Loudoun Now for March 14, 2024

State Funding Uncertainty Looms Over Final Budget Decisions

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN AND NORMAN STYER agustin@loudounnow.com nstyer@loudiounnow.com

The Board of Supervisors on Thursday is expected to wrap up its review of the proposed $5.2 billion fiscal year 2025 budget amid continued uncertainty over one of its biggest pieces.

During its budget work session Monday night, the board was briefed on the status of the state budget which includes an additional $19 million in schools funding—more than enough to cover the currently projected $10 million shortfall. However, there remain questions about whether Gov. Glenn Youngkin will sign off on the General Assembly’s spending plan.

The School Board is seeking a $131 million, or 11.3%, increase in local tax funding as part of its $1.8 billion budget. The proposed county budget provides $121 million in additional funding.

Budget Director Megan Bourke said the uncertainty over state funding doesn’t just impact the board’s efforts to finalize its plan March 14, it also means county leaders may not have the real numbers until after the budget is adopted.

“At issue is whether or not the state revenue actually will exist on July 1. It doesn’t appear that we will know the answer to that on Thursday. It could be that we won’t know that information when we get to

Supervisors Reduce PDR Personnel in Proposed Budget

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

County supervisors last week cut two of the three positions proposed by County Administrator Tim Hemstreet to relaunch a Purchase of Development Rights Program.

In 2020, supervisors authorized the first stages of the program, which allows landowners to sell their development rights resulting in the land being placed under a conservation easement, restricting future development.

The three requested positions in the budget—a program development manager, a stewardship manager and conservation program planner—totalled $425,600.

budget adoption on April 2,” Bourke said.

Supervisors were presented with three strategies to address the situation.

The first option, which county staff did not recommend, was to assume $19 million more in state funding would be coming to the schools. Under that option, the county could reduce the local school funding increase to $102 million and reduce the real estate tax rate to reflect the

$19 million savings. Bourke said the risk of that approach was leaving the schools with $29 million gap after the tax rate was set, if they don’t get the extra state funding.

Other options would be to split the risk between the schools and the county gov-

BUDGET UNCERTAINTY

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“It’s three positions in two departments,” Planning and Zoning Director Daniel Galindo told the board during the March 7 budget work session, noting the two managers would fall under the Department of Planning and Zoning, but the program planner would be

POSITIONS CUT

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Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) listens to staff presentations during a fiscal year 2025 budget work session March 7. The board is having to work through the budget without knowing if the General Assembly budget that provides $19 million in additional funding for the school system will be approved by the governor or not.

Silver Ridge Investigation: Fire Marshal’s Office Imposes Restrictions on Southern States Propane Services

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office announced Tuesday it has imposed restrictions on the Southern States Cooperative branches that deliver and transfer propane in Loudoun County.

The action comes as the agency continues its investigation into the Feb. 16 home explosion.

The explosion of the home on Silver Ridge Drive in the Seneca Ridge neighborhood was the result of a leak involving a 500-gallon underground propane tank. The investigation showed that propane leaked into and around the structure and was ignited by a still unknown ignition source. Firefighters were on the scene investigating the leak when the home exploded, killing one and injuring 13 others.

LCFR Public Information Officer Laura Rinehart said that Southern States previously provided service to the home but declined to provide additional details.

“The LCFR-FMO is working directly with representatives from Southern States Cooperative, Inc. – Leesburg – Fairfax Petroleum Service (‘Southern States’) to review and update the company’s fire code

related information,” according to a March 12 statement.

Residents who use Southern States to provide their propane may experience interruptions to their normal service delivery, but Rinehart said no residents would be without propane if they are close to running out.

“Our first responsibility is to make sure that this company is safely and responsibly working here in Loudoun County and following all the rules and regulations,” she said of Southern States.

Rinehart said there is no timeframe for how long the restrictions will remain in place but that it depends on how quickly the company complies with the Fire Marshal’s Office requirements.

Tuesday’s announcement said the Fire Marshal’s Office and Southern States hope to have the updates completed as quickly as possible to help reduce the impact on the community.

Loudoun Now reached out to Southern States for a comment but has not received a response. n

Judge Sets Aside Ziegler Conviction, Orders New Trial

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

After nearly seven weeks of waiting to hear his fate, fired Loudoun County Superintendent Scott Ziegler on March 6 was granted a new trial by a Loudoun County Circuit Court judge.

Ziegler was convicted on the misdemeanor charge of retaliating against an employee during a jury trial last September. During a sentencing hearing in January, his attorney sought to set aside the verdict based on what she said was an error during the trial.

Ziegler’s attorney Erin Harrigan argued before Judge Douglas Fleming Jr. that the jury was improperly instructed on the elements of misdemeanor retaliation and that the Attorney General’s Office, which prosecuted the case, failed to provide evidence supporting an additional element of the retaliation offense—that

it was a knowing violation—and required more specific instruction to the jury. She also said the General Assembly didn’t intend for the alleged conduct to be a crime.

Fleming postponed sentencing to read each of the attorney’s motions on the matter.

In a March 6 opinion, Fleming wrote that Jury Instruction 12, which was agreed to by both parties during trial, left out an essential element that was required to prove Ziegler’s prohibited conduct a crime.

“The omission of an essential element of the crime charged is fundamental and should be corrected to attain the ends of justice” Fleming wrote.

Fleming said the instruction covered the elements of prohibited conduct as outlined by state law, however noted the law didn’t define a crime, rather “articulates prohibited conduct.” Fleming agreed with Harrigan’s assessment that the law

Battle Against Lanternflies Expands

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

April 6 will be a bad day for invasive spotted lanternflies. At least that is the hope of a new coalition launching the Scrape for the Grape initiative.

The community-wide campaign is aimed at protecting the county’s vineyards and other crops from the invasive insect.

Visit Loudoun is working with the Loudoun Invasive Remove Alliance, Cooperative Extension Service, and the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association to encourage residents to join in finding and destroying spotted lanternfly egg masses.

The team is looking to equip residents with credit card size scrapers and turn them loose across the county to search out and destroy the eggs.

stated prohibited conduct became a crime only when combined with the fact that the person “knowingly violated” the law.

“[A] knowing violation under this section is one in which the person engages in conduct, performs an act or refuses to perform an act when he knows that the conduct is prohibited or required by this section,” according to the State Code.

“Since such retaliation doesn’t become a crime unless the person knows he is retaliating against someone for expressing views on matters of public concern, or for otherwise exercising a protected right, knowledge necessarily becomes an essential element of the crime,” Fleming wrote. “Both counsel agreed to an elements instruction that permitted the jury to find the defendant guilty without finding that the defendant acted knowingly.”

ZIEGLER TRIAL continues on page 33

“They’re going to go look for the egg masses on trees, under rocks under benches, and literally just scraping off. Each one of the sacks holds 30 to 50 eggs. So, our goal is to remove hopefully a half a million lanternflies through this process,” Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erikson told the Leesburg Town Council on Tuesday night.

The volunteers also will be asked to tag the location of Tree of Heaven plants, another invasive species that is a favorite of the lantern fly, for later removal.

“One of the key parts of this is it has low impact and it’s also a way to engage these HOAs throughout all of Loudoun County,” Erikson said. “We think it’s going to be a really good and important project.”

Beth Sastre, a commercial horticulturist with the extension service who is helping to lead the project, said she has seen the invasion grow.

“In 2018, the spotted lanternfly arrived in Winchester and in 2019 we

LANTERNFLIES continues on page 33

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now A propane tank at the at Southern State’s Leesburg operations center.

Loudoun

County Employees Vote for SEIU Virginia 512 Union Representation

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

After a four-week union election, Loudoun County employees with the general government bargaining unit voted to join Service Employees International Union Virginia 512 with 78% of the employees participating in the election voting to have SEIU as their representative.

Preliminary results show that of the 1,766 ballots sent to eligible employees, 496 ballots were returned with 386 voting in favor of SEIU. The results will be certified by the labor relations administrator by March 14.

“This is a dream come true, we made history today,” SEIU Virginia 512 Loudoun Chapter Chair Julius Reynolds stated in an announcement. “I’m excited that my fellow Loudoun County employees took this important step and I look

forward to bargaining our first union contract where we can lock in the changes we need. Together, we will make Loudoun the best place to live and work.”

“I’m proud to see the collective voices of Loudoun County employees come through in this election, what an amazing accomplishment,” SEIU Virginia 512 President LaNoral Thomas stated. “They are now joining two million SEIU members across the country in the unrelenting pursuit of economic justice in this union. This is what worker power looks like. No matter your department or job title, this is a victory for all Loudoun employees.”

SEIU submitted a petition to hold an election last June. Following a monthslong review that drew criticism from union leaders,  county Labor Relations Administrator Keith Greenberg opened voting Feb. 7.

An election was also held for county employees in the labor and trades unit,

Veteran Manager Hired as Deputy County Administrator

Vincent Jones has been appointed as a Loudoun’s newest deputy county administrator effective March 14.

Jones most recently served as county manager in Warren County, NC, a community of just under 20,000 people on Virginia’s southern boundary.  Prior to his appointment as Warren County’s manager in 2018, Jones served as a deputy city manager in Portsmouth and deputy council chief of staff for the Richmond City Council. He also held senior positions with Seat Pleasant and Hyattsville in Maryland; Evanston, Illinois; the State of Maryland; and Orlando, FL.

In his new position in Loudoun, Jones’ responsibilities will include overseeing the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Community Services; General Services; and Transportation and Capital Infrastructure. He also will serve as a liaison to the Loudoun County Public Library.

who did not vote to select SEIU as their representative. Of the 160 ballots mailed, 52 were returned with 30 employees voting against SEIU.

After a five-day waiting period to the results can be contested, the votes will be certified and the clock starts on a 10-day period where either the county or SEIU may submit a written request to bargain with the labor relations administrator. Then, within 10 days of that request the county and SEIU must schedule dates and times to begin the bargaining process.

SEIU, or another collective bargaining representative cannot petition for another election with the labor and trades unit for one year.

