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SLIDESHOW: Large turnout for Sheriff Connie Compton’s annual Jingle Bell 5K
A former Rappahannock County history teacher and a 16-year-old Fauquier County
homeschooler took top honors in Saturday’s ninth-annual Jingle Bell 5K Run in
Washington. Jared Neiters of Warrenton placed first in the race, coming in at
18:11.29 – well under the anticipated 19-minute goal he set for himself. Neiters
last worked in the county in 2007 and his commute from his then Front Royal home
to the high school was by bicycle, pumping his legs up and over Chester Gap
every morning and back again after school. He now owns bike shops in The Plains
and Haymarket and also coaches people who participate in endurance events
including ironman competitions and cross-country skiing. He admitted he seldom
runs anymore and only began training for the Jingle Bell about three weeks ago.
Gianna Earl also hails from Warrenton, finishing eighth overall and first female
to cross the finish line. Earl credited her dad for getting her into the race.
"I wanted another run to finish out the year and dad found this race on the
internet,” Earl said. Prior to the race her dad proffered her his winter coat so
she could lay down on the Mt. Salem Avenue pavement while he helped her stretch
her long, lanky legs. Sponsored by the Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Children’s
Foundation with all proceeds going to help the underprivileged children of the
county, the event proved highly successful with more than 150 athletes of
various shapes, sizes, ages, and ability participated by either running or
walking the streets of the county seat. They took off from the old Washington
Schoolhouse on Mt. Salem Avenue, headed down Gay Street before turning on Warren
Avenue. A left turn on Old Mill Road, looping around the county library before
returning to the start. A large contingent of walkers started 15 minutes ahead
of the runners. Included in that mass were Rappahannock County Board of
Supervisor Debbie P. Donehey (Wakefield District) and Assistant County
Administrator Bonnie Jewell. Several walkers and a few runners also brought
their K-9s to the race. Among those were Madison County’s Allan McLearen who
finished 22ndoverall as a runner and first among men aged 70-79. His Australian
Shepherd finished slightly ahead but had no recorded time. An unnamed female
walker pushed a baby stroller on the course but inside the carriage was her
basset hound. Flint Hill resident Jason Brady was the first Rappahannock County
runner to cross the line with a time of 23:37.30, finishing 12thoverall.
Afterwards, he said he was running with several others from Greene County but he
said he slowed as he approached the old school’s driveway, thinking that was the
end of the race. "I slowed and they took off up the hill,” Brady said. "I gave
up but took off after them. Ruckersville residents Taylor Snowden, the second
female with a time of 23:24.30 and Jonathan Peck (23:26.19) edged out Brady.
Second Rapp runner was Leonard "Mac” McGill of Flint Hill (24:46.52), who placed
15th while Flint Hill resident Ryan Robinson (27:15.12) proved the youngest
runner (aged 10 and under). Taking second in the race was Doug Rissing
(19:21.07) of Savannah, Georgia, with John Feigelson of Brooklyn, N.Y., taking
third (20:52.94). Rounding out the top five finishers included Matthew Kita
(21:37.67) and Snowden’s husband, Jonathan, who ran a 22:04.67. Major Roger
Jenkins, the only Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office employee to run this year
placed 47th overall with a time of 31:44.10. "I was hoping to finish around 30
minutes,” Major Jenkins said. "But I’ll take the time I got. At least I
finished.” Major Jenkins added he runs six- to seven-miles a day on a treadmill,
getting about half the distance done in the mornings before work with the
remaining miles after he finishes his shift. Race timer Chuck Love III of Love’s
Timing Company of Madison said good weather and cool temperatures helped runners
along the course. The foundation sponsors the annual Shop with a Copprogram
where Sheriff Connie S. Compton, her staff along with members of several other
law enforcement agencies that work the county go to Warrenton’s Walmart in early
December to buy Christmas gifts for their families. Those interested in
contributing to the non-profit foundation can send checks to the Rappahannock
County Sheriff’s Children’s Foundation, PO Box 487, Washington, Va., 22747, care
of Sheriff Connie S. Compton.
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Sunday, February 05, 2023
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Madison’s Main Street will be congested on Monday
Jesse Bannister, owner of the property at 319 N. Main Street. in Madison,
reported to Town Council on Thursday night that plans are in place to remove the
large tree in his front yard on Monday. The town previously had concerns that
the 97-foot-tall tree’s roots are deteriorating the retaining wall next to the
sidewalk. Fant’s Tree Service of Leon will remove the tree, and Virginia
Department of Transportation (VDOT) will control the closure of one lane of
traffic on that block, carefully timing the work between school bus runs.
Simultaneously, VDOT has scheduled a closure of Washington Street on Monday and
Tuesday, to repair, replace, and install sidewalks. Only vehicles of persons
residing on Washington Street will be allowed to pass.

By Becky Thompson / JournalistFriday, February 03, 2023
Madison BOS eyes selling historic Arcade Building
One of the most historic buildings in downtown Madison may soon be for sale. At
Thursday’s budget work session of the Madison County Board of Supervisors (BOS),
members discussed what to do with the Arcade Building in light of saving
taxpayer’s money. In recent times, the county historical society used the Arcade
Building (124 N. Main Street) as its museum before moving in 2017 to the
county-owned Kemper Residence at 412 N. Main Street. The historical society
maintained a hold on the Arcade Building, renting it from the county for an
undisclosed amount. It now uses the building as an office, workroom, and storage
of historical documents and artifacts that won’t fit in either the Kemper
Residence or the Mountain Museum, in Criglersville. Several civic groups –
including the historical society – use the first floor of the building for
meeting space and the Master Gardeners maintains a garden at the rear of the
property. Historically, the Arcade Building first saw use sometime after 1820 as
an inn and tavern, a use that remained until 1919 when fire destroyed it. The
building was restored after the fire and remained in private hands until the
county bought it later in the 1900s. The Arcade sits on 3.179 acres that also
includes the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the 911 call center, Beasley Park,
and public parking lots. The subject to sell the Arcade came up when supervisors
discussed Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2024 and beyond. County
Administrator Jonathon Weakley told the board he had not earmarked any funding
for the Arcade Building. A recent study of all county property stated the brick
on the building needed repointing with an "estimated cost above $100,000.” With
that pricing in mind, Weakley told supervisors, "I wanted your input”.
Supervisor Charlotte Hoffman first broached the idea of selling the building
with others quickly chiming in. "I’m willing to go down that path,” BOS Chair R.
Clay Jackson said. "But remember, that’s one of the buildings that’s near and
dear to a lot of county residents. Hoffman added a private buyer could purchase
it, restore it, and use it for something tangible. It would also put the
building back of the tax roll. Vice-Chair Carlton M. "Carty” Yowell said perhaps
[Jonathan Noggle], a Glen Allen businessman who purchased the former Madison
Eagleoffice and several other Main Street properties he hopes turning into
tourist homes might be interested. "We could be like Little Washington where one
man owns all of Main Street,” Yowell quipped. At the end of discussion, the
board decided not to spend money, even for an appraisal. The board will return
to the idea of selling the building later during the FY24 budget cycle to make a
final decision.

By Chuck Jackson, EditorFriday, February 03, 2023
Mad Dems host new 62nd District hopeful Ratcliffe
Greene County resident Sara Ratcliffe, presumed Democratic candidate for the
newly re-configured 62nd VA House of Delegates District, took her campaign to
Madison Saturday. While speaking to the Madison County Democratic Committee at
their annual re-organization meeting, Ratcliffe emphasized the importance of
"showing up for people by being present in the community, establishing
dialogues, and enabling people to access information.” After a career in the
health care policy arena, Ratcliffe and her husband moved to Greene County in
2016. She said she learned first-hand about the importance of community
resources being raised by a single mother who had mental health issues. That
experience prompted her to want to help other people and she said she "truly
believes government can be a force for good.” Ratcliffe grew up outside of
Chicago and described herself as a "Roosevelt and Kennedy” kind of Democrat. In
addition to access to health care, she listed education, environmental
stewardship, and common-sense gun legislation among her priorities. Ratcliffe
said although they may disagree on the route, "at the end of the day, people
want their homes to be warm, their bellies full and their children to be
successful.” "Reaching out to everyone and taking time to talk to people is
critical,” Ratcliffe added. Having a track record of finding consensus and
building coalitions in her professional work is what she feels sets her apart
from her likely opponent, current 30thDistrict incumbent Republican Nick
Freitas. Ratcliffe also said she will "keep focused on legislating on the state
level” and has no aspirations for higher office. Freitas ran unsuccessfully
against 7th District Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger in 2020. In
2021, Ratcliffe failed to unseat State Delegate Rob Bell in the 58thDistrict
(which included Greene County at the time.) The newly redrawn 62nd District
encompasses all of Greene and Madison Counties, the western half of Orange
County and approximately three-fourths of Culpeper County. According to
Ratcliffe, Freitas’ long-term residence in northern Culpeper County lies within
what will be part of the 61st District currently represented by Republican
Delegate Michael Webert. She said it is her understanding that the Freitas
family have rented a property in Culpeper that lies within the 62nd District. As
far as the re-districting effort is concerned, Ratcliffe feels it is to the
benefit of local citizens where instead of oddly configured districts "that were
drawn to the benefit of one party,” the new congressional and state legislative
districts are "nested” so that all of representatives can work on the issues
most pertinent to those localities. Annette Hyde, who fell short of unseating
Freitas in 2021, was recently elected Madison County Democratic Committee chair.
Hyde replaces Meesha Jones who stepped down in December, at the completion of
the first of a three-year term as chair.

