David Reynolds: The summer knows
Not much has happened over the past summer. Our solar system still works (even when it turns up the heat) and our planet still rotates. But more importantly, you and I are still above ground.
That’s right, the sky and the seasons change, but our lives on earth remain the same. Not a bad deal. They move, we stay put. I’ll take it.
So what happened during those lazy days of the hot summer? As we said, not much. Nonetheless, this is a newspaper and we have an obligation to report news whether there is any or not. As with past policy, no names, just the facts — and, if you don’t mind, some opinions.
Keep in mind that we are all shoppers in the marketplace of ideas. It is just that some are just better shoppers than others. This is what we found at the store this summer:
- Our independent cities remain very independent. It’s a “Made Only in Virginia” sign of civic pride. Our fair commonwealth created these unique jurisdictions to see how long they can stay financially afloat within a surrounding sea of duplicative efforts. Will common sense ever overtake dollars and cents? Who knows. The luxury of keeping the cities alive is up to its taxpayers.
- In spite of having a new governor from a different party taking over the old dominion, Virginia remains stuck in its kudzu. If we need to close liquor stores as a means to fund transportation, Virginia is in greater gridlock than any of us realize. Any chance of trading Bob McDonnell for New Jersey’s Chris Christie? I’ll throw in a first round draft choice.
- Trucks are still rolling on I-81. The “Rail Solution” folks have yet to find their silver bullet for moving finished goods from manufacturer to market with lower costs, faster service and no warehouses. Let’s give them another decade or two. Of course, we have two choices on who to blame for not finding a rail solution: Bush or VDOT. In the meantime, I’ll call a truck, not a train, to deliver my new TV.
- For endless summers to come there will be no armies of boy scouts on our side of the Alleghenies That other Virginia, the one we consider as a poor cousin, printed thousands of “Welcome Boy Scouts” greeting cards. On the back, Governor Joe Manchin wrote, “We’re excited to be the new home for the Scouts.” Congratulations! Joe, if West Virginia gets too excited, send some scouts our way.
- Buena Vista’s city attorney reminded a Wall Street Journal reporter that the “moral obligation bond” that promised to pay if the golf course’s revenues couldn’t was only a moral, not a legal obligation. Spoken as a true lawyer. What a relief! Here I thought Buena Vista had a fiscal problem. It only has a moral problem! No need to hock city hall and the police station. Meanwhile Moody’s Investment Services knocked down BV’s credit rating several notches because too few golfers are knocking down little white balls into small cups.
- The valley’s information technology job market has failed to take off. Could it be that too many of the valley’s adults have never finished high school?
- Thousands of valley homes remain unsold in spite of historically low mortgage rates. Washington has done it again. Its bright economists knew that lowering interest rates would get the housing market moving again. It shows once again that those from elite colleges know how to get things done.
And so it goes. These past few months may not have been the “Summer of ‘42,” but “The Summer Knows.” The earth spins, we don’t. But isn’t that why we are here? We have kept our distance from government planners. We may not have all the answers – but neither do they.
Keep those comments coming. But, please, don’t tell us how you did it up North.
Column by David Reynolds.
Keydets rout Lock Haven in opener
VMI jumped out to a 20-0 lead and never looked back, en route to a 48-6 win over the Lock Haven Bald Eagles in the season opener for both teams, played Saturday afternoon at Foster Stadium in Lexington.
The Keydets (1-0) won their sixth consecutive season opener behind 304 yards passing between three different quarterbacks. The passing total was more than 100 yards better than any game of 2009’s best, 141 yards through the air against Richmond. Lock Haven (0-1) was held to 69 yards of total offense in the second half, and gained just five first downs over the last two quarters.
The Keydets got on the board on their opening drive, driving for a 38-yard field goal by Jeff Sexton. The 10-play drive covered just 39 yards, but ate up 4:56 as only one play gained over six yards, that play being a 16-yard third down pass from starting quarterback Cameron Jones to tight end Josh Favaro.
Link to story on VaSportsOnline.com.
Keydets rout Lock Haven in opener
VMI jumped out to a 20-0 lead and never looked back, en route to a 48-6 win over the Lock Haven Bald Eagles in the season opener for both teams, played Saturday afternoon at Foster Stadium in Lexington.