The county’s third bargaining unit, fire and rescue, petitioned for an election in 2022. The International Association of Firefighters Local 3756 won that election and came to an agreement with the county. n

He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from William & Mary and a master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University. Jones is a member of the International City/County Management Association and has earned the Credentialed Manager designation.

Federal Funding Package

Includes $7.9M for Loudoun Projects

The bipartisan federal funding package that cleared Congress this week did more than avert a partial government shutdown. It also provides $7.9 million for infrastructure projects in Loudoun and gave a boost to the LAWS Domestic Violence Shelter.

According to announcement by

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Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

County employees gather on the grounds in front of the government building to rally for a union election Nov. 15, 2023. Last week Service Employees

International Union Virginia 512 won the election to represent 1,766 employees.

Jones

ON THE Agenda

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Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10th), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the bill carries $15 million in Community Project Funding for the 10th Congressional District. Loudoun funding includes:

• $4,116,279 for the Loudoun County Crisis Receiving Center to support the design and construction new center to treat and provide services for those experiencing a mental health crisis;

• $1,334,757 for Transite Drinking Water and Sewer Line Replacement to address known potential public health issue in drinking water and wastewater lines in the Town of Lovettsville;

• $1 MILLION for the LAWS Domestic Violence Shelter to help expand shelter services and capacity for domestic violence survivors;

• $1 MILLION for the Rt. 50 and Loudoun County Parkway Interchange Project to provide for the development of a new interchange and pedestrian pathway to reduce congestion and improve driver, cyclist, and pedestrian safety; and

• $500,000 for the Town of Leesburg’s planned W&OD Trail pedestrian safety lighting program.

This government funding package is expected to be signed into law by President Biden in the coming days.

EV Charging Stations Added in Bluemont, Middleburg, Sterling

Loudoun County has installed new electrical vehicle charging stations for public use at three county facilities in Bluemont, Middleburg and Sterling.

These stations will allow simultaneous charging of two vehicles at the Bluemont Community Center, two vehicles at the

Middleburg Library and three vehicles at the Sterling Community Center.

Users of the EV charging stations will be charged $2.10 per session. A session begins when the vehicle is plugged into the EV charging station and ends when the plug is removed or the charging process is complete. Payment can only be made at the charging station through a mobile app, which is connected to a credit or debit card.

These are the first county-owned EV charging stations not located at a facility used by commuters. Additional publicly available charging stations and new locations are scheduled to come online over the next year. The county also offers EV charging stations at the Harmony Park and Ride lot and the county’s two Metrorail parking garages.

A map of the locations of the county’s EV charging stations and information about plans to continue to increase the number of county-operated charging stations can be found in the Environment & Energy section of the Loudoun GeoHub.

County Opens Nonprofit Tax Exemption Forms

Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. is accepting applications from charitable nonprofit organizations seeking an exemption from Loudoun County real and personal property taxes for the 2025 tax year.

The deadline to apply for the exemption is Monday, April 1, 2024.

Most charitable nonprofit organizations are not automatically exempt from local property taxes in the commonwealth, even those that may be exempt from federal income taxes. Filing an application with the commissioner of the revenue is the necessary first step to obtain a local real estate or personal property tax exemption. Any tax exemption, if granted, would become effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Nonprofit organizations that have already been provided an exemption from Loudoun County property taxes need not file an application.

Organizations that are unsure of their taxable status may contact the Exemp-

tions and Deferrals Division of the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 703-737-8557 or by email.

More information, including a link to the application for property tax exemption, is available at loudoun.gov/taxrelief.

Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention Programs

Scheduled

The county is offering ongoing free mental health education and substance abuse prevention trainings in four categories.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Training will be hosted virtually Monday, March 18 at 5 p.m. and April 8 at 12 p.m. The training aims to raise awareness of the impact of potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. To register, go to loudoun.gov/childhoodadversitytraining.

Mental Health First Aid Training will be held at the Loudoun County Animal Services Animal Shelter in Leesburg March 21 and 22 at 9 a.m. and for adults who interact with youths virtually March 27 at 10 a.m. The training teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. Register at  loudoun.gov/mhfirstaid.

Opioid Overdose Reversal Training is available anytime in English and Spanish at loudoun.gov/rapidrevive and loudoun. gov/reviveespanol. REVIVE! is the opioid overdose and naloxone education program for the Commonwealth of Virginia. After watching a short video participants receive free naloxone nasal spray. A scheduled training will also take place March 18 at 12 p.m. Register at loudoun.gov/revive.

Suicide Prevention Training will be hosted virtually March 25 at 7 p.m. The training helps people recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to refer someone for professional help. Register at loudoun.gov/suicidepreventiontraining. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

A newly installed electric vehicle charging station at the Sterling Community Center.

Supervisors Send General Plan 5-Year Review Project Plan to Committee

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday sent a project proposal developed by county planning staff for a 5-year review of the General Plan that included seven issues it wants addressed to the Transportation and Land Use Committee.

Virginia state code requires localities to conduct a review of its comprehensive plan every five years.

Planner Rebekah King said the proposed plan, which is expected to take 11 months, focuses on seven issues including creating criteria for alternative uses for suburban compact neighborhoods, outlining expectations for contributions to attainable housing unit in proffer statements, improvements to text uniformity, defining and describing infill development, integrating the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan, land in regard to Accessory Dwelling Units and repurposing commercial, retail and office buildings for residential use.

The proposed plan has staff studying and developing the issues from April to September, a comment period in October and November and the Planning Commission conducting a review of the updates before they make their way to the Board of Supervisors next February.

The decision to send the proposed plan to the Transportation and Land Use Committee was proposed by County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large).

“In 2019 when we were doing [the comprehensive plan] we were doing a lot at one time and doing it very quickly because the General Assembly requirement was that we did it in 90 days and so we knew we’d have to come back and look at

things,” she said. She said sending the plan to TLUC gave the public a chance to review it as well.

Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said he was concerned sending it to the transportation committee, which he chairs, would delay the process unnecessarily.

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said he wanted to do a “deepdive” into some of the issues presented in the plan, specifically the infill development and repurposing buildings for residential use.

“I’ve already had some heartburn on some of the infill policy interpretations we’ve had on some of the projects as you know,” he said. “Just because those projects sometimes, although they’re important for us, they also create the most concern in neighborhoods because those residents have been living with the reality of nothing being there for a period of time and then we come in with something different and if it deviates too much from what’s there it causes some heartburn.”

Randall disagreed saying she felt the county’s infill policies were fine the way they were and just because a homeowner’s expectations were different didn’t mean the county’s policies needed to change, rather the communication around the policies needed to be improved.

“I think the issue is more for us to have those conversations with people. And so many times in our [comprehensive] plan, I think that’s been our issues is just the communication,” she said.

The Transportation and Land Use Committee will also be taking up a project plan for the county’s western Loudoun Land Uses over the next few months as well. n

General Assembly

General Assembly Approves 52 Bills from Loudoun Delegation

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The General Assembly 2024 session adjourned Saturday, with Loudoun representatives introducing 117 bills, 58 resolutions, and 90 budget amendments since Jan. 10.

Of those 117 bills, 52 passed, 33 failed, eight were incorporated into other legislation, and 24 were continued to 2025.

The bills included changes to gravel roads funding, data center regulations, education regulations, plastic bag tax revenue, firearms regulations, toll road changes, and local government regulations.

Bills that have passed now advance to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s desk for his signature or veto.

Two identical bills, introduced by Del. David Reid (D-28) and Sen. Russet Perry (D-31), that would allow highway construction district grants to be used for improvements, other than paving, of gravel roads in the state are heading before the governor this week.

Reid and Perry worked with the Loudoun’s citizen-led Rural Roads Com-

mittee, part of the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition, the Virginia Department of Transportation, county transportation staff members and other local representatives to create a new tool to improve the maintenance of the county’s over 250 miles of unpaved roads.

Two bills introduced by Del. Marty Martinez (D-29) will affect the county’s towns. The first will reallocate some revenue from the county’s plastic bag tax to the towns based on the local sales tax distribution formula for appropriations. The second permits Leesburg to establish a parking authority, potentially to help finance the construction of a new public parking garage.

Another set of identical bills that were not introduced by the Loudoun delegation but will affect county residents would prohibit localities from requiring disclosures in real estate listings. The only county-mandated disclosure in Loudoun relates to homes within the county’s Airport Impact Overlay District surrounding Dulles Airport.

Residential properties located in the lower impact 60 Ldn zone and for one mile beyond that zone must include a disclosure notice with each sale highlighting

the potential for airport-related noise. The bill could negate that requirement.

Bills that failed to make it out of the House and Senate include legislation that would restrict data center growth, reallocate infrastructure cost to high power demand users, and allow for the burying of some high voltage lines.

Many of those bills went before the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee which opted to delay those bills until 2025 pending a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission study on data centers and energy usage.

Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-32) and Reid introduced opposing bills relating to legislation for the Dulles Greenway; neither made it out of the House or Senate.

Reid’s bill would have moved oversight of the Dulles Greenway from the Highway Corporation Act to the Public-Private Transportation Act in an effort to reduce toll rates and implement distance-based tolling. It died in the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 13.

Subramanyam’s bill also focused

LOUDOUN BILLS

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Education Bills Advance to Governor’s Desk

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

While the status of proposed increases in state funding for school remains uncertain, Loudoun representatives had a hand in several education bills that are heading to the governor’s desk.

Del. Kannan Srinivasan (D-26) sponsored HB919, which directs the Virginia Department of Education in consultation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Department of Medical Assistance Services to develop, adopt and distribute a model memorandum of understanding between each School Board and a nationally recognized school-based telehealth provider. The bill also sets parameters for the provision of health teletherapy in public schools

and asks schools to increase the accessibility of school-based mental health services, according to Srinivasan in an email.

“It’s especially important as we navigate post COVID mental health challenges and a healthcare workforce shortage, and particularly essential for school divisions in rural areas with limited access to community mental health providers,” he said.

Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) sponsored legislation to create standards of learning and curriculum guidelines for research based hazing prevention instruction as part of ninth or 10th grade health and P.E. Del. Atoosa Reaser (D-27) sponsored identical legislation in the House of Delegates.

Del. Geary Higgins (R-30) sponsored a bill that would require the Department of Education to notify every school board in the state of its obligation to allow

Reid presented with Brig. Gen. Edward Hudgins Award

The Virginia National Guard Association presented Del. David Reid (D-28) the Brig. Gen. Edward Hudgins Award for legislative excellence during the March 6 Virginia General Assembly Military and Veterans Caucus meeting held at the Virginia Capitol.

The award recognizes Reid’s “exceptional support of the Virginia National Guard and his unwavering commitment to ensuring that Virginia’s brave women and men in uniform receive the resources and support they need to protect and defend our great Commonwealth and Nation,” according to the announcement.

“I’m honored to receive the Virginia National Guard Association’s Brig. Gen. Edward M. Hudgins award. As a veteran, our office has focused on legislation and constituent services to support our veterans and their families. This award is a testament to that commitment to our service members,” Reid said.

Reid’s efforts helped in the development and enactment of the statewide strategic plan intended to make Virginia the best state for veterans.  Reid sponsored that bill during the 2023 General Assembly session.

homeschool students to participate in the Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps programs offered by any branch of the Armed Forces in public schools. Higgins said in an interview there are many school districts that are ignoring the law and not allowing students to participate in the program.

Homeschool students who live in the Loudoun County High School attendance zone may participate in NJROTC, according to division spokesperson Dan Adams. If a student does not live within the boundary, they need to apply to the program.

Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-32)

EDUCATION BILLS continues on page 9

“As we continue to face unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, it is more important than ever to have leaders like Delegate Reid who are dedicated to supporting and uplifting our military personnel and their families,” VNGA President Chris Chon stated. “We are proud to have him as a champion for the Virginia National Guard, and we thank him for his service and commitment to our state and nation.”

Created in 2020, the award was established in memory of Brig. Gen. Edward M. Hudgins, a Virginia National Guard officer who served in a variety of high-profile positions during and following World War II. It recognizes the achievements and dedicated service of local officials, civic leaders, elected representatives to legislative bodies at the local and state-level, who in a position of great responsibility distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Virginia National Guard or to the Virginia National Guard Association.

Previous awardees are former Sen. Monty Mason in 2023, Virginia Del. Robert “Bobby” Orrock in 2022 and Del. Scott A. Wyatt in 2021. n

Loudoun bills

continued from page 8

on an attempt to lower toll rates by clarifying state code that the State Corporation Commission has the authority to lower them, not just approve or deny requested increases. Subramanyam said he held that back in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to see how the current rate increase request by the company that owns the Greenway turns out. The SCC is reviewing a petition to increase in the maximum tolls charged to most drivers to $8.10 during peak hours, up from the current $5.80; and to $6.40 during off-peak hours, up from $5.25. A hearing examiner will make a recommendation to the commission as the final step in the staff-level review of the request.

A bill by Perry that would require local governments to be more transparent about travel expenses died in a House committee after being adopted by the Senate on Feb. 9. The bill would have required elected officials to obtain a public vote by the governing body approving any travel that uses public funds and is expected to cost over $5,000. It also requires that officials inform the public if the final expenses

Education bills

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sponsored a bill that would allow middle and high schools to establish career and technical education student organizations, regardless of whether the school offers CTE courses.

Other education bills heading to Gov. Youngkin’s desk, include SB498, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy (D33), which requires the superintendent to notify parents of any school connected, verified overdose that happens on school property during or after regular school hours or during a school sanctioned activity whether it’s on or off school property within 24 hours of learning of the overdose. The bill requires the superintendent to give as much information about the event as is legally possible without disclosing the personal information of the student. It also requires a model action plan be established for each School Board to follow, including communication with the VDOE and local law enforcement.

The bill codifies the governor’s Executive Order 28 which requires schools notify parents of drug overdoses that happen at school within 24 hours of an incident. The order was issued in November

exceed the previously approved amount.

It was opposed by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, which came under criticism last year after three members traveled together during a trip to Ghana.

Similar bills introduced in the House and Senate by Del. Kannan Srinivasan (D26) and Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37) that would have required localities to permit the construction of second dwelling units on single-family home lots will not be advancing to Youngkin’s desk.

Advocates of the bill said it would increase opportunities for affordable houses. Opponents, including some of Loudoun’s towns, characterized the measure as General Assembly overreach into local land use that could overwhelm community infrastructure.

Youngkin has seven days from when a bill is presented to him to sign, veto or make recommendations on a bill. If he does not act on the bill, it becomes law without his signature, according to the Virginia Constitution. The House or Senate can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both bodies.

The constitution also states that in cases where a bill is presented to the governor with fewer than seven days remaining in the session, he has 30 days to act on the bills. n

after nine opioid related drug overdoses happened at Park View High School during the month of October. Four of the overdoses happened at the school, with Narcan—an opioid overdose reversal medication—administered in three of those cases and CPR being performed by personnel in two of those cases.

HB732 requires secondary schools to have two doses of Narcan at each school and gives immunity for any disciplinary action or civil or criminal liability to any staff who administers it regardless of whether they were trained in the administration of it or not. It also expands the list of who can administer the mediation.

SB142 directs the Virginia Board of Education to allow school boards to issue a one-year, nonrenewable teaching license to anyone with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning and who has experience or training in a subject area deemed appropriate by the School Board or superintendent. The license is good for one year only and can only be used in the division that issues it and the person seeking the license can’t teach special education. The bill will allow school divisions to hire professionals with years of experience in various subjects. n

Leesburg

Downtown Shops to Offer Discount Program for Locals

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Several downtown Leesburg shops have joined together to offer a special discount for Leesburg residents through May 31.

The Neighborhood Discount Program brings 20 downtown businesses to one place—a discount card—that allows residents to explore and shop with the added benefit of a 10% discount.

Tara Flynn, owner of Global Local and co-chair of the Leesburg Movement business program, said the card is a great way to reward area residents by saying ‘thank you’ for being there for us.

“We try to encourage our locals to come downtown and shop so we thought by offering this incentive to get a discount to thank them for keeping us going, it would encourage them to come,” Flynn said.

She said the idea came from visiting one of her favorite places in Florida that offered a similar discount program.

The shops are trying out the discount card for three months to see if the idea takes off.

Flynn said so far, they’ve had a lot of great feedback and they are excited to keep going.

Global Local is a boutique that opened

Town Launches

Water Line Survey

Residents in Leesburg’s oldest neighborhoods should expect to receive a notice from the town government with instructions to determine the type of water line coming into their homes.

It is part of the effort to comply with federal Environmental Protection Agency requirements service line inventory and replacement plan by Oct. 16.

The effort is focused on identifying lead lines that could present health concerns and were banned in 1978. The town staff isn’t aware of any lead service lines in the distribution system, but the town has no verifiable records pertaining to service line materials used prior to the 1970s. To date, the Utilities Department has completed the historical records research.

Of the 17,115 customer-owned service lines in the system, fewer than 2,000 have yet to be confirmed. Most of those are in the downtown area and the Country Club

in 2020. The shop just moved to its new location at 102 Loudoun St. SW. It features items by local artists, fair trade products and a candle bar. The new space also has a workshop where Flynn said artists will hold workshops to teach participants how to make some of their goods. The first one was March 9, and featured Lisa Holiday of

the Joyful Penguin and maker of the popular decoupage oyster shells.

Flynn said space for the workshop sold out quickly and she’s excited to offer more.

Co-chair Lori Tran, of wldwst, a design studio and boutique also on Loudoun Street, said the card is for all Leesburg residents, not just downtown residents. She

AROUND town

neighborhood. Residents in unconfirmed homes will get a letter with instructions on how to determine what type of line they have and how to report their findings.

Still unknown is what will happen if lead lines are found. Maintenance of service lines from the water meter to the home are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Council Approves Conservation Strategy

If the town is successful in implementing the Energy Efficiency Conservation Strategy the Town Council adopted Tuesday night Leesburg’s government operations in 2050 will use 25% less purchased energy than today.

The town also would convert 40% of its non-emergency vehicle fleet to alternative fuels by 2034.

Meeting the energy use goals would be achieved by reducing the purchase of electricity and natural gas, and generating energy through solar, biothermal or other

renewable option. For the vehicle fleet, the study envisions converting 14 of the town’s 35 non-emergency vehicles to alternative fuels. The plan also calls for a 10% reduction of purchased energy for the utility system.

The strategy was presented by the town’s sustainability manager, Deborah Moran. While the goals are non-binding, adopting the plan opens the town up for the opportunity to secure $76,000 in federal Energy Efficiency Conservation block grants.

Business Awards Finalists Announced

Nineteen businesses and individuals have been selected as finalists for the annual Leesburg Business Awards.

Winners will be announced during a May 1 program at The Home2 Suites by Hilton-Leesburg.

Awards will be presented in six categories plus a new People’s Choice Award with the public voting on their favorite business

said she hopes the discount card will get residents on the outskirts to come in and shop.

“We are all in this together. We might have different goods, services and be competitors but we are all in this together. We often share with our customers events that surrounding stores have going on,” Tran said.

The discount cards may be picked up at any of the participating shops and used throughout the three-month period. Proof of residency will be required to obtain the discount and the card does not always have to be presented at the time of purchase. Some exclusions apply in some stores, the discount card will have more details on what those are.

Participating shops are on Loudoun, Market, King and Royal streets. For a full list of participants, go to the Leesburg Movement Facebook page, facebook.com/leesburg.movement.

The discount program is being organized by the Leesburg Movement, an all-volunteer, nonprofit of the Main Street America program. For more information on Leesburg Movement, sign up to get a monthly newsletter at leesburgmovement@gmail.com or visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts. n

nominee through March 21.

NOMINEES ARE:

COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR AWARD: ResQ BBQ and The Body, Birth and Baby Center

INNOVATIONS AWARD: Double X Archery and Yudrio, Inc.

