In Depth | Not so elementary redistricting

Chris Graham

Waynesboro reacts to proposed reconfiguration of city elementary schools Story by Chris Graham [email protected] Westwood Hills to William Perry, then back to Westwood Hills. Two transitions in two years. That’s what Liz Barnes is facing for her son, Josh. “I’m not in the PTO, I’m not as much in the loop as I’d like to…

Midlife couple declares: ‘Why knot?’

Jim Bishop

   Column by Jim Bishop Submit guest columns: [email protected] Rose Stoltzfus Shenk, 41, of Harrisonburg, is a widow with four boys between 5 and 11 years old. Bruce Buckwalter, 40, of Harrisonburg, is single and never been married. Credit an Internet computer program for bringing the two together. Rose spent her early years in East…

Acoustic with a mission

Contributors

Music Guild Night set for Saturday night Staff Report News Tips: [email protected] The Staunton Music Guild has recently partnered with several local businesses and organizations to benefit community and cultural causes, and on Saturday, Dec. 26, from 7-10 p.m., will join with Mockingbird Roots Music Hall, 123 W. Beverley St., to hold “Staunton Music Guild…

Webb: Status quo of health-care system ‘unacceptable’

Contributors

Senator explains vote to move forward with legislation Statement from U.S. Sen. Jim Webb www.webb.senate.gov I have decided to vote in favor of moving forward on health care reform legislation. I do so despite my disappointment with some sections of the bill, which I will continue to address in the future. But the final package…

Fifth District Report

Letters

Column by Tom Perriello www.perriello.house.gov As this year winds to a close, I continue to focus on economic recovery and the fiscal discipline to bring our deficit under control. First, I have once again signed on as co-sponsor of a measure to block members of Congress from receiving automatic pay increases, this time for the…

Focus | No car tax, but yes, local income tax?

Chris Graham

Kaine gets heat for controversial proposed switch Story by Chris Graham [email protected] Goodbye, No Car Tax. Hello, New Local Income Tax. Tim Kaine didn’t exactly say it that way, but that was the sum effect. “Let’s keep the promise. Let’s get rid of the car tax on personal vehicles completely, but do it the right…

Focus | A move toward equity

Chris Graham

Kaine proposes employee-benefits policy change Story by Chris Graham [email protected] The Kaine administration, in a sort of last act as its final days count down, has proposed a change in state policy that would allow state employees to choose between covering a spouse or an “otherwise qualfied adult” on their employee plus one health-care policies….

Tribute to fallen leaves – let them be!

Contributors

   Column by Shepherd Bliss Submit guest columns and letters: [email protected] First, some background: This November a City Council member in our small Northern California town of Sebastopol proposed a ban on leaf blowers, which the community and Council are currently discussing. Bans have been passed in many cities around the United States and proposed…

Exam brake

Chris Graham

UVa. gets tough test after layoff with UNCW Story by Chris Graham [email protected] After playing seven games in an 18-day stretch, then having a week in between games with Penn State and Auburn, the UVa. men’s basketball team had a 12-day break before its next scheduled game with UNC-Wilmington on Saturday. It’s not anything new…