#spotsylvania va

[traffic-lawyer-usa]

Traffic Lawyer Spotsylvania VA

Traffic Lawyer Spotsylvania VA

Depending on how serious they are, traffic violations in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, or other jurisdictions may be prosecuted as felonies, misdemeanours, or traffic infractions.

[candrcarpetandrug]

Premier Flooring Emporiums: Discover Top Picks in Bumpass, Spotsylvania, Bowling Green,Ruther Glen,VA

Welcome to C&R Carpet and Rug, the premier flooring store serving Bumpass, Spotsylvania, Bowling Green, and Ruther Glen, VA. If you're in search of top-quality flooring options for your home or business, look no further. At C&R Carpet and Rug, we take pride in offering a wide selection of flooring materials to suit every style and budget. Whether you're looking for luxurious carpets, durable hardwoods, stylish laminates, or versatile vinyls, our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the perfect fit for your space.

As one of the leading flooring stores in Bumpass, Spotsylvania, Bowling Green, and Ruther Glen areas, we understand that choosing the right flooring can be overwhelming. That's why our friendly staff is dedicated to providing personalized assistance throughout your entire shopping experience. From helping you explore different options to offering expert advice on installation and maintenance, we are committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction.

When you choose C&R Carpet and Rug as your go-to flooring store in Bumpass VA or any other location we serve in Virginia area , you can expect nothing less than exceptional products from top brands combined with outstanding customer service. Our goal is to transform your space with beautiful and functional floors that will stand the test of time.

Visit our showroom today to discover why C&R Carpet and Rug is the preferred choice among homeowners and businesses seeking quality flooring solutions. Whether you’re located in Bumpass VA , Spotsylvania VA , Bowling Green VA or Ruther Glen VA , our team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect flooring option that meets all your needs.For more details visit our websites https://candrcarpetandrug.com/

[beardedmrbean]

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. — Alyssa Jane Venable disappeared after deputies say her three roommates were found dead in Spotsylvania County Tuesday. Three days later, she was officially arrested hundreds of miles away. 

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office says Venable was taken into custody with the help of United States Marshals Service and the New York State Police

Deputies found the 23-year-old's three roommates dead while conducting a welfare check in Fredericksburg after a friend raised concerns about Venable's behavior. The three bodies of her roommates were found around 10 p.m. It is unclear how Robert McGuire, 77, Gregory Powell, 60, and Carol Reese, 65, died but police did confirm they were all found with upper body trauma. 

While the bodies of her roommates were found inside the home, Venable was nowhere to be found. As a suspect in her roommates' deaths, deputies began searching for Venable. Less than three days later, she was found in another state.

Venable was arrested Thursday near Steuben County, New York, which is just more than 360 miles away from Spotsylvania County. She was taken into custody after a chase on Interstate 86 in Steuben County. 

Officials say New York State troopers spotted the gray 2009 Honda Civic Venable was known to drive at 5:45 p.m. Thursday. They attempted to pull her over but she reportedly refused. The sheriff's office reports Venable at one point began driving at 100 miles per hour. 

Troopers used a tire deflation device to cause the Honda civic to stop and Venable was arrested without any further incident. She has since been taken to an area hospital as a precaution. No injuries were reported in the pursuit. 

WUSA9 spoke with Venable's grandmother hours before the arrest. She said while her granddaughter was never a said, she wasn't violent. She prayed authorities would find her granddaughter before she could hurt herself. 

"I pray that the authorities are looking for her as a person who is in harm's way as well because we think she's in harm's way if not from someone else but from her own self," Jane Venable, told WUSA9. "I'm pleading for the authorities to consider someone who is also is in desperate need for help."

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office released a statement Thursday night, saying in part:

"On behalf of Sheriff Roger Harris, we would like to thank the U.S. Marshals Service for their unwavering support and the professionalism of the New York State Police."

[67-romeo]

Photo of Captain Edward Camden: Volusia County, Florida,1917. He put on his Civil War veteran’s uniform and tried to register for the draft on the first day of World War I(he was unsuccessful)

He rode with Stonewall and was one of the "Immortal 600."

Enlisted in Company C, Virginia 9th Infantry Battalion on 13 May 1861. Promoted to Full 2nd Lieutenant on 15 Jul 1861. Promoted to Full 1st Lieutenant on 30 Apr 1862.Transferred to Company C, Virginia 25th Infantry Regiment on 01 May 1862. Promoted to Full Captain on 14 Feb 1863. He was captured by Union forces at Spotsylvania VA. on 12 May 1864. Mustered out on 09 Apr 1865 at Appomattox Court House, VA.

