LNN Tri-City News - Feb. 26, 2022

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

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RESILIENCE & DETERMINATION

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Ward Map Can Kicked Again

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Hopewell, Petersburg

Rank Top 5 For Evictions

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The Great Resignation

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USA Today

Bestselling Author Visits Hopewell

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

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Resilience and Determination Local African Americans Prove Success Despite Adversity REGION

BY ADRIENNE WALLACE FOR LNNUSA.com

REGION – Times have changed in Prince George County and across the region since the days of racist attacks and segregation, yet there are many citizens who remember this troubled era.

Floyd Brown, Sr.

County native Floyd Brown, Sr. recalls what it was like back in those days when he faced racism at every turn and had to attend high school separate from whites. The policy’s supposed goal was “separate but equal”, but even politicians today will tell you that didn’t work.

Black schools did without many of the tools provided to white students. However, the Prince George Training School, which was an allblack school, did have strong teachers, many of whom inspired their students who went on to become educators and anything they set their mind to.

For Brown, he wasn’t going

to let the challenges hold him back. “Make your mind up to do what you want to and don’t make excuses.”

The valedictorian of the training center went on to attend Virginia State where he earned his degree in vocational industrial education. In fact, the father of three went on to earn his master’s degree and worked through the education system at different schools and substituting at Prince George High School.

And that’s not all. Brown retired from the Air Force after 30 years, worked in education, and worked in the state’s department of mental health, retiring after 25 years.

“It was pretty hard in those days,” Brown said, “I’m not going to lie to you. But I was not going to be defeated or discouraged.” Though, the long-time Prince George resident admits, there were discouraging times as he entered the workforce and sought to find agencies where he could provide guidance and expertise as a volunteer.

“You have to be determined

so you can do what you set your mind to despite what challenges you may face,” he added. “You have to be ready to make a difference.”

In the county, the military veteran has done just that.

Brown has been a volunteer since he was able to do so, proudly holding positions in the Rotary Club, NAACP, and Prince George Democratic Committee, as well as reaching the highest level at the 33rd degree as a member of St. James #128 Disputanta Masonic Lodge free and accepted, Helena Chapter of Eastern Stars. And that’s what he recalled in just a few minutes.

Brown was appointed as the first black member of the Planning Commission.

Anytime he was tapped to help fill in a vacancy on the Board of Supervisors, Brown, Sr. answered the call. Despite the valuable input fellow board members said he provided, the military veteran was unable to get elected; but now he can take pride in the fact that his son is currently

on that elected board.

“It makes me very happy, but I didn’t do it – he did,” he said humbly.

Floyd Brown, Jr.

“Well, he paved the way,” his namesake said in a recent interview. “Everyone knows him and what he’s done for this community, and I wasn’t well known in that same way.

But because of the name, I received respect when running for office.”

However, it wasn’t an easy road for Floyd Brown, Jr. either. He lost in his first run for office. “Your first thought is rejection,” Brown Jr. admits. “But as my parents taught me – be determined.”

Because of the staggered terms for the office, Brown Jr. was able to run again within two years. He did, and this time around was successful.

Currently, the former chairman is serving in his second term, and after that he’s not sure what’s next. But that doesn’t mean it’s the end of his political career. Brown, Jr. has been approached by many

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Floyd Brown, Sr. (right) and Floyd Brown, Jr.

suggesting a run for state-level office or at least some roll within the state government.

But Brown, Jr. says he feels that, at the higher level, politics is more about party vs. party instead of looking out for the little guy.

“I feel like you can really make a difference locally,” the grandfather of eight noted.

“That has the most impact on their lives from tax rates to infrastructure.”

Brown, Jr. also faced challenges as a black man, admitting, “I faced racism every day, but it wasn’t going to define me.”

He’s gone on to earn a degree in technology and has now been part of that industry for 42 years. “I wanted to make my parents proud, and not having served in the

military, this was a way to give back,” the son of Floyd and Erma said. “When I first came into office, I was a little naive. I thought ‘I can’t please everyone’,” he admitted. “It didn’t take long to realize you can’t please everyone all the time. I know that 50 percent of the people may be happy while 50 percent are unhappy.”

“I realize not everyone will be happy, but as long as I can lie my head down and sleep at night, I can be comfortable with my decisions.”

His goal is to do what is best for the county overall, or at least to the best of his knowledge with the information provided. Right now, the county is focused on infrastructure that can help boost revenue, which helps keep

taxes down.

Of his success, the District 1 representative says he was raised by parents who cared and also set an example of respect for themselves and of others no matter how those others may have treated them.

“My father was always a parent, not focused on being a friend. He would say ‘Because I said so.’,” Brown, Jr. recalled. “I said, ‘when I am a parent, I would never say that’. But I’m a parent now and I say that, but now that I am older and more mature, I understand, realizing why.

He’s the last word and the father – end of conversation.”

He explained the lack of such discipline is what has impacted the behavior of young people today. “They just have

no respect, and lack the basic lessons of respect for others, setting goals, and giving back to the community.”

“It all starts with the parents and grandparents,” Brown, Jr. said. “Our parents gave us all [he and his siblings] a sense of determination to make a difference,” he noted. “It might be hard and if the front door closes, there’s a back door – nothing is impossible.”

He wishes more people would get engaged, and not just to criticize, but be willing to serve, even realizing they may be under a microscope While he may not know the future, Brown, Jr. recommends remaining focused on all the little things and appreciating just waking up in the morning. “I am truly blessed.”

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Ward Map Can Kicked Again PETERSBURG

BY CAROLYN DAY PRUETT LNNUSA.com

PETERSBURG- After months of debate and delay, Petersburg’s city council members voted Tuesday night, February 22nd, to select a new ward map for the city.

The Crater Planning District Commission assisted in developing a number of potential new ward line scenarios, but in the end, the decision came down to three potential options: Map 5, Map 6, and Map 10. The three proposed maps have been available for public review on the city’s website, but were also displayed at Union Train Station for residents to view in person.

Redrawing of political districts is required by Virginia law in each year ending in “one”. The process of redistricting was supposed to be completed by the end of 2021, but the covid pandemic slowed completion of the national census that provides updated population numbers for redistricting. But even though that essential data was delayed, Petersburg’s City Council has added to the suspense by holding discussions, public hearings, and meetings about the map options repeatedly but consistently putting off the final decision.

A second public hearing on the potential maps was held Tuesday evening during the

council meeting, and citizens were invited to submit questions and comment by phone, email, or in person at the Train Station. Although Ward 1 Councilor Treska Wilson-Smith expressed her concern that council wasn’t ready to vote on the maps, and despite the absence of Ward 2 councilor Darrin Hill, council moved forward with the vote after public comments and councilor comments closed. A motion was made by Ward 3 councilor and Mayor Sam Parham to accept Map option ten, but that initial motion failed in a three to three tie.

Ward 6 councilor Annette Smith Lee then moved that council accept Map 6, and that motion passed four to two with Ward 4 Councilor Charlie Cuthbert and Ward 7 Councilor Arnold Westbrook dissenting. Petersburg finally had a new ward map.

Or did it?

The council meeting continued on through other business and reports, but when council got to the last item on the agenda before adjournment, the City Attorney’s report, Mayor Sam Parham asked to reconsider his vote on the ward maps.

“Under this section, I want to state for the record my motion to reconsider my vote on Map 6 tonight, okay?” said Parham.

“Are you making the motion to reconsider?” asked City Attorney Anthony Williams.

“Yes, I make the motion

to reconsider,” confirmed Parham.

Cuthbert seconded the motion, adding that the council would reconsider the proposed maps at a special council meeting on March 1st. When Parham opted to reconsider his vote for Map 6, a tie was created in the original vote, failing the motion to accept that map. All five of the councilors remaining in the meeting voted in favor of once again delaying the final vote; Councilor Howard Myers of Ward 5 had stepped away from the meeting.

When a final decision on the mandatory new ward

maps was within sight, the council once again chose to kick the proverbial can down the road, leaving the citizens of Petersburg with no explanation of why a decision has not been reached.

One resident who addressed council during that evening’s ward map public comment period referenced an “inappropriate conversation” related to proposed Map 10, a map that was added to the line up of potential options late in the redistricting process. No explanation or further information on the referenced conversation was provided.

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

Hopewell, Petersburg Rank in Top 5

Nationwide for Evictions TRI-CITIES

BY CHAI GALLAHUN LNNUSA.com

TRI-CITIES— The city of Hopewell has higher than average eviction rates within the Commonwealth, according to Hopewell Director of Development Tevya Griffin. That’s based on a 2016 study by sociology professor Matthew Desmond of Princeton University, the foundation of Griffin’s briefing on the issue presented to City Council on Tuesday, February 22nd.

In the ranking of mid-sized cities throughout the United States, both Hopewell and Petersburg fall in the top five in rates of eviction.

Hopewell is ranked fourth, and neighboring Petersburg comes in second in the entire country.

Stepping back and looking at large cities with the highest eviction rates across the US, Virginia is home to five of the top ten large cities with Richmond, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, and Chesapeake coming in at 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 10th, respectively.

These high eviction numbers caught the attention of a non-profit, fair housing advocacy organization called Housing Opportunities Made Equal, or HOME. “[HOME] is currently administering a program called the Eviction DiverCONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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EVICTIONS

Saturday, February 26, 2022

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FROM PAGE 5

sion Program in the city of Richmond,” stated Griffin, adding that the non-profit has entered into a partnership with the City of Richmond, the Greater Richmond Bar Foundation, and Central Virginia Legal Aid. She explained that HOME reached out to the city’s Department of Development in early January, asking about the possibility of launching a similar program in Hopewell. Griffin and her senior planner Chris Ward met with Michelle Jones, HOME’s Director of Housing Civility to discuss the possibility.

The goal of the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot Program is to create a local and regional coordinated approach to effectively prevent evictions, explained Griffin. “When evictions cannot be prevented, the

system will include how to divert evictions once the household has received an unlawful detainer,” stated Griffin.

She continued, describing the systems approach that includes creating a collaborative impact model where organizations that serve as a safety net within a community can work together to ensure households have early access to resources to stabilize their housing situations.

HOME Director Michelle Jones also addressed council during the briefing, saying, “That [2016 Princeton] study revealed the scope of the problem”, and that it was not surprising because “we knew what was going on in our communities”.

However, she explained, it did reveal how Virginia stacked up to the rest of the country.

“Our mission is to ensure

equal access to housing for all people,” said Jones.

Examples of how that is accomplished include housing counseling, advocacy for the rights of renters and homeowners to ensure they are not being discriminated against in accessing housing, as well as some financial assistance.

“We are not here to dictate,” said Jones. “We are here to be a collaborative partner, and to work with the city so that we can look at how to mitigate voluntary moves and creating a continuum for eviction prevention and diversion programs.”

If the council voted in favor of launching the joint program, Jones said, “We will start meeting with the identified advisory group, and begin making some plans. You all will be receiving updates regularly, and we will begin to design the

implementation component.