By Kris Jarvis, ContributorThursday, February 02, 2023
ORMN: Be Careful Out There!
This is a monthly column from the Old Rag Master Naturalist chapter that will
share things happening in nature each month. It will share places you can go to
experience nature, wildlife, plants, insects and more. Did you know that
Virginia’s wildlife includes numerous poisonous and venomous animals, including
snakes, stinging insects and even toads? Knowing where these animals may be
found and how to identify them can help you avoid being a target of their
defensive actions such as painful bites and stings. If you were bitten or stung
by one, would you know what to do? A new publication has just the information
you need to be careful when you’re out in nature. The Cleopatra Project:
Poisonous and Venomous Animals in Virginia was produced as a collaboration
between the Virginia Master Naturalists, the Blue Ridge Poison Center at the
University of Virginia Health, and the University of Virginia School of
Medicine’s Division of Medical Toxicology Department of Emergency Medicine. The
publication includes information on 32 of Virginia’s poisonous and venomous
animals including: Full color pictures Where they may be found How to identify
them as well as their possible "look-alikes” Potential physical symptoms if you
are stung, bitten, or exposed to toxic secretions When to seek medical help. The
Cleopatra Project is now available for free download on the website of The
University of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Poison Center. Here are a few examples of
the poisonous and venomous animals that you will find in The Cleopatra Project
(note: These examples provide a partial description of each animal – there is
additional information in the actual booklet.) Snakes Eastern Copperhead.
MadRapp photo by Matt Bertone/NC State University. There arethree venomous
snakes in Virginia: The Timber Rattlesnake, the Northern Cottonmouth (Water
Moccasin), and the Eastern Copperhead. The Eastern Copperhead (pictured above)
is found across eastern North America. Like pit vipers, it has a triangular
head, vertical pupils, and heat sensing pits behind the nostrils. Found
throughout Virginia, copperheads live in a wide range of habitats, including
woodlands, fields, swampy areas, and around barns and houses where there is
often a ready food supply: mice and rats. They also eat frogs and birds. A
copperhead can control the amount of venom it delivers based on the snake’s
perception of its environment and the level of danger. It may bite to subdue or
kill its prey. It may also bite if it feels threatened. Its bite is considered
the least toxic of North American pit vipers and is rarely fatal. However, you
should seek medical attention if a copperhead bite breaks the skin. Make note of
the time of the bite but don’t delay treatment trying to get a photograph of the
snake. There is a wealth of misinformation about snake bites: DO NOT DO ANY OF
THE FOLLOWING: do not try to cut through the bite site or suck on the bite site
to try and remove the venom; do not apply a tourniquet; do not apply ice or heat
to the bite site. Stay calm and seek immediate medical attention. The best
protection against snake bites is to wear protective clothing and give a snake
time to retreat. Frogs and Toads MadRapp photo by Bruce Grimes / New River
Valley Master Naturalists Chapter Frogs and toads are amphibians. Like most
frogs and toads, the Fowler’s toad initially begins life in an aquatic
environment including semi-permanent pools, shallow water of ponds, or quiet
areas of streams and rivers. The adults can be found in woodlands, sandy
grassland, river and stream banks and beaches. They tend to be most active at
night when they feed on earthworms. During the day and in winter, they burrow
into the ground or hide under rocks and vegetation. If you disturb them by
turning over a rock or picking one up, some toads, including the Fowler’s toad
pictured above, may secrete a moderately potent poison called bufotoxin. Effects
on humans are most likely irritation of mucous membrane (eyes, nose, and mouth)
touched after contact. If eaten, bufotoxin can damage your heart and affect
blood pressure. It is a danger to animals such as dogs and other small pets if
eaten. If ingested, it is recommended that you contact a poison center or seek
medical attention. Jellyfish Bay Nettle Jellyfish. MadRapp photo by David
Malmquist / Virginia Institute of Marine Science Most Virginians enjoy swimming
in the Chesapeake Bay during the summer months. The water is warm, and there are
many beaches along the Bay where you can have a picnic and take a dip. But be
alert: there is a good chance that you may encounter the Bay nettle jellyfish.
This animal has tentacles hanging from its body covered with stinging cells that
contain venom. These stinging cells are sensitive to changes in pressure or
water movement. When a wader or swimmer brushes up against a tentacle, it
creates pressure that causes the jellyfish to release a harpoon-like structure
that pierces the skin and releases its venom. Like many venomous and poisonous
animals, this reaction is a defense to a perceived threat of being harmed or
eaten. Reactions can include pain, redness and blistering. It can be more severe
in young children, people with allergies and older adults. If you experience
swelling or severe allergic reactions it may affect breathing. If this occurs
you should seek immediate medical attention.   As The Cleopatra Project points
out, venomous and poisonous animals play an important role in nature – and they
are significantly important to mankind. Venomous animals like snakes prey on
pests like rats and mice. Pollinators like bees are vital to our agricultural
community as well as our personal flower and vegetable gardens – and the threat
of their stingers protects them against predators and allows them to forage in
the daytime. These and other venomous and poisonous animals have evolved with
other animals and plants over thousands of years to form a healthy and diverse
ecosystem of which we are a part. By understanding these animals, we can "learn
to live together safely, to ensure their survival and ours. " The Cleopatra
Project offers a wealth of information about additional poisonous and venomous
animals in Virginia, including ants, caterpillars, newts, scorpions, shrews,
spiders and wasps and bees.   Article written by Charlene Uhl, ORMN Master
Naturalist Bonnie Beers and Kathleen Aucoin, ORMN Master Naturalists,
contributed to this article. Want to get more ideas on learning about nature?
Have questions? Want to receive our newsletter? Go to the Old Rag Master
Naturalist website. Find information, activities and, of special interest to
parents and teachers here.  

By Charlene Uhl, ORMN ChapterThursday, February 02, 2023
Stanardsville man arrested for Madison church arson
A Stanardsville man has been arrested for setting a fire in the sanctuary of
Rose Park United Methodist Church located in the Wolftown area of Madison County
on January 25. Law enforcement noted on January 26 that they had a person of
interest in the case. Tuesday evening Madison County Sheriff Erik J. Weaver
announced his office had arrested David Gordon Netting, 45, on three felony
charges after sheriff’s deputies found the man inside the church on the day of
the fire. Netting has been charged with three felonies: Breaking and entering
with intent to commit arson; Damaging the church; Burning or destroying the
church. According to online court records if Netting is convicted of the alleged
offenses, he could face between eight and 35 years in prison and fines upwards
of $202,500. After his January 28 arrest Netting was housed in the City of
Richmond Jail. He will appear in Madison County General District Court for his
first hearing on Thursday.

