01/21/2015 Colonial Beach / Westmoreland Journal

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season sweep

no duck luck

remembering the dream

clutch free throws lift Colonial beach against King george. Page 5

mother nature may have cooperated, but this outing was for the birds. Page 7

Locals gather to honor the Rev. Martin Luther king jr. on his birthday. Page 10

T he Volume 39, Number 4

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Colonial Beach • Westmoreland

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015 50 Cents

Lowry stepping down as county schools head Richard Leggitt

Westmoreland County Superintendent of Schools Rebecca Lowry resigned suddenly last week. Lowry submitted a letter of resignation to the county school board declaring her intention to leave her post effective June 30. Lowry has been under increasing criticism from county officials, parents and educators in recent months for a number of management problems that have beset the school system, including

late payments to the Virginia State Retirement System. “There is a lot of concern about the management of the school system, including late Lowry payments to VSRS and to the IRS,” said a county official, who asked not to be identified. “It really borders on incompetence.” The official said the county has

been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that the Westmoreland school system is not current with its required federal tax payments and state officials have complained to the county the school system is not current in its required payments to the retirement system either. The Westmoreland Board of Supervisors provides an estimated $7.9 million a year to the school system, but has no authority to order the school system to make the payments on time, according to sources. County officials

said they have met with school officials more than a half dozen times recently in an effort to get the school system to address their financial problem. The past due payments were not mentioned in Lowry’s letter of resignation nor in the school board’s acceptance of the resignation. School Board Chairwoman Iris Lane said in a statement, “We are appreciative of Dr. Lowry and value the work she has performed with the school board, administration, teachers, staff and students.”

happy birthday robert e. lee

Lowry has served as the Westmoreland County superintendent since July 2011. In addition to criticism in connection with the management of school finances, Lowry also was criticized last year, along with the school board, when she failed to act after the principal of Washington & Lee High School, Andrea Roane, was arrested for drunken driving. After several months of angry complaints by parents, students and teachers, Roane submitted her resignation.

Mahan eyes challenge to McDougle Richard Leggitt

Famed Civil War general honored by hundreds

H

undreds of area residents and visitors attended the Jan. 17 birthday celebration of Robert E. Lee at historic Stratford Hall, the 18th century plantation that was the birthplace of the Civil War general and home to several generations of his family. There were free tours of Stratford Hall’s Great House, a scavenger hunt for children with prizes from the Stratford Hall gift shop, a birthday cake, cookies and cider and the musical group Marshall and Company performed. Activities also included a History

Stratford Hall celebrated Robert E. Lee’s birthday Jan. 17 with free admission, food, drink and music from the group Marshall and Company, above. Lee’s birthday cake, left, was popular with children at the event.

Mobile, a museum on wheels operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia that presented stories from the Civil War and those who experienced the conflict, including soldiers, civilians and slaves. Many of the mobile’s exhibits were geared toward children. Stratford Hall is one of the most celebrated, historic plantations of its time and was the home to two signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, as well as Robert E. Lee and “Light Horse Harry” Lee, Robert E. Lee’s father.

Richard Leggitt photos

“This is the biggest business in the county,” said a member of the Westmoreland Board of Supervisors, who asked not to be identified. “Managing the school system’s money has been a continuing problem, but we at least need to get somebody over there who can count past two plus two.” The search for Lowry’s successor will begin immediately. The school board said it would start the process to select a new superintendent with a goal of having that person in place by July 1.

Westmoreland Supervisor Rosemary Mahan is exploring a race for the Virginia State Senate. Mahan has told several county officials she will not be a candidate for re-election to the board of supervisors this year and she hopes to vie for the 4th District state senate seat held by Republican Ryan McDougle McDougle. “I am exploring my options,” Mahan said. I have not officially announced, but I’m looking at the numbers. It’s a big senate district and I’m trying to Mahan figure out if the numbers are there to win.” Mahan, a Democrat who represents the 2nd district, has been a member of the Westmoreland Board of Supervisors since 2011. An employee of a civilian defense contractor at Dahlgren, she also is a former member of the Westmoreland County School Board. A resident of Coles Point, Mahan is married with three daughters and two granddaughters. McDougle is the chairman of the Senate Republican caucus and also is chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. The 4th District, which includes parts of King George and Westmoreland counties, stretches from the Northern Neck to Hanover County in the Richmond suburbs. Mahan has been actively involved with a number of issues as a member of the board of supervisors, including education, tourism and business development. She served on the Westmoreland County School Board from 2008-11. Mahan said education, Medicaid

Other state races The 4th district state senate race is one of three state offices that will be on the ballot in Westmoreland and King George this year. The others include the 28th district senate seat current held by Republican Richard Stuart and the 99th District house seat currently held by Delegate Margaret Ransone. and the environment will be among the issues she will concentrate on if she decides to make the state senate race. “I am concerned about fracking,” she said. “We’ve done so much to protect the Chesapeake Bay and now we’re talking about drilling right through our aquifer.” Mahan is a graduate of Old Dominion University. She also has attended the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership and done professional studies at Mary Washington University. She is a graduate of Washington & Lee High School. McDougle was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2002, and then won election to the state senate in the 4th District in 2006. A native of Hanover, McDougle is a graduate of James Madison University and the School of Law at William & Mary. McDougle lives in Mechanicsville. He is married with one daughter. McDougle, a former Hanover County prosecutor, also lists education and the environment as his issues of concern. He also is a supporter of the 2nd Amendment and worked for passage of bills to reduce taxes and improve Virginia’s business climate. When asked about Mahan’s candidacy, McDougle said, “My focus right now is passing a state budget that does not include a Medicaid expansion and working on issues that will help Virginia and the Northern Neck.”

CB looking at regulating breweries, wind turbines Linda Farneth The Colonial Beach Planning Commission is looking into drafting and adopting ordinances concerning breweries and wind turbines, in response to customer inquiries. Acting Zoning Administrator Brendan McHugh said no ordinances in the town currently cover breweries.

He presented the commission with draft resolutions and ordinances from neraby Spotsylvania County. According to Spotsylvania’s Director of Planning and Zoning, Jeffrey Harvey, the majority of microbreweries are small operations that produce less than 15,000 barrels of beer each year. Virginia law separates licenses into various categories -- keg

sales, non-keg sales, off-premise, onpremise, etc. McHugh told the commission that in drafting and adopting regulations for zoning the town needs to explore sizes of breweries that will be allowed, if they will be stand alone or be combined with restaurants and, if combined, what regulations will govern continued brewery production

if the restaurant closed. Commissioner Steve Cirbee thinks the town should focus only on residential wind turbines. “We don’t have enough consistent winds here,” he said. There’s no sense in spending a lot of time on commercial energy because we’re not in a spot that is favorable for that anyway.” McHugh believes the issue is

somewhat controversial since Colonial Beach has a high population of osprey and people worry that they will be hurt if caught up in a wind turbine. The commission discussed putting small units on top of homes. McHugh suggested putting turbines under accessory use. Cirbee warned to be careful where the regulations are placed because some accessory uses

Now you can follow local breaking news daily on our website at www.journalpress.com

have height limitations that may prevent homeowners from installing a See REGULATE, page 4


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Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

The Journal

www.journalpress.com

Today’s Hebrew Word to all pastors in king george & surrounding areas You are invited in the spirit of Christian faith and unity, to join together for a Time of Prayer for our community, nation, schools and churches. Join us on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.We hope you will attend. Thank you, from Pastor William Frye, Pastor Larry Robinson and Pastor Milton Carter. New Life Ministries in Colonial Beach will host the Xcelerate youth conference on Saturday, January 24, from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Led by youth, this free event is filled with practical teaching, worship, drama and good food. To register, go to xcelerateconference. com. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 & 7 New Life Ministries will host Family Life’s “Art of Marriage Seminar”. For details, call (804) 224-8447 or 804) 214-1318 Registration deadline is Feb. 2. Route 205 in Colonial Beach, (804) 224-8447.

mars hill youth event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 5-9 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, 13457 Kings Hwy, KG. Free admission for all youth ages 12 and up through high school. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Theme will be: God’s ways are best! Guest speaker: Matthew Wagner. Guest band: Amethyst Heart and the always popular Mars Hill Band. Games, food, fun, and the Word. Volunteers needed! Contact mars.hill.barbara@ gmail.com to help. Two Rivers Baptist Church will be having a movie night!! Join us at 6:00pm on Saturday, January 31st for “God’s Not Dead!” The film follows an evangelical Christian college student who finds his faith challenged by a philosophy professor who believes that God does not exist. Two Rivers is located at 6420 Rokeby Lane (on the corner of Route 3) For more information call 540-710-3831 or visit us on Facebook or our website- www.tworiversbc.wordpress.com

Have unwanted items? Donate, don’t just toss. Someone may need what you don’t want.

love thy neighbor Love Thy Neighbor held their first 2015 event with the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc providing our guest speaker along with special music by the Delta Choir. Minister Armstead delivered a stimulating message, invitation and took prayer requests from the audience. You could feel the spirit moving throughout the room. The Delta Choir sang beautiful Gospel songs as many joined in. All came out to enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, spiritual uplifting, sharing a meal and groceries to take home. Scarves, hats and gloves were hand crocheted or knitted to be given out to our guests - many thanks! These were provided by ‘From the Heart’. In addition, approximately 25 coats were given to LTN from a local church and Project Linus brought handmade blankets to give out to children in need. Praise the Lord! Once again we had a free raffle of 2 lovely flower arrangements donated by St. Pauls’s, along with some pies, cakes and cupcakes. We had anonymous donors who gave Love Thy Neighbor enough meat to provide each household a selection and preference of meat. Approximately 80+ families were in attendance with over 140 meals served throughout the afternoon. Love Thy Neighbor continues to work on providing our patrons with inspirational support, offer a healthy meal accompanied by a visit to our food pantry for groceries of choice. Volunteers, young and old, came to help wherever needed. Not only did we have the ladies of Delta helping out but students, friends and new volunteers who just wanted to help out in their community! We are thankful to all throughout King George and surrounding areas for their faithful ongoing donations in many forms ~ God is good! A special thanks to the staff of the Citizen’s Center who take that ‘extra’ step to make sure our needs are met and offer assistance throughout the afternoon, we appreciate all you do! Our next event will be held on Sunday, February 15, please come join us! Contact Information: Love Thy Neighbor P.O. Box 16 King George, VA 22485

