Issuu

’TIS THE SEASON

EDUCATION

Light Up the Tracks: A season of holiday celebrations

Gunnar Hicks gets scholarship from late deputy’s family

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Vol. 3 No. 12 | Richmond Suburban News | October 4, 2017

Important election dates announced Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

— Last day to request an Absentee Ballot by mail/fax. Thursday, Nov 2 ANOVER–Teresa — Officer of Elections – “Teri” Smithson, Schools of Election Training voter registrar for will be held at 2:30 p.m. and Hanover County, 6:30 p.m. at the County’s and her staff are preparing for Emergency Communications the Nov. 7 General Election. Training Room 7501 Library She has released a sched- Drive in Hanover. ule of important Saturday, dates as the elecNov 4 – tion nears. They Registrar’s office are: opens 8 a.m. to In-person 4 p.m. Last Day absentee voting of In-Person now available — Absentee Voting If you qualify to Monday, vote by absentee, Nov 6 – 2 p.m. ballots are availcut-off for votSMITHSON able from 8:30 a.m. ing an Emergency to 5 p.m. Monday Ballot at the through Friday and 8 a.m. to Registrar’s office. 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in Tuesday, Nov 7 the Voter Registration office — Polls open at 6 a.m. and in the Wickham building at close at 7 p.m. the County Complex. Wednesday, Nov 8 — Smithson noted that this Election Canvass will begin year there is a new item for at 1 p.m. in the Wickham voters. She said, “You may Bldg room 119 of the County now apply online for an Complex. Absentee Ballot at www.vote. Smithson added, “You virginia.gov.” may register to vote or update Monday, Oct. 16 your registration online at — Last day to register or make www.vote.virginia.gov.” changes to your voter registraTo check your voter station. tus or polling place, visit Saturday, Oct 28 — www.vote.virginia.gov or Registrar office opens from 8 contact the Hanover County a.m. to 4 p.m. for In-Person Director of Elections | Absentee Voting. General Registrar at 804 Tuesday, Oct. 31 365-6080.

Town still split by rail option talks By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER — Following a Commonwealth Transportation Board meeting earlier last month, some Ashland residents found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place regarding where to place a high-speed rail project from Richmond to Washington, D.C. At that meeting, Aubrey “Bucky” Stanley, Beaverdam District representative on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, told CTB members Jim Ridolphi for The Local that county supervisors had Ashland District representative Faye Prichard talks with Aubrey passed a resolution stating that “Bucky” Stanley, Beaverdam District, about the rail project.

both a third rail above ground alternative and a western bypass were both unacceptable options and should be eliminated. Falling short of an endorsement for the third alternative listed as least objectionable by a Community Advisory Committee formed to study alternative routes and their impacts, Stanley said the third rail trench proposal offers the least impact on county residents. At last Wednesday’s board of supervisors meeting, at least one supervisor made it clear she did not agree with that see RAIL, pg. 2

Outlet mall plan nixed by developer By Melody Kinser Managing Editor ASHLAND – In the May 27, 2009, edition of The Mechanicsville Local, an article that dominated the 35th anniversary issue focused on the efforts of Holladay Properties’ plans to build a major shopping development at what was being touted as Winding Brook off Interstate 95. Bass Pro Shops had already been welcomed to Hanover County in the Lakeridge Parkway and Lewistown Road area as plans were being made for the opening of shops, hotels and a park. On Friday, Sept. 29, developer Craig Realty Group, based in Newport Beach, California, put a halt to the Outlets at Richmond. The Local attempted to contact Craig

Monday morning. On its website, Craig said it “owns, operates and manages nearly 5 million square feet of existing retail development – 15 centers in 9 states, and we’re in development of 4 more projects across

the U.S.” Wayne Hazzard, who represents the South Anna District on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, told the Times-Dispatch that he had not heard that the Outlets would not be developed, but he cited the recent opening of a hotel nearby as a sign that the area can thrive on its own. “I think the area is continuing to develop without it,” Hazzard said. “We’ve made it this far without them.” Holladay, in planning to expand Winding Brook, had targeted a fall 2010 opening. The centerpiece of the project was to be the Outlet Shoppes of Richmond, with 375,000 square feet. Friday’s edition of The Richmond Times-Dispatch listed the square footage at 400,000, with Craig Realty as the see MALL, pg. 6

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The Hanover Local October 4, 2017

Light Up the Tracks: A season of holiday celebrations ASHLAND -- Ashland Main Street Association is planning for the 3rd annual “Light Up the Tracks.” For the month of December through New Year’s Day, trackside homes, businesses and Randolph-Macon College are strung with twinkling lights from one end of town to the other. Within two years, “Light Up the Tracks” has received significant attention from the greater Richmond area and beyond (the Richmond Tacky Lights Tour added downtown Ashland and the Washington Post ran a story last year). This holiday season, Ashland Main Street is looking to expand “Light Up the Tracks” for the entire month of December. Santa (the former “Bass Pro” Santa) is already booked for several appearances downtown. Musical and dance performances are being scheduled, in addition to family activities, crafts, holiday open houses and more throughout December with the goal of bringing more visitors to downtown Ashland this holiday season to shop, dine and enjoy the lights. To start off the month-long holiday celebration, there will be a “Light Up the Center: Holiday Open House” at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center at 500 S. Center St. in Ashland. The Whistle Stop Theatre Company will present an exclusive preview of its newest adaptation, The Little Match Girl. Audiences will delight as the classic work of Hans Christian Anderson is brought to life just in time for the holiday season. There also will be musical performances from “Hanover Harmony” and dance

