U.S. 29 to close on weekends
The southbound lanes of U.S. 29 will be closed at the U.S 29 - U.S. 15 intersection during three separate weekends in the coming month, starting Aug. 8. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
SCC recommends power line's approval
For the complete story, read the Fauquier Times-DemocratA State Corporation Commission hearing examiner this week recommended approval of Dominion Virginia Power's proposed transmission line through the Piedmont. In a 229-page report released Monday, Alexander F. Skirpan Jr. concluded that Dominion needs the controversial line to meet its Northern Virginia customers' electricity needs by the summer 2011.But his recommendation is contingent upon West Virginia's and Pennsylvania's support for their portions of the proposed line.Dominion welcomed the ruling."From Dominion's perspective, this recommendation affirms what we've said from the beginning, when we" proposed "the line two years ago," spokesperson Le-Ha Anderson said. "There's a real need for the line." | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Planners wrestle with density credits
Adrienne Garreau believes Fauquier's planning commission will need all of the next couple months to sort through a proposal to eliminate density credits for floodplain and steep slopes in rural areas."I'm glad we've got till September, because it's going to take a full discussion of what's going on here," said Garreau, the commission's Scott District representative. Fauquier Supervisor Holder Trumbo (Scott District), who initiated the proposal, wants a commission recommendation by September.Landowners and others spoke about the contentious proposal during the commission's June and May meetings. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
McDaniel considers Vint Hill a 'showcase'
The newest member of the Vint Hill Economic Development Authority (EDA) board believes the business park near New Baltimore holds great promise."I think it can be a showcase," said certified public accountant Mary Leigh McDaniel, who joined the seven-member board in June. McDaniel believes that settlement patterns — the distance between homes and work places — will shrink because of high energy prices.With proper planning, Vint Hill could play a critical role in providing jobs for local people, thus eliminating long commutes, said McDaniel, who lives near Marshall and works in Warrenton. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
FAA expansion on track
The Federal Aviation Administration purchased the first site at Vint Hill after the former U.S. Army base was closed in the late 1990s, and while not the first Vint Hill tenant to expand, the FAA is doing so with panache. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Grand jury indicts 40
A Fairfax County man accused of dragging a state trooper after hitting him with a motor vehicle and a Salem man who allegedly had his child in his car while leading state troopers on a high-speed pursuit, were among 40 people indicted by a Fauquier County Grand Jury on Monday. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
National Night Out observed next week
Two local law enforcement agencies will participate in the 25th anniversary of National Night Out on Aug. 5. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police briefs
Abduction charged A Washington, Va., man was reportedly charged with abduction in connection with an assault the occurred near the Warrenton Aquatics and Recreation Facility on July 7. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Outdoor memorial gets new life
The death of an elderly maple on the Warren Green lawn has sparked new life in an idea that has been gathering dust for the past six years: A Culpeper Street amphitheater in memory of the late M. Meade Palmer. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Culpeper man touts gas-saver
Jerry Dossey is a curious, creative man who has been around automobiles most of his life. Originally from Prince Georges County, Md., he worked his way to Florida and back again as a car salesman. Some five years ago he went to work at Chrysler of Culpeper as sales manager. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Corps of Engineers nixes pond appeal
Down one day, up the next.Last December, the Army Corps of Engineers turned down a request from the Town of Warrenton for permit approval to construct an in-stream pond near the Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility (WARF). | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Grow it yourself
With the rising cost of food and gasoline, eating healthy is becoming more and more expensive. The Edible Gardener, a new local business, offers a long-term solution to the problem, providing on-site installation of green, efficient and beautiful organic gardens to area homeowners. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Foundation launch honors fallen soldier
SPC Ross A. McGinnis died in Iraq in December, 2006, killed instantly when he smothered a grenade with his body in order to save the lives of four other soldiers who shared the humvee with him. The 19-year-old soldier was posthumously awarded the U.S. Army Medal of Honor last month, one of only a handful of soldiers from the Iraq war to be so honored. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police briefs
Larceny investigatedA theft of assorted jewelry reported to the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office July 14 remains under investigation. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Gas prices drive cycle popularity
While there may not be a direct correlation between escalating gas prices and the popularity of motorcycles, there is no doubt that the number of riders is on the rise. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Town Web site may put users at risk
A citizen's concerns about a security flaw in the Town of Warrenton's Web site are reportedly being addressed. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Thief hits Wi-Not Stop
A robbery of the Wi-Not Stop convenience store at the intersection of U.S. 29 [Lee Highway] and Cedar Run Drive July 16 remains under investigation. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Board wants quick turnaround on high-speed proposals