There will be an evaluation point with this.”

She added that HOME has a partnership with the RVA eviction lab, and that it has already begun data collection to assist in directly working with Hopewell to review and evaluate data.

“We want to be able to begin to look at how do we reduce the number of evictions, and diminish the financial impact on the families, the landlords, and the community,” said Jones.

“And minimize the displacement of families in the city and most of all to ensure housing stability for individuals.”

Hopewell city council members voted unanimously in favor of the launch of the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot Program under the oversight of the city’s Department of Development.

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CHAI GALLAHUN

LNN Bureau Chief

CAROLYN DAY PRUETT LNN News Director

CRAIG RICHARDS LNN CEO

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

THE GREAT RESIGNATION

Governments, Companies Seeing High Turnover in Staffing as Employees Voluntarily Leave HOPEWELL

BY ADRIENNE WALLACE FOR LNNUSA.com

HOPEWELL – Hopewell’s city manager is pulling double duty, triple duty, and sometimes even more.

That’s because of all the vacancies that Hopewell is facing, and March Altman is without assistant city manager and human resources director. Many other positions are also vacant, ranging from an appraiser to public safety personnel.

In all, 24 positions remain unfilled.

Vice Mayor Johnny Partin called it the “great resignation”, noting that many other localities are facing similar challenges as people move on to better opportunities. “Petersburg, Ches-

terfield, and Prince George also have many vacancies within their government structure,” he said. “It’s nationwide and not just Hopewell.”

Prince George currently is looking for new staff to fill 15 vacancies, according to Stacey English, Interim Director of Economic Development and Tourism.

According to Integrity Staffing Solutions, a nationwide staffing firm based in Newark, Delaware, the Great Resignation may taper off later this year, but turnover is expected to remain elevated, providing talent acquisition professionals with a stellar opportunity to lure talent to the organization and to play a more critical part in retaining that talent.

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“The post-pandemic hiring recovery will continue to be tumultuous in 2022, exemplified by intense hiring demand, fierce competition for talent, and an overhaul of the employee experience to meet candidate expectations,” the recruitment company stated.

Todd Bavol, president and CEO said, “I think it will be harder. Not only will quality candidates continue to be in high demand, but there will also continue to be a large number of job openings, and competition will be even tighter than in 2021.”

The latest labor market data shows the economy is still about 3 million jobs shy of pre-pandemic levels with about 4 percent unemployment and a depressed labor

force participation rate, according to Indeed recruiters.

There was an 83 percent increase in job posts mentioning flexibility, according to LinkedIn, and 343 percent more mentions of flexibility in company posts during that time. For their part, recruiters need to know the ins and outs of their company’s flexible work policies and how the organization supports remote and hybrid workers.

Partin explained that the city is currently on the hunt for qualified candidates. In the meantime, Hopewell leaders are trying to promote within its departments to help retain staff and offer opportunities to move up the ladder.

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VEC Catching Up on Claims Backlog VIRGINIA STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

VIRGINIA- On Monday, February 21st, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the backlog of employment separation reports at the Virginia Employment Commission has been decreased by 89%. The Governor made fixing the efficiency issues at the VEC one of his Day One Priorities.

Governor Youngkin said of his administration’s work at the VEC, “On day one, my administration launched

the VEC transformation effort with an initial focus on reducing the backlog and we are starting to see encouraging initial results.

We have a lot more work to do, but I want Virginians to know we are serious about making the VEC, along with all other state agencies, work for them.”

Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater, Chief Transformation Officer Eric Moeller, and VEC Commissioner Carrie Roth together launched Governor Youngkin’s transformation initiatives at the VEC with

a goal of improving service and communications at the agency. As of January 15th, the backlog of employment separation reports have been reduced by nearly 89% from 246,273 to 27,728 and unpaid pending claims have

been reduced from 24,887 to 15,846.

If you have questions about your unemployment claim, you can contact the VEC at vec.virginia.gov, at customerservice@vec.virginia.gov, or by phone at 866-832-2363.

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Applications Now Being Accepted for PGCPS’ Four-Year-Old Preschool Program

PRINCE GEORGE MEDIA RELEASE PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PRINCE GEORGE- Registration for Prince George County Public Schools’ Four-Year-Old Preschool Program is now available to families. The program is designed for at-risk four-year-olds residing within Prince George County, aiming to provide a healthy learning environment that addresses the needs of preschool children whose social or economic conditions place them at risk of poor school performance.

The school division’s Pre-K program is provided in cooperation with county agencies and supported by a Virginia General Assembly grant to provide quality preschool programs for four-year-old children not served by other programs. Outlined in state legislation, a child/family must meet at least one of the four criteria to be considered for admittance into the program or meet certain local conditions.

• A family’s income is at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines • In cases of children with special needs or disabilities, a family’s income is below 350% of federal poverty guidelines • Experiencing homelessness • A child’s parents/guardians did not graduate from high school Students must be four years old on or before September 30, 2022.

Applications are available at the following locations for pickup by families: • L.L. Beazley Elementary (13400 Courthouse Road) • David A. Harrison Elementary (12900 East Quaker Road) • North Elementary (11106 Old Stage Road) • South Elementary (13400 Prince George Drive) • W.A. Walton Elementary (4101 Courthouse Road) • Prince George School Board Office (6410 Courts Drive) • Prince George Health Department & Prince George Department of Social Services (6450 Courts Drive) Applications can also be downloaded on the school division’s website by visiting https://www.pgs.k12.va.us/preschool/.

An application with proof of household income must be submitted to the Prince George School Board Office for the child to be considered for enrollment. Acceptable forms of proof of household income include: • Form W-2 • Leave & Earnings Statement (LES) • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Statement • Tax Returns • Pay Stubs Completed applications with included proof of income can be turned in at the Prince George School Board Office at 6410 Courts Drive or submitted digitally to amitchell@pgs.k12. va.us. Those with questions can call the Prince George School Board Office at 804-733-2700.

PUBLIC NOTICE The Board of the Petersburg City Public Schools will hold a Superintendent/School Board Advance on Friday, February 25, 2022, from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., in the Cool Spring Elementary School library, 1450 Talley Avenue, Petersburg, VA. A closed session may be convened prior to or following the Advance. A ZOOM webinar link to the Superintendent/School Board Advance will be made available on the Petersburg City Public Schools website at www.petersburg.k12.va.us.

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Fatal UTV Crash in Prince George PRINCE GEORGE

old girl with severe injuries at the scene and rushed her STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com to Southside Regional MediPRINCE GEORGE- A trag- cal Center, where she later died. The girl was a passenic crash occurred in Prince ger in the UTV, which was George County early this being driven on the roadway week. Around 5:40pm the by her ten year old brother evening of Monday, Februwhen it veered off the road ary 21st, county police reinto a ditch. sponded to a utility terrain Board Supervisors PrinceofGeorge Police Budget Work vehicle crash on Hines Road 02/23 Prince George Session are still investigating the in Disputanta with reports incident and ask anyone of injuries. with information to contact Officers found a five year PGPD of at Zoning 804-733-2773.

02/24 Petersburg Board Appeals Meeting

Regional

Crater PDC Board of Directors Meeting

5:00 PM

Administration Building

2:00 PM

Petersburg Public Library

6:00 PM

1964 Wakefield Ave, Petersburg

5:30 PM

Virtual & Human Services Building

February 2022 Locality Calendar

02/28 Prince George Senior Task Force Meeting

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

Record Growth in Hotel Occupancy in the Petersburg Area TRI-CITIES MEDIA RELEASE PETERSBURG AREA REGIONAL TOURISM

TRI-CITIES- During 2021 the Petersburg Area Regional Tourism (PART) region experienced a significant growth spurt in the Hospitality/Tourism sector propelling hotel revenues to new highs. Data provided to PART by Smith Travel Research shows room revenues reached $89.4 million for calendar year 2021, surpassing the $72.3 million recorded in CY 2019 (pre-COVID-19). Total hotel revenue grew by 23.7 percent and revenue per available room (RevPAR) grew by 20.5 percent.

Hotel occupancy in this

region for 2021 increased by 11 percent to 76.7 percent, a significant increase over 2019’s occupancy of 65.7 percent. In fact, this region had the highest 2021 occupancy rate of any region in Virginia. Overall, the Commonwealth’s 2021 hotel occupancy rate stood at 56.7 percent.

PART utilizes Smith Travel Research, owned by CoStar Group, to provide monthly reports that monitor the business activity of 38 hotels within PART’s region that incorporates the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg and Dinwiddie and Prince George Counties.

Higher hotel revenue trans-

lates into higher lodging tax revenues for member localities.

PART is committed to providing a welcoming place for visitors. Whether they are here on business, visiting family and friends, serving in our military, or just passing through, PART’s mission is to help them discover the unique array of opportunities here: an abundance of history from the 1600s forward, our rivers and trails, shops and galleries, the wide variety of cuisines in our unique restaurants, our agricultural heritage, and more.

Petersburg’s Jones Recognized with Fire Service Award

VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

VIRGINIA BEACH- On Wednesday, February 23rd, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the recipients of the 2021 Governor’s Fire Service Awards.

Thirteen fire services professionals from across the Commonwealth were recognized during the annual Fire Chiefs Association and Res-

cue Conference in Virginia Beach. Petersburg’s own Marlow Jones was honored with a Fire Service Award for excellence in Virginia community risk reduction.

Marlow, a deputy state fire marshal in the eastern region, was recognized as a creative problem solver as well as for his focus on the community. Marlow recently launched a comprehensive home fire in-

Facebook/Marlow Jones

spection program offered free of charge to Petersburg residents. His program addresses an unmet need and

reduces resistance to using fire protection tools such as smoke detectors by avoiding cost and cultural barriers.

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

Focused on Saving Lives Despite Adversity REGION

BY ADRIENNE WALLACE FOR LNNUSA.com

REGION – He set himself up to prevent failure.

Chesterfield resident Alonzo Dodson began his firefighting and EMS career by volunteering in Petersburg, where he lived at the time, for eight years.

“I made it so they couldn’t turn me down,” he said. “I earned my EMT certification and brought in years of experience – and they could see what I can do.”

Dodson admits that the industry is predominately white male, but that wasn’t going to stop the 61-yearold, who knew from the age of five that he wanted to work in the emergency field.

“From what I understand that at one time the firefighter industry was primarily the service providers,” Dodson noted. “But that transitioned and other white

males entered the firefighting organizations.”

He grew up in Petersburg and acknowledges that his family, including himself and ten siblings, was poor.

“We lived in the projects.

But we are all okay and doing well – it doesn’t matter how you grew up; you can always reach your goals if you’re willing to put in the work.”

A local trainer in basic lifesaving, EMT skills, and other expertise in which he is certified, Dodson teaches wherever others are in need, including Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Chesterfield, Prince George, and Dinwiddie as well as Powhatan; but nowhere is off limits if he can help educate those who are working in life-saving roles. Not only is he training, Dodson has also worked on recruiting, going to churches, barber shops and schools.

