LNN Tri-City News - Feb. 19th by lnnusa

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

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MASK CHOICE: LOCAL STUDENTS HEAD TO CAPITOL HILL page 2

SCHOOL MASK MANDATES FACE LOOMING DEMISE page3

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Petersburg

Sheriff Nationally Recognized

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118 Entrepreneurs Apply for Local Business Pitch Competition

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Hopewell

Veterans Memorial Gets a Facelift

page 15

Cavaliers

Kick Off 2022 Season

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

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Colonial Heights Students Protest Mask Mandate COLONIAL HEIGHTS BY CRAIG RICHARDS LNNUSA.com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS- Students at Colonial Heights High School protested the school’s mask mandate by attempting to enter the facility unmasked in accordance with Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order Two. They were instructed to put on a mask or leave. They left. On Friday, February 11th over twenty students and parents staged a mask mandate protest in front of the Colonial Heights High School shortly after 7am. Approximately twenty minutes later, the students and parents attempted to walk through the front doors of the High School where they were met with school officials who instructed the students that they must wear a mask or leave the facility. Citing the students’ failure to adhere to the school’s mask mandate, school officials turned the students away despite the Governor’s order giving those students the option to attend school without a mask. “We all gathered together

because we’re tired of not being able to use our own right of whether or not we should choose to wear a mask or not, and we were turned away at the front of our school building by our principal because she felt like we shouldn’t get that choice,” explained one student. “But I feel like, as a seventeen-year-old, I should be able to choose whether or not I put my mask on my face every day or not.” Parents of the students were equally frustrated with the school’s mask policy. “I’m hoping that this has raised enough awareness that they’re gonna come to their senses and come to the table, and have a vote and follow what the law is,” stated Terri Grubb, a parent of multiple children in the Colonial Heights school system. “I think it’s made a great impression that these kids have stepped up and spoken for themselves.” Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order remains in place, allowing students and parents the choice to opt out of their school mask mandates such as the one in Colonial Heights public schools.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

CHHS students attended Governor Youngkin’s signing of SB739 at the Capitol Building.

His signing of Virginia Senate Bill 739 enshrines that right in Virginia code. The legislation, while effective immediately, gives school districts until March 1, 2022, to comply. LNN reached out to Colonial Heights school officials for comment on the matter last week and again this week. On Thursday, February 17th, LNN received a reply email containing an attached document outlining a change

in CHPS’s COVID-19 rules. The document stated that the Colonial Heights school board voted on Monday, February 14th, to allow parents and students to opt out of the mask requirement beginning on Thursday, February 17th. The document encouraged mask-choice tolerance, saying, “Students are encouraged to respect the choice of others to wear or not wear a mask.”

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School Mask Mandates Face Looming Demise VIRGINIA BY CAROLYN DAY PRUETT LNNUSA.com

VIRGINIA- Governor Glenn Youngkin signed SB739 into law on Wednesday, February 16th. The measure, carried by State Senator Siobhan Dunnavant, requires school boards to offer in-person learning and gives parents and students the ability to

opt out of school mask mandates. The bill was passed 21 to 17 by the Virginia Senate on February 9th. On February 14th, the bill passed the House of Delegates on a 52 to 48 vote and was sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature. The same day, Governor Youngkin returned the legislation to the Senate

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin surrounded by students protesting school mask mandates.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Students and parents fill the steps of Virginia’s capitol building, awaiting the Governor’s signing of mask-choice legislation into law.

with a proposed amendment that would move the effective date of the law up four months from July 1st to March 1st of this year. Both chambers of the General Assembly accepted that amendment, and the Governor signed the bill into law. The March 1st effective date allows school districts just under two weeks to implement the new law. Governor Youngkin said of the passing of the bill, “Since day one, we have worked to empower Virginia parents who want to have a voice in the upbringing and education of their children. This is a defining moment and decisive victory

for parents and kids across the Commonwealth.” This new law follows on the heels of the Governor’s own Executive Order Two that gave parents the same right to opt out of the mask mandates, an order that some school boards and administrators defiantly ignored. Locally, the school board and administrator of Colonial Heights Public Schools barred students from entering their school if they chose not to wear a mask per Executive Order Two. For more on local resistance to mask mandates, see Colonial Heights Students Protest Mask Mandate in this issue.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Petersburg’s Sheriff Crawford Named NSA “Sheriff of the Year” PETERSBURG STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

PETERSBURG- Petersburg’s own Vanessa Crawford was recently recognized nationally for her service to her city as Sheriff. Sheriff Crawford was honored with the National Sheriffs’ Association’s “Sheriff of the Year” award. Sheriff Crawford has consistently, over the last sixteenand-a-half years demonstrated excellence and care for her office and her community. She is the first female and the only African American that has been selected for this prestigious award. Born and raised in Petersburg, Crawford was sworn into office as the first female sheriff of Petersburg on December 15, 2005. Her list of accomplishments and community involvement is both extensive and impressive, and leaves no doubt that serving her community lies at the heart of all she does. Sheriff Crawford was reelected to the office in November of 2021 and began serving her fifth term in that position on January 1st. The National Sheriffs’ Association established the Ferris E. Lucas award in 1995 to

recognize a sheriff for contributions made to improve the Office of Sheriff on the local, state, and national level, as well as involvement in the community above and beyond the responsibilities required. The award is given in memory of Ferris E. Lucas, NSA Past President (1944-46) and former Executive Director (1964-82), who completed 50 years of distinguished service and leadership in law enforcement. The National Sheriffs’ Association is one of the largest non-profit associations of law enforcement professionals in the United States, representing more than 3,000 elected sheriffs across the nation, and with a total membership of approximately 14,000 individuals. The NSA is dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among sheriffs, their deputies, and others in the field of law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice. Throughout its eighty-oneyear history, the NSA has also served as an information resource for all law enforcement, as well as local, state, and federal government agencies.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

118 Apply for $30,000 Business Launch Follow-up “business bootcamp” required to move forward for consideration HOPEWELL BY ADRIENNE WALLACE FOR LNNUSA.com

HOPEWELL– Entrepreneurs seeking to open brick and mortar businesses in the Hopewell Downtown Historic District had a chance to apply to the business launch ‘Homegrown for Hopewell’ program. One-hundred-and-eighteen hopeful local business owners applied for the business pitch competition hosted by the Hopewell Downtown Partnership and made possible through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Business Launch (CBL) grant program with a Friday, February 11th deadline. But they’re not done yet. To receive the $30,000 awarded at the end of the pitch competition, applicants

must complete a Business Bootcamp and then choose to compete for gap-financing in front of a panel of judges. Hopewell Downtown Partnership Executive Director Heather Lyne said that a lot of lessons were learned from the first business launch

program in 2015. In Hopewell, the 2015 pilot program was met with little success; two of the four winning businesses have since closed, another one that was to be named Fat Babs has yet to open, and very little work has been completed

in the building that was donated with the cost of $1 plus the $40,000 grant, yet the city has allowed owner Dave McCormack to keep the building and the grant money. There is no opening in sight, and he has not had any known pressure to move forward. The only company that opened with success and remained open is KJ Fitness, under owner and operator fitness trainer Lamonz Kane Tyler. This time around, HDP is requiring further training and education through a Business Bootcamp. Once completed, qualified applicants can move forward to their chances for acceptance for financing in front of a panel of judges. The business “Pitch Night” will be Wednesday, May 11th. While this program is to CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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118 APPLY FROM PAGE 5 help expand new business in the downtown area, the organization is also providing many opportunities for current businesses. “We are often asked during these pitch opportunities, ‘What are you doing for existing business?’ We are in the trenches,” Lyne said. “Our goals are to promote and retain current business to promote a healthy and thriving downtown. Our mission is to build a healthy, vibrant, and more prosperous central downtown district for the Hopewell community.” For example, HDP is offering 2022 Downtown Roundtables, gatherings for business owners and property owners in Downtown Hopewell. For stakeholders and interested parties, remaining event dates are March 14th, May 11th, July 11th, September 12th, and November 14th at Guncotton Coffee. “These are to fuel creativity and encourage collaboration over shared goals in Downtown Hopewell,” Lyne noted. “We believe that everyone deserves access to a vibrant neighborhood – a place that has a thriving local economy, is rich in character, and fea-

tures inviting public spaces that make residents and visitors feel they belong.” HDP can help local companies take advantage of incentives to assist with financing for historic tax credits, making rehabilitation of Hopewell’s Downtown structures financially feasible. Close to all of Hopewell’s Downtown buildings are contributing structures to the Historic District, making them eligible for both state and federal tax credits, according to HDP’s website. Properties that are “contributing” structures in historic districts and are renovated in accordance with state and federal requirements are eligible for a 25-percent state tax credit and a 20-percent federal credit (non-contributing structures built before 1936 are eligible for a 10-percent federal credit). Property improvements must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify. Partnerships with other agencies help with all of the HDP’s projects: Virginia State University, the John Randolph Foundation, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, Mueller Roofing & Siding, WestRock, Anthem Bluecross Blueshield, Ellis Family Dentistry, and the

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Hopewell Manufacturer’s Association (including AdvanSix, Ashland, Dupont, Evonik, and Luminant Hopewell Power Plant), Marks & Harrison, Virginia American Water, Westrock and Cindy Shearin all partner with the HDP to improve the historic downtown area. Other sponsors include SOVA Yoga, Parr & Abernathy Realty, Fish Tales Bait & Tackle, and Fish Tales 2 at the Hopewell Marina. HDP also holds various events to encourage traffic to the downtown area, which can help to bring in customers to operating companies. The organization, which has been operating with one staff member and numerous volunteers, also offers food programs and a farmers’ market is set to reopen in May. Lyne said, “The John Randolph Foundation generously awarded us $30,000 to hire a manager who can take the Hopewell Farmers’ Market and our other food systems work to the next level.” A job description will be posted on HDP’s website this month. For aspiring business owners, there are currently a number of location opportunities in downtown Hopewell. Properties for sale include:

Saturday, February 19, 2022

264 & 300 E. BroadwayMultiple buildings and adjacent land parcels. $570,000. 100 S. Main– Former restaurant/bar being used as office and workshop on the first floor. Apartment(s) on the 2nd floor. $150,000. 226 E. Poythress St.4000+ sq ft former NAPA Autoparts building and a second parcel that is a parking area/drive-through space. Contact Jacqueline Butterworth at (804) 426-4005. Properties for lease include: 201 E. Randolph Rd, Ste A– Office space for lease at Randolph Square. Contact Tyler Realty Group at (804)5263030. 245 E. Broadway #3, #4– 1000 sq ft retail spaces for lease in April/May. Contact Leo Chappell at lchappell@ legendpropertygroup.com. 204 N. Main– Offices available for lease. Contact George Elder at (804)6913031. Recruiting home-goods vendors: 226 E. Broadway– 5500 sq ft. Contact elliot.eliades@ outlook.com. Contact Heather Lyne at heather@hopewelldowntown.com or (804)571-1068 to advertise your space or to be connected with a property owner.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Hopewell Veterans Memorial Circle Gets a Facelift HOPEWELL BY CHAI GALLAHUN LNNUSA.com

