Posted:  05:19pm EST, 02/22/12
State and local news

Ignition interlock bill hits snag


House and Senate bills that would require an ignition interlock device for first-time offenders convicted of driving under the influence might be hitting some speed bumps. Currently the law requires judges to impose the interlocks for a first-time offender who has a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent.

Senate Bill 378 would lower that threshold to .008 percent. Some lawmakers have voiced concern over the lower threshold for first-time offenders.  They also say the logistical issues of accommodating what they believe would be a dramatic increase in the demand and waiting time to have the devices installed.

Deadline approaches for absentee ballots


There's one week left to apply for a mail-in absentee ballot for Virginia's presidential primary on March 6. The State Board of Elections says applications for mail-in absentee ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. Feb. 28. Applications can be submitted to the local registrar's office in-person, by mail, fax, or scanned email attachment.

March 3 is the deadline for voters to apply and vote absentee in-person. The requirements to vote absentee are listed on the absentee ballot application and on the board's website, www.sbe.virginia.gov. Only two candidates - Mitt Romney and Ron Paul - qualified to appear on the Virginia ballot.

Senate GOP rejects Dems bid for committee shuffle


Chances for a bipartisan accord by Thursday's deadline on a Senate version of the budget are bleak after Senate Republicans dismissed a Democratic proposal to reshuffle Senate committees in exchange for the necessary votes.

Democratic Leaders Dick Saslaw and Don McEachin on Friday proposed Democratic and Republican co-chairs of the Senate Finance Committee. Senate Republican Leader Tommy Norment said he won't "link the budget to partisan, political pressures" and would consider Democratic votes against the budget to be "deliberate obstructionist behavior."

Huguely murder case goes to jury


Jurors will begin deliberations in the trial of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player who's charged with killing his ex-girlfriend in a drunken rage. After a 3-day break, jurors in the trial of George Huguely V are to begin deliberations today.

Prosecutors say Huguely killed Yeardley Love, a 22-year-old suburban Baltimore woman who was found dead in her apartment on May 3, 2010. Huguely acknowledges he kicked a hole in the door to Love's bedroom but insists he only wanted to talk. Medical experts testified to several possible causes for Love's death from blunt trauma injuries.

Huguely faces up to life in prison if convicted of the most serious murder charge.

Senate approves adoption regulations


The Virginia Senate on Tuesday approved 22-18 the House version of a bill that would allow faith-based adoption and foster care organizations that use state funds to deny services to parents or children who do not share their religious beliefs. Democrats Charles Colgan of Prince William and Phil Puckett of Russell joined 20 Republicans in voting for the measure.

Federal law prohibits state-funded adoption agencies from denying services to prospective parents or the children they assist on the basis of race, color, or national origin. In Virginia, single adults -- gay or straight -- and married couples can adopt, but not gay couples. Faith-based organizations make up roughly half of the 80 adoption organizations licensed by the state.

House to consider drug testing welfare applicants


A Senate measure to drug screen some welfare recipients was sent yesterday to the House of Delegates' money committee -- the same panel that voted earlier this session to carry over a House version of the measure to 2013 to study the costs.

Under the Senate’s bill, local social services departments would be required to screen people receiving Virginia Initiative for Employment benefits to determine if there’s reason to believe the person is using illegal substances. If so, a formal test would be done. Anyone who tests positive or refuses to participate “without good cause” would not be able to receive payments unless the person enters into a drug treatment program.

Abbott pre-trial hearing set for February 27


A hearing on pre-trial motions in the embezzlement and bribery case of former Middlesex Sheriff Guy L. Abbott has been set for Monday, February 27, at noon in Middlesex Circuit Court. In August 2011 a special grand jury returned 25 felony indictments against Abbott as the result of a Virginia State Police investigation authorized by the Virginia Attorney General on November 3, 2009.

The indictments allege 18 counts of misuse/misappropriation of public assets, 4 counts of embezzlement, and 3 counts of bribery while he was sheriff. Abbott was first elected sheriff of Middlesex County in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003 and 2007. He lost his bid for a fourth term in the November 2011 election.

information from Southside Sentinel

Obama trails GOP hopefuls in Virginia


President Barack Obama trails Republican presidential hopefuls Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in hypothetical election matchups in Virginia.

Santorum, a former senator from Pennsylvania, edges Obama 46 percent to 42 percent, while Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, receives 46 percent to Obama's 43 percent in the Christopher Newport University/Richmond Times-Dispatch survey of 1,018 registered voters taken Feb. 4-13.

Romney's apparent advantage over Obama is within the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

The survey shows the president's job-approval rating as upside down in Virginia, with 43 percent approving of his performance and 53 percent disapproving.

GA delays votes on contentious bills


With hundreds protesting outside the Capitol, multiple contentious bills that appeared poised for final passage today were delayed by the state’s House of Delegates. The chamber pushed back votes on a measure that would require an ultrasound of all women considering an abortion as well as adoption- and gun-related legislation.

All three were Senate bills, meaning House passage would ensure that they go to Gov. Bob McDonnell’s desk. The House has already passed similar versions of each. Del. C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, said the bills being carried over for the day had nothing to do with the crowds amassing outside.

Ignition interlock devise bill moves ahead


Legislation that calls for the installation of an ignition interlock device for a first offense of drunken driving cleared the Senate Courts of Justice Committee on a bipartisan 9-6 vote. Currently ignition interlocks — which prevent cars from starting if the driver is under the influence — are installed on second or subsequent offenses of DUI, or on a first offense if a driver's blood alcohol content is 0.15 percent or greater.

The Senate recently passed an interlock bill that requires the devices to be installed when drivers are convicted of exceeding the legal limit of 0.08 percent. House Bill 279, sponsored by Del. Salvatore R. Iaquinto, R-Virginia Beach, had a similar provision but was amended by the panel to set a new threshold of 0.12 percent. The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Senate kills tracking bill


A Senate committee has rejected legislation that would have made it illegal to secretly use an electronic device to track a person's movements. The Courts of Justice Committee voted 9-6 Monday to kill the bill.

The bill carved out exemptions for law enforcement officials who obtain a warrant, parents tracking their children, any legally authorized representative of an incapacitated adult, owners of fleet vehicles and electronic communications providers like OnStar.

But senators struggled with whether the co-owner of a vehicle should be allowed to secretly track the other co-owner.

EPA say VA Penn Bay clean up plans don't go far enough


Virginia and the other five states have been working with the EPA for the past three years on a "pollution diet" for the Chesapeake Bay. The plans are aimed at reducing nutrient and sediment pollution fouling the bay by 20 percent to 25 percent. The states are required to have all control measures in place by 2025.

The EPA mostly praised draft plans submitted in December by Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia and West Virginia, but warned of "enhanced oversight" of pollution permitting and stepped-up federal enforcement in Pennsylvania and Virginia if they do not address shortcomings in their strategies for bay cleanup.

UVA murder trial nearing end


The attorney representing a former University of Virginia lacrosse player acknowledges his client had a role in his ex-girlfriend's slaying but blamed his actions on youthful indiscretion and the couple's volatile relationship.

Defense attorney Francis McQ. Lawrence delivered his closing arguments Saturday in the murder trial of George Huguely V. He is seeking a lesser verdict from jurors than the first-degree murder conviction sought by prosecutors in the May 2010 death of Yeardley Love.

Jurors will begin deliberations on Wednesday. During his closing, prosecutor Dave Chapman said Love was killed in a drunken, jealously-fueled rage.

Senate passes tax credits for scholarships


The Virginia Senate has voted 21-20 to pass attractive tax credits for endowing scholarships for private, nonprofit schools for low-income children. Republican backers argued Friday that the credits would be a lifeline to struggling schools in impoverished areas. They say the credits would unlock donations from corporations and wealthy individuals who could write off 65 cents for each dollar donated.

Democrats argued that it would bleed $25 million a year from the state general fund from which public education appropriations come. Sen. Henry Marsh went so far as to call it "a war on public education in Virginia." Republican Sen. John Watkins strongly opposed the measure this week before the Education and Health Committee but reversed himself Friday. Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling broke the 20-20 party-line tie vote.

