Ashland-Hanover Local – 12/09/2020

PHOTOS WITH PETS

SANTA RUNS

Humane Society offers photos of pets with Santa Claus

Fire-EMS companies bringing St. Nick to your neighborhood.

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Vol. 6 No. 15 | Richmond Suburban News | December 9, 2020

County revenues were higher than expected last year

Light Up the Tracks kicks off

By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local

Joel Klein for The Ashland-Hanover Local

While the Town of Ashland launches its annual Light Up the Tracks month-long holiday event, this home on Henry Clay spreads the Christmas spirit with lovely colored trees and lit entrances. Even Frosty the Snowman is taking part in the display.

Chalkley reviews laws enacted in special session (Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney R.E. “Trip” Chalkley III.) The special session of the General Assembly, unusually, passed numerous new laws affecting law enforcement and the citizenry. Unless otherwise noted,

these legislative changes will take effect on March 1, 2021. As always, I am only covering those changes that have the greatest impact on the law and the following is only a brief synopsis of the changes.

Law enforcement officers may not use deadly force unless the officer reason-

ably believes deadly force is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person, other than the subject, from the threat of death or serious injury. If feasible, the officer should provide a warning to the subject that he will use deadly force. see LAWS, pg. 5

HANOVER -- As the end of the year approaches, members of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors have traditionally received updates and performance reviews from various departments during Fiscal Year 2019-20 that ended in June.

Last month those updates continued as the panel met for its November meeting.

Lauren Null, Financial Services director, presented the county’s 2019-2020 financial update (CAFR) that provides a dashboard of final figures regarding revenues and expenditures and other items.

FY 2020 revenues totaled $263.4 million or an increase of 1% from the appropriated budget. Revenues were $3.5 million

percent higher than expected, while expenditures were $16 million under budget.

“The combination of this additional revenue and lowered expenditures result in an operating balance of $20.3 million, which is primarily planned for use in FY21 county and school budget,” Null told the supervisors. “Of the $27.6 million in fund balance assignments, $7.5 million has already been appropriated by the board for the FY21 budget and assigned for subsequent five-year plans.”

Projected plans for education, economic development, reserves, capital projects and public works, storm water and transportation amount to $20 million.

The fund reserve balance for FY20 is about $35.6 mil-

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see REVENUES, pg. 2

Hanover Humane offers Pet Photos with Santa PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

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Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com ASHLAND -- Dress your pet in his/her holiday finery and join the Hanover Humane Society for its Seventh Annual “Pet Photos with Santa.”

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Hanover Humane’s facility at 12190 Washington Hwy. in Ashland by pre-paid appointment only.

Masks will be required and social distancing measures will be in place. Participants will be asked to remain outside or in their car until their appointment time. One handler per

HANOVER -- Hanover County Community Services Board has received a three-year accreditation from CARF International. This marks the 7th consecutive accreditation awarded to the Hanover County Community Services Board (HCCSB) by the international accrediting body.

The current accreditation extends through October 2023 and includes the following programs: Intensive Community Treatment (ICT), Psychosocial Rehabilitation (RAFT House), Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Employment Services.

This three-year accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to CARF standards.

Over a two-day period in September, representatives of CARF conducted a rigorous digitally enhanced review of the HCCSB’s administrative functions as well as its treatment, prevention and employ-

Continued from pg. 1

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Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020

animal will be allowed in the facility at any one time.

For a $15 donation per animal/sitting, clients will be able

to get their pet’s photo taken with Santa in a festive setting.

Hanover Humane will provide a framed printed photo of each

Community Services receives 3-year accreditation

REVENUES F O R D E TA I L S V I S I T

Photo submitted by Hanover Humane Society

Pet photo event will be held Saturday, Dec. 12.

pet with Santa the day of the event; a *jpg of the printed photo will be emailed to participants after the event.

To obtain more information and to schedule an appointment, please email info@hanoverhumanesociety. org. Celebrate the holiday season and help a great cause.

The Hanover Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity located in Ashland.

The Hanover Humane Society provides animal adoption, education, and prevention services for residents in Hanover County and the Richmond metropolitan area.

lion or 13.5% of revenue, an increase of .2%.

The complete County Annual Financial Report is available on the county’s website, https://www.hanover-

ment services.

The results of this survey demonstrate the HCCSB’s commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality. The full accreditation report is available on the CSB’s main page on the Hanover County website.

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of persons served.

Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

For more information about the accreditation process, visit the CARF website at www.carf.org.

The Hanover County Community

county.gov/.

Assistant County Administrator Frank Harksen presented supervisors with a year-end report on the Community Development Department that includes building inspections, Parks and Recreation, Planning,

Services Board is a department of Hanover County and is one of 40 community services boards across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The agency’s mission is “to partner with individuals to provide supports and services in the areas of mental health, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders in their efforts to lead satisfying and productive lives in their communities”.

The HCCSB provides a range of services and programs to county residents and is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

A 12-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Hanover County Board of Supervisors, along with 150 employees serve over 5,000 individuals each year.

For more information about the Hanover County Community Services Board, call 804-365-4222 or visit www.hanovercounty.gov/358/Community-Services-Board.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

Public Utilities, Public Works, and libraries.

“The one thing all these departments have in common is that they directly serve residents of Hanover County every day,” Harksen said.

Harksen also provided an update on the department’s

reaction to COVID-19 and noted the pandemic closed Hanover offices for only one day.

“When we were back in business the next day, we continued to accept and process see REVENUES, pg. 3

Rabies vaccination clinic to be held Saturday HANOVER -- All dogs and cats (including so-called “barn cats”) are required by law to be vaccinated for rabies at four months of age. For dogs, you also must have tags and a valid license proving the vaccination.

Hanover Animal Control makes it easy for people to get their pets vaccinated by holding rabies vaccination clinics in the fall and winter. Vaccines will be administered at a cost of $8 per dog or cat.

The second clinic of this fall/winter season will be held on Saturday, Dec. 12, in the bus loop between Oak Knoll Middle School and Hanover High School. The clinic will

begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon. The veterinarian is Dr. Olga Van Beek.

This will be a drive-thru type clinic, with the owners and the animals remaining inside the vehicles.

The veterinarian will administer the shots at your vehicle. Only healthy, nonpregnant animals will be vaccinated and only dogs and cats (no wolves or wolfhybrids). You will be expected to leave the vaccination area as soon as you are done.

Put the rabies tags on pet's collar and keep certifications for proof of vaccination.

The vaccination is good for up to three

years unless the pet has never had a rabies vaccination before, in which case it is good for one year. Put the rabies tag on the dog’s collar and keep certificates for proof of vaccination.

A third rabies prevention clinic for this season is expected to be held on Feb. 6, 2021, at the East Hanover Rescue Squad.

For more information about rabies or the upcoming rabies vaccination clinics in Hanover County, call Animal Control at 804-365-6485.

Information submitted by Tom Harris, Hanover County public information officer.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue Oct. 30

Simple assault was reported in the 6300 block of Watt House Road, Mechanicsville.

ID theft ID to defraud, $200, was reported in the 9000 block of Westone Road, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $1,000, in the 11400 block of North Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

monument, was reported in the 9000 block of Rutlandshire Drive, Mechanicsville.

Larceny of certain animals was reported in the 19300 block of Taylors Creek Road, Montpelier.

Credit card fraud, $200 in six months, was reported in the 10200 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument, was reported in the 19200 block of Woodsons Mill Road, Beaverdam.

DWI: 1st offense was reported in the 8300 block of Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 9000 block of Lunette Lane, Mechanicsville.

Grand larceny, auto theft, was reported in the 14200 block of Hickory Springs Lane, Doswell.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 7400 block of Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money by false pretenses, $200, was reported in the 9500 block of Windsor Shade Drive, Ashland.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 7400 block of Olde Grove Glade, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 6000 block of Pond Place Way, Mechanicsville.