HOPEWELL— Located at the intersection of one of Hopewell’s major thoroughfares and four streets near the heart of the city is a traffic circle that memorializes fallen veterans. Most people driving by think of it as the “cannon circle” because of the WWI artillery piece that stands vigilant at the roundabout. The name of the historic landmark is the Veterans Memorial Circle, and several organizations and businesses have come together to give it a facelift. Wonder City Garden Club, American Legion Post 146, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 637, AdvanSix, and Appomattox River Peanut and Wine Company of Hopewell, amongst others, have teamed up for the cause, showing community unity while preserving community history. Lovena Rapole, WCGC president, said that they are working together to renovate the circle. “We have been planning for about six months to make changes to renovate the circle.” She pointed out some work that had recently been finished, including lawn maintenance, newly added lighting fixtures, and, the most

dramatic difference so far, the removal of large rose bushes that obstructed a clear view of the memorial. American Legion Post 146 Commander Dave Harless pointed out that the original local American Legion Post 80 was responsible for the construction of the memorial back in 1921. “We want to restore it and bring it back to its original appearance,” said Harless, emphasizing that the project is a positive intersection of the Legion, VFW, local industry, the garden club, and other businesses. He also added that the project would welcome support from anyone willing to donate to the historic cause. Rapole stated that the project will be accomplished in several phases, the first

of which has already been completed —the removal of the overgrown foliage that obscured the memorial. “Our second phase will be the cleaning of the large pillars of the monument, and the resurfacing of the iron works,” said Rapole. Another part of the phase will also include returning the gothic fountain to working order, she added. Harless explained the historical significance of the monument. “This is the first monument in the state of Virginia to service members killed overseas,” he said, adding that it only took American Legion Post 80 from February to Memorial Day in 1921 to get from concept to completion, a timeline considered nearly

impossible today. Rapole said that the first two phases should be complete around summertime this year, and a possible third phase honoring the only Hopewell resident to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor may be completed sometime in 2023. “This memorial is very special to all veterans, past and present,” said Rapole. “This is a place of gathering, of honor and recognition. It is a place where we hold veterans services, and it is near and dear. We hope the community will rally behind us.” For more information about the American Legion and how to support the restoration effort, contact American Legion Post 146 at (804) 541-3735.

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VSU Sends Greenhouse with Chickpea Seeds into Space CHESTERFIELD MEDIA RELEASE VSU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

CHESTERFIELD- Since its beginnings in 1882, Virginia State University (VSU) has been on the cutting edge of developing new and sustainable agriculture solutions to ensure safe, nutritious food is always available. Its College of Agriculture is always looking for “what’s next” to meet the demands of growers and consumers alike. And while their agricultural researchers are still working on resolving some of the more challenging growing problems that farmers face in Virginia—and the world— they’re already focused on researching growing techniques and resolving food science issues that will be important for the next frontier…space. Because as more people travel to space—or maybe even start living on other planets—they’re still going to need safe and nutritious food, just like they do on Earth. Good news for earthling hummus lovers! On Saturday, February 19th, a mini greenhouse with chickpea seeds will be launched from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to the International Space Station to make sure this nutrient-packed, plant-based food, the hero ingredient in hummus, can

play a role in how we’ll eat in space. Chickpeas are ideal for space cultivation consideration because they are fast growing, high in nutrition, and have a short seed-toseed cycle. The launch can be watched live from: https:// www.nasa.gov/nasalive. And while inter-galactic farm-to-table dining is still far off, VSU’s College of Agriculture, whose campus is just minutes from the world’s largest hummus manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, wants to know what other kinds of food Americans will want on the menu in space. VSU’s College of Agriculture has horticulturists already researching how to safely and efficiently grow food in controlled environments like the greenhouse heading to the space station, as well as in the soilless hydroponic conditions that will be needed to produce food in space. Meanwhile, VSU’s team of food scientists is currently researching ways to enhance food nutrition, shelf life, safety, and more, factors

just as critical in space as they are here on Earth. And to ensure the future success of growing food in new environments like space, VSU’s agriculture students are learning today the latest science and technology on how to safely expand the world’s food and fiber production for tomorrow. Anyone interested in participating in the one-minute “Food for Thought” poll to share their thoughts about what they would want to eat in space are encouraged to visit www.ext.vsu.edu/sabrablast-off and follow @Sabra on social media. Feedback will be analyzed and shared with VSU agricultural researchers and food scientists, as well as Sabra, who will select five respondents at random to win prizes. More About How the Launch Will Work Researchers from Stanford University and Aviv Labs are conducting a groundbreaking experiment – scientists on the ground and astronauts in the ISS will attempt to grow chickpeas in space. The

mini-greenhouse (3”x3”x6”) contains chickpea seeds planted in a nutrient-filled gel tray. The experiment will test hydroponic techniques for plant growth in zero gravity. Inside the greenhouse, tiny cameras will film the fledgling crop 24/7, allowing researchers on the ground and astronauts on board the International Space Station to measure root growth and track progress through video and still images. Using special LED lights, researchers will attempt to remotely control growth, accelerating or decelerating as needed. This critical component of the experiment will help future space agronomists align growth and nourishment with human nutritional need in space. The goal? Maximize productivity and efficient management of resources on future space colonies on the moon and Mars. Perfecting these techniques, part of a field called synthetic biology, could be essential to growing crops in a space station or on the moon and other planets.

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Petersburg City Offices Closed Monday for Presidents’ Day PETERSBURG MEDIA RELEASE CITY OF PETERSBURG

PETERSBURG- Petersburg City government offices will be closed on Monday, February 21st in observance of Presidents’ Day. All City offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 22nd. Petersburg Area Transit Bus service (including Para-Transit) will operate on the regular schedule. Dogwood Trace Golf Course will be open on Presidents’ Day. Visit www.dogwoodtracegolf. com to book a tee time.

Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) residential recycling and trash collections is expected to be on schedule for the week of February 21st. For additional information about CVWMA programs, go to www.cvwma.com. For more information on City services and schedules please visit www.petersburg-va.org.

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Economic Development Authority LNNUSA.com Meeting

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5:00 PM

Petersburg Public Library

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James River Soil & Water Prince George Conservation District Meeting

PM Human Services Building February 2022 Locality6:00Calendar

02/22 Prince George Board of Supervisors Work Session

6:00 PM

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Prince George Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting 7:00 PM

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7:30 PM

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City Council Meeting

Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Crater PDC Board of Directors Meeting

02/28 Prince George Senior Task Force Meeting

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Governor Youngkin Meets with City Leaders on Vaccination Rates PETERSBURG BY CRAIG RICHARDS LNNUSA.com

PETERSBURG- On Tuesday, February 15th, Governor Glenn Youngkin visited Petersburg to sit down with city and community leaders. The topic of the day? Vaccination rates. The Governor met with leaders to gather local feedback about Petersburg’s low vaccination rates and ways to address that issue. “We’re going to have a dialogue. And the reason why we’re here, of course, is to really kind of get at the issues around vaccinations for COVID-19 and how we can, in fact, increase vaccination rates,” stated the Governor. “And I’ve said many times that I don’t believe that we should mandate the vaccine; people can make a decision on their own. But of course we should have a real thoughtful process to make sure that we’re providing all the best information and encouraging people to get the vaccine.” First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin also attended the listening session and participated in the conversation, telling leaders, “We thank you for welcoming us to your community, and

PHOTO BY CRAIG RICHARDS/LNNUSA.COM

Governor Glenn Youngkin greets Petersburg officials.

we’re really just here to listen and learn. We have a lot to learn from you.” After a brief synopsis of the situation in the city presented by the Crater Health District, the Governor opened the floor for comments and input from those in attendance. While the topic was specifically COVID-19 vaccinations, the conversation quickly turned to overall health outcomes in Petersburg. Petersburg ranks at the bottom of the list of Virginia’s 133 cities and counties in terms of overall health. “I think that if we took the time out to look at the citizens’ individual needs, to pay attention to what

they’re going through…. that that sets them on the track to start trusting the medical profession to help them,” expressed Ward 1 Councilor Treska Wilson-Smith. The listening session lasted for about one hour, with Governor Youngkin taking notes and asking questions as area leaders expressed their concerns and opinions. After the meeting, the Governor and Mayor Sam Parham expressed their thoughts on Petersburg’s path forward. “This is what our community needs to see, that we have a governor in place that cares about our community, that’s here with us

today, and that’s going to help us meet the necessary goals we need to defeat COVID,” explained Mayor Parham. “We’re going to do this as a team, as a partnership.” “One of the top themes was just a lack of a trusted person to get questions answered, and in communities all over the Commonwealth of Virginia, that person may be your doctor, it could be your pharmacist, it could be a medical professional or healthcare expert that you know, and yet not having access to that for lots of people. I think this was a universal theme, how do we open up lines of communication so folks can get questions answered?” the Governor summarized. “And that’s just a basic community need, and I think it extends beyond the COVID-19 vaccine into lots of other areas of wellbeing and wellness in the community and so this was probably my biggest takeaway, that we need to make sure that we’re working together to open that information opportunity for so many people in not just Petersburg but across Virginia.”

