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JANUARY 14, 2021
Capitol Riot Sets Off Local Shockwaves LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
more than just curb the spread of the virus. But the heads of Loudoun’s public safety agencies do not appear to be resting on their laurels with the good problem of a drop in crime.
The nation watched in horror last week as protesters who gathered to support President Donald J. Trump’s claims of a stolen election stormed the U.S. Capitol, ransacking offices and occupying the Senate floor. And while Congress finished the work of certifying the 2020 presidential election, the events of Jan. 6 resulted in five deaths, including U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, set off new political fights, launched a second Trump impeachment effort—and sent shockwaves all the way into local politics in Loudoun. State Del. Dave A. LaRock (R-33), in particular, is facing calls to resign from Democratic county supervisors, the Leesburg Town Council and the Loudoun Chapter of the NAACP. LaRock took part in the protest, and encouraged constituents to participate. Following the attack—which included images of a police officer being dragged down and beaten by the mob—LaRock has continued to post conspiracy theories on social media including that the Trump-supporting protesters had been infiltrated by “paid provocateurs,” and that there remains credible doubt around the validity of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. LaRock said last Wednesday’s events were, for the most part, “an outstanding
COVID POLICING continues on page 26
CAPITOL RIOT continues on page 17
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Members of the Leesburg Police Department patrol the downtown historic district on a weekday. While crime in the town is down overall, Police Chief Gregory Brown said he has maintained the department’s proactive approach to law enforcement.
Crime Down; Vigilance, Outreach Up During Pandemic BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
While 2020 was a disaster in many respects, one of the few bright spots during the COVID-19 pandemic has been an overall decrease in crimes. Much of that is attributable, obvious-
ly, to many residents sheltering in place or limiting activities outside the home, in light of public health guidelines. The current midnight to 5 a.m. curfew and, perhaps most significantly when it comes to a dramatic drop in DUIs or drunk in public arrests, restaurants and bars now cutting off alcohol service at 10 p.m., have done
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Phase 1B Begins as Loudoun Tops 15K COVID-19 Cases BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Loudoun public health officials this week opened the next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations, expanding the eligibility to residents age 75 and older, teachers, firefighters and other essential workers. The widening vaccine availability comes amid a post-holiday spike in cases that has resulted in a record level of coronavirus-related hospitalizations and average daily test positivity rates in excess of 18%, the highest since May. This week, the number of hospitalized patients climbed to 64, double the number four weeks ago. Loudoun continues to record about 120 new COVID-19 cases per day. Elected leaders and public health officials are looking to vaccinations to stem the growing community spread. As of Tuesday morning, just over 7,800 doses have been administered to Loudoun residents and 710 have completed the vaccination with the second required shot, according to the state health department. Statewide, 181,300 residents had received at least one of the two required doses, with 19,100 having received both shots. Currently, the federal government is allocating about 110,000 doses of vaccine to Virginia each week, with Loudoun County is receiving a portion of the available vaccine. Until this week, vaccinations had been limited to healthcare workers and nursing home residents, dubbed group 1A. Now, eligibility is expanded to include residents age of 75 and older; police, fire and hazmat workers; corrections and homeless shelter workers; childcare/K-12 teachers/staff;
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
A bottle of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
food and agriculture workers; manufacturing workers; grocery store workers; public transit workers; mail carriers; and officials needed to maintain continuity of government. Because supply of the COVID-19 vaccine is limited, the health department is coordinating vaccination opportunities during the initial expansion into Phase 1B. In the weeks ahead, the vaccine is expected to become increasingly available through individuals’ health care providers and area pharmacies. The state health department has contracted with more than 2,000 providers across the commonwealth to distribute the vaccine. In addition, the Loudoun County government is expected to host public vaccination events as needed. Many members of the Phase 1A and 1B priority groups may be enrolled for
vaccination by their employers. Others should contact the Loudoun Health Department directly to get instructions. That can be done by sending an email that includes your name, organization and basis for inclusion in Phase 1A or 1B to health@ loudoun.gov; or by calling the county’s COVID-19 information line at 703-7378300 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. “We know that our essential workers and older adults are eager to get vaccinated, and we are eager to facilitate vaccination for as many people as possible in the weeks ahead,” stated Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend in announcing the expanded rollout. “Right now, we are asking those who are next in line to get vaccinated—those in Phase 1B—to contact their employer or the Health Department for information about how to receive vaccine.”
Closer to the Finish Line The rollout of the vaccines was the key focus of a Jan. 4 Board of Supervisors briefing from Goodfriend. “This will be a happier year,” he told supervisors, while cautioning that there are still tough times ahead. “This is the weather the COVID virus likes,” he said, adding that it will take a while for the vaccine to take hold in the community. “We’re getting close to the finish line.” Although there has been an increase in COVID-related hospitalizations in Loudoun, Goodfriend said hospital capacity in the region remains adequate. However, the increasing positivity rate of COVID-19 PCR tests, he said, was
“alarming.” “It is out there. Wherever you go, there is probably someone with COVID there,” Goodfriend said. Ultimately, he said, it will be warmer weather and widespread vaccinations that will bring the pandemic under control. Goodfriend said the vaccine rollout was going well. After a cautious start to firm up safe protocols, his office is ramping up to 500 shots per day. Those are in addition to vaccinations being provided by the region’s hospital systems, Inova and HCA. As more vaccines become available, the shots are expected to be available in neighborhood pharmacies and doctor’s offices as well. “Right now, we’ve received all the vaccine we’ve asked for,” Goodfriend told supervisors.
Vaccines Begin for Teachers Even after it became evident that teachers would be added to the vaccination pool, the Loudoun County School Board last Thursday adopted a resolution calling for state leaders to move teachers to the head of the line. The 1B group includes about 1.2 million Virginians, about 285,000 of whom are teachers. School Board Vice Chairwoman Atoosa Reaser (Algonkian) proposed the resolution in hopes that teacher vaccinations could be accelerated within that large group. Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services Asia R. Jones said the staff also is gearing up a new program intended to get PHASE 1B continues on page 17
Loudoun’s Lawmakers Unite for New Greenway Tolls Bill BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
After years of division, some of Loudoun’s state lawmakers have rallied behind a bill to curb the Dulles Greenway’s toll increases and the financing loopholes the operator uses to raise cash at the expense of drivers. Legislation to limit the Greenway’s constant toll increases has failed in the General Assembly year after year, typically with Loudoun’s own state delegation split on proposed bills. But a new bill, House Bill 1832, was announced with backing from a swath of Loudoun’s state delegation. Its patrons in the House of Delegates are Dels. Suhas Subra-
manyam (D-87), Wendy W. Gooditis (D-10) and David A. Reid (D-32), with support from Sen. John J. Bell (D-13). County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) also support the bill and were on hand for its announcement. David I. Ramadan, who formerly represented the 87th House District and has long led the fight against Greenway toll increases, said the bill is “not just a bipartisan effort,” but the result of lessons learned over years of that fight. “This is an effort that started in 2013, and what’s been put together now by Del. [Suhas] Subramanyam (D-87) and Sen. [John J.] Bell (D-13), with the support of everybody else on this on this call, is a
culmination of a very well-thought and deliberative process that took eight years in the making,” Ramadan said. “So, what they put together here is a real solution, a fair solution, a solution that takes into account all the all the concerns that we heard in the past from the Greenway and other stakeholders, and that will take care of our constituents.” “This legislation provides a framework that will allow for fair decision making,” Bell said. “If you look at the stops that we’ve had before—losses at [State Corporation Commission] court cases, et cetera—there have been reasons we haven’t succeeded. This legislation addresses all of those reasons.” The owner of the private highway,
Toll Road Investors Limited Partnership II and its parent Atlas Arteria, are well-connected in Richmond. In 2020, one of its lobbyists was Whitt Clement, a former seven-term state delegate and former secretary of Transportation under then-Gov. Mark Warner. A recently added member of its board of directors, Pierce Homer, was the state’s next secretary of Transportation after Clement, serving from 2005 to 2010 under Warner and then-Governor Tim Kaine. And on July 21 the Greenway announced it had appointed Renée Hamilton, formerly the Virginia Department of Transportation’s deputy district administrator for NorthGREENWAY TOLLS continues on page 9
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 4
Loudoun Tax Hike Likely as County Launches Budget Work BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
The Board of Supervisors has given County Administrator Tim Hemstreet his instructions for proposing the next annual county budget, which will likely see homeowners paying more on their real estate tax bills. Loudouners are seeing two things pushing their tax bills up: a gulf between residential and commercial real estate appreciation, and a continually growing cost of government as the county itself continues to grow. Typically, commercial and residential real estate appreciate at similar rates; this year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged commercial property values while residential real estate continues its climb. That has meant that the homeowners’ equalized tax rate—the tax rate at which the average property owner pays roughly the same dollar amount on their tax bill, despite changing property values—is lower than the overall equalized rate. Today’s tax rate is $1.035 per $100 of assessed value; the current projection for the next equalized tax rate is $1.015 overall
and would be $0.995 for homeowners. The report to county supervisors did not even contemplate a tax rate that low. According to the meeting item Jan. 5, at a tax rate of $1 per $100 of assessed value, a fraction of a center higher, the county would not generate enough funding for any county department requests and only a few Board of Supervisors initiatives. Supervisors set Hemstreet to work preparing a budget rate, at $1.025. According to a staff report, the proposed rate would be an increase to the average homeowner’s bill over 2020 of $159. The budget direction—to prepare a budget above the equalized rate, with options to raise or lower the tax rate by a cent— also marks a departure from how previous boards began their budget work. Historically, the board has begun work at the equalized rate, with options to go above or below. Starting from the county administrator’s proposed budget, supervisors then tweak the budget by picking and choosing among options for adding to and cutting from the budget. Republican supervisors led by finance committee chairman Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) pushed to start budget work in the traditional fashion, but
were voted down along party lines. “We are lowering the tax rate. The reason your property owners on average are going to pay more money is because their property values have gone up,” said Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn). “If you really want to lower their taxes, the absolute dollars of taxes, then I suggest you go out to your communities and do everything you can to lower the property values. You’ll be very popular.” “We were elected to do things differently, first of all, and we’ve underfunded our county in the last couple decades,” said Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian). Supervisors voted down Letourneau’s motion to begin budget deliberations at the overall equalized rate, and in favor of beginning at $1.025, along party lines. Under the current revenue estimates, each cent of the real property tax rate is worth $9,735,000. Hemstreet will bring supervisors a budget that includes funding for several board initiatives including expanding the Sheriff ’s Office’s body-worn camera program, expanding the drug court, and funding to allow the county government to being collective bargaining with employee unions. n
Biberaj Joins Push to End Death Penalty BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj, along with 11 other commonwealth’s attorneys from large jurisdictions across Virginia, signed a Jan. 4 letter requesting the General Assembly pass legislation that would end the death penalty, mandatory minimum sentences, the cash bail system, and the “three strikes” felony enhancement law, and require certain criminal records to be automatically expunged. The letter argues the death penalty is “unjust, racially biased and ineffective at deterring crime.” Biberaj said criminals don’t pause before committing crimes to consider whether they will be punished by death, and noted that there have been numerous people on death row who were later found to be innocent. “That by itself should tell us that it’s not the appropriate sentence,” she said. “You can’t undo the death penalty. … When you exact the death penalty, that’s a permanent punishment.” Biberaj also said families of victims in
those types of cases oftentimes aren’t looking for the death penalty. Mandatory minimum sentences, the group argues, “prevent judges from taking an individualized, holistic approach to each sentence based on the specific circumstances of a given case” and “lead to irrationally lengthy prison sentences that fuel mass incarceration while exacerbating the racial and socioeconomic inequities that have come to characterize our criminal justice system.” Biberaj said mandatory minimum sentences were simply a way for politicians to sell themselves as being tough on crime. And, she said, they force juries into a corner when sentencing convicted criminals, regardless of the gravity of those criminals’ crimes, and prevent those convicts from getting necessary life skills. The “three strikes” law, which the group opposes, converts criminals’ misdemeanor larceny offenses into felony offenses if they have previously been convicted of a misdemeanor larceny. And in another effort to decrease the number of incarcerated criminal suspects, the prosecutors are calling for the Gener-
al Assembly to end the cash bail system, which, they claim, leads to a two-tiered justice system: one for the rich and one for “everybody else.” They also argue cash bail disproportionately impacts Virginians of color, and that the only people who should be held pretrial are those who pose safety or flight risks. If the state legislature does strike those laws, jails and prisons in the commonwealth could see a dramatic decrease in inmate population. Already, the population of the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center is lower, a decrease attributable in part to Biberaj’s office requesting judges not impose bail requirements for people charged with lesser, nonviolent offenses. Biberaj said that has shown “no negative ramifications” and has proved that the bail system is “not the right way.” And the group asked to automatically expunge certain criminal records after a period of time corresponding to the severity of the offense. They claim that communities are safest “when we more fully reintegrate those convicted of crimes into society, instead of forcing them down a path of recidivism.” n
JANUARY 14, 2021
ON THE Agenda Economic Development Sponsors 15 Scholarships Loudoun County small business owners are encouraged to apply for the upcoming cohort of the FireUp Business Mentoring and Coaching Program, an initiative designed to set businesses up for success in the digital era. The open application period runs Jan. 12-26, and applications will be considered in the order that they are submitted online. Learn more and apply at grants.ureeka.biz/fireup-program. The cohort brings together businesses from the region in partnership with the counties of Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax, the City of Alexandria and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. The program is operated by Ureeka, an online community of entrepreneurs providing resources tailored to female and minority-owned small businesses. Participants in the program will gain access to expertise in business strategy, marketing and finance which may not typically be available to businesses of this size. The cohort encourages business owners to build a network of peers and coaches that will help fuel their growth and create an ongoing support structure. Of those who have completed this program in the past, 80% see at least 50% revenue growth. Learn more and apply at grants. ureeka.biz/fireup-program.