Obtaining money or signature by false pretenses was reported in the 7900 block of Arnoka Road, Mechanicsville.

Possession of Schedule I and II controlled substance was reported in the 6200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike/Creighton Parkway, Mechanicsville.

False statement to obtain property or credit was reported in the 7000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

DWI: 1st offense was reported in the 14100 block of Washington Highway/ Elletts Crossing Road, Ashland.

Oct. 31

Grand larceny, $500 or more not from a person, was reported in the 9000 block of Hickory Hill Road/Old Ridge Road, Ashland.

Petit larceny from auto was reported in the 9000 block of Colonial Lane, Mechanicsville.

Possession of marijuana, first offense, was reported in the 11600 block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Destruction of property,

Petit larceny building was reported in the 6100 block of Westhaven Drive, Olde Grove Glade, Mechanicsville.

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

$1,000, in the 15300 block of St. Peters Church Road, Montpelier.

Petit larceny, $500 not from a person, was reported in the 6400 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

Destruction of property, see INCIDENTS, pg. 5

REVENUES Continued from pg. 2

permit and planning applications, perform inspections, install meters, conduct public meetings, and provide curbside library pickup,” Harksen said.

“Day-to-day activity continued as well. This was a big task and required the combined support of many county departments.”

Harksen said several county wastewater plants received high marks from oversight agencies and a number of significant water projects occurred in 2020, including the Elmont Tank and Pump Station.

Storm water programs continued overseen by Public Works to satisfy Chesapeake Bay regulation and daily TDML (Total Daily Maximum Load) requirements passed by the state.

Road projects completed during the FY2019-2020 period included the Creighton/ Cold Harbor roundabout, the ongoing Sliding Hill widening scheduled for completion near

the end of the year.

More than $4 million was obtained for the Atlee Station Road widening project, and applications were submitted for several other major projects.

A corporate hangar was completed at the Hanover County Airport and designs for the new East Side Terminal were completed, all part of an ambitious ongoing airport improvement project.

Funding is approved and will take advantage of 87% funding derived from state monies.

The news also was some positive news for Parks and Recreation. “We continue to host larger events and landed the 2021 NCAA Men and Women Cross Country championships,” Harksen said.

But there’s no hiding the major effects the pandemic had on the department, forcing the cancellation of more than 70 classes and events, the absence of the annual Hanover Tomato Festival and delaying a planned see REVENUES, pg. 4

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Nov. 1

Simple assault was reported in the 10900 block of Richardson Road, Ashland.

Driver did not report an accident with damages,

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020 3

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DOSWELL -- The Hanover Christmas Mother wishes to thank the following for their generous donations: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Atkins; Jean Garrett Austin; Patricia O. Blyer; Boschen Masonry Inc.; Janette M. Bridgers; Joyce M. Corker;

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Cecile and James K. Cox Jr.; Craney Island Association.

John M. Crockett; Terry and Susan Davis; Gloria Dunham; Verna P. Durvin; Linda N. English; Enon United Methodist Church, Triple M. Class; Nancy Flippen; Foley Material Handling Co. Inc. Raymond and Cynthia Goodman; Charles and Wanda Griggs; Samuel and Bonnie Gromovsky; Carl E. and Judith L. Harrell; Mary Ann Holliday in memory of Michael D. Holliday; Independence Christian Church Disciples Women; Jane and Yancey Jones.

Samuel and Patricia Kirby; Millicent M. Landrum; Terri and Thomas Lent; Roger and B.S. Martin; Ruth McNally; Lucille P. Midyette; David and Lisa Minor; James and Patricia Perkins; Judy S. Rasnic.

Betty B. Smith in memory of Mrs. Conway W. Smith, 1st Hanover Christmas Mother 1949; Joshua and Renee Snell; St. James Baptist Church; Oscar C. Stills; Robert W. Street; June B. Thorpe.

Town & Country Garden Club; Jeffrey and Robin Underdown; John and Mona Wade; Jerry and Debra

Welch; Anne G. Williamson; Anonymous in memory of Mary and Everett Gentry; Anonymous in honor of Bruce and Susan Bowen.

Ashland Veterinary Hospital Inc.;Faye N. Booker; Bramel Construction Co. Inc.; James B. Brannan; Larry Caldwell; Capital City Four Wheelers; Jean W. Carter; Nicholas A. Chamberlain; Lillian B. Chenault.

Barbara S. Cocke; Jeffery M. Curran; B. Wayne and Barbara Davis; Iris K. DeFord; Annie Downing; E.L. and J.E. Frost; Ruth F. Duncan; Ernest F. Flannagan Jr.; Hyland F. Fowler; Thomas and Esther Gilman.

Jane N. Glazebrook; Hanover Ruritan Club; Maxine H. Hazelgrove; John H. and Vandivere Hodges; Glynis and Richard Holcomb; Men’s IV Sunday School Class Hunton Baptist Church; Ruth and Garland C. Lloyd Jr. Russell and Sandra Mills in Honor of the 2020 Christmas Mother Buernlie Montaigne; Margaret Patterson; David and Diane Hylton; James River Nurseries Inc.; Lois J. Johnson; Kathy B. Laws.

Donald and Judy Little;

Mechanicsville Chapter #5407 AARP Inc.; Pamunkey Womans Club; Nancy C. Parrish; Benjamin and Dina Pully; John and Jackie Puryear in honor of our 2020 Christmas Mother; Rappahannock Electric.

Project Big Heart, Bowling Green District; Marsha and Darrell Rettig in memory of our daughter, Ginny Rettig; Johnny Robinson: Joan and Frank Sasser Jr.; Sheltering Arms Circle, Virginia Branch, KD&S. Scott Slagley in memory of Joyce Pruitt and JoAnn Slagley; Ruth D. Smith; Frances Smithers; Andrew and Mona Stahling; Carol J. Stevens and Douglas B. Leake; Alice Stutzman; Charles and Jean Thurston.

Andrew and Virginia Tilton; Marjorie M. Tucker; Ted and Susan Tussey; Timothy Vanzile; Lois Walton, In Memory of Thomas Walton; Richard and Sheila Wills; and Elizabeth and Robert Yevich.

If you have not sent in your donation, please send it to THE HANOVER CHRISTMAS MOTHER, P. O. Box 39, Doswell VA 23047.

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REVENUES Continued from pg. 3

300th Birthday Celebration nixed when the coronavirus hit.

Even with the pandemic, Harksen said visitation to county parks increased with about 1.5 million visitors.

“People were using our parks as a way to get out of the house and enjoy the scenery while practicing social distancing,” the assistant county administrator said.

Libraries across the county continued to partner with schools to encourage library card acquisition and pivoted

The new Atlee Library opened its doors earlier this year to rave reviews.

quickly to curbside delivery while facilities in other localities closed.

“Customers were able to borrow materials, get computer files printed and received cheer packages,” Harksen said.

The new Atlee Library opened its doors earlier this year to rave reviews.

Harksen said the county’s population rate grew at a rate

of 1.8%, resulting in about 110,000 people.

Residential water usage was up, but overall water production was down due to the Bear Island closure.

He noted the county has lost ground in the drainage department with the removal of inmate assistance when COVID-19 hit.

“That generally resulted in six to 10 people a day assisting drainage ditch clearing, pot or sink hole repair, mowing — all of these very labor intensive,” Harksen said.

Contractors have been hired to assist in the clearing efforts.

LAWS Continued from pg. 1

The law enforcement officer’s actions must be reasonable, given the circumstances and all other options have been exhausted or do not reasonably lend themselves to the circumstances. In determining whether deadly force was proper, the following factors shall be considered: The reasonableness of the officer’s belief and actions from the perspective of a reasonable law enforcement officer on the scene at that time and the totality of the circumstances.