“While I’m not only focused on black people, I want everyone to know about their different options in the industry. Once I was told, ‘that’s a white boy’s job, they don’t want us there.’ That’s not true,” he firmly said.

Dodson admits it was somewhat uncomfortable for him at first, but also for the white men he was working alongside in their quest to be prepared for any crisis.

“I don’t think it was about being prejudiced, it was just new,” the career emergency provider opined. “But these are just small hurdles, and as a group you move on and move forward.”

If someone wants to be in the emergency services field, there are plenty of opportunities. Dodson is aware that the demographics of a locality impact the people who serve. In fact, in a recent Petersburg class

of 21, there was one white female and one Hispanic trainee while the remainder were African Americans.

Regardless of demographics, he was proud to share his expertise to help motivate future firefighters and EMT professionals.

Because of his resilience, Dodson did move forward and upward. After starting as a volunteer in Petersburg, he was then employed by Chesterfield.

Though he spends less time in the field now, Dodson is proud to remain in the industry as an instructor who is highly sought after, to help educate those who will move on to be heroes.

“He’s a great instructor who has really provided some of the best classes, and we turn to him often,” Prince George Emergency Manager Donald Hunter commended.

Crater Road Closed at I-95 for Bridge Work PETERSBURG STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

PETERSBURG- Petersburg residents and travellers should be on alert as a portion of South Crater Road is closed while VDOT works on the 95 overpass. The closure begins at Graham Road and extends to the ramp from route 460 onto Crater.

Drivers travelling north can

detour around the closure by taking the 95/460 ramp at the Graham Road intersection, following that ramp onto 460 East, and then turning left to access the ramp from 460 back onto Crater. The southbound lanes of Crater under the 95 overpass are currently open but are expected to also be closed by next week.

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

USA Today Bestselling Author Donna Everhart to Visit Hopewell Library

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MEDIA RELEASE APPOMATTOX REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM

HOPEWELL- Join The Hopewell-Prince George Friends of the Library for their Annual Spring Meeting. The meeting will feature guest speaker and USA Today bestselling author Donna Everhart.

Donna Everhart is the USA Today bestselling author of Southern fiction, including the Indie Next List selection The Education of Dixie Dupree, The Forgiving Kind, The Moonshiner’s Daughter, and the Southeastern Library Association Award-winning

novel The Road to Bittersweet.

This will be an in-person event and will follow current public health guidance.

Please note that the event will be available to attend free via zoom and that because of the ongoing pandemic this program is subject to change. Email mkitchen@ arls.org to register via zoom.

Fountain Bookstore will have copies of Donna Everhart’s titles available for purchase at the event. For additional information on events and resources at the Appomattox Regional Library System, please visit www. arls.org or call 804-458-6329.

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Cavaliers Kick Off 2022 with Crimson vs Gold Game PETERSBURG

BY CRAIG RICHARDS LNNUSA.com

PETERSBURG- Cavalier fans were treated to a free annual Crimson vs Gold exhibition game on Sunday, February 20th. The Cavaliers split into two squads, competing in skill competitions, followed by a game.

For three quarters, the Cavs stars put on a show. From fast breaks to the full court press, fans experienced the electrifying atmosphere and competitive, fast-paced game.

The teams finished the fourth quarter in a race to a target score of 85 points. With the game tied at 82, it was the Crimson squad that nailed the final shot to claim inter-team bragging rights.

The evening was an opportunity for fans to get to know this year’s team and for the coaches to evaluate the players.

“I love the intensity. I think a lot of both teams. They really wanted to win, you saw that at the end of the game. It was great, great basketball,” said Cavaliers Coach Kyle Dixon.

The Cavaliers open the season at 5pm at Vernon Johns Middle School on Saturday, February 26th.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Crime

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Saturday, February 26, 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 02/18/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 200 BLK OF S 16TH AVE FOR A REPORTED ASSAULT. KNOWN OFFENDER ASSAULTED VICTIM WITH FISTS AND KNIFE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY AND WAS LATER ARRESTED. ON 02/17/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 5000 BLK OF OAKLAWN BLVD FOR A REPORTED SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE. KNOWN OFFENDER WAS IN POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL NARCOTICS AND WAS ARRESTED. ON 02/18/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 300 BLK OF E CAWSON ST FOR REPORTED SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE. DRIVER WAS FOUND TO BE IN POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS. CHARGES PENDING. ON 02/19/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 100 BLK OF W POYTHRESS ST FOR A REPORTED DRUG OFFENSE. SUSPECTED MEDICATION WAS SEIZED FOR DESTRUCTION. ON 02/16/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 400 BLK OF W RANDOLPH RD FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VEHICLE PLATES. ON 02/19/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 100 BLK OF S 16TH AVE FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER ENTERED UNLOCKED VEHICLE AND STOLE FIREARM. ON 02/17/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 600 BLK OF S 6TH AVE FOR A REPORTED ROBBERY. OFFENDERS ASSAULTED VICTIM BY HITTING WITH HANDS AND METAL OBJECT AND KICKING IN THE HEAD, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY AND STOLE CASH AND CELL PHONE. WARRANTS OBTAINED.

HOPEWELL POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME SUMMARY

ON 02/16/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3400 BLK OF BOSTON ST FOR A REPORTED VANDALISM. OFFENDERS DAMAGED RESIDENTIAL SHEDS. ON 02/16/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 300 BLK OF W CAWSON ST FOR A REPORTED VANDALISM. UNKNOWN OFFENDER DAMAGED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY ATTEMPTING TO STEAL CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ON 02/17/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 1100 BLK OF ARLINGTON RD FOR A REPORTED DUI. KNOWN OFFENDER DROVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE, DAMAGED RESIDENTIAL FENCES AND MAILBOX, AS WELL AS POWER POLE AND WAS ARRESTED. ON 02/20/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 300 BLK OF S 17TH AVE FOR REPORTED SHOTS FIRED. UNKNOWN OFFENDER FIRED SHOTS, CAUSING NO REPORTED DAMAGES OR INJURIES. ON 02/20/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 400 BLK OF SPRUANCE ST FOR REPORTED SHOTS FIRED. UNKNOWN OFFENDER FIRED SHOTS, DAMAGING RESIDENCE BUT CAUSING NO REPORTED INJURIES. 2020002994 BANESA AMBROISE (38) of HOPEWELL INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE,F INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE,F INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE,F INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE,F INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE,F 2022000413 HENRY JACO (28) of HOPEWELL DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE,M

2022000446 ARICA PEGRAM-KESTNER (35) of BLACKSTONE POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE I,II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE,F POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE I,II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE,F

2021001606 SHAWNA NEWMAN (30) of POWHATAN INDECENT EXPOSURE,M

Fugitives of the Week: 1964 February 21, 2022

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

Juan Emigidio Castro Cedillo is wanted for aggravated sexual battery and forcible sodomy. Castro Cedillo, 36, is a Hispanic male. Castro Cedillo has brown eyes and black hair.

Tyrone Orville Davis is wanted for money laundering and conspire to violate drug control act. Davis, 45, is a 5-foot 4-inch-tall black male who weighs 200 lbs. Davis has brown eyes and black 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.

“Take the Time to Solve the Crime.”

Crime

16

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 26, 2022

DINWIDDIE ARREST REPORT Marshall Allan Farrow, 39 years old of the 6500 block of Woodlake Village Court, Midlothian, Virginia was arrested in February 10, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

Robert T. Huber, 47 years old of the 25000 block of Cox Road, North Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on February 13, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court, two counts of failure to obey order of conservator of the peace, two counts of obstructing justice; resisting arrest; fleeing from a law-enforcement officer, possession or distribution of controlled paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

William Thomas Winter, Jr., 31 years old of the 400 block of South 20th Avenue, Hopewell, Virginia was arrested on February 15, 2022 for three counts of providing false information or failing to provide registration information.

Robert Allen Jones, 53 years old of the 100 block of Slagle Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on February 15, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

John David Simmons, 48 years old of the 2100 block of Winningham Road, Crewe, Virginia was arrested on February 10, 2022 for failure to perform promise for construction, etc., in return for advances and obtaining money or signature, etc., by false pretense.

Abner Anderson Burke, 29 years old of the 800 block of Red House Road, Ford, Virginia was arrested on February 12, 2022 for failure to comply with support obligation; payroll deduction; commitment.

Holly Jean Dias, 43 years old of the 25000 block of Cox Road, North Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on February 13, 2022 for disorderly conduct in public places, trespassing, use of profane, threatening, or indecent language over public airways or by other methods and two counts of abduction and kidnapping.

Kayla Deona Shands, 25 years old of the 14000 block of Lew Jones Road, Dewitt, Virginia was arrested on February 14, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

Earl Davon Baskerville, 38 years old of the 25000 block of Dinwiddie Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on February 15, 2022 for pointing, holding, or brandishing firearm.

Asia Ma’Jea Foreman, 26 years old of the 1100 block of 46th Place, South East, Washington, D.C., was arrested on February 15, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

Earl Alfonso Neverson, Jr., 63 years old of the 5400 block of Oak Street, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on February 16, 2022 for probation violation.

Richard Dennis Nunes, 55 years old of the 15000 block of Dillard Road, Stony Creek, Virginia was arrested on February 16, 2022 for entering dwelling house, etc., with intent to commit larceny, assault and battery or other felony, conspiracy to commit felony, six counts of grand larceny, and possession or transportation of firearms, firearms ammunition, stun weapons, explosives or concealed weapons by convicted felons.

Vicky Jo Green, 45 years old of the 2200 block of County Drive, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on February 16, 2022 for cruelty to animals, grand larceny and entering dwelling house, etc., with intent to commit larceny, assault and battery or other felony.

Madalyn Alexandra Hull, 20 years old of the 3800 block of Johnson Road, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on February 18, 2022 for assault and battery.

