LNN Insider - April 16, 2022 by lnnusa

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Saturday, Apri 16, 2022

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Kids Club page

CH Council Talks Tax Relief page

Stoke Chosen for PG Administrator page

Hopewell Citizen Prompts Council Action page

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

Colonial Heights Council Discusses Tax Relief for Citizens COLONIAL HEIGHTS BY CRAIG RICHARDS LNNUSA.com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VAThe Colonial Heights city council discussed a measure in the Tuesday, April 12th regular meeting that would provide tax relief to the citizens of the city. Council members spent over an hour discussing a reduction in the personal property tax rate for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. “At one of the city council’s previous meetings, they discussed a reduction to the city’s personal property tax rate, which includes vehicles,” explained City Manager Doug Smith. “The city council discussed and, at that time, decided that they wanted to reduce that from $3.50 to $3.00 per $100 [of value]. That requires an ordinance, so we had to advertise for a public hearing for that ordinance.” Examples presented at

Tuesday’s meeting showed possible tax savings could top over $100 per resident, depending on the particular personal property affected by the ordinance. “We now have the opportunity to have different rates for certain classes of personal property based on recent legislation through the General Assembly that the Governor signed,” said

Smith, referring to the recently-signed legislation passed during the 2022 General Assembly session that attempts to counter the inflation of personal property taxes based on high demand and low supply of vehicles, new and used, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new law allows individual localities to choose to lower vehicle tax rates

separately from other types of personal property rather than setting one personal property tax rate for all the various classes of personal property. The council is set to continue discussion of the proposed change at the April 26th meeting with a public hearing to follow at a later date.

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STOKE Earns Top Pick in County Administrator Search, Edging out 62 Others PRINCE GEORGE BY ADRIENNE WALLACE FOR LNNUSA.com

PRINCE GEORGE, VA– After a national search garnering 63 applications from 21 states, Washington D.C., and Canada, the Prince George Board of Supervisors opted to hire a local, experienced professional to the county administrator seat. Jeffery Stoke received a unanimous vote to take the lead staff position. He was serving as interim county administrator after the full-time administrator position was vacated when Percy Ashcraft left for another opportunity outside of Prince George. Stoke was appointed to the full-time role at the Tuesday,

April 12th board meeting. The Prince George resident, who was appointed interim county administrator on December 4, 2021, had years of experience serving in several positions in the county. He was first hired in 2009 as the Director of Economic Development and, in 2011, was promoted to Deputy County Administrator- Economic Development. “Stoke’s demonstrated success and leadership with the county, along with his qualifications and performance during the selection process has made it clear that he is the right person to lead the organization as we move forward to the next chapter,” said Board Chair Marlene

Waymack. Other board members also expressed their confidence in his abilities. In fact, when the county first began its search for a new administrator, District 1 Supervisor Floyd Brown, Jr. said he had hoped Stoke would apply for the job. “He has an understanding of the county making a transition flow seamlessly, and I think he’s ready for the job.” Stoke holds qualifications that set him apart from other applicants in the search; he earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from James Madison University, he’s a Certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Develop-

PHOTO: PRINCEGEORGECOUNTYVA.GOV

JEFFREY D. STOKE.

ment Council, and he is an International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager. Stoke demonstrated those abilities and his readiness for the job as he filled the role CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

STOKE FROM PAGE 3 on an interim basis through winter and early spring. “I am humbled and honored by the Prince George County Board of Supervisors to be selected to lead our local government. I want to thank the Board for their confidence and support, as together, we add another chapter to the 319-year history in Prince George County, Virginia,” the local leader and community supporter noted in an interview. “Our County motto is ‘Semper Libertas’ or Always Free. May we always be free to discuss important issues, to serve the community we live in, and to help those in need.” As interim county administrator, Stoke presented a budget that includes a tax rate decrease. While the board ultimately has to approve any rate changes, the plan includes lowering the real estate tax rate from 86 to 83 cents per $100 and a reduced personal property tax rate from $4.25 to $3.95. This plan also eliminates the vehicle decal registration fee while still providing an additional $1,538,269 in local funds over the current year to the school system. “The number one priority of any government is service to the citizens,” Stoke noted. “Whether through personalized service or advancing technology, Prince George County strives to be a leader in customer service to make local government responsive, accessible, and transparent.” He feels he’s up to the task to which the Board of Supervisors appointed him: to move the county forward.

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“With 24 years of municipal government experience in Virginia and New York, my work experience includes the formation of budgets, management of staff, and creation of new policy initiatives,” the new administrator said. “My current role looks to find balance in a growing community that holds deep pride in a rural, family environment. It is because of that family environment that I chose to move my family to Prince George County.” Because of his professionalism and his accomplishments here, Stoke moved through the ranks.

“Previously as Deputy County Administrator, I have overseen several departments through my tenure,” he explained. “Many times as the interim director within a department during the department director search. My most recent projects include the Service Center Metals expansion and continued expansion of the Prince George Electric Cooperative public/private fiber to the home partnership. Recently, I led a team that installed Swagit Video Productions in the board room for live public viewing, video recording of meetings, and transcrip-

Saturday, April 16, 2022

tion available on the county website.” All of these accomplishments and many more have been deemed successful in the elected officials’ eyes, while they expect even more accomplishments to follow. “One of my first steps is to backfill a position I am leaving - Director of Economic Development,” he added. “The continued goal of the position is to actively recruit new businesses to the county for the designated industrial park and preserve the rural environment for those times after work hours when we relax and play.”

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Police Make Arrest in Fatal Tuesday Night Shooting PETERSBURG BY CRAIG RICHARDS LNNUSA.com

PETERSBURG, VA- Petersburg Police have arrested 19-year-old Dwight Delano Scott of Petersburg, charging him with 1st degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in conjunction with the death of 20-year-

old Tyquan Ridges. The shooting occurred on April 12th at approximately 6:33pm. Police were called to the scene of the 1500 block of E. Washington Street for reports of shots fired. During that investigation two other shooting victims were discovered, one at the 500 block of High Pearl Street, followed by a third

shooting victim on Locust Court within the Pine Oaks subdivision. Police are reporting that all three incidents are related. The Petersburg Police confirmed that Scott was injured in the incident and taken to the hospital. For now, Scott is being held pending his appearance in court.

PHOTO: PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

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Hopewell Citizen Voices Opinion on Tax Increases, Prompts Action by Council HOPEWELL BY CHAI GALLAHUN LNNUSA.com

HOPEWELL, VA— A concerned citizen and lifelong resident of Hopewell, Carolyn R. Jones, spoke out during the public hearing portion of the latest city council meeting. Her concern? Rising real estate property value assessments. “I was on 5th Avenue, and I was born at John Randolph hospital,” said Jones, a resident of Pleasant Hills, a section of Hopewell located in Ward 4 and represented by councilor and former mayor Jasmine Gore. “We have raised our family here.” Jones declared that she was “appalled” because she did not know about the meeting concerning property value. “I want to know where [the meeting time/date] was published,” said Jones. City Manager March Altman replied to her query, “In the Progress Index, the ad.” “So if you don’t take the Progress Index,” replied Jones, “You wouldn’t know. That’s my point.” She continued, pointing out that a copy of the published meeting notice, which was given to her by a friend, stated that “our property assessment values have neither increased or decreased,

but remain constant from the prior year”. Jones refuted that published statement. “That’s not true,” she said, adding that her property assessment increased by $20,000 last year. “That is a lot of money,” she stated, expressing concerns that beginning in January 2023, property values being assessed every two years accompanied by a tax increase could be “a double whammy for us”. Further, she expressed that these increases would dramatically affect people who own rental property as well, with landlords unable to keep pace with increased property value assessment and taxes compared to rental rates fixed in rental agreements. “We need to have a stabi-

lized budget so that we will know exactly what is expected of us as homeowners,” said the concerned citizen. Jones stated that for people like her, the retired, the elderly, “It’s hard when you’re on a fixed income.” She cited the increase in costs for all manner of living requirements such as utilities, medication, and medical care “mounting up”. At that, her time expired, but Councilor Brenda Pelham (Ward 6) made a motion to allow Jones to finish her statement. Councilor Gore seconded it, and the motion passed unanimously. In closing, Jones said, “We love our city, but the cost of everything has gone up, and we’re having to cope with it.”

She said that by lowering taxes for loyal taxpayers who pay all of their taxes, and pay them on time, it would be beneficial to them. However, the tax rate of $1.28 “is astronomical”. Jones pleaded, “Do not raise our taxes” because “some people are really struggling.” She added, “But, an increase of 15 cents per hundred should never be considered.” Immediately after the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed, Councilor Deborah Randolph (Ward 1) made a motion that council set the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2022 at $1.13, the existing, current amount for all tax rates. Gore seconded that motion. Pelham countered with an alternate motion to delay voting until more information could be gathered and discussion could be conducted concerning the machinery and tools tax. This sparked a lengthy debate about the M&T taxes. Ultimately, a compromise was reached, resulting in the unanimous (6-0, minus Mayor Patience Bennett, who was not present) approval of the real estate tax rate for the calendar year 2022 at $1.13, but deferring action on the remaining tax rates.

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Chili Peppers Launch Kids Club COLONIAL HEIGHTS BY CAROLYN DAY PRUETT LNNUSA.com

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA- On Saturday, April 9th, the Tri-City Chili Peppers launched their new program, Blaze’s Kids Club. Parents can sign their children up to be members of the Kids Club and receive 6 General Admission tickets along with Chili Pepper swag like tshirts, hats, lanyards, and a birthday goodie bag. The team will be hosting Kids Club parties throughout the year, and Kids Club members will get access to the Kids Zone at games.

Chili Peppers Vice President Colin McGuinn explained, “The purpose of the Kids Club is, one, to be part of the community, we really want to get all the kids involved doing something fun, keeping them in safe areas. A lot of parents during the pandemic, they had the kids inside all day and all night long, so it’s a great way to get the kids out to a ball game but also to do things all year long.” The cost to join the Kids Club is $25 per child, and kids ages 2 to 14 are eligible. For more information, visit chilipeppersbaseball. com/kidsclub.

Honoring Hometown Heroes HOPEWELL BY CHAI GALLAHUN LNNUSA.com

HOPEWELL, VA— From just before Memorial Day through Veterans Day in the Wonder City, military tribute banners recognizing Hometown Heroes can be seen throughout the downtown district, honoring local defenders of freedom. The military banner program is sponsored by American Legion Post 146 and the

City of Hopewell. It honors veterans and active-duty service members by proudly displaying their images and information throughout downtown Hopewell on full color 18” x 45” patriotic banners. The program is specific for veterans and active-duty members who are from the city. Residents can honor someone they know and/or can opt to have the program choose a worthy individual,

with the sponsor’s family name or business printed on the banner. So, when you’re enjoying the local downtown businesses, keep an eye out for these colorful banners dedicated to honoring local veterans and service members. For more information, call Ms. Kim Kinker at (804) 541-2220, or email www.HometownHeroes@ HopewellVA.gov.

An example of a Hometown Heroes banner.

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

McEachin Presents Checks to City of Petersburg, Petersburg Schools PETERSBURG BY CAROLYN DAY PRUETT LNNUSA.com

PETERSBURG, VA- In a Tuesday, April 12th ceremony at the Petersburg Public Library, Congressman Donald McEachin presented two checks to Petersburg city officials. The first check for $2,432,000 was for the City of Petersburg to support water infrastructure upgrades in the Poor Creek Sewer Service Area. The upgrades to Poor Creek will increase capacity, allowing for future development, including growth of the existing pharmaceutical manufacturing cluster. “Upgrading the water infrastructure for the Poor Creek Sewer Service Area has been an important, longterm priority for the City of Petersburg, and I am excited to deliver over $2.4 million to support the effort,” said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). “Not only will this funding help ensure the needs of residents are being met, but it will help bolster the overall

capacity of the system and support robust economic development in the area. Pharmaceutical Park will make Petersburg a world-class manufacturing hub, create thousands of new jobs, and support ongoing community revitalization efforts. I was proud to advocate for this project back in Washington, and I thank Mayor Parham and his staff for their collaboration and hard work throughout the process.” The second check was presented to Petersburg City Public Schools to fund the replacement of the current diesel school buses with electric buses. The funding through the American Rescue Plan’s electric school bus rebate program totaled $900,000. Petersburg School Superintendent Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, who accepted the check on behalf of the school system alongside members of the school board and city officials, stated, “These types of investments in our school division certainly support our mission of continuous improvement.”

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

Prince George Department of Social Services Promotes Child Car Safety for Child Abuse Prevention Month PRINCE GEORGE MEDIA RELEASE PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY

PRINCE GEORGE, VAApril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prince George Department of Social Services is committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect as we work to support families to address the safety and well-being of children. As we welcome warmer weather, it is important to highlight child car safety. According to Kids and Cars Safety, over 1,000 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990. There are far too many children seriously injured or killed from being left alone in or around a vehicle for “just a minute.” We all understand the inconvenience of loading, unloading and reloading a child into a vehicle, however, we must never put our own convenience above the safety of our precious children. On a hot day, the temperature in a car can rise to dangerous levels in less than one hour. Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers: • Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute. • If you see a child alone in a vehicle, get involved. Call 911 immediately. If the child is in distress, get them out

of the vehicle as quickly as possible. • Never allow children to play inside of vehicles. • Always keep vehicles locked to help prevent children from locking themselves inside. • Use drive‐thru services when available (restaurants, banks, pharmacies, dry cleaners, etc.) and pay for gas at the pump. If you order take‐out, you can ask them to bring the food out to your car. • Never leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running under any circumstances. • Do not put children or adults inside a vehicle with the engine running while clearing snow or ice off the vehicle. Always clear the tailpipe first to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Keep car keys and remote openers out of reach of children and keep vehicles locked at all times, even in driveways or garages. Ask home visitors, child care providers and neighbors to do the same. • Always set your emergency brake when your vehicle is parked. • Create reminders. Place and secure your phone, briefcase or purse in the backseat when traveling with your child. • In any state, a person can face child endangerment or neglect charges for leaving a child alone in a vehicle, even if the state does not have a law specifically making it illegal to leave a child alone in a vehicle. The Prince George Department of Social Services is

committed to protecting the vulnerable children in the County. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, you can report your concerns directly to the agency at 804-7332650 during business hours, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. After hours, you can make a report to the State Hotline at 1-800552-7096. You may remain anonymous. If you are interested in learning more about child abuse and neglect or how you can support the County’s children, please join the agency’s Child Protection Team on April 28, 2022 from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. in the Human Services Community Room at 6450 Administration Drive, Bldg. 12, for more discussion around this topic. For more information on Kids and Cars, visit kidsandcars.org.

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

Virginia State University Students Demonstrate Their Leadership in Food and Agri-Science Research at National Symposium

Three VSU graduate students, 26 undergraduate students, and 25 faculty and staff participated in the 20th annual Association of 1890 Research Directors Research Symposium in Atlanta, GA April 2-5, 2022.

