POWHATAN – The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors expressed immense frustration last week with software issues for the county’s mass appraisal and countywide ERP systems, even going so far as to entertain legal action against the company implementing it.
LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor
POWHATAN – For a minute, everything was quiet. Then multiple shots rang out in the empty hallways of Powhatan Elementary School and everything got real.
The moments that followed – of armed Powhatan deputies sweeping down the halls and into classrooms to root out any threats and firefighters and EMTs evaluating and transporting the “victims” left in the bullets’ wake – are the stuff of parents’ nightmares. A community’s nightmares.
But being prepared for the worst that could happen has become an increasingly prevalent reality in this nation, and Powhatan first responders want to make sure if that nightmare – or any other mass casualty event –came here, they would be as prepared as possible so they could save as many lives as they could, said Travis Lindsey, emergency
management coordinator.
So Powhatan Fire and Rescue and Powhatan Sheriff’s Office teamed up to conduct a joint training exercise Sunday at the elementary school focusing on active shooter incident response /management and mass casualty response. The training
involved structured scenarios to allow first responders to hone their skills in relation to crisis response, planning and procedures.
“With the unfortunate increase in active shooter events
LAURA MCFARLAND
Managing Editor
POWHATAN – Former Pow
hatan supervisor and commu nity leader Carson Tucker was remembered last week for his depth of service to the county.
Tucker, who died on Jan. 24 at age 75, served three terms on the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors, a partial term on the planning commission, and was active for years in the areas of conservation, preservation, farming, community relations, history and helping those in need.
Tucker was first elected to the board of supervisors to represent District 5 in 2007 and served three full terms. As a supervisor, he described himself as a servant leader who believed the government only exists to be of service to the people.
He announced in June 2018 that he had been diagnosed with arkinson’s disease and would finish out his last term on the board but not run for reelection. However, before and after that decision, he remained committed to serving the county in many capacities.
Former supervisor Bill Melton first served with Tucker on the planning commission before the latter resigned and then for eight years on the board of supervisors. He described Tucker as a great listener who “had the ability to sit back and listen to all sides and then form a game plan based upon trying to deliver results that captured many of the
different ideas of the group.”
Tucker cared for the Powhatan community in a “holistic approach,” Melton said, pointing to his interest in the history of the county with locations such as Belmead on the James and Michaux-St. James; his promotion of building new community leaders by helping with the Powhatan Leadership Institute; his advocacy of conservation including putting some of his own property in a conservation easement; and his mentoring of youth through the Lunch Buddies program and the MLK Youth Day Community Breakfast.
Melton and Tucker co-sponsored a scholarship in honor of the late Margaret Manning, another former supervisor, for several years in connection with the
LAURA MCFARLAND
Managing Editor RICHMOND – A Powhatan-led amendment to state code aiming to better protect private well water once again failed to gain momentum and was tabled last week during the General Assembly.
Del. R. Lee Ware, R-65, was the chief patron of House Bill 1370, which was meant to extend a protection currently given to public
water sources against landfills but not wells. The bill aimed to prohibit the siting of a new municipal solid waste landfill within 1 mile of any existing well.
As happened in the 2022 session, after Ware introduced the bill, it was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources, where it was considered on Wednesday, Jan. 25.
After discussion, the commit-
tee recommended tabling the bill in a 14-8 vote, which was better than it did in the 2022 session, when heard by a subcommittee with only Ware opposed to tabling it.
“Though my HB 1370 was tabled, the vote was quite a bit more favorable this year than last,” Ware noted last week in an email.
After another update from staff bringing continued bad news about issues with the systems operated by Keystone Information Systems during its Jan. 23 meeting, board members began discussing what options they have if the situation can’t be turned around.
Open discussions with county attorney Tom Lacheney even turned to the possibility of needing to file a lawsuit for breach of contract among a few options he named, although he also shared some potential pitfalls associated with those routes.
“I would normally not have said any of this out in public; I would have normally said we need to have a closed session,” Lacheney said. “But I think Keystone needs to be on notice your lawyers advise you to sue them because he is right now publicly saying, ‘Sue them. We have a good solid case.’ ”
Keystone, which the county signed a contract with on Nov. 28, 2020, has been a topic of concern at board meetings for up to a year as staff and supervisors tried to grasp the true extent of how the system that impacts so much of local government operations is either working or failing.
While Keystone is used across all county departments, treasurer Becky Nunnally and commissioner of the revenue Jamie Timberlake have been the ones consistently saying the system does not work for their offices and is causing issues and delays that not only impact residents but could be county money.
Timberlake went so far as to
tell the board last week during his update on personal property and real estate that there are functions – such as the automated mass appraisal system –he won’t put in Keystone’s hands because of lack of confidence the process would work. He said his goal this year after finishing the personal property book is to run both Keystone and the existing mass appraisal system to see how Keystone compares to what the county is using and “make that decision by 2024 as to whether we are going to finish the conversion into Keystone or come to you and start talking about our options.”
Nunnally and Timberlake last reported on the issues they were having to the board at its Oct. 24, 2022, meeting. At the time, interim county administrator Bret Schardein told the board Keystone had promised a big update coming in mid- to late-December.
The update came and there were some partial solutions, Nunnally said, but many remain without a solution and it actually caused new ones as well. Some of the still unresolved issues she listed for the board included refunds being withheld due to abatement issues; nine reports needed to close end-of-day in her office instead of one; being unable to make notes in a customer’s account; the account identification system doesn’t allow for pulling up all of a customers’ information at once; customers cannot make payments online; payment portals showing incorrect balances; manual calculation needed for prorating; June’s bill run did not hold new address updates so it reverted back to old addresses; and more.
She informed the board in a written list of Keystone issues as of Jan. 11 that, “we cannot trust anything the system tells us. We
a student trying to decide on a subject for her report about an important black historical figure. Cain played several key figures, including Daniel Hale Williams (shown here), George Washington Carver, Jackie Robinson, Booker T. Washington and Dennis Weatherby. See more PCPS student moments on Page A3
Powhatan Supervisor Mike Byerly, right, speaks to the Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources in support of Del. Lee Ware’s House Bill 1370, which would offer greater protections to private wells near proposed landfills.
PATTERSON, Thomas Lee, 80, of Powhatan, Virginia, went to be with the Lord, January 26, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Joyce ancarrow Patterson; children, Wendy ripberger (Mike), Matthew T. Patterson and Michael T. Patterson; siblings, Mary Johns ( r ay), John Patterson (sue) and bryan Patterson (Lori); sister-in-law, robin Patterson; grandchildren, Kathryn Wilson (Tyler) and Zachary ripberger; great-grandchildren, Olivia Wilson. Thomas retired from reynolds Metals after working for 37 years. He served as a deacon at his church and was a past Master of the Powhatan Lodge #295. Thomas was the kind of man who never met a stranger; he enjoyed socializing and often fished with his friends. He always had a generous heart and was willing to help out in any way he could. The family received friends Monday, January 30, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. at bennett & barden Funeral Home, Powhatan. His service was held 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to st. Jude Children’s research Hospital, P.O. box 50, Memphis, Tenn. 38101-9929 or the charity or church of your choice. Interment Maury Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at bennettbardenfh.com.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their joint fundraising event, the Valentine Gala, Habitat for Humanity – Powhatan and the Free Clinic of Powhatan, for the first time, have created an online auction open to all. The online auction, open to the general public, features a wide range of packages donated by local businesses. you’ll find something for almost everyone’s tastes by going online to galabid.com/onlineauction23. bidding opens Feb. 1 and closes at 8 p.m. Feb 10. auction proceeds will be split between Habitat for Humanity — Powhatan and the Free Clinic of Powhatan.
The Free Clinic of Powhatan serves residents from Powhatan, amelia and Cumberland Counties as well as select Chesterfield areas. services include medical, dental, counseling and women’s healthcare by appointment. eligibility requirements on website www.freeclinicofpowhatan.org/ patients. registration for new patients by appointment Mondays 5-8 p.m. or walk-in Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call (804) 598-5637.
Would you like to gain confidence in your reading skills and have fun? sign up to read to a certified therapy dog at Powhatan County Public Library. reading sessions start at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 and are 15 minutes per child. registration is required. Community Matters is a resource for all 55 and forward interested in learning, staying active and engaging with peers. Challenge and socialization are powerful benefits and crucial at any age! Multiple weekly sessions with a wide range of topics and activities are held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 anderson Hwy, in the training room of Powhatan Parks and recreation. upcoming programs include: Feb. 1, Movie and Popcorn – a fascinating movie about the denial of the holocaust and one american’s court battle set in england to prove it happened; Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23, Game day Thursdays –Many games will be made available (mahjong, cards, Wii, cards, puzzles, rummikub, boggle, Would you rather, Taco/Cat/Goat/ Cheese/Pizza, etc.) and you’re welcome to bring your own; Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24, Movers and Pacers – Weekly winter walking in the gymnasium rain or shine; Feb. 7 (Part 1), Feb. 14 (Part 2), Inflammation and the brain – Two-part series on the biology of inflammation, how it affects our brains, how to avoid and decrease inflammation and maintain improved brain health. More information on various offerings, activities and topics presented can be found on Facebook: Powhatan County reach for active services. Program is free; requires independent participation. Call program coordinator Jayne Lloyd at 804-698-0438 for more information.
Powhatan County Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on saturdays. Meeting rooms are available by reservation; study rooms are available first come, first served. The library offers e-books through Overdrive and materials to borrow in person or by using books to Go. With books to Go, patrons may reserve print materials, dVds, and audiobooks 24/7 online at www.powhatanlibrary or by phone during open hours at 804-598-5670 and can choose to pick up their books inside on the books to Go shelf or outside in the books to Go lockers. books to Go orders are held for three days after notification. The outdoor library book drop is open 24/7 for returning library items; however, patrons must return mobile hotspots to the circulation desk inside the library. The library accepts donations through the Friends of the Library. The Friends of the Library bookstore is open during library business hours. Visit www. powhatanlibrary.net or call the library at 804-598-5670 for more details, and like the library’s Facebook page for all the latest, up-to-date library news, information and program schedules.
Powhatan County Public Library will hold a weekly story Time on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Participants will read stories, sing songs, learn finger plays and more! story Time generally meets in front of the fireplace, and occasionally in our outdoor space. business network International (bnI) Powhatan chapter meets virtually from 8 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Visit Www.bnIVa com for information. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/bnIOnFire or contact executive director dawne Gulla at dawne@bniva.com or 804-690-9220 for more information.
Powhatan County 4-H sponsors a fun-filled, week-long residential summer camp each year. Under the guidance of caring, trained, professional staff and local teen counselors, youth between the ages of 9 and 13 will laugh, grow and learn through a variety of wonderful activities.
From riflery to marine science, canoeing to archery, the camp offers exciting and educational hands-on activities for campers in a socially-positive environment. Campers also learn life skills such as independence, responsibility and sharing.
Powhatan 4-H Junior Camp will operate close to capacity this year
The Powhatan TrIad meets at 10 a.m. the first Wednesday of every at st. John neumann Catholic Church, 2480 batterson road. The group discusses issues relating to senior citizens. It is open to the public. For more information, contact detective rudy Gregory at 804-598-5656. The Powhatan Lion’s Club will meet at 6 p.m. at the County seat restaurant. Contact Mike Jones at 804-794-1440 for more information.
THURSDAY, FEB. 2
Teen anime Club will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Powhatan County Public Library. bring manga, notebooks, cosplays, or other projects to work on. We will watch a different anime each meeting. For local teens aged 13-18 (grades 6-12). application required to join. Pick up one at the library front desk.
The Pocahontas Chapter is one of 12 Virginia native Plant society chapters, and serves the counties of amelia, Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, King William, new Kent, Powhatan, Prince George, and the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg, and richmond. at
7 p.m. Feb. 2, join ben Kessler of Little bluestem and the “by the seed of Our Plants” podcast for a conversation about cultivating beneficial ecological change over time, preserving genotypic diversity, building refugia, and other projects for working with nature in a time of extinction. Little bluestem is a local genotype native plant nursery and nonprofit organization for community education about ecology. This will be a Zoom presentation because the speaker is unable to travel that evening, but members are welcomed and encouraged to join the watch party at Lewis Ginter botanical Garden. a Zoom meet and greet and Lewis Ginter gathering starts at 6:30. a short business meeting will follow the speaker. For more information, visit the state website: http://vnps.org/.
The Powhatan Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays, saturdays and Tuesdays at 2500 batterson road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.com.
Just Kids, an affordable clothing shop selling gently used children’s clothes, sizes newborn to 8 plus, and warm coats, is open. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and saturdays. The shop is located in the Memorial baptist Church youth House, 3926 Old buckingham road. Just Kids is a ministry of May Memorial baptist Church. Clothes cost $2 per bag.
a Called to Care Meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Powhatan united Methodist Church. This organization offers both support to persons who have health issues and those who are caring for persons with health issues. The meetings may include guest speakers on a myriad of topics related to aging and good health. Guest speakers have included a nurse practitioner, neurologist, nutritionist, physical therapist and many more. all are welcome to attend. This group is facilitated by Judy Cain-Oliver, licensed clinical psychologist.