17

Crime

Saturday, February 26, 2022

LNNUSA.com

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

INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

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CHAI GALLAHUN

LNN Bureau Chief

CAROLYN DAY PRUETT LNN News Director

CRAIG RICHARDS LNN CEO

Crime

18

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 26, 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 202202070002 Assault-Aggravated, Arson, Violate Protective Orders ON 02/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 6900 BLK OF LARK STREET FOR A STRUCTURE FIRE. INVESTIGATION DETERMINED KNOWN OFFENDER ATTEMPTED ARSON ON AN OCCUPIED RESIDENCE. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO EVACUATE WITHOUT INJURY. OFFENDER IDENTIFIED AND ARRESTED FOR SAME. 202202070001 Assault & Battery, DUI ON 02/07/2022 A TRAFFIC HAZARD WAS ILLEGALLY PARKED IN THE 13000 BLOCK OF TEMPLE AVE. UPON THE INVESTIGATION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT DRUGS/NARCOTICS MAY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED AND AN ASSAULT ON LAW ENFORCEMENT OCCURRED. 202202070008 Unlawful Filming or Photographing of Another ON 02/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 8600 BLK OF PRINCE GEORGE DRIVE FOR WARRANT SERVICE. CITIZEN OBTAINED WARRANT FOR UNLAWFUL FILMING. WARRANT SERVED, ARREST MADE. 202202090003 Vandalism ON 02/09/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THEJAMES RIVER DRIVE AT FLOWERDEW HUNDRED ROAD FOR A REPORT OF VANDALISM. UNKNOWN OFFENDER SPRAY PAINTED A HISTORICAL MARKER ON THE ROADWAY. 202202100001 Vandalism, Larceny ON 02/10/2022, POLICE RESPONDED

TO THE 3800 BLK OF PRINCE GEORGE DRIVE FOR A VANDALISM AND A LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER TAMPERED WITH A METER BOX ON A VACANT RESIDENCE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AND USE ELECTRICITY WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT. 202202100003 Forgery, Larceny ON 02/10/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF LARCENY AND FORGERY IN THE 4200 BLK OF RIVES ROAD. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE A CHECK FROM THE MAILBOX, FORGED THE VICTIM’S SIGNATURE ON IT, AND CASHED IT. 202202100005 Burglary/Breaking and Entering ON 02/10/2022, OFFICERS RESPONDED TO THE 8300 BLK OF JOLLY COURT FOR A BURGLARY. KNOWN OFFENDER FORCED ENTRY INTO A RESIDENCE A STOLE CASH AND JEWELRY. OFFENDER WAS LATER APPREHENDED AND ARRESTED FOR SAME. 202202100004 Larceny-Theft from Motor Vehicle ON 02/10/2022, OFFICERS RESPONDED TO THE 5200 BLK OF OAKLAWN BOULEVARD FOR A REPORTED LARCENY FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE A FIRERAM FROM A VEHICLE. 202202110006 Larceny-Theft from Motor Vehicle, Damage of Property ON 02/11/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 7000 BLK GOLF COURSE DRIVE FOR A LARCENY FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE. UNKNOWN OFFENDER BROKE THE GLASS ON A VEHICLE AND

STOLE A BAG CONTAINING JEWELRY AND MONEY. 202202110007 Larceny ON 02/11/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 5200 BLK OF OAKLAWN BOULEVARD FOR A LARCENY. KNOWN OFFENDER WAS IDENTIFIED AS ATTEMPTING TO STEAL TIRES FROM A BUSINESS. ARREST MADE. 202202120001 Assault-Simple ON 02/12/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 7100 BLK OF SPARROW STREET IN REFERENCE TO A DISTURBANCE. KNOWN OFFENDER WAS IDENTIFIED AS ASSAULTING THE VICTIM AND CAUSING INJURY TO THE FACE. WARRANTS OBTAINED AND SERVED FOR MALICIOUS ASSAULT. 202202120002 Burglary/Breaking and Entering ON 02/12/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 6300 BLK OF COMMONS COURT IN REFERENCE TO A BURGLARY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER FORCED ENTRY INTO A BACK GLASS DOOR AND STOLE FIREARMS, MONEY, PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION, ELECTRONICS, AND JEWELRY. 202202120005 Assault-Simple ON 02/12/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 7100 BLK OF SPARROW STREET FOR A DOMESTIC ASSAULT. KNOWN OFFENDER IDENTIFIED. 202202120006 Fraud-Wire Fraud ON 02/12/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF WIRE FRAUD IN THE 5800 BLK OF SILVER FOX LANE. UNKNOWN OFFENDER CALLED VICTIM AND

ADVISED MONEY HAD BEEN FALSELY DEPOSITED INTO THE CHECKING ACCOUNT WHICH REQUIRED BEING RETURNED IN BITCOIN. VICTIM SENT THE FUNDS BEFORE REALIZING THE SCAM. 202202120007 Trespassing, Destruction of Property ON 02/12/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 10400 BLK OF SOUTH CRATER ROAD FOR A REPORTED TRESPASSING. TWO OFFENDERS WERE IDENTIFIED AS TRESPASSING WHILE RELIC HUNTING. ARRESTS MADE. 202202120008 Fraud-Credit Card ON 02/12/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 200 BLK OF WREN STREET FOR A FRAUD. UNKNOWN OFFENDER USED VICTIM’S CREDIT CARD NUMBER TO MAKE A FRAUDULENT PURCHASE IN ANOTHER STATE. 202202120010 Drug/Narcotic Violations, Weapon Law Violations ON 02/12/2022, POLICE CONDUCTED A TRAFFIC STOP IN THE 10600 BLK OF SOUTH CRATER ROAD. DRIVER WAS FOUND TO BE IN POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL NARCOTICS AND PARAPHERNALIA ALONG WITH A CONCEALED FIREARM. ARREST MADE. TERRANCE MOORE CHESTER, VA AGE 34 202202070001 ASSAULT & BATTERY

Crime

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LNNUSA.com

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 February 7, 2022 – February 13, 2022 February 7, 2022 – February 13, 2022 February 7, 2022 – February 13, 2022

CECIL JONES PRINCE GEORGE, VA AGE 56 202202070002  For the period February 7, 2022 – February 13, 2022 MANUF, POSSESS,USE EXPLOSIVE For the period February 7, 2022 – February 13, 2022 o 375 criminal and other types of calls for service were MATERIAL, DEVICE o 375 criminal and other types –ofFebruary calls for 13, service  For the period 7, 2022 2022were assigned BURNING OR DESTROYING DWELLING oFebruary Total calls for service: 596 o calls forand service: 596 of calls for service were assigned o Total 375 criminal other types VIOLATE PROTECTIVE ORDERS

o

assigned

Total calls for service: 596

TAZ FISHER Police DISPUTANTA, VA Police AGE 42 Police Accident Property Damage 202202070008 Accident Property Damage UNLAWFUL FILMING OR Hit & Run Property Damage Hit & RunProperty PropertyDamage Damage Accident PHOTOGRAPHING OF ANOTHER

MVA with Entrapment MVA Entrapment Hit & with Run Property Damage MVA with Possible Injuries MARCUS HACKETTMVA with Possible Injuries MVA with Entrapment DISPUTANTA, VA Traffic Stop Traffic StopPossible Injuries MVA with AGE 41 Total 202202090009 Total Traffic Stop DUMPING TRASH ON HIGHWAY OR Total PRIVATE PROPERTY PROPERTY W/INT TO DAMAGE

Aggressive at Large Call Animal Animal Call at Large Animal Carcass Animal Carcass Call JUSTIN NEWCOMBAnimal Total COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA Total Animal Carcass AGE 52 Total 202202110007 RICHARD NUNES STONY CREEK, VA AGE 55 202202100005 GRAND LARCENY BREAKING & ENTER W/INT TO COMMIT FELONY

13 1 1 11 180 206

Animal Services

Services BERNITRA Animal WALLACE DEWITT, VA Animal Services Animal AGE 45 Animal Aggressive Animal 202202100007 Animal at Large Animal Aggressive DISORDERLY CONDUCT Animal

PETIT LARCENY

13 1 13 11 11 1 180 11 206 180 206

DAMIANO MOORE PRINCE GEORGE, VA AGE 37 202202120001 FELONIOUS ASSAULT JAMAAL MCKNIGHT PETERSBURG, VA

3 63 36 33 15 3 15 AGE 28 202202120010 CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPON -SUBSQ OFFENSE INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE MARIJUANA UNSAFE LANE CHANGE POSSESS, TRANSPORT FIREARMS BY CONVICTED FELONS

3 6 3 3 15

FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS SEATBELTS REQUIRED JATOYA WILKINS HOPEWELL, VA AGE 31 DRIVING AFTER FORFEITURE OF LICENSE

Crime

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LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Robbery: 1964 | February 21, 2022 This week, the Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers program needs your help to solve a robbery that occurred in Chesterfield County.

On Jan. 28, 2022, at about 3:40 a.m., a black male entered the 7-Eleven at 5549 Belmont Road, displayed a handgun, and demanded money from the cash register. Once he received the money, the suspect fled on foot toward Belmont Road. The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6 feet tall with a thin build. He was wearing black clothing, a red or orange ski mask, and teal underwear, and was carrying a Nike backpack.

Crime Solvers has released photos of the suspect in this incident. 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 804-748-0660 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.

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE

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Opinion LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Differing Budgets SENATOR FRANK RUFF

15TH SENATE DISTRICT Much of last week, those of us on the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee spent hours into the evening working through the final budget numbers for every part of state government. These are the largest budgets in history! Not only has consumer and business spending and inflation produced record tax receipts and, as well, tax increases passed under the Northam administration, there were also significant amounts given by a federal government that expected greater fiscal impact from Covid.

With these extra dollars, everyone offered ideas of how to spend that money.

Sunday evening, the House and Senate offered competing versions of how best to deal with the budget. Those two budgets differ greatly. In the last weeks of the session, both sides will need to compromise.

Both budgets provide raises to government workers and teachers. Regrettably, those raises will be dwarfed by the inflation caused by poor policy decisions in Washington.

Both budgets focused on the needs of economic development that is so important to keep our economy growing.

We have lost several great economic prospects because we did not have building sites that were close enough to meet the time schedules of those prospects. Both budgets addressed that issue.

Likewise, both budgets included better funding for those involved in protecting our families and homes.

Despite some still being focused on “defunding the police” around the country, a majority of legislators in Virginia are now aware of the risk of having demoralized law enforcement. This resulted in providing for the needs of the state police, sheriff’s departments, town and city officers, and those that work with those within our prison system, regional jails, and parole offices. All provide needed services if we are to have a civil society.

Power Plays

Now is the time of the legislative session in which personality issues can interfere with good policy. Hopefully, it will not carry the day, but each session it usually intensifies as the end gets closer.

This year, the Senate Democrats voted down a designated Secretary selected by Governor Youngkin simply because he previously had

worked under President Trump. In turn, the House pretended to deny confirmation of hundreds of appointments made by Governor Northam during his final year in office. While they had no intention of doing so, the Senate Democrats screamed loudly and threatened to hold up the budget and any House bills.

All this saber rattling was for the news media; however, raising hostilities while we are trying to better serve the well-being of Virginians creates far more problems than it solves.

Second Half of the Session

Just as ball teams change ends of the field after the halftime break, we do the same in the General Assembly. All legislative proposals that were introduced in the House and were approved by the full House are now before the Senate and vice versa.

We must now work through the House committees with our legislation in hopes they will approve them.

My prediction is that those bills that did not have bipartisan support will not survive to be signed into law. I am fortunate that most of my legislation did have the needed bipartisan support. Only two were rejected on party line votes.

In previous columns, I have mentioned several of my

legislative efforts. For the most part, my most important bills to me are those that can create good jobs to our communities around the state. This year, I carried legislation for the administration that helped attract large investments in Southwest Virginia and the Richmond area. Another would have helped more counties attract data centers. Other counties would love to have the capital investments made in their counties that Microsoft has in Mecklenburg.