[sandyhookhistory]

(The far more detailed version of this is on FB) Good afternoon, folks. It's time for another New York Harbor Defense Happy Birthday! We would like to honor the 181st Birthday of Colonel Charles James Mills, who was born today on (Fri) Jan 8th, 1841 in Boston, MA. (Pic 1) Charles graduated from Harvard in 1840, before attending the precursor to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a study in Engineering. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he immediately made an effort to join the service as an Officer. August 14th, 1862, age 21, he found himself as a Second Lieutenant in Company I of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, part of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps. One of his fellow officers in the Regiment was 25 year old Robert Gould Shaw who would go on to command the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Colored). Both men were wounded at Antietam a month later. Sent home, Mills was medically discharged before joining the 56th MA Infantry. He served at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Bethesda Church, and Petersburg. On the staff of Major General Andrew A. Humphreys, the 2nd Corps Commander, he was made Brevet Colonel on Mar 30th 1865. The next day, he was killed at the Battle Of Hatcher's Run, VA 10 days before the war ended on April 9th. He was 24. Brought home, he was laid to rest in Jamaica Plain, MA. (Pic 2). At Ft Wadsworth on Staten Island, NY a new 6-inch disappearing battery was built in 1900 and named in his honor in 1906. Oriented south, the guns covered the harbor approaches. It served in the defenses of the harbor through 1943. Regrettably, Battery Mills is all but forgotten today, nearly completely buried in the postwar years, and heavily overgrown, neglected, and permanently abandoned by the National Park Service. The Battery may be vanishing, but we will never, ever let the legacy of Colonel Charles James Mills be forgotten. 🇺🇲🇺🇲 ** Please Like & Follow "Sandy Hook History" on Facebook & Instagram for more amazing maritime and military histories of the Garden State and New York Harbor as well as a review of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle Of The Atlantic and World War 2** 🇺🇲🇺🇲 (at Fort Hancock, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnK2QWMAYrn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[timpandajis]

iNWS Alert

New event. Severe Thunderstorm Warning from 9/1/2024 6:46 PM to 7:15 PM EDT for Spotsylvania County, VA. More information.

[worldtopnews99]

Kingfisher House Buyers

Sell Your House Fast in Northern Virginia with Kingfisher House Buyers

Are you looking to sell your house quickly in Fredericksburg, VA, or anywhere in Northern Virginia? Look no further than Kingfisher House Buyers, your trusted cash home-buying company. We specialize in helping homeowners sell their houses without the hassle of real estate agents, ensuring a smooth and swift transaction. Whether you're facing foreclosure, dealing with probate, going through a divorce, or simply need to sell your house as-is, Kingfisher House Buyers is here to assist you.

Why Choose Kingfisher House Buyers?

At Kingfisher House Buyers, we understand that selling a house can be a stressful and time-consuming process. That's why we offer a straightforward solution: we buy houses for cash, allowing you to close in 30 days or less. Here are some reasons why our services stand out:

1. Fast and Efficient Process

When you choose Kingfisher House Buyers, you can expect a quick and efficient process. We buy houses in any condition, which means you won't have to spend time or money on repairs or renovations. Our team is dedicated to making the selling process as smooth as possible, allowing you to move on with your life without delay.

2. No Real Estate Agent Fees

Selling your house through a traditional real estate agent can be expensive, with commissions and fees eating into your profits. At Kingfisher House Buyers, we eliminate the middleman, ensuring you receive the full cash offer for your property. This means more money in your pocket and fewer headaches.

3. We Buy Houses As-Is

One of the biggest advantages of working with us is that we buy houses as-is. Whether your property needs major repairs or is in pristine condition, we are interested in making you a fair cash offer. You won't have to worry about fixing up your home or dealing with inspections – we take care of everything.

4. Local Expertise

With our headquarters located at 10703 Benning Way, Spotsylvania, VA 22551, we have extensive knowledge of the Northern Virginia real estate market. Our team understands the local housing market trends and can provide you with a competitive offer based on the current market conditions.

Our Services

At Kingfisher House Buyers, we offer a range of services to meet your specific needs:

Cash Home Buying: We provide fast cash offers for homes in any condition. Whether you're facing financial difficulties, relocating, or simply want to sell quickly, we can help.

Foreclosure Assistance: If you're at risk of foreclosure, we can offer a solution to help you avoid losing your home. Our team will work with you to find the best possible outcome.