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Potential Football Stadium Divides House along Unusual Lines VIRGINIA BY CAROLYN DAY PRUETT LNNUSA.com

VIRGINIA- House Bill 1353 passed the House of Delegates on a 62 to 37 vote on Monday, February 14th. The bill would establish a Virginia Football Stadium Authority tasked with securing the funding to build a professional football stadium. The authority would be made up of nine members appointed by the Governor, four of whom would be chosen from a list provided by the football team in question. This piece of legislation comes with reports that the recently retitled Washington Commanders are seeking a new stadium location. The bill was opposed by a uniquely bipartisan group of delegates, including libertarian-leaning Republican delegate Nick Freitas and former Speaker of the House and far-left Democrat Eileen Filler-Corn. The debate over the bill and its partner bill in the Senate, SB727, centers around the fact that the authority would have the

power to use taxpayer money to construct the stadium; members on both sides of the aisle pushed back on that power, which would allow the authority to issue $1 billion dollars in bonds. The Senate version of the bill would also allow the authority to exercise eminent domain to secure land for the stadium, another controversial aspect of the

proposal. Arguments against the formation of the authority generally fall into two main categories. Some opposed to it, including Democrat delegate Marcus Simon, argue that wealthy NFL team owners do not need- and should not receive- financial assistance from taxpayers. The other line of opposition is similar but comes at the

same point from another angle, arguing that taxpayer money should not be used on a football stadium. Despite the bipartisan opposition to the authority, each bill has passed its respective chamber of the General Assembly and is now making its way through the opposite chamber.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Rams Defeat Bengals in Fourth Quarter for Super Bowl Win SPORTS BY CAROLYN DAY PRUETT LNNUSA.com

SPORTS- The 2021 football season came to a close Sunday night as the Los Angeles Rams took home the Lombardi trophy. Game Recap The game against the Cincinnati Bengals was surprisingly close, with a final score of 23-20. The Rams made the first touchdown of the game in the first quarter, and at the close of the first half, led Cincinnati by three, 13-10. However, by the end of the third quarter, the Bengals had turned the game around, leading L.A. 20 to 16. With a pass from Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the Rams paved their way to the win in the final quarter and secured their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history. As the Rams regained control of the lead, controversy broke out across social media. The game referees threw six flags in the entire game; however, as Cincin-

Facebook/Los Angeles Rams

nati led the game by four points as the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, the refs called three penalties in under two minutes. Many fans took to the internet to express their disgust

at what appeared to be a sudden shift in the referees’ penalty standards in the final moments of the game. Records & Awards At 36, Rams head coach Sean McVay is now the

youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl in history, adding another record to his already impressive resume. McVay became the youngest head coach in NFL history in 2017 when the Rams hired him at the age of 30. Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named the Super Bowl LVI Most Valuable Player, his second title of the season as Kupp was also named Offensive Player of the Year. The 2022 Super Bowl wrapped up a series of incredibly competitive postseason games without disappointing. After a comeback season that brought them to the big game for the first time in three decades, the Bengals close out the 2021 season as AFC champions. The young team, led by quarterback Joe Burrows, will certainly be one to watch in the 2022 season. In the meantime, The Rams, NFC champions, take home Super Bowl rings and will certainly be heavily favored when the season kicks off next fall.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Local Spring Sports Registrations Closing Soon Drop Off or In Home Repair Authorized Dealer For

REGION

STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

REGION- Spring is swiftly approaching, and the community is looking forward to warmer days and time spent outside! If you and your family want to participate in local sports programs during the warmer seasons, be sure to sign up soon as registration deadlines are looming. Colonial Heights youth softball and baseball sign-up closes on March 4th, and the city is also offering pickleball for anyone ages 12 and up. In Hopewell, baseball, softball, and soccer registration closes on Friday, February 18th. Most of Prince George County’s spring sports reg-

istration is closed, but the county will be offering baseball and softball camps April 4th through the 8th for children ages 9 to 12, and spring girls field hockey registration will close on February 25th. In Dinwiddie, soccer and flag football registration closes on March 7th, and baseball sign-ups on March 4th. Even if deadlines have passed in your locality, it’s worth a call to your Parks & Recreation Department to find out if there is still room for latecomers. For more information or to sign up for a program, visit your locality’s website or your Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Petersburg Cavaliers 2022 Season Begins PETERSBURG PETERSBURG- The Petersburg Cavaliers kick off their 2022 season this month and fans will have the chance to experience the team firsthand for free. The 6th annual Crimson vs Gold exhibition game will take place on Sunday, February 20th, giving basketball fans the opportunity to celebrate the launch of the season with the Cavs. The game will be held at Petersburg High School with doors opening at 4pm and the event beginning at 5pm. The event is free to the public. The evening will feature an all-star game atmosphere with introductions of this year’s players, coaches, and staff; interaction with the crowd; skill competition; a three spot 3-point shootout; and a three-quarter scrimmage finishing with a 4th quarter elam, target score ending. The Cavaliers will open their season at home the following Saturday, February 26th against the Winston-Salem Wolves. Like the Crimson vs Gold exhibition, the game time is at 5pm with the doors opening at 4pm. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, but high school and college students can get in for just $5.00 with a student ID, and kids 13 and under are always free. For more information and for tickets, contact Cavaliers Assistant General Manager Stefan Sabur at 804-605-9611.

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BY CRAIG RICHARDS LNNUSA.com

Crime

Saturday, February 19, 2022

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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 02/09/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3300 BLK OF NORFOLK ST FOR A REPORTED BURGLARY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER ENTERED RESIDENCE AND STOLE POWER WASHER, SINK AND TOOLS.

GERALD MCDOUGAL (34) of HOPEWELL 2022000391 ASSAULT & BATTERY -FAMILY MEMBER,M

ON 02/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3500 BLK OF WOODLAWN ST FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VEHICLE TAGS.

2022000181 NATHAN GRUBB (39) of HOPEWELL IDENTITY FRAUD,F COMPUTER TRESPASS WITH DAMAGE <$2500,M OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENSES,M

ON 02/12/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 2000 BLK OF W BROADWAY FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE FOOD FROM BUSINESS.

2015004465 DOUGLAS MEISSNER (41) of CONVERSE OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENSES,F

ON 02/11/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 900 BLK OF DOLIN ST FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. OFFENDER STOLE MEDICATION FROM RESIDENCE.

2021003578 AUBREY GIBBS (48) of HOPEWELL POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE I,II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE,F POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE I,II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE,F

ON 02/09/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 400 BLK OF S MESA DR FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. OFFENDER ENTERED VEHICLE BY SMASHING WINDOW WITH BRICK AND STOLE CASH. ON 2/09/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3400 BLK OF CLAY ST FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE RUNNING VEHICLE FROM OUTSIDE OF RESIDENCE. VEHICLE RECOVERED IN PRINCE GEORGE. ON 02/10/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 900 BLK OF DAVISVILLE CT FOR REPORTED SHOTS FIRED. UNKNOWN OFFENDER FIRED SHOTS, DAMAGING VEHICLE. NO INJURIES REPORTED.

HOPEWELL POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME SUMMARY

Fugitives of the Week: 1963 February 14, 2022

This week, Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers needs your help with locating the following two fugitives:

2022000381 KADERRO DOBY (25) of HOPEWELL PUBLIC SWEARING OR INTOXICATION,M 2022000333 JOHN LEWIS (36) of HOPEWELL BREAKING & ENTER W/INT TO COMMIT FELONY,F GRAND LARCENY,F 2022000342 RODMAN GONZALEZ (24) of NORTH DINWIDDIE GRAND LARCENY,F 2022000382 ELIHA WESTOVER (32) of HOPEWELL ASSAULT & BATTERY -FAMILY MEMBER,M

Jenna Danielle Kelley is wanted for possession of controlled substance. Kelley, 26, is a 5-foot 7-inch-tall white female who weighs 145 lbs. Kelley has green eyes and blonde hair.

Oscar Ortiz is wanted for failure to appear on felony drug charges. Ortiz, 31, is a 5-foot 6-inch-tall Hispanic male who weighs 150 lbs. Ortiz has brown eyes and brown hair.

For more fugitives, visit our new website crimesolvers.net and hit the most wanted tab. If you have seen one of these most wanted fugitives, call Crime Solvers (804) 7480660, or use the p3Tips mobile app. We guarantee you will remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward up to $5,000. You can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @CrimesolversCCH and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. I am Det. Baldwin with the Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers and these are your Fugitives of the Week.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

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DINWIDDIE ARREST REPORT Louise Reynolds, 56 years old of the 15000 block of Branches Road, Dewitt, Virginia was arrested on February 5, 2022 for larceny.

Jason Travis Doucette, 31 years old of the 13000 block of Boydton Plank Road, Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on February 6, 2022 for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Ashley Lynn Elmore, 32 years old of the 17000 block of White Oak Road, Sutherland, Virginia was arrested on February 7, 2022 for robbery.

Sara Elaine Arbitelle, 40 years old of the 5500 block of Bible Road, Crewe, Virginia was arrested on February 7, 2022 for possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance.

Michael Joseph Williams, 39 years old of the 10000 block of Baltimore Road, Ford, Virginia was arrested on February 7, 2022 for probation violation.

Michael Devon Atkinson, 33 years old of the 2000 block of Whitehill Drive, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on February 8, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

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Rebecca Marie Freeman, 24 years old of the 4100 block of Bancroft Drive, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on February 7, 2022 for causing telephone or pager to ring with intent to annoy and use profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods.

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Dominic Donnell Spratley, 35 years old of the 1300 block of Fillmore Street, Portsmouth, Virginia was arrested on February 8, 2022 for possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, explosives or concealed weapons by convicted felons, aggravated malicious wounding, use or display of firearm in committing felony and discharging firearms or missiles within or at building or dwelling house.

NT LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN TRUST Albert Lee Rochelle, III, 54 years old of the 400 block of Holly Hill Drive, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on February 9, 2022 for larceny, breaking, injuring, defacing, destroying or preventing the operation of vehicle, aircraft or boat and violation of community based probation.

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Jesse Albert Kovalaske, Jr., 32 years old of the 2500 block of Juniper Road, Prince George, Virginia was arrested on February 9, 2022 for larceny, breaking, injuring, defacing, destroying or preventing the operation of vehicle, aircraft or boat and driving on a revoked or suspended license.

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Saturday, February 19, 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 202201310005 Burglary/Breaking and Entering ON 01/31/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 4000 BLK OF BRANCHESTER PKWY FOR A LARCENY. KNOWN OFFENDER GAINED ENTRY AND STOLE FOOD, ALCOHOL, PRESCRIPTIONS, AND POWER TOOLS. ARREST MADE. 202202010001 Damage of Property ON 02/01/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 11900 BLK OF SOUTH CRATER ROAD FOR A REPORTED DISTURBANCE. INVESTIGATION DETERMINED THE DISTURBANCE WAS VERBAL ONLY. UPON SEPERATING THE PARTIES, IT WAS FOUND THAT DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE DO THE BUSINESS BY ONE OF THE PARTIES. SUBJECT WAS BANNED FROM THE PROPERTY. 202202010002 Fraud-Welfare Fraud ON 02/01/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 4800 BLK OF RED GATE ROAD FOR A FRAUD INVESTIGATION. UNKNOWN OFFENDER USED THE VICTIM’S INFORMATION TO OBTAIN WELFARE BENEFITS. 202202010003 Larceny ON 02/01/2022, OFFICERS RESPONDED TO THE 3400 BLK OF PRINCE GEORGE DRIVE FOR A LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VICTIM’S CHECK FROM THE MAIL AND DEPOSITED IT INTO A BANKING ACCOUNT. 202202010004 Fraud-Welfare Fraud ON 02/01/2022, OFFICERS RESPONDED TO THE 11180 BLK OF COUNTY DRIVE FOR A FRAUD.