Surplus Auction Features Tire Cables The current Loudoun County surplus auction features tire cables designed to provide traction on slippery roads during winter driving. Other items include children’s toys, children’s DVDs and Blu-ray Discs, laptop computers and other miscellaneous items. The auction closes at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 14. Detailed information and photographs of the items for sale are online at publicsurplus.com/sms/loudoun,va/browse/home.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
JANUARY 14, 2021
PAGE 5
Leesburg
Burk Proposes Airport Commission Overhaul BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
During the new Leesburg Town Council’s first meeting of the year, Mayor Kelly Burk proposed some major changes to the town’s Airport Commission. Burk pointed to the arrival of the airport’s second fixed-based operator last year, this one headed by JK Moving Services CEO Chuck Kuhn, as creating a need to bring more a business-focused approach to the commission. She said both Kuhn and Shye Gilad, the CEO of the airport’s other fixed-base operator, ProJet Aviation, approached her individually to propose some changes to the commission’s membership make-up and responsibilities. While Burk was effusive in praise for the commission’s current seven members and the work they have done over the years, she said her proposed changes are “a way to make it even better.” “We need to have different voices. The pilots [on the commission] are not at the airport every day. It would be valuable to them to have different voices besides just pilots,” she said. Burk pointed to her appointment of Commissioner Lindsay Arrington two years ago, which she said was met with tremendous pushback from commissioners at the time. Since then, Burk said, Arrington, who works for ProJet Aviation, has received praise from her commission peers for her contributions. “The pushback for that in itself made me realize there needs to be different voices there,” Burk said. In addition to Arrington, the commission’s current members include Chairman Dennis Boykin IV, who has served on the
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk is pushing to put “new voices” on the advisory committee that oversees operations at the town airport.
commission since 2004 and as chairman since 2006, along with fellow longtime commissioner Tom Toth, former Town Council member Hugh Forsythe, Vaughn Allex, Raymond de Haan, Gary Rogerson, and Board of Supervisors representative Jonathan Corcoran. Among her proposed changes, Burk has suggested expanding the membership of the commission to four licensed pilots who do not have any association with either of the airport’s flight schools or fixed-base operators; one resident with no business connection to the airport, and who lives in one of its surrounding neighborhoods; two individuals, either town residents or town business owners, with experience in commercial business operations that
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are also unaffiliated with the airport; one non-voting representative from each of the two FBOs; non-voting members from each of the airport’s four flight schools; and the Board of Supervisors representative. As with the current commission, council members would be responsible for making individual appointments. Burk has also proposed changing the commission’s powers and duties to one that reports directly to the Town Council, much in the same way the town’s other commissions do. Currently, the commission’s powers are a bit stronger, with responsibility for reviewing leases, oversight of airport rules and regulations, preparing and maintaining a capital improvement plan for the airport, and working directly
with state and federal aviation authorities, among other charges. Burk said she did not reach out to the Airport Commission ahead of time to give a heads up about her proposed changes, as she wanted the Town Council to first weigh in on the proposal. She also said she would be fine with the council discussing whether it wanted to entertain changing the commission into an airport authority, which would work independently from the town government to oversee the operation of the municipal airport. That topic was first broached Monday during the council’s work session. Councilwoman Suzanne Fox said she supported the idea of moving toward an airport authority, but cited hesitation on some of the changes proposed by Burk. “I’m not sure what the problem is that we’re trying to solve,” she said. “Before we solve a problem, we need to know what the issue is. Why are we calling for limiting pilot involvement? That says to me that we are [saying], ‘hey, let’s get rid of the experts.’” Councilwoman Kari Nacy said the discussion may be a good opportunity to take a “holistic look” at all of the town’s boards and commissions. The former Planning Commission chairwoman also expressed some concerns about involving the airport’s fixed-base operators in the commission. “Would that be like having a developer on the Planning Commission,” she asked. “Is that something we really need/want? Is there a conflict?” Boykin said the proposed changes were
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JANUARY 14, 2021
Town Set to Resume Utility Disconnections BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The Leesburg Town Council appeared poised this week to give the town staff the greenlight to proceed with utility service disconnections. The town’s Utilities Department has abided by moratoriums put in place by Gov. Ralph Northam that postponed collection efforts on past due water and sewer accounts, and prohibited service disconnection. The first moratorium was put into
place March 16, 2020, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, and ended Oct. 5. Northam then reinstated a moratorium on utility disconnections on Nov. 18, as part of the Virginia budget Appropriations Act Amendments. The expiration of the current moratorium is up in the air, with the governor stating it would end when he felt economic and public health conditions had improved, or 60 days after the current state of emergency ends. A staff report points to a provision in the amendments for municipal utilities
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dealing with revenue shortfalls, provided that certain requirements are met and a public body, in this case the Town Council, affirms the utility meets the threshold in a public process. Leesburg can take advantage of the exemption because its current delinquent account balances exceed 1% of the Utilities Fund’s $22.5 million operating budget. As of Jan. 4, Utilities Director Amy Wyks said, delinquent revenues total $647,000, or 3% of the fund’s budget. Because the expiration of the current moratorium is unknown, “the Town’s Utilities Fund could be significantly impacted if customers decide to stop paying their quarterly utility bills without penalty of late fee or disconnection,” the staff report read. “If the council does not adopt the exemption, that means more people could decide to not pay. We’re projecting 30% would stop paying, or upwards of $4 million [in delinquent balances] at the end of June, which represents 18%,” of the Utilities Fund’s budget, Wyks said. According to Town Attorney Christopher Spera, the Town Council would need to act by mid-January to end the moratorium, to comply with state code. While revenues have declined, Wyks noted that water and sewer usage has stayed about the same as non-pandemic years. Wyks elaborated on actions taken by the town staff to reach out to utility customers who have fallen behind on their bills. Following the expiration of the first moratorium, approximately 1,700 letters
or emails were sent out to residential and commercial customers with past due accounts. The letters encouraged customers to set up a penalty-free payment plan for six to 24 months to avoid utility service disconnection. The staff also has referred customers to Loudoun County’s utility assistance program although, to date, only 18 town utility customers have taken advantage of the funding. When the first moratorium expired Oct. 5, about 10% of Leesburg’s 16,000 water and sewer accounts were delinquent, Wyks said. If customers did not respond to the initial email or letter, door hangers were hung alerting them to contact the town within 48 hours. If no contact was made, utility service was shut off. Once a customer reached out, even if they were unable to pay toward their delinquencies, utility service was restored, Wyks said. In many instances, those customers were able to either pay off their balance, or set up payment plans. It was also a good time for the town staff to discover vacant accounts, or accounts that were under the wrong name, because of a resident’s move or other circumstances. In addition to the declining revenues attributed to delinquencies, Wyks said the town will stand to lose out on $400,000 of annual revenue without collecting penalties or fees for disconnection. A vote on ending the moratorium was expected at the council’s Tuesday meeting, after this paper’s deadline. Check loudounnow.com for updates. n
Airport Commission
to be more in line with the town’s other advisory boards and commissions. He pointed to the commissioners who have been re-appointed for years, and said that does not allow for much diversity of opinion. Gilad also pointed out that there is a limited amount of time for the public or non-commission members to participate in meetings, and that can limit what information gets to the Town Council. “Voices are not heard unless the commission decides that they’re heard, and even if you’re the largest employer at the airport you’re only allowed to speak during the open comment session [of the commission meeting]. Some of the largest stakeholders are not being heard officially, and I don’t think that that’s equitable,” he said. The discussion will continue at the council’s next work session, Jan. 25. n
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disclosed to the Airport Commission when they were released for public view—when the council’s agenda packet was released last Thursday. “We will be reviewing the changes at our meeting on Wednesday evening [Jan. 13]. I anticipate that we will be providing input to the Town Council for its consideration,” he said. Boykin declined to share his opinion on the proposed changes ahead of the commission’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting. At least one airport-based business owner is supporting changes on the commission. Gilad said he believes there needs to be more equitable representation on the commission, and that its scope should
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JANUARY 14, 2021
PAGE 7
Education
$1.5B Budget Proposed for Schools in FY 2022 BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Interim Superintendent Scott Zeigler presented the School Board with a proposed $1.5 billion FY 2022 school budget that envisions a return to classroom normalcy as well as an expansion of online learning programs. The budget seeks $187.5 million and the hiring of 587.5 fulltime equivalent employees above the adopted FY 2021 budget. However, the budget the School Board adopted last April was stripped of $60 million and more than 200 staff positions as county supervisors established a $100 million reserve at the outset of the pandemic. The county board already has voted to release half of that holdback—money that primarily will be used to provide retroactive raises for county and school workers. The remainder of the escrowed funds are expected to be released before the end of the fiscal year, June 30. When compared with the pre-pandem-
ic budget, the proposed school spending plan requires a 9.3% funding increase. It would require $101.6 million more in local tax funding, a 10.7% increase. As proposed, the plan would require the largest percentage of local funding of any budget since FY 2009—69.9%. Over the past 10 years, local funding on average has provided 66.8% of school funding. If the Board of Supervisors in April adopts an equalized tax rate—one that on average keeps property owners’ tax bills level—schools expect to face a $7 million shortfall. If supervisors add one cent to that tax rate, the shortfall falls to $1.4 million, according to information provided to the School Board last Thursday. Key elements of the proposed budget include a 3.5% pay hike for school employees, part of a $63.3 million package of compensation increases; an expansion of summer school programs to support students who have fallen behind during the school closures; and a greater investment in the Virtual Loudoun online classroom
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platform for students who have performed better virtually. The budget also includes $3 million and 13 new staff positions that would be required if the School Board opts to authorize collective bargaining with employee unions, an option authorized by the General Assembly starting this year. The School Board will dive more deeply into the spending proposal during five planned work sessions before a scheduled adoption vote Feb. 2. Questions raised by School Board members during last week’s presentation focused on the staff ’s enrollment projections. The current budget was based on expectations of 85,755 students. But during the pandemic and the pivot to primarily distance learning, only 81,500 students enrolled—more than 2,250 fewer students than last year. The proposed budget is based on an enrollment of 87,600 students—assuming the 1,400 kindergarteners whose parents postponed their entry into the system and the
families who opted for homeschooling will return along with growth from the arrival of new families. Zeigler said the staff was confident in the projections. School Board members weren’t so sure. Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) described the enrollment projections as optimistic and said he believes it could take two or three years to completely rebound from the pandemic. Beth Barts (Leesburg) said she does not expect families with elementary school students who opted for home school this year to return in large numbers. John Beatty (Catoctin) also raised doubts about a quick enrollment bounce back. Enrollment levels are not just important to calculating staffing levels, but also determines how much funding is allocated by the state government. During its meeting on Tuesday, the School Board received a more detailed briefing on staffing standards, n
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PAGE 8
JANUARY 14, 2021
Public Safety
Walmart Shooter Faces 11 Felony Charges; Community Rallies to Support Injured Deputy BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
The Sterling man charged in the shootout at the Sterling Walmart and subsequent police chase is scheduled to appear in District Court on May 13 for a preliminary hearing on 11 felonies charges. Just before 5 p.m. Jan. 2 at the Walmart off Atlantic Boulevard, loss prevention officers detained Steven E. Thodos, 33, on suspicion of stealing items. Thodos was in a room with the civilian security officers waiting for deputies to take him into custody when he began to struggle with them, pulled a gun from his waistband and fired multiple rounds, striking both employees and a deputy, the Sheriff ’s Office reported. The Walmart employees and the deputy were taken to the hospital. Thodos then ran out of the store with another deputy chasing, at which point a shootout took place. Thodos was struck in the arm before stealing a pickup truck from the parking lot and driving south toward Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Police Department located the pickup and followed Thodos until he crashed in the area of Presgraves Court in the Fields of Chantilly neighborhood.
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
Deputy Camron Gentry remains hospitalized following a Jan. 2 shootout with a larceny suspect at the Sterling Walmart.
Steven E. Thodos is charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder and nine other felony changes following the Jan. 2 shooting.
After a nearly two-hour search by dozens of officers, and the help of K9 units and a Fairfax Police helicopter, Thodos was found running behind houses and was taken into custody at 7:20 p.m. on Pennsboro Drive. He was arrested but taken to the hospital to treat his injured arm. On Jan. 6, Thodos was released from the hospital and charged with two counts
of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated malicious wounding, one count of malicious wounding, four counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, one count of auto theft, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was arraigned the following day, appointed a defense attorney, Assistant Public Defender Adam
Pouilliard, and given the May 13 preliminary hearing date. During that hearing, prosecutors will attempt to show there is enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury for review and indictment. Both Walmart employees have been released from the hospital, but Deputy Camron Gentry this week remained hospitalized in a serious, though stable, condition, the Sheriff ’s Office reported. On Jan. 7, the Dulles Fraternal Order of Police launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Gentry, who joined the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office in 2017, with his long-term recovery. That initiative had raised more than $100,000 by Tuesday afternoon. Thodos was previously convicted of multiple felonies in Knox County, TN. In July 2011, he was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder stemming from an incident that took place in December 2010. In April 2012, those charges were reduced to aggravated assault, for which Thodos was convicted and sentenced to spend five years in prison for both. He served those terms consecutively. Thodos also has been convicted of forgery, theft, burglary of a vehicle, robbery and resisting arrest in Knox County. n
SAFETY briefs Herndon Man Charged in Sterling Mugging
Leesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Housemate’s Murder
Sheriff ’s Office investigators have arrested an 18-year-old Herndon man suspected of robbing a person in a late-night attack. According to the agency, the victim reported he was walking along South Fox Road in Sugarland Run just before midnight Nov. 23 when a car pulled up alongside him. Three males got out and took items from him. The suspect, Imtihan Mahmud, was arrested and charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. He is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
Joseph E. Lucio III pleaded guilty Jan. 7 to the second-degree murder of his housemate nine months ago. He will return to court for sentencing in May. At about 4 a.m. on Lucio April 7, 2020, Leesburg Police officers were called to a home in the Fox Chapel neighborhood off Fort Evans Road SE for a report of a man in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, the officers found Joel Rodriguez-Quezada, 48, with apparent trauma to his face and head. He died at the scene. Detectives determined Lucio, 20, and
Rodriguez-Quezada, who were housemates, were involved in a physical altercation that night. According to the April 2020 complaint, Lucio admitted to punching Rodriguez-Quezada in the face “several times” and biting his ear before leaving him lying on the living room floor and going to bed. Lucio was initially charged with first-degree murder, which carries a punishment of 20 years to life in prison, but county prosecutors in October agreed to reduce that charge to second-degree murder, which carries a punishment of five to 40 years in prison. Circuit Court Judge James P. Fisher will review sentencing guidelines April 8 and pronounce sentencing May 20. Lucio has been held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center since April.
17 Firefighter/EMTs Graduate Recruit Academy Seventeen firefighter/emergency medical technicians graduated from Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s 40th recruit class Jan. 4. Firefighter/EMT Kyle Fogle won special recognition for being designated top recruit for the class. Fire-rescue leaders said Fogle showed exemplary leadership, poise and dedication throughout the challenging program, earning the top recruit award. The Lt. Alex J. Keepers Memorial Award winner was Firefighter/EMT Matthew Cipparuolo. The award was established to memorialize Keepers, who was killed in 2007, and is awarded to the SAFETY BRIEFS continues on page 9
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JANUARY 14, 2021
Greenway tolls continued from page 3
Daren Burr
James Burr
Tyrell Jefferson
Grand Jury Indicts 3 in Sterling Hotel Stabbing Case BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
A Loudoun grand jury Monday indicted Daren Burr, James Burr and Tyrell Jefferson on charges of felony aggravated malicious wounding and felony malicious wounding by a mob. Both Burrs and Jefferson were charged following the stabbing of a man Lawrence Terry Charles at the Hyatt Place Hotel on Ridgetop Circle in Sterling shortly before midnight Sept. 1, 2020. According to an affidavit filed by Sheriff ’s Office Det. Sean McCormack in support of a Sept. 8 search warrant that sought to obtain digital information from the suspects, Charles was stabbed five times in the neck, chest, hip, arm and buttocks. He was taken to the hospital and placed on a ventilator.