CHESTERFIELD MEDIA RELEASE VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

CHESTERFIELD, VA- Food and agriculture scientists are playing a critical role in figuring out how we will feed and clothe the approximately 25% more people on the planet in 2050. This population increase, coupled with challenges like climate change and recent supply

chain disruptions, is at the forefront of the brightest scientific minds right now to ensure our food supply remains plentiful, affordable and safe. Virginia State University (VSU) demonstrated its leadership in developing the next generation of food and agriculture scientists, who will be tackling this problem, at the 20th annual Association of 1890 Research

Directors, Inc. (ARD) Research Symposium April 2-5, 2022 in Atlanta, GA. There, seven of their students took home research awards. The conference provides opportunities for scientists and students from the nation’s 19 historically Black landgrant universities to present research papers and posters on innovative and practical research findings in food and agricultural sciences. This

year’s conference theme was “Pathways to Build Back Better.” Cultivating minority and underrepresented youth for science-based careers is one of the primary goals of VSU’s College of Agriculture, which contains the land-grant university’s Agricultural Research Station, Cooperative Extension program and food CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Colonial Heights City Council Meeting 11

Hopewell

City Council Meeting

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7:00 PM

City Hall

7:30 PM

Municipal Building

Saturday, April 16, 2022

April 2022 Locality Calendar

04/13 Petersburg

Architectural Review Board

6:00 PM

City Hall & Zoom

04/18 Prince George

Senior Task Force Meeting

5:30 PM

Human Services Building & Online

04/19 Prince George

*Tentative* VDOT Roundabout Public Input Meeting TBD

Colonial Heights City Council Work Session (as needed)

Walton Elementary School

5:30 PM

City Hall

Economic Development Authority Board Meeting

5:00 PM

Petersburg Public Library

James River Soil & Water Conservation Board Meeting

6:00 PM

Human Services Building

Planning Commission Work Session

5:30 PM

Administration Building

Prince George

Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting

6:30 PM

Administration Building

Prince George

School Board Meeting

6:30 PM

TBA

04/21 Petersburg Prince George

04/25 Prince George

VSU FROM PAGE 10 and agri-science academic programs. Students who participated in the symposium worked alongside VSU College of Agriculture faculty members while conducting experiments, collecting data, analyzing results and preparing their presentations. In doing so, they received important hands-on experience in finding solutions to the challenges facing agriculture today. Melissa Romero Flores, a VSU junior agriculture major and third-place oral presentation winner, said that meeting students from other 1890 land-grant institutions at the symposium, “made me feel very empowered to

know that our generation has the capability to continue expanding and advancing agricultural sciences.” First place oral presentation winner, Camron Jones, who is a VSU senior agriculture major, added, “What stood out the most to me from participating in the symposium is the amount of companies, corporations, and institutions that are going above and beyond to seek and find talent from HBCU schools.” This year’s students who won an award include: Camron Jones (undergraduate student) – 1st place winner for oral presentation on “Evaluation of Chemical, Physical and Hydraulic Properties of Varying Rates of

Biochar-Vermiculite Mixtures and their Impact on Kale (Brassica Oleracea) Growth and Yield” Aliah Jacobs (undergraduate student) – 2nd place winner for oral presentation on “The Effect of Protein Contents on Physicochemical, Microstructural, Functional Properties of Hemp Heart Protein” Alexandra Ovalle-Cisneros (graduate student) – 3rd place winner for poster presentation on “Characterization of Green and Yellow papaya (Carica papaya) for Antioxidation and Glucose Uptake Stimulatory Activity in HepG2 Liver Cells” Kevin Brown (undergraduate student) – 3rd place winner for poster presentation on “Effect of Cooling Rate

on Sperm Motion Characteristics of Ram Semen during Liquid Storage at Two Temperatures” Melissa Romero Flores (undergraduate student) – 3rd place winner for oral presentation on “Prevalence of the Escherichia Coli Virulence Genes in Fecal Samples of Pre-Weaned and Peri-Weaned Lambs” Michael Ibarra-Bautista (undergraduate student) – 3rd place winner for poster presentation on “Integrated Methods for Producing Pathogen-Free Ginger Seed Rhizomes” Desmyn Owens (undergraduate student) – 3rd place winner for poster presentaCONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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VSU FROM PAGE 11 tion on “Chemical, Physical, and Hydraulic Properties of Selected Potting Mixes and their Effect on Growth and Yield of Kale (Brassica Oleracea)” “The quality of the ARD Symposium presentations this year represent the hard work of our students and their faculty advisors and resulted in the largest number of student winners in recent memory,” said Dr. Wondi Mersie, VSU College of Agriculture Associate Dean and Director of Agricultural Research. “The work we do on campus to prepare students for the symposium is another example of how VSU is a leader in developing the next generation of minority leaders in STEM careers like

agriculture and food science.” A total of three graduate students and 26 undergraduate VSU students attended the symposium. Additionally, 25 VSU College of Agriculture administrators, faculty and staff participated in the symposium, many of whom served as judges or moderators. Even those students who attended but did not win an award greatly benefited from the experience presenting their results, interacting with peers and learning from others in attendance. They also benefited by attending “soft-skill” and professional development workshops, like “Life After College: Where Do We Go from Here & How Do We Get There?” These workshops are designed to help students in their future

workplaces, as well as to meet graduate school recruiters and representatives from federal agencies, both whom were exhibiting at the symposium. “The most meaningful thing to me was preparing my students to present their research at a national level, compete with peers, learn from this experience, and look for further education and research opportunities that different institutions offer,” said Dr. Rafat A. Siddiqui, a food chemistry and nutrition science researcher, who served as advisor to two of the VSU student participants. “One of my graduate students, Karter Causer, was awarded a Thomas Wyatt Turner Fellowship through the Cornell University Graduate School. Another

The Board of the Petersburg City Public Schools will hold a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in the Petersburg High School cafeteria at 6:00 p.m, 255 South Boulevard East, Petersburg, VA. A closed session will be convened at 4:30 p.m., pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1) of the Code of Virginia. The meeting will be open to the public, and a ZOOM webinar link to the Regular Meeting will be made available on the Petersburg City Public Schools website at www.petersburg.k12.va.us.

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graduate student of mine, Alexandra Ovalle-Cisneros, received second prize in a poster competition.” ARD is the federation of the 19 autonomous 1890 land-grant universities that provides coordination of research initiatives among member 1890 institutions in cooperation with federal, state and private partners. The association’s mission is to provide leadership to the institutions as they address food and agricultural research challenges facing the state, nation and world. The ARD’s research agenda is broad and targets areas that address the needs of all people in society, particularly those underrepresented and oftentimes forgotten in the mix of issues confronting our society.

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The Commonwealth’s Unemployment Rate Fell to 3.0 Percent in March RICHMOND MEDIA RELEASE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

RICHMOND, VA- Governor Glenn Youngkin announced on Friday, April 15th that Virginia’s unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points to 3.0 percent in March, while total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,700 jobs. The Commonwealth’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.0 percent is 1.5 percentage points below the rate from a year ago. The labor force increased by 19,532 to 4,311,629, as the number of unemployed residents decreased by 4,922 to 131,101. The number of employed residents rose by 24,454 to 4,180,528. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to be below the national rate of 3.6 percent. Virginia had second lowest unemployment in the southeast and 15th lowest in the nation. The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate

increased slightly by 0.3 percentage points to 63.3 percent in March. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work. “We’re seeing green shoots in job recovery as we hit the lowest unemployment rate in the Commonwealth in nearly two years, that’s really exciting. My administration is focused on continuing this trend, creating jobs, and boosting our economy. We’re going to have a big surplus and we look forward to investing that back into Virginians, job recovery, our economy, education, law enforcement and mental

health.” said Governor Youngkin. “We’re happy to see the unemployment rate fall and the labor force continue to grow,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “The labor force participation rate increased as well, but it’s still well below the pre-pandemic levels. We expect that number to continue rising as more Virginians head back to work.” “Compared to this time last year, employment is up in all but two of the Commonwealth’s major industry divisions,” said Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater. “Even though the employment gains in March weren’t as large as the month before, our econ-

omy is continuing to trend in the right direction.” From March 2021 to March 2022, the VEC estimates that establishments in Virginia gained 109,200 jobs, an increase of 2.8%. In March, the private sector recorded an over-the-year gain of 98,900 jobs, while employment in the public sector gained 10,300 jobs. Compared to a year ago, on a seasonally adjusted basis, nine of eleven major industry divisions experienced employment increases while two saw employment decrease. The largest yearover-year job gain occurred in leisure and hospitality, up 54,700 jobs (+16.1%). The next largest over-the-year job gains occurred in professional and business services, up 16,900 jobs (+2.2%) and trade and transportation (+13,000 jobs). The only two industries to record over-theyear job losses were finance (-3,600 jobs) and manufacturing (-2,800 jobs).

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Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin Governor's Order for the Commonwealth of Virginia In accordance with the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in respect and memory of the 15th Anniversary of the Virginia Tech shooting which took the lives of 32 people. I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Saturday, April 16, 2022 and remain at half-staff until sunset. Ordered on this, the 15th day of April, 2022.

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Hard-Charging Bulls Fall to Cavaliers PETERSBURG BY CRAIG RICHARDS LNNUSA.com

PETERSBURG, VA– The Rowan County Bulls rolled into the ‘Burg with eyes set on toppling the undefeated Cavaliers. And while the team from Rowan finished the night with 114 points, it was a high-octane Petersburg offense that proved impossible to overcome. The Bulls’ Donald Rutherford dropped 38 points on the Cavs, teammate Avery Patterson finished with 36 points, and coach/player Stephen Heggins accounted for 20 more. The Cavaliers’ Elijah Moore answered the challenge with 38 points and a game high fourteen rebounds. He was joined by four other Cavs in double digits including Kevin Barnes with 20, Tavon Mealy with 16 and eleven rebounds, Donovan Willis with 14, and Ta’shaun Taylor with 10. Both Rutherford and Moore started hot with Rutherford putting up 22 points in the first half and Moore matching that with 23 points by the half. The Cavs led the Bulls on the boards at the half, out rebounding their Rowan County challengers 31 to 19. The Bulls’ defense matched their offensive performance early on. The

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Cavs, quite familiar with owning the paint, found themselves struggling to get inside against a strategic Bulls defense, forcing the Cavs into a perimeter game. Cavs bruiser Mealy entered the game with 5:22 left in the first, and, although not immediately able to open up the middle, eventually loosened the Bulls’ grip on the paint with his consistent inside play. The Cavs were down by four with a little over two minutes remaining in the first quarter. It was then that a combination of pressure defense and an impressive 14-0 run gave the Cavs a ten-point advantage heading into the second quarter. With less than two minutes in the half, the Bulls had erased the Cavs dou-

ble-digit lead and pulled to within one point. Under the two-minute mark, Moore hit two back-to-back threes to push the Cavs back out to a 61-57 halftime lead. The Cavs would continue the pressure on both sides of the ball, pushing the lead out as far as 16 points in the third, finishing the quarter up by twelve, 96 to 84. The Bulls’ eighty-four points at the end of the third was the highest points allowed by the Cavs’ defense all season, setting up a high scoring finale. Petersburg dropped another 33 points in the fourth to outscore their opponent and continue their undefeated season. The Cavs pushed the fourth quarter lead out to as much as twenty points before finishing the game 129 to 114.

The 9-0 Cavaliers, with five games left, remain atop the Mid-South Conference of the East Coast Basketball League as one of only two undefeated teams left in the ECBL. The PrimeTime Players, with seven games left, lead the Southern Division at 7-0. The teams will not face each other in the 2022 regular season, leaving only the playoffs as the chance to see the two teams match-up on the court. Between the two of them, twelve games remain to be played. And in the highly competitive and talent-laced ECBL, no team is guaranteed a trip to the championship game. Playoffs begin June 4th when the Cavs hope to secure the opening round for the Mid-South Conference in the ‘Burg.

Sports

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Angels Sued by Family of Injured 6-Year-Old LOS ANGELES STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

LOS ANGELES, CA- MLB’s Los Angeles Angels are being sued by the family of Bryson Galaz, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times. Galaz was six years old when he was struck in the head by a warm-up pitch thrown by Angels’ pitcher Keynan Middleton. The child recovered, but his family asserts that he has had

difficulty in school since the injury. Middleton was warming up prior to the start of the game, leading Galaz’s family to pursue a lawsuit based on the fact that the game had not begun when the incident occurred. The “Baseball Rule” usually protects teams and players from such suits; the informal rule assumes that spectators accept the risk of injury by their attendance of the game, but the Galaz’s

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lawyer disputes the Baseball Rule because the game had not started. The family filed the suit in Orange

County on Friday, April 1st, according to the report. The incident originally occurred at a 2019 game. If the suit is successful, it could have significant implications for baseball and other sporting events, potentially providing precedent for other lawsuits based on spectator injuries and clouding the issue of personal responsibility for the decision to attend sporting events that inherently carry the risk of injury.

Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins Dead at 24 FORT LAUDERDALE STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

ed as a traffic homicide. Haskins, who was only 24 years old, began as a high school football star in Maryland before playing at the college level at Ohio State. He spent two seasons with the Washington Commanders before moving on to Pittsburgh in 2021. He was in Florida to train for the 2022 season with other Steelers teammates.

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

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL- Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was killed in an accident involving a dump truck on Saturday, April 9th. According to ESPN, Haskins was walking on Interstate 595 in south Florida, when the dump truck struck him as he tried to cross the interstate. The incident is being investigat-

Sports

Saturday, April 16, 2022

LNNUSA.com

Scottie Scheffler Wins 2022 Masters already proven to be a golfer to keep an eye on, with four PGA Tour victories under his belt so far. This year’s Masters also witnessed the return of Tiger Woods to the green. Woods has won the Masters five times in the past, but this year’s event was his first professional game since he was severely injured in a car accident in February of 2021. Because of that leg injury, Woods was not favored to win this year; the 46-year-old finished 13 over par.

AUGUSTA STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

AUGUSTA, GA- At just 25 years old, professional golfer Scottie Scheffler won the 2022 Masters in Augusta, Georgia on Sunday, April 10th. He takes home a signature green jacket from Augusta National Golf Club, along with winnings totaling $2.7 million dollars. Scheffler finished the game 10 under par. The New Jersey native only turned pro in 2018 but has

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Crime

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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 04/06/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 400 BLK OF S 18TH AVE FOR A REPORTED BURGLARY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER ENTERED RESIDENCE BY REMOVING WINDOW. NOTHING STOLEN. ON 04/09/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 100 BLK OF S MESA DR FOR A REPORTED ATTEMPTED BURGLARY. OFFENDERS ATTEMPTED TO ENTER RESIDENCE VIA SIDE DOOR. NO ENTRY MADE, NOTHING STOLEN. ON 04/04/20222, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3300 BLK OF OAKLAWN BLVD FOR A REPORTED DISTURBANCE. KNOWN OFFENDER FOUND TO BE WANTED, IN POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS AND WAS ARRESTED. ON 04/05/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 2100 BLK OF ARLINGTON RD FOR A WARRANT SERVICE. KNOWN OFFENDER GAVE FALSE ID TO POLICE, WAS CONFIRMED AS THE WANTED SUBJECT AND WAS ARRESTED. ON 4/10/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3200 BLK OF COURTHOUSE RD FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES. ON 04/04/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 1000 BLK OF HASKELL ST FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. KNOWN OFFENDER STOLE DOGS FROM RESIDENCE. ON 04/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 400 BLK OF E BROADWAY FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES. ON 04/04/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 400 BLK OF N 3RD AVE FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE SPACE HEATER FROM RESIDENCE. ON 04/06/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 100 BLK OF RUTH HARRIS ST FOR A REPORTED LARCENY.

