Ashland-Hanover Local – 08/17/2022

ASHLAND

SPORTS

Upcoming fall events at The Ashland Museum

Harvick makes it two Cup wins in a row PAGE

4

PAGE

7

Vol. 7 No. 51 | Richmond Suburban News | August 17, 2022

Proposed HCPS bathroom Ashland’s community picnic a policy draws citizen scrutiny summer evening success

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

L

ast week’s Hanover County School Board attracted a wave of supporters and opponents of a proposed Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) bathroom and locker room policy for transgender and non-binary students.

Lisa Seward, the school board attorney, presented the proposed policy to the board at its Aug. 9 meeting.

“As the board knows, there have been numerous fulldiscussion meetings and in-

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

The Hanover County School Board meeting room reached full capacity on Aug. 9 with both supporters and opponents of a proposed HCPS transgender bathroom and locker room policy and 40 registered citizen speakers.

see HCPS, pg. 2

The Town of Ashland hosted a community picnic on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Carter Park & Pool, located at 1112 Maple Street, inviting Ashlanders of all ages to mingle with residents, enjoy refreshments, participate in games and jump in the refreshing Carter Park Pool.

The event, organized by the Town of Ashland’s Community Engagement and Parks & Recreation Departments, was first dreamt up by Gloria Arnold, a longtime Ashland resident, who proposed the idea to Martha Miller, the town’s community

Photos courtesy of Martha Miller

The Ashland Police Department joined in the Town of Ashland’s community picnic festivities at Carter Park.

engagement manager.

The event, which intended to span from 4 to 7 p.m., featured free pool admission,

hot dogs from the Ashland Kiwanis Club, barbeque see PICNIC, pg. 4

Little Bean Coffee Co. announces franchising, adopts new name

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor A beloved Mechanicsville coffee shop is looking to bring its local charm and creative flavors to the hearts of communities across Hanover and beyond.

Little Bean Coffee Co., located at 7032 Mechanicsville Turnpike, announced the beginning of the business’ franchising last week. Additionally, the coffee shop has assumed a new name: Rivers Edge Coffee

Company.

The shop first opened in May 2020 and has quickly become a hub of activity in Mechanicsville. Offering the savory flavor of locally-roasted coffee and a bustling menu of special latte creations, the thriving business has significantly grown from its humble beginnings as a family-run coffee cart.

Owner Jett Odle said his journey toward creating the perfect cup first began with a Christmas present from his

wife, Morgan, who gifted a home coffee roaster. Being a longtime coffee lover, he eagerly picked up green coffee beans from a local shop in Colorado and “promptly smoked the whole house out.”

Later moving to his wife’s hometown of Mechanicsville after learning of her pregnancy, he decided to try his hand at opening up his very own coffee company. Recruiting help from his brother, Micah, the pair opened up a coffee cart in Memorial Regional Medical

Center in 2018. After about a year of learning the mechanisms of running the business, the brothers decided to officially open a full-sized shop and onsite roaster.

The Little Bean name began spreading throughout the community after the shop’s opening, including its appearance in local businesses such as The Lazy Cow Ice Cream Parlor and the neighboring Graham’s Ice Cream shop. With business see COFFEE, pg. 4

Contributed photo

Brothers Jett and Micah Odle have built their coffee business, Little Bean Coffee Co., together into a thriving, community staple in Mechanicsville.

Upcoming programs at Hanover area libraries Richard S. Gillis, Jr./ Ashland Branch Library

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER

For subscription information or delivery questions contact:

Michelle Wall 804-775-2711

email: mwall@timesdispatch.com 8460 Times Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116

205 England Street Ashland, VA 23005 Give us a call: (804) 401-7007

Upcoming Events:

HCPS

Jumanji: The Next Level $2 Movie Monday

August 15 at 11am

Top Gun: Maverick August 17 at 7pm August 18 at 7pm (Open Caption Showing) Pete “Maverick” Mitchell finds himself training TOP GUN graduates for a specialized mission.

Matilda $2 Movie Monday

August 22 at 11am

Ashland Fourth Fridays Free Event!

August 26 from 5pm - 8pm

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at:

2

ashlandtheatre.org

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022

In-Person Programs Outdoor Family Storytimes at the Ashland Branch Library. Tuesdays, Aug. 23, 11 to 11:30 a.m.

All ages. An outdoor, all ages Storytime at the Carter Park pavilion located in Ashland. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books. Carter Park is located at 1112 Maple Street, Ashland. Storytime will be held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather.

Mad about Mahjong! at the Ashland Branch Library.

Friday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Looking for experienced players to play with?

Join other Mahjong enthusiasts in playing the cultural tile game twice a month at the Ashland Library.

Discover Your Watershed: Opportunities for Community

HCPS Continued from pg. 1

depth conversations about this topic over the last year and a half,” Seward said.

The policy was drafted with the help of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a conservative Christian legal advocacy group that has served as legal guidance in review of the current HCPS “equal educational opportunities” policy.

The drafted policy states HCPS’ commitment to “ensuring that school facilities are safe and adequately protect student privacy.”

Currently, students have access to restrooms, locker

Conservation & Collaboration at the Ashland Branch Library.

Saturday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to noon. Join the library for the third program in a three-part series. Learn about watersheds in general and the Chesapeake Bay watershed in particular, the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and Best Management Practices (BMPs), and how the community can come together to support environmental literacy and install voluntary BMPs in the local watershed.

Presented by Karen Fetty, Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District Big Bubbles at the Ashland Branch Library. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. to noon. Ages 3 & up. Like blowing bubbles?

Then you'll love blowing huge ones! Spread some joy with bubbles and play outside, weather permitting.

Cosplay and Mental Health at the Ashland Branch Library. Thursday, Aug. 18, 7 to 8 p.m. Ages 18 & up.

Since cosplay's beginnings, it has been found to be a major mood boost for its partici-

pants. What are some mental health benefits for this popular hobby? Are there any negative side effects? Join the library for this presentation to find out!

Morning Book Club at the Ashland Branch Library.

Friday, Aug. 19, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Ages 18 & up. Read the book of the month and engage in a lively discussion about it.

Share views about the book and author and share reading recommendations.

From the Heart Stitchers at the Ashland Branch Library.

Thursday, Aug. 25, noon to 4 p.m. From the Heart Stitchers began in 2001 making chemo hats for the Massey Cancer Center and today has over 1899 stitchers making 1000's of items for service groups across the Commonwealth. You can sew, knit, crochet or loom anything from blankets to shawls and everything in between.

