COMMUNITY
SPEAKER SERIES
Hanover Cares honored for community leadership.
New book to be discussed at Hanover Tavern event.
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Vol. 3 No. 29 | Richmond Suburban News | February 21, 2018
Demands up, but no tax hike in ’19 By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local HANOVER -- Despite increasing expenditures and demand for services, Hanover County’s proposed 2019 budget does not include a tax increase for its citizens. The current real estate tax rate is 81 cents per $100 of assessed value remains in effect. County administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. told supervisors that a decreased state share, increased educational demands for dollars in addition to smaller contributions from the Commonwealth for the Community Services Board and Social Services have forced the county to provide more funding for those agencies. Harris said general property taxes, specifically real
estate tax revenue, enabled the county to propose a budget that addresses those increases without making changes to the county’s current real estate tax. Those revenues increased by $7 million or 4.5 percent from
Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local
Rhu Harris presented the county’s budget proposal last week to the supervisors.
the previous year. Hanover homeowners are experiencing increased rising prices for home sales, a trend that appears to be happening statewide. The 2019 proposed budget is $463.1 million, which represents an increase from last year’s budget of $22.5 million or 5.1 percent. By far, the largest chunk, about 41 percent, of the proposed budget is slated for education, and the county is providing $6.5 million more than last year to meet those needs, $3.9 million reserved for salary increases and rising health insurance costs. Public Safety also comprises a major part of the county’s budget, and the FY2019 proposal funds six new employees for the Sheriff ’s Office, includ-
ing five patrol officers and one Court Services position. In addition, Harris’ budget provides five new firefighter positions that will enable fulltime staffing at the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department. The FY2019 proposal increases public safety funding by $1.9 million. The budget also allots almost $2 million in increases for Human Services, a large portion of that money slated for compliance with the Children’s Services Act and providing off-site specialty education for identified students. Harris said the backbone of the county’s ability to fund and provide services are the people behind those efforts, the employees of Hanover County. Although the state has prosee DEMANDS, pg. 5
Comp Plan OK’d despite no bike/walk trails By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local HANOVER -- Following a lengthy public hearing last week, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors approved the 2017 to 2037 Hanover County Comprehensive Plan by a 5-2 vote. Faye Prichard, Ashland District, and Angela Kelly-Wiecek, Chickahominy District, voted against the measure due to the elimination of a section that addressed healthy living and expanded bike and walk trails in new developments.
Two other amendments, one reducing density and the other removing an expansion to the Suburban Service Area (SSA), also were approved prior to the board’s adoption of the Planning Commission’s draft document. South Anna District supervisor Wayne Hazzard began last Wednesday’s public hearing on the draft Comprehensive Plan update by stating he would move to remove one controversial change from the proposed document. An amendment to expand the Suburban Service Area to include the
Hylas area of western Hanover, an area that borders Henrico and Goochland counties, was approved unanimously after supervisors received a clear message from residents who opposed the measure. Hazzard’s announcement did not deter a number of Rockville area residents from expressing their displeasure at the thought of their rural area being designated for commercial use. We moved here to get away from development, we chose Rockville because it’s a little slice of heaven …” see COMP, pg. 12
Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local
Dr. Michael Gill, standing, superintendent of Hanover County Public Schools, recognized Hanover County School Board members, from left Roger Bourassa, Sue Dibble and Robert Hundley with certificates in conjunction with National School Boards Month.
School budget of $202.9 million gets unanimous approval By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local ASHLAND -- Members of the Hanover County School Board unanimously approved Superintendent Michael Gill’s proposed FY2019 budget totaling $202.9 million at a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13. There was no discussion as John Axselle, Beaverdam District, moved for approval. The vote closes a threemonth process that began in
earnest in December, but, in reality, is a year-long process. Gill presented that budget to the Hanover County Board of Supervisors the following day and outlined the highlights that include a 2 percent raise for employees, the continuation of a fiveyear technology plan aimed at improving opportunities for Hanover’s students and teachers, and the addition of a number of new positions, many of them specializing in see BUDGET pg. 12
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Hanover Cares honored for community leadership Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – Hanover Cares has received the 2017 Director’s Community Leadership Award from the FBI Richmond Division. The announcement recently was made by Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Lee. Octavia Marsh, executive director, said, “Hanover Cares is a coalition that improves community awareness of substance abuse issues through the development of engagement opportunities for youth and parents.� “Through the creation of programs, sponsoring and
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Octavia Marsh, third from left, executive director of Hanover Cares, is shown accepting the 2017 Director’s Community Leadership Award from the FBI Richmond Division. The presentation was made by, from left, ASAC John Lenkart, SAC Adam Lee and ASAC Tom Chadwick.
a Power of Parents program included in new driver’s licensing ceremony packets. The organization has hosted several screenings of the FBI/DEA film, “Chasing the Dragon,� and numerous Drug Take Back Days. As recent as October, Hanover Cares partnered with Henrico and Chesterfield counties to host “Revive RVA: Regional Solutions to the Opioid Crisis� wherein the goal was to examine and identify solutions to the increasing issues of heroin and opioid abuse in central Virginia. “From a law enforcement perspective in today’s society, where alcohol and drug abuse
are so prevalent, it’s invaluable to have an organization such as Hanover Cares available to educate and provide resources to parents and youth,� Lee said. “The programs that Hanover Cares initiated and the cooperation they have demonstrated with law enforcement and other prevention-minded organizations has made them as asset to the community and very deserving of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. Congratulations!� For more information on Hanover Cares, call 804-5646119, visit Info@HanoverCares.org. The office is located at 12300 Washington Hwy. in Ashland.
