December 2008
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By Staff Reports on 31 December 2008
Nine Virginia destinations, attractions and lodging establishments have been rated among America’s best in the latest issues of two prominent travel magazines. Southern Living Magazine’s “Readers’ Choice Awards” and Travel + Leisure Magazine’s “500 Best Hotels” each feature a notable presence of Virginia locations.
Posted in Travel | Tagged Colonial Williamsburg, Jefferson Hotel, Little Washington, Ritz-Carlton, Travel + Leisure, Virginia
By Staff Reports on 31 December 2008
In recent weeks some customers have been experiencing delays receiving services from the VEC. Reductions in the VEC’s federal funding have decreased the number of staff and offices available to assist customers. At the same time, the demand for the VEC’s services has significantly increased. Additional federal programs including emergency unemployment compensation benefits have also increased the agency’s workload.
Posted in News, Regional | Tagged Administration of federal assistance in the United Stat, Unemployment benefits
By Staff Reports on 31 December 2008
Are you one of possibly millions of people making plans for the historic Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama? If so, Virginians and out-of-state visitors heading to Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2009, need to start preparing now for difficult weather conditions, traffic congestion, long lines and substantial crowds.
Posted in Travel | Tagged Barack Obama, Inauguration Day, National Weather Service, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C
By Staff Reports on 31 December 2008
As New Year’s Eve approaches, more motorists are expected to be out on Virginia’s roadways celebrating the holiday. During the 2007-2008 five-day New Year’s holiday period, 14 traffic fatalities occurred in Virginia, and 13 motorists died during the 2006-2007 four-day New Year’s holiday period.
Posted in Advisories, Travel | Tagged New Years Eve, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia State Police
By Staff Reports on 31 December 2008
A wind advisory is in effect for much of the state, including a significant portion of the Lynchburg District of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday and motorists need to be on the alert. Currently, Route 130 (Elon Road) in Amherst County is blocked due to a downed tree. With the possibility of significant winds, motorists should be aware of the possibility of more debris in roadways.
Posted in Advisories, Travel | Tagged road conditions, Roads and Highways, Virginia Department of Transportation
By Bill Klein on 31 December 2008
This is the time of year where I watch Armed Forces Network (AFN) television just to see the holiday greeting announcements from the commanding officers. Typically, this consists of one of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Chiefs of Staff and his respective wife seated in a cozy Christmas scene, complete with tree and presents, as the Chief passes on an intimate holiday greeting:
Posted in Columns, Homesick Blues | Tagged Holidays, Homesick Blues, Keith Richards, New Year
By Pamela Matlack Klein on 31 December 2008
In our part of Virginia, along the Appomattox, we actually have five seasons, Spring, Summer, Fall, Mud, and Winter. Mud and Winter usually overlap some. If the mud is frozen it is Winter and if the mud is soft and all over everything, it is Mud.
Posted in Columns, Living Along the Appomattox | Tagged horses, Living Along the Appomattox, Weyr, Wisconsin
By Staff Reports on 30 December 2008
Thirty percent of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are veterans – the second highest ranking among cabinet departments after the Department of Defense – and nearly 8 percent of VA employees are service-connected disabled veterans. But the VA intends to increase the number of disabled veterans who obtain employment in its workforce.
Posted in Veterans | Tagged Disabled American Veterans, United States Department of Veterans Affairs
By Staff Reports on 30 December 2008
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the distribution of $500,000 to eleven Virginia localities to preserve farmland within their boundaries through local Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs. PDR programs compensate landowners who permanently preserve their land by voluntarily placing a perpetual conservation easement on it. Appomattox County was not among the recipients.
Posted in News, Regional | Tagged Commonwealth of Virginia, Renew Virginia, Tim Kaine
By Staff Reports on 29 December 2008
Service-disabled and low-income veterans who are reimbursed for travel expenses while receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities will see an increase in their payments beginning January 9.
Posted in Veterans | Tagged Health care, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Affairs Department
By Staff Reports on 29 December 2008
The General Assembly has enacted HB 631 and SB 73, which authorize the issuance of special license plates marking the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. These plates will be subject to a one-time surcharge of $15, of which $5 will be paid to the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission Fun to support programs and activities to place Virginia at the forefront of this historic national commemoration.
Posted in News, Regional | Tagged American Civil War, Civil War, DMV
By Staff Reports on 29 December 2008
Dr. Richard L. Wilkes, State Veterinarian with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), today placed full or partial quarantines on farms in Floyd and Goochland counties. Mares at these farms have had contact with a stallion in Kentucky that tested positive for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM). State animal health officials are trying to verify the location of one other Virginia mare that may have been exposed to the same stallion.
Posted in News, Regional | Tagged Contagious Equine Metritis, Kentucky, United States Department of Agriculture