Divorce Sales: Going through a divorce is challenging enough without the added stress of selling a house. We make the process easier by providing a quick sale, allowing you to move forward.

Probate Sales: Handling an estate can be overwhelming. We simplify the process by purchasing probate properties, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Selling As-Is: No need to invest in costly repairs or upgrades. We buy houses in any condition, saving you time and money.

Why We Are the Best

Kingfisher House Buyers stands out in the Northern Virginia real estate market for several reasons:

Experience: With years of experience in the industry, we have perfected our process to ensure a seamless transaction for our clients.

Trustworthiness: We pride ourselves on our transparency and integrity. Our goal is to provide homeowners with a stress-free selling experience and a fair cash offer for their property.

Customer Satisfaction: Our clients' satisfaction is our top priority. We go above and beyond to meet their needs and ensure they are happy with the outcome.

Local Commitment: As a local business, we are committed to serving our community. We understand the unique challenges homeowners face in Northern Virginia and are here to help.

Contact Us Today

If you're ready to sell your house quickly and efficiently, contact Kingfisher House Buyers today. Give us a call at 540-755-4099 or visit our website at www.kingfisherre.com to get started. Let us help you navigate the home-selling process with ease and confidence.

By choosing Kingfisher House Buyers, you're opting for a hassle-free, quick, and reliable solution to sell your house in Northern Virginia. Experience the benefits of working with a trusted local cash home-buying company and move forward with your life today.

[culdesacbot1]

Spotsylvania County, VA, USA 38.2608, -77.7328

[countyflagchampionship]

[candrcarpetandrug]

Elevate Your Home's Style with C&R Carpet and Rug: Your Flooring Destination in VA

Are you on the hunt for the perfect flooring solution to elevate the style and comfort of your home in King George, Bowling Green, Bumpass, or Spotsylvania, VA? Look no further than C&R Carpet and Rug, your premier destination for quality carpets and flooring options. Whether you're looking to refresh a single room or revamp your entire home, we have the expertise and selection to bring your vision to life.

Carpet King George, VA:

Carpet In King George, VA, C&R Carpet and Rug reigns supreme as the go-to destination for all your carpeting needs. Our extensive collection features a wide range of styles, colors, and textures to suit any aesthetic preference and budget. From luxurious plush carpets to durable berber options, we have something for every taste and lifestyle. Transform your living space with the warmth and comfort that only high-quality carpeting can provide.

Flooring Stores in King George, VA:

When it comes to flooring stores in King George, VA, C&R Carpet and Rug stands out as a trusted name synonymous with quality and excellence. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping you find the perfect flooring solution for your home. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of hardwood, the durability of laminate, or the versatility of vinyl, we have an extensive selection to choose from. With our expert guidance, you can achieve the look and functionality you desire for any room in your home.

Flooring Stores Bowling Green, VA:

Residents of Bowling Green, VA, know that C&R Carpet and Rug is the ultimate destination for top-notch flooring solutions. Our showroom boasts a diverse array of flooring options, including hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile, ensuring that you'll find exactly what you're looking for. Whether you're renovating your kitchen, upgrading your bathroom, or refreshing your entire home, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Carpet Stores in Bumpass, VA:

In Bumpass, VA, discerning homeowners turn to C&R Carpet and Rug for all their carpeting needs. Our expansive showroom features an impressive selection of carpets in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors to complement any decor. Whether you prefer the softness of plush carpeting or the durability of stain-resistant options, we have the perfect solution for your home. Experience the unmatched comfort and luxury that only premium carpeting can provide, and elevate the look and feel of your living space with C&R Carpet and Rug.

Flooring Stores Spotsylvania, VA:

When it comes to flooring stores in Spotsylvania, VA, C&R Carpet and Rug is the name you can trust. Our commitment to quality, value, and customer satisfaction sets us apart as the premier destination for homeowners seeking top-notch flooring solutions. Whether you're looking for hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or carpeting, our extensive selection and expert guidance ensure that you'll find the perfect flooring option to suit your needs and style preferences.

At C&R Carpet and Rug, we understand that selecting the right flooring for your home is an important decision. That's why we're dedicated to providing our customers with exceptional service, quality products, and expert guidance every step of the way. Visit our showroom today to explore our extensive selection and discover why we're the preferred choice for homeowners throughout King George, Bowling Green, Bumpass, Spotsylvania, and beyond.