Another bill was at the suggestion of Sheriff Roberts of Brunswick. He contacted me about the rash of catalytic converters being stolen by thieves. We worked with interested parties in law enforcement and salvage yards to get the best possible wording needed. The goal is to limit the ability of those thieves to sell those stolen converters. Some vehicles can be rendered inoperable until replaced. Replacing them costs thousands of dollars.

Other bills I offered were to assist local government and businesses that need relief from government regulation.

Hopefully, the House and the Governor will approve them.

We love to hear from you!

You can reach us at Sen. Ruff@verizon.net, 804-6987515, or P.O. Box 396, Richmond, VA 23218.

Opinion

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

LNNUSA.com

EDITORIAL

The Yin & Yang of Politics The principle of yin and yang is the Eastern philosophical concept that everything exists in a state of complementary contradiction. Some of the most common examples cited are dark vs light, cold vs warm, and female vs male. They are characteristics, elements, or entities that oppose each other but that are also interdependent. After all, one cannot define dark unless one knows what light is.

Like many things, today’s politics in the United States can be viewed through the lens of yin and yang. The beliefs of the Democrat party share similarities with

yin; they can be characterized as more feminine and inward facing, focusing on internal social issues and trying to take care of the people’s day to day personal needs.

The ideas and platform of the Republican party align with yang- more masculine and outward facing, focus-

ing on creating a strong country on the world stage both militarily and economically in order to protect the people and promote their prosperity.

The policies of the Democrat party reflect the role of a mother. The policies of the Republican party reflect the role of a father. Yin and

yang. But what people in the United States today have forgotten is that in order for yin to exist, yang must also exist, and for yang to exist, yin must exist. When things begin to tilt too much one way, whether yin or yang, the world becomes imbalanced and out of order.

Republicans and Democrats may seem to have little in common, but each requires the other. In today’s era of complete political polarization and cancel culture, it would do well for the people of this country to remember the message in the yin yang principle: balance is the key to life.

INDEPENDENT LOCAL NEWS

YOU CAN TRUST LNNUSA.COM

CHAI GALLAHUN

LNN Bureau Chief

CAROLYN DAY PRUETT LNN News Director

CRAIG RICHARDS LNN CEO

Money

24

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Warning from Canada: Financial Freedom Under Attack STEFAN GLEASON MONEY METALS NEWS SERVICE

As the world nervously awaits the next development in nuclear-armed Russia’s standoff with Ukraine, a different headline-grabbing standoff may be even more consequential for investors.

Canada’s trucker-led Freedom Convoy has been protesting draconian government mandates and restrictions.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has decided to get even more draconian.

Last week, Trudeau invoked emergency powers to target the finances of the truckers and their backers.

In an unprecedented move sidestepping normal due process guarantees, Trudeau ordered banks, insurance companies, and even cryptocurrency exchanges to close the accounts of anyone deemed to be involved in the Freedom Convoy.

Similar trucker-led protests are scheduled to begin this week in Washington, D.C. ahead of President Joe Biden’s March 1st State of the Union address. In response, the administration

has ordered security fencing to be installed around the Capitol building.

Will Canadian-style assaults on financial freedom soon follow?

Silver guru David Morgan believes so. In a video posted over the weekend, he said, “What Canada is doing… is really a precursor for what the global elite is planning to do planet-wide.”

Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum has openly bragged that Trudeau’s government is filled with supporters of the globalist body’s “Great Reset” agenda. Moreover, Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda also comes straight out of the playbook of the World Economic Forum.

One of their major objectives is to move toward a global digital currency regime that will make it easier for governments to tax, confiscate, and redistribute wealth.

Driving out physical cash from the economy will also enable banks to amass more control over financial transactions – and possibly put customers at greater risk of being shut out of the economy (or forced into it).

David Morgan warns that the next financial crisis will bring bank bail-ins – whereby some assets of depositors are claimed by banks to prevent cascading failures.

Given the growing risks to wealth holders, sound asset protection strategies are a must.

Accounts held at banks and other financial institutions are vulnerable to being restricted or cancelled for any number of arbitrary reasons.

Even cryptocurrency wallets can be seized by governments, with Canada showing the way.

Interestingly, though, the Trudeau regime hasn’t tried to seize physical precious metals from enemies of the state.

It’s just not practical for a government to try to find out who owns gold and silver coins and where they might be kept. It’s far more efficient to seize assets that are held digitally or in financial institutions.

Gold and silver bullion should never be held via an account at a bank or broker-

age firm. Bank safe-deposit boxes are also poor options for storing precious metals (many banks expressly prohibit gold or cash contents).

In order for a precious metals holding to fully protect against political and financial threats, it should be physically segregated from the financial system.

That means your bullion should be stored in a secure hiding place at home or through a private vault service such as Money Metals Depository.

Money Metals Depository uses top-of-the-line UL Class 3 vaults for maximum security. All stored bullion items are fully segregated and are never commingled or rehypothecated. Depository holdings are insured, audited, and totally independent from the banking system, Wall Street, and Washington, D.C.

Ticket

25

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

Saturday, February 26th - 7pm

Wayne from Way Down South

The Taphouse at Rivers Bend Chester

Sunday, February 27th - 12pm

Friday, March 4th - 9pm

Saturday, March 5th - 6pm

Paddy’s Sports Bar & Grill Chester

Cul’s Courthouse Grille Charles City

Saturday, March 5th - 6:30pm

Saturday, March 5th - 9pm

Sun, March 6th - 12:30pm & 3:30pm

The Beacon Theatre Hopewell

Paddy’s Sports Bar & Grill Chester

Omega Bar & Grill Hopewell

Mardi Gras Celebration & Parade DJ’s Rajun Cajun Petersburg

Almost Queen

120 Proof

Last Chance

Patrick Olivier

Paint Party

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

Dish

26

Saturday, February 26, 2022

LNNUSA.com

Cheesy, Comforting

CHICKEN CULINARY.NET

A quick and easy way to get comfort food on your dinner table is this recipe for Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken. Add some green beans and mashed cauliflower for a well-rounded meal for your family.

For more comfort food recipes, visit Culinary.net.

Cheesy Baked Mushroom Chicken Ingredients: • Nonstick cooking spray • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup flour • 4 tablespoons butter • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced • 1/2 cup chicken broth • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat oven to 375° F. Prepare baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cut each chicken breast in half.

Place flour in resealable bag. Place chicken in resealable bag with flour; toss to coat.

3. In large skillet, melt butter. Add chicken to skillet; brown all sides.

Transfer chicken from skillet to 11-by7-inch baking dish.

4. In skillet, saute sliced mushrooms in remaining butter until

softened. Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to boil then cook 5 minutes. Spoon over chicken.

5. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses and green onions. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Amusement

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Name: _____________________________________________________ CROSSWORD

Date: _______

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Across 4. country French Poodles come from 6. Shrek's best friend 9. Carnival's most prize giving animal 11. Number of eyes a bee has 12. animal symbolizes good luck in Europe 15. gestation period of an African elephant

17. group of frogs 18. Number of hearts in a sponge 19. Group of lions 20. Charlotte's __________ 21. mammal without vocal cords Down 1. number of hearts in an octopus 2. largest lizard in the world

3. color is hippo sweat 5. snow leopard mountain range 7. fastest land animal in the world 8. only animal to sleep on its back 10. female donkey 13. group of sheep 14. scientific name of a wolf 16. animal’s poop is generally cube shaped

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

Monté Bracy Holloway

Barbara Pamplin Shell

February 28, 1955 - August 23, 2021

September 3, 1928 - February 22, 2022

It is with pain in our hearts and thankfulness to God that we share the news that our beloved Monté Holloway has gained her wings and gone home to be with her Lord and Savior. “Her wings were ready, but our hearts were not.”

Monté was born in Petersburg, VA on February 28, 1955. She departed this life on August 23, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Edward Lyndhurst, Bracy, Jr. and Joyce Ann Parrish Bracy. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, John T. Holloway, Jr. She is also survived by her siblings, Marcia Bracy, Linda Miller (Joseph), Melanie Scruton (Wayne), Edward L Bracy III “Duke” (Dorothy); and nieces and nephews, Joseph and Melissa Benedict, and Wade and Mackenzie Scruton; cousins, Edgar, Cathy, Rose Marie and Claire. She is also survived by numerous friends that she loved as family.

Monté went to East Carolina University and graduated from Mary Baldwin University in Staunton. She was Summa Cum Laude. She was a dedicated employee at the Progress Index and later Optima Health as their marketing director.

Monté cherished the time spent with her beloved husband, her family and her friends.

She was the glue that held our family together. She loved traveling, the beaches and the river.

Monté was a woman who loved and served her Lord and Savior, her family, and friends with passion and love. She loved strongly, and she lived to make life better for others.

She was a devoted member of the Swift Creek Baptist Church in Colonial Heights.

Her servant’s heart and life showed her love for others. “She was a connector, friend, encourager, knowing how to love and serve others in just the right way.”

Barbara Pamplin Shell died on February 22, 2022 at her home at Cedarfield Senior Living Community in Richmond, Virginia, after a long and happy life in the midst of the love of her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Pamela Shell Baskervill and her husband, Charles T. Baskervill, and Patricia Shell Caulkins and her husband, David W. Caulkins; grandchildren, Ann Cabell Baskervill, Susannah Baskervill Pittman and her husband, Lonnie Pittman, Sarah Caulkins Krzastek and her husband, Scott Krzastek, and Whitney Caulkins; great-grandchildren, Preston Pittman, William Krzastek, and Violet Krzastek. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Louis C. Shell.

Mrs. Shell graduated from Petersburg High School and Madison College, now JMU, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. A strong supporter of JMU, she maintained the friendships she made there throughout her lifetime. She taught chemistry, physics and general science at Thomas Dale High School and worked as an assistant chemist at Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company.

For many years, she was active in civic, religious and public affairs in Petersburg. A member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, she was active in all aspects of church life since its formation in 1955. When her children were in the Petersburg public schools, she devoted much time and effort to the Parent Teacher Association on the local, district and state levels. She was also a member of the Salvation Army and Virginia Cooperative Extension Service Advisory Boards, the Board of Trustees for the Historic Petersburg Foundation, Inc., and the Boards of Directors of the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and the Petersburg Home for Ladies, Inc. She served as legislative assistant for the Virginia General Assembly.

She was elected to City Council in 1974 as the representative of the First Ward. At that time, she was one of only two women to have served on the City Council in the history of Petersburg and was the first woman elected by the ward system. She was elected Vice Mayor in 1976.

She was a member of the Dinwiddie Airport and Industrial Authority from 1989-1993, serving as both vice-chairman and chairman. In 1993, the Department of Aviation for the Commonwealth of Virginia recognized her for her individual achievements, integrity and years of dedicated service to her community and the Petersburg Airport. She was included in Who’s Who of American Women and Who’s Who in the South and Southeast.

She enjoyed photography and golf, but her true love was people. She was engaging, loyal, and caring with a keen sense of humor. She worked alongside her husband to promote integration in Petersburg prior to the passage of civil rights legislation and believed that all people should be treated with respect and dignity. Her deepest commitments were to her faith, her family and friends.