Send in your Church community news

Email: kgc-ltn@gmail.com Website: www.kg-ltn.org Phone: (540)940-9846

Contact Lori Deem at The Journal 540-709-7495 or lori@journalpress.com

Love Thy Neighbor held their first 2015 event with the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc providing our guest speaker along with special music by the Delta Choir. Minister Armstead delivered a stimulating message, invitation and took prayer requests from the audience…..you could feel the spirit moving throughout the room. The Delta Choir sang beautiful Gospel songs as many joined in. All came out to enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, spiritual uplifting, sharing a meal and groceries to take home. Scarves, hats and gloves were hand crocheted or knitted to be given out to our guests…..many thanks! These were provided by ‘From the Heart’. In addition, approximately 25 coats were given to LTN from a local church and Project Linus brought handmade blankets to give out to children in need. Praise the Lord! Once again we had a free raffle of 2 lovely flower arrangements donated by St. Pauls’s, along with some pies, cakes and cupcakes. We had anonymous donors who gave Love Thy Neighbor enough meat to provide each household a selection and preference of meat. Approximately 80+ families were in attendance with over 140 meals served throughout the afternoon. Love Thy Neighbor continues to work on providing our patrons with inspirational support, offer a healthy meal accompanied by a visit to our food pantry for groceries of choice. Volunteers ~ young and old ~ came to help wherever needed. Not only did we have the ladies of Delta helping out but students, friends and new volunteers who just wanted to help out in their community! We are thankful to all throughout King George and surrounding areas for their faithful ongoing donations in many forms ~ God is good! A special thanks to the staff of the Citizen’s Center who take that ‘extra’ step to make sure our needs are met and offer assistance throughout the afternoon….we appreciate all you do! Our next event will be held on Sunday, February 15th ……. please come join us! Rick Blankenship Fellowship Leader, Grafted In Fellowship www.DoYouShabbat.com

Are you a Senior? Do you have questions or need help? Contact the local Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging (540)3713375 for answers and resources. They are there to help you!

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Local Church Directory Fletcher's Chapel United Methodist

8330 Fletcher's Chapel Rd. at 218

Pastor Michael Reaves fletcherschapel-kinggeorge-va.org Worship Services 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

(540) 775-7247 Two Rivers Baptist Church Meeting at their new church

Intersection of Rokeby and Kings Hwy. (Rt. 3)

Sunday School ..............9:30 a.m. Worship........................10:30 a.m. COME VISIT US • ALL ARE WELCOME

Rev. Peyton Wiltshire

For Information call 540710-3831

Good Hope Baptist Church

17223 Good Hope Rd. - corner Rt. 218E & 619 phone: 540-775-9487 email: goodhope.baptistchurch@va.metrocast.net or visit www.goodhopeministries.org

• Sunday School - 9:45 a.m. • Worship - 11:00 a.m. • Prayer & Bible Study (Wed.) 7:30 p.m. Rev. Arthur J. Washington, Jr. Pastor “Building the Church & Reaching the World for Christ”

804-224-9695

"Pastor Larry" M. Robinson Sunday Worship - 10 a.m. Sunday School - 9 a.m. (New Testament Church Study) Wednesday Night Prayer & Bible Study 6 p.m.

Advertise your church for just $20 per week

15681 Owens Dr. in Dahlgren, VA Church Phone: (540) 663-2831

You're invited to worship with

EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH

3207 Quarter Hill Rd., Supply VA 22436

(804) 443-4168

Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 11 a.m. Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Rev. Irving Woolfolk, Jr.

"A Church where everybody is somebody!"

Macedonia Baptist Church 1081 Macedonia Ln., Colonial Beach, VA (804) 224-1500 "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together." Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Prayer & Bible Study: (Wed.) 7 p.m. Holy Communion on 4th Sundays Rev. Fred Sales, Pastor

We invite you to gather together with us! Sunday School - 9 a.m. Sunday Worship 8 a.m. & 10:15 a.m. Bible Study - Wednesday 7 p.m. Pastor Earl T. Howerton Jr.

Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. (Sunday) Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. Nursery Provided Seeking to know the grace of God and to make it known to others.

7748 Leedstown Rd., Oak Grove, VA 22443 (804) 224-0418 • ourlittlezion.org

Sunday Services Service Early Worship - 8 a.m. Wednesday Evenings Sunday School - 9:45 a.m. 7 p.m. Morning Worship - 11 a.m. Evening Worship - 6 p.m.

First Baptist Church Ambar

9469 Caledon Rd., King George, VA22485 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 11 a.m. Bible Study Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Dave Bentz, Pastor Jason Schubert, Associate Pastor 13114 Kildee Farm Road King George, VA 22485 (off 301 and Blue Jay Meadow Drive)

Ph. (540) 775-9990 • email: info@gracekg.com web site www.gracekg.com

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church Corner of Lossing and Boundary, Colonial Beach

Very Rev. Francis M. de Rosa Rev. Mark Mullaney Pastor William & First Lady Pastor Wm. T. Frye Theresa Frye

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

(Psalm 34:3)

Dr. Sherman Davis, Pastor 10640 Kings Hwy King George, VA 22485 www.tabernaclebaptistkg.org 540-775-7188

Randall Snipes, Senior Pastor

8096 Leedstown Rd. Colonial Beach, VA

“Building God’s Kingdom On Earth”

A church where the Full Gospel is Preached, Taught and Lived

Tabernacle Baptist Church

Oak Grove Baptist Church Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.& 11 Awana-Sundays-6 p.m. Bible Study-Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.

Little Ark Baptist Church

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Corner of Millbank & St. Anthony’s Rd., King George

Very Rev. Francis M. de Rosa Rev. Mark Mullaney Sat. 7:00 p.m. Vigil Sunday Masses: Sun. 8:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m 12:45 p.m. Tridentine Mass Daily Mass: Mon. Thur. Fri. & Sat. 9:00 a.m. Tues. 7:00 a.m. Wed. 7:00 p.m. Adoration before each morning Mass Confession: Wed. 7:30 p.m. Sat. after 9:00 a.m. Mass & at 6:30 p.m. Sun. 1/2 hour before each Mass

Office: 11 Irving Ave., Colonial Beach, Va. 22443 saintselizabethandanthony.org

• 804-224-7221

Sunday Masses: Sat. 5:00 p.m. Sun. 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 p.m. (español) Daily Mass: Mon. - Sat. 8:00 a.m. Adoration precedes each morning Mass Confession: Sat. following 8:00 a.m. Mass & at 4:30 p.m. Sun. 1/2 hour before each Mass Office: 11 Irving Ave., Colonial Beach, Va. 22443 saintselizabethandanthony.org

• 804-224-7221 “The church is the great lost and found department” - Robert Short

Help others find your church. Advertise in this space, only $20 per week. Billed monthly. Contact Lori at (540) 709-7495 or email her at lori@journalpress.com


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The Journal Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

Area Death Bernard W. VanDeWeert Sr. Bernard W. VanDeWeert Sr., 84, well-known resident of 76 Dayton Ln., Towanda, Pa., passed away Jan. 9, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family. Surviving are nine children, twin daughters, Linda and Lois VanDeWeert of Towanda, Diane Bride and her husband David Bride of Towanda, Brenda Buchholz and her husband William Buchholz of King George, Va., Garry VanDeWeert and his wife Linda VanDeWeert of Towanda, Floyd VanDeWeert and his wife Lori VanDeWeert of Towanda, Cheryl VanDeWeert of Towanda, Bernard VanDeWeert Jr. of Virginia, Patti Hartmann and her husband Rob Hartmann of Towanda; 27 grandchildren Heather C., Kevin, Rebecca, Lillea, Christa, Heather B., Sara, Andrew, Willie, Nikki, Carrie, Hannah, Kelly, Mo, Jessi, Jenni, Kate, Ella, Brenda, Richard, Lewis, Maggie, Olivia, Emily, Dylan, Jessica and Mason; 27 great-grandchildren Casey, Seth, Alex, Rylan, Owen, Landon, Rae Anne, Cody, Taylor, Ryan, Dylan, Kyleigh, Grace, Madison, Tate, Molly, Ali, Kristi, Liam, Colton, Carter, Elijah, Ava, Sidney, Marley, Aubrey, and Weston; brothers Garrett VanDeWeert and wife Joyce of Harford Mills, N.Y., Ronald VanDeWeert of Marathon, N.Y., John VanDeWeert and wife Hummy of Dryden, N.Y.; sisters Carol Morgan and husband Albert of Dryden, N.Y., Elaine Fergus and husband Jim of Ithaca, N.Y.;

Thursday, January 22

Northumberland County Democrat Meetomg, 6 p.m. at the Public Library in Heathsville. This will be a challenging year for Northumberland Democrats. An election for County Supervisor and School Board will be held in November for Districts 1, 4 and 5. While some of the seats are nonpartisan, our Democratic Ideals mandate that we field a candidate for each position. This will be one item of discussion for our meeting.

Saturday, January 24

The Northern Neck Audubon Society will conduct a bird walk at Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve at 1 p.m. Please call Frank Schaff at 804-462-0084 to let him know you are coming in case the walk is cancelled. For NNAS information and events, visit www. northernneckaudubon.org. Friends next meeting is at 2 p.m. on Jan. 24 at the Smoot Library, Meeting Room B...that should be next Saturday. If Jan. 24 is not the very next Saturday that you encounter then please come on the very next Saturday that you do encounter and we will apologize

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King George High School putting on performance of “Peter Pan and Wendy” Jan. 28-31

sister-in-law Priscilla Fierro of Virginia; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Pat, on Dec. 17, 2009; brother and sister-in-law Henry and Helen VanDeWeert; grandson Tate Hendrik Blokzyl and; brother-in-law, Floyd Turner. The family received friends Jan. 11 at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home in Towanda, Pa. The Towanda Elks Lodge No. 2191 had a service of remembrance at the funeral home. The funeral service was Jan. 12, 2015 at the funeral home. Towanda American Legion post No. 42 accorded military honors at the funeral home. Interment was in the Cole Cemetery, Towanda Twp., Pa.

later if it is incorrect.