SAFETY briefs continued from page 8 recruit who made outstanding improvements throughout the recruit academy. The recruits completed an extensive academy that included 1,000 hours of both emergency medical technician and firefighting training in a 30-week program. They will now begin their careers
According to McCormack’s affidavit, Charles said he was attacked by the men in the hallway when he walked to the ice machine. McCormack noted that Charles told him both Burrs stabbed him but was unsure if Jefferson did. Charles also told the detective that $700 was missing from his hotel room. Jefferson faces a March 8-16 jury trial and Daren Burr faces an April 19-27 jury trial. James Burr’s next hearing will be scheduled on Jan. 14. A fourth suspect, Nicole Robinson, 27, also was charged with aggravated malicious wounding. According to McCormack’s affidavit, Robinson was in the hotel room with Charles before he left to get ice. She fled the hotel along with the three men. Robinson faces a Jan. 19 preliminary hearing in General District Court. n as Loudoun County Firefighter/EMTs, assigned to various fire and rescue stations throughout the County. Recruit Class 40 includes Timothy Adkins, Christian Arias-Williams, Bradford Burgeson, John Camarella, Matthew Cipparuolo, Kyle Fogle, Keith Gehman, Abdul Aleem Gonsalves, Meaghan Gruber, Cannon Harris, Robert Hill, Grant Lescalleet, Lawson Sauser, Cameron Tadie, John Thomas, Zachary Thompson, and Graham Wiles. n
Loudoun County Fire-Rescue
Loudoun County Fire and Rescue’s 40th recruit class celebrates their graduation at a small ceremony Monday, Jan. 4.
ern Virginia, as its new CEO. “It’s not gonna be an easy thing,” Ramadan said. “The very highly-paid lawyers and lobbyists, who would be doing their jobs in Richmond on the other side, will try to kill this legislation, but we will do everything we can together to get this passed.” In addition to creating more concrete rules for when the State Corporation Commission may grant toll increases to the Greenway—long a goal in tougher versions of proposed legislation—the bill seeks to box in the Greenway in on a number of financial strategies the company has employed before. “The fundamental problem and difference with the Greenway [is], when the county builds a road, we take out debt sometimes to pay for it, we pay a contractor, and then we’re done with it. The Greenway has done that many times over, because they have cashed out, paid investors, and now they expect toll rate payers to pay for all those different maneuvers that have been made—financial maneuvers—over all these years,” Letourneau said. “That’s how you have a road that was built all that long time ago, that now has debt that’s several times what it originally cost them to do. And that’s fundamentally unfair.” The bill would require the Greenway to petition the State Corporation Commission before refinancing its debt, and require among other things that refinancing is “necessary to operate, maintain, enlarge, or expand the roadway” and “that such refinancing will not increase toll rates.” Additionally, if the Greenway seeks to extend or transfer its authority to operate—which expires in 2056, when the road is scheduled to become publicly owned—it must submit financial disclosures and have at least a BBB- bond rating from a major credit ratings agency, the lowest investment-grade rating. Currently none of the three major bond ratings agencies rate the Greenway that highly. Moody’s gives the Greenway a Ba1, a rating that has held steady since upgrading from Ba2 in 2016. Fitch gives the Greenway’s bonds a BB-, on a steady slide downward since June 2019 when it was downgraded from BB+ to BB, then BB- in April 2020. And Standard and Poor’s, the ratings agency that has been kindest to the Greenway, in December lowered its rating from BBB- to BB+ on worse-than-expected traffic recovery. “In the end, I think, the road was not
PAGE 9
intended to be a financial instrument, and that’s basically what that gets at,” Subramanyam said. “It prevents the road from continuing to be a financial instrument for these investors.” The new legislation could also further impact those credit ratings, which in the past have been made in an environment where the Greenway was guaranteed annual toll increases. Fitch specifically cited “the limited visibility into TRIP II’s short-term, rate-making predictability following expiration of the previously approved schedule” in its latest bond rating announcement. “The Greenway is an equity issue, amongst other things,” Randall said. “People who can afford to take the Greenway will, or whose companies will pay for them to take the Greenway, they will take it. But the people who can’t afford it—those are the people who are sitting in traffic. And they want to get home to their children also, they want to see their kids’ soccer game, or their daughter be a daisy on stage, and that they can’t, because the Greenway is cost-prohibitive.” There are no immediate plans to push tolls back down, or to purchase the road and make it public. “I think the Greenway has made a certain set of business decisions in this particular operating environment that they’ve had for the last, you know, 20, 30 years, in which they’ve essentially been allowed to get regular rate increases, and then ultimately have that approved by the General Assembly for a period of time,” Letourneau said. “They may choose something different in the future if they have a different environment—we don’t know.” And Bell asked members of the public to testify on behalf of the bill. “We love to have that, because I think the most powerful voices in Richmond are the citizens when they testify,” Bell said. Even as lawmakers prepare to the 2021 General Assembly session, the Dulles Greenway is before the State Corporation Commission asking for five more years of annual toll increases. Those range from a 5% increase on off-peak traffic for 2022 to a 6.8% increase on peak hour traffic in 2025. If approved, tolls would stand at $6.15 per one-way trip in off-peak hours, and $7.90 in peak hours by 2025. A commuter taking the Greenway to and from work every day under those toll rates could spend more than $4,000 a year just in tolls. Today those tolls are $4.75 and $5.80. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
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JANUARY 14, 2021
Business
Ashburn Crossing Certified as LEED Silver
Catoctin Creek Expansion to Triple Capacity LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. in Purcellville has announced plans for a $1 million upgrade that will triple its production capacity. “As we continue to grow Catoctin Creek as a national brand, we must ensure we have enough whisky inventory to support future demand,” said co-founder and general manager Scott Harris in the announcement. “This equipment expansion will guarantee our production capacity keeps up with sales for the next few years, at least.” Continuing with its commitment to distilling pot-stilled whiskies, the company invested in a 2,000-liter copper pot still from Specific Mechanical Systems in British Columbia, which will replace its 12-year-old still, beloved “Barney.” Additional enhancements include a glycol cooling system; a 2,000-liter mash tank; six 2,000-liter fermenters; and concrete floors to replace the 100-year-old floors in its Main Street plant
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Scott and Becky Harris plan to roll out many more barrels of their award-winning whiskies this year with a major expansion to Catoctin Creek Distilling’s Purcellville plant.
in Purcellville’s historic Case Building. The company plans to sell much of its existing production equipment, including Barney, a 400-liter electrically powered Kothe pot still; a 300-gallon electrically powered mash tank; and six 300-gallon fermenters. Catoctin Creek Distilling Company was
founded by Scott and Becky Harris in 2009 as Loudoun County’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. The Harrises source rye whisky, gin, and seasonal brandy from local grains and fruits, and distribute spirits in 27 states and three continents. For more information go to CatoctinCreekDistilling.com or call 540-751-8404. n
Chamber Foundation Awards $10K to 5 Nonprofits LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Loudoun Chamber Foundation has selected five nonprofit organizations to receive $2,000 grants to support their work. Founded in 2014, the foundation invests in nonprofits that are focused on the economy, workforce development, public safety and wellness in Loudoun. To date, the foundation has invested $132,000 into the community, including a total $50,000 since January 2020. “Loudoun’s nonprofit community really stepped up for our entire community in 2020. Facing significant increases in demands for their services, our nonprofits overcame their own financial challenges to heroically serve our families and neighbors. The Loudoun Chamber is incredibly proud to support this year’s grant recipients and their important work to build a strong and healthy economy and community here in Loudoun,” said Chamber President Tony Howard. The Loudoun Chamber Foundation is a fund within the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. To learn more, go to LoudounChamber.org/Foundation. The organizations receiving Loudoun Chamber Foundation grants will be hon-
The organizations receiving 2021 Loudoun Chamber Foundation grants are: WINDY HILL FOUNDATION, INC. – For 38 years, the Windy Hill Foundation
provides safe, decent, and affordable housing to low- and lower-income families and the elderly in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties and encourages self-improvement and self-sufficiency among our residents. TREE OF LIFE MINISTRIES – Tree of Life Ministries’ mission is to reach the poor and needy in our community with the love of Jesus Christ, by providing Food, Life Skills, Shelter, Healthcare and Relief, in a multitude of different ways. THE ARC OF LOUDOUN – The Arc of Loudoun serves children and adults with disabilities from Loudoun County and across the DC region, as well as their families, caretakers and the professionals who work to help them achieve their greatest potential. MORVEN PARK, INC. – Morven Park Inc. is dedicated to supporting education
and civics programs, recreation and equestrian activities, and historic preservation and education at Morven Park, one of Loudoun’s most treasured historic assets. LOUDOUN SERENITY HOUSE – Loudoun Serenity House is Loudoun County’s
first and only sober living house addressing the need for a structured living community to help women through this most challenging time in their early recovery. ored during the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce’s Virtual 2021 Annual Meeting and Community Leadership Awards, on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at noon, streamed
live for free on the Chamber’s Facebook page. For more information, go to LoudounChamber.org/events. n
Five commercial office buildings located at Ashburn Crossing, comprising more than 220,000 square feet of flex/R&D space, have now earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Developed and managed by St. John Properties, the 61-acre business park is located at the intersection of Gloucester Parkway and Loudoun County Parkway. The flex/R&D center is part of more than 5 million square feet of LEED Gold, Silver or Certified space encompassing 82 buildings in its nationwide portfolio that St. John Properties has developed since 2009. “The subject of LEED building certification is entering the dialogue with potential clients significantly earlier in the conversation, as the health and wellbeing of employees has risen in priority,” stated Matt Holbrook. St. John Properties intends to remain a leader in the LEED movement and we are extremely proud of the innovative sustainable tactics we have executed to contribute to an eco-friendly environment.”
Buzz Butler Offers Beer, Wine, Snack Delivery Wine and beer delivery service Buzz Butler has expanded into Loudoun, offering deliveries to residents’ front doors. Buzz Butler’s founders were laid off at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. They worked for a furniture store and when the first round of shutdowns came, the store closed all its locations and laid everybody off. So the founders decided to try and help those who were staying home by creating a service that would deliver their beer and wine, along with helping keep the roads safe from drunk drivers. The beer and wine delivery service launched in late December to help people who want to avoid going out to shop. Buzz Butler follows the CDC’s recommendations for COVID-19 safety, and even goes a step further by wiping down all the items prior to delivery. Currently in addition to national brands, Buzz Butler offers selections from Stone Tower Winery, Casanel Vineyards and Winery, and Manassas-based Tucked Away Brewing. The service also delivers snacks. Learn more or order at BuzzButler.biz.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
JANUARY 14, 2021
Obituaries Shawn Marie Battle of Leesburg, VA
Was born to Melvin F. and Arretter Ellis on July 15, 1967. Shawn departed this life on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Inova Loudoun Hospital, Leesburg, VA. She grew up in Sterling, VA and attended Guilford Elementary and Sterling Middle School. She graduated from Park View High School in 1985 where she was active in the swing choir of the choral department. Shawn grew up attending Oak Grove Baptist Church in Sterling, VA and gave her life to Christ at a young age. In 2000, Shawn met the love of her life, Roderick (Rod) Battle. They were married on April 29th, 2006. Shawn worked in the Office of Information Technology, in the Department of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for 29 years as a Management Analyst. Shawn enjoyed “retail therapy shopping” as she called it, cooking, singing, spending time with her family, taking vacations and
creating silk floral arrangements. She was passionate about encouraging and praying for others. She joined Mount Pleasant, Herndon, VA in 2000 and served with the Diaconate, Sanctuary Choir, Praise Team and Intercessory Prayer Ministry. She is survived by her loving husband of 14 years, Roderick Battle of Leesburg, VA; parents, Melvin Frank Ellis and Arretter Leona Hughes Ellis of Sterling, VA; sisters, Donna Ellis, of Sterling, VA, and Nicole Ellis of Leesburg, VA; sisters-in-law, Eboni and Davita Battle of Clinton, MD; fatherin-law, Millard Battle of Clinton, MD, mother-in-law, Viola Battle of Clinton, MD, nephew, and godchild, Markus Ellis of Sterling, VA and niece, Aniyah Battle. She also leaves to cherish her memory, a host of relatives and friends. Private graveside services will be held at the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 22870 Dominion Lane, Sterling, VA on Saturday Jan. 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements By: Lyles Funeral Service, Serving Northern Virginia, Eric S. Lyles, Director. 1-800-3881913
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Albert E. Bryant
Age 82, of Purcellville, VA
Albert departed this life on Friday January 8, 2021 at Inova Loudoun Hospital, Leesburg, VA. He was born July 11, 1938 in Loudoun County, VA to the late Henry O. Bryant, Sr. and Rosetta Frances Ramey Bryant. Albert leaves to cherish his memory, one brother, Raymond E. Bryant and his wife, Joyce, of Temple Hills, MD; two sisters, Elizabeth Bryant of Bluemont, VA and Evelyn L. Bryant of Leesburg, VA; and a host
of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by eight brothers, Delbert, Earnest, Roosevelt, Wilmer, Wesley, Eli, Walter and Henry Bryant, Jr.; four sisters, Grace Pollard, Mozell Bryant, Hazel Coleman and Rosetta Whiting. Graveside Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ketoctin Cemetery, 16595 Ketoctin Church Road, Purcellville, VA 20132. Rev. Lawrence Bryant, Officiating. Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800-3881913.
Barbara M. Frye Barbara M. Frye, 85, of Lovettsville, Virginia passed on Sunday January 3, 2021 at INOVA Loudon Hospital Center in Leesburg, Virginia. Barbara was born on August 5, 1935 in Lovettsville, VA. She was the daughter of the late William Parvin Mann and the late Helen Mann. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Frye, her daughter, Robin Hawkins, and her brother, Bill Mann. Surviving are son, John Frye (Tamara) of Winchester and daughter, Sandra Nalls (Doug) of Clearbrook. She is also survived by her sister, Janet Biser (John) of Lovettsville. Barbara was adored by her four grandchildren, Kayla, Dwayne, Haley, and Kelsi as well as her four great grandchildren, Lexi, Titan, Addie and Kolton. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Barbara worked for the Washington Redskins for several years mainly during the Joe Gibb era. While there she developed many lifelong friendships. Her favorite “sons” were Ken Harvey and Darrell Green. Barbara along with Howard coached the Lovettsville Ponytail girls’ softball teams for many years. She was also very active with the Lovettsville Community Center when her children were in their teens. She has numerous friends and was always ready for a good time. Visitation hours will be held Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 4pm to 8pm at the Loudon Funeral Chapel in Leesburg Virginia. A graveside service will be held Friday, January 8, 2021 at 2pm at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church in Lovettsville. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Mt Olive United Methodist Church in Lovettsville or Lovettsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company.
Junne Peters Virts
James Edward Decker passed away December 31, 2020
He was born 09/22/1949 in Keyser, WV to parents, Richard D. (Jack) and Virginia M. (Reeves) Decker. Jim was a Police officer with Fairfax and Vienna (1969-1976). He was with Fairfax County Public Schools from 1976 until his retirement in 2010 as a Safety Security Specialist and coached football for many years. After retirement he became Bar Manager and Treasurer at The Blue Ridge Eagles in Purcellville Va where he touched many lives. He was always willing to help people in need. It just won’t be the same without him. Jim’s zest for life was contagious. When he was around a good time was had by all. He was also an avid golfer. One of his favorite past times was hitting the golf course with his buddies. Jim could also be seen rolling on his Harley on a nice day. He also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Watching the grandkids hockey games gave him pride and joy. He is survived by his children, Nathan Decker and wife Carrie of Stephens City, VA and daughter Carissa (Decker) Morris and husband Robb of South Riding, VA and Grandchildren, Gavin and Addyson Decker (Nathan’s children), Paige and Bryce Morris (Carissa’s children), brother Larry Decker and wife Kathy of Bailey, NC, sister Debra (Decker) Howe and husband Donald of Belmont, NC. Jim Decker will truly be missed by his family and his many, many, many friends! Due to the Covid pandemic a Celebration of Life will take place at a later time.
