18 minute read
Stolen property sum surpasses $1.5M
PD: Stolen property monetary sum surpasses $1.5 million
Totals for quarter two alone supersede $750,000.
Multiple factors are at play in another record breaking quarter for the Culpeper Town Police Department’s estimated monetary value of stolen property figures.
According to police department reports submitted to Culpeper Town Council, this year’s second quarter - from April through June - sum for estimated monetary value of stolen property totals $758,105.42, pushing this year’s total to over $1.59 million.
According to Town Police, there are a few factors contributing to the increase. The first, they said, is a small number of extremely high value embezzlement and fraud cases. Those handful of cases are six figure values.
In the first quarter of this year, two high-dollar embezzlement cases initiated the highest estimated monetary value of stolen property figures in the town in recent years.
The embezzlement investigations involve two different local businesses, of which Town Police did not identify. The cases are not related, but one business had $600,000 stolen and the other had around $110,000 stolen. Each was stolen by their respective employees.
The second contributing factor, police said, is that they’re seeing an increase in what is being stolen from everyday citizens. Previous larcenies, frauds and embezzlements used to be predominantly in the misdemeanor range, which come in under $1,000, but now the department has seen a growing number of felony cases.
Third, more victims are coming forward to report these crimes than in years past. And lastly, due to their growing success in shoplifting investigations, businesses have increased their reporting of larcenies.
According to police department reports, this year’s first quarter - from January through March - sum for estimated monetary value of stolen property totals $839,240.10, superseding total year estimations of stolen property for 2019 ($439,008.80), 2020 ($296,224.36) and 2021 ($380,522.63).
In the first quarter of 2021, police estimated $81,493.65 as the value of stolen property. In 2020, they reported $55,566.29 and in 2019, they reported $165,004.
BY Maria Basileo
So far this year, an estimated $9,938.10 of property has been recovered.
Despite the dramatic uptick in monetary value, the frequency of stealing-related crime has remained relatively the same.
➤ Pool, from Page 3
Councilmen Travis Brown pushed back against the objection by arguing the minute difference in funds may put the whole project on hold.
“I’ve waited my whole life for a pool in this town or county. It’s been promised since I was in kindergarten,” Brown said. “If we're going to argue about $20,000 or $30,000 per year and that’s what's going to hold this up moving forward, I think that we're getting our feet stuck in the mud and it's never going to happen.”
Projected operating costs per year total $150,000, split between the two agencies.
Expenditures related to the pool are contingent on the town and county successfully executing the two agreements.
Both agreements will need to be voted on at a later date on whether they will be accepted or not.
Proposed criteria in the Pool Operations Agreement include: • The pool shall be managed and operated by the county by creating a Public Pool
Advisory Board (“Advisory
Board’) to provide advice and recommendations with regard to the management and operation. • There shall be a Public Pool
Director (“Director”) hired or assigned by the county, who shall be responsible for the overall management of the pool. • The County would be the fiscal agent and be responsible for furnishing, purchasing, personnel, payroll, insurance and legal counsel.
Both the town and county have
➤ Spanberger, from Page 5
implementation is high upfront costs for both buses and the infrastructure needed for charging. Diesel buses also cost about $125,000 while electric buses cost about $375,000.
“They cost about 60% less to operate,” Farmer continued.
In March, over $1.5 million in federal funding was awarded to school districts across Virginia in order to replace old, diesel buses with clean vehicles.
As a part of the endowment, Culpeper County Public Schools received $80,000 for four buses as part of the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates.
The funds will go towards the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric,
propane, compressed natural gas, diesel or gasoline buses that will reduce harmful emissions in the environment. “From start to finish, every element of these buses is American made,” Spanberger said. “What does that mean? Those are jobs…that are really, really valuable.” “Certainly when we’re looking at global competition, when we are looking at bringing a lot of industries home from countries where we have exported not only industries but a lot of jobs, I think that should be a point of pride for anybody.” Following her visit to Culpeper, she visited Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania to continue hearing about how the infrastructure bill affected Virginia’s 7th District. maria@culpepertimes.com Culpeper Times • September 1-14, 2022
explored options to construct a community pool for “probably decades,” Town Manager Chris Hively said.
Previous efforts have failed most often due to a lack of available funding.
In 2021 and 2022, both governments received significant monies from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), creating a pathway to directly or indirectly make funding available for construction. maria@culpepertimes.com
Job fair connects job hopefuls, employers
Virginia Career Works Culpeper Center and Culpeper County Public Schools hosted a successful job fair on Aug. 20 at the Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) where over 50 individuals attended and nearly 20 businesses participated.
