Today's Features

Staff Report

The phrase “to finish is to win” took on real meaning when 84 antique vehicles crossed the finish line in Moline, Ill., out of 109 that started the 2016 Great Race in San Rafael, Cal.

The Crooked Road Racers, a local team made up of members of Boy Scout Troop 188 and their leader and driver, Dr. Tom Littrell, competed in this year’s rally-style race. The Galax team placed second in the youth division and 46th overall. They drove Littrell’s 1928 Model A Ford Roadster Highboy over 2,500 miles.

A 90th birthday anniversary party was held for John (Jack) Devine and his wife Wanda Devine at the home of Jerry and Bobbie Fridley. They celebrated with family and friends.

They are the parents of a son and spouse, Jacky Devine and Alice of Independence; and daughters, Sandy Cox and Bobbie Fridley of Galax. They have seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Tammy Ward and Mike Manning exchanged wedding vows Aug. 7 in front of their church congregation at New Beginnings Community Church in Cana, along with their family and friends.
Tammy is originally from Grayson County and is the daughter of Barry and Barbara Triplett of Troutdale.

She is employed as circulation manager at The Gazette.
Mike is originally from Carroll County and is the son of the late H.R. and Rowena Manning.
The couple resides in Floyd County.

Louise Branch turns 100 years old today, Friday.
She has been a resident of Hillsville Health & Rehab (formerly Trinity Mission) since 2013, and previously lived at Wheatland Assisted Living since 2005.

Branch was born in Knoxville, Tenn. At the time of her birth, Woodrow Wilson was president. She worked most of her life as a seamstress in the textile industry in Knoxville and did not retire until she was in her early 80s. She has been an avid traveler, and one of her favorite trips was to the Holy Land.