Local tax-prep program sees huge spike in returns

Chris Graham

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program operated by the Community Action Partnership of Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro expanded services this year and with the help of over two dozen volunteers filed just over 250 federal and state returns. This service saved area consumers approximately $50,800 based on the average cost of $200 a return at a commercial preparation site.

DreamTime with the Barefoot Puppets

AFP

Barefoot Puppet returns to WTA’s Gateway with Dreamtime on Friday, April 26. The performance is inspired by a collection of Aboriginal folk tales from Australia. A unique feature of the Barefoot Puppet performances is an opportunity for the audience to see how the puppets are made and how they work. The public performances are at 4 pm and 6 pm at 329 West Main in Downtown Waynesboro.

Gov. Bob McDonnell to college, university presidents: Limit tuition increases

AFP

Gov. Bob McDonnell issued a letter earlier this month urging college presidents and boards to voluntarily keep in-state tuition increases for the upcoming fall semester to the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index. Virginia colleges and universities worked closely with the administration last year to hold tuition increases to an average of 4.1 percent, the lowest average tuition increase in a decade. Virginia’s colleges and universities are currently determining tuition rates for the upcoming school year.

2013 Governor’s Challenge champions in economics and personal finance

AFP

Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced the winners of the 2013 Governor’s Challenge in Economics and Personal Finance. Preliminary online rounds attracted 2,172 high school students from across Virginia, with 160 students qualifying for the day-long championship competition at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) on April 17 where the following teams prevailed:

augusta health

Augusta Health employees earn certifications

Chris Graham

During the first quarter of 2013, 19 Augusta Health employees earned national certifications in their areas of expertise, and two finished a Master’s degree. Certifications require demonstration of extensive knowledge in a subject area, usually by examination, and degrees require a commitment of years of study and commitment.

Habitat for Humanity to host spring cleaning Earth Day event

AFP

April 20th, the Habitat ReStore will host a “Spring Cleaning” event from 8am-2pm. The event will highlight a special outdoor sidewalk area, where customers may purchase items by giving a donation. Meanwhile, we will be renovating the interior of the store with the help of Mary Baldwin College and James Madison University students. Light refreshments will be offered. All proceeds from the event will go toward building and repairing homes in our area.