Second employee charged in fatal bus crash


A North Carolina bus dispatcher is facing involuntary manslaughter charges in Virginia for his role in a bus crash that killed four passengers in May. The Free Lance-Star of Fredericksburg reports that 40-year-old Zhao Jian Chen of Greensboro, N.C. was arrested on Friday.

Chen is the second Sky Express employee facing charges. The bus driver, Kin Yiu Cheung of New York, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Court records show Cheung admitted to police that he fell asleep at the wheel when the low-fare bus from Greensboro, N.C., to New York City swerved off Interstate 95 about 30 miles north of Richmond, hit an embankment and overturned.

Gloucester man arrested for stealing Spice


A Gloucester man has been arrested after allegedly breaking into The Treasure Box on George Washington Memorial Highway to steal Spice. Police arrested 32 year old  William Edward Warren of Woodside Street in Gloucester.

A news release said that Warren was caught by a deputy who arrived on scene after a burglar alarm sounded. Warren was taken into custody after a short chase on foot. He has been charged with one felony count of breaking and entering, one felony count of grand larceny, and a misdemeanor count of damage to property.

He is being held in the Gloucester County Jail without bond. Sheriff’s officials say the Spice being sold at the store was legal.

Winter storm blankets area with snow


The snow that fell over the area last night has ended, but the effects are still being felt. There are delays and closings in the area due to slick roads, but there no reports of major power outages. The northern Neck, The Peninsula and parts of Hampton Roads were expected about an inch of snow, with most of it falling between before 1 a.m.

The rain changed to snow in Wakefield around 6 p.m. and in Williamsburg, around 7 p.m. The snow wont last long, it will be warmer – around 40 degrees – and sunny by Monday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to hit 60 degrees by Wednesday Virginia Department of Transportation road crews began monitoring roadways for ice around noon Sunday, said spokeswoman Brooke Grow.

Gloucester teachers take part in "Black Friday"


Gloucester teachers and staff are being encouraged by the Gloucester Education Association to wear black on Friday to protest budget cuts and potential layoffs. The "Black Friday" event is being initiated by the Virginia Education Association, according to information from the Gloucester Education Association.

The wearing of black signifies a statewide day of mourning over the lack of commitment to public education and the loss of respect accorded teachers by the state's elected officials. Brian McGovern, president of the Gloucester Education Association, said teachers are "continually asked to do more with less, and it's harmful to students because programs and positions are being slashed."

VA man sentenced for dealing in illegal whale teeth


A Virginia man has been sentenced to prison and fined more than $40,000 for the illegal import and trafficking of sperm whale teeth. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says Richard Ertel of Lexington has been sentenced to one month in prison, 90 days of home confinement and two years of supervised release in addition to the fine.

Ertel pleaded guilty in October in U.S. District Court in Richmond. He admitted to two felony violations of the Lacey Act for trading in endangered marine mammal parts. Sperm whale teeth are commonly used for artwork and can bring in large sums of money from collectors.

Huguely murder trial delayed one day


The murder trial of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player took a one-day break because one of his defense attorneys is ill. The first-degree murder trial of George Huguely will resume on Friday. Huguely is accused in the May 2010 slaying of Yeardley Love. The body of the 22-year-old suburban Baltimore woman was found battered in her apartment bedroom after what prosecutors say was one final, violent encounter. Huguely has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and other counts.

Nortumberland County records first conservation easement


The Virginia Department of Forestry says it has recorded its first forestland conservation easement in Northumberland County. The state agency says former U.S. Sen. Paul Trible has developed a conservation easement on more than 500 acres of his family land. His family has owned Gascony Farm for almost 100 years.

A conservation easement allows a property owner to continue to use the land while protecting its forested acres. The department says Virginia loses 16,000 acres of forestland each year and the agency is working to slow the loss of valuable forestland. Virginia forests provide more than $27.5 billion annually in benefits to the Virginia with more than 144,000 employed in forestry, forest products and related industries.

Disaster officals to close field office


Federal and state officials are closing the joint field office set up to coordinate recovery operations following Hurricane Irene, Tropical Strom Lee, and the central Virginia earthquake.

Officials said Thursday that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management will close the joint field office on Feb. 24.

The office was staffed with representatives from FEMA, VDEM, other Virginia agencies and the Small Business Association.

Gloucester sheriff busts meth lab


A 48-year-old Gloucester man has been charged with manufacturing drugs. Ray Todd Lacks is charged with one count of manufacturing methamphetamines in the garage of his home on George Washington Memorial Hwy.

On Wednesday, the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office was asked to check on the welfare of someone at the home. According to a news release from the sheriff, while deputies were there, they saw what they believed was a drug manufacturing operation in a detached garage.

They obtained a search warrant and found a methamphetamine lab where a "large amount" of the drug was being cooked. The materials were seized from the garage and it was cleared of hazardous chemicals. Lacks is being held on $5,000 secured bond.

Gloucester Supervisors, School Board to meet on budget in March


The Board of Supervisors and School Board have a joint meeting scheduled for March 29. That’s when they will discuss the proposed school ystem budget, which calls for a 21 percent increase in county funding. The budget calls for $24.9 million in county funding, up from this year's commitment of $20.7 million.

The School Board also may ask the Supervisors for an additional $4 million for new school construction, on top of the money already committed to the project. Supervisors have already committed $21.7 million over the next few years for a new middle school.

Already, School Board members appear to have reservations about asking for millions more from the supervisors.

Potomac Supply re-opens parts of operation


Potomac Supply has reopened parts of its operations and the company will grow to include 46 employees. Company officials say that the company had been using its existing inventory to service its customers, but would now be able to manufacture new materials. This announcement follows an appearance in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court last week. The company went before a judge for a final hearing on its use of cash collateral during these bankruptcy proceedings. Potomac’s bank had objected to the Kinsale-based company’s desire to use the collateral.

Judge urges settlement in VT lawsuit


A judge overseeing two wrongful death lawsuits filed over the 2007 mass shootings at Virginia Tech is urging all parties to settle out of court. The Roanoke Times reports that Special Justice William Alexander on Tuesday told the parties to reach a settlement instead of going to trial in March.

Alexander said that rehashing the tragic events of the shootings at a trial "hurts everybody." The $10 million lawsuits were filed by the families of 2 students who were killed. The plaintiffs' attorney, Bob Hall, and Tech's lawyers agreed to resume talks.

Defense begins in murder trial of ex-U.Va. lacrosse player


A defense witness in the murder trial of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player says the defendant's ex-girlfriend suffocated while she lay face down in a pillow in her bedroom. Dr. Jan E. Leestma testified Wednesday in the trial of George Huguely V. The 24-year-old is accused in the May 3, 2010, death of Yeardley Love.

Prosecutors say she died as a result of a battering at the hands of Huguely. In his testimony, Leestma said it was his medical opinion that Love was asphyxiated when blood and fluids from her mouth sealed off her breathing. 

The defense began its presentation Wednesday after prosecutor Dave Chapman rested. He called about 50 witnesses, including medical experts who said Love died a result of blunt force trauma that bruised and wrenched her brain.

VDOT meets construction goals


VDOT says it has completed its construction and maintenance project goals for the period of October through December 2011. Gov. Bob McDonnell says it's the first time the agency has met all of its goals since fiscal year 2010. The department released the results during the monthly meeting of the Commonwealth Transportation Board on Wednesday. According to the report, VDOT had 340 maintenance and construction projects due for completion during the period, and completed 262 of them both on time and within budget. That surpassed the agency's goal of 77%. VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley says the achievement is a testament to the agency's dedication of keeping drivers safe on Virginia's roads and highways.

Bill to shield concealed weapons permit information fails


A Senate committee has killed legislation that would have kept concealed weapons permit information private. The bill would have prohibited court clerks form disclosing information contained in permit applications or in orders issuing permits.

In 2007, The Roanoke Times posted the state police concealed weapons database on its website, prompting a backlash from gun-rights activists. Attempts by the legislature since then to shield the information have failed. The pro-gun Virginia Citizens Defense League favored Cole's legislation.

Representatives of gun control, media and open government organizations spoke against it.

Former Urbanna official senenced for embezzelment


Former Urbanna Town Administrator G. Lewis Filling was sentenced Wednesday to serve 3 1/2 years in prison for stealing $50,371 from the Central Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad over a five-year period.

