Month: February 2026

Studdard brings short but sweet set to Wytheville

February 27, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

It has been 23 years since America watched Ruben Studdard claim the second-ever American Idol title on American Idol. Early in the audition process, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe reportedly told him he didn’t “look like” an American Idol. Studdard’s response was simple: he sang. Within three lines of his audition, he had secured his ticket to Hollywood. “The first episode of American Idol I ever watched was the night Kelly Clarkson won,” the now 47-year-old singer told the Wytheville audience of about 200 at the Millwald Theatre on February 26. A backup singer in his wedding band asked him to accompany her to an American Idol audition in Nashville. “I discovered I could sing better than 95 percent of the people who were auditioning,” he said with a smile. Studdard went on not only to win the competition but also to earn a Grammy nomination for his stirring cover of “Superstar,” made famous by Luther Vandross. Upon winning, each Idol champion received a signature single; Studdard’s was “Flying Without Wings,” produced by another hero of Studdard’s, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and often remembered as his coronation anthem. During a brief but mesmerizing 72-minute performance — half music, half storytelling — the Birmingham, Alabama native revisited those career-defining moments. He shared the story of attending the Grammy Awards with his mother, who fainted after being photographed with her lifelong idol, Smokey Robinson. After recounting that memory, Studdard launched into Robinson’s solo classic “Cruisin’.” He opened the evening with the standard “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” followed by a heartfelt rendition of “Love, Love, Love” by Donny Hathaway. Then came a powerful interpretation of Vandross favorites, including “Don’t You Know That?” and a medley of “Let’s Have a Party” and “Bad Boy.” A personal highlight for many was “Never Too Much,” delivered with warmth and effortless phrasing. Ironically, Studdard admitted he was not always a fan of the R&B legend he now honors so convincingly. “When I was little, I couldn’t stand Luther Vandross because I thought my mother was cheating on my father with him,” he joked. “Every time he came on TV, my mother was on the verge of having a heart attack.” In 1984, when Vandross performed in Birmingham, Studdard’s mother bought nosebleed seats. Six-year-old Ruben had to attend because there was no babysitter. “As a husky kid, I was upset because my mama didn’t have money for nachos, popcorn, or Pepsi,” he recalled. “Luther also made it a rule not to turn the air conditioning on until he came on stage. I had sweated through my Bugle Boy suit. I was not happy.” But within minutes of Vandross taking the stage, everything changed. “He was singing the paint off the walls,” Studdard said. “You couldn’t help but be a fan after that.” The concert also included “Superstar,” which he introduced with a few lines of Aretha Franklin’s “Until You Come Back to Me,” written by Stevie Wonder. From his 2003 debut album Soulful, he performed “Sorry 2004,” and from 2006’s The Return, he offered “Change Me.” Additional soulful tributes included “Would You Mind” by Earth, Wind & Fire. His backing band matched his polish and precision. Guitarist Jon Snow delivered several electric solos that energized the room, keyboardist John Jackson provided silky accompaniment, and drummer David Smith laid down a powerful backbeat. Together, the trio made the small-stage production feel orchestral. Dubbed “The World’s Velvet Teddy Bear” by Gladys Knight, Studdard demonstrated that his voice — despite his own self-deprecating humor — remains remarkably intact. “These notes get hard to hit when you get near 50,” he told the crowd. “I was 24 when I recorded most of these songs.” Judging by the audience’s enthusiastic reception, no one noticed any decline. Ruben Studdard still has what it takes. While some may have questioned paying $81 for premium seating to a performance that ran just over an hour, the overall response appeared overwhelmingly positive. The evening not only satisfied longtime fans but also elevated Wytheville’s profile as a legitimate tour stop along the national circuit with an A-list name like Ruben Studdard on the marquee. For one night at least, the Velvet Teddy Bear proved that time has done little to diminish his resonance — both vocally and nostalgically. As always, I am eternally grateful to Donnie Bales and the top-notch Millwald team for allowing me to attend and cover first-rate entertainment right here in my own hometown.

