Smart to stay at VCU: Agrees to eight-year extension

AFP

Virginia Commonwealth University officials announced today that head men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart has agreed in principle to an eight-year contract. The agreement comes on the heels of VCU’s historic appearance in the Final Four of the 2011 NCAA Tournament. “Coach Smart’s contributions to the university are unquantifiable,” said VCU President Michael Rao. “His character,…

Sweet 16: Richmond 2, Big East 2

AFP

You read that right. Our state’s capital city has all of two NCAA teams, both of which made the NCAA Tournament field of 68, and both of which fought their way into the Sweet 16 with a combined record of 5-0. Meanwhile, the entirety of the Big East, a 16-team superconference stretching from the Northeast…

Rams paste Purdue, headed to Sweet 16

AFP

For the past week, all the talk has been about how the Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball team was out to prove they belong in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. After three decisive and impressive victories, the statement is now, How far can the Black & Gold dance? On Sunday evening, the 11th-seeded Rams etched their…

Dental clinic adds new full-time staffer

Chris Graham

The Augusta Regional Dental Clinic announced this week that Emily Harding, D.M.D., will join the clinic as a full-time staff dentist on March 22. Dr. Harding is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School, where she received her doctorate of dental medicine in general dentistry. She has spent extensive time working in dental…

Harrisonburg passes tax exemption as incentive for solar power

AFP

Harrisonburg City Council Tuesday night passed an ordinance offering a 100 percent exemption from local taxes for solar power installations, helping the city to join 13 other localities in Virginia that offer a 100 percent exemption for developers and homeowners to install solar power in their communities. The ordinance, passed by a 4-1 vote, exempts…

Natural resources institute comes to Staunton

AFP

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…

VCU slips past NSU

AFP

Seven different players collected hits as the Virginia Commonwealth University baseball team used its best offensive output to claim a 7-6 road victory over in-state rival Norfolk State in non-conference action on Tuesday afternoon. Senior John Lenherr recorded a game-high three hits, while freshman Landon Prentiss went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI…

One killed in I-64 crash

Chris Graham

A Charlottesville man was killed and another man injured along Interstate 64 in Albemarle County early Tuesday morning, Mar. 1, 2011. At 8:23 a.m., Trooper K.M. Ralston was called to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash at the 104 mile marker in the eastbound lanes of the interstate. A 2002 Toyota Camry and a 2003…