Raines and the impact the Raines family has had on the Rainelle and western Greenbrier County community.

📍 EVENT DETAILS

Alta Station — Exit 161 off I-64
⏰ Registration: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
💲 Registration: $25 per rider
👕 Includes a Raines Ride to Give Memorial shirt and Patriots MC poker chip
🚗🏍️ All vehicles are welcome!

❤️ Proceeds will benefit the Patriots MC Christmas and Scholarship Fund and help local families and neighbors in times of need.

Come out for a great day of riding, fellowship, giving back, and remembering some very special people.

📌 QUICK CLARIFICATION: Saturday’s Raines Ride to Give is not affiliated with the former Lindsey Raines Poker Run. Registration is at Alta Station, not the Bowling Alley.

09/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18wfEVgqgE/

🏈 FINAL — ALLEGHANY COUGAR
FOOTBALL 🏈

The 2026 Alleghany Cougar Football season got underway Friday night as the Cougars traveled to Lynchburg to take on the Brookville Bees.

FINAL SCORE

🐝 BROOKVILLE — 28
🐾 ALLEGHANY — 6

🏆 J.B. BROUGHMAN PLAYER OF THE GAME

Congratulations to:

#0 Buddy Leisure-White — Alleghany Cougars
Junior • RB/DB • 5'7" • 175 lbs.

The J.B. Broughman Player of the Game is presented by Halsey’s Repair Shop and sponsored by Image Express and Standard Printing Company, Inc.

🎙️ We thank Stacy Patterson and Tony Taylor for bringing us all the action from Lynchburg.

And a special thank you to all of our Alleghany Cougar Football sponsors for their support and for helping Highlands Media Group Sports bring Cougar Football to our listeners throughout the 2026 season.

🐾 GO COUGARS!

09/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cqr3b7FzU/

🚨 POWER OUTAGE UPDATE — ALLEGHANY COUNTY, VA 🚨

Friday, September 4, 2026 • 8:54 p.m.

Dominion Energy continues to report multiple power outages across Alleghany County and the Covington area tonight.

⚡ The largest outage currently shown is affecting 728 customers in the Route 687/Jackson River Road area south/southwest of Covington. Dominion Energy reports a crew is working on that outage, with estimated restoration between 9:00 p.m. tonight and 2:00 a.m. Saturday.

Other significant outages shown on the map include:

• Callaghan area — 331 customers out, with a crew dispatched. Estimated restoration: 12:00 a.m.–5:00 a.m. Saturday.
• Low Moor/Rich Patch area — 180 customers out, with a crew dispatched. Estimated restoration: 10:00 p.m.–3:00 a.m. Saturday.
• Moss Run area — 137 customers out, with a crew assignment pending. Estimated restoration: 12:00 a.m.–5:00 a.m. Saturday.
• Mallow/Jackson River area — 75 customers out, with a crew dispatched. Estimated restoration: 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. Saturday.

Several smaller outages are also reported around Covington, Westwood Place and surrounding portions of Alleghany County.

Restoration times are estimates and may change as Dominion Energy crews continue their work.

⚡ DOMINION ENERGY OUTAGE MAP:
[View current Dominion Energy outages and restoration estimates]

https://outagemap.dominionenergy.com/

⚠️ Never approach or touch a downed power line. Always assume it is energized.

📻 POWER OUTAGE COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY BACK UP POWER LLC

When the power goes out, Back Up Power LLC can help keep your home or business powered with dependable backup generator solutions. From installation to service and maintenance, turn to Back Up Power LLC to help you stay prepared when the lights go out.

Create your back up power plan with James Bryant today! Visit backuppowerllc.com