Saturday, Feb. 14

DRHT Half Marathon. Visit http://www.racetimingunlimited. org/R/DTH/Info.aspx for more info or to register to compete. La Plata High School 23rd annual antique show and sale. At La Plata High School, 6035 Radio Station Road, La Plata, MD 20646, with free parking. The La Plata High School Music Program announces its 23rd Annual Antique Show and Sale. The show will be held on Saturday, February 14th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 15th, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information contact Karen Andreas at 301-2592411 or karenandreas@msn.com save the date

for the 3rd Annual Virginia Run for the Fallen. Kick-off will be Thursday, April 30, 2015 in Ft. Story VA. Runners will follow the 240mile memorial trail through VA. The Run is to finish Sunday, May 3 in Arlington National Cemetery in No.VA. Details and route maps can be found at www.varunforthefallen. org.

The King George High School Theater Department is rehearsing the children’s play “Peter Pan and Wendy” based on the novel by J.M. Barrie and adapted by Doug Rand. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 28-31at King George High School. Cost is $6; children 6 and under are free. Dinner will be offered at 5:30 p.m. for $5. Pictured are the Lost Boys — Allison McDonald as Nibs; Bree Lide as Slightly; Sam Settle as Tootles; Sara Galan and Lilith Turman as the Twins. (not pictured - Hanna Breton as Curly).

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Pictured (L-R) are 2015 board and officers: Sherry Gatton, secretary; Dwayne Schnakenberg, treasurer; Ron Cook, director, Ted Thomas, co-vice president; Caitlin Thomas, editor; Wayne Burgess, director; Esther Minter, at-large director; Bob Sydnor, co-vice president, Paul Stosch, director; Brent Gatton, car show chair; Mary Jean Inscoe, membership chair, and Ward Sevila, President.

NNAC installs 2015 officers, board “Henry” Lab/Pointer Brown/white adult male

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Forty-four Members of the Northern Neck Region, AACA gathered on January 11 for their annual banquet and to officially install the 2015 officers and board members. This year’s guest speaker was club member and former Ford Motor Company executive, Jim Glass. Jim’s excellent presentation provided insight into the Ford family as well as some lighthearted pokes at the other car manufactures. Barbara Saunders of the Nomini Baptist Church in Montross provided the food service. In addition to the installation of officers, the President’s Award was presented to several members in recognition of their outstanding membership and significant contributions to the

club. Awardees were: outgoing Vice President Wayne Burgess, outgoing Treasurer Mae Lynne Guest, Harry & Kathy Harrison, Dwayne Schnakenberg, Cheryl Melton. “Social secretary” Sherry Gatton presented fun awards plaques to: Harry & Kathy Harrison for Top Raffle Ticket Sales by a couple/team; Paul Stosch for Top Raffle Ticket Sales by an individual, Gloria Burgess for her Behind the Scenes Support to the vice president and the entire club, J. R. Roscher theTuff 2 B Kool Award for attending a club event w/convertible top down in inclement weather, Ted Thomas the Fair Appreciation Award, Peyton Guest the Lost Traveler’s Award-Tool box for getting lost on

the Tour, Brent Gatton the Lead Foot Silver Boot for speeding, Caitlin Thomas the Silver Shoe Horn for accepting editor position, Dwayne Schnakenberg the”Cow”culator for accepting treasurer’s position, and Peyton & Mae Lynne Guest the Ant Yard Art for hosting the annual club picnic at their farm. The Northern Neck Region is affiliated with the international Antique Automobile Club of America and meets at the Callao Business Center every 2nd Thursday each month. For more information about the Northern Neck Region, or the AACA, please contact Ward Sevila at 804-580-4177 or email wsevila@ msn.com.


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Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

The Journal

www.journalpress.com

New middle school may be on the horizon Phyllis Cook

This could be the year the King George School Board decides whether to reopen its former middle school building. There has been talk about shifting the sixth grade from the county’s three elementary schools into the former middle school for nearly a decade. The idea is to free up capacity for growth at the three elementary schools for students in kindergarten through fifth grades and postpone the need for a fourth elementary school for several more years. There are plans for a joint meeting to be scheduled this month by the board of supervisors and school board, at which the topic of school expansion is likely to come up again, as it did last February. At that time, school board chairman Mike Rose said they wanted to use the vacant school to house sixth-graders after adding more classrooms and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Using the building as a sixth-grade academy was spawned in 2005. That was when plans for the new high school construction were well underway with completion expected in late 2008. The school board mulled the idea for nearly four years without any decision.

The new high school was completed in January 2009. By April 2009, the school board was again pushed for a decision for the middle school building, and while several options were presented none seemed feasible and money was unavailable. In June 2009, the building was shuttered. When seventh- and eighth-graders started school that fall, they went to the ‘new’ middle school. Last February, Rose distributed an updated capacity analysis and talked about putting an addition on the closed school and then reopening it. Supervisors were encouraging and offered some other ideas. “It’s good you’re looking at this now,” chairman Joe Grzeika said. “We need to start on a plan on how to address this.” Instead of reopening the closed building, supervisor Dale Sisson suggested shifting the sixth-graders into the current middle school building. “And, there is significant capacity in the

Lori Deem

King George County’s former middle school once again may house area students, something it hasn’t done since 2009. high school for the present time, and you could figure out how to use that student excess capacity in the interim,” Sisson said. Sisson also said they could think about an addition to the existing middle school. “Add another wing, maybe,” he said. “It’s a one-time construction cost versus

continuing annual operating costs,” Grzeika said. Grzeika suggested the division have an assessment of the closed building and grounds to determine if it would meet their needs. Sisson suggested the study include renovations needed with a cost analysis for additional staffing, maintenance and

operations. Rose agreed they should have a comparison analysis done for both locations and talk again at a future meeting. The comparison study has not yet been done. Superintendent Rob Benson said the topic will be discussed at the next joint meeting of the two boards.

Biosolids hearing leaves some wanting for action Anita Tuttle, center, a biosolids inspector with Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality, talks with citizens at a meeting at the English Building in Montross to discuss the planned use of biosolids on agricultural land in Westmoreland County.

Richard Leggitt The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality hosted a public meeting Jan. 13 in Montross to discuss applications to use biosolids on agricultural land in Westmoreland County, as well as a plan to produce landscaping materials that use biosolids for soil enhancement. Anita Tuttle, a biosolids inspector for the departtment, who led the agency’s presentation, told a large crowd citizens who were hoping for some kind of action on the applications. “This is not a public hearing; it is an informational meeting,” she said. Tuttle said state regulations already allow the use of biosolids and they already are being used in Westmoreland, as well as every other county and every state in

Richard Leggitt

the nation. The packed meeting at the English building was to help citizens understand and comment on permits that will be granted, according to Tuttle. “I have never felt so disappointed,” said Holly Harman, a local artist and an environmentalist who is a member of the Westmoreland

Wetlands Board. “Basically, we are being told we can’t ban it.” Rollins Soil Enhancement has filed an application with the state seeking to use biosolids at a new facility in Westmoreland County that would produce landscaping materials. Crops, Inc., of King George, and Synagro, of Cincinnati, are seeking

Colonial Beach looking to spruce up downtown area through revitalization Linda Farneth The town of Colonial Beach is on the way to revitalizing the downtown area. A once bustling resort town in the late 1800s and early 1900s known as the “Playground on the Potomac,” Colonial Beach’s economy fell prey to the the improvements of land transportation, dwindling aquatic resources and the end of legalized gambling. Although the town is no longer the port town it used to be, the town is taking advantage of its historical roots to try to attract tourist by re-energizing the boardwalk and building a wharf themed pedestrian plaza according to plans in the Community Development Block Grant Application. Revitalization efforts underway will come in two phases.

Briefs Base use public hearing scheduled for Jan. 28 Area residents are encouraged to participate in a public forum on the joint land use study involving the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Village Green Pavilion, 100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head, Md. The meeting is to discuss how changes in land use around the installation could affect the Navy’s mission, as well as how current and future operations at the base may impact the surrounding areas. “The community’s help is needed to identify impacts and find solutions,” said Project Manager Amy Blessinger, Charles County (Md.) Department of Planning & Growth Management. “The public is a vital participant in the (study), and your concerns and recommendations will help shape the (study), ensuring it is responsive to your needs.” The public forum will present information on the study process and give area residents an opportunity to share their thoughts on Navy operations and surrounding land use. The goal is to identify potential

The first phase of revitalization will not only change the physical appearance in the downtown area but also will seek to change the economy as well. By forming an organization to market and promote the Historic Resort Commercial Boardwalk area and offering small business loans, the town hopes tourism will increase and job opportunities will open up, according to Jerry Davis, executive director of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission. The most noticeable changes will be in the appearance of the boardwalk area. Residents and visitors will enjoy an updated boardwalk with storm

conflicts and strategies to maintain compatibility between community development and Navy missions. The study’s goal is to sustain the Navy’s mission while supporting continued economic and community growth, as well as protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

Rodeheaver is leaving CB planning commission Colonial Beach Planning Commissioner Kent Rodeheaver officially announced his resignation from the planning commission, according to Acting Zoning Administrator, Brendan McHugh. Former Councilwoman Linda Brubaker announced at the Jan 15 commission meeting she will be joining Pamela Tolsen in seeking appointment to fill one of the two vacant seats left by Rodehavor and Ed Grant. Anyone wishing to be considered for appointment to the planning commission may visit town hall and fill out an application. The commission voted to keep Robin Schick as chairman and Maureen McCabe as vice chairman for 2015.

resistant landscaping and benches to promote foot traffic and a desire to linger in the downtown business area, according to Davis. The physical improvements will focus on building facades. The town also will create a mural program, remove three utility poles on Taylor Street, replace a section of the boardwalk’s concrete from the Riverboat Restaurant to Colonial Avenue and repair concrete from the Riverboat to Hawthorne Street. The landscaping that will be added to the boardwalk will lead up to Colonial Avenue, where the town will build a pedestrian plaza. The plaza will utilize a rarely used portion at the end of Colonial Avenue. Changes include providing landscaping, street furniture for seating and if the budget will allow adding a splash pad for children and adults to enjoy during the summer.