Bring a sewing machine, knitting needles, etc. and supplies, and make items for From the Heart every fourth Thursday.

See https://fromtheheartstichers.org/ for more information

about this organization.

Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.

rooms and changing facilities that corresponds to their biological sex. Any student may access single-user facilities in school common areas or, upon request, in the nurse’s office or other limited-access areas of the school.

The policy proposes that if a student who identifies as transgender requests access to restrooms that align with their gender identity but not their sex, the following process will be used to evaluate each request on a case-bycase basis.

First, the student and their parent or legal guardian must submit a written request to the principal of

their school. School administration will receive all relevant information, which may include a statement from the student that specifies their gender identity and how they have “consistently, persistently and insistently expressed that identity”; signed statements from the student’s physician, therapist or licensed counselor verifying a diagnosis of gender dysphoria or that the student “consistently and authentically” expresses a binary gender identity; statements from the student’s parent or guardian; the student’s disciplinary or criminal records; information related to the privacy and safety of other

students, and any other relevant information.

School administration may request a meeting with the student and parent or guardian to discuss the request and solicit additional information.

After all relevant documentation is submitted, the principal of the school will provide a written summary of the request, along with supporting documentation, to the school board for review at its next regularlyscheduled monthly business meeting. Each request and relevant information will remain confidential, and the school board members will

Hanover Branch Library In-Person Programs Outdoor Family Storytimes at the Hanover Branch Library. Friday, Aug. 26, 11 to 11:30 p.m. An all age Storytime. Bring a blanket to enjoy some fun songs, rhymes and books. Storytime is held weather permitting. Register at https://pamunkeylibrary.libcal. com/ to be notified prior to the program if it is canceled due to weather.

Music for Kids at the Hanover Branch Library.

Saturday, Aug. 27, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For ages 3-12. Join the library outdoors at the Hanover Branch to hear a local musician play familiar favorites. Sing and dance along!

Call 804-365-6210 or visit the library at 7527 Library Drive for more information.

see HCPS, pg. 3

HCPS

SHERIFF’S REPORTS

Continued from pg. 2

| Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue May 31

Petit larceny, parts was reported in the 8200th block of Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Threats in writing was reported in the 13400th block of Liberty School Road, Ashland.

Concealment of pricealtered merchandise, $500 or more was reported in the 7500th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 8200th block of Bell Creek Road/Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage less than $250 was reported in the 10100th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 12200th block of Wise Lane, Rockville.

Obstructing justice without force was reported in the 15300th block of Washington Highway/ Breedens Road, Doswell.

checks was reported in the 8400th block of Erle Road, Mechanicsville.

Vandalism was reported in the 8000th block of Ellerson Station Drive, Mechanicsville.

Concealment of pricealtered merchandise, less than $500 was reported in the 7400th block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 6000th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 10000th block of Atlee Station Road, Mechanicsville.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 8200th block of Atlee Road,

June 1

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 16000th block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Forging was reported in the 8200th block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver not reporting accident with damage more than $250 was reported in the 7400th block of Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville.

Larceny of bank notes,

provide their decision in writing to the parent or guardian of the student.

Mechanicsville.

The draft additionally states that a student and June 2 their parent or guardian Obtaining money or “may request access to locker signature by false pretenses rooms and changing faciliwas reported in the 10100th ties that correspond to the block of Kings Dominion student’s professed gender Boulevard, Doswell. identity” through the same Grand larceny from auto process and may include was reported in the 10500th additional considerations by block of Stony Bluff Drive, the board involving any facAshland. tors relevant to “preserving DWI: Drugs, first offense, student privacy and safety.” with child was reported Seward clarified that the in the 13200th block of Waltons Tavern Road/Point proposed policy will not Beverley Court, Montpelier. require that all listed documentation must be submitted Grand larceny, building before a request is considered. was reported in the 7400th If a request is denied, block of Lee-Davis Road, the student and their parent Mechanicsville. or guardian may re-submit Failure to appear on a their request if the “student’s felony charge was reported circumstances materially in the 7500th block of change.”

County Complex Road,

The public input portion of the meeting yielded a crowd of 40 registered speakers. The board room was packed with citizens wearing shirts and holding signs expressing support and opposition of the proposed policy, including “Protect Every Kid” signs held by its supporters and “Every Kid Includes Trans Kids” signs held by opponents.

Many citizens voiced their opposition to the proposed policy, arguing that the policy is not inclusive enough and further isolates transgender and non-binary students.

Kristin Stevens said she believed the drafted policy is “well-intentioned but completely the wrong delivery.”

“While you’re focusing on checking all those boxes, you seem to forget that there are actual students who this policy affects,” Stevens said. see HCPS, pg. 12

Hanover.

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022 3

The Ashland Museum announces upcoming programs for the fall Contributed Report The Local

Photos courtesy of The Ashland Museum

Participants looked for the perfect spot to try different cameras during a morning of photography at Ashland’s DeJarnette Park.

The Ashland Museum, located at 105 Hanover Avenue in Ashland, will wrap up Ashland Fourth Fridays with two special exhibits. On Friday, Aug. 26, the museum will open an exhibit looking back at its summer kids programs, including photographs children took in DeJarnette Park. At the final

Fourth Friday on Sept. 23, a celebration of the Ashland Garden Club’s 100th anniversary opens with an exhibit of their work.

Join the museum for both evenings from 5 to 8 p.m.

The HistoryTalk series resumes on Thursday, Sept.

22, with an introduction to the Ashland Garden Club exhibit.

Miriam Green will introduce Ashlander and internationallyknown daffodil specialist Mary

Beirne. On Oct. 26, Jan Meck will discuss her book, “The Life & Legacy of Enslaved Virginian Emily Winfree.” On Dec. 1, Barclay DuPriest will present a program on Revolutionary War spy Hercules Mulligan, a tailor who twice saved the life of George Washington.

Fall tours of historic Woodland Cemetery will take on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Join Trivia Night on the third Thursdays of each month at 6 p.m. at Origin Beer Lab, 106 S. Railroad Avenue, Ashland. No reservations needed. The winning team will receive a gift certificate and gold medals.

For information on these and other events, contact the Ashland Museum at ashlandmuseum@comcast.net, call 804368-7314 or visit the website: ashlandmuseum.org.