By Chuck Jackson, EditorWednesday, February 01, 2023
Sperryville Historic District expansion now underway
Sperryville River District businessman Alex Sharp said after Monday’s meeting on
the possible expansion of the village’s historic district that gerrymandering
might be a good thing, especially after property owners on Apple Blossom Lane
all said they wanted no part of the expansion. MADRAPP Video: Sperryville
Historic District Expansion. Sharp owns property in the River District, located
off Water Street along the confluence of the North Thornton and Thornton rivers.
He’d like to be included in a possible expansion of the historic district. And
he said he believed leaving Apple Blossom Lane – located immediately north of
the river district further up Water Street would be a good idea. Apple Blossom
Lane resident Pete Gasper talks with architectural historian Maral S. Kalbian
after Monday’s informational meeting regarding the possible expansion of the
Sperryville Historic District. Robin Day listens in the background. MadRapp
photo by Chuck Jackson. Buildings west of Water Street and across from Apple
Blossom Lane might be added based on a visual drive-by from state officials
earlier Monday. The village has had a historic district since 1982 –
representing primarily the Main Street core area with several up shoots to
properties along Woodward Road and Water Street. More than 40 residents of the
greater Sperryville community learned at the meeting Monday night the process to
get an historic perspective of the village including updates relating to how
auto travel, Shenandoah National Park, the agricultural and industrial
components of the 19thand 20th centuries, and how past history affected the
African-American population in the western part of Rappahannock County. In
opening their remarks, Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) employee
Aubrey Von Lindern and architectural historian Maral S. Kalbian both said they
were at the meeting held at Sperryville Fire Department to "listen”. But after
the nearly 90-minute informational meeting concluded both, along with
Sperryville Community Alliance Chair and Vice-Chair Kerry Sutten and Robert
Archer, did more explaining than what they had all hoped to do. Property owners
learned the process began back in 2019 when Archer filed application for a FEMA
grant after several hurricanes wreaked havoc across the commonwealth. Karen
Sanborn, a property owner on Apple Blossom Lane, and Carol Johnson, EdD, both
wanted to know why something that began more than four years ago just now was
coming to area resident’s eyes. Von Lindern explained SCA made application in
2019 and it took DHR and FEMA several years to process it to make sure the
county was eligible for the $60,000 grant. Archer more succinctly reminded the
audience that "COVID” played a role too in slowing down the process. Piedmont
Board of Supervisor Member Christine Smith, whose district includes Sperryville,
said she couldn’t understand how the county could be included when surrounding
counties that experienced more hurricane damage had not been included. Archer
reminded Smith that the Sperryville area received a record 108 inches of rain in
2018 and he had to replace four water heaters and four pressure tanks in his
home that year after repeated basement flooding. "When I looked at a FEMA map
and saw a little red dot representing Rappahannock County in the middle of the
state I wasn’t surprised,” Archer said. The expansion primarily would include
adding homes and businesses on both sides of U.S. Route 211 west of the village,
along with the old Sperryville High School property and the River District east
of the village. Pete Gasper, another Apple Blossom Lane property owner wanted
more details on SCA, noting he couldn’t find adequate information on the
internet about how the organization works or how it’s financed. Von Lindern and
Kalbian both said Apple Blossom Lane residents and others in the area weren’t
told about the first organizational meeting back in December 2022 because at
that time Apple Blossom Lane was not included in the study area. Sutten
suggested those with questions about the organization to stay after the meeting
when he, Archer, and other SCA board members could spend time explaining the
process. Kalbian, a Boyce resident with more than 40 historic reviews under her
belt in more than 32 years of experience, said she would do her survey to
determine buildings in compliance Smith made a point to tell attendees the
county has no role in whether expansion occurred and other than county
Administrator Garrey W. Curry Jr. providing some cursory information to DHR, the
county played no other role in the process. Kalbian will begin the process of
reviewing homes and properties both within the current district and beyond in
the coming weeks. She said all reviews would be done from public rights-of-way
where she would identify structures from a frontal view and whatever else her
eyes could see from the road. She said if residents saw her and wanted to
interact with her, she would love the idea. Kalbian also will do several
ride-alongs with lifetime residents Aileen Johnson and Carolyn Brown Butler, who
know the local history better than most. Earlier in the day Von Lindern said she
met with Lillian Aylor, a Black woman who has lived in the Sperryville area all
her life. "Lillian told me she was glad we were doing this so Black history is
updated,” Von Lindern said. Once Kalbian has finished her review and a report is
written property owners will have a chance to protest at a public hearing and
also by sending a certified letter to the state requesting they not be a part of
an expanded district. Von Lindern said if 51 percent of property owners in an
area wanted exclusion, the state would not designate that area as an historic
landmark and ultimately a federal landmark. "If you own one building you get one
vote,” Von Lindern said. "If you own multiple buildings, you still only get one
vote.” She assured property owners that if an area is expanded, the entire area
would be included. "We don’t want donuts in the middle of an historic district,”
Von Lindern concluded. After the meeting Sutten said he believed "90 percent of
those attending were supporters of the project with the exception of the Apple
Blossom Drive crew along with Smith and a few others.” He said he and Archer
talked to many who opposed the expansion after the meeting and while a few still
opposed it, several now have a better understanding and are willing to see how
the process plays out. SCA also has begun organizing a working group of local
residents to assist Kalbian with her research. They would meet quarterly to
"fact-check” the work and provide insight. Several, including Johnson and Brown
signed up to help after the meeting. Others seeking to join the working group
should email SCA at info@sperryfest.org or write to PO Box 63, Sperryville, Va.
22740 by February 21.

By Chuck Jackson, EditorWednesday, February 01, 2023
Richmond’s screwup could cost Rapp and Madison taxpayers big time
A Virginia government snafu will cost local public school divisions thousands of
dollars over the current and next fiscal year, local superintendents learned
Monday. The error reportedly will short divisions statewide about $201 million.
The reason for the shortfall comes when the state eliminated the state portion
of sales tax on grocery items while keeping the two percent local tax on food
and other items. State officials said Monday divisions would see a $58 million
shortage for the current fiscal year which is already three-quarters done. The
remaining $143 million would have been earmarked for FY 2024. Rappahannock
County Superintendent Shannon Grimsley, EdD, said in an email Tuesday that
school board members will see a loss of $13,800 for the current fiscal year and
about $34,000 next fiscal year. “We can likely absorb this year’s shortfall in
end of year dollars,” Dr. Grimsley stated. “Since we’re very early in the budget
development process for FY24, we will eliminate the projected revenue for next
year. This is one of those instances were our high LCI (Local Composite Index)
shielded us from a more severe impact since the majority of our revenue comes
from [Rappahannock County taxpayers] and less than 20 percent from the state.”
Madison County taxpayers aren’t as fortunate, since Madison’s LCI is much lower
than Rappahannock’s LCI. Madison Superintendent Anna Graham said in an email her
division will take a hit around $80,000 for FY23 and just over $200,000 in FY24
because of the state’s mistake. Like Rappahannock, Madison Public Schools will
have to absorb the cost in the current budget. “We’re hopeful the General
Assembly will come through with a fix at least next year,” Graham wrote.
“Otherwise, this will likely increase our budget request from the county for
FY24.” At a school board budget workshop earlier this month board members
learned the school division could ask the board of supervisors for an additional
$800,000 in new money. Now, due to the state’s error, new local dollar ask could
be closer to a million dollars.

By Chuck Jackson, EditorTuesday, January 31, 2023
VSP launches gaming tip hotline
As the options and opportunities for legal gaming in Virginia expand, Virginia
State Police (VSP) is launching a statewide gaming tip line and online form for
the public to report concerns of suspected gaming operations. Anyone needing to
report alleged criminal violations of gaming laws associated with Virginia
lottery games, sports betting, casino gaming, fantasy contests, and/or horse
racing and pari-mutuel wagering is encouraged to call the new toll-free tip
line, (833)-889-2300, or report the unlawful activity online. State police is
authorized to investigate illegal gaming taking place in person, online and even
on social media platforms. Anonymous tips are welcome. "Virginians need to be
aware that if you choose to participate in gaming activities, the programs are
regulated and must be operated within the confines of Virginia law”, noted
Superintendent of Virginia State Police Colonel Gary T. Settle. "These reporting
options are designed to help protect consumers and Virginia from being taken
advantage of, and to maintain the integrity of the gaming programs.” VSP
launched the new tip line in accordance with Virginia Code Section 52-54, which
officially establishes within VSP an Office of the Gaming Enforcement
Coordinator for the Commonwealth. The purpose of the coordinator is to
synchronize the enforcement of gaming laws by federal law enforcement, VSP,
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), all other
state law enforcement, local law enforcement, and Commonwealth Attorneys. The
office also serves as a liaison between the federal government and Virginia for
the purposes of any federal investigation into illegal gaming activities
occurring within Virginia. For those needing to report general charitable gaming
complaints, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
can be reached at (804) 371-0498.

By Staff ReportMonday, January 30, 2023
Sperryville Historic District Expansion seeks working group to assist
architectural historian
Hours ahead of tonight’s Sperryville Historic District Expansion meeting, the
Sperryville Community Alliance (SCA) has announced the formation of a working
group to help preserve the story of historic buildings both inside the current
district and those found historic surrounding it. SCA has teamed with Virginia
Department of Historic Resources and architectural historian Maral S. Kalbian of
Boyce, on the project. Both Kalbian and DHR representatives will be at the
meeting, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., at Sperryville Fire Department located
at 11871 Lee Highway. "The working group will review the findings of the
architectural historian who will document the important historic buildings
outside the core village including the River District and along the [U.S. Route]
211 corridor up to Shenandoah National Park,” SCA President Kerry Sutten said.
"In addition, it will update the current historic district from the early 1990s
to include significant events that created our community including the apple
industry, establishment of SNP, and advent of auto travel.” Sutten said the
working group will consist of six to eight county residents with knowledge of
the area’s history. "The group will meet on a quarterly basis throughout the
research and validation period to provide expert advice and guidance on building
research,” Sutten said. He added SCA will seek individuals tonight at the
meeting but others interested should send an email (info@sperryfest.org) or
write to PO Box 63, Sperryville, Va., 22740 by February 21, 2023.

