Virginia set to become first state to pass statewide limitation on drone use

Chris Graham

Gov. Bob McDonnell last night proposed limited amendments to legislation that called for a two-year moratorium on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, by law enforcement and regulatory agencies in the Commonwealth thereby assuring that Virginia will become the first state in the nation to enact a statewide restriction on the use of drones.

Exploring Virginia’s botanical history through the centuries

The story of Virginia’s Floras, both past and present, will be told in the Shenandoah Valley on Thursday, at 2 and 7 p.m. at Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) in Weyers Cave. Exploring Virginia’s Botanical History through Three Centuries, featuring Dick Cheatham as John Clayton and Donna Ware as herself, will be the topic of the 75-minute program. The word “flora” is the technical term used by botanists to describe a guide to plants living in a particular area. Thus a Virginia Flora is a guidebook to all the documented plants with sustainable wild populations in the commonwealth.

McDonnell announces 205 new jobs in Pulaski County

Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced Red Sun Farms, a producer of high-quality hydroponic vegetables, will invest a total of $30 million to establish its first U.S. high-technology greenhouse production operation in Pulaski County. The company will erect climate controlled greenhouses on 45 acres of land in the New River Valley Commerce Park to grow quality greenhouse grown vegetables, creating 205 new jobs within five years. Virginia successfully competed against Tennessee for the project.