The Keydets (1-0) won their sixth consecutive season opener behind 304 yards passing between three different quarterbacks. The passing total was more than 100 yards better than any game of 2009′s best, 141 yards through the air against Richmond. Lock Haven (0-1) was held to 69 yards of total offense in the second half, and gained just five first downs over the last two quarters. Continue reading “Keydets rout Lock Haven in opener” »
VDOT road work schedule: The week of Aug. 16
The following is a list of highway work that might affect traffic in the Augusta, Rockingham and Rockbridge areas in the coming weeks.
Work scheduled is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies.
Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations.
Also, when traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
AUGUSTA COUNTY
Interstate 64
* Mile marker 88 to 99 eastbound and westbound – Bridge deck maintenance on various structures. Possible single-lane traffic with flagger traffic control, Monday night to Friday morning, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Interstate 81
* Mile marker 210 to 230 northbound and southbound – Bridge deck maintenance on various structures. Possible single-lane traffic with flagger traffic control, Monday night to Friday morning, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Primary Roads
* Route 42 – Mossy Creek project. Roadway relocation and bridge replacement with box culvert. Work will occur from 0.63 mile south of Rockingham County line to 0.90 mile south of Rockingham County line. Expect minor delays Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Two lanes of roadway will be maintained.
* Churchville Avenue (Route 250, Staunton), eastbound – Road reconstruction activities. North Central Avenue is open to traffic. No left turn will be allowed from Churchville Avenue onto North Lewis Street. North Lewis Street is open to northbound traffic only. The eastbound lane will be closed from North Augusta Street (Route 11) to Albemarle Avenue 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. The pedestrian detour is from North Augusta Street to North Lewis Street. Signs are posted.
Expect intermittent delays from North Augusta Street to Albemarle Avenue due to utility installation work. Intermittent flagger traffic control for work in westbound lane. Speed limit in the project area reduced to 25 miles-per-hour. Four recommended detours for eastbound Churchville Avenue traffic heading into Staunton business district from Route 262/Route 250 interchange are to North Augusta Street:
Take Route 250 and turn right onto Grubert Avenue and then turning left onto West Beverly Street, which intersects with North Augusta Street.
Take Route 250 and turn right onto Thornrose Avenue and then turning left on to West Beverly Street, which intersects with North Augusta Street.
Take Churchville Avenue and turn left onto Springhill Road to Route 262. Turn right onto Route 262 north to the Route 11 intersection. Turn right onto Route 11 and take Route 11 bypass (Commerce Road) into Staunton.
At the Route 262/Route 250 interchange – take Route 262 north to the Route 11 intersection. Turn right onto Route 11 and take Route 11 bypass (Commerce Road) into Staunton.
* Various roads – Pipe installation, patching, brush cutting, shoulder repairs, ditching and grading. Work will occur on weekdays.
Secondary Roads
* Route 694 (Swartzel Shop Road) – Rustic road construction from Route 686 (Hill Top Drive) to Route 340 (Stuarts Draft Highway). Road closed 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Thursday.
* (NEW) Route 699 – Paving from Route 646 to 0.09 mile south of intersection of Route 646. Intersection relocation project to improve sight distance. Flagger traffic control, Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Route 736 (Union Church Road) – Bridge work. Road closed from Route 42 (Scenic Highway) to Route 835 (Dudley Farm Road). Estimated completion is Aug. 25.
* (NEW) Route 746 – Road reconstruction with flaggers controlling traffic from Route 745 to Route 616.
* Route 907 – Bridge over Christians Creek is closed. No reopening date has been scheduled.
* Various roads – Pipe installation, patching, brush cutting, shoulder repairs, ditching and grading. Work will occur on weekdays.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY
Interstate 81
* Mile marker 237.51 to 263, northbound and southbound – Debris removal, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* (NEW) Mile marker 249.9, northbound – Fence repair, Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.* (NEW) Mile marker 252.9, southbound – Ditch and median cleaning, Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.* (NEW) Mile marker 261.2, northbound – Ditch and median cleaning, Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* (NEW) Mile marker 273 to 263.9 southbound – Inspect and repair guardrail, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Primary Roads
* (NEW) Route 33, eastbound and westbound – Bridge maintenance on bridges over I-81 and Norfolk Southern Railroad at exit 247. Single-lane traffic, Monday night to Friday morning, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
* Route 42 (Forestville Road, Timberville) – Signal upgrade construction at intersection of Route 800 (Co-op Drive). Estimated completion is mid August.