Kukla to discuss book about Patrick Henry
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attending events, posts on social media, and the establishment of youth advocacy groups, Hanover Cares works to target and reduce substance abuse in the Hanover County and central Virginia area,� she added. Among the activities that Hanover Cares supports are: Hidden in Plain Sight – educates parents on possible signs of drug and alcohol use; Just Say Something, I’m Listening – provides parents with tools to make the conversation of drug and alcohol use a little easier; Sticker Shock – youth from the program place STOP or WAIT stickers on alcohol cases at grocery stores to remind buyers it’s illegal to purchase alcohol for anyone under the age of 21; and Compliance Checks – supports the compliance checks performed by the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office and the Town of Ashland Police Department to ensure local businesses are checking identifications and not selling to underage consumers. Hanover Cares also sponsors high school students attending a week-long Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project each summer, and partner with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to have
HANOVER – Jon Kukla will discuss his new book, “Patrick Henry: Champion of Liberty,� from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Hanover Tavern at 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd. in Hanover. His appearance is part of the Speaker Series, which includes dinner. The biography of Patrick Henry, described as “the underappreciated founding father best known for saying, ‘Give me liberty, or give me death!’ � —
restores him and his fellow Virginians to their seminal place in the story of American independence. Kukla has thoroughly researched Henry’s life, even living on one of Henry’s estates. He brings both newly discovered documents and new insights to the story of the patriot who played a central role in the movement to independence, the Revolution, the Constitutional era, and the early Republic. For more information, call 804-537-5050.
APD seeks to identify vandalism suspects Staff Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND – A report of several gunshots being heard prompted officers with the Ashland Police Department to respond Wednesday evening, Feb. 7, to the area of Duncan Street and West Francis Street in the town According to Officer Chip Watts, who handles public information and community policing for the department, officers determined that three to four shots had
been fired from a handgun in that area. He said officers and investigators located evidence, including damage to a vehicle parked along the street and other property damage. “Fortunately, no one was struck and it does not appear that any residential structures were impacted.” Watts said. “At this point, it appears that the shots were fired from a vehicle traveling southbound on Duncan Street,” he said. “The suspect vehicle may have a loud or mal-
functioning exhaust. There have been no other reports of such activity in the neighborhood.” “Although no one was injured in this incident, we are very concerned about this serious act of vandalism,” Watts added. Officers responded to the scene at 6:47 p.m. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 804-798-1227 or Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000. Callers can remain anonymous.
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SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue
Driver did not report an accident with damages, $500, in the 14300 block of West Patrick Henry Road/ Tower Road, Montpelier. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 11700 block of Lakeridge Parkway/ Lewistown Road, Ashland. Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8200 block of Richfood Road, Mechanicsville. Grand larceny, $200 or more not from a person, was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 10100 block of Lakeridge Parkway/Kings Acres Road, Ashland. Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 7000 block of Walgrove Court, Mechanicsville. Grand larceny from auto was reported in the 10300 block of Sadisco Drive, Ashland. Obtaining money, etc., by false pretense, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 9400 block of Williamsville Road, Mechanicsville.
Petit larceny, $200 not from a person, was reported in the 9000 block of Pine Hill Road, Mechanicsville.
Simple assault was reported in the 13200 block of Winston Road, Ashland.
Feb. 1
of Napier Drive, Doswell.
Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville. Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Cold Harbor Road/Fast Lane, Mechanicsville. Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 10200 block of Tarleton Drive, Mechanicsville. Firearms, regardless of value, not from a person, was reported in the 7200 block of Harbor Hill Drive, Mechanicsville. Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.
Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville.
Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 17100 block
Driving after forfeiture of licensed, third time in 10 years, was reported in the 3700 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 10100 block of Peridot Court, Mechanicsville.
Grand larceny building was reported in the 10000 block of Learning Lane, Mechanicsville.
Petit larceny building was reported in the 13400 block of Liberty School Road, Ashland.
Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 300 block of South Washington Highway, Ashland.
Brandishing a firearm was reported in the 6900 block of Whiskey Hill Lane/Angela Nicole Lane, Mechanicsville.
Simple assault was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville. Possessing forged coin or bank notes, 10, was reported in the 7300 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.
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Entering property with the intent to damage was reported in the 7000 block of Gittings Court, Mechanicsville.
Receiving stolen goods was reported in the 9300 block of North Rinker Drive, Mechanicsville.
The Hanover Local February 21, 2018
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OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals LAUREN BRADLEY Lauren Michelle Bradley, 29, of Ashland, passed away on February 10, 2018. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Alvin John Bradley; and great-grandmother, Clara Juergens. Lauren enjoyed writing, playing sports, and was active in her school's band. She is survived by her parents, David and Linda Bradley; brother, Matthew Bradley; and a large extended family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children's Hospital of Richmond in Lauren's memory.
HENRY HARVEY Henry Gene Harvey, 77, passed away on February 17, 2018. He was born September 14, 1940 in Buzzard Run, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Newman Alton Harvey and Eula Jane Harvey. He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Dorma
C. Harvey; his son, Rodney G. Harvey (Pam); his daughter, Rhonda H. Uzzle (John); three beloved grandchildren. Adam Uzzle, Dylan Harvey and Sarah Harvey. Henry was one of 15 brothers and sisters HARVEY and had a host of nieces and nephews. He was a longtime member and deacon of Salem Primitive Baptist church. He retired from a long career at Safeway and then was proud to love and care for his grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, and he once played basketball against Hall of Famer Jerry West. He stayed loyal to the Washington Redskins, and also loved the Atlanta Braves. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at Monaghan Funeral Home at 7300 Creighton Parkway in Mechanicsville. Interment followed at Hanover Memorial Park. In lieu of flow-
ers, please send donations to the American Diabetes Association.