NEW/EXPANDING BUSINESS AWARD: Burn Boot Camp Leesburg, Enlighten Nutrition, Integrative Healthcare for Women, Shake & Bops Botanical Café, Shear Love Pet Spa, Sparkle Strands Fairy Hair, and The Dental Co. of Leesburg

ARTS AND CULTURAL AWARD: Creations by KK and The Global Local

NONPROFIT/PHILANTHROPIC AWARD: Best You Best Me, The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital, and The Loudoun Laurels Foundation.

THE GEORGE C. MARSHALL AWARD: Alexandra Gressitt, Joylyn Hannahs and Tina Johnson. n

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now Global Local employees Lauren Wilson and CeCi Stewart stand in the shop’s new location. Global Local is one of the 20 downtown Leesburg stores are participating in a locals only discount program where shoppers can get discounts just for living in Leesburg.

Education

Push to Put Speaker’s Back on Camera Backfires, Cameras Will Now Be Off

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

A proposal to resume showing public speakers on camera during School Board meetings backfired Tuesday when the board voted to turn cameras off completely. Under the new policy, the video stream of meetings will provide only the audio and closed captioning during that portion of the agenda.

The decision came down to a 6-3 vote on an amendment made by Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles), who said she did not intend for the public comment period to be used for political grandstanding.

Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) tried to get cameras turned back on public speakers during their comments, claiming not having them took away the speaker’s dignity.

The previous School Board stopped showing faces June 22, 2021, the day of a

highly charged meeting that drew a large crowd to speak on a draft policy on transgender student rights and grew unruly, resulting in one arrest. The previous board decided to stop showing faces out of concerns critics were using the forum to create attention-getting videos. Under that practice cameras remained, but transmitted an angle that did not show speakers.

Superintendent Aaron Spence said he understood the decision was made over concerns of “demonstrative behavior” and the previous board not wanting people on camera to be the focus point of public comment. He later said the decision was not made by a formal board vote, but rather a conversation between board leadership and the administration at the time.

Kari LaBell (Catoctin) asked if a formal vote was necessary to return to showing the speakers.

Spence said he didn’t think it was need-

ed, other than it was the current practice and said he didn’t think the board leadership was willing to change it.

Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) presented the request as an information item during the board’s Feb. 27 meeting and sought a suspension of the board’s procedural rules to vote on it. She was not successful in getting a two-thirds majority vote required to suspend the rules and the item was placed on the March 12 agenda for action.

Her effort ended with an amendment to adopt a policy of turning cameras off completely and have only audio and closed captioning available. That was approved on a 6-3 vote, with Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg), LaBell and Griffiths opposed.

Former School Board member Tiffany Polifko (Broad Run) also tried to reinstate the practice of showing speakers in October, but failed to garner support during a committee meeting. n

AWS Donates to Future Science Museum in Loudoun

Amazon Web Services donated $500,000 to the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation’s Launch the Future Campaign to help fund the Habitat Theater and Science on a Sphere exhibit at a museum slated to be built in Sterling’s Kincora neighborhood.

“We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has contributed to this transformational effort to create this educational resource for our community,” Foundation Executive Director Nene Spivy said. “It is our collective responsibility to develop resources that fuel our future technology workforce. This extraordinary collaboration with AWS and the many other public and private partners to create the Northern Virginia Science Center will enable exponential growth in STEM resources for families and schools in our region.”

The Northern Virginia Science Center, which is slated to break ground later this year, is planned as an interactive science museum and a place for discovery, innovation and fun for curious minds of all ages, according to an announcement.

“We are proud to host the region’s sci-

Recovery High School Bill Pushed to

Next

Year, Loudoun Still an Option

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

A bill that would have authorized school divisions in three regions to establish a recovery high school has been forwarded to next year’s session of the General Assembly.

The Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 14-1 on Feb. 26 to have the bill carried over. Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) was the only committee member to vote against continuing it.

“I voted against continuing it because I really wanted us to pass it and I was making it clear that this has been a big priority for the community and so it was my way of protesting that we want to move forward,” Boysko said in an interview.

Boysko said substance abuse disorder and helping those who struggle with it is something she cares a lot about. She has served for the past six years on the state’s Addiction and Recovery Council, formerly known as the Substance Abuse Services Council.

The council’s job is to advise the governor, General Assembly and the board of the Department of Health and Development Services about substance abuse matters. Members are representatives of state agencies, senators, delegates, and governor appointed agencies and advocacy groups, according to its website.

She said times are difficult for students and families and offering a recovery school to help students get back on track is the right thing to do.

ence center in Loudoun that will serve families, schools and communities across Northern Virginia, and visitors from all over the world,” County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) stated in the announcement.

To celebrate the addition of AWS as a principal partner in the museum project, the Foundation and its supporters

SCIENCE MUSEUM continues on page 14

The bill would have authorized school boards in Northern Virginia, Tidewater and the southwest to establish a school to help students struggling with substance abuse

RECOVERY HIGH SCHOOL continues on page 14

The Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation

A rendering of the Habitat Theater and Science on a Sphere that will be at the Northern Virginia Science Center that will be built in Sterling’s Kincora neighborhood.

Sterling Town Hall Brings More Discussion on Transgender Rights Policy

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

School Board Vice Chair Arben Istrefi (Sterling) held his first town hall meeting in the Sterling community March 6, bringing specialists in to talk about drugs and mental health services in schools. However, part of the crowd wanted to put the focus on the division’s policy on transgender student rights.

The current policy allows for students to use bathrooms and locker rooms according to their gender identity.

Istrefi addressed the group for about 25 minutes, introducing himself and talking about his first few months on the board and about the superintendent’s $1.8 billion budget and plans to build a new Park View High School.

Student Mental Health Services Director Jennifer Evans, division psychological Services Coordinator Charles Barret and Student Assistance Specialist Darren Madison presented information about the challenges students face today with mental health and drugs, the ways students are bringing drugs into schools, and what the division is doing to combat drugs.

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Evans gave a similar presentation to the School Board in February.

During the mental health presentation there were several questions raised by parents about mental health and how the division assesses counselors.

When Istrefi opened it up for questions there was two minutes left in the hour-long meeting. He took questions from several parents who wanted to know where he stood on the proposed revisions to the division’s transgender student rights policy and bathroom and locker room use according to gender identify.

He was asked questions by Mike Rivera, a School Board candidate in 2023 and Tiffany Polifko, a former School Board member, about where he stood on sexually explicit material being allowed in libraries and where he stood personally on the transgender rights policy.

Istrefi said he was not for censorship and said he needed to look at what the division has in place to protect kids from sexually explicit books. He also said he was open to discuss the policy more. Last month, a School Board committee voted to direct the superintendent to form community focus groups to discuss the policy.

Istrefi said there seemed to be no appetite for compromise when it came to the transgender student rights policy and said that made it really hard to talk about and work on.

“I think If we can figure out a way to work on this without again harming

anyone and figuring out how to do this with the proper discourse and sensitivity, because again I acknowledge this is sensitive,” he said.

Mike Clancy, a Republican candidate for the 10th Congressional District, asked Istrefi if he would support adding the discussion of the policy to the School Board agenda.

“There are large constituents of parents who want to see these polices implemented,” he said.

School Board policy states two additional board members must be in support of adding an item to the agenda.

Istrefi said school leaders were trying to take all the legal matters into consideration and listen to everyone. He suggested that, ultimately, the policy should be made at the state level, which drew an angry outburst from the crowd.

“I believe as a School Board to try to make this work for everyone, I think there is work to be done and it is a sensitive issue and oversimplifying it and making it black and white is dangerous for all sides so we have to be thoughtful about it,”

TRANSGENDER POLICY

continues on page 14

fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now School Board Vice-chair Arben Istrefi (Sterling) speaks during a March 6 town hall meeting.

Sheriff’s Office Conducts First Canine Drug Scan at Broad Run High School

The Sheriff ’s Office Friday morning conducted its first canine drug scan at Broad Run High School. No drugs were found.

The hour-long scan was done in collaboration with school administrators and the school resource officer.

Students were held in their classrooms while the scan was conducted, according to the announcement of the exercise.

“Stopping juvenile overdoses and keeping fentanyl and other dangerous drugs out of our schools is a top priority,” Sheriff Mike Chapman said. “Canine scans should be a deterrent to anyone thinking of bringing these drugs to school and will

add to our collective efforts to protect Loudoun’s students and their families.”

Additional unannounced scans are planned at all Loudoun high schools. The Sheriff ’s Office, the Leesburg Police Department, and school administrators have developed a confidential search schedule. The Sheriff ’s Office will conduct 16 high school scans, while the LPD will be responsible for the three high schools within the town.

For more information on substance abuse and support resources in schools, go to  lcps.org/opioid. For questions about the canine drug sweeps go to the frequently asked questions page at lcps.org. n

Division Honors Women, Military Children in Proclamations

On Tuesday, the School Board recognized Women’s History Month and the Month of the Military Child in two separate proclamations.

The Women’s History Month proclamation pointed out that 48.6% of students enrolled in the division are women and 77.3% of the division’s workforce are women and that the role of American women in history has been “consistently overlooked and undervalued, in the literature, teaching and study of American history.”

The Military Child Month Proclamation recognizes the month of April as a way to pay tribute to military families, their children and their sacrifices. There are more than 1,500 school-age, military connected children in the di-

vision who may experience separations through deployments, permanent change of station military moves and disruptions to their academic routines and friendships. Everyone across the nation is encouraged to wear purple on April 17, to show support for military students. Purple represents the blending of the colors of the five branches of the armed forces.

Division representatives also read proclamation’s marking March as Equity in Education month, and April as Autism Acceptance Month.

March 4-8 was also recognized as National School Breakfast Week.

One resolution and five proclamations were approved 8-0-1 with Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) abstaining. n

Transgender policy

continued from page 12

Istrefi said.

Ommair Butt, a member of the Sterling district who began speaking against the division’s current policy on transgender rights watched the town hall from his mother’s hospital room in New York. He said he felt frustrated at the lack of answers from Istrefi about where he stood on the policy and what he planned to do as a board member.