RAIL Continued from pg. 1

assessment, or the misinformation that is being produced on social media regarding the board action. Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard pointed out the resolution was passed before a third rail trench option was introduced, and attempts to coin it as an acceptable option for the town are ill advised. “Unfortunately, when we have very sensitive issues in our community like DC to RVA ... we want to make sure

Photo courtesy of Dan Bartges

“Light Up the Tracks” will increase its presence in the Town of Ashland with the Ashland Main Street Association celebrating the holidays for a month.

selections from the Nutcracker by Central Virginia Dance Academy. Those attending may visit with Santa and Rudolph, and enjoy punch and cookies. To top off the evening, enjoy the lights and activities in downtown Ashland. If you own or run a business downtown, consider booking an event or two under the umbrella of “Light Up the Tracks.” Ashland Main Street will help promote your holiday events and activities. Not sure what to do? Ashland Main Street has suggestions, resources and contact information to share. The Gingerbread Trail will be returning, and the goal is to have more gingerbread creations to showcase in the businesses and restaurants this holiday season. Wendy Yohman from Jake’s Place is organizing the Gingerbread Trail. She may be contacted at wendy@yohmansgarden. com or 804-798-3287 for more information about the Gingerbread Trail. The deadline to submit your holiday event or activity for promotion through “Light Up the Tracks: A Season of Holiday Celebrations” is Friday, Oct. 20.

that the information that gets to them is correct information,” Prichard said. “Over six months ago, this board passed a resolution that said we find the western bypass route and the third rail unacceptable options for the DC2RVA,” Prichard said. She explained that the resolution had prompted the formation of the CAC. “The county has not taken a renewed position on the overall options.” Prichard said. “One of the most heartbreaking things for me about all of this is to watch neighbor

Organizers wish to to include all holiday activities in Ashland and tie them into the “Light Up the Track” promotions (i.e., churches, Randolph-Macon College, organizations, schools, businesses, museum events, open houses, book signings, crafts, etc). The goal is to show folks that downtown Ashland is vibrant and full of events and celebrations this holiday season. To submit your holiday event to “Light Up the Tracks,” visit www. MainStreetAshland.org and submit your holiday event through the Light Up the Tracks Form (http://mainstreetashland. org/calendar-submission-form), or email your event to MainStreetAshland@ gmail.com. Include the name of the holiday event, sponsor, description, address, date, time, email address, phone number and any fees involved. For questions and resources regarding “Light Up the Tracks,” contact Lorie Foley at loriefoley@comcast.net or 804339-6175. Ashland Main Street is a designated Virginia Main Street community and nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.

turn against neighbor. What I want to make clear to the citizens of Hanover County is that there are no winners here … for something that may never happen,” Prichard said. Prichard pointed out that both a third rail through Ashland or a western bypass are both destructive to the community, and other options should be explored. In her mind, the trench option should not be included in that list. “That trench would shut down every business in the downtown of Ashland for a minimum of three years, which,

by default, would shut those businesses down permanently,” the Ashland supervisor said. Although the project is decades away from construction and no funding has been identified, Prichard said the negative impacts begin as soon as the CTB reaches a decision. “The impacts will come long before the first shovel goes in the ground,” she said. Mechanicsville supervisor Canova Peterson noted that he was elected to represent all of Hanover’s citizens, and said he didn’t see any changes in see RAIL, pg. 3

SHERIFFâ€™S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue six months, was reported in the 14400 block of Deedle Creek Drive, Montpelier.

Sept. 22

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 6400 block of Tammy Lane, Mechanicsville. Carrying a concealed weapon, first offense, was reported in the 7200 block of Cold Harbor Road/Bell Creek Road/ Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, $200 not from a person, was reported in the 7500 block of Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville. Prisoner -- making, procuring, possessing unlawful chemical compound -- was reported in the 7200 block of Courtland Farm Road, Hanover.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 7400 block of Oak Bower Lane, Mechanicsville.

Larceny property, $200 with intent to sell, was reported in the 11300 block of Heflin Lane, Ashland.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $200, was reported in the 16000 block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was reported in the 11000 block of Washington Highway, Ashland.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 16300 block of Chilton Court, Montpelier.

Fraudulent application for credit card, $200, was reported in the 7400 block of Leaf Fall Way, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in

RAIL Continued from pg. 2

options since the board passed the resolution referenced by Stanley at the CTB meeting. He said the idea of three years of construction and inconve-

Sept. 24

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 16000 block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Simple assault was reported in the 16000 block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, will be reported in the 16000 block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Sept. 23

Identity theft financial loss, $200, was reported in the 12400 block of Auburn Mill Road, Glen Allen. Obtaining money, etc., by false pretense, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

a person, was reported in the 16000 block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 14400 block of Old Ridge Road, Beaverdam. Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Disorderly conduct was reported in the 16000 block of Theme Park Way, Doswell. Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 9300 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville. Petit larceny, $200 not from

nience are not foreign issues for his constituents who have been dealing with the U.S. 360 project for more than three years. â€œNot a single business has gone out of business in Mechanicsville (during that time),â€? Peterson said.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substances was reported in the 10400 block of Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was reported in the 7300 block of Jackson Arch Drive, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was reported in the 12400 block of Whisana Lane, Ashland.

Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was reported in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, $200 not from a person, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

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Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 5300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

He also noted the lack of handicapped accessibility in the current downtown Ashland area and noted the trench could solve some of those issues. He also had a different take on the final impact of the

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The Hanover Local October 4, 2017

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals DONALD BRAY JR. Donald W. Bray Jr., 33 years old, of Mechanicsville, passed away with his parents at his side at Johns Hopkins Hospital on September 23, 2017, after a long and painBRAY ful illness ended as his parents allowed him to return to God. Donald was a Christian and had deep respect and understanding of all faiths, first attending Mechanicsville Baptist Church as a young child before his family moved to Ashland. He was baptized at the Fork Episcopal Church and his faith confirmed later as a member at Duncan Memorial Methodist Church, where he served as an acolyte in his later youth. Donald attended St. Christopher’s School, Patrick Henry High School

and Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in computer science. Prior to his illness, he established his own computer business. He loved his parents, family and so many good friends who helped him through his years of illness, especially Rachel and Clay. Donald was predeceased by the grandparents he adored, Fred and Anne Doggett, Leonard Bray and Virginia Allen; and his uncle, Jeff Doggett. Donald is survived by his parents, Don and Becky Bray; especially close cousins, Patrick Doggett (Esther), Vince Pendergraph (Alicia), Josh and Rachel Doggett and Betty Conklin Stanley; along with the support and love of the entire Starke family. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 29, 2017, at the Mechanicsville Baptist Church at 8016 Atlee Road in Mechanicsville, where

Tom Haynie

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Sarah Suttles

Pastor Tim Madison and the congregation continually prayed for Donald over the past year. Interment followed in Signal Hill Memorial Park in Hanover. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to support liver transplant research in the Department of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine. In the memo line of the check, please reference Donald Bray. Checks should be made payable to Johns Hopkins University and mailed to the attention of Bridget Cashen, Fund for Johns Hopkins Medicine, 550 N. Broadway, Suite 722, Baltimore, MD 21205. “My eyes have always been troublesome to me, and in the last four years my feet wouldn’t get me to where I wanted to go; wish it had turned around as I kept making plans and worked so hard with the JHH doctors and nurses who were

like family to me after being with them most of the past year and three months to get well with the miracle of transplants.” Bennett Funeral Home at 8014 Lee-Davis Road in Mechanicsville was in charge of arrangements.

DOROTHY HEWLETT Dorothy Payne Hewlett, 93, of Richmond, departed this life September 12, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Frank Hewlett. She leaves to cherish her memory daughter, Diane Pierce (Raymond); two grandchildren, Zachary Pierce (Jessica) and Carmen Pierce, one greatgrandchild, Ahlissa Harris; sister, Berniss P. Byrd (Edward); brother, Dana Payne; sister-inlaw, Clara Taliaferro (Benjamin); a host of devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 30, 2017, at the Fifth Street Baptist Church at 2800 3rd Avenue, with the Reverend F. Todd Gray officiating. Interment followed in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery at 106 South James Street, Route 1306, in Ashland.

JOSEPH STILES JR. Joseph Clay Stiles Jr., born October 17, 1921, died September 22, 2017, at home. He is survived by his wife, Hilah Edney Stiles. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Luck Stiles. Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph Clay Stiles III, STILES James Andrew Stiles and wife, Pam, and Edward Gray Stiles and wife, Robbin; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Joe attended St. Christopher’s School and Randolph-Macon College. He was a longtime member of the Ashland Kiwanis Club and served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Randolph-Macon College. Joe was the owner of Luck Motor Company until his retirement in 2014. He served his country in World War II as an Army Air Corp P-47 Fighter Pilot, flying over 90 missions, including the invasion of Normandy. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m.

today (Wednesday, September 27, 2017) at the First Baptist Church in Ashland. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ACES, P.O. Box 114, Ashland, VA 23005.

MICHAEL WOOD Michael Watkins Wood, entered his Heavenly home on Sunday, September 24, 2017. He was born January 17, 1972, to Karon Roller Wood and Robert Lawrence Wood Jr.; and was predeceased by his WOOD father. He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Tracey Pierce Wood; twin sons, Mason Pierce and Hayden Watkins; and daughter, Madilyn Avhery. Also surviving are his mother, Karon; brothers, Peter and Robert (Natalia); his in-laws, Judy and Ashley Pierce; sister-in-law, Heather P. White (Stephen); nieces and nephews, Wren and Rhea Wood, Landon and Mallory White; and many other family members. Mike was employed by Hermitage Steel as an estimator. He served as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church Ashland. Mike loved Boy Scouts of America and was a member from age 11, earning the rank of Life Scout. He was Committee Chairman of recently formed BSA Troop 709, which he was instrumensee OBITUARIES, pg. 5

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The Hanover Local October 4, 2017

