Ashland-Hanover Local – 02/23/2022

BEAVERDAM

COMMUNITY

Buchanans made Beaverdam better

NAACP celebrates Black History Month PAGE

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Vol. 7 No. 25 | Richmond Suburban News | February 23, 2022

FY2023 budget proposal rewards employees, funds three new schools

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor Chickahominy Pipeline LLC announced a “pause” to its natural gas pipeline project last week after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) upheld a PJM Interconnection LLC (PJM) decision to remove Chickahominy Power from its interconnection queue.

PJM is a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of electricity through 12 east coast

T

he Hanover County Administrator’s recommended budget for fiscal year (FY) 2023 and included fiveyear plan proposes significant projects for the county, including the construction of three new elementary schools and improved employee compensations to keep up with increasing job market competitiveness.

In addition, the budget recommends no changes to the current real estate tax rate of $0.81 per $100 of assessed value.

County administrator John Budesky presented the proposed FY2023 budget during last week’s board of supervisors special budget meeting. Through feedback from residents and other stakeholders, coupled with extensive analysis and budget planning from other county departments and agencies, the county developed a five-year planning horizon in order to meet longterm goals beyond FY2023.

Budesky began his presentation by offering historical context to how Hanover County has effectively budgeted in the past.

According to Budesky, the county has maintained an unchanged tax rate over the past 15 years throughout several significant changes to the economy, including the 2008 recession and COVID-19 pandemic.

“That has allowed us to really weather some of these storms, but we did make some very difficult decisions,” Budesky said.

“We did not give merits in certain times; we did not invest in our infrastructure. And at some point, some of that comes to bear that we have to make future investments.”

Chickahominy Pipeline announces ‘pause’ to project

see PIPELINE pg. 9

Vaughan Road retains 25 mph speed limit Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

County administrator John Budesky presents his team’s proposed FY2023 budget before the board of supervisors last week during a special budget meeting.

Budesky noted how Hanover is a fiscally strong locality, with current trends revealing that county revenues are trending higher in various sources, specifically real estate, personal property and sales taxes. The five-year plan predicts that this unusually high revenue growth is an anomaly and will temper in the following years.

With this recent growth, the proposed FY2023 budget attempts to utilize the revenue generated in order to tackle chalsee FY2023, pg. 16

West Vaughan Road is pictured as it traverses the Laura Dell neighborhood. Council members rejected a request to change the speed limit to 30 mph in the residential area. See story on Page 7.

MAR 18 - APR 17 HANOVER TAVERN Don't miss this charming love story

VIRGINIAREP.ORG 804-282-2620

Reminders for boosters against COVID-19 Contributed Report news@mechocal.com The Chickahominy Health District is sending text and voice messages to residents in the counties of Charles City, Goochland, Hanover and New Kent to remind them they are eligible for booster shots against COVID-19.

The text/calls are just one more way VDH is reaching out to let Virginians know they can get a free booster dose of vaccine at many locations around the state.

The message will read: “Virginia Department of Health records indicate you are eligible for a Booster COVID-19 vaccine. To request an appointment visit: https://tinyurl.com/vaxCHD or call 804-365-3240.

Los archivos del Departmento de Salud de Virginia indicant que usted es elegible para la dosis de refuerzo de la vacuna contra el COVID-19. Para programar una cita visite: https:// tinyurn.com/vaxCHD o llame al 804-365-3240.”

Not everyone will be contacted at first and individuals do not need to wait for this notification to get a vaccine booster.

If you believe that you received a booster vaccine see REMINDERS, pg. 3

Buchanans made Beaverdam better

By Rob Witham for The Local

B

EAVERDAM – It was a love story that spanned seven decades, with a legacy that left an indelible mark on Hanover County’s northwest anchor.

The home of Lynwood and Juliette Buchanan sits, appropriately, just south of the historic Beaverdam Depot, mere feet from the railroad tracks which, on a map, anchor this idyllic community.

This is the story of two people who completed their earthly journey in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of service and selflessness that will be hard to replicate.

This is the story of Buster and Polly.

In the early days of the Cold War, Polly’s high school friend, Betty, mentioned to her one day that she had two brothers but one she’d like her to meet.

Betty’s thought was Corky, Buster’s brother, and Polly might just hit it off. Instead, Polly, as they said in the day, took a shine to Buster.

“Instead of being Corky that she fell for, she fell for my dad,” explained Carol Brigham, Buster and Polly’s daughter. “The rest is history.”

On Nov. 24, 1951, Buster and Polly were married. Thus began a relationship and partnership that would bless the community they called home.

Longtime Beaverdam resi-

746-5853 WE WANT TO BE YOUR PLUMBER 2

Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022

dents know that Buster was the most “seen” of the duo, whether delivering the mail, which he did for many years, or leading the Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department, which he helped found at about the same time as he and his wife began their personal journey.

Firefighting became a life-long passion for Buster, who quickly rose through the ranks to lead the all-volunteer crew for 30 years. In an article for the Richmond TimesDispatch in 2016, Buchanan noted he had only missed one meeting in 65 years of service to the department, and that was to pick up a Chevrolet truck readied for Engine Company Number Two. His son, Lynwood III, known as “Lyn” to everyone, followed in his father’s footsteps, generating a career in firefighting and fire safety first in the City of Richmond before coming home to Hanover County in 2012.

When Buster was out fighting fires or pumping out a flooded basement during a tropical storm, it was Polly making sure the home front was safe and the children were taken care of. Later came eight grandchildren then nine great-grandchildren.

And it became a moment of pure joy when one, or both, would accompany offspring big or small to the front porch to watch a train come through, on tracks so close they could be considered part of the front yard.

When Polly wasn’t caring for Carol and Lyn, she was caring for everyone else. There wasn’t a family in Beaverdam who experienced serious illness or loss that didn’t receive food from the Buchanan home.

If anyone was holding a bake sale, from the Fire Auxiliary to the United Methodist Church,

it was guaranteed to find Polly’s treats, which included the greatest lemon chess pie in world history.

The secret to its deliciousness was the love behind the confection. The acts of kindness from Buster and Polly to their hometown can never be numbered, with so many of them done with no fanfare and with no interest in being recognized for those efforts.

The Buchanans also had talents many never knew about. For decades, Buster enjoyed countless hours at his draftsmen’s table, creating plans for future buildings and renovations, which was a talent that didn’t require wearing a fire chief ’s hat.

Their imprint is literally found throughout Beaverdam, from architecture to the memories of their service to their friendship with everyone they met.

Contributed photo Many may wonder what Lynwood and Juliette Buchanan are remembered for their love the secret was to a marriage for each other and their dedication to their community. that lasted nearly 70 years.

“He told her doctor, I said event, and I said ‘I’m on my “Dad said never to go to for richer, for poorer, for bet- way.’ I got there, told him, ‘hey bed mad with your spouse,” ter, for worse, in sickness and buddy, I’m here.’ He turned, Lyn explained. in health, and I’m not going opened his eyes and looked at “They had their moments to let her down,” Lyn said, me, and then he never opened when they could, you know, recalling a conversation Buster his eyes again.” be mad at each other, but they had with Polly’s physician. “He Buster himself told his always seemed to work it out,” would sit, he would hold her doctor prior to his death what Brigham added. hand, get beside her on the the cause of his demise would Complementing each bed and talk to her. It would be. other helped, too. Buster hap- break your heart.”

“I have a broken heart,” he pily tilled the soil for Polly’s “When she passed, half of said to him, according to his gardens, dutifully snapped him left,” noted Brigham. son. beans and shelled peas from Things were seemingly When asked about the her bounty, then got out of the fine physically with Buster mark their parents left on way when it was canning time. until he experienced a cardiac them, Lyn summarized their When Polly’s health began event earlier last autumn and impact succinctly. to decline in 2020, the decision was hospitalized. The prog“Family was important to was made for her to spend her nosis was positive, but a call them for everything. A sense final days in her beloved home. received by Lyn at the fire- of service, and giving what you Surrounded by so much love house in Mechanicsville days can to people.” from her eight grandchildren later changed everything.

Lynwood and Juliette and nine great-grandchildren, “Dad had opted to work Buchanan left Beaverdam the family celebrated one last it out using medication,” Lyn with so much, but maybe Christmas with their beloved remembered. “I was at work more than anything, they left matriarch before she passed when the doctor called and the gift of treating everyone away on Jan. 28, 2021. said he had another cardiac as family.

SHERIFF’S REPORTS | Crime, Accidents, Fire & Rescue

Violation of a protective order was reported in the 7240th block of Courtland Farm Road, Hanover.

Petit larceny, less than $500, not from a person was reported in the 16099th block of Binns Road, Doswell.

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 10233th block of Lewistown Road/ Lewistown Road to I-95S, Ashland.

Driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 16478th block of Coatesville Road, Beaverdam.

Unauthorized use of a vehicle, boat or animal was reported in the 10285th block of Holly Hill Road, Glen Allen.