* Route 42 (Warm Springs Pike) – Aerial and buried optic cable work from Bridgewater Town limits and Route 42 south to Augusta County line. Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 253 (Port Republic Road) – Aerial and buried optic cable work from Route 825 (South River Road) to Route 655 (Lawyer Road). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 253 (Port Republic Road) – Road widening project from Route 704 (Boyers Road) to Harrisonburg City limits. Asphalt operations to occur on Port Republic Road, Boyers Road and Ridgedale Road. Be alert for possible lane closures, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* Various roads – Pipe installation, patching, brush cutting, shoulder repairs, ditching and grading. Work will occur on weekdays.
Secondary Roads
* Route 613 (Jordan Hill Road) – Road widening and drainage work from Route 729 (Campbell Road) to Augusta County line. Intermittent shoulder closures.
* Route 672 – Bridge maintenance from 0.55 mile north of Route 655 to 0.45 mile south of Route 652. Possible single-lane traffic with flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Route 682 (Friedens Church Road) – Entrance, utility and medial installation work from Route 950 (Walton Way) to I-81 Interchange. Intermittent lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic, Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 726 (Erickson Avenue) – Road work from Route 33 (Rawley Pike) to Route 726. Intermittent lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic, Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 800 (Long Meadow Drive) – Columbia Gas work from Route 800 (Lone Pine Road) to Route 619 (Wampler Road). Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Intermittent lane and shoulder closure with flagger traffic control.
* Route 800 (American Legion Drive) – Columbia Gas work from Route 801 (Holsinger Road) to end of state maintenance. Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Intermittent lane and shoulder closure with flagger traffic control.
* Route 801 (Holsinger Road) – Columbia Gas work from Route 800 (American Legion Drive) to Route 619 (Wampler Road). Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Intermittent lane and shoulder closure with flagger traffic control.
* Route 820 (Bergton Road) – Motorists should be alert for travel delays of up to 20 minutes for road construction and slope work. Work zone is 1.10 miles to 0.30 mile west of Route 259 (Brocks Gap Road). Single-lane closures with flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday during daylight hours as needed. UPDATE: Construction will be controlled by temporary traffic signals 24 hours-a-day, Aug. 16 to Oct. 16. The signals will be located at both ends of the construction area. Motorists are urged to drive with caution in the work zone and to only proceed when a green light is present. Blasting operations will also occur Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Delays up to one hour should be expected during these times. Estimated completion is Nov. 2010.
* Route 890 (Buckley Road) – Columbia Gas work from Route 619 (Piney Woods Road) to end of state maintenance. Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Intermittent lane and shoulder closure with flagger traffic control.
Various roads – Pipe installation, patching, brush cutting, shoulder repairs, ditching and grading. Work will occur on weekdays.
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY
Interstate 64
* Mile marker 41 to 56 eastbound and westbound – Debris removal, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Various locations – Bridge cleaning, litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Single lane traffic with flagger traffic control or arrow board.
Interstate 81
* Mile marker 173 to 205 northbound and southbound – Debris removal, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Mile marker 175 to 200 northbound and southbound – Bridge maintenance on various structures. Possible single-lane traffic with flagger traffic control, Monday night to Friday morning, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.
* Mile marker 195.6 to 202.5, northbound and southbound – UPDATE: Blasting will take place on Aug. 12, 17 and 19 at 1 p.m. Blasting will occur near mile marker 197.7 and the Route 712 bridge.
Blasting operations will take place approximately two days a week between the hours of noon and 2 p.m. Monday to Friday. Both northbound and southbound lanes will have a rolling mobile lane closure. Signs posted. Blasting operations are estimated to continue through November.
* (NEW) Mile marker 200 to 205, northbound – Ditch cleaning. Mobile right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Primary Roads
* Route 130 (Glasgow) – Bridge construction at Route 501. New traffic pattern. Periodic single-lane traffic with flagger traffic control, signs posted. Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 7 am to noon. Use extreme caution as motorists become acquainted with new traffic pattern. Estimated completion is September 2010.
* Various roads – Bridge cleaning, litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Single lane traffic with flagger traffic control or arrow board.