Event will help students with financial aid info Colonial Beach High School and Washington & Lee High School are two of only 25 schools in Virginia chosen this year to participate in the Super FAFSA Project Virginia. Only seniors attending the schools on the list will be allowed to attend. At 6 p.m. Feb. 4, seniors will receive hands-on assistance in completing the federal financial aid form, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. By filling out a the form, students can receive information on hundreds of grants, scholarships, loans and work study programs available to them. The form takes the students information and matches it to these types of financial aid. The program also offers free assistance to students, parents, and borrowers throughout the entire financial aid process. Super FAFSA is a financial aid assistance initiative of the Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators done in collaboration with the Educational Credit Management Corporation and State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

permits for the land applications of biosolids in Westmoreland County. Harman said the Rollins proposal, which calls for the construction of biosolids plant that would mix human waste with woodchips, leaves and sand to create landscaping materials, “will turn our environment into a sewer.”

“They are proposing to build this plant on the Rappahannock River, not far from the Westmoreland Berry Farm,” Harman said. “And, the people who are supposed to protect us, aren’t. The Westmoreland Planning Commission has been asleep at the switch. “When you think about the poisons that are being spread, there is nothing safe about it. The regulations are not in place to protect us, but we can create county regulations to protect us. We need to change. There is a groundswell going on right now.” Mark Mongold, a representative of state department, said the agency’s job is to maintain water quality and ensure human health is not affected. “Use of this material has been deemed safe and effective as long as it is properly regulated,” he said.

REGULATE from page 1 wind turbine. McHugh provided research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, whose research states zoning controls whether a person can install a wind turbine. Permits will control how a person installs a wind turbine. The research also says wind turbines must be installed high up to be productive. Currently structures up to 35 feet are generally a permitted use. Beyond 35 feet, citizens must obtain a conditional use permit. These laws were put in place based on firefighting limitations in the early 1900s. Currently, laws give localities instructions for towers used for radio, TV and phone transmission, however there are currently very few windspecific ordinances. McHugh estimates work on these ordinances may take up to a year for drafting, public hearings and final council approval.

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KG wrestlers give seniors night to remember Leonard Banks Sports Editor Senior night was a blast for King George as the Foxes defeated Courtland, 51-22. Among the graduating Foxes were Austin Carson (160 pounds), Kyle Kraisser (170 pounds), and Kaine Smith (138 pounds). Also, fans were treated to an opportunity to witness the next generation of King George grapplers in action in the form of the King George Middle School. After two seasons of restoring the program to a functioning feeder system capable of having a positive impact on the varsity wrestling program, head coach Rick Buckwalter said: “The middle school wrestlers have been working hard in practice and competing hard in matches with a more challenging schedule than in years past. Last night’s Future Foxes Night was a great format and environment that the middle school wrestlers experienced that allows them to aspire to the level of intensity and dedication of the high school team.” As for the varsity team, the Foxes dominated the Cougars with the following results: 106 pounds, double forfeit; 113 pounds, DJ Ahalt (Ct.) over Lane Dilley (KGHS); 120 pounds, Kraig Johnson (KGHS) over Cliff

Leonard Banks

King George sophomore Kolin Johnson pins Courtland’s Travis Dubrule during their 132-pound match. Conway (Ct.), decision 7-0; 126 pounds, Jawaun Powell (Ct.) over Teddy Buckley (KGHS), MD 13-

3; 132 pounds, Kolin Johnson (KGHS) over Travis Dubrule (Ct.), fall 1:33; 138 pounds, Kaine Smith

(KGHS), over Arthur Pascual (Ct.), fall 3:13; Ron Bell (KGHS) over unknown; 152 pounds, Nick

Baumgartner (Ct.) over Malique Smith (KGHS), fall 1:56; 160 pounds, Austin Carson (KGHS)

over George Cheetham (Ct.), fall 4:53; 182 pounds, Brendan Dean (KGHS) by forfeit; 195 pounds, Jordan Price (KGHS) by forfeit; 220 pounds, Cyrus Fletcher (KGHS) by forfeit; 285 pounds, Darius Roman (Ct.) by forfeit. Sophomore Kolin Johnson has recorded 36 wins without a defeat this season. His present pace wuld allow him to surpass Jacob Tucker’s school record during his junior year next season. On Jan. 17 at the Conference 22 Duals at Liberty High School, the Foxes managed to defeat Chancellor, 53-27 (2nd round), but lost to the following competitors: Liberty, 49-24, Chancellor 41-18 (first round), Eastern View, 59-14 and Fauquier, 69-12. Kraig Johnson and Kolin Johnson both finished the day undefeated with records of 5-0. Other notable King George resultd included: Kyle Kraisser, 3-2; Ron Bell, 2-3; Cyrus Fletcher, 2-3; Logan Kraisser, 1-4; Kaine Smith, 1-4; Austin Carson, 1-4; Brendan Dean, 1-4. The Foxes forfeited five weight classes (106, 113, 170, 220, and 285 pounds). On Jan. 24, the Foxes will travel to compete in an invitational match at Stone Bridge High School. On Jan. 31, the Foxes will travel to compete in their final regular season invitational at Cosby. On Feb. 7, the Foxes will compete in the Conference 22 Championships.

Essex outlasts W&L boys Richard Leggitt The Washington & Lee Eagles got off to an early lead, but were outscored by the Essex Trojans in the fourth quarter Jan. 16 at Montross in a 65-58 loss. The boys’ basketball team is now 8-4 for the season but 2-2 in Northern Neck District play. “We have yet to reach our full potential,” said W&L Coach George Hunter. “I am a strong believer that a team that behaves as a family makes the entire team stronger. Last year we became a family, but this team has yet to find that bond. The Essex game is proof.”

D.L. Kelly and Treshaun Brown led W&L scorers Friday with 20 and 18 points, respectively. Brown had two three-point shots and Kelly had one. Jeremy Turner had 19 rebounds in the defeat. W&L led 16-11 after the first quarter, but was down two points at halftime, 28-26. Both teams scored 20 points in a hotly contested third quarter, but the Trojans pulled away in the fourth, outscoring W&L 17-12 in the final quarter. “D.L. Kelly had a huge game, but ran out of gas at the end,” Hunter said. “Treshaun Brown also played well and Jeremy Turner had nine points as well as 19 rebounds. Jeremy is playing

through a sprained ankle and we were also missing a player who had 13 points and 15 rebounds last week.” Sadaar Calhoun led the Trojans with 22 points and Rasaun Moore had 15 points for Essex in the win. W&L continues district play this week with Northumberland at home Jan. 23. The Eagles are away Jan. 27 at Lancaster. “Every game is tough,” Hunter said. “The Northern Neck District is full of talent and competition fuels these rivalries. Everybody plays hard in district games and Northumberland and Lancaster will be no different. They are both young teams, but they are talented.”

Leonard Banks

Deniya Newman makes a move toward the basket for the Colonial Beach Drifters during their victory.

Beach girls fend off Foxes for regular season sweep Leonard Banks Sports Editor On Jan. 17 at King George High School’s gymnasium, the Drifters girls’ basketball team defeated the Foxes, 46-43. The heated contest was decided in the final two and a half minutes of the game, as the Drifters, led by Sydni Carey, Alexis Wilson and Emily Parks combined to make five key foul shots in the final minute to seal the Foxes’ fate. Earlier this month in Colonial Beach, the Drifters (9-2) defeated the Foxes, 48-39. With the regular season coming to a close, the Drifters have a legitimate

opportunity to win the regularseason championship. However, they first must dispose of top-ranked Rappahannock for the Conference 43 regular-season title. The Drifters will play the Raiders in two of the final four games of the season. As for King George (6-7), they remain in second place, behind Chancellor, in Conference 22. In the first quarter, the Drifters got the jump on the Foxes with a 6-2 lead, with Parks leading the way with four points. The Foxes responded by rallying back with an 8-4 run to tie the game at 10-10. Later in the quarter, Wilson kept the Drifters ahead by two points with two back-to-back three-pointers.

The quarter eventually ended in a 18-18 tie. The tempo of the game went from fast to slow in the second quarter, as both teams combined for eight foul line appearances. Wilson gave the Drifters a 30-26 lead with threepoint basket. While the Drifters struggled from the perimeter, Reynolds hit four of five free throws that gave the Foxes a 37-34 lead at the end of the quarter. In the final quarter, the lead exchange swung like a pendulum. Within the last two and a half minutes of play, the lead changed four times. Carey, Wilson and Parks combined for five throws in the final 58 seconds to seal the win for the Drifters.

Graham sets vault record at Fred Hardy Invitational Staff report Not only did Jonathan Graham post a personal best in the pole vault at the Fred Hardy Invitational, but also the allstate King George High School senior broke the Foxes’ school record of 14 feet with a 15-foot vault. The invitational meet took place Jan. 17 at the Estes Center at Fork Union Military Academy and featured 47 schools from nearly every corner of Virginia. While the Foxes boys placed fourth, their female counterparts finished 15th. “Overall the teams have been improving tremendously as we gear up

toward our push towards conference, region and states,” Foxes winter track & field head coach Jeremy Jack said. Also, the Foxes boy’s 4x200-meter relay team of Ezugo Agulou, Jordan Aley, Matthew Brown, and Nile Buchanan finished first with a time of 1:36.74. Other notable boys’ performances included: Juan Parker, shot put, third, 43’ 8.25”; Jordan Aley, 55 meters, fifth, 6.71 seconds; Ezugo Agulou, 300-meter dash, sixth, 38.20; Christian Koon, 1,000 meters, seventh, 2:48.76; William Stevenson, 3,200 meters, 10th, 10:36.03; 4 x 400 meters, eighth, 3:46.50; 4 x 800 meters, eighth, 9:08.15; Jordan Aley,

long jump, eighth, 19’ 3.5”; Kyree Garrett, triple jump, sixth, 40’ 10.75”. Aubrey Wingeart set the standard for girls’ performances with a first-place finish in the 3,200 meters (11:59.85). Other notable girls’ performances included: Brooke West, 500 meters, 17th, 1:31.08; Cori French, 1,000 meters, 16th, 3:30.90; 4 x 200-meter relay, 11th, 1:55.52; 4 x 400-meter relay, 12th, 4:41.29; 4 x 800-meter relay, 10:59.26; Alicia Callanan, high jump, 11th, 4’ 6”; Heidi Colwell, pole vault, 12th, 8’; Carley Johnson, ninth, 31’ 7.25”; Tyra Jackson, shot put, 13th, 28’ 4”. On Jan. 21, the Foxes will host their final home meet at 4 p.m.

