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Saturday, January 15, 2022

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MALL MAY

MULTIPURPOSE

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Trash, Recycling Woes

Rash of House Fires

Hopewell

Red Cross

in Petersburg

Declares State of Emergency

Blood Shortage

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Trash, Recycling Woes

Omicron variant, recent winter weather create delays in residential pick-ups HOPEWELL BY ADRIENNE WALLACE FOR LNNUSA.com

HOPEWELL - Due to staffing shortages caused by COVID-19 diagnoses and recent winter weather, trash and recycling pick up has been delayed for many Hopewell residents. Julie Buchanan, Public Relations Coordinator with the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) which holds the city’s contract for waste services, explained the delays began about two weeks ago. The company announced it would be on a two-day delay just recently. The issues stem from people out of work after testing positive for COVID and quarantining before they return to their jobs. ”Delays started happening with the Omicron variant. When staff are tested and are positive, they have to stay home and that includes the people who drive trucks and handle materials and that causes contractors to be backed up,” Buchanan said. “With the recent weather it’s a double whammy. Though the roads are much better they are still behind reconciling in those localities, two-day delay in Hopewell and Petersburg.”

CVWMA is not the only contractor suffering from such issues. County Waste customers in Prince George County have complained about trash pick up that is at least a month behind. In Hopewell, “Our contractors have had to shuffle the schedules, and in some cases residential sites have been skipped, but they will go back to ensure they get to every home,” Buchanan noted. “We know this is not

ideal and appreciate our customers’ patience. Of course, they will be picking up as they had to shuffle days due to all weather combined with the pandemic issues.” However, some residents have been complaining about issues throughout the year. Kimberly Campbell-Nunnally stated that just this week she noticed a delay. She has taken issue with the constant delays. It does come with a cost.

The City provides each owner-occupied residence one trash cart for weekly residential trash collection service. All rental property must purchase their trash cart. If an additional cart is needed, a resident will need to contact the City’s Public Works Department. Each additional cart or rental cart is $58 and must be paid up front before delivery. Carts need to be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on your normal collection day. While schedules are delayed, the planned pick up dates have been sent out and are available online at the CVWMA website. Not everyone received their planned pick up dates, including Nitsa Zevgolis Martin, who asked, “What’s going on with our recycle bin? Have not received a schedule for this year. It’s usually the first and third Tuesday of the month and here it is the second Tuesday and still no show.” Hopewell residents: Some residents have trash collection service every Monday and some residents have trash collection every Tuesday. Normal collection hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The downtown area will be collected on Thursdays. Litter baskets to be collected on Mondays and Thursdays.

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City of Petersburg Names New Fire Chief PETERSBURG MEDIA RELEASE CITY OF PETERSBURG

PETERSBURG- Tina R. Watkins has been appointed Chief of the Petersburg-Fire Rescue Department. This follows an extensive search and review of 13 extremely qualified candidates for the position. “Ms. Watkins has a proven track record serving in leadership roles with Richmond Fire and Emergency Services since 1988,” said City Manager Stuart Turille. “She rose to the top as the best qualified candidate for the position of Fire Chief in Petersburg.” Ms. Watkins started her career as a firefighter. For the past 11 years, she has served as Battalion Chief for Richmond Fire and Emergency Services where she supervises five stations and six fire companies. She earned a Master’s

degree in Leadership with an Emphasis in Emergency Management and Executive Fire Leadership and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety and Business Administration. She holds profession-

al certifications through FEMA, the National Fire Academy, and the Virginia State Fire Program. “Not only does Ms. Watkins have extensive experience in fire administration and field operations, she is a seasoned professional in budget management,

enforcement of regulations, policies and procedures development needed to effectively lead Petersburg Fire-Rescue with over 75 members and a $4 million dollar budget,” said Deputy City Manager Tangela Innis. Ms. Watkins professional development and certifications are numerous and include: FEMA AFG and Fire Prevention Peer Review Board; Hazardous Materials Technician Level; National Fire Service Staff and Command; NFA Executive Planning (R0506); FEMA Emergency Planning IS002356 -2012; FEMA Introduction to Continuity of Operations IS-00547a; FEMA Effective Communications IS-00242a; FEMA

Introduction to Hazard Mitigation IS-00393a, and many FEMA ICS certificates. Her fire prevention experience includes fire investigations training and fire public information officer services. “I am committed to providing unparalleled leadership and customer service to the citizens of Petersburg,” said Tina Watkins. “Developing fire safety community programs and supporting on-going professional development and training for all firefighters and rescue personnel is my goal. I will work to secure new fire equipment needed to better protect the City.” “Petersburg’s appointment of Ms. Watkins is history-making as she becomes the first woman and first African American woman to lead as Fire Chief,” said Mayor Sam Parham.

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House Fire in Petersburg

Sparked by Space Heater

PETERSBURG MEDIA RELEASE PETERSBURG FIRE & RESCUE

PETERSBURG- Petersburg dispatch received a call at 9:47am on Monday, January 10th reporting a fire on Edmonds Avenue in the City. Petersburg Fire-Rescue arrived at the house at 9:54am. On arrival, heavy fire was showing at the back of the single-family house. Firefighters had the fire under control at 10:21am. The fire was contained to the back of the house, but there was heavy smoke and water damage throughout the residence. There are no reported injuries from the fire. The owners were not at home when the fire started. One family pet did not survive. The Red Cross was called to aid the displaced family. The cause of the fire was determined to be a space heater that was left on close to a bed.

Space heaters can be dangerous and cause fires. Petersburg Fire-Rescue recommends the following: • Never Leave a Space Heater On or Plugged-in When Unattended • Place the Space Heater in a Space that is Not Near Flammable Materials • Keep Children and Pets Away from Space Heaters • Don’t Use Extension

Cords and Power Strips with Space Heaters • Check the Space Heater’s Safety Certifications • Make Sure the Space Heater Has Safety Features for Cut-off ’s and Tip Overs • Place Space Heaters on a Level Surface • Don’t Hide Space Heater Cords • Get Rid of Space Heaters Running Too Hot or

Without Safety Features • Regularly Inspect Your Space Heater Petersburg Fire-Rescue reminds residents to never leave fires in fireplaces or lit candles unattended, and do not try to heat homes with stoves, ovens, or dryers. Please check your smoke detectors to be sure they are working.

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House Fire in Petersburg Displaces One Person PETERSBURG MEDIA RELEASE PETERSBURG FIRE & RESCUE

PETERSBURG- Petersburg dispatch received a call at approximately 6:00pm on Tuesday reporting a fire in the 1400 block of Custer Street in the City. Petersburg Fire-Rescue arrived at the two-story frame house at 6:04pm. On arrival, heavy fire was showing at the rear of the residence. Firefighters had the fire under control at 6:39pm. The fire was contained to the back of the house, but there was heavy smoke and water damage throughout the residence. There are no reported injuries from the fire. One resident was displaced. Red Cross was called to aid the displaced resident. Fire investigators have determined that the fire was smoking related.

One Dead Following House Fire in Petersburg PETERSBURG MEDIA RELEASE PETERSBURG FIRE & RESCUE

PETERSBURG- Petersburg dispatch received a call at 3:03am on Saturday, January 8th, reporting a fire in the 2000 block of Ferndale Av-

enue. Petersburg Fire-Rescue arrived at the house at 3:08am. On arrival, heavy flames were showing at the two-story frame house preventing firefighters from entering the structure. It took several hours to bring the fire under control.

One person was found dead in the house. The medical examiner has not determined the cause of death. Two firefighters were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The fire was marked under control at 6:19am. The cause

of the fire is not known. An investigation is underway. Petersburg Fire-Rescue thanks Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Colonial Heights Fire and EMS and Fort Lee Fire and EMS for assistance.

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Mall May Multi-Purpose COLONIAL HEIGHTS BY CRAIG RICHARDS LNNUSA.com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS – What can be done with empty malls? It’s a question that many localities are grappling with as the rise in online shopping- amplified by the pandemic- has driven many brick and mortar retailers online. The City of Colonial Heights may have an answer. The Colonial Heights Planning Commission has endorsed a proposal that would transform the empty Southpark Mall anchor space once occupied by Sears into 218 apartments. Former Schell Brothers Richmond division president Shane Burnette and current Schell managing partner Nick Wexler are leading the project. The duo hope to capitalize on the mixed-use transformation trend that is spreading across the region. According to plans presented to the city, two new free-standing structures totaling 370,000 square feet would replace the soonto-be demolished 107,000 square foot vacant anchor space. Colonial Heights City Councilor Robert Wade said that the development company brought two permit requests to the planning commission – one a special permit and a special use permit for 218 apartments to be built at the old Sears

IMAGES COURTESY OF SHANE BURNETTE

A rendering of the apartment buildings proposed to replace the former Sears building at Southpark Mall.

building at Southpark Mall in Colonial Heights. While the developer had initially asked for tax incentives as well as other service fee incentives, those were later removed from their application. Wade explained that that move opened the door for advancing the project, stating that after the incentives were dropped, “the planning commission did not have any problem as far as approving that since the Mall is going to be a 20% owner.” Wade explained that an initial concern the council had with the project was the request for incentives. He said that council voted it down before when the proposal was brought to them including a 40-year tax

incentive for the duration of the loan. The developer was seeking different avenues for mortgage options that the council felt was questionable. With the incentive request removed, the planning commission moved forward with recommending the project. In a January 6th article published online by Richmond BizSense, Karen Epps, Colonial Heights’ economic development director, said, “The fact that malls are pretty much becoming a thing of the past, with big box retailers scaling down and smaller spaces being used for retail, things aren’t like they used to be when we went shopping. So, we need to get with the times,” Epps added. “I think this is a great way to help with

revitalizing and keeping Southpark Mall strong.” Others have voiced concerns that opinions like that of Epps’ declaring that malls are soon to be retail relics, will lead corporate owners to forego retail altogether. Wade addressed the speculation that mall owners could be converting the retail location into an apartment complex in order to offset declining retail leases. “The Mall said they welcome investment like this. Again, retail has been a problem in the last few years. We all know for different reasons. But they want to be a partner in this as far as developing these apartments themselves. So, they are going to be a percentage investor in that. And they’ve mentioned to

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me that they definitely want to see this work. They want to see the mall grow. They want all the businesses to come to Colonial Heights as well as the mall itself,” Wade said.

“It’s going to be a higher end type of apartment complex,” Wade said. He explained that the developer has stated that these will be one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in the

range of $1,800 to $2,400 per month. And that they are not expecting subsidized renters. “But it’s early in the discussion right now,” Wade added. Potential renters shouldn’t

rent the moving van just yet. The City Council is scheduled to consider those approvals at its meeting on February 8th.

IMAGES COURTESY OF SHANE BURNETTE

A rendering of the apartment buildings proposed to replace the former Sears building at Southpark Mall.

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Saturday, January 15, 2022

State of Emergency Declared as Winter Storm Approaches RICHMOND MEDIA RELEASE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR NORTHAM

RICHMOND – On Friday, January 14th, Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in preparation for a winter storm expected to move into Virginia over the weekend. The National Weather Service forecast predicts significant snow, sleet, and ice late Saturday night through Monday, impacting a majority of the Commonwealth. Some areas in Southwest Virginia are predicted to get up to a foot of snow. “We expect this storm to have a significant impact in many parts of Virginia,” Governor Northam said. “Declaring a state of emergency now allows our emergency responders to prepare, and to move supplies and equipment where they expect to need them the most. This also gives Governor-elect Youngkin the ability to respond to any storm needs swiftly. I urge Virginians to take this storm seriously and make preparations now.” Governor Northam and state emergency officials conducted a joint prepara-

tion call this morning with Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin and his team. The Virginia Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the movement of a major winter weather system heading toward Virginia, with anticipated tracks showing impacts beginning Saturday evening. The National Weather Service is still refining its forecasts based on real-time data, but initial forecasts are predicting impactful to highly impactful snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain across broad swaths of the Commonwealth. Parts of Virginia are still dealing with the consequences of last week’s back-to-back events, including power restoration and significant debris removal. This upcoming weather system is likely to include additional downed trees, more electrical outages, and significant impacts on travel conditions. Virginians are urged to follow local news for upto-date forecasts, and to avoid traveling in dangerous weather.

