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King George
Volume 39, Number 46
The Virginia Department of Mines Minerals and Energy’s 2 p.m. meeting on Nov. 2 drew 50 people in King George last week, with most of the 15 speakers asking for stricter regs in regard to fracking. Some speakers asked for a ban on the practice in this part of the state, citing the potential for contamination of aquifers, the underground sources of water. Three gas and oil industry representatives spoke, saying no changes to state regulations are needed. One was Cathy St. Clair, a member of the Virginia Gas and Oil Association from the southwestern part of the state, saying, “Existing regulations are just fine as they are.” Twelve other speakers disagreed, including King George Planning Commission Chairman Josh Colwell, urging full disclosure of all chemicals used in the fracking process and calling for a ban on open chemical wastewater pits. “Wastewater disposal should be highly regulated,” Colwell said. “We are essentially one large swamp.
Wastewater should be in closed containers and not in open ponds.” He was speaking of the Tidewater region, where the proposed state rules would apply, which includes the localities in the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and others further south. Colwell also called for a higher liability bonds, in case cleanup is required. “Liability bonds should be very, very significant, in the tens of hundreds of millions of dollars,” Colwell said. Fracking is the method of drilling for natural gas by high-pressure injection of chemicals and water into rock formations thousands of feet underground, creating cracks in the ancient shale beds to allow the extraction of natural gas. King George resident Andrew Ball asked the state to provide clarity on regulatory purview, saying King George had drafted stricter land use regs they’ve yet to approve. “The last two state attorneys general have come up with diametrically opposed opinions on
Photo by Richard Leggitt
Caledon Festival draws enthusiastic attendees The rain did not go away, but the residents and visitors to Saturday’s Art and Wine Festival at Caledon State Park were determined not to come back another day. Despite a cold, steady downpour, large crowds gathered under umbrellas and tents to celebrate the event. Sponsored by the Friends of Caledon, the festival included almost 40 exhibits and vendors.
King George Family Fun Day provides enjoyment for all
Photos by Richard Leggitt
The King George Family Fun Day offered area residents a break from the dreary weather on Saturday with an array of old-fashioned games such as the ring toss. Partispants also got to enjoy some great tunes courtesy of Disc Jockey Johhny D of LaPlata, MD.
Brooks won’t seek re-election as supervisor in 2017 Phyllis Cook
See FRACKING, page 8
Attendees at the Caledon Art and Wine Festival didn’t let a little soggy weather get in the way of a good time. Between 600 and 700 people showed up to see local artwork and and sample great food and wine.
Richard Leggitt
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 50 Cents
helping you relate to your community
Fracking hearing spurs passionate debate Phyllis Cook
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Happy but wet attendees tried to stay dry while drinking wine, eating barbecue and checking out a wide range of artistic vendors ranging from pottery to jewelry to crocheted creations. “Despite the rain, things went surprisingly well,” said Caledon’s Chief Ranger Joey Shelton. “We are still doing the numbers but it looks like we’re had 600 to 700 See CALEDON, page 8
Cedell Brooks, Jr. announced he will not run for reelection when his current term at the end of 2017. Brooks made the announcement at last week’s board meeting. “I was elected to this board in 1991 after defeating my former teacher, Sid Peterson, by nine votes. I’ve served now 24 years, and in two years when I plan to retire, it will be 26 years,” Brooks said. “A major change took place then, and again a major change has taken place here and across the area. At the last meeting, during the invocation, I prayed for all candidates and asked God to intervene on who would be elected and best for this county at this time. As a true believer in God, I’m satisfied,” Brooks said. Brooks referred to the election results from the previous day, praising Dale Sisson for running “a good clean race.” He added, “But God has other things for you to do in your career. Be not discouraged, you served King George well.” Sisson was unseated by Ruby Brabo. Two candidates she mentored, John Jenkins and Richard Granger, won the other two open seats in Dahlgren and James Madison districts, respectively, and will take office in January. Brooks also addressed Brabo. “You are a very smart lady, a real go-getter, and you push the fact that you can be something many of
Journal File Photo
Cedell Brooks, Jr. will retire from the King George Board of Supervisors when his term expires in 2017. Brooks first won election to the board in 1991. us can’t, be a full time supervisor,” Brooks said. “We all have jobs and other responsibilities that take up our free time. King George has changed and grown and I realize that.”
The election results obviously inspired his reflection and his timing. But his decision to retire in 2017 has been coming on for many
months. He told The Journal earlier this year in February, “I think this may be my last term on the board. See BROOKS page 8
King George man convicted of drug distribution Richard Leggitt A King George man was convicted in King George Circuit Court Thursday of distributing an illegal controlled substance. Keith Adrian Smith, Jr. entered pleas of guilty to two counts of distribution and is facing a possible
maximum of eight years in prison. Judge Patricia Kelly ordered a pre-sentence report done on Smith, 28, who was on probation for other felony drug convictions at the time of his arrest. Kelly set Feb. 23, 2016 as the date for Smith’s sentencing. According to King George Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Jennifer
Pollard, Smith sold drugs on Jan. 28 and again on Feb. 3 at the Princess Anne Trailer Park to a confidential police informant. The drug sales of PCP cigarettes and PCP pills were captured on audio and video, and Smith was arrested. Smith still faces two charges in connection with accusations for parole violation.
Pollard said the Commonwealth had dropped three additional drug charges filed in connection with Smith’s arrest earlier this year.
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