Saturday, April 16, 2022

HOPEWELL POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME SUMMARY

UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE FIREARM FROM RESIDENCE. ON 04/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 2100 BLK OF GORDON ST FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE TWO MOPEDS FROM OUTSIDE OF RESIDENCE. BOTH MOPEDS RECOVERED UNDAMAGED. ON 04/06/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3300 BLK OF OAKLAWN BLVD FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE UNLOCKED, RUNNING VEHICLE FROM OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS. VEHICLE RECOVERED IN CHESTERFIELD AFTER HITTING TREE. ON 04/10/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 2500 BLK OF OAKLAWN BLVD FOR A REPORTED ATTEMPTED LARCENY. KNOWN OFFENDER ATTEMPTED TO STEAL VEHICLE BY BREAKING WINDOW AND WAS ARRESTED. ON 04/10/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3300 BLK OF OAKLAWN BLVD FOR A REPORTED ROBBERY. KNOWN OFFENDER ASSAULTED VICTIM WITH HANDS AND STOLE CASH. WARRANTS OBTAINED. ON 04/05/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 2100 BLK OF W BROADWAY AVE FOR A REPORTED DISABLED VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM CHESTERFIELD. ON 04/0/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 1900 BLK OF WARREN AVE FOR A REPORTED STOLEN VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS CONFIRMED TO BE STOLEN FROM PETERSBURG. ON 04/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO HEADQUARTERS FOR A REPORTED VANDALISM THAT OCCURRED IN THE 700 BLK OF ATWATER RD. UNKNOWN OFFENDER DAMAGED MULTIPLE MAIL BOXES. ON 04/04/2022, POLICE RESPONDED

TO THE 200 BLK OF N 3 1/2 AVE FOR A REPORTED WEAPONS OFFENSE. UNKNOWN OFFENDER FIRED SHOTS. NO DAMAGE OR INJURIES REPORTED. ON 04/04/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 2700 BLK OF BERRY ST FOR REPORTED SHOTS FIRED. UNKNOWN OFFENDER FIRED SHOTS. NO DAMAGE OR INJURIES REPORTED. ON 04/09/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO JRMC FOR A REPORTED WEAPONS OFFENSE THAT OCCURRED AT THE 2000 BLK OF DAY ST. SUBJECT ACCIDENTALLY SHOT SELF WHILE CLEANING FIREARM, CAUSING NONLIFE THREATENING INJURIES. ARRESTS RYAN WYATT (29) of HOPEWELL 2022000945 PUBLIC SWEARING OR INTOXICATION,M DAWN JONES (41) of HOPEWELL 2022000587 CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR,M ABDULLAH HOOPER (37) of HOPEWELL 2022000926 POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE I,II CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE,F LASHAWNDA BLANDING-BEY (34) of PRINCE GEORGE 2022000940 FELONIOUS ASSAULT,F

RAYMOND MATHIS (32) of HOPEWELL 2022000942 FALSELY IDENTIFY SELF TO LAW ENFORCEMENT,M TANNER BROUGH (32) of PETERSBURG 2022000903 EMBEZZLEMENT >=$200,F RICKY CHARLES (62) of HOPEWELL 2022000944 PUBLIC SWEARING OR INTOXICATION,M RYAN PATTERSON (23) of PRINCE GEORGE 2022000970 ASSAULT & BATTERY,M RALPH PEMBERTON (57) of HOPEWELL 2022000969 ABDUCTION & KIDNAPPING,F INJURY - STRANGULATION/CAUSTIC AGENT OR EXPLOSIVE,F FELONIOUS ASSAULT,F VIOLATE PROTECTIVE ORDERS,F JAMES DEKOSTER (40) of ROCK HILL 2022000925 PUBLIC SWEARING OR INTOXICATION,M JOSHUA BURT (31) of PRINCE GEORGE 2022000946 ASSAULT & BATTERY -FAMILY MEMBER,M RAPE,F FORCIBLE SODOMY,F FORCIBLE SODOMY,F

Crime

Saturday, April 16, 2022

LNNUSA.com

DINWIDDIE ARREST REPORT Christopher Daniel Shipp, 28 years old of the 16000 block of Courthouse Road, Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on April 1, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

Abbey Hollan Pennington, 25 years old of the 11000 block of Sapony Church Road, McKenney, Virginia was arrested on April 5, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

Kole Hayden Wallace, 22 years old of the 200 block of Spring Drive, Colonial Heights, Virginia was arrested on April 5, 2022 for domestic assault and assault and battery.

James Hayes Gibbs, 44 years old of the 19000 block of Eanes Road, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on April 5, 2022 for a probation violation.

Tommy Lee Hooker, Jr., 27 years old of the 600 block of Bristol Village, Midlothian, Virginia was arrested on April 5, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

Katie Shea Leonard, 50 years old of the 4400 block of White Oak Road, Blackstone, Virginia was arrested on April 5, 2022 for domestic assault.

Amanda Leonard, 43 years old of the 12000 block of Ziles Road, Blackstone, Virginia was arrested on April 5, 2022 for assault and battery.

Toronia Mona Williams, 28 years old of the 5300 block of Jons Way, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on April 5, 2022 for assault and battery.

Kayla Deona Shands, 25 years old of the 14000 block of Lew Jones Road, Dewitt, Virginia was arrested on April 6, 2022 for contempt by failing to appear in court.

Paul Everett Reese, 53 years old of the 25000 block of Franklin Street, North Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on April 6, 2022 for credit card theft and credit card fraud.

Daniel Marino Edwards, 28 years old of the 7800 block of Boydton Plank Road, North Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on April 6, 2022 for domestic assault.

Matthew Bradshaw Edwards, 23 years old of the 7800 block of Boydton Plank Road, North Dinwiddie, Virginia was arrested on April 6, 2022 for domestic assault.

Kevin Michael Smith, 38 years old of the 29000 block of Butler Branch Road, Petersburg, Virginia was arrested on April 6, 2022 for assault and battery.

Crime LNNUSA.com

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

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Crime

LNNUSA.com

Saturday, April 16, 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 202204040007 Vandalism ON 04/04/2022, POLICE REPSONDED TO THE 7000 BLK OF GOLF COURSE DRIVE FOR A VANDALISM. UNKNOWN OFFENDER DAMAGED VICTIM’S WINDSHIELD. 202204050008 Assault-Simple ON 04/05/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 15000 BLK OF PLEASANT GROVE DRIVE FOR A REPORT OF A DOMESTIC ASSAULT. BOTH PARTIES CLAIM MUTUAL COMBAT BUT NO INJURIES OBSERVED. 202204060002 Vandalism ON 04/06/2022, OFFICERS RESPONDED TO THE 9300 BLK OF FOUNTAIN DRIVE FOR A REPORTED VANDALISM. UNKNOWN OFFENDER CAUSED DAMAGE TO AN UNATTACHED SHED LOCKING DEVICE AND DOOR. ENTRY WAS NOT GAINED. 202204060004 Fraud-Welfare Fraud, Fraudidentity Theft ON 04/06/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 3400 BLK OF PRINCE GEORGE DRIVE FOR A REPORT OF FRAUD. INVESTIGATION DETERMINED UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE VICTIM’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER TO GAIN UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. 202204070001 Disorderly Conduct ON 04/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE AREA OF PRINCE GEORGE DRIVE AND MONCOL DRIVE FOR A

DISORDERLY SUBJECT. KNOWN OFFENDER WAS IDENTIFIED AND REFUSING TO RETURN TO THE GROUP HOME, AND ATTEMPTING TO OBSTRUCT TRAFFIC. ARREST MADE. 202204070004 Assault-aggravated ON 04/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 12200 BLK OF SOUTH CRATER ROAD FOR AN ASSAULT. KNOWN OFFENDER ATTEMPTED TO STRANGLE VICTIM DURING AN ARGUMENT. ARREST MADE. 202204070005 Larceny-Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts/Accessories ON 04/07/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF A LARCENY IN THE 5500 BLK OF HERITAGE ROAD. UNKNOWN OFFENDER STOLE A LICENSE PLATE FROM THE VICTIM’S VEHICLE. 202204070006 Assault-Aggravated ON 04/07/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 8900 BLK OF TEAKWOOD DRIVE IN REFERENCE TO A REPORTED ASSAULT AND WEAPON BRANDISHING. KNOWN OFFENDERS INVOLVED. 202204080004 Assault-Simple ON 04/08/2022, POLICE RECEIVED A CITIZEN OBTAINED WARRANT FOR AN ASSAULT THAT OCCURRED IN THE 4200 BLK OF RIVES ROAD. 202204090002 Larceny ON 04/09/2022, POLICE RESPONDED TO THE 8900 BLK OF OLD STAGE ROAD FOR A REPORTED LARCENY. UNKNOWN

OFFENDER TOOK A DAMAGED BOAT AND RIMS. 202204090006 Shoplifting ON 04/09/2022, POLICE WERE RESPONDED TO THE 1900 BLK OF COLONIAL CROSSSINGS DRIVE IN REFERENCE TO A SHOPLIFTING. UNKNOWN OFFENDERS STOLE FOOD FROM THE STORE. NELSON DUNSTON AGE 34 202204030006 NORTH DINWIDDIE, VA ELUDING POLICE DRIVING WITHOUT LICENSE PROHIBITED; PENALTIES EXCEEDING SPEED LIMIT KENNETH DIXON JR AGE 29 202204040006 RICHMOND, VA PUBLIC INTOXICATION BRIAN MOORE AGE 37 202204040008

PETERSBURG, VA DWI: REFUSAL OF TEST DRINKING WHILE OPERATING MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS SEATBELTS REQUIRED UNSAFE LANE CHANGE REVOKED LICENSE RICHARD PEARSON III AGE 36 202204050003 RICHMOND, VA EXCEEDING SPEED LIMIT MONTRELL ROBINSON AGE 37 202204060001 STONY CREEK, VA DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE DWI: REFUSAL OF TEST REVOKED OR SUSPENDED LICENSE LAKEA GALBRAITH AGE 23 202204070001 PRINCE GEORGE, VA DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Crime

Saturday, April 16, 2022

LNNUSA.com

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 MARQUES LOWRY AGE 24 202204070004 MCKENNEY, VA ASSAULT & BATTERY

UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE WITH TWO WAY RADIO MARSHALL BEAVER AGE 39

202204080001 DISPUTANTA, VA TRESPASSING TAYJAH GREEN

AGE 22 202204100001 WAVERLY, VA FAIL TO OBEY RED LIGHT HIT & RUN

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTM WEEKLY WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY POLICEHIGHLIGHTS DEPARTMENT WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS April 4, 2022 – April 10, 2022

April 4, 2022 – April 10, 2022 April 4, 2022 – April 10, 2022

For the period April 4, 2022 – April 10, 2022 o 422 criminal and other types of calls for service were assigned he period April 4, 2022 – April 10, 2022 o and Total calls for of service: 615 22 criminal other types calls for service were assigned 

he period April 4, 2022 – April 10, 2022 otalcriminal calls forand service: 615 of calls for service were assigned 22 other types otal calls for service: 615 Police

Accident Property Damage Hit & Run Property Damage dent Property Damage MVA w/Entrapment MVA with Possible Injuries &dent RunProperty Property Damage Damage Traffic Stop A & w/Entrapment Run Property Damage Total

A Possible Injuries A with w/Entrapment ficwith StopPossible Injuries A l Stop fic Animal Services al

Animal Abandoned ervices Animal at Large Animal Bite/Exposure Services Animal Call mal Abandoned Animal Livestock/Horse Call mal at Large mal Abandoned Animal Sick/Injured mal mal Bite/Exposure at LargeAnimal Wildlife Total mal mal Call Bite/Exposure

10 4 10 24 72 137 7 160 137 160

1 15 1 4 15 54

10 4 2 7 137 160

1 15 4 5 1 6 1 33

Crime

Saturday, April 16, 2022

LNNUSA.com

Fugitives of the Week: 1971 | April 11, 2022

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

Ayman A. Hasaballa is wanted for failure to appear on forging public records. Hasaballa, 49, is a 6-foot 1-inch-tall white male who weighs 193 lbs. Hasaballa 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) 748-0660, or use the p3Tips mobile app. We guarantee you will remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward up to $5,000.

Jahmar Exavir Lewis AKA: Jahmar Xavier Lewis is wanted for felony eluding police. Lewis, 26, is a 5-foot 8-inch-tall black male who weighs 145 lbs. Lewis has brown eyes and black hair. 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.”

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Crime

Saturday, April 16, 2022

LNNUSA.com

Refresh Convenience Robbery: 1971 | April 11, 2022

This week, the Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers program needs your help to solve an armed robbery. On March 24, 2022, around 8 p.m., an unknown male entered the Refresh Convenience Store at 11648 Jefferson Davis Hwy. The suspect then left the store, changed clothing, returned with a black semiautomatic handgun, and demanded money. The suspect is described as Black male with a medium complexion; he was about 20-30 years old and 5 feet 8 inches tall with a thin build. The suspect was operating a dark gray 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu sedan. The Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers program has released photos of the suspect in this case. To see them, visit our Facebook page or our website at crimesolvers.net and hit the “Crime of the Week” button. If you can help solve this crime, or have information about any unsolved crime and/or wanted person in Chesterfield County or Colonial Heights, call Crime Solvers at 748-0660 or use the P3-Tips 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 this is your crime of the week.

“Take the Time to Solve the Crime.”

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Opinion

Saturday, April 16, 2022

LNNUSA.com

EDITORIAL

Into the Mirror Last week, the Editorial Board wrote about the courage and compassion it would require for Petersburg to look into the mirror and acknowledge that many of its problems come from within rather from outside the community. As promised, this week we step into that mirror. Let’s begin our journey… Many active, engaged citizens were likely somewhat taken aback- or even offended- by the suggestion that Petersburg itself is to blame for the problems and challenges it faces. Many conversations, both in person and on social media, about Petersburg’s issues revolve around citizens’ desire to change things inside the city. In every place,

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whether it be a big city or the tiniest of towns, there are those who give voice to their complaints simply because they want to feel heard- and that’s okay. After

all, change is best undertaken with feedback to guide the direction of the change. Others want to feel heard but also feel compelled to take action.

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SUBMISSIONS: Comments in the form of letters to the editor, guest columns, or press releases are encouraged. All letters, guest columns, or submissions of any kind must include a name, address and email or telephone number for contact purposes. Author’s name and city/ county will be published with any letter to the editor. No anonymous submissions will be considered for publication. Letters to the editor should not exceed 500 words. LNN USA reserves the right to edit for correctness, length, available space, and style or refuse publication, opinions expressed in letters to the editor. Guest columns, or

Carolyn Day Pruett News Director Newsroom@LNNUSA.com

EDITORIAL BOARD: The LNN USA Editorial Board is comprised of LNN USA writers and contributors focusing on thoughts, ideas, and information generated from daily events and suggestions from residents of our community. The views expressed by the Editorial Board are not necessarily the views of LNN USA. These opinions are designed to offer the audience with a wide range of ideas, theories, and observations essential to developing thought provoking public discourse. LNN USA welcomes opposing views, rebuttals, general letters-to-the-editor, and topical suggestions from the public. The board meets

Chai Gallahun Bureau Chief Newsroom@LNNUSA.com

Neither of these groups of engaged citizens are the subject of this editorial. Rather, our first stop inside the Petersburg mirror is to spend a little time with the unengaged citizens of the city. One of Petersburg’s biggest issues is apathy. Whether residents are burnt out from dealing with city problems, so accustomed to those problems that they don’t register as problems anymore but are instead the status quo, or simply not interested in being aware of what is happening in their local government, apathetic citizens are a major source of inertia in the city. Let’s take a look at some CONTINUED ON PAGE 27 weekly to debate, discuss, and review significant topics pertinent to the audience. In general, it is a consensus of the board, who review facts, discuss opposing opinions, explore theories, and ultimately formulate conclusions, that are published as an editorial. The final article is the collective discussion of a variety of individuals providing various experiences, expertise, and viewpoints. That is why editorials appear without bylines. REPRODUCTION: This publication is a copyrighted product. No photo graphics, advertisements, news features, stories, or articles may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of LNN USA management. All material contained herein is the property of LNN USA. A free press is founded on News by the people – For the people!