Strictly Observing

Herb Cooley Memorial Scholarship established

February 20, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

My father, Herbert Gray Cooley, was born in rural Grayson County on October 25, 1942. He graduated from Galax High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina, followed by a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Before beginning what would become a 45-year career in law enforcement, my father served four years in the United States Coast Guard as a radio operator. In 1966, he joined the High Point Police Department, where he worked his way through the ranks as a patrol officer, traffic officer, detective, and ultimately narcotics sergeant. After eight years with the department, he joined the North Carolina Office of the Public Defender before returning to his Southwest Virginia roots in 1980 to serve as Chief Deputy of the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office. During his 14 years in Wythe County, my father helped shape much of the community we live in today. Many of the initiatives he put in place continue to make Wytheville safer—not just for residents, but for future generations, including his granddaughter Bella, who can walk its streets because of the protections he helped establish. As longtime chairman of the Transportation Safety Commission, he played a critical role in implementing traffic safety ordinances that continue to save lives. As Chief Deputy, he also launched the county’s first D.A.R.E. program, believing that prevention and education in drug resistance were just as important as enforcement. He secured numerous grants to strengthen public safety while conserving taxpayer dollars, a balance he took very seriously. He was also instrumental in bringing the 911 emergency system to Wythe County through his leadership on the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Beyond his professional duties, my father served tirelessly in numerous civic organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the Rural Retreat Lake Authority, the Ivanhoe Civic League, and the Wytheville Masonic Lodge. He chaired committees for the Chautauqua Festival through the Wythe Arts Council and organized and coached men’s and women’s softball teams throughout the county. One of the proudest moments of his career came in 1983, when he graduated from the FBI National Academy, training alongside officers from every U.S. state and 11 foreign countries. Being invited to attend the Academy is an honor; successfully completing it is an even rarer achievement. He later served as president of the Wytheville–Wythe–Bland Chamber of Commerce and a member of the American Legion. In 1994, my father left Wythe County to serve as Chief of Police in Pulaski, a position he held until 2000. He then completed the final 11 years of his career as Chief of Police for the Vinton Police Department. Under his leadership, the department achieved full state accreditation through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, becoming one of the first police departments in the Commonwealth to earn that distinction. He also served as president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. In 2011, he retired after a remarkable 45-year career in public service. As a writer, I was honored to publish Herb Cooley: The Law Enforcement Legacy of My Father, an Amazon bestselling biography released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his entry into law enforcement. In 2024, my father was further honored with his inclusion on the Civic Monument Wall of Honor in Withers Park in Wytheville. When he passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025—one day after his 83rd birthday—I knew immediately that establishing a scholarship would be the most meaningful way to continue his legacy. I contacted Deanna Bradbury, Director of Institutional Advancement at Wytheville Community College, who helped guide me through the process of creating the scholarship. Establishing it at WCC felt especially appropriate, as my father served as a Police Science instructor there in the 1990s. Among his former students is the current Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Jim Harrington. I am deeply honored to share that the Chief Herbert Gray Cooley Memorial Scholarship for Public Service has now been officially established. The scholarship is designed to assist students at Wytheville Community College who are studying Criminal Justice or pursuing careers in public service, including first responders. It supports students who face financial barriers that could otherwise derail their education, helping cover costs such as textbooks, tuition, and related expenses. Administered through the WCC Educational Foundation, the scholarship provides one-time, non-repayable assistance to students in good academic standing who live within the college’s service region. Award amounts may vary, but the mission remains constant: to keep good people moving forward. This scholarship is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life opening doors and saving countless lives. I am profoundly grateful to the donors who made this vision a reality: Chief Debra Duncan of the High Point University Campus Police; retired Captain Steve Campbell of the High Point Police Department; Carl and Kimberly Ayers; Bill and Faron Smith; and Kathryn Knack Hagwood, Attorney at Law, PC. Without their generosity, this scholarship would not exist. I am also deeply thankful to Deanna Bradberry and Dr. Dean Sprinkle, President of Wytheville Community College, for helping make the scholarship official. Continued support will be essential to sustain the fund and help students year after year. Through this effort, my mission is simple: to ensure that the sacrifices and service of Herbert Gray Cooley—to this community and many others—are never forgotten.