It is with sadness that the family of Junne Peters Virts, 94, announce she passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at The Wellington at Lake Manassas in Gainesville, Va. Junne is survived by her four children, Barry Virts (Martha) of Annandale, VA, Lynn Bloomer (Mike) of Gainesville, VA, Kenneth Virts (Dena) of Lovettsville, VA, and Sam Virts of Sarasota, FL; five grandchildren, Christina Slagle, Lisa Virts, Brian Virts (Kyle), Rob Tuohy (Kate) and Kevin Tuohy; and six great-grandchildren, Hannah Slagle, Taleah Virts Burris, Landon Pierce, River Pierce, Robby Tuohy, and Jane Tuohy. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 59 years, George Franklin Virts; five sisters, Nora Marshall, Gracie Gilbreth, Gladys Hardy, Lucy Mary Smith, and Tempest Reed; and two brothers, Coy Peters, and Frank Peters. A longtime resident of Lovettsville, VA, Junne was born
on June 12, 1926 to the late Samuel Luther Peters and Mary Kelly Peters in Franklin County, VA. She graduated from Floyd High School in 1943, a year ahead of schedule. During WWII, Junne worked in a local sewing factory to support the war effort. In 1944, her father purchased a dairy farm, and the family moved to Lovettsville, VA, where she met her husband. Junne loved spending time with her family and gardening. She was extremely artistic and creative, having skills in oil painting, knitting, crocheting, and a multitude of other crafts. Junne loved to bake, making many birthday cakes for her children and grandchildren, as well as dozens of Christmas cookies each year. She was an avid reader her entire life, with her home filled with the books she loved. Junne loved to travel, having visited every state in the United States. She spent many summers at one of her favorite places, Holden Beach, NC. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years, holding the position of Worthy Matron. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
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Our Towns
TOWN notes
Finz Proposes Tax Drop, Eyes ‘Slow Growth’ in $3.2M Lovettsville Budget BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
Lovettsville residents shouldn’t expect to dig much deeper into their pockets this coming year, with most taxes and rates proposed to stabilize in the proposed town budget. Interim Town Manager Sam Finz last week presented his recommended $3.16 million Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget, along with his proposed $9.6 million FY22-26 Capital Improvement Program. Finz’s proposed operating budget is down by nearly 3% compared with last year’s budget, accounting for an expected decrease in revenue as a result of the pandemic’s effects on finances, including a drop in expected revenue from meals tax payments from shuttered restaurants and those operating at limited capacities. Finz said there’s “a lot of guess work involved” in the budgeting process for all governments at the moment. Most notable to residents, Finz proposed the town reduce the real estate tax rate from $0.184 per $100 of assessed value to $0.178 per $100 of assessed value. He proposed that drop because the average real estate assessment value in town rose by about 3% in the last year, meaning the town can reduce the tax rate a bit and still expect to pull in about $18,500 more from those payments, both residential and commercial, than in the previous fiscal year. According to estimates provided by the county’s Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue, the average single-family home in Lovettsville is now assessed at nearly $411,000 and the average commercial/industrial property assessed at $609,000. Still, Finz pointed out that real estate assessments year-to-year typically rise by 5-6%. Overall, Finz’s budget anticipates the town will pull in $640,676 in residential real estate tax revenue and $33,720 in commercial/industrial real estate tax revenue. Finz pointed to the town’s 95-to-5 residential-to-commercial real estate tax revenue ratio. He said that, although the town relied on residential growth in the past to largely sustain itself, that’s not likely to occur again, as the town is approaching buildout. According to Finz’s estimates, the town’s population will increase by seven people, or two households, during the coming fiscal
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Lovettsville Interim Town Manager Sam Finz is proposing a $3.2 million FY 2022 operating budget that prepares for a mere $39,000 drop in anticipated meals tax revenue.
year, to 2,834 residents. He projected there would be 2,963 residents living in the town by Fiscal Year 2026. If Lovettsville exceeds a population of 3,500 residents, VDOT will no longer maintain the town’s roads, meaning the town government will then be required to spend millions of dollars to care for its roads. The minimal increase in population through the next five years coupled with the 95-to-5 real estate tax revenue ratio is why Finz told the council the town would progress under a “slow growth” model. He said town leaders should pursue economic development efforts to bring in more businesses and even out that ratio a little, but not raise expectations beyond “what’s real.” Finz proposed the town maintain its water usage fees at $8.96 per 1,000 gallons and its sewer usage fees $14.23 per 1,000 gallons. While rates will likely remain the same in the coming fiscal year, Finz said it might be time to conduct a five-year utility rate study. As for the pandemic’s effects on the town’s revenue streams, Lovettsville is faring relatively well, even with government-mandated business restrictions and closures. Finz’s proposed budget anticipates the
JANUARY 14, 2021
town will pull in only $39,000 less in meals tax revenue than what was budgeted in FY 2021, at $120,000. As for water and sewer usage payments—revenue streams many towns have seen diminish in recent months as businesses have scaled back operations or close and thus use less water—the proposed budget anticipates the town will generate the same amount of revenue as was budgeted in FY 2021: $490,000 from water payments and $771,282 from sewer payments. The pandemic has also affected Lovettsville’s events, for which the town is known across the region. Finz budgeted 8% less this year in the Event Fund, down to $246,833. He proposed that decrease in light of government-mandated restrictions on gatherings, which may or may not be relaxed by the time certain events roll around. Finz’s proposed budget shows expenditures required to put on the Oktoberfest event accounting for 86% percent of the Event Fund. That event attracts more than 10,000 people annually, although the event was canceled in 2020. But even if Oktoberfest is canceled again this year, the town will incur no costs, since all town-run events are financed entirely through sponsorships. Finz also proposed a five-year Capital Improvement Program that calls for $9.6 million to be expended from FY22 to FY26 on 19 projects. In FY22, Finz proposed the town move forward with $668,000 worth of General Fund-related capital improvements: $360,000 for the second phase of Broad Way improvements, $228,000 for South Church Street and East Pennsylvania Avenue improvements, $50,000 for Locust Street improvements and $30,000 for Loudoun Street improvements. Finz also proposed the town undertake $455,000 worth of Utility Fund-related capital improvements in FY22: $280,000 to study and repair the creek bank near the wastewater treatment plant, $100,000 to improve wastewater sludge handling, $50,000 on water treatment plant improvements, and $25,000 on water treatment plant security updates. The Town Council will meet in budget work sessions Jan. 21 and Feb. 4. A public hearing will be held March 11. According to Finz’s timeline, the council should adopt the budget March 25. n
HAMILTON Town Council Reviews CARES Act Spending The Hamilton Town Council on Monday night reviewed the town’s spending of its entire CARES Act allocation: $112,992. Congress in late March set up a $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund and sent about $3.1 billion to Virginia, $1.3 billion of which the commonwealth dispersed to all 95 counties and 38 independent cities. Loudoun County distributed $12.2 million of its $72.2 million allocation to all seven towns, based on their populations. Every town had until Dec. 15 to spend their allocations, although the spending deadline was later extended in the latest federal relief bill. The 630-resident Town of Hamilton received $112,992. It spent all of that money in time, according to a Jan. 11 financial report. Most notably, the town spent $14,450 on 1,700 boxes of face masks and $10,200 on 1,700 bottles of hand sanitizer to distribute to community members, and $13,140 to install a video recording system for town meetings.
Town Council Appoints New Recorder The Hamilton Town Council on Monday night voted to appoint Cecilia Taylor as town recorder. Taylor will need to take an oath of office prior to undertaking her duties keeping track of all town meetings and the recordings thereof. She replaces Jennifer Noel, who started work in town in 2010. Noel recently was promoted at her job with FEMA and doesn’t have enough time to retain her job as Hamilton town recorder, Town Treasurer Tina Staples said.
HILLSBORO Town to Hold MLK Day Food Drive Jan. 18 The Town of Hillsboro will lead an MLK Day Food Drive for Mobile Hope Monday, Jan. 18, in recognition of the holiday as National Day of Service. Town leaders are asking area organizations and residents to donate nonperishable food and personal TOWN NOTES continues on page 13
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Purcellville Policing Group Appoints Officers, Discusses 20th Street Speeding LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The nine-member group assembled to help the Purcellville Town Council guide the town’s police force met for the first time Monday to elect officers, set a meeting schedule and discuss speeding and a newly formed regional police support team. The Town Council formed the Community Policing Advisory Committee in October. According to the ordinance to create the group, the committee should enhance communication between police and residents, encourage police to treat all residents equally and fairly, recognize police for good work, raise awareness of police injustice and improve public trust of police. Serving on the committee are Christopher Baltimore, Kirk Balthazar, Larry Simms, Thomas Christie, Elizabeth Ford, Leonard Markland, Caleb Stought, David Milam and Payton Arnett. Vice Mayor Mary Jane Williams serves as the Town Council liaison to the committee. On Monday, those committee members voted to appoint Baltimore as chairman, and Ford as vice chairwoman. Members also agreed to meet the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. for at least the first three months of 2021. The town ordinance
TOWN notes continued from page 12
items for delivery to Mobile Hope next week. Organizations already contributing to the drive are the Hillsboro United Methodist Church, the Hillsboro Charter Academy, the Western Loudoun Community Church, the Greater Hillsboro Business Alliance and Boy Scout Troop 961. A donation bin is located in the Old Stone School. For more information, go to hillsborova.gov.
LOVETTSVILLE Transportation Master Plan Recommends 3 Focus Areas The EPR traffic engineering firm has presented its findings of a Transportation Master Plan. The firm has suggested the town extend pedestrian connections to the Lovettsville Elementary School, the town center, the community park and north along Rt. 287 north along Rt. 287; examine the intersections of Rt. 287/South Loudoun Street and Rt. 287/West Broad Way; and identify potential public parking sites. EPR has been studying the town’s transportation network and the 34 policies featured in the Transportation chapter of the
requires only that the panel meet quarterly. During the meeting, Police Chief Cynthia McAlister briefed committee members on a request by Simms and 37 other residents living along 20th Street near Fireman’s Field to install a speed camera to photograph vehicles travelling at least 10 mph above the road’s posted speed limit. The petition claimed motorists frequently disregard the 25 mph speed limit there. Deputy Police Chief Dave Dailey said that he conducted a speed study on the road from Dec. 21 through Jan. 3. The department counted 349 cars traveling northbound on 20th Street that reached an enforceable speed—a speed above 35 mph—while 262 cars traveling southbound reached those speeds. Dailey said peak hours for traffic are typically from 12-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m., at least at the moment amid the pandemic changing residents’ work schedules and schools being closed. The study found that more than 95% of motorists were in compliance with the speed limits. Simms said he has not seen a police officer pull anyone over for speeding along 20th Street in the last 15 years. The residents signed a petition and sent it to Mayor Kwasi Fraser. The petition as-
serted that a speed camera would reduce the number of crashes in the area and would reduce the need for town police officers to monitor the area as much. But, as McAlister explained, a newly enacted Virginia law allows for speed cameras to be installed only in highway work zones and school crossing zones. The area in question along 20th street meets neither of those requirements. Already, the town has installed blinking 25 mph signs and a “slow pedestrian area” sign along the road to slow traffic, and McAlister said the department would continue to work with residents to see what can be done to deter speeders in that area, such as increasing the frequency of targeted enforcement there. “We can make that happen,” she said. Daily also suggested the town look into traffic calming options, such as painting lines along the parking areas on the wide road to visually narrow the travel way. McAlister also briefed the committee on the formation of the Critical Incident Response Team, which multiple Northern Virginia police chiefs recently developed to provide member agencies with resources to investigate criminal incidents involving officers—especially incidents with officer-in-
volved shootings. McAlister said the team would provide more “unbiased, transparent” insight in such criminal investigations. The Town Council was expected to vote to authorize the town to join the team at its meeting on Tuesday. The committee also asked McAlister whether body-worn cameras were a worthwhile investment for the town’s police force. McAlister said “it’s a tough question” to answer because the technology is so expensive. “It’s a lot of money,” she said, telling the committee that one proposal she is reviewing would cost more than $40,000 per year for five years. McAlister also noted that her department is down eight sworn officers, and asked committee members to send candidates her way. While she generally has targeted the hiring of certified officers who have already completed the long training requirements and can have an immediate impact, McAlister said any interested candidate would be considered. “We would love a more diverse workforce and we strive for that,” she said. The committee will next meet Feb. 1. n
town’s Comprehensive Plan to compile recommendations on vehicular-, pedestrianand bicycle-related improvements. It has done so under a $65,000 contract. In September 2020, the firm distributed a community survey that drew comments from 160 households. Residents answered questions related to how they would like to travel around town, where they travel, dangerous traffic spots and more. The Planning Commission reviewed those responses at its October 2020 meeting. EPR also collected speed count data and turning movement counts. According to the Planning Commission’s schedule, the final plan policy should be implemented Jan. 13 and a public hearing should be held March 17.
completion of the new town office building, which should be finished this month.
set to present awards for the best work in each exhibition of the year. The first show of the year will be the “Reset, Refresh, Restart … A New Beginning!” exhibition, which spans from Feb. 6 to March 7. Submissions should be made by 5 p.m. Jan. 22. Artwork in 2D should measure no more than 42 inches high by 52 inches wide and must be suitably framed or be gallery wrapped canvas with painted edges. Artwork in 3D should measure no more than 5-by-3-by-2 inches and must be freestanding or presented on a pedestal. Artists will receive 70% of the sales price for the sale of their art. In that exhibit, and each following, AiM will present the Anita Barns Award for the best piece of artwork. Winners will receive a cash prize of $200. The money is donated by Barns, who on five occasions was appointed as the official artist for the International Gold Cup Races in Great Meadow; was the official artist for the Upperville Horse Show in 2000 and 2002; and in 1999 was the official artist for the 100th anniversary of the Warrenton Horse Show. She now operates out of her Loudoun studio at Meadow View Farm. For more information, go to theartistsinmiddleburg.org, call 540-687-6600 or email AiM President Sandy Danielson at sandy@theartistsinmiddleburg.org.
Town Council Recognizes Workers for Shoveling Snow The Lovettsville Town Council last Thursday passed a resolution commending Luis Gonzalez and his crew at Loudoun Sheet Metal and More for their volunteer efforts to shovel snow around the Town Square and Town Green during the Dec. 16 snowstorm. Not only did Gonzalez and his crew volunteer their time shoveling snow to make the town center area safe for pedestrians, Gonzalez’s company has also donated roofing material to the town to help with the
New Town Office to Complete in January The Town of Lovettsville’s new town office should complete this month. The 2,125-square-foot building will replace the existing 1,250-square-foot office, which is being renovated to provide a larger council chamber. Fuog/InterBuild is handling construction of the new office under a nearly $500,000 contract. Construction crews and town leaders broke ground in August. The new building has electricity and the HVAC system is being installed. Once crews finish the front porch, they will fine grade the perimeter and install a gravel parking lot. “We’re making significant progress,” said Interim Town Manager Sam Finz, noting that the Town Council could meet in-person again by February if COVID restrictions are relaxed.
MIDDLEBURG Artists in Middleburg Announces Anita Barns Award Artists in Middleburg is accepting submissions for its first exhibit of 2021 and is
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JANUARY 14, 2021
Loco Living
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Members of the MLK March organizing committee meet outside the Douglas School and Community Center in Leesburg.
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Remembering The Dream MLK March Goes Virtual with Sharpton Keynote BY JAN MERCKER
jmercker@loudounnow.com
Every year for three decades, Leesburg’s annual MLK March and Celebration has drawn a diverse crowd, as community members of different faiths and political persuasions brave the cold to walk the symbolic route from the Loudoun County Courthouse to historic Douglass School. But with COVID numbers soaring and state guidelines limiting gatherings, organizers have taken the program virtual this year. And while the absence of an in-person march leaves a hole, it also offers an opportunity for some unprecedented star power on the event’s 30th anniversary, with a keynote speech from civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton. “Our march is very important but not at the risk of our community’s health,” said Tammy Carter, chairwoman of the MLK March organizing committee. “But it’s important for us to keep the message and still continue on with this event.” The upside of a virtual event is an impressive slate of nationally known speakers. Sharpton, a Baptist minister, talk show host and former presidential candidate, will be joined by Virginia’s U.S. senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Virginia
“We’re just people trying to help in the community to make sure everything is equal and just. ... It kind of brings Loudoun together, even if it’s just for a day.” — Tammy Carter, chairwoman of the MLK march organizing committee Attorney General Mark Herring and other guest speakers in addressing this year’s timely theme, Equality Above All: Overcoming Injustices and Inequities. “This is definitely a positive way to look at things in that aspect,” Carter said of the star-studded speakers list. Committee members had initially planned to take the event’s program of speeches and performances online and still do the march in person. But with cases ris-
ing and new restrictions from the governor, organizers decided to go with a completely virtual format. The virtual program allowed Carter and her committee to dream big and cast a wide net for speakers. The program often features local luminaries with terrific stories. But getting a commitment from Sharpton, who will provide a keynote speech especially for the Loudoun event, was an achievement. Carter connected with Sharpton’s team through a mutual contact and was surprised and thrilled to get a yes. “I broke out in tears when [Sharpton’s assistant] called me back,” Carter said. The 2021 MLK celebration comes on the heels of an intense year of racial reckoning, with local and national protests in support of Black Live Matter. 2020 saw big changes in Loudoun, with the removal of the confederate statue at Loudoun’s courthouse and the removal the Loudoun County High School mascot in July and a vote last month to replace the plaque on the county’s segregated World War I memorial. Carter says the MLK March stands on its own as a community institution. Over the years, the event has traditionally drawn VIRTUAL MARCH continues on page 18
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JANUARY 14, 2021
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Construction Superintendent:
Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to provide on-site coordination for all phases of construction projects, including coordinating subcontractors, material and equipment, ensuring that specifications are being strictly followed, and that work is proceeding on schedule and within budget. The Project Superintendent shall be responsible for scheduling, inspections, quality control, and job site safety. Part time with potential for full time. Prior federal government construction experience preferred, but not required.
Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA. Regular Full-Time Positions Position
Department
Salary Range
Closing Date
Assistant Zoning Administrator
Planning and Zoning
$72,952-$124,893 DOQ
Open until filled
Capital Projects Manager
Public Works & Capital Projects
$82,999-$141,929 DOQ
Open until filled
Controller
Finance
$79,227-$135,636 DOQ
Open until filled
Police Officer
Police
$53,233-$89,590 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Engineer (Capital Projects)
Public Works & Capital Projects
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Systems Analyst
Information Technology
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Inspector II
Utilities
$56,956-$97,512 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior
Utilities
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Supervisor
Utilities
$61,857-$105,896 DOQ
Open until filled
Zoning Analyst
Planning and Zoning
$56,956-$97,512 DOQ
Open until filled
Flexible Part-Time Position Position
Department
Parking Enforcement Officer
Finance
Hourly Rate $16.86-$28.85 DOQ
Closing Date Open until filled
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.
Full & Part Time Drivers needed!
Local delivery of bulk landscape products: mulch, topsoil, compost, gravel etc. *No CDL required. Paid Holidays, sick, vacation (insurance available). *Saturdays required during busy season. Pay based on experience. Stop by or Call Brandon (540) 338-7161 or (804)-931-8181 Loudoun County Milling Company
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa
Construction Project Manager/Project Engineer Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to handle all aspects of construction project management. Duties include Preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring the assigned projects. Monitoring compliance to applicable codes, practices, QA/QC policies, performance standards and specifications. Interacting daily with the clients to interpret their needs and requirements and representing them in the field. We are looking for an accountable project engineer/project manager to be responsible for all engineering and technical disciplines that projects involve. You will schedule, plan, forecast, resource and manage all the technical activities aiming at assuring project accuracy and quality from conception to completion.
Qualifications
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Katherine Hicks 208 South King Street Suite 303 Leesburg, VA 20175 Send Resume to: khicks@meridiengroupllc.com (703) 777-8285
Contact Info: Katherine Hicks 208 South King Street Suite 303 Leesburg, VA 20175 Send Resume to: khicks@meridiengroupllc.com Office: (703) 777-8285
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Experienced Lab Tech Or MA – Busy Family Practice office in Lansdowne, VA looking for an experienced lab tech or MA to collect and process Covid 19, Flu & Strep samples. Must be familiar with manual and automated methods. EMR experience preferred. We offer health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401k and many other benefits.
Please send your resume to lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804
INTERNSHIP: PROJECT ANALYST/ PROJECT ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual with strong analytical skills. Duties include, but are not limited to: • Creating, managing and disbursing reports related to the project
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in the following fields: Business Management, Project Management & Civil Engineering.
• Maintaining project assets • Communications and related database(s) • Evaluating and monitoring the overall project • Reviewing & reporting the project’s budget and finances • Routinely performing complete or component analysis • Notifying the entire project team about abnormalities or variances The analyst/assistant will help the entire project team complete the project within its planned scope, schedule and budget, while serving as a liaison for the project’s technical, functional and non-functional teams. Part-time to full-time, and internship positions available immediately. Individual initiates, coordinates, and executes administrative and project support to the project manager/team.
CONTACT INFO Kathy Hicks 208 South King Street Suite 303 Leesburg, VA 20175 www.meridiengroupllc.com khicks@meridiengroupllc.com Office: (703) 777-8285
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JANUARY 14, 2021
THINGS to do LOCO LIVE
Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Semiao grew up on ’80s metal and glam rock but just can’t get enough of the acoustic guitar sound that his winery fans love.
LOCO CULTURE
COMING UP
Live Music: Brisk
Saturday, Jan. 16, 1 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com It’s an afternoon of MTV Unplugged-style alt rock covers from the ’90s and 2000s from Brisk.
Live Music: Melissa Quinn Fox Duo Courtesy Chris Hanks
Live Music: Chris Hanks
Friday, Jan. 15, 5:30 p.m. Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com Hanks returns to Social House for an evening of country favorites.
Live Music: Caleb Nei Jazz
Friday, Jan. 15, 6-10 p.m. Lightfoot Restaurant, 11 N. King St., Leesburg Details: lightfootrestaurant.com Nei mixes favorite melodic love songs and jazz standards with a few pop tunes thrown in along the way.
Live Music: Tejas Singh
Friday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m. Social House South Riding, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly Details: socialhousesouthriding.com NOVA-based singer/songwriter Tejas Singh brings his angelic voice and devilish guitar skills to Social House.
Live Music: Jason Masi
Saturday, Jan. 16, 1 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Masi returns to Breaux with his signature acoustic soul and R&B.
Live Music: Anthony Semiao
Saturday, Jan. 16, 1-4 p.m. The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton
Saturday, Jan. 16, 2-5 p.m. Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Fox returns to Lost Rhino with her high-energy blend of rock and country.
Live Music: More More More ’80s Tribute
Saturday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. ChefScape, 1602 Village Market Blvd. # 115, Leesburg Details: chefscapekitchen.com This high-energy DMV-based band plays rock favorites from the ’80s and beyond. Admission is free, but advance reservations are recommended.
Live Music: Sun Dogs: A Tribute to Rush
Friday, Jan. 15 and Saturday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Fronted by vocalist Mark Schenker of KIX, Sun Dogs pays tribute to 40 amazing years of Rush. Tickets are $20-$30 for each seated, socially distanced show.
Live Music: The Bone Show
Sunday, Jan. 17, 1 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Kick back with great tunes from Western Loudoun singer/songwriter and one-man band Chris Bone.
Live Music: Chris Ellinghaus with John Ronis
Sunday, Jan. 17, 1-4 p.m. The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Just South of 7’s Chris Ellinghaus serves up acoustic favorites from the ’60s through today for a fun winery afternoon.
Courtesy StageCoach Theatre
StageCoach Bandits Improv Show
Friday, Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m. StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach’s irreverent improv troupe returns for a socially distanced live show intended for an adult audience. Tickets are $15 in advance.
Franklin Park Youth Art Show
Friday, Jan. 15- Sunday, Feb. 21 Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Franklin Park’s youth art show spotlights art from toddlers to teens inspired by the work of Bob Ross. Socially distanced opening reception takes place Friday, Jan. 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Winter Wanderland Ice Display
Friday, Jan. 15-Sunday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg Details: villageatleesburg.com Head to the village every weekend in January for socially distanced fun with ice sculptures throughout the center. The sculptures will have a different theme each weekend.
Virtual MLK March Leesburg
Monday, Jan. 18, noon Details: facebook.com/mlkmarchleesburg Leesburg’s renowned Dr. Martin Luther King March and Celebration goes virtual this year. The 30th anniversary celebration features a virtual keynote from Rev. Al Sharpton and remarks from U.S. senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. Advance registration is requested. Visit the Facebook page for details.
Cabin Fever Film Fest
Friday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 23, 10 a.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org The fourth annual Purcellville Cabin Fever Film Festival kicks off with a slate of films that highlight local tales and talent. The fest boasts 15 submissions this year in live action shorts, documentary, stop motion and music video. All films will be shown both Friday evening and Saturday morning. Seating is limited to ensure social distancing by family group. Tickets are $5 per person.
The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon
Jan. 22-Jan. 31 StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach turns the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride as two narrators and several actors attempt to combine all 209 stories ranging from classics like “Snow White” to more obscure stories like “The Devil’s Grandmother” and “The Girl Without Hands.” Performances run weekends from Jan. 22 through Jan. 31. Friday and Saturday evening performances start at 7 p.m. Sunday matinee performances start at 2 p.m. A limited number of seats are available for viewing in the theater. Tickets are $20 per person. Livestreams are also available for each show for a $20 fee.
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JANUARY 14, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
Capitol riot continued from page 1 exercise of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. There was no vandalism, trash was picked up, and many times the masses sang the national anthem together.” “I condemn in the strongest possible terms those who forced entry into the Capitol, destroyed property, disrupted the meeting of Congress, and caused injuries and a death,” LaRock wrote in a statement after the riot. “The actions taken by rioters during this summer’s riots across the country were wrong, and so were the actions taken by those who stormed the U.S. Capitol today.” The Leesburg Town Council on Tuesday passed a resolution calling for the resignation of all elected officials who participated in the events that day, and specifically singling out LaRock and arguing he has violated his oath of office. “Mr. LaRock continues to advance an entirely debunked narrative of a stolen or rigged election, while every lawsuit and investigation has shown that these have no basis in fact. Mr. LaRock has also attempted to deflect responsibility for the violent events on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on [Jan. 6] by claiming that it is ‘infiltrators’ or ‘paid actors’ who are to blame, an assertion that the post-event review of security and social media video, as well as the arrests of those who violated the integrity of the Capitol, has to date refuted,” the resolution reads. “Mr. LaRock can no longer be considered to be worthy to hold a seat in the Virginia Legislature, and should tender his resignation, effective immediately.” The Loudoun Board of Supervisors is set to consider a similar resolution, authored by Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) and Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), at its Jan. 19 meeting. “Loudoun County deserves representation from leaders who work from truth; understand truth; speak the truth and do not support or encourage sedition, by their harmful, misleading and false statements,” wrote Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) in a press release calling for LaRock’s resignation and announcing that resolution. She added that “by failing to speak truthfully about a certified free and fair election, LaRock acted irresponsibly and criminally and blatantly demonstrated that he is unfit to represent Loudoun County with integrity and should resign from office forthwith.” “The NAACP Loudoun Branch condemns all acts of treason and insurrection against the U.S. government,” reads
“Loudoun County deserves representation from leaders who work from truth; understand truth; speak the truth and do not support or encourage sedition, by their harmful, misleading and false statements” — Supervisor Juli E. Briskman
(D-Algonkian)
an NAACP statement published over the weekend. “We repudiate the actions of the violent mob of ‘Trump supporters’ and domestic terrorist, who intentionally attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election and the peaceful transfer of power to President-Elect Joseph Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris.” In addition to demanding a resignation and a condemnation from the Board of Supervisors, the NAACP called on state lawmakers to suspend his access to the Virginia capitol to allow “to allow for investigation into his treasonous acts and participation in the incitement of the Trump Insurrection.” “Del LaRock is not just bad for Loudoun, his toxic, extremist ideology is bad for Virginia and his delusions of white supremacy grandeur is a danger to the nation’s democracy and national security,” the statement reads. But LaRock dismissed the criticism as “political gamesmanship.” “I have much more important things to deal with as we’re going into the 2021 session than petty political posturing,” LaRock said. “It’s ridiculous, to ask somebody to resign for exercising their First Amendment rights fairly and openly,” LaRock said. And he maintained that the things he has posted about doubt in the outcome of the 2020 election could be true. “People routinely say, ‘where’s the evidence?’ Well, I haven’t seen all the evidence, but I have listened to Senate hearings,” LaRock said. “[…]The fact that over 100 members of Congress voted to not accept the electors from their own home state, I think because of their own suspicions that allegations of widespread fraud have not adequately been investigated, then I think I’m in good company.” One person is seeing the riot’s effects firsthand from DC to Leesburg: Loudoun
County Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge), who works for U.S. Capitol Police. While he keeps his professional and elected lives separated, he acknowledged he knew Sicknick, and said he was a “good guy.” Buffington said he does not expect to be at the meeting Jan. 19—with the presidential inauguration planned Jan. 20, he said he will likely be busy with his day job. But he said if he were at the county dais that night, he would likely abstain from voting on that resolution. “I normally think that we should stay in our lane, and not be so involved in what’s happening at the state and federal level,” Buffington said. “I probably would abstain on that on just because I don’t think it’s really our lane. If the people of Del. LaRock’s district don’t think he should be in office, then I think that’s an action they should take through recalling him or at the next election.” In 2019, LaRock, whose district covers northwestern Loudoun, northern Clarke County and northeastern Frederick County, won handily over his Democratic challenger, bringing in 56.8% of the vote to her 43.1%. His current term expires Dec. 31. Buffington said, “generally speaking, I have never really joined up with anyone in my campaigning, I’ve always campaigned by myself and done my own things. I’ve never really involved a party. Because for me, it’s not about I’m running because I’m a Republican, I’m running because I care about these local issues.” But, he said, “I wouldn’t join up with anybody or work with anybody that I thought was an extremist on either side of the aisle, because I don’t want to be seen as an extremist. I’m a middle-of-the road, moderate Republican.” As to the events of Jan. 6: “It was a sad day for America, and I hope we’re able to come together in the coming days and in the future and focus more on the positive, and focus more on finding common ground, and focus less on partisan politics, because we as a country need that right now,” Buffington said. Before the riot had even been quelled, Rep. Jennifer T. Wexton (D-VA-10) issued a call for Trump to be removed from office. “The President has been encouraging these domestic terrorists since before the election,” Wexton wrote. “He could have stopped them at any moment, but instead he whipped them into a frenzy and sicced them on the Capitol.” As of Tuesday, Democrats in the House of Representatives are moving ahead with plans to impeach Trump a second time, with plans to vote Wednesday to begin those proceedings. n
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Phase 1B continued from page 3 educators vaccinated more quickly. Forty of the school division’s registered nurses are undergoing training to be certified to administer the vaccines. The goal is to create a separate vaccination pod exclusively for school employees. In addition to asking the state to give educators preference within group 1B, the School Board also asked that deadlines be set to begin and complete that work. “This has been a failure at every level of government,” Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) said of the vaccine rollout to date.