Unauthorized use of a vehicle, boat or animal was reported in the 10368th block of Leadbetter Road, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 17100th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

Jan. 19

Grand larceny, $500 or more, not from a person was reported in the 10100th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Entering property with intent to damage was reported in the 13000th block of Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

Annoying phone calls was reported in the 11200th block of Ashland Park Drive, Ashland.

Driver not reporting accident with damage up to $1,000 was reported in the 14100th block of Ashland Road/Mountain Road, Glen Allen.

Sale or distribution of onehalf ounce to 5 pounds of marijuana was reported in the 10100th block of Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland.

Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 15000th block of Dearborn Drive, Doswell.

18200th block of Mountain Road, Montpelier.

DWI: First offense was reported in the 12100th block of Melton Road, Ashland.

Grand larceny, auto theft was reported in the 16100th block of Theme Park Way, Doswell.

Simple assault was reported in the 7500th block of Normans Bridge Road, Hanover.

Exploiting a mentally disabled person for money, more than $200 was reported in the 16400th block of Annfield Road, Beaverdam.

Identity theft with intention to defraud, up to $200 was reported in the 15200th block of Woodman Hall Road, Montpelier.

Unauthorized use of a vehicle, boat or animal was reported in the 12400th block of Killigay Lane, Maidens.

DWI: First offense was reported in the 7100th block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville.

Reckless handling of a firearm was reported in the 19000th block of Vontay Road, Rockville.

Grand larceny, building was reported in the 11100th block of Cross Corner Road, Ashland.

Petit larceny was reported

Continued from pg. 2

message in error, contact the VDH central call center for a review of your record to make sure it is up to date. Call 877-VAX-

IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish and more than 100 other languages.

Also, Community Vaccination Centers

Use of profane or threatening language over a public airway was reported in the 13100th block of Hill Club Lane, Ashland.

Grand larceny, parts was reported in the 11200th block of Hopson Road, Ashland.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 16200th block of International Street, Doswell.

Threats in writing was reported in the 13400th block of Liberty School Road, Ashland.

Destruction of property, monument was reported in the 7200th block of Courtland Farm Road, Hanover.

HANOVER – A 21-yearold Mechanicsville man died last week after the motorcycle he was driving collided with another vehicle.

On Wednesday, Feb. 16 at approximately 6:01 p.m., deputies responded to the intersection of Lee Davis Road and Laurel Meadows Drive for a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2003 Suzuki motorcycle was traveling northbound on Lee Davis Road when a 2017 Acura SUV made a left turn from Laurel Meadows Drive

onto Lee Davis Road colliding with the motorcycle.

The driver of the 2003 Suzuki motorcycle, Noah D. Smith, 21, of Mechanicsville, was pronounced deceased at VCU Medical Center as a result of injuries sustained from the crash. There were no other occupants on the motorcycle.

The driver and sole occupant of the 2017 Acura did not sustain any injuries.

Investigators are still collecting information.

Information submitted by Lt. James R. Cooper, Hanover County Sheriff ’s Office public information officer.

205 England Street Ashland, VA 23005

Feb. 1

Simple assault was reported in the 13400th block of Greenwood Church Road, Ashland.

Grand larceny, auto theft was reported in the 10000th block of Sliding Hill Road, Ashland.

Simple Assault was reported in the 10200th block of Lewistown Road, Ashland.

Jan. 31

Jan. 23

REMINDERS

Jan. 22

Entering property with intent to damage was reported in the 18200th block of Grover Cocke Road, Montpelier.

Making threats to extort money was reported in the

in the 10900th block of Richardson Road, Ashland.

Jan. 21

Jan. 20

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 10400th block of Atlee Station Road, Ashland.

Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance was reported in the 10400th block of Lewistown Road/ Washington Highway, Ashland.

Identity fraud, use of identifying information to defraud was reported in the 16400th block of Little River Drive, Beaverdam.

Assault and battery on a family member was reported in the 16100th block of W Patrick Henry Road, Montpelier.

Falsely identifying self to law enforcement was reported in the 8700th block of I-95 S, Ashland.

(CVCs) are also open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome at CVCs, but appointments are encouraged and can be made online: https://vase.vdh.virginia.gov/.

Give us a call: (804) 401-7007

King Richard

Upcoming Events:

Jan. 18

Fatal motorcycle crash in Mechanicsville under investigation

February 24th at 7:00 pm Richard Williams is determined to write his two daughters, Venus and Serena, into history as they train on tennis courts and defy the odds.

Belfast February 25th at 7:00 pm A nine-year-old boy must chart a path towards adulthood through a world that has suddenly turned upside down.

Don’t Look Up February 26th at 7:00 pm Two low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.

Purchase tickets & see upcoming events at:

ashlandtheatre.org

Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022 3

Legal Notice NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF THE APPLICATION OF VIRGINIA NATURAL GAS, INC., FOR APPROVAL OF A NEW RATE SCHEDULE AND TARIFF, DESIGNATED SCHEDULE 17, RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS RECEIPT SERVICE; IMPLEMENTATION OF A RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS PILOT PROGRAM; AND APPROVAL TO MODIFY TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PURSUANT TO § 56-234 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA

The Company proposes to synchronize the start date of the Pilot with the execution of the first interconnection agreement under the Sustainable Gas Program to ensure the maximum impact of the Pilot by eliminating idle years at the beginning thereof, while projects are being proposed but are not yet ready to move forward. Once the Pilot commences, VNG proposes an enrollment term of five years.

CASE NO. PUR-2021-00298

Modifications to Terms and Conditions. In addition to participating in the conventional gas market, VNG proposes to purchase both RNG and NextGen Gas for delivery and use on VNG’s system. VNG further proposes to recover the commodity and any potential incremental costs associated with RNG and/or NextGen Gas through the Company’s traditional gas cost recovery mechanism in VNG’s tariff. To accomplish this, VNG proposes to list RNG and NextGen Gas among the types and sources of gas in the “Definitions” portion of VNG’s Terms and Conditions (Section XX. Quarterly Billing Adjustments), thereby including these supply sources and associated incremental costs for recovery. VNG would limit the total annual incremental cost associated with RNG and NextGen Gas purchases to 15% of the total annual projected comparable gas cost that would have been included in the Purchased Gas Adjustment component of the Quarterly Billing Adjustment had the RNG and NextGen Gas purchases not been made.

On December 21, 2021, Virginia Natural Gas, Inc. (“VNG” or “Company”) filed an application (“Application”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for “approval of its comprehensive program to promote sustainable natural gas development and production throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia” (“Sustainable Gas Program”). Specifically, as part of its Sustainable Gas Program, VNG seeks approval to: (i) establish a new rate schedule and tariff designated Rate Schedule 17, Renewable Natural Gas Receipt Service (“Schedule 17”), to allow renewable natural gas (“RNG”) suppliers to interconnect production facilities with VNG’s pipeline system pursuant to § 56-234 A of the Code of Virginia (“Code”); (ii) implement an RNG pilot offering under Code § 56-234 B that will provide an interconnection allowance to be applicable to the capital costs necessary for interconnection (“RNG Interconnection Allowance Pilot” or “Pilot”); and (iii) modify section XX of VNG’s Terms and Conditions to facilitate use of RNG and next generation natural gas (“NextGen Gas”) for use in the Company’s natural gas supply portfolio.

According to VNG, the Sustainable Gas Program would allow and encourage the production and delivery of RNG into VNG’s pipeline system, support the procurement of RNG and NextGen Gas for VNG customers, and acquire information to analyze whether, and to what extent, the interconnection of RNG production facilities with VNG’s existing system delivers benefits to customers, the Company, the environment, and economic development in the Commonwealth, all while developing best practices for RNG interconnection on a forward basis.

The Sustainable Gas Program includes the following components: a new rate schedule and tariff, a five-year RNG Interconnection Allowance Pilot, and a tariff modification proposal to permit recovery of incremental costs associated with purchases of RNG and NextGen Gas. Per VNG, there are no currently operating RNG production facilities interconnected to natural gas infrastructure in the Commonwealth, and VNG is proposing this tariff to facilitate and incentivize the development of such facilities. The Company states that by offering a standardized and clear set of services, terms, and conditions to RNG producers, interconnection offerings can encourage and facilitate the interconnection of RNG while also providing additional sustainable gas supply options for the pipeline system and existing customers. In addition, the proposed interconnection allowance for RNG producers will create an incentive to develop projects and keep the supply in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Schedule 17. The Company’s filing includes Schedule 17, which contains the general requirements necessary to serve RNG suppliers as well as a rate calculation methodology to establish a unique facilities fee for each supplier. Any RNG production facility located within VNG’s service territory, or that can otherwise transport gas and interconnect with VNG’s service territory, that contracts with the Company for an interconnection to deliver RNG to the Company’s system would be eligible to subscribe to Schedule 17. The Company notes that suppliers would be required to agree to strict provisions and system requirements to ensure the RNG supplied meets the same standards as VNG’s flowing gas supply.