Strictly Observing

‘Alice’ brings Barter magic to Wytheville

February 16, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

It was such a genuine thrill to see the Barter Players on stage again—especially here in my hometown at our beautiful Millwald Theatre on Friday, February 13. Their gorgeously whimsical and vibrantly colorful production of Alice in Wonderland was nothing short of magical. In just 45 minutes, the six Barter Player actors had more than 300 audience members—predominantly children who attended the show for free—utterly spellbound from beginning to end. The performance was made free to local public-school children thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Wythe Bland Foundation, whose support ensured that so many young people could experience live theatre at no cost. What a gift to this community. One can rest assured, however, that us adults were equally enthralled. For me, it was an especially meaningful evening. For over two decades, attending productions at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon has been one of the great joys of my career. Though I’m no longer able to travel back and forth regularly, this touring production felt like a rare and cherished homecoming. The ensemble of half a dozen brilliant actors—each a true triple threat of singer, actor, and dancer—brought boundless energy to this wacky and wondrous adaptation of the original work by Lewis Carroll. The book and lyrics were written by longtime in-house Barter playwright Catherine Bush, with music by Dax Dupuy. Together, they crafted a script that remained loyal to Carroll’s riddling verse while infusing it with fresh theatrical vitality. Jay Ruttenberg took center stage as Alice, adorably embracing the precocious character with equal parts curiosity, determination, and a healthy distaste for rules and the mundane. Stephen Cradic was my personal favorite of the evening, portraying the flamboyant King of Hearts as well as the satirical Caterpillar. His tremendous humor and discernible upbeat energy illuminated the stage with immense enjoyment. Whether grooving to a psychedelic ’60s beat before Alice takes a bite of the mushroom or swaying to elevator music as she plummets down the rabbit hole, he added lightheartedness and laughter to every scene in which he appeared. Tyler Cramer, a longtime favorite Barter Player of mine, flawlessly performed the roles of the White Rabbit, the Mushroom, Alice’s Uncle Charles, and several others with his trademark humor, confident singing, and crisp dancing. Marissa Emerson was a joy to watch in a myriad of roles, including Alice’s sister Lorena, the Mad Hatter, the Deuce of Spades, and more. Abigail Martin perhaps had the biggest stretch, playing Alice’s little brother Freddy, the Cheshire Cat, and several roles traditionally portrayed by men. Reilly Blevins was equally brilliant in her maternal portrayals—Alice’s mother, the Queen of Hearts, and the anxious Mother Pigeon who feared that a ten-foot-tall Alice might be after her unhatched eggs. The dialogue in this adaptation was particularly impressive. We were given deeper glimpses into Carroll’s original text than many of us are accustomed to from the familiar Alice in Wonderland. The set design was drenched in brilliant pinks and purples, anchored by a Roman numeral clock spinning seemingly out of control in the background. And in this telling, Alice does not simply chase the White Rabbit out of curiosity—she ventures into Wonderland to retrieve a blank book her sister has given her to fill with her adventures. Clever references to both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass appeared throughout, including a nod to the character of Time during the Mad Hatter’s tea party scene. The blur between fantasy and reality is executed clearly here as well as morals of moderation, appreciation, and autonomy. All are clearly conveyed in his one-of-a-kind production. The implementation of characters from Alice’s real-life into her imagined one via fantastical alter-egos, as done with Dorothy for The Wizard of Oz, was also a key component to the plot of this production. Just as I was enchanted when I first saw a Barter Theatre production of The Emperor’s New Clothes as a seven-year-old first grader, I remain captivated by the quality and imagination of every Barter production I encounter. Theatre has been a major part of my life as a columnist, and Barter has been central to that journey. It is my fervent hope that future touring productions from Barter Theatre will continue to return to Wytheville. Live theatre—especially when made accessible to children—has the power to ignite imaginations and create lifelong memories. On this particular February evening, it did exactly that.