UNKNOWN OFFENDER USED VICTIM’S IDENTITY FRAUDULENTLY TO OBTAIN WELFARE BENEFITS. 202202010008 Fraud-Wire Fraud ON 02/01/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF FRAUD IN THE 4400 BLK OF JEFFERSON POINTE LANE. UNKNOWN OFFENDER GAINED ACCESS TO VICTIM’S BANK ACOUNT AND WIRED FUNDS. 202202010009 False Id to Law Enforcement, FraudIdentity Theft ON 02/01/2022, POLICE INITIATED A TRAFFIC STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY DRIVE AND PRINCE GEORGE DRIVE. DRIVER PROVIDED FALSE IDENTIFICATION AND WAS ARRESTED FOR SAME. 202202020004 Fraud-Wire Fraud ON 02/02/2022, POLICE RECIEVED A REPORT OF FRAUD ONLINE IN THE 5600 BLK OF CEDAR TRAIL. VICTIM MADE A PURCHASE ONLINE THROUGH FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE AND SENT FUNDS. UNKNOWN OFFENDER THEN BLOCKED THE CALLER AND DID NOT SEND THE PURCHASED ITEM. 202202020006 Vandalism ON 02/02/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF VANDALISM IN THE 7400 BLK OF CANTERBURY AVENUE. UNKNOWN OFFENDER DAMAGED A WINDOW ON THE VICTIM’S VEHICLE. 202202020007 Fraud-Welfare Fraud, Fraud-Identity Theft ON 02/02/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF IDENTITY THEFT AND

WELFARE FRAUD IN THE 7500 BLK OF WOODS RIDGE TERRACE. UNKNOWN OFFENDER USED VICTIM’S IDENTITY TO OBTAIN WELFARE BENEFITS FRAUDULENTLY. 202202030003 Larceny-Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts ON 02/03/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 5100 BLK OF OAKLAWN BLVD IN REFERENCE TO A LARCENY OF MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE A COMPUTER FROM INSIDE THE DASHBOARD OF A TRACTOR TRAILER. 202202030004 Fraud-Welfare Fraud, Fraud-Identity Theft ON 02/03/2022, OFFICERS RESPONDED TO THE 1110 BLK OF COLLINGWOOD DRIVE FOR A FRAUD REPORT. UNKNOWN OFFENDER USED VICTIM’S INFORMATION TO OBTAIN WELFARE BENEFITS. 202202030006 Fraud-Wire Fraud ON 02/03/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3900 BLK OF PRINCE GEORGE DRIVE IN REFERENCE TO A REPORTED FRAUD. KNOWN OFFENDER ORDERED TIRES AND THEN BLOCKED PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION TO THE MERCHANT. 202202030010 Fraud-Welfare Fraud, Fraud-Identity Theft ON 02/03/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF FRAUD IN THE 19400 BLK OF TEMPLETON ROAD. UNKNOWN OFFENDER USED VICTIM’S PERSONAL INFORMATION TO OBTAIN WELFARE BENEFITS.

202202030012 Fraud-Welfare Fraud, Fraud-Identity Theft ON 02/03/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF FRAUD IN THE 13500 BLK OF TAYLOR DRIVE. UNKNOWN OFFENDER USED VICTIM’S PERSONAL INFORMATION TO OBTAIN WELFARE BENEFITS 202202040001 Fraud-False Pretenses ON 02/04/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 7100 BLK OF MOUNT HOPE ROAD FOR A FRAUD. KNOWN OFFENDER WAS PAID FOR A HOME IMPROVEMENT JOB AND DID NOT COMPLETE THE JOB. 202202040002 Fraud-Wire Fraud ON 02/04/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 4000 BLK OF OLD IRON ROAD FOR A REPORT OF ATTEMPTED FRAUD. UNKNOWN OFFENDER ATTEMPTED TO USE VICTIM’S TURBO TAX ACCOUNT TO FILE FOR A TAX REFUND. ATTEMPT WAS STOPPED BY THE COMPANY BEFORE INFORMATION WAS RELEASED. 202202040003 Assault-Intimidation, Motor Vehicle Theft, Assault-intimidation, LarcenyTheft from Motor Vehicle ON 02/02/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 20500 BLK OF ROWANTY ROAD FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT. KNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VICTIM’S VEHICLE AND SENT THREATENING MESSAGES. VEHICLE WAS LATER LOCATED AND RETURNED TO OWNER. 202202050002 Assault-Simple ON 02/05/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 4300 BLK OF MARTINSON

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

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P R I N C E G E O RG E COUNT Y INCIDENT R E P O RT S

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY POLICE DEPART PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS January 31, 2022 – February 6, 2022 January 31, 2022 – February 6, 2022 January 31, 2022 – February 6, 2022

LANE FOR AN ASSAULT. INVESTIGATION DETERMINED KNOWN OFFENDER ASSAULTED VICTIM. ARREST MADE FOR  For the period January 31, 2022 – February For the period January 31, 2022 – February 6, 2022 DOMESTICASSAULT.

6, 2022 o 336 criminal and other types of calls for service were assigned criminal and other types –ofFebruary calls for 6, service  o For 336 the period January 31, 2022 2022 were assigned o Total calls for service: 498 202202050005o Total calls for service: 498 o 336 criminal and other types of calls for service were assigned Fraud-Credit Card o Total calls for service: 498 ON 02/05/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 11000 BLK OF BINFORD DRIVE Police Police IN REFERENCE TO CREDIT CARD FRAUD. UNKNOWN OFFENDER OBTAINED Police Accident Fatality 1 VICTIM’S CREDIT CARD NUMBERS AND Accident Fatality 1 Accident Property Damage 12 USED THEM AT TWO STORESAccident OUTSIDE Property 12 Accident Fatality Damage 1 OF THE STATE. Hit & Run Property Damage 1 Hit & RunProperty PropertyDamage Damage 1 Accident 12 MVA with Entrapment 1 Entrapment 11 202202060003 MVA Hit & with Run Property Damage MVA with Possible Injuries 7 Fraud-Welfare Fraud, Fraud-Identity MVA Injuries 71 MVA with with Possible Entrapment Traffic Stop 126 Theft ON 02/06/2022, POLICE Traffic StopPossible Injuries 126 MVA with 7 RECEIVED A REPORT OF FRAUD Total 148 148 Traffic Stop 126 THAT OCCURRED IN THETotal 5000 BLK OF BICKING LANE. KNOWN Total 148 OFFENDER WAS IDENTIFIED AS FILING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS UNDER Animal VICTIM’S BUSINESS NAME. ARREST Animal Services MADE.

Services

Animal Services Animal Aggressive 202202060004 Animal Aggressive Animal at Large Vandalism Animal Large Animal at Aggressive Animal Call ON 02/06/2022, OFFICERS RESPONDED Animal Call Animal at Large TO THE 4500 BLK OF JEFFERSON POINT Animal Carcass Animal Animal Carcass Call LANE FOR A REPORTED VANDALISM. Animal Sick/Injured Animal UNKNOWN OFFENDER CAUSED Animal Sick/Injured Carcass Animal – Check Welfare DAMAGED TO A SLIDING GLASS DOOR. – Animal Check Welfare Animal Sick/Injured Total Total Animal – Check Welfare Total

1 41 44 14 31 13 14 1 14

1 4 4 1 3 1 14

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Burglary: 1963 | February 14, 2022 This week, the Chesterfield County/ Colonial Heights Crime Solvers program needs your help to solve two burglaries that occurred in Chesterfield County. During the early morning hours of Jan. 9, 2022, two CVS stores were burglarized in Chesterfield County. The first burglary occurred at the CVS at 10100 Robious Road at about 12:25 a.m., and the second was at the CVS in Westchester Commons at about 1:50 a.m. The same suspect entered both stores by forcing entry through the front doors. Once inside, he attempted to break into the ATMs at both locations. The suspect is described as a black male wearing a gray hoodie, dark-gray camo pants and black shoes. Crime Solvers has released photos of the suspect in these incidents. To see them, visit our Facebook page or our website at crimesolvers.net and look for “This Week in Crime Solvers” on the homepage. If you can help solve this crime or have information about any unsolved crime or wanted person in Chesterfield County or Colonial Heights, call Crime Solvers at 804748-0660 or use the P3-Tips mobile app or website. We guarantee you will remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward up to $5,000. I am Police Specialist Ron Coombs with the Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers program and this is your crime of the week.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

Fighting for Important Issues SENATOR FRANK RUFF

15TH SENATE DISTRICT A Penny and a Half Last year, during the race for governor, Glenn Youngkin announced his goal to remove the sales tax on groceries. Years ago, we removed the state portion of the sales tax on groceries. However, a penny and a half were left because a penny was used in the localities for education and a half cent was to assist maintaining our roads, which was to avoid adding more tax on gasoline. All agreed that the sales tax on groceries has the greatest impact on those who earn the least. Meals out and entertainment are not necessities; being able to feed your family is. Despite everyone understanding that, opponents wanted to deny Governor Youngkin success on a campaign promise. Finally, after some jockeying around, those who wanted to embarrass the Governor gave way to the political reality that this tax was too much, particularly while large surpluses to the tune of $2 billion were being reported. Rather than concede the issue completely,

they refused to remove the half cent portion. Masks in Schools A year ago, we were still learning about Covid. Since then, the virus has mutated into a less fatal version. This has been good; we should all celebrate that. However, some have concerns that we should address. When someone is in poor health, they have a great deal more to fear. We know that those over seventy-five years of age make up half of the deaths. Those deaths in other age groups have generally been associated with underlying health problems. Those under seventeen are so rare that they are less than one tenth of one percent. Knowing all this, we need to better focus on those in need. Now it is past the time that we should evaluate what is happening in our schools. There have been many stories about the effectiveness of masks. Should children be allowed to be in school without them? Last month, Governor Youngkin ended the mandate that Governor Northam had put on all students last year. The belief is that parents should be the ones deciding if Covid should be so feared that the other effects of masks

can be ignored. We know that the quality of education has been negatively affected. For younger students, learning to read is more difficult when they can not see the teacher’s mouth as words are sounded out. This past week, despite resistance from the establishment, enough senators understood and voted to return the decision-making process to families. The naysayers fear that Covid is going to run wild in our schools and communities. I would simply point out that we have seen greater outbreaks in the virus in the last two months even though students were required to wear masks. As proof this was not a health issue but rather a political issue, one need only observe that the Northam mandate saw no court action while the Youngkin elimination of the mandate resulted in multiple court cases. Those cases were brought by those who opposed the election of Youngkin as governor. There will be more cases of Covid with or without masks. My hope is that all will be safe. If there are concerns, then by all means put on your mask. Porn in the Classroom I was proud to join Sena-

tor Dunnavant in sponsoring legislation that would rein in some questionable material in our schools. This bill was not aimed at classic literature as opponents argued last week. Instead, it focuses on much more graphic material that has seeped into our elementary and middle schools. I will not describe what was shown as proof. I will, however, tell you a story from another state. A teacher gave eighth grade students pictures of a pizza and a list of sexual possibilities that were represented by normal pizza toppings. Students were expected to choose their preferences. When parents found out, a supervisor explained that it was a mistake. This was not a mistake! It was wrong for a teacher to subject eighth graders to something so inappropriate. On a More Positive Point We have reached the halfway point in the 2022 Session. This week, we begin considering those bills that were successful in the House and presenting our successful ones before House committees. 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.