[realtorjamier]

Things to do in September Around the Area

September in our area is the perfect time of the year to enjoy outdoor events. The weather tends to be mild with the emergence of early autumn. Fall festivals are full of farmers’ and vintners’ agricultural offerings, as well as artists’ and musicians’ creative works. Take a look at this sampling of experiences in the D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia area.

DC JazzFest

Aug. 30 through Sept. 3 The Wharf 1001 7th Street SW Washington, DC

Originally dubbed the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in 2005, the DC Jazz Festival features acclaimed and emerging artists and provides a rich education component for young and old alike. The festival presents free and affordably-priced performances and education programs serving a diverse populace. 

Patsy Cline Block Party

Sept. 2 Patsy Cline Historic House 608 South Kent St. Winchester, VA

Celebrate Patsy Cline’s birthday in her hometown with live music, tours of her childhood home, food, and educational exhibits. The Patsy Cline Historic House stands as an icon for Patsy Cline fans and admirers hoping to know first hand the story of Patsy’s early years and offering insight into the famed singer’s early road to stardom. Parking and free shuttle rides are available from the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center on 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road and will run continuously throughout the day. 

Virginia Scottish Games

Sept. 2 through Sept. 3 Great Meadow 5089 Old Tavern Road The Plains, VA 

Experience the sounds and influences of Scotland through live music, dance, and athletic competitions at the 49th Virginia Scottish Games. Eat haggis, meat pies, Scotch eggs, and drink whisky. Research your own Scottish roots by meeting other folks with Scottish heritage. 

Labor Day Art Show

Sept. 2 through Sept. 4 Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd.    Glen Echo, MD

Presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, this exhibition and sale is one of the largest art shows in the area. Admission is free, and the exhibition features the work of more than 200 artists from the mid-Atlantic region. The wide range of artistic media includes sculpture, painting, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, furniture, and works on paper.

Maryland Cider Festival

Sept. 9 Two Story Chimney Ciderworks 115 Damascus Road Gaithersburg, MD

Drink apples, listen to music, eat food, and visit craft vendors. The Maryland Cider Festival will feature ten local cideries showcasing their best hard ciders – some dry, some sweet, still or sparkling, modern to heritage. It will be a great way to enjoy a fall day.

The Great Frederick Fair

Sept. 15 through Sept. 23 Frederick Fairgrounds 797 E. Patrick St. Frederick, MD

“Cowboy Boots and Down Home Roots” – The Great Frederick Fair’s celebration of agriculture is unmatched. Gate admission includes tons to see and do for kids and grownups: a cowboy circus, a farm animal birthing center, comedy shows, traditional agriculture exhibits, musical acts, magic, and more. Carnival rides and games will also be available with the purchase of a wristband or individual tickets.

Wild Roots Music Festival

Sept. 16 Wilderness Presidential Resort 9220 Plank Rd. Spotsylvania, VA

Located just west of Fredericksburg, the Wilderness Presidential Resort is hosting the Wild Roots Music Festival featuring regionally and nationally known bands and musicians. Family friendly music, games, and vendors will keep every generation entertained in a spectacular lakeside setting.

Bluemont Fair

Sept. 16 through Sept. 17 33846 Snickersville Turnpike Bluemont, VA

Meander through the 200-year-old village of Bluemont nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 53rd annual Bluemont Fair features artisan crafts, local wine, beer, and music. Experience the history of the area including an archaeology demonstration. Children under 9 are free and can enjoy games and a petting zoo.

Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival

Sept. 22 through Sept. 24 Jefferson County Fairgrounds 1707 Old Leetown Pike Kearneysville, WV

Wander through the tents, buildings, and pavilions in the rolling countryside of Jefferson County, W.Va., and admire the crafts and fine arts of approximately 180 quality juried artists/crafters from over 20 states who will demonstrate their creative works. Bluegrass bands, kids activities, craft beer and local wine, food trucks, and more. 

Apple Festival

Sept. 30 Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum 21668 Heritage Farm Lane Sterling, VA

Watch how cider is pressed and enjoy hard cider, beer, and wine. Kids will have fun with apple games and a moon bounce. What else? Live music and food trucks.

Manassas Latino Festival

Sept. 30 9201 Center St. Manassas, VA

This annual event has live music, dance performances, diverse foods, and fun activities for the entire family, all in celebration of the cultural heritage and contributions of the Latin American community.  The Manassas Latino Festival is a project of Abriendo Puertas, whose mission is to empower the Latino community to integrate, thrive, and fully participate in building a stronger, just and inclusive society for all.