Totality of the circumstances includes: i. The amount of time the officer had to make a decision, ii. Whether the subject possessed or appeared to possess a deadly weapon and refused to comply with the officer’s lawful order to surrender the object which was or appeared to be a deadly weapon; iii. Whether the officer engaged in certain de-escalation measures; iv. Whether actions by the officer, prior to using deadly force, increased the risk of a confrontation resulting in the use of deadly force; and v. the seriousness of the suspected crime.

The willful discharge of a firearm by an officer into or at a moving vehicle is prohibited unless such discharge is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another from death or serious bodily injury. The use of kinetic impact munitions, e.g. impact rounds, bean bag rounds, etc., is prohibited

unless necessary to protect the officer or another from bodily injury.

The use of a neck restraint by an officer is prohibited unless such use is immediately necessary to protect the officer or another person from death or serious bodily injury.

Also, any officer who, while in the performance of his official duties, witnesses another officer engaging or attempting to engage in the use of excessive force (any force that is objectively unreasonable given the totality of the circumstances) shall intervene, when feasible, to end the use or prevent further use of excessive force.

Any law enforcement officer who violates any of the above, knowingly, shall be subject to disciplinary action in addition to any other penalty authorized by law.

Effective March 1, 2021, no officer shall stop a motorcycle, moped, motorized skateboard, or scooter for the following violations: failure to display two visibly red tail lights, failing to display a high mount brake light, improper window tint, substantially obstructed view, nonworking exhaust system, noise from a vehicle not equipped with a muffler and exhaust system, driving outside the scope of a provisional license or learner’s permit, driving on a provisional license or learner’s permit while using a wireless telecommunications device, hand-held or not, smoking with a child in the vehicle, and failure to wear a seat belt. No evidence

INCIDENTS Continued from pg. 3

monument, was reported in the 8200 block of Reunion Drive, Mechanicsville.

Driver did not report an accident with damages, $250, in the 9200 block of Atlee Road, Mechanicsville.

Petit larceny, $500 not

discovered as a result of a stop for these violations shall be admissible in any judicial proceeding, even if discovered or obtained with the operator’s consent.

Vehicles may be lawfully stopped only if there are no lighted headlights when required by law. The same applies if there are no brake lights. No officer may stop a motor vehicle due to an expired registration prior to the first day of the fourth month of the expiration date. The same prohibition applies to expired inspection stickers. No lawful stop until the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date. Again, any evidence obtained as a result of a stop in violation of these statutes may not be used in any trial, hearing, or proceeding.

No officer may lawfully stop, search or seize any person, place or thing solely on the basis of the odor of marijuana.

Again, any evidence recovered in violation of this statute may not be used in any judicial proceeding.

No officer shall seek, execute or participate in the execution of a “no-knock” search warrant. A search warrant, duly authorized, shall require that the officer be recognizable and identifiable as a uniformed officer and provide audible notice of his authority and purpose reasonably expected to be heard by the occupants of the place to be searched prior to the warrant’s execution. Upon entry and securing the loca-

Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy.

#WE

see LAWS, pg. 7

of New Holland Lane, Mechanicsville.

from a person, $500, was reported in the 8200 block of New Ashcake Road, Mechanicsville.

Sale and distribution of marijuana, ½ ounce, was reported in the 7000 block of Brandy Run Drive, Mechanicsville.

Violation of a protective order (general) was reported in the 8200 block of Perryville Court, Mechanicsville.

Unauthorized use of vehicle, boat or animal was reported in the 10200 block of Pollard Creek Road, Mechanicsville.

Assault and battery of a family member was reported in the 8700 block

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Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020 5

LETTERS | Reader Views

Chalkley speaks out about special session laws (Editor’s note: The following letter was submitted by Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney R.E. “Trip” Chalkley III.) For the past 12 years I have submitted articles to this publication summarizing new laws and statutory amendments. I have done so to educate my fellow Hanoverians and other citizens. On occasion, I have fought, successfully, from including my personal opinions as to the wisdom of the General Assembly’s actions. By separate writing, I have submitted a summary of changes to the law from the General Assembly’s special session that, in my opinion, would be of interest to the citizenry.

I have again done so without imposing my personal opinions as to the wisdom, or lack thereof, as to the changes to existing law. This session and its results compel me, as both a resident of Hanover and its Commonwealth’s Attorney to write separately from the summary and express my thoughts.

The wisdom of permitting motor vehicles to operate on our highways with inspection and registrations three months out of date only imperils fellow motorists. Allowing motor vehicles to travel with only one headlight and/ or one brake light operating without being subject to being lawfully stopped by law enforcement runs contrary to

common sense. The peril this places fellow highway users in is obvious and uncaring. It has always been my belief that equipment safety violations existed to protect the citizenry from the dangers obvious when compliance is not enforced.

Disallowing lawful stops for those violations and prohibiting searches and seizures based upon those stops when coupled with the new law that prohibits searches based upon the odor of marijuana will be a major impediment to effective law enforcement and crime prevention. Sadly, and sarcastically, I opine that those who wish to transport narcotics, illegal weapons, contraband or evidence of criminal activity should do so in a vehicle with tinted windows whose inspection has expired within the past three months, with only one working headlight and/or brake light after recently smoking marijuana.

Recently a Hanover deputy stopped a vehicle due to a possible tinted window violation. That stop led to the seizure of over 500 grams of heroin, over 250 grams of fentanyl and $30,000 in cash. That amount of fentanyl alone is enough to decimate the population of Hanover without taking into account the tragedies that would result from that amount of heroin. After March 1, 2021, that stop could not have been lawfully made and that contraband free to plague our county.

Switching topics, the General Assembly has passed a law, effective on July 1, 2021, that permits the defendant to select whether after a jury trial he or she will be sentenced by the jury

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Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020

or a judge. Prior to this effective date, juries in Virginia have recommended a sentence and the judge could impose that recommended sentence or lessen it. Before this change, only six states had jury sentencing, Virginia being one.

In 2014, the Violent Crimes Rate per 100,000 population (FBI statistics) had the U.S. average of 375.7. Out of 100,000 people, an average of 376 of the people were victimized by violent crime. Virginia’s rate at that time was 196.2; 196 victims of violent crime per 100,000 population. As Virginia’s crime rate was slightly more than one half of the country’s average, we certainly did not need to change our method of sentencing.

This change, in my opinion, has the potential to be devastating to our citizens. Hanover County is a remarkably safe place to live, to educate our children, to work and to socialize. Much credit goes to the Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office and the other law enforcement agencies that protect and serve the county. But, after practicing over 40 years in the criminal justice system, I am convinced that it is the involvement of our citizens that greatly contributes to keeping our county safe.

Our citizens do not hesitate to get involved, whether by reporting suspicious activity, appearing as witnesses, regardless of the inconvenience, and serving as jurors to speak on behalf of their fellow citizens.

The General Assembly has now removed the citizens’ input from sentencing. Judge sentencing will be based

on sentencing guidelines, which are nothing more than statewide averages. The citizen jurors from Hanover will have no input on the appropriate sentence, but rather will be subject to guidelines based, in large part, on past sentences from other areas of the state. Hanover is different in the best possible way from other local jurisdictions and certain metropolitan areas in Northern Virginia and Tidewater.

Now our citizens are removed from the sentencing process potentially and may be victimized by the philosophy and beliefs of those far removed from our county.

Additionally, it is estimated that this change in jury sentencing may result in four to six times more juries being selected by the defendant. Yet the General Assembly made no provisions financially to provide for the additional judges, clerks, bailiffs, and prosecutors that will be needed to meet the increase in demands for jury trials with judicial sentencing. No consideration has been given to the additional citizens needed for these juries or that those citizens, after rendering a verdict, will be denied the opportunity to recommend a sentence based upon their community values and standards.

