Intensity leads to diligence

Chris Graham

EMU field-hockey star wraps up stellar career Story by James De Boer EMU sports: www.emu.edu “Natural talent can only get an individual so far. The rest comes from heart, desire and the ‘want’ to be better and the dedication to put in work behind the scenes, in the offseason, and before and after practice.” While…

Acoustic with a mission

AFP

Music Guild Night set for Saturday night Staff Report News Tips: [email protected] The Staunton Music Guild has recently partnered with several local businesses and organizations to benefit community and cultural causes, and on Saturday, Dec. 26, from 7-10 p.m., will join with Mockingbird Roots Music Hall, 123 W. Beverley St., to hold “Staunton Music Guild…

Two surprises in McDonnell appointments

Chris Graham

Gov.-elect appoints former Bolling rival, Kaine holdover to Cabinet posts Story by Chris Graham [email protected] A former political rival to Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and a holdover from the outgoing administration of Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine highlight the Cabinet appointments announced today by Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell. McDonnell appointed Sean Connaughton, former chairman of the…

Downtown revitalization: Time for action

Chris Graham

Column by Lorie Smith www.loriesmith.com Two weeks ago, Waynesboro held a downtown planning session. The city engaged the Redevelopment and Housing Authority to assist in creating a Downtown Revitalization Plan. Over the coming months, this plan will be formally developed and submitted for approval to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Waynesboro could…

State-written history

Ken Plum

   Column by Ken Plum www.kenplum.com My studies in history and political science at the institution that is now Old DominionUniversity were eye-opening, exciting and fulfilling, but my resulting bachelor of arts degree did not provide me any specific career training. That is why I entered a master in education program at the University of…

Focus | No car tax, but yes, local income tax?

Chris Graham

Kaine gets heat for controversial proposed switch Story by Chris Graham [email protected] Goodbye, No Car Tax. Hello, New Local Income Tax. Tim Kaine didn’t exactly say it that way, but that was the sum effect. “Let’s keep the promise. Let’s get rid of the car tax on personal vehicles completely, but do it the right…

Charter schools, when explained, get support

Chris Graham

VCU survey shows most know little about charter-school concept Staff Report News Tips: [email protected] Virginia residents are not well informed about charter schools but a majority support them when charter school programs are explained, according to a new statewide survey conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University. The Commonwealth Education Poll finds only 8 percent say they…

Patchwork Pantry ministers to body and soul

Jim Bishop

   Column by Jim Bishop Submit guest columns and letters: [email protected] Sheri Hartzler is a human dynamo who gets many things done in a fairly low-key, unassuming manner – at her workplace at Third Way Media in Harrisonburg, handling bookings for Ted & Company Theaterworks or orchestrating the Patchwork Pantry food program. Patchwork Pantry, located…

Fifth District Report

AFP

   Column by Tom Perriello www.perriello.house.gov Last week, I held a conference call with Chambers of Commerce and other business leaders from across the Fifth District to gain their ideas on job creation and how to create new competitive advantage in Central and Southern Virginia. Supporting small businesses is one of the best ways we…