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Hopewell Declares State of Emergency HOPEWELL BY CHAI GALLAHUN LNNUSA.com

HOPEWELL— At its January 11th meeting, the Hopewell City Council voted to declare a state of emergency for the city in order to hold council meetings virtually. A discussion on the necessity and impacts of the action took place prior to the vote. Councilors Janice Denton and Deborah Randolph voted against the measure, both expressing concern at the limitations that virtual council meetings place on citizens’ ability to engage with the council. Denton (Ward 5) said, “I’m concerned about the declaration of local emergency. I have some concerns. I’m not getting good information from our government. I don’t know where we are with Covid. It seems like CDC is saying we don’t need to shut down... I hate to shut down our city. I want the citizens of Hopewell to feel that they can come to our council meetings.” Randolph (Ward 1) said, “I’m leery to do a declaration of local emergency simply because it impacts so much more than council being on the phone or not. I don’t want us to go to a full zoom-type meeting because that limits the ability for the constituents to come and speak.” Councilor Jasmine Gore, who voted in favor of the state of emergency, questioned the number of people

impacted by this decision and stated that usually few members of the public attend the meetings. She then suggested that more people attend the meetings when they are held virtually. “Switching to a virtual option is not denying anyone access,” said Gore. She emphasized that the emergency declaration was not about shutting down Hopewell government, but to allow council to conduct their meetings virtually. Interim City Attorney

Cynthia Hudson, attending via phone, said, “The scope of the effect of this emergency declaration if it’s actually entered and confirmed is significantly more narrowly tailored than likely any you’ve confirmed in the past,” adding that this would allow council to meet virtually without council shutting down city services unless council expressly decided to do so. Councilor Debra Pelham (Ward 6), also attending by phone, said, “The fact

that I’m not there tonight is because I’m a person who got vaccinated and have been boostered and I still got Covid and still dealing with some of the symptoms today.” She expressed concerns over the vaccination status of fellow councilors, mask wearing, social distancing, and exposure to the virus. The council voted to pass the measure in a five to two vote with Denton and Randolph dissenting.

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Red Cross Blood Shortage COVID Strikes Again REGION BY ADRIENNE WALLACE FOR LNNUSA.com

REGION – It’s the lowest blood supply in 10 years. That’s what American Red Cross Regional Communications Director Jonathan McNamara says, noting, “The American Red Cross is experiencing a blood supply shortage across the state as donations have been down significantly starting in 2021. In Virginia, the number of first-time blood donors is down 41 percent this year. High demand for blood is also contributing to the shortage.” While the Red Cross, as well as other non-profits, works to supply area hospitals, demand is up and donations down mostly due to COVID-19 with many concerned about the risk and fewer organizations able to house the drives with the required

social distancing. “Demand has been incredibly high from our hospital partners as they try to play catch-up with some of those elective surgeries that were postponed due to COVID. We’ve also seen that people are coming into emergency rooms sicker than they were previously because of health care that was postponed due to the pandemic,” McNamara said. Though he admits some and possibly non-emergency surgeries may be delayed until that supply increases significantly. “Every donation is critical and you can make a lifesaving difference,” he explained. “The Red Cross is faced with less than a day’s supply of blood.” No hospital is immune to the shortage, even VCU Medical Center which accepts many local MedFlight and ambulance

patients who are suffering serious drama. Liver transplant coordinator and registered nurse Sarah Penepacker said, “There is a critical shortage of blood right now, and they have limited chairs” available in the transplant clinic because of the increase of patients in need. The Richmond-based hospital performs various surgeries including high risk, liver and kidney transplants, and treats cancer patients and trauma survivors. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Donating blood to the Red Cross is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Blood is one of the few products in this world that

cannot be manufactured. The only way to get blood to the hospital to the patients that need it is by the generosity of donors who are willing to go out, roll up their sleeves, and give so that others can have life. The Red Cross said it has been working daily with its hospital partners to understand their needs. They are also diversifying blood drive locations in an effort to attract new donors. “This is no quick, easy fix,” McNamara said. “Are we hopeful the situation will get better? Yes, but it’s going to take time.” There are many ways for members of the public to help out even if they can’t donate blood. That includes checking donors in for their appointment and directing them to the areas within the drive, among other ways. They also can help ensure safety standards. McNamera

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says drives are exercising precautions with mask mandates for donors, volunteers, and health care workers. “We want it to be safe for everyone participating and blood donations are safe with social dis-

tancing and appointments needed.” The Red Cross only collects blood from individuals who are healthy and feeling well at the time of donation. Staff will check your temperature before

permitting you to donate. You will be seated 6 feet from any other donors to comply with social distancing standards. Staff will also conduct enhanced disinfecting measures throughout the donation

process. McNamara said there are blood drives on the horizon and encourages those unable to find an appointment not to give up but to return to redcross.org to continue searching.

Upcoming area blood drives: Tuesday, January 18, 2022 American Legion Post #284 505 Springdale Ave Colonial Heights, VA 23834 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Friday, January 21, 2022 John Randolph Foundation 112 N Main St Hopewell, VA 23860 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 9 Appointments Remaining

Saturday, January 22, 2022 Friendship Baptist Church 1305 Arlington Rd. Hopewell, VA 23860 9:00 AM - 02:00 PM 4 Appointments Remaining

Wednesday, February 2, 2022 The Heights Baptist Church 17201 Jefferson Davis Highway Colonial Heights, VA 23834 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Appointment numbers are based on information at the time the story was written and may have changed at the time of publication.

Hopewell 12

01/12 Petersburg

City Council Regular Meeting

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Architectural Review Board

7:30 PM

Municipal Building Saturday, January 15, 2022

6:00 PM

Petersburg Public Library

January 2022 Locality Calendar

01/13 Prince George Local Emergency Preparedness Committee 9:00 AM

Central Wellness Center

01/18 Petersburg

Petersburg Public Library

City Council Regular Meeting

Industrial Development Authority Board 01/19 Prince George Meeting

01/20 Regional Petersburg

01/21 Regional

ARWA & SCWA Board of Directors Meeting 2:00 PM Economic Development Authority Meeting

5:00 PM

Petersburg Public Library

Petersburg Area Regional Tourism Board Meeting

1964 Wakefield Ave, 11:00 AM Petersburg

5:30 PM

Virtual and Human Services Building

6:30 PM

Administration Building

City Council Meeting/Public Hearing for Ward Maps

TBA

City Council Regular Meeting

7:30 PM

Municipal Building

Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting

2:00 PM

Petersburg Public Library

6:30 PM

Administration Building

Board of Zoning Appeals Organizational Prince George Meeting

Hopewell

01/27 Petersburg

12:00 PM Human Services Building

21300 Chesdin Road, South Chesterfield

01/24 Prince George Senior Task Force Meeting

01/25 Petersburg

5:00 PM

Planning Commission Organizational Prince George Meeting

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Saturday, January 15, 2022

Prince George Seeks Educators During Upcoming Teacher Job Fair PRINCE GEORGE MEDIA RELEASE PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PRINCE GEORGE- Prince George County Public Schools’ Teacher Job Fair returns for another year as our division seeks talented instructors to support the educational and socio-emotional needs of children in our community. This year’s job fair will feature two sessions over two days, Friday, February 18th and Saturday, February 19th, hosted at the Prince George School Board Office, located at 6410 Courts Drive, Prince George, Virginia, 23875. The hours for the sessions are as follows: • Friday, February 18th: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. * Appointments Encouraged • Saturday, February 19th: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. PGCPS’ Teacher Job Fair will connect job seekers

with opportunities within the division. During the two-day event, school-level and division leaders will be on-site to share information and conduct on-site interviews with candidates. Our division is actively hiring for teaching positions, as well as accepting applications in a variety of other areas, including:

tions. There are a limited number of these bonuses, so applicants are encouraged to apply early for an opportunity to receive the compensation after accepting an offer for a qualifying position. Additionally, PGCPS is offering stipends to candidates hired within the following critical shortage areas:

• General Education • Special Education • Mathematics (Secondary Level) • English (Secondary Level) • Science • Career & Technical Education/Technology Education Endorsements • Athletic Coaching Opportunities

• Special Education Teacher - $2,000 • Career & Technical Education For Credit Teacher - $1,500 • Math For Credit Teacher - $1,500 • Paraprofessional Toileting & Tube Feeding - $450

Our division is offering $1,000 early sign-on bonuses for the upcoming 2022-23 School Year for licensed teaching posi-

South Chesterfield: 16429 Jefferson Davis Hwy Mon - Fri 7:30am to 6:00pm | 804-524-9115

Attendees are encouraged to visit the job fair’s website, http://www.pgs.k12. va.us/jobfairs/ to make an appointment ahead of time. Session times can fill quickly, so candidates are encouraged to register

early to ensure they receive their desired timeslot. Walk-in visitors are able to attend the job fair both days. All attendees are asked to adhere to COVID-19 protocols currently in place, including wearing a face covering while inside the building and social distancing to the greatest extent possible. Those who are feeling unwell, or have symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath are asked to not attend in-person and to email jobfairs@ pgs.k12.va.us for more information. Any questions about this job fair can be emailed to jobfairs@pgs.k12.va.us. Prospective employees can learn more about employment opportunities with Prince George County Public Schools anytime by visiting our website at http://www.pgs.k12.va.us/ careers.

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Interstate 95 Shooting COLONIAL HEIGHTS STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS- Virginia State Police are seeking tips in a fatal shooting that took place along a stretch of interstate 95 in Colonial Heights and Chesterfield around 11:30pm on Monday, January 10th.

One person was killed in that shooting; police report that the deceased, 21 year-old Jamari Phillips of Richmond, was a passenger in a black 2011 Ford Focus. Both the Focus and an unidentified vehicle were travelling northbound and pulled over to the shoulder of the interstate close to the Ruffin Mill Road exit where gunfire continued

to be exchanged. Two people escaped the Ford Focus, running away from the vehicle and highway. Those in the other vehicle were able to drive away. State police believe that the shooting was “targeted and deliberate”. If you have any information on the shooting, please call 804-609-5656 or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

Hopewell 2022 Business Pitch Competition HOPEWELL STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

HOPEWELL- Aspiring entrepreneurs and business-owners have the opportunity to jumpstart their business ideas. The Hopewell Downtown Partnership is offering Home-

grown for Hopewell, a business-pitch competition for the historic downtown area of Hopewell. Participants will go through a business bootcamp and then have the chance to present their business idea to a panel of judges. The competition will award thirty-thousand dollars in

gap-financing with a goal of creating three new businesses in the downtown area. An information session will be held via Zoom at 6pm on February 1st, and applications must be received by Friday, February 11th. For more information, visit hopewelldowntown.com.

Chesterfield Initiates Life-Saving App Partnership CHESTERFIELD STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

CHESTERFIELD- Chesterfield County will be partnering with PulsePoint, a 9-1-1 integrated mobile app and community tool that empowers CPR-trained citizens to help save lives. Members of the public can download the PulsePoint Respond app and indicate that they are trained in CPR and willing to assist in case of an emergency. The app will notify them if someone nearby

is having a cardiac emergency and may require CPR. If the cardiac emergency is in a public place, the PulsePoint app will alert users in the vicinity of the need for CPR simultaneous with the dispatch of advanced medical care. The application also directs these potential rescuers to the exact location of the closest AED. For residents that are interested in learning CPR, Chesterfield Fire and EMS is offering hands-only CPR

and AED awareness training monthly beginning in

February. To sign up, go to chesterfield.gov/cpr.

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Saturday, January 15, 2022

P r i n ce G e or ge C ounty N ee ds Your In p ut! We need our residents and business owners to help us create a County Strategic Plan that will serve as a roadmap for decision-making and assist the County in directing its efforts and resources toward a clearly defined vision for its future. The County will be hosting two Community Meetings focused on the issues facing the County currently and over the next several years.

Tuesday, January 18th from 6-8pm County Administration Bldg. Boardroom Third Floor, 6602 Courts Drive Prince George, Virginia 23875

Thursday, January 20th from 6-8pm Disputanta Community Building 10010 B County Drive, Disputanta, VA 23842

Please attend either of the meetings to have your voice heard Contact Prince George County's Community Development Department for More Information: Julie Walton 804.722.8659

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Saturday, January 15, 2022

Governor Northam Announces Historic Land Acquisition for Chickahominy Tribe Ancestral site of Mamanahunt, along Chickahominy River, acquired through state funding CHARLES CITY MEDIA RELEASE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR RALPH NORTHAM

CHARLES CITY- On Monday, January 10th, Governor Ralph Northam announced that the Chickahominy Tribe has re-acquired Mamanahunt, a historic site of more than 800 acres in Charles City County that holds deep cultural significance for the tribe. The tribe has purchased Mamanahunt, a peninsula in the heart of the ancestral lands along the river that bears the tribe’s name, with a one-time, $3.5 million appropriation from Governor Northam’s current budget. The transaction was finalized on December 30, 2021. “As we strive to tell a fuller and more inclusive story of Virginia, it is important to preserve and protect physical places and spaces that represent the history of all Virginians.” said Governor Northam. “This land acquisition exemplifies our Administration’s commitment to the protection of Virginia’s highest value lands, including those of cultural and historical significance. Returning this historically significant parcel of land to the Chickahominy is one way to recognize tribal sov-

ereignty, honor their rich history and ensure that the Tribal Nation has a place where they can continue their sacred traditions and share their stories.” Chickahominy tribal leaders said they will preserve the natural resources of the waterfront land while pursuing historic and educational outreach opportunities that will generate economic development for the Tribal Nation as well as the local business community. “This is a repatriation of the historically significant land and rich culture of our people, and pays respect to a history that for too long has been held hostage,” said Chickahominy Chief Stephen R. Adkins. “This gives us a presence back on the river that we came from. We’re coming back.” “Investing in the preservation of historic and ancestral sites of Tribal Nations is one step toward building a more equitable Commonwealth,” said Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Thomasson, the Governor’s liaison with Virginia’s Indian tribes. “I’m proud of the strong relationships we’ve fostered between Virginia and the Tribal Nations lo-

cated here, and the actions by Governor Northam to address injustices of the past.” The property, which has been used for timber and farming, includes woodlands and cypress swamps and habitat for waterfowl and deer. “The Chickahominy, along with Virginia’s other indigenous peoples, were the original stewards of the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Ann Jennings. “Helping to reconnect the tribe with these lands and waters provides additional benefits such as supporting resilient ecosystems and improving water quality in the bay.” A 1607 map attributed to Captain John Smith labels the town of Mamanahunt in the area. Historians believe the Treaty of 1614 between the Chickahominy and the colonists may have been signed on the peninsula, later known as Peace Hill and Willcox Neck. In 2019, the Chickahominy Tribe used a state grant to acquire a 105-acre site known as Chickahominy on the Powhatan, along the James River, marking

the first time the tribe has owned property on the James or Chickahominy rivers since tribal land was taken from their ancestors in the 1600s. The tribe was federally recognized by Congress in 2018. Chickahominy leaders said they plan to hold interpretive and cultural events open to the public and offer outdoor recreation opportunities on the sites. “It opens a new era for the tribe to share our history,” Adkins said. “We would like to have a visitor’s center where we can describe the significance of the property and the reality of the Chickahominy people today. Sometimes we are confined to a 17th century stereotype, and that’s not who we are.” Last month, Governor Northam proposed a budget that includes $12 million for other federally-recognized Tribal Nations in Virginia to pursue similar opportunity to acquire and preserve ancestral lands of significance and proposes a $10 million-investment in a new Black, Indigenous and People of Color Preservation Fund to protect important cultural and historic properties.