Ms. Rebecca Ryan February 21, 2022

Ms. Rebecca Ryan, of Hopewell, VA., departed this life Monday, February 21, 2022at her residence.

Phillip Ray Frazier

October 22, 1957 - February 21, 2022 Phillip Ray Frazier, 64, of Dinwiddie, VA, died on February 21, 2022. He fought a long, courageous battle against diabetes and kidney failure that led him home to be with the Lord. Phil was born and raised in Hopewell, VA, he was the son of Mary Helen Goode and David Goode of New Kent and the late Lexie C. Frazier. Phil was a loving husband, father, and PeePaw. He served his country proudly in the Navy and made sure everyone knew it. Phil was an avid sports fan and enjoyed going to high school football games and watching his favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys, Alabama Crimson Tide, and UVA. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Linda Susan Frazier; stepchildren Jeff Collins, Chris Collins, and Dina Roberts; 10 step-grandchildren; 23 step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lexie Frazier of Kannapolis and Terri Frazier of Hopewell; a niece, Alex Frazier and two nephews, Will Frazier, and Justin Frazier.

Obituaries

33

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Elmond Ray Shipp

Emersyn Claire Sweitzer

Patricia C Davis

Elmond Ray Shipp, 84, of North Prince George, VA, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2022.

Born in Clinton, NC, he was the son of Elmond Forest Shipp and Bessie Eva Hope Shipp. He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of over 54 years, Martha Shipp; his son, Billy Altman; and a daughter, Dana Ayers; brother, Wilton Shipp; sister, Alice Cobb; and sister-in-law, Junita Shipp Crisp. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Shipp; grandchildren, Crystal, Daniel, Timmy, and James; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Edna Shipp Mitchell; and special niece, Janet Mitchell; as well as numerous extended family and friends.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Emersyn “Emmy” Claire Sweitzer, age 5, who was welcomed into Heaven on February 21, 2022. Emmy was born on August 11, 2016 to her parents Whitney and Shane Sweitzer in Petersburg, Virginia.

She was a treasured daughter, sister, and granddaughter, and has been welcomed into the arms of her late great-grandparents and maternal grandmother, Donna Jones.

Sassy, spunky, and outgoing, Emmy was a vibrant light that shone brightly on all of those lucky enough to be a part of her life. Those who were privileged to meet her knew that it was impossible not to have your heart touched by her infectious smile and sparkling personality.

Emmy was very close with her two loving older brothers, Rayner and Reid Sweitzer.

She was their biggest cheerleader, but more often than not, she could be found adventuring right alongside them. Emmy was a spirited ball of energy with a limitless curiosity for life, living every day fearlessly and to the fullest.

Emmy was clever and determined in everything she did. She loved to dance and excelled at gymnastics. As the youngest gymnast in her class, she was a rare and special talent, and she was always proud to perform her hard-earned skills.

Emmy’s light is carried on by her parents, Shane and Whitney Sweitzer; her brothers, Rayner and Reid Sweitzer; her paternal grandparents, Terry and Ray Sweitzer; her maternal grandfather, Ronnie Jones; uncle, Kevin Jones; uncle, Brett Sweitzer and fiancée, Katie Rowley; and an extensive community of family, friends; and fellow members of the Unity Baptist Church who adored her.

Emersyn will be fiercely missed by all who knew her, but she will forever be with us in our hearts.

Patricia “Pat” Davis passed away on February 20, 2022, comfortably at her mother’s home.

She was born on December 25, 1951 in Hopewell, Virginia. She was a graduate of Thomas Dale High School, Class of 1970.

She was married to Lewis “Bookie” Davis in 1970 and had their daughter, Wendy, in 1976. They shared 51 happy years of memories together.

Pat worked for the Hopewell School System at Dupont Elementary School as a teacher’s aide for 29 years. She touched the hearts and minds of many students who remained in touch with her throughout the years.

Pat enjoyed spending time at the family’s beach home in Carova Beach, North Carolina, where she volunteered for the fire department and women’s auxiliary for many years. When she was home, she liked spending time with friends playing cards. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and her two Dalmatians, Ellie, and Lexi.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Cabaniss. She leaves behind her mother, Alice Cabaniss; husband, Lewis “Bookie” Davis; daughter, Wendy Stueber; son-in-law, Rob Stueber; her beloved pets; and extended family.

July 17, 1937 - February 21, 2022

Mr. George H. Branch, Jr.

December 5, 1945 - February 23, 2022 Mr. George H. Branch, Jr., 76, of South Chesterfield, VA, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at his residence. .

Mrs. Carolyn Pryor

December 2, 1938 - February 23, 2022 Mrs. Carolyn Pryor, 83, of Petersburg, VA entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at her residence.

August 11, 2016 - February 21, 2022

December 25, 1951 - February 20, 2022

Mr. Joseph Johnson

December 8, 1970 - February 22, 2022 Mr. Joseph Johnson, 51, of Petersburg, VA, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at his residence in Petersburg, VA.

34

Obituaries LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Ryan Christopher Ambrose

Mr Edwin Jason Baker, Sr.

David C. Day, Jr.

Ryan Christopher Ambrose, 32, beloved son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, became our guardian angel on Saturday, February 19, 2022. He is joining in Heaven his dad, Kevin Ambrose; grandparents, Lester and Rowena Puckett; great-grandmothers, Catherine Johnson and Grace King; and cousin, Philip Alkire. Leaving behind his momma, Penny Ambrose; step-in-father, Rodney Nash, Jr.; sister, Kelsey (Mike) Walke; grandparents, Mary (Daniel) Boswell, Jerry (Shirley) Ambrose; aunt, Paula (Dawn) Alkire-Burden; uncle, Curtis (Tina) Ambrose; niece, Skylar Walke; nephew, Malachi Walke; numerous great-aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends he considered family.

Ryan graduated LC Byrd High School in 2008 and was an Eagle Scout who was (mostly) always prepared. He loved fishing, video games, movies and Batman. While not all of his decisions were the best, he always accepted them and moved forward. He could be the biggest jerk at times (especially if you were trying to wake him up and he wasn’t ready) and then be the most thoughtful. He had a heart of gold with a soft spot for kids, and if he could help someone, he was always there, all they had to do was let him know.

Once you got him started, he was a great worker that took pride in what he did. From cutting grass to laying floors, he tried his best and at times was his own worst enemy.

He was his momma’s boy and was proud of that title.

CEdwin Jason Baker Sr. was born on November 11th, 1976 in Newport News, Virginia. He was a 1994 graduate of Ferguson High School, now known as Christopher Newport University (Ferguson Center). He resided in Newport News, VA, and was employed with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Jason was a hard-working single dad who devoted his time and energy to being there for his children and his pets. He loved to travel, classic cars, and his trade as a mechanic. His love for working on cars was fashioned after his father’s heart. He was a kind, soft-spoken gentle-hearted brother, uncle, son, and dad who will greatly be missed/celebrated by all.

Jason was preceded in death by his father Clyde Edwin Baker and he leaves behind to cherish his memories, his daughter, Emoni Bradley-Baker, his only grandson, Jacaree Bradley-Baker, a son Edwin (EJ) Jason Baker Jr., all of Newport News, VA. He also leaves behind a devoted mother, Brenda Baker, his paternal grandmother, Ruby Baker, and his big sister, Tamara Baker, three nieces, Darsheira (Jeff), Zyria, and Shaira and a great-nephew, Jeremiah, and two great-nieces Dasani and Ayva, a host of Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and friends that love him.

David C. Day, Jr., passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and lifted in prayer, on February 22, 2022.

Born on February 23, 1948, in Petersburg, VA to the late David C. Day, Sr. and Hellen Moody Butler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Louise Day Harvell.

Mr. Day is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Harriett Day; daughters, Tamisha Day-Baker and Tamika Day; son, Dominique Hooper; three grandchildren, Brian Day, Sr., Anonda Jones, and Treyvan Jones; one great-grandchild, Brian Day, Jr.; siblings, Steve Day (Denise), Michael Day (Theresa), Herbert Butler (Glenda) and Philip Butler; in-laws, Jean Dillard (Fred), Kevin Bonner (Rita), Julius (Donna), Pierre Jefferson (Antonio), and Darryl Bonner (Pleshette); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Very special thanks to Neal Roney and Mack Hawkins who were consistently by his side in a time of need.

David entered active-duty service in the United States Army, serving his country in Vietnam and Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Lee, Virginia as a Petroleum Storage Specialist and retired from Reynolds Metals after 35 years.

December 30, 1989 - February 19, 2022

November 11, 1976 - February 18, 2022

February 23, 1948 - February 22, 2022

Mary Ann Skeens

September 4, 1938 - February 19, 2022 (age 83) Mary Ann Skeens, 83, of Mechanicsville, formerly of Chester, passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2022.

Born September 4, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Gladys Belle Mitchell and James Edmond Morris, Sr., and was also preceded in death by her husband, Harry Burns Skeens, Sr.; and brother, James Edmond Morris, Jr. Mary attended Chester Christian Church, where she was a dedicated member for over 45 years. Recently she moved to Mechanicsville and started attending Compass Christian Church.

She retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation as an administrative assistant after over 30 years of dedicated service. She enjoyed traveling with her friends, but most of all her greatest joy in life was her cherished family, who she loved spending time with.

She is survived by her sons, Harry Burns Skeens, Jr. and wife, Deborah Lynne, Edmond Lee Skeens and wife, Heather Lynn, Gary Wayne Skeens and wife, Lisa Jean; beloved grandchildren, Carrie Lynne Tyler and husband, Ben, Katie Elizabeth Crumpler and husband, Michael, Audrey Anne Skeens, McKinsey Leigh McCallum and husband, Dr. Terri McCallum, Taylor Drew Skeens and wife, Kristen, Lauren Taylor Skeens, Connor Wayne Skeens; three great-grandchildren, Harrison Michael Tyler, Wesley Grayson Tyler, Mia Charlotte Crumpler; other extended family members and many friends.

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Obituaries

Beatrice J. King

January 5, 1936 - February 22, 2022 Beatrice Jones King entered the world on January 5, 1936 into the waiting arms of her parents, James Jones and Roseanna Colbert Jones.

She was a child of varied talents. Although many individuals are blessed to receive a singular talent, “Bea” was exceptional in her academic studies as well as athletic abilities. She was an avid reader which greatly influenced her desire to dabble in the art of poetics. A shy woman of few words and deliberately invisible in public, writing poetry formed the outlet she needed to express her feelings.

She found great enjoyment in watching basketball, gymnastics, ice skating, and track and field.

Accepting Christ at an early age was the beginning of a decades long Christian walk that developed toward a maturity touching lives from all walks of life. Her giving nature was felt by many, especially her family. She gave of herself and loved unselfishly with a song in her heart. Beatrice aimed for excellence in her daily walk. Working in various positions, she retired from Hopewell Public schools with the sole goal of providing care for her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Rosesanna Jones; sister,Alice Wallace; brother, Randolph Jones, and sonin-law, Juan Stephenson.

