Sime’s abortion answer gets attention of candidates, voters

Chris Graham

Column by Chris Graham You don’t normally see one candidate taken aback at something said by an opponent at a debate. But Arin Sime’s two opponents for the 24th Senate District seat were thrown off by something that he had to say at Monday night’s candidates forum in Waynesboro sponsored by The Augusta Free Press…

Half credit, U Hall voters, Carolyn Frank, Kristina Cruise

Chris Graham

Winners and Losers column by Chris Graham PUSH: Half credit for doing something good The local TV stations covering the 24th Senate District candidates forum held last night in Waynesboro seem to think that the event materialized out of the thin air. OK, I’m being harsh – because WHSV did show pictures from the event…

Officer, author, shares love of good reading

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham Mark Kearney wanted to do a good thing – highlighting the connection between literacy and good reading skills and crime prevention. The police officer wouldn’t have guessed four years ago when he embarked on the effort that became Book ‘Em that he would be a part of the event himself as…

City slicker

Chris Graham

Stop the Presses column by Chris Graham “We’re moving to the city,” I said to a long-time friend, who could hardly suppress a laugh. “Um, you’re moving to Waynesboro,” Dobie Madison, a sportswriter buddy of mine from way back, retorted. “We’re not talking city here. We’re talking … less rural than the middle of nowhere.”…

nTelos introduces cable, satellite TV alternative

Contributors

Item by Chris Graham An alternative to cable and satellite TV is being rolled out by nTelos in Augusta County and Waynesboro – offering 200 all-digital channels and 18 high-definition channels and more. “We look forward to providing innovative video services and to giving our customers an excellent choice for television programming,” nTelos Wireline president…

Pastures candidates talk county politics

Chris Graham

The Top Story by Chris Graham Tracy Pyles is making a go at a fourth term on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors – but this Pastures District re-election bid might be his toughest to date. West Augusta businessman Travis Smithdeal has made his presence known in the Augusta County Government Center already – leading…

Vector Industries earns accreditation

Contributors

Item by Chris Graham The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities has extended the accreditation of employment-services programs at the Waynesboro-based Vector Industries for three years. The accreditation represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization. Vector Industries provides employment and training for people with physical and mental challenges. Employment…

Moving violations

Chris Graham

Stop the Presses column by Chris Graham “This is the last time we’re moving.” Famous last words. It’s been four years since our last move – to a small house south of Grottoes. Beautiful view of the Blue Ridge. Two farms across the road. The trains that whiz by at night are annoying, but otherwise…