The Ring-tum Phi

Cadets march outside in front of onlookers on VMI’s campus. This year’s incoming class is composed of 375 cadets, a steep drop from the typical class size of roughly 500.

After VMI enrollment plummets, admissions tests new tactics

Shauna Muckle, Editor-in-Chief December 12, 2022

At the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year, The Washington Post revealed a bombshell statistic: Virginia Military Institute’s freshman class was 25% smaller than the preceding year, at 375 cadets.  The...

Universities in Rockbridge County, like Washington and Lee University, are offering $16.25 per hour for food service employees.

Rockbridge County Public Schools face staff shortages

Lily Mott, Staff Writer October 14, 2022

Randy Walters begins and ends every work day driving a school bus route. He also drives students for field trips and sports events outside of Rockbridge County. In between trips, Walters does his official...

County further delays solar proposal decision

Grace Mamon May 17, 2022

A proposal for a solar project in Rockbridge County went before the planning commission for the second time at its meeting May 11. The proposal was met with strong opposition from residents of the county...

The Lexington Police Department is on Fuller Street. Photo by Jess Kishbaugh, 24.

Lexington urged to increase pay for city workers

Luke Fountain April 12, 2022
Minimum-wage city workers and police officers in Lexington are particularly underpaid

Mental health and addiction issues climbing in Lexington

Lauren Reese April 12, 2022
The pandemic has drawn atention away from skyrocketing mental health problems and overdose deaths in Lexington and other rural communities
Owner Trevor Stores mixes drinks on a hectic Friday night at SkyBar. Once a bartender at the Southern Inn, he bought the space for SkyBar in May 2021. Photo by Jess Kishbaugh, ’24.

SkyBar joins Lexington’s bar scene

Liv Ullman March 29, 2022

A new Black-owned business, SkyBar, is changing up Lexington’s bar scene while sitting just a block away from Washington and Lee’s campus.  Many members of the Washington and Lee community are...

The new Walker Program office will make it easier than ever to reach out and provide resources to people of color interested in starting a business, board member Sascha Goluboff said. Already, the program has helped seven businesses. Photo by Elena Lee, ’25.

Entrepreneurship training program for people of color expands

Catherine McCurdy March 29, 2022

The Walker Program, a training program for people of color seeking to open their own businesses, has a new office in downtown Lexington. It’s nestled near the intersection of West Washington and Jefferson...

 The potential for additional traffic on roads like Nelson Street has been a focal point in past public debates regarding housing development on Spotswood Drive. Developers have contended that the uptick in traffic will be minimal. Photo by Jess Kishbaugh, ’24.

Development talk for Spotswood re-launch

Shauna Muckle March 15, 2022

Lexington City Council is considering two proposed housing developments for a site on Spotswood Drive, after public criticism last year delayed approval of any development discussions for a year. The...

Owner Trevor Stores was born and raised in Lexington. Though this is his first time owning a business, he brings years of bartending experience to the venture. Photo by Jess Kishbaugh, ’24.

SkyBar brings a new aesthetic to Lexington

Shauna Muckle March 15, 2022

As guests head inside Lexington’s newest attraction, they’re greeted by a narrow set of steps below a sign reading “Entrance to Speakeasy,” along with exposed brick walls, a gleaming wood bar and...

Mask mandates in question at local schools

Shauna Muckle February 15, 2022

Local school districts are keeping their mask mandates in place for now, despite a state executive order that says parents can choose whether their kids wear masks at school. But further action at the...

Residents pushed to clear snow from sidewalks

Mimi Sherrill February 15, 2022

After 10 days of snow lingering on some Lexington sidewalks, Lexington’s city manager announced Jan. 27 that the city would increase enforcement of a city ordinance that requires residents to shovel...

Sydney Brun-Ozuna, ‘24L, plays Eighteen Wheeler American Pro Trucker at Tommy’s Arcade. She visited the arcade for the first time to compete in a Smash Bros. tournament. Photo by Shauna Muckle, ’24.

Downtown Lexington gains its first arcade

Shauna Muckle February 1, 2022

Amid scores of restaurants and retail stores in downtown Lexington, one new business stands out: Tommy’s Arcade.  The arcade, which opened October 2021, gives customers a chance to unwind with classic...

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