LMG Reopens Testing Center Loudoun Medical Group, with of 330 healthcare providers serving in 150 physician office locations, resumed operation of its centralized COVID-19 testing in Leesburg on Jan. 7. The center offered the area’s first mass testing in the early days of the pandemic. The operation was closed once tests became more widely available. However, with the increase in cases, the group is ramping the program up again. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, LMG has completed COVID-19 testing events for about 20,000 individuals, private and governmental entities, ranging from pediatrics to adults, and those with special needs. “We have been monitoring the COVID-19 crisis closely and have organized centralized testing in response to a lack of readily available tests for our patients,” said Dr. Kevin O’Connor, chairman of LMG’s Board of Directors. Testing will be conducted by appointment only for current LMG patients with an order from an LMG provider, first responders, pre-operative patients for the Loudoun Ambulatory Service Center, and Inova Loudoun Hospital staff members. The testing will take place on a drivethrough basis in the parking lot adjacent to 224 Cornwall Street, NW in Leesburg off of Memorial Drive. Testing hours are limited to 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. “By expanding access to testing, we hope to do our part in fighting the spread of COVID-19,” said CEO Mary Beth Tamasy. “We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all involved during this challenging time and we are committed to working together to keep our community as safe and healthy as possible.” LMG patients who need COVID-19 testing should contact their LMG healthcare provider. n
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Virtual march continued from page 14 from a diverse political and religious representation, even during divisive times. “That’s what MLK is here for is for the community. We’re not political, we’re not religious, we’re not denominational,” Carter said. “We’re just people trying to help in the community to make sure everything is equal and just. ... It kind of brings Loudoun together, even if it’s just for a day.” For the past three decades, marchers have made their way from the Loudoun County Courthouse in downtown Leesburg to Douglass School, the county’s last segregated school, which closed in 1968 and now operates as an alternative high school for LCPS. The event has expanded in size in recent years and has become a major production with multiple components: the march, morning events for people who aren’t able to march, a program of speakers and performances, food and fellowship. It’s also a who’s who of local and state-level politicians every year. This year, organizers are encouraging community members to walk the march route as individuals or in small socially
distanced groups throughout the month of February and to document their walks. Organizers will share details on the event’s Facebook page starting Jan. 25. Carter, a local educator, took over the MLK March committee chairmanship in 2008. Her friend and fellow committee member Lily Dunning has been participating as a marcher since elementary school. Dunning’s parents Peter Dunning and Melissa Weaver Dunning, founders of the Bluemont Concert Series, were involved with organizing the first marches in the early ’90s. When Dunning took over as executive director of Bluemont Concert Series in 2011, she joined the MLK March committee. Bluemont closed its doors in 2018, but Dunning remains involved with the committee. “I’ve gotten to benefit from growing up being part of this community in so many ways” said Dunning. “It’s been really exciting to see how the support for this community event has expanded. ... I hope that the importance of the event, the message of the event has gotten more and more important in the last couple of years as we really see folks coming together, especially white folks, to fight against racial inequality.” Dunning adds that another upside of
JANUARY 14, 2021
going virtual is that this year’s event can bring past participants and others into the fold. “We’re not limited in who can attend. People who live all over the country and all over the world can participate this year. I know that will be meaningful to people who have been a part of the march and have moved away. They’ll get to kind of rejoin that community ... and hopefully we’ll reach a lot of new people with the great speakers that we have involved,” she said. For Carter, the virtual event is a way for Loudouners of all faiths and colors to come together during challenging times, even if they can’t march side by side. “That’s the joy of this event--It’s one of the most diverse events that Loudoun has. We get people from all denominations, all religions, all creeds and they enjoy being together,” Carter said. “I just wish the rest of this world had that joy and could come together that way. But we’ll get there.” n The virtual Martin Luther King March and Celebration takes place Monday, Jan. 18 at noon. Organizers are asking participants to pre-register online through the Cvent platform at cvent.me/017eex. For details, go to facebook.com/mlkmarchleesburg.
Group Seeks Proposals for Neersville Mural Anne Weshinskey and Arni Gudmundsson are on a mission to bring public art to Loudoun’s northwest corner. The couple who brought us the popular Wayside Wondercabinet drive-in art installation at Neersville’s former fire hall last spring are now seeking artists to create a mural in the same location. Weshinskey’s V4L arts initiative has issued a call for proposals for a mural on the front of the Neersville Community Center, where their art space occupies a former firetruck bay. The contest is open to artists 18 and over from Loudoun and neighboring jurisdictions with a $500 prize for the artist or collective selected. Weshinskey says organizers are encouraging emerging artists from underrepresented communities to apply. Deadline for submissions is Sunday, March 7. For more information, go to v4larts.com/mural-design-contest. n
Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION
AFFIDAVIT OF NON-SERVICE
Case No.:
Case No.:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
JJ044071-09-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Abigail Rivera Hernandez Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Nelson Bismarck Rivera Espinoza, putative father and Rosibel Hernandez Zepeda, mother The object of this suit is to hold a 4th permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Abigail Rivera Hernandez. It is ORDERED that the defendants Nelson Bismarck Rivera Espinoza, putative father and Rosibel Hernandez Zepeda, mother appear at the above-named Court to protect their interests on or before February 9, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. 12/24, 12/31, 01/07, & 01/14/21
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA COUNTY OF LOUDOUN, to wit:
CL 2020FA0339 Stacey Antoinette Adams /v. Joseph William Dickson
Before me, the undersigned authority, personally appeared Kenneth L. Bingaman, a person competent to make oath, and who by me being duly sworn, deposes and says: That this Pre-trial order; notice from family court commissioner Ryan O’Rourke; summons without minor children (Divorce-40101); and petition without minor children (Divorce-40101) came into hand on the 12th day of November, 2020, at 10:02 AM, and was executed on the 16th day of November, 2020, at 9:45 AM, by Not finding Joseph William Dickson at 45319 Persimmon Lane, 2nd Floor, Sterling, Virginia. The current resident at 45319 Persimmon Lane, Sterling, Virginia, avised Affiant that current resident has lived at this address for two (2) years and does not know of Joseph William Dickson or his whereabouts. Affiant further states that he attempted service on Joseph William Dickson at his place of employment, Domino’s Pizza, located at 2091 Davenport Drive, Suite 126, Sterling, Virginia, and was informed that Joseph William Dickson does not work at that establishment. 12/31, 1/7, 1/14, & 1/21/20
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION TLZM-2020-0003, LEESBURG PREMIUM OUTLETS
Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider rezoning application TLZM-2020-0003, Leesburg Premium Outlets. The applicant, Simon Properties (Owners), are requesting a Concept Plan and Proffer Amendment (rezoning) to amend the previously approved proffers and concept plan for TLZM-2013-0004 and ZM-150 to allow for approval of: 1. 2.
An increase of 2,000 square feet to the existing approved 500,671square feet of retail on the site within eight (8) internal retail “vending kiosks”, and; The addition of retail uses for the site that are permitted by the B-3 Zoning District but are currently not allowed by the existing proffers for the site.
The 54-acre Leesburg Premium Outlet Mall is located at 241 Ft. Evans Road, which is at the intersection of the Route 15 Bypass and Ft. Evans Road. The subject property is zoned B-3, Community Retail/ Commercial District and is further identified by the following Loudoun County Property Identification Number (PIN): 189-49-6489. The subject property is located in the Northeast Planning area of the Town, and the Town Plan further designates the subject property as “Regional Retail” on the Planned Land Use Policy Map with a recommended density of between 0.35 and 1.0 FAR (Floor Area Ratio). With this addition to the outlet mall, the commercial FAR in the B-3 District would be approximately 0.22. Additional information and copies of this rezoning application are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, Senior Planning Project Manager at 703-771-2771 or sparker@leesburgva.gov. At these hearings, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of the Council at (703) 771-2733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 1/14 & 1/21/21
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PAGE 19
Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:
SIDP-2020-0005 CHICK-FIL-A RYAN PARK SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan)
Chick-fil-A, Inc., of Atlanta, Georgia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to: 1) modify the total aggregate sign area to allow an increase in the square footage of two drive-through menu boards; and 2) permit three additional window display and three additional free-standing signs for a Chick-fil-A. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZCPA-2004-0012 and SPEX-2004-0023, Ryan Park Center Restaurants, located in the PD-OP (Planned Development – Office Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 5.61 acres in size and is located on the south side of Ashburn Village Boulevard (Route 2020) and east of Shellhorn Road (Route 643), at 43520 Yukon Drive, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 089-45-6487. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Urban Policy Area (Urban Transit Center Place Type)), which designate this area for a wide array of Economic, Entertainment, and Community Activities uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) between 1.4 and 2.0.
ZCPA-2020-0007 JOHNSON LANDSCAPE BUFFER - POOL (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment)
Mark D. Johnson of Chantilly, Virginia, has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-1991-0005 and ZCPA-1995-0006, South Riding, in order to modify an existing 25-foot landscape buffer to allow for the construction of an inground swimming pool, deck, and patio, with no resulting change in density, in the PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4) zoning district. The subject property is located within the (AI) Airport Impact Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 0.36 acres in size and is located on the north side of Priesters Pond Drive (Route 2239) and the west side of Flintonbridge Drive (Route 2238) at 25815 Priesters Pond Drive, Chantilly, Virginia, in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 129-30-1413. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for predominantly Residential uses at a recommended density of four dwelling units per acre.
SPEX-2019-0043 SVK SAI CHILD CARE CENTER (Special Exception)
S.V.K. SAI, LLC of Ashburn, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit a child day care facility in the TR-1(LF) (Transitional Residential – 1, Lower Foley) and TR-3(LF) (Transitional Residential – 3, Lower Foley) zoning districts. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Table 2-1702 of Section 2-1702. The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 4.32 acres in size and is located on the south side of Braddock Road (Route 620), west of Ticonderoga Road (Route 613), and southeast of Donerails Chase Drive (Route 1355) in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 166-26-7839. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Large Lot Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for large lot and clustered Residential uses, and complimentary Agricultural and Public uses, at a density of one dwelling unit per three acres and a Non-Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) up to 0.1.
ZMAP-2019-0021 OAK GROVE
(Zoning Map Amendment) Zeeland LLC of Leesburg, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 4.73 acres from the R-1 (Single Family Residential -1) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R-16 (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 50 single family attached units at a density of 10.6 dwelling units per acre. The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District. The subject property is approximately 4.73 acres in size and is located on the north side of Hall Road (Route 788), west of Davis Drive (Route 868) and east of Oakgrove Road (Route 824) in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as: PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
024-46-1074
117 Dominion Lane, Sterling, Virginia
024-46-2062
N/A
024-46-2653
N/A
024-46-1245
N/A
024-45-9931
N/A
024-45-9931
N/A
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Compact Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for Residential uses at a recommended density between 8-12 dwelling units per acre.
ZMAP-2018-0014, ZCPA-2018-0013, SPEX-2020-0013, ZRTD-2020-0005 ZMOD-2018-0035, ZMOD-2018-0041, ZMOD-2020-0029 & ZMOD-2020-0032 KINCORA VILLAGE CENTER (Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District Special Exceptions & Zoning Modifications)
NA Dulles Real Estate Investor LLC of East Setauket, New York, have submitted applications for the following: (1) to rezone approximately 13.14 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit a 10,000 square foot (SF) civic building and a 100,000 SF central plaza to be located in Land Bay K and to permit additional employment, commercial, and/or residential uses to be located in Land Bays K and L.; (2) an application to amend the existing Proffers and Concept Development Plan (CDP) approved with ZMAP2008-0021, ZCPA-2012-0014 and ZCPA-2017-0008, Kincora Village Center, in order to a) shift location of the central plaza from Land Bay J to Land Bay K; b) relocate the minimum 55,000 SF Science Museum from Land Bay J to Land Bay A; c) align Roads 8 and 9 to create a street, and add Roads 14 and 17 in Land Bays F and L, and rename Roads A, B, and C with numerical labels; d) shift the location of a monument sign/entry feature in Land Bay J; e) revise locations and clarify the number of Public/Civic/Institutional Uses to be provided; f) increase the number of multifamily (MF) dwelling units permitted from 1,400 to 2,600 in the PD-MUB zoning district; g) adding Land Bays B, K, L, and/or R to the list of land bays where residential uses are permitted; h) delete the commitment to provide a center for the performing arts; i) delete the commitment to provide a 35,000 SF plaza in Land Bay F; j) revise language to clarify which buildings along Pacific Boulevard will be a minimum of four stories; k) reduce the percentage of buildings in the PD-MUB zoning district that are to have a vertical mix of two or more uses; l) clarify the commitment to construct Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) and/or Unmet Housing Needs Units (UHNUs) to be in compliance with the EarthCraft program and universal design principles; m) exclude data center square footage from the trigger for providing shuttle service; n) clarify that the road fund contributions will not apply to the New Residential Units or to non-residential uses beyond the non-residential Gross Floor Area (GFA) originally committed with prior approvals; o) reduce the width of non-asphalt trails from 8 feet to 6 feet; p) remove sign commitments; and q) allow the Owners to use on-site, non-potable wells for irrigation purposes with a resulting increase in density from 0.43 Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) to 0.57 FAR; (3) an application to rezone approximately 70.16 acres from the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as it existed on July 12, 2010, to the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as amended from time to time; and (4) a Special Exception to permit impervious surface in the form of raised boardwalk crossings not to exceed 9,150 linear feet in the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District), Major Floodplain. The Special Exception application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-1506(E). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§1-205(A), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurements of Lots, Yards and Related Terms; Lot Access Requirements.
Allow structures requiring a building permit in the PD-MUB Zoning District to be erected upon any lot which has frontage on a Class I, Class II, Class III road, or private access easement.
§4-1354(B) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza, Table 4-1354(B), PDMUB Planned Development Mixed-Use Business Public Plaza, Requirements Table.
Reduce the minimum area of the required public plaza for a PD-MUB district greater than 100 acres in size from 1% of the total land area of the district, or 3.55 acres (154,638 SF) to a minimum of 100,000 SF.
§4-1354(B)(3) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza.
Modify the requirement that buildings that adjoin the public plaza shall be a minimum of two stories and have a vertical mix of at least two uses so that buildings adjoining the public plaza may be one story and have one use.
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Legal Notices §4-1354(C) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Vertical Mix.
Reduce the requirement for buildings within the district to contain a vertical mix of at least two (2) different use categories from at least 50% of the buildings to at least 20% of the buildings.
§4-1354(F) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Sidewalks.
Reduce the requirement that continuous sidewalks be provided on both sides of all streets to one side of the street.
§4-1355(C), PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Lot and Building Requirements, Building Height.
Increase the permitted maximum building height from 100 feet to 160 feet in Land Bays B, F, J, and R.
§4-1358(C), PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Use Limitations, Street Trees.
Reduce the tree density requirement from one tree per 25 feet along all areas dedicated for vehicular travel, excluding alleys, to one tree per 44 linear feet -of block length for streets with on-street parking and to one tree per 35 liner feet of block length for trees with no onstreet parking requirement
§5-1303(A)(1), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, Site Planning.
Allow the 10% tree canopy for sites zoned PD-MUB to be calculated using the entire PDMUB Zoning District rather than per site plan.
§5-1407(B)(2) & (3), Buffering and Screening, Parking Area Landscaping and Screening Requirements, Peripheral Parking Area Landscaping.
Reduce the minimum plant units from 50 plant units to 20 plant units per 100 feet and to reduce the required continuous landscape strip width from 10 feet to 4 feet. and To reduce the minimum distance that a tree or shrub can be planted from a curb or paved area from 3 feet to 1.5 feet.
The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, and is also located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 300 acres in size and is located in the southwest quadrant of the Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and Sully Road (Route 28) interchange, on the west side of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1036) and north of West Severn Way (Route 1748), in the Broad Run Election District.
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed-Use Place Type)) and Route 28 Corridor Plan, which designate this area for compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational amenities uses, at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0. Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. To arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email dpz@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246, or you may view the file electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. For detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Planning Commission public hearings are available for viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/webcast. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audio-visual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified. Citizens are encouraged to call the Department of Planning and Zoning on the day of the public hearing to confirm that an item is on the agenda, or, the most current agenda may be viewed on the Planning Commission’s website at www.loudoun.gov/pc. In the event that the second Thursday is a holiday or the meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be moved to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event that Tuesday is a holiday or the Tuesday meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be held on the following Thursday. The meeting will be held at a place determined by the Chairman. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings at all other locations. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246. Please provide three days’ notice.