[advancedwildliferemovalva]

Advanced Wildlife Removal

Count on the wildlife removal experts at Advanced Wildlife Removal when critters become a nuisance on your Virginia property. We are the go-to solution for professional wildlife removal services in Spotsylvania, VA, and the surrounding areas. Our team of licensed professionals is deeply committed to protecting your property and ensuring the safe removal of unwanted wildlife. Whether you're grappling with bats, birds, foxes, moles, mice, possums, raccoons, rats, rodents, snakes, squirrels, or voles, we have the expertise to handle it all. What sets us apart is our dedication to providing tailored solutions to address your specific wildlife intrusion issues. We understand that every situation is unique, and we work closely with you to deliver effective results. Choose Advanced Wildlife Removal for peace of mind and efficient wildlife management. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Contact us today at (540) 501-7729 to schedule a consultation and let Advanced Wildlife Removal secure your property from unwanted wildlife intrusions. Visit our website at https://advancedwildliferemoval.org/ to discover more about our services and how we can assist you in reclaiming your peace and comfort.

Squirrel removal

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[recentlyheardcom]

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) — The “crossroads of the Civil War,” as Virginia’s Spotsylvania County calls itself, is once again a cauldron of hostilities, this time minus the muskets.Within range of four devastating battles that laid waste to tens of thousands of lives, 21st century culture wars rage. The stakes hardly compare to such tragic losses, but feelings run fever high.Dirty tricks spill out; political struggles are taken to the extreme.The principal flashpoint: school board meetings. And not just here. A long tradition of doing prosaic but vital work has sunk into chaos and poisonous confrontation across the United States. The lower rungs of democracy are cracking.In Tuesday’s elections in Virginia, the far right is fighting to gain control of more local offices — often school boards — while the left claws back with cries of “fascism.”“Just bananas,” a Spotsylvania School Board candidate with Democratic support says of the local fight over education. “So far out of hand,” agrees a county Republican leader.Though the nearly 600 school board seats open in Virginia are officially nonpartisan, political parties and aligned groups have been aggressively involved. Each party wants its say over the future of public education. National figures, including presidential candidates, are watching the off-year election to see which side prevails as a hint about voter sentiment heading into 2024.It’s a microcosm of what’s happened around the country in recent years as a growing faction on the right has targeted public education, arguing parents should have more control over what their children learn and experience at school.Their fight to remove classroom materials they view as upsetting to children, dump equity programs and reject accommodations for transgender students has sparked a fierce backlash from parents who say supporting public education means ensuring children with different backgrounds and needs have ample opportunity to thrive.In communities where political differences used to be sorted out with civilized compromise, public meetings devolve into screaming matches. Legal complaints fly. Deputies kick people out. School board members refuse to cede any ground. Neither side can bear giving up what each thinks is best for kids.Students wait for any change in the struggles they face, among them pandemic learning loss, mental health problems and teacher shortages.In Spotsylvania County, both sides can agree that Tuesday’s election will determine whether any progress is possible and whether a plaintive cry to restore civility, heard from many across the political spectrum, can be met.Two meetings, a month apart, illustrate the gulf between the raw politics of the day and the sober civility that some dare hope will return.One was a discordant school board meeting in September that stretched over nearly five hours. The other was a school board candidates forum that drew a full room in October. The first showed what the school board has looked like the past two years. The second showed what a more conciliatory future might be.___THE SEPTEMBER MEETINGAt the county school board meeting Sept. 11, a session when some in the room tried to reach agreement on fixing a high school auditorium's terrible sound and stage-light system so plays can be put on properly, a member of the public stood to declare that Michelle Obama is a man.Another rose to say that promoters of transgender rights in schools should be “executed.”Another read extended and explicit sexual passages from a book she said was in school libraries, as board members sat mute. They spent much of the meeting arguing with each over procedures and stopping the show with cries of “point of order." Motions to move ahead on the auditorium refresh failed on tie votes.The online recordings of these meetings — in a rural, somewhat transient community about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of the nation's capital — draw thousands. The sessions have been known to last nine hours.In September