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HOPEWELL POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME SUMMARY

H O P E W E L L P O L I C E AC T I V I T Y R E P O RT ON 01/03/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 2200 BLK OF BERRY ST FOR A REPORTED NARCOTIC OFFENSE. NARCOTICS EQUIPMENT WAS FOUND AND SEIZED FOR DESTRUCTION.

ON 01/05/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 200 BLK OF BULL RUN DR FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE PACKAGES FROM RESIDENTIAL PORCH.

ON 01/08/2022, POLICE CONDUCTED A TRAFFIC STOP IN THE 3900 BLK OAKLAWN BLVD. DRIVER WAS FOUND TO BE IN POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS AND NARCOTICS AND WAS ARRESTED.

ON 01/06/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 300 BLK OF E BROADWAY FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. KNOWN OFFENDER STOLE FOOD AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS FROM BUSINESS AND WAS ARRESTED.

ON 01/06/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 300 BLK OF E CAWSON ST FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VEHICLE LICENSE PLATE. ON 01/08/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3200 BLK OF CARLISLE AVE FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VEHICLE LICENSE PLATE. ON 01/09/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3100 BLK OF OAKLAWN BLVD FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES.

ON 01/05/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3200 BLK OF RANDALL ST FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE UNLOCKED, RUNNING VEHICLE FROM OUTSIDE OF RESIDENCE.

ON 01/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 2000 BLK OF W BROADWAY FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE WALLET FROM BUSINESS. ON 01/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO HEADQUARTERS FOR A REPORTED LARCENY THAT OCCURRED IN THE 3500 BLK OF GILBERT ST. UNKNOWN OFFENDER ENTERED VEHICLE AND STOLE FIREARM. ON 01/03/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 500 BLK OF CABIN CREEK DR FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. OFFENDER STOLE KEY AND VEHICLE FROM RESIDENCE.

ON 01/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 700 BLK OF W CITY POINT RD FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VEHICLE.

ARRESTS

TRESPASS OR COMMIT LARCENY,M 2022000050 SHEILA WOLFE (34) of HOPEWELL PETIT LARCENY,M 2022000008 KEVIN LACEY (25) of RICHMOND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, MONUMENTS -VALUE <$1000,M PETIT LARCENY,M 2022000029 VERDRE TURNER (33) of HOPEWELL ASSAULT & BATTERY -FAMILY MEMBER 3RD OFFENSE,F

2021001049 JEFFERY PELFREY (47) of SMITHFIELD IDENTITY FRAUD,F OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENSES,F CONSPIRING TO

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Crime

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

DINWIDDIE ARREST REPORT Christopher Daniel Shipp, 24 years old of the 16000 block of Courthouse Road, Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on December 30, 2021 for a probation violation.

Tiffany Nicole Camp, 33 years old of the 25000 block of Cox Road, North Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on December 30, 2021 for two counts of forging, uttering, etc., other writings.

Alvita Dejanee Williams, 35 years old of the 22000 block of Lake Jordan Drive, North Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on December 30, 2021 for violation of court order regarding custody and visitation and three counts of computer invasion of privacy.

Joseph Wayne Williams, 38 years old of the 1800 block of Old Richmond Road, Blackstone, Virginia was arrested on December 31, 2021 for destruction of property and appearing intoxicated in public.

Bryan Lee Loizides, 42 years old of the 4200 block of McIlwaine Drive, North Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on December 31, 2021 for destruction of property and three counts of assault and battery, and again on January 1, 2022 for destruction of property, release of accused on secured or unsecured bond or promise to appear; conditions of release and four counts of assault and battery.

Christian Jevon Nicholas, 30 years old of the 200 block of Archer Avenue, Colonial Heights, Virginia was arrested on January 1, 2022 for shooting in or across road or in street and two counts of reckless handling of a firearm.

Ross Allen Reynolds, 36 years old of the 25000 block of Smith Grove Road, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on January 2, 2022 for two counts of possession of controlled substances.

Katlyn Nicole Babb, 28 years old of the 29000 block of Butler Branch Road, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on January 2, 2022 for two counts of possession of controlled substances.

Joseph Wayne Williams, 38 years old of the 1800 block of Old Richmond Road, Blackstone, Virginia was arrested on January 6, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

Keith Christopher Lee, 55 years old of the 800 block of South Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on December 31, 2021 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

Tyrone Marshall Cooper, 36 years old of the 22000 block of Steers Road, North Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on December 31, 2021 for causing telephone or pager to ring with intent to annoy.

Emani Sha-Ron Wilcox, 22 years old of the 20000 block of River Terrace Road, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on January 2, 2022 for trespassing.

Adrian Ivan Smith, Jr., 30 years old of the 2100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Washington D.C., was arrested on January 5, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court and being a fugitive from justice.

David Clifford Hawkins, Jr., 21 Years old of the 20000 block of Westover Drive, McKenney, Virginia was arrested on January 7, 2022 for domestic assault and unlawful use of, or injury to, telephone and telegraph lines; copying or obstructing messages.

Crime LNNUSA.com

P E T E R S B U RG C R I M E R E P O RT

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Crime

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Saturday, January 15, 2022

P R I N C E G E O RG E C O U N T Y I N C I D E N T R E P O RT S 202112260002 Violate Court Order Regarding Custody of Child ON 12/26/2021, OFFICERS RESPONDED TO THE 11000 BLK OF BARKWOOD DRIVE FOR A CITIZEN OBTAINED SUMMONS FOR SERVICE REGARDING VIOLATION OF A COURT ORDER FOR CUSTODY. 202112270002 Using Abusive Language, Destruction of Property ON 12/23/2021, POLICE RESPONDED TO 100 BLK OF THRUSH STREET TO SERVE CITIZEN OBTAINED WARRANTS FOR DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, CURSE AND ABUSE, AND INTERFERENCE WITH THE PROPERTY RIGHTS OF ANOTHER. KNOWN OFFENDER IDENTIFIED AND WARRANTS WERE SERVED. 202112280005 Embezzlement ON 12/28/2021, POLICE INVESTIGATED A REPORT OF AN EMBEZZLEMENT IN THE 10100 BLK OF SOUTHAMPTON ROAD. KNOWN EMPLOYEE OFFENDER USED COMPANY GAS CARD TO PURCHASE GAS FOR PERSONAL VEHICLE. 202112290002 DUI, Drug/Narcotic Violations ON 12/28/2021, POLICE RESPONDED TO A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH POSSIBLE INJURIES IN THE 5900 BLK OF OAKLAWN BLVD. DRIVER WAS IDENTIFIED AND FOUND TO BE UNCONSCIOUS. NARCOTICS WERE RECOVERED THAT HAD BEEN DISCARDED BY THE PASSENGER. 202112300003 Assault-Simple, Drunkenness (DIP) ON 12/30/2021, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 13000 BLK OF BROCKWELL ROAD FOR AN ASSAULT. VICTIM LEFT THE SCENE AND MET POLICE AT A SEPERATE LOCATION. KNOWN OFFENDER WAS IDENTIFIED AND LOCATED ATTEMPTING TO FIND THE VICTIM. OFFENDER WAS ALSO DETERMINED TO BE INTOXICATED. ARREST MADE.

202112300005 Assault-Intimidation, Larceny ON 12/30/2021, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 5200 BLK OF PRINCE GEORGE DRIVE FOR A LARCENY. KNOWN OFFENDER REMOVED A TRAILER THAT WAS STUCK AND PLACED IT ON PERSONAL PROPERTY. WHEN THE OWNER CAME TO CLAIM IT, THE OFFENDER REFUSED TO RETURN THE PROPERTY. 202112300007 Assault-Simple ON 12/30/2021, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 4200 BLK OF ANNE TERRACE FOR A REPORT OF AN ASSAULT. KNOWN OFFENDER ASSAULTED VICTIM AND PREVENTED DIALING EMERGENCY SERVICES. EPO ISSUED. 202112300008 Larceny ON 12/30/2021, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF A LARCENY IN THE 1700 BLK OF FINE STREET. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FROM THE VICTIM’S BOAT STORED AT THIS LOCATION. 202112300010 Motor Vehicle Theft ON 12/30/2021, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 400 BLK OF SWIFT ST FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VICTIMS VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS WARMING UP IN THE MORNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RECOVERED A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY. 202112310001 Assault & Battery -Family Member ON 12/31/2021, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 200 BLK OF BANBURY AVENUE FOR A REPORTED FIGHT IN PROGRESS. KNOWN OFFENDER WAS IDENTIFIED AND ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT. 202112310003 Bodily Injury to Law Enforcement, Assault & Battery ON 12/31/2021, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 1700 BLK OF TEMPLE PKWY IN REFERENCE TO A FIGHT IN PROGRESS.

KNOWN OFFENDER WAS IDENTIFIED AND ATTEMPTED TO ASSAULT LAW ENFORCEMENT. 202201010001 Homicide-Murder ON 01/01/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 8600 BLK OF ELLIS ROAD IN REFERENCE TO A SHOOTING. INVESTIGATION REVEALED ONE SUBJECT DECEASED FROM A GUN SHOT WOUND AND ANOTHER SUBJECT WHO WAS TRANSPORTED WITH LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. THE SECOND SUBJECT SUCCUMBED TO THE INJURIES. 202201010002 Fraud-False Pretenses, Larceny ON 01/01/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF A LARCENY OF CHECKS IN THE 11100 BLK OF LAWYERS ROAD. UNKNOWN OFFENDER FRAUDULENTLY CASHED CHECKS. 202201020001 Fail To Return Rental Property On 01/02/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 5400 BLK OF OAKLAWN BLVD IN REFERENCE TO A STOLEN VEHICLE. KNOWN OFFENDER FAILED TO RETURN A RENTAL VEHICLE. 202201020002 Assault-Simple ON 01/02/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 8500 BLK OF WREN STREET FOR A REPORTED ASSAULT. 202201020003 Destruction of Property, Larceny ON 01/02/2022, OFFICERS INVESTIGATED A LARCENY FROM A STORAGE UNIT IN THE 17600 BLK OF SOUTH CRATER ROAD. UNKNOWN OFFENDER CUT A HOLE IN A FENCE AND STOLE A CARGO TRAILER BY CUTTING THE CHAIN LOCKING THE FRONT GATE. 202201020005 Assault-Simple ON 01/02/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 4000 BLK OF LONDON ROAD IN REFERENCE AN ASSAULT.