The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
041-19-4573
21391 Pacific Boulevard, Ashburn, Virginia
040-19-0276
N/A
040-19-3991
N/A
040-18-8480-001 040-18-8480-002
45170 Kincora Drive, Ashburn, Virginia
BY ORDER OF:
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
ERIC COMBS, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Case No.: JJ044669-01-00
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
01/07 & 01/14/21
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No.:
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lucas Eduardo Ixcotoyac Castro
CL 20-624
Loudoun County Circuit Court 10 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20175
Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Catarina Castro Chiroy, mother; Lucas Ixcotoyac Iztep, putative father; and Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Lucas Eduardo Ixcotoyac Castro, and; hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Lucas Eduardo Ixcotoyac Castro. It is ORDERED that the defendants Catarina Castro Chiroy, mother, Lucas Ixcotoyac Iztep, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court to protect their interests on or before Adjudication, January 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm, and Dispositional, February 8, 2021 at 10:00 am. 12/24, 12/31, 01/07, & 01/14/21
Ami Bhasmang Bhatt /v. Bhasmang A. Bhatt The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce; award child custody and support; equitably divide property. It is ORDERED that Bhasmang A. Bhatt appear at the above-named court and protect his interests on or before March 5, 2021at 2:00 p.m. 12/31, 1/7, 1/14, & 1/21/20
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
JANUARY 14, 2021
PAGE 21
Legal Notices Notice of Public Hearing Round Hill Town Council The Round Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing by electronic means, on Wednesday January 20, 2021, beginning at 7:30 p.m., to receive comments and consider the adoption of the following amendments to the Round Hill Water Ordinance and Sewer Ordinance, as authorized by Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended §§ 15.2-2109, -2119, -2122, -2143: TOWN OF ROUND HILL WATER ORDINANCE ARTICLE I, Definitions: Sections 1.1, 1.8, 1.12 and 1.15 amended to use the Town Zoning Ordinance definitions for accessory structure, dwelling unit, premises and structure. ARTICLE II, Use of Public Water Supply, Section 2.1: substitute “structure” for home; clarifies public water supply connection requirement; Section 2.3: substitute “property” for “lot”; Section 2.4: prohibits private wells without Town Council approval; Section 2.5: substitute “structure” for house or building; clarifies that structures outside Town that disconnect from public supply forfeit the right to receive service; reconnection requires availability fee purchase; Section 2.6: substitutes “water supply” for “waterworks”. ARTICLE III, Water Taps, Service Connections and Meters, Sections 3.2 and 3.3: adds zoning approval and availability fee payment requirements prior to sewer availability application approval; Section 3.4 clarifies that Town Staff connects water meters; Section 3.7: substitute “water service connection” for “service line”; Section 3.9: substitute private “street” for private “way; Section 3.12: describes service for accessory structures; Section 3.18: requires Town approval of swimming pool connections; Section 3.22: authorizes Town to determine number of meters required; clarifies that each meter requires a separate availability/connection fee ARTICLE IV, Temporary Family Health Care Structures, Section 4.2: delete “piggybacked” from connection. ARTICLE VI, Water Consumption, Section 6.4: makes violations of Ordinance a civil, not criminal offense, subject to a monetary payment ARTICLE VII, Billing, Section 7.9: authorizes Town to adjust water and sewer charges; Section 7.11: substitutes “penalty” for “late fee”; Section 7:12: substitutes “property” for “real estate” regarding liens for delinquencies and adds State Code compliance; Section 7:16: authorizes payment plans. ARTICLE VIII, Discontuance of Water Service, Section 8.1 (f): deletes Town and Loudoun County Ordinance provisions as basis for water service disconnect; Section 8.3: clarifies that disconnection can occur for violations of the Water Ordinance. ARTICLE IX, Fire Suppression, Section 9.9: Fire suppression installation/operation shall comply with all applicable ordinances and adopted standards. ARTICLE XI, Water Theft, Section 11.5: makes principal and offending party jointly and severally liable for water tampering ARTICLE XII, Penalties, Section 12.4: deletes “summons” requirement and makes violations civil, instead of criminal, offenses subject to a fine. TOWN OF ROUND HILL SEWER ORDINANCE ARTICLE I, Definitions: amends Sections 1.1 and 1.32 to use the Town Zoning Ordinance definitions for dwelling unit, premises and structure; Sections 1.13-1.15 define grinder pump system components; revise punctuation and spelling. ARTICLE II, Use of Public Sewers, Section 2.4: adds “structures” to ordinance scope; change “toilet” to “waste disposal”; Section 2.6: change “lot” to “property”. ARTICLE IV, Sewer Taps and Connections, Sections 4.3 and 4.4: to require zoning approval and availability fee payment prior to sewer availability application approval; Section 4.7: add food service to types of sewer service and correct number from 32 to 4; Section 4.8: clarify that applicant’s responsibility for all costs of connection including Town incurred costs; Section 4.9: change “building” to “structure” and describe service for accessory structures; Section 4.10: insert “Loudoun” before “County. ARTICLE V: Use of the Public Sewer, Section 5.1: add medications to prohibited discharge list; Section 5.3 (c): require Town approval for commercial garbage disposals; Section 5.10: require Town approval for all grinder pump systems. ARTICLE VI, Temporary Health Care Structures, Section 6.1: delete “piggybacked” from connection ARTICLE VII, Protection from Damage, Section 7.3: insert “recorded” before Town easements. ARTICLE VIII, Penalties: Sections 8.1 and 8.4: delete “summons” from notice provision; Section 8.2: change “prosecuted” to “found liable” to make Ordinance violations a civil penalty. A complete copy of the proposed amendments may be reviewed on www.roundhillva.org, or you can make an appointment to view the amendments at the Town Office between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. For questions, call 540-338-7878. All interested persons are encouraged to attend the hearing and should contact the Town Office for electronic participation instructions. The Round Hill Town Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting immediately following the public hearing. Scott Ramsey, Mayor Round Hill Town Council 01/07 & 01/14/20
ATTENTION LOUDOUN COUNTY VEHICLE OWNERS FILING DUE FEBRUARY 1 Notification of 2021 Personal Property filing requirements has recently been mailed to all owners of record in order to establish accurate assessment information for the 2021 tax year. Automobile, truck, motorcycle, camper, trailer, boat, motorhome, aircraft, or mobile homeowners should report changes online at: www.loudoun.gov/efile A filing notification with instructions about online filing has been mailed to each household of record. The notification will indicate whether a filing is required or is optional for any personal property owned in Loudoun County based on the property type, the date the property was located in Loudoun, and whether a filing was previously made on the property. Unless otherwise instructed, please report corrections, unusually high mileage, unrepaired body damage, serious mechanical defect, address changes or the sale, move or disposal of any personal property by February 1, 2021, online at: www.loudoun.gov/efile Newly acquired personal property or personal property recently entering Loudoun County must be reported to my office within 60 days of purchase or move to Loudoun County or one of its incorporated towns to avoid a 10% late filing penalty. Although the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has limited its services during the COVID-19 pandemic, owners of vehicles in the County are subject to taxes beginning on the date the vehicle came to Loudoun, even if the vehicle displays out of state license plates. Owners of vehicles displaying out-of-state license plates not otherwise exempt from obtaining Virginia license plates will be charged an additional annual license fee of $100. A $250 penalty may also be imposed on owners of vehicles that are not registered with DMV within 60 days of the owner’s having established residency in Virginia. Military service members residing in Loudoun County who have separated from military service and were receiving a tax exemption due to claiming a domicile outside of Virginia should contact the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office to report their change in status so their exemption can be removed. Loudoun County administers the personal property tax and vehicle license fee (VLF) for owners of motor vehicles in the incorporated towns of Leesburg and Round Hill. For the incorporated towns of Middleburg and Lovettsville, Loudoun County will be billing and collecting the VLF only. Owners of motor vehicles located within the incorporated towns of Hamilton, Hillsboro, and Purcellville should contact their respective town regarding tax and decal requirements. In order to protect the safety of taxpayers and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to connect with us virtually. Most transactions with our office can be completed online. For more information or filing assistance, please visit www.loudoun.gov/cor or contact the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at ppdcor@loudoun.gov or 703-777-0260. Regular office hours are weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. If you choose to visit, we recommend you contact our office beforehand, as our office hours may be adjusted due to the pandemic. Robert S. Wertz, Jr., Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County Leesburg Office 1 Harrison St. SE, First Floor Sterling Office 21641 Ridgetop Cir., Suite 100
Mailing Address PO Box 8000 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804 Phone: 703-777-0260
01/07/21 01/14/21
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA Case No.: JJ044085-03-00 VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isaac William McClure Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, father The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Isaac William McClure. It is ORDERED that the defendant Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, father appear at the above-named Court to protect his interests on or before February 9, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. 12/24, 12/31, 01/07, & 01/14/21
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR:
BE
ACCEPTING
SEALED
MOVING SERVICES, RFP No. 333787 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, February 3, 2021. Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/ procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 1/14/21
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 22
JANUARY 14, 2021
Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.:
JJ043391-06-00 JJ043327-06-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jace Leo Dunford and James Dunford III Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Dawn Dunford, mother The object of this suit is to hold a 3rd permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Jace Leo Dunford and James Dunford III. It is ORDERED that the defendant Dawn Dunford, mother appear at the above-named Court to protect her interests on or before February 17, 2021 at 3:00 pm.
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No.:
CJ19-128; CJ19-129
Loudoun County Circuit Court 18 East Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Deysi Carina Mayen Monterroso and Henri Leonel Lopez Estrada The object of this suit is to hear an appeal of Child Protective Orders entered in the Loudoun County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court pursuant to Virginia code § 16.1-253.
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction. This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned”, as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice. YR.
MAKE
MODEL
VIN
STORAGE
PHONE#
2009 1990 2000 2007 2004
KIA CHEVROLET BMW HONDA HONDA
RIO CAMARO 528I ACCORD ODYSSEY
KNADE243296517617 1G1FP23E3LL116961 WBADP6342YBV64227 1HGCM71377A006693 5FNRL18004B111339
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703-435-8888 703-661-8200 703-661-8200 703-661-8200 540-338-2230
01/07 & 01/14/21
It is ORDERED that Deysi Carina Mayen Monterroso and Henri Leonel Lopez Estrada appear at the above-named Court to protect their interests on or before March 31, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
LoudounNow.com
01/14, 01/21, 01/28 & 02/04/21
01/14, 01/21, 01/28 & 02/04/21
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Members of the Loudoun School Board will seek public comment about Loudoun County Public Schools’ Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2022 at the January 26 and February 2, 2021, School Board meetings. Comments also will be welcome at School Board meetings throughout the budget process. To speak to the School Board, please go to Citizen Participation form on the LCPS website, www.lcps.org, to fill out a brief form. This form should be completed no later than one hour before the meeting at which you intend to speak. (Please check the calendar on the LCPS website for meeting times.) These meetings may be held virtually, or in person, depending on the COVID-19 restrictions in place. If the meeting is virtual, the Citizen Participation form will reserve a spot at the meeting for your comments. Telephone registration will open until one hour before the meeting on the day of the hearing. Telephone registrations will be taken at 571-252-1030. If the meeting is being held in-person and you choose not to register to speak via Citizen Participation form, the Public Information Officer or designee will accept walk-in registrations in the media box at the back of the School Board Meeting Room up to five minutes prior to the posted start time of the Board meeting.
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Meetings are held at 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, VA 20148. Persons, who, due to a disability, need assistance to participate meaningfully in School Board meetings, should call (571) 252-1020 at least five days prior to the meeting. 01/14 & 01/21/21
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PAGE 24
JANUARY 14, 2021
Opinion Breaking the Cycle In 1919, Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes wrote about the clear and present danger of allowing the false shouting of “fire” in a theater with the result of causing a panic. On Jan. 6, we witnessed the grave impacts of nine weeks of widely circulating meritless, manipulative claims of a stolen election. Five lives were lost in one of the darkest days of the American experiment. Four people died for their passionate beliefs in debunked conspiracy claims. One died conducting his sworn duties defending the nation’s elected representatives. Government leaders of all political stripes—at local and state levels— have rejected claims of significant fraud or inaccuracy in the tabulated results of the 2020 presidential election. Then the judiciary at the local, state and federal levels dismissed or found no merit in the challenges to those results. It wasn’t a partisan conclusion; it was simply the outcome of the voters’ actions on Nov. 3, 2020. Remarkably—and tragically—the belief in a stolen election continues to be widely held, and not just by anti-government extremists who thrive on such conspiratorial theories. Millions of Americans believe in that narrative, in no small part because their trusted leaders have told them it was stolen. Then those same leaders have demanded more investigations because a great number of their constituents don’t trust the election’s results. Throw into that circle the 24/7 rantings of partisan media—the ones you believe and the ones you don’t—and the give-you-what-you-want-tohear social media algorithms and you complete the echo chamber that has pushed citizens to the extremes of the political spectrum—places where passions grow to violence. Breaking that cycle, tamping down the anger and starting conversations to better understand our differences and find our common goals will be critical as the nation fights through the public health threat and economic devastation of the pandemic. It is important for those conversations to begin in the very halls that came under attack last week. It is there we need leadership by example. n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723
EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com
Loudoun Now is delivered by mail to more than 44,000 Loudoun homes and businesses, with a total weekly distribution of 47,000.
