Brian Funk

1 week 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.

3 weeks 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.

4 weeks 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.

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.

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.