Hanover Tavern’s upcoming fall programs embrace the spooky, delectable A Beer Pairing Dinner will be held at the Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road, on Friday, Aug. 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The dinner will feature four courses. The cost is $50 per person and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 804-537-5050 Heritage Music Series: Danny Jams at the Hanover Tavern on Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature live music on

PICNIC Continued from pg. 1

from Around the Table, Mexican paletas from Los Regios Dulceria y Neveria, ice cream sundaes from Sweet Sharae’s, a beer and wine garden organized by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, Ashland-themed bingo, piñata, lawn games, basketball, soccer, giveaways, and live music courtesy of DJ Melvin Gates.

According to Miller, the event drew a crowd of around 200 visitors over the course of 90 minutes.

Several residents intended to attend around 5:30 p.m. for dinner, but the evening’s weather unfortunately “took a turn” on the gathering and cut

COFFEE Continued from pg. 1

booming, the shop outgrew its roasting space and expanded into a bigger roasting facility nearby.

Odle said he would love to transform the new facility into a roasting retail space in the future, offering limited release beans, coffee grinders, brewers and more while revealing the

4

the patio and $7.49 burgers. Reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, call 804537-5050.

Oktoberfest Beer Dinner at the Hanover Tavern on Friday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature Oktoberfest beers, German food and live music. The cost is $40 per person.

Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 804-537-5050.

Haunted Tavern Tour at the Hanover Tavern on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. The event will feature a guided ghost tour of the historic tavern.

The cost is $10 per person. To register or for more information, visit the tavern’s website: www. hanovertavern.org.

Hanover Autumnfest presented by Anton Paar at the Hanover Tavern on Saturday, Sept.

24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The family festival will

feature food, beer, games, crafts and a petting zoo.

The event is free admission.

Speaker Series: In Sickness and in Health: The Marriage of Patrick Henry and Sarah Shelton at the Hanover Tavern on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. Author Mark Couvillon will discuss his newest book. The event is free admission.

Reservations are appreciated and can be made by calling 804-537-5050.

the festivities short. Despite the storm cutting the night short, Miller said the first community picnic was a great success while it lasted.

“I believe it was a success because it provided an opportunity for those in our community who may have never experienced Carter Park pool since the renovation to check it out and cool off on a hot day,” Miller said. “It also created opportunities for Town staff, members of Council and Ashland Police officers to socialize and connect with the community in a less formal way, something we hope to do more of in the future.”

“We definitely plan to do some version of this Photos courtesy of Martha Miller event next year, perhaps on Town Hall lawn with Visitors gather under the Carter Park and Pool pavilion to play a round of Ashland Bingo for the new pavilion for music and entertainment!” the chance to win some free prizes. The Ashland Police Department stopped by the Town of Ashland’s community picnic to mingle with visitors and shoot some hoops with children. said Miller.

roasting process to customers.

“One of my favorite things in the world is to show people who haven’t seen raw coffee what it actually looks like,” Odle said. “… It’s an almost plasticky bean, smells kind of like agriculture… and you throw it into this beautiful machine that turns it into the coffee that we all know and love.”

From “day one,” Odle said he and Micah knew they want-

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022

ed to build a larger business.

“The whole reason that we chose to open a coffee shop is because we love the engagement and the level of familiarity that you get … there’s just something really, really special about being your area’s coffee shop,” Odle said. “One of the reasons that we haven’t opened another shop yet is we knew the day we open a second shop, we lose a little bit of that magic.”

On any given day, Odle said he could walk into his shop for just an hour and see “no less than 10 people” that he knows on a first-name basis.

“Every time that we talked about expansion, we ran into this issue of how in the world can we replicate what we’ve done here and not give this element up and not give up the ability to be incredibly engaged with your community?” Odle

said.

After a careful search, they came across a franchise consulting group that offered an opportunity to maintain the shop’s small town-feel in an innovative way, he said.

“We realized that we can use this really cool thing called franchising to help people become coffee shop owners in their own community,” Odle said.

The process of roasting coffee is “very knowledge intensive,” Odle said, acknowledging how opening up a coffee shop can be tricky to navigate alone.

“People want to own coffee shops because they are there these wonderful community hubs… But the actual nuts and bolts of owning and operating a coffee shop is really, really tricky,” Odle said. “That’s where see COFFEE pg. 5

CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Fax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, email to events@mechlocal.com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to Ashland-Hanover Local.

Tuesday, Aug. 16 The Mechanicsville Tea Party will be meet at 7 p.m. at Freedom Services Training, 6701 Cold Harbor Road in Mechanicsville.

It is located directly across from Dollar General and near the traffic circle at Cold Harbor Road and Creighton Road. This month Rich Snyder from the John Birch Society will present a short video about a topic currently in the news and then lead a group discussion afterwards. As always, meetings are open to the public.

If you have any questions, contact Glenn Baker at 804-752-8389. If he does not answer, leave a message and he will return your call.

Thursday, Aug. 25 Hanover NAACP is hosting a Town Hall with the Ashland Police Department and Chief Aronhalt at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center, 500 Center

COFFEE Continued from pg. 4

Micah and I realized that we have we have an opportunity to help people… We can marry this passion of ‘I want to own my community’s coffee shop’ with the knowledge that [we] have built of how to do that in a way that you aren’t going to go out of business immediately.”

The pair aims to teach those interested in opening up a coffee shop how to make the perfect latte, the functions of marketing and sales, running a business and, ultimately, “the soul of a business” – how to become for their own community what Little Bean Coffee Co. has become for Mechanicsville, he said.

“So we can provide them

Street in Ashland, from 6 to 7 p.m. to answer any questions from the community on policing; hear any changes residents would like to see; find out how the community can support its officers; and find out how to reduce gun violence in the community.

Thursday, Aug. 25 – Saturday, Aug. 27 Friends of the Atlee Branch Library are hosting a series of lobby book sales in the lobby of the library, located at 9212 Rutlandshire Drive, Mechanicsville. Thursday’s book sale will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday’s book sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday’s book sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact the library with any questions at: (804) 559-0654.

Wednesday, Aug. 31 Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Mechanicsville is hosting a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic conducted by Chickahominy Health District from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church, located at 7046 Cold Harbor Road in Mechanicsville.

All doses will be available for ages 6 months and up. They will be providing free test kits and all vaccines are free. Walkins are welcome. Contact Frank Antkievicz with any questions: antkie1942@gmail.com.