Tammy Richards Business Manager Business@LNNUSA.com

Opinion LNNUSA.com

Saturday, April 16, 2022

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL FROM PAGE 26 data. For this exercise, we will take a look at three different Petersburg city council elections, one in 2016, one in 2018, and one in 2020. In 2016, current Councilman Charlie Cuthbert ran to represent Ward 4, opposed by Patricia Hines. Cuthbert took 56.8% of the vote, or 1007 votes; Hines took 32.3%, or 573 votes. There were 194 “other” votes, for a total of 1,774 votes in Ward 4 for that race. According to the Virginia Department of Elections, as of November 1st of 2016, there were 3,305 registered voters in Ward 4. That brings the total turnout of registered voters in that election to 53.7%. Fast-forward to 2020. Councilman Cuthbert’s term is up, and he is running for reelection. He is opposed by two candidates this time around: Marcus Squires and Samuel Jean. Cuthbert takes home 1,009 votes (53.8%), Squires secures 598 votes (31.9%), and Jean receives 260 votes (13.9%). This year, there are 8 “other” votes for a total of 1,875 votes in the Ward 4 council race. Per the Department of Elections, there were 3,334 registered

voters in Ward 4 as of November 1, 2020, bringing the turnout rate to 56.2% - a bit better than in 2016, but not by much. Keep in mind that both of those races occurred in Presidential election yearsyears with much higher-than-average voter turnout in general. Just over half of the registered voters in a ward showing up to vote for their local representative in a Presidential election year? That’s a problem. Let’s take a look at a neighboring ward in a non-Presidential election year for comparison. In 2018, current Ward 5 Councilman Howard Myers ran against Beverley Coleman for the seat on council. Myers received 465 votes (40.9%), and Coleman took 351 (30.8%). There were 322 “other” votes, bringing the total votes cast for that race to 1,138. With 3,197 registered voters in the fifth ward as of November 1st of that year, the voter turnout was a measly 35.6%. With such low vote totals, no wonder councilors were arguing over mere blocks in the ward map debates. These voter turnout statistics are sad for a city that needs to work through major problems. They indicate a populace that is not highly

interested in the local government that touches their lives every day. Before we move on, let’s take one more look at another telling statistic: voter registration. In 2016, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated Petersburg’s population to be 31,380 people. Of those, according to the Virginia Department of Elections, 22,543 were registered to vote. That equates to around 71.8% of the population. In 2018, the Bureau estimated the city population to be 31,056. Registered voters totaled 22,491, meaning

72.4% of the people were registered to vote. In 2020, the city population estimate was 33,428. With 22,948 registered to vote, only 68.6% of residents were registered. Around one-third of the City of Petersburg isn’t registered to vote. Those who are registered turn out to the polls in low rates. How can the city see any change with so much apathy on the part of its citizenry? Next week, we will continue our journey into the mirror and down the rabbit hole.

Opinion

Saturday, April 16, 2022

LNNUSA.com

TAX CUTS VS TAX CUTS SENATOR FRANK RUFF

15TH SENATE DISTRICT There is a real dilemma in Virginia politics currently. Last November, one of the issues that Glenn Youngkin ran on was cutting taxes. As I wrote last week, the Senate Democrats are determined to prevent him from getting wins. That is particularly true with the issue of tax cuts. The dilemma for the Democrats is, how do they look like they are supporting the desires of the citizens of Virginia while opposing the majority of the voters who voted for Youngkin. During the campaign last fall, Glenn Youngkin proposed removing all of the sales tax on groceries. Then Governor Northam saw how popular this was, so he proposed removing part of that tax. Youngkin proposed removing the income tax on some military retirees to entice them to become permanent Virginia residents rather than taking their skills and work ethics to other states that don’t tax their retirement. The Democrats insisted on only offering that benefit to the lowest paid retirees of the

military. These, in addition to adjusting the standard deduction you can deduct from your income, would increase the disposable income your family has. The Democrats responded with a lesser deduction and to make it temporary. They hope that you will not notice that Virginia’s treasury is brimming with extra cash receipts from higher personal income tax and larger sales tax receipts derived from inflated prices you are paying for everything. This is much of the three billion dollar budget hang-up we are facing in Richmond If that is not “me too” enough, recently Governor Youngkin proposed that, because of the high prices at the gas pumps, we could suspend the gas tax for three months to help folks. This would particularly have a positive effect in our region and other parts of rural Virginia that must drive longer distances to get to work. The Democrats counter proposed just writing checks to families. Fifty dollars or one hundred dollars if more than one driver. That figure might represent the tax you would pay to fill up as few as 10 times. That might sound reasonable to those who don’t drive far to work and to the store. In

our area, many drive 30 to 50 miles one way to work. Law Enforcement Deaths Some of the numbers are out for 2021. The number of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty last year broke records. Allcause mortality jumped an astonishing 55% over 2020. This makes it the worst year ever to be a police officer. The three biggest vectors for the statistics were Covid, traffic accidents, and firearm deaths. Firearm deaths jumped 38% from the previous year. A third of those deaths were attributed to ambush attacks, which were almost unheard of in the previous decade. Covid deaths were a significant factor. Understand, while many worked from home and some businesses were shut down, our officers were still on the job dealing with folks before they could know they might be infected. Morale among officers is at an all-time low. With some cities defunding the police and others, like Richmond, looking to divert tax dollars away from enforcement to “oversight” boards to second guess the decisions that must be made in split seconds that might be the difference between life and death. There should be no doubt why officers

are leaving the profession in droves. While complete data on all crime is still being compiled, we do know that, for the first nine months of 2021, assaults against officers are also up, with over 60,000 being reported to the FBI. As bad as 2021 was for law enforcement, the early months of 2022 look as bad or worse in Virginia. In Covington, one officer was shot. At Bridgewater College in Rockingham County, two campus officers were shot. In Henrico last week, an officer was killed in a car wreck. A dangerous career is becoming more deadly. Meanwhile, officers are deciding to leave or retire as the gloom of lawlessness grows. In Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, police chiefs have announced they are retiring. The president can deny that law enforcement is being defunded, but that is not true. Cities and states have done exactly that. For us to maintain departments with experienced officers, we must do more to show our respect. We love to hear from you! You can reach us at Sen. Ruff@verizon.net, 434374-5129 or P. O. Box 332, Clarksville, VA 23927.

Money

Saturday, April 16, 2022

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Inflation Tax Already Taking Huge Bite Out of Household Budgets This article originally aired as a podcast; to listen to that podcast, visit moneymetals.com/podcasts.

MIKE GLEASON MARKET WRAP PODCAST

Welcome to this week’s Market Wrap Podcast, I’m Mike Gleason. As the Federal Reserve ramps up its rhetoric on rate hikes, precious metals markets continue to consolidate. Gold and silver showed some signs of basing out and readying to move higher with a rally on Thursday. As of this Friday recording, gold prices come in at $1,951 an ounce – up 0.9% for the week. Silver, meanwhile, is putting in a slight weekly gain of 0.3% to trade at $24.97 per ounce. Turning to the platinum group metals, they have been slumping on late. Platinum is off 1.6% this week to trade at $1,000. And palladium, which is putting in a big advance here today of +$200 so far, is up a robust 7.4% this week to command $2,499 per ounce. Metals markets haven’t been helped by a rising U.S. Dollar Index. Yes, despite the Federal Reserve note

losing purchasing power at the most rapid pace in four decades, it is gaining against most major foreign currencies. A big part of this superficial dollar strength is based on expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates more aggressively than central banks in Europe and elsewhere. On Wednesday, the Fed released the minutes from its most recent policy meeting. Officials indicated they wanted to shrink the central bank’s massive bond purchasing program at a faster pace than previously indicated. Some also pushed for larger 50 basis point rate hikes in response to alarming inflation data. The financial media widely reported the Fed’s monetary policy stance as being “hawkish.” But policy itself remains extremely accommodative. And the Fed will face immense pressure to continue accommodating the borrowing spending binges on Wall Street and in Washington. There are very few deficit hawks these days on Capitol Hill. Both establishment Republicans and Democrats regularly vote for budgets

that grow government spending beyond the ability of revenues to cover. They haven’t felt any need to change their ways because they have a seemingly unlimited capacity to borrow at artificially low interest rates thanks to the Fed. But with rates now rising, the costs of government deficit spending are growing. President Joe Biden is undeterred. Last week, he pushed a massive $5.8 trillion budget proposal. He claims that it won’t increase the deficit or contribute to inflation because he will be raising taxes to pay for it. Joe Biden wants to impose a “Billionaire Minimum Income Tax,” raise the top tax rates on individual and corporate income, raise the top rate on capital gains and dividends, and exact taxes on investors’ unrealized capital gains after they die. Not even all these new taxes would be enough to pay for the Biden administration’s big spending wish list. Even under the White House’s own fiscal assumptions, the government would still run deficits in excess of $1 trillion. Trillions of dollars that

can’t be extracted from the economy will have to be borrowed into existence out of thin air. That is the root of the inflation problem, as Reason’s Nick Gillespie noted in a recent video: Joe Biden: My dad had an expression. He said, “Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what’s your value.” Nick Gillespie: So, President Joe Biden has released his budget plan for fiscal 2023. At the very moment, we’re experiencing the highest inflation rates in 40 years, and it turns out he values the same sort of government spending that is already sending prices sky high. It’s debt-financed spending that spurs inflation in the first place. Rather than cutting spending and reforming entitlements, the government borrows and prints money so it can keep giving goodies to its favorite citizens. You get more dollars chasing the same amount of goods, and that leads to price hikes. Fed chairman, Jerome Powell, has announced a series of interest rate hikes to CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Money

INFLATION

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FROM PAGE 29

help tame inflation. But in a recent speech, he made no mention of the increase in the money supply measured by M2, which has risen by a record 41% in two years, or of the Federal Reserve’s holding of U.S. debt, which has jumped $3.5 trillion over the same time period. The Fed finds itself in a tough spot. It may have some room left to maneuver on rate hikes. But it likely won’t ever be able to staunch currency supply growth – the raw material of price inflation and the fuel for government deficit spending. The dirty little secret in Washington is that inflation functions as a tax. It transfers purchasing power away from wage earners and savers. At the same time, inflation erodes the real value of

debts that have to be paid. And the U.S. government is the biggest debtor of them all with $30 trillion owed officially and tens of trillions more in unfunded liabilities. The inflation tax is taking a huge bite out of household budgets. The average American family will have to pay $5,000 more this year just to maintain the same lifestyle they enjoyed last year. Inflation is also eating away at investors’ real returns on financial assets. Bonds and money markets have been yielding negative real returns for years. Now equity market investors are struggling as well to keep pace with inflation. Many potential alternatives exist for generating inflation-beating returns – from real estate to cryptocurrencies to collectibles. But the most essential asset class to own for inflation protection

is physical precious metals. Gold and silver represent sound money. And sound money, by definition, retains purchasing power over time. A gold Double Eagle coin minted in the early 1900s was originally worth $20. Today it is worth about $2,000. Tomorrow it might be worth 5,000 U.S. dollars. It’s not because gold is becoming more precious. It’s because the currency in which gold prices are quoted is becoming less valuable. That inverse relationship will continue to persist. And as there is no limit to how much currency the Fed can create, there is no ceiling for how high precious metals prices can go in U.S. dollar terms. Well, that will do it for this week. Be sure to check back next Friday for our next Weekly Market Wrap

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Podcast. Until then this has been Mike Gleason with Money Metals Exchange, thanks for listening and have a great weekend everybody. About the Author: Mike Gleason is a Director with Money Metals Exchange, a precious metals dealer recently named “Best in the USA” by an independent global ratings group. Gleason is a hard money advocate and a strong proponent of personal liberty, limited government and the Austrian School of Economics. A graduate of the University of Florida, Gleason has extensive experience in management, sales and logistics as well as precious metals investing. He also puts his longtime broadcasting background to good use, hosting a weekly precious metals podcast since 2011, a program listened to by tens of thousands each week.

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

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Easter Dip Goodness Easter Bunny Rolls

CULINARY.NET

Easter is about coming together with loved ones, enjoying beautiful spring weather and eating your family’s favorite foods. The kids will be playing, adults will be chatting and all will be patiently waiting for the table to be set. If you’re visiting and making memories with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while, there are few things better than diving into a marvelous Easter spread. While eyeing the table, you notice all the colors popping off the dishes. Fruits and veggies make the feast come to life, but a warm Easter dip paired with rolls for dipping is a perfect way to start the festivities. These Easter Bunny Rolls with Spinach Dip are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Not only will the kids love its shape, but the layers of taste will wow your Easter crowd. To make this recipe, start by combining a 16-ounce package of frozen spinach, cream cheese and garlic in a skillet. Once heated, add mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, chili powder and Italian seasoning. Add in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses then stir until combined. Next, roll out crescent rolls. Stretch the dough then cut into 24 rolls. Form the bunny shape and scoop your spinach dip mixture into the center of the bunny and its ears. Sprinkle the spinach dip with mozzarella cheese before baking at 375 F for 18 minutes. This dish is made for a crowd, served warm and full of cheesy goodness. You can watch as your family dips into the spinach and one-by-one, before you know it, the rolls will have disappeared and the dip will be devoured. Find more Easter recipes at Culinary.net.

with Spinach Dip SERVES: 24

Ingredients • 16ounces frozen spinach, thawed • 8 ounces cream cheese • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 • 1/2 • 1/4 • 1/4

teaspoon salt teaspoon onion powder teaspoon chili powder teaspoon pepper

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat oven to 375 F. 2. In skillet, over medium heat, cook spinach, cream cheese and garlic 3-4 minutes until cream cheese is melted. Stir in mayonnaise, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Cook until cheese is melted. Keep skillet on burner over low heat. 3. Remove dough from tubes. Leaving dough intact, roll and stretch into 18-inch ropes. Cut each rope into 12 pieces for 24 total.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided • 2 crescent roll tubes (8 ounces each)

4. On baking sheet with parchment paper, form bunny head by placing one piece of dough in middle then surrounding it with six more pieces. Use 13 pieces to form round body. Use remaining pieces to form ears on top of head. 5. Scoop hot spinach dip into center. Spoon small portions on each ear. Sprinkle ears and belly with remaining mozzarella cheese. 6. Bake 18 minutes, or until crescent dough is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.

Amusement

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11. Carrying one’s belongings 12. Land used for recreation 13. Holy expedition 14. Deep mental involvement 15. Make stronger and more confident 16. Take a trip 17. Flora or Fauna in natural Environment 25. A mark or series of signs for a taken route 26. Persist in the face of difficulty 29. Intellectual moral and social instruction

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Across 28. The state of the 11. CarryingDate: one’s_______ belongings Name: _____________________________________________________ atmosphere 12. Land used for recreation 3. A Journeys end 30. Way of life 13. Holy expedition 5. Footslog 31. Re-establish 14. Deep mental involvement 7. Emotional nature 32. Popular time for hiking 15. Make stronger and more 9. Items with purpose 33. Four divisions of the year confident 18. Ambling 16. Take a trip 19. Create a positive feeling in Down B Restfulness J F I or E calm C O W B O17.Y Flora S or I Fauna Z L inOnatural U a person G W Q G T K V 1. 20. A large T expanse U S Fof water V N Y 2. G Characteristic F U U P inD common O L P HEnvironment I N S O G V E 25. A mark or series of signs 21. Arm of the sea 4. Careful management G V D X I S R 6. X Live T through E R YanW J W F MforQa taken F U route S O A U 22. Awake experience 26. Persist in the face of 23. Physical Z world S N collectively K K P L 8. X Set J ofA circumstances T P J Z that W D Pdifficulty T B I L L S S 24. Terra Firma makes something possible A N experience R Z I U B 10. A Hiking V Z requirement S E L X for W S T29.I Intellectual P L R moral E R and E 27. An exciting social instruction E O A F N E L feet E G U T T H P E D N X T M L Q V Y

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Obituaries LNNUSA.com

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Edna Mae Howard-Sleeper

Linda Ruth Bell

Anne Cifelli Bledsoe

Edna Mae York Howard-Sleeper, 95, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Born on November 28, 1926, in Franklin, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Arthur L. York Sr. and Edna Nancy York. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Roger E. Howard and Stanley C. Sleeper, and her siblings, Arthur L. York Jr., Jane E. Kennedy, and Frances E. Sleeper. Edna was a member of Trinity Methodist Church, and worked for Swearingen Realty Co. in Colonial Heights, as a real estate agent and broker. She was also a past president of the Federated Women’s Club of Petersburg, and a member of Eastern Star of Maine. She is survived by her loving daughters, Christa H. Southall (Henry), Jayne H. Thacker, and Nancy H. Berry; grandchildren, Roger H. Southall (Tammy), David V. Southall (Ashley), Kristin E.S. Hunter (Daniel), Katherine E. Mathias (David), and Sara J. Berry; great-grandchildren, Roger H. Southall II, Scott C. Southall, and Henry R. Southall; and many other extended family members. A private family viewing will be held on Friday, April 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, Colonial Heights, Virginia. Burial of cremated remains will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.

