Monday, March 2, 2009

– Local News: Road conditions improve dramatically, Monday, 6 p.m.
– State News: Governor declares state of emergency, Monday, 6 p.m.
– Local News: Staunton Police on lookout for purse-snatchers (with photo), Monday, 11:30 a.m.
– Local News: Road conditions update, Monday, 11:30 a.m.
– Local Business: Chamber of Commerce to host free small-biz seminar, Monday, 11:30 a.m.
– Local Events: Jazz Ensemble to perform at BC, Monday, 11:30 a.m.
– Local Events: Hamner presents Virginia playwrights, Monday, 11:30 a.m.
– Local Events: Battle of Waynesboro re-enactment this weekend, Monday, 11:30 a.m.
– Local Events: Local artisan to exhibit at Waynesboro Heritage Museum, Monday, 11:30 a.m.
– Local News: VDOT road work update, Monday, 11:30 a.m. 

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Local News: Road conditions improve dramatically, Monday, 6 p.m.

All interstate and most primary roads are clear in the Shenandoah Valley. Secondary roads vary from clear to moderate depending on location. Virginia Department of Transportation crews will continue to monitor and treat roadways throughout the evening and night as needed.

Motorists should drive with caution tonight. Icy patches are possible along with black ice, particularly on elevated surfaces such as bridges, ramps and overpasses.

Here are the road conditions in the VDOT Staunton District as of 3:30 p.m.

Interstate 64 – Clear in Alleghany, Rockbridge and Augusta counties

Interstate 66 – Clear in Warren County.

Interstate 81 – Clear in Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Frederick counties.

Primary roads are in minor condition in Rockingham County. Primary roads are clear in Alleghany, Bath, Rockbridge, Augusta, Highland, Clarke, Page, Warren, Shenandoah and Frederick counties.

Secondary roads are in moderate condition in Alleghany, Augusta and Rockingham counties. Minor conditions are in Bath, Rockbridge, Frederick and Shenandoah counties. Clear conditions are in Highland, Clarke, Page and Warren counties.

Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. People should not drive unless absolutely necessary. People who are driving in winter road conditions should use extra caution particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.

 

State News: Governor declares state of emergency, Monday, 6 p.m.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine declared a state of emergency today, authorizing state agencies to respond if local governments need assistance in the wake of the winter storm that began Sunday, March 1.

“This is the most widespread winter weather event to affect Virginia in eight years,” Governor Kaine said. “So far our counties, cities and towns are coping very well with all the snow, wind and power outages. We want to be able to move quickly if additional help is needed to protect the health and safety of our citizens.”

In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and reposition resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia.

· The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has staffed the Virginia Emergency Operations Center with response team members from several state agencies, major utilities and other affiliated organizations and is coordinating the state response to the storm.

· The Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Transportation have been working since the storm began to clear roadways of hundreds of vehicle crashes, fallen branches and piles of snow.

· The Virginia Department of Health has released public information on generator safety and heart safety.\

· The Virginia National Guard is on standby to respond as needed.

More information about winter weather preparedness is available at www.vaemergency.com. Detailed information about how Virginians can stay safe during an emergency is available at www.ReadyVirginia.gov and www.ListoVirginia.gov.

  

Local News: Staunton Police on lookout for purse-snatchers, Monday, 11:30 a.m.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 there were two separate incidents in which elderly females had their purses stolen from shopping carts while at the grocery store. The suspects, an unidentified white male and white female, later attempted to use the victims’ credit cards at several locations in the city.

The Staunton Police Department is requesting assistance in identifying the suspects. Anyone having any information concerning this case is asked to please contact the Staunton Police Department at 540.332.3842 or call Crime Stoppers at 800.322.2017.

Callers with information leading to an arrest and conviction will be entitled to a reward of up to $1,000.

 

Local News: Road conditions update, Monday, 11:30 a.m.

Snow has ceased, but drivers should remain cautious on the roads this morning.

Here are the reported road conditions as of 10:30 a.m.:

Interstate 64 – Moderate conditions in Alleghany and Augusta counties. Minor conditions in Rockbridge County.

Interstate 66 – Clear conditions in Warren County.