ARLENE MILLS Arlene Sprouse Mills, 76, of Montpelier, passed on February 12, 2018. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Donald “Donnie;” two sons, Johnny (Mandy) and Shannon; grandchildren, Cory, Kaleb, Dylan and Reagan; sister, Phyllis Taylor (Pete); brother, George Sprouse (Bonnie); many nieces, nephews and cousins. A Celebration of Life was MILLS held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Hanover Rescue Squad. Bliley’s-Staples Mill at 8510 Staples Mill Road was in charge of arrangements.
ROSA BELLE QUASH Rosa Belle Courtney Quash, 97, of the Dawn community in Caroline County, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 5, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and two brothers. She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Remains rest with Owens Funeral Services (Ashland), where QUASH there will be a viewing Friday, 4 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Second Mount Zion Baptist Church, 31220 Old Dawn Road, Hanover, Va. 23069. Pastor Marvin Fields officiating. Interment will be held in the church cemetery. Full obituary and online condolences at www.owensfuneralservices.com.
Hanover County School Board survey seeks input on school’s names ASHLAND -- The Hanover County School Board is col-
lecting community feedback in response to recent public
interest and discussion surrounding the names and mas-
cots of Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle
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The Hanover Local February 21, 2018
School. Chris R. Whitley, public information officer for Hanover County Public Schools, said Hanover County residents, organizations, and other community stakeholders may provide feedback online by visiting https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/CGMNYXQ. All community feedback must be received by Friday, Feb. 23. Printed copies of input forms also may be obtained at the following locations during normal business hours: Hanover County School Board Office, 200 Berkley St., Ashland. Ashland Branch Library,
201 S. Railroad Ave., Ashland. Atlee Branch Library, 9161 Atlee Rd., Mechanicsville. Hanover Branch Library, 7527 Library Drive, Hanover. Mechanicsville Branch Library, 7461 Sherwood Crossing Place, Mechanicsville. Montpelier Branch Library, 17205 Sycamore Tavern Lane, Montpelier. Rockville Branch Library, 16600 Pouncey Tract Road, Rockville. “Once all input has been received and considered by the school board, the board will determine and publicly announce what, if any, next steps may be needed,” Whitley said.
Sarah Suttles
Advertising Representative 775-4620 ssuttles@mechlocal.com
PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING
DEMANDS Continued from pg. 1
vided only two raises in the past five years, the county has funded yearly increases for county employees, including school personnel. This year’s proposal continues that trend with a recommended 2 percent merit increase for employees. In addition to the $1.5 million provided for salary increases, the employers share for health insurance also increased by $500,000. Harris also presented his Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the upcoming year, highlighted by funding for the new Atlee Library, the continuation of the school system’s five-year technology plan and a proposed new park site in the Cold Harbor District Following Harris’s proposed budget, supervisors heard from three departments that comprise a major portion of that document. Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, presented a timeline of success
for his office and the employees who man it, citing numerous national awards and recognition, a record low crime rate and a network of community partnerships that all combine to form a safe environment for county residents. While Hanover’s crime rate regarding major indexed offenses decreased and solve rates increased, Hines said other offenses like vandalism, public drunkenness and similar crimes are on the rise. Hines also noted that Hanover County is not immune to a national opioid abuse problem and his deputies continue to see an increase in drug-related calls. Budget requests for five additional deputies and one court services officer are funded in Harris’ budget, but Hines said the salary issue continues to affect his department. Starting pay for Hanover patrol officers now ranks third in the metro region, and Hines said the low pay is beginning to affect recruitment and
retention. For the first time in Hines’ memory, the department has lost employees to neighboring jurisdictions or state agencies. Referring to this year’s budget proposal, Hines said, “The needs of today and tomorrow must be considered — such as salaries and employee compensation which are not reflected in this budget.” Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland told supervisors that the five new positions outlined in the proposed budget would allow full-time staffing at the Black Creek station. Coupled with the eight additional positions funded by a FEMA grant last year, Piland said the additions are having a residual affect countywide in improving response times and providing better coverage. Piland said the department’s needs continue to increase, a wish list that includes new backpacks, additional extraction equipment and computers for all units. Dr. Michael Gill, superin-
tendent of Hanover County Public Schools, presented his 2019 budget request a day after the school board had unanimously approved its adoption. He told the supervisors that slightly decreased enrollment numbers don’t equate to a reduction of needs for Hanover students. He said the system continues to focus on relevance, equity and innovation and spends a bigger chunk of its budget on instruction that any other Division I school in the state. As for state funding challenges, Gill said, “We recognize that localities are increasingly being required to fund a larger percentage of public education, and I am thankful that our county administrator and board of supervisors continue to make public education a top priority.” He also credited a smooth budget process to an ongoing relationship with county officials that allow more precise planning in the months preceding the budget presentation. “The county administra-
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Col. David R. Hines, top left, sheriff; Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland, top right; and Dr. Michael, superintendent, at right, presented their budget proposals at last week’s meeting.
tor and I share a mutual trust and respect. He trusts that the requests I submit on behalf of the school board and school division represent real needs that will help maintain or enhance the excellent level of service to which we are accustomed. Similarly, I know that he and his staff work hard each year to accommodate as many of our funding requests as pos-
sible,” Gill said. Departmental budget presentations continue this week, a process that will continue as the board considers this year’s proposal.