Linda Ruth Bell, 64, of S. Chesterfield, passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2022. She was born in Petersburg on May 9, 1957 to the late Winston and Frances Bell and was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Winston Bell. Linda helped to organize the Chesterfield and Amelia County Fairs for many years. She cherished the time that she spent with her family above all else, and she especially enjoyed doing arts and crafts with her mother. Linda is survived by her nephew, Daniel Bell; cousin, with whom she lived for many years, Wil Horton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who she loved dearly. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Visitation will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (cancer. org/donate).

Anne Cifelli Bledsoe, 79, of Chester, VA, passed away on April 12, 2022. She was the daughter of the late Michael Cifelli and Laura Painter Cifelli. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ernest G. Bledsoe. Anne is survived by her sons, Pete Bledsoe (Anne-Marie) and Tom Bledsoe; grandchildren, Douglas, Erin, Grant (Kathryn) and Hannah; brother, Michael Cifelli; sister, Laura Broaddus; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 18, 2022 at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. The family will receive friends an hour prior for visitation from 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

November 28, 1926 - April 13, 202

Janet E. Davis

January 1, 1947 - April 13, 2022 Ms. Janet E. Davis of Petersburg, departed this life on April 13, 2022 at Petersburg Healthcare Center, Petersburg. J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874. com.

May 9, 1957 - April 12, 2022

William H. Baker, Jr.

January 18, 1962 - April 12, 2022 Services for Mr. William H. Baker, Jr. of Richmond who departed this life on April 12, 2022 will be announced by the family at a later date. J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

May 7, 1942 - April 12, 2022

Joyce E. Mayo

April 7, 1934 - April 13, 2022 Mrs. Joyce E. Mayo of Petersburg, departed this life on April 13, 2022 at Riverview on the Appomattox Health & Rehab Center, Hopewell. J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Mr. Douglas Staley Mayo October 2, 1955 - April 13, 2022

Mr. Douglas S. Mayo, 66, of Newport News, VA, was called home to rest on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Please join us in comforting the Mayo Family by uplifting them with your prayers. Services of Remembrance and Celebration are pending.

Tyquan Ridges April 12, 2022

Obituaries LNNUSA.com

Saturday, April 16, 2022

David Manuel Gonzalez July 12, 1946- April 11, 2022

Mr. Tyquan Ridges David M. Gonzalez embarked on his final cruise on Monday, April of Petersburg, 11th, 2022. Born in Bethesda, Maryland, adopted son of the late departed this life Manuel Gonzalez and Eunice (Dorsey) Gonzalez, he grew up to be on April 12, 2022. a disc jockey (specializing in ‘50s and ‘60s music complete with J.M. Wilkerson an extensive collection of 45 rpm records) and radio personality, Funeral Establishas well as serving a short stint as an insurance salesman and ment, Inc., 102 then a sheriff’s deputy complete with canine partner. During South Avenue, the Vietnam Era, he dodged the draft by enlisting in the U.S. Petersburg, VA, Navy right out of high school. He served as the enlisted mission (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkspecialist on aerial recon flights based on an aircraft carrier. He returned to civilian life, ersonsince1874.com. trying his hand at college, but partied his way out. After trying to support a new family as a sheriff’s deputy and an insurance salesman, he reenlisted in the U.S. Navy. Both he and his bride, the former Karen-Ann Miller, joined the Navy Reserve. They remained on active duty as TARs (The Active Reserves) and soon were sent to Millington Tennessee. They Norman Earl Scott, Sr. ended up at the Naval Air Station Glenview Illinois, where, unfortunately, they got diMarch 3, 1933 - April 11, 2022 vorced after nine years of marriage. David was trained as an avionics mechanic and often moonlighted as a military policeman during the evenings. He was an expert marksman Norman E. Scott, with his sidearm of choice a 45 revolver. He acquired an interest in safety and occupationSr., of Chester, al health and safety act (OSHA) compliance. He took full advantage of the nearby OSHA VA, loving and academy located in Des Plaines, Illinois, quickly completing almost every course they devoted husband, offered. One of his areas of expertise was accident investigation, specifically aircraft acfather, grandfacidents. He also authored a monthly safety newsletter for the Navy Reserve. In his spare ther, great-grand- time, he learned to fly small, two engine aircraft, and trained in jiu jitsu. His squadron father and friend commanders quickly learned they could rely on his advice in matters of military protocol. to many, joined He was also an accomplished dancer and very much in demand at all the squadron parties. the Lord on April One of his assignments was at Andrews Air Force Base where he established himself with 11, 2022 at the age of 89. Norman was the Washington, D.C. American Mensa community, hosting an annual “sock hop” at his one of five children born in Elizabeth City, home every fall and participating in every road rally that came up, among other things. NC. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, One evening, he interrupted a robbery at the neighborhood 7-11, chasing the would-be Ann Scott; his son, David Walter Scott, of robber (who was armed) down the road and through a field, and holding him for the police. Chesterfield; daughters, Kathryn Smith, For his bravery, he was awarded the Navy commendation medal. He had a wonderful of Chesterfield, and Deborah Daniels, of voice, as well as being an excellent guitarist. Those qualities serendipitously put him Iowa; as well as six grandchildren and nine together with two other singers and they formed the trìo ‘Three D’, singing at Mensa gathgreat-grandchildren. Norman was precederings up and down the east coast. From D.C., the Navy sent him back to the Chicago area, ed in death by his son, Norman Earl Scott, where he quickly became an integral part of the Mensa group there, one of the largest Jr. The family will receive friends Friday, of such groups in the country. His last assignment was at the Naval Air Station in AlaApril 15th, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at meda California. While there and with a lot of encouragement from friends, he completed the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son degree requirements through a combination of his initial college attendance in Florida, Funeral Home, 3050 W. Hundred Road, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, and taking GREs in political science Chester, VA 23831. A funeral service will be and sociology. His real-life learning earned him a double degree in those fields from the held in the chapel at 2:00 State University of New York at Albany. David returned to Chicago in 1991 to begin his p.m. Interment will follow at retirement, first working as an OSHA compliance specialist for a small business, and then Sunset Memorial Park. as an OSHA compliance and safety specialist in a one-man office for the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. He retired completely in 2008 and moved to South Prince George, Virginia in 2011. He was a loyal friend and a man whom one could count on. He Josephine O’Neill was chivalrous to a fault and always exquisitely mannerly. He is survived by his son, Kevin May 7, 1926 - April 9, 2022 M. Gonzalez, his partner of 30+ years, Jeannette Blumenthal, and 14 felines who miss him very much. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Service for Mrs. Jo1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia 2221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by sephine O’Neill of the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Chesterfield, who Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 departed this life on April 9, 2022 at her residence will be announced by the family at a later date. J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Obituaries

Monroe Combs England

February 8, 1940 - April 11, 2022 Monroe Combs England, 82, of Dinwiddie, passed away on April 11, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mamie England; his wife, Edeltraud England; daughters, Julia Motto, Marina Andrews, and Princess Rhodes; son, JB England; grandson, David Andrews; and sister, Ruby Albonette. Monroe was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his sons, Edward England (Beverly), Michael Kitchen (Jen), TT Kitchen (Shelly), and Steven Kitchen (Pearly); daughters, Ruby Dix (Cory), Donna Aldridge (Tommy), and Pat Cox (Jeff); 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-greatgrandchild; sister, Elizabeth Brinkley; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 15, 2022 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM at J.T. Morriss & Son - Dinwiddie, 6616 Boydton Plank Road, where a service will be held in the chapel at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Appomattox Cemetery in Hopewell.

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Robert Edward Shornak March 9, 1930 - April 10, 2022

Robert E. “Shug” Shornak, 92, of Hopewell, VA, entered into eternal rest on April 10, 2022. He will be remembered as a doting husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rachel Clark Shornak and his parents, Pearl and August “Gus” Shornak. Left to cherish his memory are Robert’s four sons, Mark (Jackie), Keith (Wanda), Todd (Susan), and Craig (Mary). Carrying on his legacy are seven grandchildren, Sara Fillman (Luke), Austin Colligan (Thomas), Mackenzie Leimberger (Tyler), Cole Shornak, Carly Williams (Cole), Corey Shornak (Chandler), and Michelle Ingram; eleven great-grandchildren; a cherished caregiver, Liz Raines; and many extended family and friends. The family will gather graveside with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Appomattox Cemetery in Hopewell, VA, immediately following with the service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flower, donations can be made to Crater Community Hospice, 3916 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805 or The Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Cox Road, #130 Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Roberta Marie Dunworth

December 30, 1948 - April 9, 2022 Roberta Marie Dunworth, 73, of Hopewell, VA, passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. Campen and Mila C. Campen; and her daughter, Glenda Dodson. She is survived by her devoted husband, Rodney Dunworth, Sr.; daughter, Krystle Bryant (Wesley); daughter, Tonya Lowder (Mike); son, Rodney Dunworth, Jr. (Jacqui); grandchildren, Scott Dodson, Kimberly Hamrick, Bill Dodson, Dylan Chander, Race Lowder, Jenson Murr, Emma Dunworth, Peyton Dunworth; great-grandchildren, Colin Dodson, Austin Dodson, Sebastian Hamrick, Atlas Dunworth; sister, Carolyn Head (Ronald); sister, Ann Hartsell (Robert); brothers, James Campen and Wayne Campen; as well as numerous extended family and friends. The family will receive friends Monday, April 18, 2022 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son 820 W. Broadway Ave. Hopewell, VA 23860. A funeral service will be held in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Bermuda Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Roberta to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Honie Clifford Harrison “Dedie” Givens September 11, 1931 - April 9, 2022

Honie Clifford Harrison Givens, “Dedie”, age 90, of North Prince George, VA, gained his wings on Saturday, April 9, 2022. He was born on September 11, 1931 to the late James Garrett and Rosa Lee Givens in Stony Creek, VA. At an early age, he became a member of Hassidiah Baptist Church of Jarratt. He was educated in the Sussex County Public School System and continued his education in the Hopewell City Public School System. He was a very hardworking man and worked various jobs in farming, lawn care, and construction until he retired. Affectionately known as Dedie; he loved riding in big old school cars, planting gardens, fishing, and stopping by friends’ houses to talk and enjoy a shot or two of Canadian Mist. He always had a good story about back in the old days and left us with a lot of knowledge of who our ancestors were. When his health declined, he moved in with his devoted daughter, Debra Givens and devoted grandson, Kadair Givens. They lovingly and faithfully cared for him for over 20 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith B. Givens; stepchildren, Jessie Mae Parham and Robert Timms; and grandsons, Carlos Givens and Raekwon Givens. Honie leaves behind five children, Debra A. Givens of North Prince George, Clifton Givens, Sr. (Regina) of Charlotte, NC, Rosa L. Givens-Jones of Hopewell, Kirt H. Givens of Ettrick, and Norman L. Givens (Alice) of Carrollton. He is also survived by twelve loving grandchildren, Ricardo Givens, Mark Givens, Shalanda Blanding, Kirt Berry, Coreyll Smith, Morgan Jefferson (devoted), Clifton Givens, Jr., Octavious Taylor, Kurshawrd Givens, Kadair Givens (devoted), Mi’kilia Taylor, and Keturah Givens; twenty-three great grandchildren; five devoted cousins, Lucille Darden and Lena McKethon both of Emporia, Pauline Bonner of Stony Creek, Barbara Jean Massenburg of Petersburg, and David Thorne of Jarratt; and a longtime devoted friend; Thomas Point of Hopewell. Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment to follow at the Parham Family Cemetery. J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

Allen Wayne Walker

John Henry Brown

Allen Wayne Walker, 63, of North Dinwiddie, Virginia passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2022. He was born on January 12, 1959, to the late Ruth and John “Horse” Walker, Jr. Allen worked for The Carriage House preservation apartments as a maintenance man for many years. From the years 1981 to 1986 he volunteered for the Carson fire department. Allen was a jack of all trades, but he especially enjoyed spending his free time fishing and hunting. He is survived by his stepmother, Linda Wingrove; stepbrother, David Bailey; many other step siblings; stepdaughter, Alissa “Half-Pint” Wright; daughter-in-law, Misty Wright (Steven Wright); grandsons, Hunter Wright and Devin Wray; and very special and close friends, Lisa, Allen, A.J., Franke Cothron, Steve and Lance Wright, Shelia McCaffity, Tammy Mills, Bubba Harvey, and the rest of the River Rats Crew. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.

Mr. John Henry Brown, 76, of 135 West Old Street, Petersburg, VA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 9, 2022 at the Petersburg Healthcare Center. John Henry was born on June 3, 1945 to Esther and Arby Brown, Sr.. John Henry was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War. He was an avid sports fan and loved his westerns. He could often be seen watching Bonanza and Gunsmoke and cheering on his favorite sports team, the Oakland Raiders. He loved listening to Sunday morning worship services. John Henry or “Big John” as he was often called, enjoyed spending time at home and with his family. John Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Arby Sr. and Esther Brown; four sisters, Isaphine Smith, Eloise Wade, Florence Brown and Florine Brown; three brothers, Sherman Brown, Charles Brown and Raymond Thweatt. He leaves to cherish his memory: one son, John H. Lewis (Kendee) of Petersburg, VA; two daughters, one who he raised as his own, Paula D. Lewis of Petersburg, VA and devoted daughter Johnette Lewis-Ruffin (Kenneth) of Dinwiddie, VA; three granddaughters, Traci Lewis, Johnaè Thweatt-Lewis, and Kimora Thweatt-Lewis all of Petersburg, VA, three great-grandchildren; Kam’Ron Lewis, Kassidy Lewis-Scott and Kaiden Lewis, all of Petersburg, VA, two sisters; Rosa Lee Williams and Christine Parson both of Petersburg, VA, two brothers; Robert Brown (Yvonne), Arby Brown, Jr., (Lorraine) of Petersburg, VA, one sister-in-law, Janet Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, too many to name. A special thanks to Janice Mason, a devoted family friend who often assisted John Henry when needed. Also, a very special thanks to Joyce A. Brown, for her unwavering support with assisting her former spouse during his illness. Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Barry O. Brown, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery. J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

January 12, 1959 ~ April 9, 2022

Mr. Donald Brisco Mountjoy, Jr. December 11, 1953 - April 9, 2022

Mr. Donald B. Mountjoy, Jr., 68, of Emporia, VA entered into eternal rest on April 9, 2022 at Bon Secours - Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, VA. Please join us in comforting the Mountjoy Family by uplifting them with your prayers. Services of Celebration and Remembrance are pending.

June 3, 1945 - April 9, 2022

Milton Howard Skelton

March 31, 1929 - April 7, 2022 Milton Howard Skelton, 93, of Heathsville, Virginia passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Born March 31, 1929, he was the son of the late Benjamin Howard and Lucy Green Skelton, and was also preceded in death by his wife, Lena Skelton; and six siblings. Milton worked in many barbershops throughout the years in Petersburg. Once the family business, West End Barbershop, closed, he was finally able to retire after close to 50 years of dedicated service to his community. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, and also enjoyed working in his yard. He is survived by his loving children, Grace Skelton Connor and husband, Michael, Milton Howard Skelton, Jr. and wife, Tish Coale; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Ann Wathall; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022 in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 535 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, or Boys Town USA, P.O. Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard.