Interstate 81 – Moderate conditions in Augusta County. Minor conditions in Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren counties. Clear conditions in Frederick County.

Moderate conditions are reported on primary roads in Alleghany, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Page counties. Minor conditions are in Frederick, Warren and Clarke counties.

Moderate conditions are reported on secondary roads in Alleghany, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, Augusta, Rockingham, Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren, Page and Clarke counties.

Motorists are reminded that ice and freezing rain conditions can still produce hazardous driving conditions, even when roads are treated. People should not drive unless absolutely necessary. People who are driving in winter road conditions should use extra caution particularly on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.

 

Local Business: Chamber of Commerce to host free small-biz seminar, Monday, 11:30 a.m.

Continuing in their efforts to assist small businesses, the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Lexington Merchants, and Hess and Co. are uniting to offer the first, of what is hoped to be a series, of free small business seminars.

This free seminar, entitled “”Windows for Profit” will be held Wednesday, March 4, at 5:45 p.m. in the Lexington Presbyterian Church. All interested parties are invited to attend, and should respond to the Chamber by the close of business on Monday

The seminar will be lead by Skip Hess and Curt Fredin, of Hess and Co., a family owned and operated business since 1884, located at 122 South Main Street in Lexington.

Seminar topics will include the basic principles, rules and guidelines of window displays, how to keep your window displays fresh, importance of showcasing what you’re promoting, and more.

For more information about the event please Lisa Markham at the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce at 540.463.5375 or email: [email protected].

 

Local Events: Jazz Ensemble to perform at BC, Monday, 11:30 a.m.

The Bridgewater College Jazz Ensemble will present a concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 5, in the Carter Center for Worship and Music.

The Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Tim Weir, assistant professor and director of instrumental music, will feature music by John La Barbera, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Mark Taylor and Ray Henderson and Buddy DeSylva.

John R. Doyon, a senior psychology major from Northfield, Vt., will be the featured guitar soloist on “Flightline” by Mark Taylor. Performing the trumpet solo on “Love for Sale” by Cole Porter and arranged by Chuck Berry is Kendall Furrow, a music major from Waynesboro, Va. Katelin Staley, a senior biology major and music minor from Frederick, Md., will be the saxophone soloist for “Birth of the Blues” by Ray Henderson and Buddy DeSylva, arranged by Chuck Berry.

The evening concert also includes a guest, Tom McKenzie on trombone. He will perform John La Barbera’s “Tiger of San Pedro” and “Brother Griff McSmith” and “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin and arranged by Stefan Wolpe.

McKenzie, director of the James Madison University Jazz Band and coach of several student jazz combos, is a freelance musician. He also performs with the Brass 5 quintet and the University-Shenandoah Symphony Orchestra at Washington and Lee University and directs Just Jazzin, Harrisonburg’s community-based jazz ensemble.

The concert is free and open to the public.

 

Local Events: Hamner presents Virginia playwrights, Monday, 11:30 a.m.

Playwrights will read their new work to the public on Thursday evenings in March in the Hamner Theater’s Virginia Playwrights Initiative. The Virginia Playwrights Initiative is a part of the Hamner Theater’s continuing mission to foster new works for the stage, specifically those by Virginia playwrights. VPI provides a venue for the playwright to workshop, rewrite and rehearse a new script with a company of experienced actors, a director and a dramaturg.

There will be three VPI readings held in March on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. On March 5, Roy Robbins will read his play, Slow Instructions. On March 12, there will be an actor reading of Slow Instructions, by Roy Robbins. Thursday, March 19, Robert Wray will read his play, All is Always Now. There is no admission charge for these readings.

Following each reading, there will be a discussion open to all. This discussion is an important part of the process, providing an opportunity for the playwright to understand the impact his play has had on the audience.

Admission is free. For more information, go online at www.hamnertheater.com.

 

Local Events: Battle of Waynesboro re-enactment this weekend, Monday, 11:30 a.m.

The annual re-enactment of the Battle of Waynesboro is set for Saturday, March 7, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Plumb House Museum at 1012 W. Main St. in Downtown Waynesboro.

Participating in the event will be the 5th Virginia Co. E&L, the Palmetto Sharpshooters, the 22nd Artillery and Staunton Artillery re-enactors and more.