By Chuck Jackson, EditorMonday, January 30, 2023
VDOT: Utility work Culpeper line to Food Lion
The following highway work is scheduled, weather permitting, in the Culpeper
District during the next week. Traffic movements may be restricted and speed
limits reduced in work zones.  (NEW) or (UPDATE) indicate revisions since last
week’s report. Culpeper District traffic information is also available on
Twitter and on VDOT’s website. Culpeper County U.S. 522 (Sperryville Pike) –
Other construction. Expect lane and shoulder closures with flaggers between
Aspen Street and Virginia Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the
northbound and southbound lanes. Greene County U.S. 33 (Spotswood Trail)-- Road
reconstruction. Both shoulders are closed between Route 680 (Pinewood Court) and
U.S.29 (Seminole Trail) in the eastbound and westbound lanes while crews work
behind barrels. Traffic is diverted onto the newly constructed eastbound lanes
while crews reconstruct the westbound lanes. Drivers should use caution through
the work zone and stay alert for construction vehicles entering and exiting the
roadway daily. Expected completion is summer 2023. Madison County (UPDATE)
Debris pick-up – Expect mobile, alternating lane closures in the following
areas. U.S. 29 (South Seminole Trail) between Route 634 (Washington Street) and
Route 230 (Orange Road) in the southbound lanes, Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Route 230 (Orange Road) between Route 691 (Lost Mountain Road) and Route 607
(Elly Road) in the eastbound and westbound lanes, Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30
p.m. (NEW) U.S. 29 (South Seminole Trail) – Utility work under VDOT permit.
Expect right shoulder closures with a mobile work zone between Madison Plaza
Drive and U.S. 29 (James Monroe Highway), in the southbound lanes, Monday
through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rappahannock County (NEW) U.S. 211 (Lee
Highway) – Brush removal. Expect alternating lane closures between Route 651
(Atkins Road) and Route 48 (Skyline Drive) in the eastbound and westbound lanes,
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Road conditions and other real-time
travel information can be found on the 511 Virginia website, the free VDOT 511
mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. VDOT updates are also
on Facebook.

By Staff ReportSunday, January 29, 2023
Tarot's Path: Six of Pentacles and Justice
At first, we can’t help feeling the warm fuzzies about what is happening in the
Six of Pentacles. A wealthy man is dropping coins into the hands of a beggar.
Can he be blamed if he is cautiously weighing on his scale the worthiness of the
recipient against the donation? Has he deemed the blue-blanketed beggar
unworthy? He does not place the coins directly into the beggar’s hand but drops
them very visibly from above; he wants his offering to be seen. Justice also
holds a scale with her usual sword. Although, in this case, she is not judging a
point of law. Lacking her quintessential blindfold, she is looking deep into the
giver, holding him as accountable as he is holding his needy recipients. She
reminds him that perhaps he would not survive such scrutiny. How often do we
judge the lives of those we claim to help and how quickly we forget
circumstances that at some point we, also, were dependent upon another for help?
Our failings may not be financial, but we are all, ultimately, flawed. And
Justice will not allow us to forget it.

By Patrice AragonaSunday, January 29, 2023
Jenkins apprehended by VSP in Rockingham County
A Madison County man accused of hit-and-run following a two-vehicle wreck on
U.S. Route 29 in the Shelby area of the county on Thursday morning has been
apprehended in Rockingham County. WHSV-TV3 in Harrisonburg reported late Friday
night that Joseph Nelson Jenkins, 35, was stopped by Virginia State Police in
U.S. Route 33 in front of Spotswood High School. Culpeper Police Department
(CPD) reported an hour earlier that Jenkins had been located and taken into
custody and that a stolen 2015 Ford D350 Super Duty SRW crew-cab pickup truck
allegedly stolen from Koons Automotive earlier on Friday. Jenkins fled the scene
on foot after the Thursday morning wreck where he rammed the rear of a Subaru
SUV on Route 29. State Police and Madison County Sheriff’s Office deputies
scoured the area, including Shelby Road, all day and into Friday. CPD also
reported Jenkins is wanted for crimes in Madison, Spotsylvania, and Prince
William counties and the Town of Culpeper including incidents on November 8,
2022, November 20, 2022 and January 20, 2023.

By Chuck Jackson, EditorSaturday, January 28, 2023
Clarification: In our coverage of the most recent Madison Board of Supervisor’s
meeting “Madison BOS Opts Keeping Graves Mill Precinct Open” appearing on
January 27, 2022, we ran the following sentence, referring to James H. Smith,
who was addressing the BoS in his capacity as Chair of the Madison County
Republican Committee:
More

FEB
03
Rapp girls struggle in late-season play

Panthers trying to stay near top of Bull Run District standings with three games
left on schedule

Just one month ago, Rappahannock County girls’ basketball team held the top spot
in both the Bull Run District and Region 1B, with an overall record of 8-1.

SLIDESHOW: East Rock/Central girls at Rapp. MadRapp photos by Jess Settle.



Today, they are barely holding onto the third position in the Bull Run with an
overall record of 12-5, and have slid to No. 2 in regional standings, just 0.529
points ahead of Buffalo Gap.

With only three regular season games left for Rappahannock, both Luray (12-6)
and Central (12-7) are right on the team’s heels.

Thursday night, Central proved that they were a BRD contender with a devastating
20-point win over Rapp on the Panthers’ home court. The game ended with a score
of 68-48.

This followed a surprisingly close game on Tuesday night – also on the Panthers’
home court – against seventh-ranked East Rockingham.

With less than three minutes left in the game, East Rock was able to take the
lead over the Panthers.

Luckily, last minute scores by both Brooke Atkins and Summer Shackleford led
Rappahannock to a narrow 34-29 victory.

Head Coach Jeff Atkins did not seem discouraged after Thursday night’s loss to
Central. He attributed the loss to "foul trouble” stating "Central is a very
physical team”.

The Panthers travel to second-ranked Strasburg (14-5) tonight. At their last
meeting, Strasburg took the victory over Rappahannock with a decisive score of
54-31.



FEB
02
Madison avenges E. Rock with 12-point win

Avenging a seven-point loss to East Rockingham on December 29, 2022, Madison
County boys turned the tables at home, Thursday night, beating the Eagles 54-42
in a Bull Run District basketball game.

SLIDESHOW: East Rock boys at Madison. MadRapp photos by Amber Woodson.



The win puts the Mountaineers (11-3 district, 14-6 overall), a half-game ahead
of second-place Clarke County and East Rock, who both carry a 10-3 district
record.

The Eagles led 17-14 after one quarter but Madison took a 26-23 lead in the
second when it held East Rock to just six points. The Mountaineers also
outscored the Eagles 14-7 in the third period that helped pad the lead.

Junior guard Bryce Breeden led both teams with 19 points while junior guard Seth
McLearen added 11 points for the Mountaineers.

Junior guard Kain Shifflett scored 16 points for the Eagles while senior forward
Xavia Butler added 13 points.

Madison hosts Mountain View – Quicksburg on Tuesday and before closing out its
regular-season schedule at Rappahannock County on Friday.



JAN
29
Madison boys fall to Rams

It proved a tough night for Madison County’s boys’ basketball team as visiting
Strasburg built a 14-point halftime lead before hanging on to win the Bull Run
District game, 53-51.

The loss puts Madison (13-5 overall, 10-2 district) a half-game ahead of East
Rockingham (11-6, 9-2), a team the Mountaineers fell 59-52, back on December 29,
in Elkton. Madison hosts East Rock Thursday night.

SLIDESHOW: Strasburg boys at Madison. MadRapp photos by Amber Woodson.



Strasburg (11-6, 8-4) came out hot with the Rams leading scorers – junior
forwards Walker Conrad (16 points) and Griffin Carter (13 points) both scoring
eight first-quarter points – helping their team take a 21-13 lead.

Madison, meanwhile, couldn’t keep pace.

Junior guard Bryce Breeden scored just six points in the first period. He
finished hot with a game-high 24 points but the Rams added to their lead in the
second frame taking a 26-22 advantage at the half.

Junior guard Seth McLearen added 14 points for the Mountaineers.



JAN
25
Madison trio outscores Page

With three basketball players in double figures Monday night, Madison County had
no trouble putting away visiting Page County in a Bull Run District boys’
basketball game.

SLIDESHOW: Page boys at Madison. MadRapp photos by Amber Woodson.



Junior guard Bryce Breeden (24 points), senior forward Wade Fox (11 points), and
freshman guard Aiden Foster, who also scored 11 points combined had more points
than the Panthers with the Mountaineers taking a 66-45 victory.

With the win, Madison remains on top of district standings with a 10-1 record
(13-4 overall). Page dropped to 3-8 in district play and 7-10 overall. Prior to
the win, the Mountaineers had the No. 7 ranking among VHSL Class 2 schools.

Breeden scored nine of his game-high points in the first quarter as Madison
opened the game with an 18-7 lead. He added 10 points in the third period as the
Mountaineers extended their lead to 55-31.

Caden Combs led Page with nine points.



JAN
24
Page proves too much for Madison

This article originally appeared in the Page Valley News.

SHENANDOAH – Page County posted a big Bull Run District victory, 60-42, over
Madison County on Monday night that broke up a two-game losing streak as the
Panthers celebratedSenior Night.

All four PCHS seniors - Alexis Frymyer, Montana Foltz, Jocelyne Rinker and
Lauren Hensley - started Monday night’s district matchup, as the Panthers jumped
out to a 16-12 advantage in the first quarter. Both Frymyer and junior Bailee
Gaskins scored five points in the opening frame.

Madison got a pair of three-pointers from junior Annie Herrman, but the
Mountaineers committed five turnovers in the first eight minutes. The woes of
the visiting team would continue in the second quarter with seven more
turnovers.

Madison chalked up 12 of its 17 turnovers on the night in the first half.
However, seven different Mountaineers put up points in the first two quarters.