Scholarship keeps deputy’s commitment alive Spaces available at Doswell ROCKVILLE — Ask those who knew Rockville native Gabriel Pearce, a Henrico County Sheriff ’s Department deputy who was killed in a tragic automobile crash in 2014, and they will tell you how strongly he believed in education. It was a huge part of who he was, said his sister, Alisa Pearce, and why the family will once again honor his legacy by organizing the Gabriel Pearce Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser and Fall Festival. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Berea Baptist Church at 15475 Ashland Rd. in

RAIL Continued from pg. 3

trench project on the town. “I’m not so sure that this is a determent to the town. It might be an improvement for the town to put those rails underground and be able to utilize that space,” Peterson said. Prichard replied the trench is much more than a temporary inconvenience and the real impacts are as yet unknown due to its late introduction in

OBITUARIES Continued from pg. 4

tal in founding. A memorial ser-

Rockville, and will feature craft vendors, a silent auction, raffles, music and food. It also will help raise funds for the scholarship given annually to a rising senior from Patrick Henry High School in PEARCE Ashland planning to attend Virginia Commonwealth University. Alisa said her brother recently graduated magna cum laude from VCU with

a double major in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security when he was killed in the early morning hours of June 26, 2014, after losing control of his vehicle on Rockville Road. He was just 22 years old. His goal, she said, was to pay off some of his student loans before eventually returning to school to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. “He was such a good guy,” said Pearce, who has helped organize the event for the last four years. It takes a lot of work to pull the event together, she said, but it is always worth it when they are able to present the annual award in her brother’s honor. A check for $2,500 was awarded to Gunnar Hicks this year.

the process. “It will be an open grate right through the residential neighborhoods,” she said. “We are not talking about inconvenience. We are talking about the permanent changing, the permanent closing of those existing businesses.” Peterson said the bottom line of condemning properties required by the western bypass option makes that choice unacceptable in his mind. “I have a problem sup-

porting anything that would include the confiscation of peoples’ property,” he said. Prichard said the trench option also would require the taking of some properties. “That’s true for every option.” Stanley said he is willing and ready to pursue any and all other options and would continue to work with Ashland officials to identify those. The CTB will hold a series of public meetings regarding the project with one sched-

vice was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2017, at the First Baptist Church Ashland. To honor Michael’s legacy, make

memorial contributions to BSA Troop 709, First Baptist Church Ashland, 800 Thompson St., Ashland, VA 23005.

uled for Hanover on Oct. 11 at Patrick Henry High School. The CTB will make its final recommendation to the Federal Railroad Administration by the end of the year, and a final decision could come as early as 15 months later.

Ruritan flea market/bake sale DOSWELL — The Doswell Ruritan Club will be hosting a Flea Market/Bake Sale on Saturday, Oct. 7.

Those wishing a space to sell their goods are asked to call Betty Lee Stanley at 804368-0035 for details.

210th Anniversary Celebration

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The Hanover Local October 4, 2017

CALENDAR

OPINION

| News, Updates & Listings

| The Local Views

Saturday, Oct. 7

From the managing editor

Our goal: provide news you need, want By Melody Kinser Managing Editor Since Sunday, we’ve been observing National Newspaper Week, which provides an opportunity to remind you (and even us) about what we do and why it is so important throughout our county. We are community newspapers and very proud of the type of news we share with you. What is county government doing? What is the latest on the school district? Who won the big game Friday night? Who is getting married? These are but a few of the unique – and desired — news items with which we fill our pages. Community news is the heart of what makes us special and why we pursue the stories you want to tell us about and, most of all, share them with

MALL Continued from pg. 1

developer. In the 2009 article, Kay Pangraze spoke on behalf of Holladay. She is now listed as Craig Realty’s local project manager. Eight years ago, she said momentum was growing for the completion of the 185-acre project. Pangranze had said construction at Winding Brook had started in the spring of 2007.

your family, friends and neighbors. For this longtime journalist, the rewards are immeasurable; the bylines too many to even think about counting. But, with each and every article, there has been a dedication to what the reader needs to know. Early in my career I was told “You don’t tell people how to think, you give them something to think about.” (The same man said “You can’t beat a man who buys ink by the barrel,” but that’s another story.) My goal has always been to adhere to the standards of integrity, accuracy, fairness and unbiased. Granted, there have been times – especially in election years – when it’s been a real challenge. But the commitment remains firm. With social media, I often want to respond but that’s not what we do. We remain neutral. We are,

Bass Pro Shops opened for business in October 2008. Phase 1, the Outlet Shoppes, was scheduled to get under way in the summer of 2009, with ground to be broken in the early fall. Pangranze had described the The Outlet Shoppes as being similar to the Prime Outlet Mall in Williamsburg. She also said the goal was for the project to be “concept destination retail,” meaning it “has a draw from a

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

Publisher Managing Editor Production Manager Sports Editor Sales Representative Sales Representative Sales Representative Classifieds

Joy Monopoli Melody Kinser Denine D’Angelo David Lawrence Tom Haynie Sarah Suttles J.R. Hammond Cindy Grant Adams

The Hanover Local October 4, 2017

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in fact, the real news. We depend on you too for your ideas, your support and your guidance as to what you expect of your newspaper. We certainly have a different spin, I suppose, as community newspapers, but I can’t imagine not writing and publishing the types of articles we bring to you. Whatever success we enjoy, it is because of your input and feedback. We celebrate newspapers this week, but I also thank you for your devotion to your community newspaper. There’s nothing more satisfying than hearing someone talk about “My Local.” With every publication that rolls off our presses, we are your Local. That’s why we continue to do what we do.

