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HCSB committee considers revived vehicle fee

Patriot gymnasts win conference championship PAGE

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Vol. 2 No. 30 | Richmond Suburban News | February 8, 2017

Public hearing supports schools’ 2018 budget By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local ASHLAND — One week after rolling out his proposed 2018 budget for Hanover County Public Schools, Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent, is getting some good feedback. “As the comments tonight indicated, we have

received a positive response to our proposed budget,” Gill said following a public hearing Tuesday, Jan. 31. The meeting allowed citizens their first chance to comment on Gill’s $180 million 2018 Operating Budget proposal that provides a 2 percent salary increase and initiates a comprehensive plan to address the system’s technology

needs. Several speakers, most of them associated with various professional education organizations, voiced support for the budget and commended Gill and his staff for hitting some high marks considering the budgetary restraints coming down from the state. Afreen Gootee, president of the Hanover

‘Chasing the Dragon’ to address opioid abuse Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – The documentary “Chasing the Dragon,” with the “dragon” referring to opioid abuse, will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, in the Ellis Hall of the First Baptist Church at 800 Thompson St. in Ashland. A question-and-answer session will follow. Hanover Cares Coalition is presenting the community-driven event will focus on the state-wide crisis in the abuse of prescription opioids and heroin. Ragan Phillips, speaking on behalf of the group, said, “Last year, for the second consecutive year, more people died in the Commonwealth from opioid overdose (800 deaths) than were killed in traffic

accidents.” “Hanover County is at risk,” he said. “The abuse of opioids is not limited to cit-

ies or to those families with low incomes. The risk is for everyone, regardless of race, culture, age, or economic status. Opioid

abuse is indiscriminate as to who it traps and kills.” Phillips said the addiction to opioids is a disease just like cancer. “We must not allow this addiction to become stigmatized. We must not allow our community to “look the other way,” he added. “We are all stakeholders and, from a prevention perspective, ‘gate keepers’ in the urgent need to avert and alleviate opioid abuse in our community.” “We are urgently trying to make our community ... your community ... aware of this risk. We intend to provide information on prevention and to inform families about the resources that are available, if needed, to those caught in this terrible addiction,” Phillips said. To register and get free tickets, go to http://tinyurl.com/zc6wh3v.

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Education Association, echoed a sentiment expressed by many of the speakers: their appreciation for being included in the budget process. “I would like to first say that we appreciate being asked to sit at the table as decisions on this budget were being made,” she said. see BUDGET, pg. 3

Local government goal for new town manager By Logan Barry for The Hanover Local ASHLAND – When Joshua Farrar accepted the position of town manager in Ashland, his move wasn’t very far. He had already been serving as finance director at Ashland Town Hall. Farrar had been serving in dual roles following the resignation of Charles Hartgrove, who left the town manager’s job to become deputy city manager in the City of Lynchburg. Ashland Town Council did advertise the town manager’s position. In the meantime,

JOSHUA FARRAR Ashland Town Manager

Farrar acted as finance director and interim city manager. Farrar said he is excited

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The Hanover Local February 8, 2017

HCSB committee considers revived vehicle fee By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

ANOVER -County Attorney Sterling Rives recently laid out an historical path that revealed a trend in state funding that is straining local budgets regarding transportation and education. Since 2005, the state has allotted less money for local schools, and, in real dollars, only this year returned to 2009 levels. “With inflation adjusted dollars, we are really back to where we were in 2005 in terms of state funding, a big share of public education,” Rives said at a recent Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting. During that period, the number of students requiring special services has “increased dramatically. “School divisions across the state face ever-increasing challenges.” Even more challenging is the county’s ability to meet growing transportation needs, including $74 million of identified new road projects, most of them considered critical to continuing development. Rives said secondary road funding for localities have dropped since 2004 when state funding for secondary road improvements was $229 million. By 2016, that figure had dipped to $22 million, less than 10 percent of what it was in 2004. “Hanover’s numbers reflect that same reduction,” Rives said. “It was about $4 million in 2004 and somewhere between $200,000 and $300,000 this year,” Rives said. The reduction in available state funding, “combined with the challenges we and other localities across the state now have in not accepting proffers from new developers ensuring new development pays for its fair share of new road improvements, has put every locality, including Hanover in a financial bind.” Last week, Hanover’s Community Development Committee took those words to heart and began devising options to fund the county’s mounting road needs. One of those options that received the most discussion was revamping an annual county motor vehicle fee, a practice that disappeared in 2006, replaced by a one-time vehicle fee of $23 that was scrapped in 2011 during an election year. Chesterfield and Henrico counties still

charge annual vehicle fees. In the past, County Administrator Cecil R. “Rhu Harris Jr. has estimated the county will need about $33 million, or $3.5 million annually, to fund the six major projects still remaining on the 15year plan for transportation initiated in 2012. Joined by co-committee members Canova Peterson and Wayne Hazzard, chair Sean Davis said it’s the committee’s responsibility to come up with a plan to address the shortfalls regarding road construction. The committee endorsed a plan that would levy an annual vehicle fee, probably in the $25 range, to offset the mounting road construction costs.

Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

County Attorney Sterling Rives updates the Hanover County Board of Supervisors on legislative matters taking place during this year’s General Assembly at a recent meeting. Rives outlined a declining pattern of state funding for local road projects and education. Sean Davis, Henry District supervisor and Community Development Committee chairman, has penned a plan that includes a $25 annual vehicle fee to address the growing funding deficit.