Page County barely edged out Madison 14-12 in the second quarter, behind seven
points from junior Adryn Martin. Despite Madison hitting more than 60 percent of
its shots from the field in the first half, turnovers gave the Panthers more
possessions and an opportunity to build a six-point lead, 30-24, heading into
halftime.

Page would outpace the visitors 17-11 and 13-7 in the final two frames behind 11
points from Gaskins and six from freshman Ali Purdham. Madison’s shooting fell
off to just below 50 percent in the third, and below 20 percent in the fourth
where the Mountaineers hit only two shots from the floor.

Gaskins led Page with a game-high 20 points, while Martin scored 12, Purdham had
11 and Frymyer added eight.

Madison County was led by senior Jadira Smith with 10 points, followed by senior
Whitlee Swink with nine and junior Evie Foster with eight.

With the win, the Panthers break over .500 for the season and move to 9-8
overall and 6-5 in the Bull Run District. Next up, Page will travel to Mountain
View – Quicksburg (4-13) on Wednesday before hosting Rappahannock County (10-4),
on Friday.

Madison suffered its 12th-straight loss and drops to 2-15 overall and 0-12 in
the Bull Run. Next up, the Mountaineers will host East Rockingham (7-9) on
Wednesday — their only other game this week.








Front Porch Salon opens on S. Main


 
By Chuck Jackson, EditorSaturday, February 04, 2023
Water Line Break on Coldest Day of Year


 
By Chuck Jackson, EditorFriday, February 03, 2023
Madison GBkb players cheer on boys' team


 
By Amber Woodson / Photo JournalistFriday, February 03, 2023
Starting her career on Groundhog Day


 
By Chuck Jackson, EditorThursday, February 02, 2023
Rapp BOS retains leadership


 
By Chuck Jackson, EditorWednesday, January 04, 2023


Opinion
New school contract a ‘path to destruction’

FamilyFutures: Rapp non-profit seeks end of year donations for partial-match
grant

An open letter to Madison BOS from Greene resident

Madison residents need to get involved in schools since school board is not

More Top Stories
Co. 4 sees new leadership after Rapp BOS strips current chief and board members
of duties
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles regarding the rebirth
of Flint Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company 4. Several months ago, at a
Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, chair Debbie Donehey
(Wakefield District) said it might take a phoenix experience to right the Flint
Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Thursday night at a special-called BOS meeting that
experience took flight when a 3-2 resolution split-vote forced current
leadership out of the 59-year-old first-responder company that has served the
residents of the northern Rappahannock County community. Supervisors then
installed five men to oversee the rebirth for at least one year: David Jarrell –
Chief and board member; Dave Bailey – board member; Patrick O’Malley – board
member; Tim Bills – board member; Dr. Hugh Hill – board member. Jarrell, a
Washington resident who lives at least nine miles from the Company 4 station,
previously served as safety officer for Sperryville Volunteer Fire Department
and as a Fire Levy Board member and chair. He also was a volunteer firefighter
in Prince William County. Several of the new board of directors are or have been
members of Co. 4. The new board will report back to county staff and the
supervisors on a regular basis throughout the next year, updating progress.
Jarrell said late Thursday night the company would not be running any fire calls
until the directors believed they were ready to respond safely. 230126
Resolution Enacting Virginia Code 27-13 for Company 4 by Chuck Jackson on Scribd
Flint Hill has been plagued by mismanagement issues for at least five years,
documented by the county’s Fire Levy Board that oversees operational expenses
for all seven volunteer companies. Pre-pandemic, the company had to appear
before the board monthly detailing progress. Company 4 lost its privilege of
running emergency medical services in 2022 after a failed state inspection led
to medical director Michael Jenks, MD not signing required documents that would
have allowed members to run its ambulances. Call response times and sending fire
equipment to incidents with no one but the driver also came into question in
2022. Many Company 4 members as well as chiefs from at least two other volunteer
companies were in attendance but none spoke during public comment, perhaps
realizing the writing on the wall. Another pre-prepared resolution would have
shuttered the doors of the organization but supervisors quickly stated they
weren’t ready to go down that path. Prior to the vote, Piedmont Supervisor
Christine Smith proffered a motion that would have delayed board action for at
least 60 days to give Rappahannock County Fire and Rescue Association, the
chief’s committee, the Fire Levy Board, the Public Safety Committee, and the
seven individual fire and rescue companies serving the county time to provide
input on the matter. Smith and Jackson Supervisor Ronald L. Frazier voted for
this option while Stonewall-Hawthorne and Hampton supervisors Van Carney and
Kier Whitson sided with Donehey in opposition. Frazier complained he didn’t have
any input in the resolution that was ultimately approved, including whether the
five men selected for leadership had the right tools to take over Company 4.
Smith agreed. Carney said it was the board’s responsibility to provide for the
safety of the county’s residents and he didn’t see that coming from current
Flint Hill leadership. Whitson, meanwhile, told of his medical-emergency
experience that has kept him from in-person attendance the past several months
following a late-July heart attack while visiting his parents in Wisconsin. He
told his peers as much as he hoped he would have received the quick response and
care he got from his wife Susan, from emergency medical personnel and the nearby
hospital, he knew in reality he wouldn’t if the incident had happened in
Rappahannock County.
MORE...

VSP seeks public’s help in finding Madison man involved in hit-and-run wreck
Virginia State Police (VSP) is asking for the public’s assistance locating the
suspect from a Thursday morning hit-and-run crash in Madison County. The crash
occurred at 9:45 a.m. yesterday, along the 5600 block of U.S. Route 29 (S.
Seminole Trail) in the vicinity of Shelby Road. A Chevrolet Silverado was
traveling south on Rt. 29 when it rear-ended a Subaru SUV. The driver in the
Subaru and a passenger in that vehicle were transported to UVA Medical Center in
Charlottesville for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of the Silverado,
Joseph N. Jenkins, 35, of Madison fled the scene on foot. Jenkins is 6-foot-2
inches, 190 pounds, and was last seen wearing an olive-green hat with an
olive-green shirt, blue jeans, and work boots. Jenkins is believed to be driving
a stolen 2015 Ford F-350, white in color with dark trim. VSP doesn’t know
Virginia registration information. If the public sees anyone matching the
suspect’s description, please call 911 or #77 on a cell phone.
MORE...

Person of interest found in Rose Park UMC arson case; church issues statement of
gratitude for first responders
Madison County Sheriff Erik J. Weaver announced Thursday afternoon his office is
treating a suspicious fire Wednesday afternoon inside the sanctuary of Rose Park
United Methodist Church located in the Wolftown area of the county as arson. "We
responded to the fire and found a person of interest,” Sheriff Weaver stated in
a press release. "The investigation is ongoing and charges are impending.” The
church also issued a statement late Thursday afternoon "thanking the sheriff’s
office and firefighters from Madison, Orange, Stanardsville, and Ruckersville
and the county’s EMS that came to [their] aid.” "We are deeply grateful for the
swift response and support given by so many,” church leaders said. "Our church
is a family of faith, and we walk together in forgiveness knowing that this fire
was an act of an unwell mind and not necessarily that of an evil heart.”
Leadership of the nearly 140-year-old church also said it would take
considerable time to repair and rebuild the significant damage to the sanctuary.
MORE...

LEO in Madison looking for White male involved in Thursday morning hit-and-run
Virginia State Police and Madison County Sheriff’s Office staff have cordoned
off an area around the intersection of U.S. Route 29 and Shelby Road in Madison
County, Thursday, after one of the drivers involved in a two-vehicle crash took
off on foot after the wreck. “At 9:45 a.m., VSP responded to the wreck in the
5600 block of Route 29,” VSP Sergeant and Public Information Officer Brent
Coffey wrote in a 4:11 p.m. press release. “A subject involved in the crash fled
the scene and is believed to still be in the area, Law enforcement personnel
currently is checking out around 4400 Shelby Road where they believe the subject
might be hiding. According to Sgt. Coffey, the subject is believed to be a White
male in his 30s or 40s, with red hair and wearing an olive-green hat,
olive-green shirt, blue jeans and work boots. Sgt. Coffey requests anyone seeing
an individual matching the description to please call 911 or #77 on a cell
phone.
MORE...

Hal Hunter launches program to connect compatible renters in Rapp
Finding the right person to share a home with can be a daunting task, especially
for those seeking to age at home, and a new service in Rappahannock can make the
process easier and safer. Hal Hunter has launched Rapp Home Shares, a service
that screens and connects renters to people with extra space looking for rental
income, home help, or companionship. On its website, Rapp Home Shares advertises
that it works for people seeking a roommate who can provide rent, or those
seeking assistance with tasks such as: Rides to appointments/errands Snow
shoveling/yard work Help with computer Meal preparation Light housekeeping Pet
care Gutter cleaning Rapp Home Shares conducts a six-part screening and trial
process involving background checks, an interview, a match search, a two-week
trial period with a new match, a written agreement following the trial, and
ongoing support once the agreement has been made. All applicants must have a
clean criminal record, no substantiated case of abuse of any kind, and four
references (including landlord references for renters) who can speak to your
lifestyle and character. Rapp Home Shares’ founder has a long history of service
in Rappahannock County, largely around supporting aging at home and helping
those less fortunate. In November 2022, Hunter received the Regional Leadership
Citizen award from the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission in recognition
of his many accomplishments. Hunter and his late wife, Beverly, promoted Plant a
Row, where county residents added a row in their gardens with the produce going
to the hungry in the county, an effort that led to the beginnings of the
Rappahannock Food Pantry. Hunter has also been instrumental in founding or
co-founding Rapp at Home, RappFlow, and the Rappahannock Conservation
Roundtable. In 1999, he started the Rappahannock County Conservation Alliance
that continued until 2014 when the organization dissolved with assets
transferring to the Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation. Just
before the pandemic, Hunter used funds to honor his late wife with the
construction of the Beverly Hunter Outdoor Learning Space that thousands have
enjoyed since its dedication. Those interested in participating in Rapp Home
Shares can visit its website, or contact Hunter at hal@rappahannock.com or (540)
937-4744.
MORE...

