Stimulus monies to help pay for solar panels

Contributors

An $80 million grant from the federal stimulus will fund improvements to wastewater-treatment plants across the Commonwealth, including here in the Valley. Augusta County will get $364,964 to go toward the installation of solar panels at wastewater-treatment plant pump stations across the county, according to the office of Gov. Tim Kaine, who on Tuesday accepted…

Kaine touts green building

Contributors

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Monday toured the renovated, environmentally friendly Virginia Association of Counties headquarters where he highlighted the benefits of green construction and green roofs. The VaCo headquarters on Main Street in Richmond was built in 1866 and recently was completely renovated using LEED standards.

Earth Talk | Rooftop gardens

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: I’m sure there are many good environmental reasons to build a rooftop garden. Can you enlighten? And also I’d like to know how to go about creating one and whether or not some municipalities might offer incentives to do so. – Linda, via e-mail Indeed there are many good reasons to build a…

Anderson featured at Arts Council of the Valley show

Contributors

The Arts Council of the Valley proudly presents “American Landscapes” by Bob Anderson to the Harrisonburg community. Participating in First Fridays Downtown, the show opens on Friday, Sept. 4, from 5-7 p.m. at the Darrin-McHone Gallery in the Smith House. There will be complimentary food and beverages for the public to enjoy as they savor…

The Latest

Chris Graham

Friday, Aug. 21 – Local News: More Harrisonburg street closings Thursday, Aug. 20 – Local News: Harrisonburg street work delays – Local News: Harrisonburg-Rockingham chamber CEO steps down – Elections ’09: Shannon gets business-group endorsements Wednesday, Aug. 18 – Local News: Waynesboro City Council work session agenda Tuesday, Aug. 18 – State News: Health department…

Earth Talk | Oil spills

Roddy Scheer

Dear EarthTalk: I haven’t heard much of late about big oil spills like the infamous Exxon Valdez. Has the industry cleaned up its act, or do the media just not report them? – Olivia G., via e-mail In the wake of 1989’s massive Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, when 11 million…