The Huguenot beekeepers association is a group of experienced and beginner beekeepers that are dedicated to promoting beekeeping in our communities and supporting each other in our beekeeping activities. The group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month in the auditorium of the Powhatan Village building, 3910 Old buckingham road, Powhatan. Visit https://huguenotbeekeepers.org. extension specialists and industry experts share timely topics for farmers in the Virginia Cooperative e xtension ag Today, held virtually at 9 a.m. every Thursday. These updates are relevant and brief and are recorded for folks who can’t join on that day and time. Podcasts (audio only) are posted on Westmoreland VCe webpage and youTube video recordings can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PL7_2QuVzrPXdpysV2Hy11CH8KbrluifyO. Contact stephanie romelczyk (sromelcz@vt.edu) for information on joining the meeting live. Watched or listened to VCe aG Today? Let us know how we are doing! Find our survey here: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ sV_6fiybb914ayrdn7 The Powhatan County Fair association meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Powhatan Fairgrounds located at 4042 anderson Highway, Powhatan, Virginia 23139. For more information, visit www.powhatanfair.org. a community prayer meeting is held at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the War Memorial Cultural arts and Community Center, 2375 skaggs road. The
during the week of July 17 — 21, 2023, at Jamestown 4-H Center in Williamsburg. Registration for all campers opened on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Camp applications will only be accepted through the registration portal which can be accessed through the Powhatan Extension’s website, https://powhatan.ext.vt.edu/, or Virginia Cooperative Extension –Powhatan Facebook page. Or simply email Powhatan Extension staff at chowland@vt.edu for a direct link to the 4-H Camp registration site. There are limited spaces available and spots are given on a first come, first serve basis. The camp is open to all, however preference is given to Powhatan County
group prays for world, national and local issues. It is open to the public.
The original Powhatan aa meets from 7 to 8 p.m. every Thursday in the Powhatan Village building. The Powhatan rotar y Club meets at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday at the County seat restaurant. The Powhatan Garden Club will not meet in February. For more information, contact Laura divinski at 804-372-9572.
FRIDAY, FEB. 3
Powhatan Cruizer’s car club, which is open to any vehicle or motorcycle owner, meets at 6 p.m. on the first Friday of the month at the Powhatan County Fairgrounds. Meetings are open to anyone. For more information, contact Charlie Williams at 804-898-0876.
SATURDAY, FEB. 4
Habitat For Humanity — Powhatan depends on volunteers and donors. Habitat is blessed with the community’s helpful and generous participation. The Habitat restore at 1922 urbine road will be open every saturday, come november 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The office is located upstairs at the Habitat restore and the office number is 804-594-7009, ext. 2. Call and volunteer. Help us at the restore, perform critical repairs and/or with our upcoming builds. Powhatan aa meets at 8 p.m. every saturday at Manakin episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.
MONDAY, FEB. 6
The Huguenot ruritan Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at May Memorial b aptist Church. For more information, contact Tom Grasty at 804-598-0777. a Powhatan Hope n arcotics a nonymous (na) meeting will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday at PCC Church, 4480 anderson Highway, Powhatan, room 102. It is an open discussion meeting. Wheelchair accessible.
TUESDAY, FEB. 7
Powhatan County Public Library’s Teen advisory board will meet at 4 p.m. Feb. 7 and 21. Help plan and run teen programs, create library displays, suggest ya books and materials and get volunteer hours. For local teens aged 13 to 18 (grades six to 12). application required. Pick one up at the library front desk. The Heart of Virginia beekeepers will meet at 7 p.m. at the Prince edward County extension Office (100 dominion dr., Farmville 23901) near Lowe’s. Keith White of Honey and the Hive beekeeping supplies will present a program on swarm bait Traps. anyone who has bees or is interested in bees is welcome. For more information call Mary Jane Morgan at 434-3151433 or visit Facebook or our website at heartofvirginiabeekeepers.org.
PowHer Hour is a casual networking lunch event for women in business designed to support, develop and connect female business professionals in our community. This event is held on the first Tuesday of the month at various locations. The next event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Mabel’s, 1800 a south Creek One. Visit https://www.powhatanchamber.org/ events/powher-hour-monthly-luncheon/. Lonesome dove equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 Old buckingham road, provides year-round therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. as of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program.
From January through March, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. upcoming dates are: Feb. 7, 14 and 22; March 7, 14 and 22.
From april through september, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. upcoming dates are: april 4, 18 and 26; May 2, 16 and 24; June 6, 20 and 28; July 11, 18 and 26; aug. 1, 15 and 23; sept. 12, 19 and 27. From October through november, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. upcoming dates are: Oct. 3, 17 and 25; nov. 7, 14 and 29. There are no sessions in december. LdeC is able to provide a variety of services to the veterans because of dedicated volunteers. Those who would like to help and have fun at the same time are asked to consider becoming a member of one of these teams. For more information about Lonesome dove, visit http://ldequestrian. com/ or contact 804-356-6327.
residents. Camp fees of $335 per camper will cover lodging, meals, class supplies and daily snacks. Camp scholarships are also available. Transportation for campers is not provided but if this is an issue, contact the Powhatan Extension Office to work out an alternate option.
Campers from Powhatan are joined by youth from Goochland and Hanover counties during the week. They will participate in a variety of classes and recreational activities, including paddle board, kayaking, Maker projects and more.
Jamestown 4-H Camp is situated on 16 wooded and open acres, located outside of Williamsburg along the banks
The Women in ag network meets virtually at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month. The organization’s mission is to foster female farmers. The Women in agriculture network will hold monthly Zoom sessions highlighting women farmers, offering opportunities for women to network, and educational opportunities. register at https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FaIpQLsdZn-I3gWp0zjOaazwFhvrTWnTK4bbesTrg6uosH1b3l62o_a/ viewform or call 804-598-5640. Pre-registration required. recorded sessions and more information: https://www.facebook. com/ vawomeninagnetwork.
The new bridge of reason aa meeting is held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Powhatan Mennonite Church, 3549 Old buckingham road, Powhatan. It is an open, decision and literature meeting for Powhatan, Goochland, and Cumberland counties. aa meets at 8 p.m. every Tuesday at st Luke’s episcopal Church on Huguenot Trail.
Girl scout Troop 3029 is helping the Huguenot Volunteer Fire department achieve a long-held goal of building a memorial to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of sept. 11, 2001 at the station. The Girl scouts are selling 411 bricks inscribed with the name, rank and company of a firefighter, law enforcement officer or paramedic killed during the attacks. a donation of $23 will cover the cost of one inscribed brick in honor of a first responder. To purchase a brick, visit www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/memorial911. Checks payable to Troop 3029 may also be mailed to Laura baltz at 1510 Holly Hills road, Powhatan, Va 23139. For more information, contact baltz at 804-467-4313 or Ljbal65@aol.com.
aarP Tax-aide volunteers will be offering free tax return preparation again this year at the Powhatan County Public Library. due to COVId-19 restrictions last year, volunteers were only able to provide drop-off services for most of the season. However, this year, the plan is to return to face-to-face appointments. Tax preparation appointments can be made online through a link on the Powhatan Library website. To better manage appointments, volunteers will only be opening a few appointment days at a time. additional appointment times will be added as earlier times are filled. Make an appointment only once you have received all your tax documents. When you come to your appointment, bring the following items: prior year tax return; social security cards for everyone on the tax return and drivers photo Id to confirm your identity; all your tax documents; and copy of a voided check for direct deposit of any tax refund. Free tax return preparation appointments will be in the large conference room of the Powhatan Library between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday beginning Wednesday, Feb. 1 through Friday, april 14, 2023. show your support for Habitat for Humanity — Powhatan and the Free Clinic of Powhatan by shopping local on Feb. 10, 11 and 12. during the Heart of the Home Weekend, the Vintage shack, Three Crosses distilling Company, Crazy rooster brewing, Fine Creek brewing and Macdaddy’s event and Catering will donate a portion of their proceeds to Habitat for Humanity – Powhatan and Free Clinic of Powhatan. The Free Clinic also will be offering free blood pressure screenings at the restore on saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Graceland baptist Church will hold a Family Movie night on Feb. 10 with dinner at 7 p.m. and a showing of “enchanted” to follow.
Powhatan County Public Library will have Craft Time! from 10:30 to 11 a.m. on saturday, Feb. 11. elementary school aged children are invited to participate in this arts and craft program. registration required. In February, participants will make paper flower bouquets for Valentine’s day.
Powhatan County Public Library has a wonderful line up of adult programs to get you out of your house on those wintery days. every second and fourth Monday throughout the winter at 11 a.m., the library will hold retro Movie Mondays. Come in and enjoy some popcorn, watch a classic movie and reminisce. On Feb. 13, come watch the 2022 historical comedy-drama film “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.” rated PG. Light refreshments will be provided. For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net. Lonesome dove equestrian Center, which is located at 6137 Old buckingham road, provides year-round therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for veterans with special needs and disabilities. Focusing on veterans in Central Virginia, the goal
of the James River. The facilities include air-conditioned cabins and lodges, swimming pool with diving board, air rifle and archery ranges, amphitheater for campfire programs and picnic pavilions. The recreation hall and dining facility are also air conditioned. Jamestown 4-H Camp maintains a rustic, country atmosphere. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, so you can rest assured that your child will have a safe and quality camping experience with 4-H. For additional questions or concerns, contact Cathy Howland, 4-H Extension agent, at 804598-5640 or email chowland@vt.edu.
of this program is to improve the quality of life for the participants through activities that are positive to their cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. as of Jan. 1, 2021, the program is also welcoming first responders to come ride with the program. From January through March, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. upcoming dates are: Feb. 14 and 22; March 7, 14 and 22. From april through september, volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 10 a.m. upcoming dates are: april 4, 18 and 26; May 2, 16 and 24; June 6, 20 and 28; July 11, 18 and 26; aug. 1, 15 and 23; sept. 12, 19 and 27. From October through november, volunteers are asked to arrive at 10 a.m. and the riding sessions begin at 11 a.m. upcoming dates are: Oct. 3, 17 and 25; nov. 7, 14 and 29. There are no sessions in december. LdeC is able to provide a variety of services to the veterans because of dedicated volunteers. Those who would like to help and have fun at the same time are asked to consider becoming a member of one of these teams. For more information about Lonesome dove, visit http://ldequestrian.com/ or contact 804-356-6327.
The Powhatan Chamber of Commerce’s Food for Thought luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16 at County seat restaurant and Gathering Place. The featured speaker will be Teresa Mcbean, enneagram practitioner. The enneagram is a definitive tool that gives us deeply personal (and eerily accurate) insight into who we’re wired to be and why we behave the way we do. register at powhatanchamber.org.
Powhatan County Public schools will hold a 2023 Career Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 18 at Flat rock e lementary school, 2210 batterson road. There will be in-person and virtual interviews with school administrators. register at www. powhatan.k12.va.us.
Powhatan County Public Library has a wonderful line up of adult programs to get you out of your house on those wintery days. On saturday, Feb. 18, join other participants for Gentle beginner’s yoga with Joanna bartles. Learn breathing techniques, postures and movements to relieve tension and tightness in muscles and joints. bring a yoga mat or beach towel, and if able a firm pillow, block or towel for support. For details, contact Powhatan County Public Library at 804-598-5670 or library@powhatanlibrary.net.
saturday under the stars at Powhatan state Park will be hosted by the richmond astronomical society throughout 2023. events are open to the public and held at the equestrian / Trailhead parking area. Visitors are welcome to bring their telescopes and test them out under a dark sky with assistance from our astronomers. This is a great opportunity to try out a new telescope that might have been a holiday gift. no telescope is required, though. you can always check out the views through ours or just bring a comfortable chair. event times are listed below, but volunteer astronomers will be on site before the event to provide telescope assistance. note that the $5 park fee applies at all times; park fees are waived for volunteer astronomers who are sharing their expertise or equipment for the event and volunteer astronomers are welcome to continue to observe through the night after the public hours. astronomers that can help with any of these events, send a message to president@richastro.org. upcoming dates are: 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18; 7 to 9 p.m. april 22; 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 22; 8 to 10 p.m.
Please see CALENDAR, Page A4
Powhatan Post Office (George T)
Powhatan County Public Schools is constantly challenging and engaging its students in exciting ways. These are a few snapshots of some of the division’s awesome recent moments.
CONTRIBUTED REPORT Community Matters is thriving in its new home for adult programming at Pocahontas Landmark Center, 4290 Anderson Highway, and enjoying expanded days so it can offer adults more coordinated opportunities to learn, connect and stay active! February’s calendar is full of good things to take part in.
COUNTY
Powhatan County Public schools held its divisionwide spelling bee on Jan. 24 at Pocahontas elementary school. Chase Kinnier, a sixth grader at Powhatan Middle school, won first place. Katleigh sadler, a fourth grader at Powhatan elementary school, came in second place. The other participants were: evan soderstrom, a fourth grader at Flat rock elementary; berkley Krieger, a fifth grader at Flat rock; Jesse Townsend, a fourth grader at Pocahontas elementary; erika Traupman, a fifth grader at Pocahontas elementary; Colin dillon, a fifth grader at Powhatan elementary; Chris deshazo, a seventh grader at Powhatan Middle; and Maddie Taylor, an eighth grader at Powhatan Middle.
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their joint fundraising event, the Valentine Gala, Habitat for Humanity – Powhatan and the Free Clinic of Powhatan, for the first time, have created an online auction open to all.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years that we’ve been working on this together,” said Terry Sanders, event co-chair. “What a wonderful adventure it’s been.”
“A lot of preparation and time goes into this event,” said Connie Moslow, fellow co-chair. “Every year it gets better and better. People look forward to it. It’s always a sell-out, and this year is no exception. Our in-person event tickets were sold out by Jan. 20!”
And though a sell-out is fantastic, the event committee wanted to find additional ways to celebrate a decade of collaboration.
“Having an online auction open to everyone extends the option for people to be involved and show their support for these two worthy charities,” Sanders said.