I could vent further on other new laws or amendments (new search warrant restrictions) but I will spare the reader my further opinions. I remain confident, that despite these changes, my office, the law enforcement agencies, and the courts will do all that is permissible to continue to keep Hanover County protected and safe

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: 344-8746 E-mail: editor@mechlocal.com © 2020 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.

with the continued help of our residents.

I express my appreciation to the managing editor for allowing me to express my concerns and my thanks to my fellow Hanoverians for the honor of serving as your Commonwealth’s Attorney. To the General Assembly members who voted for these changes, “What were you thinking?”

Parsons’ Cause Foundation asks for financial help (Editor’s note: The following was addressed to “Dear Friends of The Parsons’ Cause Foundation”.)

Thank you for your past interest in and support of the work of The Parsons’ Cause Foundation. This past year has certainly been a difficult and challenging one.

As you know, we were unable to hold in-person presentations during 2020 due to COVID restrictions. In lieu thereof, we were happy to be able to offer several online presentations.

They are listed below and are still available for you to view.

We certainly hope and pray that 2021 will bring good news in the fight against the pandemic and will allow us to once again offer in-person presentations. Of course, time will tell.

As you ponder your end of the year contributions, we ask to consider a donation to The Foundation in order to assist us in our endeavors to keep history alive in Hanover County. If you are so inclined, please send your donation to The Parsons’ Cause Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 364, Mechanicsville VA 23111.

We wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season and a brighter 2021.

With best wishes, The Board of Directors of The Parsons’ Cause Foundation Inc. Videos available for your viewing pleasure The Parsons’ Cause Trial https://youtu.be/tFeIMkEQ0ok see LETTERS, pg. 15

CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Saturday, May 15, 2021 Rescheduled The Highland Springs High School Class of 1970 has had to postpone its 50th reunion again. The new date is Saturday, May 15, 2021. All other previous information is correct, including the location at the Hill Building at Sandston Pool at 501 Beulah Rd. in Sandston. Music will be

presented by DJ Dalton Beagle.

Dinner, drinks and dessert will be provided by Champagne Taste Catering. Bring your own mixers and alcohol. Small coolers are welcome. The doors will open at 4 p.m.; cocktails at 5 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m.; and cleanup will be at 10 p.m. The cost is $45 per person. Those who may have recently paid $50 after March 1 have been refunded $5.

No tickets will be sold at the door. For invitations or more information, contact Bill Brooks at 1970HSHS@gmail.com.

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

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tion, prior to undertaking any search or seizure, the executing officer shall read and give a copy of the search warrant to the person to be searched or the owner of the place to be searched. If the location to be searched is unoccupied, the executing officer shall leave a copy suitably affixed to the place searched.

Search warrants shall be executed only in the daytime unless a judge or a magistrate, if a judge is not available, authorizes the execution at another time for good cause shown or if the search warrant is for the withdrawal of blood.

An officer shall make reasonable efforts to locate a judge before seeking authorization to execute the warrant at another time and such efforts shall be documented in an affidavit and submitted to a magistrate when seeking such authorization. Evidence obtained in violation of the statue shall not be admitted into evidence.

Localities are permitted to

F

ax submissions to calendar to 344-8746, email to events@ mechlocal.com, or mail to 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville VA 23116. Deadline is 1 p.m. Thursday for the following week’s issue. Calendar announcements cannot be taken by phone. We reserve the right to edit all items submitted to The Ashland-Hanover Local.

Saturdays Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds it church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Roy Minnix, senior pastor, and Nycholas Greig, associate pastor. For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-270-9626.

Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-2491845. The website is http://www. mcshin.org.

Tuesdays

Outside the Walls, a new Narcotics Anonymous group, has been organized and will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional

A Commanders Coffee is held from 10 a.m. to about 11 a.m. at the Beaverdam Post at 17662 Beaver Dam Rd. in Beaverdam. Members discuss issues of interest/befits of the American Legion. There also will be donuts. Eugene Truitt is the Post commander. He can be contacted at 804-746-4734.

create civilian review boards for law enforcement agencies.

If created, such boards may review all internal investigations by a law enforcement agency and make binding disciplinary determinations. If created, such boards are given a wide range of powers, among them subpoena power for persons and documents.

Effective July 1, 2021, the ability of the Commonwealth to request that the jury determine an appropriate punishment is eliminated. After July 1, 2021, the defendant may request one of the following: a bench trial with a judge sentencing, a jury trial with a jury sentencing, or a jury trial with a judge sentencing.

Currently, either the judge, the Commonwealth, or the defendant may request trial by jury and the jury will recommend an appropriate sentence.

A trial court in any criminal case may, with the agreement of both parties, after any plea or trial, with or without a determination of guilt, defer disposition upon such reasonable terms and conditions agreed upon

by the parties and placed on the record, or if no agreement, imposed by the court. Final disposition may include conviction of the original charge(s), conviction of an alternative charge, or dismissal. Upon a violation of a term or condition, the court may enter a finding of guilt and make a final disposition.

Violation of possession of marijuana by an adult is now a prepayable offense (can be paid before court appearance).

Again, this is only a summary of certain legislation.

It does not address all new statutes or every aspect of the laws noted. Should any reader have questions about any changes in the laws, mentioned or not, please contact me at 365-6186. My sincere thanks to Senators Ryan McDougle and Siobhan Dunnavant and Delegates Scott Wyatt and Buddy Fowler for their efforts during the special session.

Lastly, my thanks to the citizens of Hanover County for allowing me the privilege to serve as their Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Sundays

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020 7

Light Up the Tracks in Downtown Ashland with holiday fun December 1st to January 1st

Ashland Theatre Holiday Spectacular -- Saturday, Dec. 12

By Maggie Longest Special to Ashland-Hanover Local ooking for a fun and safe family activity to get you in the holiday spirit? The Ashland Theatre is excited to host a virtual holiday event from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. All you need is a device and a sofa!

Enjoy virtual musical performances from our reigning Hanover Idol, Audrey Kate Taylor and Hanover Junior Idol, Rebekah Turner.

You also will see the Randolph-Macon College's LUXE Show Choir, former Hanover Idols, Felix Stevens and a "live" streaming of the "Don't Ask Ned" Band!

Santa and Rudolph also will make surprise appearances.

L

The event is free for all, but you will need to "sign-in" with an email address. Go to www.

AshlandTheatreHolidaySpectacular.com to sign-up.

The Ashland Theatre Holiday Spectacular is a benefit for the Ashland Theatre, which has gone dark during the pandemic. There will be an online Silent Auction, LIVE Auction in between band sets, and a raffle for a barrel of booze.

There is no need to wait for the silent auction or raffle. Shop now for some incredible items and experiences! You may even find the perfect gift for someone on your holiday list.

There are about 25 Auction items, including a Discovery Flight with Heart of Virginia Aviation, an AirBnB stay in Ashland, a signed

Ned Don’t Ask

VCU basketball (from Coach Rhoades and the current line-up), a huge box of Dog Goodies from Fin & Feather of Ashland, a family portrait session with Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry, a Night out in Richmond, Ashland Theatre marquee rental, month-long yoga passes, art, tours and more!

There are 4 Live Auction items: 1) Weeklong Vacation in Duck, NC; 2) Weekend Getaway to the Chesapeake Bay; 3) 2-Round Trip Tickets on Southwest Airlines; and 4) Name a Beer from Origin Beer Lab with a release party.

Schedule for the Ashland Theatre Holiday Spectacular 5 p.m. - Telethon and Performances

7 p.m. -- Live streaming of the "Don't Ask Ned" band 8 p.m. - "Live" Auction 8:15 p.m. -- Live streaming of the "Don't Ask Ned" band 9 p.m. - Silent Auction closes and Barrel of Booze Winner announced The Ashland Theatre's mission is to reinvent the classic American movie house experience through exceptional film, live performances and live music. As a not-for-profit organization, the Ashland Theatre's goal is to deliver a deeper level of engagement through speakers, panels, talkbacks and events that entertain, educate, inspire and are welcoming to all.

