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Friday, September 5, 2008 Sheriff: Man threatened neighbor with gun
Virginia awaiting Hanna's landfall Here comes Hanna. Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency Thursday morning, as Virginia prepared for what could be its first significant brush with a tropical cyclone since 2004. Friday, September 5, 2008 Father receives support in quest to have son freed WINCHESTER — After years of fighting his son's murder conviction alone, Franklin Washington may now have allies. James Renwick Manship Sr. sent a letter this week to the office of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine seeking a pardon for Jeffrey Washington, who is serving a 70-year prison sentence for the 1994 shooting death of Carlos Marshall in Winchester. Friday, September 5, 2008 Murder suspect may still be in area BERRYVILLE — Authorities still haven't had any luck tracking down the main suspect in July's double shooting in White Post, which left one man dead and another wounded. Police are now hoping a more recent photograph of the man will help yield better results. Friday, September 5, 2008
WOODSTOCK — If fairgoers are to take anything away from their experience at this year's Shenandoah County Fair, it's that they accomplished the goal of making the event green. A new recycling campaign at the fair, which ended Aug. 30, resulted in the delivery of 1,140 pounds of plastic and an uncalculated load of cardboard to the Shenandoah County Landfill on Thursday, said Brad Dellinger, operations manager at the landfill. The amount of plastic represents a half-ton of trash that does not have to be buried, he said. Friday, September 5, 2008 Owners protest quarry growth WINCHESTER — The group that owns Belle Grove Plantation claims an expansion of a nearby limestone quarry would damage the site. The National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States is seeking to join a lawsuit filed by several residents appealing a rezoning to allow Carmeuse Lime & Stone to expand its quarry near Middletown. Friday, September 5, 2008 Architect presents courthouse design, expenses WOODSTOCK — Costs for a new Shenandoah County General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations courthouse currently stand at around $14 million, according to a presentation Thursday at a Board of Supervisors property and public works committee meeting. Jay Moore, of Moseley Architects, presented current construction costs and the latest conceptual design of the building to the committee, seeking permission for his group to continue and complete 30 percent of the design work. The committee endorsed the plan, and either it or the full board will get a more detailed design in November, and then bids for construction could go out by spring. Friday, September 5, 2008 Councilman contests Mary's Shady Lane decision FRONT ROYAL — A Front Royal councilman is upset the panel wasn't consulted on the town's agreement to be dismissed from a lawsuit over the relocation of Mary's Shady Lane. But it might not have been the council's decision, other members rebutted. Friday, September 5, 2008 Questions still surround upgraded sewer treatment plant Design could provide more capacity than required or include surge basinsBy Elizabeth Wilkerson -- Daily staff WriterFriday, September 5, 2008 Manager reports town in 'very good financial shape' FRONT ROYAL — In these economically trying times, Town Manager J. Michael Graham had good news for the Town Council during a Thursday retreat at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center. "The town of Front Royal is in very, very good shape financially," Graham told the panel that gathered at the serene setting to establish short- and long-term goals. Friday, September 5, 2008
WOODSTOCK — The Shenandoah County Department of Fire and Rescue and Woodstock police are investigating a fire late Wednesday night at Woodstock Kitchen and Bath, county Fire Chief Gary Yew said. The fire started on the back porch of the business, at 1026 S. Main St., around midnight and moved up to the second floor, he said. Firefighters found heavy fire blowing out of the building upon arrival and contained the blaze quickly, Yew said. He said police and Fire Marshal Dave Ferguson were investigating the incident. Police Chief Jerry Miller referred questions to Ferguson, who could not be reached for comment. Friday, September 5, 2008 Rail crossing work to affect motorists FRONT ROYAL — Construction on a Norfolk Southern Railway crossing will force the closure of one lane of Shenandoah Shores Road beginning Monday. Faulconer Construction of Charlottesville is scheduled to take out a crossing where Shenandoah Shores Road meets the railroad line. The work is slated to begin Monday at 8 a.m. and continue through Friday at 5 p.m., which will necessitate the closure of one lane. Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution. Friday, September 5, 2008 Riverkeeper looking for local volunteers FRONT ROYAL — The Shenandoah Riverkeeper needs help to combat runoff pollution at construction sites. Shenandoah Riverkeeper Jeff Kelble will host a "Get the DIRT Out" program at the Samuels Public Library on Villa Avenue in Front Royal this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kelble is looking for volunteers to assist him in monitoring construction sites in order to make sure they are following runoff regulations. Friday, September 5, 2008 Man accused of May bank robbery receives trial date WINCHESTER — A Frederick County man accused of robbing a bank at gunpoint in May will stand trial next month on charges related to the case, a judge ruled Thursday. Jacob Scott Mills, 21, of 111 Cherry Hill Circle, Winchester, and his attorney, Roger Inger, appeared Thursday morning before Judge John Prosser in county Circuit Court. Mills was indicted by a grand jury in June on one count each of robbery and use of a firearm while committing robbery stemming from the incident in which authorities say he robbed Rappahannock National Bank, at 1095 Millwood Pike, on the afternoon of May 19. Friday, September 5, 2008 Railroad continues corridor project push BERRYVILLE — Norfolk Southern Corp. officials continue to try and move forward on a corridor project they hope will alleviate truck traffic along a nearby highway. Representatives from the railroad held a public information meeting at the John H. Enders Social Hall Thursday night to discuss the I-81 Crescent Corridor project and potential future rail activity near Berryville, Boyce and Clarke County. More than 30 people attended. Thursday, September 4, 2008 *Fort Valley man charged after shooting incident (3:15 p.m.) FORT VALLEY — A Fort Valley man is in custody after police say he shoved a gun in a neighbor's face Thursday morning. Sean Michael McKnew, 39, of 171 Lost Lane, was arrested at about 9 a.m., Shenandoah County Sheriff Tim Carter said. Thursday, September 4, 2008
WOODSTOCK — Though weather may become a factor in the coming weeks, construction of Woodstock's $1.4 million downtown streetscape project is progressing on schedule, according to Business Enhancement Coordinator Jane Beasley. "The project is approximately 75 percent completed," Beasley said Wednesday. "It's probably higher than that at this point. ... Barring three hurricanes in a row, we are on schedule." Thursday, September 4, 2008 Warren County to conduct housing survey FRONT ROYAL — Warren County wants feedback on the need for affordable housing for county employees. The county will send a survey to employees such as sheriff's deputies and teachers regarding affordable housing. The survey is the first step in an effort to generate more affordable housing to keep employees in the county. Thursday, September 4, 2008
WINCHESTER — Developer Dave Ervin's vision for an "industrial condominium" on the south end of Winchester that could support office, manufacturing and warehousing operations is becoming a reality. Officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday morning at the site of the Flextech Center, located in the Annandale Allied Industrial Park off Va. 37 near the intersection of Shady Elm Road and Dawson Drive. Thursday, September 4, 2008 Planners put hold on new cell tower WINCHESTER — A cellular telephone tower proposed for Frederick County ran into opposition Wednesday night. Then, two attempts by the Planning Commission to send a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to either approve or deny the needed permit failed on tie votes. In the end, the commission voted 5-3 to table the matter for 45 days to give the applicant time to gather information on the need for such a cell tower. Thursday, September 4, 2008 Men indicted on burglary-related charges WOODSTOCK — Two Broadway men accused with running an elaborate burglary operation in several jurisdictions were each indicted on 51 various charges by a Shenandoah County Circuit Court grand jury Friday afternoon. For the most part, Travis Lam, 27, of 120 Atlantic Ave., and Royce Miller, 25, of 222 First Ave., were indicted on the same local charges — 30 grand larcenies, nine grand larcenies of an automobile, 10 break-ins and one attempted break-in. Miller, though, was also indicted on an additional charge of breaking and entering, while Lam received an extra indictment charging grand larceny. Thursday, September 4, 2008 Panel indicts 5 in Warren drug raids FRONT ROYAL — A town man faces a mandatory minimum 25-year prison sentence if convicted on five counts of distribution of cocaine. George E. Caison Jr., 40, with a last known address of 466 Hill St., was one of five Front Royal residents indicted on drugs charges Tuesday by a Warren County Circuit Court grand jury. Thursday, September 4, 2008 Program joins valley youth with politics Will it be Obama or McCain? That's the question on the minds of most Americans as November looms, and preparations are already under way for the history-making presidential election. But in the Shenandoah Valley, you don't have to be an adult to participate in the democratic process and have your opinion heard. Thursday, September 