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Conflict with China and Russia Could Accelerate De-Dollarization STEFAN GLEASON MONEY METALS NEWS SERVICE

Geopolitical tensions are casting a pall over the Olympics in China amid rising fears of war with Russia. As nations prepare for conflict, investors should brace for potential fallout in asset markets. Both China and Russia play hugely important roles in the global economy. Both face economic sanctions from the United States. And both are eyeing long-term strategies for shifting the locus of global trade away from the Federal Reserve Note “dollar.” The Biden administration announced a partial diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics. It also recently imposed trade restrictions on 34 Chinese entities for supplying the Chinese Communist Party with tools to commit “crimes against humanity.”

Although China now stands accused on the world stage of committing human rights violations against Uyghurs, the CCP has never faced much official condemnation for its role in unleashing the COVID-19 pandemic and covering up its origins. By contrast, U.S. officials eagerly find reasons to condemn and punish Russia for its transgressions. Some in the Pentagon are warning that Russia is on the verge of invading Ukraine and instigating a war that could claim thousands of lives and scatter millions of refugees. Perhaps it will prove to be a baseless Russia conspiracy theory borne out of faulty intelligence. Perhaps not. In any event, the Biden administration is weighing possible new sanctions on top of the ones that have already taken a toll on Russia’s economy. They don’t seem to have deterred Russian President Vladimir Putin, however. He continues to push against the U.S. and its NATO

allies. U.S. Can Strike at Any Nation’s Financial Infrastructure Michael S. Bernstam of the Hoover Institution suggests U.S. sanctions take a different approach: “The threat of devastating Western financial, trade and personal sanctions is credible but may not constitute sufficient deterrent. The threat of a Western military response could present a deterrent but is not credible,” he writes. “One deterrence measure is both credible and sufficient. It is the threat to sanction the Russian Central Bank.” Russia’s central bank, like most around the world, holds significant U.S. dollar reserves. Mostly they are in the form of electronic entries at the Federal Reserve. The Fed, along with the European Central Bank, could lock Russia out of those assets, suggests Bernstam. America’s use of its financial weaponry in this way would potentially be ruinous for Russia’s currency, banking

system, and economy. Of course, forcing a sovereign default could also be ruinous for the remaining trust and credibility of the U.S. dollar as world reserve currency. In the long run, that could play right into the hands of Russia and China. They are steadily pursuing de-dollarization anyway. One tool for gaining greater independence from the global fiat monetary order is gold. Countries Are Bolstering Their Gold Reserves to Increase Independence Since 2014, Russia’s central bank has been switching out Federal Reserve Notes for gold. According to the latest reports, the Bank of Russia now holds more of its foreign reserves in gold (23%) than in dollars (22%). Russia also happens to be a key player in the global palladium market, possessing significant stockpiles and controlling nearly 40% of all production for the scarce metal used in auto catalysts.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

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Russia also supplies the European Union with about 35% of its natural gas. Meanwhile, China dominates the market for rare earth metals which are essential in many industrial and high-tech applications in the United States and elsewhere. With price inflation now raging, the risk of resource wars is rising. When things are going badly in the economy and for the incumbent party in government, scapegoating and warmongering often take the place of accountability. Peace advocates hope the latest flare up involving Russia recedes as cooler heads prevail. At the end of the

day, nobody wants to start World War III. Geopolitical events tend to be short-lived in terms of their capacity to move markets. Investors who try to trade based off global conflict reports tend to get burned. Individuals and Businesses Can De-Dollarize Too

The case for diversifying into hard assets doesn’t rest on global strife driving shortages. It rests on inflation continuing to persist as a consequence of the Fed’s loose monetary policies. Supply disruptions and chronic under-investment in the mining industry are also pressuring raw materials markets. Spot shortages

in aluminum, copper, steel, precious metals, and rare earths are likely to appear in the months ahead. Supply shortfalls could, of course, be exacerbated by a new cold war or hot war overseas. Investors who are concerned about both geopolitical and inflation risk would be wise to de-dollarize their own portfolios. Replacing paper assets with physical precious metals in prudent allocations can help insulate wealth from a variety of threats that now exist as well as from those we can’t yet see.

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5 Reasons to Eat More Tart

FAMILY FEATURES

Cherries

If you want to add superfoods to your diet in the new year, Montmorency tart cherries may be perfect for you. Montmorency is the variety of tart cherries grown in America, primarily on small family farms. Compared to sweet cherries that are typically eaten fresh during the summer season, tart cherries are available yearround as dried, frozen, canned, juice and juice concentrate. Decades of scientific research has shown Montmorency tart cherries are deserving of their superfood reputation. Here are five reasons to enjoy them more often:

• Sleep: Tart cherries are one of the few food sources of melatonin

and have been the focus of multiple sleep studies.

• Exercise recovery: Tart cherry juice has become a popular exercise recovery drink for athletes.

• Arthritis and gout: Studies have ex-

plored the impact of Montmorency tart cherry juice consumption on gout attacks and arthritis symptoms.

• Heart health: Montmorency tart cherry research

has examined blood pressure and blood lipids.

• Versatility: Although they remain perfect for pie, tart cherries can easily transition from sweet to savory, adding complex flavors to oatmeal, smoothies, salads, granola bars, trail mix and grain bowls. Look for dried U.S.-grown tart cherries at the store and online for enjoyment at the start of your day and at night in recipes like Tart Cherry Overnight Oats and Tart Cherry Bedtime Bites. Find more recipes and scientific research at ChooseCherries.com.

A Dark, Colorful Clue The deep red color is your clue to the science-based benefits of Montmorency tart cherries. The vibrant hue is due to the concentration of anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol in the flavonoids family that has been widely studied.

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Saturday, February 19, 2022

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Tart Cherry Bedtime Bites

Recipe courtesy of the Cherry Industry Administrative Board Yield: 12 bites

Ingredients: • 6 medjool dates, pitted • 1/2 cup dried tart cherries • 1/2 cup finely shredded coconut flakes • 3/4 cup unsalted cashews • 1 teaspoon almond extract • 1 pinch fine sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In food processor, process dates until broken into pea-sized bits. Add dried tart cherries, coconut flakes,

cashews, almond extract and sea salt; process until combined. Form into 12 balls and chill 2 hours.

Tart Cherry Overnight Oats

Recipe courtesy of the Cherry Industry Administrative Board Servings: 2

Ingredients:

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In large jar or container, mix cherries, oats, milk, almonds, cherry concentrate, chia seeds and cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

• 1 cup dried tart cherries, plus additional for topping (optional) • 1 cup old-fashioned oats • 1 cup almond milk • 1/2 cup slivered almonds, plus additional for topping (optional) • 2 tablespoons tart cherry concentrate • 2 tablespoons chia seeds • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2. Spoon into bowls and enjoy cold • honey, for topping (optional) or warmed up. Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with extra dried tart cherries and almonds, if desired.

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Across 22. Number of people that vote in a 8. The Donkey Party particular election 2. Questionable results requitement Name: _____________________________________________________ Date:equal _______ 10. State that offers 23. Surname of the most recent opportunity for victory for either party 4. The Elephant Party farther-son duo who both served as 11. First Tuesday after the first 5. System of determining president Monday in November every four years presidential winner 24. Canidate who is believed to be in 12. American president was involved 9. the choice expressed through the the lead in the Watergate scandal votes cast by the electorate. 25. Popular Conservative movement 13. French president's length of term 15. Longest-serving monarch of the United Kingdom Y D O G B Z K Down O R F E C K V O Q Sprior N toA2000S T U O Q 14. Number of presidents who have 16. World War I began with the death 1. Person that runs for public office A country T U S Q K 3.R ANC E political T H party G in I South F E R Ibeen F impeached S N K I F K of ArchdukeBof this Africa stands for what 19. Canidate in a race about whom 17. Canidate Z currently B V holding G G office. D A E W D J F Y Y S W Llittle D is A G X X I W known 6. creating a diversion from a 18. Overwhelming victory I ofMthe FfirstDfather-son E J Y damaging N X JissueR W Q L J T P T J N N A R N 20. Surnames duos who both served as US presidents 7. Nelson Mandela was from which L F H G R O F country O F S K Q D O D K S S F T S P E M 21. Those eligible to vote in Country

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Obituaries

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William N. Blakes

December 1, 1934 - February 17, 2022 Mr. William N. Blakes departed this life on Thursday, February 17, 2022.

Joyce Lee

October 23, 1941 - February 17, 2022 Mrs. Joyce Lee of Matoaca departed this life on Thursday, February 17, 2022 her residence.

Mary Nedward

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Lonnie Wade McCoy

Lula Beckner Ziegenfuss

Lonnie Wade McCoy, 75, of Chesterfield, VA passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Born in Richmond, VA he was the son of the late Lawrence and Edna Evans McCoy. Mr. McCoy was a United States Navy veteran having faithfully served his country from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. While in the Navy he served on the USS Bainbridge which was one of the first nuclear powered ships that went around the world and crossed the equator five times. As a golfer, he got a hole in one at a Country Club in Florida, and caught a 553 pound Blue Marlin on his third wedding anniversary in Nags Head, NC. Mr. McCoy had worked for Cii Services for 36 years and then went on to work at John Randolph Medical Center as a Mechanical Engineer for another 6 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy Rose McCoy; a grandson, Oliver Grayson Campbell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lula “Lu” Ziegenfuss, 97, of Petersburg, VA passed away on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Born on January 6, 1925 in Princeton, West Virginia she was the daughter of the late, Joseph and Pansy Beckner; and was also preceded in death by her husband, John E. Ziegenfuss, Sr.; one son, John E. Ziegenfuss, Jr.; and eleven brothers and sisters. She retired as a long time broker and real estate agent for Bowers, Nelms and Fonville. Lu is survived by her two daughters, Margaret Z. Terrell (J.T.) and Betty Z. McDaniel; two sons, Robert P. Ziegenfuss (Connie) and Jeffrey E. Ziegenfuss; her brother, Ray Beckner; fourteen grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Lu’s family would like to thank the caring staff at Dunlop House Assisted Living, where she resided for the past five years, and to Crater Community Hospice whose care she was under the past year.