“This is our plan to address the problem,” Davis said. “We looked at other options and this seemed like the most viable, but it’s only a plan that we will present to the full board of supervisors. It would have been irresponsible for us to do nothing when faced with a 90 percent reduction in state road funding.” Davis said he would wait until the bud-

get process is concluded so more concrete figures can be considered to finalize the details of the plan and present it to fellow board members. While some point to the removal of proffers in 2013 as a major factor in the county’s inability to meet its road construction needs, Davis pointed out the county still collected road construction proffers after 2013, and only recently restricted that program when the Virginia General Assembly placed restrictions on the program that made it almost impossible for counties to negotiate proffers. “The notion that this was caused by the loss of proffers in absolutely incorrect,” Davis said. “That comes from a political standpoint more than from empirical data.” Davis explained that the county did eliminate a sweeping proffer policy of a fee of more than $19,000 for each new residential construction, but maintained a road proffer of $2,306. Even if the proffers were still in place, it would not accommodate a 90 percent cut in state secondary road funding, according to Davis. While some note improving economic conditions in the county that provide future solutions to funding issues, Davis said he was prompted to act now and consider the facts available at this time. “We have projects that are in midstream that people need,” Davis said. “This is not Sean Davis’ plan. This is a plan to complete needed road improvements in our locality after we were made aware that secondary road funding would be cut by 90 percent …That’s not just a reduction -- that means everything has to stop,” he added. Projects like the Atlee Road and Pole Green Road projects are just examples of pressing road issues that Davis feels must be addressed. “I’ve made it clear that I don’t support approving developments in order to get infrastructure improvements, and my record shows that,” Davis said. Davis said the plan will be publicly aired and debated, and is ready to move forward with his committee’s recommendation. “I would like to see this get to the public as soon as possible,” Davis. “But I can assure you that this plan will not be implemented without a public hearing.”

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Mechanicsville.

Jan. 26

Failure to stop for school bus flashing lights was reported in the 7000 block of Marie Lane/Dairy Drive, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 6300 block of Queens Lace Road,

BUDGET Continued from pg. 1

Gill tapped a variety of resources to gauge priorities for this year’s budget, including parents, teachers, administrators, citizens and even students. They all had a hand in shaping this year’s proposal. Gootee pointed to the five-year technology plan that begins providing laptops for teachers next year as only one of many positive points for this year’s budget. “And, finally, we appreciate a 2 percent salary increase for all employees, especially at a time when we are fighting the General Assembly and our Governor as they continue to forget about the educators in the Commonwealth by not giving us a salary increase,” Gootee said. Angela Downer, president of the Hanover Professional Educators and mother of two children who attend county schools, agreed. Downer said she polled her organization and the results were almost unanimous. “A very high percentage of our membership replied and the results were almost unanimous: HPE supports the superintendent’s proposed budget,” she said. She also noted the increased cooperation displayed in this year’s process and its inclusive nature, especially between the county’s two governing boards. She described the technol-

School Road, Ashland.

Grand larceny building was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny shoplifting was reported in the 10200 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Oral threatening of school employee on school property was reported in the 13400 block of Liberty

Grand larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

ogy plan a “catch-up plan, not a luxury plan” that will give “teachers the tools they need to do their jobs, and it helps our students compete in a 21st century information-age economy. Michelle Schmidt, representing Friends of Hanover Schools, urged the board to begin a long-term examination of school buildings, some of them more than 60 years old, and devise long-range plans to address infrastructure. She said electrical needs in some schools could limit the proposed technology. Schmidt also recommended keeping an eye on class size in Hanover, recommending 25 or less for most classes and 22 or less for students in second grade or under. The only comments that could be construed as remotely negative originated from a group of Lee-Davis students and parents who celebrated the inclusion of auditorium renovation projects, but lamented the delay. Gabriel Worthington, a sophomore at Lee-Davis, addressed the critical needs in his school’s auditorium, where equipment installed when the school was built is still being used. Other speakers described moldy and non-working stage curtains, faulty lighting and lack of microphones and other equipment. Worthington’s father, Michael, joined his son with an

appeal to move the projects forward if possible. He spoke of the positive influence that programs that utilize the auditorium like chorus had on his son. Gill’s proposed Capital Improvement Plan includes $2.3 million for renovations at Patrick Henry and Lee Davis High Schools. When added to the $1.2 already allotted for the project, the superintendent said he thinks the funding is sound even accounting for increases in cost of materials during the period until July 2018 when work on the projects could commence. “If we built at today’s costs, it would be around $3.2, so we are comfortable the $3.5 will complete the projects,” Gill said. He answered speakers and said the one-year delay allowed the county to address the projects in a more comprehensive manner. “We wanted to do a full renovation. We wanted these projects to be something the schools and county could be proud of,” Gill said. The Hanover County School Board will consider the 2018 budget for approval at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The board will consider a $195,395,104 proposal that includes the Capital Improvement Plan, School Nutrition Program and the General Operating Fund. The budget then moves to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors for debate and an April final approval by that panel.

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The Hanover Local February 8, 2017

County prepares to accept Atlee Road extension bid By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local

hen the Department of Public Works received bids for the Atlee Road Extension and Route 360- Route 643 intersection, there was a problem. Original estimates for the project were about $1 million below the actual lowest bid received. “We received bids in December,” said Mike Flagg, director of Pubic Works for Hanover County, as last week’s meeting of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. “The lowest responding bidder was $14.5 million. Our engineer’s estimate was about $13 million. Our estimate numbers tracked a little behind.”

