Ashland-Hanover Local – 03/20/19

COMMUNITY Vendor call for the Ashland Strawberry Faire PAGE

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HISTORY Women’s History Month Celebration includes spotlighting those in Patrick Henry’s household

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Vol. 4 No. 27 | Richmond Suburban News | March 20, 2019

It’s off again for Bear Island

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local DOSWELL — When White Birch Inc. idled operations at its Bear Island facility near Ashland in June 2017, more than 165 Hanoverians lost good paying jobs that are hard to replace.

When the plant was closed, company officials stated that a decrease in demand for its major product, newsprint, was forcing the company to close and seek a new buyer.

At the time of the closure some officials hinted that American newspapers could purchase supplies of newsprint from its other plants in Canada.

Shortly after, Presidet Trump announced tariffs on certain products produced north of the border, including newsprint.

It is unclear if that announcement affected those plans, but, last year, White Birch announced it had sold the facility to Cascades Inc.

Davis seeks re-election to HCBOS Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

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in March, the second of which is scheduled for March 26.

“The further you get into the process the harder it is to change anything,” Farrar said.

Farrar began the budget presentation with some good news regarding personnel. The town is

ECHANICSVILLE – Sean Davis, who represents the Henry District on the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, has announced his re-election bid, saying he is focused on his responsiveness to citizen concerns, his connection to the community, and his longstanding and continued commitDAVIS ment to Hanover.

He said he is a very active supervisor and maintains a very visible public presence.

see BUDGET, pg. 9

see DAVIS, pg. 2

Photo courtesy of JLL

This aerial view shows the Bear Island facility in the Doswell area.

It was a team effort to attract Cascades to Hanover County, an effort spearheaded by the Economic Development Authority, the Governor’s Office and the Board of Supervisors. But, the real good

news came in the form of a return to work for more than 140 idled employees.

Cascades planned to retool the plant and produce its major product, recycled packing paper and container board

used by many large shippers to ensure safe handling of shipped packages. Converting the plant was estimated to take about two to three years, but a lease to the old owner see BEAR pg. 3

Budget talks start; presentation scheduled April 2

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

FARRAR

ASHLAND — Ashland Town Council held its first of two special workshop sessions regarding the FY2020 budget last week.

Town Manger Josh Farrar emphasized this presentation is

more of a wish list than a budget proposal and the requests will have to be scaled down prior to his formal budget proposal on April 2.

“This is not my budget,” Farrar said. “This is not the budget I’m going to submitting at the end of the day.”

Farrar said he hoped the pre-

sentations and requests would spur conversation and gather input before he prepares the final proposal.

“Earlier is always better when it comes to input,” he added.

In addition to an informal budget work session in February, council scheduled two budget sessions

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Vendor call out for Ashland Strawberry Faire

By Lorie Foley Special to Ashland-Hanover Local

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PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

Ashland Theatre

Now Playing: Captain Marvel (through March 28)

$6.50 matinee / $10 evening / Senior & Student Discounts

SHLAND – There are still booth spaces available for the Ashland Strawberry Faire on Saturday, June 15, and the search is out for arts & crafts, Hanover County businesses, nonprofits and animal groups to join the fun.

Early bird discount ends Monday, April 15. Booth fees go up $25 per 10 feet on that day, so don’t delay.

The Faire has been a community tradition since 1982, offering fun for all ages.

The Kid Zone returns with some new games and the BARKing Lot will feature adoptable animals.

The traditional Youth Strawberry Pageant returns. This free, non-competitive pageant offers boys and girls a fun venue to creatively express their love of strawberries. Pageant registration deadline is Saturday, June 1.

Another fun pageant is the Pet Pageant.

All animals with fur are invited to participate. Deadline to register your pet is Saturday, June 8.

Come see demonstrations by active groups on The “Hanover in Action” Stage will be busy with demonstrations by active groups throughout the day. Across the street, public officials will get dunked for a charity of their choice.

Performances will be taking place all

DAVIS Continued from pg. 1

• 4K Digital Projection • 7.1 Surround Sound

• Newly Remodeled Theatre • Concessions and ABC License

Coming Soon: Live Music March 29: A Tribute to the Brecker Brothers March 30: An Evening with Susan Greenbaum and Horsehead

See Schedule and Buy Tickets Online Ashland Theatre • 205 England Street • Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 401-7007 • www.AshlandTheatre.org

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019

“Long before I served in public office I was involved in serving the citizens of Hanover. As a supervisor, I have simply carried that service over to my role and responsibilities as a member of the board.”

Davis said he proudly advocates strong public safety. “Our safe community is due largely to the women and men of the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office and Hanover Fire/EMS. Supporting the sheriff ’s mission and that of Fire and EMS has been a top priority for me.”

He said he has the support and endorsements of Col. David R. Hines, sheriff, and Hanover’s Commonwealth’s

Photo submitted by Lorie Foley

Love and Stitches captured first place Booth Presentation in 2018.

day, including the 2018 Hanover Idols -Jason Call and Madison Cox. The Faire offers business sponsorships with excellent visibility and promotional opportunities. On a sunny day, the Faire attracts between 20,000 to 40,000 guests to the “Center of the Universe.”

The Faire gives back to the community by awarding 10 local scholarships each year.

“In 2018, the Board offered $6,000 in scholarship funds to graduating seniors from Hanover County Public Schools, and one in honor of former Mayor Dick Gillis, to a Randolph-Macon College student majoring in political science” Betty

LaPlace, director of Scholarships, said.

The Faire also supports many community nonprofits. Nonprofit organizations are offered free booth spaces for visibility, or for sales ($25 administrative fee or two hours volunteering to setup for the Faire).

In addition, nonprofit groups participate in a Grants-for-Work program where they earn funds to assist the volunteer Faire committee in running the Faire.

For more information, visit www.

AshlandStrawberryFaire.com and ashlandvakiwanis.org.

Both the Ashland Strawberry Faire and the Ashland Kiwanis Club are 501(c)(3) organizations.

Attorney Trip Chalkley, as well as Col. V. Stuart Cook, former sheriff.

As for education, Davis said, “Through a strong partnership with Hanover County Public Schools, substantial improvements have been made to our classrooms. I have worked hard to advance the priorities of our parents, teachers, principals, and students.”

He said he is a staunch supporter for rural preservation in Hanover, and has a strong record of preserving and protecting farms and the county’s rural culture.