Filling, the Urbanna town administrator for eight years and was a former mayor and member of the Urbanna Town Council, was sentenced by Circuit Judge R. Bruce Long to 25 years in prison, with all but 3 1/2 years suspended.

In November, Filling was jailed after entering an Alford plea to five counts of embezzlement. In an Alford plea, the defendant neither admits nor denies guilt, but concedes the prosecution has enough evidence for a conviction.

Va. Senate rejects change in teacher contracts


The Virginia Senate has rejected legislation making it easier for public school officials to remove teachers from their jobs, dealing a blow to Gov. Bob McDonnell's education agenda. The Senate voted 20-18 Tuesday to reject the bill, which would have replaced continuing contracts with 3-year contracts that would not automatically be renewed. The House of Delegates has passed nearly identical legislation, but its prospects in the Senate now appear to be in doubt.

Republican Sen. Mark Obenshain of Harrisonburg said his bill would improve public education. Opponents argued that it would discourage people from entering the teaching profession. Sen. Tommy Norment, a James City County Republican and father of a kindergarten teacher, said he received an email from his daughter saying: "Don't stick it to the teachers."

Tech President dismissed as defendant in Tech lawsuits


Two wrongful death lawsuits filed over the 2007 mass shootings at Virginia Tech will proceed without the university's president as a defendant. The Roanoke Times reports that Special Justice William Alexander refused on Tuesday to reconsider his decision to dismiss Virginia Tech President Charles Steger as a defendant.

Alexander had cited a legal technicality in dismissing Steger from the $10 million lawsuits. His ruling leaves the state as the only defendant. The lawsuits were filed by the families of 2 students who were killed. The plaintiffs' attorney, Bob Hall, and Tech's lawyers agreed Tuesday to resume settlement talks.

Welfare drug tests passes Senate


The Virginia Senate has passed legislation to require drug screening of welfare recipients. Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling broke a 20-20 tie Tuesday, voting to pass the bill. It now goes to the House, which has postponed its version of the measure until 2013. Sen. Steve Martin of Chesterfield County said his bill would ensure that welfare money is being spent to support families and children. His bill would require an initial drug screening of applicants, followed by drug testing if officials suspected illegal drug use.

Anyone testing positive could lose benefits for a year. Opponents argued the bill offends the dignity of welfare recipients and incorrectly assumes they use drugs more than the general population. They also said the state would spend more on testing than it would save.

Coroner testifies at Huguely slaying trial


A witness in the murder trial of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player has testified that George Hugely’s ex-girlfriend suffered brain injuries as a result of blunt force trauma. Dr. Christine E. Fuller testified that she examined Yeardley Love's brain and found bruising and a potentially lethal injury.

The prosecution testimony is intended to counter Huguely's claims that he was physical with Love but did not kill her. Prosecutors are trying to convince jurors that Huguely repeatedly banged Love's head against a wall. An autopsy has concluded she died of blunt force trauma.

Huguely's attorneys have suggested her use of a prescription drug for attention-deficit disorder could have caused her death.

Earthquake insurance bill advances in House


Following last year's 5.8-magnitude earthquake centered in Louisa County, delegates have passed legislation that would require insurers to provide notice to homeowners lacking earthquake insurance. An identical measure has cleared the Senate.

The legislation would require insurance companies to notify homeowners who have not purchased earthquake coverage at the time of each policy renewal. At the end of January, 5,976 Virginia homeowners from nine localities had reported damage to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Of those, less than 6 percent had a homeowner's policy with an earthquake rider or a separate earthquake policy.

Gloucester Schools budget proposal up 4.7 percent



A proposed 2012-13 Gloucester County Public School spending plan of $54.5 million calls for a 21 percent increase in county funding over this year's budget. Superintendent Ben Kiser's proposed spending plan is $2.4 million more than this year's budget of $52 million, an increase of 4.7 percent.

Kiser projects a decline in state and federal funding of $1.9 million compared to this year's budget, as well as a requirement to increase Virginia Retirement System funding by $1.9 million. The county's share of local funding would jump to $24.9 million under Kiser's proposed budget, up from this year's commitment of $20.7 million.

As a cost cutting measure, Kiser has proposed the closing of T.C. Walker Elementary School.

Senate approves payment to Thomas Haynesworth


The Virginia Senate on Monday approved special legislation to compensate Thomas E. Haynesworth for his 27 years of wrongful incarceration on rape charges. The 46-year-old Richmond man would receive $796,428. It now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration. Haynesworth was released in March after DNA evidence exonerated him in a series of 1984 attacks in Richmond and Henrico County. He was later declared innocent by the Virginia Court of Appeals.

Since his release, Haynesworth has been working in the office of Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, who advocated for his release and subsequent declaration of innocence. Haynesworth said last month that he was deeply disappointed in the proposed compensation.

Tax collections up, growth lagging


Virginia tax collections in January showed modest 3.4% growth, but revenues for the fiscal year to date lost ground for the second month in a row against the official revenue forecast on which budgeted state spending is based.

Overall general fund collections of $1.51 billion last month were slightly better than the $1.46 billion in January 2011. But fiscal year 2012 growth to date slid from 4.2% in December to 4% in January, lagging farther behind the 4.6% budgeted revenue growth estimate.

Gov. Bob McDonnell boosted estimated revenue growth from 3.7% when he presented his new budget in December. Every source of general revenue grew in January except for the tax collected from recording deeds, wills, lawsuits and contracts, and on insurance premiums.

Two anti-smoking bill pass Senate


Smoking would be prohibited on school grounds and in government buildings under two bills easily passed by the Virginia Senate today. Senate Bill 467, sponsored by Sen. Ralph S. Northam, D-Norfolk, would ban smoking inside and outside school buildings and on school property. The bill cleared on a 32-8 vote.

Northam's other anti-smoking bill would extend the smoking prohibition in the executive branch of state government to legislative and judicial offices as well as local government offices. The legislation, however, has an opt-out provision that would allow localities to permit smoking in their facilities. Both measures now head to the House of Delegates for consideration.-

Electronic tracking bill advances to Senate


Legislation making it illegal to deceptively install an electronic tracking system on a person's vehicle cleared the House of Delegates 88-10 Monday, and is on its way to the Senate.

Del. Joe May's bill was introduced at the behest of a constituent who discovered that a private investigator hired by his estranged wife placed a GPS device on the undercarriage of his car, and it wasn't illegal. The bill carves out exemptions for law enforcement officials who obtain a warrant, parents tracking their kids, any legally authorized representative of an incapacitated adult.

The bill also exempts owners of fleet vehicles and communications providers like OnStar and cell phone companies.

Murder trial of former U.Va.student resumes


Testimony in the George Huguely murder trial this afternoon shifted to the injuries suffered by Yeardley Love, the former girlfriend he is accused of murdering in May 2010. Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. William Gormley testified that Love suffered from a pressure-induced hemorrhage near her carotid artery that could have reduced blood flow to the brain and stopped her heart. He also said that she had a hemorrhage beneath her scalp on right side of her head.

Gormley did not give a specific cause of death, but in opening arguments prosecutors said they would establish that Love died from blunt-force trauma. They've accused Huguely of slamming her against a wall in a drunken rage.

Special election date for Gloucester sheriff official


A date of Nov. 6 has been set by a Gloucester judge in the election to replace former Sheriff Steve Gentry, who resigned abruptly effective Feb. 4. Circuit Judge R. Bruce Long has signed the order for the Nov. 6 election at the request of the Board of Supervisors.

Interim Sheriff Darrell Warren, retired Newport News Police Department homicide detective and longtime Gloucester resident Larry Rilee, and former Gloucester Sheriff's Lt. Jimmy Ledbetter have all said they intend to seek the office vacated by Gentry. Just a month into his second term, Gentry cited "personal issues" in stepping down as sheriff.

Va. Senate passes eminent domain proposal


An amendment to Virginia's Constitution that would make it harder for governments to take private land has cleared the Virginia Senate. The measure passed on a 23-17 vote Monday. Five Democrats joined 18 Republicans in supporting the resolution to put the amendment on the ballot for voter approval in November.