greater distance.” When Holladay was still the primary on the development, Pangranze said the intention was to “satisfy the whole family,” with specialty attractions like themed restaurants. Bass Pro Shops had been an incentive to attract the mall development. Country Inn and Suites also became an anchor business at the site. In 2014, the Lewistown Commerce Center Community

Development Authority in Hanover County successfully completed the restructuring of $37.7 million in defaulted bonds. The workout transaction, which was completed Tuesday, Aug. 26, was to reduce the assessment bond debt on 123 acres of land just south of the Town of Ashland at the intersection of I-95 and Lewistown Road. Tammie Smith of The Richmond Times-Dispatch contributed to this article.

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.

The Doswell Ruritan Club will be hosting a Flea Market/Bake Sale. Those wishing a space to sell their goods are asked to call Betty Lee Stanley at 804-368-0035 for details. The 5th Annual Veterans Benefit Ride will begin with kick stands up at noon at Marks & Harrison Pavilion at Richmond Harley Davidson at 12200 Harley Club Dr. in Ashland. Registration is scheduled from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The fee is $25 per bike. Participants will be escorted 76 miles through Central Virginia, with an arrival time of 2 p.m. at Damon & Company at 7104 George Washington Memorial Hwy. in Gloucester Courthouse. Preregistration is available at www.combatvet27-3.org. Josh Misner will perform live from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Richmond Harley Davidson. A patch will be given to each participant in the free event. It is free and open to the public. All proceeds will support local veterans projects.

Sunday, Oct. 8 The Lee-Davis High School Class of 1967 will be holding its 50th class reunion from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Jefferson-Lakeside Country Club at 1700 Lakeside Ave. in Richmond. For more information, contact Bill Gagnon at 804-559-1605 or email wgagnon@vcu. org, Retta Atkinson Ramkey at 804-3573703 or email ramkeyra@comcast.net or Patsy Corker Christian at 804-5512042 or email pchristian@slurrypavers. com. The cost is $50 per person.

Saturday, Oct. 14 An All-You-Can-Eat Salt Fish Breakfast will be hosted by the Independence Ruritan Club from 6:45 to 8:45 a.m. to benefit the Hanover Christmas Mother. Breakfast includes: salt herring fillets, scrambled eggs, bacon, spiced apples, cornbread, grits, coffee and orange juice only $9 for adults. The Ruritan Club Community House is located behind the Independence Christian Church at 14033 Independence Rd. (off U.S. 54, west of Ashland). For more information, call 804-798-6579.

UPCOMING EVENTS

04 2017

Prep cross country: Capital District at Poor Farm Park 5:00 p.m.

06 2017

Prep football: Varina at Patrick Henry 7:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Atlee surprises Patriots with upset victory By Daniel Fritz For the Hanover Local MECHANICSVILLE – Apparently no one told the Atlee Raiders they were the underdog going into Friday night’s showdown against Patrick Henry. It didn’t seem to matter that Atlee had just one win on the season, while this week’s opponent was an overtime loss away from entering the contest with a perfect record. Instead, Atlee looked like the team with something to prove, topping the Patriots 33-15 in an impressive home win to earn its second victory on the year in as many weeks. “I told the team I just want to be proud of their effort,” said Raiders’ head coach Matt Gray. “I’m definitely proud of what they did tonight.” Entering the third quarter, Atlee clung to a 6-point lead. The outcome was very much in doubt. Patrick Henry playmaker Devyn Coles started the second half with a 50-yard kickoff return. The Patriots, led by quarterback Hunter Hart, finally started to look like the team that had begun the season with three consecutive wins. The Patriots looked poised to take their first lead of the game with a first-and-goal from the 1yard line, but the Atlee defense stiffened. A fumble, tackle for a loss and an incomplete pass kept Patrick Henry out of the

Rathbone wins golf title By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

Kenny Moore for The Local

Atlee’s John Johnson (5) breaks to the outside and earns first-down yardage in the Raiders’ 33-15 win over Patrick Henry Friday.

end zone. The ensuing field goal attempt on fourth down was no good. Full of momentum after the goal-line stand, Atlee running back Tucker Bratton struck on an 80-yard touchdown run on the very next play from scrim-

mage. From that point on, the Raiders were in control, never letting off the gas. “It was a stretch run and the offensive line blocked it great” Bratton said. “Once I got to the sideline, I just booked it. I felt the defenders coming, and real-

ly turned it up to score.” To start the game, the Raiders got things going quickly on their first drive. What looked like an early three-and-out turned into a scoring opportunity. Quarterback Tyler Warren, who also serves as the Raiders’ punt-

er, looked to pin the Patriots deep. When he fielded the fourthdown snap, however, he had different ideas. Warren drifted to his left and looked as if he see ATLEE, pg. 8