“Someone’s first introduction to the community should never come through a political press release stating that they want to be elected to something,” Davis said. “Hanover’s supervisors should be people who have an established record

of serving and working in the community. When I was first asked to run for the board, it was because folks knew my willingness to serve. They told me how they saw me working alongside them, in many community and civic organizations, to better our county and wanted me to continue that service on the board of supervisors.”

“If re-elected, I will continue to be a voice for the people and advance the issues that are brought to me -- without any concern over politics. If the issue is important to the people I represent -then it is important to me.”

Davis said he is widely recognized as a no nonsense advocate for his constituents. He also said that his reputation for taking on tough issues has been a hallmark of his time in office.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Jan. 14

Jan. 15

Eluding police was reported in the 8200 block of Atlee Road/Summer Walk, Mechanicsville.

Trespassing after being forbidden to do so was reported in the 10000 block of Lickinghole Road, Ashland.

Larceny: less than $5 from a person was reported in the 2400 block of Angela Grace Court, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny shoplifting was reported in the 6400 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, altering price, $500, third offense, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road/ Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 10100 block of Pollard Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

BEAR Continued from pg. 1

White Birch would allow the facility to reopen and produce newsprint within three months of the announcement last year.

When more than 150 employees returned to normal operation under the White Birch lease, it appeared the time required to refit the plant for its future operation would be minimal.

Last week, that all changed with White Birch announcing it had again shuttered the plant and 165 jobs had been lost.

“On Friday, March 8th at approximately 8:15 a.m. we were notified of the impending shutdown of the facility, effective immediately,” Hanover County EDA director Linwood Thomas said. “Hanover County had no prior knowledge, or notice of this announcement.”

The surprise nature of the announcement took some officials by surprise, but others said there were impending signs.

“We defer all questions regarding the shutdown to White Birch Paper at this time,” he added.

Thomas said there’s no reason to believe that Cascades is not still fully

Credit card forgery was reported in the 10900 block of Richardson Road, Ashland.

Simple assault was reported in the 10000 block of Learning Lane, Mechanicsville.

Identity theft, financial loss, $200, was reported in the 7400 block of John Henry Lane, Mechanicsville.

committed to its $275 million investment at Bear Island.

“As a separate venture relating to the Bear Island facility, Hanover County continues to make progress with Cascades in regard to their anticipated project investment of $275 million announced in July of 2018,” Thomas added.

But, the real impact of last week’s news is the affect it has on the employees who rushed back to the plant in a seemingly solid reprieve.

“Currently, our biggest concern is for those employees who will be affected by this decision,” the director said.

“We want those employees to know that the Hanover County Department of Economic Development and our resources at the state are on hand to assist them during this transition.”

Some county officials said they expected the plant to idle at some point to allow Cascades to retool for future operations, but had not anticipated such a long shutdown.

The plant opened in 1979 and added a recycling plant in 1994 to the 600,000 square feet facility.

When White Birch reopened the plant less than a year ago, company officials hoped the reopening

Road, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 6400 block of Sledds Lake Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, subsequent offense, was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money by false pretenses, $200, was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money, etc., by false pretense, larceny, $200 conspiracy, was reported in the 9000 block of Knight Drive, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 12100 block of Goddins Hill Road, Ashland.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 10100 block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Convicted felon (non-violent) possessing firearm was reported in the 8000 block of Flannigan Mill Road, Mechanicsville.

Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 7500 block County Complex Road, Hanover.

Embezzlement, $200, was reported in the 7200 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Jan. 16

Destruction of property was reported in the 13500 block of Chase Lane, Doswell.

Unlawful purchase or possession of alcoholic beverage was reported in the 10000 block of Learning Lane, Mechanicsville.

Oral threaten school employee on school property was reported in the 10000 block of Learning Lane, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 7300 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Concealment, price altering merchandise, $500, was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek

would provide a smooth transition for employees, bridging the anticipated two-year period before Cascades takes over.

“The idea and attempt to keep the employees of Bear Island active through the mill’s transition in ownership and grade production has come to an unfortunate and premature end,” said Christopher Brant, president of White Birch Paper in a press release last week.

Cascade still plans to begin its recycled packaging paper operation in 2021.

County officials now turn their efforts to assisting the misplaced employees, and county administrator Rhu Harris offered the following information.

“Helping the impacted employees is our top priority,” Harris said.

“The Department of Economic Development has moved quickly to connect White Birch’s employees with the Virginia Employment Commission and the rapid response coordinator.”

Harris said employees affected by the closure can call Mark Brickey at 804-652-3237 or email mark.brickey@ vec.virginia.gov.

Simple assault was reported in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Driving under the influence of alcohol was reported in the 5400 block of River Road/Deer Beagle Lane, Hanover.

Unlawful purchase or possession of alcoholic beverage was reported in the 8000 block of Elliott Drive/Crump Drive, Mechanicsville.

Simple assault was reported in the 10100 block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Public meeting set March 27 to identity intercity bus needs Staff Report news@mechlocal.com RICHMOND – A public meeting designed to identify unmet intercity bus needs across the Commonwealth will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, at the VDOT Ashland Residency at 523 N. Washington Hwy. in Ashland.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) invites all interested members of the public to attend.

Created under the Federal Transit Administration's 5311 (f) program, Virginia launched its first intercity bus service, known as the Virginia Breeze in 2017. The daily round-trip service connects passengers from Blacksburg to Washington, D.C., along the Interstate 81 and Interstate 66 corridors, with stops along the route in Christiansburg, Lexington, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Front Royal, Dulles International Airport, and West Falls Church Metro.

The DRPT vision is the creation of a statewide network of connected public transportation services.

Intercity bus program goals include: • Improved linkages between the state’s rural areas and the services available in the state’s urban areas, particularly for persons with limited options for personal mobility, and • Access to the national intercity bus, rail and air networks for persons living in rural areas and small towns and cities.

The purpose of the meetings is to provide information about DRPT’s intercity bus program and progress to date on this study, and to identify alternatives for expanded intercity bus service. Input collected in these meetings will help DRPT identify underserved corridors and needed intercity bus service improvements.

For more information, contact: Rebecca Askey at 804-786-6797 or Emily DelRoss at 804-786-6796.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019 3

Women’s History Month Celebration includes spotlighting those in Patrick Henry’s household Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

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SHLAND -Preservation Virginia and the

Couvillon and Jon Kukla, noted Henry historians and authors, on the women in Patrick Henry's life during his residence at Scotchtown.