Friday, Sept. 9 Saturday, Sept. 10 St. Ann’s Catholic Church Yard Sale will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 105 S. Snead Street, Ashland, VA 23005 (Inside - Rain/Shine). Proceeds will bensee CALENDAR pg. 12

the Rivers Edge name, we can provide them the Rivers Edge drinks, we can provide them all the know-how that they need in order to make their business work… then they get to be the ones who are engaging with their community on a really intense level the way that Micah and I do,” Odle said.

In order to eventually franchise outside of the state of Virginia, the shop had to assume a new name. While the original name holds a sentimental significance to Odle, as he named the shop after the nickname he gave his daughter, his wife came up with a name that pays homage to the shop’s roots in Mechanicsville.

Morgan offered the name “Rivers Edge” because “all the

good things that happen at the river starts on the river’s edge.”

“I think it serves as a metaphor for what Little Bean has become,” Odle said. “The river’s edge is this gathering point where we get together and meet up. And then from there, even if we all go on and do separate activities… eventually, you will all come back to the river’s edge.”

The most enjoyable part of owning a coffee shop for Odle has been forming meaningful connections with community members. He said he looks forward to spreading this joy of connectivity to communities beyond the bounds of his own.

For more information about franchising, contact franchising@riversedgecoffee.com.

MEMORIES ARE FOREVER

The services and facilities you deserve at a price that makes sense.

REMOTE ARRANGEMENTS AVAILABLE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED INCREASINGLY PREFERRED Complete Traditional Funeral Service with Basic Casket

3,995

$

Starting at

* *Plus Tax

Cremation Packages

Memorial Service & Cremation Package

Starting at $1,295

Starting at $1,995

Serving the Richmond Metro Area and Surrounding Counties From Two Convenient Locations 2720 Enterprise Parkway Richmond, VA 8074 Mechanicsville Turnpike Mechanicsville VA 804-477-3136 • www.affinityfuneralservice.com Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022 5

OPINION | The Local Views From the editor

Learning World War II stories still compelling

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

S

tories of the largest war in history are known throughout the world – with a plethora of World War II documentaries, movies and TV shows adding to what is known about both its horrors and inspiring stories in the history books and first-hand accounts of the people who lived through it.

My grandfather served as a marine in the war and shared stories throughout my childhood that offered a deeper understanding of such a tumultuous time.

But even with all the war movies, documentaries and TV shows watched and history lessons received,

there are always heroes with stories still left to learn.

Last Tuesday, VFW Post 9808 continued its showings of the “Band of Brothers” series. Jim Triesler, the event’s featured speaker, offered attendees a fascinating and compelling presentation of the World War II medical personnel tasked with saving lives in the midst of the Battle of the Bulge. Specifically drawing from the stories shared by field hospital nurses Rose Young and Kate Nolan, along with discovered letters from a field hospital medic, Triesler introduced attendees to the chaos that erupted just an hour away from the front lines of this tremendous battle.

One of the most compelling pieces of Triesler’s presentation was

learning of the many sacrifices medical personnel of field hospitals made 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Time was a luxury that these nurses and medics could not afford, and they often only had three hours to set up their tents near the constantly-moving front lines. Too often the wounded would arrive before staff was prepared, so medical personnel prioritized setting up the medic tents first before their own and slept on the ground – amidst Europe’s coldest winter in 30 years.

According to accounts by Nolan, no one would take a break until every last patient was out of surgery and the wounded stopped coming in. From another account, nurses

would carry a sandwich in one hand while treating the wounded with the other. The hospitals would constantly move with their vast amount of equipment, traveling along with the front lines while administering shots of penicillin to the wounded every three hours.

Triesler shared a snapshot of this grueling, behind-the-scenes battle through discovered letters by World War II medic Jack King. While King wrote his mother a series of letters that masked the reality of his everyday life, hoping to appease her worries, one of his letters offered a glimpse of his emotional and physical exhaustion.

“You get pretty damn tired of it 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he

wrote his mother. “I’d give a month’s pay tonight to have a date, go dancing, to a show or do something that’s near normal for a change.”

But perhaps the most compelling words of King’s letters was his assurance that they didn’t have it all that bad when, of course, a mountain of evidence would make an outsider think differently. But maybe in the midst of the many atrocities of the war, they, hopefully, could feel a sense of comfort knowing that they were saving lives.

Nolan told Triesler that because their tents were stationed so close to the front lines, they had an “incredibly high” survival rate of the soldiers that came under their care. see STORIES, pg. 12

Cow chip throwing championship offers unique sports experience

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Saturday nights sure aren’t what they used to be around here. Fifty years ago, I’d be on the second day of a birthday celebration that had no end in sight; but this particular Saturday on the day following my birthday I found myself searching for a good movie or other entertainment on television.

I stopped the channel search at something that is surely a statement of just how starved America is for competitive sports events.

At first I thought the tease at the bottom of the screen must be mistaken; but, it had my attention at “National Cow Chip Throwing Championship.”

Now, for those who think this is just some Johnny Come Lately invention from the period of a COVID-

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Editor – (804) 212-6266 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 344-8746 Online: richmond.com/community/mechanicsville-local Publisher

Joy Monopoli .........................................jmonopoli@RSNVA.com

Managing Editor

Laura McFarland ....................lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com

Editor

Christina Amano Dolan........................ cdolan@mechlocal.com

Production Manager

Denine D’Angelo .................................ddangelo@mechlocal.com

Sports Editor

David Lawrence .................................dlawrence@mechlocal.com

Sales Representative

Tom Haynie ............................................thaynie@mechlocal.com

Classifieds

Cindy Adams ...........................................cadams@mechlocal.com

6

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022

incarcerated public, think again. Turns out the event is an annual event that has enormous support in the midwest.

The town hosting the event, Beaver, Oklahoma, prides itself as the Cow Chip Throwing Capital of the World, an event Google describes more vividly that I could.

“Every year in Beaver, Oklahoma, the Official World Championship Cow Chip Throwing Contest determines just

who can chuck a dried cow turd the furthest,” the search description reads.

As I mentioned earlier, the event has history and the one I watched was the latest version of the event first held in 1969. Each year about 100 contestants sign up to receive two chances at infamy by tossing dry cow manure as far as soon-to-be-torn rotator cuffs allow.

But honestly, it wasn’t the competition that allowed me to temporar-

WE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS The Local welcomes your signed letters to the editor on topics of interest to Hanover residents. Letters must include your address and a daytime telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not guarantee that every letter received will be published. Letters reflect the opinions and positions of the writers and not The Ashland-Hanover Local.

Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2022 by Richmond Suburban Newspapers. All advertising and editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the permission of the publisher.

CAC Audited Circulation: 13,776.

ily drop the remote. The commentators were fully loaded to deliver a steady stream of poo innuendo as they described each toss.

An expert explained that licking your fingers assures better grip, which seems to be perfectly acceptable before the first toss, but I’m not sure about the second swipe.

One contestant had a unique quirk before each toss, planting a kiss on each un-launched turd.

“He likes to kiss his dung,” the announcer said, his voice not displaying a hint of a giggle.

Now, as you might imagine, cow droppings are aerodynamically unpredictable and some of the tosses well missed the landing area, and hit, wait for it, a crowd of spectators gathered to see COW CHIP, pg. 12

Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

08

17 2022

Prep golf: Varina, Patrick Henry at Hanover C.C. 1:00 p.m.

08

18 2022

Prep golf: Glen Allen, Atlee at Dominion Club 2:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Harvick makes it two Cup wins in a row

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor RICHMOND — The first half of August is part of the dog days of summer. For Kevin Harvick, this August is proving to be a very good dog for the NASCAR Cup Series veteran.

On Aug. 7 at Michigan International Speedway, Harvick snapped a 65-race losing streak with a victory in the FireKeepers Casino 400.

Sunday afternoon, Harvick made it two wins in a row by claiming the checkered flag in the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway.

It was Harvick’s 60th Cup Series win in 778 career races at NASCAR’s top tier. He is now 10th all-time in Cup Series career wins.

“It feels pretty neat,” Harvick said of the win. “I have a hard time putting things into perspective because I’ve just done this for so long. I think when you have Dale Jarrett and Kyle Petty talking about, ‘Do you remember that first time when you won in Atlanta? Does that seem like a long time ago?’ It does to me, and I’m like, ‘Yep, I agree, it’s been a long time.’

“I think when you look back at just everything that’s happened, that seems like just ages ago. I guess it was.”

The 46-year-old’s first Cup Series win was in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 11, 2001, three weeks after the death of his Richard Childress Racing predecessor, Dale Earnhardt Sr., in an acci-

Bud Kraft/Times-Dispatch

NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick performs a burnout at the finish line after winning Sunday’s Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway.

bunch of times,” Harvick said.

“It’s been a lot of fun.”

Harvick had to battle to get to the front of the pack. Eight other drivers also led the race at times, with Joey Logano leading the most with 222 laps. Ross Chastain led 80 and Harvick 55 — including the final 48. Denny Hamlin led 22, followed by Kyle Larson (11), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (6), Cole Custer (2) and Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott with one apiece.

Harvick overtook Logano on lap 334. He was briefly caught by Hamlin (who finished fourth) on lap 341, then reclaimed the lead for good on lap 353.

Dave Lawrence/The Local His lead was not secure, Kevin Harvick takes the checkered flag to win the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway Sunday. The win was Harvick’s however.

He had to hold off second straight Cup Series win this season and his 60th in 778 Cup Series races in his career.

Christopher Bell (who finished dent at the Daytona 500. the years.

Stewart-Haas Racing and then with a lot of great people and second) and Chris Buescher Harvick said he appreciated “I think as you look at the you go back to RCR, I’ve just been able to drive some fast cars all the support he’s received over last 10 years, nine years at been very fortunate to work and go to Victory Lane a whole see HARVICK, pg. 17

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022 7

Former Atlee track and field star found dead

football stadium safe to reopen, your care and commitment in the stadium will remain closed handling this tragedy.”

Obrimah’s body was found for a period of one week out of respect for Efe and the Obrimah about 1:24 p.m. Saturday.

Obrimah was an all-state family. Thank you, HCSO, for

performer in his senior year. He anchored the Raiders’ champion 4x200-meter relay team and finished second in the 300meter dash in the Virginia High

School League Class 4 indoor state championships at Liberty University on Feb. 28-March 1.

He was also part of the Raiders’ fifth-place 4x400 relay team in that meet.

Obrimah finished fifth in the 200 dash and was a member of Atlee’s sixth-place 4x100 relay team at the VHSL Class 4 outdoor state championships at Liberty University in June.

According to Milestat. com, in indoor track and field Obrimah was ranked 22nd in Virginia and 74th nationally in the 300, 111th in the state and 211th nationally in the 500, and 87th in the state and 845th nationally in the 55 hurdles.

In outdoor track and field, Obrimah was ranked 40th in Virginia and 1,243rd nationally in the 200, 63rd in the state and 2,210th nationally in the 300 hurdles and 64th in the state and 2,700th nationally in the 100.

The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance with the death investigation. Citizens are urged to contact the sheriff ’s office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.

Tips can also be submitted through the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile device. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

The GoFundMe account for Obrimah’s family can be found at https://gofund.me/b9ed6a49 Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

[Buescher] pretty well,” Harvick said. “Then they told me that [Bell] was coming, and I’m like, ‘Oh, man, usually when you’re coming on new tires there’s no defense for that.’ That’s why I was a little bit frustrated with myself with the not-shifting

part on the front straightaway because I gave up a big chunk.

It should have never been that close. Just a lapse in my attention span, I guess, would be the best way to put it.”

Saturday night in the Camping World Truck Series

playoff race, winner Chandler Smith dominated the final two stages — including the final 175 laps — to win the Worldwide Express 250.

Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor MECHANICSVILLE — Hanover County police are investigating the death of a former Atlee athlete whose body was found by a citizen at Atlee’s football stadium Saturday afternoon.

Efeoghene Oluwatosin Obrimah, better known as “Efe,” was a star of the Raiders’ indoor and outdoor track and field teams. He graduated in 2022.

According to the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, Obrimah’s body was found on the ground near the football stadium’s pressbox.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help his family.

“If you ask anyone who knew him, Efe was one of the hardest-working people they knew,” said the introduction to the GoFundMe page. “He never complained about anything and put his head down and got to it. Efe was smart and funny and caring and made everyone around him smile. …

More than all, Efe was beyond humble despite all of his accomplishments.”

Lt. James Cooper, public information officer for the sheriff ’s office, said investigators are working with the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death.

