The final polls, my prediction, more

Chris Graham

Two new polls out Monday have Bath County State Sen. Creigh Deeds building a commanding lead in the Democratic Party gubernatorial primary heading into the Tuesday state primary. The final pre-election Public Policy Polling poll has Deeds at 40 percent, with former nomination frontrunner Terry McAuliffe at 26 percent and former Northern Virginia lawmaker Brian…

‘The secrecy thing’: Did ‘done deal’ appointment skirt law?

Chris Graham

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008, 2:28 p.m. Waynesboro voter registrar Mary Alice Downs hits Send on an e-mail to Nelson County voter registrar Lisa Wooten. “I thought I would just touch base with you and see if you still have an interest in a move to Waynesboro? My Board is trying to plan for the upcoming…

Historic recycling: Developer gives old asylum, prison new life as upscale town center

Chris Graham

I’m taking an intern from UVa. on a drive around the Valley one summer day a few years back. We decided to stop for lunch at Wright’s Dairy Rite in Staunton. It seemed the touristy thing to do. “What’s that over there?” he asked, gesturing at the old Western State Hospital complex, then in use…

Groceries and lunch: Local food pantries, soup kitchens see spike in demand in downturn

It’s like the parking lot at Wal-Mart outside the door to the Verona Community Food Pantry, located on the backside of the Department of Social Services building at the Augusta County Government Center complex off U.S. 11. Inside it’s just as crazy as the Wal-Mart on a weekend, long lines at the counter and shopping…

In the News

Chris Graham

– Economy: National unemployment rate pushes up in May – Local News: Staunton water plants win recognition – Local News: Tip a Cop to help Special Olympics – Politics: Clark endorses Signer – Capitol Hill: Perriello veterans legislation gaining support in Congress