4, 2008 Public to have say in streetscape project NEW MARKET — The public could have its first opportunity to provide input on the future look of downtown as early as October. The public works committee met Tuesday to discuss a contract with Land Planning & Design Associates Inc., of Charlottesville, for design and construction documentation, as well as observation services, of New Market's streetscape project. The contract, which is for $255,000, was recommended for approval by the Town Council when it meets Sept. 15, Town Manager Chris Boies said Wednesday. Thursday, September 4, 2008 City to hold classes on how to 'go green' WINCHESTER — In an effort to "go green," the city plans to hold classes to show residents how to reduce waste and become more energy efficient at home. Organizers recommend those interested attend all four sessions, which start Oct. 1 and are offered through January, according to a city press release. Depending on interest, the city may offer intermediate and advanced sessions. Topics to be covered will include: Thursday, September 4, 2008 High schools seek input on graduation WOODSTOCK — Shenandoah County Public Schools is seeking input on whether its three high school graduations should still be scheduled for the same night. A survey has been sent to all parents and is available online through the school system's Web site, Superintendent Keith Rowland said. It asks for a person's preference from three options — keeping all graduations on the same night, which is usually Friday; staggering them between Friday and Saturday; or conducting them at different times Saturday. Rowland said graduation dates for 2009 have yet to be determined, and a decision would need to be made around the beginning of January. Thursday, September 4, 2008 Ozone expected to hit unhealthy levels WINCHESTER — While summer is coming to an end, ozone is expected to reach a level that is unhealthy for sensitive groups today. The Valley AIRNow Air Quality Outreach Program expects conditions to get bad enough for Code Orange, making this an air quality action day. According to a press release from the program's outreach coordinator Tiffany Tumer, people with compromised respiratory systems should limit outdoor activity today, while active children and adults should do the same during the afternoon and early evening hours. Thursday, September 4, 2008 VMDO Architects sues Clarke schools for unpaid invoices BERRYVILLE — A Charlottesville-based architectural firm is suing the Clarke County School Board for more than $300,000 it claims it is owed for assisting in the design of a new high school. Representatives with VMDO Architects P.C. filed a lawsuit against the board in Clarke County Circuit Court late last month, seeking $340,517.49 owed to the firm for services it provided towards planning and designing a new high school building to accommodate approximately 800 students. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 *Firm recommended for New Market streetscape project (2:27 p.m.) NEW MARKET — The Town Council's public works committee has endorsed a contract with a Charlottesville design firm for work on the downtown streetscape project. The committee made its decision on Tuesday to recommend Land Planning & Design Associates Inc. to the Town Council, Town Manager Chris Boies said Wednesday. The group is the same one that designed Woodstock's streetscape project, which is now under construction. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Tate pleads guilty to not filing reports LEESBURG — In the end, Mark Tate pleaded guilty. But not to anything he hadn't already admitted dozens of times before. The former GOP 27th District state Senate candidate took a deal from special prosecutor Matthew Britton, pleading guilty to two counts of intentionally failing to file campaign finance reports. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Senate candidate did not file campaign reports LEESBURG — Mark Tate's legal drama ended Tuesday almost exactly where it began. "Tens of thousands of dollars and bunches of crap, and that's how it ends. I have to pay a fine again," said Tate, with a bit of a sardonic chuckle. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Board narrows renovation financing options FRONT ROYAL — The Warren County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing late this month on financing options for renovations to the old Warren County High School. The board agreed to advertise for a public hearing for Sept. 16. The board will choose between two options for the renovations — bank financing or a bond from the Virginia Public School Authority. Wednesday, September 3, 2008