“We are shocked and saddened by this tragic news,” Hanover County Public Schools said in statement on its Facebook account. “We send

Joel Klein for The Local

Former Atlee athlete Efe Obrimah (right) duels with Patrick Henry’s Shamar Williams in the finals of the 100-meter dash in the Region 4B outdoor track championships at Atlee on May 25. Obrimah was found dead at the Raiders’ stadium Saturday.

our deepest and sincerest condolences to the Obrimah family for their devastating and unimaginable loss. While the Sheriff ’s Office has deemed the

allowed Bell and Buescher to close in.

Continued from pg. 16 “I missed a couple early in the race, too,” Harvick said of the missed shifts. “There’s just (third) for the win.

Part of the problem down a lot going on with the rhythm the stretch was mental. Harvick of — when I started shifting, I missed a shift or two that was only shifting on the front

HARVICK

8

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022

straightaway and not on the back straightaway. When you just start running lap after lap after lap, sometimes you just get a little goofed up.”

Harvick was feeling the heat behind him.

“I thought we had fended off

Arrest made in homicide case Upcoming local book signing for Contributed Report The Local On Thursday, July 21, deputies responded to the intersection of Winns Church Road and Greenwood Road in reference to the body of a female that was located on the side of the roadway. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner positively identified the female as Raquiah Paulette King, 20, of Hampton, Virginia.

After an extensive investigation involving multiple agencies, investigators with the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office were able to quickly identify a suspect in this case.

On Thursday, Aug. 11, Emmanuel Dewayne Coble, 27, of Hampton, was arrested in Hampton and charged with

First Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Coble was transferred to Hanover County and arraigned.

The Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office would like to thank their law enforcement partners from the Hampton Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Virginia State Police for their assistance in this investigation, which ultimately led to Coble’s safe apprehension.

“I am incredibly proud of the diligence of our investigators and our law enforcement partners which led to the arrest of Emmanuel Coble. This arrest is the first step in bringing justice to Raquiah King and her family. We are also

grateful for the assistance from our Hanover Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, as they have been working alongside us throughout this investigation. We will continue to work closely with them to ensure a successful prosecution,” said Sheriff Colonel David R. Hines.

Information submitted by Lt. James Cooper, information officer for the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

COBLE

author Syeda Mleeha Shah Contributed Report The Local Books, Beads & More, located at 8106 Mechanicsville Turnpike, is proud to announce that they are holding a book signing on Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring author Syeda Mleeha Shah and her newlyreleased children’s book, “Peace in My World.”

“This is the place/where I want to grow./Peace in my world/ is from head to toe,” Shah wrote.

“Peace in My World” unites readers of all ages in an exploration of the meaning of peace.

Take a journey to the beautiful world of peace.

“Peace in My World is a compelling children’s book with beautiful illustrations and heartcapturing words,” said Gloria M. Degaetano, founder and CEO of the Parent Coaching Institute and Parent Coach International.

“Told in rhyme, it is easy to read to youngsters and easy for them to remember and even sing.”

Shah is dedicated to promoting peace among young children through her arts and literature.

Shah is an early childhood educator and an artist residing in Richmond. “Peace in My World” is her very own dream, and she Contributed photo hopes that children from around ‘Peace in My World’ by the world will join her in this children’s author Syeda amazing journey of finding Mleeha Shah. peace.

Dickensheets to lead county human resources New state trooper to join Hanover area Contributed Report The Mechanicsville Local

Hanover County Administrator John A. Budesky announced last week the appointment of Catey Dickensheets to serve as Hanover County’s director of human resources. Dickensheets, a long-time Hanover County resident, officially begins her new role Sept. 1.

Dickensheets most recently served as the human resources director at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a role she has held for the past three years.

She began her career in the public sector in 2013 at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) serving in several human resources management positions.

At VDOT, she progressed in her career to become the human resources assistant division administrator. Previously, Dickensheets worked at local Fortune 500 companies, Dominion Energy and Capital One. She has worked in Human Resources for over 25 years and brings expert level experience in talent acquisition, labor and employee relations, data analytics and change management.

“Catey has a proven track record of helping government attract, recruit and obtain talented employees,” Budesky said. “We are excited about the vast experience, knowledge and creativity she will bring to the team.”

“I have been a resident of Hanover County for 20 years and am very much looking forward to working and serving in the community in which I live,” said Dickensheets. “I am excited about getting out and meeting fellow Hanover County employees, understanding what their roles are within the county and listening to them about their needs and how human resources can assist them - whether that means answering a question about benefits, assisting with applying for a position or coaching a new manager.”

Dickensheets graduated from Penn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in labor and industrial relations, and Virginia Commonwealth University, where she obtained a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in human resources management.

Dickensheets holds a Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certification, Society for Human Resource Management Certified

Professional (SHRM-CP) designation and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and a graduate of the Virginia Executive Institute (VEI).

Contributed Report Dickensheets lives in Western Hanover with Th e Mechanicsville Local her husband and daughter.

On Friday, Aug. 12, the Information submitted by Kerri O’Brien, director of communications and engage- Commonwealth graduated its 136th generation of Virginia ment for Hanover County.

State Troopers. The 18 new troopers were presented their diplomas during commencement exercises at 10 a.m. at the State Police Training Academy.

“The 136th has completed one of the toughest law enforcement academies in the country and are now joining a long line of distinguished troopers,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent.

“2022 marks the 90th anniversary of the Virginia State Police and these new troopers will forever be part of our valued history. We are proud to have them as part of the Virginia State CATEY DICKENSHEETS Police family.”

Hanover County Human Resources Director The new troopers have received more than 1,300 hours

of classroom and field instruction in more than 100 different subjects, including de-escalation techniques, strategies to assist people in mental health crisis, ethics and leadership, fair and impartial policing, constitutional law, emergency medical trauma care, and public and community relations.

The members of the 136th Basic Session began their 28 weeks of academic, physical and practical training at the Academy Jan. 26, 2022.

The new troopers will report to their individual duty assignments. For their final phase of training, each trooper will spend an additional six weeks paired up with a Field Training Officer learning his or her new patrol area.

Clayton Ander Linville of Richmond has been assigned to Hanover and Henrico.

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022 9

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, August 24, 2022 2:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building at Hanover Courthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a Regular Board Meeting.

Business & Service Directory CLEANING & HOUSEKEEPING L & L Cleaning Services - We create FREE TIME for busy people!

Recurring service, deep cleans, moving cleans & one-time cleans Call today to schedule!

Bonded & Insured.