Two Republicans voted against the measure. An identical resolution is pending in the House of Delegates, where it is expected to pass. Supporters of the amendment say it protects individual property rights. Opponents say it will make the costs of public projects more expensive for state and particularly local governments.

Bay programs to see cuts and increases in funding


The Chesapeake Bay Foundation says President Barack Obama's election-year budget has more money for the Environmental Protection Agency's main program to restore the Chesapeake Bay, but other bay-related programs will see cuts.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Federal Affairs Director Doug Siglin says the EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program gets another $15 million added to its $58 million budget in the president's budget. However, the budget calls for an overall cut in EPA funding, including a 20% cut in a $2.5 billion revolving fund that provides money to the states for clean water programs.

Siglin says the budget also cuts staffing for the Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, which helps farmers cut runoff and other pollution from their farms.

Judge throws out redistricting challenge


A federal court has dismissed a Democratic-backed lawsuit challenging Virginia's congressional redistricting plan. U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga granted Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's motion to dismiss the case.

Six plaintiffs argued that Virginia's GOP-ruled General Assembly forfeited its right to redraw the state's 11 U.S. House districts after 2011. The Virginia Constitution requires that the legislature conduct reapportionment in 2011 and every 10 years thereafter.

The plaintiffs asked the judge to rule that the new lines, rushed through the legislature last month, are void and for the court to redraw the districts. A companion lawsuit, filed in Richmond Circuit Court, has not yet been resolved.

Hinckley lawyers work for more time away from hospital


A defense attorney says the man who tried to assassinate Ronald Reagan has shown he is not dangerous and should be allowed to spend more time outside a Washington mental hospital. In a closing argument Thursday, an attorney said John Hinckley is not a risk. Hinckley has been allowed to spend 10 days at his mother's home in Williamsburg, Va. He now wants to get visits of 17 and 24 days and ultimately be away from the hospital full time.

Hinckley was found by a jury to be insane when he shot and wounded Reagan outside a Washington hotel in 1981. Doctors say his mental illness has been in remission for years, however, and a judge has granted Hinckley increasing freedom from the hospital.

"Personhood" bill moves forward in House


A Virginia House of Delegates committee has endorsed legislation stating that human life begins at conception. The Courts of Justice Committee voted 14-4 Friday to send Del. Bob Marshall's so-called "personhood" bill to the House floor. The Prince William County Republican is known as 1 of the legislature's most outspoken opponents of abortion. However, he said his bill would not affect legal abortions but would establish a framework for parents to sue someone who causes the death of their unborn child.

Opponents of Marshall's bill said it's clearly intended to lay the groundwork for outlawing abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court ever gives states authority to do so. Similar legislation passed in the House last year but was killed by a Senate committee.

Bill revising Va. teacher contracts advances


The House of Delegates has given preliminary approval to a bill that would make it easier to fire public school teachers. Republican Del. Richard Bell's administration-backed measure would gradually move teachers from a continuing contract, which is akin to tenure, to 3-year contracts. After three years, a teacher could be fired for any reason.

Current teachers would continue to work on continuing contracts, but new hires would be put on a 5-year probation and then on the 3-year contracts. Bell said the change reflects a national trend. He said it gives schools more flexibility and helps identify and reward effective teachers.Opponents argued that the bill would allow administrators to fire teachers they don't like, even if they're doing a good job.

Wilder blames democrats for one handgun repeal


Former Gov. Doug Wilder is blaming fellow Democrats in Virginia's Senate for allowing the repeal of 1 of his legislative legacies - a limit of 1 individual handgun purchase per month. 

The nation's first elected black governor said he knew Democratic Sen. Creigh Deeds would support repealing the law enacted during his term 19 years ago when Virginia was a gun-runner's paradise. Deeds opposed it back then. Wilder said he's surprised that Democratic Sen. John Edwards of Roanoke supported the repeal.

The grandson of slaves also says Republicans are embarrassing Virginia with requirements to present identification at polls to vote, saying they target minorities, the old and the disabled in a presidential election year.

UVA student's murder trial enters second day


The trial of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player accused of killing his ex-girlfriend is nearing the midway point. Jurors in the trial of George Huguely are scheduled to hear more testimony on today. Huguely is accused of first-degree murder in the May 2010 killing of Yeardley Love.

His attorneys maintain Love died in part by taking the prescription drug Adderall and drinking alcohol. The Maryland woman was on the U.Va. lacrosse team. During testimony on Thursday, witnesses described a volatile relationship, with each accusing the other of infidelity.

One witness testified that he saw Huguely put Love in a chokehold months before she was found slain.

House votes to delay June primaries


With Virginia's new, congressional redistricting plans undergoing federal scrutiny with lawsuits possibly lurking later, the House has unanimously approved emergency legislation delaying June's primaries. On a 97-0 vote, the House Thursday voted to move primaries for Virginia's 11 U.S. House districts and a Senate seat from June to Aug. 7.

A partisan deadlock last year was never broken between the Democratic Senate and its plan to create two largely black districts and a Republican House version with just one majority-black district. This year, with Republicans ruling the House, Senate and governor's office, the Republican bill from last year was rushed into law.

The Justice Department is vetting the law for compliance with the Voting Rights Act. A lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of a redistricting plan passed after 2011.

'Wrong house' trial begins today



A Middlesex County woman, who alleges agents of a multi-jurisdictional drug task force mistakenly broke into her home near Water View, is scheduled for a two-day jury trial on February 9-10 in Middlesex Circuit Court.

Estelle Newcomb originally filed her lawsuit in 2003, claiming that on October 26, 2001 drug agents mistakenly kicked in the door of her house trailer, which turned out to be the wrong house. Newcomb was home at the time the alleged incident occurred with her 80-year old aunt.

She also alleges agents forced her to lie on the floor at gun point and they searched her home. Court documents note the drug informant identified the wrong trailer. The defendants include former Middlesex Sheriff Guy Abbott and drug agent M.E. Sampson.

information from The Southside Sentinel

Gloucester County delays property reassessment


After much debate, the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted to delay the county's next property reassessment until Jan. 1, 2015.

The supervisors had three options to consider, including moving ahead with the planned 2013 date using the county's old methodology. Other options were pushing the date to 2015 to allow the county to staff and train its assessment office using new software and methods, or to contract out the reassessments to meet the 2013 date.

Last year Gloucester began restructuring its assessment office after the county received a flood of complaints regarding the 2010 assessments.

Senate rejects voter registration by party


The Virginia Senate has killed legislation that would have allowed voters to indicate their political party affiliation when they register. Republican Sen. Bill Stanley of Franklin County said his bill would give political parties more control over their primary elections, which now are open to all voters. It would allow the parties to continue to have open primaries, limit them to party members and independents, or allow only party members to vote.

Democratic Sen. Chap Petersen of Fairfax said the current system works fine. He said re-registration to add political party affiliation would create a burden for registrars. He also warned of confusion at the polls as voters show up, only to be told they aren't allowed to vote. The Senate voted 24-16 to kill the bill Thursday.

Gloucester Supervisors ask court for Nov. special sheriff election


The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to request a writ of special election from the Gloucester County Circuit Court to hold a special election for the Gloucester County Sheriff Nov. 6. Supervisors were faced with the need for the election following Gloucester County Sheriff Steve Gentry's resignation last week. Gentry was just elected to a four-year term last November.

He said he was resigning to "concentrate on personal issues." The candidates include interim Sheriff Darrell Warren, Larry Rilee, a retired Newport News Police Department homicide detective, and Jimmy Ledbetter, a longtime employee of the Gloucester Sheriff's Office whose appointment was not renewed by Gentry in January.

With mild winter, fire risk is high


Having a very mild winter so far this season may have pleased those who enjoy spring-like conditions. However, forestry officials are concerned about how those mild temperatures might impact the spring fire season.

In an effort to help prevent forest fires, Virginia’s 4 p.m. burn law takes effect Wednesday, Feb. 15. The law states that it is unlawful to burn before 4 p.m. from Feb. 15 through April 30 each year if the fire is in, or within, 300 feet of woodland, brush land or fields containing dry grass or other flammable material.