MBA Info and GMAT Stategy Session February 2, 2015 6-8 pm • Room 158 Open to the public. Registration is required. Register at dahlgren.umw.edu Dahlgren Campus - Center for Education and Research 4224 Unversity Dr., King George, VA 22485 • 540/663-4030 Visit us at Dahlgren.umw.edu


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Parker brothers legacy is in good hands with sons Leonard Banks Sports Editor

Leonard Banks

Jecolby White guards a Spotslyvania player during the Foxes’ 58-55 non-conference victory.

Foxes hold on to defeat Knights Leonard Banks Sports Editor Neither a spirited Spotsylvania Knights’ rally led by Darius Carter (31 points), or several key King George players in foul trouble could prevent the home-standing Foxes from their destiny Jan. 13. With seconds remaining in the game, Conference 22 basketball standouts, NaNa Djan (11 points) and De�Quan Whiting (12 points) sealed the game with three foul shots. The 58-55 non-conference victory

versus Spotsylvania (2-4, 4-10) gave a huge boost of confidence to the Foxes as they head into the final phase of the season. After losing for the second time this season to Eastern View, 61-51, Friday, and defeating conference rival, Liberty, 62-46, Saturday, the Foxes (77, 4-2) are on the verge of moving into third place, if they continue win out. In spite of Carter scoring six of the Knights’ first quarter points, the Foxes steadfastly held their ground. With 2:09 left in the quarter, Whiting, Laking Hall and Dreshawn Turner

collectively scored seven points to close the quarter out for a 17-9 King George lead. In the second quarter, it appeared the Foxes had clear sailing as they converted a number of turnovers into a 28-11 lead. In the final minutes, the Knights responded with a 7-0 run that cut the Foxes lead to 31-21. The half ended with a 35-26 lead. With the fans on the edge of their seats, both teams went to war in the third quarter. While Foxes’ shooting guard, TJ Wells buried his fifth threepointer of the game, Carter scored six

of the Knights’ 16 points to cut the lead to 43-42 to end the quarter. In the fourth quarter, with less than two minutes remaining, Carter scored a put-back and a foul shot that gave the Knights a 53-51 lead. Seconds later, Carter nailed a layup that extended the Knights lead to 5553. However, Whiting tied the game with two clutch foul shots. With 24 seconds left in the game, Djan hit one of two foul shots to gave King George a 56-55 lead. With eight seconds left in the game, Whiting sunk two foul shots that sealed the Knights’ fate.

Bonilla-Vazquez, Miller pace KG swim team Staff report On Jan. 15, King George swim standouts Ricardo Bonilla-Vazquez and Jacob Miller made the most of their competition against 5A powerhouse, Atlee High School in Mechanicsville. Bonilla-Vazquez recorded two wins, along with a state cut time in the 200-yard individual medey of 2:05.20, while Miller recorded a time of 1:50.46 in the 200-yard freestyle. Vazquez also posted a first-place finish in the 100yard butterfly with a time of 54.88. Team-wise, the Foxes edged the Leonard Banks Raiders 100-70, while the Raiders’ The King George boys’ swim team defeated Atlee High School in a Jan. 15 meet. girls’ swim team dominated the King

George girl’s team, 111.5-58.5. Other notable King George boys first-place finishes included: 200-yard medley relay, 1:46.08; Asher Bentz, 50yard freestyle, 23.29; Rudy Morrow, 100-yard freestyle, 51.63; boys 200yard freestyle relay, 1:31.28; Nate Wilson, 100-yard breaststroke, 1:04.99 and the boys 400-yard freestyle relay, 3:22.60. Notable King George girls first-place finishes included: Anna Hall, 500-yard freestyle, 6:20.67 and Emily Sizemore, 100-yard backstroke, 1:04.29. The Foxes will return to action Jan. 23 at the King George YMCA, against Chancellor, James Monroe and Spotsylvania.

The tandem of King George High School alumni John and Jonathan Parker once ruled Fredericksburg-area football and basketball. From a state football championship to a regional basketball championship berth, the brothers left an eternal mark on the map of athletic competition. To date, John’s name is embedded in the books with the following records: career rushing yards, 5,003; 363 yards in a game; 2,018 yards in a season; tied with Joe Young, second most touchdowns, 7; most touchdowns in a season, 36; most career touchdowns, 76; most points scored, season, 216; most point scored, career, 484. As for Jonathan, his role as a tailback/ wide receiver allowed him to dominate the passing game. The identical twins made major contributions to the 1995 Foxes’ football state championship bid against Graham. The undersized Foxes hosted the G-Men for the coveted VHSL Group AA Championship, on a cold day at Spotsylvania High School. The Bluefield County-area football team eventually won the game, 23-18. “In my heart, I didn’t believe there was anybody out there that could beat us,� Jonathan said. “It was the one day we didn’t’ bring our A game.� Nearly 20 years later, their sons have followed in their dads’ footsteps. John’s son, Juan, and Jonathan’s son, Dez’John, soon will enter the ranks of collegiate athletics, as they leave behind a legacy of success. For the past four seasons, Jonathan has had the fortune of coaching his son in basketball. “With Dez’John playing football and basketball, and having the opportunity to coach him, its been a dream come true,� Jonathan said. Four years ago, Drifters’ football head coach Scott Foster took a chance and brought Dez’John on the varsity football team as a freshman. Since then, Dez’John has contributed to four straight post-season football berths. In addition, the natural two-way

Nearly 20 years later, their sons have followed in their dads’ footsteps. John (Parker’s) son, Juan, and Jonathan (Parker’s) son, Dez’John, soon will enter the ranks of collegiate athletics, as they leave behind a legacy of success. starter has earned the following honors: division/conference 1st team tight end, first team defensive tackle, all-region first team tight end, second team all-state. “Dez’John was a piece of the foundation that I was proud to build from,� Foster said. “In Colonial Beach, we rely on a guy that can do more than one job. Dez’John was one of those guys that could do that.� As for Juan, his imprint on Foxes athletics is cemented as well. While the Foxes’ football team fell well short of a post-season berth this past season, Juan punished opposing linemen on both sides of the ball throughout the season. His efforts eventually earned him second-team all-conference 22 honors. Currently, with a toss of 45 feet, Juan is the top shot put athlete in the area. Respected by area coaches and players throughout the area, Juan’s efforts on the field will undoubtedly follow him into college. “Juan is one of our biggest assets,� King George High School head football coach Jeff Smith said. “He brings a lot to the table in the form of leadership and character to the program. No matter what we’ve asked of him to do, he does it with a smile.� With numerous colleges knocking on his door, Juan’s future will get brighter as his senior season unfolds. “He can play on the next level,� Smith said. “He has the size, and I always tell my players that size and speed, are two talents that you cannot teach. For an athlete his size, he has great feet.�

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Despite help from weather, ducks still hard to bag Mark Fike After what appears to have been an abysmal duck season, our region finally got the big push of Arctic air that supposedly shoves the ducks south. The problem with the cold air is that it came very suddenly and very powerfully. Local creeks and ponds froze overnight and appeared to have stayed that way for the most part since the bitter cold last week. That is until this past weekend when things started to thaw. Given promising reports of ducks starting to show up with one week left in the duck season, we figured we had to give it a try at least once this season. Saturday morning looked to be as good as any. The only thing that could have made it better weather-wise would have been some rain or snow. As with any trip that begins with a boat, particularly on very cold mornings, we had technical difficulties. Despite the electric motor working flawlessly during three different checks the night before, it refused to turn the prop an inch in the water come duck time. Of course, we had our trusty outboard that had also fired right up many times the previous few weeks when testing it in the yard. The trip would have been abnormal if things went well, so the outboard decided to be cranky, too. Five minutes into the launch, it finally caught and idled while warming up. Good thing we had extra time to get to the blind and set up the dekes. The creek was covered in ice and the metal boat cut through it with a roaring, crushing sound. “Watch for icebergs,� I remarked to my young hunting partner. “We don’t want to be like the Titanic and hit one and go under.� My daughter gave me a fearful look. She had never been out on an icy morning cutting the way through to the duck blind. I knew the ice was going to pose a real nasty problem at some point in the morning once the tide starting rolling. Ice and tides never go well with decoys. The boat cut a big arc in the ice just downstream of the cedar brushed

Mark Fike

The decoys were iced in and had to be repeatedly freed up lest the ice carry them away. duck blind. The roar of the ice against the metal hull made my daughter a bit nervous and I could understand why. It was very loud. But, I knew the ice was not too thick. At that point, I guess it was good that I have some hearing loss. I cannot imagine what the crushing forces of frozen water slamming into aluminum was doing to the dog’s ears. We continued to make tight circles trying to break up a huge swath of ice to thin out chances of our decoys being picked up and moved with the ice once the tide

changed. After we completed that task, I dumped two bluebill hen decoys and a drake bluegill decoy overboard. Next, I slipped a pair of Canada geese overboard to ride the icy waves. Third, we untangled four mallard decoys and threw them into an ice free zone and began heading towards the blind where we would clamber out to get our guns uncased. Before we got to the blind though, I put out a moving decoy to add some life to the spread. Just before we got to the rear of the blind, the motor hit the bottom.