s Public schools in Winchester and Shenandoah County opened for the year Tuesday, marking an end to summer for all Northern Shenandoah Valley public school pupils. Winchester Superintendent Dennis Kellison spent time visiting the city's schools. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Council approves electronic payments WOODSTOCK — The Town Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a program allowing residents to pay their utility bills using electronic bank drafts. Councilman Bill Pence said that while shopping for bank services officials had discussed offering the automatic payment option. Pence said residents would not be required to use the automatic bank draft program, but that the town "would like to put it out there for folks." Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Supervisors approve scenic ordinance WOODSTOCK — An ordinance intended to keep U.S. 11 scenic passed on a 4-2 vote by the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors last week. The panel adopted the Old Valley Pike Corridor Overlay District ordinance Aug. 26, with District 5 Supervisor Dennis Morris and District 6 Supervisor Conrad Helsley voting against it. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Council's EDA funding decision implies mended relations FRONT ROYAL — Last week's 5-1 vote by the Town Council to return funding to the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority could be a sign that relations between the two entities are on the mend. "I'm excited that we're going to have a great working relationship with the town, and I see a bright future for the EDA and the town relationship," said EDA Executive Director Jennifer R. McDonald. "I think we'll get our mission accomplished." Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Woman hits house with her vehicle EDINBURG — A car driven by an Edinburg woman ran off the road and struck a house at 16637 Old Valley Pike at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, state Trooper J.L. Street said. A 1997, four-door Chrysler, driven by Marilee Housden, was traveling south on U.S. 11 when it "ran off the right side of the roadway, went through the yard, through the fence and into the corner of the house," Street said. Housden had swerved to avoid an animal, he said. Housden, 39, was transported to Shenandoah Memorial Hospital with minor injuries, he said. The house sustained "very minor damage," he said, probably about $2,000 worth. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Police honored for safety program FRONT ROYAL — The Front Royal Police Department has been honored for its traffic safety program. The department tied for third place in the Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge with the Bedford and Christiansburg police departments. The program analyzes "the resources of participating departments to concentrate on various issues of traffic safety," a press release from the Police Department states. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Frederick schools superintendent offered contract renewal WINCHESTER — The Frederick County School Board ended Superintendent Patricia Taylor's four-year contract at its halfway point — then promptly gave her a new one. A pause by Vice Chairman Stuart Wolk between the two actions incited laughter by the board Tuesday night. But Chairman John Lamanna said signing Taylor on now for another four years shows the board's confidence in her leadership. Tuesday, September 2, 2008 * Tate accepts plea deal [Updated: 12:51 p.m. Tuesday] LEESBURG — It's not a total exoneration, but it's pretty close. Former 27th District GOP Senate candidate Mark Tate accepted a plea deal from Special Prosecutor Matthew Britton on Tuesday morning, just under a week before his trial on nine counts of election fraud was to begin. Tate agreed to plead guilty to two counts of willfully filing campaign finance filings more than 60 days late, a class 1 misdemeanor. Tuesday, September 2, 2008
FRONT ROYAL — A white cloth on top of one of the end tables in Mary Ann Weakley's living room is stained with a black circle from where the family cell phone overheated one night and started spinning like a top. "It was like a bottle rocket," said Weakley, who was sitting at her desk in another room at the time. Tuesday, September 2, 2008 Arts, history patron dies at 93 WASHINGTON — Wayside Theater founder, preservationist, businessman and all-around colorful character Leo Bernstein has died. Bernstein, 93, died at his Washington home at around 5 a.m. Saturday, said Babs Funkhouser, director of Wayside Foundation Museums. Tuesday, September 2, 2008
WOODSTOCK — Motorcycle daredevils soared over the heads of the crowd in the grandstands at the Shenandoah County Fair on Saturday. The professional stuntmen, touring with the FMX Championship Series, put on an electrifying performance on the final night of the 91st Shenandoah County Fair. Tuesday, September 2, 2008 Commission seeks to foretell future role of national parks A commission has been convened to help chart the future of national parks, including Shenandoah. The National Parks Second Century Commission, convened by the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association, hopes to create a vision for the role of national parks in the next century. A Shenandoah National Park official said the park would cooperate with the commission. |
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