FARRAR Continued from pg. 1

about the opportunity as town manager, but pointed out there is a lot of business to be done. Now he finds himself start-

The department received bids from the above referened $14.5 million to $24 million. “There was a big spread.” Flagg said that estimate was about 11 percent short of the actual cost of the project, but there remains room to realize some savings on the project. “Under federal regulations, we cannot negotiate with the bidder prior to award,” Flagg said. “We can consider value engineering proposals after we award the contract, and we look forward to doing that.” Flagg requiested the county transfer almost $4 million to supplement the costs and allow the county to accept the lowest bid for the project. “We believe we have come up with some sums of funds that we believe could be realistically transferred to cover the shortfall,” Flagg said.

ing the process to fill his former role. His experience, however, gives him an advantage in what type of candidate is needed for the position. In April, Farrar will cel-

The department discovered funds left over from other projects and revenue sharing that could provide the extra money. The $3,954,012 request will drawdown all available Virginia Department of Transportation funds for the project, make up for the under-amount on the bid and cover additional VDOT charges and third party costs for inspection services required for the project. Mechanicsville supervisor Canova Peterson questioned Flagg regarding the effects of moving money from one project to another. “You are borrowing from some other projects, particulary the Route 360-Lee Davis interchange project,” Peterson said. “Is this borrowing in any way going to delay the work that needs to be done there?”

ebrate his 11th anniversary as a town employee. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2002 from the University of Delaware. He then obtained

“This particular action will not delay the project,” Flagg responded. The board unanimously approved the transfer. In other matters, County Attorney Sterling Rives said his office is examining more than 3,000 bills filed so far in the short session of the Virginia General Assembly. Rives and his staff comb through the legislation and select items that could affect local government, highlight those bills, and contact legislators when a direct impact on Hanover County is established. “This is the short session but it appears no one told the members because there’s well over 3,000 bills that have been filed,” Rives said. During the session, Rives presents legislative updates to the board to

his Master’s degree in public administration in 2004 from the University of Kansas. After receiving his Master’s, Farrar remained in Kansas, working as an assistant city admin-

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ensure no surprises when the final list of approved bills is published. “If it’s something where we think we can have an impact and it’s important to Hanover, we’ll intervene at whatever is the appropriate time,” Rives said. Following the meeting, county administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. confirmed that Edwin Gaskin has resigned from his post as the county’s Economic Development Director effective Feb. 28. The position is currently listed on the county’s website. County Attorney Sterling Rives and his staff are busy tracking more than 3,000 bills introduced in this short session of the General Assembly. He updates the board on proposed legislation that could affect Hanover County.

istrator. He arrived in 2006 in “The Center of the Universe.” Farrar said he chose to pursue an education that would serve him in local government because what he had seen in the federal government. His goal was to follow a path into local and state government. “You see the impacts that you have, and that a state or local government has, on the community much more so than you do when working for the federal government. That’s probably what I like the most about it because the impacts that we make are more visual,” Farrar said. His new job description tasks him with the full management of Ashland’s $9 million general fund budget, as well as complete oversight of the town’s 65 fulltime employees. Farrar emphasized council’s vigorous plans to keep Ashland’s important traditional character preserved in line with how residents view their quaint, historic train town, but that a dynamic stance also must be taken to embrace the future and to address any of the roadblocks it puts up in its path.

“It is exciting for this new opportunity to continue being a part of Ashland’s mission; we have a lot of important business ahead of us and I’m honored to be trusted in this new appointment,” Farrar said. Ashland Mayor James Foley appointed Farrar to the town manager’s office from a candidate pool of more than 95 applicants. His annual salary is $125,000. Foley noted that a national search was performed to assure they were hiring the best person to fill one of the town’s most critical roles. “From a number of states … we narrowed it down to six to eight finalists – we met with them, the town pool is deep; we were very excited. We found the perfect candidate in our backyard, sitting at the end of our desk,” Mayor Foley at a Jan. 26 regular meeting of town council. Hartgrove had been with the town for 13 years when he announced his departure. Foley said a formal appointment for Farrar’s promotion to town manager would likely be made on Tuesday, Feb. 7, during the regular council meeting.

It started on a Baseball Field...

Photo courtesy of Ron Samardge

CHRISTOPHER ‘TY’ LaFLAME and NICOLE MARIE MORTIMER to be united in marriage in May 2017

r. and Mrs. Brian Parrish announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicole Marie Mortimer, to Christopher “Ty” LaFlame, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher LaFlame. Nicole is also the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert

R-MC has full schedule of cultural events planned ASHLAND – Rehearsals continue for the Ashland Musical Variety Show, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. March 30 and 31 and April 1 in the Blackwell Performing Arts Center on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. The pre-shows start at 7 p.m. They started Tuesday, Jan. 24, with Matilda, Dolly Parade, Submarine, and Shed. Co-directors Sue Watson and Lorie Foley said this year’s theme is “Ashland Loves a Parade.” The Hanover Arts & Activities Center sponsors the every other year production. The schedule is posted at www.hanoverarts.org. Those unable to attend are urged to call Watson at 804-402-0296 or Foley at 804-339-6175. All rehearsals are held at HAAC at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland, unless otherwise stated. In the event of bad weather, go to www.hanoverarts.org or

Megan Ellenberger. Entrance is near the playground. Hanover County Public Schools students may ride a bus to Gandy after school. Parents must sign a “Transportation Permission Slip.” Gandy parents are asked to send a signed note allowing their child or children to stay for practice and not ride the bus home. Pick-up time is 3:15 p.m. Cobb Breakdown – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 12. Capable hands and tools are needed. Cobb reinstall is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. April 2. Rehearsals at Blackwell Auditorium – Begin March 13 at Henry Street at R-MC.

PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

Mortimer Sr., all of Mechanicsville, Virginia. The couple met through their families. After seven years of dating, Ty proposed March 2016 in the couple’s Mechanicsville home. A May 2017 wedding is planned.

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call 804-798-2728. Most rehearsals last 30 minutes. Participants are welcome for the following: “Be Young”/Heartthrobs – Voices are needed for “Moves Like Jagger.” Both numbers are a rock ’n’ roll medley. Idols Women – Voices are needed to sing backup for “Gimme Shelter.” “Gimme Shelter” rehearsals are scheduled immediately after Idols. Children’s Chorus – Starting Feb. 8 from 2:35 to 3:15 p.m. in the music room at John M. Gandy Elementary School, with

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OPINION | The Local Views

Life in the country doesn’t always smell rosy By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News

f you were to ask me how my weekend was — and I were to answer you honestly — I would probably sum it up in three words: it stunk. Literally. The reason I say this is because over the weekend my two beloved dogs — a big black lab and a chubby little black and white mutt — both learned a valuable lesson about which wild animals they can mess with and which they can’t. And into the latter category, as my whole family can now attest, go skunks. They both got sprayed, with the little one taking a direct hit in the face. Believe me when I say that there are few less pleasant things to find outside your back door:,a deranged, Swamp Thing, perhaps? — than two dogs enveloped in a full-on haze of fresh skunk spray. Yes, of all the things I have come to enjoy about living in the country, I think I will probably put skunks near the very bottom. I would leave them off the list entirely, but, to be fair,

it certainly isn’t their fault they smell. Plus, they were here first, so I generally just try to give them a wide berth when I do see them, which isn’t often. Given that it’s January, I was kind of surprised that my dogs managed to find one at all, but find one they did. They didn’t seem to mind the smell too much — I think the little one was even kind of proud of himself — but to every human within 20 feet of them the smell could only be described as apocalyptic. Just as an aside, 2017 was supposed to be the year that I finally embraced foods high in vitamins and minerals. Twenty-three cans of tomato juice later, I think I’ve finally done it. *** Speaking of the New Year, it seems that even though I did make plenty of what I considered to be thoughtful, manageable resolutions — exercise more, spend less, meditate daily — I may have overlooked one habit I could probably stand to break. You see, over the years I have developed an affinity— some might call it an addiction, but I think affinity sounds much bet-

ter — for collecting priceless antiques. OK, fine, junk. I like collecting junk. Usually it’s some treasure I stumble upon at a flea market, or find on Craigslist. I never purchase anything unless I need it, though I may be guilty at times of stretching the definition of “need” just a bit (does anyone really need a magnificent blue and white serving platter that is utterly perfect except for one small chip that isn’t all that noticeable if you cover it with a piece of lettuce? I say it’s debatable). My most recent find was a pair of very solid (read: ridiculously heavy) old pub tables I picked up for a song and dragged home to put on our porch. I think they look magnificent. My husband thinks they make our house looks like a less-tidy version of Sanford and Son. He hates them. In the end, I suspect the tables will find their way to the basement, or perhaps migrate to someone else’s home where they will be more appreciated. This is due, I should explain, to another resolution I actually did make: argue less.

LETTERS | Reader Views

Support sought for 10-point grading system Dear parents of school-aged children, Do you know that 90 percent of Virginia students are measured on a 10-point grading scale?

This marks the third school year that our Hanover County School Board has discussed adopting a 10-point grading scale for Hanover County. To date, the school board representatives have received findings from a committee commissioned by the Central Office where over 75 percent of the teachers, administrators and parents on the committee

Editorial & Business Office and Mailing Address: 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Phone – (804) 746-1235 Toll free – (877) 888-0449 Fax – (804) 730-0476 Online: www.mechlocal.com

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The Hanover Local February 8, 2017

supported the change. Additionally, they’ve heard facts stated by several speakers across two public meetings, including the following: -- Contrary to popular opinion, most colleges and universities do NOT recalculate applicant GPAs for admissions. -- GPA is the single strongest indicator used in college admissions, merit and private scholarships, hon-

ors programs, NCAA eligibility, and specialty schools, regardless of grading scale. -- Using a 10-point grading scale encourages students to take more advanced classes and could expand options beyond high school. For example, a grade of 69 in Hanover County is currently an F. However, for 90 percent of Virginia students, simply increasing the grade by 1 point

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 Hanover Local. Send letters to: The Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2017 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.

to 70 allows the student to achieve a C. This makes a tremendous difference between a failing student and one who aspires to keep working. As our district leaders continue to deliberate, it’s important to note that King William County Public Schools recently announced its change to a 10-point scale, effective next school year. KWCPS only discussed this topic at one meeting and took prompt action for its students. Please join us at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 200 Berkley St. in Ashland for the next school board meeting to show support for swift action to adopt a 10-point scale. Visit facebook.com/hanover10point to join the conversation and to receive updates. Julie Stubblefield Moderator Hanover Parents Supporting a 10-Point Grading Scale

UPCOMING EVENTS

08 2017

Men’s basketball: Shenandoah at Randolph-Macon 7:00 p.m.

11 2017

Region 5A South gymnastics at Salem H.S. (Va. Beach) 12:30 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Lee-Davis wins conference wrestling title title.