“People are frustrated by a policy set by individuals on a board we elected. The new board has the opportunity to do what

Recovery high school

is right for the majority, not the minority,” he said. He wants the entire School Board to hold a town hall to hear from more people on the issue.

The division adopted Policy 8040 Aug. 11, 2021, to be in compliance with the model policies issued by the Northam administration that centered around rights of transgender and gender expansive students. Under the policy, students are entitled to have access to restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity.  Youngkin’s model policies have updated guidance on bathrooms and parental rights including what some critics say are rolled back protections for transgender students. n

continued from page 11

disorder attend a nontraditional school.

Under the bill, the recovery school would operate year-round school, open to students in the early stages of recovery. It would provide academic, emotional and social support for each student in a nontraditional setting to help them continue to learn and earn credits toward graduation before reintegrating into a traditional high school setting.

It was sponsored by Del. Anne Ferrell Tata (R-99) and co-sponsored by Delegates Laura Jane Cohen (D-15) Shelly A. Simonds (D-70).

Loudoun County Public Schools could still get a recovery school if the budget amendment proposed by Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) which would give the division $1 million in FY2025 for startup costs and $1 million in FY2026 for ongoing costs is passed in the state budget.

Science museum

continued from page 11

including renderings of the Habitat Theater.

The space will host environmental education programs using audio/visual capabilities, including the Science on a Sphere digital display, which projects animated images of atmospheric storms, animal biodiversity demonstrations and other data.

“The Northern Virginia Science Center will be a place where visitors can cultivate a passion for science, technology, engineering and math,” AWS Vice President of Public Policy Shannon Kellogg stated. “At

“The budget amendment I am carrying for LCPS for a recovery school in Loudoun County is still very much alive and, as of this moment, still in the budget,” Perry said in a text.

She said Del. Kannan Srinivasan (D26) also has a companion budget amendment in the House that is still moving forward.

“The money allocated in the budget is specific to Loudoun County and not tied to Delegate Tata’s bill. By doing this through the budget process, we ensure we have the money and language specifically designated to LCPS for a recovery school,” she added.

A final budget review was done last week. Perry said she anticipates the money and language related to the recovery school for the division will be in the final budget for the governor to sign.

The 2024 General Assembly session ended last Saturday.  n

Amazon, we believe that it is spaces like this that can be launchpads of inspiration for the next generation of innovators and builders. We’re proud to support this bold initiative, which will be a world-class cultural resource for one of the regions we call home.”

The Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that operates the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall and STEM programs traveling to schools and other community venues across the region. The Foundation is developing the Northern Virginia Science Center in partnership with the Science Museum of Virginia through a public private partnership that also includes Loudoun County.

Learn more at novasci.org. n

Public Safety

Fire Marshal’s Office Wins 2023 Fire Service Award

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office was awarded the 2023 Excellence in Virginia Fire Services Award during the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium in Virginia Beach Feb. 21.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin presented the award for the office’s efforts during an incendiary fire investigation into an incident that occurred in 2017.

In November 2017, the residents of a Round Hill home called 911 to report an odor of gasoline. Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units arrived on scene and found the remains of a fire and requested

Leesburg Man Pleads Guilty to $488K COVID Relief Fraud

A Leesburg man pleaded guilty in Federal District Court on March 6 to wire fraud of COVID-19 business support programs.

According to court documents, Russell Laraway, 56, an Army Reserve officer, started two home-based businesses— Loudoun Innovation LLC and Commonwealth Commerce LLC. In April 2020, Laraway submitted loan applications through the Paycheck Protection Program, a COVID-19 relief program that was intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration to help businesses, nonprofits and other entities retain their employees or stay afloat during the pandemic.

In his applications, Laraway is accused of inflating the numbers of people his businesses employed and falsified payroll expenses and revenues for each company. Then Laraway sought loan forgiveness for some of the loans by falsely certifying that the money had been used solely for payroll or other authorized purposes. Investigators said he instead used the money “to engage in spurious investment ventures” and pay personal debts, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Of the $488,952 he secured in four loans, some of the money was paid to foreign entities in scams of which Laraway was a victim.

Laraway is scheduled to be sentenced on July 25 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

an investigation by the LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office.

During the course of the investigation, fire marshal investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and collected evidence from the scene. The evidence was submitted for examination by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science. At the time of evidence submission, no matching DNA was on file.

On Sept. 16, 2022, investigators were notified by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science that DNA collected from the evidence matched Darrell Seagraves. After obtaining a search warrant, a DNA

LPD Seeking Info on WO&D Robbery

sample was collected from Seagraves and re-tested. Forensic evidence, coupled with extensive investigative efforts, confirmed his alleged involvement in setting the 2017 fire.

Seagraves was indicted on Jan. 9, 2023, by a Loudoun County Circuit Court Grand Jury for one felony count of burning or destroying an occupied dwelling. On Oct. 19, 2023, Seagraves plead guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison with four years suspended for his role in the 2017 fire.

“I am extremely proud of our Fire Marshal’s Office for their work to bring

SAFETY briefs

The Leesburg Police Department is seeking witnesses to an assault and robbery reported March 5 on the W&OD Trail.

According to the report, the victim was riding his bike on the trail near East Market Street when at approximately 9:35 p.m. he was confronted by five males who pushed him off his bike, assaulted him, and took his belongings.

The suspects were described as Hispanic males. Four were dressed in all black, and one was dressed in some white clothing. The victim sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that could aid in the investigation to contact Detective M. Pacilla at 703-771-4500 /  mpacilla@leesburgva.gov.

Tips may be submitted anonymously at 703-443-TIPS. Information also may be sent by email to PoliceInvestigations@ LeesburgVA.gov, or by text to 274637 (CRIMES), begin your message with LPDTIP.

‘Deeply Tragic’ LPD Investigates Fetus Found in Pond

The Leesburg Police Department is investigating the discovery of a late-term fetus in a pond yesterday afternoon.

According to the report, the department was called to a pond behind Park

Gate Drive just after 4:30 p.m. March 11 where a resident discovered the body. The fetus was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

“This is a deeply tragic situation,” Police Chief Thea Pirnat stated. “We urge anyone with information to come forward, not just for the sake of the investigation, but also to ensure that those in need are provided appropriate medical attention and services.”

The agency is urging anyone with information about this case to assist with the investigation. Confidentiality will be respected, and any information provided will be handled with the utmost discretion, according to the alert.

The department also issued a reminder of the community resources available for individuals who may find themselves in distressing situations, including options for the safe and anonymous surrender of newborns under the Virginia Safe Haven laws.

Information may be provide by calling the department at 703-771-4500, calling the anonymous tip line 703-443-TIPS, emailing PoliceInvestigations@LeesburgVA.gov or texting to 274637 and begin your message with LPDTIP.

Hearing Set for Rt. 28 Crash Driver

The driver charged with causing the Sept. 18, 2023, Rt. 28 crash that took the life of a semi-truck driver pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter during a Cir-

this case to closure,” LCCFRS Chief Keith Johnson stated. “Thank you to the many agencies who assisted our Fire Marshal’s Office during this investigation, not only to identify the suspect, but for providing the necessary resources to assist in bringing this case to resolution.”

Established in 2002, the Governor’s Fire Service Awards, honors excellence in Virginia’s Fire Service and are facilitated by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, in partnership with the Virginia Fire Services Board. n

cuit Court hearing March 7.

Under the plea, Jose Antonio Padilla Espinoza, 19, of Charlotte, NC, faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

According to a proffer of evidence presented during the Thursday hearing before Judge Matthew P. Snow, Virginia Department of Transportation highway camera footage shows the Nissan Altima driven by Padilla Espinoza and another vehicle driving “extremely fast” on the highway before the crash. It also captures Padilla Espinoza making an improper lane change, striking the semi-truck and causing it to crash. The data recording in Padilla Espinoza’s car showed him reaching speeds up to 111 miles per hour prior to the crash.

The truck overturned and caught fire. The truck driver, Cesar Yepez, was severely injured and was airlifted to The Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The 33-year-old husband and father of two died from his injuries two weeks later.

As part of the plea agreement, three misdemeanors—reckless driving over 85 miles per hour, altering or forging a license plate, and aggressive driving— and two infractions—improper lane change and improper passing will not be prosecuted.

Prior to the guilty plea, Padilla Espinoza was set for a three day jury trial staring April 1.

Now, a sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 20. n

Tree of Life Celebrates New Location on Main Street

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

Tree of Life Ministries on Friday celebrated the nonprofit’s move from 21st Street to the former Valley Energy/bank building on Main Street with a ribbon cutting.

The event was attended by members of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin), Purcellville Mayor Stanley J. Milan, Sheriff Mike Chapman and Purcellville Police Chief Cynthia McAlister.

The organization was founded in 2008, and has been operating from the 21st Street location since 2011.

CEO Susannah Lee said the move to the former bank building, which has been vacant for the past few years, was due largely to the owner Bill Murphy, “who made it possible … through the generosity of his family.”

“Through prayer, volunteering and your financial donations, we are blessed to continue what Tree of Life began in 2008,” Lee told the group of supporters gathered on the front lawn.

Milan said the move would allow Tree of Life to serve more members of the town that needed it because the new location is easier to access and more public facing,

Nonprofit Miller’s Work Continues House Approves Pediatric Cancer Research Funding

and to serve more community members in need.

Randall said the service the nonprofit provides is vital, but it is the way they go about it that is truly important.

“One of the most important things is not just that you’re feeding people, you’re helping people, you’re clothing people, you’re housing people but as you do that, you’re making sure that those people keep their dignity. Because often when people come for help, they feel like they are coming with their head down and embarrassed and ashamed. And no one should ever be ashamed to ask for help and no one offering help should ever make anyone feel like less when they’re given help. And Tree of Life doesn’t do that. You make people know that they are worthy to be helped,” she said.

The U.S. House of Representatives this week approved the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, which would continue to provide $12.6 million annually to support pediatric cancer research at the National Institute of Health.

helping to spread the word about the services the nonprofit offers.