CHESTERFIELD – While no area golf teams have qualified for their respective Virginia High School League state championships, Hanover has plenty of golfers whose 2017 seasons are not over. With one regional champions – Patrick Henry sophomore Jessica Rathbone – three additional qualifiers, and a girl with a chance to qualify for the VHSL Girls Open later this month, golf will be on the county sports menu until the end of October. Rathbone will forgo the VHSL Class 4 state golf championships – which will be held at Glenrochie Country Club in Abingdon on Oct. 9-10 – In favor of her second appearance in the Girls Open at Independence Golf Club in Midlothian on Oct. 23-34. see RATHBONE, pg. 9

The Hanover Local October 4, 2017

R-MC air defense lacking in loss to Hornets By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – At times, Randolph-Macon looked as if it could hold its own against Old Dominion Athletic Conference rival Shenandoah Thursday night. Other times, the Yellow Jackets seemed incapable of containing the Hornets as Shenandoah quarterback Hayden Bauserman picked apart the Yellow Jacket secondary largely at will, completing 36-of-60 passes for 588 yards and six touchdowns to lead Shenandoah to a 51-38 victory at Day Field. “We got exposed in the secondary tonight,” said Randolph-Macon head coach Pedro Arruza. We didn’t play well at all. We didn’t make very many plays back there.” While the Yellow Jacket secondary did intercept Bauserman once, its counterparts on the Hornets had a much better day, intercepting Randolph-Macon quarterback Burke Estes four times. “We kind of got out of our element, out of our game, which is not to play catch-up for a lot of the time,” Arruza said. The game seemed to start well for the Yellow Jackets. After forcing Shenandoah to punt on the opening drive of the game, Randolph-Macon scored on its

ATLEE Continued from pg. 7

would attempt a rugby style kick. Instead, he found the edge and took off for a 24-yard gain. The play set up the Raiders deep in Patriot territory. “It wasn’t a called fake” Warren said. “I read the defense. If I see an opening, I’ve got the green light to run.”

Nick Liberante for The Local

Randolph-Macon running back Tre Frederick scores on an 8-yard touchdown run in the Yellow Jackets’ 51-38 loss to Shenandoah.

first drive, a six-play, 60-yard affair capped by a 5-yard pass from Estes to Eric Hoy. But the Yellow Jacket defense could not contain Bauserman and the Hornets for long.

Bauserman led Shenandoah on two successive scoring drives: the first taking just four plays to drive 74 yards and end in a 40-yard pass from Bauserman to Dershone Hayman, the sec-

ond taking just two plays to go 51 yards and end in a 12-yard pass from Bauserman to Casey Stewart. Randolph-Macon tied the game on its third drive, of eight

plays and 75 yards that ended with Tre Frederick’s 7-yard run. It fell behind after forcing the Hornets to punt and getting the ball at the 1-yard line. J.P. Redmond tried to rush out of

The drive ended with Warren finding his tight end Will Belvin on a play-action pass to start the scoring. The ensuing Patrick Henry possession stalled out near midfield and the Atlee offense wasted no time. Warren hit Alex Oliver on a 21-yard strike. The following play, Bratton reeled off a nice run to get to the Patriot 33-yard line. A few plays later, Isaiah Abel got into the action,

setting up the Raiders with a goal-line opportunity. Warren finished the 75-yard drive with a quarterback sneak to give Atlee and early two score lead. On their first possession of the second quarter, the Patriots finally started to find some rhythm on offense. Hart, who was playing for a second straight week after missing the first three games, put his legs and arm on display. He rushed for 33 of

his 79 total yards on the drive, and threw for another chunk of yardage. Throwing specialist Alex Sikkar then entered the game at quarterback and threw a beautiful pass to Coles, hitting him in stride for Patrick Henry’s first score of the game, and closing the deficit to six points going into half time. That would be as close as the Patriots would get. After

Bratton’s game-changing run, both Isaac Abel and John Johnson would add rushing touchdowns of their own. Patrick Henry would add on one more touchdown late in the game when Sikkar hit his receiver on a 79-yard pass from scrimmage to close out the scoring. When the clock hit all zeroes, Coach Gray certainly had a lot to be proud of.

The Hanover Local October 4, 2017

the end zone, but was stopped short of the goal line for a safety that gave Shenandoah a 1614 lead at the end of the first quarter. Once more the RandolphMacon defense held. The offense responded with an 11play, 89-yard drive that ended in a 17-yard pass from Estes to Hoy which gave the Yellow Jackets a 21-16 lead mid-way through the second quarter. The Hornets would not be denied, however. They scored twice in the final minutes of the second quarter to take a 3021 lead and Randolph-Macon played catch-up the rest of the game. “I thought the game got off to a great start, you know, and then we gave up a couple of big plays,” Arruza said. “We had a tough time tackling in the open field.” Part of the problem may have been Shenandoah’s skill players, such as Leonard Scott (seven receptions for 162 yards and three touchdowns), Stewart (four catches for 97 yards and a touchdown) and Cory Bell (four catches for 93 yards). “Their skill guys were really good,” Arruza said. “The quarterback is legit. He’s the best guy that we’ll see in a while, I think.” Despite his four intercepsee R-MC, pg. 9

“We have got some tough kids. Guys like [linebacker] Hayden Moore, [lineman] Robbie Adelstein, and Isaac Abel are older guys who are difference makers.” Gray said. “Our young guys are also improving quickly. It takes some time to figure things out. Our backs were against the ropes, and we played really well.” Daniel Fritz can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

Yellow Jackets sting Maroons By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – RandolphMacon’s women’s volleyball team didn’t take its Old Dominion Athletic Conference visitor lightly Wednesday night. The Yellow Jackets hosted Roanoke in Crenshaw Gymnasium and attacked from the start, swarming the Maroons in a 25-8, 25-17, 25-8 sweep. A key component of the Randolph-Macon attack was senior setter Erin Quinn, who finished with 19 assists and 14 digs. She was part of the team that advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division III tournament, and she would like to end her college career by going a little further.