For more information, visit www.

AshlandTheatre.org.

band

Audrey K ate Taylo r Hanover Idol 202 0

8

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020

File photos courtesy of Martha Miller

The Town of Ashland Light Up the Tracks is part of a month filled with holiday celebrations. Streets in the downtown area are sparkling with the sights of the Christmas season throughout December and into January 2021. Of course, what would Ashland be without a CSX train rolling through the town? Several events are planned, so mark your calendars.

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Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020 9

Hanover Fire-EMS Santa Runs continue Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER – Hanover Fire-EMS companies continue to visit the communities they serve by bringing Santa Claus to visit during the much anticipated Santa Runs.

The schedules are as follows:

ASHLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY Sunday, Dec. 13 – College Avenue, Caroline Street, North Taylor Street, Calhoun Street, Louisiana Street, Macon Circle, Henry Place, North Cottage Green Drive, Trotter Mill Close Apartments, Hanover Apartments, Laurel Woods Apartments, Vaughan Road, Ashland Towne Square, and Smithtown Road.

Monday, Dec. 14 – Dale Avenue, South James Street, Duncan Street, Early Street, South Center Street south-

west side, Oaks Apartments, Ashland Manor Apartments, Cox Lane, Stebbins Street, Race Course Street, West Francis Street, Hanover Avenue, South Snead Street, Beverly Road, Lee Avenue, Cubs Lane, and Thompson Street southern side.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 – Henry Street north of RandolphMacon College, Berkley Woods Subdivision, A&B Streets, 100 block of North Center Street east, Henry Apartments, northwest Henry Lane, 200 block of Berkley Street, Burruss Apartments, North Center Street west side, West Patrick Street, North James Street (North Snead to Thompson), Mullen Drive, North Snead Street, Wesley Street, John Street, Henry Clay Road, Thompson Street north side, Chapman Street, Cross Road, Clover Hill Drive, Elm Avenue, Park Avenue, Linden Street, and North Macon Terrace

Subdivision.

The streets listed above are the basic order the fire company will be following each night, starting by 6:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19, Santa Claus and his Elves will be riding in the fire truck. Spectators are not to approach the moving units. As the fire truck nears, noise will be heard. Crews, at any time, may have to leave for an emergency. Santa and his Elves must move swiftly so he can make it to all of the boys and girls. The Ashland station has been a volunteer organization since 1890; donations are always accepted and appreciated.

BLACK CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Schedule subject to change due to weather and/or calls.

Due to COVID-19, crews will

not be exiting the trucks to hand out candy canes, but will stop for kids to wave at Santa Claus.

Friday, Dec. 11 – 6 p.m.

-- Starts at Rockhill Road and Cold Harbor Road Rockhill Road to Confederate Hill Drive and back to Rockhill Road to White Oak Ridge and back to Rockhill Road to McClellan Road, McClellan Road to Papa Lane and back to McClellan Road to Black Creek Estates and back to McClellan Road to Peace Road, Peace Road to Quaker Road to Dispatch Road to Fox Hunter Road, Fox Hunter Road to Market Road and back to McClellan Road, McClellan Road to Peace Road and stops.

Saturday, Dec. 12, -- 4:30 p.m. -- Starts at Crown Hill Road and Burnett Field Drive, Burnett Field Subdivision and back to Crown Hill Road to Valley Oaks Subdivision and

Comprehensive Plan Update 2021 Your Input Is Needed!

This is your opportunity to provide input as the Town drafts the new plan to guide Ashland into the future.

December 16th Lower Ashland & North Ashland January 6th West Ashland & East Ashland January 11th Gateway & Downtown Learn more at www.AshlandCompPlan.com

RSVP & Inquiries 804-798-1073 or planning@ashlandva.gov

Metro Creative

back to Crown Hill Road to Madison Estates and back to Crown Hill Road to Tall Cedars Lane and back to Crown Hill Road to Cold Harbor Road, Cold Harbor Road to Boatswain Lane and back to Cold Harbor Road to Hanover Farms Subdivision, Hanover Subdivision and ends.

Note changes have been made to this route and if your street is not listed then please come to end of your road to

see Santa.

CHICKAHOMINY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Station 10 Sunday, Dec. 13 – 12 to 6 p.m. – Charleston Ridge, Atlee Ridge, Green Ridge, Hickory Ridge, Beechwood Farms, Summer Duck Farm, Chickahominy Oaks, Madison Springs, Honey Meadows, Taylor Farms, Kings Charter II/Stephens Manor, Ivy Banks, Castlewood, Kingswood Court, Rapidan Woods/Kings Charter I, and Charter Creek Apartments.

Sunday, Dec. 19 – 12 to 6 p.m. – Snow/rain makeup date.

EASTERN HANOVER COMPANY 3 Friday, Dec. 11 – 6 p.m.

-- Pole Green Road (from Mechanicsville Turnpike) to Williamsville Road (including Woodlawn Farm Drive), Williamsville Road to Studley Road (including Winsmith Farms, Prospect Hills, Pine Slash and Rainier Estates), Williamsville Road across Studley Road to River Road, including Santa Maria, Summer Plains and Gould Hill.

Saturday, Dec. 12 – 5 p.m. -see SANTA, pg. 16

10

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020

WE NEED YOUR HELP With the pandemic-related cancellations and delays, we could use your story ideas.

Contact Dave Lawrence at dlawrence@mechlocal.com with your suggestions.

For more information go to www.mechlocal.com

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

COVID surge endangers winter season Henrico schools nix entire schedule

By Tim Pearrell Richmond Times-Dispatch Henrico County Public Schools announced on Nov. 30 that its schools won’t be playing winter sports this season, adding to a growing list of school systems around the state opting out because of the pandemic.

In a message from spokesman Andy Jenks to Henrico families, the school system said that “in order to best protect the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, school employees and community, Henrico County Public Schools will not participate in any Virginia High School League winter sports for the 2020-21 school year, and all out-ofseason conditioning programs will be suspended until further notice.”

The decision comes a week before practice for basketball season was scheduled to start, and it sidelines nine

Hanover delays start of practices; may cancel season, too

By Zach Joachim Richmond Times-Dispatch In a release sent out Friday afternoon, Hanover County Public Schools announced it will suspend all high school and middle school conditioning programs, tryouts and practices effective Monday.

Though the release stated that no final decision has been made regarding the winter sports season, it said that a “noticeable increase” in the number of COVID-19 cases reported in Hanover County and, specifically, in some Hanover middle and high schools, rendered the suspension of activities necessary.

Joel Klein for The Local The release said a final Even if Hanover schools go ahead with winter season, there may not be many opponents, as Henrico schools will not compete. decision regarding the winter sports season will be commuwinter sports.

Henrico high schools — Deep Mills Godwin and Varina — in and wrestling.

“Over the last few weeks, nicated no later than Dec. 18 as It also makes Henrico, for Run, Douglas Freeman, Glen boys and girls basketball, gymAllen, Henrico, Hermitage, nastics, indoor track, sideline the moment, the largest school Highland Springs, J.R. Tucker, cheer, swimming and diving, system in the state to cancel see HENRICO, pg. 12 see HANOVER, pg. 13

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020

11

HENRICO Continued from pg. 11

we have been closely monitoring regional health data which shows a steep rise in COVID19 cases across our region,” the message said. “We are already seeing the increase in community-based cases directly impact some of our teams in their outof-season athletic conditioning programs. You may also know that on Nov. 13, Virginia tightened restrictions limiting the number of people [to 25 spectators] who could attend indoor or outdoor athletic events, which meant having spectators would not be possible.