Suspected arsonist torches Madison County’s Rose Park UMC
Editor’s Note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available
Firefighters from Madison, Greene, and Orange counties responded to a reported
fire Wednesday afternoon at Rose Park United Methodist Church located on Shelby
Road in Wolftown. Church officials reported Wednesday night the sanctuary
suffered "quite a bit of damage”. A photo posted on the church’s Facebook page
shows the front doors of the church charred on the interior with smoke damage on
the door’s exterior. Church officials also state the fire was deliberately set
by an arsonist. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook about a
structureal fire in the 300 block of Shelby Road, requesting motorists stay
clear of the area. The sheriff’s office has not provided more information to the
media. Volunteer fire companies from Madison, Ruckersville, Stanardsville, and
Orange all responded to the fire.
MORE...

Madison BOS nixes selling Criglersville School property - again
Back on November 8, 2022 the Madison County Board of Supervisors (BOS) voted 4-1
to deny the rezoning of the county-owned former Criglersville Elementary School
property for a boutique hotel, retail shops, and event venue. Tuesday night,
after much less public comment supervisors again voted 4-1 not to sell the
Agriculture (A1) zoned property to Richmond entrepreneur Felix Schapiro – a man
the board has courted for a year – leaving him a bad taste of how the county
does business after spending more than $40,000 for various studies needed for
due diligence efforts. It’s highly likely Schapiro and his Criglersville
Elementary, LLC entity will sue the county based on Tuesday’s vote. That civil
suit could be on the county circuit court’s docket within days. A smaller
audience all told supervisors what they already knew: Schapiro’s actions brought
the greater Criglersville community together into a united front that could
politicize this year’s fall BOS elections where Carleton M. "Carty” Yowell and
Charlotte Hoffman may face opposition if they chose to run for another term.
Yowell voted not to sell the property while Hoffman voted to sell it to Schapiro
for $25,000. Board Chair R. Clay Jackson apologized to Schapiro for leading him
down the path of repeat denials. He also lamented the Robinson Rose Community
Association (RRCA) for its lack of civility, and attempts to influence the board
with alternative proposals when it first had to clean the slate with Schapiro.
RRCA Chair Samantha S. Guerry, who resides in the Rag Mountain Estates
subdivision off Weakley Hollow Road in Syria, said her group was ecstatic with
"our win”. She told The MadRapp Recorder Wednesday morning her non-profit was
pleased with how the board listened to community members throughout the various
public hearings. "There were two contracts under consideration last night,”
Guerry said. "The sales contract and the public contract the supervisors have
with the community. The vote shows [the BOS] honored the contract they took with
the community when they took office. Jackson and Yowell both said they opposed
turning the property into a northern Madison Park or community center and avowed
the county would not financially support such an endeavor. Supervisor Jim Jewett
told the audience he had not read the RRCA letters or other correspondence
emailed to supervisors and the media citing the same reasons Jackson had earlier
in the meeting. Jewett said the county would be well suited to hold onto the
property in case a future need for an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) substation
for the northern side of the county as well as maintaining the historical
society’s Mountain Museum and Criglersville voting precinct. "Those new ideas
that Jim Jewett and other supervisors had last night were good,” Guerry said.
"If the county had a need in the future and had to buy land it would be
expensive.” Jewett added that with the Fiscal Year 2024 budget cycle beginning
next week, he couldn’t see the county taking up anymore proposals or even
discussion until mid-summer at the earliest. Guerry added RRCA hasn’t come up
with a definitive plan on how the organization would finance a community center
and wouldn’t until the county asked for a Request for Proposals (RFP). "We did a
White Paper that gave thumbnails of possibilities but have never come up with a
complete plan,” Guerry said. Asked how her organization would finance a
community center, Guerry said she realizes the county wouldn’t put any taxpayer
money into the project, adding "there’s plenty of significant public money to
develop it via state and federal grants along with fundraising and private
foundation support. "Ultimately it would have to be self-supporting. It won’t be
a line item in a future county budget. Neither Schapiro nor his attorney, Ashley
Kyle of the Northern Virginia law firm Roth Jackson would comment on Tuesday’s
aftermath. Supervisor Dustin Dawson did not provide the public with his thoughts
but joined the majority in opposing the sale.
MORE...

Editorial: Spread the Good News by supporting Legal Notices in online newspapers
We were surprised to read Thursday’s op-ed in the Rappahannock News opposing
Senate Bill 1237. S.B. 1237 is the bill currently making its way through the
Virginia state legislature that would allow legal notices to be printed in both
online AND predominantly print newspapers. Though we have the greatest respect
for our brothers and sisters at the Rapp News, we think they are wrong on this
issue. Here’s why: Online legal notices are practical Online legal notices help
counties operate more efficiently. Legal notices can be placed online almost
instantly. That means county business can be conducted more efficiently, since
the legal notice period can begin immediately, instead of waiting for a print
edition to come out. Online legal notices appear on communication devices.
Online legal notices are not only shareable, but appear on devices that are
email and phone call adjacent. See something interesting or objectionable? You
can do something about it in just a few clicks. As the Rapp News correctly
points out, the cost of legal notices is unlikely to fall dramatically.
(Although they will likely fall somewhat, and that’s a good thing for
counties...) But making this revenue stream available to online papers opens up
an important competition in many rural counties. And that will likely mean
better overall local news coverage, especially in smaller, rural counties.
Rappahannock County is blessed with a great print newspaper, owned and run by
accomplished professionals who care about Rappahannock County. Not every county
is so fortunate. Many counties, including Madison and Greene, are served by
small papers, but the papers are owned by conglomerates. And while those papers
do cover local news, their business model seems much more like a big box
retailer than a locally-owned coffee shop. From our perspective, it looks like
much of the money paid for those local legal notices doesn’t support a robust
local news operation. (It’d be interesting to see where that money goes,
especially as the prices of local papers continue to rise, as page counts
shrink.) The revenue stream from printing legal notices (while apparently not a
big deal to the Rapp News) could be a big deal for many a scrappy, hardworking
online news operation (-ahem-) struggling to bring good local news to their
communities. Browsability is available online, too The Rapp News editorial made
a great point about browsability of print newspapers. We agree wholeheartedly
that there’s nothing like wandering through a print newspaper. We disagree that
this browsability is material to the case at hand. (And we distain any cheap
shots about internet navigation software literally being called a "browser.” We
are virtually certain that the op-ed writer knows about internet browsers, and
we are confident they had a good reason for not addressing them.) Online is
permanent As many have learned to their sorrow, the internet is forever. While
the example the Rapp News cites is deplorable and unsettling, the fact is that
erasing something permanently from the internet is almost impossible. And, in
the case of legal notices, we think their example really isn’t on point: The
likelihood of someone buying a database of legal notices and erasing it seems
remote to us. (We can guarantee the Rapp News that anyone trying to purchase or
erase OUR legal notices will be in for a rude surprise.) The fact is: The
internet is efficient, economical, browsable, and permanent. It makes all the
sense in the world to open it up to disseminating legal notices. It’s time to
help good local news spread across Virginia. Please contact your representative
to support S.B. 1237.
MORE...

Rapp PC meeting began on sour note when applicant failed to show up for public
hearing
The public hearing for a Chester Gap tourist home application at Wednesday
night’s Rappahannock County Planning Commission meeting started off on a sour
note when applicant Courtney Keopke was a no-show. Wakefield District
Commissioner Brian Scheulen wasn’t happy with the non-appearance. "I had
questions I wanted to ask her,” Scheulen, a Chester Gap resident, said. He then
started with his list that included Koepke’s apparent lack of contacting
neighbors about the AirBnB. "They just built a three bedroom, three bath house
on a small, third-of-an-acre lot,” Scheulen said. "This in a subdivision and
now, it’s an AirBnB. Scheulen also pointed out Highland Way "is right at 12
feet” in width. "My son and I measured it today,” Scheulen said. "Is there a
road-maintenance contract?” Scheulen also informed commissioners he observed a
trash can in the driveway of the newly-constructed house. "It could attract
bears and more,” Scheulen said. The commissioner concluded, saying, "The
dwelling adds value [to the neighborhood] but does the business add value?”
Other commission members echoed similar thoughts. Both Vice-Chair Gary Light
(Stonewall-Hawthorne) and Hampton Commissioner Al Henry expressed concern
Highland Way does not meetType-II road standards. And others had concern Koepke,
an Alexandria resident, wouldn’t be able to properly manage the business so far
away. Finally, Scheulen made the motion to table the case until February. His
fellow commissioners concurred.
MORE...

