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…

EMU students detail South Africa excursion

Jim Bishop

   Story by Jim Bishop EMU news: www.emu.edu The atmosphere was electric, and the audience got caught up in the enthusiasm exuded by the 24 Eastern Mennonite University students who shared highlights of their fall semester cross-cultural seminar in South Africa in a university chapel program Wednesday, Dec. 8. The group, led by Harlan de…

Waynesboro citizens, leaders envision downtown’s future

Chris Graham

   Story by Chris Graham [email protected] Plenty of enthusiasm, with a couple of doses of reality. That was the downtown visioning session held in a packed City Council chambers in Waynesboro Thursday night. The packed chambers were a sign of the enthusiasm. Sixty-seven people took part in the two-hour-plus session, which had participants breaking up…

London announces first additions to staff

Chris Graham

  Staff Report UVa. sports: www.virginiasports.com Virginia head football coach Mike London has announced four additions to his coaching staff. London has retained current assistant coach Anthony Poindexter, while adding Vincent Brown, Jeff Hanson and Mike Faragalli, who all coached with him at Richmond. London will announce specific position assignments at a future date. “All…

The Rant | Slow down on school change

AFP

   Video Essay by Chris Graham [email protected] The idea to reconfigure elementary education in Waynesboro isn’t a bad one on its face, but … What’s the big rush? Shouldn’t we take our time and make sure that we’re doing the right thing? The push has some people wondering aloud about what the real motivation might…