“The circumstances described above created numerous challenges for our athletic programming, including the ability to keep our student-athletes safe and healthy (basketball, sideline cheer, gymnastics, indoor track, swimming and wrestling all take place indoors, in competitive environments where physical distancing cannot be maintained). While we regret having to take this position, which will no doubt be disappointing to many of our student-athletes, we will always prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved.”

In January, the school system will reassess whether to play the fall sports season and return to out-of-season conditioning. Practice for fall sports — football, volleyball, cross country, field hockey, golf and competition cheering — was pushed back to February after the VHSL reordered the seasons because of the pandemic.

The VHSL has given the green light to play sports, but decisions on whether to participate are up to local school systems, VHSL Executive Director Billy Haun said.

Locally, Henrico joins Richmond Public Schools, which announced Nov. 9 that its five high schools wouldn’t play winter sports.

The question now is what

12

Dave Lawrence/The Local

If Hanover schools go ahead with winter sports season, county teams may be restricted to competing mostly against each other.

other school systems will do.

Chesterfield County schools spokesman Tim Bullis said in an email that “at this time, school division staff continues to work collaboratively with the Directors of Student Activities at school sites and county Risk Management staff as plans are built for tryouts and practice formats that are scheduled by VHSL to begin in December.

Hopefully these plans will allow for participation this season

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020

(which begins in January).”

Hanover County schools has not made a decision, spokesman Chris Whitley said in an email.

Including Henrico and Richmond, 31 individual schools in 16 school systems in the state won’t be playing, according to VHSL spokesman Mike McCall.

For activities directors and coaches in Henrico, the aftermath of the decision made for

a lot of difficult conversations.

Highland Springs girls basketball coach Franklin Harris had eight seniors and 10 players returning from a team that advanced to the Class 5 state championship game last season. The Springers didn’t get to play that game in March after the VHSL canceled all but two state championship games because of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 landscape.

Highland Springs and

opponent Princess Anne High School were declared cochamps, but Harris said telling his players they weren’t going to be able to play for the title was tough. Telling them on Monday that their senior seasons were over was far worse.

“As a junior, they still realize, ‘I’ve got my senior season, let’s go win it on our own,’ and now you’re just telling them it’s over, it’s done,” he said.

“That’s the tough part,

seeing their faces when we FaceTime each other. Their reactions — it’s like, I don’t want to say devastation, but it’s ‘I can’t believe this, my senior season.’ ” Mills Godwin athletics director Tom Nadeau said it was important to look at the decision from the perspective of safety.

“Obviously, student safety, the health and well-being of our athletes is important, so it was a very difficult decision that we made today,” he said. “A lot of disappointment, there’s no getting around that.

“From the school administration side of things, any time you make these types of decisions — just like we experienced back in the spring with the seasons called off at that point — disappointment because our kids have been working hard getting ready for the season.

A week or two weeks away, depending on which sport it is, to have this decision made is disappointing, but our kids are tough and they’ll be resilient throughout this and will be ready to move forward.”

Tucker AD Chris Brown said athletes are going to need time to process the change, and his message to coaches was to be part of their players’ lives.

“We’re in it for the athletes and the kids. Athletics, I think we all agree that it’s such a vital part of so many kids’ lives, it’s such a part of the high school experience, and moving it is tough. I told our coaches this afternoon in an email that they need to be present, particularly for these winter senior athletes, to be there for them, to let them vent, let them fuss, let them yell, let them be upset because it’s important to them.

“But ultimately, just to be able to tell them that we care about them and that all this is done with one thing in mind, and that’s the safety of everybody — the players, the coaches, the officials, the family members of the athletes.”

HANOVER Continued from pg. 11

HCPS continues to consult with Chickahominy Health District officials.

“We do not make these decisions lightly as we understand the importance and ben-

efits of athletics in our students’ lives that go far beyond the court, field and mat,” the release stated.

The release also announced the suspension of spectators from attending extracurricular school-related events, effective Monday.

Castle to VMI

This includes student performances and gatherings on school property. Students are still allowed to participate in extracurricular activities connected to instruction which align with current health protocols.

“Above all, we collectively

believe that we must do everything possible to protect our core mission, which is to educate our students,” the release stated.

On a page last updated Dec. 2, the Virginia High School League lists 37 high schools over 20 school divisions which

Crytser to Air Force

have opted out of the winter sports season. Henrico County Public Schools earlier this week joined Richmond Public Schools as local divisions which have announced they will not participate.

The announcement suspends four Hanover

high schools — Atlee, Mechanicsville, Patrick Henry and Hanover — in boys and girls basketball, gymnastics, indoor track, sideline cheer, swimming and diving, and wrestling. Practice for basketball season was scheduled to begin Monday.

Currie to R-MC

Joel Klein for The Local

Hanover’s Stephen Castle (seated, center), committed to play football at VMI in a signing ceremony at Hanover High School on Feb. 14. With him are (clockwise, from left), his mother, Sheri Castle; Hawk head football coach Sam Rogers; his brother, Sam Castle; Hanover football coach David Butler; and his father, Stephen Castle.

Hanover runner Rachel Crytser (seated, center) commits to compete for the U.S. Air Force Academy in a signing ceremony at Hanover High School on Feb. 14. With her are (clockwise, from left): her father, Tim Crytser; Hanover track and field coach Andrew Stoddard; Hawk head track and field coach Rich Firth; and her sister, Ali Crytser.

Hanover’s Leslie Anne Currie commits to play women’s volleyball at Randolph-Macon College in a signing ceremony at Hanover High School on Feb. 14. With her are (clockwise from left): her sister Leslie Anne Currie; Hanover head softball coach Mike Rohr; her father, Scott Currie; her mother, Nicolle Currie; Hanover head girls volleyball coach Greg Knight; and her sister, Alexis Currie.

Daley to Davidson

Epperly to Camels

Gantz picks Lions

Joel Klein for The Local

Joel Klein for The Local

Hanover swimmer Luke Daley (seated, center) commits to swim for Davidson College in a signing ceremony at Hanover High School on Feb. 14. With him are (clockwise, from left): his father, Stephen Daley; his sister Corinne Daley; his sister Grace Daley; Hanover head swim coach George Massey; and his mother, Susanna Daley.

Joel Klein for The Local

Joel Klein for The Local

Hanover wrestler Josh Epperly (seated, center) committed to compete for Campbell University in a signing ceremony on Feb. 14. With him are (clockwise, from left): his father, David Epperly; Hanover wrestling coach Jason Smith; his sister, Kenson Epperly; his brother Jack Epperly; his brother Jacob Epperly; and his mother, Ashley Epperly.

Joel Klein for The Local

Hanover baseball player Adam Gantz (seated, center) committed to play for Penn State-Beaver in a signing ceremony at Hanover High School on Feb. 14. With him are (clockwise, from left): his father, Terry Gantz; Hanover head baseball coach Tyler Kane; and his mother, Jaime Gantz.

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020

13

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Please take notice that on the 15th day of December at 7:00 p.m. at the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Town Council will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input, and may take action on the following: REZ20-0819, ORD2020-15, & CUP20-1009 JAG LOGISTICS Michael Howard, applicant and owner of the property at 106 Jamestown Road, requests to rezone his property from RR-1, Residential Rural, and M-1, Limited Industrial, to M-2, Industrial.

The applicant intends to use the property for a contractor’s office and to store his landscaping equipment. Storing landscape equipment, in conjunction with a contractor’s office, is a use by-right in M-2. The applicant is also requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to store tractors associated with a separate trucking business. Storing tractors are associated with a truck terminal use, which requires a CUP in the M-2 district (Sec. 21-135, Permitted Uses). The property is approximately three acres in size, has a split zoning designation of M-1 and RR-1, and has a future land use designation of Mixed Business.

