CTB approves funds for Charlottesville bypass

Chris Graham

The Commonwealth Transportation Board today allocated funding for construction of the Route 29 Charlottesville Western Bypass in Albemarle County. The CTB amended its Six-Year Improvement Program to provide $197 million for construction of the Western Bypass and an additional $33 million to widen Route 29 to six lanes from the South Fork Rivanna River north…

Millions of peaches, peaches for me

Contributors

The peaches are ripe, the harvest looks very good and the festivals are gearing up. It’s time to check www.virginiagrown.com for a pick-your-own farm or farmers’ market selling fresh, juicy Virginia peaches. Many grocery stores and big box stores also offer Virginia Grown peaches. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) says the…

McDonnell announces trade deal between Smithfield, Dandong Port Group

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced that Virginia-based Smithfield Foods, Incorporated and China’s Dandong Port Group have reached a memorandum of understanding to explore business opportunities in the rapidly growing market of northern China. The relationship was formalized by the signed MOU achieved during the governor’s recent trade and economic development mission to Asia. Dandong, which is…

Ken Plum: A crazy quilt

Ken Plum

I was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1977 as part of the five member delegation representing the northern half of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. A similar five-person delegation represented the southern half of Fairfax County. These several members at-large districts came about as Virginia was forced…

Ken Plum: New legislative districts

Ken Plum

By the time you read this column, you will have had an opportunity to see the proposed district boundaries for the House of Delegates, State Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives. I write this column amidst much concern, angst, and fear among incumbents and potential candidates as rumors have been circulating about what the districts…

Natural resources institute comes to Staunton

Contributors

The 2001-2011 class of Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute will hold a three day training session in Staunton March 16-18. The meeting is the fourth of six sessions held throughout the year, at locations across the state. Focus of discussion during the session will include sustainable agriculture, nutrient management planning, community food systems, concepts of…

Volunteers honored during Girl Scout Annual Meeting

Contributors

Volunteers — the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization — were honored Jan. 29 by Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council during its annual business meeting. Virginia “Jinx” Weary of Trefoil service unit in Roanoke, received the Thanks Badge, the most prestigious award presented to an adult in Girl Scouting. The Thanks Badge recognizes outstanding service…

Busy 2010 at the Wildlife Center

Contributors

The Wildlife Center of Virginia, an internationally acclaimed teaching and research hospital for wildlife and conservation medicine located in Waynesboro, admitted a total of 2,303 animals for treatment during 2010 – injured, ailing, and orphaned wildlife from all across Virginia. During 2010, the Center treated: 1037 mammals, including 299 Eastern Cottontail Rabbits; 223 Eastern Gray…

Book on history of Route 11 features work of BC prof

Contributors

A new book that explores the history of U.S. 11 between the Potomac River at Williamsport, Md., and the James River at Buchanon, Va., has been published by the University of Virginia Press, and features the photography of Bridgewater College associate professor of art Scott Jost. The Great Valley Road of Virginia: Shenandoah Landscapes from…