Strictly Observing

Bohn brings much needed laughter to Wytheville

February 8, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

February 7th was one of the darkest and bitterly coldest nights of the year. I won’t recount the difficulty I faced getting to the Millwald Theatre as a person with a disability under those conditions. I will simply say that seeing comedian Lucas Bohn made every bit of it worthwhile. A native of the D.C. side of Virginia, Bohn is a former fifth-grade teacher who credits his students for much of the material that helped turn him into a nationally touring comedian. Over the years, he has shared the stage with the likes of Jimmy Fallon, Dave Chappelle, and Kevin Hart—and he brought visual aids to prove exactly where his comedy began. In one cause-and-effect exercise, the cause reads: “Jimmy wants a new bike, but his parents won’t buy him one.” The student’s written effect: “He will ask his grandparents and get a bike.” When asked to support the claim with evidence, the student writes, “Grandparents love him more.” In another example, when the effect reads, “Jane has five brothers and two sisters,” the student identifies the cause as, “Jane’s mom needs a new hobby.” Bohn also demonstrated how much he can learn about a student he’s never met simply by reading a word-association worksheet. “I know this kid goes deer hunting with his dad, likes NASCAR, and knows how to use a duck call,” he said after reading the words “green frog, blue lake, red Solo cup.” “I’m surprised he didn’t write ‘Git-R-Done’ underneath.” Among my other favorite student responses were: “My mom looks beautiful when… that man comes over and she gives us melatonin.” When asked how to make a marriage work, one fifth-grade boy wrote, “Tell your wife she’s beautiful even if she looks like a dump truck.” “There is nothing more I can teach that boy,” Bohn deadpanned. “He is way ahead of the game.” The slideshow that accompanied his 97-minute act only amplified the laughter, complementing his razor-sharp wit, neighborly Southern accent, and uncanny ability to perform a range of character voices with startling precision. His trio of toddler-aged nephews apparently attest to his talent by catering to his every whim—provided he makes the request in his best “Elmo” voice. “Do you want to get Elmo a beer?” Bohn implores. “Yay! You got Elmo a beer! Elmo loves you!” That voice, however, does not translate well when calling into radio stations with rap DJs. “They will cuss you out and hang up on you at the same time,” he reported. Entitled Lesson Plans to Late Night, the show offered the Wytheville audience—made up largely of local teachers thanks to generous sponsorship from the Wythe Bland Foundation—a heartfelt and hilarious look at Bohn’s journey from public schoolteacher to comedy sensation. Bohn also spoke candidly about adopting two Black children and the ignorant questions he sometimes encounters. While playing in the park with his daughter Ella, one woman asked how the child would know to come to him, given that they were of different races. Bohn replied that he simply used the opening African chant from The Lion King to call her. Ella came running, and Bohn lifted her high, just as Rafiki held up Simba on the edge of Pride Rock. “I had no idea,” the woman replied. Lucas and his wife of 17 years, Christy—a first-grade special education teacher in Loudoun County—later adopted a second child, Alexander, whose birth mother and father are both well over six feet tall. Alexander is also Black. “I’m just happy to finally have someone in the family who can dunk,” Bohn joked. During the second half of the act, Bohn pointed out how comedy often writes itself. A street sign reading “Senior Citizen Center,” posted next to a cemetery, provided ample opportunity for comedic adjustment. Another sign read, “Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes the reason is you’re stupid and make bad decisions.” A store sign in Little Rock, Arkansas advertised: “We have all your school supply needs. Miller 12-pack, $7.99.” “You will graduate with a 4.0 blood alcohol level,” Bohn reassured. A Walmart pharmacy sign in West Virginia read: “Compare and save: Trojan condoms $3.79, Huggies diapers $22.” “They’re trying to help you out by doing God’s work,” Bohn observed. “They did the math—and they showed their work.” Bohn also chastised Hollywood for endlessly remaking ’80s and ’90s blockbusters with improved effects without ever asking audiences which films should actually be remade. His proposal: remake the original Star Wars trilogy using actors from classic ’90s movies and television. What followed was a hilarious montage of reenacted scenes. Adam Sandler’s character from The Waterboy would play Luke Skywalker. Princess Leia would be portrayed by Fran Drescher. CGI would resurrect Chris Farley—specifically from the iconic “van down by the river” Saturday Night Live sketch—to play Yoda. Matthew McConaughey would play C-3PO. Eddie Murphy would portray Lando Calrissian, with Mike Myers making a cameo as Shrek, yelling at Donkey to get out of there. Finally, Al Pacino would take on Darth Vader during the iconic “I am your father” scene. This exchange truly has to be seen to be fully appreciated. It was an evening I will always remember, and I hope Lucas Bohn returns to the Millwald soon.