VNG states that a Commission-approved tariff would provide authority for VNG to build interconnection facilities for RNG suppliers and to calculate and charge a rate that fully recovers the costs to operate and maintain the interconnection between the RNG supplier and VNG’s distribution system, as well as costs such as depreciation expense and a reasonable return on any capital invested pursuant to the tariff provision.

RNG suppliers would subscribe to the new service by executing an interconnection agreement that includes the rate, term, and operational specifics for the project the RNG supplier is developing; each RNG supplier would be charged a facilities fee that accounts for all operations and maintenance (“O&M”) expenses for the associated interconnection facilities and for all capital costs not recovered through other aspects of the Sustainable Gas Program.

RNG Interconnection Allowance Pilot. The Company is further proposing a Pilot under which VNG would provide an interconnection allowance for RNG producers to develop projects, keeping the supply in the Commonwealth, and which is designed to attract potential RNG suppliers and incentivize them to interconnect with VNG’s system while also providing VNG and its customers an opportunity to immediately begin realizing the benefits of RNG. VNG asserts that the proposed Pilot is structured so that the Company would spend no more than $4 million annually ($20 million over the proposed five-year enrollment period) in capital investment. Under the terms of the Pilot as proposed, any RNG producer that is eligible to subscribe to the proposed Schedule 17 would also be eligible to receive an interconnection allowance under the Pilot; this eligibility would be limited to the active term of the Pilot and include a per-project cap of $2 million. VNG proposes to recover this investment (up to $4 million annually ($20 million in total)) through base rates, with all other costs directly assigned to, and recovered from, each RNG producer.

Each participating RNG producer would be responsible for the annual O&M expenses associated with the facilities needed to interconnect with the Company’s existing facilities, an administration fee, and any interconnection-related capital investment that exceeds the interconnection allowance provided under the Sustainable Gas Program. VNG proposes to bill the annual O&M expenses and administrative fee together in a fixed charge called the “facilities fee.” The facilities fee would not be linked to production. VNG would calculate the facilities fee on an annual basis and charge participants in monthly increments.

The ultimate rate impact of these investments will be determined by the types of projects and the mix of capital investment deployed through this initiative. Assuming VNG invests the entire $20 million available under the RNG Interconnection Allowance Pilot, VNG calculates that an average residential customer would experience an increase of less than $0.50 per month. Additionally, for RNG projects that receive an interconnection allowance as part of the RNG Interconnection Allowance Pilot, VNG will receive a negotiated level of environmental attributes from participating facilities commensurate with the Company’s capital investment.

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022

The details of these and other proposals are set forth in the Company’s Application. Interested persons are encouraged to review the Company’s Application and supporting exhibits for the details of the proposals.

TAKE NOTICE that that the Commission may make findings and order action in a manner differing from the Company’s Application and supporting documents.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on VNG’s Application. On June 9, 2022, at 10 a.m., the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before June 3, 2022, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

On June 9, 2022, at 10 a.m., immediately following public witness testimony and either in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or by electronic means, a hearing will be convened to receive testimony and evidence from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Further details on this hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.

The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health issues related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter should be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive Information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. Any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 371-9838 to arrange the delivery.

Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means.

Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information.

An electronic copy of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, and Timothy D. Patterson, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-3916, eryan@mcguirewoods.com or tpatterson@mcguirewoods.com.

On or before June 6, 2022, any interested person may submit written comments on the Application by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/ Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2021-00298.

On or before March 28, 2022, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by Rule 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2021-00298.

All documents filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Rules of Practice.

The Company’s Application, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in the case may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

VIRGINIA NATURAL GAS, INC.

OBITUARIES

CALENDAR | News, Updates & Listings Saturday, Feb. 19

The Doswell Ruritan Club will be holding a “Salt Fish Breakfast” from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. located at 16433 N. Washington Highway. The breakfast will include eggs, bacon, potatoes, spiced apples, biscuits, cornbread, juice and coffee. Take outs will be available. The fee for adults is $10 and the fee for children aged 4 to 10 is $4.

Monday, Feb. 21

Members of the Pamunkey Woman’s Club will meet at 1 p.m. at the Atlee Library where a staff member will give a tour of the state-of-the-art facility. The tour will be followed by the club’s business meeting. For more information about the meeting or becoming a club member, contact Mrs. Cindy Modzelewski, club membership chairman at 804-3660864 or look them up at facebook.com/ pamunkeywc.

Saturday, Feb. 26

On the last Saturday of the month through October, The American Legion

Post 175 hosts a “Community Breakfast” from 7:30 to 10 a.m. located at 8700 Bell Creek Road in Mechanicsville. The breakfast is open to the public.

Saturday, Mar. 5

A Community Salt Fish Breakfast is scheduled from 8 to 10 a.m. at Enon United Methodist Church, 6156 Studley Road in Mechanicsville. A buffet menu including salt fish, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy, biscuits hash rounds, grits, apples, corn cakes, waffles and beverage.

Admission is $10 for adults and children 7 and under, free. Carry out is available.

Sponsored by Enon United Methodist Church. All profits go to the missions.

Ongoing

Mechanicsville Churches Emergency Functions One Stop Shop (MCEF OSS) is open for food, clothing and linens from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday at 7235 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville (rear parking lot). The shop is available for residents in the

| Death Notices & Funerals

Fax 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 Ashland-Hanover Local.

23111 and 23116 zip codes with identification and proof of residency.

Saturdays

Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Campus, located at 11515 Ashcake Road in Ashland two miles west of U.S. 1, holds its church service at 5 p.m. with Pastor Rev. Dr. Roy Minnix For more information, visit www.trinityrichmond.net or call 804-270-9626.

Sundays

All Souls Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Eucharist Rite II at 9:15 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 8154 Atlee Rd. in Mechanicsville. A nursery will be available for infants and toddlers.

Katherine G. Dougherty is the Deacon in charge of All Souls. For more information, visit www.allsoulsva.org.

A Healing and Recovery SS Class meets at 9 a.m. at the Walnut Grove Baptist Church at 7046 Cold Harbor Rd. in Mechanicsville. The class is for adults 18 and over and is an extension of the NorthStar community that also meets at 6 p.m. Fridays at the church. The Christian 12 Steps and Biblical wisdom are the basis of study and discussion to learn about God’s place in our lives. All are welcome. For more information, call 804-746-5081 or contact Craig Simpson at craigwgbc@gmail.com.

Outside the Walls, a Narcotics Anonymous group, meets from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Pamunkey Regional Jail at 7240 Courtland Farm Rd. in Hanover. For more information, contact John Shinholser, McShin president, at 804-249-1845. The website is http:// www.mcshin.org.

DAVID BODY

BODY, Mr. David "Dave" V., passed away on February 10, 2022. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on August 5, 1957. A memorial service will be held on March 19, 2022 at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, 2339 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke, Va. 24015. For a complete obituary, please go to myfarewelling.com/ memorial/david-body.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022 5

OPINION | The Local Views

Sometimes you just have to laugh

By Roslyn Ryan Richmond Suburban News

T

he other day, when the twenty-something daughter of a good friend complimented the sweater I was wearing and asked where I got it, I thanked her and explained that it was actually a handme-down from one of my aunts.

The girl looked confused, and I have to admit I couldn’t immediately figure out why.

Maybe she didn’t know I had aunts?

In fact, as I quickly figured, it was the first part that puzzled her: she didn’t know what I meant by hand-me-down.

As I’ve gotten older, I always try and adhere to a personal policy of hiding my amusement whenever I find myself in a situation like this.

When someone under 25 asks me what a “long-distance call” was, or the way to write

a capital “Z” in cursive, or if it’s true that the television once had only three channels and no remote, I always try and remember that there are plenty of things they understand that I don’t (including Twitter, YouTube stardom and Bitcoin, just to name a few).

In this case though, when my friend’s daughter confessed that she had never heard of the concept of hand-me-down clothes, I have to admit my first reaction was something more akin to pity rather than disbelief.

Perhaps this is because so many of the things I treasure might be considered handme-downs of one sort or another.

Maybe I’m a bit strange—I’ll admit to that—but I have always loved the concepts of second-hand, gently-used and, if we’re aiming a bit more fancy, heirloom. It’s not that I’m against buying new things, but I would have to say that I have never derived much joy from it. My favorite pieces of jewelry will always

be those that belonged first to my mother or grandmother, and my favorite dining room chairs had already served for decades at a relative’s table before they came to me. Every once in a while, when I drive the 15-year-old truck that once belonged to my adored late fatherin-law, I can almost smell the concrete dust that always clung to his boots.

Maybe it won’t make sense to some, but I know my favorite winter coat will always be one that my best friend passed on to me, and my sofa at home is often occupied by a onceunwanted hand-me-down dog that I wouldn’t give up for a million dollars.

Years ago, I suppose the idea of hand-medowns was more about thrift and common sense, but to me, these days, it just feels a lot like love.

Out with the old, in with the new? Call me old-fashioned, thrifty or even peculiar, but I prefer things the other way around.

Unrecognized mentor leaves powerful

By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist When you are 14 years old and possess less than refined social skills, it’s not easy to find a summer job, so I headed to the community pool to celebrate the first day of summer vacation.