The online auction, open to the general public, features a wide range of packages donated by local businesses. You’ll find something for almost everyone’s tastes by going online to galabid.com/onlineauction23.
Among the items being offered is a package from Richmond Raceway. This package includes the great racing action and fan experience at the April 2, 2023: Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Cup Series.
Powhatan resident Brit -
tany Rose has donated a photo session for you and your pet. Brittany Rose Petography recently was featured in a Richmond Times-Dispatch article that highlighted her work with rescue animals and the photo sessions she does for animal shelters.
For the gardeners, M.
Henry Design of Cumberland has donated a hands-on floral arranging class for 10 in the winning bidder’s home. Also included in the package is a family membership to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for two adults and up to six children under 18.
Classes involving instruction or teaching are suitable for independent participation and begin at 10 a.m. Class size will be limited to those who arrive at 10 a.m. Expect inclement weather cancelation upon Powhatan County Public School closings or delays. Topics are subject to change.
Feb. 1: Movie and Popcorn – A fascinating movie about the denial of the holocaust and one American’s court battle set in England to prove it happened.
Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23: Game Day Thursdays –Many games will be made available (mahjong, cards, Wii, cards, puzzles, Rummikub, Boggle, Would You Rather, Taco/Cat/Goat/ Cheese/Pizza, etc.) and you’re welcome to bring your own. Connect with friends, old and new over a cup of coffee or tea and a game.
Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24: Movers and Pacers – Weekly winter walking in the gymnasium rain or shine. You’ll be in good company with others interested in staying active this winter.
ation, this is a perfect class for those with parents or friends showing symptoms or just to educate yourself about the impact music can have.
Feb. 15: Sing Along –Enjoy singing along with a talented pianist!
Feb. 21: Medicare 101 — Navigating the Complexities – As we approach Medicare, or help family members with decisions, Medicare can be VERY confusing. Come learn from a skilled instructor — for yourself and for those you love.
Feb. 22: HumbleBee Project — this ongoing project is featured monthly. No-sew anti-pill fleece blankets are created and tagged which offers opportunity to socialize while doing good for others. Completed blankets are taken to Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and given to pediatric inpatients adjusting to the demands of their medical care and treatments.
Feb. 28: Imagine Synesthesia with a Musician’s Help – We’ll learn a little about synesthesia; for those who experience it, it’s an uncommon, simultaneous blending of sensations in multiple senses when just one sensory pathway is stimulated. (For example — taste sensation prompted by seeing a shape, or seeing colors when hearing music.) There are many ways synesthesia can be experienced — some ways more common than others. We’ll have an incredibly gifted and creative musician as a guest to help us as we explore and imagine what it may be like!
Habitat for Humanity—
Powhatan is offering a private shopping spree ($500 limit) at the ReStore, one free delivery of items selected and four hours of handyman labor by their critical repair manager to the winning bidder. If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own “SheShed” (or kids-shed, or man-shed), this is the perfect opportunity.
Powhatan resident and artist Betsy Moore has donated an original abstract painting entitled “Vineyard Vines.”
Moore attended The Parsons School of Design/The New School in
Rome, Florence and Venice, Italy. Her work can be seen at Provisions at Fine Creek in Powhatan, Crossroads Art Center in Richmond where she is an artist-in-residence, Gates Interiors in Richmond and Turn Key Interiors in Powhatan. Food lover? We have three packages including a cooking class in the home of AR’s Hot Honey Founder Ames Russell, tickets to the 2023 Tomato Somm Supper event in Hanover, and a threemonth subscription for Oro’s spring specialty pasta series. Auction proceeds will be split between Habitat for Humanity — Powhatan and the Free Clinic of Powhatan. Giving to the Free Clinic and Habitat for Humanity – Powhatan is about offering hope, help and kindness to our neighbors through health care and housing. Register online at galabid.com/onlineauction23. You can register now. Bidding opens Feb. 1 and closes at 8 p.m. Feb 10.
Another way to show your support for both organizations is by shopping local on Feb. 10, 11 and 12.
During the Heart of the Home Weekend, the Vintage Shack, Three Crosses Distilling Company, Crazy Rooster Brewing, Fine Creek Brewing and Macdaddy’s Event and Catering will donate a portion of their proceeds to Habitat for Humanity – Powhatan and Free Clinic of Powhatan. The Free Clinic also will be offering free blood pressure screenings at the ReStore on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Feb. 7 (Part 1), Feb. 14 (Part 2): Inflammation and the Brain – Two-part series on the biology of inflammation, how it affects our brains, how to avoid and decrease inflammation and maintain improved brain health.
Feb. 8: Music and Dementia — The Power of Communication – Taught by the Alzheimer’s Associ-
Contact program coordinator Jayne Lloyd 804698-0438 or RAServices. PVA@gmail.com with suggestions about what you’d like to see offered as we expand active aging opportunities.
LAURA MCFARLAND
Managing Editor
POWHATAN – The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors honored local resident Josephine Goodman with a proclamation at its Jan. 23 meeting. The proclamation
recognized Goodman’s more than 30 years of service to ensuring free and fair elections in Powhatan County through her roles as officer of elections, precinct assistant chief and chief of
Powhatan elementary school welcomed bright star Theatre to perform in honor of black History Month on Jan. 27. actors skylar Frishman and Gabe Cain performed a show for preschool through second graders about important black men and women in american history. Frishman played a student trying to decide on a subject for her report about an important black historical figure. Cain played several key figures, including daniel Hale Williams, George Washington Carver (shown here), Jackie robinson, booker T. Washington and dennis Weatherby. Please see GOODMAN, Page A7
CRIME REPORT
One male was charged on Jan. 17 with larceny with intent to sell (Felony) or distribute and petty larceny (Misdemeanor).
One male was charged on Jan. 18 with using electronic means for child sex crime or porn (F).
One male was charged on Jan. 19 with forging, uttering, etc. (F).
have no faith whatsoever in the data provided.”
Lacheney was asked to weigh in on the Keystone issue both as county attorney and because he was formerly employed as a computer systems analyst. Lachney offered a few possible suggestions, such as asking Keystone for the source code on the parts of its software dealing with the treasurer’s and commissioner of the revenue’s offices and hiring a programmer to fix them. If they refused to provide the code, the county could sue for breach of contract, Lacheney said. A few pitfalls he mentioned were that the programmer would come at a price tag in the “six figures” and the resulting software would be so customized that the county couldn’t get updates from Keystone anymore on that modified software.
Another solution would be to “scrap the whole thing and then sue Keystone and try and get some or the bulk of our cost back for the breach of contract that we have with them because they have not provided what they contracted to provide.”
Lacheney suggested Schardein work with IT director John Wood to go back to Keystone with the knowledge of this conversation and see if there is a solution. And if the company stands by an assertion that it can still make the needed fixes, the county should
Calendar
From A2
sept. 16; and 5 to 7 p.m. dec. 9.
23 with brandishing a firearm (M). Deliver message 1 Disabled vehicle 10 Disorder/disturbance 6 Domestic 2 Drugs 1 Forgery 1 Found property 1 Fraud 3 Gunshots 1 Hit and run 2 Investigation 20
report Larceny 3 Lockout 13 Missing person 1 MVAs 11 Overdose 1 Panic alarm 2 Pd alarm 13 Phone threat 3 Project lifesaver 1 Psychiatric 3 Reckless driver 12
16-22 – Incident type School threat assessment 1 Sex offense 4 Stolen vehicle 1 Suspicious 12 Traffic hazard 9 Traffic stop 62 Transport 3 Trespass 4 Unknown emergency 23 Warrant service 3 Welfare check 8
hold them to it with a bond, he said.
“Bond $250,000 or $300,000 with a deadline and if you don’t meet the deadline we pull the bond and use that money to solve our problems. So that is another solution with them is to ask them to post a bond. Give us a date where you are going to have these problems fixed with a bond attached and now all of a sudden they’ve got a financial incentive. We do it with roads, we do it with other development,” Lacheney said.
Most of the board members weighed in at one point in the discussion and the overall tenor was anger and frustration that this problem continues.
David Williams, who represents District 1, suggested Lacheney join Wood and Schardein in that discussion and come up with different scenarios for the supervisors to consider and make an informed decision.
Bill Cox, District 4, suggested a new level of commitment from the company would be to have a dedicated programmer in the county office working on problems full-time.
Steve McClung, District 2, agreed with Cox’s personnel request but stood by a statement last fall that “we should get rid of them.”
“I am tired of hearing about Keystone. Mr. Timberlake is not happy, our treasurer is not happy, and that’s not a good situation for the county,” McClung said.
Chairman Mike Byerly, District 3, agreed he is also “tired
black History Month program, “Together in unity,” at 3 p.m. on saturday, Feb. 25 at Greenbrier baptist Church, 4731 bell road. The event will feature guest speaker the rev. Terrell Glenn, praise dancers and musical performers. everyone is welcome. Powhatan County residents are encouraged to “Go Green” with a free recycling event. bring old, discarded tires and appliances for recycling on saturday, Feb. 25, from 8 a.m. to noon. Powhatan anti-Litter Council (aLC) has sponsored this service
of hearing about it” and noted that for almost a year, “I haven’t heard anything good about Keystone and the Treasurer’s Office of Powhatan County.” Nunnally noted that “we have very small accomplishments, which we do praise them for, but definitely the setbacks outweigh the accomplishments.”
In a separate interview, Schardein clarified a few details of the contract with Keystone. Between the original contract and an addendum for additional hours and enhancements, Powhatan County has a contract with Keystone for a total of $732,281, he said. He also highlighted that there were different implementation schedules for the county’s use of the system based on a phased approach with overlap. All of the county’s departments converted to the new system with a go live schedule staggered between July 2021 and February 2022.
After the meeting, the Powhatan Today reached out to Judson B. Van Dervort Jr., president of Keystone Information Systems Inc., for comment. In an email response on Jan. 26, Van Dervort wrote that while Keystone sincerely regrets the outstanding/ in-progress issues still in the treasurer’s office application/ module, he noted that the vast majority of what has been implemented across the county in this timeframe is operating successfully, including functions being used in the treasurer’s office.
“While the issues Mrs. Nun -
for more than 15 years. note the change in location for the 2023 event, which will be held at Powhatan County’s Fighting Creek Park, 2505 Mann road in the parking lot of the sports complex. Only standard car and small truck tires will be accepted. They must be off the rims and trash removed prior to drop off. not open to commercial businesses. appliance items such as dishwashers, hot water heaters, stoves, air conditioners, refrigerators, washer/dryers, and freezers will be accepted. Freon
ally, the Treasurer, reported on Monday are significant in terms of the disruption they are causing, they represent very little remaining programming effort, which we are very near completion of,” Van Dervort wrote. “The main issue she reported had to do with providing an automated capability to post funds received from the state’s ‘debt set-off’ program to taxpayer accounts on our system.”
He said Keystone did provide the ability to send the file to the state for the “claims,” though later than desired, as she noted.
“This new import/automated posting is nearly completed and will be a nice feature (which the County’s former system did provide). I do note however, that our system did not prevent the ability for the County staff to post these received funds to the taxpayer accounts manually (as if an individual payment was received) while we were catching up to delivery of this new automated programming/capability,” he wrote.
Van Dervort went on to write that while Keystone already had other Virginia city and county installations using its software, some of the needs in Powhatan’s treasurer’s and commissioner of the revenue’s offices were more complex than in these prior customer installations.
“In hindsight, we did not have enough detailed information before going live for these two County offices, and we probably went live in those offices sooner than we should have. The difficulties have been due to the
will be removed free of charge. Mercury switches will also be recycled. County residency and identification may be required. aLC volunteers reserve the right to turn away residents once the trailers are full. For updates or more information, check out the Powhatan anti-Litter Council Facebook page, or email antiLitter@powhatanva.gov.
Powhatan state Park has planned a series of monthly ranger Led Hikes to explore the park throughout 2023. each month, park visitors can join in a hike
process of developing some new functions in a ‘catch up’ mode, as the needs became more fully understood, while these offices were in production mode, running their daily operations on our software,” he wrote. “Reading between the lines, one might wonder why the County’s consultant-led RFP process did not provide us with sufficient detailed specification information at the outset. It did not.
“The specifications which the County paid the consultant for, and published in its RFP, turned out to be inadequate for this purpose and did not describe the County’s specific needs well,” he added.
Despite this, Van Dervort went on, “Keystone has persevered even in the face of adversity and much public criticism, and we have accomplished a significant amount of this needed additional software development and testing over the past year. We greatly value the working relationship with Powhatan County toward these mutual goals. Keystone remains committed to the full success of this implementation, even though at a greater expense to us in terms of our time, honoring the contracted amount with the County. It is the right thing to do; and it has bearing on our position in the larger Virginia local government market, to meet similar needs with our expanding software suite.”
This is an ongoing story. Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday. com.
on a different trail in the park and learn about local history and wildlife. all hikes begin at 10 a.m. registration is required and limited to nine hikers per trip. email Powhatan@dcr.virginia.gov with the subject line “hiking series” including the desired date/hike to reserve your spot. upcoming events are: Feb. 25: river, Gold dust and Turkey Trail, meet at equestrian Lot; March 25: Cabin Trail/big Woods Trail,
Please see CALENDAR, Page A8
ChurCh DireCtory
St.Luke’sEpiscopalChurch SUNDAYS
8:00AMinpersonserviceinthechurch 10:30AMinpersonserviceinthechurch (livestreamed) www.stlukespowhatan.org
AllareWelcome
Route711atThreeBridgeRoad794-6953
E vergreen C ommunity C hurch (PcA) Proclaiming&PracticingtheGospelofJesusChrist WorshipServiceat10:00AM Meetingat2210BattersonRoad,Powhatan.
