Tunnel to Towers Pays Off Deputy Hunter Reedy's Mortgage For His Family

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided major support to the family of fallen Smyth County Deputy Hunter Reedy, who was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop in August 2024. Reedy’s death deeply affected the community, leaving behind loved ones who have continued to navigate life without him.

This month, the foundation informed the Reedy family that it has paid off the mortgage on their home, which they had purchased just 11 months before Hunter’s passing. The gift is part of Tunnel to Towers’ national effort to deliver 343 mortgage‑free homes in honor of the 343 New York City firefighters who died on 9/11.

Larry Olson, speaking on behalf of the foundation, said the goal is to help families begin healing by removing one of life’s largest financial burdens. “Not that this will ever replace him,” Olson said, “but this will get you on a track of healing.”

Rich Valley Fair Kicks Off July 24th

The Rich Valley Fair is set to return this summer, bringing a full week of family fun, local flavor, and community tradition to Smyth County. The fairgrounds will come alive with livestock shows and plenty of good food as residents gather to celebrate one of the county’s most beloved annual events.

First held in the early 1950s, the Rich Valley Fair began as a small agricultural showcase and quickly grew into a cornerstone of local summer life. Generations of families have taken part, whether showing cattle, baking pies, or cheering from the stands, and the fair remains a proud reflection of the area’s farming roots and neighborly spirit.

This year’s fair promises a packed schedule of entertainment and activities for all ages. Below is a look at the 2026 Rich Valley Fair lineup, including daily events, contests, and performances that will make this year’s celebration one to remember.

Christmas in July This Saturday in Marion

Marion will bring a touch of holiday cheer to the summer season on July 25 when Downtown Marion hosts its Christmas in July celebration from noon to 4 p.m. The free, family‑friendly event will feature festive treats, downtown sidewalk sales, kids’ activities, and special appearances by Santa and the Grinch. Visitors can enjoy a performance by Up Dance Company, explore emergency vehicles, and stop by local businesses joining in the fun, including Lou & Co with hair tinsel and sidewalk specials and Blazin' Scoops with character visits. The Lincoln Theatre will also take part by offering a free Christmas movie screening, adding to the mid‑summer holiday spirit throughout downtown.

See Country Music Superstars Diamond Rio Live in Rural Retreat July 25th - Free Admission

The countdown has begun! Diamond Rio is taking over Dr. Pepper Stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026, and with hits like Meet In the Middle, Beautiful Mess and One More Day and a following of 951.6K+ strong, you'll want to be front and center for this.

Does Diamond Rio have multiple events lined up? Yes. But this one is the one that will stand out. Get ready for a performance that will leave you with goosebumps, memories, and probably a few tears (happy ones, we promise).

Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:15 PM
📍 Venue: Dr. Pepper Stage

The night will feature live renditions of their top hits and some exclusive performances that will have you texting all your friends about what they missed.

Yacht Rock Radio is bringing its smooth, sun-soaked sound to the Lincoln Theatre on August 8, promising a nostalgic evening of beloved hits from artists like Toto, Hall & Oates, The Doobie Brothers, and more.

The touring tribute act features American Idol alum Carsen Webb and powerhouse vocalist Melody Hagar, backed by a full band delivering tight harmonies and polished production.

Think sing-along classics, upbeat summer vibes, and a crowd-pleasing night out. Tickets are on sale now through the Lincoln Theatre.

What Makes Our Blue Ridge Mountains Blue?

Anyone who’s spent time in Smyth County has seen that familiar soft haze that settles over the ridgelines, giving our mountains their signature blue tint. It’s a sight that defines summer evenings, early‑morning drives, and nearly every postcard view of Southwest Virginia. But what actually causes the Blue Ridge Mountains to look blue from a distance?

The answer lies in the trees that blanket our slopes. Many native species, especially oaks and pines, release tiny natural compounds called isoprenes into the air. When sunlight interacts with these particles, it scatters blue wavelengths more than any other color. The result is the bluish haze that seems to hover over the mountains, especially on warm, humid days.

Early settlers noticed the phenomenon long before science explained it, and the name “Blue Ridge” became a natural fit. Today, that blue haze is more than a scientific quirk...it’s part of our identity, a quiet reminder of the forests, hills, and valleys that shape life in this corner of Appalachia.

Whether you’re looking out from Walker Mountain, driving through the valley, or watching the sun drop behind the ridges, that soft blue glow is one of the most enduring and beloved sights in Smyth County.

There are places in every small town that do more than sit on the map. They settle into the memory. In Chilhowie, one of those places has always been the Rainbow Motel and Restaurant. Long before chain hotels appeared along the interstate and fast food signs began glowing at every exit, the Rainbow stood on Lee Highway like a friendly landmark. It offered travelers a soft bed, a hot meal, and a taste of Smyth County hospitality.

If you grew up around here, you didn’t have to stay at the Rainbow to know it. You saw it on your way to school, on your way to work, and on your way to anywhere. It was part of the scenery, but not in the way a mountain or a cornfield is. It was part of the human scenery. It reminded you that Chilhowie was not just a dot on a map. It was a town with its own charm and its own stories.

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