2022, one meeting got so bad the county sheriff pulled his deputies from future ones, exasperated, he said, by demands from the chair that his officers eject citizens merely for expressing opinions contrary to the body's conservative leadership. Since then, the school board has hired its own private security to stand guard at meetings.“The local political scene is just bananas,” said Belén Rodas, a candidate for school board who received money from a Democratic political action committee but won't take any party endorsement. “Everything about Spotsylvania right now is completely extreme and chaotic and irrational.”Her conservative opponent, endorsed by the local GOP, does not disagree.“Anybody that’s been paying attention to the Spotsylvania School Board in particular has realized, you know, it has become just a nonfunctioning mess," said Jordan Lynch, a onetime agitator from the floor of school board meetings who has moderated his positions and voice.In her Republican-red jacket, Dale Swanson, first vice chair of the county GOP and chair of the Rappahannock Conservative Women’s Coalition, voiced a need for “someone with real calmness” as she handed out sample ballots to voters at an early polling site.“They don’t trust anything in politics now,” she said. “Things have gotten so far out of hand."She added: “We need a better, kinder America.”As she spoke to a reporter, an independent candidate for clerk of court, running on a platform of streamlining handgun permits, handed out misleading sample ballots near her, some in blue and some in red. They fooled some voters into thinking each political party had endorsed his candidacy.Democrats and Republicans implored him to stop, but he defiantly pressed on until, days later, a judge barred him from distributing the sheets.“There’s dirty tricks being played all over the place," Swanson said. “This country is so divided now, and they’re pitting people against people and parties against parties. And it’s intentional. It’s really intentional. None of us accomplishes anything that we want to do, neither party.”With school board fights nationwide pitting increasingly sophisticated social conservative groups such as Moms for Liberty against teachers unions and others on the left, it seems the old axiom that all politics is local no longer applies. Local politics now is everyone’s fray.Virginia has taken center stage. Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin was elected in 2021 on a platform of parents’ rights.In August, Spotsylvania County became the first school division in the state to adopt the governor’s model policies on the treatment of transgender students, requiring school staff to refer to children by the name and pronoun in their official record and only use alternate names or pronouns with a parent’s written permission.With Virginians divided over what Youngkin's vision of parental rights means, many counties have found themselves facing school board races as pivotal and high voltage as the one in Spotsylvania.In Rockingham County, a network of parents is working to find safe havens for transgender teenagers, bracing for an election that could push the board farther to the right.In Goochland County, civility and the board majority hang in the balance as the board's vice chair sues her four colleagues for defamation.The polarization on school boards distresses Frank Morgan, a retired career-long educator in Virginia and South Carolina who said schools can only work with collaboration in the community.“The partisanship just scares me to death,” he said.School board members “are just going to focus on these hot button political partisan issues and not look at really the successful operation of schools,” he said. “I want voters to look at the whole picture and not just narrow little slivers that fire people up.”___A CALMER PASTThings in Spotsylvania County weren't always this way.In 2017, when Tamara Quick started regularly attending school board meetings, she didn't always agree with the members, but they were always professional, she said.

“There might be some elevated voices or some obvious disagreements like you’d have around the dinner table with your family at Thanksgiving,” said Quick, a 52-year-old mother and special education advocate in the county. “But you could tell they were a cohesive group for the most part that was really trying to do what was best for students.”Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Quick recalled, and fights over masks, remote learning and the content of books in school libraries stirred conflict.At a meeting in November 2021, the board voted for staff to remove books from the shelves if they contained “sexually explicit” material. Two members suggested the books should be burned, thrusting Spotsylvania County into national headlines.“I don't want to even see them,” Rabih Abuismail, who is giving up his seat on the board this year, said of the books. “I think they should be thrown in a fire.”Kirk Twigg, his colleague who is running for reelection Tuesday and served last year as board chairman, said he wanted to “see the books before we burn them so we can identify within our community that we are eradicating this bad stuff.”Met with a fierce public outcry, the board voted to rescind the ban a week later.___THE RIGHT TAKES OVERThe same month, an election flipped the school board, giving Twigg, Abuismail and two more hard-right colleagues a majority on the seven-person board. Twigg became chairman.The county's superintendent of nine years agreed to resign at the end of the school year to give the board time to find new leadership. Instead, the new majority fired him “without cause” during an incendiary meeting as one of its first acts.It then paid a recruiting company $25,000 to search nationwide for a new candidate, according to local news reports, only to select Mark Taylor, a former Spotsylvania County administrator and attorney who had no experience in public education. Taylor had previously served on the board of an organization run by Twigg's family, according to state records.During a March school board meeting, in a budget discussion, Taylor floated the idea of eliminating school libraries, cutting advanced programs and laying off teachers if the school system didn't get the money it needed. The same month, in response to a law signed by Youngkin requiring that parents be notified of sexually explicit content in instructional materials, he ordered schools to remove 14 books from the shelves, two of them by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison.His hiring is one of many school board moves that have left some community members exasperated.“They turn off microphones of minority board members," said Tom Eichenberg, a retired principal who spent 20 years working in Spotsylvania County. "They cut off public comments when they don’t like what they’re hearing.”He said the board does not allow minority members to bring up new business and has not approved meeting minutes in over a year, which means the only record of each one is an hourslong video that is difficult to search.Eichenberg, who said he used to email school board members with questions regularly and receive quick replies, sent The Associated Press copies of emails he has written to the new majority. He has fired off more than 20 and received no answers to his questions.In February, just after his term as chair, Twigg was charged with criminal forgery of a public document and a misdemeanor count of tampering with a public record in an effort last year to unilaterally raise the pay of an interim superintendent above levels approved by the board. Twigg pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a jury trial expected in January.Chatting up voters and volunteers at the early voting site last month, Twigg declined to be interviewed by the AP, saying only: “Right now we’re just going to let the elections continue. ... You’re going to have a new sheriff and a continued conservative, constitutional school board — and watch us work, in the name of God and community.”Superintendent Taylor, board member Abuismail and the current board chair, Lisa Phelps, did not respond to requests for comment.