I immediately noticed my two

best friends, both of them in similar employment status, as they scouted out the best location for a day of fun and mischief that only happens in those neighborhood pools.

As we settled in, my friend alerted us to what seemed like earth-shattering news at the time.

“I think I found a job,” he exclaimed.

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022

It seems he had stumbled on what would become employment for all three of us, working on a Charles Chips delivery truck and running chips, pretzels and chocolate chip cookies door to door in a variety of neighborhoods.

Bright and early the next day, a vintage panel step van pulled in front of my house and collected me for

what would be my first day of work.

Sure, I’d had paper routes, sold seeds door to door for Boy Scouts and mowed a fair share of lawns in my neighborhood; but real employment at a real job was a new experience for me.

Joe had been delivering Charles Chips for some years, and had a good see LEGACY, pg. 15

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.

LETTERS | Reader Views

Reader replies to recent school book banning discussion Dear Editor, I am responding to Hanover Board of Supervisor Michael Herzberg’s targeting to ban the book “A Place Inside of Me. A Poem to Heal the Heart.’ In life there are teachable moments and this is one of them.

It is book about feelings we all experience in life, young and old, and have inside us. The feelings are listed in this order joy, sorrow, fear, anger, hunger, pride, peace, compassion, hope, love of all people and lastly love yourself. How is this bad?

Any child feeling the sorrow and anger will see they can come through these feelings to a more positive outlook. This can help avoid the anger building up inside and may save a life of oneself and others. It is where discussions are made and solutions can follow. Children mental health crisis is on the rise because the turmoil of events we are in now. This book can help with a piece of it.

There are multiple great sources of information on how to talk to your kids about race.

I welcome an open in person dialogue with both Michael Herzberg and Sheriff Hines together on this matter.

Concerned Citizen Dottie Walsh Ashland, VA

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E-mail to cdolan@mechlocal.com

Vaughan Road retains 25 mph speed limit

By Jim Ridolphi For Ashland-Hanover Local After hearing from a number of concerned citizens, Ashland Town Council members voted unanimously to defeat an ordinance change that would have raised the speed limit on West Vaughan Road between Chapman and Thompson streets.

When the development was first approved in 2017, the plan included a road designed for 30 mph traffic. That decision was partially due to long-term transportation plans that call for an extension of Vaughan Road via Archie Cannon Parkway that would provide a cut through to Route 1 and ease traffic volumes in the downtown area.

“This road is also going to eventually connect all the way to Route 1 to help distribute traffic,” director of public works Mike Jennings said at a Feb. 15 town council meeting.

Residents in the subdivision that fronts Vaughan Road spoke during a public hearing and expressed concern that any increase would create an unsafe environment in their neighborhood, and many questioned the need for an increase.

Jennings said VDOT encourages localities to post speeds based on road design, and acknowledged the Town does have the authority to adjust speed limits in certain situations.

After reviewing the council’s 2017 action, Jennings asked members for an addition to the ordinance that governs special speed limits within town limits. West Vaughan Road has been designated a local collector road.

“I did see that the road had been designed and proffered to be 30 mph, and there was some discussion at that time that it should be posted at 25

mph,” Jennings said. “Typically, we follow VDOT standards and VDOT standards is up to 45 mph. The design speed should be the same as the posted speed.”

“Based on the way this road is designed and functions I recommend approval of this ordinance,” Jennings concluded.

But residents of the Laura Dell subdivision rejected that reasoning and identified negative impacts associated with a speed limit increase.

Resident Al Lavallee said he drove the stretch of road in question at both speeds and compared the results. “I drove that area and it’s .3 of mile and driving it at 25 mph took me all of a minute. Driving it a 30 mph felt a lot faster and it saved only 10 seconds,” he said.

He noted that streets surrounding the neighborhood are all posted at 25 mph, the standard for residential neighborhoods and default limit where no speed is posted.

“There’s not really any gain there from making it 30 mph,” he said.

Former council member Hank Lowry, also a resident of the subdivision, said the idea of raising the speed limit seemed “ridiculous.”

“I don’t know of any other roads in the state of Virginia that have a 30 mph speed limit,”he said. “Is this a new classification that has been invented for Ashland?”

Lowry also dismissed the idea that a connector to Route 1 would be completed at any time in the near future due to the high cost of land acquisition for the project.

Lowry asked council members to heed the concerns of

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Laura Dell homes on Vaughan Road. Inset, the posted speed limit on Chapman Street and most adjacent roads surrounding Laura Dell is 25 mph.

the residents and retain the current speed limit.

“It’s apparent that area demands 25 mph,” Lowry said.

“It’s a residential area.”

Lowry summed up his comments with a friendly note of caution. “I certainly hope this is a dead idea, because, if it’s not, there is an election coming.”

Other residents noted that many drivers exceed the 25 mph limit now and voiced concerns that raising the speed limit would encourage even higher speeds.

Vice mayor John Hodges was on the council when it set that 30 mph speed limit in 2017 and described the action as a compromise.

“This is obviously a residential area and we are trying to promote strong neighborhoods and prevent intrusions, but this is a planned collector road,” Hodges said.

“My concern is that there is the potential for this road to become a de facto bypass of Route 54 and downtown, and if we set the speed and set the precedent here with a higher speed, I’m concerned the traffic will be incentivized to go this way rather than through downtown.”

Mayor Steve Trivett said he

also took time to ride through the neighborhood comparing the two speeds. “I did the nontechnical exercise as others have done of riding through there. And riding through there at 25 mph, there’s no scientific way to describe it other than it feels right. Driving through there at 30 mph feels wrong,” the mayor said.

Trivett said if and when conditions change due to the extension of the road or other factors emerge, the council can reconsider a request to raise the speed limit.

“This is something we can always revisit once Vaughan, if it does, connect to Route 1 and it makes sense to re-evaluate the speed limit. Then, we can do that,” council member Kathy Abbott said.

Council voted 5-0 to deny the ordinance change effectively leaving the posted speed limit at 25 mph.

In other matters, the council approved its 20232027 Capital Improvements Program that includes 10 projects prioritized by members last month.

The plan includes sidewalk and curb and gutter improvements, funding for the Downtown Streetscape, comprehensive stormwater man-

agement and a grade separated railroad crossing.

The plan also addresses drainage problems throughout the town and funds a broadband fiber network, funds for a North Ashland Park and money for the Trolley and Fall Line Trails.

Residential improvements and the Hill Carter Parkway project are also in that prioritized list.

Town manager Josh Farrar told council that just because a project did not make the Top 10 doesn’t mean it will not be completed.

Improvements not included on the list are classified as vision projects and will still be considered when funding permits.

The town also approved a plan to add a park to the area north of Route 54. Council

authorized officials to obtain three lots at 101 Vaughan Road to construct a community park in that area.

Earlier this month, the council allocated $600,000 for the proposed park in a budget amendment reflecting increased revenues for the current fiscal year.

The purchase price for the lots is $658,000 for the 6.58 acres.

In its continuing recognition of Black History Month, the council recognized former African-American members and presented them with memorial bricks recovered from the old Town Hall Building.

The bricks were inscribed with their names and dates of service.

Terri Winston-Abri and Anthony Keitt accepted the awards in person while the families of Dr. Melvin Hall, the Rev. William Henderson and Franklin Jackson accepted on behalf of those members who had passed.

Council also heard a presentation by Carolyn Hemphill, founder of the Hanover County Black Heritage Society, outlining the activities of her organization in preserving and documenting the contribution of African Americans in Hanover County.

The group is headquarterd at the Henry Clay Inn in Ashland.

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Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022 7

Hanover NAACP celebrates Black History Month with county heroes

By Christina Amano Dolan Editor HANOVER – In celebration of Black History Month, Hanover NAACP has launched its newest initiative of sharing the countless stories of the county’s African American community.

The new series “Not All Heroes Make the History Books” spotlights a few of the county’s most influential figures throughout history with a collection of brief memoirs and photos. The series has been shared through the Hanover NAACP Facebook page and The Local editions throughout the month.

Hanover NAACP President Pat Hunter-Jordan says while the series is partly based on various articles and other historic accounts, many of the stories are commonly known and shared among local communities of color.

“Much of this is our oral history,” Hunter-Jordan said.

“It is history that we know that the rest of Hanover really doesn't know about.”

Hunter-Jordan says some stories are shared by neighbors and fellow church members who have lived through and participated in significant movements throughout history, including the desegregation of schools in Virginia.

“We see them daily,” Hunter-Jordan said. “We know their stories.”

The series highlights the influential leadership of black Hanoverians during some of the country’s most tumultuous times, with one of its first entries telling the story of Burwell Toler and his extensive involvement in state affairs following the Civil War. Toler, most likely born a slave, became an ordained minister in 1865 and helped organize churches in Hanover,

8

Contributed photo

Shown is the Rev. Dr. Leroy Bray Jr., pictured right, with Dr. Quentin Ballard. Bray visited Bell Creek Middle School to speak with students about his experience as a member of the Richmond 34.