“Ever since we’ve been in that environment, we’ve been aching to go and get back to it again,” Quinn said. “Last year we did fall short, but we learned a lot, and we have a lot of the same girls. So it’s definitely our mission to get back there this year.” Former Hanover standout Miranda Hall, a sophomore outside hitter, was one of the lead attackers, earning 10 kills and four digs on the evening. While the Yellow Jackets are undefeated in ODAC play so far, she said they aren’t getting comfortable. “We still have some things to work on if we want to advance in the NCAA’s,” Hall said. “ Dave Lawrence can be Dave Lawrence/The Local reached at dlawrence@mechlo- Randolph-Macon hitters Colleen Beaver (30) and Miranda Hall (10) leap up to block Roanoke College’s Caitlin Sharkey in the cal.com. Yellow Jackets’ 25-8, 25-17, 25-8 victory over the Maroons in Crenshaw Gymnasium Wednesday.

Completing pass

Nick Liberante for The Local

Randolph-Macon forward Maria Teresa Ambrogi-Torres, a freshman, passes the ball despite the defense of Bridgewater’s Georgia Howard. Ambrogi-Torres’ target was midfielder Ayanna Healy, who scored a goal in the 30th minute of the Yellow Jackets’ Old Dominion Athletic Conference contest with Bridgewater. The Eagles’ Laura Gretz scored on a penalty corner in overtime to lift the Eagles to a 3-2 overtime victory.

RATHBONE Continued from pg. 7

“I’m still very happy about that,” Rathbone said of her win in the Region 4A championships at Mattaponi Springs Golf Club in Ruther Glen. “[The course] is really gorgeous and really hard. It looks easy, but it’s not easy.” She finished with a 1-over 73, not a bad result considering how she felt when she saw her first hole, Mattaponi Springs’ No. 18. “I had never played the back night, and [No. 18] was the hole I started on – because it was a shotgun start,” Rathbone said. “When we were driving up to the tee box, I was like, ‘Oh gosh, this does not look like a fun hole to start on.’ It was like straight downhill with the fairways sloping into the woods, so

I was happy to par that.” She bogeyed her second hole – No. 1 – but hit even par the remaining 16 holes to get the win. Hanover finished second as a team, but since only the winning team advances to the state tournament, the Hawks had to settle for two golfers – senior Jimmy Hill and freshman Andrew Wilkinson – moving on to states. Hawk junior Bella Seip will make a pitch for the Girls Open in the Central Zone qualifier at Dogwood Trace in Petersburg on Oct. 17. The other county golfer to qualify for a state tournament was Atlee senior Spencer Talley, who will compete in the Class 5 championships at Magnolia Green in Moseley on Oct. 9-10. He finished in a tie for sixth place in the Region 5B championships at The Highlands Thursday.

Talley was in an early group and came in a tie for fifth (with Mills Godwin’s Charlie Kennedy) among the six individuals who would claim an individual berth in the state tournament. He had to sweat a bit while as he waited for the rest of the field to get in – if a golfer came in ahead of them, he and Kennedy would have to go to a playoff to determine who would advance. But he didn’t sweat much. “I was pretty confident in my game,” Talley said. “I knew

if it came down to that I could rely on myself to come out with the win.” He said he’s not feeling too much pressure for the upcoming tournament. “I’ve never been to states, so I don’t really have any expectations,” Talley said. “I’m just glad that I’ve made it this far. … I’d like to do well, but I’m just happy I qualified to go to states.” Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.

R-MC

was Trey Owens, who had six catches for 161 yards and one touchdown. Eric Hoy finished with nine catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Frederick led all rushers with 24 carries for 160 yards in addition to his one touchdown.

Continued from pg. 8

tions, Estes generated a ton of Randolph-Macon offense, completing 26 of 41 passes for 381 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite target

The Hanover Local October 4, 2017

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SCOTT A. AND VICTORIA T. BAILEY, Request a Variance from Section 26-26. 1. (c) of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance, which speciďŹ es that dwellings in the A-1, Agricultural District, when located on a sixty (60) foot ultimate right-of-way shall have a minimum front yard setback of seventy (70) feet. The request is for an 8.4 foot front yard Variance, which would allow for a minimum front yard setback of 61.6 feet. The request is made for GPIN 7846-23-6656, consisting of approximately 10 acres, located on the south line of Verdon Road (State Route 684) approximately 255 feet south of its intersection with Hartley Road (State Route 726) in the BEAVERDAM MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT. (PUBLIC HEARING)

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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Planning Commission has set Thursday, October 19, 2017, at 7:00 P.M., 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: REZONINGS C-16-17(c), MARGARET JONES BOST Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPINs 8728-54-9623 and 8728-55-7070 (part), consisting of approximately 26.1 acres, and located at the terminus of Glebe Hill Road (private road section) approximately 1,000 feet northwest of its intersection with Colwick Trace (state route pending) in the HENRY MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT. The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of three (3) building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 8.7 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING)