Secondary Roads
* Route 603 – Bridges over Irish Creek. Bridge work from 1.40 miles east of Route 608 and 5.45 miles east of Route 608. Single lane closure with stop and proceed sign. Flagger traffic control as needed. Lane width restriction of 10-feet for superstructure replacement, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
* Route 608 (Forge Road) – Patching from Route 745 to Route 699. Flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Route 611 (South Buffalo Road) – Bridge replacement. Road closed from 1.15 miles south of Route 738 (Rapps Mill Road) to 0.25 mile north of Route 661 (Spring Branch Road). Single-lane traffic restrictions controlled by stop and proceed. Motorists must stop to ensure way is clear before proceeding. Lane will be restricted 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Estimated completion is Sept. 24.
* Route 699 (Wesley Chapel Road) – Patching from Route 608 to Route 60. Flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Various roads – Patching, shoulder repair, grading and brush cutting. Flagger traffic control, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
* Various roads – Bridge cleaning, litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Single lane traffic with flagger traffic control or arrow board.
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
VMI trio earn Big South football honors
VMI football’s Josh Wine, Emilio Calvin and Marc Ray have earned Big South Preseason All-Conference honors.
Wine, who will anchor the middle of VMI’s defensive front in 2010, was an All-Big South second-team member following last season. He led Big South down linemen in tackles with 63, including a career-high 10 stops versus Charleston Southern. Overall, he helped the Keydets to their best run defense numbers since 1977, as VMI allowed just 146.8 yards per game on the ground. Continue reading “VMI trio earn Big South football honors” »
Anken named new VMI head lacrosse coach
Brian Anken has been named the new head coach of VMI lacrosse.
“We are excited to move forward in our lacrosse program with the hiring of Brian Anken,” athletics director Donny White said. “He has proven himself to be a winner at both Mars Hill and Lycoming. We desire to compete for a conference championship and I feel Coach Anken will put our program in a position to do that.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to become a part of the VMI family,” Anken said. “VMI is a special place that expects excellence both on and off the field, and offers one of the most unique lacrosse experiences in the country. I’m excited for the opportunity and look forward to helping the VMI lacrosse program achieve a new level of success.” Continue reading “Anken named new VMI head lacrosse coach” »
Rapids down Generals, 4-2
The eighth inning was cruel to Waynesboro Tuesday. A failed suicide squeeze in the top half of the inning and some successful small ball by Rockbridge in the bottom half proved to be the difference as the Rapids defeated the Generals 4-2.
A leadoff double by Jared King had Waynesboro, then down 2-1, in business. A Colin Harrington sacrifice bunt moved King to third with one out. Manager Derek McDaniel put the squeeze on with leadoff hitter Jon Clinard at the plate, but the 1-1 pitch was well outside the strike zone, and King was tagged out by Rockbridge catcher Dillon Way. Clinard then grounded out to end the inning.
A pair of infield hits by Way and Shane Davis led off the bottom of the eighth for Rockbridge. A wild pitch by reliever Justin Thompson moved the runners to second and third, and Andrew Siano followed with a two-RBI single that made it 4-1.
A two-out ninth-inning single by Chase Worthington scored Drew Turocy to make it 4-2 and bring the tying run to the plate, but T.J. Kuban grounded out to end it.
Michael Reed (0-4) took the loss for Waynesboro in a solid effort, giving up two runs, one earned, in six and two-thirds innings.
Chris Griener (2-2) picked up the win for Rockbridge, which has now won four in a row overall.
Story by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
David Reynolds: Feeling Good
Column by David Reynolds
Submit guest columns: freepress2@ntelos.net
Why do we volunteer our time when they don’t pay us a dime? Because volunteer organizations pay us far more than ten cents. We join and contribute to feel good – to feel good about ourselves. That feeling is priceless. Continue reading “David Reynolds: Feeling Good” »
David Reynolds: Fore!
Column by David Reynolds
Submit guest columns: freepress2@ntelos.net
As those who play the game know all too well, golf is a four-letter word. But so is debt. Both seem to belong to the same club these days. And it doesn’t matter whether the club is a public one in Buena Vista or a private one in Lexington, the story is the same: More money is being lost by the pro shop than golf balls in the lake on the 10th hole. Continue reading “David Reynolds: Fore!” »
VMI breaks losing skid
Edited by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
An 11-game losing streak came to an end Sunday afternoon, as VMI jumped out to an early lead and held off Radford to claim a 7-5 win in Big South Conference baseball action at Gray-Minor Stadium. Continue reading “VMI breaks losing skid” »
David Reynolds: Births and boards
Column by David Reynolds
Submit guest columns: freepress2@ntelos.net
“We held on as long as we could,” was the announcement. It came as no surprise. There were numerous warnings to soften this latest blow to our proud past. Still no one was happy. Parents, particularly mothers, were angry. They wanted time as much as money to work the whole thing out. Maybe a year would do it. After all, we spent millions fixing up the place. And why do those bean counters from out of town keep making our decisions? Continue reading “David Reynolds: Births and boards” »
David Reynolds: It’s next year!
