Brian Funk

Galax

Editor at Galax Gazette

Publisher at etsy.com

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Articles

A plane carrying 570 pounds of marijuana crashed in Carroll County. Decades later, the tale of Wally Thrasher is hitting the small screen.

2 weeks ago | cardinalnews.org | Brian Funk

The story of Wallace “Wally” Thrasher of Pulaski has all the elements that fascinate true-crime fans: a fiery plane crash, a Bolivian drug cartel, a money-laundering scheme, colorful underworld characters, courageous cops and the enduring mystery of his disappearance. Then there was Thrasher’s wife, Olga, who became known as “The Black Widow” in the media for her alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire plot.
Citizens offer ideas for downtown's future

3 weeks ago | pmg-va.com | Shannon Watkins |Brian Funk

An inventory of downtown Galax property, dubbed the Community Visioning Tour, gathered 30 people in person and a few on a Facebook Live stream, according to the city’s Main Street Director Hailey Ryan. This Main Street project, funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, will guide investment, support local entrepreneurship and help preserve the character that makes downtown Galax unique, according to the city.
Concert season opens with eclectic musical mix

3 weeks ago | pmg-va.com | Brian Funk

The 2025 season of the “Deep Roots, Many Voices” summer concert series at the Blue Ridge Music Center kicked off on Memorial Day weekend with a return by a couple of a fan favorite, Grammy-nominated indie artist Amythyst Kiah, and frequent guest performer Joe Troop with his newest band, Truth Machine. The shows are held weekly from late May through the end of August at the center’s outdoor amphitheater, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of Galax.
Galax High School seniors graduate with joy, gratitude

4 weeks ago | pmg-va.com | Brian Funk

Seniors in the Class of 2025 delivered passionate, personal and moving speeches at Galax High School’s graduation ceremony on May 24. All spoke from the heart, sharing a common theme of honoring the family members and loved ones who sacrificed for them and supported them during their school careers. Harley Joseph Colna, senior class president, said he re-wrote his speech six times, then chose to improvise.
U.S. 58 reopens early, under budget

4 weeks ago | pmg-va.com | Brian Funk

DAMASCUS — A 1.5-mile section of U.S. 58 west of Independence reopened last week — five months ahead of schedule and at a vastly lower cost than expected. The section of highway between Damascus and Konnarock was destroyed by flooding that resulted from Hurricane Helene last fall. When Hurricane Helene struck, Whitetop Laurel Creek surged through Jefferson National Forest, sweeping away homes, washing out miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail and demolishing the mountain corridor of 58.
After storm damage, U.S. 58 reopens early

1 month ago | pmg-va.com | Brian Funk

DAMASCUS — A 1.5-mile section of U.S. 58 west of Independence reopened last week — five months ahead of schedule and at a vastly lower cost than expected. The section of highway between Damascus and Konnarock was destroyed by flooding that resulted from Hurricane Helene last fall. When Hurricane Helene struck, Whitetop Laurel Creek surged through Jefferson National Forest, sweeping away homes, washing out miles of the Virginia Creeper Trail and demolishing the mountain corridor of 58.
Farm museum opens 2025 season

1 month ago | pmg-va.com | Brian Funk

BAYWOOD — Matthews Living History Farm Museum has opened its 2025 season, but as always a visit to the site in the Baywood community just west of Galax is like taking a trip to the early 20th Century. The museum is a 21-acre working farm, circa 1900, with activities demonstrated that represent common practices in Grayson County around that time. It is open now through Nov. 8. The event featured artisans demonstrating their crafts and selling their wares, vendors, food and musicians.
Spencer leaving after 14 years on school board

1 month ago | pmg-va.com | Brian Funk

HILLSVILLE — Brian Spencer, chairman of the Carroll County School Board for 12 years, plans to step down when his term ends in December and focus his time on his business endeavors and community service. He will have served a total of 14 years on the board as the Pipers Gap District representative. Spencer is part of a group that operates three restaurant chains, and he plans to support the planned revitalization of downtown Hillsville.
Early voting underway for primary

1 month ago | pmg-va.com | Brian Funk

In-person early voting for the June 17 primary elections in Virginia began May 2 and will continue through June 14. Candidates are seeing their parties’ endorsements to run in the November general election. All 133 Virginia counties and cities will have a Democratic primary for statewide offices, but only 31 — including Carroll and Grayson counties — will have a Republican primary.
Foundation scholarships bridge gap for students

1 month ago | pmg-va.com | Brian Funk

The Twin County Community Foundation is a philanthropic group that provides “last dollar” scholarships to eligible students who graduate from local high schools, bridging the gap between federal financial aid and the actual cost of attending Wytheville Community College. The Galax-based organization recently received the 19th Annual Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy from the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE). They were nominated by WCC.