Little Sugar Run

10/23/2025

Governor Glenn Youngkin Declares State of Emergency to Protect Hungry Virginians from Democrats Blocking Federal Funding for the Most Needy

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today declared a state of emergency to provide emergency hunger relief for Virginians in response to the Democrat Shutdown causing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to run out starting November 1, 2025.

“The Democrat Shutdown will cause SNAP benefits to run out for over 850,000 Virginians in need starting November 1, 2025. I refuse to let hungry Virginians be used as ‘leverage’ by Congressional Democrats. I am declaring a State of Emergency due to the Democrat Shutdown to protect hungry Virginians in need,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin.

“This is an extraordinary action and is only necessary because of the shamelessness of Congressional Democrats – including every Democrat in our entire delegation- who refuse to pass a clean continuing resolution to open the Federal government. I once again call on Senator Mark Warner and Senator Tim Kaine to end this nonsense and vote to pass a clean CR.”

“The Commonwealth will provide food benefits until Congressional Democrats put the interests of Virginians in need ahead of their politics.”

“I thank President Trump and his Administration for their help as they continue to provide support to Virginians in need.”

The State of Emergency allows the Governor to expend emergency funds under sum sufficient authority to protect the health, welfare and safety of Virginians.

08/10/2025

06/29/2025

I am going to publish a July edition of Front Porch Monthly for facebook only...
If you would like to submit articles, short stories, cartoons, photos, sermonettes, etc. please do so in private message or by sending an email to: [email protected]
If you would like to support this effort through advertising private message or email will work.
If you would like to privately support this effort private message or email will work.
Please contact me as soon as possible.
Thank you.
God Bless you.

05/24/2025

Giles/Monroe area folks...
Would any of you be interested in covering events (short article and photos/video) and writing human interest articles? Let me know here or by private message.
I am struck by how many events and people we are letting slide that should be routinely highlighted.
I do miss publishing Front Porch Monthly far more than I ever thought I would.
Interested? Please let me know.

10/28/2024

Our hearts are saddened and overjoyed as another goes home...

SUSAN AMANDA SADLER, 61, of Pearisburg, VA, passed away Saturday morning, October 26, 2024, at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center. Susan was born November 21, 1962 in Leon, FL. She began her journey as the daughter of the late Mary Woodyard, and was raised by her grandmother, Janie Woodyard

10/28/2024

Facebook just sent a message and told me I had violated their trademark something or another, which, of course, I have not done in any way shape or form. They will be deleting my page unless I file some kind of response. You can find pages like mine by looking up Front Porch Monthly and/or Frank Timothy Brown. I would assume they are permanently shutting me down over my post about my favorite POTUS coming to Salem, but I will never find out because though my freedom of speech can not be infringed upon, this is not a site about freedom and only stand to get worse if another democrat gets in office.

10/26/2024

Trump will hold a rally at the Salem Civic Center...

Sign up for a ticket TODAY!

10/15/2024

If you believe there are unsung heros out there that need to be recognized in some way for their efforts during the flood, let me know who they are. There will be an attempt in the not too distant future to tell others about them. I need your candidates and a little about what they did...

10/10/2024

Benefit Spaghetti Dinner for Caleb Canode
October 19th at 5:00 pm.
At Pleasant Hill UMC rt. 100 Bane VA
Caleb is a 13 year old with Osteosarcoma
Donations accepted.

10/10/2024

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that the National Park Service will reopen the Blue Ridge Parkway on Friday, October 11, 2024. This follows a previous announcement that the Blue Ridge Parkway would be closed indefinitely to clear debris caused by Hurricane Helene. Visitors are invited to come experience fall in Virginia.

“Virginia is excited to announce that the Blue Ridge Parkway, the nation’s most-visited park, is once again open for business. This is fantastic news for our communities, especially for the small businesses that rely on parkway travelers for their livelihoods. The prolonged closure due to Hurricane Helene has had a significant impact during fall foliage season, and this reopening will provide a much-needed boost to our local economy,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved, particularly the National Park Service, who have worked tirelessly during this challenging time to make this opening a reality. As we continue to recover from Hurricane Helene, we look forward to once again welcoming visitors from all 50 states and around the world, and I encourage all visitors to support our local businesses that celebrate and highlight the beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge so we can help them rebuild and thrive once again.”

The Blue Ridge Parkway is open for business in Virginia. Visitors should take note of the following:

The Blue Ridge Parkway will open in phases according to the following schedule:

Milepost 1 to milepost 198 soft opening on Thursday, Oct. 10, formal reopening on Friday, Oct. 11.

Milepost 198 to milepost 217 at North Carolina state line to reopen the following week – exact date to be announced.

National Park Service campgrounds will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until October 14, at which time existing reservations will be honored.

Use Virginia 511 for road conditions throughout the state.

Visitors should be aware that trail assessments have not been completed in all areas and caution should be exercised when hiking.

Visitors may encounter reduced services due to staffing shortages, as many employees are assisting with operations in North Carolina, where the impacts of the storm were far more severe.

Blue Ridge Parkway areas previously closed for construction will remain closed.