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OPINION
CALENDAR
| The Local Views
| Listings Wednesday, Feb. 21
From the managing editor
A reminder certainly worth repeating By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
S
ome friends recently lost their father in what may be an eye-opener for some, especially those who take for granted the need to tell people how you feel about them -- as in you love them. Their relationship had been strained for many years after their parents divorced. He would periodically make contact with one of the sisters (there are five), but consistency did not exist. Having lost my father suddenly in 1992, I knew all too well that they needed to forgive him even if you can’t forget circumstances that were painful. I was blessed to have a good father and he and
my mother had a loving relationship for just over 40 years. Despite my friends’ devotion to their mother (and it was understandable), they needed to make peace with their dad. I made contact with the sisters the morning I learned of his passing. I was so relieved to learn that the weekend before his death he insisted on talking to his daughters. Before he left this life, he did talk to each of them and told them he loved them. My heart filled with comfort when I learned he made that gesture. It just so happens that every time I talk to any of the sisters I always tell them that I love them. I have been part of that family for about 40 years. Their mom is my second mother.
I’ve said this before and it’s a given I will say it again: Tell people you love them. We have no guarantees for tomorrow, so take the time to tell those who matter to you that you love them. With family and friends, I tell them that every time we have any communication. When I leave this life, I want those that I care about to know what they meant to me. That’s why I tell them now. My friends’ father was laid to rest last week and I thank God that he told his daughters how he felt about them. There’s no doubt in my mind that his journey was peaceful. “I love you” -- three of the most powerful words we can use, so say them often because it matters.
Son’s steps show determination, bring a smile By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local It’s been months since I’ve had a real smile on my face. Since I received news that my son Jack had broken his leg two days before Christmas, I’ve been consumed with concern and anticipation of an impending dose of reality. A broken leg for any kid is a serious event, and parents realize quickly that an immobile child is a whole new ball game when it comes to care. For a child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,
the results of a serious break are even more ominous. It’s part of a sad regression that robs its sufferers from their final steps, and a series of breaks usually preludes their transition to a wheelchair and marks an end to the little independence they enjoyed with their limited steps. For the past 12 months, I’ve tried to prepare Jack for the inevitable. The recent breaks, although normal in the process for MD sufferers, accelerated Jack’s quickly deteriorating condition. During his healing process, the prospects of Jack’s future mobility represented a scary elephant
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The Hanover Local February 21, 2018
in the room and whether or not Jack would regain any mobility after weeks of immobility and six weeks in a cast was an unknown. After two surgeries, it was a happy day when the cast finally came off, but the joy was quickly tempered with the sad reality of what might be regained. Throughout the past weeks, I’ve found myself recalling what must seem like everyday moments to most parents. I see the image of a father walking his child see STEPS pg. 7
The Richmond Area Vegetable Production Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center at 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. in Richmond. Topics include: The Food Safety Moderation Act Production Safety Rule, Fertility & Fertigation, Diseases and Insect Control, and Managing Beneficial Insects. Those attending are encouraged to bring their market scales for a free certification from VDAS. They also will receive recertification credits for 91 private pesticide certification. Pre-registration is due by Friday, Feb. 16, by calling 804-7524307 or emailing lmaxey-nay@vt.edu.
Ongoing Families Anonymous Support Group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at the Episcopal Church of the Creator at 7159 Mechanicsville Turnpike in Mechanicsville. The group is a self-help fellowship for the friends and family members of addicts who are in need of understanding and healing themselves. For details, call Sandy at 804-730-4812 or email sandy. leigh@verizon.net. Overcomers Outreach and Women’s Codependency, a Christ-centered anonymous support program offering hope and healing for recovering alcoholics, addicts and their families meet every Monday at 7 p.m., at the Mechanicsville Christian Center at 8061 Shady Grove Road in Mechanicsville. For more information, call 804-366-9645 or email kjfaith1@gmail.com.
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.
Tuesdays The Hanover Concert Band rehearses from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday, mid-January through midDecember, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 S. Railroad Ave. in Ashland, just south of U.S. 54. Membership is open to anyone who can read music and play a non-string instrument. High school students are welcome with parents’ permission. For see CALENDAR pg. 7
CALENDAR Continued from pg. 6
more information, visit www. hanoverconcertband.org or call 804-789-0536. General cancer support group meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Cancer Resource Center in Medical Office Building 1 on the hallway leading to VCU Massey Radiation Oncology. The group is cofacilitated by an oncology social work navigator, regis-
STEPS Continued from pg. 6
down a long hall to a classroom on the first day of school, or the struggled strides of a determined young boy around a baseball diamond laid out in the front yard. The steps were never easy, probably much harder than any of us realized at the time, but Jack didn’t complain and simply tried harder. All of those steps seem immensely important to me now, memories of better days when steps weren’t counted in single digits. It’s a long walk from my condo to my parking space, a straight and narrow sidewalk along a ridge — a walk I took hand-in-hand with Jack on too many occasions to count, or maybe not.
tered nurse navigator and survivorship nurse practitioner.