Ms. Mandy Rosita Briggs

John Scott Munoz

December 17, 1946 - February 16, 2022 January 6, 1925 - February 16, 2022

February 17, 2022

Mrs. Mary Nedwards of Petersburg departed this life on Thursday, February 17, 2022 her residence.

Jonathan M. Seymour, Jr.

March 4, 1968 - February 16, 2022 Ms. Mandy Rosita Briggs, 53, of Midlothian, VA, peacefully departed this on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Chippenham Hospital, Richmond, VA.

February 10, 2022 - February 16, 2022 Jonathan M. Seymour, Jr. of Charles City departed this life on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

Mr. Christopher Stallard

August 23, 1979 - February 16, 2022 Mr. Christopher Stallard, 41, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Bon Secours Community Hospice House, Richmond, VA.

September 22, 1978 - February 15, 2022 John Scott Munoz, 43, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife, Christa Noel Munoz; daughters, Samantha Martinez, Savana Munoz, and Megan Rosenberg; son, Xavier Munoz; mother, Debra Boyd; father, Juan Carlos Munoz and wife, Doreen; sister, Jade Tomlin; brothers, Chris Munoz and Jason Munoz; as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Alva Broadus Ford, Sr.

March 28, 1927 - February 14, 2022

Obituaries LNNUSA.com

Bobbie Meadows Honeycutt. March 25, 1957 - February 14, 2022

Alva Broadus Bobbie Meadows “A.B.” Ford, Sr., Honeycutt, 64, of 94, of Petersburg, Prince George, passed away on passed away on February 14, 2022. February 14, Born in Dillon Co., 2022. She was SC, he was the son preceded in death of the late Isom by her mother, Ford and Bernice Wilma Sammons; Richardson Ford. He was also preceded husband, Vernon Honeycutt; and sisters, in death by his beloved wife, Kelma Ford; Margie Arnett and Jackie Cornett. Bobbie was a longtime employee of Standard brothers, Harry Ford, Dorothy Edwards, Motors Products and worked in the manand Judy Mason. Alva was a proud Veteran having served his ufacturing department. She enjoyed cross stitching and attending yard sales. She was country in the Army Air Corps. He went on also very fond of bears. Most of all, however, to work for Petersburg Ford Motor Company and eventually opened his own business, she was devoted to her family and doted on Ford’s AMOCO. After many years he started her grandchildren. Bobbie is survived by his second business, Ford’s Mobile Home her children, John Elliott (Deborah) and Park, where he served as owner and operaWilma Miller (Alex); grandchildren, Paul tor. He was an avid fisherman and especially Elliott (Courtney), Lee Elliott (Madison), loved catching fish on the Chesapeake Bay. Logan Miller, Abby Miller, Randell Elliott, Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, and Zackary Miller; great-grandchildren, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed. Bentley, Kohen, and Evelyn Grace; special He is survived by his children, Alva “Rusty” niece, Martha Campbell; and special friends, Ford, Jr. (Pamela), Kelly Rene Ford, and Robert and Linda Toone, Yvette Giovinazzi; grandchildren, Rustin Brenda Gentry, John Duhart, and India Hart. Ford, Brian Ford, and Cristina Giovinazzi Vautrin (Eric); great-grandson, Cole Hayes Vautrin; siblings, Carlisle Ford (Rose), Edna Weber, and Billy Ford (Linda); and sonWilliam Fisher in-law, Floyd Burton (Denise). The family November 6, 1945 - February 11, 2022 would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at VCU Health. William “Bill”

Martin Fisher, 76, of Chester, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parJanie R. King ents, William and November 19, 1935 - February 10, 2022 Troy Fisher; and a niece, Jenny Thacker Steele. He is survived Janie Rowland King, 86, of Prince by his loving wife of 52 years, Elizabeth George, VA passed Clear Fisher; daughter, Berkeleigh Ladd away on Thursday, and husband, Tommy; daughter, Whitney February 10, 2022. Hogan and husband, Shane; grandchildren, Emerson Combs, and Quinn Combs; sister, She is survived Martha Thacker; brother, Mark Fisher and by her devoted husband, Clarence wife, Paula; nieces, Anna Thacker Flick and Tiegan Fisher; nephew, Timothy Fisher; as A. King; brothwell as extended family and friends. Bill was ers, Claude Calvin Rowland, Burkley Gene Rowland (Mitzi); and Joseph Elson Rowland a member of the Chesterfield Community Church. He was a Locomotive Engineer for (Gale); as well as several nieces and nephCSX and Amtrak; he was also very active ews. in Richmond Search and Rescue. Over the years Bill was Captain of many different boats and enjoyed the outdoors, spending time with his family, boating and survival prepping.

Saturday, February 19, 2022

William Harold Bjornes February 12, 2022

William Harold Bjornes, Sr., 83, of Hopewell, passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2022. Born in Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late Harold Bjornes and Ann Pert Bjornes. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Ray Hanchey. William was employed with Allied Chemical as a machinist, retiring after 31 years. He enjoyed working on various house projects throughout his life. He also enjoyed helping his neighbors, Jeff and Walter, whenever they needed him. William had a special love for his great-grand doggie, Lucy. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by his children, William H. Bjornes, Jr., Laura Brown, and Charles Minor; grandchildren, Tara Brown, Heather Brown, Anya Dumke (Devin), Elijah Bjornes, Jonathan Bjornes, and Daniel Bjornes; brother, John Bjornes (Christine); sister, Pat Hanchey; mother of his children, Priscilla Bjornes; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John Taylor Shockley

April 26, 1946 - February 10, 2022 John Shockley, 75, of Chesterfield, VA, passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2022. Born in Rochester, NY on April 26, 1946, he was the son of the late Frederick Lee Shockley, Sr. and Edna Lee Shockley. He is survived by his loving wife, Ethel Shockley; one daughter, Bonnie Kitts; three grandchildren, Samantha, Megan and Taylor Kitts; his great-grandchildren; one brother, Freddy Shockley; and a sister, Shirley Clark. He was retired from Kaiser after 30 years of dedicated service.

Obituaries LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Anita Snyder Hughes

Charles Madison Sheffield

Mrs. Carolyn Graves Stith

Anita “Liz” Snyder Hughes, 82, of Hopewell, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022. Born July 20, 1939 in Oakwood, VA, she was the daughter of the late William Grant Snyder and Eva Elizabeth Sarver Snyder. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard Hughes; brother, Marvin “Teddy” Snyder; sister, Brenda Irish; brother-in-law, William H. Hughes; sister-in-law, Juanita Hughes; and son-in-law, Dan Barina. Liz was raised in Longshop, VA until she was 10 years old, she then went to the Lutheran Children’s Home located in Salem, VA. She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1957. She was employed with Partin Oil Company in Enon, VA as Office Manager for 20 years. She enjoyed dancing, gardening, sewing, crocheting, baking cakes, and bluegrass music. She will forever be known as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Liz was a kind, giving person and was loved by everyone she met. She is survived by son, Leonard W. Hughes; daughters, Laura Shields, Lisa Sylvester (Tim), and Lanissa Hughes; grandchildren, Jason Shields, Larissa Shields, Joey Roesch (Kathryn), Taylor Hughes (J.D. Penegar), and Lindsey Sylvester; great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Alexis Shields; nieces, Vicki Weber, Melissa Irish, Cindy Hughes, and Karen Killgore; sisters, Sandra Anderson and Debbie Simmons; brother, Perry M. Snyder and Rodney Snyder; sister-in-law, Marsha Hughes; devoted friends, Evelyn Noonkester, Annie Foley Smith and Charles Lewis; and numerous extended family and friends. “Love you forever.”

Charles (Charlie) Madison Sheffield (Bugga), of Ettrick and Chester, VA, departed this life Thursday February 11, 2022 at the age of 93. Born August 31, 1928 to Jessie Lee (Reese) and Earnest Manning Sheffield of Ettrick, VA. Charles attended Petersburg High School and The Art Institute of Chicago, where he studied Advertising and Printing Design, earning his diploma in 1952. Charles also served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Whittier, Alaska for about 8 years, obtaining an Honorable discharge in 1962. Charles began his art career at a large advertising firm Cargil, Wilson and Acree in downtown Richmond. Soon learning he didn’t care for working in “big business,” he started his own advertising art business “Sheffield & Board” at 18 E. Main St. in Richmond, VA. Specializing in airbrush retouching of photos for many big business names, they reached much of the east coast of the U.S., such as A.H. Robbins, Phillip Morris, Circuit City and many more. Charles enjoyed painting, taking photos, repairing “any and everything,” drawing house plans, working with wood in his garage workshop and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charles was inseparable from his wife of 70 years, Nancy Naedine Sheffield. Charles is survived by his wife, Nancy Sheffield, 91; son, Barry Sheffield, 61; grandchildren, Christopher Lee Cimburke, Chelsea Nicole Sheffield, Rachel Naedine Sheffield, Corey Madison Sheffield; and 7 great-grandchildren. Charles is preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Reese Sheffield; father, Earnest Manning Sheffield; sister, Kay Manning Sheffield; and sons, Scott Madison Sheffield and Carl Earnest Sheffield.

Mrs. Carolyn Graves Stith, 80, formerly of Petersburg, Virginia, gained her wings on Thursday, February 10, 2022 in Chester, Virginia. Carolyn was born in Homeville, Virginia to the late Lawrence Edward Graves and Agnes Hunt Graves on February 19, 1941. She was educated in the Sussex County Public School System, Sussex, VA and graduated from Sussex County Training School, Sussex, VA in 1959. Carolyn was employed at the Southside Virginia Training School, Petersburg, VA as a Team Leader and retired in April 2004 with 30 years of service. She also worked yearly as a poll worker. Carolyn was a kind hearted person and would do anything for her family. She was a dedicated member of New Hope Baptist Church, Waverly, VA for 50 years where she served faithfully on the Hospitality Committee. She will be greatly missed by all who graced her presence. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, James Pernell Stith and brother, James Alfred Graves. She leaves the following to cherish her memory, two beloved sons: Darrell Stith, Sr. (Anita) and James A. Stith, Sr. (Shanley); five adored grandchildren: Gabrielle Stith, Darrell Stith, Jr., Danielle Stith, James A. Stith, Jr. and Nicholas Stith; one devoted sister: Londa Simmons; six sisters-in-law: Gladys Nevells, Mamie Hamilton (Art), Hortense Stith, Barbara Jones (James), Ruth Stith and Gloria Hill; one brother-in-law: Woodrow Stith; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friend, Ms. Mary Perry. Special thanks to Crater Community Hospice, the Home Health Nurses of Encompass Health Rehab of Petersburg and Ms. LaKita Whitaker.