Contributed photo

Shown is Lucian A. Hunter, who acquired the first Hanover County school bus for black students in 1934. With the help of family and community members, Hunter drove students across the county every day to school to ensure they had a proper education.

Goochland, Caroline and King George counties. He served as the first minister at Shiloh Baptist Church in Ashland and Abner Baptist and Jerusalem Baptist churches in Hanover.

In addition, Toler represented Hanover and Henrico counties in the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1867 and 1868, which aimed to rewrite the state constitution in accordance with Reconstruction Acts. Toler served on the prestigious Committee of Thirteen, which established procedures for the convention, and served on various other committees. He later fought for a seat in the House of Delegates, but his efforts were halted by a canceled election and eventual lost bid the following year.

Lucian A. Hunter was spotlighted in the series for his accomplishment in acquiring Hanover County’s first school bus for black students in 1934.

Predating the desegregation of schools, Hanover County did not provide transportation to its schools that served black students, resulting in some

Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022

Contributed photo

The Virginia Department of Historical Resources unveiled the Highway Historical Marker shown above in 2017 to honor Lucian A. Hunter. Hunter acquired the first Hanover County school bus for black students in 1934.

students walking 10 miles or more to get to school. Hunter took the initiative of purchasing his own bus and transported students to schools across the county every day.

“Kids before then had to walk from Mechanicsville to Ashland to go to school,” Hunter-Jordan said. “And until he personally bought that bus to transfer them, they wouldn't be able to get a high school education.”

In 2017, the Virginia Department of Historical Resources honored Hunter’s legacy by dedicating a Highway Historical Marker to his accomplishment in securing black children transportation to schools.

The series additionally recognized Hanover native the Rev. Dr. Leroy Bray Jr. as one of the renowned Richmond 34, which was a group of Virginia Union University (VUU) students who were arrested after involvement in a nonviolent sit-in during the Civil Rights Movement.

Bray was among over 200 VUU students who marched to downtown Richmond on Feb. 22, 1960, to peacefully protest enduring nationwide segregation. Bray and 33 other students were eventually arrested and sent to jail after participating in a sit-in at the segregated lunch counter of Thalhimers department store. Bray was the first of the Richmond 34 to be arrested.

In addition, the series recognized Leon Brooks, a retired sergeant with the Virginia Air National Guard (VA ANG), and his role in eliminating a VA ANG policy and practice that allowed the Confederate flag to be used on its fighter jet and uniform emblems.

In July 1992, the Richmond Free Press published an article revealing the emblazoned flag on 149th Fighter Squadron planes of VA ANG after an anonymous black airman voiced his complaints. Former Gov. L Douglas Wilder promptly issued an executive order to replace the flags with

2018 File photo/The Local

Leon Brooks is pictured front left with his brothers, who have all served in the military. Brooks was recently spotlighted by the Hanover NAACP for his part in eliminating a VA ANG policy and practice that allowed the Confederate flag to be used on fighter jets and uniform emblems.

the United States flag on all equipment and uniforms of the unit.

Brooks openly voiced opposition to the symbol’s use by squadron and was later fired without cause, followed by a reinstatement by Wilder.

After retiring, he served as the King William County

NAACP president for 10 years.

He now sings with The Soul Seekers gospel group based at First Union Baptist Church in Hanover County.

“So we have lots of stories… that’s why we titled it local heroes that don't make the hissee NAACP, pg. 15

H G U O , N E RE! A BIG SERVTE C O TO GH

NOU E L L SMA Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Shown is a citizen in attendance at a Jan. 12 Hanover Board of Supervisors meeting, during which CPLLC spokesperson Beth Minear offered discussion and answered questions on the Chickahominy Pipeline project. Many citizens held up signs in protest of the pipeline during the meeting.

PIPELINE Continued from pg. 1

states including Virginia and the District of Columbia.

The Chickahominy Project had been in the PJM project queue since October 2016 and entered into an Interconnection Service Agreement (ISA) on Sept. 3, 2019. Chickahominy Power suspended the project on Dec. 20, 2019, and ended suspension one year later.

In a January FERC filing, PJM requested the commission to accept its cancellation of the Chickahominy ISA for “failure to meet milestones” and “proposing no viable path forward.”

According to the filing, PJM notified Chickahominy Power of its failure to meet its milestone to complete at least 20% of project site construction by Nov. 1, 2021. With the company’s failure to cure the breach, PJM issued a notice of cancellation to the agreement on Dec. 14.

“PJM declined to extend those milestones because Chickahominy has demonstrated no diligence or meaningful progress since entering the queue,” the filing stated.

In addition, the filing stated that PJM “exercised its reasonable discretion” not to extend the milestone dates because it would have been

“unreasonable and contrary to the public interest under the circumstances.”

The roughly 85-mile natural gas pipeline was set to run from Louisa County through Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Charles City counties in order to feed a proposed Chickahominy Power plant.

The proposed pipeline struck heavy opposition from landowners of the affected counties and has faced similar project setbacks in the past, including a State Corporation Commission (SCC) December 2021 ruling that Chickahominy Pipeline is a “public utility” and subject to Commission regulation.

As expressed in previous Hanover County Board of Supervisors meetings by board members and citizens, lack of transparency by project officials contributed to lingering opposition to the proposed pipeline.

During last week’s Hanover County Board of Supervisors meeting, county administrator John Budesky said he spoke to some “very pleased residents” following the announcement of the project’s suspension.

“And this time, there’s no indication of when or if the project will come back,” Budesky said. “And so I think that will give some relief to some of our very concerned residents and give us an

opportunity hopefully to get ahead next time if they do come back.”

During the meeting’s Citizen’s Time, two Beaverdam residents expressed their gratitude to board members and Budesky for diligently working to find more information on the project, answer questions and listen to community concerns.

“We’re here because you all have been so helpful to us,” one Beaverdam resident said.

“We’re both landowners that were in the path of this proposed horrific and ridiculous project … and we really just want to thank you all from the bottom of our heart.”

Chickahominy Pipeline issued an official online statement on Monday, Feb. 14 announcing the halt to the project.

“Although Chickahominy Power may reenter the PJM queue in the future, in light of this regulatory setback as well as the uncertainty remaining with the SCC, Chickahominy Pipeline needs to press ‘pause’ on its pipeline efforts until its sole end-user, Chickahominy Power, is in a position to move forward,” the release states.

The release further expressed Chickahominy Pipeline’s appreciation for its supporters and government officials who offered the project an “open mind and fair shot.”

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Sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

02

26 2022

Men’s volleyball: Southern Virginia at Randolph-Macon noon

02

26 2022

College baseball: Alvernia at Randolph-Macon noon/3:00 p.m.

| Youth, High School, College, Recreational & Professional

County teams reunite in state swim meet

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor RICHMOND — For the first time in years, all four county high school swim teams competed in the same state tournament. As usual, however, all four teams represented the county well.

Both Hanover’s boys and girls teams finished in the top 10, as did Atlee’s boys and Patrick Henry’s girls, in the Virginia High School League Class 4 swim and dive championships at Collegiate School Aquatic Center Friday.

Patrick Henry’s Amanda Barnard led the county teams in individual wins with two: first in the girls 200-yard individual medley with a 2:03.15 finish, then second in the 500 freestyle with a 4:55.00 finish.

Atlee’s Mollie Ivie won the girls 100 backstroke in 56.79. On the boys side, Atlee’s Brock Rempe won the boys 100 breaststroke in 55.59.

The Patriots, in particular, did quite well considering their relatively small size among their Class 4 competitors.

“That was really good to be able to compete at the level we did,” said Patrick Henry head swim coach Bob Flanagan.

“We had a number of people get on the podium. Amanda won in two individual events which was incredible for her to be able to do that in backto-back years. But then, along with some other strong freshmen and sophomore swimmers were able to get on the podium in both of their relays. That was

10

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Above, Patrick Henry’s Amanda Barnard sweeps her arms in a graceful arc as she swims to victory in the girls 500-yard freestyle in the VHSL Class 4 swim championships at SwimRVA Friday. She beat her preliminary time by six seconds with a 4:55.00 finish.

Left, Hanover’s Nathaniel Eliason seems to shoot streams of water from his fingertips during the boys 500yard freestyle. Eliason finished second in 4:40.92.

exciting. And then the guys also did well.”

The Patriot girls 200 medley relay team of Barnard, Kate Balut, Molly Hoben and Maddie Medei finished fifth. The same

Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022

quartet finished sixth in the 200 freestyle relay. On the boys side, Hayden Bartz finished fifth in both the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly.

Atlee’s boys were led by

strong relay performances.

The 200 freestyle relay team of Brock Rempe, Peter Frame, Jace Hollinger and Tyler Caten) finished second. The 200 medley relay team of Caten, Rempe,

Brandon Harvey and Hollinger finished fourth. Caten and Hollinger finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in the 50 freestyle. Caten finished fourth in the 100 freestyle and Rempe eighth in the 200 individual medley.

On the girls side, Molly Ivie also finished third in the 200

butterfly.

“I was really impressed.