Copies of REZ20-0819 and CUP20-1009 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 7981073, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or mailed to Town of Ashland, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. *** PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE NEW ASHLAND TOWN HALL BULDING *** All interested persons may attend and express their views, however, the number of people admitted to Town Hall is being limited in accordance with CDC Guidelines. Citizens are encouraged to participate electronically; please contact Bernadette Cornelius, bcornelius@ ashlandva.gov to make those arrangements. Any person with a disability requiring assistance in order to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

14

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020

OPINION | The Local Views

There’s nothing quite like rivalry between Alabama and Auburn

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist I’m not sure if the rivalry is getting old; or if it’s me that showing the sure signs of aging, but this year’s Alabama-Auburn game didn’t produce the usual intensity in this Crimson Tide household.

Make no mistake, no one here is complaining about the results as top -ranked Alabama sent War Eagle fans home with a more than noticeable frown on their faces in a contest that was never close.

The Tide recorded a 42-13 victory that wasn’t as close as the score indicated as Alabama fans like to say.

For seven decades of my life, the game has become an integral part of my memories, and I suppose it’s become less of a rivalry or hatred of

LETTERS Continued from pg. 6

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Student wants To remain in school building I am writing today to express my thanks and gratitude to the teachers and administrators of Hanover County Public Schools.

As a sixth grader at Oak

cross-state rivals and more a tradition or exercise in jovial competitive foolishness.

But, for people who have more direct interest in the annual showdown, the rivalry remains strong and the weekend after Thanksgiving is reserved for the serious business of football. It’s a weekend where no weddings are planned, and funerals often wait until Monday. It’s the only event of the year that brings traffic on I-75 to a virtual halt, and causes arguments among people who normally live harmonious and peaceful lives.

As I’ve become older, I find it less important to display an allegiance to a school or professional football team by wearing colorful jerseys or planing decals on my windows. The outcome of the Alabama-Auburn game no longer has the power to destroy a good mood, or produce a bad one;

Knoll Middle School, I feel it is very important for me to attend school. I appreciate the fact I can talk to my teachers and friends. I enjoy being in an environment where the teachers allow us to discuss and learn together.

Middle school is a very important time socially for students and being virtual does not allow interaction and us to be kids.

Seeing the news where Chesterfield and Henrico counties are returning to virtual, I am concerned for Hanover County Public Schools.

Dr. Michael Gill, superintendent of schools, recently emailed all families to help remain face-to-face. I am asking all face-to-face families to listen to his warning. We must help ourselves if we want to remain in school. I hope the administration will continue to find ways and methods to keep us enjoying face-to-face learning.

Landen Nielsen 6th grade student Oak Knoll Middle School

Responding to infrastructure development I read Larnie Allgood`s letter to the editor of Nov. 11, 2020: “Infrastructure Can`t Sustain Development”, and wish to share a few of my thoughts on his assertions therein.

I have some background in reading municipal budgets and have attended meetings of the Hanover County Planning Commission and Hanover County Board of Supervisors.

Additionally, I have done some research on several infrastructure projects that I am currently following: the widening of Polegreen Road (I use Polegreen instead of “Pole Green” as this road is named for the donor of the land that Polegreen Church was built on, George Polegreen) and the U.S. 360 improvements at the LeeDavis intersection.

My source of data is the Adopted FY2021 Budget for Hanover County. The budget data contradicts some of

and if there was ever a true hatred for Auburn alumni, it long ago disappeared.

I long ago learned that stereotypes I associated with Auburn students were misplaced, and, in most cases, just not true. The familiar insults were not based in fact, and the way I viewed the rivalry evolved over the years.

Don’t get me wrong. I still wake up on the day of the game with a sense of excitement, and I can’t even remember the number of assignments, errands or other responsibilities I’ve begged off in order to keep 3:30 to 7 p.m. open on the designated date. And, on the rare occasions that Auburn records a victory, the defeat still has the power to ruin my day, or week.

This year was decidedly different. Perhaps it was the pandemic or the lopsided nature of the contest, but I noted a lack of the usual hoopla Mr. Allgood`s assertions and I would like to “set the record straight” concerning transportation funding.

First, Mr. Allgood`s assertion that “the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has control of development” is partially accurate. The BOS does not make those determinations autonomously nor do they do so in a vacuum. They are guided by the citizens` input as reflected in the Comprehensive Plan and the zoning of the parcel(s) under consideration.

Every five years as mandated by state law, a locality is required to update their Comp Plan. This process includes holding citizen outreach meetings to garner community input as to the amenities desired and infrastructure necessary to support those amenities.

Citizens weigh in as to what they feel are proper uses of sections of the county, from parcels in business corridors like those along U.S. 360 to land that should stay rural.

The feedback of these public hearings is used to tailor the Comprehensive Plan.

that usually surrounds the game. The challenges of life in 2020 somehow dulled the edge of the two fan bases, and the buildup to the game was uncomfortably civil on most platforms.

Now, I’m not naive enough to believe that COVID-19 has stilled the turbulent waters between Plains and Tuscaloosa, and there’s no guarantee the two loyal groups will ever enjoy best friends status, but troubled times sometimes produce the most unusual or unexpected relationships.

I’d like to think that I have matured enough to not gloat or celebrate the victory for more than a normal period of time, but experience tells me I’ll inadvertently remind a loyal Tiger fan of the lopsided win whenever given the opportunity.

On second thought, I’m thinking the intensity is just taking a break.

The Comp Plan represents the citizen stakeholders` vision of what the community should be and is the document that guides and controls development. The Hanover County Planning Commission is guided by and constrained by this document in their consideration of an application for rezoning of a parcel of land or consideration of an improvement that a landowner wishes to make to his property.

The PC is assisted in their zoning determinations by the county`s planning staff, which includes experts in traffic planning, as well as experts who ferret out and apply for available sources of funding: federal and state funding. Often the available funds from non-general fund sources are competitively allocated and the cycle of review of road projects, application for qualifying funds and receipt of those outside funds may take several years.

Page 250 of the Adopted FY2021 Hanover budget states that, “Hanover County relies heavily on state and federal funding to address its transpor-

tation needs. Over time, funding allocated from these sources has shifted from formula‐ based to merit‐based processes ...” This makes the transportation and road funding process challenging. The community needs more road capacity … the question is what the costs, who share are bear these costs and when shall improvements be made? I`m dwelling on the obvious when I say that the amount of funding available has always been well short of the demand for improvements.

Mr. Allgood is mistaken in his assertion that the Hanover BOS chooses to ignore the state sources of funding. The board members receive briefings on transportation costs and sources of this funding with every road project that comes before the BOS. In my review of the aforementioned road projects, I notice that the source of funds for these projects includes both the federal government and the state governments.

Mr. Allgood`s assertion that see LETTERS, pg. 16

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020 15

SANTA Continued from pg. 10

Sandy Valley (from Creighton Road) to Little Florida Road (including Hobby Horse Lane), u-turn at the end of Little Florida Road (including Shall Drive) and continuing onto Sandy Valley to Beattie’s Mill (Sinclair Manor), back to Beattie’s Mill (including Pepper Town Road) and back to U.S. 360.

Sunday, Dec. 13 – 5 p.m. -Battlefield Green Subdivision, West Haven Drive, Hughes Road, Orchard Lane, and Gethsemane Court.

Monday, Dec. 14 – 6 p.m.

-- Pebble Creek Subdivision, Walnut Grove to Colts Neck (including Melissa Page), Colts Neck to Sandy Valley (including Stonewall Estates and Garden Estates).

Alternate dates: Dec. 15, 16 and 17.

Due to safety, crews ask that all families that live at the end of short cul-de-sacs come to the main road.