The tide was all the way out and the water was super shallow. Years ago, I had propped up my motor in a situation like that and the lower unit froze. When I lowered it again, the water pump would not pull water and I burned it up. Knowing better this time, I grabbed a paddle and poled us the last few yards to the blind and left the motor in the water. The prop would just have to take a few dings. Kristy, Baily (her yellow lab) and I got set up in the blind and waited. I caught myself eyeing the

approaching ice flows and dreading what it meant. The sun was slow to crawl into the sky and water that had splashed on my gun was frozen to the receiver. I could hear the ice crunching and cracking in front of us as the tide moved. Some pieces popped and shimmered on top of the main flow and others went under the top layer and could be seen being carried with the tide past us. A half hour past dawn, the first ducks surprised us screaming down the creek before we could even grab a call. Several other pairs did the

same and none seemed interested in our setup. They had business to attend somewhere that was already predetermined. Duck hunting can be predictable at times. It was about at this point in the morning that I predicted what would happen next. I would have to go chase iced decoys and the birds would start flying. While I was freeing decoys and placing them in front of our blind again, ducks were flying over and actually coming down for a look while I was poleing the boat around frantically trying to complete my task. When I would reach for my gun they would flare off and head up the creek. This scene repeated itself several times before we finally realized that the ice was going to win and we would lose. Because I was curious about what may have been on the big water, we gathered our gear, unloaded our guns and took a slow ride to check things out. When we rounded the bend, I was stunned to see hundreds of diver ducks take to the air. The number may have been near a thousand. They parted into three groups and headed toward the north. Around the next big bend, where the creek tripled in size, we flushed 50 or more canvasbacks. Other species of ducks went up at various points on the creek and geese were sent skyward too. It was nice to see so many ducks after not seeing or hearing of many birds much of the season. Each time the ducks took off, my daughter’s lab would mark the birds and look at us as if to ask if we were going to shoot. She may not know it, but she probably is glad we did not shoot as the water was icy and even with a neoprene vest she was sure to get bone cold in that water. With only a few days left, we hope to give it one last try and maybe take home a duck or two for supper. To those of you that enjoy bone-cold mornings, soggy waders, frosty breath, good hunting partners and the weight of a good retriever leaning on you as you all wait for cupped wings and the command to take ‘em, best wishes to you and the fowl shooting you hope to get.

31',#11 "'0#!2-07 3%% 9/52 !$ (%2% !.$ /. 4(% */52.!,g3 7%"3)4% &/2 *534 ! 7%%+ s #!,, /2 %-!), 3!,%3 */52.!,02%33 #/HOME IMPROVEMENT

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RY IVE EL

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FTD S IN

CE 19 10?

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Rt. 206, Dahlgren Rd., King George, VA

Insurance & Financial Services a Nationwide Financial company

Classy Decor

Flooring & Furniture

Your Local King George Flooring & Furniture Store

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Advertise Here for for 13 weeks

call 540-775-2024

KING GEORGE DRILLING SERVICE, INC. Well Drilling Residential • Commercial Agricultural • Geothermal

$2),,%$ 7%,,3 s 7!4%2 ,).%3 SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS

5769 James Madison Parkway King George, VA 22485 Pat Grinder ~ Owner

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MODULAR HOMES

GROVES REFRIGERATION

1-800-336-9355 804-224-9130 CLEANING SERVICES

ROOFING

0!ROOFING & SHEET METAL, INC.

!SPHALT s 2UBBER s -ETAL

804-493-1913 ,ICENSED )NSURED s 3INCE

Harry Archie, Owner

INSURANCE

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Servicing all your insurance needs CARPENTRY

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0 , !;LJ?HNLS

Licensed & Insured

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Class A Contractor

(301) 645-5761

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PADGETT

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Serving King George, Colonial Beach & Westmoreland

Is Your Home In Need Of A Facelift? s 0AINTING $RYWALL ,IGHT #ARPENTRY s 9EARS %XPERIENCE s ,ICENSED )NSURED

James Padgett Owner Cell: (703) 407-9639 8030 Kings Hwy., King George, VA 22485

The Journal's Business Directory • 13 weeks for $20 per week • To advertise call 540-775-2024 or email sales@journalpress.com


outdoors

www.journalpress.com

The Journal

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

7

Despite help from weather, ducks still hard to bag Mark Fike After what appears to have been an abysmal duck season, our region finally got the big push of Arctic air that supposedly shoves the ducks south. The problem with the cold air is that it came very suddenly and very powerfully. Local creeks and ponds froze overnight and appeared to have stayed that way for the most part since the bitter cold last week. That is until this past weekend when things started to thaw. Given promising reports of ducks starting to show up with one week left in the duck season, we figured we had to give it a try at least once this season. Saturday morning looked to be as good as any. The only thing that could have made it better weather-wise would have been some rain or snow. As with any trip that begins with a boat, particularly on very cold mornings, we had technical difficulties. Despite the electric motor working flawlessly during three different checks the night before, it refused to turn the prop an inch in the water come duck time. Of course, we had our trusty outboard that had also fired right up many times the previous few weeks when testing it in the yard. The trip would have been abnormal if things went well, so the outboard decided to be cranky, too. Five minutes into the launch, it finally caught and idled while warming up. Good thing we had extra time to get to the blind and set up the dekes. The creek was covered in ice and the metal boat cut through it with a roaring, crushing sound. “Watch for icebergs,� I remarked to my young hunting partner. “We don’t want to be like the Titanic and hit one and go under.� My daughter gave me a fearful look. She had never been out on an icy morning cutting the way through to the duck blind. I knew the ice was going to pose a real nasty problem at some point in the morning once the tide starting rolling. Ice and tides never go well with decoys. The boat cut a big arc in the ice just downstream of the cedar

Mark Fike

The decoys were iced in and had to be repeatedly freed up lest the ice carry them away. brushed duck blind. The roar of the ice against the metal hull made my daughter a bit nervous and I could understand why. It was very loud. But, I knew the ice was not too thick. At that point, I guess it was good that I have some hearing loss. I cannot imagine what the crushing forces of frozen water slamming into aluminum was doing to the dog’s ears. We continued to make tight circles trying to break up a huge swath of ice to thin out chances of our decoys being picked up and moved with the ice once the tide changed. After we

completed that task, I dumped two bluebill hen decoys and a drake bluegill decoy overboard. Next, I slipped a pair of Canada geese overboard to ride the icy waves. Third, we untangled four mallard decoys and threw them into an ice free zone and began heading towards the blind where we would clamber out to get our guns uncased. Before we got to the blind though, I put out a moving decoy to add some life to the spread. Just before we got to the rear of the blind, the motor hit the bottom. The tide was all the way out and the

water was super shallow. Years ago, I had propped up my motor in a situation like that and the lower unit froze. When I lowered it again, the water pump would not pull water and I burned it up. Knowing better this time, I grabbed a paddle and poled us the last few yards to the blind and left the motor in the water. The prop would just have to take a few dings. Kristy, Baily (her yellow lab) and I got set up in the blind and waited. I caught myself eyeing the approaching ice flows and dreading

what it meant. The sun was slow to crawl into the sky and water that had splashed on my gun was frozen to the receiver. I could hear the ice crunching and cracking in front of us as the tide moved. Some pieces popped and shimmered on top of the main flow and others went under the top layer and could be seen being carried with the tide past us. A half hour past dawn, the first ducks surprised us screaming down the creek before we could even grab a call. Several other pairs did the same and none seemed interested

in our setup. They had business to attend somewhere that was already predetermined. Duck hunting can be predictable at times. It was about at this point in the morning that I predicted what would happen next. I would have to go chase iced decoys and the birds would start flying. While I was freeing decoys and placing them in front of our blind again, ducks were flying over and actually coming down for a look while I was poleing the boat around frantically trying to complete my task. When I would reach for my gun they would flare off and head up the creek. This scene repeated itself several times before we finally realized that the ice was going to win and we would lose. Because I was curious about what may have been on the big water, we gathered our gear, unloaded our guns and took a slow ride to check things out. When we rounded the bend, I was stunned to see hundreds of diver ducks take to the air. The number may have been near a thousand. They parted into three groups and headed toward the north. Around the next big bend, where the creek tripled in size, we flushed 50 or more canvasbacks. Other species of ducks went up at various points on the creek and geese were sent skyward too. It was nice to see so many ducks after not seeing or hearing of many birds much of the season. Each time the ducks took off, my daughter’s lab would mark the birds and look at us as if to ask if we were going to shoot. She may not know it, but she probably is glad we did not shoot as the water was icy and even with a neoprene vest she was sure to get bone cold in that water. With only a few days left, we hope to give it one last try and maybe take home a duck or two for supper. To those of you that enjoy bone-cold mornings, soggy waders, frosty breath, good hunting partners and the weight of a good retriever leaning on you as you all wait for cupped wings and the command to take ‘em, best wishes to you and the fowl shooting you hope to get.

31',#11 "'0#!2-07 3%% 9/52 !$ (%2% !.$ /. 4(% */52.!,g3 7%"3)4% &/2 *534 ! 7%%+ s #!,, /2 %-!), 3!,%3 */52.!,02%33 #/HOME IMPROVEMENT

3OUTHERN HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC.

INSURANCE

TREE SERVICE

(Not Mobile Homes)

www.apexhomesinc.com

3ALES 3ERVICE s #LASS ! ,ISCENSED )NSURED

£‡nää‡ÇÇä‡xnxäĂŠUĂŠx{ä‡ÇÇx‡äÇÓ£

s +INGS (WY -ONTROSS 6!

Mason’s King George Florist S’?

ANSWORLD TR D

RY IVE EL

Licensed & Insured

FTD S IN

CE 19 10?

¤

Rt. 206, Dahlgren Rd., King George, VA

Insurance & Financial Services a Nationwide Financial company

Classy Decor

Flooring & Furniture

Your Local King George Flooring & Furniture Store

classydecor2003@netscape.net www.classydecoronline.com

Advertise Here for for 13 weeks

call 540-775-2024

KING GEORGE DRILLING SERVICE, INC. Well Drilling Residential • Commercial Agricultural • Geothermal

$2),,%$ 7%,,3 s 7!4%2 ,).%3 SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS

5769 James Madison Parkway King George, VA 22485 Pat Grinder ~ Owner

REFRIGERATION

INSURANCE

NationwideÂŽ

WELL DRILLING

540.644.8076 540/663-2131

(540) 775-5662

FLOORING

FLORIST

FLOR IST

LEVEL & STRAIGHT REMODELING We Do Just About Anything!

We Distribute Real

+-"3* 0 &-+#1

Visit our home improvement center for sales & installation of all types of floor coverings, replacement windows & doors, vinyl railing & fences, sunrooms & much more.