“It’s exciting to see the connections being made and seeing the community come together to share resources,” said Virginia Career Works Center Manager Jenny Biche.
Attendees and businesses were able to network amongst one another and discuss available employment opportunities. Job seekers were dressed for success with resumes in hand, with some of the employers conducting on site interviews.
Representatives from CTEC and New Pathways, both of whom provide Career Technical
Training, were on hand to provide information about their programs and answer questions about their facilities.
“This was a great opportunity to recruit adults looking to expand their trade skills through our NIMS Machinist Credentials and CNC Milling Operator Programs,” said New Pathways Board Member Roque Castro. “We were able to meet potential students as well as network with local employers who hire the types of students that New Pathways train.”
Virginia Career Works has offices in Culpeper and Orange and provides free assistance with resume and cover letter writing, job search, interview prep, career exploration, as well as career training programs. For more information visit vcwpiedmont.com or call (540) 212-4570.
Germanna Community Conversations starting Sep. 15
Germanna Community College will once again host its free educational guest speaker series.
Community Conversations are a series of free educational events exploring timely topics through open dialogue and discussion with local and national experts. They are free and open to all. Those interested are asked to register online.
The conversations are moderated by Dr. Scott Ackerman, Coordinator for Teaching and Learning at Germanna Community College.
The first installment of this season will feature speaker S.E. Cupp in a talk called, “The Media and Modern Conservatism” at 7 p.m. on Sept. 15.
It is almost a cliché now for Americans across the political spectrum to blame different media outlets for the strained nature of political discourse in the United States. Join us in conversation with CNN commentator and practical conservative S.E. Cupp as we discuss what she feels her media colleagues get right and wrong about modern conservatism; the current political climate in the United States; and how the media influences how we talk to one another.
The second speaker of this month will be Allen Hornblum in a talk called, “Acres of Skin: Prisoners as ‘lab rats’” at noon on Sept. 28.
Bioethicist and author Allen M. Hornblum and Germanna student, Adrianne Jones-Alston. JonesAlston’s father, Leodus Jones, was the subject of Hornblum’s book “Sentenced to Science,” which chronicles the experience and aftermath of his treatment at Holmesburg prison. The Philadelphia prison, closed in 1995, was nicknamed “The Terrordome” and was the site of inmate testing involving dermatological, pharmaceutical, and weapons research projects. Prisoners were unknowingly exposed to everything from dioxin to LSD.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District (RRHD) is offering a very limited supply of monkeypox vaccine to residents who have been exposed or are at high risk of being exposed to the virus.
Those who are interested in obtaining monkeypox vaccination should call the RRHD Hotline at 540-308-6072. Those who have a new or an unexplained rash or other symptoms consistent with monkeypox, should avoid crowds and close contact with others and seek medical care for further evaluation and testing.
Monkeypox virus (MPV) infection can cause an illness that includes rashes and other flu-like symptoms. It does not commonly occur in the United States, but the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District (RRHD) are responding to an outbreak of cases in the United States. The current community risk for infection is low.
Most cases of monkeypox associated with this outbreak have been identified in men who have sex with men, yet anyone can get monkeypox if they have close contact with someone infected with the virus. In the current outbreak, hospitalization and death from monkeypox are rare, but symptoms can still be painful and interfere with daily activities. Symptoms can last for between two and four weeks.
Monkeypox usually starts with symptoms like the flu, with fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and general body aches. Within one to three days, the person can develop a rash or sores. The sores will go through several stages, including scabbing, before healing. They can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful and itchy.
Monkeypox can spread from the time symptoms start until all sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.
Monkeypox spreads primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, hugging, massaging and cuddling. Monkeypox can spread through touching materials used by a person with monkeypox, such as clothing and bedding. It can also spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, close, face-to-face contact.
Monkeypox can be spread through: • Direct skin contact with rash lesions • Sexual/intimate contact, including kissing • Living in a house and sharing a bed with someone • Sharing utensils, cups, towels or unwashed clothing • Respiratory secretions through prolonged face-toface interactions (the type that mainly happen when living with someone or caring for someone who has monkeypox); close contact exposure is defined as being within six feet for more than three hours
Monkeypox is not spread through: • Casual brief conversations • Walking by someone with monkeypox.
For more information on monkeypox in Virginia, please visit the VDH monkeypox website. If you are a healthcare provider, visit the monkeypox website for healthcare providers.