July 20, 1939 - February 11, 2022

Jessica M. Hardy

April 1, 1990 - February 15, 2022

August 31, 1928 - February 11, 2022

John A. Pierce

Service will be held February 12, 2022 11:00 A.M., Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, Pastor, and Rev. Jameson K. McLaughlin, eulogist.

Mr. John A. Pierce departed this life on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, Midlothian.

February 19, 1941 - February 10, 2022

Obituaries

LNNUSA.com

NaJah Dunn

May 16, 2003 - February 13, 2022 Miss NaJah Dunn departed this life on Sunday, February 13, 2022.

Patricia A. Wilson

December 13, 1960 - February 13, 2022

Ella B. Geter

September 21, 1944 - February 13, 2022 Ms. Ella Bea Geter of 210 S. Little Church Street, Petersburg, VA, peacefully passed on to eternal rest at her residence on February 13, 2022. She was born on September 21,1944 to the late James and Daisy Thomas in Surry County, Virginia. Ella Bea was a kind, free hearted, humble and fun-loving woman. She loved cooking big meals on Sundays for her family, singing and dancing. Ms. Ella Bea will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services for Ms. Patricia A. Wilson of South Chesterfield, who departed this life on Sunday, February 13, 2022 Sandra Gail Stone at John Randolph March 11, 1958 - February 13, 2022 Medical Center, Hopewell will be (age 63) announced by the family at a later date. Our beloved Sandra Gail Stone, 63, of Colonial Heights, VA, David V. Body passed away on August 5, 1957 - February 10, 2022 Sunday, February 13th, 2022. Sandy Service for Mr. loved her family David V. Body more than anything, and always made sure of Aylett, who they knew it. She enjoyed traveling to both departed this new and familiar places, shopping, and life on Thursday, spending time with ones she cherished. February 10, She was preceded in death by her parents, 2022 at Henrico Howard and Clara Stone. Sandy is survived Doctors’ Hospital, by her soulmate and loving partner of 27 Richmond will be years, Susan Forest, as well as countless announced by the family at a cousins and friends. Sandy will be patiently later date. waiting with Sammy, Dixie, and Murphy for Sue to take them all home to North Carolina.

Mr. Robert Allred

September 05, 1945 - February 17, 2022 Mr. Robert Allred, 76, of Hopewell, VA departed this life on 2-17-2022 at his residence.

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Elena Intrepido Presnell

February 24, 1934 - February 12, 2022 (age 87) Elena Intrepido Presnell, 87, of Colonial Heights went to be with our Lord on Saturday, February 12, 2022. Born on February 24, 1934 in Monfalcone, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Cosimo Intrepido and Maria M. Ramires and was also preceded in death by her sister, Gina Intrepido Parkin. Elena was a member of Fort Lee Memorial Chapel parish for over 50 years. She retired from Titmus Optical, Inc. with over 25 years of dedicated service. A loving mother and wife, Elena devoted her life to taking care of her family. As a military wife, she opened her home to anyone that needed a place to be and knew no strangers. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband of 67 years, Haston Presnell; son, Steve Presnell and wife, Janet; daughter, Tammy Respass and husband, Chris; three grandchildren, Christopher Presnell and wife, Kylie; Ashley Fisher and husband, Jason; and Kyle Respass; four great-grandchildren, Greyson, Brooklynn, Grady, and Landon; sisters, Vincenza Efting and Antonietta Tutt and other extended family members and many beloved friends.

Mr. Steward L. Greene

May 11, 1935 - February 16, 2022 Mr. Stewart Greene, 86, of North Chesterfield, Virginia passed away on February 16, 2022 at his residence.

Obituaries

Elder George M. Wooden, Sr.

LNNUSA.com

Christina “Christy” S. Criscione Sheikela R. Lewis

December 21, 1939 - February 13, 2022 October 31, 1976 - February 13, 2022 (age 45) Elder George Mallory Wooden, Sr. 82 passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 13, 2022 in Hopewell, Virginia. George was born December 21, 1939 in Surry, Virginia to the late Ethel Wooden-Woods and Horace Wooden. He is preceded in death by his late wife Martha Trower Wooden, oldest siblings Vernice Pannell and Donald Wooden. George accepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior and was baptized at Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Surry, Virginia. He was called into the ministry as a young man. He dedicated his service to become the Pastor of Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ for over 40 years. George received his welding certification from John Tyler Community College. He received another certification in welding from the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice program. He started his career working at Continental Can in Hopewell, Virginia. Shortly after, he begins his dream to become a Farmer. He farmed over 15 years and loved every minute of it. Later years, he went to work for the Newport News Shipyard as a certified Welder. He retired after 10 years from the shipyard and continue his love for hunting and gardening. Leaving to cherish his memories are: wife Janie Wooden; oldest daughter, Beatrice Wooden-Baker; oldest son George Wooden, Jr.; daughter Charlene Booker (Larry); son, Marshall Wooden (Julia); daughter, Vernice Wooden Pierce (James) and youngest daughter, Sandra Wooden Brown (Felton, Jr.); eight grandchildren: Sedrick Baker, Daejon Keels, Charis Booker, Leslie Baker, Lauren Booker, Shanice Pierce, Paris Brown and Caleb Booker; two great grandchildren, Skylar Baker, and Sedrick Baker; one sister, Martha Dildy; and aunt Carlene Wooden and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Saturday, February 19, 2022

June 26, 1996 - February 12, 2022

Service will be held Christy Suzanne 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, Criscione, 45, of February 22, 2022 Glen Allen, Virginat Gillfield Baptist ia, passed away Church, 209 Perry peacefully at home Street, Petersburg, surrounded by her VA, the Rev. Dr. loving family on George W.C. LySunday, February 13, 2022. Born on October 31, 1976, she ons, Jr., Pastor, eulogist. was the daughter of Marygrace Nardozzi and Eddie Jones. Christy was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother “GA”. Family meant everything to her and Georgia J. Frenzley her love to them never went unnoticed. She March 1, 1947 - February 10, 2022 is now peacefully resting and will be missed immensely. Christy is survived by her husServices will be band, Peter A. Criscione; her loving chilheld 1:00 P.M., dren, Lauren Puryear and husband, Trevor, Monday, February Gabrielle Criscione, Madison Young, Olivia 21, 2022 at the Criscione, and Emma Criscione; her parChapel of J. M. ents, Marygrace Nardozzi and Eddie Jones; Wilkerson Funeral grandchildren, Maverick Puryear, MackEstablishment, enzie Puryear, and Troy Puryear; and her Inc., brothers, Jeff Clack and Anthony Nardozzi.

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National

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 19, 2022

N ATI O N A L N EWS courtesy of TH E E PO CH TIM E S

Plaintiffs in Michigan Lawsuit Over Zuckerberg Funding of Elections Fighting State’s 3rd Attempt to Dismiss Case MATTHEW VADUM

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat who wants communities in her state to continue accepting private funding for election administration, is trying for the third time to have a lawsuit challenging the practice thrown out. The legal controversy arose after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife gave $419.5 million to left-wing activist groups during the 2020 election cycle, purportedly to ease the strain on election systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these “Zuck bucks,” as some call the money, $350 million went to the Safe Elections Project of the Center for Technology and Civic Life (CTCL), which in turn used the money for grants to sympathetic groups, according to the Thomas More Society’s Amistad Project. The Thomas More Society is a national, not-for-profit public interest law firm; the project “works to preserve civil liberties in a time of great national challenge,” according to the society. Amistad Project director Phill Kline, the former Republican attorney general of Kansas, said in a report that Zuckerberg’s funding “dictated city and county KIMBERLY WHITE/GETTY IMAGES FOR SIRIUSXM

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in San Francisco on Feb. 5, 2016.

ELAINE CROMIE/GETTY IMAGES

election management” and in the process violated federal law and state legislature-endorsed election plans.

COVID dangers were used as a cover for providing Center for Tech and Civic Life monies to municipalities to boost Democrat candidates in the 2020 election. Thor Hearne, special counsel, Thomas More Society

In addition, “executive officials in swing states facilitated, through unique and novel contracts, the sharing of private and sensitive information about citizens within those states with private interests, some [of] whom actively promote leftist candidates and agendas.” This sharing of data “allowed direct access to data of unique political value to leftist causes, and created new vulnerabilities for digital manipulation of state electronic poll books and counting systems and machines.” The lawsuit, Ryan v. Benson, is before Michigan’s Court of Claims. Benson, the defendant, tried and failed on two previous occasions to have the lawsuit dismissed. On Feb. 14, the plaintiffs filed a response to Benson’s latest motion for summary disposition, arguing that the motion should be denied because discovery is not yet complete and “remains open until the end of March,” according to the court’s scheduling order. CTCL, which required grant monies “to be used, among other purposes, to purchase re-

Secretary of the State of Michigan Jocelyn Benson speaks to the press at Ford Field in Detroit on Nov. 3, 2020. mote, unattended ballot boxes that violated Michigan law and facilitated mail-in voting and ballot harvesting,” has not yet provided full responses, the plaintiffs said in the response. The plaintiffs say that the Zuckerberg money was supposed to be used to buy personal protective equipment, but only a small percentage of it was used to pay for COVID-19-related personal protective equipment. Thor Hearne, Thomas More Society special counsel, said, “COVID dangers were used as a cover for providing Center for Tech and Civic Life monies to municipalities to boost Democrat candidates in the 2020 election through increased mail-in voting and ballot harvesting in predominantly urban jurisdictions and to the detriment of Michigan voters who live in suburban and rural jurisdictions of the state.” Because the funds went through CTCL, a legally recognized “charity,” they were characterized as “grants,” and Zuck-

erberg’s “donations” were not covered by campaign finance laws, and became unlimited and unregulated so-called dark money, Hearne said. The Zuckerberg money was illegally used in “an election scheme that enhances the weight of votes cast by one class of voters or increases one favored class of voters’ access to the ballot,” he said. The scheme was calculated “to favor urban areas in Michigan and to disadvantage Michigan voters in rural and suburban more politically conservative areas.” The legal case goes back to early October 2020, Hearne told The Epoch Times in an interview. “Local election clerks in Michigan, in rural areas, began calling and complaining about the fact” that CTCL, which they had never heard of before, was handing out grants to election officials, he said. “And they said, ‘They’re offering to give us money to run the election, but they want us to