“This will be a ribbon cutting to sever the ribbon but it will be the opening of doors to those in need to come to this facility and get the needed help,” he said.

Director of Communications Jennifer Del Grande agreed and said she hopes having a location that is more front and center with the rest of the town will give community members the chance to learn more about what Tree of Life has to offer—both to garner more volunteers

Tree of Life holds community dinners on site every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. free of charge. The Purcellville location delivers food to 40 families a week in addition to their food pantry. The organization also has locations in Leesburg and Sterling, provides transitional housing opportunities, operates a coffee shop in Leesburg and a thrift store.

The nonprofit has made over 200,000 service impacts across its five branches of services including food, life skills, shelter, healthcare and relief.

Learn more at tolministries.org. n

Northern Virginia Family Service Expands Programming

Northern Virginia Family Services is expanding its Healthy Families program to Loudoun County to help promote healthy child development for families with children pre-birth to ages 3 or 4 Feb. 12.

The program is part of Healthy Families America, one of the nation’s leading family support and evidence-based home visiting programs, according to the announcement.

“Families access the tools, education, and support provided by our Healthy Families team that promote the well-being of children and foster nurturing relationships that are the foundation for lifelong,

healthy development,” President and CEO of Northern Virginia Family Service Stephanie Berkowitz stated. “We’re honored to now offer these impactful services to families in Loudoun County.”

NVFS is recruiting for a program manager to organize, implement and coordinate the services.

Designed to improve child health and developmental outcomes and prevent child abuse and neglect, the services are free and tailored to the needs and situations within home environments.

Pregnant women in the program are connected to prenatal care and more often deliver healthy-weight babies. Children

in the program are more likely to receive primary healthcare, meet developmental milestones, and engage with early identification and intervention services, according to the organization.

The program expansion is supported by the Virginia Department of Social Services, Families Forward Virginia, Loudoun County Department of Family Services, Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, and 100WomenStrong.

In addition to the Healthy Families program, NVFS serves Loudoun County residents through programs for early childhood education, community health equity (health access), community inreach, youth, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and trauma recovery. n

The Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program is named for the Leesburg-area resident who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and died in 2013 at the age of 10. Miller garnered national attention in her effort to raise awareness of childhood cancer during the final year of her life. She and her family established the Smashing Walnuts Foundation to continue that work, leading to the passage of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act and creation of Ten-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund that authorized $12.6 million annually funds for childhood cancer research. The act is set to expire at the end of this fiscal year.

The reauthorization bill sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Wexton (DVA-10) would increase funding to $25 million through fiscal year 2028.

“No family should have to face the fear and pain of their child’s cancer diagnosis, and the lifesaving work that the Kids First program is doing to research better treatments and cures is going to help make that day a reality,” Wexton stated in an announcement of the House approval vote. “I’m honored to help carry on Gabriella’s inspiring advocacy and work to save the lives of kids across the country courageously battling these horrible diseases.”

Since its creation in 2014, Kids First sequenced more than 55,000 genomes from over 21,000 patients in childhood cancer and structural birth defect cohorts and has established the Gabriella Miller Kids First Data Resource Center as a comprehensive data resource for research and patient communities meant to advance discoveries, according to the announcement. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

A crowd gathers at the former Valley Energy/bank building on Purcellville’s Main Street for a ribbon cutting to celebrate a new location for Tree of Life Ministries March 8.

Lisbeth V. Fye

Lisbeth V. “Vicki” Fye, Age 76 of DuBois, PA passed away Friday, March 8, 2024 at Pen Highlands DuBois Hospital in DuBois, PA a er a short illness.

Born on August 21, 1947 in Wilkinsburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Antoni and Rubina (Connor) Vosnick.

Vicki graduated from the DuBois Area High School in 1965 before graduating from California University in California, Pennsylvania with a degree in special education. Vicki earned her master’s degree from Clarion University in Clarion, Pennsylvania.

Vicki taught in Germany for the Department of Defense, as well as in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia. She nished her career as an elementary school principal in Leesburg, VA.

On November 9, 1968, Vicki married her high school sweetheart and husband of 55 years, Bruce Fye. He survives.

Vicki was a patient and giving soul. She was kind and very creative, and loved all animals, especially her cats. Above all, she loved her family and spending time and her grandchildren and baking them cookies.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter (Melissa Fye and her ancé Frank of Leesburg, VA), two grandchildren (Raymond and James Fortunato), a sister (Margaret Quashnock of DuBois, PA), numerous nieces and nephews, and her little black cat, “BC”.

Visitation will be held on ursday, March 14, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. from the funeral home with Pastor Kevin Orndor o ciating.

Burial will follow in Phipps Cemetery, Clarion County.

Memorials may be placed with the Loudoun Community Cat Coalition, P.O. Box 1960, Leesburg, VA 20177.

Online condolences can be made to www.baronickfuneralhome.com.

Death Notices

(Mike),

age 67, died on Sunday March 3, 2024. Mike was preceded in death by his dear parents Billie Jean and Bill Martin, his sister Deborah Nash, and his brotherin-law, Guy Reed. He is survived by his daughter, Taylor, his son in law, Marshall, his two grandsons, Keifer and Liam, and the mother of his child, Jodi Keiffer. He is also survived by his siblings Buddy Underwood (Ramona), Janice Lauer (Ted), Joe Martin, and Renee Reed.

A celebration of his life will be held in Tennessee with all of his friends and family.

of Round Hill died on March 3, 2024.

He is survived by Susan Bornt (wife); sisters Marsha Bornt (John Davis) and Debbie Willing; brother John Bornt; sisterin-law Brenda Bornt; stepsisters Pam Parsons and Jan Sapp (JC Sapp); nieces Cara Bornt-Davis, Lisa Bornt-Davis (Trent Kline), Laurie Bornt (Dylan Hodges), Joanna Fink (Mike Fink), and Shelby Bourquein; nephews Jeff Bornt, Jared Bornt, Joel Bornt, Richardo Bourquein, and other nieces and nephew.

He is predeceased by Eunice Bornt (mother), Marshall Bornt (father), Rachel Bornt (stepmother), David Bornt (brother), Larry Bornt (brother), Gene Bornt (brother), and Cheryl Bornt (sister).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to NOVA Parks https://www. cfnova.org/donate/nova-parks-fund) and Blue Ridge Hospice (https://brhospice.org/ donate/).

, age 98, died on March 9, 2024. Predeceased by her parents and husband William, Edna is survived by her son, Ted, her grandson, Nathaniel and his wife Maria, and her great grandson, Charles.A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, at Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road, NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 from 2 pm - 3 pm, followed by a short service at 3 pm. A brief graveside service will be held on Monday, March 25th, 2024, at 2 pm at Oak Ridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 25 Oak Drive, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438.

To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email sstyer@loudounnow.com

AROUND towns Towns

Milan, Rayner Envision Downtown Revitalization for Purcellville

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Purcellville Mayor Stanley J. Milan and Vice Mayor Erin Rayner announced plans for a “gas lamp” district in the downtown area along Main Street, 20th Street and 21st Street during the State of the Town address Monday night.

“Envision walking west bound on Main Street as you approach 20th Street and Nursery Avenue. You see a banner on a gas lamp that says, ‘Welcome to Purcellville’s Gaslamp District.’ There’s a map that outlines the entire district – downtown south, downtown north,” Milan said.

He described the shops already in the area including Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, Gruto’s Ice Cream, Bia Kitchen, Nichols Hardware, Magnolia’s Restaurant and Sweet Rose Bakery.

Rayner said the vision for a revitalized downtown was not just hers and Milan’s but the community’s, too. She compared their vision for the district to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

“In establishing a district like the new downtown we are conceptually proposing, a district like this in a town involves a series of steps that require careful planning, community engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders,” Ray-

ner said.

She outlined an eight-step process, from identifying goals to monitoring and evaluating progress.

During the State of the Town address, Milan said the past year had been “challenging and inspiring.”

“We persevered and have become a better organization with a renewed stronger commitment for excellence in serving

the community of Purcellville and the surrounding area,” he said.

He touted the 106 new town business licenses issued during 2023 including Parva Plastic Surgery, which relocated from Leesburg.

“The vitality and resilience of our town

REVITALIZATION

continues on page 19

Lovettsville Council Trims Budget to Equalize Tax Rate

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Lovettsville Town Council held its fourth and final fiscal year 2025 budget work session last week, finalizing adjustments that reduced the town’s expenditures by $68,500 and brought the real estate tax rate from 15.25 cents per $100 of assessed value to 14.75 cents.

The largest change is a move of $30,000 for a proposed clock tower renovation project from FY 2025 to FY 2024 using funds from the year’s budgeted unassigned fund balance. The project is now expected to be completed in May.

The second largest savings came when the council voted to eliminate the previ-

ously set aside an amount of $23,000 for a trash toter program proposed by Town Manager Jason Cournoyer. During a work session last week, the council cut the program from the budget but designated the funds as a restricted line item to use if needed.

A Town Green capital project expected to cost $22,970 was also moved to fiscal year 2024 and will be funded with American Rescue Plan Act Tourism grant funding that must be spent by the end of this fiscal year.

Council members Brandon Davis and Tom Budnar also volunteered to decline their $2,000 annual stipends.

Cournoyer said adjusting the budget to reflect salary declinations is difficult because of the council elections that occur

HAMILTON

Council Adopts 27-Cent Real Estate Tax Rate

The Town Council on Monday voted to keep the real estate tax rate at 27 cents per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2025.

No residents spoke during a public hearing on the matter before the meeting.

The town’s real estate tax revenue for fiscal year 2024 is expected to be $305,605. Keeping the rate at 27 cents will result in an expected $15,000 increase because of increased property values.

Council member Rebecca Jones, who sits on the town’s Finance Committee, voted against the 27-cent rate.

“Finance is recommending that we go back to the 28-cent tax rate that was in place for many, many years,” she said.

That rate would generate an additional $11,872 for the town. As an example, a single-family home assessed at $431,180 would pay $1,326 in annual taxes under a 28-cent rate and $1,279 under the 27-cent rate.