ADVERTISING Susan Styer, Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com Tonya Harding, Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com
LETTERS to the Editor Embarrassing Display Editor: Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s call for the removal of President Trump is another embarrassing display of her hyperpartisan rhetoric and takes the hypocrisy of Democrats to an almost ethereal level. For Trump’s entire presidency, Democrats have turned a blind eye to left-wing “protesters” and their looting, rioting, and destruction of neighborhoods in the name of liberal causes across the United States. Did Wexton, Loudoun’s former prosecutor, ever take a bold stance against these criminal activities? Did she call for the resignation of any Democratic mayor or governor, even though they appeared to unwisely restrain the police and National Guard from protecting people, several of whom subsequently died? I truly believe that Wednesday’s events have resounded so deeply, not just because of the startling fact that the Capitol was overtaken, but because the cold distance between the Establishment and the People was broken. For four hours, the Establishment lost its most precious resource—control. But that is the same reason they have hated Trump so much. He can’t be controlled by them so, through subversive FBI actions, or fake impeachment proceedings, or Rep. Wexton’s baseless call for the exercised
use of the 25th Amendment, the Democrats and their Establishment allies will continue to try and destroy Trump until the bitter end. May God bless and protect President Trump, the true patriots he represents, and these United States of America. May He grant us peace. — David Dickinson, Leesburg
Expel Him Editor: The seditious assault on democracy, desecration of the U.S. Capitol and murder of a Capitol Police officer by supporters of President Donald Trump on Jan. 6 was one of the darkest days in American history. Like most patriotic Americans, I make little distinction between people who only gathered for a rally under the provably false pretense of a stolen election and those who actively rampaged in the Capitol building. It was with great dismay, then, that I read Del. Dave LaRock’s disingenuous statement in which he bizarrely compared the insurrection to racial justice marches this past summer while claiming it was “highly likely” that those who attacked the Capitol were “paid provocateurs sent in to taint an otherwise orderly protest” LETTERS continues on page 25
JANUARY 14, 2021
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LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 24
(arrests since last week have proven otherwise). Then, as if to double down on his own culpability in this attack on our democracy, LaRock had the audacity just hours after Congress certified Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as winners of the election to post on social media a letter he sent to Vice President Mike Pence demanding Virginia’s lawfully awarded electoral votes not be counted. Everyone who attended the “Save America” rally, including Del. LaRock, perpetuated the lie that the U.S. election results weren’t valid. The election has been repeatedly affirmed or certified by the states, the courts, President Trump’s own Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, and now the U.S. Congress. It is unconscionable that any elected official would continue to assert otherwise. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits any elected official who has taken an oath to support the U.S. Constitution, from “engag(ing) in insurrection.” The amendment explicitly applies to state elected officials. Section 7 of Article IV of the Virginia Constitution prescribes the expulsion of elected officials who engage in “disorderly conduct.” LaRock has spent two months baselessly sowing doubt about the integrity of the election on his social media accounts and at local rallies. As one of his constituents, I maintain this behavior alongside his presence at the insurrection and his tone-deaf
deflection about those responsible for the violence and rioting disqualify him from continuing to serve as an elected official. He should take a cue from disgraced West Virginia Del. Derick Evans, who resigned after participating in the Jan. 6 insurrection, and immediately step down from the Virginia House of Delegates for his involvement. If he doesn’t, the House of Delegates should expel him. — Ryan Donmoyer, Purcellville
Condemning the Attack Editor: We, the people of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun in Leesburg, unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack on our U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. We condemn any and all attempts to delay the certification of or to overturn the results of a democratic election. We witness and condemn the hypocrisy of our militarized and white supremacist policing system, which reacts with extreme violence to people of color peacefully protesting, while allowing white supremacists to commit literal domestic terrorism against our government. As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm and promote the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. As our UUA President Susan Frederick Grey has said, “As Unitarian Universalists, it is important to remember that our commitment to democracy is not just political or moral, it is fundamentally theological. It grows from our affirmation of
the inherent worth and dignity of every person and the Universalist understanding that we are all part of one creation, interconnected. These theological values of human dignity and interdependence are why we know everyone needs a voice in the matters that affect their lives.” We are prepared to join in collective, moral, faithful action to defend our democracy. We call on all of our country’s leaders and institutions to do the same. — Rev. Alice King, Minister Unitarian Universalist Church of Loudoun
Generous Community Editor: In 1947, a group of Marines recognized a need in this country and found a way to fill it—Toys for Tots. The program’s main purpose is to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s less fortunate children.” Receiving the gift of a shiny, new toy (something many take for granted) can make a tremendous difference in a child’s life. Because of the pandemic, the Loudoun County Toys for Tots, coordinated by Loudoun County Marine Corps League Detachment 1205, had to come up with a plan for the 2020 season that would make it safe for all involved and still provide toys to children in need. In a normal year, Toys for Tots toy collection boxes would be in place in lobbies of business throughout the county. All Loudoun County fire stations would have been main toy drop-off locations for the general public, and more than 300 volunteers would be in our warehouse sorting, counting, packing
and distributing toys. None of this was possible this year. Rather than collecting toys, thanks to the generous donations from the community and businesses, we were able to purchase the toys that were needed. To fulfill our mission of providing toys to children, we partnered with five nonprofits: Community Empowerment of Northern Virginia, Help for Others, LINK, Mobile Hope, and The Salvation Army. We channeled 25-30 nonprofit organizations that we normally provide toys to individually, through the above nonprofits. Each of the five organizations provided us with the total number of children registered with them to receive toys, which we then purchased and provided directly to the non-profit organizations for distribution to the families. A special thank you goes out to Interstate Moving & Storage for providing a place to store our toys. In addition, we are very grateful for the large donations provided by these local businesses: Century 21 Redwood Realty, Country Buick GMC, Gnosis Solutions Inc., Meadows Farms, MVM Inc., My Guys Moving & Storage, Navy Federal Credit Union, Patriot Group International, Red’s BBQ and Pizzeria, and Willowsford Cares. We are already planning for our next season which begins Oct. 1. If you would like to participate as a toy collection location or volunteer during the 2021 Toys for Tots season, please visit www. loudoumarines.org after Oct. 1, 2021. — Frank Holtz Toys for Tots Coordinator
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JANUARY 14, 2021
COVID policing continued from page 1 “We haven’t slowed down at all in the service we provide our citizens,” said Loudoun Sheriff Mike Chapman. While crime has dipped considerably— Chapman said part 1 crimes, or the most serious criminal offenses, were down 14% last year—the Sheriff said his department has used the opportunity to roll out some initiatives it hadn’t had the time to undertake previously. Those included a prescription delivery service for elderly residents, and a unique partnership with pizza establishments that offered delivery. As COVID has hamstrung departments and officers in being able to have direct, in-person outreach to the community, the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office worked with local pizzerias to place fliers on the tops of pizza boxes that provided contact information for those needing behavioral health services and the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter, for those who need to escape domestic violence situations. The fliers were printed in English and Spanish, and also included tips for staying safe during COVID and avoiding pandemic-related scams. LCSO Public Information Officer Kraig Troxell said deputies also placed cards in stores that sell gift cards to educate managers and employees on how to spot residents who may be the victims of a scam, as many scammers request payment via Google Play or iTunes gift cards. The incidence of scams has continued to rise year over year, Chapman said. Leesburg Police Chief Gregory Brown said “crimes of opportunity,” like online scams, extortion, identity theft and other computer crimes, were also on the rise. “Our seniors are definitely targets,” Brown said. “A lot of times they don’t have access to Facebook to see our posts. We’ve got to be a little more attentive to how to reach out to the aged population. We’ve got to get a little more creative.” Regrettably, both Chapman and Brown reported that one instance of crime was indeed on the rise in 2020—domestic violence. LCSO reported 670 domestic violence assault calls in 2020, up from 609 the previous year, or about a 10% increase. Both Chapman and Brown acknowledged that their agencies’ statistics or calls for service likely don’t represent the totality of domestic violence incidents, but they have stayed in close contact with LAWS and other community organizations to connect victims to resources. LCSO also has a dedicated Domestic Violence Unit that works
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
The Leesburg Police Department patch on the sleeve of Master Police Officer Greg Parson.
directly with the county government, LAWS and other organizations. Chapman said he is concerned about a recent rise in overdoses, which he attributes in some cases to isolation. In some ways, Chapman believes pandemic conditions made his department operate more efficiently. With large-scale gatherings frowned upon if not altogether prohibited during the past year, LCSO moved its quarterly meetings online, has expanded its social media outreach, and online crime reporting has increased. “We’ve actually in some ways become more efficient manpower-wise,” he said. In Purcellville, Police Chief Cynthia McAlister reported a dramatic drop in crime. Within the town’s nearly 3.5-squaremile corporate limits, crime from January through the end of October dropped by nearly 27% to 223 criminal offenses occurring in those 10 months, compared with a total of 304 criminal offenses occurring in that same time period the year prior, according to the department’s November 2020 monthly report. Most notable among the decline were the drops in family offenses, drunk in public cases, DUIs and narcotic-related events, down by 10 offenses, nine offenses, 30 offenses and 39 offenses, respectively. Larceny offenses by the end of October 2020, however, were up by seven compared with the year through October in 2019. With fewer people moving around amid the pandemic, there have been fewer crimes and fewer calls for service, McAlister said. “The slower pace of the community in general clearly causes less impact on law enforcement resources because there’s less interaction with people,” she said. “In our
situation, COVID probably subdued criminal activity.” Although there’s less crime, Purcellville Police officers are still writing summonses, just not at the same levels they were before the pandemic hit. By the end of October 2020, officers had written 207 less summonses than they had by the end of October 2019, for a total of 648. McAlister said that’s because her officers have been weary of the virus, although they continue to do their jobs protecting the community as much as they healthily can. “Are they hunting to pull people over and have that face-to-face contact with people? … they’re probably not,” she said. “They really slowed down in their proactive enforcement because of the unknown of COVID.” McAlister also pointed out that the decreased number of written summonses could be a result of the department’s short staffing, with eight vacant positions. The Leesburg Police Department does not make its annual crime statistics available until the spring, when Brown presents his annual report to the Town Council. The department submits its statistics to the Virginia State Police, which in turn reports them to the federal government. However, Brown did share that calls for service were down by roughly 12,677 compared to 2019. On average, over the past five weeks, calls for service are down between 22% and 28%, he said. Brown said most crimes in town were down in 2020, some dramatically, including vehicle larcenies. “With less people on the streets, if you’re on the streets shaking handles on a vehicle,
you’re more likely to get caught,” he said. Brown said the department has remained fully staffed since the pandemic began. He has been able to reassign the department’s six school resource officers to patrol or traffic management, since schools have been closed for the better part of the last year. Despite the decline in criminal activity, Brown underscores the need for his department to remain proactive, rather than reactive, a practice he has often stressed to the Town Council. “You can never fall short on proactive patrol,” he said. Brown said his officers continued to check in with school staff members and administrators, even with schools closed and students home, along with the town’s day laborer population, at-risk youth and juveniles. Even throughout the pandemic, officers still delivered donated furniture, bicycles, and school supplies to families identified as in-need, he said. Brown also said he was pleased with how his department responded to two large-scale protests in town in 2020, and expects that to be an ongoing endeavor for law enforcement locally and nationwide. The Leesburg Police Department was on the forefront of pandemic preparedness, having implemented its policy development in regard to COVID-19 at the end of February. Since then, many of its popular programs and initiatives involving in-person contact with officers and staff have been discontinued. For a time, even the lobby was closed to the public to keep department staff safe. Brown credits a significant amount of expert insight in helping the department craft a successful strategy for the past year. “It took a lot of networking, Webex calls, Zoom calls with other chiefs, public safety officials, health officials, fire/rescue, physicians, and elected leaders to make sure we could continue to do what we do,” he said. But, as the department has continued to be a model for community policing region-wide, Brown said he has been watching the metrics “like a hawk” in hopes that the department can eventually resume many of its popular services. “I’m looking forward to a decrease in metrics, decrease in the positivity rate. In-person programs, and our daily interactions with the public, is what Leesburg was built off,” Brown said. n Reporter Patrick Szabo contributed to this report.
JANUARY 14, 2021
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The Peoples’ Constitution
Riots at the Capitol
BY BEN LENHART
The riots and break-in at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, shocked and saddened the nation. They happened during a crucial—but normally uneventful—process whereby Congress counts the electoral votes to confirm the winner of the presidential election. But Congress’s effort to count the votes was disrupted this year by violence. These events are hard to fully comprehend—no one thought they would ever see rioters breaking into the House and Senate chambers. But these events are better understood against the backdrop of Constitutional provisions that were in play leading up to the Jan. 6 riots.
The Electoral College Under the Constitution, a group of people—known as “electors”—are authorized to choose the next president using the electoral votes assigned to each state. Article II of the Constitution states that: “Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress ...” Although not required by the Constitution, the states have long used the popular vote—the vote of the people—as the method to choose electors, and most states require electors to vote for the candidate selected by the people of their state. The 12th Amendment provides: “[t] he Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President … they shall name in their ballots the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for as Vice-President …” In other words, each state chooses its electors, and then the electors choose the president (and vice president) by casting the electoral votes assigned to their state. To win the presidency, a person needs a simple majority of electoral votes, and that number currently is 270.
The 12th Amendment and the Jan. 6 Vote Count The original Constitution did not require the electors to designate votes for president versus vice president. This caused confusion in the 1800 election because Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson (both from the same party) tied with 73 electoral votes, and it took a long and messy fight in Congress (helped by lobbying from Alexander Hamilton) before Jefferson finally won the vote and became
our third president. The 12th Amendment fixed this by requiring that electoral votes designate the vote for president and the vote for vice president. The 12th Amendment also provided—importantly for the Jan. 6 riot—that the power to choose the president falls to the House of Representatives if none of the candidates obtains a majority of electoral votes. But there is the twist: for this purpose, the House votes by state—with each state delegation having one vote—rather than by the normal majority vote. As of Jan. 6, 2020, Republicans controlled more than half of the 50 state delegations in the House, even though the Democrats had more House seats overall. The upshot: if the 2020 election were thrown to the House, then the Republicans—and presumably President Trump—would have the advantage. After the states certified their votes in 2020, President-elect Biden had 306 electoral votes: more than the 270 simple majority needed to win the presidency. Trump argued that some of Biden’s 306 votes should be disqualified because of election fraud or other problems with the election. If at least 37 of Biden’s votes could be disqualified by Congress—a very big “if ”—then, under the 12th Amendment, the House (with one vote per State) would decide the next president.
The 1887 Election Law and Trump’s Plan to Stay in Power But how could Congress legally disqualify at least 37 of Joe Biden’s electoral votes? The answer lies in the 1887 Electoral Vote law, which was born out of the chaos of the 1876 presidential election. That chaos was partly caused when some states sent in competing slates of electoral votes for President, and Congress did not have a clear way to resolve the situation. The 1887 law sought to solve this problem, and had several key features relevant to the Jan. 6 riot. First, the law creates a “safe harbor” presumption that electoral votes sent to Congress by each state will be considered valid if certain conditions are met (including, for example, the state meeting deadlines for vote certification). Second, the 1887 law set up a process for Congress itself to object to electoral votes. If at least one senator and one congressperson objected to a state’s electoral votes, and if—a very big if—both the House and the Senate approved the objection by majority votes in each chamber, then those electoral votes from the relevant states would not be counted. This provided at least a theoretical—if ex-
tremely remote—avenue for Trump and his allies in Congress to take away 37 or more electoral votes from Biden, and then—with Biden lacking a electoral majority—throw the matter to the House where Republicans had the advantage on Jan. 6. Third, although not stated in the 1887 act, Trump suggested that Vice President Pence, who presided over the electoral vote count, had the power himself to reject certain electoral votes, and achieve the same result—throw the final vote for president over the House (or send the votes back to the disputed States where, somehow, friendly legislatures would side with Trump). Either way—through Pence or through objections by Republicans in Congress—Trump and his allies envisioned a path—however narrow and flawed—for Trump to be declared the next president.
Riot vs. Democracy The problems with Trump’s plan were many. First, the safe harbor rule should have shielded Biden’s electoral votes from objections by Congress during the Jan. 6 count. Second, just before the Jan. 6 count, Pence rejected Trump’s invitation to disqualify certain electoral votes and stated: “I do not believe that the Founders of our country intended to invest the Vice President with unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes should be counted during the Joint Session of Congress, and no Vice President in American history has ever asserted such authority.” Third and most fundamentally, Trump’s plan would contradict democracy itself. Trump was correct that the 1887 Act provided a theoretical path for him to win. But that path, by design and by common sense, was extremely narrow. The Act gives Congress power to alter votes only under the most narrow and extraordinary circumstances, such as if there were proof of serious bribery of election officials (in sufficient numbers to change the result), or if some states failed to submit their electoral votes or submitted competing slates (as happened in the 1876 election). But nothing of the kind occurred in the 2020 election. To be sure, Trump alleged massive voter fraud sufficient to alter the outcome. But these allegations had been rejected by more than 50 state and federal courts, including by many judges appointed by Trump himself, by the U.S. Supreme Court, by state election officials including many who voted for Trump, by multiple recounts in swing states, and by Trump’s own
Justice Department. By the time of the Jan. 6 riot, Trump was left with mere allegations of fraud. These were no longer “untested” allegations, but rather allegations that had been exhaustively tested and rejected across the board. If the 1887 Act were interpreted so broadly as to allow Congress to overturn an election on this slim basis—on the basis of rejected allegations of fraud—then the Act itself would violate the Constitution on several grounds (including separation of powers by giving too much power to Congress, and the 12th Amendment, which directs that the states, not Congress, have most of the power to conduct presidential elections). If Congress had followed Trump’s plan on Jan. 6, and overturned the 2020 election, it would have taken the power to choose the president away from the people and given it to the political party that happened to control Congress at that time. As Republican senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said in opposing Trump’s plan: “If this election were overturned by mere allegations from the losing side, our democracy would enter a death spiral. We would never see the whole nation accept an election again. Every four years would be a scramble for power at any cost.”
Conclusion Some rioters said their actions were aimed at preserving democracy. In truth, they attacked democracy and threatened to destroy it. American has long enjoyed unprecedented success because we are a strong and stable democracy with more than 220 years of peaceful transitions of power. We have never had a leader use force to hold on to power, something which, sadly, is all too common in other nations. This invaluable track record was put at risk by Trump’s refusal to accept his election defeat and the ensuing attack on the Capitol at the key moment when Congress was counting the electoral votes. It is said that what does not kill you makes you stronger, and we all hope that this proves true for America after the events of Jan. 6, 2021. n Ben Lenhart is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has taught Constitutional Law at Georgetown Law Center for more than 20 years. He lives with his family and lots of animals on a farm near Hillsboro.
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