By Dave Lawrence and Billy Fellin Richmond Suburban News RICHMOND – Lee-Davis sent seven wrestlers into the finals of the Conference 11 championship tournament Saturday at Douglas Freeman High School. With five of them crowned champions and the remaining seven non-finalists placing somewhere in the top six, the Confederates easily outpaced second-place Mills Godwin for the final Conference 11 team title. Lee-Davis finished with 233.5 points, followed by the Eagles with 179 points, Douglas Freeman (142), Glen Allen (136.5), J.R. Tucker (130), Hermitage (113), Henrico (109) and Deep Run (79.5). “I knew we were going to have to get points out of everybody,” said Lee-Davis head coach Craig Spruill. “I knew I had some young kids who weren’t going to make finals, but I knew they could come out here and contribute, and that’s what they did.” The Confederates swept the titles from 145 pounds to 182-pounds. Jonathon Conrad pinned Mills Godwin’s Charlie Stanton in 3:56 for the 145pound title. Fisher Evans pinned Godwin’s Tyler Hunt in 4:53 for the 152-pound championship. Andy Aldidge edged another Eagle, Austin Pitts, 10-

Conference 16 ORANGE – Patrick HenryRoanoke, with eight individual champions, rolled over the competition – including host Orange County – to claim the Conference 16 title Saturday. Patrick Henry-Roanoke amassed 285 points, to the Hornets’ 214. Atlee finished a distant third with 155.5 points. The Raiders had two individual champions, Marcello Hornedo at 120 pounds and Robbie Adelstein at 220 pounds. Patrick Henry’s Brendan White defeated Atlee’s Stephen Call 5-2 in the 160-pound title match.

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Lee-Davis 145-pounder Jonathon Conrad works on getting the pin against Mills Godwin’s Charlie Stanton in the finals of the Conference 11 wrestling championships at Douglas Freeman High School Saturday. Conrad ended the match in 3:56.

9 in the 160-pound title match. Andrew Anthony pinned Mills Godwin’s Mitchell Wein in 3:00 for the 170-pound title and Ned Anthony pinned Henrico’s Ellis Storrs’ in 2:15 for the 182pound championship. While Lee-Davis goes into the regional tournament at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach Friday and Saturday in a good position to

continue its winning ways, the team still has room for improvement. “We had a couple matches where we just didn’t look right,” Spruill said. “Everybody’s got something they can get better at. Overall, I thought we looked good.” Spruill said this may be the strongest group Lee-Davis has had in years.

“It’s a really strong group. It’s a strong tournament team,” he said. “We’ve got five or six kids that can compete at any level, and that’s what’s been carrying us all season.” Mills Godwin produced two champions: Carson Tinsley, who pinned Douglas Freeman’s Tyler Thomas in 5:34 for the 120-pound title; and Justin Spencer, who claimed a 4-2

decision over Deep Run’s Jack Oppenheim for the 285-pound championship. Third-place Douglas Freeman likewise had two champions: Brett Reid, who pinned J.R. Tucker’s Kyrillos Azer in 3:01 in the 126-pound championship match; and Ernie Campbell, who won a 7-4 decision over Henrico’s James Newsome for the 195-pound

Conference 20 MECHANICSVILLE – Powhatan, with eight wrestlers in the finals, put an end to Hanover’s run as Conference 20 champions. Five of the eight Indians won conference titles as Powhatan beat Dinwiddie 210.5-169. Hanover was third with 131.5 points. “We worked hard all offseason, and we put in the work,” said Powhatan Coach Jonathan Tanaka. “It’s awesome like kids for Elijah Jordan, who has been working for this for five years to finally get to the mountaintop.” see WRESTLING, pg. 10

The Hanover Local February 8, 2017

Raiders boys win another close one with PH By Wayne Epps For the Mechanicsville Local ASHLAND – When Atlee and Patrick Henry met for the first time this season, in January, it took three overtimes for Atlee to pull out a win at home. While Friday’s rematch at Patrick Henry didn’t take that long to settle, it wasn’t short on excitement as the teams traded jabs all night. But, in the end, it was Atlee that was able to squeeze out the win again, this time 54-51. Atlee senior Queshon Baker reclaimed the lead, 48-47, for the Raiders at the free throw line with 1:52 to play. And Baker added two baskets after that, the last with about 23 seconds to play, to help keep Atlee in front. Patrick Henry had the ball with time winding down and a chance to tie, but a 3point attempt missed and the Raiders held on. “Our two teams are very, very equal,” Atlee head boys basketball coach Phil Reynolds said. “If we played 10 times, we’d probably go 5-5 and all of them be close games.” The teams exchanged leads five times in the game, and there were seven ties. The largest lead was just eight points. That came

Nick Liberante for The Local

Patrick Henry’s Ryan Boone (11) tries for a stick-back but is hemmed in by Atlee’s Queshon Baker (10) and Tyler Warren (51) Friday.

when Atlee took a 20-12 advantage on a layup by senior Leo Reynolds as part of an 11-0 run for the Raiders to start the second quarter. It was 25-20 Patrick Henry at the break, and the score was tied at 27 in the third quarter when both teams began a furi-

ous sequence of 3-pointers. Over about two and a half minutes of game time as the quarter wound down, the teams made a combined seven 3pointers – four by Atlee and three by Patrick Henry. After the dust had settled, Atlee held a 39-36 lead heading into the

fourth quarter. In the fourth, Patrick Henry junior Jamel Jackson hit a 3pointer to tie it at 44 with 5:29 to play. Later, with 3:36 to play, Jackson gave the Patriots a 4644 lead on two free throws. Atlee freshman Tyler Warren tied it at 46 with 2:20 left before

Patrick Henry briefly reclaimed a one-point lead on a free throw by senior Arias Holman. But Baker’s free throws would put the Raiders ahead for good shortly thereafter. “We don’t give up for nothing,” said Patrick Henry head boys basketball coach Randy