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Mrs. Patricia Ann Hardy

January 24, 1948 - April 8, 2022 Mrs. Patricia Ann Hardy, 74, entered into eternal rest on Friday, April 8, 2022 at Bon Secours - Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, VA. Please join us in comforting the Hardy Family by uplifting them with your prayers. Services of Celebration and Remembrance are pending.

Pamela Jean Atkins

July 18, 1968 - April 8, 2022 Services for Ms. Pamela Jean Atkins who departed this life on Friday, April 8, 2022 at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg will be announced by the family at a later date. J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Mr. Paul D. Cunningham

February 27, 1955 - April 7, 2022 Mr. Paul D. Cunningham, 67, peacefully departed this life Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Bon Secours- Southside Medical Center,

Petersburg, VA. Please join us in comforting the Cunningham Family by uplifting them with your prayers. Services of Celebration and Remembrance are pending.

Dorothy Coulborn Warf

June 14, 1923 - April 8, 2022 Dorothy C. Warf, 98, of Waverly, Virginia, passed away Friday, April 8, 2022. She was born June 14, 1923 to the late Robert Roe and Ola Mae Coulborn, and was also preceded in death by her husband, William T. Warf Sr. She is survived by her two sons, William T. Warf Jr. (Bertie) and Robert R. Warf Sr. (Doris); three grandchildren, Laurie Cox (Craig), David Seitz, and Robert R. Warf Jr.; six great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and several nieces. Dorothy was a member of the Oakland Baptist Church in Disputanta. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Oakland Baptist Church, 12601 Prince George Drive, Disputanta Virginia 23842 with Pastor Roger Lee Woodcock Jr. officiating. Interment will be at a later date. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oakland Baptist Church Building Fund.

Cecil H. Bryant

August 29, 1941 - April 6, 2022 Mr. Cecil H. Bryant departed this life on April 6, 2022 at Chippenham Hospital, Richmond. J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Tom Robertson Blount Sr. April 21, 1925 - April 8, 2022

Thomas R. Blount “Tom,” 96, of Hopewell, Virginia, passed away on April 8, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Josephine and his son, Doug. Tom was a graduate of Hopewell High School and served his country proudly in the United States Army in World War II. He was stationed in Hawaii and Iwo Jima and spent time serving in the Pacific theater. Tom retired from Hercules, where he worked as an administrator. He was also an active member of West End Presbyterian Church, serving as a teacher, Elder, and Sunday School Superintendent. Additionally, Tom was a member of the VFW Post #637 and American Legion Post #146. Tom also took part in many community functions, serving on the local Selective Service Board, the Central Virginia Health Services, as a Community Representative on its Board of Directors, the Hopewell City Council, as Mayor, and Councilor, the John Randolph Hospital Authority as Chairman, and the John Randolph Foundation as a Board Member and Chairman. Most of all, Tom was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed. Tom is survived by his sons, Rob (Deb) and Tim (Judy); daughter-in-law, Nancy (Doug); granddaughters, Meredith (Andrew) and Paige; grandson, Josh; and great-grandsons, Lucas and Levi; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm on Monday, April 18, 2022 at West End Presbyterian Church. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at the church with interment to follow in Appomattox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in his honor. The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

Mr. Anderson Davis, Jr.

Frances Richardson

Mr. Anderson Davis, Jr., RET. Army, affectionally called “June” transitioned from this life to glory on Friday, April 8, 2022 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 22, 1934 at Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ to the late William Anderson and Elizabeth Davis. Anderson had a close relationship with his family and grew up in Glassboro, NJ. He was affectionally known as “June”, Big June or Serg. One of his favorite sayings was “ You can take that to the bank”. June was avid deep sea fisherman. He enjoyed catching spots and croakers, playing cards, (Bid Wiz) and listening to jazz music. He was also, a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. June attended Glassboro Public Schools and later enlisted in the United States Army in 1956. June served in the Vietnam and Korean Wars achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant before being Honorably discharged after 21 years. He excelled at electronic technology and was skilled at television and radio repair. After leaving the service he worked for Green’s TV service as a technician and National Bank as an Armed Security Guard. In 1958 June went to Seoul, Korea and married the love of his life Poo Soon (Cookie). He was blessed to enjoy this union for 64 years. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold, Moses, David, Daniel Davis and sisters, Mary, Ferrer, Yvonne Figueroa, and Leolla Atkins. June leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife Cookie; one son, Gordon “Lenny” Bell and daughter-in-law, Sharon “Kim”; two grandsons, Christopher and Joshua; great granddaughter, Dakota; one sister, Livesta Drummond and a host of other family and friends that loved him dearly. Service of Love and Remembrance will be held 10 A. M., Friday, April 15, 2022 at the Chapel of bland Funeral Home, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA., 23803. The funeral arrangements for Mr. Davis, Jr, have been entrusted to the caring professionals at the Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA, 23803 804.732.7841.

Frances Lucille Robertson Richardson, 80, affectionately known as “Mother Richardson,” was called to glory on Friday, April 8, 2022 at her residence at 21141 Winfree Avenue, South Chesterfield, VA 23803. She was born to the late George A. Robertson, Sr. and Bessie Mae Tate Robertson. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Fentress Green-Dodson, Carlos Green, Charlotte Green-Hinton, Dinean Green-Smith, Charvett Richardson-Mundy (Steven); 7 grandchildren, Toreaco Dodson-MaHaffey (Ronnie), Fentress Dinean Green-Wise (Harvey), Isaiah Payne, Jr., Christopher Smith, Jr., Divinity Ellis, DeShon Woodson, Jr., Tyree Smith; 7 great-grandchildren, Essence Green, Kha Mauri Vann, Michael Brinkley, Jr., Isaiah Payne, Kaleb Payne, Jaiden Smith, Braelyn Height; 1 greatgreat-grandson, JaCyre Townsend; devoted brother, George Robertson (Doretha); sisters, Marion Couch (James), and Lisa Davis (Barry); special friends, Rosie Hall and Barbara Hoosier. She retired from Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co. where she worked 18 years. Afterwards she went on to pursue a career in nursing, she attended and graduated from Petersburg General Hospital where she earned with honors the certification Licensed Practical Nurse. She retired from the State of VA, Central State Hospital where she worked at both Harim Davis and the Forensic Unit. Mother had many hobbies to include bowling, cooking, videography, photography, sewing, storehouse stocking and people watching. She was a published author and an expert crochet artist. At an early age, Mother Richardson accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She lived her life by example and according to God’s scripture. She was a member of Jesus Way Fellowship, Petersburg, VA, for 22 years under Dr. Apostle Elaine Johnson and was a current member of Open Day Ministries led by Pastor G. Wesley Friday. Her strength, wisdom, giving nature, and gentleness will not be forgotten. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, mentor and friend. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. The family will receive any cards, flowers, etc. at 301 E South Blvd., Petersburg, VA. Call C. Richardson-Mundy for any further details. 804-277-1042. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com. A memorial service will be held on Saturday 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Open Door Ministries, 301 SE South Boulevard, Petersburg, VA 23805.

July 22, 1934 - April 8, 2022

April 5, 1942 - April 8, 2022

Remembering Our Loved Ones

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Lorraine McLaughlin Green May 8, 1933 - April 7, 2022

Ms. Lorraine McLaughlin Green was born on May 8, 1933 to Roosevelt and Mary Bethea McLaughlin. She was preceded in death along with her children, Vanessa, Mark and Victoria Green; siblings, LouAnna McLaughlin, Sylvester Hatchett, Douglas McLaughlin, Earl McLaughlin, Roosevelt McLaughlin and Winne Parham; nephews, Earl McLaughlin, Joseph Hatchett, Jr. and Roy Hatchett; niece, Arlene Thigpen; great grandson, Lorenzo Green; ex-husband, William Green, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Ruby McLaughlin, Arlean McLaughlin, Patricia Drew and Geraldine Starke McLaughlin. Lorraine attended Peabody Middle School. She was an avid bingo player. She also enjoyed dancing, car rides, cooking and dressing-up. Lorraine wore many hats when it came to working. She worked for Foster Contracting, Colonial Heights, caretaker for the Foster’s and many other families. She also worked as a Supervisor for Virginia State Housekeeping Department and Sterile Concepts. Lorraine leaves to cherish her memories behind her four children, William Green, Jimmy Green (Mavis), Nadine Green and Carolyn Johnson; grandchildren, Mario Hawkins, Tracy Eubanks, Cherese Green (Ace), Lashawn Green, Michael Johnson, Deneka Green, Amanda Johnson (Chi), Sabrina Green, Sarina King (Jay), Latoya Johnson, Ronnie Green Williams, Octavia Green (Zequez) and Paris Green; caretaker and great granddaughter, Tiana Walker; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, devoted family and friends, the Washington and Chavis Families, Sarah Clarke, Tina Crewe, Linda Jackson, Lena Lewis, the Waterfront Family, Third Baptist Church Family, Calvary Temple (Petersburg), Dot Neverson and Adult Healthcare Solutions. Services will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Brenda Cherry, eulogist. The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, April 15, 2022 at the funeral establishment. J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Lori Nicole Mingloski

June 4, 1996 - April 6, 2022 Lori Nicole Mingloski, 25, of North Chesterfield, Virginia, went to be with the Lord after a brief illness on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Born on June 4, 1996, in Petersburg, Virginia, she is the daughter of Craig and Karen Mingloski. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Jean Mingloski, Clarence and Ingelore Dean, and her cousin, David Mingloski. Lori was a graduate of Colonial Heights High School (2014), graduated from Old Dominion University (2018) receiving Cum Laude honors. Lori was also an alumni member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Lori went on to receive her master’s degree, with honors, from Liberty University (2021). She is a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Colonial Heights and was employed by the Virginia State Police as an analyst. She is survived by her loving parents, Craig and Karen Mingloski; her brother, Will Mingloski (Kayla Houston); her sister, Anna Mingloski; boyfriend, Christian Trayer; aunts and uncles, Keith and Pam Mingloski, Scott and Beth Mingloski, Donna and Carl Thomas, Chuck and Sherrie Dean, Christel Dean, and Betty and Stan Blodgett; special fur companion, Opal; and numerous cousins. The family will receive friends from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2022, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 17111 Jefferson Davis Hwy, South Chesterfield, VA 23834. A funeral mass will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at the church. A graveside service will be held in Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road S. Prince George, Virginia 23805, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 11, 2022. A procession to the graveside will begin at St. Ann Catholic Church at 10:15 a.m. on Monday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lori’s honor to Autism Speaks, autismspeaks.org/fundraise?form=donate or 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor Princeton, NJ 08540, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude or 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Sue Anthony Bopp

February 11, 1950- April 6, 2022 Sue Anthony Bopp, passed peacefully on April 6, 2022. Sue was born in Pulaski, Virginia to the late Carl Anthony and Dorothy Kitts Bopp and is survived by her dear devoted sister, Lynn Bopp White (Pood) and her husband, George of Georgetown, South Carolina and her brother, Robert Bopp and wife, Kathy of Pulaski; niece and god daughter, Erin Craig (Eric) and Wyatt, Caroline and Anna Kate, McClellanvile, South Carolina; niece, Rebecca Bopp and Nephew, Robert Bopp (April) and Hannah, Luke and Allyson of Pulaski, Virginia, and by dear, devoted, much-loved special friends and companions, Dr. Barbara V. Goodman and Kay and Jay Freeman. Sue was very proud of her Radford University BS degree, as well as her Master’s Degree in geology. While at Radford, she was a member of the Red Coats Equestrian Team. Her teaching career spanned 30 years, beginning at Sussex Central High School and continuing at Colonial Heights High School where she was a dedicated and beloved teacher as reflected by comments from many former students who fondly shared with her how she positively influenced their lives and made them laugh. Sue loved her connections to friends from her teacher’s lunch group, her Radford cronies, former students, the Goodman family, Wendas, Janel, PC, and colleagues from her many part-time work venues (Thalhimers, Ukrops/Martins and Cracker Barrel) where she was recognized by management and by customers, even long after she left each workplace, for going the extra mile with a smile. At the top of her list for fun was traveling anywhere with her best friends Barbara and Kay where laughter was always present. Her kitchen was her domain and she loved cooking up Southern food delights - especially after getting a new recipe from The Food Channel or from one of her nearly 100 cookbooks. Her feistiness, tenacity, home-cooked meals, loyalty, dedication, sense of humor and infectious smile will be sorely missed. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Please consider donations to the Chesterfield Food Bank, 12211 Iron Bridge Road, Chester, VA 23831 or Chesterfield County Animal Services, 9300 Public Works Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

Adam Clarke Newton

August 24, 1983 - April 5, 2022 Adam Newton (38) of Prince George, Virginia passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022. He graduated from Southern Nash High School in Nash County North Carolina in 2004. He lived in Prince George, VA with his wife and dog Rambo. His family is deeply saddened, he will continue to live in the hearts of many, both friends and family. Adam took great pride in his work; he was a Master Landscaper. He loved being outside whether it was working, fishing, playing with his dogs or spending time with his wife, family and friends. Adam had a special place in his heart for his elderly customers as they reminded him of his beloved Grandma. Adam was a kind and loving son, brother, uncle, friend, and husband who loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally. He loved things simple like trips to the beach, mountains and Lake Chesdin with his wife and spending time family and

friends. The family would like to express our gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and chaplains in the VCU Critical Care Hospital for their care of Adam upon his arrival and during the organ donation process. Adam’s organs were placed in five different recipients. He will continue to help others, even in death as he would have wanted. Adam was predeceased by Lois C. Newton (Grandma), Shelton (Shack) T. Newton Sr. (Grandaddy), Shelton (Shelly) T. Newton Jr. (Uncle), Maime S. Rowlett (Grandma) Cleveland P. Rowlett (Grandpa). He was survived by his wife Carey M Newton, Diane R. Adams (Mom) and husband Eddie, Kenneth C Newton (Dad), Michelle H Motes (sister) and husband Russten, Stephanie B. Adams (sister), Elizabeth A. Shields (sister) and her husband Nicholas, Jonathan E. Adams (brother) and his wife Kaitlin. Adam also had a special place in his heart for his nephews Bodhi A. Miles and Daniel A. Parton and newest nephew Jackson T. Adams. Anabel W. Newton (aunt) Adam’s remains will be buried at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia on Thursday, April 14. 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Newton grave site with his gem of a Grandma Lois C. Newton. A reception will be held at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church located at 3110 Greenwood Ave Colonial Heights, VA 23834 immediately following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests planting a Memorial Tree yourself locally or through the following link for www.treesforchange.com.

Ms. Florence Green

Helen Shirley Puckett

On Monday, April 4, 2022, Mrs. Florence L. Green of 402-D Ridgeview LN., Petersburg, VA entered eternal rest and peace at Wonder City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hopewell, VA following a brief period of illness. She was born in Petersburg, VA to the late F. Aubry and Lecie V. Clayton. Mrs. Green was educated in the Petersburg Public school system. She married the late Otis Green, and they travelled to various locations before settling down in the Hampton/Newport News area until her family saw fit for her to return to Petersburg to be near family. She loved to play BINGO where you could find her most days if you looked for her and shopping. She loved her family. Although, she did not have any children of her own she would sit with “her children” she adopted and was well loved by them all. Mrs. Green was preceded by in death by her siblings, Annie Clayton, Lenora Bowles, Thelma Seward, Madelyn Simms, Eugene Clayton, Ernest Clayton, and Alyson Clayton, well as other family members. She leaves to cherish her memories, three nieces, Mary (Pigeon)Phillips, and Betty Hill of Petersburg, VA; and Gail Robinson, Lawrenceville, GA; and two nephews, E. Butch Seward (Debra) San Antonio, TX, and Stanley Simms (Mary) Chesterfield, VA. And a host of great nieces and nephews, devoted, Gwendolyn Lewis, Petersburg, VA; Aubrey Phillips (Maria) Prince George, VA, Ernest Phillips (Sarah) Richmond, VA; Kelly Phillips, Suitland MD and Orlando Phillips, Oakland, VA., and many others, too many to name. She will be missed by them all. A special thank you from the family to Bon Secours - Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, VA and Wonder City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Hopewell, VA and Bland Funeral Home, Petersburg, VA. The funeral arrangements for Ms. Green have been entrusted to the caring professionals at Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA, 23803 (804) 732-7841.