PastorNickKrauss
ECCPCA .ORG 598-8844
PastorJohnEngle 603-933-0141 3540OldBuckinghamRd. www.pmchurch.net
SundayWorship10am
BryanM.Holt,Pastor
804-378-3607
www.EmmausChristianChurch.org
https://www.facebook.com/2emmaus/
Genito Presbyterian Church
2910GenitoRd.Powhatan, VA 372-9074
WorshipwithusthisSunday Churchservice @ 9:30AM Sundayschool @ 10:30AM
Providence Presbyterian Church
“WorshipingandWitnessing inWesternPowhatan since1825”
WorshipService11:00am
AllAreWelcome! 598-4970
Located1950RidgeRoad (Rt.627)
M ee tingSundays inFar mville, ForkUnio n, M idlothian, PowhatanandOnline. Visitpcc wired.net fo r servicestimes& lo cat ions 598 -1174pccwired.net
MountCalvary
BaptistChurch
2020RedLaneRoad Powhatan,VA23139
Pastor,LarryB.Collins
SundaySchool9:45a.m.
Sunday Worship 11:00a.m.
WednesdayBibleStudy 7:30p.m.
Office804-598-2398
LivingAsChrist’sDisciplesWithinOur HeartsandBeyondOurDoors
2253RossonRd. JustoffRt.13intheVillage 598-4438
Worship: 8:30&10:30am
www.powhatanumc.us WeekdayPreschool(ages2-5) 598-6090
PowhatanChristian Fellowship
SundayMorningWorship 11:00a.m.
SundaySchool10:00a.m.
3308 PleasantsRoad, 1/4mileoffofRoute711
RussCress, Pastor 598-0733
St.John Neumann
Catholic Church
Rev.WalterG.Lewis,Pastor
Saturday -5p.m.
Sunday -8:30a.m.&11a.m. 598-3754
www.sjnpowhatan.org
LocatedbehindFlatRock VillageShopping Center
Church Director y. Call
804-746-1235
ext. 2 fordetails. Advertisein
Powhatan High School Choral Program’s Dinner and A Show was held Jan. 24 at the school. The dinner portion of the evening was provided by PHS culinary arts students and enjoyed by dozens of families.
The show offered an opportunity for families, friends and community members to be the first to preview One Voice, Radiance and Resonance as they debuted their 2023 competition shows.
PHOTOS BY LAURA MCFARLAND, JILL DEWEY AND CONTRIBUTED
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Powhatan County Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey to target the needs and interest of active, aging adults who live in Powhatan County.
The survey is for adults 55+ or adults who will be turning 55 in the next 15 years. Scan the QR code to participate or visit
the county website to download a printable version and return in person or by mail to the Pocahontas Landmark Center, ATTN Parks & Recreation, 4290 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan VA 23139.
In 2019, the parks and recreation department conducted an extensive needs assessment
Pastor StephenBattaglia 2390 EmmanuelChurch Road www.newwalkbible.org
SundayWorship10:00AM
SundaySchool9:00AM
BibleStudyWed.7:00PM
804-372-9254
study. The study revealed that Powhatan County has unbalanced age segmentation with the largest group being 55+ and the second largest group being 35-54. Over the next 15 years, the service area is projected to continue to age as the 55+ segment will be 42.6% in 2033. The county’s aging trend is sig -
nificant because programs and facilities focused on an active adult (55+ population) will assume an even greater importance as the population changes in the years to come. The survey being conducted is a follow up from the study, conducted in 2019, to gather current data to guide the department on future
development of recreational facilities and opportunities for aging adults.
Visit the parks and recreation website to view the 2019 Needs Assessment full findings.
VIEW: Scan the QR code to participate in a survey.
2095RedLaneRoad 1/2mileoff Rt.60onRedLaneRoad 804-598-2455
www.redlanebaptist.org
Advertise in Powhatan
Today’s Church Director y. Call8 04 -746 -1235 ext.2fordetails.
Family WorshipCenter “YourCommunit y Church” 2901JudesFerry Road
Powhatan,Va23139 804-379-8223 Sundays10:00a.m. Wednesday6:30p.m. Experiencingthepresence powerandpersonofJesusChrist
MOUNTZION BAPTISTCHURCH
2591RidgeRoad
Powhatan,Virginia23139
804-598-2051
Rev.BryanStevens,Pastor 10a.m.–WorshipService 8:30a.m.–ChurchSchool
MuddyCreek BaptistChurch
Sunday School - 9:45a.m. Worship - 11a.m.
Wednesday BibleStudy& PrayerService - 7:00 p.m.
Pastor JeffBeard,MA,MBA
3470TrenholmRoad www.muddycreekbaptist.org
3920MAIDENSRD.,POWHATAN
804-598-2301
SundaySchool10:00a.m.
SundayMorningService 11:00a.m.
WednesdayMidDay BibleStudy11:30a.m. EveningBibleStudy7:00p.m.
1530CookRoad(Rt.636)
3619HuguenotTrail
Powhatan,V irginia2 3139 www.finecreek baptis t.org
SundaySchool:9:45a.m. Wor shipSer vice:11:00a.m. Traditional VernGilmer,Pastor
598-4241
Loving,Investing,Fulfilling,Empowering
Senior Pastor JustinWilson SundayService10:30am 2410NewDorsetCircle www.Communitylifechurchpowhatan.org
Sunday10am,11am&6pm
Wednesday7pm TravisL.Keith-Pastor ChurchOffice:794.7054
JustAcrossfromSouth CreekShoppingCenter! www.glbcpva.org
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Nearly 200 sheriffs and deputy sheriffs gathered for the VSA Legislative Day Wednesday, Jan. 18 to discuss critical issues facing the law enforcement community with legislators and other sheriffs from across the Commonwealth.
Capt. Danny Smith and Lt. Marilyn Durham represented the Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office at the event.
VSA sheriffs and deputy sheriffs started the day with coffee with Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to discuss public safety and
criminal justice issues.
After a day of rounding the halls of the Pocahontas Building, sheriffs and deputies met with Jason Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, to discuss issues facing sheriffs’ offices across the Commonwealth.
VSA encourages its member sheriffs and deputy sheriffs to continue to communicate frequently with their legislators during the 2023 Virginia General Assembly to provide information regarding critical issues to the law enforcement community.
Capt. danny smith and Lt. Marilyn durham had an opportunity to meet with Lt. Gov. Winsome sears on Jan. 18 during Vsa Legislative day.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
Powhatan County residents are encouraged to “Go Green” with a free recycling event. Bring old, discarded tires and appliances for recycling from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 25. Powhatan Anti-Litter Council (ALC) has sponsored this service for more than 15 years.
Note the change in location for the 2023 event, which will be held at Pow-
hatan County’s Fighting Creek Park, 2505 Mann Road in the parking lot of the sports complex.
Only standard car and small truck tires will be accepted. They must be off the rims and trash removed prior to drop off.
Not open to commercial businesses. Appliance items such as dishwashers, hot water heaters, stoves, air conditioners, refrigerators, washer/dryers, and
freezers will be accepted. Freon will be removed free of charge. Mercury switches will also be recycled. County residency and identification may be required. ALC volunteers reserve the right to turn away residents once the trailers are full. For updates or more information, check out the Powhatan Anti-Litter Council Facebook page, or email AntiLitter@powhatanva.gov.
breakfast.
“You know the old Boy Scout saying ‘you leave something better than you found it?’ Carson kind of lived that rule. I truly think he left us a better place than we were when he got here. He will be truly missed,” Melton said.
Supervisor David Williams, who represents District 1, served with Tucker both on the planning commission and board of supervisors. He described Tucker as an “achiever and a leader” regardless of whether he was heading up a board or committee. Stretching all the way back to being a distinguished graduate from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI); during a long and varied career in management and organization that took him around the world; and while working with and volunteering with many agencies and nonprofits, Tucker brought value everywhere he served, Williams said.
“Carson was a leader. Now he may not have been the chairman – he didn’t want to be the chairman. Carson could be effective just through his participation because people would listen to Carson. When he spoke, people listened,” Williams said.
He pointed out that even when Tucker left the board of supervisors, he didn’t stop serving. One of his most recent contributions was as a member of the local Agricultural and Forestal Advisory (AFD) Committee, which he was instrumental in helping reestablish. He was appointed to the committee in January 2020 and served as chairman and vice chairman for much of his tenure. The committee’s mission is to conserve and protect and to encourage the development and improvement of agricultural and forestal lands for the production of food and other agricultural and forestal practices. The board of supervisors honored Tucker with a proclamation passed unanimously in December 2022 to recognize him for his work on the committee. According to the proclamation, the utilization of Tucker’s extensive knowledge of planning, farming and forestry practices gained through various certification programs made him an integral member of the AFD committee.
Former county administrator Carolyn Bishop said she was sad to hear of Tucker’s passing because she found him an “amazing human.”
“He had such a kind soul
“You know the old Boy Scout saying ‘you leave something better than you found it?’ Carson kind of lived that rule. I truly think he left us a better place than we were when he got here...”
Bill Melton, Former board of supervisors memberand fought passionately for the underdog. Carson cared deeply for Powhatan County and worked so hard to create a common good,” she said.
When Bishop was working as the county administrator, she said Tucker led the supervisors’ efforts to create the Rules of Engagement, Commitment to Excellence and Covenant with Staff, which won a Best in Country National Association of Counties award in 2009. The program was a supplement to the board’s Rules of Order as a companion document to address how board members should interact with one another, with the media, with staff and with citizens and stakeholders in the performance of their public duties.
“He lived his life always focused on being kind and I know I speak for so many county staff who appreciated him for his strength in leadership and the work he constantly put into being a board member for the people of Powhatan,” Bishop said. “Carson never missed a chance to send a handwritten note to send well-wishes and I will very much miss opening my mailbox to find one of those treasures.”
tunities to serve to further engagement in local government.
“He made himself available to have conversations, to have perspectives on where the county was going and how the county was getting there. The one thing that is paramount is how he understood inclusion at every level, not only in regard to race but gender, age, generational inclusion. If I had one thing to say, he was a true statesman. He was always professional, always professional looking and always warm and receptive,” Snead said.
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Del. R. Lee Ware, R-65, noted that Tucker lived a profoundly engaged life in the community he loved. His service as a planning commissioner, supervisor, leader of the Michaux-St. James Foundation, Powhatan Historical Society and more are only one measure of that engagement in the crossroads of Michaux and the County of Powhatan, Ware said. He was also an avid reader who delved widely and deeply in the annals of history, Ware added, which was unsurprising for a VMI graduate, who was also his class valedictorian.
Andrew D. Snead, a member of the Powhatan Chapter of the NAACP, said he met Tucker as a District 5 resident speaking to his supervisor and appreciated that when Tucker visited First Antioch Baptist Church, where he attends, Tucker came as a community member not a politician.
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“My life has been indelibly enriched by Carson’s many gifts of friendship across more than four decades. His departure leaves an incalculable loss; his life leaves a sterling example for those who come behind,” Ware said.
“He didn’t tell us what we need to know. He listened to us. Sometimes if you are going to be a leader, listening is the far greater thing. And he listened to understand, not just listened to share his opinion,” Snead said, adding even when they disagreed, Tucker was civil and respectful.
Do you have a news tip, story idea or photo to submit?
E-mail Laura McFarland at lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com
story idea, community events, photos, birth announcements, 40th anniversaries
Just a few of Tucker’s many other involvements in Powhatan County outside of elected office through the years included the Board of Equalization, the Anti-Litter Council, the Powhatan Social Services Board, the Free Clinic of Powhatan Board of Directors, the Habitat for Humanity-Powhatan Board of Directors, and the Michaux-St. James Foundation. He was also a James River Master Naturalist.
above or 80-year-old birthday & above announcement submissions can be e-mailed to Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com or call 804-363-1577
Tucker was a strong partner with the NAACP and an advocate to help preserve part of the former Pocahontas Middle School to be used as a museum to showcase local black history, Snead said. He also regularly promoted oppor-
In 2017, he received the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce’s Kathy Budner Award of Excellence. In December 2019, he received the Community Leadership Award from the Powhatan Chapter of the NAACP.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — Powhatan County Public Schools has a wealth of talented students.
Last week, I had the opportunity to experience the talents of not one but two groups of students when I attended the Powhatan High School Choral Program’s Dinner and A Show, which was held at the school. The show offered an opportunity for families, friends and community members to be the first to preview One Voice, Radiance and Resonance as they debuted their 2023 competition shows. This was my first time attending one of the choral shows, and it turned out to be an excellent night from start to finish.
Let’s start from the beginning, a very good place to
start. The dinner portion of the evening took place in the Commons, where students eat every school day. The lunch tables were simply but nicely decorated as you walked into the area.
Dinner – a three-course affair featuring a salad, entrée and dessert – was courtesy of the PHS Culinary Arts program. Culinary instructor Mark Robertson later told me he had 10 students helping during the dinner service (along with some dedicated show choir parents) as it is part of their curriculum to work at catered events. The dinner was a fundraiser for both the culinary and choral programs, and I love that the school finds ways to connect students with different interests to create events that showcase all of their talents.
My compliments to the chefs.
While the Commons was nicely filled with families there to enjoy the dinner, the true extent of the night’s crowd came when you saw the line of people down the main hall of the high school waiting for the auditorium doors to open. It was a great community showing.