Wednesdays At 3 p.m., the Gathering Place, formerly Ashland Coffee and Tea, hosts the “AHA Moment,� which is sponsored by At Home in Ashland (AHA). At Home in Ashland is a taxexempt nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting seniors wishing to remain in their homes as they age. The informal get-togethers are open I also recall the last time we took that walk, a real struggle for Jack that required several stops and a tenacious effort by my son to complete. He’s shown the same determination, that familiar tenacity, that drive and will and that same sense of dignity as he embarks on weeks of physical therapy. Years of dealing with a deadly disease have forced Jack to approach life with a sense of realism that I suppose is a mechanism of necessity. But, early on in this process, Jack informed his doctors, physical therapists and his family that he would walk again. We all met his announcement with a healthy sense of hope and a realistic pinch of realism. Last week, Jack took 10 steps during his physical ther-
to any interested Ashland area senior and provide an opportunity to make personal connections and discuss topics of mutual interest. No registration is needed. For seniors who are still employed, AHA also has arranged for evening gatherings at 6 p.m. every fourth Tuesday at Trackside Grill. This event does require advance registration before noon on the fourth Monday.The contact person is Carol Dedischew: 804-2993171 or cdedischew@aol.com. apy visit. Now, I know that isn’t monumental, but it rates quite high on my list of hopes and dreams. We’re counting steps again and the number is going in the right direction. I’ll make sure each one is treated with the special recognition the effort behind it deserves. More importantly, Jack arrived home after his session and couldn’t wait to tell me of his accomplishment. “Dad, I took 10 steps at physical therapy today,� he said followed by a long silence when he just looked up at me and smiled. It was a smile I hadn’t seen on his face for months, a sure sign that Jack isn’t ready to surrender or hide from a relentless pursuer. He’ll be fighting for every step. And that brought a huge smile to my face.
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The Hanover Local February 21, 2018
7
UPCOMING EVENTS
02
22 2018
Women’s basketball: Bridgewater vs. R-MC at Salem Civic Center 6:00 p.m.
02
24 2018
Class 4 indoor track championships at Roanoke College 10:00 a.m.
| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional
Monacan makes most of VHSL swim debut By Monica Hunsaker For the Hanover Local RICHMOND – Monacan’s first appearance at the Virginia High School League state swimming championship was memorable. The Chiefs’ head coach, Brian Singleton, was all smiles as the night closed, estatic as his boys took home the secondplace trophy in the Class 4 swim championships at SwimRVA Saturday night. Jefferson Forest barely edged the Chiefs to take top spot in the boys standings, with 233 points, to Monacan’s 224. Kettle Run came in third with 162.5 points, followed by Lafayette (154) and Salem (147). Hanover’s boys finished eighth with 101.5 points. Monacan senior Brennen Doss won both the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyles, setting Class 4 records in both: 1:39.26 in the 200 and 4:31.10 in the 500. The latter was an All-American mark. He, along with, teammates Garrison Johnson, Ryan Polino and Tim Higgins secured the win in the 200 freestyle relay. “This was our first year at VHSL, so we brought all our game – the boys and girls,” Singleton said. “We only had six boys at finals tonight, only four in individual events. And our relays swam really well tonight, so we’re feeling great.” In another close team race,
8
Nick Liberante for The Local
Hanover’s Jack Hunter swims the boys 500-yard freestyle at the VHSL Class 4 championships at SwimRVA Saturday.
Jamestown’s girls slipped past King George by five points, 226-221. Blacksburg was a step behind King George with 220.5, followed by Monacan (215) and Riverside (205). Monacan’s girls 200 freestyle relay team of Christa Jones,
The Hanover Local February 21, 2018
Kayla Hobson, Abigail Bunting and Allison Pickels finished second to King George. William Byrd senior Khalil Fonder edged Monacan’s Michael Heinrich (second) and Hanover’s Patrick Townsend (third) in a record-setting per-
formance of 47.92 in the 100 butterfly – a Class 4 record and an All-American mark. Fonder also set a new Class 4 mark in the 100 backstroke in 47.91, an All-American performance. In the 200 freestyle relay, Townsend helped team-
mates Marshall Brooks, Jack Hufner and Luke Daley overtake Jefferson Forest, grabbing fourth place (1:29.64). The Hawk boys eighthplace finish was a drop from the runner-up position they’ve enjoyed the past couple years.
But with several formerly club swim teams freshly in the mix, it’s simply a bigger pond. Coach George Massey knows they’ll have to work harder than ever to stay competitive in coming seasons, and he remains confident in his team. “We had 19 kids competing last year, as opposed to our nine this year, and that makes a difference. But those nine swam well, so the effort was there,” Massey said. Hawks junior Claire Grant’s performance represented the Hanover girls well. Her 2:17.39 finish in the 200 individual medley was the best by a Hawk since 2009. Patrick Henry’s boys scored only one point – on Aidan Fraser’s 16th-place finish in the 100 breaststroke – but everyone had significant time drops on the day. Fraser’s 1:03.50 finish in the 100 breaststroke was 4.91 seconds faster than his best finish prior to the state tournament. The Patriots’ boys 200 freestyle relay team of Paul Datovech, Benjamin Schubert, Mark Dinger and Ethan Spencer beat their best time by 0.38 seconds. Spencer beat his best time in the 100 breaststroke by .51 seconds. Many other records fell in the event. On the boys side, Jefferson Forest’s 200 medsee DEBUT, pg. 9
Tide change sweeps Yellow Jackets to victory By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – When the tide turned in Randolph-Macon’s women’s basketball game against visiting Lynchburg Tuesday night, it turned with extreme prejudice. Against Lynchburg. For three quarters, the Yellow Jackets and Hornets had been locked in a closely fought contest: Lynchburg led at the end of the first and third quarters, and the score was tied at halftime. But RandolphMacon’s women caught fire in the fourth quarter, scoring 22 points while holding the Hornets to just seven to claim a 61-49 Old Dominion Athletic Conference victory. “Sometimes we just forget that we’re a good team and that we need to start with that belief,” said Randolph-Macon head coach Carroll LaHaye. “I feel like I’m their biggest cheerleader, and tell them that in the timeouts, like ‘Have confidence. Believe in yourselves. You are
DEBUT Continued from pg. 8
ley relay team of Matthew Davidson, Sutton Schonfelder, Connor Sauls and Brian Grimmett opened the meet with a new Class 4 mark of 1:36.50. Loudon Valley’s Sean Conway turned in a pair of Class 4 record-breaking and All-American performances: 1:47.22 in the 200 individual medley and 44.81 in the 100 freestyle. On the girls side, Jamestown’s Abby Larson broke a pair of Class 4 records. Larson set a new mark in the 50 freestyle in 23.20 and in the 100 freestyle in 50.47 – both All
Dave Lawrence/ The Local
RandolphMacon forward Charlotte Woods (15) plows through a Lynchburg crowd for a shot in the Yellow Jackets’ 61-49 victory over the visiting Hornets Tuesday.