Forestry technician Nelson Jarvis says the rain the area has had has helped the situation a little, but until things green up, it doesn’t take long for the surface to catch fire.

Gloucester school board wants more money for new school


The Gloucester School Board will decide next week whether to ask Supervisors for an additional $4 to construct a new middle school on T.C. Walker Road. The Board of Supervisors has already approved $18 million in funding for the project, in addition to $8 million in insurance proceeds.

Page Middle School was heavily damaged by a tornado last April 16 and is not usable. Eighth-graders now attend school in portable buildings on the high school campus, while the county's sixth- and seventh-graders attend Peasley Middle School. The School Board decided to abandon the Page Middle School site on Route 17 in favor of building on 138 acres on T.C. Walker Road.

The decision has been questioned by supervisors, who favored rebuilding on the existing Page site.

Gloucester man to serve 7 years in death of girlfriend


A Hayes man who was found guilty of felony failure to stop will serve seven years in prison in connection with an accident that caused the death of his longtime girlfriend. Frank West, who was found not guilty of involuntary manslaughter on Oct. 18, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years, with three years suspended, on the other felony charge. West also will serve three years of supervised probation.

The ten-year sentence was the maximum amount under the law.. West was arrested March 3 in the death of 34-year-old Megan Lynn Shiflette, whose body was found in a ditch alongside Cooks Landing Road on March 2.

According to court records, West claims the incident was an accident, though he denies knowing what he hit while driving that night.

Va bill banning unauthorized GPS tracking advances


A House of Delegates committee has endorsed legislation to prohibit the unauthorized use of GPS or other electronic tracking devices. Del. Joe May's bill makes it illegal for anyone to deceptively and without consent use such a device to track a person's location.

The Loudoun County Republican introduced the bill at the request of a constituent who became upset when he learned that a private investigator hired by his estranged wife had placed a GPS device underneath his car. The bill exempts law enforcement officers who obtain a warrant, as required by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

It also exempts parents tracking their kids, any legally authorized representative of an incapacitated adult, owners of fleet vehicles and electronic communications providers like OnStar and cell phone companies.

Senate rejects amendments to gay adoption bill


The Virginia Senate has rejected a series of amendments aimed at softening a bill that allows anti-gay discrimination by private child-placement agencies. Republican Sen. Jeffrey McWaters' bill will be up for a final Senate vote today. The legislation allows private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality.

Supporters of the bill said it protects agencies' religious freedom. Opponents argue that the state should not sanction discrimination by agencies that contract with the government to provide adoption and foster care services. Amendments rejected Wednesday on a mostly party-line vote would have limited the bill to faith-based agencies and agencies that do not receive state funds.

Death penalty bill dies in committee


A bill to expand the death penalty in Virginia has died on a tie vote in a Senate committee. Sen. Mark Obenshain's bill would have redefined the so-called triggerman rule, which in most cases restricts the death penalty to the person who does the actual killing.

The legislation would have allowed the death penalty for accomplices who share the intent to kill. Obenshain, a Republican from Harrisonburg, said the bill targets "the worst of the worst." Opponents argued that there's too much danger of executing an innocent person because there's no DNA or fingerprinting that can prove intent.

Similar legislation has either failed or been vetoed each of the last four years.

Town audit shows Kilmarnock on solid finacial ground


Kilmarnock officials say an audit report of the town’s finances for fiscal year 2011, show the town finished the fiscal year with general fund revenue totaling just over $4 million and expenditures of $2.66 million. $1.36 million was added to the reserve fund, for a total of $9.85 million.

The meals tax, and  business license taxes were up beyond projections. A decrease in the business tax in some categories will not show up until the end of the current fiscal year and is expected to have a negative.

Two revenue sources were slightly below budget projections; local sales tax receipts and hotel and motel room taxes were both compared to budget projections.

information from  The Rappahannock Record

Gloucester Supes want sheriff election Nov. 6


The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors have voted to request a writ from the Gloucester County Circuit Court to hold a special election for Gloucester County sheriff on Nov. 6. The move comes in the wake of former Gloucester County Sheriff Steve Gentry's resignation last week.

Gentry, who was just elected to a four-year term last November, said he was resigning to "concentrate on personal issues." George Zahn Jr., secretary of the Gloucester County Electoral Board, said the electoral board met Monday and recommended that the supervisors set the special election for the Nov. 6 general election.

Zahn said holding a special election prior to the general election would likely result in low voter turnout and rush the election process.

Two gun bills advance on House vote


Two gun bills are likely to win easy House passage on today. One bill would conceal from public disclosure, the names of people who hold state-issued permits to carry concealed weapons. Opponents noted that lists of marriages, hunting licenses and numerous other privileges are public record and the public deserves access to information about who's secretly packing heat.

Supporters said such records only invite trouble and invade a gun owner's privacy. Another bill ends the ability of localities to require fingerprints of those applying for concealed carry permits. Democratic Del. Joe Morrissey noted that no identification card is necessary for concealed gun permits, but Republicans want to require photo IDs to vote.

Statewide tornado drill set for March 20


Virginia emergency management officials are planning a statewide tornado drill on March 20 at 9:45 a.m. It is a joint effort between the state Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.

Emergency management officials say it is important for people to know what to do if a tornado warning is issued for their area. State coordinator Michael Cline says 51 tornadoes hit Virginia last year, second only to the 87 tornadoes that struck in 2004. Ten people were killed, more than 100 were injured and dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed. Instructions and registration for the statewide drill are available at vaemergency.gov.

Cuccinelli, others want fund to help more kids


Some officials are hoping a fund set up to help catch child sexual predators can be used to help other abused children. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli joined lawmakers and law enforcement officials Tuesday to push budget amendments that would direct some money generated from the fund to his office to fight against child predators and to social services officials to track child abuse deaths.

The fund was set up in 2010 to bankroll Virginia's two Internet Crimes Against Children task forces. It added $10 to every criminal conviction to generate at least $1.8 million. Officials say the program generated a $650,000 surplus in 2010

Internet sales tax bill passes Senate


A bill to force online retailers such as Amazon to collect the same sales taxes that mall discount stores and corner bookstores assess from their customers has won unanimous support from a key Senate committee. Sen. Frank Wagner's bill would close a loophole that gigantic Internet merchants use to avoid collecting Virginia's 5% tax.

Supporters say it would boost Virginia's treasury by hundreds of millions of dollars annually merely by collecting taxes already on the books. They said it would also create a level playing field for traditional "brick & mortar" stores. Five states already have similar laws in effect and nine others have agreements or laws about to take effect to collect online retailing taxes.

"Tebow Bill" passes House vote


Legislation to allow home-schooled children to play on teams of public schools they don't attend has sailed easily to a House vote on final passage. The bill advanced on Wednesday over objections Tuesday from opponents who said it fails to apply the same accountability to home-schoolers that it does to children in classrooms.

Bill sponsor Del. Rob Bell, R-Albemarle, said the unfairness is toward families who pay local taxes to support public education but are barred from extracurricular activities of the schools. The bill is nicknamed for Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. He was a Florida home-schooler who played public school sports before he won a Heisman Trophy at the University of Florida and led the Gators to a college football title.

Oyster harvest best in 10 years


Virginia's oyster harvest has grown tenfold in the past decade to 236,000 bushels in 2011. During that same period, the dockside value of the oyster harvest has increased to $8.26 million, up from $575,000 in 2001. Gov. Bob McDonnell's office released the oyster numbers on Tuesday, crediting the Virginia Marine Resource Commission for the turnaround. T

he commission supports oyster sanctuaries and targeted shell plantings on public oyster grounds. Commissioner Steven G. Bowman called this year's harvest the best in a quarter century.

While improving, the harvest of the Chesapeake Bay oyster is still puny compared to historic levels. In the 1960s, annual harvests of more than 1 million bushels were not uncommon.

Bolivian illegal immigrant sentenced to 20 years


An illegal immigrant from Bolivia who caused a drunken driving crash that killed a Benedictine nun and severely injured two others has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Carlos Martinelly Montano was sentenced Friday.

The 24-year-old pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and driving without a license in the 2010 crash. He was convicted of murder at a trial in October, a conviction his attorneys say they plan to appeal.