The night’s performance schedule was entertaining, diverse and very well performed by the different groups who took turns sharing the stage.
If this was their initial viewing of the show, I don’t doubt the students are going to have a great performance season. The mood started a little more serious with Radiance SSAA Concert Choir’s lovely rendition of Elaine Hagenberg’s “By Night” and One Voice SATB Concert Choir’s combination of “The Seal Lullaby” by Eric Whitacre and
Contributing Columnist
The late 1960s and early 70s provided the perfect opportunity for every graduating high school senior to seek further education at any of the small colleges and junior colleges that emerged in Virginia and North Carolina. That motivation prompted an exodus of students from states where higher education options were limited, and junior colleges were rare; so many sought admittance to schools that in unison, seemed to form a new trend in higher education, the junior college community.
In actuality, it was more than a trend and could better be described as a culture, a small slice of Americana now lost, seldom recalled or chronicled, and perhaps, better forgotten as a lost era. But, to those who flocked to those junior colleges, the two years spent on small campuses is a memory that deserves recognition, a portion of their lives when amazing transformations occurred.
When I mention junior college today, most of my friends immediately associate the term with community college and use it almost interchangeably. In actuality, they are two distinctly different institutions.
The nation’s community college system has achieved remarkable results, offering
training programs, associate programs and technical training that opened opportunities for millions of Americans. They offer affordable training to all students, all funded by public funds well spent. It’s also important to note that many of these junior colleges eventually became community colleges and played internal roles in that system’s creation.
But, the junior colleges I am describing were located on real campuses, and although miniaturized, availed students of every aspect of college life; and most students lived on campus in dormitories, a vital part of the survival model for small schools who depended on those charges to survive in a highly competitive educational arena.
Many of the schools were affiliated with various religious denominations while many others were private institutions run by governing boards.
Many of those prevalent junior colleges transitioned to four-year institutions, and other shuttered their doors. Still more transformed under an expanding community college system in the United States. Today, that system educates millions of American students who would not have that opportunity if only four-year options were available.
elections. Most recently, she had served since February 2018 as a Powhatan County Democratic Committee representative on the Powhatan County Electoral Board until her term ended in December 2022.
Goodman made history as the first African American appointed to serve on the Powhatan County Electoral Board, being sworn in the Powhatan County Courthouse on Feb. 27, 2018, by Powhatan Circuit Judge Paul W. Cella.
“The Powhatan Electoral Board performs critical functions to safeguard fair and free elections, the bedrock of our American democracy,” the proclamation read.
For many of us, that JUCO experience represents our first memories of college life – an introduction to the experience of leaving home to attend college. Junior college provided the inspiration, or the extra kick in the pants, to continue our education.
Those who experienced junior college during that era have special memories of a time when time seemed to pause, and life revolved around a small campus in a rural town.
It’s difficult to explain to those who weren’t present the attraction of a pair of farmer’s khaki pants cut off mid calf partnered with knee high dress socks and Johnston and Murphy tasseled loafers. Combined with a heavily starched dress shirt, the ensemble became the JUCO uniform of the day.
It seemed like a good idea at the time.
I’m not sure if any of these two-year residential colleges exist today. As I mentioned, many of them like Chowan and Ferrum are now well respected four-year colleges.
Today, Louisburg College claims to be the only twoyear residential college in North Carolina, a position unchanged since (and long before) my days on the junior college circuit, the last remaining remnant of a lost culture, a slice of college culture gone but not forgotten.
“These functions include the appointment of the Director of Elections and support staff; the supervision of training for precinct election officials; the monitoring of all election procedures; and the certification of election results.”
Goodman thanked the supervisors for the honor and the many family and friends who came to the board meeting to see her honored.
“I have really enjoyed serving the community, and I want to thank my husband for his support and my children, who came from far and near to be here tonight with me,” she said. “I will continue to work in the county because that is what I think I was designed to do – be of service in Powhatan County or wherever I
Managing Editor Laura McFarland lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com
Sports Editor Robby Fletcher rfletcher@powhatantoday.com
Hagenberg’s “Nox.”
The school uniforms only added to the fun and attitude of Radiance’s “No More Drama” show, which included some really familiar songs such as Hoku’s “Perfect Day;” “Rumor Has It” and “Someone Like You” by Adele; and “Run The World” by Beyonce, among others.
But the blast from the past had only just begun. Resonance’s show, “I Want My Mtv!” had more great celebrations of my own music memories with “Video Killed the Radio Star,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Toxic” and “DJ Got Us.” The fact that they included a giant M, a fantastic lighted staircase and an astronaut just rounded out the nostalgia and entertainment.
Fun fact that choral director Terrell Dean shared before Resonance’s performance –
Dear Editor, It’s telling when one publicly fawns over an elected official or those running for office. Such is certainly apparent based on the accolades and gushing offered by the author of a 1/18/23
Letter to the Editor in the Powhatan Today.
An adage comes to mind as doubts should arise when one protests or “gushes” too much. Certainly, Mr. McGuire has fine credentials, all of which make him a viable State Senate candidate. However, the consistency the editorial author attributes to Mr. McGuire might well be a negative as the workings in the General Assembly often require a change in position – called compromise.
As long as we’re on the subject of Mr. McGuire – PLEASE — his military background, while laudable, does not necessarily make him the best candidate. However, one can be thankful that he’s not a lawyer! For the record, neither is Mr. Adams.
I too attended the event at the County Seat and the question of Mr. Adam’s party affiliation was asked and
may have been.”
Chairman Mike Byerly, who represents District 3, thanked Goodman for her service and dedication as well as her family’s dedication.
David Williams, District 1, expressed his appreciation for everything she did and added, “I look forward to everything you are going to do for us going forward.”
Powhatan electoral board secretary Frank Flannagan and Chair nancy ayers thank Josephine Goodman for her service on the board. Goodman was being recognized during the Powhatan County board of supervisors’ Jan. 23 meeting with a proclamation in her honor.
PHOTO BY LAURA MCFARLAND
“Video Killed the Radio Star” was the first music video ever aired on MTV on Aug. 1, 1981. While I know and love the song, I had never seen the music video, so off to Youtube I went when I arrived home. Let’s just say the SONG still stands up to the test of time.
Getting to see all of the ways our local and private schools showcase the skills and talents of Powhatan’s youth is impossible, but when you see opportunities pop up that work in your interests, schedule and budget, I highly recommend trying to attend. They not only provide the students with creative outlets; if you go with an open mind, you just might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.
satisfactorily addressed. Expressing umbrage at one’s change of party, especially those made 20+ years ago, denies the misdirection of youth and the adoption of new positions as the passage of time conveys wisdom. PLUS, those raised in West Virginia and identifying as a Democrat had little choice of declaring otherwise.
As we all consider Mr. Adams’ candidacy and his change of party, I’m reminded of a quote by Winston Churchill who sagely observed, “To improve is to change. To be perfect is to have changed often.”
Allow me an attempt to set the record straight.
1) Mr. Adams made no claim, nor was one inferred, that support had been offered by any other elected officials. I suspect the confusion the author claims is simply the result of those disposed to gushing and exaggerating in support of his candidate.
2) The inference that “ideals and morals” were discussed or even remotely part of Mr. Adams’ comments is disingenuous at best and borders on being immoral in and of itself. There is no evidence of Mr. Adams’ morals flip-flopping in any
way, shape, or fashion. Frankly, I wonder how Mr. Markland has any insight into the “moral” condition of either candidate.
3) Despite suggestions to the contrary, Mr. Adams, and as true I suspect of Mr. McGuire, has a long, successful business career. Happily, both gentlemen claim Jesus Christ as their Savior. On that score, I suspect, it would be best to simply take them at their word.
4) As for one having a stronger work ethic than the other, I don’t measure a candidate’s worthiness by the ability to install campaign signs. However, one should certainly put a great deal of credence in the accomplishments of Mr. Adams in his role as Chairman of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors. His track record, a very conservative one, is available online for public consumption. He well understands local county government!
So, hopefully I’ve not gushed too much over the candidate I support. Like Mr. Markland, I strongly encourage all to assess each candidate’s claims and contribution to their constituencies. As you do, I urge all to vote and to cast it for Mr. Adams.
Robert Powers PowhatanWE WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR ISSUE-DRIVEN LETTERS
Powhatan Today welcomes your Letters to the editor on topics of concern to you and the community. Letters, which should be no longer than 400 words, must include the name, address and telephone number of the author. The deadline is noon the Thursday before publication, but letters may be held until the following week upon the editor’s discretion. The publisher or editor of Powhatan Today reserves the right to edit or withhold from publication any letter for any reason whatsoever. Once received, all letters become the possession of Powhatan Today. Letters reflect the opinion of the author, not necessarily that of Powhatan Today or its staff.
over the past decade, protocols and procedures have been developed by Powhatan Fire Rescue and Sheriff’s Office to be used when responding to such emergencies,” said Powhatan Fire Rescue Chief Phil Warner. “These joint procedures and initiatives help us plan and improve our overall response methodology. Significant incidents, such as the Columbine School shooting and the Parkland shooting, have emphasized the need for a more cohesive response and communication plan between fire/emergency medical services and law enforcement nationwide.”
During a scenario that lasted about an hour, upward of 150 people participated in the event between all of the first responders, controllers, observers, organizers, volunteer actors and even 911 dispatchers handling multiple simulated calls and helping with response. Lindsey expressed his gratitude that so many people were willing to participate in the exercise Sunday. While the term active shooter training may generate disturbing mental images of an assailant threatening students and employees, he pointed out that the bulk of the training was focused on dealing with the aftermath.
“The average active shooter event lasts approximately eight minutes, but the total incident lasts far longer than that. While we may not have a situation where there is a threat for a long period of time, that incident will be ongoing for many, many hours after that shooter is subdued or that threat is eliminated,” Lindsey said. “These incidents stretch on for far longer than that initial period just because of the complexity of the situation.”
Each agency has its own jobs and skills it focuses on, but this type of event tests how they can work together, said deputy David Hunt, training sergeant.
“We need to see how we are going to be able to communicate, how we are going to work together and where the friction points are so we can kind of start working on that,” Hunt said.
Lindsey said he was pleased with the event overall and what it accomplished in highlighting areas where Powhatan first responders do well and where they can improve. He praised the different Powhatan agencies for the way they worked together.
“Powhatan County has the closest cooperation of any county I’ve ever worked for. The folks in the fire department and the sheriff’s office, the (emergency communications center), they truly are a family,” Lindsey said. “Everybody teases each other, everybody messes with each other and we have a lot of fun, but when the bell rings, everybody
In presenting the bill to the committee, he described it as a “cry of the heart from hundreds of people of the county that I both represent and live in, Powhatan.”
“They are concerned about preserving the safety and the purity of their private water wells. We all acknowledge landfills are a necessity, but so, I would respectfully suggest, is safe drinking water,” Ware said.
The genesis for presenting the bill came from the proposed Green Ridge Landfill in Cumberland, which will be located close to the Powhatan border, Ware told the subcommittee. That landfill is currently under review by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
From A4
snaps to and everybody is focused on one mission, one goal. It is incredible to be part of that.”
Hunt agreed, saying there were things that went both right and wrong during the training, but “overall the point of the exercise is to figure out how you can improve.”
“Things going wrong in training isn’t necessarily something to be upset about,” he said. “If things go wrong in training, you can address them. It is better than having a false sense of security and finding out in a real event that you weren’t as prepared as you thought you were.”
Organizers will compile the data from the actors, the participant
However, Ware said his constituents are not the only ones concerned about the adverse effects that could ensue if the project is approved. The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors supported HB 1370 unanimously, he noted.
Hundreds of homes are located a short distance from the identified boundaries of the proposed landfill, and all of them use private wells, including in Powhatan County, Ware said. Yet those Powhatan residents did not have a say in Cumberland’s decision to allow the landfill.
“Despite that understandable fact, the people of Powhatan are being asked to endure the prospect of threats to the quality and the very viability of their private water,” he said.
The landfill also would have an estimated 500 heavy trucks traveling to and from the landfill on a daily basis, primarily coming
aloud. registration is required. an upcoming craft fair is looking for vendors. The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on april 29, rain or shine, at st. John neumann Catholic Church, 2480 batterson road, Powhatan. The cost is $20 for an outside parking space and $30 for inside the church’s hall with an 8-foot table. For more information or to purchase a space, email amanda Mcdonough at amandamcdonough72@yahoo.com.
ONGOING
agricultural lands in Goochland and Powhatan counties continue to be eligible for conservation assistance funds from Monacan soil and Water Conservation district (sWCd) for stream exclusion fencing, establishing rotational grazing fields, developing water resources, wells, springs and stream access points, reforestation of critical areas and establishing or enlarging buffer areas along waterways. Funds are also available for nutrient management plan development and implementation, cover crops and numerous other conservation practices. Monacan encourages producers to explore options now since program options have recently
feedback forms and the notes from a group debrief that took place after the event in the cafeteria to create a formal after action review, Lindsey said. The report will likely have recommendations that may inform future policies and procedures or lead to additional training opportunities.
Hunt added that the agencies may try to have another training event this summer but “step it up a little more.”
“We are committed to trying to be a better overall public safety group – the sheriff’s office, fire and EMS – and we are just trying to figure out how to be as prepared as we
through Powhatan, which is another reason local residents oppose it.
Ware’s amendment also sought to require the installation of a double synthetic liner, which is a provision that has been a part of state code in years past.
After Ware answered several questions from the other committee members, he invited Powhatan supervisor Mike Byerly to come and speak to the committee. Supervisors Karin Carmack and Steve McClung were also in attendance.