Posted by afp on January 7, 2011 · 1 Comment
Representatives from our three area governments told the usual bacon and eggs crowd how well everyone gets along. That is, if burning issues, such as incinerators, are not discussed. They said that any lack of cooperation should be placed squarely where it belongs – on those taxpayers who fail to appreciate higher taxes. Therefore with higher taxes and fees, both Lexington and Buena plan to remain independent. (BV restaurants plan to recoup the city’s latest surcharge by charging for water.)
As for our state reps, they did their usual revenue shortfall song and dance act, “We love you, but.” This means that Santa Claus will again not be able to swim upstream in the cold waters of the James and the Maury. In summary, all the speakers had the same bitter message, along with their coffee: The 2012 budget will be worse than the 2011 budget , but not as bad as the 2013 budget.
As for other big news this new year, that’s about it. It will be a quiet year in paradise. Just as planned. Nonetheless, allow us to mention a half dozen 2011 happenings of interest:
There was a full reading of the United States Constitution on the floor of the House of Representatives in Washington. This took place thanks to the Rockbridge Tea Party and our very own representative, Bob Goodlatte, known for proposing such controversial measures such as a balanced budget amendment. With his usual keen insight, Bob said, “This Congress has been very aggressive in expanding the power of the federal government.” The great Constitutional debate will be a year long affair, but there will little romance. Instead, the Supreme Court will maintain its usual cold silence and sing its theme song, “Still, still, still.” No common ground will be discovered by either side. Liberals will move to strike the practice of Senate filibusters, for at least the next two years. Conservatives, whose spokesman is the head of the Roanoke Tea Party, said this, “If it was up to me, they could spend the whole congressional session reading the Constitution and nothing else.”
A press conference was held at the Raphine Industrial Park to announce the end of the Virginia Tech-UVA football rivalry. Both schools agreed that no rivalry can exist without competitive games. In the interest of improved competition, UVA will meet VMI every Thanksgiving in Lexington, with the hope that the games will not be turkeys. Replacing UVA on Tech’s schedule will be JMU. Coach Beamer said that James Madison is on a par with Stanford. The Beamer, who is no Mercedes, said that he should be ready to play JMU in ten months.
The new I-81 northbound climbing lanes from Exit 195 opened. But not quite as planned. The new lanes have been taken over by sleeping truck drivers due to the overflow at Governor’s McDonnell’s reopened rest stops. Delegate Cline blamed VDOT for the mess. VDOT blamed the General Assembly for not raising the gas tax. And the General Assembly blamed the voters for not being sympathetic to the truckers lobby.
The State of West Virginia continued its successful tourism campaign: “West Virginia welcomes the Boys Scouts of America to our wild and wonderful state. East Virginia did not!” Strong objections were voiced by former Virginia governor and current Democrat National Committee Chair Tim Kaine, “If you think losing the Boy Scouts was bad, how about losing 63 Congressional seats to those rich and fat Republicans. I’ll take the scout loss anytime.” Mr. Kaine was asked to turn in his merit badges.
With golf courses hurting for revenue, Vista Links and the Lexington Golf and Country Club announced a special Two-for-One deal, play both courses for the price of one. However, there was considerable opposition from both BV taxpayers and LGCC members. The special offer was revised. It will be good for play only on Christmas Day.
After a tour of all 100 Virginia courthouses, the owners of an auto repair shop and a large abandoned red brick warehouse filed suit against the City of Lexington and the County of Rockbridge. They claim that the new courthouse is a blight on their corner. They asked that it be torn down and rebuilt in keeping with the standards of the other 99.
That’s it! Enjoy what is left of 2011. Make the most of each day. Carpe diem.
Filed under Blogs · Tagged with bob goodlatte, buena vista virginia, golf, lexington virginia, rockbridge county