The case drew national attention partly because of the victims - three elderly nuns - but mostly because of Martinelly's immigration status. Federal authorities say Martinelly was an illegal immigrant who had been convicted of drunken driving twice previously but was never deported.

Open container law dies in committee


Legislation that would have subjected drivers of vehicles to a ticket if an opened bottle of any alcoholic beverage is found inside has dead-ended in a Senate committee. Identical bills by Democratic Sens. George Barker of Fairfax and Mamie Locke of Hampton failed to emerge from the Senate Courts of Justice Committee on a 7-7 vote Monday. A majority is required to advance the bill to a floor vote.

Under the bill, alcohol could only be transported in its original, never-opened container with its seal unbroken. Opponents noted that drivers who've had nothing to drink would be liable for a $25 fine if police find bottles that have been opened in the vehicle passenger cabin, even if the drivers were unaware of it.

Coleman Bridge tolls to stay in place until 2021


Highway officials say the toll on the Coleman Bridge between Gloucester and York County will remain in place until 2021. Shannon Marshall, a VDOT spokeswoman told the Daily Press the bridge's debt service will be retired in 2021, at which time the toll will be suspended.

According to data available on VDOT's website, the Coleman Bridge generated $2.7 million in toll revenue during the fiscal period from July 1 until Nov. 30, 2011.

During that same period, more than $768,000 was spent on facility operations and maintenance and $1.3 million went toward debt service. With the exception of 2007, toll revenue at the York River span has declined every year since 2006,

Texting bill clears Senate Committee


Texting while driving would be a primary offense under proposed legislation that cleared the Senate Courts of Justice Committee yesterday. Senate Bill 219, sponsored by Sen. George Barker, D-Fairfax, cleared the GOP-controlled panel on a 10-4 vote. Barker said the rate of fatal accidents increases 23 times when texting is involved.

Barker also said the incidents of texting while driving increased 50 percent between 2006 and 2009. Barker's bill would allow police officers to pull over motorists solely on the basis of having probable cause that a driver is texting. Currently citations under the law may only be issued to motorists who have been pulled over for a separate offense.

Voter ID bill advances


Legislation forcing voters to bring identification to polling places on Election Day has won Senate passage. GOP Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling broke a 20-20 partisan tie on Monday. The vote marked what's likely the last to stop the legislation by opponents who say it will suppress votes of minorities, the elderly or disabled and students and liken it to Jim Crow-era poll taxes.

Democrats challenged the bill's Republican backers to provide evidence of substantial voter fraud, and warned of expensive litigation and challenges to it under the federal Voting Rights Act. Supporters denied it would suppress voting, noting an array of acceptable ID as wide as drivers' licenses to utility bills.

Senate repeals one handgun a month law


The Virginia Senate has passed legislation repealing the state's 19-year-old one-handgun-a-month law. The vote on Sen. Bill Carrico's bill was 21-19. The House of Delegates passed its version of the bill last week. The law limiting handgun purchases to one per month was 1 of the signature accomplishments of former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder's administration. The Democratic governor pushed for it after Virginia became a prime source of guns used in crimes in New York and other major East Coast cities. Carrico said the law is no longer needed because federal restrictions have proven effective. Opponents of the bill said it makes no sense to repeal a law that has been working.

UVA lacrosse player goes on trial for murder


The trial of a University of Virginia lacrosse player accused of killing his ex-girlfriend is set to begin. Jury selection is scheduled to start Monday in the trial of George Huguely V. The 24-year-old from Chevy Chase, Md., faces first-degree murder and several other charges in Charlottesville Circuit Court.

Women's lacrosse player Yeardley Love died of head injuries in May 2010. Police said Huguely told investigators he kicked in Love's bedroom door and then shook her, causing her head to hit a wall several times.

Huguely's attorneys contend the 22-year-old Love of Cockeysville, Md., died accidentally from an irregular heartbeat partly caused by taking prescription Adderall and drinking alcohol.

Welfare drug screening moves ahead in Senate


A bill that would subject some welfare recipients to drug testing as a condition of receiving benefits narrowly cleared a Senate committee Friday. The bill had failed in committee when the Senate was under Democratic control the past four years.

Senate Bill 6, sponsored by Sen. Stephen H. Martin, R-Chesterfield, cleared the GOP-controlled Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee on an 8-7 party line vote — but not without a fight from Democrats.

The measure would require social services to screen for possible drug use and test those it believes could be using controlled substances. A positive test or refusal to participate in the screening would result in the loss of benefits for a year, unless the person complies with a drug-treatment program

Polar Plunge raises over $1M for Special Olympics


A plunge into the frigid Atlantic Ocean was well worth it for more than 3,500 people who raised money for Special Olympics Virginia.The Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach on Saturday raised $1.12 million, the most in the event's 20-year history.

Special Olympics Virginia President Rick Jeffrey says it's the second straight year the event raised more than $1 million. Special Olympics Virginia board member Roger Giesinger of Chesapeake took home the individual fundraising prize for the seventh year in a row, with more than $21,000 raised.

The proceeds help provide year-round support to more than 10,000 Special Olympics athletes and 20,000 volunteers across the state.

Gloucester to hold special election for sheriff, details to follow


Gloucester County officials have a clearer idea of how to proceed in the wake of Sheriff Steve Gentry's resignation. The Board of Supervisors must petition the Circuit Court, within 15 days from the date of the vacancy, for the court to approve and schedule a special election.

The special election must be held on a Tuesday, and must not be within 55 days prior to a primary election. The Electoral Board's preference to the court would be to hold the Special Election on the same day as the General Election on Nov. 6, 2012.

Further details will be discussed at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday night. chief deputy Darrell Warren will serve as interim sheriff until the election can be held.

Govs McDonnell, O'Malley agree to disagree


Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell appeared Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" program, and disagreed on issues ranging from the economy to the presidential race, religion and health care.

When asked if Mitt Romney has wrapped up the Republican presidential nomination, O'Malley said he thinks people are still shopping. McDonnell says Romney will be the nominee, the only question is when. They also disagreed on job creation and the president's decision to require Catholic charities, churches and schools to provide contraception as part of health insurance plans.

Congressional primaries may be postponed


Virginia's June congressional primaries could be postponed until August. The House Privileges and Elections Committee voted 19-1 Friday for legislation delaying U.S. House and Senate primaries to buy time for a redistricting bill enacted last month to undergo Justice Department and court scrutiny. House approval is expected next week.

The bill faces federal vetting under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. It's also the subject of a lawsuit in Richmond Circuit Court alleging that the new redistricting plan is void because Virginia's Constitution required its passage in 2011. It's the second year in a row Virginia's primaries would be delayed by decennial redistricting.

Middlesex man guilty in boating wreck


A Middlesex County man has been convicted of two felonies and a misdemeanor related to a boating accident that occurred last summer on Urbanna Creek. 31 year old Jeremy Adams, 31Adams was found guilty of unauthorized use of a boat, and breaking and entering, both felonies. He also was found guilty of operating a boat while intoxicated, a misdemeanor.

Adams was operating a fishing boat struck the Urbanna Creek jetty in the early morning hours of July 23, 2011. Adams was found not guilty of a felony charge that claimed he was “feloniously operating a motorboat intoxicated while in a manner so gross… and culpable as to show reckless disregard for human life. A similar charge against Adams involving another passenger was dropped. A pre-sentencing hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m. on April 4 in Middlesex County Circuit Court.

McDonnell applauds vote backing oil bill


Gov. Bob McDonnell says he's pleased a U.S. House committee is backing legislation to open waters off Virginia to oil and energy exploration. McDonnell pointed to the bipartisan approval of the legislation, which moved ahead this week before the House Natural Resources Committee.

The governor has been sharply critical of the Obama administration for delaying the opening this year of East Coast waters to exploration following the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster. McDonnell says a 2010 study estimated that oil and natural gas exploration off Virginia would create 1,900 jobs and generate billions in new government revenues. He advocates an "all-of-the-above" approach as an energy policy.

Va. House panel tables light bulb bill


Legislation to allow the manufacture and sale of incandescent light bulbs in Virginia after new federal energy standards take effect is dead. A House of Delegates subcommittee tabled Del. Bob Marshall's bill on an unrecorded voice vote Thursday after a deputy attorney general testified that it's unconstitutional.