JOSHUA CORNETT AGE 35 202112260002 VIOLATE COURT ORDER REGARDING CUSTODY OF CHILD JAQUAY THWEATT AGE 27 202112280004 SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA DRIVING AFTER FORFEITURE OF LICENSE JEFFERY PARRISH AGE 34 202112250002 CHESTERFIELD, VA TRESPASSING ANDREW VARGO AGE 33 202112300003 PRINCE GEORGE, VA ASSAULT & BATTERY PUBLIC INTOXICATION LAZARO GUTIEREZ AGE 29 202112310001 SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA ASSAULT & BATTERY -FAMILY MEMBER ERICE JAMES AGE 54 202112310002 HOPEWELL, VA FALSELY SUMMONS OR FALSE REPORT TO POLICE MONSERRATE CANALS-SANTIAGO AGE 61 202112190001 PETERSBURG, VA HIT & RUN UNATTENDED PROPERTY FAIL TO CONTROL VEHICLE

Crime

Saturday, January 15, 2022

LNNUSA.com

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS December 25, 202125, – January 2, 2022 2, 2022 December 2021 – January 

For the 25, 202125, – January 2, 2022 2, 2022  period For theDecember period December 2021 – January o 303 o criminal and otherand types of types calls for service assigned 303 criminal other of calls forwere service were assigned o Totalo calls for calls service: 496 Total for service: 496

Police Police AccidentAccident PropertyProperty DamageDamage Hit & Run HitInjury & Run Injury Hit & Run DamageDamage HitProperty & Run Property MVA with Hazards/No Injuries Injuries MVA with Hazards/No MVA with Possible Injuries Injuries MVA with Possible Traffic Stop Traffic Stop Total Total

14 1 3 1 8 137 164

3 9 1 4 2 4 1 2 3 29

Animal Animal ServicesServices Animal Aggressive Animal Aggressive Animal at Large at Large Animal Animal Bite/Exposure Animal Bite/Exposure Animal Call Animal Call Animal Carcass Animal Carcass Animal Sick/Injured Animal Sick/Injured Animal Trap Animal Trap Animal –Animal Check –Welfare Check Welfare Animal Wildlife Animal Wildlife Total Total

Crime

Saturday, January 15, 2022

LNNUSA.com

WANTED WANTED

by Chesterfield County Law Enforcement Authorities Name:

Charles Travon Woodson

AKA:

Unknown

DOB:

12-13-92

Race:

Black

Sex:

Height:

6' 1"

Weight: 146 lbs.

Eyes:

Brown

Hair:

Male

Black

This subject is wanted by Chesterfield County Law Enforcement Authorities for

Eluding Police & Grand Larceny

If you have any information on the location of this person, please contact one of the following Chesterfield County Police Fugitive Squad – (804) 748-1251 Crime Solvers (804) 748-0660 or your law enforcement agency Visit website at www.crimesolvers.net

Crime

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

POLICE SEEK ROBBERY SUSPECTS CHESTERFIELD MEDIA RELEASE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA – Police are investigating a robbery that occurred at the Hot Streak at 7124 Hull Street Rd at about 12:06 a.m. on Friday, January 7. No one was injured in the incident. Police said two male suspects entered the business armed with firearms and demanded money. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled from the area in a champaign colored Cadillac. The first suspect is described as a light skin black male, approximately 55 – 60 years of age and about 5 feet 10 inches tall with

a medium build. He was wearing a black jacket with camouflage sleeves, blue jeans, black mask, and a black watch cap. The second suspect is described as a black male approximately 25-30 years of age and about 5 feet 10 inches tall with a medium build. He was wearing a black jacket, blue jeans, black face mask and a brown watch cap. Police continue their investigation into this incident. Anyone with information should contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-7480660 or through the P3 app. Authorized by: Lieutenant George Turner, Uniform Operations Bureau

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Opinion Thank You

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Many should be thanked for their service in our communities, state, and nation; therefore, this column is to honor some of them. SENATOR FRANK RUFF

15TH SENATE DISTRICT

Healthcare Providers As we approach the beginning of the third year of Covid, we must look back in appreciation for those that have kept our clinics and hospitals available for us. Not only for the virus but for all the health issues that affect us. They did this despite the fear that they could catch or spread the virus to their own loved ones. They served us before there was a vaccine, in those early months amid news stories all around them of patients not surviving. They truly are to be admired for their service. Advance forward to the present. Those that served us those many months are now being told that they will be fired if they don’t receive vaccine shots. Most have, some, however, for religious or medical reasons have refused. Some of those not receiving them have already had Covid. That alone gives them more immunity than any lab produced vaccine. Sadly, those that have concerns are given no op-

tion other than leave their chosen profession. Incoming Governor Youngkin and incoming Attorney General Miyares are committed to try to reverse this federal government mandate. Law Enforcement Officers Every day, our troopers, deputies, and police are coming to work and doing their job in an ever-increasing dangerous world. Over the last two years in Virginia and in many other states, some legislators have ignored the risks that officers face as they work to protect our families and loved ones. They have passed laws in which it makes it that much harder for officers to do their job and receive the respect they deserve. Cities are now allowed to create citizen review boards that can second guess decisions that officers had to make in split-seconds. Those review boards have no knowledge of police procedures, yet they can end an officer’s career based on “feeling” rather than hard facts. All across America, there are stories about the record number of murders, some targeting officers. There are stories about prosecuting attorneys that refuse to try those who

prey on families and businesses. In some cities, the criminals are not even held for more than a few hours before they are back on the streets committing new crimes. All of this has left officers demoralized. Officers are retiring or changing careers at higher rates than replacements can be trained. This has left most departments with far fewer officers trying to provide the services that we, the citizens, have come to expect. Mayors in many big cities have terminated or taken officers off the street who have refused to receive the vaccine. Just as with those in healthcare, they have served gallantly, risking Covid infection. These mayors now, even short-handed, are ignoring their heroism and are willing to push them out the door. The exact same thing is happening to fire personnel and lifesaving crews. VDOT Employees Many have been critical of what happened on Interstate 95 last week. I will not try to defend those in charge, but I think it is important to point out that VDOT has been hampered in all their work by the same shortage of personnel that every employer

has faced this year. I do not know all the facets of the problems that occurred that kept drivers locked in place for many hours, but when VDOT, state troopers, and wrecker services don’t have the people necessary, it is impossible for things to happen the way the public has come to expect. Military Services After several years of honoring those who wear the uniform of our various military branches, 2020 was far different. Rather than allowing the military to do the job for which they were trained, many times this last year they have been put in harm’s way with no sense of reason. In a rush to get out of Afghanistan by an arbitrary date, we gave up strategic positioning that cost the lives of thirteen of our finest and an untold number of allies and their families. They too are at risk of losing their careers because of vaccination requirements. Thanks to all that are doing the right thing by serving others. We love to hear from you! You can reach us at Sen. Ruff@verizon.net, 804698-7515, or P.O. Box 396, Richmond, VA 23218.

Opinion

LNNUSA.com

EDITORIAL

“Public Safety” Strikes Again

In the name of public safety, the Hopewell City Council voted 5-2 to hold their council meetings virtually. In essence it was important to five of the councilors to protect… well… themselves… because they did not concern themselves with closing any other building or department inside the city. So, councilors are safe. But city employees go on without the same protection? Councilors Janice Denton and Deborah Randolph both voted against the motion. In Petersburg the City Council has anointed rookie City Manager Stuart Turille as COVID czar. And the newly crowned local Prince of Pandemic Procedures was quick to enact his authority by shutting down a bulk of the city… again – something, with the exception of the limited scope of the Hopewell council decision, is contradictory to his fellow local city managers’ and county administrators’ actions – a group with 31 years of combined leadership. Despite the medical science, including the Virginia Department of Health data showing no clear pandemic-induced hospitalization CEO: Craig Richards CEO@LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

or death emergency trend, and even the opinion of the nation’s highest-ranking pandemic Dr. Anthony Fauci who stated people should “focus on the hospitalizations” due to COVID-19 and not “the total number of cases”, Turille has already publicly proven the ability to ignore facts and the will of the citizens in favor of his own personal opinions on what’s best for Petersburg. Both Hopewell’s self-serving decision and Turille’s mandates are not rooted in the current science provided by the Virginia Department of Health or the advice of the nation’s top medical advisor, Dr. Fauci. Clear and Present Danger? According to the Virginia Department of Health’s own data, there have been only four hospitalizations and three Covid-related deaths since December 1, 2021, in Petersburg. The VDH website also reports that Colonial Heights has had four hospitalizations and just two deaths, Hopewell twenty hospitalizations and seven deaths, Prince George fifteen hospitalizations and two deaths, and Dinwiddie four hospitalizations and

News Director: Carolyn Day Pruett Newsroom@LNNUSA.com

Obits: Newsroom@LNNUSA.com Advertising: CEO@LNNUSA.com Subscribe: Go to LNNUSA.com/Subscribe or mail Name, address, phone number and check to LNN USA, 210 Low Street, Petersburg, VA 23803. DELIVERY: The LNN Tri-City News is published weekly on Saturday 50 weeks per year and distributed digitally via an emailed link. The LNN Tri-City News does not publish the weeks of July 4th and Christmas. The annual subscription is $65 per year, averaging $1.30 per week for the 50 weeks of publication per year. By submitting your email address, you understand that you may receive

three deaths. Yet seasoned and relatively cautious leaders like Colonial Heights City Manager Doug Smith, Hopewell’s March Altman, Prince George’s Jeff Stokes, and 15-year County Administrator veteran from Dinwiddie County, Kevin Massengill have all continued to develop safety protocols and efforts to keep their communities fundamentally operational without closures. As surrounding communities continue to develop strategic plans to enhance the quality of life, economic development, and overall business climate for their communities while addressing public safety, Petersburg remains under siege. Unfortunately, the only plague Petersburg is really suffering from is the inability of the current administration, and the council that continues to tolerate it, to initiate plans to overcome the challenges of COVID rather than continually surrender to it. While the limited scope of Hopewell’s decision hinders the city, Turille’s sweeping mandate cripples Petersburg. They say you win championships with defense – but

Bureau Chief: Chai Gallahun Newsroom@LNNUSA.com

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you don’t win if you don’t score. Rookie head coach Turille has decided to run his offense from the locker room – or perhaps we should say the “locked-down” room. Perhaps czar-dom might not be the best plan for Petersburg. In the last several years, Petersburg has suffered a self-proclaimed tourism czar that has been unable to produce the minimum requirement for his position- a strategic planmuch less execute best practices created after the turn of the century. Now Petersburg suffers an equally devastating challenge, a COVID czar ill-equipped to handle a pandemic, much less a city the size of Petersburg. That combination has proved detrimental for Petersburg and its business community. In recent times, change comes through the ballot box. And for Peterburg the citizens will have the opportunity to voice their approval or disapproval of both the City Manager and the council empowering him as four ward seats are up for election in November 2022. The only question that remains for November is “status quo” or “got to go”? Business Manager: Tammy Richards Business@LNNUSA.com written copyright permission. This newspaper is a copyrighted publication. No photographs, advertisements, news features, or stories may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the LNN Tri-City News management. All material contained herein is the property of the LNN Tri-City News.

Opinion LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Money

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Silver Pro Tip: Lower Bid/Ask Spreads Mean Higher Returns CLINT SIEGNER MONEY METALS NEWS SERVICE

Demand for physical silver has been surging for most of the past two years. Buyers massively outnumber sellers. Mints and refiners who produce bullion coins, rounds, and bars have struggled to keep up. The industry has certainly not been immune from labor shortages and the challenging operating environment faced by most businesses. The result has been higher premiums and wider bid/ ask spreads for silver. Given the scarcity of supply and relentless demand, the bullion market will continue to be tight in 2022. That said, some products represent a much better value than others. The bid / ask spread represents the difference between what investors pay to buy and what they receive to sell a given bullion product. Bid and ask premiums will change over time. But they provide an indication of how good a “deal” the investor is getting right now. It is, of course, generally a good idea to buy metal at the lowest overall price per ounce, provided investors

avoid buying something that will be difficult to sell later. Beyond that, focusing on the bid / ask spread can improve returns on your precious metals investment. We’ll illustrate using two products – one which has among the highest spreads currently and the one with the lowest. The Silver American Eagle is one of the most popular products offered by any bullion dealer. Unfortunately, it is also very expensive these days, making its continued popularity somewhat mystifying. The dysfunctional U.S. Mint isn’t anywhere close to minting “sufficient quantities to meet public demand,” as required by law. Premiums have been bid up to all-time highs, and there are so many better product options to accumulate silver now… The Silver Eagle coin currently has an ask premium of $8.49. At Money Metals, the bid is $5.25 and the difference, or spread, is $3.24. (Money Metals tends to offer the best bids when

you sell as well.) If the price of silver is $23/ oz, a hypothetical investor with a $100,000 budget can purchase 3,175 Silver Eagles for $31.49/oz. Suppose down the road when silver hits $30/oz, the investor decides to sell. And let’s say he receives the same bid premium of $5.25 on top of the market price – $35.25/ ea. Multiply this price by 3,175 coins and the investor has $111,919 – a realized gain of $11,919 or about 12%. If the U.S. Mint finally catches up with demand and premiums fall, the investor’s returns will suffer. Given that Eagle premiums are at all-time highs, the likelihood of this is high, especially if the spot price of silver rises and draws out more willing sellers looking to take profits. What if the investor had focused on finding the lowest bid / ask spread and decided to purchase Vault Silver instead? Vault silver currently has an ask premium of $1.60 and a bid premium of $.02. The spread is $1.58.