___TEACHERS EXITThe school division’s new leadership has prompted many teachers and staff members to leave for neighboring districts.Among them is 45-year-old Fabiana Parker, an English-as-a-second-language teacher who won the statewide prize for teacher of the year in 2022 while working in Spotsylvania County schools. She left before the 2023-24 school year, along with several other language teachers, because she didn’t agree with the district’s new positions on LGBTQ issues, books or diversity, equity and inclusion.“I wasn’t in a district that was aligned with my beliefs,” said Parker, now teaching in Manassas.Longtime history and language arts teacher Heather Drane also left this year. The final straw was when she was informed she would be involuntarily moved to a different school and position after working 18 years in the same school. While she does not have proof, Drane thinks it was retaliation for her vocal resistance against the new school board majority.“It just seemed like I turned around and one minute, we’re being lauded for the extra work we were doing, and the next, we were being vilified,” said Drane, who added she easily knows 10 other staff members who have left in part because of the school board’s new direction. “I do think the soul of this county is on the line.”Parents are questioning whether to stay, too. Quick, for one, is set in her post-election plans if the school board’s status quo remains.“We will 100% be putting our house on the market if it doesn’t change significantly,” she said.___THE OCTOBER MEETINGIt's not all screaming.On Oct. 16, six school board candidates showed up for a forum sponsored by the NAACP. To a person, they preached civility and normalcy. They promised to come to school board meetings with respectful voices and fealty to Robert's Rules of Order, the guide to how to run — and behave in — such proceedings.The crowd applauded Lynch, the one Republican-aligned candidate to attend, as he called for the politics of compromise,. It did the same for the more liberal candidates on the panel when they, too, summoned the better angels of community life.Though given only one minute to respond to each question, the candidates, at least on the surface, appeared to get closer to agreement on books in school libraries than the shouters across the country have managed to achieve in all of their cantankerous debate.Liberals said they don't want their children exposed to everything, either. Some were open to a ratings system like that for movies. Several endorsed parental notification by email when a student checks out a book.Candidates touched on ways to let parents opt their children in or out of being able to check out a list of challenged books.“The book burners have never been on the right side of history,” Rodas told the audience.“We don’t need to burn them,” said her opponent, Lynch. “We don’t need to ban them.”No one criticized anyone in attendance. After the forum, Rodas and Lynch chatted with each other and posed together for a neighborly photo, smiling broadly.“It was nice to hear a little bit of common sense again, and collaborate,” Rodas said.For at least a moment, politics was local again.___Swenson reported from New York. Associated Press video journalist Serkan Gurbuz contributed to this report.___The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

[mystlnewsonline]

