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Class of 59
Fifteen members of the Rural Retreat High School Class of 1959 met on Saturday, Oct. 24, to reminisce and talk about the "good old days," and to bring each other up-to-date on what has been happening during the 67 years since they graduated.
Seated are Mary Ann Harmon Williams, Mary Pickle Rhodes, and JoAnn Groseclose Bridgers
Standing from left to right are Judy Burnette King, Dora Robinson Leonard, Onita Fisher Kinder, Shelvie Phillippi Wright, Patricia Frye LaRue, Nancy Huddle Elvetici, Ramona Williams Spangler, Betty Dutton Rogers, Gale Hendrick Buck, Priscilla Musser Hall Fisher, and James Fisher.
Not pictured is class member Emily Fisher and special guests Anna Ray Newland Roberts (Class of 1960), Susan Lundy Dutton (Class of 1965), David and Kristi Warf, and Melissa Haduck.
Police launch optional-residency pilot
New trooper trainees will have the option of living off campus
during a pilot program launched recently.
Ryan Mihalyi
A new program launched by the Virginia State Police will allow
trainees to live off campus if they desire.
Submitted photo
The Virginia State Police has strengthened its ranks with the addition of 139 new troopers in 2026, reinforcing the department’s commitment to delivering the top‑tier, full‑service public safety Virginians deserve. To further expand its recruitment initiative, the Department is launching an optional-residency pilot program for the next Basic Session, offering added flexibility aimed at attracting even more qualified men and women to serve with Virginia State Police.
Under the pilot program, which will begin with the 147th Basic Session starting on Jan. 25, 2027, trooper-trainees will have the option of living outside the Virginia State Police Academy while going through the 29-week session. The trooper-trainees will also continue to have the option of living rent-free at the Academy if they choose.
“Our goal is to attract top-tier talent to sustain operations, and we don’t want the Academy residency requirement to hinder our efforts. We want everyone who is qualified and wants to become a trooper to have the opportunity to become a trooper,” said Captain Clifford Kincaid, Commander of the Virginia State Police Training Division. “Even with this added residential flexibility, our Basic Session will remain rigorous, high‑quality, and fully aligned with the standards expected of those who earn the title ‘Trooper.’”
This new recruitment effort is important because it removes barriers that may prevent highly qualified applicants from pursuing a career with the Virginia State Police. Many candidates are also parents, caregivers, or individuals with family responsibilities that require them to be home during evenings, Kincaid noted. While these individuals may be exceptionally well suited for law enforcement, the traditional residency requirement can make participation impossible. This added flexibility allows skilled and motivated individuals to compete for trooper positions without being forced to choose between their families and public service.
This inclusive and competitive recruitment process will ensure the Department continues to meet the evolving needs of Virginia’s workforce while maintaining the highest standards of training and professionalism.
Virginia State Police also has an accelerated lateral program for Department of Criminal Justice Services certified officers. Certified personnel can become Virginia state troopers after attending a five-week accelerated lateral program.
Anyone interested in becoming a Virginia State Police trooper can visit www.vatrooper.com for more information about the agency, the benefits, and the opportunities that are available.
Pulaski man facing multiple charges
A Pulaski man is in custody following an extensive investigation by the Wytheville Police Department into offenses involving a minor.
On Oct. 23, Marvin Douglas Cox, 42, of Pulaski was taken into custody after being indicted by a Wythe County Grand Jury.
Cox faces seven felony counts of proposing a sexual act to a minor using a communications system and one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Cox is currently being held without bond at the New River Valley Regional Jail.
Body of Pennsylvania man recovered from quarry
A 37-year-old Pennsylvania man was found dead in Wythe Stone Rock Quarry on Atkins Mill Road on Monday, officials said.
According to the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office, the body of Bradley Steven Bronson of Lititz, Pennsylvania was recovered Oct. 26 from inside the quarry. Officials said Bronson had fallen about 200 feet into the quarry. Workers at the quarry discovered the body on Monday.
Law enforcement said Bronson entered the quarry while it was closed on Sunday, Oct. 25.
News
FOOD BANK
Feeding Southwest Virginia selects Gina Crumbliss as new president and CEO (copy) (copy)
ALEXIA PARTOUCHE
The Roanoke Times
Gina Crumbliss, the former President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, will succeed Pamela Irvine as Feeding Southwest Virginia’s new CEO, the food bank announced Wednesday.
Crumbliss was at the head of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank as it served 20 counties across Tennessee and Georgia, expanded food distribution and strengthened philanthropic support.
The board of directors selected her unanimously following a national search directed by a task force of the board, with support from nonprofit consulting firm Armstrong McGuire, according to a news release.
"I am honored to join Feeding Southwest Virginia and work alongside a team so dedicated to helping neighbors access the nutritious food they need," Crumbliss said in the release. "I look forward to learning from our staff and partners, getting to know the communities we serve, and building on the work Pam has led. Together, we can strengthen those relationships and help more families thrive."
Crumbliss will replace Irvine, who has served as president and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia since she founded it 45 years ago. Irvine is set to retire at the end of this year.
"I look forward to working with the new CEO and transferring 45 years of knowledge and some ‘what to do and not to do’ things," she said.
Crumbliss will hold responsibility for the organization’s executive leadership starting Sunday, according the press release.
"We are deeply grateful to Pam for 45 years of leadership and dedication to our neighbors and for building Feeding Southwest Virginia into the organization it is today," said Jim Pearman, board chair, in the press release. "We are confident in Gina’s ability to build on that legacy. Her food bank leadership experience and commitment to strong community partnerships will serve our region well, and she has the unanimous support of our Board as she leads this work forward."
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