This September, a selection of such futuristic guesses will be screened at Packard Campus Theater.
The series will o er a fi lm every Friday at 7:30 p.m., a matinee on Saturdays at 2 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. screening.
Programs are free and the matinee shows will be family friendly. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Seating at the screenings is on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis unless otherwise noted.
Wearing face masks is recommended as the theater will open to 100% capacity. Patrons must go through an “airport style” security check, and no large parcels, purses or backpacks are permitted.
The Packard Campus is located at 19053 Mount Pony Road in Culpeper. Access to the campus parking lot begins one hour before show time, entrance into the building begins 45 minutes before the show, and the theater opens for seating 30 minutes before the curtain. Please do not arrive early and queue at the Packard Campus gate.
The Library of Congress Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center oversees one of the largest collections of motion pictures in the world. Acquired primarily through copyright deposit, exchange, gift and purchase, the collection spans the entire history of the cinema.
SEPTEMBER SCREENINGS – “FILMS OF FUTURES PAST”
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 @ 7:30 p.m. “Metropolis” Director Fritz Lang’s take on where humanity was headed. The story is of a Utopian society that goes too far. B&W, 153 minutes. Musical accompaniment by Ben Model. Set in the year: 2000.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 @ 2:00 p.m. “Things to Come” A decade long second World War is predicted that, sadly, we know partially come to be true… but what of the rest of the future depicted in this adaption of the H.G. Wells novel? B&W, 108 minutes. Set in the year: 1940.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 @ 7:30 p.m. “2001: A Space Odyssey” Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece accurately shows space travel and with the world at the brink of the fi rst man on the moon predicts a future in space that is still yet to be. Color, 142 minutes. Set in the year: 2001.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 @ 7:30 p.m. “High Treason” Continued war, an extended alcohol prohibition and a rail tunnel under the English Channel. This early talkie (also released as a silent) got some of it right and some not so much. B&W, 95 minutes. Set in the year: 1945.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 @ 2:00 p.m. “Back to the Future, Part II” Marty McFly leaves the 1980s to avert disaster in his future children’s lives in the 21st Century. Color, 108 minutes. Set in the year: 2015.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 @ 7:30 p.m. “Strange Days” A reoccurring theater in this month’s fi lms…. That the future will be cursed by war. This fi lm depicted a future just four years away with a war in the street of Los Angeles. Color, 145 minutes. Set in the year: 1999.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 @ 7:30 p.m. “Soylent Green” The fi lm that inspired this month’s theme. Charleston Heston stars and the fi lm predicts a future that would be our current present. Color, 153 minutes. Set in the year: 2022.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 @ 2:00 p.m. “Just Imagine” A comical look at the future where J-21 wants to marry LN-18 but the marriage tribunal refuses their application. People in the future are not just numbers, they get initials too! B&W, 109 minutes. Set in the year: 1980. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 @ 7:30 p.m. “Edge of Tomorrow” War again is predicted in our future, but this time it is aliens and not humans themselves that are trying to destroy the Earth. Color, 113 minutes. Set in the year: 2015.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 @ 7:30 p.m. “Akira” Tokyo is all but destroyed in a third World War. What does it look like thirty years later? A Japanese anima fi lm. Color, 124 minutes. Set in the year: 2019.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 @ 2:00 p.m. “Tomorrowland” A young boy leaves 1964 by being transported to Tomorrowland where not all goes well. Is Tomorrowland part of our past? Or is it part of our future? Color, 130 minutes. Set in the year: ?.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 @ 7:30 p.m. “Blade Runner” Harrison Ford is police offi cer that must deal with replicants or are they humans? A dreary look at a future Los Angeles that is some ways hit the mark. Color, 117 minutes. Set in the year: 2019
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 @ 7:30 p.m. “The Song of Life” John Stahl directed this tale of a woman who fi nds life unbearable so abandons her husband and child. Years later the woman and her son cross paths. B&W, 84 minutes. Live musical accompaniment by Jon Mirsalis.
Magazine off ers unique opportunity for businesses
Looking for the perfect way to get your business in front of the Culpeper community?
Culpeper Times is preparing for our 4th edition of FACES of Culpeper, planning to arrive from the printer the week of Dec. 19 and out for publication the fi rst of the year for 2023!
The Virginia Press Association award winning glossy magazine FACES of Culpeper features full-page stories about local business leaders, telling their story alongside a high quality photo of their team.