Council member Cathy Salter said home assessments had risen dramatically over the past year while salaries did not and she did not feel comfortable raising the rate.

The 27-cent rate was approved in a 6-1 vote, with Jones opposed.

MIDDLEBURG

in November, leaving half of the fiscal year with the potential for a different council that would be entitled to the salary.

“I’d rather have a preparation for the stipend that’s been afforded to you than not have it,” he said.

Davis said he is the only council member whose term does not end or who is not up for a special election in November. His motion was approved by the council.

The changes also lowered the Frye Court Service Tax District from 24 cents to 23.3 cents. The special tax district was established in 2009 to fund the “inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement needs” of the pump station at Frye Court.

The council is expected to adopt the budget at its March 20 meeting. n

VDOT Approves Speed Limit Reduction

As town leaders continue talks with the Department of Transportation over concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety, one change has been enacted.

The 25 miles per hour speed zone has been extended on the eastern edge of town. The change will slow westbound traffic coming into town sooner, with a transition from 50 mph to 35 mph starting at the Sam Fred Road intersection. An electronic speed sign near Jay Street will be recording compliance data as the town considers additional changes.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Purcellville Mayor Stanley J. Milan and Vice Mayor Erin Rayner pose for a photo following the State of the Town address March 11.

Sgt. Bridge, Dryden Join Purcellville Retirement List

Purcellville Police Sgt. Eric Bridge and Facilities Specialist Bob Dryden announced their plans to retire next month.

The news comes as Police Department Chief Cynthia McAlister, Sgt. Robert Wagner and Director of Engineering, Planning and Development Dale Lehnig also announced retirement plans in recent weeks.

Revitalization

continued from page 18

remains intact,” Milan said. “… Purcellville stands as a testament to the strength of unity and the enduring spirit of community as we create opportunities for sustainable prosperity.”

He said some of the town’s major accomplishments over the past year included securing property for the new water storage tank, approving a water supply purchase agreement, overcoming the late summer and early fall drought, vacating an easement to make way for a fourth ramp on the Rt. 7/Rt. 690 interchange, finalizing a 10-year contract with Comcast, and completing renovations at the town’s police department facility.

Milan also addressed the town’s finances and the upcoming budget work sessions, which will address the town’s increasing debt payments in the Utility Fund.

He said the General Fund reserves sit at $9 million while real property evalua-

AROUND towns

continued from page 18

PURCELLVILLE

Mini Forest Coming to Town

A mini forest is coming to South 20th Street after the town was awarded the Virginia Trees for Clean Water grant from the Department of Forestry.

The project team will use a protocol that includes planting native trees, shrubs, and herbs in a high density in fertile soil to promote rapid growth. The first phase of the project will include developing a detailed plan, preparing the area, recruiting volunteers, establishing a

Bridge has served with the Police Department for eight years and has over 37 years of law enforcement experience.

Since 2016, Bridge has served as a field training officer and an FTO coordinator. He is also known for his detective skills and case management.

In 2018, he was selected as the Purcellville Police Officer of the Year, a peer voted award. He also received a Meri-

Bridge Dryden

torious Action Award in 2024 from the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office for his criminal investigative work on a case involving the recovery of a stolen firearm

tions grew by 9.3%. The town maintained fiscal policy compliance in all funds and maintained a AAA credit rating.

“[Our] utility funds, which are water and wastewater, are not and have not been self-sustaining,” he said. “The town has been using reserve funds to pay for the deficit due to insufficient rate increases for many years,” he said.

He told residents that water and wastewater rate increases were coming in fiscal year 2025.

“Unfortunately, structural balance has not been achieved because we were limiting increases in utility rates at the same time revenues from availabilities dramatically declined,” he said.

While there are many positive happenings, Milan the true state of the town is defined by resilience and unity of the community.

“I am confident that we will persevere and overcome any obstacles. We can accomplish this by planning for the future,” he said. “Purcellville, you’re a small town where history and progress intersect, and people prosper and thrive. Community first, citizens always.” n

water source, and purchasing native plants. Phase two will include planting the mini forest, which will take place Saturday, Oct. 5, to kick off the annual weeklong Celebrate Purcellville.

For more information or to sign up to help with the planting, go to purcellvilleva.gov.

ROUND HILL

Wilmoth Joins Utility Staff

The town is restructuring its utility staffing and last week got a boost with the hiring of Greg Wilmoth.

Wilmoth has experience running the water and sewer treatment systems in Lovettsville and Hamilton, where he also is a member of the Town Council and former mayor.

that had fallen into the hands of a juvenile who made credible threats to use the weapon.

Dryden has spent 27 years with the town, starting as a zoning technician in the Community Development Department.

In 2010, Dryden transitioned into the role of maintenance technician, and he assumed the position of facilities specialist within the Engineering, Planning & Development Department in 2020.

Dryden also served as the town’s fire chief for 13 years. n

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

DYLAN WOELFEL

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

TAYLOR SHEPPARD

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 14

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

BETHANY GATES

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, March 14

City Tap Loudoun, 20376 Exchange St., Ashburn. citytap.com/menus-loudoun-virginia

SHANE GAMBLE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 15

Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 Little River Turnpike, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

ROB HOEY

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 15

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

MARK CULLINANE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 15

Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville. twotwistedposts.com

CARY WIMBISH

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 15

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

GEORGE KATSOS

5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 15

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. willowcroftwine.com

SUMMER & ERIC

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 15

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

LOUDOUN YOUTH BATTLE

OF THE BANDS FINAL

6 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 15

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $8. tallyhotheater.com

MELANIE PEARL

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 15

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 21

Breaux, O1V Wines Win Governor’s Case Slots

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The annual celebration of Virginia’s wine industry was capped this year with the selection of two Loudoun wines for inclusion in the 2024 Governor’s Case.

Breaux Vineyard’s 2019 The Fog Nebbiolo Reserve and October One Vineyard’s 2022 Albariño were selected from among 137 gold-ranked wines to be included among 12 best in the commonwealth.

King Family Vineyards in Albermarle County took the top prize, the Governor’s Cup, for its 2019 Meritage.

The top awards were announced March 7 during a gala in Richmond.

In this year’s competition, judges gathered at Breaux Vineyards near Hill-

sboro in January to taste more than 750 entries—with 137 wines from 79 wineries earning gold medal ratings.

Sixteen Loudoun County wineries earned 27 gold medals. The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyard, the first Loudoun winery to win the cup in 2017, led the pack with four gold ratings. Breaux Vineyards and Sunset Hills Vineyard each scored three golds.

For October One, it was Bob and Loree Rupy’s highest award in the statewide competition—thanks to 2022’s banner grape harvest that allowed them to enter their most popular wine.

Contestants are required to have 50 cases of each entered wine available.

“We have never had enough produced to allow us to enter,” Bob Rupy said. “We were able to pull that off for the ’22 because that was the largest pro-

duction line we’ve ever had.”

Even then, they held back sales of the Albariño during the year to make sure they would have enough on hand.

As for securing a top accolade, “I’m not surprised at all,” Loree Rupy said, noting the wine has been a clear favorite of their customers.

October One is among a few vineyards in the state that grow Albariño, with just under one acre of the vines planted on the slope of the Blue Ridge in Bluemont.

Albariño typically is grown in Spain and Portugal and differs from the French varieties and hybrids found at most Loudoun wineries.

The couple were introduced to the

GOVERNOR’S CUP continues on page 23

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Bob and Loree Rupy pose with a bottle of their gold medal 2022 Albariño that was selected for Governor’s Case honors this year.

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 20

MELISSA QUINN FOX

6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 15

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

MICHELLE HANNAN & ONE BLUE NIGHT

6 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 15

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

THE BEATOLDS BAND

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 15

Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewery.com

GABE MATTHEWS

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 15

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseashburn.com

BETHANY GATES

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 15

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhousesouthriding.com

KAREEM MCCULLOUGH/DOM THE COMPOSER

7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 15

Leesburg Listening Room $20. facebook.com/leesburg.movement

HOMEY DON’T PLAY DAT

8 to 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 15

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

THE ROWDY ACRES

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 15

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

THE ROADDUCKS

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 15

The Branch, 49 Catoctin Circle SE., Leesburg. bowlthebranch.com

NEW LEGACY BLUES

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

ERIC CAMPBELL

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com

LINDA ANDERSEN

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

PETE LAPP

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearschasebrew.com

DEREK KRETZER AND BAND

1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, 38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford. wheatlandspring.com

VA IRISH FEST

1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 16

One Loudoun, 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn. $25. vairishfest.com

JASON MASI

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

CHRIS BONE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com

CHRIS COMPTON

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 Little River Turnpike, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com

ROOK RICHARDS

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16

8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford.

8chainsnorth.com

STEVE GEORGE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

DAN FISK

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 Little River Turnpike, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

DAVE MININBERG

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

THE DISTANCE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Lost Rhino Brewing Co, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com

MISSION ROAD

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

JASON MASI

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

LAURA CASHMAN

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

SCOTT KURT

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Notaviva Farm Brewery, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro. notaviva.com

JAKE PHILLIPS

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

STEVE BOYD & FRIENDS

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

MURPHY’S LAW

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

BOURBON MOON

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchase.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 22

Best Bets

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 21

ELEMENTS OF KINDRED

7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View

LOUDOUN YOUTH BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Friday, March 15, 6 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

See Loudoun’s next generation of performers on the big stage as the 19th annual Loudoun Youth Battle of the Bands. The program is sponsored by Loudoun Youth Inc. and the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.

Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseashburn.com

SCOTT KURT

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 16 Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhousesouthriding.com

BAROQUE CHAMBER QUARTET

7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 16 Shiloh Manor Farm, 14781 Berlin Turnpike, Purcellville. $100 shiloh-manor.com

ON EASY STREET

Friday, March 15, 6-9 p.m.

C’est Bon by Savoir Fare savoirfarelimited.com

The fun quartet performs familiar jazz tunes, blues, and variety of favorites at an intimate Round Hill venue.