A federal law enacted in 2007 imposes energy-reduction standards that incandescent bulbs historically have not met. Critics have characterized it as a ban on traditional bulbs and have chafed at the prospect of having to use more expensive compact fluorescent lights bulbs, or CFLs, after enforcement begins in October. Marshall said CFLs contain mercury that makes them more hazardous than incandescent bulbs.

Senate passes 'castle doctrine' bill


The state Senate has passed legislation allowing Virginians to use deadly force against intruders without fear of being sued. Sen. Richard Stuart's bill passed 23-17 on Thursday and now goes to the House of Delegates, which has its own version of the legislation. The bill essentially takes a longstanding common law principle known as the "castle doctrine" and makes it a state statute.

Stuart said that if the doctrine is clearly defined in state law, it's unlikely that any attorney would take a civil case against a person who defends himself or his family against someone who breaks into his home. Opponents of the bill argued that the castle doctrine already deters such lawsuits.

Dominion wading into wind power


Dominion Virginia Power wants to build up to 400 wind turbines in Atlantic waters. Virginia's largest electric utility outlined its plans Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press. Meanwhile,  the Obama administration has moved forward with plans to open waters off Virginia Beach to wind development.

Dominion's senior vice president for alternative energy solutions said Dominion is in a good position to develop offshore winds and could generate up to 2,000 megawatts. Mary Doswell said keeping costs down will be the challenge. Absent tax credits, power generated by towering wind turbines costs about 28 cents per kilowatt hour, while Dominion's rates are now in the range of 11 to 12 cents per kilowatt hour.

Child abuse bill wins House approval


Legislation that spells out the duties and deadlines of college coaches and others to report evidence of child abuse, and punish those who don't, has won a House committee's overwhelming endorsement.

The three bills are Virginia's response to the alleged child abuse that rocked Penn State's football program. The bills advanced to the House floor Thursday on unanimous votes. Together, they place statutory requirements on coaches, recreation specialists, youth volunteers and others to report suspected child abuse to law enforcement and other authorities. The legislation also shortens the deadline from 72 hours to just 24.

At Penn State, a former assistant football coach is accused of sexually abusing boys for years at the university's athletic facilities.

House votes to repeal "Kings Dominion law"


The Virginia House of Delegates has passed a bill to repeal of the state's decades-old "Kings Dominion law" on a 76-23 vote. The law required school systems to open after Labor Day. But the future of the bill is unclear after a Senate committee last week shot down an identical bill.

Currently, school systems can open early only with a waiver from the Virginia Board of Education for "good cause," which 77 of the state's 132 school divisions already have. Proponents argue that the earlier start would help schools prepare for standardized tests. The tourism industry says a pre-Labor Day start would mean a financial hit to the state, especially in popular tourist destinations.

Gloucester Sheriff Gentry resigning effective Staurday


Gloucester officials are awaiting instruction from the State Board of Elections on when a special election can be set to replace Sheriff Steve Gentry. Gentry has resigned for personal reasons effective Saturday, just a month after being sworn in for a second term.  Chief Deputy Darrell Warren will serve as interim sheriff, until a special election can be organized. Warren said Gentry was leaving the job “to deal with personal issues and spend more time with his family”.

Gentry served as a Virginia State Trooper for 30 years, before he was elected sheriff in 2007, defeating longtime Republican incumbent Robin Stanaway. He was re-elected by a wide margin in a four-way race in November.

Gentry ran as an independent in November's election and coasted to victory over three other candidates by capturing 62 percent of the votes. Larry Rilee, the Republican candidate, finished a distant second by winning 27 percent of the votes. Two other candidates, independents Ted Koehl and Clarence Bowser, received 9 and 2 percent of the votes, respectively.

School Board considers closing T.C. Walker Elementary


A proposal to close T.C. Walker Elementary School as a cost-cutting measure has drawn an outcry from parents, who say their children have thrived at the school. Superintendent Ben Kiser projects the Gloucester County Public School System will have a $3.8 million budget shortfall for 2012-13. He recommended to the School Board closing T.C. Walker, home to about 300 students.

Kiser cites several reasons, including its age — it's the oldest in the division — and traffic flow challenges. State projections also predict enrollment of Gloucester kindergarten through fifth grade classes will drop by 217 students over the next four years.

Parents aren't happy about the proposed closure. T.C. Walker Parent Teacher Association President Jamie Williams said she's getting dozens of emails from parents upset about the proposal.

Cuccinelli, Coakley face off over health care law


Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli will square off against Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley on the constitutionality of the federal health care overhaul. The Feb. 9 event at the National Press Club in Washington will serve as a prelude to the U.S. Supreme Court's consideration of challenges to the law in March. A decision could be reached by June.

Cuccinelli challenged the overhaul, claiming part of the law that requires individuals to buy health insurance or pay a penalty starting in 2014 is unconstitutional. A federal appeals court threw out his lawsuit, but Cuccinelli has appealed.

His case is among more than 30 lawsuits that have been filed challenging the health care overhaul.

Lancaster Crime Solvers


The Lancaster County Sheriffs office is asking for information about a pair of break-ins in the county. On January 18, the department took a report of a break-in that took place to Corrottoman Thrift Shop on Ottoman Ferry Road. The Building was entered by breaking the back door.

Also on Janurary 18th the Sheriff’s office took a report of a break-in that took place the the United Methodist Men Auction Building on White Chapel Rd. If you have information on on these crimes, you are asked to call Lancaster County Crime Solvers at 46-CRIME (7463). If your information is useful to law enfrocement you could receive a reward up to $1,000.00.

Va. Senate passes ultrasound abortion measure


The Virginia Senate has passed legislation to force pregnant women to have ultrasound images made of their fetuses before having an abortion. The Senate approved the Republican-backed measure on a mostly party-line 21-18 vote Wednesday.

Republican Sen. Jill Vogel of Fauquier County said the bill would give women the right to certain information that can be gleaned from an ultrasound, like the gestational age of the fetus. Vogel's bill says the patient would be given the opportunity to see the image or hear the fetal heartbeat, but would not be required to do so. Sen. Ralph Northam, a Norfolk Democrat and a pediatric neurologist, argued that government has no business telling doctors and patients what kind of diagnostic tests should be done.

Va Supreme Court lets remap lawsuit proceed


The Virginia Supreme Court has refused to review a lower court's refusal to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the General Assembly's authority to redraw congressional districts a year late. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said after Tuesday's ruling, he will continue to press for an immediate decision on the lawsuit from the Richmond Circuit Court.

He's also asking the legislature to pass a bill moving congressional primaries from June to August. Six plaintiffs are challenging the Republican-authored redistricting bill, which was rushed through a GOP-dominated General Assembly two weeks ago. The state Constitution required legislators to redraw the boundaries in 2011, lawmakers were unable to agree on a plan.

US Slavery Museum seeks more time on tax returns


An attorney for the U.S. National Slavery Museum is seeking more time to produce delinquent tax returns in a bid to reorganize the museum's debt and resume fundraising. Attorney Sandra Robinson had told U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Richmond that she would produce the tax returns by the end of January. In a filing this week, however, she said the museum has been unable to get the returns from the museum's former accountant.

Robinson is seeking the returns to resume raising funds for the museum, which had been planned for Fredericksburg. The museum is envisioned by L. Douglas Wilder, the former governor of Virginia and mayor of Richmond. The museum is in chapter 11 bankruptcy while it reorganizes its $7 million debt.

Tebow bill moves closer to passage


A bill that would allow home-schooled students to play for public school sports teams has cleared a legislative hurdle. The House Education Committee voted 14-8 Wednesday to approve the so-called "Tebow bill." It’s named after Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who was home schooled in Florida but played for a public high school team.

Scores of home-schooled children and their parents argued that they are taxpayers and deserve a chance to play school sports. However, public school administrators, teachers and PTA advocates said it creates an unfair playing field for children who stay home all day to compete for positions on teams with students who sit through at least five classes each day.

Judge: Occupy DC must get notice before eviction


A judge in Washington says the federal government must notify one of the last major Occupy encampments if it intends to close a downtown park to protesters. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg also ruled Tuesday that the Occupy DC protesters will have a chance to contest any eviction plans.