A ceremony at the Presbyterian Cemetery on Ohio Street is set for 11 a.m. Saturday.

 

Local Events: Local artisan to exhibit at Waynesboro Heritage Museum, Monday, 11:30 a.m.

Woodturned vessels by Waynesboro artisan Bert Smith will be the featured artist exhibit at the Waynesboro Heritage Museum, 420 W. Main St., Downtown Waynesboro, hosted by the Artisans Center of Virginia.

The exhibit will open with a reception from 2-4 p.m. at the museum. The event is free and open to the public.

 

Local News: VDOT road work update, Monday, 11:30 a.m.

Here is an updated list of highway work projects that might affect traffic in the Staunton Transportation District during 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.

 

Rockbridge County

Interstate 64

* (NEW) Mile marker 0 to 57, eastbound and westbound – Delineator repair. Shoulder closed, Tuesday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

* Mile marker 41 to 57, eastbound and westbound – Debris removal. Monday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

* Various roads – Ditch cleaning, Tuesday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

* Various roads – Litter removal. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Interstate 81

* Mile marker 174 to 205, northbound and southbound – Debris removal. Monday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

* Mile marker 195, eastbound and westbound – Roadway lighting construction. Shoulder closures, Monday to Friday, flagger traffic control.

* Various roads – Ditch cleaning, Tuesday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

* Various roads – Litter removal. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Primary Roads

* Route 11 – Roadway lighting construction. Shoulder closures, Monday to Friday, flagger traffic control.

* Route 130 – Bridge construction at Route 501 in Glasgow. Periodic single lane traffic with flagger traffic control, Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. Completion is in September 13, 2010.

 

Secondary Roads

* Various roads – Brush cutting, shoulder repair. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., flagger traffic control.

* Various roads – Grading dirt roads, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

* Various roads – Litter removal.

 

Augusta County

Interstate 64

* (NEW) Various roads – Repair overhead signs, Monday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Single lane traffic, flagger traffic control.

 

Interstate 81

* Mile marker 205 to 237, northbound and southbound – Debris removal. Monday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

* Various roads – Litter removal. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

* Various roads – Ditch cleaning, Tuesday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

* (NEW) Various roads – Repair overhead signs, Monday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Single lane traffic, flagger traffic control.

 

Primary Roads

* Route 11, southbound (Lee Jackson Highway) – Sewer line installation from Route 694 to Route 701. Shoulder closure and lane shift, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 252 – Brush trimming from Route 701 to Rockbridge County line. Monday to Friday with flagger traffic control.

* (NEW) Route 256 (Weyers Cave Road) – Guardrail upgrades from Route 276 to Rockingham County line, Sunday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Alternating lane closures, flagger traffic control.

* Route 340, Waynesboro – Construction from Route 250 to Delphine Avenue for railroad bridge replacement and roadway widening, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Expect minor delays from Broad Street to Sixth Street for construction work. Sixth Street closed for sanitary sewer replacement, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Estimated completion is November, 2011.

* Various roads – Debris cleanup, brush trimming near signs.

 

Secondary Roads

* Route 612 – Pipe replacement and ditch work from Route 663 to end of state maintenance, Monday to Thursday. Traffic control.

* Route 631 – Shoulder repair, Monday to Friday. Flagger traffic control.

* (NEW) Route 654 – Brush trimming from Route 800 to Route 11. Monday, Thursday and Friday with flagger traffic control.

* Route 701, westbound (Howardsville Road) – Sewer line work from Route 11 to Route 613. Shoulder closure. Work is 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Flagger traffic control.

* Route 701 – Shoulder repair, Monday to Friday. Flagger traffic control.

* Various roads – Bridge maintenance, Monday to Friday.

* Various roads – Machining dirt roads, Monday to Friday. Mobile lane closures.

* Various roads – Pothole repair, Tuesday to Wednesday. Mobile lane closures.

 

Rockingham County

Interstate 81

* Mile marker 237 to 263, northbound and southbound – Litter and debris removal. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* (NEW) Various roads – Repair overhead signs, Monday to Thursday, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Single lane traffic, flagger traffic control.