The investor buys metal at the $23/oz market price plus the $1.60 premium – $24.60/oz. He now owns 4,065 ozs of silver. When silver rises to $30/oz and it is time to sell, the buyer receives $30.02/oz x 4,065 ounces – $122,031.30. His gain is 22% on Vault Silver ounces, instead of 12% on Silver Eagles. In the latter scenario the investor’s returns get a boost from two forces. His spread – the transaction costs – were lower. And he purchased a lot more silver ounces because of the lower ask premium for Vault Silver versus Silver Eagles. There may be no better strategy when it comes to buying physical silver than to obtain more ounces by purchasing low premium products with low bid / ask spreads. About the Author: Clint Siegner is a Director at Money Metals Exchange, a precious metals dealer recently named “Best in the USA” by an independent global ratings group. A graduate of Linfield College in Oregon, Siegner puts his experience in business management along with his passion for personal liberty, limited government, and honest money into the development of Money Metals’ brand and reach. This includes writing extensively on the bullion markets and their intersection with policy and world affairs.

Ticket

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Fri, January 21st - 6:30pm

Fri, January 21st - 9pm

Sat, January 22nd - 6pm

The Beacon Theatre Hopewell

Paddy’s Sports Bar & Grill Chester

Cul’s Courthouse Grille Charles City

Sat, January 22nd - 8:30pm

Sun, January 23rd - 1pm

Sun, January 23rd - 6:30pm

I Don’t Know Sports Grille Chester

Indian Fields Tavern Charles City

The Beacon Theatre Hopewell

Firehouse

Krunch

Soul Patch

Whiskey Bizness

Zack Artis

The LACs & Buckcherry

Got a Hot Ticket? Send your band, picture, event location & date to newsroom@LNNUSA.com to be considered for our Tri-City Hot Ticket of the Week

Dish

Saturday, January 15, 2022

LNNUSA.com

A Twist on Traditional Burgers Family Features

Warm weather and grilling go hand-in-hand, and few dishes say summer like burgers. While traditional beef patties come to mind for many, there are also healthy protein options to satisfy that burger craving without sacrificing

flavor. For example, salmon is a nutritionally well-rounded alternative that offers a variety of health benefits, and an option like gluten-free Trident Seafoods Alaska Salmon Burgers are made with wild, sustain-

able, ocean-caught whole filets with no fillers and are lightly seasoned with a “just-off-the-grill,” smoky flavor. Topped with melted cheddar then piled on top of fresh arugula, peppered bacon and zesty mayo, these Alaskan Salmon

Burgers with Peppered Bacon are a twist on tradition that can help you put a protein-packed, flavorful meal on the table in minutes. Find more healthy seafood recipes at tridentseafoods.com.

Alaskan Salmon Burgers with Peppered Bacon Prep time: 13 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients: • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest • salt • pepper • 1 box (11.2 ounces) Trident Seafoods Alaska Salmon Burgers • 4 cheddar cheese slices • 4 seeded burger buns, split and toasted • 4 cups arugula • 6 strips peppered bacon, cooked • 12 bread-and-butter pickles, drained

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. 2. Cook salmon burgers according to package directions. When almost cooked through, top each with slice of cheese, cover and cook until melted.

3. Spread cut sides of buns with mayonnaise and top bottom buns with arugula. Cover with salmon burgers, bacon, pickles and top buns.

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Saturday, January 15, 2022

Universal Crossword Edited by Amanda Rafkin January 15, 2022

ACROSS 1 “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” singer 10 Underlying cause 14 Onslaught of both real and fake news 15 Skin care or printing product 16 Daytime TV drama 17 Best 18 Throat malady, for short 19 “Wise up!” 21 It might be spilled, in more ways than one 23 “___ No More” (immersive theater production) 24 Had the guts 27 Cuts down 29 Sing with your mouth closed 31 Embezzlement, e.g. 33 Draw the short straw 34 Exhausts 35 Desensitizes 37 Yours and mine 38 “Makes sense to me” 39 Precedentsetting trials 41 Roofing goo 42 Back talk 44 Addition to a building 45 Disney film whose remake stars Liu Yifei 47 Big bang source? 48 By its very nature 51 The Phantom of the Opera’s instrument 56 Wind instrument that Lizzo plays 57 “This is our destination!” 59 What F6 and F8 might represent on ticket stubs 60 All of the leads in “Ocean’s 8,” e.g. 61 Munch Museum city 62 “So relatable!” DOWN 1 Put down 2 Playing a tie-breaking quarter, briefly 3 Way off

4 “Don’t think so” 5 Welcomed into the family 6 Single goblet squat 7 Horseshoeshaped Greek letter 8 Father 9 Sing “Doo-bee doo-bop,” perhaps 10 66, for one 11 Free 12 Sophocles tragedy after which a Freudian concept was named 13 Moderate horse gait 15 Works like a dog 20 Opposite of ENE 22 Adam’s apple locale? 24 Collections for genetic testing 25 Like always 26 Get up 27 Great Lakes mnemonic 28 Flows back 30 Glitter often makes one 31 “That so?” 32 Sticks (out) 33 Cash advance 36 Superfan 40 Tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere 42 Jewelry boxes? 43 Gasteyer of “Lady Dynamite” 46 Game nearly everyone loses 47 Linzer ___ (fruit pastry) 48 “In that case ...” 49 Drink that might be served with cake rusk 50 The “T” in STEM, informally 52 Take it easy 53 Deep wound 54 Field of study 55 Home on a Wingspan card 58 Period that might be named for a president

Universal Freestyle 3 by Craig Stowe

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Obituaries

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Mr. Nathaniel Saunders

Mr. Harold Francis, Jr.

Patricia Lane Taulbee

Mr. Nathaniel Saunders, 68, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at his residence in Richmond, VA. Please join us in comforting the Saunders Family by uplifting them with your prayers. Services of Celebration and Remembrance are pending.

Mr. Harold Francis, Jr., 93, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the home of his daughter in Petersburg, VA. Please join us in comforting the Francis Family by uplifting them with your prayers. Services of Celebration and Remembrance are pending

Lisa D. McDaniels

Mrs. Francis Ellis

Patricia “Pat” L. Taulbee of Chesterfield, Virginia, surrounded by her family, went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2022. She was a very strong, independent woman and a loving mom, daughter, sister, and aunt. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles P. “Pat” Taulbee; her mother, Molly M. “Milly” Taulbee; and her sister, Mary M. “Peggy” Taulbee. She is survived by her soulmate, Ron Kalinowski; her daughter, Michelle Osborn and her husband, Ozzie, of Virginia Beach; her two nephews, Patrick Smith and his wife, Leah, of Winston Salem, NC, and Greg Smith and his wife, Sherry, of Chesterfield; and five great-nieces and nephews. She served her country at the Defense Supply Center Richmond “Bellwood” for over 30 years as a dedicated, hard-working civilian. She was loved by her family very much and will be remembered by them always.

October 24, 1953 - January 13, 2022

October 12, 1958 - January 12, 2022 Mrs. Lisa D. McDaniels of Petersburg departed this life on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at her residence.

Mr. Joseph Jones

November 8, 1974 - January 11, 2022 Mr. Joseph Jones, 47, of Petersburg, VA passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at his residence. Please join us in comforting the Jones Family by uplifting them with your prayers. Services of Celebration and Remembrance are pending.

October 20, 1928 - January 12, 2022

August 9, 1950 - January 12, 2022 Mrs. Francis Ellis, 71, of Hopewell departed this life on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Riverview on the Appomattox Health and Rehab Center, Hopewell, Virginia.

Michael S. Olin

April 10, 1972 - January 11, 2022 Michael Sean Olin, 49, of S. Chesterfield passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. He was born in Port Jefferson on Long Island, New York on April 10, 1972. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Sylvia Hunt. Michael served as a Family Services Specialist for Henrico Adult Protective Services for nearly 15 years and enjoyed playing pickleball, golfing, traveling, camping and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Kristle S. Olin; daugh-

December 2, 1947 - January 12, 2022

ter, Tatum E. Olin; stepdaughter, Shae E. Sloan; stepson, Peyton R. Sloan; mother and father, Jere Anne Hunt Olin and Daniel J. Olin Sr.; brothers, Daniel J. Olin Jr. and Matthew J. Olin and his wife, Shannon L. Olin and nephews, Michael J. Olin, Luke D. Olin, Brayden M. Olin and Brecken J. Olin. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. A reception will follow at Paddy’s Irish Pub, 239 E. Broadway, Hopewell Virginia 23860. The family respectfully requests masks to be worn for the memorial service and reception. Condolences may be registered to www.ealvinsmall.com.

Obituaries

LNNUSA.com

Virginia Mohler

February 20, 1928 - January 11, 2022 Virginia Mohler of Petersburg, Virginia passed away on Jan 11, 2022. Her loved ones are composing her obituary, which you will be able to read here.

Harry E. Stallings

October 23, 1933 - January 11, 2022

Lillie C. Deshields

November 10, 1946 - January 11, 2022

John L. Watts

July 22, 1975 - January 11, 2022 Mr. John L. Watts departed this life on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Bon Secours-Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg.

Gary S. Chatman

Charles L. Harris

August 6, 1932 - January 10, 2022 Mr. Charles L. Harris of Chesterfield departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Tyler’s Retreat at Iron Bridge, Chester.

January 10, 2022

Mr. William S. McDuffie of Seaside, CA departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022, in California.

Mr. Ralston L. Mims of Petersburg departed this life on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at his residence.

Ms. Demeka Mary Chapman-Braziel

February 23, 1983 - January 10, 2022 Ms. Demeka Mary Chapman-Braziel, 38, departed this life suddenly on Monday, January 10, 2022 at her residence in Petersburg, VA. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 3:00 P.M. at Tucker & Fisher Celebration of Life Chapel, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg, VA with public viewing from 11:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Final Care and Compassionate Services are being provided to the family by the professional staff of Tucker & Fisher Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg, VA (804)324-5529.

Elmo Freeman

April 16, 1931 - January 10, 2022

Lorraine Mickle

October 31, 1962 - January 10, 2022

William S. McDuffie

April 3, 1946 - January 11, 2022

Regional Medical Center,

Regional Medical Center, Petersburg.

Mr. Gary Stephen Chatman was born August 30, 1953 in Petersburg, Virginia. He was the devoted son of Earnestine Epps Chatman and the late Leroy Chatman. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mable “Jackie” Blount, Earnest Leroy Chatman and Gordon Kenneth Chatman; paternal grandparents, Alice and Robert Chatman.

Ralston L. Mims

Mrs. Lillie C. DeShields of Prince George, departed this life on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Bon Secours-Southside

Mr. Harry E. Stallings of Petersburg departed this life on Tuesdat, January 11, 2022, at Bon Secours-Southside

August 30, 1953 - January 10, 2022

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Ms. Lorraine Mickle departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Fillmore Assisted Living Facility, Petersburg.

Mr. Elmo Freeman departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Envoy at the Meadows, Goochland.

Obituaries

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Jimmy Rogers Lael

Ida Patricia Coen

Mrs. Marianne R. Lunfsord

Jimmy Rogers Lael, 88, of Chesterfield, VA, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022. He was born in Smyth County, VA, and raised in North Wilkesboro, NC, a son of the late George and Leola Stephenson Lael; he is also preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Gladys Jewel Hall Lael. He is survived by his daughter, Melodie Kay Lael; daughter, Alisa Lael Fillion; daughter, Stephanie Lael Barrick and husband, Nolan; grandchildren, Jimmy Rogers Fillion and wife, Casey, Lacey Dale Fillion Rose and husband, Anthony, Alexandria Rose Barrick, and Isaac Lael Barrick; great-grandsons, Landon Rogers Fillion, and Grayson Gene Fillion; as well as numerous extended family and friends. Jimmy was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1953 until 1955. He worked as a Maintenance Superintendent and retired after more than 36 years from Dominion Virginia Power. Jimmy was a member of Masonic Lodge #94 of Chester, Waterloo Hunt Club, and Colonial Heights Senior Golf Association. He enjoyed hunting, archery, playing guitar, horseshoes, playing cards, golf, and gardening. Jimmy loved country music, children, and animals. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Patricia Coen, 74, of Chester, VA, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Julie Kennedy; son, Timothy Bryan Ratcliff; daughter, Virginia Lynn Ratcliff; and grandson, Corey Stevens. She is survived by her loving husband of over 46 years, Dallas Coen; son, Bobby Ratcliff and wife, Patty; step-daughter, Michelle Edwards; grandchildren, Christina Stevens, Kimberly Stevens and Kayla Clendenin; great-grandchildren, Virginia, Robin, Luke, C.J. and Josie; sisters, Dolly Wills, Ada Stacey, and Sandra Alexander; brother, Charlie Kennedy; as well as numerous extended family and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sun Bun for all her caring help over the years; and Ron and Debbie Elder for their friendship and support; as well as Debbie Daniels for her suggestions and support. Patricia, throughout all her pain and trials had a passion for her daily bible study with her brother, Charlie.