Tarot's Path: Ace of Wands and The Emperor
Every now and then we need to be reminded that there are some things that are
simply gifts of life. Humanities’ very existence is through no machination of
its own. The Ace of Wands presents gifts with no strings attached – think the
air in your lungs, a beautiful sunset, or a night sky crackling with starlight.
We have lots of words for them, depending on your background or affiliation:
blessings, gifts, mitzvahs, grace. There are the gifts when everything comes
together to make a great day, or you find a five-dollar bill in an old coat. If
you look hard enough, these favors are pretty common – your dog greeting you
when you arrive home or finding the closest parking spot. Like The Emperor, we
humans are a controlling lot. We like to dissect the conditions of such events
in the hope of manipulating circumstances to increase their likelihood. Who
doesn’t get an endorphin hit at hitting green lights all the way home? I had a
carpool friend that went through great lengths to calculate the exact speed to
drive to ensure that he would never hit a red light on the 20-minute drive from
our workplace to my house, even going so far as to synchronize his egress from
the parking lot. Unfortunately, he couldn’t calculate for other drivers on the
road or having to slow down for some hapless pedestrian. The result was that all
green lights or not, on his days to drive, there was a lot of tension in the car
punctuated by frequent f-bombs. That’s the thing with gifts; they ask nothing of
you and nothing in return. They just are. Attempts to induce favor makes the
gods laugh. So, enjoy the little drops of positive kismet. They’re on the house!
MORE...

VDOT This Week: Debris pick-up, brush removal in Madison and Rapp
The following highway work is scheduled, weather permitting, in the Culpeper
District during the next week. Traffic movements may be restricted and speed
limits reduced in work zones. (NEW) or (UPDATE) indicate revisions since last
week’s report. Culpeper District traffic information is also available on
Twitter and onVDOT’s website. Albemarle County (UPDATE) U.S. 29 (Monacan Trail)
Pipe repairs/installation. Expect left lane closures between Route 804 (Thackers
Lane) and Route 633 (Cove Garden Road) in the southbound lanes, Wednesday
through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Culpeper County (UPDATE) U.S. 522 (Sperryville
Pike) – Other construction. Expect lane and shoulder closures with flaggers
between Aspen Street and Virginia Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3
p.m. in the northbound and southbound lanes. Greene County (NEW) Utility work
under VDOT permit – Expect intermittent total lane closures for fiber
installation with State Police assistance in the following areas. ·U.S. 29
(Seminole Trail) between Summit Drive and Heatherton Drive, in the northbound
and southbound lanes, Monday, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. ·U.S. 33 (Stanardsville Bypass)
at U.S. 33 (2 Stanardsville/Greene), in the eastbound and westbound lanes,
Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. ·Route 670 (Matthew Mill Road), between Route 670
(Preddy Creek Road) and U.S. 29 (Seminole Trail), in the eastbound and westbound
lanes, Monday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (UPDATE) U.S. 33 (Spotswood Trail)-- Road
reconstruction. Both shoulders are closed between Route 680 (Pinewood Court) and
U.S.29 (Seminole Trail) in the eastbound and westbound lanes while crews work
behind barrels. Traffic is diverted onto the newly constructed eastbound lanes
while crews reconstruct the westbound lanes. Driversshould use caution through
the work zone and stay alert for construction vehicles entering and exiting the
roadway daily. There will be no work the week of Thanksgiving. Expected
completion is summer 2023. Route 645 (Moore Road) – Drainage installation.
Expect road closure at U.S. 33 (Spotswood Trail), in the northbound and
southbound lanes, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Madison County Route
230 (Orange Road) – Debris pick-up. Expect mobile, alternating lane closures
between Route 607 (Elly Road) and Route 691 (Lost Mountain Road), in the
eastbound and westbound lanes, Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Rappahannock
County (NEW) U.S. 211 (Lee Highway) – Brush removal. Expect alternating lane
closures between Route 651 (Atkins Road) and Route 48 (Skyline Drive) in the
eastbound and westbound lanes, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Road
conditions and other real-time travel information can be found on the 511
Virginia website, the free VDOT 511 mobile app or by calling 511 from any phone
in Virginia. VDOT updates are also on Facebook.
MORE...

Smoot delayed in getting gun rights back by Rapp Circuit Court judge
Convicted of felony voluntary manslaughter in the October 19, 2017 death of
Jonas "Jay” Alther, Rappahannock County resident Randy Lynn Smoot served his
eight-month sentence, then completed a year of supervised probation. Thursday,
Smoot appeared in the county’s circuit court with Sperryville Attorney Franklin
Reynolds hoping the court would grant him restoration of firearms rights.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Arthur L. Goff asked Judge Stephen E. Sincavage to
postpone the case a month based on "late Wednesday information about [Smoot’s]
recent drinking habits.” "I need [Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office] Deputy
[David] Meade to provide my office with a formal statement about excessive
alcohol concerns,” Goff told the judge, Reynolds, and Smoot. "Based on the
felony manslaughter conviction that we believe came about in part because of
excessive alcohol usage, and Smoot’s past DUIs [March 7, 2013, for third DWI
within five- to 10-years amended to second DWI within five years].” Smoot
appeared unhappy with Goff’s comments and Reynolds strongly objected. "This is
the first I’ve heard of this,” Reynolds told the judge. "Mr. Smoot is not on
probation; he hasn’t violated any probation and he doesn’t have any new charges
against him. I understand the commonwealth’s position but my client is ready to
go with the case.” Judge Sincavage, however, sided with Goff. "I understand your
client disagrees but having heard about his past felony conviction, I am going
to grant a brief continuance,” the judge said. "I will not rubber stamp the
proceeding. Judge Sincavage gave Goff until next Friday to get the written
statement from Deputy Meade, telling Goff to provide the documentation to
Reynolds the same day. He set the next hearing for February 13.
MORE...

Ruckersville woman given suspended time on drug charge in Rapp Circuit Court
A Ruckersville woman given a second chance by Greene County Circuit Court back
on December 20, 2021 for felony drug possession found herself in Rappahannock
County Circuit Court on Thursday, facing a judge for sentencing on a similar
charge. Sandra Adair Wynn, 40, admitted to Judge Stephen E. Sincavage that she’s
"used poor judgement” in the past. According to a summary of facts presented in
court Commonwealth’s Attorney Arthur L. Goff said law enforcement stopped Wynn
for speeding at the intersection of Zachary Taylor Highway and Hillsboro Road in
Huntly on June 6, 2021. Wynn gave Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office Deputy
David Meade permission to search her vehicle and he "found a change purse in the
center console that had a green-colored straw that contained a white powder
residue.” A state laboratory analysis of the powder proved it was
methamphetamine. Prior to sentencing, Thursday, Judge SIncavage told Wynn he
hoped Commonwealth’s Attorney Arthur L. Goff was correct when he said criminals
sometimes outgrow their bad behavior as they age. "If the court looks at just
your record,” Judge Sincavage said, "one could assume you’re not going to
change. It wouldn’t take a leap to come to that conclusion. I hope you devote
your energy to battling your addiction.” Wynn received a two-year prison
sentence with all jail time suspended, followed by two years of active
supervised probation that the judge said would include the typical alcohol and
substance abuse screening and follow-up treatment as well as a mental health
evaluation. She will be allowed use of medical marijuana that’s already being
prescribed by a physician but the judge cautioned not to use it recreationally.
In Greene, Wynn received a "Virginia 251” on her December 2021 court case,
meaning that court placed her on probation for two years requiring the defendant
to meet certain terms and conditions. The special disposition was developed by
the Virginia legislature (Virginia Code Section 18.2-251) that protects
first-time drug possession charges from entering a guilty plea. Greene Circuit
already has placed a probation violation charge against Wynn based on the
Rappahannock case. A review of her 251 and violation charge will be heard on
December 29, 2023.
MORE...