Accredited A+ Rating BBB! 804-305-4068 LLCleans.com

Recruitment HEALTHCARE

YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE! NOW SEEKING:

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP) IN HOME SUPPORT SPECIALIST VAN TRANSPORTATION DRIVERS For full job descriptions and to apply visit

www.gpcsb.org EOE

Short on Cash?

Become an independent contractor, delivery carrier QUALIFY FOR A

$1,500 SIGNING BONUS

Benefits of this part-time, contract opportunity with the Richmond Times-Dispatch team: • Manage your own schedule and free up most of your day; work only 3-4 hours between 1-6 a.m. daily • Excellent supplemental income – Earn up to $1,800 per month All you need is a dependable vehicle and a valid Virginia driver’s license for consideration.

Signing bonus is for a limited time, so don’t miss out.

Contact us NOW at Richmond.com/Carriers or (804) 649-6872 to learn more.

INSTALLATION & REPAIR Hill Electrical, Inc is hiring Electricians & Helpers.

Drivers License & own Transportation Required.

Call 804-746-3122

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Roofing P.L.E Private Nursing Care LLC 804-439-5127 or 804-304-8286 10

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022

ROOFING & WINDOWS RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

804-708-1234 • crownroofingva.com

Standard Roofing Co. 746-5110 Hotline 837-7240 No job too small - all types of roofing FREE Estimates

Licensed/Insured

Residential for Rent Apartment Referral Services Policy Apartment referral service companies sell lists of available apartments for rent in your area.

Please read contracts thoroughly to ensure that you understand and agree to all the terms and the cancellation policy of the contract.

APARTMENTS UNFURN. Secluded Studio Apartment, all utilities included off Shady Grove Road. Very bright with a skylight, lots of storage, W/D included. Near all interstates. $850/month. Call 804-404-3992

HOUSES UNFURNISHED 4-bedrooms, 3-bath, 3-car garage on 1 acre in Mechanicsville. $3,000 per month + $3,000 security dep. www.leaseAMansion.com

CONCRETE & BRICK Bernard’s Concrete Services Concrete, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Brick, Sidewalks. Install & repair.

Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured.

References. Call or Text 804-874-9184

PLUMBING Paul Brown Plumbing - in Business Since 1983. New Residential, Light Commercial, Renovations, Additions & Service. We do it all! Senior Citizen Discounts. For free estimate, 746-5030

TREE SERVICE Bernard’s Tree Service Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Landscaping, Cleanout, Mulching, Planting & More! Free Est. Licensed & Insured References. Call or Text 804-874-9184

Tree & Shrub Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding. Health/Risk Assessments. Insured. Free Estimates.

804-779-2170 Certified Arborist and MD LTE

Trimming & Take Downs. Stump Grinding. If it’s tree work we do it! Insured. Free Est. BBB THANK YOU!!!

MC/VISA/Discover.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 6:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as the Board’s consideration of the administrative agenda permits, in the Board Room of the Hanover County Government Building at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a public hearing to consider the following cases, at which public comments will be accepted: REZ2021-00017, KINGS ACRES, L.L.C. (FORMERLY CHARLES HENRY KING) Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to M-1(c), Limited Industrial District with conditions, on GPIN 7787-58-4811, consisting of approximately 5.0 acres, and located on the west line of Lakeridge Parkway (State Route 782) approximately 850 feet south of its intersection with Timber Ridge Drive (State Route 1311). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Limited Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would allow for development of a warehouse with office space. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CUP2021-00015, AMERESCO Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Section 26-20.12 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a solar facility on GPINs 8745-57-0797 and 8745-57-7359, consisting of approximately 32.2 acres (CUP area limited to 22.67 acres), zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Peppertown Road (State Route 723) approximately 1,300 feet east of its intersection with Beatties Mill Road (State Route 634). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Cold Harbor CPA2021-00001, HICKORY HILL II, L.L.C. Request(s) to amend the Comprehensive Plan for Hanover County, Virginia, adopted February 14, 2018, pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204, 15.2-2223 through 15.2-2232 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. The proposed amendment will be a change to the adopted Comprehensive Plan as follows: General Land Use Plan Map – An amendment to change the land use designation from Commercial and Planned Business to Commercial, Suburban General (1.5-3 dwelling units per acre), and Suburban High (3-7 dwelling units per acre) in the area generally between Providence Church Road (State Route 662) and East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) just southeast of Woodside Lane and the Town of Ashland boundary. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam REZ2021-00014, HICKORY HILL II, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions, RM(c), Multi-Family Residential District with conditions, and B-2(c), Community Business District with conditions, on GPINs 7880-92-1335(part) and 7880-81-6802, consisting of approximately 52.03 acres, and located on the north line of East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54) at its intersection with Providence Church Road (State Route 662). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Planned Business and Commercial (pending concurrent request CPA2021-00001 to change the General Land Use Plan Map to Suburban General (1.5-3 dwelling units per acre), Suburban High (3-7 dwelling units per acre) and Commercial). The proposed zoning amendment would allow 24.24 acres to be rezoned to RS(c) for development of 72 townhomes, at a density of 2.97 dwelling units per gross acre, 18.73 acres to be rezoned to RM(c) for development of 131 townhomes at a density of 6.99 dwelling units per gross acre, and 9.06 acres to be rezoned to B-2(c) for three speculative commercial pad sites. There would be a total of 203 residential units for an overall density of 4.72 dwelling units per acre.

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam CUP2022-00001, ASHCAKE ROAD LANDFILL, INC. Request(s) to amend CUP-8-87, Am. 1-16, in accordance with Sections 26-20.15 and 26-20.26 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, which permitted a construction debris landfill and borrow pit on GPINs 7798-08-2072, 7798-08-7416, 7798-18-4218, 7798-09-5472, and 7798-29-6304, consisting of approximately 232.45 acres, zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and located on the north line of Ashcake Road (State Route 657) at its intersection with Johnson Town Road (State Route 755). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural and Suburban General (1.5-3 dwelling units per acre). This amendment includes a plan to close the existing landfill area and convert the borrow pit area to a new landfill area. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Beaverdam Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., please contact the Planning Office or you may also go to https://www.hanovercounty.gov/697/Board-of-Supervisors-Upcoming-and-Archiv for more information.

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022 11

Miller announces upcoming retirement as county treasurer Contributed Report The Local Hanover County Treasurer Scott Miller has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2023.

His current term ends Dec. 31, 2023 and he plans to retire at that time. He will be 66 years old.

Although interested citizens have always been able to challenge the incumbent, Miller is announcing his retirement now in order to fully open the campaign process to individuals that may

COW CHIP Continued from pg. 6

watch the competition.

