Congress – and wrestling – on steroids

Chris Graham

Best Seat in the House column by Chris Graham A congressional subcomittee made headlines last week by announcing its plans to investigate the use and abuse of steroids in professional wrestling. But is it possible that subcommittee members – including Virginia Democrat Rick Boucher – will miss seeing the forest for all the trees? Virginia-based…

The end of the world is nigh

Chris Graham

Best Seat in the House column by Chris Graham I got myself in trouble this summer for daring to suggest that Virginia football coach Al Groh was on the hot seat heading into the 2007 season. But hey, I’m more than willing to admit when I’m wrong. Yes, that’s right. You guys were right, I…

The ‘local’ in local radio

Contributors

Story by Chris Graham The Federal Communications Commission is opening a window for local groups across the country to apply for full-power FM-radio noncommercial educational frequencies. A Valley-based chapter of the OrangeBand Initiative is aiming to bring one of these stations to Western Virginia – but it is running out of time. “This is a…

Food bank names marketing, events coordinator

Contributors

Item by Chris Graham The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network has a new person in charge of marketing and events. Terrie A. Dean has been appointed to serve as the food bank network’s marketing and events director. Dean most recently held the position of marketing and public-relations director for the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport. The Blue…

Hooray for Staunton!

Chris Graham

Op-Ed by Bob Broxton Something historic happened in the little town of Staunton on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007. The Staunton City Council passed a resolution that asks the General Assembly to stop certain “exploitative” practices of payday lenders by capping interest rates at 36 percent APR.

Head of EMU program to retire

Jim Bishop

Story by Jim Bishop It’s been “five wonderful years,” but he wants to retire from Eastern Mennonite University in order to “devote more time to family, other organizations and several entrepreneurial interests.” Allon H. Lefever, 61, who has directed the master of business administration program at EMU since 2003, plans to leave that role on…

EMU, Harrisonburg schools teaming up on music program

Jim Bishop

Story by Jim Bishop The (Shenandoah) hills will be alive with the sound of (string) music as a cooperative program between Harrisonburg City Schools and Eastern Mennonite University begins this fall. The city school system is funding a strings instruction program through EMU’s Preparatory Music Program, part of the university’s music department. It will begin…

Art show names judges

Contributors

Item by Chris Graham The Virginia Fall Foliage Festival Art Show has announced the judges for the 2007 show. Homer L. Springer Jr. and Trudi Van Dyke will serve as judges for the 36th annual show – set for Oct. 13 and Oct. 14 in Downtown Waynesboro. Springer has taught art for 40 years, the…

Candidate forum in Vesuvius next week

Chris Graham

Item by Chris Graham The Vesuvius Community Association is hosting its 13th annual Candidate Forum at the Vesuvius Community Center next week. The forum will be held on Monday at 7 p.m. Among the candidates for public office invited to attending include candidates for office in Rockbridge County, candidates for the Riverheads District seat on…