Mrs. Marianne “NANA” Lunsford the beloved wife of Charles “PAPA” Lunsford for 42 wonderful years passed away peacefully at home. She was born in Redbank, New Jersey to the late William and Germaine Frey. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving and devoted side kick, husband Chuck (married June 8th 1980); her son, Michael (Shannon), her daughter, Katrina (De’Juan); five grandkids Tyee, Mya, Camryn, Cayden and Brooklynn; sister, Jill Duerig (Tom), two nieces Kristin Bomben, and Lara Merrigan; nephew, Tom Duerig; brother, Bill Frey (Erin); Honorary Daughter Hilina Teklu (Elias) and we can’t forget her fur babies Big AL, Crimson, and Foxi. Marianne had a smile that would light up any room she entered. Her strength, intelligence, beauty and inquisitive nature were inspirational to all those who knew her. She loved the beach, Margaritaville, and Pink Flamingos. This women was amazing and she will be truly missed by her family and friends.

January 5, 1934 - January 10, 2022

July 24, 1947 - January 10, 2022

Carla E. Webb

May 27, 1946 - January 10, 2022

Robert Richards, Jr.

July 27, 1947 - January 10, 2022 Mr. Robert Richards, Jr. of Petersburg departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022, at Bon Secours-Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, VA.

October 8, 1957 - January 10, 2022

Terrol M. Massey January 10, 2022

Terrol Micquail Massey, age A memorial ser32, was born in vice will be held Petersburg, VA to 10:00 A.M., Sunparents Terrance day, January 16, M. Massey of Buf2022 at the Chapel falo, New York and of J. M. Wilkerson Evangelist Nora Funeral EstablishDillard Massey of ment, Inc., 102 Petersburg, VA. He leaves his memories to two sisters, Datria Dillard of Petersburg South Avenue, Petersburg, and Tiara Clasablanca of New York; three VA. nieces, Arie Sparks, Nicara Calhoun, and Dari’elle Hunley all of Buffalo New York; one nephew Nicolas Calhoun of Buffalo, New York; grandfather James Henderson of Petersburg; and a host of uncles, aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his late grandparents, Eugene and Matlean Massey of Buffalo, New York, James F. Dillard and Joyce L. Dillard Henderson. Pastor, Gail Dillard Outlaw, officiate.

Obituaries

Mr. Raequan Demetrius Everett

June 29, 1996 - January 9, 2022 On Sunday, January 9, 2022, our hearts were saddened by the passing of our beloved, RaeQuan Demetrius Everett at the age of 25. He passed in Hopewell, Virginia at his residence. Raequan was born in Prince George’s County, Maryland on June 29, 1996 to Shyrita Butler and Eric Everett, Sr. He attended Hopewell High School, Hopewell, VA and was a graduate of The Class of 2016. Raequan enjoyed the art of making music and dreamed of becoming a Producer and Artist. RaeQuan was popular in his community and well received because of his mannerism and swagger. RaeQuan leaves to cherish his memories and is survived by his mother, Shyrita Butler of Prince George’s County, MD and father, Eric Everett, Sr. of Hopewell, VA; nine siblings, Erica Everett, Eric Everett, Jr., Breonna Butler, Maleik Everett, Tyreik Everett, Ahmere Butler, Amene Butler, Alexis Butler and Aaliyah Butler; grandparents, James and Lucille Young of Prince George, VA, Doris R. Turner and Francis Butler of Prince George’s County, MD; three nieces, Brooklyn Butler, Britnay Butler and Ava Williams; one nephew, Blake Hinton; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins, a special and devoted friend whom he cherished dearly, Keanna Tyler who stood by his side and was always there during good and bad times; along with other close friends who supported him during hard times, Vanetta Smith, Annette Williams, Shantle “Momo” and Dannette Taylor. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 12:00 P.M. at Faith & Hope Temple Church of God in Christ, 1800 E. Washington St., Petersburg, VA with Rev. Dr. Antonio A. Tucker, Sr. officiating. The service will be live streamed. Public Viewing will be Friday, January 14, 2022 from 12:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Final Care and Compassionate Services are being provided to the family by the professional staff of Tucker & Fisher Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg, VA (804)324-5529.

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Janice Lynne Dimel

Brenda June Hoover

Mrs. Janice Dimel, age 49, passed away on January 9, 2022. Janice was born in Petersburg, VA. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Roger B. Houser Sr. & Bertha C. Houser; and paternal grandmother, Anna S. Harrison. She is survived by her husband, Chris Dimel; fur baby, Synder; parents, Ronnie W. & Sharon H. Harrison; uncles, Roger B. “Bubba” Houser, Jr., Edgar R. Houser and his wife, Anne; Aunt, Janet H. Moody; and other extended family and friends.

Brenda Ward Hoover, 80, of Hopewell, VA, died January 9, 2022. Raised in Hopewell, she was the daughter of the late Quentin and Virginia Ward. Mrs. Hoover resided in both Virginia and Florida during various seasons of her life. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She loved large family gatherings. Mrs. Hoover held a lifelong love of learning - attending college at a non-traditional age, as well as technical school -receiving certifications as a nail technician and upholstery technician. She loved crafting and showcased her talents through sewing, flower arranging and ceramics, as well as many other avenues. She also loved the beauty of the woods, taking rides to view deer feeding in the fields and fishing.

October 3, 1972 - January 9, 2022

Peggy Hanks Harrison

July 31, 1937 - January 9, 2022 Peggy H. Harrison departed this world on Sunday, January 9, 2022 to join her beloved husband, Robert S. Harrison; and her loving mother and father, Frances T. and John William Hanks, Jr. She was born in Hopewell, VA on July 31, 1937 and lived there her entire life. She is survived by her sister, Alice H. Baggett of Colonial Heights; a brother, Page E. Hanks (Janice) of Richmond; two nephews, Joseph E. Hanks of Richmond and Lt. Col (USAF) Evan T. Hanks (Rachel) of Shreveport, LA; and a number of cousins. Peggy grew up in the Woodlawn area and completed her education and graduated from West End Christian School in Hopewell. At an early age she accepted Christ while being a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church. She loved to pass her time talking to anyone, as she was never at a loss for words, listening to music, watching TV, crocheting and reading. She especially loved to read her Bible. She has lived at Brighter Living Assisted Living for the last several years of her life. The family would like to thank the staff at Brighter Living for the care they provided to Peggy while she was there.

February 21, 1941 - January 9, 2022

Beth Sherrill Kozlik 1949 - January 9, 2022

Beth Sherrill Kozlik, 72, of Colonial Heights, Virginia passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, January 9, 2022. She was born on September 27, 1949 in Griffin, Georgia, to the late Marion Julius Sherrill and Dora Elizabeth Moseley Sherrill. After graduating from Georgia Southern College, Beth pursued a career in teaching, working with students grades 6 and under. Before retirement, her recent teaching years were held at Midway Elementary in Dinwiddie, Virginia. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, working on needlework projects and reading. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, worshiper and friend to many.

National

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, January 15, 2022

N ATI O N A L N E WS courtesy of TH E E P O CH TI M E S

Former Border Commissioner: ‘We Have Lost Control of the Southwest Border’ CHARLOTTE CUTHBERTSON/THE EPOCH TIMES

CHARLOTTE CUTHBERTSON

The southwest border during President Joe Biden’s first year in office reached historic levels of illegal crossings, pulling agents off the front line and leaving large swaths of the border unpatrolled. Drugs, especially fentanyl, flowed in, and overdose deaths are at an all-time high. “What we’re experiencing now on the southwest border is a complete, utter catastrophe,” Mark Morgan, former acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees Border Patrol, told The Epoch Times on Jan. 7. “We have lost control of the southwest border.” During the 2021 calendar year, Border Patrol agents apprehended close to 2 million illegal immigrants from 150 different countries along the southwest border—more than double 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, according to CBP data. Last year, Border Patrol agents detected but didn’t catch an additional 600,000 illegal border crossers, known as “gotaways,” Morgan said. “That’s the equivalent to the size of the state of Vermont,” he said. “Think about the bad people that are in that 600,000 that got away.” Mexican nationals made up 28 percent of encounters in fiscal year 2021, the lowest proportion in recorded history, according to the CBP. The northern triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador made up 44 percent, and the remaining 28 percent were from other countries—double the previous record for the latter demographic. “This trend is important because the Department of Homeland Security does not currently have agreements to electronically verify nationality with these different countries of origin, making removing or expelling their nationals more resource-intensive and timeconsuming,” the CBP stated in a Jan. 3 press release. On the Mexico side of the border, across the Rio Grande in Texas, hundreds of discarded

A Border Patrol agent organizes illegal immigrants who have gathered by the border fence after crossing from Mexico into the United States, in Yuma, Ariz., on Dec. 10 2021. passports, visas, and identification papers can be found every day. Illegal aliens are told it’s harder to be deported from the United States without papers. “This is not a surge. This is an invasion,” Morgan said. “I mean, this is a catastrophic amount of illegal aliens trying to break into our country.” The result in some border areas, he said, is that most Border Patrol agents are being pulled off the “national security mission” to be “day care providers, processing agents, and bus drivers.” Morale among the Border Patrol workforce is at an alltime low. Upon taking office almost a year ago, Biden was quick to dismantle several key border security initiatives that the Trump administration had established, including a halt to border wall construction, and the “Remain in Mexico” program, which contributed to up to an 80 percent drop in “catch-and-release” by requiring asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico until their final court judgment. Now instead of waiting in Mexico, most illegal immigrants are released into the United States to wait for future court dates that can be set years into the future.

Border Security

Although the public’s main focus is on illegal immigration numbers, Morgan said that’s just a subset of border security. “When you open your borders up to one threat, one crisis, it’s not mutually exclusive from the others—you’re opening your borders up to the vast set of complex threats that we face,” he said. “Anytime you’re so overwhelmed that you can’t perform the fundamental national security mission to secure our borders, the result is that every aspect of our nation’s public health, public safety, and national security is being impacted.” The record numbers in 2021 occurred during a year in which many Americans, under the backdrop of a pandemic, faced vaccine mandates, workfrom-home orders, and school closures. Overcrowded border facilities were unable to test everyone for COVID-19, resulting in the release of illegal immigrants with the disease into communities. In July 2021, the city of Laredo sued the Biden administration for releasing a “flood” of illegal immigrants into Laredo, causing “irreparable harm.” Under the Title 42 public

health order, which was instituted in March 2020, illegal immigrants could be quickly expelled back into Mexico as a pandemic precaution, rather than be processed under Title 8 immigration law, which is a much more protracted process inside the United States. Since March 2021, however, Title 42 has slowly been whittled down—first to allow in all unaccompanied children, then families with children under 7, then most families in general, most single females, and single adults from non-Spanish speaking countries.

Border 2022

Morgan predicts the southwest border metrics will continue to worsen through 2022. “There’s no end in sight. There’s none. And this administration, every single day, everything they’re doing is just to get better at releasing people. They’re not trying to stop the flow.” Biden tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to lead border security efforts, with the main focus being to address the “root causes” of illegal immigration. Harris visited Mexico and Guatemala in 2021 but was criticized by the Guatemalan president in December for having no com-

munication since June 2021. On Aug. 26, 2021, the Supreme Court ordered the Biden administration to restart the Remain in Mexico program, but CBP data through November 2021 don’t indicate any new enrollees in the program. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has said he’s working toward building a “safe, orderly, and humane immigration” system. During a Senate hearing in November 2021, Mayorkas gave himself high marks for his role in leading the border efforts. “I’m a tough grader on myself and I give myself an ‘A’ for effort, investment in mission, and support of our workforce,” Mayorkas said. Morgan accused Mayorkas of creating a “sanctuary country” for illegal immigrants, allowing them to come in and then shielding them from deportation.

Looking to Governors

Morgan said he believes the open border policies are an intentional move toward more Democratic House seats through redistricting, now that illegal immigrants are counted in the Census. In addition, they expect illegal immigrants to eventually vote Democrat. Republicans are also complicit, he said, because they still believe this country needs the illegal workforce. “But there is a true marginalized American workforce that’s out there that’s having to compete with companies paying lower wages to illegal immigrants. That’s real,” Morgan said. He said concerned Americans should push their governors to do more in the immediate term instead of waiting for the federal elections. Morgan said Florida, Texas, and Missouri have made some inroads, but more need to step up. “If you have a meth overdose in your state, I guarantee that meth came from the southwest border,” he said. “The cost to American taxpayers is unconscionable, and governors should step up and say enough is enough.”

with these different countries of origin, making removing or expelling their nationals more resource-intensive and timeconsuming,” the CBP stated in a Jan. 3 press release. On the Mexico side of the border, across the Rio Grande in Texas, hundreds of discarded

requiring asylum-seekers to COVID-19, resulting in the reBiden tapped Vice President wait in Mexico until their final lease of illegal immigrants with Kamala Harris to lead border the disease into communities. security efforts, with the main court judgment. Now instead of waiting in In July 2021, the city of Laredo focus being to address the “root Mexico, most illegal immi- sued the Biden administration causes” of illegal immigration. releasing a “flood” of illegal Harris visited Mexico and Guagrants are released into the for LNNUSA.com United States to wait for future immigrants into Laredo, caus- temala in 2021 but was criticized court dates that can be set years ing “irreparable harm.” by the Guatemalan president in into the future.N ATION A L NEWS Undercourtesy the Titleof42THE publicE PODecember forShaving no comCH TIME

National

more need to step up. “If you have a meth overdose in your state, I guarantee that meth came from the southwest border,”Saturday, he said. January 15, 2022 “The cost to American taxpayers is unconscionable, and governors should step up and say enough is enough.”