Anderson. “We just need to figure out, when we get a lead, how to keep a lead and how to be poised and how to be confident with that lead.” Senior Jack Fahed led Atlee with 16 points and Leo Reynolds added 14. Holman had 23 points for Patrick Henry, Jackson added 13 and junior Ryan Boone had 12. With two games left for Atlee and three for Patrick Henry after Friday’s matchup, Conference 16 tournament seedings weren’t set in stone. But Phil Reynolds is hoping to have his team in the No. 4 seed vs. No. 5 seed game. In the evening’s first game, the Atlee girls team notched its 11th consecutive win, 51-20 over Patrick Henry. Atlee senior Alyse Armentrout posted a triple-double with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 11 blocks. Sophomore Aya Youssef added 8 points for the Raiders, who are poised to be the top seed in the Conference 16 tournament. “We’re really just trying to get in our groove and make sure we’re playing well and getting ready for the playoffs,” Armentrout said. Grayson Radcliffe led Patrick Henry with 11 points, and Taylor Derricott had 5.

Lee-Davis boys win Conference 11 track title By Dylan Garner Richmond Times-Dispatch RICHMOND – Lee-Davis wiped the floor with the competition on the boys side, racking up 184 points. The Confederates finished with a 103-point gap between them and the runnerup Jaguars. Both teams were able to find points in just about every event. Lee-Davis went untested

from nearly the start of the meet. Early on, Dallas Jackson won the triple jump, and he was followed by two of his teammates, Jeremiah Hankerson and Jarel Braxton. Brandon Brooks won the high jump, Chris Vincent won the pole vault, and Jamir Johnson finished off a winning 4x200-meter relay, holding off J.R. Tucker’s Ian Christian. “Everything clicked today, and it’s what we practice for all

The Hanover Local February 8, 2017

year,” said Hankerson, a senior captain who brought home titles in the 300 and 500 for the Confederates. Hermitage’s Xavier Ivey beat out Lee-Davis’ Connor Scott in the shot put with a monster throw of 55-10.50, which ranks as the fourth-best mark in the state this season. He was named the boys field athlete of the year, while Deep Run’s Bashir Mosavel-Lo breezed to wins in the 1,600

and 3,200 to earn outstanding runner of the year. With more realignment on the horizon next year, Lee-Davis coach Neil Mathews was happy his team could leave the Arthur Ashe Center with a conference trophy one more time. “In my 12 years of coaching, this has been a special meet. ... The Ashe Center, I think, is the great equalizer, but it’s also the most fun,” Mathews said. “Some people don’t believe that,

but I truly do.” Conference 16 FORK UNION – Atlee claimed a one-three finish in the Conference 16 indoor track and field championships at Fork Union Military Academy Tuesday. The Raiders boys claimed the conference title, while the girls finished third behind see TRACK, pg. 10

Daniel Sangjib Min/Times-Dispatch

Jamir Johnson of Lee-Davis (right) and J.R. Tucker’s Ian Christian of J.R. Tucker dash for the finish line in the boys 800-meter relay in the Conference 11 indoor championships Thursday.

Patriot gymnasts win conference championship the other two. Kameryn Shears and Mallory Girvin finished first and second, respectively, for Freeman. They were followed by Lee-Davis Britney Blowers (third) and Heather Cline (fourth). Freeman’s Erin Hayes claimed the fifth spot. Shears won three of the individual events: uneven bars, balance beam, and floor performance. Cline won the individual championship in the vault. Mechanicsville Local freelance photographer Nick Liberante contributed to this report. Dave Lawrence can be advance to the Region 5A South three of the top five spots in the championships. all-around competition, while reached at dlawrence@mechloRebel gymnasts claimed Confederate gymnasts claimed cal.com.

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

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Nick Liberante for The Local

Above, Patrick Henry’s Sierra Baxter performs her winning floor routine in the combined Conference 12/16/20 gymnastics championships at Varina High School Wednesday. She won all four individual events as well as the best all-around gymnast title as she led the Patriots to the conference championship. Above, right: Lee-Davis gymnast Britney Blowers does a Yurchenko vault as coach Cy Witherow and teammates watch in the Conference 11 championships at Deep Run Saturday.

her high school meets because of the wear and tear on her ankles. “It’s all kind of strategy on when to start building my confidence up to flip it during competition,” Baxter said. Baxter edged another tying pair, Hanover’s Madison Klump and Varina’s Samantha Hall, on the uneven bars with a score of 8.875 to 8.525. She edged her teammate Spence again on the balance beam with a 9.125 score to Spence’s 8.725. She comfortably beat Atlee’s Jordan Dunfee

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on the floor 9.55 to 8.725. Vota finished second in allaround standings, followed by Spence and Klump. The three will join Baxter in the all-around competition in the regional. Conference 11 GLEN ALLEN – Lee-Davis head coach Cy Witherow said his Confederates had a bad day on the balance beam, but they did well enough overall to finish second to Douglas Freeman in the Conference 11 championships at Deep Run Saturday and