This year-long magazine will again be available at more than 50 locations throughout Culpeper. Featured businesses receive their own set of copies to host at their locations.
Plus, FACES of Culpeper will be distributed at special events throughout the year such as BIE Day and CulpeperFest. It will also be live 24/7 on culpepertimes.com.
To reserve a page, call 540-812-2282 today!
Groups to hold meeting on county future
BY Maria Basileo
With plans for a data center and solar projects imminent, nine local groups will host a discussion about how it’ll a ect Culpeper County.
“There are other issues surrounding these projects that both our elected offi cials and the citizens of Culpeper need to fully discuss, especially as we’re updating the Comprehensive Plan,” said Andrew Gutowski, the spokesperson for the Culpeper Alliance for Balanced Growth. “This upcoming town hall will give us a chance to discuss the future of Culpeper.”
A town hall to discuss Large data center and utility-scale solar projects have been approved for development and more are being proposed. Come to an important townhall to learn more about these projects and the impact they will have on Culpeper's landscape and economy will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 7 at Kildee Farms, 19295 Batna Rd, Culpeper. It is a free event. Food and beverages will be provided. Those interested in attending should RSVP by Sept. 2 to
Katie Smolar at katie@itha.org. "Power shortages in Data Center Alley and the need for more land are driving development to Culpeper,” Gutowski said. “There are proposals for two utility-scale solar projects covering almost 3,000 acres of farmland, and over 3 million square of data center projects proposed.”
The event will hosted by The America Battlefi eld Trust, Brandy Station Foundation, Citizens for Responsible Solar, The Culpeper Alliance for Balanced Growth, Culpeper Battlefi eld Tours, LLC, Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefi eld, Friends of Culpeper Battlefi elds, Journey Through Hallowed Ground and The Piedmont Environmental Council. maria@culpepertimes.com
Town of Culpeper Holiday Refuse Collection Schedule
In observance of Labor Day, the Town O ces will be closed Monday, September 5, 2022.
Trash schedule will be as follows:
Monday 09/05/2022 -
Holiday; no refuse collection
Tuesday 09/06/2022
- Monday & Tuesday’s refuse collection
Wednesday 09/07/2022 -
Regular refuse collection
Thursday 09/08/2022 -
Regular refuse collection
Friday 09/09/2022 -
Regular refuse collection
Power lines cut by helicopter trimming trees
BY Maria Basileo
Over 80 residents lost power on Aug. 25 after a helicopter contracted by an Atlanta-based freight railroad company accidentally cut power lines along Brandy Road in Culpeper.
Dave Willett, an employee of a business in the vicinity of the incident, shot video of the helicopter - outfi tted with a long piece of trimming equipment - as it fl ew above the tree line near 16390 Brandy Road. A few seconds after the video begins, the helicopter can be seen jolting backwards, seemingly becoming tangled in the power line.
When the line was cut, a spotter at ground level notifi ed the pilot and established a safety perimeter, said Connor Spielmaker, media relations manager for railroad company Norfolk Southern. Dominion Energy was contacted to make repairs.
According to Craig Carper, a spokesperson with Dominion Energy, the line was cut at 10:36 a.m., causing 83 customers to lose power. By 2:43 p.m., however, power was restored.
In order to maintain its right-ofway, Norfolk Southern contracts tree trimming services to clear branches and ensure safe passage of trains.
A helicopter is fl own with trimming equipment securely suspended from the bottom of it to cut the branches, Spielmaker continued. The operation includes a spotter at ground-level to identify obstacles in the path of the equipment. "Safety is a top priority for us, and we’re working with the contractor to review the circumstances," Spielmaker said. maria@culpepertimes.com
DAVE WILLETT Dave Willett, an employee of a business in the vicinity of the incident, shot video of the helicopter as it severed the lines and took a photo of the lines following its departure.
2020 EDITION
of
CULPEPER
COMING DECEMBER 19, 2022
We are preparing for our 4th edition of FACES of Culpeper, planning to arrive from the printer the week of December 19th and out for publication the first of the year for 2023!
Each FACES of Culpeper glossy magazine features local business leaders, telling the story about their businesses. You can get in front of the next FACES of Culpeper by reserving your business features now, which includes a high quality photo of you or your team. FACES of Culpeper will again be available at more than 50 locations throughout Culpeper. Plus, the magazine will be distributed at special events throughout the year. FACES of Culpeper will be live 24/7 on culpepertimes.com.
Call 540-812-2282 today!