Former Border Commissioner: ‘We Have Lost EXCLUSIVE: Nationwide Surge In Deaths Among Control theASouthwest Border’ People Agedof18-49: State by State Overview CHARLOTTE CUTHBERTSON/THE EPOCH TIMES

CHARLOTTE CUTHBERTSON Highest state sees 65 percent increase in prime-age mortality, only 36 percent attributed to COVID-19

The southwest border during President PETR SVAB Joe Biden’s first year in office reached historic levels ofamong illegal crossings, pullDeaths people aged 18 ing agents off the front to 49 increased more thanline 40 and leaving large swaths of percent in the 12 months endthe border unpatrolled. Drugs, ing October 2021 compared to especially fentanyl, flowed in, the period in 2018–2019, andsame overdose deaths are at an before COVID-19 pandemall-timethe high. ic,“What according to an analysis of we’re experiencing death data from the now oncertificate the southwest border is a complete, catastrophe,” Centers forutter Disease Control MarkPrevention Morgan, former acting and (CDC) by The commissioner Epoch Times. of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), The agency doesn’t yetwhich have oversees Border Patrol, told The full 2021 numbers, as death Epoch Times on Jan. 7. certificate “We havedata losttrickles controlinofwith the asouthwest lag of oneborder.” to eight weeks or more. During the 2021 calendar year, The increase was notable Border Patrol agents appreacross and illegal in no hendedthe closecountry to 2 million immigrants from 150 different state was COVID reported in countries the southwest more thanalong 60 percent of the border—more double excess deaths.than Some states2019, exthe last pre-pandemic year, acperienced much steeper hikes cording to CBP data. than others. Last year, Border Patrol agents Nevadabut wasdidn’t the worst detected catch with an ad-a 65 percent prime-age mortality ditional 600,000 illegal border surge of which 36 percent crossers, knownonly as “gotaways,” was attributed Morgan said. to COVID. Texas“That’s was second with a 61 percent the equivalent to the size ofofthe state58ofpercent Vermont,” jump which was he said. “Think about Arizona the bad attributed to COVID. people that are in that 600,000 that got away.” Mexican nationals made up 28 percent of encounters in fiscal year 2021, the lowest proportion in recorded history, according to the CBP. The northern triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador made up 44 percent, and the remaining 28 percent were from other countries—double the previous record for the latter demographic. “This trend is important because the Department of Homeland Security does not currently have agreements to electronically verify nationality with these different countries of origin, making removing or expelling their nationals more resource-intensive and timeconsuming,” the CBP stated in a Jan. 3 press release. On the Mexico side of the border, across the Rio Grande

ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

CDC data on the exact causes of those excess deaths aren’t yet available for 2021, aside from those involving COVID, pneumonia, and influenza. There were close to 6,000 excess pneumonia deaths that didn’t involve COVID-19 in the 18–49 age group in the 12 months ending October 2021. Influenza was only involved in 50 deaths in this age group, down from 550 in the same period pre-pandemic. The flu death count didn’t exclude Health care workers tend to a patient in Apple Valley, those that also involved COVID Califironia, on Jan. 11, 2021. or pneumonia, the CDC noted. It’s not clear why the mortaland Tennessee recorded 57 COVID deaths in this age group ity spike seemed to exhibit a percent with 37 per- and Delaware with a 10who percent geographical A Borderincreases Patrol agent organizes illegal immigrants have gathered by thetrend. borderOverall, fence cent and 33 percent increase, zero attrib- Ariz., a part of the after crossing fromattributed Mexico intomortality the United States, in Yuma, on Dec. 10surge 2021.could be to COVID respectively. Not uted to COVID. Massachusetts likely blamed on drug overdospassports, identificaBorder health order, which was instionly Security a 13 percent spike with es, which increased to more far behindvisas, was and California at had tion papers can be found every Although the public’s main fotuted in March 2020, illegal 55 percent and 42 percent at- 24 percent of it attributed to than 101,000 in the 12 months day. Illegal aliens are told it’s cus is on illegal immigration immigrants could be quickly tributed to COVID as well as COVID and Maryland had a ending June 2021 from about harder to be deported from the numbers, Morgan said that’s expelled back into Mexico as New Mexico (52 percent, 42 security. percent 72,000 in 2019, the CDC esjustpercent a subsetjump, of border a pandemic precaution, rather United States without papers.33 16 percent), (51 percent, About two-thirds of to open COVID. “This is Florida not a surge. This is attributed “When you yourClose bor- timated. than be processed under Title 48 Louisiana Connecticut, deaths involved synthetan percent), invasion,”and Morgan said.(51 “I behind ders upwere to one threat, one Hacri- those 8 immigration law, which is a percent, 32 percent). Jerseyexclusive with 17 ic opioids much moreincluding protractedfentanyl process mean, this is a catastrophic waii, sis, it’sand notNew mutually On theof other sidealiens of thetrying spec- percent (23 percent, to insideare the often Unitedsmuggled States. amount illegal from theincreases others—you’re open- that to break country.”with 45 ingpercent, your borders up to the vast the Since March 2021, however, trum wasinto Newour Hampshire 58 percent attribUnited States from China result inincrease some border set oftocomplex that we through Title 42 has slowly been whitnoThe mortality and arno uted COVIDthreats respectively). Mexico. eas, he said, is that most Border Patrol agents are being pulled off the “national security mission” to be “day care providers, processing agents, and bus drivers.” Morale among the Border Patrol workforce is at an alltime low. Upon taking office almost a year ago, Biden was quick to dismantle several key border security initiatives that the Trump administration had established, including a halt to border wall construction, and the “Remain in Mexico” program, which contributed to up to an 80 percent drop in “catch-and-release” by requiring asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico until their final court judgment. Now instead of waiting in Mexico, most illegal immigrants are released into the United States to wait for future court dates that can be set years

face,” he said. “Anytime you’re so overwhelmed that you can’t perform the fundamental national security mission to secure our borders, the result is that every aspect of our nation’s public health, public safety, and national security is being impacted.” The record numbers in 2021 occurred during a year in which many Americans, under the backdrop of a pandemic, faced vaccine mandates, workfrom-home orders, and school closures. Overcrowded border facilities were unable to test everyone for COVID-19, resulting in the release of illegal immigrants with the disease into communities. In July 2021, the city of Laredo sued the Biden administration for releasing a “flood” of illegal immigrants into Laredo, causing “irreparable harm.”

tled down—first to allow in all unaccompanied children, then families with children under 7, then most families in general, most single females, and single adults from non-Spanish speaking countries.

Border 2022

eventually vote Democrat. Republicans are also complicit, he said, because they still believe this country needs the illegal workforce. “But there is a true marginalized American workforce that’s out there that’s having to compete with companies paying lower wages to illegal immigrants. That’s real,” Morgan said. He said concerned Americans should push their governors to do more in the immediate term instead of waiting for the federal elections. Morgan said Florida, Texas, and Missouri have made some inroads, but more need to step up. “If you have a meth overdose in your state, I guarantee that meth came from the southwest border,” he said. “The cost to American taxpayers is unconscionable, and governors should step up and

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For those ages 50 to 84, mortality went up more than 27 percent, representing more than 470,000 excess deaths. Almost four out of five of theJune deaths munication since 2021.had COVID death On Aug.marked 26, 2021,on thethe Supreme certificate asthe theBiden cause or a Court ordered administration to restart the Remain contributing factor. inFor Mexico CBP those program, 85 or older,but mortaldataincreased through about November 2021 ity 12 percent don’t more indicate any100,000 new enrollwith than exees in the program. cess deaths. With more than Department of Homeland 130,000 deaths SecurityCOVID-related Secretary Alejandro in this group, Mayorkas hasthe saiddata he’sindicates working that these seniors were less toward building a “safe, orderly, likely to die immigration” of a non-COVIDand humane sysrelated tem. cause from November During a Senate 2021 hearing in 2020 to October than November Mayorkas during the2021, same periodgave of himself high marks for his role 2018–2019. inComparing leading the border 2020 efforts. to 2019, “I’m a tough grader on mymortality increased some 24 self and I give myself an ‘A’ for percent for those 18–49, with effort, investment in mission, less than a third those exand support of ourofworkforce,” cess deaths involving COVID. Mayorkas said. For those accused 50–84, it increased Morgan Mayorkas of less thana20 percent, with over creating “sanctuary country” for illegal immigrants, allowing 70 percent of that involving them to come in and even then shieldCOVID. For those older, ing them from deportation. mortality jumped about 16 percent, with nearly 90 percent of Looking to Governors that involving COVID. Morgan said he believes the For those under 18, mortalopen border policies are an ity decreased about percent intentional move0.4 toward in 2020 comparedHouse to 2019. In more Democratic seats the 12 months ending now October through redistricting, that 2021, fell some are 3.3 counted percent illegal itimmigrants in the Census. In addition, they compared to the same period expect illegal immigrants to in 2018–2019.

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Supreme Court Blocks Business Vaccine Rule, Declines to Stay Health Care Worker Mandate DREW ANGERER/GETTY IMAGES

ZACHARY STIEBER

The Supreme Court has blocked the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private businesses, but has decided to allow a separate regulation that requires health care workers to get a vaccine to take effect. In a 6–3 ruling on Jan. 13, the court halted the mandate for all private employers with 100 or more workers, ruling that the states and companies that challenged the rule were likely to succeed. Biden administration officials had argued that the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 gave them the authority to impose the mandate, but a majority of the justices disagreed. “Applicants are likely to succeed on the merits of their claim that the Secretary lacked authority to impose the mandate. Administrative agencies are creatures of statute. They accordingly possess only the authority that Congress has provided. The Secretary has ordered 84 million Americans to either obtain a COVID–19 vaccine or undergo weekly medical testing at their own expense. This is no ‘everyday exercise of federal power.’ It is instead a significant encroachment into the lives—and health—of a vast number of employees,” the majority slip opinion reads. The ruling came from Justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito, George W. Bush appointees; Clarence Thomas, a George H. W. Bush appointee; and Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, all Trump appointees. Justice Stephen Breyer, a Clinton appointee, and Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, both Obama appointees, dissented. They wrote in their dissent that the law in question didn’t limit the labor secretary’s powers. The majority “[imposed] a limit found no place in the governing statute,” the minority opinion reads. “Not so,” the majority wrote. “It is the text of the agency’s Organic Act that repeatedly makes clear that OSHA is charged with regulating ‘occupational’ hazards and the safety and health of ‘employees.’” While Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar in an earlier brief didn’t dispute

The Supreme Court in Washington on Nov. 29, 2021. that OSHA is limited in regulating “workrelated dangers,” she claimed that the risk of contracting COVID-19 qualifies as such a danger. “We cannot agree,” the majority opinion reads. “Although COVID-19 is a risk that occurs in many workplaces, it is not an occupational hazard in most. COVID-19 can and does spread at home, in schools, during sporting events, and everywhere else that people gather. That kind of universal risk is no different from the day-to-day dangers that all face from crime, air pollution, or any number of communicable diseases. Permitting OSHA to regulate the hazards of daily life—simply because most Americans have jobs and face those same risks while on the clock—would significantly expand OSHA’s regulatory authority without clear congressional authorization.” The ruling means that the mandate is blocked while the case goes back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, which overturned a stay that had been imposed by a different appeals court. OSHA is part of the Department of Labor. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, a Republican who brought one of the challenges against the mandate, said in a statement that the ruling was “a massive win for millions of workers and businesses across the country, includ-

ing Doolittle Manufacturing here in Missouri, who would’ve had to shutter their doors if this mandate was not halted.” “While we’re disappointed in the Supreme Court’s ruling on our lawsuit against the health care worker vaccine mandate, that fight is far from over, and the case is still ongoing,” he said. Schmitt was referring to a majority of justices agreeing to lift lower court orders that blocked a separate Biden administration mandate imposed by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS mandate, which doesn’t allow a testing opt-out, covers more than 17 million health care workers. Congress granted authority to the health secretary to promulgate, as a condition of a health care facility’s participation in Medicare and Medicaid, requirements that he or she “finds necessary in the interest of the health and safety of individuals who are furnished services in the institution,” the majority of the court stated in their ruling. While a vaccine requirement has never before been imposed, “we agree with the government that the Secretary’s rule falls within the authorities that Congress has conferred upon him,” the majority opinion reads. The justices said getting a COVID-19

vaccine would “substantially reduce the likelihood that health care workers will contract the virus and transmit it to their patients.” However, this doesn’t align with studies and real-world data on the effect of vaccination against the Omicron coronavirus variant. “The rule thus fits neatly within the language of the statute. After all, ensuring that providers take steps to avoid transmitting a dangerous virus to their patients is consistent with the fundamental principle of the medical profession: first, do no harm. It would be the ‘very opposite of efficient and effective administration for a facility that is supposed to make people well to make them sick with COVID-19,’” the majority opinion reads. The narrow 5–4 opinion saw Roberts and Kavanaugh join the Democrat-nominated trio of justices, while Thomas offered a dissent that was joined by Alito, Gorsuch, and Barrett. Thomas said the government hadn’t made a strong argument that it was likely to succeed in the case, stating that the administration didn’t establish that the Medicare Act or any other law gives it the authority to impose a vaccine mandate in order for facilities to participate in Medicare or Medicaid. “These cases are not about the efficacy or importance of COVID-19 vaccines. They are only about whether CMS has the statutory authority to force health care workers, by coercing their employers, to undergo a medical procedure they do not want and cannot undo. Because the Government has not made a strong showing that Congress gave CMS that broad authority, I would deny the stays pending appeal. I respectfully dissent,” Thomas wrote. Cases involving the health care mandate will now go back to appeals courts for disposition. CMS “is extremely pleased the Supreme Court recognized CMS’ authority to set a consistent COVID-19 vaccination standard for workers in facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid,” CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said in a statement. “The bottom line is that vaccine requirements work and are an important tool to protect patients— and also to keep our health care workers healthy,” she added.

