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King George
Volume 40, Number 21
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 50 Cents
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Zika virus spreading; no local cases yet Local officials get state briefing on deadly disease Phyllis Cook
Photo by Phyllis Cook
Dr. Brooke Rossheim, Director of the Rappahannock Area Health District, speaks about the Zika virus at the May 3 meeting of the King George County Board of Supervisors.
The King George Board of Supervisors received an update on the Zika virus from Dr. Brooke Rossheim, Health Director of the Rappahannock Area Health District, on May 3. Rossheim said new information is coming in constantly about Zika. “The current situation is fluid. New information is coming out very quickly and current knowledge and guidance can change rapidly,” Rossheim said. The Virginia Department of Health is updating its website on Zika each week on Thursdays. Go
online to www.vdh.virginia.gov/ Zika. Rossheim said there are no locally acquired cases of Zika in Virginia as yet. As of May 19, 15 cases of Zika in Virginia have been reported by the state health department to the federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, all of which are are travel related, where people have picked up the disease while elsewhere. The CDC has issued a travel alert for people traveling to regions and
certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. The most current information is available online at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, www.cdc.gov/zika Rossheim said the current outbreak first took place in Brazil in May 2015. “Since then, the outbreak has spread throughout South America, Central America and into Mexico,” Rossheim said. Local transmission of Zika Virus is also currently taking place in Puerto Rico. The Zika virus belongs to the same family of viruses as Yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile Virus, and is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Two species of mosquito are involved in the transmission. See Zika, page 8
Outdoor center Brabo unveils vision for economic development in King George County at Shiloh Park added to budget Phyllis Cook
Phyllis Cook The King George Planning Commission reviewed a new capital project request unveiled and distributed at the May 10 meeting by Parks & Recreation Director Tim Smith for an outdoor education and activity center at Shiloh Park. The new project for the park was added to the list from department heads and agency requestors during a public hearing for 34 capital projects adding up to $68.6 million proposed for over the next five years. The newest proposal would involve converting an existing 1,800-squarefoot building —the former animal pound — for meeting and classroom space, along with outdoor education displays and a picnic shelter. Smith said the project is expected to be driven by volunteer efforts and with funding sought through local and grant sources, with matching funds of $50,000 proposed to come from the county. “In meeting with representatives from the Master Gardeners, Virginia Master Naturalists, Virginia Extension Service – 4-H, and Department of Forestry, there appeared to be considerable enthusiasm and interest in turning this dream into a reality,” Smith said.
He said hands-on activities, interpretive displays and programs could provide a better understanding of our environment. In a separate interview, Cooperative Extension 4-H Agent Terry Misch said she agreed. “Having an outdoor education/ activity center at Shiloh Park in the center of the county would provide an excellent opportunity for volunteers, especially Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, to conduct programs for youth and adults to learn about their environment,” Misch said. “The Arbor Day tree planting was a great example of the agencies and volunteers who are interested in helping with this project.” The planting of 10 trees on April 29 brought their two agencies together with community groups, including members of King George Master Gardeners, and the Dahlgren Lions Club. Lions Club president Ruth Thompson came up with the tree planting project and the idea to include members of student garden clubs from Potomac and King George Elementary schools. See Park, page 8
King George Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Ruby Brabo unveiled her vision for the county’s future and its economic development at an annual business appreciation event on May 18 in front of a crowd of about 125 business leaders. The event was jointly sponsored by the Board of Supervisors and the King George Economic Development Authority and emceed by Linwood Thomas, county economic development director, with Authority Chairman Jim Hull providing welcome remarks prior to introducing Brabo. “I’m excited about King George County’s future,” Hull said. Brabo spoke about changes made since January and changes to come in the future. Brabo highlighted the county’s involvement in several new tourism initiatives and of her hope to invigorate the courthouse area as a ‘downtown.’ She also announced the county’s new tagline, “King George County, where your Northern Neck adventure begins,” which had been unanimously adopted by the board the previous night. Brabo said the county board will kick off a process this summer to result in an economic development plan. It will include the authority and the planning commission, and wants residents and businesses to help shape the county’s future. “Input and feedback from the citizens and business will be critical to ensure we create a vision for our community that serves the needs of all,” Brabo said. For additional details, see Brabo’s remarks On the opinion page, Page 2.
Photo by Phyllis Cook
King George County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Ruby Brabo with Economic Development Authority Chairman Jim Hull.
Edwards retires after 46 years Phyllis Cook
Photo by Phyllis Cook
Shiloh Supervisor Cedell Brooks with Patsy Edwards, retiring from King George Social Services after 46 years.
Patricia “Patsy” Edwards was celebrated with a standing ovation, a resolution, and a bouquet of roses to recognize her for long, loyal and distinguished service at the May 17 meeting of the King George County Board of Supervisors. Edwards is set to retire on from her position as office manager of the King George County Department of Social Services on May 31 with 46 years of county service and King George citizens. She began working for the King George Department of Welfare and Institutions, as it was then called, in August 1969. Supervisors praised her for over
four decades of oversight and leadership, crediting her with efficient and effective running of the department and its positive reputation. Shiloh Supervisor Cedell Brooks presented her with roses, calling her King George’s “queen.” “We ought to recognize her and give her all due respect for being a great steward and working for these many years,” Brooks said. Edwards thanked the board and expressed her appreciation for the many family members and Social Services staff present, including Social Services Department Director Dave Coman, whom she teased. “I want to thank Dave, my boss. He’s put up with me for over 20 years, or else I’ve put up with him, I’m not
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sure which,” Edwards said. She said she was born, raised and went to school in King George County. “And my deceased husband and I raised two boys in King George County, so it is a very special county for me,” Edwards said. “It’s been a privilege and an honor that I have worked as long as I have and been able to serve some of the community and hopefully helped a little bit.”