Byerly said board members had heard from numerous Powhatan residents about the traffic, environmental, noise and property value concerns, but he was there to “convey their distress regarding the contamination of their well water.” Byerly also advocated for the requirement of a double liner for added protection of groundwater.
been revised and significantly improved for the producer. The district has highly skilled employees who are well trained in both the technical aspects of conservation management and program delivery. staff members assist producers in developing conservation plans that work for their operation and navigating program opportunities. not all programs are created equal and staff members assist applicants in understanding the options and choosing the program that suits their farm’s needs. anyone interested in exploring the many benefits of conservation planning can contact district conservation specialists betty McCracken at (804)5560935 or Colton sullivan at (804)556-0143.
The Coalition of Powhatan Churches has available resources to help people who would like assistance in learning to manage their finances. If you know of anyone who needs or would like to have this service, or to get more information, call robin Cupka at 804-801-9851. backpacks of Love, a nonprofit committed to eliminating hunger in school-age children by providing nourishing food for their weekend, needs help. bPOL is looking for
can,” Hunt said. The experience and training participants get from scenarios like the one on Sunday are applicable to many incidents outside of an educational environment, such as a large-scale accident or an event at a store, a government center or an office building. The same skills are used; it is just the setting is different, said Pat Schoeffel, assistant fire chief.
“The idea was to bring us all together and operate under a scenario where we have mass casualties, see how we all work together in our roles between the sheriff’s office, fire and EMS and the communications center,” he said.
Schoeffel pointed out the difference between the usual scenario local first responders deal with of a few victims at most and everybody working together to save them. Here, they were pulled in different directions being asked to evaluate victims in conditions of varying severity so they could administer aid and prioritize transport based on available resources.
“Realistically with ambulances, we would be overwhelmed so quick. We would be waiting for Goochland, Cumberland or Chesterfield, so you are talking about half an hour to get more ambulances here,” he said.
He mentioned local creeks near the landfill that feed into the James River, making it more than a local concern.
Cumberland County resident Betty Myers also spoke in support of the bill, which she said concerns all of Virginia not just Cumberland and Powhatan counties.
Mike Rolband, director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, told the committee “the administration has no position at this time” but was there to answer technical questions. He told the committee the regulations were changed March 15, 1993, to go from Virginia requiring a double liner to a single liner after a similar change at the federal level. He also answered questions about how landfills are monitored for potential leaks.
Bea Gonzalez spoke against the bill representing Green Ridge Landfill talking about the efforts
delivery drivers that would be available to deliver on Thursdays. They are in immediate need of a driver to deliver to Cumberland County and or amelia County. These are great jobs for students looking for community hours. always accepting food donations of single serve raviolis, spaghettios, apple sauce, cereal, cookies, crackers and more. Contact Kevin Hardy at 804-350-1127 for more information. Powhatan Food Pantry is currently seeking volunteer drivers who can pick up food from the local Food Lions on different days between 8:30 and 10 a.m. and transport them to the nonprofit at 2500 batterson road. Contact the pantry at 804-372-9526 or powhatanvafoodpantry@gmail.com. Feel the love from Powhatan County Parks and rec and check out the February schedule of programs. special needs basketball (18+),
Participants discuss the ups and downs of the scenario during a debriefing that followed the training. meet at the playground area; april 29: Pine Trail, meet at yates Parking area; May 27: Coyote run Trail, meet at equestrian Lot; June 24: river, Gold dust and Turkey Trail, meet at equestrian Lot; July 29: Cabin Trail/big Woods Trail, meet at the playground area; aug. 26: Pine Trail, meet at yates Parking area; sept. 30: Coyote run Trail, meet at equestrian Lot; Oct. 28: river, Gold dust and Turkey Trail, meet at equestrian Lot; nov. 25: Cabin Trail/ big Woods Trail, meet at the playground area; and dec. 30: Pine Trail, meet at yates Parking area. Wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and bring plenty of water. Children are welcome but be aware that some hikes may exceed 4 miles and require navigating uneven terrain in all weather conditions. reading is Grand, a joint program of Powhatan County Public Library and Powhatan County reach for active services, will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 28. This intergenerational reading program partners children ages 5 to 10 with adults aged 55+ to practice reading
Pacers Indoor Walking Group (55+), Fridays 9 — 10 a.m. Preschool PlayTime (ages 2-5), Fridays 10
Lindsey also lauded the cooperation of the school division in letting them use Powhatan Elementary – as well as Powhatan Middle School in July 2022 for their first active shooter training – and having administrators there to observe and learn.
Powhatan Elementary Principal Constance Deal made an announcement at the beginning of the scenario about the school being on lockdown and then went to the command center to observe. While observing and thinking about the real-life coordination of reaching out to parents and trying to keep the area clear if something ever did happen, Deal said it “hit as a reality that this could happen at any time.” The schools have training every year and regular conversations with students and staff so they can be better prepared, but there are always experiences that will help them improve, she added.
“At the end of the day, we just need to be prepared and be ready, try to stay calm and work with everybody to triage, not be in the way but be of help in any way we can,” Deal said.
Laura McFarland may be reached at Lmcfarland@powhatantoday.com.
the company had gone to in recent years to reduce the impact on the land and surrounding community. She said if the bill were passed the landfill wouldn’t happen.
Lisa Kardell, speaking on behalf of the Virginia Waste Industries Association, also opposed the bill, saying if the bill passed, it would impact every existing landfill in the state that sought an expansion and the DEQ regulations in place are sufficient.
After more discussion from the committee, the bill was ultimately tabled.
Ware said in a follow-up email that despite the defeat of HB 1370, he intends to work closely and continuously with the DEQ to ensure that the best-practices for landfill installation are followed and continue to consult with VDOT to ensure the safety of motorists on Routes 522 and 60 in
county.
— 11:30 a.m. — Fast Feet schools Out (grades K-8), Friday, Feb. 20 6 a.m. — 6 p.m. — Open Gym basketball, Friday, Feb. 3 (youth under 18) 4 — 6 p.m. and (16+) 6 — 8 p.m. — Cupid’s arrows: Couples archery Lesson (8+), Friday, Feb. 17 6 — 8 p.m. ($10 per person) — Open Gym basketball, Friday, Feb. 24 (all ages) 4 — 6 p.m. Holiday Closure: Monday, Feb. 20. unless noted, activities are free for residents and county employees/ $10 non-residents. Minors under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Pocahontas Landmark Center Gym is located at 4290 anderson Highway. For more information, call the rec Center at 804598-5275. Follow us on Facebook @ Powhatan County Parks & recreation.
The Friends of Powhatan County Public Library’s bookshop is open during library hours and accepting donations again. The bookshop accepts books, movies, audiobooks, Cds, and magazines. Materials can be given to a library staff member or placed in the book shop corner (tuck them by the file cabinet in the back), which is at the end of the passageway once you come in the front door. Proceeds from the book sale are used for additional library programming.
Powhatan split off its track team to compete in two different meets on Jan. 28, with a portion of the team heading to the Bulldog Invitational held at Liberty University’s indoor track and another group competing closer to home at a St. Christopher’s meet.
The Bulldog Invitational saw Powhatan competing among over 140 schools in a massive track meet featuring top talent across the state. Like they have all season, the Indians had no trouble standing out with their own performances despite the crowded pool of competitors.
Just two weeks separate the Powhatan Indians from a shot at winning a third consecutive regional title, and while the tournament is on everyone’s minds, the Indians were able to prime themselves for the challenge with the Arrowhead Invitational hosted in their gym on Jan. 28.
Considering Powhatan also gets to host the VHSL Region 4B Tournament this year, the Arrowhead Invitational was a chance to get a preview of the regional tournament environment for teams like Powhatan, Atlee and King George, all of whom placed within the top-3 of the invitational out of 14 schools.
Powhatan placed third with 147 team points, which can be attributed to first place finishes from Britton Proffitt, Talon Harness and Gavin Utley and second place results from Ricky Huber and Luke Wells. King George won the tournament with 175 points while Atlee finished second with 165.
The main event of the day was a heavily anticipated rematch between Proffitt and King William star Austin Weeks in the
144-pound championship bout, which Proffitt narrowly eked out in a thrilling 3-1 decision.
After Weeks won the first matchup earlier in the year, Powhatan head coach Jonathan Tanaka said the team prepped
Proffitt all week on the possibility of the two wrestlers facing off once again.
“It’s not a guarantee that you’re going to get a rematch with a kid who has beaten you so he was really excited for the
Sports Editor
When Powhatan head coach Brock Geiman studied the film between his Indians and the Huguenot Falcons, a 52-45 loss on Dec. 9, 2022, he felt it was a case of his team failing to win the battles it should have won rather than the Falcons simply outplaying them.
“Everything that we looked at as the reasons why we lost the game were because of things we did wrong,” Geiman said.
In their rematch at home on Jan. 25, Geiman and the Indians came in with the knowledge of what to expect from the Falcons and what they do best, but the focus was again on things the Indians themselves could control in their own playstyle.
“This game we came in and we said we know that they’re going to drive at us, we know that they’re athletic, we know that they’re going to play this way, we need to be better at what we do than they are at what they do,”
rematch,” Tanaka said. “It was a really good match by him.”
In a match that felt as deadeven as any in the tournament, Proffitt and Weeks had multiple attempts to strike at each other, but the comparable strength and speed of the two wrestlers made point-scoring difficult.
Proffitt eventually jumped ahead with two points after a takedown in the first period that the referee initially didn’t call, but changed in Proffitt’s favor at the end of the period.
After Weeks earned an escape in the second period to make it 2-1 entering the final two minutes, everyone from the fans in the bleachers to fellow wrestlers and coaches crowding the mat had their eyes glued on the ending to the championship meeting.
Proffitt earned another point after an escape with under a minute left, but he found himself in dangerous territory in the final 20 seconds when Weeks had possession of his leg with the intention of going for a takedown. Miraculously, using his relentless motor, Proffitt got out of
Two school records were broken at Liberty’s track from shot put thrower Whittney Anderson and track runners Jackson Morris, Justin Meyers, Dylan Mapes and Angel Cedillo in the 4x400 relay. Torie Nash also tied his own record in the triple jump.
Anderson’s record-breaking throw measured in at 28 feet, 11.5 inches, placing her sixth out of 111 throwers and breaking a record that had been set by former Powhatan student-athlete Selina Sakrisson in the 2018 indoor track and field season.
The Powhatan quartet that set the new 4x400 record clocked in at 3:44.77 to break a school record that was set at 3:53. For their efforts, the four runners placed 11th out of 28 schools.
Then, Nash had an active day once again for Powhatan, competing in the 55-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles and the triple jump. His jump, which placed him 14th out of 31 athletes, tied his own best mark, coming in at 39-1.75.
Other strong results from the meet came from sophomore runner Elizabeth Weimer and senior shot put thrower Elias Morris. Weimer competed in the 500-meter dash as well as the 1600-meter run, with her performance in the 1600 generating a 39th place finish among 195 timed runners with a 5:36.40 result. Morris, meanwhile, placed 16th in the shot put with a throw of 38-9.
At St. Christopher’s, one of Powhatan’s best showings came from multiple runners in the boys 500-meter event, with top-10 finishes coming from Sam Stout,
Geiman said.
That focus on themselves over the people in front of them paid off, with the Indians surviving a dominant third quarter run from the Falcons and controlling the final eight minutes on the way to a 55-53 victory. The win puts Powhatan up to a 7-10 record on the season.
The Indians led by as many as nine points in the third quarter, but an 11-1 Falcons in the final
WHO: CLAIRE GRIFFEN
WHATSHE DID: InashowdownbetweenPowhatan
withthehelpofthescoringpowerof eighth-gradestandoutClaireGriffen.
Thegame,whichtheIndianstook witha24-18final,wasabattlebetween two-seededopponentsoutofthe westernandeasterndivisionsofthe conferencelookingforatrademarkwin lateintheseason.Oneighth-grade recognitionnight,Griffenandtherestof herclasswerehonoredduringthelast
Griffenwasthedrivingoffensive forcebehindPowhatan’svictory,adding 12oftheteam’s24pointswhilealso knockingdownfourconsecutivefree throwsinthefinalminutetohelpclose outaPanthersteamlookingforalate co me ba ck.
Sports Editor
With a chance at a .500 record while also getting revenge on a Banner Christian team atop the VISAA standings, the Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Knights hosted the Bearcats and came out firing on all cylinders early, but the deadly outside shooting of the Bearcats proved too much to handle.
The 65-32 loss on Jan. 24 pushes BSH to 4-6 on the season and it is the team’s fourth loss in the last five games. Banner Christian, meanwhile, moves to 13-5 on the year, with a perfect 11-0 conference record making it the team to beat in the VISAA.
In the first half, the Knights did well on both ends of the floor to keep the game close, with con
tributions from players like Tanner Wood and David Mann giving the home underdogs life. It was just
Tournament
the situation and the two found themselves in a neutral position as the clock struck zero.
“Honestly, I just knew that if I kept the motion going and kept my hips above his, that eventually I’d be able to keep the scramble up enough to where neither of us could have control,” Proffitt said after his late escape.
Proffitt’s first place win was just another addition to a long list of career accomplishments, with the senior in peak form and ready to do anything on the mat in order to win another region title.
“I’ll give up whatever. I’ll give up diving on my head, I’ll do whatever for the match,” he said. “I live for these opportunities.”
In the 138-pound bracket, Utley had multiple rematches on his way to a first place medal, but ironically had to take on someone entirely unfamiliar in the championship in Wilson Memorial’s Brayden Estes.