Inflation Jumps 7 Percent Annually in December, Fastest Pace Since 1982 TOM OZIMEK

ing the buying power of households.”

percent, pork prices surged by 15.1 per-

meaningful reduction in headline in-

The majority “[imposed] a limit found no place in the governing statute,” the minority opinion reads. “Not so,” the majority wrote. “It is the text of the agency’s Organic Act that 42 repeatedly makes clear that OSHA is charged with regulating ‘occupational’ hazards and the safety and health of ‘employees.’” While Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar in an earlier brief didn’t dispute

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, the interest of the health and safety of which overturned a stay that had been individuals who are furnished services imposed by a different appeals court. in the institution,” the majority of the OSHA is part of the Department of court stated in their ruling. Labor. While a vaccine requirement has never Missouri Attorney General Eric before been imposed, “we agree with the LNNUSA.com Schmitt, a Republican who brought one government that the Secretary’s rule falls of the challenges against the mandate, within the authorities that Congress has said in a statement that the ruling was “a conferred upon him,” the majority opinATION A L NEWS courtesy of reads. THE E PO CH TIME S massiveNwin for millions of workers and ion businesses across the country, includThe justices said getting a COVID-19

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CMS “is extremely pleased the Supreme Court recognized CMS’ authority to set a consistent COVID-19 vaccination standard for workers in facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid,” CMS Saturday, January 15, 2022 Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said in a statement. “The bottom line is that vaccine requirements work and are an important tool to protect patients— and also to keep our health care workers healthy,” she added.

Supreme Court Blocks Business Vaccine Rule, Declines to StayJumps Health CareAnnually WorkerinMandate Inflation 7 Percent December, Fastest Pace Since 1982 ZACHARY STIEBER

TOM OZIMEK

The Supreme Court has blocked the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vacConsumer prices accelerated in the cine mandate for private businesses, but year 2021 atregulatheir hasthrough decided December to allow a separate fastest pace in 39 years, newworkers govern-to tion that requires health care get adata vaccine to marking take effect. ment show, the seventh In a 6–3 ruling on Jan. 13, the court haltstraight month of inflation running at ed the mandate for alland private employers more than 5 percent a fresh sign with 100 or more workers, ruling that the that inflationary woesthat continue to states and companies challenged weigh on U.S. the rule were consumers. likely to succeed. Biden administration had argued that The Bureau officials of Labor Statistics the Occupational Act (BLS) reported onSafety Jan.and 12 Health that the (OSHA) of 1970 gave them the authority Consumer Price Index (CPI), which to impose the mandate, but a majority of reflects inflation from the perspective the justices disagreed. of end consumers, rose to bysucceed 7 percent in “Applicants are likely on the of their claim that the Secretary themerits 12 months through December 2021, lacked authority to impose the mandate. a level not seen since June 1982, when Administrative agencies are creatures of it reached 7.2 percent. statute. They accordingly possess only On a monthly basis, the CPI inflation the authority that Congress has providgauge rose by 0.5 percent in December ed. The Secretary has ordered 84 million Americans obtain a COVID–19 2021 after a to 0.8either percent jump in Novaccine or undergo weekly medical testvember 2021, suggesting a slight easing ing at their own expense. This is no ‘evof inflationary pressures. eryday exercise of federal power.’ It is Still, so-called core consumer prices, instead a significant encroachment into which strip out the volatilea vast categories the lives—and health—of number of of food and energy, continued rise employees,” the majority slip to opinion reads. at an outsized pace. Core inflation rose The rulingin came from through Justices John by 5.5 percent the year DeRoberts and Samuel Alito, George W. cember 2021, the fastest pace in nearly Bush appointees; Clarence Thomas, a 31 George years. H. W. Bush appointee; and Jus“This is not a lucky 7,” tices Neil Gorsuch, Brettnumber Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett,Analyst all Trump apBankrate Chief Financial Greg pointees. McBride told The Epoch Times in an Justice Stephen Breyer, a Clinton apemailed statement. pointee, and Justices Sonia Sotomayor McBride that theObama pace ofappoininflaand Elenanoted Kagan, both tion was “far outstripping the wage tees, dissented. They wrote in their dissent that the law in question didn’t limit growth of most Americans and squeezthe labor secretary’s powers. The majority “[imposed] a limit found no place in the governing statute,” the minority opinion reads. “Not so,” the majority wrote. “It is the text of the agency’s Organic Act that repeatedly makes clear that OSHA is charged with regulating ‘occupational’ hazards and the safety and health of ‘employees.’” While Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar in an earlier brief didn’t dispute

DREW ANGERER/GETTY IMAGES

ing the buying power of households.” A separate government report shows that real average hourly earnings, which are adjusted for inflation, fell by 2.4 percent in the 12 months through December 2021. Without adjustment for the pace of inflation, average hourly earnings rose by 4.7 percent over the year. “The headline rate of inflation accelerated on an annual basis, hitting 7 percent, but did decelerate on a monthly basis for the second month in a row, owing to a decline in energy and slower increases in food prices,” McBride said.

percent, pork prices surged by 15.1 percent, ham rose by 10.5 percent, and chicken soared by 10.4 percent. The cost of eggs spiked by 11.1 percent, while fish and seafood rose by 8.4 percent. Fruits and vegetables increased by 5 percent, milk rose by 4.2 percent, and coffee surged by 6.3 percent. Among other food items on the list, baby food surged by 7.9 percent, margarine advanced by 6.7 percent, potatoes soared by 4.8 percent, and apples rose by 7.8 percent. Energy prices eased on a monthover-month basis, but they were still high to the same time in The Supreme Court in Washington on Nov. 29,compared 2021. Prices Rise Across the Board 2020. Gasoline soared at an annualNew data show thatinalmost every cat- ing ized rate ofManufacturing 49.6 percent, electricity that OSHA is limited regulating “workDoolittle here in Misegory was higher in the 12 months endprices jumped by 6.3 percent, andtheir naturelated dangers,” she claimed that the souri, who would’ve had to shutter riskinofDecember contracting2021. COVID-19 qualifies doors if this mandate halted.” ing ral gas increased bywas 24.1not percent. asFood such prices a danger. “While we’re disappointed in the Su- of surged by 6.3 percent, Charlie Bilello, chief executive “We cannot agree,” the majority preme Court’s ruling on our lawsuiton while energy was up by 29.3 percent. Compound Capital Advisors, wrote opinion reads. “Although COVID-19 is against the health care worker vaccine New vehicles and used cars and trucks Twitter that he believes that theand true a risk that occurs in many workplaces, mandate, that fight is far from over, soared by 11.8 percent and 37.3 percent, rate of inflation is being understated. it is not an occupational hazard in most. the case is still ongoing,” he said. respectively. jumped by 5.8 “Shelterwas is the single biggest compoCOVID-19 canApparel and does spread at home, Schmitt referring to a majority in schools, duringpicked sporting justices agreeing to lift of lower court percent, shelter upevents, by 4.1 and per- ofnent of CPI (33 percent Index) and everywhere else that people gather. That orders thatwildly blocked a separate Biden cent, and medical care services inched is being understated (+4.1adperkind of universal risk is no different from ministration mandate imposed by the higher by 2.5 percent. cent) with of rents up and 17.8Human percentSerover the day-to-day dangers that all face from Department Health Close to every food item cost more in the last year (largest annual increase crime, air pollution, or any number of vices’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid December 2021 compared to the same Services ever), and home prices up 19 percent (CMS). communicable diseases. Permitting OSHA to regulate theincluding hazards ofmeats, daily The CMS mandate, which doesn’tever). altime a year earlier, (also largest annual increase life—simply because most Americans low a testing opt-out, than fruits, and vegetables. True inflation rate iscovers muchmore higher than have jobs and face those same risks while 17 million health care workers. In the overall category of meat, poul7 percent,” Bilello wrote. on the clock—would significantly expand Congress granted authority to the try, fish, regulatory and eggs, authority prices swelled by health President Joe Biden addressed OSHA’s without secretary to promulgate, as a con-the 12.5 inflation numbers in a statement. clearpercent. congressional authorization.” dition of a health care facility’s participain Medicare and Medicaid, requireThe ruling means thatwere the mandate is tion “Today’s report—which shows a Beef and veal prices up by 12.6 blocked while the case goes back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, which overturned a stay that had been imposed by a different appeals court. OSHA is part of the Department of Labor. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, a Republican who brought one of the challenges against the mandate, said in a statement that the ruling was “a massive win for millions of workers and businesses across the country, includ-

ments that he or she “finds necessary in the interest of the health and safety of individuals who are furnished services in the institution,” the majority of the court stated in their ruling. While a vaccine requirement has never before been imposed, “we agree with the government that the Secretary’s rule falls within the authorities that Congress has conferred upon him,” the majority opinion reads. The justices said getting a COVID-19

“I PASS ON YOUR ARTICLES TO ENLIGHTEN SOME OF THE UNENLIGHTENED.” —Phlip Lewis LEARN MORE AT

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vaccine would “substantially reduce the likelihood that health care workers will inmeaningful reduction in headline contract virus and transmit it togas their flationthe over last month, with prices patients.” However, this doesn’t align and food prices falling—demonstrates with studies and real-world data on the thatofwe are making progress in slowing effect vaccination against the Omicron the rate ofvariant. price increases,” Biden said. coronavirus “The rulesame thus time, fits neatly “At the this within report the underlanguage thewe statute. After more all, ensurscoresofthat still have work to ingdo, that providers take stepsstill to avoid with price increases too high transmitting a dangerous virus to their and squeezing budgets.” patients is consistentfamily with the fundamenIn response surgingprofession: inflation and tal principle of thetomedical first, do no firming harm. Itinwould be the ‘very the ongoing the labor market, opposite of efficient adminFederal Reserveand haseffective moved to roll back istration for a facility that support is supposed to emergency pandemic measures make people well to make them sick with and normalize monetary policy. COVID-19,’” the majority opinion reads. 74.4 percent chance of TheThere’s narrownow 5–4 aopinion saw Roberts andthe Kavanaugh join the Democrat-nomFed announcing a 25-basis-point inated of justices, while Thomas of- to ratetrio increase in March, according fered a dissent that was joined by Alito, the CME’s Fed Watch tracker. Gorsuch, and Barrett. Thomas said the government hadn’t Inflation Falloutthat it was likely made a strong argument to The succeed the case, statingAverage that therose DowinJones Industrial administration establish that the 500 by 38 pointsdidn’t to 36,290. The S&P Medicare Act or any other law gives it the added 0.28 percent to 4,726, while the authority to impose a vaccine manNasdaq Composite Index tacked date in order for facilities to participateon 35 points toor15,188. in Medicare Medicaid. The U.S. market was mixed, “These casesTreasury are not about the efficacy or with importance of COVID-19 vaccines. the benchmark 10-year yield slidThey only about whether CMS hasbond ingare to 1.736 percent. The 30-year the statutory authority to force health rose to 2.086 percent,their while the onecare workers, by coercing employyear bill rose slightly to 0.445 ers, to undergo a medical procedure percent. they The U.S.and Dollar Index (DXY), which do not want cannot undo. Because thegauges Government has not made a strong the greenback against a basket showing that Congress gave of currencies, declined byCMS 0.72 that percent broad authority, I would deny the stays to 94.93. pending appeal. I respectfully dissent,” Thomas wrote. Andrew Moranthe contributed to manthis Cases involving health care date will now go back to appeals courts article. for disposition. CMS “is extremely pleased the Supreme Court recognized CMS’ authority to set a consistent COVID-19 vaccination standard for workers in facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid,” CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said in a statement. “The bottom line is that vaccine requirements work and are an important tool to protect patients— and also to keep our health care workers TRUTH and TRADITION healthy,” she added.

Inflation Jumps 7 Percent Annually in December, Fastest Pace Since 1982 TOM OZIMEK

ing the buying power of households.”

percent, pork prices surged by 15.1 per-

meaningful reduction in headline in-

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