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VARINA – There could be only one. Only one team was able to advance out of the combined Conference 12/16/20 Gymnastics Championships at Varina High School Friday night. Patrick Henry, with the help of a dominating performance by Sierra Baxter, was that team. Baxter won every individual event and the all-around title to lead the Patriots to the top of the team standings. Patrick Henry edged second-place Atlee 131.95-129.35. As a result, the Patriots earned a team berth in the Region 5A South championships Saturday at Salem High School in Virginia Beach Saturday. Persistence paid off for Baker. For example, she was putting a little extra spin on her vault routine by adding a Tsouk maneuver. In the practice runs – as well as on her first official run – she couldn’t stay on her feet as she came down. She had one more shot at nailing it. “Whenever the first one doesn’t go too well, my club coaches, Ernest [Cheatham] and Michelle [Kennedy], they always tell me, ‘Forget about the first one. The first one doesn’t matter. Make the second one,’ ” Baxter said. “The adrenaline gets pumping after the first one and it’s like, ‘OK, I have to stick this one.’ ” She did stick it. Her face gave the answer long before the judges’ scores were tabulated. Baxter scored a 9.255 on the vault, well ahead of teammate Madison Spence and Hanover’s Sophie Vota who tied for second with a score of 8.575. She said that, while she does the Tsouk in her club meets, she saves it for late in the season in

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The Hanover Local February 8, 2017

Late comeback not enough for Yellow Jackets

Randolph-Macon’s favor, 52-50. Guilford junior guard Lauren Ramsey then tied it at 52 with a layup. Following a Yellow Jacket turnover, senior guard Kate Clark hit a 3-pointer to put the

Quakers up three, 55-52, with 1:47 to play. And, as it turned out, they would not relinquish the lead from there. “It was really intense. It was really intense,” said Guilford senior forward Heaven Walters.

“When they started making their run, you always have thoughts that maybe they’re going to come back and win, but you got to stick together, dig deep and push through, persevere.” But Randolph-Macon was still clawing. Sophomore guard Kelsey Wisner made a 3-pointer with 47 seconds left to bring the Yellow Jackets within two, 57-55. With the score the same, just six seconds to play and Randolph-Macon eying a tie game, Berry tried to find Williams in the post on an inbounds pass. But the pass was intercepted by Brown to essentially end it. Guilford senior guard Amy Stellar added a pair of late free throws. “We ran the play that we wanted to run, we just didn’t execute it,” said RandolphMacon head coach Carroll LaHaye. Guilford’s win marked its eighth in its last nine games. The Quakers are the secondplace team in the ODAC. Despite the loss, LaHaye said she was really pleased with her team’s effort. “I’d like to believe it gave us some confidence that we can compete with the top teams in the conference,” LaHaye said.

TRACK

Helmlinger won the 1,000 and 1,600 runs. The Raiders boys 3,200 relay team of Zach Berenson, Josh Bowers, Conor Helmick and Nathan Welles claimed a conference championship. CeeCee Harris led the Raiders’ girls with a pair of wins: in the 55 dash and in the long jump. The Raiders girls also claimed victory in the 3,200 relay. The winning team was composed of Allison Stanley, Olivia Valentin, Emma Sudol and Cabell Franklin.

Olivia Demattia had a pair of wins – in the 300 dash and 55 hurdles – for Patrick HenryAshland’s girls. Noah Campbell claimed a win in the 3,200 run for the Patriots’ boys. Their 800 relay team of Tony Ford, Jeff Miller, Mason Mills and Daniel Thomas also claimed a conference win. Mechanicsville Local sports editor Dave Lawrence contributed to this report. Dylan Garner can be reached at dgarner@timesdispatch.com.

By Wayne Epps For the Hanover Local ASHLAND — Throughout the first three quarters of Saturday afternoon’s clash with Guilford, Randolph-Macon hung close to the Quakers, but never got quite close enough to tie the game or take the lead. But finally, in the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets’ perseverance paid off when they took their first lead with 3:13 to play. However, as it did throughout the game, Guilford was able to fend off Randolph-Macon’s push. The Quakers regained the lead and held on with a steal as the Yellow Jackets were looking to tie, leaving Crenshaw Gymnasium with a 59-55 win. “It’s always a good game, they’re always a good team, they always play us well,” said Guilford head coach Stephanie Flamini. “And Carroll [LaHaye]’s a great coach, so you know that at home it’s going to be tough and Carroll’s always going to have them ready.” Randolph-Macon (10-10, 5-7 Old Dominion Athletic Conference) put together a 120 run in the fourth quarter run to take a 49-48 lead with 3:13 to play, much to the delight of the home fans – including many

WRESTLING Continued from pg. 7

The Indians dominated the lower-weight classes, with J.D. McMillin claiming the 106pound title. Jordan won at 113 pounds, and Ian Oliver came back to get a pin for the 120pound title. Two-time state champion Collin Gerardi started his march toward a third consecutive state championship with a quick pin of Hanover’s Josh

Nick Liberante for The Local

Randolph-Macon’s Kelly Williams gets two of her game-high 23 points off a layup in the Yellow Jackets’ 59-55 loss to Guilford.

women’s basketball alumnae who were back for the school’s 28th annual Back to the Hive alumnae celebration. Freshman forward Kelly Williams put the Yellow Jackets ahead with a free throw.

Epperly for the 126-pound title. Jeffrey Hoyt rounded out Powhatan’s titles with a win in the 145-pound division. Hanover finished with three champions: Tristan Halsey at 132 pounds, David Hoover at 138 pounds and Carson Allen at 152 pounds.

Guilford junior center Jordyn Brown responded with a layup on the other end to put Guilford (17-3, 10-2 ODAC) back in front. But junior guard Marisha Berry nailed a 3-pointer to swing the score back in

three conference champions: Shane Shannon at 152 pounds, David Church at 160 pounds and David Jones at 182 pounds. Dave Lawrence is sports editor of the Mechanicsville Local, Hanover Local and King William Local. He can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com. Conference 33 Billy Fellin is sports editor RICHMOND – King of Powhatan Today, Goochland William, with three champions, Gazette and Cumberland Today. took home the Conference 33 He can be reached at wfellin@ title with 198 points. powhatantoday.com. The Cavaliers produced

The Hanover Local February 8, 2017

Continued from pg. 8

Albemarle and Patrick HenryRoanoke. Patrick Henry-Ashland finished third and fourth in the boys and girls meets, respectively. Cameron Foreman and Kameron Helmlinger each earned a pair of wins for the Raiders’ boys. Foreman won both the 55meter and 300-meter dashes.

