Landes: ‘The White House is checking on whether they support the president’

Chris Graham

Is Steve Landes using your tax dollars to track down wild partisan allegations that the White House is tracking your blogs and comments? He told the News Leader for a story on the “Nazi” remark controversy published Friday morning that he has staff engaged in the pursuit of “information out there that the White House…

The senior boomer tsunami

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham Paul Lavigne is one of these baby boomers on the verge of wreaking havoc on the senior-services system as he ages into senior status, at least theoretically speaking. But at 61, Lavigne isn’t ready for the rocking chair on the front porch of the old-folks’ home just yet. Lavigne, to the…

Time for change? Embattled treasurer seeks re-election in face of critical audits, slew of citizen complaints

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham Three years of audit reports have suggested that her office is in disarray – with bank deposits made late, cash and checks left sitting in envelopes on desks and counters unsecured, wire transfers being handled improperly, tax records making it hard to tell what had been collected and what hadn’t been….

Burnett up to the ‘challenge’

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham It’s hard to say Augusta County has done poorly for itself in the economic-development arena, with the likes of Hershey and McKee Foods and MeadWestvaco, among others, setting up shop in the county and doing good business here. But it has been apparent in recent years as the county has struggled…

More than a game

Chris Graham

Story by Chris Graham Sacco has left the building. Never thought I’d write those words. I thought we had him for life. Got him settled in Greenville, where the city boy from Chicago who used to take the subway to school could count the stars at night.

Chili, Blues ‘N Brews this weekend in Downtown Waynesboro

AFP

The third Annual Chili, Blues ‘N Brews Cook-Off is set for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Constitution Park in Downtown Waynesboro. Produced by Waynesboro Downtown Development, Inc., this full-day event promises fun, food, and entertainment for all. International Chili Society member chefs from as far as Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio and New Jersey…

James Madison University campus events

AFP

Sept. 11-20: Art in the Arboretum, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Frances Plecker Education Center at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum: The tapestries of Joan Griffin use wool, silk and metallic yarns selectively with color variations and patterns to produce unique pieces that have earned accolades at juried art shows throughout the country; some pieces are…

Webb push would boost tourism

AFP

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed a measure with strong bipartisan support cosponsored by Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.) designed to increase international travel to the United States, including Virginia’s numerous natural and historical sites. The initiative is estimated to produce $4 billion in economic benefits to local economies at no cost to the American taxpayer.