INSIDE Sweet hound is only pet up for adoption at county animal shelter. > page 3
Volume 65, Number 22 • May 28, 2020
Fire-Rescue: ‘If you need us, call us’ some have reportedly become hesitant to call for emergency assistance. It’s an issue that Goochland County Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Ferguson says is putting undue strain on residents, and could lead to already By Roslyn Ryan dangerous situations Ferguson Editor becoming even more critical. With residents still being encouraged to stay In a recent video posted to the county’s close to home and limit contact with others, YouTube channel, Ferguson joined Deputy Fire-Rescue Chief Mike Watkins and Fire
Officials remind residents that they should not let fear of COVID-19 stop them from dialing 911
Marshall Doug Davies to speak directly to the community and allay any fears about calling for help when it is needed. “We want you to know that we are here for you, and that you can certainly call us if you have an emergency,” said Ferguson. While some may be concerned that could be putting themselves — or perhaps first responders — at risk by calling 911, Ferguson reiterated that the county’s emergency services personnel have the appropriate protective equipment and training to do their work safely and effectively. “911 is your lifeline,” insisted Watkins, urg-
By Roslyn Ryan Editor
Let’s get cooking As grills heat up, safety is a top priority
With the start of summer just around the corner, many county residents will be firing up their backyard grills for platters of burgers, dogs, ribs and more. But, as Goochland County Fire Marshall Doug Davies warns, carelessness around any kind of grill—from charcoal to gas— can have tragic consequences.
see Fire-Rescue > page 3
Recently, Davies offered several tips to keep grilling from going wrong. 1. It may seem like a no brainer, but never use a grill inside. Also, always make sure to locate grills at least 10 feet away from your home or your porch railing, and keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill at all times. 2. Don’t overload the grill with too much greasy food — doing so can cause dangerous flare-ups. see Grills > page 3
Budgeting during an outbreak a challenge for schools By Roslyn Ryan Editor
Budgets, as a general rule, aren’t typically documents that inspire outpourings of emotion. During the most recent meeting of the Goochland County School Board, however, the newly amended FY21 budget appeared to do exactly that. Explaining to school board members the ways in which the previously presented budget would need to be amended — including a drop of $1,570,539 (4.8 %) from the operating budget adopted by the School Board in February and a $389,121 (1.25%) decline in revenue — the school division’s Chief Finance Officer Debbie White found it difficult to hide her dismay at the havoc COVID-19 has wreaked on the entire process. “This is a really hard budget season. We worked extremely hard on the see Budget > page 2
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