Everyone performed, really did great,” said Atlee head swim coach Karen Seeber. “The boys 200 medley and 200 free (relays) were disappointed — they were hoping to win, but they dropped time from the beginning and Brock set a pool record, well, a meet record, for his breaststroke.

“We were a little surprised that Mollie got her time in the backstroke. She won that, so that was exciting.”

Hanover’s Sam Castle popped up in the finals in a number of events, finishing fifth in the boys 100 backstroke and eighth in the 100 freestyle.

He was also part of the Hawks’ fourth-place 400 freestyle relay with Nathaniel Eliason, Henry Atkinson and Bryce Newton.

The quartet finished fifth in the 200 medley relay. Eliason also finished second in the 500 freestyle.

On the girls side, Jordyn Dillard finished sixth in the 200 freestyle and eighth in the 100 freestyle. Dillard was also part of the Hawks’ seventhplace 400 freestyle relay team with Morgan Pittman, Emma Allison and Cere Duplissey.

Hanover head swim coach George Massey praised the Class 4 performances overall.

“Just amazing! Eleven state records,” he said. “There were just some just some incredible performances. It’s great to be a part of that.”

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

Frowert fights to second state wrestling title

By Dave Lawrence Sports Editor VIRGINIA BEACH — Atlee’s Alex Frowert had a difficult year. He injured his shoulder in December but didn’t realize it. Later, he was diagnosed with a torn labrum and hoped he could finish his senior season.

Frowert, a 152-pounder, went undefeated going into the Virginia High School League Class 4 wrestling championships Friday and Saturday at Virginia Beach Sports Center.

He went out of there undefeated as well to claim his second state championship.

Frowert won his first three matches in the championship tournament by pins. His opponent in the final, Great Bridge’s Jack Hawbaker, was not so easily subdued. Frowert struggled to maintain a 2-1 advantage until the final seconds, when he managed an additional takedown for a 4-1 decision.

“He brought it to me,” Frowert said. “I could see I needed to keep my attacks up.

I saw the problem and I had a game plan for that, but it was a lot tighter than I wanted it to be.

In the end I got the job done.”

Frowert reached the championship final by pinning Salem’s Matthew McNeil in 1:56 in the first round, pinning Fauquier’s Reece Kuhns in 3:05 in the quarterfinals and pinning Sherando’s Brogan Teter in 3:38 in the semifinals.

Frowert’s championship campaign and the 28 points that came with it led the Raiders to a sixth-place finish — the highest finish for any Hanover County team. Great Bridge won the team championship with 235 points. Sherando was second with 120.5, followed by Eastern View (117.5), Loudoun County (98.5), and Spotsylvania with 72. Atlee was just two points

Dave Lawrence/The Local

Above, Atlee’s Alex Frowert takes a shot at Great Bridge’s Jack Hawbaker in the 152-pound title match in the Virginia High School League Class 4 wrestling championships at Virginia Beach Sports Center Saturday. Frowert won the title with a 4-1 decision. Left, it may not look like it, but the exhausted wrestler on the left, Powhatan’s Mitchell Johnson, survived a grueling multi-overtime match with Dominion’s Jimenez Jacob (right) to claim the 195-pound championship.

behind with 70.

Mechanicsville finished 19th with 31 points. Hanover was 24th with 29 and Patrick Henry in a tie for 33rd with 13.

In addition to Frowert, three other Raiders scored. Eric Ludwig finished fourth in the 106-pound class and scored 16 points. Will Rittenhouse likewise finished fourth in the 160pound class for 14 points, and

Mateo Duarte finished sixth in the 113-pound class for 12 points.

Hanover was led by Noah Bentley, who finished sixth in the 126-pound class for 12 points. Jacob Epperly finished sixth in the 220-pound class for 11 points. Neither Will Hart (138 pounds) nor Zach Tyler (170 pounds) placed, but they still scored three points apiece

Dillion O`Keefe led Patrick Henry with a sixth-place finish in the 132-pound class. He scored 11 points. Christien DesChamps (113 pounds) did not place but scored two points for the Patriots.

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

for the Hawks.

Two Mustangs placed.

Andrew Kozubal finished sixth in the 145-pound class and scored 10 points for Mechanicsville, while Joseph Elaal was sixth in the 195-pound class and scored nine. Jake VHSL Class 4 wrestling Owens (138 pounds) scored (at Virginia Beach Sports Center) five points, Joseph Koenig (152 Team scores: 1. Great Bridge 235; pounds) four and Ryan Magill 2. Sherando 120.5; 3. Eastern View (126 pounds) three.

117.5; 4. Loudoun County 98.5; 5.

Spotsylvania 72; 6. Atlee 70; 7. (tie) Liberty (Bealeton), Powhatan 65; 9. Jefferson Forest 63; 10. Orange County 61; 11. Dominion 57; 12.

King George 52; 13. Broad Run 51; 14. John Handley 46; 15. Louisa County 43; 16. James Wood 42; 17. Fauquier 37; 18. Salem (Salem) 35; 19. Mechanicsville 31; 20. (tie) Deep Creek, Kettle Run, Matoaca, Rock Ridge 30; 24. Hanover 29; 25. (tie) Dinwiddie, Loudoun Valley 28; 27. Pulaski County 26; 28. Millbrook High School 23; 29. (tie) Blacksburg, Western Albemarle 22; 31. (tie) Jamestown, Smithfield 20; 33. (tie) Courtland, Lightridge, Patrick Henry, Varina 13; 37. (tie) Heritage, Warhill 10; 39. Monacan 9; 40. Grafton 7; 41. Denbigh 6; 42.

Amherst County 5; 43. Tuscarora 4; 44. (tie) E. C. Glass, Henrico 3; 46. (tie) Churchland, Hampton, King`s Fork, Manor, Warwick 0.

Championship finals 106: Bryson Rios (LC) d. Waylon Rogers (OC) 2-0; 113: Noah Ortiz (GB) p. Colton Bendure (JW) 3:50; 120: Anthony Lucchiani (SHE) p. Nicholas Baker (JH) 1:26; 126: Caleb Neal (GB) d. Foster Cardinale (LIB) 2-1; 132: Eric Doran (GB) md.

Cam Sheads (EV) 10-1; 138: Luke Roberts (LC) d. Kyle Csikari (SPO) tf. 5:43 (18-1); 145: Keagan Judd (SHE) md. Santiago Pena (DOM) 14-2; 152: Alex Frowert (ATL) d.

Jack Hawbaker (GB) 4-1; 160: Ty Chittum (GB) p. Matt Wirth (JF) 2:50; 170: Noah Lawrence (GB) d.

Joey Burch (WA) 4-3; 182: Kingsley Menifee (FAU) d. Abram Chumley (KR) 4-0; 195: Mitchell Johnson (POW) d. Jimenez Jacob (DOM) UTB 2-1; 220: Brett Clatterbaugh (EV) p. Aydan Willis (SHE) 1:26; 285: Alex Birchmeier (BR) p.

Keyshawn Burgos (MAT) 2:49.

Third place 106: Seth Ayo (SPO) p. Eric Ludwig (ATL) 2:39; 113: Zach Rios (LC) md. Luke Wells (POW) 11-1; 120: Elijah Smoot (EV) d. Dylan Coward (POW) 9-7; 126: Owen Greslick (LOU) d. Tyler Koerner (SHE) tf. 4:55 (16-0); 132: Nik Voros (SMI) d. Ethan Turner (OC) 6-4; 138: Kyman Kinney (SAL) d. Caleb Cambeis (JF) 8-6; 145: Noah Hall (LIB) p. Nicholas Marck (LHT) 3:59; 152: Kadin Smoot (EV) d. David Norris (KG) 5-1; 160: Simon Bishop (JH) d. Will Rittenhouse (ATL) 6-1; 170: Nathan Mallery (DC) d. Royce Hall (LIB) tb. 5-3; 182: Evan Alger (PC) d. Andrew Gingras (LV) 8-6; 195: Jared Williams (GB) d. Ilias Cholakis (RR) 1-0; 220: Braeden Fluke (GB) p. Caleb Graham (LC) 4:18; 285: Brayden Walker (EV) d.

Jett Helmut (MIL) 5-1.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022 11

Patriot girls advance, boys fall in 4B openers

By Rob Witham for The Local ASHLAND — If, indeed, it was the final home appearance for the “Triple Threat,” they went out with a bang.

Logan Nuckols, Jessica Osuanah and T’Niyah Baylor, who have been playing basketball together since their Liberty Middle School days, combined for 49 of Patrick Henry’s 69 points in a decisive 69-24 triumph over Capital District rival Varina in the first round of the Region 4B girls basketball championship tournament on Friday night.

The victory sends the fifthseeded Patriots to a quarterfinal date with the No. 4 seed, Monacan, a team that has become a perennial state title contender, including three straight Virginia High School League (VHSL) titles between 2015 and 2017.

More important than the point total, however, was how, in other aspects of the game, the Patriots showed how they can control the narrative, as it were, forcing a team to play the Patrick Henry way, disrupting their game plan. Once the Patriots crank up their transition game, led by Nuckols — a commit to Campbell University — if you can’t slow it down, opponents find themselves simply left behind and worn out.