If the board of supervisors and county administrative officials stay on track with their current plan, all Fauquier County residents will have access to high-speed Internet. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Shops at Stonewall to open in November
Assuming there is not some sort of schedule-derailing mishap any time soon, the new Wegmans supermarket in Gainesville may open by the first week of November. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
County launches property reassessment process
For the complete story, read the Fauquier Times-DemocratFor months, Fauquier officials have warned that local real estate values may tank because of the ever-weakening housing market, putting even more of a financial squeeze on the cash-strapped county.If their gloomy forecast proves accurate, what may that bode for government operations, the school system and taxpayers? Nobody knows for sure.But answers to some of those and other pressing questions may start to emerge in about 15 months as Fauquier completes the mass appraisal of its real estate.The board of supervisors will use the new values to set the real estate tax rate and determine spending levels. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
County seeks permit for safety training center
For the complete story, read the Fauquier Times-DemocratFauquier last week took a big step toward establishing a public-safety training center near Warrenton. The county board of supervisors on July 10 agreed to seek a special-exception permit for the $1 million-plus project.Plans for the 26-acre site off Green Road adjacent to the county landfill include a gun range and a fire training area.In August, the county planning commission will hold a public hearing on the permit request. It eventually will forward the application to the supervisors, who also will hold a public hearing on the project.But the board, hurting for money and facing difficult capital investment challenges, still must decide whether to fund the center this year."Is this a project we should continue to develop" now or should the board wait "for better economic times?" Deputy County Administrator Tony Hooper said during last Thursday's work session. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Board OKs meals tax strategy, timeline
For the complete story, read the Fauquier Times-DemocratHe concedes the proposed food and beverage tax will be a hard sell, particularly on the heels of big county real estate tax bill increases in the last couple of years. Under the circumstances, property owners will wonder why the county wants more of their money, Fauquier Supervisor Terry Nyhous (Center District) said in a work session last Thursday."We've got our work cut out for us" in persuading voters to back a four-percent food and beverage tax, Nyhous told his board colleagues. Voters will decide whether to approve the proposal on the Nov. 4 ballot.The levy would apply to establishments in the county that sell prepared food and beverages, including restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, cafes, delis, coffee shops and so on.It would not apply to Fauquier's three incorporated towns – Warrenton, The Plains and Remington. Of the three towns, only Warrenton has a meals tax. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Plate sales lag
For complete story, read the Fauquier Times-DemocratTo date, about 50 people have paid for license plates commemorating Fauquier's 250th anniversary, which will be marked next May 1 with a day-long celebration in Warrenton. Fauquier began promoting the special plates about three months ago.It must sell 350 sets before the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin manufacturing them, Deputy County Administrator Catherine M. Heritage said.It takes DMV about six months to produce special plates, Heritage said.For that reason, the county has decided that it must receive payment for 350 plates by Oct. 1 to get them to citizens in a timely manner.If Fauquier cannot meet that deadline it will abandon the commemorative plates plan, Heritage said.The county had hoped for more commitments by now, the deputy county administrator said. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Attendance off, but fair a roaring success
The 58th Fauquier County Fair wrapped up last weekend. Fair attendance was down by about 1,000 visitors from last year's totals, according to Tammy Roop, the vice president of the Fauquier County Fair board of directors. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police briefs
Cash stolen Investigators from the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office are investigating a theft of cash reported to the agency July 7. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Sentencing in Social Security fraud case continued
A sentencing hearing in the case of Irven Jones, the general manager of the Blue Ridge Christian Home in Bealeton who pled guilty to Social Security fraud, has been continued. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Fauquier detective puts new skills to the test in murder case
He was getting ready to go on vacation. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Fauquier's Fantastic Four
A group of Warrenton friends has found a unique way to mix fun, flight and the Fantastic Four with a little summer adventure as they head to Tampa, Fla. to compete in the July 19 Red Bull Flugtag. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Homeless kids face adult-sized issues
Being homeless has a profound effect on children, influencing every facet of their lives from physical, emotional and cognitive development to social and behavioral growth.Accounting for nearly half of the nation's homeless, families with children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, statistics show. Recognizing the unique set of problems facing homeless children, three local shelters each provide programs aimed at helping their youngest clients build confidence, improve in school, and reach for the stars. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Legislature gives up on transportation fix