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The Hanover Local February 8, 2017

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals VIRGINIA BEAZLEY Virginia Lewis Beazley, 95, of Bowling Green, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at The Orchard in Warsaw. She was the widow of William Edwin Beazley and a lifelong member of the Bowling Green United Methodist Church. She was an active member and held many positions, including church Council secretary and choir member. Virginia was past Worthy Matron of the Caroline Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the Fredericksburg Legal Secretaries Association. She had retired as Clerk of the Caroline General District Court after 40 years. Survivors include her daughter, Carole B. Blackley (Ken) of Warsaw; her siblings, Mary Lynn Dyson of Doswell, Ted Lewis Jr. of Bowling Green and Hannah Chance of Bowling Green; her granddaughters, Laura Blackley of Chandler, North Carolina, and Julia BlackleyRice of Warsaw; and her great-grandchildren, Margaret Rice, Mavis Jordan Blackley and Matthew Blackley. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Ella Frazier and Catherine Broaddus. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 6, 2017, at the Bowling Green United Methodist Church. Committal followed at 1 p.m. at Lakewood Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.storkefuneralhome.com.

CARRIE BURTON Mrs. Carrie Winston Burton departed this life on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, in her home at 226 Berkley Street in Ashland. She leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband of 67 years, Chauncey H. Burton; a devoted niece and caretaker, whom she loved as a daughter, Saundra Jordan; one brother, Robert “Bob” Winston; devoted friend, Jerlean

“Kitty” Russell; one sister, Anna McLean Shelton; and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services were scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Beaverdam, with BURTON Dr. John Kinney officiating. H.W Dabney Funeral Home in Ashland was in charge of arrangements.

BETTY ANN GRAVES Betty Ann Graves, 68, of Montpelier, passed away February 1, 2017. She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Bunn; son, Richard David Smith; aunt, Joyce Ann Simms. She is survived by her granddaughter, Tiffany Ann Smith; six sisters, Robin, Elizabeth, Deborah, Virginia, Patricia and Michele; two brothers, Emmett and Bobby; her special companion, Pretty Girl; her aunt, GRAVES Gaynell Hall; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and special friends, Tina Watts and June Runquist. Betty Ann was a member of the Chapel Church of Christ and loved flowers and gardening. She also loved talking, laughing and spending time with her special friends. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

JOSEPHINE C. HARRIS Josephine C. Harris, 86, of Ashland (Brown Grove), went home to be with the Lord on January 29, 2017. She was predeceased by one sister, Catherine Hayes; and two brothers, Windom and Richard Carter. Left to cherish her memory

are her devoted husband, Ellis Jr.; six children, Annie Jones (Adolph), Deborah, Leon, Ellis III, Carnell and Jerry Harris; one sister, Annie Carter; one brother, Harry Carter (Edmonia); along with other relatives and friends. HARRIS Homegoing service was held at noon Friday, February 3, 2017, at the Brown Grove Baptist Church in Ashland, with the Rev. Dr. Darius Beechaum, Pastor, officiating. Interment followed at Roselawn. F.E. Dabney Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

ELIZABETH PATSELAS Elizabeth “Bette” D. Patselas, of Ashland, passed away on January 27, 2017, at the age of 86. Born August 7, 1930, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, she moved with her parents, Michael and Marika Damergis (Loukides), to the Bronx in New York City, at the age of 6. She attended public schools and earned certification as a stenographer. She loved the City; the subway system, museums, parks, department stores and the self-service Automat PATSELAS restaurant. Bette worked in Manhattan and later married her best friend’s brother, Constantine M. Patselas, on May 5, 1958. They moved to Norfolk, where they found a warm community within the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Bette became passionately involved in the parish and with fellow Greek-Americans, where she participated in the choir, church festivals, the ladies Philoptochos Society and the Hellenic Woman’s Club. She loved to bake with her friends and was part of a group that shared a common interest

in perpetuating their faith and culture. She also volunteered as a makeup artist for the Virginia Opera Company for many years. A compassionate mother, she devoted boundless energy and time towards the enrichment of her children in fostering an appreciation for music, the visual arts, science, nature and good food. Over the years, myriads of people have enjoyed her delicious baklava, ishlee, breads and pastitsio. She and her husband moved to Ashland in 2003 to be closer to her daughter and her family. Bette became involved with the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Richmond, where she continued her lifelong dedication in the service of others. She was a soprano singer in the Central Virginia Choral Society. Bette embraced the importance of physical well being and exercise exemplified by her participation in recreational dance groups, water aerobics and fitness centers, where she frequented well into her 80s. Bette is survived by her husband, Constantine; her children, Christopher Patselas and his wife, Jennifer, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Timothy Patselas and his wife, Paula, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Marianne Roman and her husband, James, of Ashland; their spouses; her eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter; her brothers, George Damergis of Virginia Beach and John Alexander Damergis of Bloomington, Minnesota. May her memory be eternal. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 7220 Granby Street in Norfolk. Interment followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Philoptochos Society at the churches in Norfolk or Richmond. A Trisagion Prayer Service was held at 7 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2017, at Bliley’s-Central at 3801 Augusta Avenue.

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