Cautious optimism: Unemployment rate continues dip

Contributors

The Virginia Employment Commission announced this morning that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 6.5 percent in January, the lowest unemployment rate in the Commonwealth since March 2009. The rate has been trending downward since March 2010, when the rate reached a high of 7.3 percent. The unemployment rate in Virginia continues to trend…

Ken Plum: Back from Richmond

Ken Plum

Anyone who has ever been several time zones away for a period of time knows the feeling of exhaustion that can come with returning home. The tired feeling that can last for a couple of days is known as “jet lag.” Even though I had only been in Richmond since early January, I have the…

Harrisonburg passes tax exemption as incentive for solar power

Contributors

Harrisonburg City Council Tuesday night passed an ordinance offering a 100 percent exemption from local taxes for solar power installations, helping the city to join 13 other localities in Virginia that offer a 100 percent exemption for developers and homeowners to install solar power in their communities. The ordinance, passed by a 4-1 vote, exempts…

Lottery to assist in Amber Alerts

Chris Graham

The Virginia Lottery and Virginia State Police announced a new partnership today aimed at increasing the chances of Virginia law enforcement locating a missing and endangered child during a Virginia Amber Alert. The new concept is a result of a suggestion submitted by a citizen to Gov. Bob McDonnell by e-mail. “When the Virginia State…

#6 'Hoos slip past Marshall

Contributors

The No. 6 Virginia baseball team ran its winning streak to seven games with a 1-0 victory over Marshall Tuesday afternoon at Davenport Field. It marked Virginia’s first 1-0 win since March 27, 2001, against Richmond. Pitching and defense obviously ruled the day, with the teams combining for 15 hits, including 14 singles. Virginia’s pitching…

VMI upsets Dukes, 8-2

Contributors

A two-out, five-run rally in the seventh inning broke open a close game and propelled the VMI Keydets to an 8-2 win over the #27 James Madison Dukes in baseball action Tuesday in Harrisonburg, Va. The win was VMI’s first against the Dukes in Harrisonburg since 1976, JMU’s last season as a Division II team….

Two HR Chamber members receive Blue Ribbon Small Business Award

Contributors

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce announced today that Fine Earth LLC and Dave’s Downtown Taverna have been recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as two of the top 75 businesses nationally. Both of these local businesses have significantly contributed to the economic growth in our community, and as a result, are recipients of the…