Beatrice leaves many to cherish her memory: a devoted daughter, Adriene K. Stephenson; three loving granddaughters,Ariel Stephenson, Mia Stephenson, Lauren Stephenson; two sisters, (Indiana Delane and Blanche Davis); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday, February 28, 2022 at Friendship Baptist Church, 1305 Arlington Road, Hopewell, VA, the Rev. Dr. Norwood G. Carson, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Yvonne C. Lee

May 30, 1946 - February 21, 2022 Mrs. Yvonne Chambliss Lee, formerly of Roundtop Avenue, Petersburg, VA, peacefully entered eternal rest on February 21, 2022.

Born May 30, 1946, Yvonne was the oldest child of James and Alice Chambliss. She attended Sussex County School and graduated from the Disputanta Training School 1964.

She attended Mount Calvary Baptist Church until her health declined. Yvonne was employed by Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company until the company moved, then she became a CNA and worked at Walnut Hill Convalescent Center until she began working at Reynolds Aluminum where she bonded a strong friendship with Katherine Mungin, Deborah Ruffin, Gloria Taylor, and Juanita Richardson. After 25 years of service she retired.

Yvonne was a private and modest person. She adored her siblings and spoke highly of them. She would always look forward to a phone call and spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with them. I don’t think they will ever know how much she truly loved them and was so proud of their accomplishments. When her health declined, she was surrounded by their pictures and made sure they would receive their birthday cards on time.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her handsome husband of 43 years, Abraham Lee and her father, James Chambliss. Left to cherish her memories: her mother, Alice Chambliss; children, Kimberly and Russell Blackwell, Lisa and Kenneth Lyon, Andre and Lisa Lee; granddaughters, very devoted Shanel Lee (Geo) (known as her “HoneyDoll” who took care of her until the very end), Demetria Anderson, Jasmine Lyon and Kendall Lee; sisters, Virginia Colbert (Bobby), Margaret Evans, Carolyn Wells (Wayne), Angela Legrande (who was there every Sunday with conversation, goodie bags and love); brothers, James and Anthony Chambliss; nephews, Roosevelt Colbert, Shawn Wells, Ryan and Cory Legrande; neices, Tamara Freeman and Alexandra Chambliss; three great grandchildren, Geion, Giselle and Shadd Jefferson; bonus grandchildren, Emaja and Jaden; four sisters-in-law; her extended family, Liz, Keith and the Pulley family of Colorado; friends, very devoted Deborah Ruffin, Gloria Taylor, Mrs. B and Priscilla Vaughan; her hair stylist, Darcy Colbert; a host of cousins, among them Erving and Florence Chambliss, The Taylor Family and other family members.

The next chapter of our lives will be hard without our mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend but our memories of her will remain in our hearts.

Jean L. Jefferson

September 27, 1951 - February 20, 2022 Ms. Jean L. Jefferson of Hopewell, VA departed this life peacefully on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Riverview on the Appomattox Hopewell. Jean was born in Hopewell, VA on September 27, 1951, to the late Madison and Janet Jefferson.

Jean was educated in the Hopewell Public School System and attended Carter G. Woodson High School in Hopewell, VA. She leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, LaFern Thigpen and Natasha Jefferson both of Hopewell, VA; four grandchildren, Derrick Jefferson, Lauren Thigpen, DaeShawn Jefferson, RaeShawn Jefferson and one great grandchild, Rainey Baird; three sisters, Gail Valentine of Upper Marlboro, MD; Margo Parker (Walter) of North Chesterfield, VA, and Lois Williams (Vincent) of Upper Marlboro, MD; one brother, James Jefferson of Hopewell, VA; two uncles, George Hayes (Trucella) of Portsmouth, VA, and Ronald Hayes (Glenda) of Prince George, VA; four nephews, Lovell Valentine, Andre Hill (Vicki), Alfred Hill, Jr. (Lisa), and Terrell Williams; two nieces, Chanda Valentine (Willie) and Madison Williams both of Upper Marlboro MD; three great nieces, Morgan Hill, Kori Hill, and Alley Hill; and a devoted friend, Eva D. Harris.

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Obituaries

Mrs.Quantinette S. Conner May 28, 1983 - February 19, 2022

On February 19, 2022, God called one of his angels, Quantinette Shani Conner, home.

Quantinette was born on May 28, 1983, in Richmond VA to Linnette Graves and Donald Studivant.

She attended Chesterfield Public School.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Spring Creek Baptist Church.

Quantinette enjoyed singing karaoke and rapping, dancing, joking and having a good time with family and friends. She was loving, caring and most importantly Real.

Definitely a tough one.

She was preceded in death by her son, Janaz Martinez; niece, Caley Henderson; uncle, John Studivant; great grandparents, Samuel and Audrey Turner; James and Dora Studivant; aunt, Myra Twyman; cousins, Lewis Turner and Bobbie Jean Cosby.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Hugo Perez Sanchez; parents, Linnette Graves and Donald Studivant; devoted children, Jeremiah Conner, Zanaya Perez, Malliah Perez, Aireana Conner and Aalyiah Charity; grandchildren, Ke’shawn Prosise Jr, Da’Vion Prosise, Kaizer Harris, Janaz Conner and Mia’Lani Conner; siblings, Quantisha Gholson (Rodenna), Kiesha Conner, Chastity Baugh and Earl Dorsey; nieces; Tatiana Walker, Lin’nya Monroe, Takiya Bowser, Zamiah Epps-Bowser, Emerald Dorsey and Chloe Henderson; nephews, Israel Conner, Mario Davis Jr, Quareon Bowser, Isaiah Bowser, Q’mari Conner, Sincere Henderson and Tykiem Bowser; grandparents, Helen and Winfield Twyman and Catherine Studivant; aunts, Lucinda Conner, Sandy Gough, Catherine Chambliss (Bryan) and Gloria Lewis; uncles, Earnest Conner (Lisa), Ronald Conner (Cynthia) and Brook Studivant (Gloria); and a host of cousins and devoted cousins, Ebony Conner, Lasha Conner, Jennifer Alston (Tiffany), Victoria Alston, Nicole Conner, Joshua Conner (Katelyn), Ernecia Conner, Ernest Conner, Jr, (Kamron), Ja-nyah Conner and Tracy Eubanks; devoted friends, Jasmine Jackson and Jasmine Seward; God brothers, Equon Johnson, Damond Davis (Diamond), and God Sister, Rocshell Johnson.

LNNUSA.com

Palmira Edith Berti

August 26, 1925 - February 20, 2022 (age 96) Palmira,“Pam” Berti, 96, lately of Colonial Heights, VA, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2022. The family wishes to thank the staff of Dinwiddie Health and Rehab Center and James River Hospice for their kind and gentle care in her final days. Palmira was born on Staten Island, New York, in 1925 to Mary and Peter Lucioli, the eldest of their two daughters. She attended St. John Villa Academy on Staten Island, where she lived most of her life. Pam married the love of her life, Enrico “Rico” Berti. They were happily married 38 years, spending many happy summer hours together at the New Jersey Shore. Pam loved the beach, birdwatching, gardening, and musical theater. She and Rico were blessed with two children, John, and Mary Ellen. Palmira is survived by her son John (Shareene); her grandchildren Peter (Becky) and Matthew; her great-grandchildren, Ellie and Jack; and her much beloved nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Caroline, her husband Enrico, and their daughter Mary Ellen. She will be dearly missed and remembered with love.

Richard Wayne Allen 1944 - 2022 (age 77)

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Ann M. Wilson

September 16, 1943 - February 20, 2022 Mrs. Ann M. Wilson departed this life on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg.

Deacon George H. Gray

June 26, 1936 - February 21, 2022 Deacon George H. Gray departed this life on Monday, February 21, 2022 at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg.

Willette Sims

February 24, 2022 Ms. Willette Sims of Chester, departed this life on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at her residence.

Richard W. Allen, 77, of Dinwiddie passed away on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at John Randolph Medical Center. He was Jackson W. Sellers born on February 20, 1944 to the late July 26, 1937 - February 23, 2022 Clifford and Bertha Wells Allen, and was Mr. Jackson also preceded in death by two brothers, GerW. Sellers of ald and Robert Allen; and one niece, Terri Williamsburg, Bryant. Richard retired after many years of departed this life service from Brown & Williamson Tobacco on Wednesday, Company. He is survived by his children, February 23, Dennis W. Allen, Kimberly Allen Underwood 2022 at Henrico and husband Rusty, Clifford Allen; grandDoctors’ Hospital, children, Kaitlyn Underwood, Jacob Underwood, Nicholas Underwood; one brother, Richmond, VA. Cliff Allen and wife, Ruth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

National

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LNNUSA.com

Saturday, February 26, 2022

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

Doctrine Touting State Legislature Supremacy in Elections Administration Gains Traction in Court Cases JOHN HAUGHEY

A constitutional doctrine resuscitated during legal challenges before the U.S. Supreme Court in the wake of Florida’s disputed 2000 election is finding traction in post-2020 election integrity lawsuits.

Proponents are espousing “Independent State Legislatures Doctrine” in legal arguments seeking to cuff state courts from “acting like ‘super legislators’” and assert state legislatures’ right as “necessary parties” in election-related lawsuits.

“It comes back to a very basic textural reading of the Constitution that vests the ability to regulate elections to state legislatures,” said Jason Snead, executive director of Honest Elections Project (HEP), created in February 2020 by the Federalist Society to spearhead election integrity initiatives.

“This is a live issue—a theory we endorse.”

The doctrine is rooted in parts of two articles of the U.S. Constitution.

Article I declares state legislatures have authority to determine “times, places and manners of holding elections for Senators and Representatives.” Article II states “each state shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number STEPHEN MATUREN/GETTY IMAGES

A voter arrives at a polling place in Minneapolis on March 3, 2020.

of Electors” in presidential and vice presidential elections.

The doctrine has created a buzz among conservatives since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a Florida Supreme Court ruling that cited “suffrage principles” in the state’s Constitution to allow manual recounts in the disputed 2000 election.

In throwing out the ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that when the state Legislature enacted the law governing presidential electors, it was “not acting solely under the authority given it by the people of the state, but by virtue of a direct grant of authority made under Article II of the United States Constitution.”

Most legal scholars argue that 130 years of court rulings have made application of that doctrine using an originalist interpretation of the Constitution moot.

“The founding generation’s original understanding of Article II did not include special solicitude toward state legislatures. Moreover, the doctrine’s actual origins in the Civil War Era and its subsequent history reveal it has never been anything but a trifle which politicians and courts call upon to lend legal weight to sentiments otherwise unrecognized by law,” wrote attorney Hay ward Smith, in an article to be published in legal journals in May. Opponents say the 14th Amendment states each citizen’s vote must be counted and cite safeguards in the Constitution and in federal law, such as the Electoral Count Act’s “safe harbor” provision, that ensure that the popular vote determines Electoral College electors.