Visit Virginia.org for the latest travel updates.

10/10/2024

Giles County Emergency Services Coordinator Jon Butler issues clarification of FEMA assistance programs available for flood victims

The first thing everyone should do is to photograph and write down each and every item, big or small, that was either lost or damaged. In some cases, the item does not exist anymore, but you might have a photo, receipt, or title to use as proof that it was yours and was lost in the flood waters.
“Document everything. Make sure you have photos. We put out some information early on about self-reporting damage. It is very important that everyone does that through a link on the Giles County website. Report it and register for assistance through FEMA (www.disasterassistance.gov). The FEMA phone number is 800-621-3362,” said Butler.
Reports have been made that $750 is all that is available through FEMA, but that is not correct. It is also in the national news that FEMA is out of money because it has been depleted addressing the illegal migrant situation, but no money is being diverted from their disaster response funds. The rumor mill has also churned up the accusation that FEMA has confiscated donations meant for flood survivors, but FEMA reports that voluntary organizations specializing in storing, sorting, cleaning and distributing donated items.
1. Go through your private insurance process. Much of the possible assistance is designed to bridge the gap of the insurance. FEMA will not issue assistance through many programs until your insurance company settles with you. The insurance settlement information will then have to be provided to FEMA. There will be no duplication of benefits.
2. Housing assistance is available with a maximum benefit of $43,600 for those who need help with their primary residence. It works in several ways: repair assistance, replace assistance and financial assistance. Financial assistance covers lodging expenses and rental. Rental assistance is available for up to 18 months to help individuals create a permanent housing plan. Repair assistance is based on a FEMA damage assessment and will not replace the loss of the home. It will give you assistance to make the home safe, sanitary and habitable.
3. Serious needs assistance is available. This is a one-time payment of $750 that covers immediate needs like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies.
4. Clean and sanitize is a one-time payment of $300 to aid in the cleaning and sanitization of your home. Please take advantage of this program.
Personal property assistance falls under the “Other Needs Assistance” that covers personal property loss not covered by insurance. Other Needs Assistance has a maximum benefit of $43,600.
If damage suffered exceeds the maximum amount FEMA grants, there are disaster loans available to citizens through the small business administration (SBA) with interest rates as low as 2%. Low interest loans are also available through SBA to businesses that suffered damage and individuals that lost income producing housing.
At the time of this press release an individual in Giles County has already received a payout from FEMA for a camper that was destroyed. Please go now and register.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is participating in daily calls through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) with Giles County to assist with the FEMA process. Chain saw crews have been sent utilizing the Virginia Department of Forestry to clear Dismal Road and the Virginia National Guard cleared Lurich Road.
“Debris management is huge, and we’re going to be dealing with that for months. FEMA will be able to reimburse us for some of that waste handling through their public assistance declaration,” noted Butler.
In closing, Butler said, “This is the information. Please do your research. Find out what you can and can’t get and apply. Let them tell you no.”
Butler also recommended that questions go to FEMA. There will soon be a FEMA disaster recovery center in the county that will operate for at least 60 days. Continue to monitor the Giles County website, this webpage and the Virginian Leader for updates.
https://www.disasterassistance.gov
https://virginiasmtnplayground.com
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

10/05/2024

FEMA Assistance Now Available for More Virginians

Richmond, Va. — Residents of Montgomery and Pulaski Counties are now eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA to help with costs from damage and losses due to Hurricane Helene beginning September 25, 2024.

Residents of Galax and Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wythe Counties remain eligible for assistance.

You can apply for disaster assistance today:

Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
Through the FEMA app
By calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362
To watch an accessible video about how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

When applying for disaster assistance, make sure you have the following information ready:

The address and zip code of the disaster-damaged home
Condition of your damaged home
Insurance information, if available
Social Security number
Phone number, address, and email where you can be contacted
Bank account information, if you would like to set up direct deposit.
When you apply, you will receive a FEMA registration number. Make sure to save it. You will need your registration number whenever you contact FEMA.

FEMA may be able to help you pay for essential items, temporary housing, home repairs and other needs due to the disaster, including:

Essential items such as water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, medical supplies and equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation;
Financial assistance to help pay for hotel stays, stays with family and friends, or other options while you look for a rental unit as well as rental assistance if you are displaced because of the disaster;
Repair or replacement of a vehicle, appliances, room furnishings, personal or family computer;
Books, uniforms, tools, computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment; and
Moving and storage fees, medical expenses, childcare and funeral expenses.

Disaster Survivor Assistance Team Specialist Mo discusses a resident's home on Oct. 3, 2024, in Damascus, Va. Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are visiting residents in southwest Virginia to help those impacted by Tropical Storm Helene apply for FEMA assistance. (Philip Maramba/FEMA)

FEMA continues to work closely with the Commonwealth of Virginia to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments and evaluate unmet and long-term recovery needs. As damage assessments continue, more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated for FEMA assistance.

For more information on Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit vaemergency.gov, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management page , fema.gov/disaster/4831 and facebook.com/FEMA.

A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. .