“That one hit an elderly man in a lawn chair, but he’ll be ok,” one of the announcers said. Honestly, I’m not sure who was doing the play by play and who did the color.

Another toss goes astray and a small child races to pick up the souvenir and reacts like a kid at a Cubs game who just caught a foul ball.

“She won’t forget today and she has a souvenir to remind her,” the excited announcer exclaims.

have some attraction in the position of treasurer. He is in his seventh term as county treasurer and has served in the position for over 26 years.

Upon taking office, Miller began to professionalize the office. In 1996, no employee had an advanced education.

Now over half of the staff is comprised of college graduates. Staffs attends formal training administered by the University of Virginia and are better prepared to explain the duties of the treasurer and the supporting laws. Delinquent tax collection rates were

Each competitor displayed a unique style since I’m sure there’s no manual on how to pitch, careful with the spelling there, a cow turd. The winner was an unassuming looking guy who chucked his first attempt more than 100 feet, easily claiming this year’s title.

It’s far short from the 188 foot record toss recorded years ago.

The new winner was crowned and the town celebrated with an annual festival, a five 5K run and the crowning of this year’s Cow Chip King and Queen.

For fear of overly offending some readers, I won’t offer

HCPS Continued from pg. 3

“Those students are someone’s child, sibling and friend… this policy demonizes and dehumanizes our transgender and non-binary students.”

“I want to see a more inclusive policy that protects transgender children instead of criminalizing them,” said Shannon Spiggle of the Mechanicsville District. “This policy says nothing about how

12

improved with over 99.5% of all tax levies collected. An advanced investment program was implemented to safely obtain the best rates of return on county funds.

Miller helped to eliminate the annual car decal and got the Board of Supervisors to move all major tax due dates away from the December holiday season. Miller also led the statewide charge to implement life-dog licenses. He worked closely with Hanover County’s Commissioner of Revenue to bring DMV services to the County courthouse.

details on some of the items offered at the Bake Sale that were displayed as the event wrapped up for the year.

I’m thinking this may be the only time in my life I get to witness this Oklahoma tradition, and I hope I’ve provided the respect it deserves.

The parting video of the festival was a shot from a drone that revealed the festival was located adjacent to a farm where a herd of cows grazed and were seemingly unaffected by the human rituals taking place just across the street. I couldn’t help but wonder what they must’ve been thinking.

these children will be protected but instead talks about the unneeded paperwork and hoops they have to go through just to use the bathroom.”

“You are oppressing the alreadyoppressed,” said Dana Clark of the Chickahominy District. Clark was among the speakers who criticized the proposed process as a “colossal waste of time, resources and money.” She also suggested that the policy’s language has “offensive” implications, including the use of

Ashland-Hanover Local August 17, 2022

Animal control is investigating alleged cruelty against livestock Contributed Report The Local On Tuesday, Aug. 9, Animal Control Officers executed a search warrant for alleged cruelty to agricultural animals in the 6600 block of Mattawan Trail in Mechanicsville.

Hanover County Animal Control with the assistance of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office, Caroline County Animal Control, Dinwiddie County Animal Control, Sussex County Animal Control, Old Dominion Veterinary Services and volunteers assisted with the removal of 10 pigs, seven goats, four sheep,

two horses, one mule pony, two cows and 59 chickens. Hanover County Animal Control discovered roughly 23 dead livestock animals as well as numerous dead chickens on the property. All rescued animals are in custody of Hanover County Animal Control and are being housed at numerous facilities to get the proper attention and veterinary care.

Hanover County Animal Control is continuing to investigate this incident and charges are pending. Evidence collected will be sent to a state lab to determine cause of death.

Hanover County Animal Control will continue to work

CALENDAR

STORIES Continued from pg. 6

Continued from pg. 5

efit familes in crisis.

I’m sure profound appreciation for these heroes was felt by every listener in the room at the conclusion of his presentation. As the “Band of Brothers” screening followed with Triesler’s words fresh in the audience members’ minds, perhaps they could experience the show with an added perspective – one that envisioned the field hospital and its hardworking staff that stood waiting off-screen to try to save the wounded protagonists.

the word “profess” that may suggest falsity.

“It’s my child’s realty. It’s not false,” Clark said. “That at least needs to be stricken.”

“You also imply that my child is a degenerate,” Clark furthered.

“Not only does he have to explain transgenderism to you, not only do I have to support it, but somehow we’re to give you personal, invasive information from our medical provider or therapist to also support who he is… just to use a bathroom.”

The Local Cup coffee truck.

Contact honesty@mcshin.org.

Friday, Sept. 16 Saturday, Sept. 17

Saturday, Sept. 10 The McShin Foundation is holding its 18th annual Recovery Fest from 12 to 5 p.m. at Hanover Courthouse Ruritan Club, 13497 Hanover Quarter Road, Hanover. The festival will feature an ice cream truck, music, people’s choice BBQ cook off, kid’s activities, special speakers, KCBS BBQ cook off, cornhole tournament, vendors, gold chipping contest and

Kristin Holte of the Cold Harbor District was among those who spoke in favor of the proposed policy.

“The majority of Hanover County supports parental rights and safe bathrooms for all students, and this policy does both of those things,” Holte said. “I cannot stress the importance of protecting the bodily privacy and safety of each student.”

“I wish to thank the board for respecting Hanover values and continue to stand against model trans-

with the Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office during this investigation.

Hanover County Animal Control is incredibly thankful for the support of the other localities, Virginia Attorney General’s Office and volunteers assisting with this operation. This operation would not be possible without their quick action and providing their own resources to remove and transport the animals to a safe location.

Information submitted by Kerri O’Brien, director of communications and community engagement for Hanover County.

The Catholic Church of the Redeemer, located at 8275 Meadowbridge Road in Mechanicsville, is hosting its 25th Annual Giant Indoor Yard & Bake Sale for Haiti from 2-6 p.m. Friday and from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday.

All proceeds benefit their ministry with Haiti. To donate, volunteer or for more information, visit: http:www. churchredeemer.org/HaitiMinistry.

gender policies that undermine parental rights,” Holte added.

The public input portion reached its hour limit after the 17th speaker.

The school board was scheduled to hold a separate meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 16 to give the remainder of registered speakers and others the opportunity to address the board.

That meeting occurred after press time.

The school board is holding a meeting on Aug. 30 to vote on the proposed policy.