Osuanah added 16 rebounds to her 12-point performance, while Baylor scored 10 of her 15 points in the first half that saw Patrick Henry (15-6) build a 40-14 halftime lead.

Nuckols poured in 19 of her game-high 22 points in the first half. She now stands at 1,380 career points, which is fourth all-time in Patriot history behind Taylor Huber, Summer Price, who serves as an assistant to head coach Phillip Cobb this

12

Joel Klein for The Local

Patrick Henry’s Jamie McElroy (22) attempts a jump shot while Varina’s AnNikah Burton (4) tries to bat the ball away in the Patriots’ 69-24 Region 4B win Friday. The Patriots advanced to face Monacan in the quarterfinals Tuesday after this edition went to press.

year, and Katie Anderson. Had Nuckols had a “normal” junior season schedule, who knows how many points she could have scored?

Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022

Cobb noted there was no issue with his team looking past Varina, even though they already had registered two wins over the Blue Devils this season,

including a win just seven days previously.

“We played well tonight.

If we win the rebound battle, 30% of the time, you’ll win the

game,” Cobb said. “When we win that battle, we typically win.

That’s the focus. Tonight we were able to pick up the tempo, pressure them, which definitely

went in our favor.”

The head coach was quick to praise another Patriot who represents the future of the program.

“Alicia Artis stepped up big time and had one of her career games tonight,” Cobb said.

“Sixteen points, and, better yet, 10 rebounds. She had a doubledouble.”

While Osuanah can rebound thanks to her superior height and wingspan, for the smaller Artis, it’s all about positioning under the basket. She, indeed, dominated in the paint in the victory.

While things went well for the women, the seventh-seeded Patrick Henry men saw their 2021-22 season come to a disappointing close, falling to No. 10 Matoaca 65-49 in a game that was much closer than the final score indicates.

Bursts by both teams wrote the first half story, with Patrick Henry (10-13) scoring the last five points of the first period for a 9-8 lead. After watching the Warriors go on an 11-0 run in just under two minutes to take a 19-12 advantage with 5:32 left in the first half, the Patriots, playing without star senior Christian Berry, matched Matoaca’s run when Paul Pasowicz nailed a 3-pointer for a 23-21 lead near the end of the half.

Where Patrick Henry faltered was in the third period, where they managed just seven points, allowing Matoaca to rebuild its lead to eight. In the fourth, the Patriots were able to stay alive at the free throw line, down just six with 3:01 to go, but Matoaca finished the contest, ironically, on another run, as the Patriots went cold and the Warriors scored 14 of the game’s last 18 points.

Rob Witham can be reached at sports@mechlocal.com.

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TOWN OF ASHLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that on the 9th day of March 2022, at 6:00 p.m. the Ashland Town Hall, 121 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA, the Ashland Planning Commission will conduct public hearings pursuant to Virginia Code section 15.2-2204 for the purpose of receiving input, and may provide a recommendation on the following: REZ22-0201 & ORD2022-02 AMBURN LANE Keith Whipple, on behalf of the property owner Amburn Partners LLC, requests to conditional rezone from Residential Limited R-2 to Residential Medium R-3 the property located at the southeast corner of the intersection of James Street and West Vaughan Road (GPIN 7870-65-5420). The property is approximately 7.1 acres in size. The applicant proposes to construct 12 single-family detached and 7 single-family attached dwellings (14 units total) for a total density of 3.66 units/acre. Uses will be controlled by zoning ordinance regulations and proffered conditions. The comprehensive plan recommends Traditional Neighborhood, density should not exceed 4 units per acre.

CUP22-0201, AMBURN LANE Keith Whipple, on behalf of the property owner Amburn Partners LLC, requests a conditional use permit in accordance with Sec. 21-48(i) of the Ashland Town Code to construct seven singlefamily attached dwellings (14 units total) in the R-3 Residential Medium zoning district for a total density of 3.66 acres. The property is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of James Street and West Vaughan Road (GPIN 7870-65-5420) and is approximately 7.1 acres in size.

The comprehensive plan recommends Traditional Neighborhood, density should not exceed 4 units per acre.

CPA2022-02, TRADEPORT 95 Andrew M. Condlin, on behalf of the property owners EAI LC and Theatre Square LC, requests a comprehensive plan amendment to the future land use map to change the future land use classifications from Interstate Commercial and Traditional Neighborhood to Interstate Commercial and Industrial. The property is commonly known as “East Ashland” and is located along the southern line of East Patrick Henry Road (State Route 54), approximately 700 feet east of its intersection with Woodside Lane (GPIN parcels 7880-61-7681, 7880-61-4768, 7880-60-4701, 7880-61-6987, 7880-72-0523, 7880-60-1053, and 7880-60-4343). The property includes existing zoning of Planned Unit Development (PUD), Planning Shopping Center (PSC) and Highway Commercial (B-2). The existing use of the property is single-family residential, farmland, and open space.

Copies of REZ22-0201, ORD2022-02, CUP22-0201, and CPA2022-02 may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at (804) 798-1073. Written comments may be submitted to planning@ashlandva.gov or Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. All interested persons may attend and express their views. Any person with a disability requiring assistance to participate in this public hearing is asked to contact Town Hall in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

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Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Hanover County Board of Supervisors has set Wednesday, March 9, 2022 2:00 P.M., in the Board Room of the Hanover County Administration Building at Hanover Courthouse, 7516 County Complex Road, Hanover, Virginia, as the day, date, time, and place for a Regular Board Meeting.

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We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law.

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Handle customer’s problems and service requests to the customer’s satisfaction. Work with carriers to meet retail collection goals and resolve problems with retail outlets. Collect all open routes and collect payments from carriers. As a Distribution Supervisor, you are responsible for the successful overall performance of your assigned area within the distribution center. Starting salary is $40,000 plus commission.

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EDUCATION | Student News & Announcements unique interests.

Zoe Raba named to Hollins University Fall 2021 Dean’s List Hollins University congratulates Zoe Raba of Ruther Glen on earning Dean’s List honors during the fall 2021 semester. To attain this distinction, students must earn at least a 3.5 average on a 4.0 grading scale.

Hollins is an independent liberal arts university offering undergraduate education to women, selected graduate programs for men and women and community outreach initiatives. Its distinctions include a nationally ranked creative writing program, one of the oldest study abroad programs in the country and extensive internship opportunities.

Emily Callahan named to University of Iowa 2021 Fall Dean's List Emily Callahan of Mechanicsville was among more than 6,900 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa named to The Dean's List for the 2021 fall semester.

Callahan is a fourth year student in Iowa's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and is majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Dean's list status was earned by only 1,402 first year undergraduates during the 2021 spring semester at Iowa, 1,427 second year students, 1,836 third year students and 2,304 fourth year students.

As a top global university, Iowa is the ideal destination for learning, discovery, and innovation. The school brings art and science together to create a truly unique interdisciplinary education. With over 200 areas of study to choose from, students are encouraged to mix and match majors, minors and certificates to earn a degree that reflects their

NAACP Continued from pg. 8

tory books,” Hunter-Jordan said. “All of these are Hanoverians, so we chose to tell their stories for Black History Month.”

Hunter-Jordan said she is “just getting started” with the series.

In order to fully explore over 300 years of Hanover history, Hanover NAACP plans to continue spotlighting important figures beyond Black

Aidan Ford named to University of Delaware fall 2021 Dean's List Aidan Ford of Mechanicsville was named to the University of Delaware Dean's List for the Fall 2021 semester. To meet eligibility requirements for the Dean's List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester.

Lane Johnson named to The Citadel Fall 2021 Dean's List Lane Johnson of Mechanicsville was named to The Citadel’s fall 2021 Dean’s List and is among more than 1,300 cadets and students recognized for their academic achievements during the fall 2021 semester.

The dean's list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of I (Incomplete) and no grade below C for work in a semester.

Cadets who are named to the dean's list receive a medal, which is worn on their uniform during the semester following their academic achievement. Non-cadet students on the dean's list are presented a certificate; veteran and active duty students are also awarded challenge coins.

Academics at The Citadel are divided between five schools: the Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business, the School of Engineering, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics and the Zucker Family School of Education.

History Month.

“That was one of our goals for this year – to make Hanover aware that you have contributions of the African Americans who have lived here that you never have recognized,” Hunter-Jordan said. “So that's the focal point of our entire year.”

In addition, Hunter-Jordan said the organization’s primary goal is to become more active in the community and hold numerous events throughout the year.

Continued from pg. 6

grasp on how to sell the most, but, more importantly, he possessed an understanding of how to retain customers.

The ex-Marine had a slow, sincere, southern drawl that appealed to the customers we encountered, and they had learned that Joe was a man of his word and always delivered on a promise.

Those first days progressed as Joe drove the old truck and we ran from door to door picking up and dropping off potato chips. Money for the new order was left under the empty can left on the front porch.