REMODELING

MODULAR HOMES

GROVES REFRIGERATION

1-800-336-9355 804-224-9130 CLEANING SERVICES

ROOFING

0!ROOFING & SHEET METAL, INC.

!SPHALT s 2UBBER s -ETAL

804-493-1913 ,ICENSED )NSURED s 3INCE

Harry Archie, Owner

INSURANCE

SEE YOUR AD HERE AND ON THE JOURNAL'S WEBSITE CALL (540) 775-2024 OR EMAIL SALES@JOURNALPRESS.COM EXCAVATING

ÂŽ

NATIONWIDE is on your side

540/663-2106

1#04'!# 0# *27 ',! Residential m Acreage Farms m Commercial m Properties

540 James Monroe Hwy., Colonial Beach

Servicing all your insurance needs CARPENTRY

ANIMAL CONTROL

Squirrels, Raccoons, Ground Hogs, Snakes, Mice, Rats, Birds, Pests, Skunks, & Coyotes

(540)846-2560

SEE YOUR AD HERE AND ON THE JOURNAL'S WEBSITE CALL (540) 775-2024 OR EMAIL SALES@JOURNALPRESS.COM

0 , !;LJ?HNLS

Licensed & Insured

(540)642-2349 jnave@comcast.net

,AWN #ARE s 2OOF #LEANING 3PRING &ALL #LEAN 5P 0RESSURE 7ASHING s 'UTTER #LEANING

804-296-8040 ROOFING

BREYER’S ROOFING Over 30 Years Experience

s 2OOFING s 3IDING s 7HOLE *OBS OR 2EPAIRS s &ULLY )NSURED

540/775-5440 WWW.BREYERSROOFING.COM

Class A Contractor

(301) 645-5761

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PADGETT

DECORATORS

Serving King George, Colonial Beach & Westmoreland

Is Your Home In Need Of A Facelift? s 0AINTING $RYWALL ,IGHT #ARPENTRY s 9EARS %XPERIENCE s ,ICENSED )NSURED

James Padgett Owner Cell: (703) 407-9639 8030 Kings Hwy., King George, VA 22485

The Journal's Business Directory • 13 weeks for $20 per week • To advertise call 540-775-2024 or email sales@journalpress.com


8

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

OPINION

The Journal

www.journalpress.com

VIRGINIA VIEWPOINTS

So much to do; so little time to do it in When it comes to running a legislative calendar, the Virginia G e n e r a l Assembly functions like clockwork. It has too. The “long” session is 60 legislative days and the short session, which we’re in this year, David S. Kerr is 45 legislative days. Given various holidays and interruptions that’s about two months in Richmond. That would be fine if the delegates and senators only had to work through a

handful of bills. That’s far from the case. Often they have hundreds of bills to consider. Every kind of bill you can imagine is being introduced. There is a bill to arm school security guards with non-lethal weapons, another to allow certain types of home food manufacturing and still another to legalize marijuana. There are all sorts of bills affecting local government, everything from sewage hookup fees, to local taxes. However, that’s not where most of the debate is going to be. There are a number of important pieces of legislation coming up and they’re going to be some frayed tempers as they’re considered. This won’t be a quiet session.

There are a number of important pieces of legislation coming up and they’re going to be some frayed tempers as they’re considered. This won’t be a quiet session.

Perhaps one of the most pressing issues is what to do about ethics. Last year’s proposals, as most of the members found out from their constituents, weren’t enough. Indeed, they were downright laughable. This year, going into the session,

Speaker William Howell, and Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment are supporting a bill capping gifts to legislators at $100. That’s encouraging, but it’s a long session and these things have a habit of being watered down in committee. As has been noted, many of the gift givers, lobbyists in particular, want to be able to keep buying and giving gifts. That’s their stock and trade. They’re going to work as hard as they hard to make the legislation less stringent. However, the members know, that anyone who opposes tighter ethics legislation is creating an issue for their opponents in a party primary or in a general election. The debate about expanding

Letters to the Editor Band together to fight planned water rate hike Dear Editor, Customers of Virginia American Water have just received notification from VAW that it has petitioned for a “back door” rate increase. VAW wishes to create a Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Service Charge. About two pages are wasted explaining that this is not a rate increase but just another tack on to our bill. If it acts like a rate increase – raises my monthly water bill – it ain’t a duck. The “water pirates” are waterboarding us again. Obviously, this notice was timed to arrive during the holidays in hopes that we might overlook it. I am sure many did. The first deadline for comment is Jan. 31. Therefore, we had better get on it. No matter what county you live in, call your county administrator (if you can’t look up the number you don’t really care) and complain. Just to provide information you may not have, the last rate increase was successfully reduced due largely to the efforts of Westmoreland County Administrator Norm Risavi. With little or no help from the other county administrators, he brought most of the Northern Neck Homeowners Association officers together and we raised money to save money. A contribution of $250 per user has saved each of us about $15 monthly for a couple of years. Try to get that kind of return out of the stock market. Also, be advised that some associations did not cooperate and just reaped the benefit without helping out. You know, kinda like not joining the union where you work or not giving to the church. Let George do it. Do not count on that happening again. I am a firm believer in united we stand – divided we fall. If you are a customer, it is up to you to get this ball rolling. My personal advice to Norm Risavi would be to act only if he received enough phone calls to assure him that we really care what our water bill is. If we do not care, then he should not care. Some of us are paying more for our water than we pay for real estate tax. Therefore, I believe the various county governments in the Northern Neck should bear the cost of fighting this. But that ain’t gonna happen. Butch Foutz Ebb Tide Beach

citizen involvement surpass that of her fellow board members. Using her Facebook page and town meetings, she has opened up government in this county by informing and listening to citizens. She also ha worked hard to get the board to make fewer “closeddoor” decisions. With little success, unfortunately. A search of the web showed no evidence of the other supervisors using social media, not even a county “Supervisors” web page (posting meeting minutes don’t count). This is a serious failing as today’s citizens are using social media constantly for obtaining and sharing information. The lack of this practice, and the apparent preference for closed-door decisions, suggest these men are behind the times and do not value the notion of inclusive government. It is time for King George residents to step up and stand behind Ms. Brabo, to support her election to the at-large position in November, and encourage other citizens like her to run for other supervisor positions. We have a very lazy and dangerous practice of electing the same people for decades, which is leading to

KG Sheriff’s Office deserves applause There is a saying, “When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy.” With that in mind, I would like to applaud the King George Sheriff ’s office. I have had the honor of volunteering there for the last nine months. During that time, I have become acquainted with the myriad folks it takes to make the department function. Each individual (both on the front lines and the support staff) is necessary to create the unified, well-oiled SUCCESSFUL force. Each one should be acknowledged for their part in attaining the department’s

Christal Blue

Brabo deserves better treatment from board Dear Editor, I am outraged that, once again, our male supervisors in King George, have embarrassed themselves and our county by refusing to elect Supervisor Ruby Brabo to a leadership position. Based on past practices and their own descriptions of the process, there is no rationale or precedence for this omission other than discrimination, which has regularly been displayed publicly toward Ms. Brabo. Ms. Brabo has functioned as well, if not better, than any of these men and is even more qualified for leadership on this board because of her deep belief in citizen inclusion in decision making. She is not my representative, but she has changed the face of politics in King George by her transparency. Her proactive response to governance and

stagnation and poor or self-serving decision making in this county. I’ll close by posing a question to my fellow King George citizens: “What have your supervisor and the atlarge supervisor done to improve the quality of your life and the life of the county?” It is time for fresh viewpoints and some competition! Carolyne Ashton

The

Journal

goal of keeping the residents of our county safe. During a recent luncheon held to honor folks for outstanding efforts toward the department’s goal, a list was shared of the many community outreach events successfully completed by the employees of the sheriff ’s office this year. The community should be proud to know that our sheriff ’s office has participated in or led the following events: Some Gave All Memorial Ride, Special Olympics Torch Run/Meet in the Middle, Polar Plunge, Cover the Cruiser, Summer Games, Guns and Hoses Softball Tournament, National Night Out, Bright Beginnings Back to School Program, Creepy Crawly and Zombie Run, Fall Festival Parade, Bike Fest, Veterans Hunt and Shop with the Sheriff. Keep in mind this is all on top of the serious mission of keeping you and me safe. Please take time to thank the members of the force and those behind the scenes when you meet them in your daily activities. “When someone does something good, applaud. You will make two people happy.” Carol Sparbel

Denny More

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Medicaid, as a part of Obamacare, will be back. The legislation, sadly, will fail again. No matter how sound the arguments in its favor, no matter how many other GOP legislatures have accepted the Medicaid money, the bill just won’t pass in Richmond. It’s the signature issue for House Republicans and that’s that. There is also Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s proposal to reinstate the one-gun-amonth legislation that was repealed in 2012. He’d also like to close the gun show background check loophole. However, he knows the fate of these bills as well as anyone. The Republicans plan to strike down these bills down with impunity. The debate will be acrimonious. Republicans,

particularly those facing a possible primary challenges from the right, will be lining up to see who can be the most strident in opposing the bill. To the governor’s credit, forgive the phrasing, he is sticking to his guns, and in a world of flip flop politics, that’s admirable. Other bills that may get consideration include one to limit the ability of police to seize assets. This is one gold mine that needs to be closed. Also, there will be bills to further reduce the excessive number of standardized exams in school and proposals that desperately need to be acted on, to bolster mental health care in the state. All this and more in just 45 days.