Utley won by pin in his first three matches and beat Atlee’s Brayton Crews in a 4-1 decision heading into the final with Estes, who Utley says had a quickness to his game that he had to prepare for.
“He was pretty quick on bottom, and honestly when I’m most dominant
a 13-10 Banner Christian lead at the end of the first quarter, with Wood scoring a nifty finger roll through contact for a three-point play to make it an 8-6 deficit and later pro-hopping his way between two rim protectors for another basket on the next offensive possession for BSH.
In the second quarter, Mann opened the scoring with a drive down the middle of the floor and finishing amidst a crowd of Bearcat defenders. He flexed his muscle getting back on defense after the physical feat.
Not wanting to let the Knights gain momentum, the Bearcats began to double the ball significantly more, hoping to create chaos in the backcourt for the Knights. The home team handled the pressure well initially, even tying the game at 13-13, but a 10-0 Bearcats run toward the end of the half helped them take a 25-18 advan -
is on top so I was pretty confident with that position,” Utley said.
Utley was in control for the majority of the match, earning a 2-0 lead with an early takedown and later going into the third period up 4-0 after a vital reversal that proved just enough to win the match. With the takedown, Utley utilized an advantage in strength by lifting Estes off his feet and slamming him to the mat. The move is one of many Utley has utilized over the course of the season to gain an advantage over his opponents.
“I’ve got a couple moves that I like to hit every single match and pretty much right when you get to those positions I just hit it. It’s worked well for me this season,” Utley said.
Utley says the second period reversal gave him the opportunity to maintain the lead in the final period rather than go on the offensive, with the Powhatan star opting to stall a bit more on top to drain the clock and hold on for the victory.
In Harness’ win in the 132-pound bracket, he was unstoppable on his way to the final, winning three of his five matches with pins, two of which came within the first period. One of those pins came in his final match against Bridger Giddings from Douglas Freeman, which came in 4:48 after Harness led 102.
tage at the halfway point.
Out of halftime, the Knights cut that deficit down to five with a 3-pointer out of the gate to make it 27-22, but from that bucket on, it was all Banner Christian, who jumped out to a 13-point lead with a 12-4 run. In the fourth quarter, the Bearcats opened with another 6-0 run, and looked primed to run away with it. The lead was 47-29 with 6:16 left in the game, and though a late 3-pointer from Wood showed the Knights refused to go down without a fight, the VISAA leaders continued to hit their shots and closed out the game with their 13th victory of the season.
The Knights can get back in the win column when they take on Fuqua at home on Feb. 3. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. robb y Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com.
There were also strong outings from Wells and Huber to add to the team’s point total. Wells placed second in the 120-pound class with four consecutive wins by fall, though he lost a close 2-1 final against Glen Allen’s Mohammad Zanganeh. Huber also won every one of his matches with a pin until he faced Gavin Kristiansen from the tournament-winning King George Foxes. That one also went down to the wire, with Kristiansen winning in a 5-2 decision.
Powhatan’s Preston Ritz finished in third in the 150-pound class, winning the third place match with a pin in 2:54 over Clover Hill’s Kaiden Webb.
There were a lot of positives in the final tuneup tournament of the season for Powhatan, but Tanaka admits that the team still needs to use the time before the regional tournament wisely to clean up certain weak spots in their games. Tanaka points to regional teams like Atlee and King George placing ahead of them as evidence that, while doing great in their own right, there are teams playing just as well or better that will threaten their bid for a three-peat.
“There were a lot of really good regional matchups. It was good to see Atlee and King George, teams we’re going to see again in a few weeks,” Tanaka said.
“I’m just excited for regionals in general, it’s just a different animal, but our kids are really excited about wrestling in their home gym.”
Proffitt says the team will use the success from Arrowhead to push themselves to be even better.
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Battling through a losing streak and hosting a Banner Christian squad in a similar boat, Blessed Sacrament Huguenot stepped up and played some of the team’s best basketball of the season en route to a 45-29 victory.
In their second win of the year, the Knights had a truly balanced scoring attack, with eight players getting in the score column.
Behind freshman Erin Maynes’ 12 points on 12 field goals and nine points from junior Charlie Potter, the Knights jumped out to a 2311 halftime lead and refused to let the Bearcats attack the rim and generate any semblance of momentum. BSH’s defense was fantastic from the opening tip, with the Knights sticking to their defenders like gum to a bedpost. The Bearcats failed to register a single field goal in the first quarter as a result, with the Knights leading the way 8-3 entering the second frame.
The Knights led 16-5 at one point in the second, continuing their strong play on both ends, though the Bearcats did go on a small run to cut the lead down to 16-11 and force a BSH timeout.
That decision by head coach Phil Villiott proved beneficial, and out of the
From B1
Aiden Tuck and Caleb Young in the junior varsity competition. Stout, an eighth grader, clocked in at 1:21.18, while his
From B1
three minutes gave them their first lead of the second half and completely swayed momentum in their favor with a 39-38 lead entering the fourth quarter.
The game felt dangerously close to becoming an all-Huguenot affair, but sophomore Matt Henderson says the team used the break between quarters to settle themselves and get back on track for the final stretch.
“We really stuck together when we faced adversity and we got through it,” Henderson said.
Henderson was a primary reason the Indians were able to settle themselves, scoring 10 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter. Much of that came from his aggression driving into the paint and finishing through the contact of the Falcons’ rim protectors.
timeout, the Knights railed off seven unanswered points with Potter curling around a screen and burying a 3-pointer, a layup from junior Kennedy Dowdy and a jumper at the buzzer from Maynes.
Starting the third quarter, the Knights continued to maintain momentum with an old-fashioned four-point play as Maynes scored through contact and her missed free throw led to a putback from Dowdy to make it 29-14. At the end of the third, Maynes again made things happen with the clock winding down, as she hit her second buzzer-beater of the night, this time on a layup to make the score 35-18 in Blessed Sacrament’s favor.
With the game in hand,
teammates Tuck and Young finished close behind in 1:21.85 and 1:25.94.
Later in the JV boys 55-meter hurdles, Powhatan eighth grader Elijah Wagner placed third among six runners with a strong time of 10.15 seconds.
Powhatan guard knocked down three triples in the first quarter alone, including consecutive 3-pointers that helped the team climb out of an early 9-2 hole. He gave Powhatan its first lead with under a minute left in the first quarter, first knocking down a 3-pointer from the wing then taking a charge on the other end to help the Indians take a 12-9 lead into the second quarter.
The lead went as high as seven points for the Indians in the second quarter, with a three from guard Tanner Wyatt and four consecutive made free throws from DeBord and center Paul Bonner helping keep the Falcons at bay.
Maynes added two more baseline jumpers to her statline to make it a 43-24 game, and as the clock hit just under a minute left, Villiott cleared the benches and made a full five-player substitution to ensure everyone got some time on the floor. The win acted as a bit of revenge for the Knights, who previously fell to the Bearcats on Dec. 8, 2022, in a 38-25 final. This time around, it was the Knights who got the last laugh.
Next up for BSH is a meeting with the Fuqua Falcons at home on Feb. 3. The Falcons won the first matchup between the two on Jan. 3, 33-25. robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@powhatantoday. com.
Up next for Powhatan is a Dominion District Polar Bear Meet held at Manchester High School on Feb. 1. The meet includes district foes like Clover Hill, Cosby, George Wythe, L.C. Bird, Monacan and Midlothian.
Down four points, an Oscar Whitely layup and a three points from Henderson off of a finish at the rim and a free throw helped tie the game back up with 3:30 left to play. Henderson then got the lead back for the Indians, euro stepping past a defender and laying the ball up after Whitely pushed the ball ahead after a steal.
With 1:35 left, the lead grew to five after Henderson knocked down another pair of free throws and center Austin Hurt finished at the hoop for a 52-47 lead, but Huguenot charged right back down the court with a response 3-pointer.
“After this, I think our team is fired up,” Proffitt said. “I think we all know within these two weeks what we’ve got to work on, and I think we’re going to come out really fresh. I’m really excited.” robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com.
“Really, coach told me all game to attack the hole and get contact, and they had some guys in foul trouble, so really I was just trying to get to the hole and finish there,” Henderson said.
While it was largely Henderson’s show in the fourth, a lot of Powhatan’s early scoring came from senior Jack DeBord, who finished with 17 points in total but scored 13 of those in the first half. The
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The Falcons were able to get back into the game in a slowed-down, foul-heavy third quarter, which featured a prolonged stoppage at the scorer’s table and a multitude of fouls called both ways that killed a lot of the pace that was prevalent in the first half. It was the exact type of situation Geiman hoped his team would be able to move past as they saw the lead slip away.
“The emphasis was just to focus on us,” Geiman said. “We as a team are still trying to figure out a way to just let all the external stuff that we have no control of go and just leave it where it needs to be, which is outside of our focus.”
What Geiman and the Indians could control was their effort, communication and their attitude in those final eight minutes, and they largely succeeded in those regards.
Then with under a minute to play, Huguenot regained the lead for just a second until DeBord sprinted down the other side of the floor and put the Indians back on top with a graceful fadeaway mid-range jumper with 30 seconds left. It was DeBord’s only bucket of the fourth quarter, but it proved to be his biggest of the night.
Huguenot then got free throws with five seconds left, but neither dropped for the Falcons, and the Indians were able to hold on for one of their most intense victories of the season.
Powhatan has just four games remaining in the regular season with a matchup at home against James River on Feb. 1. The Rapids won the previous matchup in their home gym in a 75-72 final on Dec. 14. robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com.
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CONTRIBUTED REPORT
AARP Virginia regularly issues fraud alerts to make Virginia residents more aware so they can protect themselves.
CONTRIBUTED REPORT
POWHATAN – Pleasants
Hardware is adding its third location in three years. The 10,000-square-foot store will be located in Powhatan in the South Creek Shopping Center off Route 60 at 1800 S. Creek
One.
“We’re grateful for the over 100 years of strong support Pleasants has enjoyed in the Richmond area, and we look forward to expanding in this new market,” said Joe Taylor, president and CEO of Pleasants Hardware. “Our goal is to provide the Powhatan community with outstanding customer service and access to quality products and expertise. We’re going to do that and more in this location.”
The new location will have an expanded outdoor area for lawn and garden and nursery products and will carry a wide product selection of top brands in these categories like Scotts and Jonathan Green. In addition, customers will be able to
shop for the best grills from Big Green Egg and Traeger, innovative outdoor power equipment from STIHL, top paint lines such as Benjamin Moore, and exclusive Channellock hand tools.
“We’re working nonstop to get this new store opened this spring. We can’t wait to deliver an exceptional home improvement shopping experience for this community,” said Darrell Campbell, general manager of
Pleasants Hardware. “We’re excited to be a part of Powhatan.” Pleasants is planning to open its new store in mid-April. For more information about the grand openings of these stores, follow Pleasants Hardware on Facebook and Instagram or visit pleasantshardware.com.
Pleasants Hardware and Taylor’s Do it Center are family-owned and locally operated hardware stores serving Richmond and Hampton Roads. Now with 21 locations, the company continues its culture of outstanding customer service, employee expertise and quality product selection.
Pleasants Hardware and Taylor’s Do it Center are members of Do it Best, the only US-based, member-owned comprehensive and fully integrated hardware, lumber and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. For more information, visit pleasantshardware.com or taylorsdoit. com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Employment scams : When it comes to the labor market, the supply of jobs is outpacing demand but that doesn’t mean that employment scams have gone away. With many workers looking for a side hustle to help make ends meet, there are still enough potential victims to fuel these schemes.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid employment scams. Beware of any job postings that offers a large income with little to no training or experience. Business offers that are guaranteed to “pay off quickly” or “double your investment” are also highly suspicious. Lastly, avoid any job offer which requires you to pay in advance for certification, training or materials.
Many of these employment scams are advertised as “work from home,” which is particularly dangerous with so many people looking for this option.
Before accepting any work from home position, research the company to ensure it is legitimate.
Mail theft leads to check fraud : Scams aren’t always high tech – some of the most common are about as old fashioned as they come. In 2021 there were 33,000 reports of incidents involving mail carrier robberies and mail theft, up from 24,000 in 2019, according to the US Postal Inspectors (USPIS). What were the thieves looking for? Personal checks that can be washed and re-written to anyone for any amount.
The simplest way for criminals to find mail to steal is to look for mailboxes with a raised flag, which often contain bill payments with personal checks included. Another way is for criminals to steal a master key that opens the blue boxes from a postal worker. These “arrow keys” sell for between $5,000 and $10,000 on the black mar-
ket. Once they have a personal check, thieves can “wash” the ink off with household chemicals and fill it out to a new recipient for whatever amount they wish.
To protect yourself, deposit any mail containing checks, cash or sensitive personal information in collection boxes as close to the indicated pickup time as possible — or better yet – bring them inside the post office for mailing.
Weight loss scams : No matter the season, plenty of us are looking to slim down, and scammers hope to pack their pocketbooks while we all try to unpack the pounds. In 2021, according to the Federal Trade Commission, bogus diet products and programs accounted for nearly 30% of all complaints in the category of health care scams.
Here’s how they work. A web search on weight loss pulls up legitimate-looking websites often with supposed celebrity endorsements. The websites often encourage you to sign up for a free trial — which, if you read the tiny print, opts you in to getting charged for regular orders or additional products. In truth, the products themselves, often marketed as “natural” or “organic,” may actually be unsafe for your body.