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C-17-17(c), STELLA M. AND STEVEN M. CLARY Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPIN 8719-24-3791, consisting of approximately 8.9 acres, and located on the west line of Hanover Courthouse Road (U.S. Route 301) approximately 800 feet south of its intersection with Cadys Mill Road (State Route 695) in the BEAVERDAM MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT. The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of two (2) building lots for a gross density of one dwelling unit per 4.45 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) C-19-17(c), HANOVER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INC. Request(s) to rezone from R-1, Single-Family Residential District to RS(c), Single-Family Residential District with conditions on GPINs 7779-49-4924 and 7779-49-3598, consisting of approximately 3.6 acres, and located on the south line of Hanover Avenue (State Route 1306) approximately 300 feet west of its intersection with Beverly Road (State Route 1312) in the SOUTH ANNA MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT. The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Suburban General. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of six (6) building lots for a gross density of 1.67 dwelling units per acre. (PUBLIC HEARING)

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EDA learns about council’s goals for Ashland By Logan Barry for The Hanover Local ASHLAND -- Goals focused on economic development in the Town of Ashland were brought to the attention of members on the Economic Development Authority (EDA) during a presentation at Thursday’s regular meeting. Town Manager Joshua Farrar and Joe Topham, CeCD (Certified Economic Developer), who works in the town’s economic development department, addressed development goals for the town’s economy that Ashland Town Council set forth. Topham, the department’s business retention and expansion manager, is among the few local government professionals in the world to become a certified economic developer. He was certified within the last year. Council’s economic development goals included: simplifying the ability for businesses to locate in the “Center of the Universe” and thrive in it, marketing the town as a tourism destination, creating an “oasis of cleanliness and convenience” by carefully developing the commercialized area encompassing the I-95 interchange, and becoming a high-speed internet hotspot in the Richmond metropolitan area and region, as well

as the expansion of quality public transportation for Ashland’s residents and visitors. “What I would like to ask for the EDA’s help with is definitely that, first, one – I know that tourism is fun and internet is fun, but we need your help with the ‘meat-and-bones’ here – the real important stuff of making it easy for businesses to locate and thrive here,” Farrar said. The presentation, shown through PowerPoint slides, went into detail regarding different ways to achieve the objective to which Farrar was referring. A strategy focusing on redevelopment, cost of entry, infrastructure, tax ROI (return on investment) and economic engines were items listed as needing the EDA’s assistance with to make the goal a reality. “In my mind, I think that comes in a number of areas here, where I think this authority can take on some new things – in particularly redevelopment,” Farrar said. Farrar talked about how, with time, the town has gotten “closer and closer” to becoming built out. In recommending redevelopment as a solution, the presentation suggested, “When you are built out, this is the name of the game.” “I want to get your mind around

that I think there’s a really important role this authority can help town council with in that particular field,” he said. He talked about opportunities to develop on “greenfields,” which are invested sites where no previous facilities exist such as the Holland Tract,

Logan Barry for The Hanover Local

Darrell Leftwich, chairman of the Economic Development Authority for the Town of Ashland, responds to a presentation focused on redevelopment in the town’s commercialized area surrounding the Interstate 95 interchange during Thursday’s meeting.

and about how Ashland has a lot of old businesses that need to either be redeveloped or replaced with something better.

Giving an example for a way the town has tried to level its playing field by making up for its disadvantages, he referred especially to: “[the] hotel incentive, that one was easy for us – you tear down something that’s bringing in $1,000 [a month], and [replace it with] something that’s going to put in $50,000 a month – that’s tax ROI.” Their presentation also showed that 70 percent of the town government’s budget is made from local revenues. Of those revenues, only 19 percent stem from property taxes, while 77% come from “other” local taxes. So where does the money come from? Roughly 85% of Ashland’s local revenues are made up of business activities. These pay and generate tax revenue for the town since they are located within corporate limits, which represents an incorporated municipality that forms a separate jurisdiction within Hanover County. Money filling in the remaining local revenues are from town citizens, with Ashlanders generating only 15 percent. The presentation did point out understanding the caveat in which citizens do pay these “various taxes at the businesses where they are generated.” Farrar explained how the evalu-

ated data in their presentation went beyond metrics per acreage, but was broken down into looking at revenue generated per business. The presentation’s consensus was that, of the various areas in town with business clusters, the highest return on revenue per acre lies in the area surrounding the shopping center on England Street. Farrar told members to consider the different zones in which staff analyzed contained different acreage sizes. He reported how the “per business” analysis found that companies such as Cracker Barrel, Applebee’s and the Holiday Inn “absolutely destroys any other area in town.” Local tax revenue collected from the restaurants Farrar mentioned were in combination with local revenue made from the nearby truck stop, hotels and gas stations. With the area of focus on economic development conveniently situated next to the busiest interstate in America, it begs curiosity for whether the majority of local revenues generated by those businesses from taxes in which customers pay are actually local, or if most of it is coming from interstate passersby. “I hope a little light bulb goes off in your head – of where the money is really coming from,” Farrar hinted.

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