Critics say the doctrine gives “intellectual cover” to a gambit by Republicans to grant state legislatures power to override popular votes.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on Feb. 8, 2022.

It comes back to a very basic textural reading of the Constitution that vests the ability to regulate elections to state legislatures.

Jason Snead, executive director, Honest Elections Project “The benefit of technical arguments under the independent state legislature doctrine to subvert election results is that they have an aura of respectability and expertise,” University of California–Irvine School of Law legal scholar Richard Hasen wrote in an October Harvard Law Review Forum article, calling the doctrine “a strong vehicle for a bloodless coup.”

But HEP’s Snead and Hans von Spakovsky, Heritage Foundation senior legal fellow and election law reform initiative manager, say much of the criticism is politically motivated

hyperventilation over arguments they’re not making.

Von Spakovsky said state legislatures are restricted from participating in lawsuits lodged against the state “unless a law passed by legislature violates the state Constitution.”

“State election laws are in place because state legislators put them in place, but they cannot defend those laws in court. State legislatures should be a necessary party in any lawsuit filed against one of its election laws,” he said. “The ability of state courts—courts in general—to intervene in lawsuits over legislation that govern elections, I think, is much more limited than what the courts think.”

In October 2020, amicus briefs espousing the doctrine were filed before the U.S. Supreme Court in an unsuccessful challenge of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling upholding an extension of the state’s absentee ballot deadline, and before the U.S. 8th Circuit in overturning Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon’s decree allowing absentee mail-in ballots to be

counted after the deadline.

In that 8th Circuit ruling, justices affirmed that “there is no pandemic exception to the Constitution” and changes to election laws not approved by state lawmakers are “unlawful and unconstitutional.”

The doctrine will be presented when the U.S. Supreme Court hears Berger v. North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP on March 21. The Republican-led Legislature is challenging the 4th U.S. Circuit’s rejection of its petition to intervene, ruling the state’s attorney general is adequate representation in defending the state’s voter ID law.

“An attorney general should not be able to enter into a settlement without the state legislature agreeing,” von Spakovsky said. “It’s no different than in an auto accident. My lawyer cannot enter into a settlement without me agreeing to it.”

The outcome “should conform to the independent state legislature doctrine,” Snead said. “We’ve fought to get it all the way to the Supreme Court.”

tive was necessary to ensure

zen’s vote must be counted and cite safeguards in the Constitution and in federal law, such as the Electoral Count Act’s “safe harbor” provision, that ensure that the popular vote determines Electoral College electors.

Critics say the doctrine gives “intellectual cover” to a gambit by Republicans to grant state legislatures power NATIONAL to override popular votes.

In October 2020, amicus University of California–Irvine School of Law legal briefs espousing the doctrine scholar Richard Hasen wrote were filed before the U.S. in an October Harvard Law Supreme Court in an unsucReview Forum article, calling cessful challenge of the Pennthe doctrine “a strong vehicle sylvania Supreme Court’s rulLNNUSA.com ing upholding an extension for a bloodless coup.”

But HEP’s Snead and Hans of the state’s absentee ballot von Spakovsky, Heritage Foun- deadline, and before the U.S. dation senior legal fellow and 8th Circuit in overturning election law reform initiative Minnesota Secretary of State manager, say much of the criti- Steve Simon’s decree allowing NEWS courtesymotivated of THE E PO CH TIME S ballots to be cism is politically absentee mail-in

National

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A voter arrives at a polling place in Minneapolis on March 3, 2020.

settlement without the state legislature agreeing,” von Spakovsky said. “It’s no different than in an auto accident. My lawyerSaturday, cannot February enter into 26,a2022 settlement without me agreeing to it.”

The outcome “should conform to the independent state legislature doctrine,” Snead said. “We’ve fought to get it all the way to the Supreme Court.”

Plaintiffs in Michigan Lawsuit Over Zuckerberg Funding of DOJ’ s Halt Fighting to Program Targeting CCP Espionage Elections State’s 3rd Attempt to Dismiss Case

tive was necessary to ensure national security against CCP espionage.

“The [CCP] have made no secret of their desire to domiELAINE CROMIE/GETTY IMAGES nate the most cutting-edge technologies and industries, country from China,” Olsen fectively steal our intellectual and they have directed their said in a statement. property to increase their pow- bureaucracies and officials to “But our review convinced us er, to increase their production, acquire those technologies that a new approach is needed and to increase their technol- through whatever means necto tackle the most severe threats ogy,” Prior said. essary,” Heath said. from a range of hostile nationHe added that the CCP difDespite remarks such as those states.” fers from other potential ad- of Cotton, Prior expressed some Olsen said the initiative would versaries such as Russia, in hope that the decision to close be replaced with a broader that it didn’t pursue a strategy the China Initiative wasn’t a strategy focusing on a range of of sowing chaos and discord, partisan one, and that the Unitthreats posed by nation-states. but of continuously skimming ed States would work to lessen Ian Prior, who was the DOJ and stealing. its interior struggles and focus deputy director of public affairs “China’s model is to go out more on the wider world. when the initiative was first an- there and improve themselves “I would certainly hope that nounced, said the program had by stealing from America,” Pri- political ideology and pobeen important in unveiling or said. “Stealing trade secrets, litical partisanship wouldn’t the CCP’s strategy of stealing stealing IP, [having] scientists play a role in the Department research and technology on a going and working for compa- of Justice’s national security Secretary Jocelyn Benson speaks the press at Ford Fieldwhen in mass scale. of the State of Michigan nies and then bringing it back tooperations, specifically Detroit aonFeb. Nov.243,interview 2020.

During to China. it comes to our adversaries,” with The Epoch Times at the “That will eventually create Prior said. mote, unattended ballot boxes a erberg’s were not “Nobody do it in a certain way,’ and they Conservative Political Action situation“donations” where the intellecreally thinks about that violated Michigan law and covered by campaign finance thought that wasn’t proper,” Conference in Orlando, Flori- tual property and the economic these kinds of issues until we facilitated mail-in voting and laws, and became unlimited Hearne said. da,ballot Priorharvesting,” said that cases the things that are hapa situation hassuch notas yet value and of unregulated so-called dark get “That’s howlike we we’re found in out that of a CCP attempt to steal pening in America will be transnow, where you have provided full responses, the money, Hearne said. about it. None of this Rusmoney genetically modified dem- ferred China via espionage.” andpaid Ukraine,” he added.fiplaintiffs said in therice response.

ThetoZuckerberg money was siawas under campaign The plaintiffs say that the illegally nance rules—none of that was used in “an election onstrated how pervasive such Prior’s remarks echoed senti- “It’s generally the way it has disclosed.

That’s only way Zuckerberg money scheme that enhances the always espionage efforts are. was sup- ments of experts such as Timworked inthe America, weight of votes cast by one where posed to be used to buygoes personal anybody this.” as “I think that exactly to othy Heath, a senior defense theylearned focus of inward, protective only a analyst class offorvoters or increases one opposed It became “even moreabout absurd sort of theirequipment, motivation,but where the Rand Corporato worrying small percentage of it was used favored class of voters’ access to when the person paying for [the CCP] looking to ef- tion, saidhethe China scene.”that the local to pay forare COVID-19-related thewho ballot,” said.

TheInitiascheme the it global also requires

a Show of ‘Weakness’: Sen. Cotton election management” and in the process violated federal law MichiganTHORNEBROOKE Secretary of State Joc- with and being state legislature-endorsed ANDREW politically correct elyn Benson, a Democrat who election plans. than protecting Americans.” wants communities in her state The Department of Justice’s The DOJ announced the end to continue accepting private (DOJ) recent decision to scrap of the China Initiative on Feb. funding for election administrathe “China Initiative,” Trumpa review of its praction, is trying for theathird time 23 following COVID dangers to have challenging the tices brought about by allegaera efforta lawsuit to thwart economic were used as a practice thrown out. Com- tions of racial discrimination espionage by the Chinese cover for providing TheParty legal (CCP), controversy arose and mishandled cases. munist is “another after Facebook founder Mark Center forwas Tech and instance of weakness” by the The program begun by Zuckerberg and his wife gave Civic Life monies Biden administration, a U.S. the Trump administration in $419.5 million to left-wing activsenator says.during the 2020 elec- 2018 to to counter national semunicipalities ist groups “Thecycle, CCPpurportedly has stolentotrilfrom tion ease curity tothreats booststemming Democrat the of strain on of election systems lions dollars American in- the CCP’s use of espionage, candidates in the during theproperty, COVID-19 pandemic. fraud, and cybercrime against tellectual destroyed 2020 election.

Of theseof“Zuck bucks,” as some millions American jobs, and the United States.

The program call the money, $350 million Thor Hearne, special counturned students and researchers came under immense pressure went to the Safe Elections Projsel, Thomas More Society studying in the United States from academics and Chinese ect of the Center for Technology into spies,” said Sen.in Americans, however, who beandforeign Civic Life (CTCL), which Tom (R-Ark.) Feb. lieved that it was discriminaturnCotton used the moneyin foragrants addition, “executive offisympathetic groups, accord- toryInand 23tostatement. negatively affected ing the Thomas More Soci- research. cials in swing states facilitated, “Yettotoday, the Biden adminthrough and novel conety’s Amistad Project. istration announced it’s cancelAssistantunique Attorney General Society is tracts, the sharing of private ingThe the Thomas initiativeMore tasked with Matthew Olsen, who led the a national, not-for-profit public and sensitive information about combatting Chinese gov- review, thatthose it didn’t interest lawthe firm; the project citizenssaid within statesunwith ernment’s unprecedented docover any evidence to support “works to preserve civil liberties private interests, some [of] mestic sabotage andnational aggression bias, butpromote that the “perin a time of great chal- claims whomofactively leftist lenge,” according society. ception” candidates and agendas.” because they claimtoit’sthe racist.” of bias was harmful Amistad director Thisto sharing data “allowed He also saidProject that the closurePhill of enough warrantofthe canceling Kline, the former Republican access to data of unique the program presented “anotherat- ofdirect the program. torney general of Kansas, said value to leftist instance of weakness from anin political “Make no mistake, wecauses, will a report that Zuckerberg’s fund- and created new vulnerabilities administration more concerned be relentless in defending ing “dictated city and county for digital manipulation ofour state electronic poll books and counting systems and machines.”

KIMBERLY WHITE/GETTY IMAGES FOR SIRIUSXM 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 TRUTH and TRADITION 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 Michigan Secretary of State grant monies “to be used, among Jocelyn Benson in San other purposes, to purchase reFrancisco on Feb. 5, 2016.

MATTHEW VADUM

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 LEARN 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-

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 AT election clerks in MORE 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

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.

“THE EPOCH TIMES IS A BEACON OF LIGHT IN THE ‘NEWS’ DARKNESS THAT PRETTY MUCH COVERS THE COUNTRY.” —Jonne Rosenau TheEpochTimes.com

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