Helen Davis Puckett, age 78, passed away on April 6, 2022. Born on October 6, 1944, she was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey Davis and Mae Mayes Davis; her son, Gary Burton Cole; and her brothers, Lewis “Peanut” Mayes, her twin, Harvey Davis, and Pete Davis. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Puckett; sister, Betty Hotz (Richard “Dickie”) and Cheryl Unger; brother, Robert Davis (Judy); daughter-in-law, Patricia Cole; best friend, Janie Brown; grandchildren, Wesley Cole and Ashley Cole; and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen was retired from Ukrops. She loved her dog, Nelson, very much. All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ASPCA.

April 23, 1939 - April 4, 2022

October 6, 1943 - April 6, 2022

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

Mr. Willie J. Studivant, Jr. July 2, 1995 - April 3, 2022

Our hearts were saddened on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at the passing of our loved one, Mr. Willie James Studivant, Jr., of North Dinwiddie, VA. He was baptized at the Divine Church of Deliverance and Transformation Holiness, located in Suffolk, VA under the leadership of Chief Apostle Brian Outlaw, Sr., D. D. He is the son of Zenobia Washington and Terrence Outlaw, Sr, of N Dinwiddie. Willie was a 2014 graduate of Dinwiddie High School. He was an avid fan of the Steelers football team and was known for his infectious smile, having a caring heart and his smoothness. He was employed with Wal-Mart Distribution Center at the time of his passing. Willie was a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. He is preceded in death by his father, Willie J. Studivant, Sr., grandmother, Mary Francis Washington, grandfathers, Willie Lee Hughley, Alexander Studivant, and Deacon Clifton Outlaw, Sr. Willie leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted Parents, Zenobia Washington and Terrence Outlaw, Sr; grandmothers, Marion Studivant, and Deaconess Josephine Outlaw; aunts, Kim Studivant (Charlie), Rose Williams (Alexander), Shirley King (Larry), Camelia Williams, Lisa Waters (Albert), Patricia Ridley (Ron), Velma Outlaw, Sharine Outlaw, Angelia Outlaw, Glenda Outlaw, Dawn Outlaw, Consintina Scott, Felicia Hobson (Charles), Tammy Boone (Alvin), Ealgo Jackson (Alton), and Sandra White (Adarryll); uncles, Alexander Studivant, Clifton Ferrell, Demetrius Ferrell, Darryl Hughley, Clifton Outlaw, Jr., Kalvin Outlaw, Sr., and Chief Apostle Brian Outlaw, Sr., D. D. (Evangelist Sheranda ); brothers, Terrence Outlaw, Jr, Alexander Studivant, Delrico Crittenden, Tywan Eley, Terrencee Edwards, Daquan, Robert, James Quinzel, Exzaveer, Sayveeon and Najee Studivant, sisters, Tisheka Johnson, Quantaza Edwards, Shakiyla and Shanique Studivant; devoted godmothers, Angelia Outlaw and Dominque Taylor; devoted cousins, Geraldo Outlaw, Shamara Studivant, and Maurice Gray, Jr; devoted friends, Torri “Skinnie-Dip” Mcintyre, Chamique Hayes, Jaquan Taylor, Johnny Woody, Ebony Williams, Jamel Lyons and Tyson Edwards and other special devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and relatives who was loved by him. Celebration of Life service will be held 12:30 P.M., April 14, 2022 at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax St., Petersburg, Virginia, Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Pastor and Chief Apostle Brian Outlaw, Sr., D. D. eulogist and Evangelist Johnella Hunter, officiate Interment will be in the Dinwiddie Memorial Park, 7324 Church Road Petersburg, VA 23803. For the health and safety of attendees, masks are required at all visitations and services. Please adhere to social distancing guidelines. The homegoing arrangements for Mr. Studivant Jr, have been entrusted to the caring professionals at Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA, 23803 (804) 732-7841.

Angela Denise Gilchrist Edwards January 20, 1974 - April 2, 2022

Angela Denise Gilchrist Edwards age 48 passed away on Saturday April 2, 2022 unexpectedly. She is preceded in death by her father, William (Gilly) Gilchrist, grandparents, Mary L Wills and Lewis F Bowen Sr. and William and Emily Gilchrist all of Hopewell an aunt Faidra Bowen and a cousin Mathew Higgins. She is survived by her mother Janie B. Jones (Wayne Markland), her son Christian McLaughlin, daughter Samantha E. Edwards, brother Jeremy Jones, (Tiffanie), Grandfather John E. Wills “Papa John”, aunt Fran Higgins (Bill), uncles Lewis F. Bowen Jr, Lonnie A. Bowen and Dennis Gilchrist, numerous cousins and nieces and nephews. Angela graduated from Hopewell High School 1993 and studied at John Tyler in Forensics. She was a long-time employee then owner of Cigarette City in Colonial Heights. She was affiliated with the Eagles of American Legion and was working as a Bartender many years at Partners II in Hopewell. Angela was one who loved blindly and unconditionally. She touched more people’s hearts than most could in a lifetime. She had a smile that would go for miles within your soul. There wasn’t anything that she couldn’t & wouldn’t do if she set her mind to it. There will not be a day that goes by where she is not in our memories. We will all miss her immensely. A funeral service will he held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2022, in the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 with the Reverend Ken Hendricks officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

National Headlines Musk Turns Down Seat on Twitter Board STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

SAN FRANCISCO, CA- Late in the evening of Sunday, April 10th, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced via his Twitter account that Elon Musk had declined the offer of a company board seat. Musk’s decision comes after the Tesla and SpaceX founder purchased 9.2% of Twitter’s stock, making him the largest single shareholder in the tech giant. On Tuesday, April 5th, the company announced that Musk had been offered a seat on the board and would be joining pending a background check and his formal acceptance of the offer. Musk’s turning down the offer has led many to speculate that he has further plans to purchase more of Twitter’s stock; according to a report by

Biden Announces New “Crack Down” on Firearms STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Monday, April 11th, the Biden administration announced that it would be implementing new measures in an attempt to tighten gun control laws. The target of these measures would be “ghost guns”, firearms without serial numbers often partially assembled by the owner. The new rule from the U.S. Department of Justice bans the manufacture of gun build kits, what the administration called “buy, build, shoot” kits. According to the announcement, such build kits

Finland & Sweden Likely to Join NATO STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

Two European countries, Finland and Sweden, are likely to join NATO this summer, according to a report from the Daily Wire. The North American Treaty Organization currently consists

the Daily Wire, his joining the company’s board would have required the billionaire to sign an agreement limiting him to owning a maximum of 14.9% of the company, a condition that has been interpreted as an attempt by Twitter to limit his influence on the company. Musk was silent about turning down the seat until Thursday morning, April 14th, when he mysteriously tweeted “I made an offer” with a link to the SEC’s website. The link revealed an SEC filing outlining Musk’s offer to purchase 100% of Twitter in cash at a cost of $54.20 per share. According to a report from the Daily Wire, Twitter’s current value sits at $37 billion and Musk’s cash offer is for $43 billion. Musk penned a letter to Twitter board chairman Bret Taylor explaining his offer and the motivation behind it, stating “I believe free speech is a societal imperative for a functioning democracy” and emphasizing his belief that Twitter could be will now be considered firearms and require serial numbers, a federal license in order to sell them, and a background check in order to purchase them. In addition to these new standards for build kits, the rule also requires firearm dealers to assign a serial number to any unserialized firearm they add to their inventory. In addition to these “crack down” efforts, President Biden announced his new nominee for Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Steve Dettelbach. Dettelbach is a former U.S. Attorney and DOJ prosecutor who has worked with the ATF in past cases. Dettelbach’s nomination comes after Biden’s initial nominee for the position, David Chipof 30 member countries; the two Scandinavian countries are expected to apply for membership in June. The news brought immediate response from Russia, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stating that the move on the part of Finland and Sweden “would have serious military-political repercussions that would demand a response from our country”.

Elon Musk. PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

the platform for free speech. Musk continued in the letter, “However, since making my investment I now realize the company will neither thrive nor serve this societal imperative in its current form. Twitter needs to be transformed as a private company.”

Steve Dettelbach. PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

man, was rejected by Republicans and some Democrats in Congress. In late March, the Daily Mail reported that Russia had flown two nuclear-armed planes into Sweden’s airspace, a clear warning to the nonaligned country.

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Saturday, April 16, 2022

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National Headlines Texas & Mexican Governors Agree to Secure Border STAFF REPORT LNNUSA.com

Republican Governor Greg Abbott announced on Wednesday, April 12th that he and Samuel Garcia, governor of the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, have agreed to take steps to secure the border between Nuevo Leon and Texas. Abbott cited the lack of border security provided by the

Biden administration as the reason he sought out a solution directly with Mexico. The announcement also revealed that other Mexican states had reached out to Texas officials to initiate similar negotiations. This new agreement follows President Biden’s decision to end Title 42, and Governor Abbott’s announcement that Texas would begin chartering buses to take newly arrived illegal immigrants from the Lone Star State directly to Washington, D.C. Texas Governor Greg Abbott PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA

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Fears of Recession Intensify as US Inflation Rises to 8.5 Percent

Economist warns US economy could be in “a dreaded state of stagflation” by November elections FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

EMEL AKAN

U.S. inflation accelerated to an 8.5 percent annual rate in March, heightening fears of a recession.

My expectation is that we are close to a peak in inflation, but that inflation will remain uncomfortably high for the next few months. Desmond Lachman, economist and senior fellow, American Enterprise Institute

Some economists believe that regaining control of prices will require far more aggressive rate increases by the Federal Reserve, which may topple the U.S. economy into a recession. Wall Street analysts are already projecting a downturn for next year. Last week, Deutsche Bank became the first large bank to foresee a recession in 2023. The further Fed tightening is projected to have a significant impact on the U.S. economy by late next year and early 2024, according to the bank. Bank of America has a similarly pessimistic outlook. Chief investment strategist Michael Hartnett stated in a recent note that the Fed’s belated response to “out-of-control inflation” would lead to a recession. In one sentence, he summed up the bank’s position: “‘Inflation shock’ worsening, ‘rates shock’ just beginning, ‘recession shock’ coming.” High inflation, according to many, is a product of Washington’s policy decisions, which include excessive government stimulus spending and the Fed’s “money printing.” The yield curve recently inverted for a few days, meaning short-term interest rates exceeded long-term rates. This caused investors

A worker arranges apples for sale at a grocery store in Monterey Park, Calif., on April 12, 2022. to wonder if a recession is imminent. Since 1980, yield curve inversions have always preceded recessions. “My expectation is that we are close to a peak in inflation, but that inflation will remain uncomfortably high for the next few months,” Desmond Lachman, economist and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told The Epoch Times. The bond market, Lachman noted, which has inverted the yield curve, is correct in anticipating that inflation will moderate because Fed tightening will trigger a recession. “In fact, I think that there is a real risk that the U.S. economy could have a very hard landing if higher U.S. interest rates burst the current equity, housing, and credit market bubble. In that case, we could be back to a situation of a very weak economy and rapidly decelerating inflation by early 2023,” Lachman said. “All of this does not bode well for the Democrats’ prospects in the midterm elections since, by November, the economy could be in a dreaded state of stagflation.” The U.S. central bank, however, is aiming for a “soft landing” for the U.S. economy while waging war on inflation. The Fed indicated that it would raise interest rates by 50 basis points

at next month’s policy meeting and trim the $9 trillion balance sheet by $95 billion each month to tighten its monetary stance.

New Threats

Current wage pressures and rising rents, according to Lachman, would continue to keep inflation high and make the Fed’s fight more difficult. China’s COVID-19 restrictions are also posing a new threat to the global supply chains. The Chinese regime’s strict “zero-COVID” policy has prompted fresh lockdowns in major cities, including Shanghai. This is expected to intensify global supply disruptions and add to inflationary pressures on goods and raw materials imported from China. A decline in oil prices because of a drop in Chinese demand also is expected to be temporary. While analysts believe the Biden administration’s recent actions on oil will bring some relief to consumers at the pump, they anticipate crude oil prices to surge over the 12-month horizon. The Biden administration recently authorized a “historic release” from U.S. petroleum reserves and has approved the use of affordable E15 gasoline in the summer. These actions won’t have the

desired impact on gas prices, according to Phil Flynn, senior energy analyst at the Price Future Group. Releasing oil from strategic reserves is “like taking alcohol as a pain reliever. It may seem like a good idea now, but you will end up with a heck of a hangover,” he wrote in a recent note. Following last week’s drop, oil prices have begun to rise again, owing to optimism that Chinese demand would soon recover and OPEC warnings that replacing Russian oil exports would be impossible. Meanwhile, global food prices have risen at their fastest pace on record. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created significant uncertainty and volatility in global commodity markets, particularly in agricultural commodities. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization said that its food price index in March climbed 13 percent, reaching an all-time high. Vegetable oil, grains, and meat prices, in particular, soared to unprecedented levels. The crisis in Eastern Europe and the sanctions on Russia are making the food supply chain more vulnerable. Russia and Ukraine together produce over a third of the world’s wheat. In addition, Russia’s decision to

halt fertilizer exports for the remainder of 2022 is expected to exacerbate the problems faced by U.S. producers. CHS, one of America’s leading cooperatives owned by farmers, sounded the alarm last week about the possibility of fertilizer supply shortages due to Western sanctions against Russia, which is a major source of fertilizer for global markets. The crisis in Ukraine and its impact on commodities pose immediate challenges to U.S. consumers and the economy, according to Luke Tilley, chief economist at Wilmington Trust. U.S. consumer sentiment indexes have dropped to “extremely low” levels, and this suggests consumer spending will slow going forward, he told The Epoch Times. Tilley expects the Federal Reserve to be aggressive over the next couple of months. However, he forecasts that when inflation and the economy decline in the second half of the year, Fed policymakers will need to take a step back from their aggressive posture. This could prevent a hard landing for the economy. In addition, Tilley stated there are some signals in the economy that may ease inflationary pressures. One of them is the Manheim index for used cars and trucks, which has dropped over the last two months. The port congestions have also improved dramatically. Drewry’s World Container Index shows that the cost of shipping a container has fallen more than 20 percent since its peak in September of last year, he noted. In addition, while wages continue to grow, the pace of increase has cooled over the past three months. “However, I think inflation is highly unpredictable,” Tilley said. “There’s certainly a lot of risk that inflation could keep rising,” he said, compelling the Federal Reserve to move more aggressively to contain it. According to a Bloomberg survey conducted between March 29 and April 1, nearly half of investors expect the U.S. economy to fall into recession next year. About 21 percent of those polled believe the next recession will occur in 2024, while only 15 percent predict it will occur this year.