good. You can do it. You can stop them – and we have to play defense.’ I think that finally it just kicks in.” All five Randolph-Macon starters scored in the pivotal fourth quarter. The most impressive stat was in the rebound column, however. In the final 10 minutes forward Kelly Williams grabbed nearly
as many boards as she had the first 30 minutes – nine for a total of 20 rebounds. Her 20 points in the game made it her 22nd double-double of the season. Fellow forward Charlotte Woods finished with 14 points. Yellow Jacket sole senior, guard Teal Reynolds in her last regular season home game in
Crenshaw Gymnasium, helped get the Yellow Jackets’ late rally started with a pair of key baskets during a third-quarter stretch in which few of her teammates seemed able to find the basket. She said she was just playing her game. “That’s what the focus was – play the game, then everybody will rise up, too,” Reynolds
American performances. There were two other AllAmerican and record-breaking performances in the girls championships. Lafayette’s Colby Hurt set a new Class 4 mark in the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:02.08 and Riverside’s Allison Kopac set a new Class 4 record in the 500 freestyle 4:48.11 Lafayette’s Grace Olsen set a new Class 4 records in the 100 breaststroke in 1:04.64 and Blacksburg’s Lindsay Miller broke the Class 4 record in 1-meter diving with a score of 360.95. Mechanicsville Local sports editor Dave Lawrence contributed to this report. Monica Hunsaker can be reached at sports@mechlocal.
com.
(PVHS) 57.88: 400 freestyle relay: 1. Jefferson Forest (Davidson, Sauls, Murray, Grimmett) 3:12.48. Girls Top Ten Teams: 1. Jamestown 226; 2. King George 221; 3. Blacksburg 220.5; 4. Monacan 215; 5. Riverside 205; 6. Woodgrove 199; 7. Lafayette 173; 8. Dominion 100; 9. Salem 86; 10. E.C. Glass 75. 200-yard medley relay: 1. Lafayette (Olsen, Hurt, Long, Schisa) 1:47.62: 200 Freestyle: 1. Nguyen (RVHS) 1:50.46: 200 individual medley: 1. Hurt (LHS) 2:02.08: 50 freestyle: 1. Larson (JHS) 23.20; 1-meter diving: Lindsay Miller (Blacksburg) 360.95: 100-yard butterfly: 1. Schlemmer (DHS) 55.17: 100 freestyle: 1. Larson (JHS) 50.47: 500 freestyle: 1. Kopac (RVHS) 4:48.11: 200 freestyle relay: 1. King George (Bentz, Wheater, Morrow, Sizemore) 1:36.74: 100 backstroke: 1. Bentz (KGHS) 56.57: 100 breastroke: 1. Olsen (LHS) 1:04.64: 400 freestyle relay: 1. Riverside (Nguyen, Bae, Ye, Kopac) 3:32.71.
VHSL Class 4 Championships (At SwimRVA) Boys Top Ten Teams: 1. Jefferson Forest 233; 2. Monacan 224; 3. Kettle Run 162.5; 4. Lafayette 154; 5. Salem 147; 6. Loudoun County 119; 7. Courtland 114; 8. Hanover 101.5; 9. King George 92; 10. Riverside 87; 10. Liberty Christian Academy 87. 200-yard medley relay: 1. Jefferson Forest High School (Davidson, Schonfelder, Sauls, Grimmett)1:36.50: 200 Freestyle: 1. Doss (MON) 1:39.26: 200 individual medley: 1. Conway (LV) 1:47.22: 50 freestyle: 1. Ashton (COHS) 21.17; 1-meter diving: Michael Menton (Louisa) 267.40; 100-yard butterfly: 1. Fonder (WBHS) 47.92; 100 freestyle: 1. Conway (LV) 44.81: 500 freestyle: 1. Doss (MON) 4:28.55: 200 freestyle relay: 1. Monacan (Johnson, Polino Higgins, Doss)1:28.23: 100 backstroke: 1. Fonder (WBHS) 49.24: 100 breastroke: 1. Stevens
said. “It wasn’t about me, even though it was senior night. It was about us. It was a team win, all-around. Sure, I had stepped up at that point. But we had Kelly stand up at one point. We had Jayla [Wade] step up at the end of the fourth. We had Kelsey [Wisner] step up at a different point. It’s a team game.” One thing they had to work on as a team: turnovers. Both teams finished with 20 turnovers. But the Yellow Jackets had only one the final quarter. “It’s just the mentality that if you mess up one play, you just have to move on to the next one,” Williams said. “You can’t be stuck on the play that you messed up. You need to think about the plays that you’re not going to mess up in the future.” Randolph-Macon closed out its regular season by defeating Roanoke 68-62 Saturday. By sweeping Lynchburg in the regular season, the Yellow Jackets clinched the No. 2 seed
in the ODAC tournament and, as a result, earned a first-round bye. They will face seventh seed Bridgewater, an 86-68 winner over Roanoke Monday, in an ODAC quarterfinal at Salem Civic Center Thursday at 6 p.m. R-MC men earn tourney top seed The Randolph-Macon men may have dropped their final regular season game – an 84-76 loss at Washington and Lee Saturday – but they ended the season atop the ODAC standings and earned the top seed in the conference tournament. A red-hot Roanoke, which has won its last nine games, is seeded No. 2. The Yellow Jackets will face the winner of the Eastern Mennonite at Bridgewater firstround game in a tournament quarterfinal Friday at 1 p.m. Dave Lawrence can be reached at dlawrence@mechlocal.com.