Randolph-Macon College History Department are joining to celebrate Women's History Month on Saturday, March 23, in the SunTrust Theatre (Brock Commons SARAH HENRY MADAME RUSSELL center of campus) at Randolph-Macon College Among the women in in Ashland.

Henry’s life to be discussed They will be hosting are his mother, Sarah "Sir, We Are Not Weak" Winston Syme Henry and Elizabeth Henry Campbell -- Women of the Patrick Russell, Patrick Henry’s oldHenry Household -- a panel est sister, who was known as discussion featuring Mark

Photo courtesy of Preservation Virginia

This is the main house at Scotchtown, home of Patrick Henry in Beaverdam.

Madame Russell.

Following the panel discussion at 10 a.m., a meet and greet will be held with the panelists.

At 1 p.m. a special tour of the newly finished room at

Patrick Henry's Scotchtown Museum will be presented

by Gretchen Pendleton, the curator of the exhibit.

Scotchtown is located at 16120 Chiswell Lane in Beaverdam.

Looking to reel in a great local deal on advertising? We have the catch for your business!

Sarah Suttles

Advertising Representative 775-4620 ssuttles@mechlocal.com

Tom Haynie

Advertising Representative 775-4627 thaynie@mechlocal.com

OBITUARIES | Death Notices & Funerals LEE, Harry Emmick, 85, of Hampton, Va., died peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, in Hampton. He was born on August 8, 1933, to the late John Claude Lee and Lucy Crump Taylor Lee. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mar y Jane Lohr Lee; t w o brothEMMICK ers, John Lee and Keith Lee; and one sister, Francis Whitlark. Mr. Lee retired from the United States Air Force after 28 years of service. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross award, Meritorious Service Medal, was a B-52 pilot in the Vietnam War with three military tours and flew 165 missions. He was a member of Hebron Lutheran Church in Madison, Va., Trinity Lutheran Church in Newport News, Va., Virginia Athletic Foundation, University of Virginia Alumni and South of the James Golf Club. Harry was married to his high school sweetheart, Jane, for 57 beautiful years.

He graduated from Madison County High School in 1951 and the University of Virginia in 1955 as well as earning his master's degree in 1956. While at UVA, he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams. Harry and Jane loved traveling the world and experi-

encing the peoples and cultures of over 62 countries. He was never happier than when out on the golf course playing with family and friends or cheering on his beloved UVA sport's teams. Harry was a thoughtful, caring individual who really "listened" to others and their stories and was a true southern gentleman. He is survived by two daughters, Teresa Jane Lee Haas and husband, Jerry of Willmar, Minn. and Kimberly Virginia Lee Brown and husband, Charlie of Kitty Hawk, N.C.; two sons, John Robert Lee and wife, Nit of Palmer, Ark. and Stephen Ashby Lee of Norfolk, Va.; a sister, Elizabeth Cline of Alexandria, Va.; seven grandchildren, Laura Lee Louser, Linda Jane Haas, Jason Allan Haas, Robert Allen Lee, Matthew Stephen Lee, Lucy Elizabeth Brown and Virginia Lee Brown; two great-grandchildren, Aiden Ray Louser and Penelope Jane Haas; and countless nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at Hebron Lutheran Church in Madison, Va., with Pastor Lillian Russell-Nicolas officiating. Interment will be in Hebron Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Newport News, Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hebron Lutheran Church, Mary Jane Lohr Lee Memorial Fund in Madison, Va. or Trinity Lutheran Church in Newport News, Va.

Got a news tip? Call Melody Kinser at 804-775-4622. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us!

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Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019

L-DHS principal to use R.E.B. $$ for Design Lab create an exceptional educational environment.” The school community and the public submit the nominaMECHANICSVILLE – tions.

Charles Stevens, principal “I am very honored and of Lee-Davis High School humbled to have been selected (L-DHS), is the Hanover for this award. I am very County Public Schools winner grateful to R.E.B. of the 2018-2019 for their dedicaR.E.B. Award for tion and support of Distinguished educators across the Educational Richmond metro Leadership by area. Our students The Community and staff will benefit Foundation. greatly from their As a recipient, continuous support,” Stevens will receive said Stevens. a $7,500 cash “Mr. Stevens is a grant, as well as an STEVENS proven leader who additional $7,500 has a passion for towards a school education, and I congratulate project. him on this well-deserved Stevens plans to build a new Design Lab that will allow achievement. His unwavering commitment to his students, students to work creatively staff, and community is eviwith new technology. dent in all that he does, and we One principal from each school division in the counare thankful for his dedicated ties of Hanover, Henrico, and service,” said Dr. Michael Gill, Chesterfield, as well as the superintendent of schools.

City of Richmond, receives Stevens began his career in the award annually. It serves education in 1994 as a teacher to “recognize the principals and coach at L-DHS. He has who go beyond the day-to-day been the principal of L-DHS demands of their position to since 2014.

Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com

Black History Month display at the Mechanicsville Library Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE -The Black History Month display, created by the Hanover County Black Heritage Society in conjunction with First Union Baptist Church History Ministry, is now in its third year at the Mechanicsville Library.

The display stays up past February into March due to its popularity.

This year's theme is “Athletics, Physical Education, and Sports,” with many local and national level athletes featured.

A program about the display will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, in the meeting room of the Mechanicsville Library.

Many of the local athletes featured in this year's display will be present to speak and meet the community.

All are welcome.

2019 Miss Hanover Abilities Pageant to be held Saturday Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ECHANICSVILLE – Hanover Community Support Services (HCSS) will present the third annual Miss Hanover Abilities Pageant at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, in the auditorium at Atlee High School in Mechanicsville.

The event, which is being sponsored by Good Neighbor, Dominion Energy, and Cobb Technologies, will feature 16 contestants from Hanover County and the surrounding areas, all of whom have a developmental disability.

They will compete for the title of Miss Hanover Abilities 2019 in a series of four areas of competition: Interview, Casual Wear, Talent, and Evening Gown.

The winner will receive a bouquet of roses, a crown and sash, along with many other gifts from the community such as a portrait package sponsored by Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry that includes hair and makeup by Kara Waggoner.

Miss Hanover Abilities 2018 Amaris Stewart has had a memorable year representing the community. She made many appearances throughout her year, including the Ashland and Mechanicsville Christmas parades.

Amaris also played the harp at an event that raised over $1,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network, took photos with guests at Night to Shine RVA, and rode in her school’s own homecoming parade. Her final appearance

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will be on March 23 at the Richmond SPCA’s dog jog.

The event will not only shine a spotlight on these amazing young women but also will serve as a fundraiser for Hanover Community Support Services.

Hanover Community Support Services is a local nonprofit that provides general and respite support to Hanover County residents who have a developmental disability, substance use disorder or mental health issues.

Five thousand dollars of the proceeds from the pageant will be used for camp sponsorships for those who might not otherwise be able to attend. Individuals with developmental disabilities, already identified through a partnership with Hanover CSB, will receive financial support so that they have the opportunity to attend camps across the Commonwealth this Photo submitted by Ashley Gregory summer.

Contestants perform in the Amy Gregory, gresident of HCSS, said, “I opening number during the am thrilled with the continued sponsorship 2018 pageant. interest in the pageant and the impact the funds raised can make in our community for Brunson, Ta’Quasia Teniece Hanover County citizens.”

Cash, Twala Celestia Tickets may be purchased at the door for Cherry, Ashley d’Evegnee, $10 (children 3 and under admitted for free) Brenna Fennelly, Erin A. or online at https://www.showclix.com/event/ Hopkins, Reed James, miss-hanover-abilities-2019.

Cheyenne Michell Jones, For more information on Hanover Julia Reese Klauer, Jamie Community Support Services, visit website at Lloyd, Haley Woodward, www.hcss-inc.org Emma Wooten, Candace This year’s contestants are: Elizabeth Wright, and Guefona Blankinship, Michelle Broussard, Lori Michele Zintseme.

Photos submitted by Ashley Gregory

In the photo above, Amy and Ashley Gregory, pageant directors and HCSS board members, pose with Amaris Stewart, Miss Hanover Abilities 2018. At right, contestants perform in the opening number during the 2018 pageant.

Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019 5

CALENDAR

OPINION

| News, & Listings

| The Local Views

Thursday, March 21

From the managing editor

She seemed to have it all, but fell victim to drugs

By Melody Kinser Managing Editor

T

he text was brief but to the point: “Our niece died of a drug overdose.”

A longtime friend who lives on the West Coast shared those words with another friend and me early on the morning of Wednesday, March 6.

Sadly, her niece, who was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia -- too well-known for drug-related problems, especially opioids -- was killed when someone laced cocaine with fentanyl or heroin.

A friend is a member of Huntington City Council and has been communicating with the

police chief as the investigation continues.

For the sake of privacy at such a somber time, I won’t use names.

As horrific as the overdose was, her life might have been saved had the man who apparently commandeered her car and placed her in it opted to leave her in a wheelchair outside a hospital. He did not seek emergency assistance, which probably led to her demise.

She was not alone in ingesting the lethal concoction. A man also was given the cocaine cocktail. He was lucky though -- he was transported to a hospital and survived.

Let’s talk about the victim. She was a mother, a daughter and a sister. She had excelled in gymnastics on the junior level. She had been a

cheerleader and a member of the track team. She graduated with honors from her hometown’s university, Marshall.

She was a professional, having been employed as a school teacher and a sales representative.

The family certainly has many questions that demand answers to ease their pain and sorrow.

Whether they receive them is yet to be seen.

How does it happen? How did a woman who seemed to have so many positives in her life wind up disposed in a wheelchair outside a hospital?

My friend and I have kept the lines of communication open throughout this tragedy. The heartbreak will linger -- as will the questions.

The Huntington Police Department has been actively working the case.

Educating the nation’s youth is not getting easier

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist As another budget season draws to a close, it seems like an appropriate time to examine just what our local tax dollars fund, and what they don’t.

After years of following local budgets, it seems like the more things change the more they stay the same.

The major portion of any local budget is dedicated to education and public safety. It’s a portion of the budget

that taxes the mostly highly skilled of planners, and managing increasing demands with limitied revenue is always a problem for local leaders.

Over those years of covering and writing stories regarding local budgets, it’s also become increasingly clear that the cost of educating our children is constantly going up.

Replacing aging facilities, hiring and providing professional development to qualified educators, and meet-

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 Classifieds Michelle Wall

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Joy Monopoli Melody Kinser Denine D’Angelo David Lawrence Tom Haynie Sarah Suttles Cindy Adams Circulation Manager

jmonopoli@rsnva.com mkinser@mechlocal.com ddangelo@mechlocal.com dlawrence@mechlocal.com thaynie@mechlocal.com ssuttles@mechlocal.com cadams@mechlocal.com mwall@mechlocal.com

Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019

ing traditional classroom challenges are just part of a difficult equation that requires planning that sometimes resembles a juggling act more than a planning process.

As parents, we expect our schools to provide relevant and equitable lessons that prepare out children for careers and a life of achievement and self sufficiency.

Problem is, that’s a moving goal post and local educators are constantly

innovating and improving, expanding offerings that better prepare a workforce for 21st Century jobs.

Each year, the mission requires more and more local dollars to ensure the process is timely and meeting the needs of an ever changing society.

A major challenge confronting today’s localities regarding education and its funding is the rise of behavioral, emotional and special education needs see EDUCATING, pg. 12

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

Send letters to: The Ashland-Hanover Local 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd. Mechanicsville, Va. 23116 Fax: 730-0476 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2019 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 Hanover Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center at 8260 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. Registration is $15 for members (early) or $25 for non-members. Nibbles and beverages will be provided. Payment options are online or on-site. For more information, email info@ hanoverchamberva.com or call 804442-2093.

Sunday, March 24 Mt. Sinai Baptist Church will host Deaconess Consecration Service, “Serving, Living and Giving God’s Way,” at 3 p.m. for Deaconess-Elect Vernell ColemanHall. Guest church family (choir, ushers and congregation) will be Bethany Baptist Church, with Rev. Patrick Jones, pastor, from Montpelier. Deaconess is asked to come in uniform. A special luncheon/dinner will be served at 1 p.m. Rev. Dr. Charlene Gresham is the pastor. For more information, call the church office at 804-7694879.

Tuesday, March 26 The Hanover County Department of Social Services Board meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of Hanover County Social Services at 12304 Washington Hwy. in Ashland. The meeting is open to the public.

Wednesday, March 27 Hanover Cares Family Education Series will feature Hanover County prevention specialist Laura Robertson with the film “More Than Sad,” which focuses on how to recognize the signs of depression in teens and where to get help. The program will be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the First Baptist Church at 800 Thompson St. in Ashland. This series is free to the public.

UPCOMING EVENTS

03

20 2019

Prep baseball: Henrico at Patrick Henry 6:00 p.m.

03

20 2019

Boys lacrosse: Powhatan at Patrick Henry 7:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

Patrick Henry power puts down Powhatan

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – Patrick Henry’s softball team wasted no time getting its season off to a winning start, and getting those wins against fellow Region 4B opponents.

The Patriots scored 16 runs the first two games of their season, evenly dividing the runs between an 8-5 win over Midlothian in their season opener Tuesday and an 8-3 win over Powhatan Wednesday.

In their win over Powhatan, they manage four extra-base hits: two doubles, one by Saxon Radcliffe and the other by Blair Rhodes; and two home runs, one each by Riley Dull and Erin White.

In their win over Midlothian, Patriot Autumn Slemaker hit for the cycle – in which a batter gets a single, double, triple and home run in a single game.

White joined her in the extrabase department with a triple.

“We hit three home runs. We have more home runs that we have games played right now,” said Patrick Henry head softball coach Lance LeStourgeon after the win over Powhatan.

“Autumn hit a home run last night – she hit for the cycle last night. I’ve been around baseball, softball, for a long time. … I don’t anybody who’s ever hit for the cycle. But she did it in the first game of the season.”

Freshman blasts lifts R-MC to sweep of Wasps

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Patrick Henry center fielder Erin White (25) beams as she is surrounded by happy teammates after she belted a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning in the Patriots’ 8-3 win over visiting Powhatan Wednesday.

Slemaker went hitless in two at-bats against Powhatan, but was walked twice and scored twice.

Despite their offensive prowess, the Patriots have some things to work on: in particular, defense.

In both games, the Patriots took early leads, scoring three runs in the first inning against Midlothian and three in the first against Powhatan. In both games, the Trojans and Indians

slowly chipped into the Patrick Henry lead – and Midlothian, officially the home team even though the game had to be played at Patrick Henry, had comeback in mind when it erupted for three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.

They had three errors against Powhatan and two against Midlothian – one of which made the Trojans’ threerun seventh inning possible, as it should have been the first

out in an inning in which Midlothian scored all three runs with two outs.

“It’s still early in the season. We need to get some kinks out,” LeStourgeon said. “I think we did well with weathering the storm [against Powhatan].

I think they had bases loaded twice and only scored one run each time, which is a huge victory.”

Indians’ head coach Marie Crump was pleased with her

team’s refusal to give up.

“We have a very young team.

We graduated seven seniors last year, so we have an entirely new team out there,” Crump said.

“It’s like I told them, if we can clean up some of the mistakes and execute when we had some of those runners on, it could have been an entirely different ball game. We could have made it so that anything could have see POWER, pg. 8

ASHLAND – Randolph-Macon’s baseball team took a 3-3 tie into the eighth inning of the nightcap of a doubleheader with Old Dominion Athletic Conference Rival Emory & Henry Saturday afternoon.

The Wasps were determined to take the Yellow Jackets, ranked fifth nationally in the D3baseball.com/ NCBWA Top 25 poll, into extra innings.

But Randolph-Macon freshman outfielder Spencer Pietruszynski made sure that extra innings would not be necessary.

Pietruszynski made the most of his opportunity to shine. After three of his see BLAST, pg. 8

Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019

7

Fast start, slow finish: R-MC splits with Pride

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor ASHLAND – When Randolph-Macon’s softball team got its offense going in the opener of a doubleheader with Greensboro College Sunday afternoon, it did not stop. But when it got started in the nightcap it proved too little, too late – and it ended a bit prematurely.

The Yellow Jackets amassed 12 hits in a 11-0, five-inning romp over the Pride in the opener, but the Pride bookended the nightcap with three runs in the first inning and four in the eighth to leave town with a 7-4 win and a split of the doubleheader with its hosts, ranked No. 21 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Top 25 poll released on March 13.

“It was like a tale of two games, really,” said RandolphMacon head softball coach Kevin Proffitt. “We hit it really well in the first game, and did not hit it well until late in the second game. So we started, but got going a little bit too late.

And we gave up too much.”

The opener remained scoreless until two outs in the bottom of the third inning. Starting Dave Lawrence/The Local pitcher Candace Whittemore Randolph-Macon’s Kamryn Steinruck gets a pinch-hit single to drive in teammate Kaitlyn Deeter in the bottom of the seventh and Savannah Wood hit inning in the nightcap of the Yellow Jackets’ doubleheader with Greensboro Sunday. Randolph-Macon scored three runs in the back-to-back singles and Ali bottom of the inning to tie the Pride 3-3, but gave up four runs in the top of the eighth inning and eventually fell 7-4.

Celiberti followed them with a home run.

The Yellow Jackets took I though it was just going to hitting home runs and Nickles er sweep of Emory & Henry.

“I just stayed cool and col- be a sac fly, but I guess the adding a double. Nickles fin- advantage of six hits and three Continued from pg. 7 lected. I was being aggressive wind carried it and it got out,” ished 3-of-4 in the opener with Geensboro errors to add eight and I just got a good pitch to Pietruszynski said. He was in a five RBI and two runs scored.

But it was pitcher Nick Roth teammates – Jacob Selden, Zach hit,” Pietruszynski said. “I was bit of a daze when the umpire Evans and Matthew Blaise – looking for a fast ball. It was a signaled home run. “I can’t even who was the lynchpin of the loaded the bases on a single little high, but it was right where describe what I was feeling – I Yellow Jackets’ 12-0 win.

Continued from pg. 7 Roth pitched a complete and two walks, he drove a J.T. I wanted it – a little high, but just, like, blacked out for a second. I don’t think I was really game, scattering seven hits and Agosto pitch over the left field right down the middle.”

He felt he made good con- running the bases. Hearing striking out 11 Wasp batters for happened.” wall for his first home run, and Radcliffe went 2-of-2 and even better, first grand slam, of tact with the ball. He didn’t everyone screaming – it was a the second win of his senior season. nice feeling.”

White went 2-of-3 against know how good, though. his collegiate career.

Dave Lawrence can be Powhatan. Dull pitched a comMike Nickles and Kevin “It felt pretty good coming The blast cemented a 7-3 victory for the Yellow Jackets in off the bat, but I didn’t think Mooney provided plenty of reached at dlawrence@mechlo- plete-game victory, giving up only two earned runs and three the nightcap and a doublehead- it was going to make it out. offense in the opener, with both cal.com.

BLAST

POWER

8

Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019

more runs in the fourth inning, the big hits being a pair of tworun singles – one by Maddie Stone, the other by Brooklyne Carr.

After staking the Pride to a 3-0 lead in the first inning of the nightcap, the Yellow Jackets struggled to string enough hits together to mount a comeback.

But, with their backs against the wall, they did in the seventh.

Sami Davidson singled, Kaitlyn Deeter was hit by a pitch, and Megan Smith drove in Davidson for the first run.

After an out, pinch hitter Kamryn Steinruck singled to drive in Deeter.

Kerstin Roth singled to load the bases, then Stone hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Casey Abernethy, who was pinch running for Smith to tie the game at 3-3.

The teams began the eighth inning with international tiebreaker rules in effect – each frame begins with a runner at second base – and Greensboro took advantage, getting that runner and three others across to take a 7-3 lead.

Unfortunately, the Yellow Jackets could manage only one more run in response.

“They hit the ball really well.

Our pitches were a little too good,” Proffitt said. “With the runner on second, they hit the ball in the gap – that’s one run.

It kind of snowballed after that.”

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

hits while striking out five.

Powhatan’s Rileigh DiWeese hit a home run and double.

Slemaker went 4-of-4 against Midlothian and scored twice against the Trojans. White added two hits and three runs.

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

Continued from pg. 1

experiencing no increases in health insurance premiums for the upcoming year He tempered those encouraging figures, explaining recent trends indicate the rates go up around 12 percent one year and zero percent the next. “That’s just the way it’s been going,” he said.

There also is a proposal in this year’s budget to adjust compensation scales to ensure competitiveness with neighboring localities in order to retain the town’s workforce.

Council adopted a policy three years ago that adjusts that compensation scale to keep salaries and benefits competitive.

In addition to the compensation scale, which mirrors the Consumer Price Index, there also is a merit-based fund that provides funds for raises to department heads to distribute as they see fit among their employees.

Farrar also expressed a desire to address the problem of salary compression. That problem often means employees who are just starting careers make just a few thousand dollars less than senior employees performing comparable jobs.

Farrar said the merit system is “helping to deal with that problem.”

The proposals also contain a recommendation for a Code Enforcement Officer. “That’s probably not going to be in this year’s budget, but, if you really want to dive into neighborhood revitalization in FY21, it’s something we’re going to need to do.”

Forty-six employees are participating in the employees’ wellness program that encourages healthy lifestyles and regular medical checkups. “This is something we would need to fund in FY20 so participants in the program could take advantage of it,” Farrar said.

There also is a request to reclassify a sergeant’s position to a lieutenant’s position in the

Ashland Police Department.

Farrar also introduced a proposal for s 1.2 percent salary adjustment for police officers. “This would bring us to the highest level of starting salaries for police officers in Richmond,” he said.

Farrar also suggested hiring a new public works director to replace retiring Mike Davis and said a one-month overlap would be prudent.

With the emerging broadband efforts, Farrar said it would be necessary to train current employees regarding the network, including learning to fix breaks in the system.

There are two proposed changes to the Compensation Plan that categorizes employees into five bands or groups.

The plan relies on other localities to gauge salary increases for town employees. Instead of using Richmond as one of the models, Farrar suggested replacing that sector with Goochland.

Another area examined in the budget presentation was council compensation. Farrar suggested $5,500 annually for the vice mayor and regular council members and $7,000 annually for the mayor.

Regarding revenues, real estate assessments were up 1.8 percent. “That’s not all that great of an increase,” Farrar said. “We are not changing our tax rate.”

Business tax revenues remain strong, including meals and lodging, and sales tax.

“We’re doing well here,” Farrar said.

He pointed to a continued hesitancy on the part of the Virginia General Assembly to allow localities to raise revenues. “I’m not recommending any taxes or changes in this current budget as it stands unless I hear otherwise from you,” Farrar told council members during the special budget session. “We’re always looking to grow the pie and not take more from what already exists.”

Economic development at the Holland Tract and finding opportunities for vacant hotels could improve and expand that revenue base.

Council members also heard budget requests from Public Safety, including Police, Fire and Ambulance.

Police Chief Douglas Goodman requested council

approve compensation adjustments for his department, as well as funds to establish a Cadet Program with RandolphMacon College and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

His department requested no new positions for 2020.

He also requested a slight increase in VRS (Virginia Retirement System) contribu-

tions and increased funding to meet increased health insurance costs.

Goodman also introduced a compensation plan that would reward officers who have seniority and are in good standing in an effort to retain the most qualified and well trained officers.

Capital projects continue

to represent a large portion of expenditures and the amount transferred from the general fund for those purposes continues to increase.

Farrar said putting dollars away for major projects make those visions more realistic for long-term completion. see BUDGET, pg. 12

2

PUBLIC NOTICE

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Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. in the Conference Room of the Hanover County Economic Development Office, 8200 Center Path Lane, Suite E, Mechanicsville, Virginia, to conduct interviews of prospective candidates for employment for the position of County Attorney, followed by its Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover Virginia.

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BUDGET

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019 9

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, March 27, 2019, 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: REZONING

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at 7 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, as the time, date and place for a public hearing concerning the lease of a 7.6 acre parcel, which is a portion of the parcel identified as GPIN 7881-16-4522, to Engel Family Farms for a 12-month term.

C-16-18(c), WILBUR F. ALLEN LIVING TRUST, ANNE MARIE ALLEN AND DALE T. ALLEN Request(s) to rezone from A-1, Agricultural District, to AR-6(c), Agricultural Residential District with conditions, on GPINs 7719-07-4266 and 7719-07-7818, consisting of approximately 20.0 acres, and located at the terminus of Toms Half Acre Drive (private road) approximately 750 feet north of its intersection with Bienvenue Road (State Route 607). The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Agricultural. The proposed zoning amendment would permit the creation of two building lots for a gross density of one dwelling unit per 10.0 acres. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: South Anna CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP-17-18, VERIZON WIRELESS Request(s) a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Sections 26-165.1 and 26174.1 of the Hanover County Zoning Ordinance to permit a telecommunications tower and related facilities for a tower that exceeds 140 feet in height on GPIN 8715-21-1871, consisting of approximately 30.0 acres (CUP area is 5,160 square feet), zoned M-1(c), Limited Industrial District with conditions, and M-2(c), Light Industrial District with conditions, and located on the east line of AMF Drive (State Route 1126) approximately 0.7 miles south of Pole Green Road (State Route 627).

The subject property is designated on the General Land Use Plan Map as Multi-Use. (PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Mechanicsville

All persons wishing to comment on the proposed lease may appear at the above time and place. A copy of the lease is available for inspection at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

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to hear about upcoming advertising opportunities!

to hear about upcoming advertising opportunities!

10

Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019

ORDINANCE OF VACATION OV-5-18, TIMOTHY L. ALLEN (TOM’S HALF ACRE) Request(s) an Ordinance of Vacation in accordance with Section 15.2-2272, Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, in order to vacate a property line between GPINs 7719-07-4266 and 7719-07-7818, located at the terminus of Tom’s Half Acre Road (private road) approximately 750 feet north of its intersection with Bienvenue Road (State Route 607) as shown on the plat titled “Tom’s Half Acre,” prepared by Michael L. Parrish & Associates, Inc., recorded June 9, 2009, in Subdivision Plat Book 39, Page 301, in the Office of the Clerk of the Hanover County Circuit Court.

(PUBLIC HEARING) Magisterial District: Henry

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909460-01

912142-01

Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

Transportation

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Business & Service Directory

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

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.

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on April 3, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption: ORDINANCE 19-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 20 AND 23 OF THE HANOVER COUNTY CODE TO INCREASE WATER AND SEWER CAPACITY AND USER FEES PURSUANT TO TITLE 15.2, CHAPTER 21 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, AND INCLUDING SPECIFICALLY VA. CODE §§ 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119 AND 15.2-2122, PROPOSED TO BE EFFECTIVE FOR THE FIRST FULL BILLING CYCLE OF THE FISCAL YEAR, AND TO MAKE VARIOUS OTHER CHANGES PROPOSED TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2019.

SEWER CODE PROVISIONS SEC. 20-23

SEC. 20-24

Service fees and capacity fees—Residential EXISTING PROPOSED (a) Service Charge - Residential Customers Bimonthly Base Charge $21.79 $22.33 Consumption Charge 0 to 4,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $5.84 $5.99 Above 4,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $7.37 $7.55 Residential customers – sewer only $101.76 $104.30 (b) Capacity Fees - Residential Customers $6,149.00 $6,456.00

5/8” 1” 1 ½” 2” 3” SEC. 23-62

$6.98 $5.60

(b) Service Charge - Commercial II Customers EXISTING PROPOSED $1,361.90 $1,395.95

Consumption Charge All usage, per 1,000 gallons $4.49 Peak use fee per 1,000 gallons $1.34 (c) Capacity Fees for Commercial I and II Customers Meter Size 5/8” 1” 1 ½” 2” 3”

$6,149 $15,371 $30,744 $49,189 $98,380

$4.60 $1.37

$6,456 $16,139 $32,281 $51,648 $103,299

WATER CODE PROVISIONS SEC. 23-47

ABANDONMENT $6,281 $13,887 $27,773 $44,438 $88,875

$10.36

Consumption Charge 0 to 4,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $1.65 4,001 to 15,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $5.01 Over 15,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons $6.52

$10.62 $1.69 $5.14 $6.68

(b) Commercial I customers

$6.81 $5.46

Capacity Fees EXISTING PROPOSED (a) Residential Customers 5/8” meter $5,982 $6,281 Greater than 5/8” meter in accordance with 23-47(b) (b) Capacity Fees for Commercial I, II, and III Customers Meter Size

ROUTE F095

HANOVER COUNTY April 22, 2019 3 p.m.-4p.m.

SERVICE FEES

Bimonthly Base Charge

EXISTING PROPOSED

$21.79 $22.33 $108.94 $111.66

NOTICE LONG RD.

EXISTING PROPOSED

(a) Service Charge - Commercial I Customers Bimonthly Base Charge 1 ½” or less meter Greater than 1 ½” meter Volume Charge 0 to 50,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons Above 50,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons

PUBLIC HEARING

Ashland Residency

(a) Residential Customers

Service fees and capacity fees— Commercial I, Commercial II.

Base Charge

$5,982 $13,226 $26,451 $42,322 $84,643

LEGAL DISPLAY ADS

Bimonthly Base Charge Meter Size 5/8" ¾" 1" 1 ½" 2" 3" 4" 6" Consumption Charge 0 to 15,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons 15,001 to 1,000,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons Over 1,000,000 gallons, per 1,000 gallons

EXISTING

PROPOSED

$10.36 $10.36 $25.93 $51.71 $82.71 $165.44 $258.48 $516.96

$10.62 $10.62 $26.58 $53.00 $84.78 $169.58 $264.94 $529.88

EXISTING $4.45 $5.01 $2.79

PROPOSED $4.56 $5.14 $2.86

(b)

Commercial II customers connected to county-owned water systems: EXISTING PROPOSED Base charge per month $159.08 $163.06 Consumption charge per 1,000 gallons $2.58 $2.64 Peak use fee per 1,000 gallons $1.60 $1.64

(d) Commercial III customers connected to county-owned water systems: EXISTING PROPOSED Base charge per month $15,906.72 $16,304.39 Consumption charge per 1,000 gallons $2.11 $2.16 Peak use fee per 1,000 gallons $1.60 $1.64 (e) Water meters for irrigation only: Consumption charge per 1,000 gallons

EXISTING PROPOSED $6.17 $6.32

A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place. _____________________________________________ Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

523 N. Washington Hwy. Ashland, VA

The VA Dept. of Transportation intends to abandon Long Rd. (Rt. F095) from Rt. 657 to its end, a total distance of 0.44 miles. This matter is being considered upon the request of an adjacent property owner for the purpose of purchasing surplus right of way.

Citizens interested in giving written or oral comments may do so at the public hearing. VDOT staff will be available to discuss information regarding the proposed abandonment. Please contact the VDOT Ashland Residency with any questions.

VA Dept. of Transportation 523 N. Washington Hwy. Ashland, VA 23005 804-585-3564

This matter is being considered by the VA Dept. of Transportation in accordance with Section 33.2-902 of the Code of Virginia.

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 for more details!

Advertise with Ashland-Hanover Local Call 746-1235 for more details!

Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019 11

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Hanover County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board meeting room at the Hanover County Administration Building, 7516 County Complex Road, at Hanover Courthouse, Hanover, Virginia, on the following ordinance being proposed for adoption: ORDINANCE NO. 19-02 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SCHEDULE OF FEES ESTABLISHED TO DEFRAY THE COST OF INSPECTIONS FOR THE EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PROGRAM AND RE-INSPECTIONS OF STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, PURSUANT TO HANOVER COUNTY CODE SECTION 10-6 AND VIRGINIA CODE SECTION 62.144.15:54.

1.

Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection Fees

A. Single family residence for which an agreement in lieu of a plan is submitted with less than one acre of total disturbance proposed, including certain accessory structures, uses, and barns requiring an agreement in lieu of a plan or an erosion and sediment control plan with less than one acre of total disturbance proposed Existing: $150 Proposed: $153 B. Land disturbing activities for improvements requiring a building permit and agreement in lieu of a plan associated with a single family residence, if the total land disturbance resulting from the proposed improvement is less than 10,000 square feet Existing: $25 Proposed: $25.50 C. Land disturbing activity requiring an erosion and sediment control plan, with less than 10,000 sq. feet of land disturbance proposed Existing: $200 Proposed: $204 Renewal fee - Existing: $200 Proposed: $204 D. Land disturbing activity requiring an erosion and sediment control plan, with a total duration of two (2) months or less Existing: $200 Proposed: $204 Renewal fee - Existing: $200 Proposed: $204 E. Land disturbing activity requiring an erosion and sediment control plan, with 10,000 sq. ft. or more of land disturbance proposed, excluding single or multi-family residential development of 5 lots or more Base fee – Existing: $600 Proposed: $612 Per acre of disturbed land for every acre up to 10 acres – Existing: $300 Proposed $306 6 month renewal fee – Existing: $800 Proposed: $816 F.

2.

Single or multi-family residential development of 5 lots or more Base fee – Existing: $5,600 Proposed: $5,712 Per acre of disturbed land – Existing: $600 Proposed: $612 6 month renewal fee – Existing: $1,600 Proposed: $1,632

Storm drainage system inspection fees

A. Minimum storm drainage system re-inspection fee for inspections requiring a confined space crew for up to 4 hours Existing: $900 Proposed: $918 B. Storm drainage system re-inspection fee for inspections requiring a confined space crew per day for inspections that will exceed 4 hours Existing: $1,800 Proposed: $1,836 3.

Re-inspection fee for single-family building permit re-inspections

Existing: $50 Proposed: $51 A complete copy of the proposed ordinance and related information is available at the office of the County Administrator any regular working day between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All persons wishing to comment on the proposal may appear at the stated time and place.

______________________________ Cecil R. Harris, Jr., County Administrator

12

Ashland-Hanover Local March 20, 2019

Hanover Preschool Initiative applications open ASHLAND – Hanover County Public Schools is accepting applications for the Hanover Preschool Initiative (HPI) for the 2019-2020 school year.

HPI is a free, full-day preschool program with experienced teachers that enables students to engage in an exciting curriculum and a stimulating learning environment.

Space is limited, and only children who will be 3 or 4 years of age by Sept. 30, 2019. qualify. Families also must reside in Hanover County and meet other eligibility requirements. The program also requires that 10% of the enrollment opportunities be available

to children with disabilities.

Interested residents should visit http://bit.ly/ HPIapplication to complete a pre-application. Applicants also must attend an interview with an HPI staff member. No appointment is necessary.

Interviews will occur on the following dates: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, March 20 -Hanover County School Board Office: 200 Berkley St., Ashland.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 28 -- Hanover County School Board Office: 200 Berkley St., Ashland.

8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 11

-- Laurel Meadow Elementary School: 8248 Lee Davis Rd., Mechanicsville; and Henry Clay Elementary School: 310 S. James St., Ashland.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, April 17 -Hanover County School Board Office: 200 Berkley St., Ashland.

12 to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 25 -- Hanover County School Board Office: 200 Berkley St., Ashland.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/hanoverpreschoolinitiative or call 804-365-4506.

Information submitted by Chris R. Whitley, public information officer, Hanover County Public Schools.

BUDGET

Consumer Price Index, or between .4 and 3 percent.

Regarding expenditures, Farrar said projections are conservative by design and the actual revenues always exceed expectations.

“On an annual basis, we

spend less than we budget and bring in more than we budget,” Farrar said.

Assistant Town Manager Matt Reynal presented budget requests for Tourism, Parks and Recreation, IT and the Broadband Initiative.

While the level of students may remain the same or decrease, the needs of that population continues to increase.

In recent years, systems have retooled to meet the demands of an ever-increasing need for technical education. Training programs or partnerships with local community colleges mean not all students need or warrant a college education, but all of them do require targeted and specific training while they attend local schools.

In other words, the needs of our education system don’t and won’t go away, and playing a game of catch-up is a futile attempt at solving a problem whose very nature requires a transitional approach.

All considered, public education remains one of America’s best bargains, and investing in those systems is a

safeguard for the future of our society. Preparing and educating all students for a successful future isn’t cheap, but the cost of not providing that essential foundational block is insurmountable.

Making investments in the success of our future leaders requires community support and citizens who recognize the importance of public education.

Thankfully, state and local leaders have their eyes firmly fixed on the educational ball, and, even in difficult budgetary times, they continue to provide increased funding for local education and all of the changing and complex needs that accompany the mission.

It’s an investment that stands the test of time, and pays dividends that last a lifetime.

Continued from pg. 9

With the exception of the current year when two major capital projects were funded, the pool and Ashland Town Hall, the budget has seen increases that mirrored the

EDUCATION Continued from pg. 6

occurring in systems across the nation.

Meeting the needs of special students requires increased focus on individual strategies, often the type of services provided by specialists in those various fields.

Demands for special education and behavioral interventions is a vital part of local education, but it’s also an expensive proposition to make sure every child gets the education they need and deserve.

The demands mean more behavioral specialists and counselors must be hired, and some question why local education budgets continue to increase even with declining or level enrollment numbers.