Be wary of offers that promise “fast results” or “miracle” products. If you find a product of interest that claims to help you slim down, seek advice from your trustworthy sources, such as your doctor or a dietitian. It is unwise to rely solely on the claims made in a product’s advertisements.
Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all. Learn how to proactively spot scams or get guidance if you’ve been targeted. Visit www.aarp. org/fraudwatchnetwork or call our dedicated helpline to speak to a fraud specialist at 1-877908-3360.
LIBRA • Sept 23/Oct 23
CAPRICORN •Dec 22/Jan 20
forts will be well received this week, Taurus. Before you move full speed ahead, run your ideas by a trusted group of confidantes.
GEMINI • May 22/Jun 21 You don’t learn by getting things right all of the time, Gemini. A few mistakes along the way provide an opportunity to grow and figure out new ways to do the job.
CANCER • Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, distractions seemingly abound this week and your head isn’t in the game. While you can get away with a few oversights here and there, too many can be problematic.
LEO • Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, someone in your life is looking for a pep talk and you are just the person to provide one. Listen to the problem at hand and offer this person some solid solutions.
VIRGO • Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you could be at a crossroads in your life. You are pondering many different scenarios, and now is the time to solidify plans for the next few weeks.
If you made a career change recently, you may be discovering that the payoff isn’t quite what you expected. Fulfillment is essential, so give some thought to new pursuits.
SCORPIO • Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, it is not like you to feel adrift, but that could be the situation right now. Latch on to one activity or person that brings you joy. Focus on the positives in life.
SAGITTARIUS • Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, family members want to spend more time with you, so plan for the extra company. Have a few extra snacks on hand and make sure the house is orderly.
Your tendency to want to tackle things all on your own could have you pushing others away, Capricorn. Accept others’ willingness to pitch in.
AQUARIUS •Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, there has been a lot on your plate and many thoughts swimming through your mind. A quick getaway could be what is needed this month.
PISCES •Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, you have a few offers on the table, but could be having trouble narrowing down your preference. Bring in a third party to help.
The Richmond region’s population has increased and housing costs have continued to rise, burdening homeowners and renters alike, according to an updated report by the Partnership for Housing Affordability.
That 204-page report examines local demographic changes and housing supply trends that are impacting housing affordability in the region – including data for Richmond, Ashland, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Charles City, Goochland, New Kent and Powhatan.
The report found that the average apartment in the region went for nearly $1,400 at the beginning of 2022, a $300 increase from two years prior. The steepest rent increases were in counties, especially among apartments with two or three bedrooms.
A gap in homeownership still exists between white households and households of color, according to the report. Black homeownership rates increased slightly, from 47% to 49%, but still lag behind white homeownership at 70%. Hispanic homeownership fell slightly as people of color continue to have average incomes 20% to 30% lower than white households.
One key takeaway from the data was that the rise in living costs for the Richmond area has outpaced
the entire state of Virginia, and markets like Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Richmond has traditionally held housing prices that were affordable compared to other population centers.
“The allure of Richmond being an affordable place is quickly losing that competitive advantage,” said Jovan Burton, executive director of the Partnership for Housing Affordability.
The number of cost-burdened renters in the region increased by about 1,900 people, for those with incomes between $35,000 and $75,000 at the beginning of 2022. Cost-burdened renters are people paying more that 30% of their income on rental costs.
The price of homeownership also increased greatly. In Richmond alone, home prices rose 85% between 2017 and 2022 – a mean price increase from $210,000 to $389,000. Burton said that increase disproportionately impacts firsttime homebuyers, who have not yet accumulated enough wealth for the increase in home prices.
Homeownership rates still grew despite the increase in home prices – buoyed during the pandemic by low interest rates and high demand. The Richmond region gained 15,000 more households between 2016 and 2020.
The region added affordable units to its mixture of units, but it still lags behind what’s needed. While 4,300 below-market apartments were built in the region since January 2020, the report said it would take an additional 39,000 affordable homes to meet the needs of low-income people in the area.
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An unveiling ceremony for the report was held Thursday at The Westin hotel at 6631 W. Broad St. in Henrico County. Keynote speaker Jenny Scheutz, senior fellow at The Brookings Institution and an expert in urban economics, talked about national trends in housing.
Scheutz said historical land-use practices prioritized single-family detached homes, which were once an effective housing strategy when there was an abundance of land to build on. Now that suburbs have become more crowded, those widely plotted homes with yards are blocking denser housing, like row houses, quadplexes and sixplexes, that would adequately fit more residents.
“We need to accommodate more population growth and allow more people to move in,” Scheutz said. “The only way we’re going to be able to do that is to change some of our single-family neighborhoods to introduce a greater diversity of structures.”
Scheutz advocated for having a more diverse selection of housing options in one place, which would allow people of all income levels, backgrounds and job categories to live in the same area. Current zoning laws often favor identical neighborhoods where the occupant is a homeowner.
“That’s a very high bar to get access to these neighborhoods,” Scheutz said. “If you have to buy a $300,000 or $400,000 house to have access to schools and jobs, that’s going to shut a lot of people out.”
These practices, Scheutz said, can be prohibitive at bringing younger, early career workers into an area. It can also be harmful for older residents who can’t afford to move out of their homes and stay in the same community. In turn, those houses don’t turn over for other buyers.
“A lot of older adults are still living in their five- and six-bedroom homes that are hard to take care of,” Scheutz said. “It’s more space than they need, but we haven’t provided smaller, more accessible spaces in these communities.”
A roundtable discussion at the event hosted leaders from around the region who talked about their own efforts at combating rising housing costs for various groups.
Steven Nesmith, CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, talked about the city’s struggles with getting its low-income residents out of publicly funded housing into the private market.
“One of our challenges is to get public housing residents to a place of self-sufficiency,” Nesmith said. “That would give us the opportunity to get people off of these long waiting lists [for housing].”
He advocated that the best way to help with the region’s low-income housing needs is to think regionally, having localities work together to bring both housing options and jobs that can sustain people.
“I do not want to go out and put
someone in homeownership when they do not have a job to sustain themselves and be in that home,” Nesmith said. “You’re setting them up for failure.”
Nesmith said the RRHA is launching a new entity in early February called the Richmond Development Corporation that will target relationships with surrounding jurisdictions to make regional solutions, tying in housing and economic development.
David P. Maloney, director of planning for Hanover County, said his county is finding that increasing the number of homes to drive down price isn’t the only answer. Having a diversity of housing options is an important step in lowering housing costs.
“Many homes go back to the ‘50s, ‘60s and early ‘70s with great bones, they’re very solid homes,” Maloney said. “How do we ensure that those stay viable for future generations? How do we transition those older property owners out of that while creating opportunities for them to stay in the county?”
Many localities in the area have been relaxing regulations on Accessory Dwelling Units – extra buildings on a property that can be used as a separate dwelling. They have been prohibited in the past, but a recent movement has pushed to increase their number.
Maloney said Hanover eased its regulations so that families can have housing for an older family member, or an older resident can have an ADU for a live-in caretaker. Other counties have either passed or are working to improve regulations around ADUs.
On1/9/2023GPCSBoardofSupervisorsaccepted aconceptualproposalfromVillageConceptsfor constructionofnewGPCSPowhatanoffices.Proposaldetailsare postedonwww.gpcsb.org Apublichearingwillbeheldon 2/6/2023,at4:30pmintheBoard RoomofthePowhatanbuilding (3910OldBuckinghamRoad, Powhatan,VA23139),tosolicit commentsonthisconceptualproposal.
NOTICEOFPUBLICHEARING
POWHATANCOUNTYPLANNINGCOMMISSION
Noticeisherebygiven,pursuantto §15.2-2204ofthe Codeof Virginia thatthePlanningCommissionof PowhatanCountywillconduct apublic hearingon Tuesday,February7,2023at6:00PMinthe PowhatanCounty VillageBuilding Auditorium,3910OldBuckingham Road, toconsiderthe following request:
22-08-CUP:NilesGoode
(District#1:Manakin/Subletts/Flatrock) requests aconditionalusepermit(CUP)toallowaHome-Based Truck HaulerBusinessusewithintheAgricultural(A-10)zoningdistrictperSec. 83-163oftheZoningOrdinanceoftheCountyof Powhatan.Theuse wouldbelocated at 1987Hancock Road, TaxMap Parcel#30-14F,in eastern PowhatanCounty approximatelyamileeastonHancock Road (U.S.Rt.716)fromtheintersectionof Jude’sFerry Road(U.S.Rt.613) andHancock Road.The2021Long RangeComprehensive Plandesignates thesubjectpropertyas RuralAreasontheCountywideFutureLand UseMap.
22-10-CUP:Morrissette (District#2: PowhatanStation/Graceland) requests aconditionalusepermit(CUP)tocreateanasphaltorconcrete plantintheAgricultural10(A-10)zoningdistrictperSec.83.162ofthe ZoningOrdinanceoftheCountyof Powhatan.Theproposeduseislocated on TaxMaps#53-35A,#53-36,#53-32,locatednorthoftheintersection ofGenitoandDorset Roads,insoutheastern PowhatanCounty.The subjectpropertyconsistsof6.7acres.Aconceptplanhasbeenincluded inthe application.The2021Long RangeComprehensive Plandesignates thesubjectpropertyas RuralAreasontheCountywideFutureLand UseMap.
22-07-REZ:UTT RealtyLLC (District#3:Bethesda/LeesLanding) is requestingto rezone TaxMap Parcel26-77fromAgricultural-10 (A-10)toCommerceCenter(CC).This request,if approved wouldamend approximately13.9acresofthe PowhatanCountyzoningdistrictmaplocated at thecornerofMaidens RoadandAndersonHighway withthephysical addressof2500Maidens Road.The2021Long-RangeComprehensive Plan designatesthesubjectpropertyasGatewayBusinessontheCountywide FutureLandUseMapwiththeintentofthisdistrictaimedtoaccommodate employment-generatingcommercialandlightindustrialusesthatsupport localeconomicdevelopmentgoals.
Themeetingmaybewatchedlive by visitinghttp://powhatanva.gov/432/ Live-Stream-of-Powhatan-County-Meetings.
AllPlanningCommissionmeetingsare opentothepublicandinterested personsareencouragedto attendonthedayandtimespecified above. Copiesoftheproposedplans,ordinances,andamendmentsmaybereviewed intheDepartmentofCommunityDevelopmentinthe PowhatanCounty AdministrationBuilding(3834OldBuckingham Road)between8:30AM and5:00PMofeach businessday. Copiesofstaffreportsareavailableprior tothePublicHearingupon requestandwillbe availableonline at least five (5)dayspriortothemeeting at http://powhatanva.gov/agendacenter.Please call(804)598-5621withanyquestions.
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Alltypesofrepairjobs,ornew jobs! Specializinginreplacementwindows,re-siding, d ecks replacingentrydoors,wheelchair ramps &allyourhandymanneeds.Insured. MarlinMiller804-512-3131
RealEstate Policy All realestateadvertisedhereinissubjectto theVirginia FairHousingLaw, whichmakesit illegaltoadvertise“any preference,limitation ordiscrimination based on race,color, religion, nationalorigin,sex,elderliness,familialstatus,orhandicap.”
We willnotknowingly acceptanyadvertising for realestatethatis inviolationofthelaw. Allpersonsarehereby informedthatallthe dwellingsadvertisedare availableonanequal opportunity basis.
HOMESFORSALE
Powhatan,Va23139
Lowmaintenancecondo-stylelivinginthe heartofPowhatanCourthouse-walkto restaurants,park,library&YMCA!Open floorplanwithlotsofnaturallighting, 9’ceilings,woodfloors,gasfireplace, wonderfulfrontporch.Twobedrooms andtwofullbaths.Parkinginfrontand rear,attachedstorageshed.$335,000
CumberLanD,Va23040
Newrancherreadytomoverightin!Openfloorplanwithvaultedceilings, laminateflooringthroughout,lotsofnaturallighting,3bedrooms, 2fullbaths.3.02acres.$274,500
36X24DETACHED GARAGE
Powhatan,Va23139
Convenientlocation!Beautifulrancher,zonedagricultural,notinasubdivision,no HOA!4-5bedrooms,3fullbaths,OVERSIZED36x24DETACHEDGARAGEwith10’ doors,largeshedwiththree-baylean-tostoragearea.$349,950
SOLD
1734Jeter roaD
Powhatan,Va23139
12.52acrecountryestate,beautifulwoodedsettingwithlargehardwoodtrees! Lotsofprivacy,notinasubdivision,noHOA!PlentyofspaceforanimalsandATV’s. Spaciousrancherwithopenfloorplan,vaultedceilings,cornerfireplace,sunroom andscreenedporch.Detachedgaragewithfullguestapartmentupstairs.$479,950
24.25ACRES
baLLsViLLe roaD
Powhatan,Va23139
2.29acres- peaceful,countrysetting, shadedbylargehardwoods. $79,950
2.04ACRES
280m axeys miLL roaD
CumberLanD,Va23040
Beautiful,level2.04acreswith an older 1976singlewidemobilehome-excellent opportunitytoremovetheolderhome andre-buildamodernhomeonthe property,possiblytakingadvantageofthe existingdriveway andutilities.Attractive cornerlotwithlotsofspaceforgardening and pets.$65,000
63.4ACRES
norwooD Creek roaD
Powhatan,Va23139
Rareopportunity!24.25acresreadyforyourprivatecountryestate.Greatinvestment opportunitywithpossibilitytodividetheacreage.$545,625
CumberLanD roaD
CumberLanD,Va23040 (acrossfrom3615CumberlandRoad) 63.442acres,mixtureofhardwood trees,walkingtrails.$224,000