R-MC starts 2-0
Nick Liberante for The Local
Randolph-Macon shortstop Jeff Butler digs for third base after Cole Migliorini hits a two-out single in the first inning of the Yellow Jackets’ 3-1 victory over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at The Diamond Sunday. RandolphMacon won the nightcap of the doubleheader 5-3.
The Hanover Local February 21, 2018
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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, February 28, 2018, 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-2-15(c), AM. 1-17, NORTH LAKE II, L.L.C. Request(s) an amendment to the proffers and conceptual plan approved with rezoning request C-2-15(c), Baldwin Family Partnership, et al., zoned A-1, Agricultural District, and M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, on GPINs 7789-52-5415 and 7789-42-6349 (part), consisting of approximately 25.83 acres, and located generally at the terminus of Harley Club Drive (State Route 2029) in the ASHLAND MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT. The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Destination Commerce and Limited Industrial. The proposed zoning amendment would permit recreational vehicle sales. (PUBLIC HEARING) C-20-17(c), DONNETTA WHITFIELD, ET AL. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7872-65-1573, consisting of approximately 14.7 acres, and located on the south line of Lucas Road (State Route 690) approximately 0.5 mile west of its intersection with Breedens Road (State Route 694) 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 three (3) building lots for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 4.9 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) C-22-17(c), WINSTON ROAD REALTY, L.L.C. Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions on GPIN 7850-68-7493, consisting of approximately 17.62 acres, and located on the north line of Winston Road (State Route 696) approximately 350 feet east of its intersection with Winston Estates Lane (private road) in the SOUTH ANNA 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 one (1) building lot for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 8.81 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) C-23-17(c), SANDRA S. AND DWIGHT C. WAGGY Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPIN 8727-28-6698, consisting of approximately 10.39 acres, and located on the north line of Blackbear Trail (private road) approximately 1200 feet east of its intersection with Pollard Creek Road (State Route 742) 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 one (1) additional building lot for a family member for a gross density of one (1) dwelling unit per 5.2 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) SPECIAL EXCEPTION
699361-01
SE-2-18, NORTH LAKE II, L.L.C. AND NORTHLAKE LAND INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. Request(s) a Special Exception Permit in accordance with Sections 26-199 and 26-206 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit outside storage and loading spaces in the front yard within the Ashland Area Overlay and the U.S. Route 1 Corridor Overlay, GPINS 7789-42-6349(part), 7789-52-5415 and 7789-51-4882, consisting of approximately 43.63 acres, zoned B-3(c), General Business District with conditions, M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions and A-1, Agricultural District (concurrent proposed M-2(c) zoning C-2-15(c) AM 1-17), and located generally at the terminus of Harley Club Drive (State Route 2029) in the ASHLAND MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT. (PUBLIC HEARING) Copies of the above case may be reviewed in the Planning Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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NOTICE Real Estate Reassessment Hearings Hanover County Board of Equalization Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Equalization will hear taxpayers’ applications for review of their real estate assessments in the Board Room of the County Administration Building located at 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover Courthouse, in accordance with the schedule below. Applications may be obtained from the Assessor’s Office and must be returned to the Assessor’s Office no later than March 15, 2018. Upon receipt of applications, appointments will be set consecutively on the following days as needed. May 3, 2018 May 4, 2018 May 7, 2018 May 8, 2018 May 10, 2018 May 11, 2018
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Any taxpayer may apply to the Board of Equalization, whether or not the taxpayer applied for review to the Assessor’s Office. For applications, call the Assessor’s Office at 365-6029.
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BUDGET Continued from pg. 1
technology or early behavioral programs. Those new positions include two Technology Resource teachers, a tech support position, 2.6 new school counselors, two behavioral interventionists, one ESL (English as a Second Language) slot, one special education teacher and one school bus driver. The budget also provides eight additional slots in a regional specialty school called CodeRVA, bringing the total number of Hanover students to 16 in the program’s second year of operation. In other matters, a trio of speakers expressed support for keeping the names of Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School as they are. Marsha Boyce Rider referred to efforts by former students and others who spoke in recent months regarding their preference for a change
COMP Continued from pg. 1
Some speakers pointed to the willingness of the county to accommodate out of county developers while ignoring the wishes of the residents. One speaker said the amendment was the direct result of a request from two developers. Both of those developers took advantage of the public hearing to express their opinions on the proposed changes. Lawrence Liesfield owns a large tract of land in the amended area and said accusations that he bought the property for development purposes are not accurate. “I did not know about the Comprehensive Plan change until last May,” he said. “I did not orchestrate that. I was notified by Hanover County … I am not a developer who bought that land just for development.” “I was a little blindsided Monday when I got a call from one of the residents that told me there was a problem about the zoning. I knew nothing about it.” That contradicts earlier reports that the Comp Plan change was prompted by requests from developers. Liesfeld said he met with Hazzard to discuss ideas for the area and the possibility of extending utilities to the area, “but nothing concrete.” “The Comprehensive Plan was brought to me by you all. I never bought the property with the idea of it being developed right away,” Liesfeld said. “ He said the property would, however, be developed at some point in the future. “I do plan to do it one day, but I don’t plan to do it next week.” Goochland developer Scott Gaeser also owns property in the area, a 15-acre tract south
12
in the names. “I have also read the members of the opposing group have called Hanover County a disgrace,” Rider said. “My solution to that is move. Why would anyone want to live in a county that they call a disgrace?” she asked. Rider said the current county survey devised to gauge public sentiment regarding the school names would verify that a majority of citizens prefer no change in the names of the schools. “The feedback surveys that you provided to the public will show proof that the majority of Hanover County residents have reacted to ‘Keep the Names the Same.’ ” Rider’s daughter, Morgan, a student at LeeDavis, also spoke during the public comment period of last week’s meeting. “My view on the whole ordeal with the name change is that Hanover County should be focusing on making school conditions better for the students,” she said. “It has been stated that
Hanover County should change the two names because it puts a strain on the learning of the students and that is not true. As an athlete who has played alongside many African Americans and teamed up to make the sports program at Lee-Davis the way it is, they are treated fairly and no different from me based on their skin color,” Rider said. Lewis Fox also spoke and said he wasn’t either for or against the name changes, but noted that many of the inequities bestowed on African Americans were accomplished under the American flag, not the Confederate flag. “In my mind, it’s a diversion,” Fox said, noting that many of the monuments were constructed or schools named long after the Civil War. “The monuments, the school names were done under the Stars and Stripes,” Fox said. “Changing the names or tearing down the monuments does not go to the core of the issue,” he said. “The Constitution guarantees everyone
equal rights. The fact that we failed to do that cannot be blamed on one four-year period of the Civil War.” The survey is available on the system’s website and is open for comment until Friday, Feb. 23.