High inflation, according to many, is a product of Washington’s policy decisions, which include excessive government stimulus spending and the Fed’s 50 “money printing.” The yield curve recently inverted for a few days, meaning short-term interest rates exceeded long-term rates. This caused investors

well for the Democrats’ pros- relief to consumers at the pump, cent, reaching an all-time high. pects in the midterm elec- they anticipate crude oil prices Vegetable oil, grains, and meat tions since, by November, the to surge over the 12-month ho- prices, in particular, soared to economy could be in a dreaded rizon. unprecedented levels. state of stagflation.” The Biden administration The crisis in Eastern Europe The U.S. central bank, howev- recently authorized a “historic and the sanctions on Russia are LNNUSA.com er, is aiming for a “soft landing” release” from U.S. petroleum making the food supply chain for the U.S. economy while wag- reserves and has approved the more vulnerable. Russia and ing war on inflation. The Fed use of affordable E15 gasoline in Ukraine together produce over indicated that it would the summer. a third of Ethe N ATI raise O N AinL N EWS courtesy of TH E E PO CH TIM S world’s wheat. In These actions won’t have the addition, Russia’s decision to terest rates by 50 basis points

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aggressively to contain it. According to a Bloomberg survey conducted between March 29 and April 1, nearly half of investors expect the U.S. April 16, 2022 economySaturday, to fall into recession next year. About 21 percent of those polled believe the next recession will occur in 2024, while only 15 percent predict it will occur this year.

Fears Intensify as USViolent Criminals ICE Arrestsof 23Recession Illegal Alien Human Rights Abusers,

halt fertilizer exports for the remainder of 2022 is expected to exacerbate the problems faced by U.S. producers. JOHN MOORE/GETTY IMAGES one of America’s leading 186,089, they decreased to CHARLOTTE CUTHBERTSON the current number of illegal CHS, cooperatives owned by farmduring the same time aliens who have been ordereders, 93,247 sounded the alarm last In Economist a nationwidewarns operation, by an immigrationweekperiod in partofdue to US economy could be in “a dreaded state of stagflation” by removed November elections about in the2020, possibility Immigration and Customs judge, yet remain in the Unitedfertilizer the COVID-19 pandemic. supply shortages due Enforcement (ICE) agents arIn addition, ICEagainst is unable to States. to Western sanctions FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES rested 23 AKAN illegal alien fugitives In May 2016, there were moreRussia, locate more than source 47,700 indiEMEL which is a major who were being sought for their than 950,000 fugitive illegalof fertilizer viduals for whoglobal weremarkets. issued a notice U.S. inflation accelerated andwithin roles in known or suspected hu-to to crisis reportintoUkraine the agency aliens in the country who had The 8.5 percent annual rate in mananrights violations. received final orders of removal,its impact 60 dayson of commodities crossing the border immediate challenges March, heightening fearsorof a All 23 had already been according to a report by ICE toposeillegally between March and to U.S. consumers and the recession. dered removed from the United the Senate Judiciary Committee. October 2021, but failed to do economy, according to Luke States, according to ICE. Since then, Border PatrolTilley, so, according to official chief economist at data has apprehended more than 5Wilmington received Trust. by Sen. Ron Johnson Thirteen of the fugitives also My expectation million illegal aliens entering U.S. (R-Wis.). have convictions for crimes inconsumer sentiment is that we are cluding homicide, aggravated the United States, according toindexes Inhave his letter accompanying dropped to “ex- the An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Los to a peak in levels, Department and this assaultclose with a weapon, burglary, Customs and Border Protec-tremely datalow” to Johnson, of suggests consumer spending indecent exposure, but resisting tion data. Homeland Security Secretary inflation, thatan Angeles on Oct. 14, 2015. going forward, hesaid: told “DHS officer, and DUI will offenses. Alejandro Mayorkas ICE deportations have hit re-will slow inflation remain Epoch Times.to ensuring a safe, Among those arrested are States to be an escape for those The agency said the three cord lows under the Biden ad-The is committed uncomfortably high expects the Federal Reorderly, and humane immigratwo known or suspected hu- entering the U.S. to evade pros- fugitives “participated in or ministration, which narrowed Tilley serve to be aggressive over the forviolators the next man rights fromfew China ecution and punishment for the supported political violence, the agency’s criteria for enforce-nexttion system. couple of months. Howmonths. “Itforecasts is important thatinwe conwho were “complicit in forced crimes they have committed including mistreating politi- ment in 2021. ever, he that when abortionsDesmond and sterilizations by against others,” said ICE Acting cal prisoners, inciting violence tinue together Deportations in the first fiveflation and working the economy declineduring Lachman, government entities,” according Director Tae D. Johnson. against minority populations, months of 2021 plummeted toin the these unprecedented times as second half of the year, economist and senior fellow, A worker arranges apples at a assisting grocery store in Monterey Calif., on April 12, 2022. will need to ICE declined to provide Thefor Ep-saleand officials in a re-Park, to an ICE statement. 18,713, according to ICE recordsFed policymakers we strive to keep the country American Enterprise Institute a step back from their agand secure.” Others are from Central and och Times the country of origin gime known for extensive hu- obtained by the Center for Im-takesafe tothree wonder a recession is at nextrights month’s policyagainst meetingits desired impact on gasInprices, of theiffugitives, saying, man abuses migration Studies. contrast,gressive posture. South America, as well as south- for Some economists believe that “We imminent. Since 1980, yield and trim the $9 trillion balance according to Phil Flynn,insenior couldStieber prevent a hardto this ern and Eastern Europe. political opponents.” while deportations the first This Zachary contributed have no additional informathe2019 Price totaled Furegaining control will tion curve inversions have always sheet $95 billion each landing for the economy. “ICE will not allow of theprices United ICEbyalso refused to month provide energy five analyst monthsat of to provide at this time.” report. ture Group. require far more aggressive preceded recessions. to tighten its monetary stance. In addition, Tilley stated rate increases by the Federal “My expectation is that we Releasing oil from strategic rethere are some signals in the Reserve, which may topple the are close to a peak in inflation, New Threats serves is “like taking alcohol as a economy that may ease inU.S. economy into a recession. flationary pressures. One of but that inflation will remain Current wage pressures and pain reliever. It may seem like a Wall Street analysts are al- uncomfortably high for the next rising rents, according to Lach- good idea now, but you will end them is the Manheim index ready projecting a downturn for few months,” Desmond Lach- man, would continue to keep in- up with a heck of a hangover,” for used cars and trucks, which next year. Last week, Deutsche man, economist and senior fel- flation high and make the Fed’s he wrote in a recent note. has dropped over the last two months. Bank became the first large bank low at the American Enterprise fight more difficult. Following last week’s drop, oil to foresee a recession in 2023. Institute, told The Epoch Times. China’s COVID-19 restric- prices have begun to rise again, The port congestions have TRUTH and TRADITION AT new owingMORE The further Fed tightening is The bond market, Lachman tions are also posing a LEARN to optimism that Chinese also improved dramatically. projected to have a significant noted, which has inverted the threat to the global supply demand would soon recover and Drewry’s World Container impact on the U.S. economy by yield curve, is correct in antici- chains. The Chinese regime’s OPEC warnings that replacing Index shows that the cost of late next year and early 2024, pating that inflation will moder- strict “zero-COVID” policy has Russian oil exports would be shipping a container has fallen according to the bank. ate because Fed tightening will prompted fresh lockdowns in impossible. more than 20 percent since its Bank of America has a simi- trigger a recession. major cities, including ShangMeanwhile, global food prices peak in September of last year, larly pessimistic outlook. Chief he noted. In addition, while “In fact, I think that there is a hai. This is expected to intensify have risen at their fastest pace wages continue to grow, the investment strategist Michael real risk that the U.S. economy global supply disruptions and on record. Hartnett stated in a recent note could have a very hard landing add to inflationary pressures The Russian invasion of pace of increase has cooled over that the Fed’s belated response if higher U.S. interest rates burst on goods and raw materials Ukraine has created signifithe past three months. to “out-of-control inflation” the current equity, housing, and imported from China. cant uncertainty and volatility “However, I think inflation A decline in oil prices because in global commodity markets, is highly unpredictable,” Tilwould lead to a recession. In credit market bubble. In that ley said. one sentence, he summed up case, we could be back to a situa- of a drop in Chinese demand particularly in agricultural comthe bank’s position: “‘Inflation tion of a very weak economy and also is expected to be tempo- modities. The United Nations’ “There’s certainly a lot of shock’ worsening, ‘rates shock’ rapidly decelerating inflation by rary. While analysts believe the Food and Agriculture Organirisk that inflation could keep just beginning, ‘recession shock’ early 2023,” Lachman said. Biden administration’s recent zation said that its food price rising,” he said, compelling the coming.” “All of this does not bode actions on oil will bring some index in March climbed 13 perFederal Reserve to move more aggressively to contain it. High inflation, according to well for the Democrats’ pros- relief to consumers at the pump, cent, reaching an all-time high. many, is a product of Washing- pects in the midterm elec- they anticipate crude oil prices Vegetable oil, grains, and meat According to a Bloomberg ton’s policy decisions, which tions since, by November, the to surge over the 12-month ho- prices, in particular, soared to survey conducted between include excessive government economy could be in a dreaded rizon. unprecedented levels. March 29 and April 1, nearly stimulus spending and the Fed’s state of stagflation.” The Biden administration half of investors expect the U.S. The crisis in Eastern Europe “money printing.” The U.S. central bank, howev- recently authorized a “historic and the sanctions on Russia are CAROLYN DAYeconomy to fall into recession CRAIGof The yield curve recently er, is aiming for a “soft landing” release” from U.S. petroleum CHAImaking the food supply chain next year. About 21 percent PRUETT and inverted for a few days, for the U.S. economy while wag- reserves and has approved the more vulnerable. Russia those polled believe the next RICHARDS GALLAHUN over recession will occur in 2024, meaning short-term inter- ing war on inflation. The Fed use of affordable E15 gasoline in Ukraine together produce LNN News LNN CEO LNN Bureaua Chief est rates exceeded long-term indicated that it would raise in- the summer. while only 15 percent predict it third of the world’s wheat. In Director These actions won’t have the addition, Russia’s decision to will occur this year. rates. This caused investors terest rates by 50 basis points

Inflation Rises to 8.5 Percent

“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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20 Federal ‘Assets’ Embedded at Capitol on Jan. 6, Court Filing Says

Oath Keepers motion seeks to dismiss seditious conspiracy, obstruction charges JOSEPH M. HANNEMAN

At least 20 FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives “assets” were embedded around the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a defense attorney wrote in a court filing on April 12. The disclosure was made in a motion seeking to dismiss seditious conspiracy and obstruction charges against 10 Oath Keepers defendants in one of the most prominent Jan. 6 criminal cases. David W. Fischer, attorney for Thomas E. Caldwell of Berryville, Virginia, filed a 41-page motion to dismiss four counts on behalf of all Oath Keepers case defendants before U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta in Washington, D.C. Caldwell is charged in the indictment, but is not a member of the Oath Keepers, he told The Epoch Times in March. “At least 20 FBI and ATF assets were embedded around the Capitol on J6,” read a footnote on Page 6 of the motion. No other details were provided in the document. The footnote said defense attorneys “combed through a mountain of discovery,” including FBI form 302 summaries of interviews conducted by FBI agents. In addition to the information about law-enforcement assets on the ground at the Capitol, the footnote says, the Oath Keepers “were being monitored and recorded prior to J6.” Poring over evidence turned over in discovery by prosecutors in two major Oath Keepers cases has “not found one iota of proof” that defendants “had any plan, intention, design, or scheme to specifically enter the Capitol Building on J6,” the motion said. Fischer told The Epoch Times he could not comment on the motion or provide more details on the footnote. Since the first arrests of Jan. 6 defendants in early 2021, there has been extensive speculation and questions from attorneys, defendants, case observers, and

members of Congress about the role law enforcement played that day. During a Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Jan. 11, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) grilled top FBI officials on the subject. “How many FBI agents or confidential informants actively participated in the events of Jan. 6?” Cruz asked Jill Sanborn, executive assistant director of the FBI’s national security branch. “Sir, I’m sure you can appreciate that I can’t go into the specifics of sources and methods,” Sanborn said. Cruz replied, “Did any FBI agents or confidential informants actively participate in the events of Jan. 6, yes or no?” “Sir, I can’t answer that,” Sanborn said. “Did any FBI agents or confidential informants commit crimes of violence on Jan. 6?” Cruz asked. “I can’t answer that, sir,” Sanborn replied. Jeremy M. Brown, an Oath Keepers member from Florida who was charged with two Jan. 6-related counts but is not part of either major Oath Keepers conspiracy case, told The Epoch Times earlier this year that the FBI unsuccessfully tried to recruit him in 2020 to spy on the group. Brown said the same agents who later arrested him for alleged Jan. 6 crimes tried to recruit him on Dec. 11, 2020, to become a confidential informant. He refused. He was arrested on Sept. 30, 2021, when dozens of federal agents swarmed his Florida property. “When asked by me and my girlfriend to produce the warrants at the time of arrest, they refused to produce them,” Brown said. “One agent was even recorded stating, ‘We don’t know what we are looking for yet.’ They should look for a copy of the Constitution and read it.”

No Crime Stated?

The Oath Keepers, including founder Elmer Stewart Rhodes III, are charged with conspiring to enter the Capitol on Jan. 6

Capitol Police are escorted down the Capitol steps through the crowd to safety on Jan. 6 by members of the Oath Keepers. COURTESY OF ROBERTO MINUTA

to prevent the certification of the Electoral College votes from the 2020 presidential election. Protests and rioting on Jan. 6 interrupted a joint session of Congress for about six hours. “The Rhodes defendants seek dismissal of Counts 1-4 on the grounds that the indictment fails to state an offense as to each count,” Fischer wrote in his motion. The four counts covered in the motion to dismiss all refer to obstructing a proceeding or preventing an officer from discharging duties. Under Title 18 of the U.S. Code, the seditious conspiracy charge “requires proof that the purpose of the defendants’ seditious conspiracy was to forcibly obstruct a person authorized to execute a law, while that person was attempting to execute the particular law opposed by the defendants,” Fischer wrote. “Per binding precedent, however, Members of Congress are constitutionally prohibited from ‘executing any law of the United States,’ ” the motion said. “Additionally, per binding precedent, the Electoral College certification process did not constitute the ‘execution of any law of the United States.’ ” Counts 2 and 3 of the indictment are brought under 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c), but that law

only applies to obstructive acts related to the destruction of evidence, the motion said. This argument was cited in March by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols, who dismissed the same obstruction charge in two other Jan. 6 cases. Count 4 accuses the defendants of conspiring to prevent an officer from discharging any duties. Under binding legal precedent, the motion argues, the terms “office,” “officer” and “officer of the United States” take their meaning from the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Members of Congress are not “officers” under the Appointments Clause, Fischer wrote. The motion described the indictment as “an obscenely one-sided, selectively edited, and inaccurate representation of [Oath Keepers’] actions and statements.” The Oath Keepers “Quick Reaction Forces” (QRFs) described in the criminal complaint as being ready to assist in the attack on the Capitol with men and armaments were actually standing by in Virginia in case Oath Keepers in DC were attacked or threatened by Antifa, the motion said. “... Every scrap of evidence reviewed confirms that the

‘QRFs,’ which were utilized on numerous prior dates, were intended as rescue forces in the event that the Oath Keepers were attacked by Antifa or a similar contingency, and not to attack the Capitol Building,” the filing said. In a companion motion filed on behalf of defendant Kelly Meggs, attorney Jonathon Moseley described the notion of opposing the lawful transfer of presidential power as a “thought crime,” and the charge in the indictment as “devoid of supporting factual allegations.” “The Constitution makes clear that it is a Constitutional impossibility to ‘oppose the transfer of presidential power.’ Not only could such a goal not be accomplished, but beyond that, it is an irrational concept lacking in any basis, in fact, law, or common sense,” Moseley wrote. “This is not a case in which conspirators might attempt to do something they are unable to successfully achieve,” Moseley’s filing said. “It is an irrational concept like dividing by zero. There can be no such thing in law or fact.” The Epoch Times contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia for comment but did not receive a reply by press time.

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