Virginia Governor Announces $1.3 Million in Grant Funds

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces $1.3 Million to Protect Historic Battlefield Lands. Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund grants will help protect over 211 acres of battlefield lands across Virginia. RICHMOND, VA (STL.News) Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that more than $1.3 million in grant funds will be allocated to protect approximately 211 acres of battlefield land throughout the Commonwealth.  The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) will administer the grants awarded through the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund (VBPF) program. This year, a total of eight projects will receive funding through the VBPF to acquire land for the purposes of permanent preservation and battlefield interpretation.  Grant recipients also intend to install signs and develop tours and pedestrian trails to make the properties accessible to the public.  Several projects in this year's grant round protect acreage associated with the actions of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War. "My administration is committed to preserving our history to allow future generations to learn from it – the bad and the good," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "These commitments will continue the preservation and accessibility of these important resources.  These battlefields that we were at risk of losing forever serve as a reminder of our journey as a nation." The General Assembly established the VBPF in 2010 under Virginia Code §10.1-2202.4, which, in part, authorizes the Department of Historic Resources to administer the award grants to private nonprofit organizations for the perpetual protection of Virginia battlefield lands associated with the Revolutionary War (1775- 1783), the War of 1812, and the Civil War (1861-1865). Two nonprofit organizations will be awarded VBPF grants this year: the American Battlefield Trust and the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust.  The two organizations will use the VBPF grants to leverage matching donations and conserve land associated with multiple battlefields of the Civil War: Chancellorsville (1863) in Spotsylvania County, Cumberland Church (1865) in Cumberland County, Glendale (1862) in Henrico County, Trevilian Station (1864) in Louisa County, and the battles of Ream's Station (1864) and Dinwiddie Courthouse (1865) in Dinwiddie County. "The awarding of these funds demonstrates Virginia's sustained commitment to the preservation of significant historic battlefield properties," Department of Historic Resources Director Julie V. Langan said. "I am excited to see the variety of projects that will be made possible through this round of grants as the Commonwealth continues its investment in preserving and stewarding these important historic places for future generations." In accordance with VBPF stipulations, grant recipients must donate an easement to the Virginia Board of Historic Resources for any acreage acquired with the state grant funds.  The perpetual easement restricts or prohibits subdivision and commercial development of the land and contains provisions protecting historic, archaeological, and battlefield landscape resources on the property. The 2023 VBPF awards will be distributed as follows: - To preserve a total of three historically significant properties associated with the 1863 Battle of Chancellorsville, the American Battlefield Trust will receive two grant awards totaling $507,350, and the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust will receive one grant in the amount of $164,071. - A $96,000 grant was awarded to the American Battlefield Trust for the purchase of 42.8 acres on the Cumberland Church Battlefield in Farmville, Va.  This award will go toward preserving some of the first acreage associated with the Battle of Cumberland Church on April 7, 1865.  A partnership between the Trust and the Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society will ensure the property is open to the public as a battlefield park while also retaining its agricultural uses. The American Battlefield Trust will also receive: + $80,000 to preserve an 11.37-acre property in Henrico County associated with the Battles of Glendale, Malvern Hill, Deep Bottom I, and Deep Bottom II; + $300,000 to preserve 98.70 acres connected to the cavalry battle at Trevilian Station; + $25,500 to preserve eight acres at Dinwiddie Courthouse, located near a critical stream crossing that featured prominently in the battle; and + $133,750 to preserve three acres at Ream's Station that will connect to more than 500 acres of publicly accessible land in Dinwiddie County.  Conservation of this parcel will help close a gap near the center of the battlefield where three separate Confederate assaults were launched during the battle on June 29, 1864. "The preservation of these significant battlefields enhances Virginia's focus on historic preservation and land conservation and advances our reputation as a destination for those seeking to connect with our nation's history," said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis A. Voyles. The VBPF projects were selected based on each battlefield's significance and ranking in Congress's Report on the Nation's Civil War Battlefields, issued in 1993 and subsequently updated.  Additionally, factors in the grant applications were considered, such as the proximity of a battlefield parcel to already protected lands; the threat of encroaching development that could transform a parcel's historic look and feel at the time of a battle; and the potential for education, recreation, research, or heritage tourism in connection with a battlefield tract. In addition to supporting heritage tourism, the preservation of battlefield lands also supports many conservation and recreational goals.  Preserved battlefield acreage protects open space, agricultural properties, wetlands, timberlands, water quality, wildlife habitats, and recreational spaces near or within growing urban areas. About Virginia Department of Historic Resources The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia.  As the SHPO, DHR administers a number of state and federal programs.  As a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat, DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia's significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. As of 2023, DHR has placed under easement more than 45,000 acres of land.  DHR easements are held by the Virginia Board of Historic Resources (VBHR), and DHR staff monitor the eased lands.  The VBHR currently holds easements on approximately 15,900 acres of battlefields in Virginia. For more, visit dhr.virginia.gov. SOURCE: Virginia Governor Read the full article

[timpandajis]

iNWS Alert

Event cancelled. Severe Thunderstorm Watch from 8/29/2024 8:27 PM to 11:00 PM EDT for Spotsylvania County, VA, Orange County, VA, Albemarle County, VA, Culpeper County, VA. More information.