After six days, a handful of press conferences, hours of partisan bickering and tens of thousands of dollars in costs to taxpayers, legislators gave up on a transportation solution Thursday morning and went home. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
My, oh Myers: Fauquier's Brit and Cait packed 1-2 punch
Siblings playing on the same team is commonplace in interscholastic athletics, and something veteran coaches encounter quite often, actually.Twins are a different story.Even if both participate, they don't always choose the same sport. One might be drawn to running, the other to tennis. But when they stay together, there is an undeniable link — and a certain fascination to the union, as exemplified by two young women in Fauquier High's Class of 2008. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Nick Cook: Man, myth, all-around amazing guy
Did you hear about the new TV show that's a spin-off to "Everybody Hates Chris"? It's called, "Everybody Loves Nick."Nick Cook's name seemingly can't be uttered without accompanying praise like that given by Fauquier High football coach Greg Hatfield, "He’s a great athlete, but an even better person."That phrase is an oft-insincere exaggeration, but not in reference to Cook. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Bowman's bid falls short
Sarah Bowman figures to get another shot at it in 2012. Bidding for a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, the 2005 Fauquier High graduate finished eighth in the 1,500 meters Sunday at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. The University of Tennessee rising senior finished in a time of 4:16.54. Bowman had her problems at the start of the nationally-televised race, almost getting bumped off the track in the early going. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Let's Dish celebrates first year in business
Deana Travis, owner-operator of Let's Dish in the Warrenton Center, claims that she has the answer to escalating prices at the grocery store.Come and make this month's feature dinner at her shop (see sidebar) and spend $20 — a far cry from the nearly $60 the ingredients cost at the grocery. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Full House to consider Kaine’s proposal
In a surprise move, the House of Delegates has decided to vote on Gov. Tim Kaine’s transportation plan. Two weeks ago, the House Rules Committee, led by House Speaker William Howell (R-28th), unceremoniously killed the governor’s funding plan. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Drivers get hyper about saving gas
The keys to getting the most out of each tankful of gasoline are to slow down and drive sensibly. But police say there is little evidence motorists are heeding that advice. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police identify homicide victim
Investigators from the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office have identified the victim of a homicide which occurred last week in the 5200 block of Free State Road, Marshall. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police briefs
Property damage reportedThe Fauquier County Sheriff's Office received several reports of damaged property within the last week. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
County seeks grants for tornado-warning system
A countywide tornado warning program could be implemented by the fall. | 1 comment - ›› more ...
Dive into summer
Here we are at the Fourth of July, edging toward the mid-point of summer. For parents, the summer months can be a stressful series of hot days, centered around keeping the kids active, engaged and entertained while maintaining adult responsibilities and, ideally, sanity. And whether you see the season as half over or just begun is a matter of attitude. So, parents, how are you holding up? | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police seek clues in Marshall death
Fauquier County investigators conducted an exhaustive search early last week at a Free State Road address in Marshall where a death was reported on Sunday. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police briefs
Larcenies investigated. Two larcenies reported to the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office remain under investigation. According to police records, one of the incidents occurred June 23 in the 3000 block of Leeds Manor Road, Markham. The complainant reported the theft of a John Deere riding mower from a shed. It was worth approximately $2,800. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Public safety hiring reflects economic realities
Local government officials recently announced layoffs as the county continues to struggle with increasing expenses and diminishing revenue. A hiring freeze was already in effect. Public safety agencies in Fauquier County are exempt from the freeze, and are, in fact, actively seeking several new employees to fill existing vacancies. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Stop on red, go on...white? Safety signal may confuse motorists
A citizen's complaint has raised concern about special devices designed to help emergency vehicles avoid congestion at traffic lights while they are responding to calls. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Local agencies cautious about ICE training
Fauquier County deputies check immigration status whenever someone is arrested on felony or misdemeanor charges. When necessary, deputies notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the appropriate consulate about the arrest. On the other hand, Warrenton Police Chief Connie Novak said her officers do not check immigration status when they make misdemeanor felony arrests. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Police briefs
Theft of cash investigated A larceny reported to the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office June 25 remains under investigation. | 0 comments - ›› more ...
Foul play suspected in death
A death in the 5200 block of Free State Road in Marshall which was reported to the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office on Sunday remains under investigation. | 0 comments - ›› more ...