Smith Mountain Lake Business - Top Stories from Laker Weekly

He;s riding high on low water - www.smithmountainlake.com

Low water levels may be a burden to some, but it's a boon for one Bedford mechanical engineer.

Dockstairs LLC, provides a solution to potentially hazardous climbs between stationary and floating docks, according to owner Dwight Smith. His product, a specially designed ladder, can be fastened to a stationary dock and extends to a floater. As the lake's water level increases or decreases, the slope of the ladder automatically adjusts while the stairs remain level. When stairs are not needed, a mechanism allows the ladder to be converted into a ramp.

Westlake Food Lion closing - www.smithmountainlake.com

Food Lion at Westlake, which underwent remodeling in 2010, is closing.

Manager Tiffany Whitlock said a closing date for the store, which is located on the corner of Virginia 122 and Scruggs Road, has not been finalized. It is one of several under-performers in the chain, she said, including one in Forest, which also is closing.

Solstas lab to open at Westlake - www.smithmountainlake.com

Solstas Lab Partners will open a Patient Service Center at Westlake Corner on Monday. The lab at 278 Westlake Road, Suite 2, in Hardy will serve physicians and patients in Franklin and Bedford counties.

Realtor honored; another joins agency - www.smithmountainlake.com

Desie Custer of Weichert, Realtors – Bridges & Co. was honored by Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc. at a banquet on March 5. Custer received the WREA 2012 Sales Achievement Award for production.

Smith Mountain Lake physician's practice earns accreditation - www.smithmountainlake.com

The practice of Dr. Brent Chapman again has earned a three-year national accreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories.