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ASHLAND Virginia State Parks remaining open for day-use activities PAGE
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Virus has significant impact on local budget, schools PAGE
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Vol. 5 No. 31 | Richmond Suburban News | April 15, 2020
Board postpones Wegmans’ hearing HCPS offers May 6 meeting set to hear amendments By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
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midst growing concerns regarding the COVID 19 pandemic, Board of Supervisors chairman Bucky Stanley opened last week’s meeting with a motion to postpone a previously scheduled public hearing regarding the Wegmans project. Originally delayed from its March 25 meeting, Stanley said the public hearing on proffer amendments associated with the application should not be conducted on April 22, the revised date set by the board at its last meeting. That decision was met with a
public outcry with some suggesting county officials were presenting citizens with a dyer choice — either not voicing their opinions on the controversial project or risking their lives by showing up for the scheduled hearing. Stanley noted current projections predict the virus’ level in Virginia to be at peak levels close to that date, and suggested the board move the hearing to May 6, a delay of two weeks. “We’re in some difficult times right now and we are trying to do the very best we can,” Stanley said. “Based on the information from the University of Washington forecasting that the peak of this virus may be the week of April 22, I believe that deferring the public hearing from April 22 to Wednesday, May 6
WiFi locations Staff Report news@mechlocal.com
File Photo
Supervisor Sue Dibble was credited with bringing all of the Cedar Creek involved parties together to reach a compromise.
is the most prudent course of action,” he added. Ashland supervisor Faye Prichard, author of a failed motion at the board’s last meeting requesting the meeting be moved to May 26, voiced her appreciation for the thought prompting
the rescheduling but said she could not support the motion. “I certainly appreciate the recognition that April 22 is not going to be an amenable week. Hitting the peak of the curve on April 22 does not mean that we will be sigsee WEGMANS, pg. 15
Hanover Habitat for Humanity announces closures Staff Report news@mechlocal.com MECHANICSVILLE – Linda Tiller, executive director of Hanover Habitat for Humanity, has provided an update about the measures being taken to protect staff, volunteers and the people they serve during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “We continue to follow guidelines issued by our local, state and federal authorities as well as directives from Habitat for
Humanity International,” she said. According to Tiller, the following steps are being followed by the local organization: Administrative office: Hanover Habitat for Humanity administrative offices will be closed to the public until further notice, and they are working with limited remote staff. For now, use the general email address, info@ hanoverhfh.org, and someone will be back in touch as soon as
possible. Volunteers: All volunteer opportunities will continue to be closed until further notice. Habitat ReStore: The ReStorewill be closed to the public until further notice. Program applications: They will not be taking any applications for its repair program until further notice. The homeowner application process remains closed. The ReStore has been forced
to close, resulting in the loss of significant income. Construction of six homes has stopped, causing costly delays. The community’s support is appreciated more than ever. If you are able to make a donation in support of Habitat’s mission and its families, go to www. hanoverhfh.org/champion and contribute whatever you feel led, and help them get through this time. For more information, contact info@hanoverhfh.org.
ASHLAND – Hanover County Public Schools has announced that there are 15 locations offering free internet/Wi-Fi access during the extended closure to help better serve students and families with limited or no access to high-speed internet. Chris R. Whitley, public information officer, said, “Although a stay-at-home order is in place, state and federal officials have indicated that travel to and from educational institutions is permitted to allow students and their families to access instructional materials and resources, such as internet/WiFi.” “Our team recently Metro Creative Connection completed work to increase the signal strength of the WiFi at our four high schools that will provide moderate WiFi access in designated areas outside of these locations.” Whitley also said that 11 other schools have been identified across the division where moderate WiFi access is possible. The signal strength varies by building and depends upon many factors. He also said to note the following important details:
General Information A list of approved locations is attached and can be viewed on our Learn-from-Home Google Drive folder. These are the locations with the strongest signal based upon our test results. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. No one will be permitted on school property outside of this time period. All guests are expected to adhere to all officialsosee WIFI, pg. 5