 

Primary Roads

* Route 33, westbound (Rawley Pike) – Utility pole replacement from Route 612 (Peake Mountain Road) to Route 840 (Maple Tree Lane). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* (NEW) Route 33 (Market Street) – Safety upgrade at Route 33 and I-81 interchange. Shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

* Route 253 (Port Republic Road) – Sewer line installation from Route 704 (Osceola Springs Road) to Route 276 (Cross Keys Road). Westbound lane shoulder closure. Occasional single lane traffic with flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 256 (Third Street, Grottoes) – Commercial entrance and directional bores from Route 256 (Dogwood Avenue) and Forest Avenue. Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 257 (Mason Street, Dayton) – Entrance construction from Route 1204 (Ashby Street) to Route 1203 (Westview Street). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* (NEW) Route 259 (Brocks Gap Road) – Directional bore. Work is from Route 820 (Bergton Road) to West Virginia State line. Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 276, eastbound (Cross Keys Road) – Sewer line installation from Route 33 (Spotswood Trail) to Route 253 (Port Republic Road). Shoulder closure. Occasional single lane traffic with flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Secondary Roads

* Route 641 (Cave Hill Road) – Road work from Route 843 (Cemetery Road) to Route 991 (Jacob Burner Road). Intermittent lane closures. Flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 648 (Dave Berry Road) – Sewer line installation from Route 996 (McGaheysville Road) to Route 641 (White Rose Road). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 676 (Oak Shade Road) – Directional bore. Work is from Route 276 (Cross Keys Road) to Route 674 (Duck Run Road). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 679 (Pleasant Valley Road) – Sewer line installation from Route 689 (Spaders Church Road) to Route 898 (Pleasant Drive). Shoulder closures controlled by flaggers. Blasting may occur. Work is Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 689 (Shen Lake Drive) – Sewer line installation from Route 253 (Port Republic Road) to Route 1003 (Cumberland Drive). Westbound shoulder closure. Occasional single lane traffic with flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 689 (Shen Lake Drive) – Sewer line installation from Route 253 (Port Republic Road) to Route 1030 (Lucy Long Drive). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 704 (Cecil Wampler Road) in conjunction with Route 679 work – Sewer line installation from Route 679 (Pleasant Valley Road) to Route 704 (Cecil Wampler Road). Occasional blasting may occur. Shoulder closure. One lane traffic controlled by flaggers. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 704 (Cecil Wampler Road) – Sewer line work from Route 679 (Pleasant Valley Road) to Route 705 (Cottontail Trail). Shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 709 (Autumn Lane) – Sewer line installation from Route 704 (Osceola Springs Road) to Route 710 (Greendale Road). Westbound shoulder closure. Occasional single lane traffic with flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* (NEW) Route 710 (Greendale Road) – Aerial crossing from Route 253 (Port Republic Road) to Route 709 (Autumn Lane). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* (NEW) Route 726 (Stone Spring Road) – Aerial crossing from Route 253 (Port Republic Road) to Route 726 (Peach Grove Avenue)/Harrisonburg City Limits. Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 794 (Canery Island Road) – Overhead line installation from Route 11 (North Valley Pike) and Route 620 (Mount Valley Road). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* (NEW) Route 820 (Crab Run Road) – Aerial line installation from Route 865 (Bergton Road) to West Virginia State line. Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* (NEW) Route 826 (Criders Road) – Aerial line installation from Route 865 (Bergton Road) to Route 700 (Trailer Park Road). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* (NEW) Route 865 (Bergton Road) – Aerial line installation from Route 820 (Bergton Road) to Route 823 (Overly Hollow). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 981 (Rockingham Pike) – Overhead crossing, directional bore from Route 979 (Solsburg Road) to Route 829 (Mount Herman Road). Right shoulder closure, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

* Route 1204 (Ashby Street) – Waterline installation from Route 1209 (Thompson Street) to Route 1201 (Turner Street). Shoulder closure. Occasional single lane traffic with flagger traffic control. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Route 1304 (Sunset Drive, Dayton) – Sewer line installation between Route 257 (Mason Street) and 1209 (Thompson Street). Road closed. Traffic controlled by flaggers, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.