of Ashland Road, and said he had been involved in this process since the beginning. “Up until a few days ago, I didn’t know there was a problem either,” Gaeser said. “I had discussions with Mr. [David] Maloney (county planning director) a year or two ago and he told me the best idea was to bring this forward in the Comprehensive Plan process.” Gaeser said the benefits to current residents in the form of improved utilities and services from the rezoning should not be discounted. “I just want to make it clear that Mr. Liesfeld and I had not map intent here. We still believe that these two pieces should be included in the SSA, given the opportunity to work with citizenry to determine what the villages look like,” Gaeser concluded. But the threat of urban sprawl and a longstanding fear that Short Pump would eventually engulf surrounding rural communities was a theme echoed by most of the speakers. Many said they moved to the Rockville area to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and the rural lifestyle is not something they are anxious to relinquish. “Most of us decided to move to Hanover because of the rural life,” resident Chuck Kinney said. “We chose western Hanover. We just didn’t end up here.” Stephanie Rubis surveyed her neighbors by going door-to-door and alerting them to the impending changes, and said the response was “conclusive.” “They emphatically told us we love our quiet lifestyle -- enough of commercial sprawl. We want Rockville to stay rural, now and always,” Rubis said. At the conclusion of the public hearing, Hazzard made good on his word and immediately moved to remove an amendment outlining an expansion of the SSA that included the
Hylas area and zoned that area for commercial development. “It’s very obvious to me that this is not something that the citizens want at this time,” Hazzard said. “Mr. Liesfeld and I met after the Planning Commission had approved this and we discussed what would be acceptable in that area. I’m sorry if I misled him. I owe all of you an apology and I’ll try to do better.” The draft plan hit a major snag regarding Section IV of the document that describes guidelines for healthy living and the desire for bike trials and walking paths in future developments in appropriate parts of the county. A number of citizens spoke in favor of the section’s inclusion in the current update, many noting the plan was aspirational and designed to promote healthy lifestyles and improve safety in more densely populated areas of the county. But Mechanicsville supervisor Canova Peterson expressed concern regarding implementation of a plan that lacked specifics or details for future development. Peterson said the healthy living statement should be included in Section I of the document and moved that Section IV be removed from the current draft. He noted that the current Comp Plan addresses sidewalks and asked that the entire portion be returned to the Community Development Committee for further study to identify a path forward and implementation strategies. “If we are to successfully implement biking as an alternative transportation option in our county, we need to have a plan,” Peterson said. “Otherwise, the staff, the Planning Commission or this board have no basis for implementing anything that has been proposed in this section.” Kelly-Wiecek argued against the removal of the section, and pointed to the large number of
citizens who came out to support the measure at the meeting. She noted the board had taken action on the SSA expansion and reduced density in the SSA due to citizen concerns expressed at the public hearing. “If you voted tonight to remove Hylas and decrease density because that’s what citizens want, I urge you and hope you feel compelled to include Section IV,” Kelly-Wiecek said. “This is what our citizens have said that they want.” Another section of the document was amended when Cold Harbor supervisor Scott Wyatt expressed concerns over revised density levels in the SSA. “Every land case we hear, citizens come and we continue to hear about density,” Wyatt said. He moved that density be lowered from 1.5 to 3.5 units per acre to 1.5 to 3.0 units per acre in the SSA general area and from 3.5 to 8 units per acre to 3.5 to 7 units per acre in the Suburban High areas. Maloney pointed out that adjusting that number reduces the number of available sites in the SSA, and could require an expansion in a decade if the densities were lowered. Kelly-Wiecek suggested the board take more time before considering an adjustment, but Wyatt’s motion was approved unanimously. Prichard viewed the impasse as a situation that might best be addressed with a deferral, and joined Kelly-Wiecek in a position where a Comp Plan lacking Section IV was not a document they could approve. Beaverdam supervisor Bucky Stanley moved for approval for the entire amended plan following a brief recess and the 2017-2037 Comprehensive Plan was approved 5-2. The final document did not include an expansion of the SSA or the healthy living section of the proposal, and lowered density in the SSA.
The Hanover Local February 21, 2018
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Lewis Fox spoke during public comment period and expressed his opinions on the name change issue involving Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School.