TRACK SANTA LIVE on www.EHVFD.COM! UPDATES ON WEBSITE AND https://www.facebook. com/EHVFD2/

HANOVER COURTHOUSE Station 5 Starting at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 – U.S. 301 south, turn left on to River Road right into Dundee Estates right on River Road to the county line. Crews will then head back down River Road to U.S. 301, turn right onto U.S. 301 north, turn right onto Firehouse Road, turn right on to Normans Bridge Road, turn left on to Hanover Quarter Road, and head back to Normans Bridge Road turn right, back to U.S. 301 north to Caroline Line and turn around, back to 301 south to the County Courthouse Complex. *Crews will end every run by driving through the County Courthouse Complex in case you missed Santa.

LETTERS Continued from pg. 15

the “Commonwealth of Virginia does not have the money” is patently in error. For example, for the U.S. 360 improvements at the Lee-Davis intersection, the state has already transferred to Hanover County $2,784,768 -- $790,186 of this has already been spent by the county and the remaining $1,994,582 is currently allocated to this project.

Likewise, for the Polegreen Road widening, the state has already transferred to the county $1,987,000 and the county expects future funding in the amount $1,900,750 for this project.

The Commonwealth of Virginia has metrics to determine the worthiness of requested road funding by localities.

A proposed road project for which a locality is requesting state funds is evaluated for its effect on congestion mitigation, economic development, accessibility, safety, environmental quality, and land use and there is much

16

SPECIAL NOTICE DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS: The streets listed above are the basic order we will be following each night. Due to COVID-19, Santa and his Elves will be riding in the fire truck and will not be exiting the apparatus. Please DO NOT approach the moving units. You should here us coming; we will give a little notice and please pardon our noise. Santa and his Elves must move swiftly so he can make it to all the children, so please understand our haste.

Please do not congregate in large groups and observe social distancing practices to ensure safety.

HENRY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Station 6 Start time around 6 p.m. each night.

Please socially distance while waving to Santa Claus.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 – Mimosa, Pearson’s Corner, Henry Clay Heights, Holly

competition from other localities for these funds.

I moved to Hanover County during the early 1960s and have seen profound changes since that time. I share Mr. Allgood`s angst over the traffic situation. An aside comment here, there is more to the picture of traffic congestion that local development.

A significant contributor to the heavy traffic on both U.S. 360 and Polegreen Road where I live is traffic destined to or coming from points farther east of Hanover County – from King William County – and beyond. This situation is beyond the control of the Hanover County BOS. Now, wouldn`t it be a great idea of adjacent counties committed to interlocking Comp Plans with a commitment to coordinated development and traffic planning ?

In an ideal world (mine), there would have been no development of housing sub-developments allowed after I moved to Hanover, no accom-

Ashland-Hanover Local December 9, 2020

Road, Knollwood, and Cool Spring West.

Friday, Dec. 11 – Strawhorn, Springhill Acres, Pine Slash, Hartford Oaks, Greywood, Breckenridge, Shelton Point, Woodlands, Pebblebrook, and Enon Church.

Saturday, Dec. 12 – Pollards Creek, Fire Lane, Georgetown, Shannondale, Oakdale, Greenway, Colonial Forest, and Lindsay Meadows.

Sunday, Dec. 13 – Crown Colony, Royal Glenn, Rutland Grove, Atlee Manor, and Giles Farms.

MECHANICSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Station 7 Wednesday, Dec. 9 – 6 to 9 p.m. – Bishops Park, Brooks Hollow, Covenant Woods, Cherrydale, Cherrydale West, Christian Village, Cypress Tree, Davis Place, Dogwood Knoll, Fox Lair, Hanover Grove, Laurel Meadows, Legacy Park, Meredith Farms, and Summer

panying increase in traffic resulting from the housing developments that have occurred since I arrived [I recall U.S. 360 being a two-lane road (if you can envision that!) and the Dogwood Knoll and Spring Meadows developments being only a developer`s vision.

Alas, “progress” … and all of its associated ills. The truth is that road infrastructure improvements generally follow community development. Some road improvements are funded by developers in the form of “proffers”. Proffers are tantamount to development impact fees voluntarily proffered by a developer for property that he wishes to be up zoned. Other (much larger) transportation sources are the federal and state funds that I mentioned. To qualify for those funds, there has to be a demonstrated need – a problem to be solved, congestion. Remember, there is competition for funding from outside sources.

Or, residents could forgo those

Grove.

Saturday, Dec. 12 – 4 to 9 p.m. – Autumn Ridge, Barnette Oaks, Battlefield Farms, Beaverdam Bluff, Beaverdam Creek Apartments, Beaverdam Park, Berry Pointe, Brookshire, Bruces Estates, Burnside Farms, Cherry Grove, Chickahominy Bluffs, Cold Cove, Cold Harbor Gardens, Cold Harbor Meadows, Ellerson Farms, Ellerson Station, Elwin Place, Haden Estates, Harbor Square, Harbor Hill Farms, Hunters Crossing, Hunters Woods, Mayfield Farms, Meadowbridge, Mill Trace, Mill Valley, Pond Way, Rose Hill Estates, Summer Walk, Tangle Oaks, Thompson/ Carneal, Timberlake Place, Walgrove Court, and York Point.

Monday, Dec. 14 – 5 to 9 p.m. – Bell Creek, Bell Creek Estates, Cherry Grove, Chime Court, Coolwell, Green Oaks, Fullview Manor, Loralea, Meadowgate, Old Grove Glen, Ridgeview Estates, Seven Springs, Shady Brook, Shady Grove Forrest, Sherwood

federal and state funds, which underwrite about 38% and 53% of our road improvement projects in the current Capital Improvements Program and pay for those improvements out of the general fund – with an accompanying increase in property taxes that would be significent.

But then would that be a feasible alternative?

Recall that the Hanover BOS has committed to municipal debt not to exceed 2.5% of taxable assessed value of real estate. And, as noted on page 83 of the FY2021 budget, “Hanover County has the lowest real property tax rate in the Greater Richmond Partnership region”.

Are the BOS and Planning Commission being “too liberal” with your tax revenues?

If one has an issue with traffic congestion, one must realize that part of the blame lies at the feet of the community. Folks recognize Hanover County for the paradise that it is; the amenities and quality

Crossing, and Spring Meadows.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 – 6 to 9 p.m. – Highpoint Farms, Jackson Avenue Apartments, Mechanicsville Farms, Mechanicsville Heights, Milton Woods, Oakley, Signal Hill, Sledd Run, Virginia Manor, Windmill Way, Windsor, and Windy Hills.

Special note to the community: Estimated times for each day are posted above and there will be two (2) Santas splitting the routes, so please be prepared. The streets/neighborhoods listed above are not necessarily in the order we will follow each night. You should hear us coming and we’ll give a little notice, so please pardon our noise. Our tentative “makeup” date is Thursday, Dec. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. and we will make every effort to get to any areas we miss due to weather on that night. Santa Claus and his Elves must move swiftly so they get to see all the good boys and girls, so please understand our haste.

Since 1945, we have served our Mechanicsville neighbors 24/7.

of life offered here and will move to the county. Many will be attracted to newly built sub-developments that were envisioned by the then existing Comp Plan. Reality check here: some of those new sub-developments were opposed by the older residents already living here. If those “old timers” had their way then, many of the development of the past 20 years would not have been allowed.

To those of you who`ve survived reading this far, congratulations!

Your interest in our community and traffic congestion is commendable.

Now, you can exercise your voice. The county has a Roads Committee that is composed of interested citizens … you perhaps? Volunteer for the Roads Committee. And for the rest of you, you`ll have you chance to have your say. There will be public hearings on the Comp Plan occurring sometime in late 2021. Stay tuned, stay involved.

I`ll see you in traffic.

Charlie Waddell Henry District