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS 1. Cut into cubes 5. Food flavorings 11. Longest tenured “Tonight Show” host 14. One being educated 15. British conservatives 18. End without completion 19. Boater 21. Indicated horsepower (abbr.) 23. Protects the chest 24. Expresses pleasure 28. Stiff hair, bristle 29. Blood type 31. Taxis 33. Ribbed material 34. Young female socialite 36. Game cube 37. Priest’s liturgical vestment 40. 2.1 km tributary of the river Seille 42. The golden state 43. Powder mineral 45. Coat with plaster 47. Far East housemaid 48. Digital audiotape 51. Merchandising 54. Libreville is the capital 58. Incapable of flexibility 60. Language of Andorra 62. Repeat in concise form 64. Dark areas 65. Enough (archaic) CLUES DOWN 1. Disk jockeys 2. 9th Greek letter 3. Fish of the carp family 4. Medical prefix for within

5. Short for synthesizer 6. What part of (abbr.) 7. Farm state 8. Thermionic vacuum tube 9. Employee stock ownership plan 10. A crane 12. Filippo __, Saint 13. One below tens 16. Impatiently desirous 17. Inflict a heavy blow 20. As fast as can be done (abbr.) 22. Ma’s partner 25. Carrier’s invention 26. Possessed 27. Invests in little enterprises 29. Summate 30. Rosary part 32. A large body of water 35. Woman’s undergarment 37. Essential oil obtained from flowers 38. Cripples 39. An explosion 41. Of, French 44. Fish of the genus Salvelinus 46. Bahrain dinar 49. Banded calcedony 50. Giant armadillo 52. In place of 53. Electronic counter-countermeasures 55. Large package of cotton 56. 3564 m French Alp 57. European defense organization 59. Check 60. Former OSS 61. Not old 63. Goodwill promotion

See Page 9 for answers


The Journal

www.journalpress.com

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

9

Beach woman’s murder trial slated for April 1 She is accused of killing KG man, wounding another Richard Leggitt The trial of Maryland man and a Colonial Beach woman charged with a 2014 murder in King George County has been set for April 1. Circuit Court Judge Patricia Kelly set the trial date for Anthony Goodman, 30, of Upper Marlboro, Md. and Tennage Michel Shanks, 42, of Colonial Beach. Goodman and Shanks are charged in the April 28 shooting death of 20-year-old Ronelle Johnson of King George and the wounding of Johnson’s cousin, Gregory Gaines, 20, also of King George. Both men were shot at a home on Winston Place in what officers alleged was a botched drug deal. Michael Clinton, 29, of Bladensburg, Md., also has been charged in the case. King George Commonwealth’s Attorney Keri Gusmann

is seeking to have Clinton’s trial at the same time as Goodman’s and Shanks’ trials, but Kelly recently deferred a ruling on that motion to allow Clinton time to confer with his new attorney. Gaines reportedly told police Clinton and Goodman tied the two men with duct tape, forced them to their knees and Goodman shot them multiple times. Both Gaines and Johnson were robbed of their money and cell phones, police said. According to testimony, Shanks stayed away from the actual shootings, but then drove away with the other two suspects. All three suspects are being held in the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. In addition to murder and attempted murder, the three suspects are charged with eight other felony charges, including robbery, malicious wounding and multiple firearms charges.

New Booth marker to be placed Richard Leggitt The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has announced plans to replace the historical marker on U.S. 301 just south of the King GeorgeCaroline line marking the site where John Wilkes Booth was captured and killed by Union troops. A previous marker near the site, where one of the largest manhunts in the history of the nation ended, was stolen by vandals four months ago. According to the state, the new marker is being produced and paid for by the Surratt Society, a Civil War historical society based in Maryland. After shooting President Abraham Lincoln April 14, 1865 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., Booth fled through Maryland, across the Potomac River and south down what is now U.S. 301. Booth took a ferry across the Rappahannock

River and hid in a tobacco barn where he was found by a troop of Union calvary on the morning of April 26. The new historical sign, which will be installed by the Virginia Department of Transportation this spring, will be called “Assassin’s End.� It will read: “This is the site of Locust Hill, Richard Henry Garret’s farm. Early on the morning of April 26, 1865, a 16th New York Cavalry detachment cornered John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, and his coconspirator, David E. Herold, as the two men slept in Garrett’s tobacco barn. Herold gave himself up, Booth refused to surrender. The barn was set on fire, and Sgt. Boston Corbett shot the assassin, still inside. Booth was laid on the porch of the Garrett house and died about sunrise. The house and barn stood a short distance from this spot.�

This chair is one of a set of four that a Northern Neck couple purchased for $100. at a private estate sale about five years ago. The fabric upholstery has worn off of the Henry Lane slip seats, Hull re ve a l i ng t h e original mohair covering, which shows signs of wear. They are questioning whether reupholstering is worth the expense. The chairs still are fairly sturdy, but one of them needs regluing. The wood is mahogany, and the finish is original. $100 for these chairs was quite a bargain, as they are worth at least twice that amount, even as is. Regluing the one chair, and recovering should not be prohibitive, and the overall value will increase proportionately. I suggest retaining the original mohair, and applying the new fabric on top of it. Old mohair is rare to find, and it is part of the set’s history. These are nice saberleg, or klismos, side chairs, and they date from the 1840s. The terms

come from the shape of the two front legs, which resemble sabers, or from the Greek word for temple chairs, which these replicate. They are represent the American Empire style, which was a legacy from the French Empire period introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte at the turn of the eighteenth century. Unlike the succeeding motif, i.e., nineteenth-century Victorian, Empire furniture and decorative arts remain popular. As a rule the pieces are plainer, and more utilitarian. Indeed, Empire has risen in popularity, whereas Victorian has been in a slump for the past generation. To be in keeping with the Empire style, an appropriate fabric would be a striped satin-finished cloth, should the mohair not be able to be salvaged. Next Saturday I shall be participating, as I have done for the past 14 years, in the Saint Clement’s Island – Potomac River Museum’s annual appraiser fair at the museum at Colton’s Point, in Saint Mary’s County. I am always pleased to meet Northern Neck readers there, and look forward to appraising the treasures that they bring to the fair. Happy Antiquing!

Expanding our services to the community Schedule your OB/GYN appointment

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King George, VA 22485

(540) 625-2527 Community Care Clinic is a 24/7 TLC not for proďŹ t 501 (c) 3 organization

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Available. Wendover One Office Building. Wired For Computer Networking. Front & Rear Entrances. Includes ALL Utilities, Ample Parking, Handicapped-Accessible Restrooms, 1 Block Off rt. 3 Adjacent To Post Office. No Build Out Cost! Ready To Move In! Call (540) 775-6788 Sheila@ charlestoncobuilders. com. unf-b

PETS/ FREE/ FOR SALE / ADOPTION Wendys Feline Friends. C at s a n d k it t ens f o r adoption. Many different colors and ages. All fixed with rabies shot. See pics at westmoreland. petfinder.org. For more information call Wendy 804-224-1079

Animals Available For Adoption. The Animal We l f a r e L e a g u e h a s dogs and cats available for adoption. For more information please call 804-435-0822, 804-4356320. Hours Monday, Wed., & Friday. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lots of animals are at the shelter - call 804-462-7175.

A mind, like a parachute, works best when open

Call Bonnie at 540-775-2024 to place your classified ad.

Northern Neck Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.

Immediate Opening for HVAC Service/Maintenance Tech

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/ complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U. S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S. W., Washington, D. C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or e-mail at program.intake@ usda.gov

0XVW EH TXDOLĂ€HG LQ DOO SKDVHV RI residential and light commercial service DQG UHSDLU LQFOXGLQJ KLJK HIĂ€FLHQF\ JDV furnace, oil furnaces, communicating furnaces and heat pump of all brands. Must be available for all on-call status and weekends, overtime as applicable. Must have neat appearance and excellent customer skills.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

1/21/15, 1/28/15

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s Policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.� This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hearing impaired call (804) 367-9753.

This is NOT a training position. 6DODU\ QHJRWLDEOH %HQHĂ€WV LQFOXGH KHDOWK insurance, retirement and vacation. Sales incentives include referral / lead bonus. :H DUH D GUXJ IUHH HPSOR\HU %DFNJURXQG check is required. Must have a good GULYLQJ UHFRUG &RPSDQ\ WUXFN IRU TXDOLĂ€HG candidate. 3OHDVH FDOO IRU FRQĂ€GHQWLDO LQWHUYLHZ 540-775-2501 or 804-224-8245


10

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015

The Journal

www.journalpress.com

Civil rights leader King celebrated Phyllis Cook

Area residents celebrated the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the theme of “Living the Dream.� The Jan. 19 event took place at King George Middle School with about 175 gathering for remembrance, inspiration, lunch, basketball, fellowship and more. Benjamin Waddy was praised as the event founder, who chaired this year’s organizing committee of Etta Lucas, Duane Wentzel, Darlene Waddy, Merry Chandler, Anthony Waddy, Carolyn Swinney, Lorenzo Smith and Vivian Shelton. Lavonne Shaw served as emcee and announced raffle winners, firing up the crowd and keeping the energy high. “Your dream can make a difference in the world,� Shaw said. Merry Chandler provided welcoming remarks, defining the event’s purpose of celebration and remembrance.

“You are not here by accident, but to continue to keep the dream alive,� Chandler said. “Let us move forward together to make America a better place for us and for others in the future.� Deacon Willis Frye, of First Baptist Ambar Church, offered a prayer and also led a march of attendees, commemorating the many peace marches led by King. “We come to celebrate the life of a great man,� Frye said. “Enjoy yourselves.� Brad Ryant Sr. elaborated on the event theme as keynote speaker. “It doesn’t matter what age you are, who you are, where you are – if you have a dream, you can achieve it,� Ryant said. He talked about realizing one’s dream, whether personal, career or financial. “I want you to have a dream and map out a plan to make it come true,� Ryant said. “If you have no plan, you plan to fail.�

SEASON OPENING! SATURDAY, JANUARY 24th

Brad Ryant Sr., above, was the event’s keynote speaker and urged everyone in attendance to follow their own dreams. Attendees participated in a commemorative peace march, right, as part of the event at the King George Middle School.

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Phyllis Cook photos

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“We Love Our Communities� Celebrate Love this Valentine’s Day with a Special Message or Special Event!

Celebrate Love! Don’t just limit love to your significant others... use your imagination. Promote love for parents, love for kids, love for friends, love for pets, love for places, love for sports teams...you get the picture.

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Cupid’s Corner! Have a singles night and promote it to all singles in your community or organization as a night to come out and meet new people. Or let your members post anonymous valentines for other members in the Journal Press or online.

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Contact Lori Deem at lori@journalpress.com to place your ValentineĘźs Day message. Deadline for placing advertisements is Wednesday, February 4th for the February 11th publication. This is a Journal Press promotion

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