Senators Say It’s Time to Reopen U.S. Capitol to Public

do it in a certain way,’ and they thought that wasn’t proper,” Hearne said. “That’s how we found out about it. None of this money was paid under campaign finance rules—none of that was disclosed. That’s the only way anybody learned of this.” It became “even more absurd when the person paying for it also requires that the local election officials sign a contract agreeing to spend the money and conduct the election in a certain manner,” Hearne said. If, for example, it costs a local jurisdiction $14 million to run an election, “and Zuckerberg comes in and says, ‘Well, I’ll give you $7 million so you can get more people out, mail out more ballots, that’s a huge, huge number,” Hearne said. A Benson aide declined to comment. “We do not comment on ongoing litigation,” Tracy Wimmer, director of media relations in the Michigan Department of State, said via email.

sors of the resolution. They include Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marco Ru-

dismissed. On Feb. 14, the plaintiffs filed a response to Benson’s latest motion for summary disposition, arguing that the motion should be denied because discovery is not yet complete and “remains open until the end of March,” according to the court’s scheduling order. CTCL, which required grant monies “to be used, among NATIONAL other purposes, to purchase re-

crat candidates in the 2020 elec- told The Epoch Times in an intion through increased mail-in terview. voting and ballot harvesting “Local election clerks in in predominantly urban juris- Michigan, in rural areas, began dictions and to the detriment calling and complaining about of Michigan voters who live in the fact” that CTCL, which they LNNUSA.com suburban and rural jurisdictions had never heard of before, was of the state.” handing out grants to election Because the funds went officials, he said. through CTCL, a legally recog“And they said, ‘They’re ofnized “charity,” they were charfering give usSmoney to run NEWS courtesy of THE E PO CHtoTIME acterized as “grants,” and Zuck- the election, but they want us to

National

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in San Francisco on Feb. 5, 2016.

in and says, ‘Well, I’ll give you $7 million so you can get more people out, mail out more ballots, that’s a huge, huge number,” HearneSaturday, said. February 19, 2022 A Benson aide declined to comment. “We do not comment on ongoing litigation,” Tracy Wimmer, director of media relations in the Michigan Department of State, said via email.

Plaintiffs in Michigan Lawsuit Over Zuckerberg Funding of Senators SayFighting It’s TimeState’s to Reopen CapitoltotoDismiss Public Case Elections 3rdU.S. Attempt MARK TAPSCOTT MATTHEW VADUM

Declaring it’s “illogical Michiganthat Secretary of Stateand Jocunacceptable” keep the U.S. elyn Benson,to a Democrat who wants closed communities herrest state Capitol “despiteinthe accepting private ofto thecontinue United States being open,” for election 27funding Republican senatorsadministraare pushtion, is trying forpublic the third time ing to restore the visitato have a lawsuit challenging the tion policies that were in place practice thrown out. before CCPcontroversy virus pandemic Thethe legal arose began March 2020. afterinFacebook founder Mark “It is long pastand timehis forwife the SenZuckerberg gave ate$419.5 to reopen itstodoors to those million left-wing activist groups therepresent 2020 elecwho sent usduring here to tion cycle,American purportedly to ease them—the people,” theBill strain on election systems Sen. Hagerty (R-Tenn.), the during the COVID-19 principal sponsor of apandemic. Senate Of these “Zuck bucks,” as some resolution calling for the Capicall the money, $350 million tol’s reopening, told The Epoch went to the Safe Elections ProjTimes 15. for Technology ect ofon theFeb. Center “Thanks Warpin and Civic to LifeOperation (CTCL), which Speed, vaccines been turn used the have money foravailgrants to for sympathetic able over a yeargroups, for thoseaccordwho ing them, to theand Thomas Morefrom Sociwant Americans ety’sto Amistad Project. coast coast have learned to More Society liveThe theirThomas lives safely despite theis a national, not-for-profit public pandemic. From stores veninterest law firm; thetoproject ues and most workplaces and “works to preserve civil liberties schools, theofrest the United in a time greatofnational chalStates hasaccording reopened,to and it’ssociety. time lenge,” the Amistad Project Phill for the Senate to do director the same.” Kline, the former Republican The Senate resolution citesattorney general Kansas, eight reasons toofjustify itssaid callin a report that Zuckerberg’s fundto reopen the Senate side of ing “dictated city and county the Capitol campus, including the Russell, Dirksen, and Hart KIMBERLY WHITE/GETTY IMAGES FOR SIRIUSXM Senate office buildings. Among

the reasonsmanagement” is that “despiteand thein election existence of COVID-19, tens of the process violated federal law thousands people routinely and state of legislature-endorsed gather across the country for election plans. sporting, entertainment, worship, and other events.” Notable among such events COVID dangers was Super Bowl LVI, which included were a mask used requirement as a for the huge crowd football fans cover forofproviding andCenter celebrities attendance. forin Tech and However, few attendees actually Civic Life monies wore masks during the game and to municipalities its associated festivities. The also notes that toresolution boost Democrat reopening the Capitolin is approcandidates the priate because “stores, restau2020 election. rants, and other public places Thor special counhave beenHearne, successfully welcomsel,public Thomas More Society ing the since the pandemic began in 2020 ... the American people, including Members of In addition, “executive offiCongress, routinely use crowded cials in swing states facilitated, public transportation vehicles, through airplanes unique and novel conincluding and trains the sharing of private ...tracts, [and] most Americans have and sensitive information about long sincewithin resumed working citizens those states with around co-workers, customers, private interests, some [of] and others.” whom actively promote leftist Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) candidates and agendas.” This sharing data “allowed released a videoofstatement on direct to said: data “It’s of unique Feb. 15 inaccess which he past political valuethese to leftist causes, time to reopen buildings and created new vulnerabilities and the U.S. Capitol back up to for digital manipulation of state the American people. They need electronic poll books and countaccess to these and the ing systems andhalls machines.” building that contains soBenson, much The lawsuit, Ryan v.

is before Michigan’s Court of Claims. Benson, the defendant, tried and failed on two previous occasions to have the lawsuit dismissed. On Feb. 14, the plaintiffs filed a response to Benson’s latest motion for summary disposition, arguing that the motion should be denied because discovery is LEARN MORE AT not yet complete and “remains open until the end of March,” according to the court’s scheduling order. CTCL, which required Michigan Secretary of State grant monies “to be used, among Jocelyn Benson in San other purposes, to purchase reFrancisco on Feb. 5, 2016.

sors of the resolution. They include Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), DANIEL SLIM/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES ELAINE CROMIE/GETTY IMAGES James Inhofe (R-Okla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cindy HydeSmith (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Cynthia Lummis (RWyo.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Kennedy (RLa.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (RTenn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and John The U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 4, 2021. Barrasso (R-Wyo.). of our nation’s history, art, and sional agency employee to access None of the Senate’s 50 culture.” any part of the complex has been Democrats have signed on as The Arkansas Republican said with an escort to a specific place a co-sponsor. A spokesman for the“Americans State of Michigan Jocelyn Benson speaks toSenate the press at Ford FieldChuck in it’sSecretary importantofthat for a limited period of time. Majority Leader Detroit on Nov. 3, 2020. have the ability to meet and inPrior to March 12, 2020, the Schumer (D-N.Y.) didn’t respond teract with the leaders that rep- Capitol Complex was among the to The Epoch Times’ request for mote,them.” unattended ballot boxes busiest erberg’s “donations” were not comment. do it in a certain way,’ and they resent locations in Washington, that violated and with covered bythousands campaignoffinance thoughtDemocratic that wasn’tsupport proper,” On March 12, Michigan it will havelaw been multiple tourThere’s facilitated mail-in voting and laws, and became unlimited Hearne said. two yearsharvesting,” since the entire Capi-yet ists visiting historic sites such on the side ballot has not and unregulated so-called dark for reopening “That’s how weHouse found out tolprovided Complex,full as responses, well as much as the Capitol Rotunda, while of the Capitol, however. Speaker the money, Hearne said. about it. None of this money ofplaintiffs the executive individual taxpayers, the House Nancycampaign Pelosi (D-fisaid inand thelegislative response. legions TheofZuckerberg money was ofwas paid under branches of the federal nonprofit andelection politi- Calif.), reporters on The plaintiffs say governthat the members nancetold rules—none of Feb. that 10 was illegallyofused in “an Zuckerberg money was sup- calscheme disclosed. That’s thetours only way enhances the that ment, were closed to members advocacythat groups, diplomats she expects public of weight of countries, votes cast one the to be used to buy personal from anybody of this.” ofposed the public. foreign andbylobCapitollearned to resume “pretty protective but only classfor ofcorporations voters or increases one soon, It Ibecame Since then,equipment, the only way for a byists and other hope.” “even more absurd small percentage it was used favored institutions class of voters’ access when the person paying anyone who isn’t aofsenator or domestic were call-to Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) toldfor to pay for COVID-19-related the ballot,” he said. The scheme it also requires that the local representative, a credentialed ing on congressmen and staffers. NBC News: “This place belongs personal protective equipment. was calculated “to favor urban election officials sign a contract member the news media,More or As of Feb. 15, 27 ofand the to 50disadRe- toagreeing the people. They should be Thor of Hearne, Thomas areas in Michigan to spend the money a congressional aidecounsel, or congresco-spontoconduct be here.”the election in a Society special said, publican vantagesenators Michiganare voters in rural able and “COVID dangers were used as a cover for providing Center for Tech and Civic Life monies to municipalities to boost Democrat candidates in the 2020 election through increased mail-in voting and ballot harvesting in predominantly urban jurisdictions and to the detriment of Michigan voters who live in suburban and rural jurisdictions of the state.” Because the funds went through CTCL, a legally recognized “charity,” they were characterized as “grants,” and Zuck-

“I PASS ON YOUR ARTICLES TO ENLIGHTEN SOME OF THE UNENLIGHTENED.” —Phlip Lewis TheEpochTimes.com

and suburban more politically conservative areas.” The legal case goes back to early October 2020, Hearne told The Epoch Times in an interview. “Local election clerks in Michigan, in rural areas, began calling and complaining about the fact” that CTCL, which they had never heard of before, was handing out grants to election officials, he said. “And they said, ‘They’re offering to give us money to run the election, but they want us to

certain manner,” Hearne said. If, for example, it costs a local jurisdiction $14 million to run an election, “and Zuckerberg comes in and says, ‘Well, I’ll give you $7 million so you can get more people out, mail out more ballots, that’s a huge, huge number,” Hearne said. A Benson aide declined to TRUTH and TRADITION comment. “We do not comment on ongoing litigation,” Tracy Wimmer, director of media relations in the Michigan Department of State, said via email.

sors of the resolution. They in-

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