The National Park Service on Monday began enforcing a ban on camping that would affect the Occupy DC sites. But many protesters remained behind, and government officials have not given any indication of when or if the demonstrators will be cleared. The primary Occupy site is at McPherson Square, just blocks from the White House.

College costs out pace rise in family income


Tuition and fees at Virginia's colleges and universities are outpacing the rise in family incomes, and administrative costs also are rising faster than instructional spending. That's according to a study of the state's 15 public and 24 private schools by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.

The report shows that tuition and fees at 17 schools total more than 40% of Virginians' median household income, up from 10 schools in 2004. The Richmond Times-Dispatch says the report shows that administrative costs increased by an average of 65% at public and 49% at private schools over a 6-year period that ended in the 2008 fiscal year, the most recent statistics. Instructional spending rose 45% for public schools and about 42% for private schools.

Slavery Museum accountant: no fund discrepancy


An accountant retained by L. Douglas Wilder's U.S. National Slavery Museum says he did not find a $1.6 million discrepancy in the museum's 2005 tax returns. The unaccounted funds were reported by an attorney for the city of Fredericksburg, which was to be home to the slavery museum.

The attorney had asked a bankruptcy judge in Richmond to examine the books, but agreed to let Wilder's own accountant attempt to explain the unaccounted funds.

In a filing on Monday, the accountant, William Allan Jones Jr., said he examined the 2005 return and found no discrepancy. He said the $1.6 million was actually accounted for in fixed asset payments made toward construction of the museum.

Sheriff investigates Gloucester business burglaries


Gloucester officials say there have been several night time burglaries of businesses in the area of Main Street and Route 14. The car wash, Colony Electric and Boat Works have fallen victim during the past two weeks. All of these crimes occurred when the businesses were closed and unoccupied.

Owners of businesses in the area are asked to be vigilant in efforts to ensure that it is secure, and to turn on or fix any lighting that be around the business. Also, if you see any suspicious people or vehicles in the area, specially in the night time hours, call the Gloucester County Sheriff's Department immediately.

The Sheriff's department is diligently working on these cases in an effort to apprehend those who are responsible.

Va House, Senate pass bills barring union mandate


Both houses of the General Assembly have passed legislation to ban contracts for state projects that prescribe labor done by union workers. Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling cast the tie-breaking vote for the bill, and clearly anticipated the partisan deadlock. Moments after Tuesday's vote, Bolling's office issued a news release saying he was pleased to break the tie on legislation that promotes a pro-business environment.

The House of Delegates also passed its version of the bill on a mostly party-line 69-27 vote. Democrats argued that the legislation is unnecessary because Virginia law already prohibits compulsory union membership. But Republican Sen. Mark Obenshain of Harrisonburg said the legislation solidifies Virginia's right-to-work tradition.

Repeal of one gun a month law moves ahead


The House of Delegates has given preliminary approval to legislation repealing Virginia's one-handgun-a-month law. Del. Scott Lingamfelter's bill will be up for a final House vote Wednesday. The 1994 law allowing people to buy no more than one handgun in a 30-day period was intended to eliminate Virginia as a major source of guns used in crimes in the Northeast.

Lingamfelter said a national system for checking the background of gun purchasers has made the gun limit unnecessary. He also said federal law prohibits transporting handguns across state lines. Democratic Del. Joe Morrissey of Henrico County said repeal of the law would erase nearly two decades of progress in blocking people from buying multiple guns and reselling them out of state.

Windmill Point Marina under new ownership


Windmill Point Marina in Whitestone has a new owner. Vining’s Marine Group has announced the acquisition of the Windmill Point Marina, on the Rappahannock River, at the mouth of the on the Chesapeake Bay. It is the seventh marina acquisition for VMG on the bay and the company’s 14th marina purchase in seven years.

Windmill Point offers 150 slips, the majority of which are new floating docks. It also has amenities such as a new bathhouse, restaurant and swimming pool. Vining’s other Virginia properties include Bay Point Marina, Little Creek Marina, Taylor’s Landing, and Willoughby Harbor. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Deadly force bill advances in House


A House of Delegates subcommittee has endorsed legislation allowing Virginians to use deadly force against intruders. Virginians already have the right to defend themselves from intruders under common law. The so-called "castle doctrine" bills would add that right to the state code.

The Courts of Justice criminal subcommittee recommended the legislation on a voice vote Monday. Andrew Goddard is director of the Virginia Center for Public Safety. He said no one is being harmed by the existing state of the law. Fredericksburg Commonwealth's Attorney LaBravia Jenkins agreed, saying self-defense has long been a viable part of the legal framework. But the subcommittee chairman, Del. Rob Bell of Albemarle County, said he finds it difficult to explain to constituents how far they can go to protect themselves if someone breaks in.

McDonnell reports $43,583 in taxpayer-funded trips


Governor Bob McDonnell reported $43,583 in taxpayer-funded trips in 2011, mostly for international marketing missions. The Virginia Public Access Project, a nonpartisan tracker of money in state politics say that includes $14,800 for a trade mission to Asia, $12,000 for a trade mission to the Paris Air Show, and $10,000 for a trade mission to Israel.

Tucker Martin, a spokesman for McDonnell said McDonnell's trips were responsible for more than 1,800 new jobs, $300 million in new investment, and more than $75 million in new agricultural exports. Statewide officers file the forms annually with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The reports also show the personal finances and holdings of statewide office holders, and the gifts they've received.

Gloucester man arrested on child sex charges


A 30-year-old Gloucester man has been arrested, after trying to meet a 12-year-old for a sexual encounter.  Parents of the child told the Gloucester Sheriff's about texting between their child, and 30 year old Clayton Cody Lawrence.

Records show Lawrence had sent explicit photos of himself, and requested the child send him one as well. He showed up at the rendezvous with his infant child in the car. Lawrence was arrested and jailed on a charge of use of communications systems to facilitate offenses involving children, and a charge of production of child pornography.

He is being held without bond in the Gloucester County Jail. His infant was placed with Social Services until family members could take custody.

Pre-Labor Day opening bill heads to House


A House of Delegates committee has given its endorsement to a proposal to repeal a law that compels schools in tourist areas to open after Labor Day. Del. Bob Tata's bill cleared the House Education Committee on a 16-4 vote Monday.

The bill was opposed by corporate theme parks, the state Chamber of Commerce and trade groups for hotels and retailers. If the bill wins House passage, it sets up a showdown in the Senate Education and Health Committee, which narrowly killed an identical bill last week. Supporters say schools need to start earlier to give students more time to prepare for national standardized tests.

Bill to try more Va juveniles as adults rejected


A Senate committee has rejected legislation that would have resulted in more juveniles being tried in adult court. Republican Sen. Bill Stanley of Franklin County sponsored the bill to automatically transfer repeat violent offenders to adult court. The bill also would have allowed prosecutors to have juveniles charged with gang crimes or repeat drug offenses transferred to circuit court.

Several members of the Courts of Justice Committee said Monday that they were reluctant to take discretion from judges. University of Richmond law professor Julie McConnell told the committee that in the six years she worked as a juvenile court prosecutor, she never had a case that should have gone to circuit court but didn't. The committee voted 11-4 to kill the measure.

House to consider voter ID bill


A House of Delegates committee has endorsed legislation that would require voters without identification to cast provisional ballots. Currently, voters who fail to produce an ID sign an affidavit attesting to their identity and then cast a regular ballot.

If Del. Mark Cole's bill becomes law, such voters would still sign the affidavit but their provisional ballot would be reviewed by election officials the next day to determine whether it should be counted. Opponents of the bill argue that it would suppress voting by minorities and the poor.

They also say there's no evidence of voter fraud to warrant the change. Supporters of the bill describe it as a commonsense measure to ensure the integrity of elections. The panel voted 15-6 Friday to send the bill to the House floor.

House repeals HPV vaccine law


On a vote of 62-34, the House of Delegates today approved a bill that would repeal a requirement that girls receive the human papilloma virus vaccine before the sixth grade. Del. Kathy Byron, R-Campbell, sponsor of House Bill 1112, argued Thursday that the decision to give the v