The Recorder

10/23/2025

Lowman won in the Shenandoah District; Johnson took fourth in the Pioneer ...

Alleghany senior Kiera Lowman won the Shenandoah District girls’ individual cross country championship Wednesday at Ridgeview Park in Waynesboro. (Photo courtesy Steve Cox/city-countysports.com) A field of 45 girls sprint off the starting line at Wednesday’s Shenandoah District cross country cha...

10/22/2025

Lots to read in this week’s 56-page Recorder … An online threat forced Alleghany Highlands schools to close on Monday; law enforcement officers found the source. Ron Shifflett and Trenton Kershner share their perspectives and candidates for the Bath County Board of Supervisors. Highland social services reports there will be no SNAP benefits in November. A new attorney is welcomed to a Covington firm. Highland’s Star Party is set for Friday night. Alleghany and Covington welcome new Hall of Fame members. Bath and Alleghany had big volleyball wins. State officials hosted a dedication ceremony for Hayfields State Park. All that and so much more … online tonight; at newsstands in the morning. Thanks for reading your hometown newspaper!

10/22/2025

The Chargers got a win in New Castle ...

High School Volleyball: Bath County d. Craig County, 25-17, 25-17, 25-19. The Chargers moved to 18-7 on the season, 5-4 in the Pioneer District, with a straight-set victory in New Castle over the Rockets (1-8 Pioneer, 3-14 overall). Kenley Smith had 24 assists, 14 digs and eight kills for Bath Count...

10/21/2025

School is in tomorrow for Alleghany students ...

LOW MOOR — Alleghany Highlands Public Schools will reopen on Wednesday, Oct. 22, for all students and staff.
After close consultation with law enforcement, AHPS officials have confirmed that it is safe to resume normal operations. Below is a joint statement from AHPS Superintendent Kim Halterman and Alleghany County Sheriff Kyle Moore:
“After thorough discussion and careful consideration, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 22. We want to assure you that the recent incident is being fully investigated, and we are confident in the safety of all students and staff.
“We understand your concern – many of us also have children and grandchildren in these schools. Please know this decision was not made lightly. Our priority remains the well-being of everyone in our school community, and we are committed to transparency and safety.
“While details are limited due to the ongoing investigation and there are no arrests at this time, we are taking this matter seriously and appreciate your patience. Public announcements have been made to keep you informed and explain our actions.
"Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work together to restore normalcy.”

10/21/2025

Alleghany Sheriff Kyle Moore explains today’s school closure …

Last night, Monday, Oct. 20, about 11 p.m., the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Federal Bureau of Investigations that it had received a tip from an electronic device located within the Allegheny Highlands, Sheriff Moore said. “The tip was made toward a school within Alleghany County. Sheriff’s office personnel immediately contacted the Virginia State Police high tech crimes unit and was able to find an IP address associated with the tip,” Moore said. “Deputies confronted the individual and took the subject into custody under an Emergency Custody Order after conducting an interview. The person in question is not a student or employee at any school within the Alleghany Highlands Public School system. The subject is currently under a Temporary Detention Order and is being evaluated.”

Moore said sheriff’s office personnel, along with other partners in law enforcement, have been in direct communication with the school system and want everyone to know it is through the quick response of all persons involved that the matter was handled and no students or faculty were harmed. “We further want everyone to know that this and all matters concerning student and faculty safety will be investigated to the furthest extent of the law,” Moore said.

10/21/2025

The CMS Cougars closed their season with a win ...

  Middle School Football: Covington Middle 26, Auburn 6. The Cougars closed a 4-4 season with a win over the Eagles Monday night at Auburn High School. Talin Raether rushed for two touchdowns and threw one to Tye Jarvis for CMS. Jace Cantrell added a rushing touchdown and Ben Milton ran in a 2-poin...

10/21/2025

Heads up in Alleghany ...

Alleghany Highlands Public Schools and offices are closed today, Tuesday, Oct. 21, out of an abundance of caution following a safety threat received overnight.

"The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority," AHPS said.

Law enforcement is investigating. All division buildings will be closed to students and staff to allow a thorough review.

"We understand that unexpected closures can cause disruptions for families and staff, and we appreciate their understanding as we take necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety. We will provide additional updates as soon as we are able."

10/19/2025

Cross country yesterday and what's coming up this week ...

High School Cross Country: The Virginia Showcase. The Alleghany and Covington Middle School teams ran in The Virginia Showcase Saturday at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville. Senior Kiera Lowman ran in the Showcase race, placing 23rd with a 5K time of 17:43. Other Cougar leaders included: Girls’ Sm...

10/18/2025

In yesterday's action ...

Des Jordan carries around the end for Cougar yardage. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Football: Wilson Memorial 17, Alleghany 3. The Cougars had their 21-game regular season win streak snapped, losing at Casey Field to the Green Hornets. Wilson used two fourth-quarter touchdowns, one....

10/17/2025

Bath football and Alleghany volleyball teams posted wins last night ...

Taylor Stayton, right, battles at the net for Alleghany Thursday night against Rockbridge County. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler) High School Football: Bath County 37, Eastern Montgomery 18. Ethan Bryant rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries in the Chargers’ victory over the M...

10/16/2025

Last night's volleyball action ...

High School Volleyball: Eastern Montgomery d. Bath County, 25-13, 25-23, 22-25, 25-23. Eastern Montgomery stayed unbeaten in the Pioneer District (7-0 Pioneer, 13-4 overall) with a tight four-set win in Hot Springs over the Chargers. Kenley Smith had 23 digs, 21 assists and 11 kills for Bath County,...

10/15/2025

Coming up in this week’s 48-page Recorder … Virginia’s 44th state park is now open in Highland. Clifton Forge is considering temporary bump-outs to provide room for more outdoor dining. Bath County schools spread anti-bullying message with play. Highland’s new program to curb absenteeism has raised concerns. One of Virginia’s lab schools has opened at Mountain Gateway, to boost training in technology. Volunteers turned Bath school classrooms into salons for homecoming prep. VFW’s Post auxiliary honors 95-year-old female veteran. Jailyn Ford and Team Honda are set for playoffs in Japan. Covington has a new vice mayor. A film crew took over Main Street this week in Monterey. All that and much more … online tonight; at newsstands in the morning. Thanks for reading your hometown newspaper!