Strictly Observing

Cat shelter provides companion

February 4, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

About a year ago, we had to put our cat down. My wife, Emily, and our daughter, Bella, immediately wanted another cat. I was not keen on the idea—but I also knew that our dog, Sophie, was fourteen years old. We had had her for twelve years, and we knew she was declining. Emily and Bella went to the Wythe County Animal Society to pick out a cat. Bella chose an orange one and renamed her Ginger. Bella told me that she knew—by the way Ginger allowed her to hold her—that this was the one. My daughter’s instincts were absolutely correct. Sophie had always been content being the queen of the household and ordinarily would not have welcomed another animal into her home. Yet Ginger and Sophie sat together under the bed and never had a cross moment between them. Now we know why. Six weeks after we adopted Ginger, Sophie had to be put down due to a tumor behind her eye. It was one of the most heartbreaking losses we have ever endured. If we had not had Ginger, I truly don’t think any of us would have survived it. We now believe that Sophie was training Ginger to take care of us the way she had all her life. You cannot tell me that animals do not go to heaven. I firmly believe Sophie is there—and that she manifests herself within Ginger, especially in the way Ginger looks after my wife. Within the past year, this loving little feline has brought so much joy to our family during some of our darkest times. Unfortunately, 2025 would bring even darker hours. My father passed away on October 26, 2025—one day after his 83rd birthday. To lose a parent is one of the hardest losses anyone can endure, and once again, Ginger helped sustain our spirits. My father was a tremendous lover of animals. He met Ginger one time and wanted to hold her, but she had only recently come from the shelter and was still very wary of people she didn’t know. I’m certain she would have come to love him, as all animals did. When Ginger first came to us, she had a severe cold from her time in the kennel. We don’t know how long she had been at the shelter, but we do know she had been feral at some point—one of her ears had been clipped. You would never know now that she had ever been antisocial. Ironically, I was the hardest nut for her to crack. When she first arrived and was sick, she would snuggle beside me in bed. Once she recovered, she seemed afraid of me. I never knew whether it was my wheelchair or something I had unknowingly done to frighten her. Eventually, though, she warmed up to me—and now she sleeps every night in the crook of my leg. More importantly, Ginger has become a constant and faithful companion for my wife, who lives with post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related issues. Ginger is the perfect prescription for chasing Emily’s blues away. She has also been a tremendous comfort to our daughter, who spent nearly every night of her life with Sophie sleeping beside her. As a parent, that was perhaps the hardest part of losing Sophie—not just our own grief, or even watching your spouse suffer, but seeing your child in pain and being unable to take it away. There is no explanation or cure for that kind of hurt. We are endlessly grateful to Ginger for the love she has given our family, and we hope we return it in full. We’re fairly confident that we do—because, like Sophie, she is quite content being the sole animal in the house and announces herself each morning with a regal, queenly meow when it’s time for breakfast. I especially want to thank the good folks at the Wythe County Animal Shelter for ensuring Ginger was well cared for until we were able to adopt her. They do the best they can despite being at overflow capacity with both cats and dogs, and they clearly care deeply about every animal they are trying to save. For a $50 adoption fee, we received a companion who will hopefully be part of our family for a very long time. We will never forget such a gift.

Strictly Observing