Vinnie’s steals over $200K from Greene taxpayers in underpayment of meals tax
A Ruckersville restaurant owner will have to wait three more weeks to find out
his fate in Greene County Circuit Court. Vincent Mastellone, proprietor of
popular Italian eatery, Vinnie’s New York Pizza Co, located at 8841 Seminole
Trail, got caught under-reporting his meals tax gross receipts to the Greene
County Commissioner of the Revenue (COR) office in 2020. Commonwealth’s Attorney
Edwin "Win” Consolvo presented a Greene County grand jury with evidence of the
wrong-doing on April 11, 2022. The grand jury returned with 14 felony direct
indictments that day. According to county Treasurer Stephanie A. Deal,
Mastellone bilked the county out of $201,545.49. To better understand how much
money the theft actually is, based on Greene’s Fiscal Year 2023 real estate tax
rate or 82 cents per $100 assessed value of all real property every property
owner would be responsible for 0.0086 cents or, about $9 per $100 assessed
value. Consolvo said he wasn’t interested in jail time for Mastellone, which for
Class 5 felonies could have amounted to 140 years in prison. His concern was for
the county to get its due money. Deal, working with former Commissioner of the
Revenue (COR) Larry Snow Sr., current COR Kimberly Tate, Consolvo and
Mastellone’s attorney, Ryan J. Rakness of Charlottesville, developed a payment
plan that called for Mastellone to pay a lump sum payment of $25,000 upfront
followed by $500 weekly payments. The weekly payments would continue for five
years and then, in February 2027, Mastellone will be required to pay the county
the remainder outstanding sum as a balloon payment. Consolvo informed the court
Tuesday that as of that morning Mastellone’s outstanding balance was
$168,658.66. All involved thought the plan was fair and reasonable and allow the
business to remain open. Back on June 12, 2022, Presiding Judge Claude V.
Worrell II rejected a plea agreement because he believed the court didn’t have
adequate control over the payment process. Specifically, Judge Worrell thought
the Clerk of the Circuit Court Clerk’s office should have been collecting the
money rather than the Treasurer. If that had happened, the county still might
not have the nearly $37,000 returned so far since former Clerk Susan Duckworth
wouldn’t have been in office to pay the county. Tuesday, new Greene Presiding
Judge David M. Barredo also had issue with a revised plea agreement Consolvo and
Rakness had meted out to conform with Judge Worrell’s concerns. Judge Barredo
said he had no issue with the main components of the plea agreement but did not
like the balloon payment at the end of the repayment plan. "My issue is there is
no date certain for repayment,” Judge Barredo said in court. "My experience is
there needs to be a drop-dead date for repayment.” Rather than reject the latest
plea and force a third judge to hear the case, Consolvo pulled the plea from the
docket, telling the judge he and Rackness would work to resolve the latest
issues. Snow and Tate discovered the underpayment back in 2020 once they
realized the financials submitted on the restaurant’s gross receipts for
business licenses did not match – or come close to matching – the receipts
Mastellone submitted for the county’s 4% meals tax. More research into back
years revealed Mastellone had been cheating the county out of appropriate meals
taxes since at least December 1, 2014. Tate said Tuesday her office now requires
all businesses to submit proof of gross receipts when applying for business
licenses, meals taxes, and tourist occupancy taxes. All county businesses were
notified of the new requirement on April 1, 2022. Tate said there have been no
complaints from businesses about the new requirement. "We basically are
performing audits every month and year,” Tate said. Judge Barredo scheduled
Mastellone’s arraignment for February 6 at 1:30 p.m.
MORE...

Breaking News: Greene’s Water and Sewer Department flushed with Lunsford’s exit
***UPDATE – January 18, 2022 – 2:15 p.m.*** Greene County government announced
Wednesday afternoon that county Planning Director/Zoning Administrator James F.
“Jim” Frydl will assume the role of interim water and sewer director effective
February 17, the day current director Greg Lunsford leaves to become the town of
Elkton’s new manager. Tuesday night, Elkton’s town council approved Lunsford’s
re-hiring for the position he was fired from back on June 20, 2022 under a
different regime Ruckersville District Board of Supervisor Member Davis Lamb
told The GreeneJournal earlier Tuesday that supervisors had learned of
Lunsford’s pending leave during a closed-meeting session prior to the board’s
January 10 meeting. “I hate thinking that [Lunsford’s] leaving,” Lamb said. “I
hope he’ll help us out some after he leaves. I told him how good a job he has
done for us, and that was before I learned of his exit.” In Wednesday’s press
release interim county Administrator Brenda Garton said Lunsford has agreed to
continue working with the county, if needed, after his last day “to ensure a
smooth transition.” Lunsford and the county have been working diligently since
his hire in July 2022 to move forward with the transition of all Greene County
water and sewer operations from Rapidan Service Authority (RSA) to the newly
established Greene County Water and Sewer Department. He will continue working
with Greene County Water & Sewer staff and all stakeholders in the project to
ensure that all components of the transition from RSA remain on track after
February 17. Frydl will serve as the interim director until the position is
filled. “Frydl has been intimately involved in the water and sewer project
before Lunsford’s arrival and has worked closely with Lunsford over the past six
months,” Garton said, noting Frydl was instrumental in the early planning of the
new water impoundment and water treatment plant. Further, he was a member of the
RSA Board of Members, and as such, is familiar with all aspects of the water and
sewer system in Greene County. “On behalf of the Greene County Board of
Supervisors, staff, and citizens, I want to express our appreciation to Mr.
Lunsford for his hard work during his tenure with the county,” Garton said. “We
all certainly wish him and his family all good things as he moves forward with
this next phase of his career.” The Water and Sewer Director position will be
advertised and filled as soon as practical. ****** Greene County’s fledgling
Water and Sewer department took a step back Wednesday morning after county
officials leaned its new director, Greg Lunsford will leave the county in
February to return to his previous position as manager for the Town of Elkton.
The county is in the process of shifting services from the Rapidan Service
Authority to a county-run department. At the January board of supervisors
meeting last week the board learned all water and sewer plant operators had been
hired and "are working with their RSA counterparts to learn how to do their
jobs.” Lunsford said the department was now in the process of purchasing needed
equipment and vehicles and hiring additional field crew. Lunsford thought the
county was in the final stages of securing release from the Virginia Resources
Authority and the state corporation commission. Once that has been accomplished,
the county can official takeover all services for Greene County water and sewer
customers. Stanardsville resident Keith Bourne was all over the Elkton
announcement on social media Wednesday morning as the news broke. "Greene County
is a damn trainwreck,” Bourne said in a telephone interview. ”We’ve been told at
the BOS meetings that the county would be running water and sewer in January or
soon after. That obviously didn’t and won’t happen now.” Former Greene County
Administrator Mark B. Taylor hired Lunsford on July 27, 2022, noting Lunsford
had "vast experience working with water and sewer projects” and would be a good
fit for the county. Lunsford was fired on June 20, 2022 from the town of Elkton
by previous town council. In a press release issued Tuesday Elkton officials
decided to rehire Lunsford after interviewing 10 qualified candidates for the
position. "Lunsford has extensive experience in all aspects of town management
as well as broad knowledge of the Town of Elkton with over two years previously
on the job,” the release stated. "His involvement and previous work experience
on the job with the town made him the most qualified candidate. "It will be very
easy for Gregg to pick up where he left off and continue moving [the town]
forward. Greg was also respected by town employees and residents. More
importantly, we appreciate Greg’s willingness to return and serve the town and
his dedication to helping our town heal and move forward.” Attempts to reach
Lunsford and interim county Administrator Brenda G. Garton proved unsuccessful
Wednesday morning. The GreeneJournalwill provide updates as they become
available.
MORE...

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Obituaries
Thomas Edward Krupinski

Myrtle Frances Corbin

Albert Charles "AC” Corbin

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CNN.com - RSS Channel - App International Edition
2023-02-05, 03:45h
US jets down spy balloon with a single missile

Biden wanted balloon shot down 'as soon as possible'

Moment US missile hits Chinese spy balloon captured on video

New video shows the moment a missile fired by a US fighter jet shoots down a
suspected Chinese spy balloon.
They eat ice cream and read 'Harry Potter,' but these North Korean YouTubers
aren't what they seem

The young woman rifles through a fridge of popsicles, pulling out several to
show the camera.
Ukrainian tank crews 'quick to master' Challenger 2 in training, UK says

The Asian country where workers haven't had a raise in 30 years

Hear what retired lt. general thinks China learned with spy balloon

Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling says he believes it is more likely China was
trying to learn how the US would respond to the spy balloon rather than collect
real intelligence from the endeavor.
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2023-02-05, 03:37h
Kate Middleton shares photo of herself as a baby as part of early childhood
campaign

Kate Middleton shared a baby photo of herself as part of a new campaign to raise
awareness about the importance of early childhood years.
Smokey Robinson shares the secret to his decades of success as he's honored with
Berry Gordy at MusiCares Gala

Motown icons Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy were honored at the MusiCares
Persons of the Year Gala on Friday night, ahead of the 65th Annual Grammy
Awards.
Richard Sherman, NFL players rip potential rule change that would ban ‘hip-drop'
tackle

Past and present NFL players have not taken kindly to the notion the league may
be considering a rule which would make "hip-drop" style tackles illegal.
Japan fires aide for anti-LGBTQ comments: 'Outrageous'

Japan's prime minister fired a top aide on Saturday after the aide reportedly
said he wouldn't want to live next to gay or lesbian couples or even look at
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Missing mom's husband considered 'person of interest' faces extradition to
Indiana on unrelated charges

Xavier Breland - a person of interest in his wife Ciera Breland's disappearance
- is being extradited back to Indiana from Georgia on unrelated charges.
New York school, food vendor apologize for serving chicken and waffles on first
day of Black History Month

A New York middle school and its food vendor have both apologized for serving
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James Harrison responds to Antonio Brown's claims Harrison caused receiver's
'CTE,' 'aggressive behavior'

Shortly after free agent receiver Antonio Brown blamed former Pittsburgh Steeler
James Harrison for giving him CTE, the Super Bowl XLIII hero had quite the
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