When we weren’t hustling chips, Joe would enlighten us with war stories or his theory of successful business as we halfheartedly listened.

As the weeks passed, Joe became more of a mentor than an employer.

Joe knew something about just everything you can imagine and never failed to amaze us with his outdated quips and a unique ability to replace curse words with like sounding alternatives.

“You have to look sharp if you want to sell something. No one wants to buy products from a bum,” he told us as he straightened his simple black clip-on tie positioned perfectly on a simple short sleeved white shirt.

Needless to say, we didn’t realize we were actually learning something as the summer progressed, but all three of us never missed a day on the truck; and Joe became the person you could go to and discuss anything.

As summer ended, we went back to high school and Joe continued to sell Charles Chips around town. We stayed in touch.

For many years following that summer, the three of us would get together at Christmas and make a visit to Joe’s small apartment.

It wasn’t until far later in life that I realized Joe’s contributions and influence on our lives.

He joins dozens of others who have positively affected my life, a sort of collage of people

“We’re trying to form more partnerships and make sure that we can create this climate of inclusivity in Hanover in order for all of us to live together, work together and treat each other in fairness,” Hunter-Jordan said.

“And so that is our goal, to make certain that Hanoverians of color are treated the same and that we have opportunities at all levels in Hanover.”

Hunter-Jordan said one of the “wonderful things” about the NAACP Hanover branch is its

Metro Creative Connection

from all walks of life and various professions – all contributing bits of wisdom I hope wasn’t lost on the recipient.

But, Joe provided my first lessons in business in those hot days of August sitting in that old step van surrounded by cans of Charles Chips.

As for that trio of young entrepreneurs who enjoyed the wisdom of a crusty, old Marine that summer, one chose to work on the railroad and the security that accompanied, and another became a well-respected circuit court judge.

I took Joe’s advice and pursued a career doing something I loved much more than door-to-door sales.

When the seasoned warrior finally gave up the fight and passed years later, a small obituary appeared in the local newspaper. It listed no survivors or family members, and information regarding a funeral was missing.

As I read the announcement, I thought that an unknowing reader might assume this person lived an insignificant life, unfulfilled with the joys of family and loved ones. To those who knew Joe, nothing was further from the truth.

For certain, his legacy is fondly remembered and respected by that trio of friends who learned life’s earliest lessons riding in a Charles Chips van, perhaps unrecognized but not unremembered.

diverse community of allies and members. She said with approximately 350 current members of the branch, there is a fairly balanced weight between black and non-black members.

“That's been the blessing in this, to be able to pull so many groups together and work together to bring about that justice that's needed,” Hunter-Jordan said, mentioning the organization’s recent work with local transgender groups.

“We don't just work on behalf of black people,” Hunter-Jordan said.

“Whoever is being treated unfairly is who we work for. And so that is the message that we want to get across to our community. That is our goal. To make sure everything gets better for everybody.”

To view more “Not All Heroes Make the History Books” entries, visit the Hanover NAACP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ hcbnaacpva.

Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022 15

FY2023 Continued from pg. 1

lenges the county faces in light of the pandemic and recent inflation.

The FY2023 General Fund budget is proposed at $321 million, which is a $31.2 million increase from FY2022.

The FY2023 All Funds Budget totals is about $615 million, with the majority of funds coming in from public utilities, school operating fund and county and school capital improvement plans (CIP).

“Folks are getting hit everywhere,”Budesky said, highlighting how recent inflation rates have impacted residents, the county’s ability to provide services that residents rely on, construction markets and the job market.

A significant portion of the budget addresses the county’s workforce challenges with employee retention and recruitment. This is partly due to an increasingly competitive job market, with surrounding localities increasing workforce salaries and providing higher merit increases or other wage enhancements on an annual basis. Other challenges include low unemployment rates, less job applicants and an increasing number of retirements.

“I have not seen the job market for public employees change as much as I have in the past 24 months in my almost 25-year career,” Budesky said.

The FY2023 budget recommends a 5% merit increase, minimum wage increase to $15 per hour and marketbased salary adjustments.

“We’re really trying to target these efforts to reduce our turnover, address longstanding compression and pay inequities and make sure that we’re recognizing the talents of our employees as regionally competitive as our peers,” Budesky said.

With the school division reporting similar workforce challenges, the budget sup-

16

ports a 5% pay increase for school employees, longevity salary increases based on years of service and salary enhancements for targeted job families with the help of state funding.

In addition, Hanover County Sheriff Col. David R. Hines presented a fiveyear personnel plan for law enforcement compensation. In the plan, 82% percent of the proposed law enforcement and court services budget is directed toward personnel expenses.

“Investing in a premiere law enforcement workforce is expensive, but the return is keeping Hanover County a safe place to live, work and raise a family,” Hines said. “Investing in our personnel is investing in our community, as it helps to retain our most experienced officers.”

Another significant highlight of the FY2023 budget addresses the oldest facilities and maintenance of others in the county. Due to deferred capital maintenance projects over the years, Hanover government and schools have aged significantly and are becoming outdated with high maintenance costs.

Budesky noted that the FY2023 recommendation will make the largest five-year investment in school infrastructure in recent history, with a proposal of $122 million.

According to Budesky, schools have an average lifespan of approximately 50 to 60 years. Hanover County Public Schools has 26 facilities, half of which have exceeded their functional capacity and reached their useful life. Currently three elementary schools are over 80 years old and in critical need of replacement.

The budget recommends $108 million for the replacement of these three school facilities and $14 million for the major renovation of another in the next five years.

Funding will go toward the replacement and consolidation of Henry Clay and John

Ashland-Hanover Local February 23, 2022

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Hanover Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland presents his department’s proposed FY2023 budget and needs in upcoming years.

M. Gandy Elementary Schools in FY2023, followed by the replacement of Battlefield Park Elementary School in FY2025 and Washington-Henry Elementary School in FY2027.

Beaverdam Elementary is planned for a major renovation in FY2027.

Based on current revenue growth and future projections, the county is able to advance three of these projects within five years, which had previously been waiting in a 10-year planning window.

Several capital projects in public safety are outlined in the FY2023 budget, including the construction of a new fire station, Fire Station #17, with a recommendation of an $11 million cash fund for its construction. The new station will provide a modern facility to support 24/7 staffing for more reliable coverage to the central part of the county. Recent growth in revenue rewards the county the opportunity to fund this facility without issuing debt.

Hanover Fire-EMS Chief Jethro Piland highlighted the critical need of facilities designed for 24/7 services.

According to Piland, four fire stations were built 50 years ago as a “shell” designed for volunteer services and have required constant modification over the years.

“We’re at that point I believe that we need a long-term five, ten-year plan on which stations need to be replaced and

how they need to be replaced,” Piland said.

Other proposed public safety capital investments include $3.85 million in software upgrades, $1.3 million to fully equip the new Burn Building Training Center and $2.5 million to continue the replacement cycle for fire engines and ambulances.

Another significant feature of the FY2023 budget proposes a change to the county’s current tax relief program, which currently provides $2.5 million in relief. The budget proposes an increase to the amount of relief by an additional 5% and the net worth threshold by 50%. This would offer more citizens eligibility and provide greater tax relief to residents most in need.

The proposed FY2023 budget additionally aims to invest in various human services for the county’s most vulnerable populations, including the Hanover DASH program, which is a specialized transportation service for elderly and disabled residents. With an increasing demand in ridership, the budget proposes an increase in the program’s local funding by nearly $700,000.

Budesky noted that while the FY2023 budget recommends maintaining the current tax rate while making investments with available revenue, not all project requests could be met, including additional positions for the sheriff’s office, additional fire

Christina Amano Dolan/The Local

Hanover Sheriff Col. David R. Hines presents a detailed presentation of his department’s many achievements, challenges and ultimate needs for FY2023 and upcoming years.

medics and accelerated vehicle replacements for both public safety departments.

With challenges ahead, Budesky said they will continue to strategically plan and prioritize future projects under a 25-year Capital Improvement Plan involving county and school facilities, roadways, utility infrastructure, equipment, vehicles and technology.

“We will continue to be sound in our financial practices, we will continue to be prudent and will continue to be conservative,” Budesky said. “But we also have to balance that with investments in our people, our infrastructure and our services.”

Mechanicsville Supervisor W. Canova Peterson voiced concerns over the almost 20% increase from last year’s FY2022 total budget. He said he couldn’t help but have some “heartburn,” as the highest budget

increase from one year to the next has been 7% during his time on the board.

“And from what I’m hearing is that it can be substantiated and it can be done, and if that is so I’m going to appreciate that,” Peterson said. “But I’m going to have to satisfy myself quite a bit getting into this stuff because that’s a very, very large increase.”

Chair and Chickahominy Supervisor Angela KellyWiecek thanked Budesky for his in-depth presentation.

“Let’s all remember that this represents the lion's share of what we're supposed to do here, is to provide for schools, provide for the safety of our residents and then provide those human services,” Kelly-Wiecek said.

The Feb. 23 special budget meeting will further dive into financials, workforce, public utilities and request for authorization of an April 6 public hearing.