Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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Park Service names new vendor for Peaks of Otter visitor services
The National Park Service has selected Explor Peaks of Otter LLC, a subsidiary of ExplorUS, to operate visitor services at Peaks of Otter Lodge under a 10-year concession contract.
The existing lodging, food service, retail and shuttle bus services will transition to the new concessioner in early 2025, according to a news release from the Park Service.
The current concession contractor, DNC Parks and Resorts at Peaks of Otter Inc., has operated at Peaks of Otter since 2013. The transition is not expected to affect visitors, the Park Service said.
ExplorUS is a family-owned company that operates national, state and local park concessions, including at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park.
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Forest Service to temporarily close lower Cascades parking lot
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forest will close the lower parking lot of the Cascades waterfall day use site from Tuesday through Thursday.
The parking lot will be closed to allow crews to complete a sawing and chipping operation on trees damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Parking will still be available at the upper parking lot.
For more information, please contact the Eastern Divide Ranger District at 540-552-4641.
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Virginia Humanities and UVA Wise announce partnership
Virginia Humanities and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise will launch a new regional humanities center in Southwest Virginia.
Virginia Humanities at UVA Wise will amplify stories from across Southwest Virginia and illustrate the ways the humanities bring communities together to foster dialogue and understanding, according to a news release announcing the partnership.
Virginia Humanities at UVA Wise is the second of several new regional humanities centers being launched. It follows a center that opened in Norfolk at WHRO Public Media in July. Each center will be headquartered within an existing regional organization, either a cultural nonprofit or a college. Virginia Humanities will provide expertise and funds for regranting to other local nonprofit organizations.
Virginia Humanities at UVA Wise officially opens Dec. 2.