THE UNION UNDERGROUND

Sunday, March 17, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

The Texas-based band caps a night of metal rock performances with Soil, RA and Flaw joining the bill.

DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD

7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16 Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts. $25. luckettsbluegrass.org

THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20 to $55. tallyhotheater.com

CROOKED JACK

8 to midnight Saturday, March 16

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankypub.com

CAVEMAN TV

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

40TH ST PATRICK’S DAY AT SPANKY’S SHENANIGANS

8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, March 17 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

STELLAR RIDE

12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

JASON MASI

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 Little River Turnpike, Aldie. quattrogoobas.com

MATT BURRIDGE

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com

SHANNON LEIGH AND THE GOOD BYGONES

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

ROBERT MABE & FRIENDS

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

HUBIE G FROM LOST CORNER VAGABONDS

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 Little River Turnpike, Leesburg.

bleufrogvineyards.com

JANINE WILSON

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

RED SAMMY

2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

CHRIS HANKS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

JOEY HAFNER

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

NATHANIEL DAVIS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

DANIEL MENSH

2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 17

The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. bungalowlakehouse.com

KEN WENZEL

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

ROWDY ACE BAND

4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewery.com

THE UNION UNDERGROUND, SOIL, RA & FLAW

6 to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. tallyhotheater.com

SCOTT KURT

5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 20

Lost Rhino Brewing Co, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn.

Governor’s Cup

continued from page 20

grape by Jennifer McCloud at her Chrysalis Vineyards near Middleburg almost two decades ago.

“Jenny was like the first in the county to plant it. We loved that fruit and when we tasted it, it was like ‘Hey, this is good,’” Bob Rupy said.

The couple’s entry into the wine industry began when Bob’s college friend Mark Zurschmeide decided to start a winery near his family’s farm in Bluemont.

“Mark was probably the second person I met at school. He was looking at a piece of property he had, and we talked about going into business together. That was 2006,” Bob Rupy said. “He’s a farmer. He knows the land. He and I were sitting at a picnic table, and we were like, well who’s gonna make the wine? And I was like, well, I guess I could.”

Bluemont Vineyards opened in 2007 with Loree working in the tasting room and Loudoun wine guru Doug Fabbioli helping with the winemaking. “He’s been our teacher and still is,” he said. “We just dove in.”

In 2015, the Rupys ventured out on their own with October One Vineyard and established a 30-acre vineyard near Bluemont.

Since 2017, Nate Walsh, of Walsh Family Wines, has been the Rupy’s winemaker—including for the award-winning entry. The vineyard this year also won a silver medal for its 2022 Viognier.

In 2022, after years of selling wine at farmer’s markets and pop ups, they opened a tasting shop on Loudoun Street in downtown Leesburg.

“We love downtown and we saw a lot of things changing, some of this cool stuff happening,” Bob Rupy said of the deci-

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 22

lostrhino.com

JASON MASI

6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 20

The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhideaway.com

RICHARD WALTON

7 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, March 20

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

RED NOT CHILI PEPPERS

8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, March 21

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St. SW., Leesburg. $15 to $35.

tallyhotheater.com

sion to open a tasting room of their own.

“It’s a kind of a California thing. They do that all over in Napa and Sonoma where they have the storefronts without the vineyards behind them,” Loree Rupy said. “I think we’re one of the very few that has done this and also showcases other Virginia wines. I think people are very excited to have something like that.”

For Breaux, it was the third time its wines made the Governor’s Case in as many years. It is the second time the vineyard’s Nebbiolo has been selected for the honor.

The Italian grape, which thrives at the

HAPPENINGS

DISCOVERING TREASURES TOUR

11 a.m. to noon Friday, March 15 Morven Park, 17269 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. $15 to $25. morvenpark.org

THE GRUMPY BUNNY

7 p.m. March 15; 2 & 4 p.m. March 16; 2 & 4 p.m. March 17

A Place to Be, 1600 Village Market Blvd. SE. Leesburg. $5. aplacetobeva.org

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16

Leesburg Park & Ride, 41951 Gourley Transit Drive, Leesburg. loudoun.gov/hhw

BLUEMONT SHAMROCK 5K/10K

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16 Great Country Farms, 34345 Snickersville Turnpike,

vineyard on the western slope of Short Hill Mountain, is notable for its long growing season—one of the first to bud and last to harvest each season.

The vineyard’s Meritage and Nebbiolo are consistently top-ranked wines. It’s 2017 Meritage and 2019 Meritage also earned gold medals this year and its 2019 Nebbiolo won silver, along with its 2020 Cabernet Franc Reserve, 2022 Rosé, 2022 Sauvignon Blanc and 2022 Six Degrees.

The 2019 The Fog Nebbiolo Reserve was created through a process that included drying the harvested grapes for three and a half weeks, a raisining process that builds the sugars and concentrates the flavors, and then aging the wine for 18 months in barrels of French and American oak. Winemaker, Josh Gerard, who left the vineyard last year, describes the wine as “a very big, juicy, mouthful of wine with a nice long finish.”

But this year wasn’t just about winning awards for Jennifer Breaux, president and general manager of the family’s 400-acre operation with more than 100 acres of vines and 17 varieties.

She also serves as vice president of the Virginia Wineries Association and the committee that manages the annual competition. This year, the association transitioned to a new program under the direction of wine writer Frank Morgan. That included holding the first and final rounds of judging in Loudoun for the first time in the Breaux tasting room.

“It was one of the best run competitions I’ve been part of in several years,” Breaux said.

But the event is more of a collaboration than a contest—a relationship that is on display during the awards gala, she said.

“It’s a competition but we all celebrate one another,” Breaux said. “Largely we are champions for one another and you could feel it in that room.” n

Bluemont. bluemontshamrockrace.com

PROM WISHES

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16 Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road NW., Leesburg. sites.google.com/site/jwcloudoun

NATURE PLAYTIME

10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16 Morven Park Gate House, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

LOUDOUN SYMPHONY: PASSIONATE LANDSCAPE

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16

St. David’s Episcopal Church and School, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. $35. loudounsymphony.org

SAINT PATRICK’S DONUT SUNDAY

8 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 17

Saint Theresa Catholic Church, 21370 Saint Theresa Lane, Ashburn. sainttheresaparish.com

Loudoun

Brewing

Pay Tribute to Firefighter in Beer Fundraiser

The community continues to rally around firefighters and families impacted by the Feb. 16 explosion of a home in Sterling.

On Friday afternoon, Loudoun Brewing Company will release a limited-edition beer named in honor of Trevor Brown, the volunteer firefighter killed in the incident.

All money collected from the sale of Trevor Brown Ale will be donated to the Loudoun First Responders Foundation, which is spearheading the community support for the families.

“This is all just to be part of the community and give back,” brewer Phil Fust said. “We can’t give enough to somebody who’s lost a loved one—a husband, father, son, all the things that he was. It’s just sad stuff.”

The special beer release event will begin at 5 p.m. March 15. Loudoun Brewing Company is located at 310 E. Market St. in Leesburg.

SIP AND PAINT

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17

Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville. twotwistedposts.com

WOODCOCK WALK

6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 23711 Kinston Ferry Terrace, 23711 Kinston Ferry Terrace, Ashburn. loudounwildlife.org

TRIVIA NIGHT

7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 19

Ion International Training Center, 19201 Compass Creek Parkway, Leesburg. ionarena.com

NATIVE PLANTS: MEDICINAL AND FOOD APPLICATIONS

7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 21, Loudoun County. loudounwildlife.org

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Loudoun Brewing Company will donate all sales of its Trevor Brown Ale to support first responders and their families.

Contributed

Jennifer Breaux holds the 2019 The Fog Nebbiolo Reserve that ranked amongst the top 12 entries in this year’s Governor’s Cup competition.

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, March 26, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

CPAM-2022-0001

AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN TO ESTABLISH THE ST. LOUIS VILLAGE PLAN

(Comprehensive Plan Amendment)

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-2225 and 15.2-2229, and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors on April 20, 2021, the Planning Commission hereby gives notice of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPAM) to amend the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (2019 GP) and the Loudoun County 2019 Countywide Transportation Plan (2019 CTP), in order establish the St. Louis Village Plan (St. Louis Plan) as a new component of the 2019 GP. The Saint Louis Plan would establish policies and actions with respect to: land use, historic preservation, infrastructure, and community enhancements, and define geographic boundaries of the St. Louis Plan as reflected in the Small Area Plan Map. In addition, the St. Louis Plan would allow for future amendment(s) to the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The proposed CPAM includes, without limitation, the following:

Proposed Loudoun County 2019 General Plan Amendments:

Amendments to Chapter 1- Introduction:

• Amend Chapter 1 - Relationship to Other Planning Documents - to incorporate reference to the St. Louis Plan.

Amendments to Chapter 2 – Introduction:

• Amend Chapter 2 - Rural Historic Village - to include a reference that adopted Village Small Area Plans are components of the 2019 GP.

Amendments to the Loudoun County 2019 Countywide Transportation Plan-Maps:

• Revise the 2019 CTP maps to amend the existing village boundaries to reflect the updated Small Area Plan Boundary for St. Louis.

The CPAM proposes revisions to other Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the 2019 GP as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments to update crossreferences to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned section(s) of the 2019 GP

The Village of Saint Louis to which the CPAM would apply, is located within the Little River Election District in the Rural Policy Area. The boundaries of the St. Louis Plan are generally described as Pothouse Road (Route 745) to the east; Welbourne Road (Route 743) to the south; and Beaver Dam Creek to the north; and Takaro Farm Lane to the west and are more particularly shown on the map included as part of this published notice.

DOAM 2024-0001 AMENDMENTS TO THE LOUDOUN COUNTY FACILITIES STANDARDS MANUAL

VIRGINIA EROSION AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Development Ordinance Amendment)

Pursuant to the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act (§62.1-44.15:24 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Permit Regulations (9VAC25-875 et seq.), and Guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (“State Law”), and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on March 5, 2024, notice is hereby given of proposed amendments to the Loudoun County Facilities Standards Manual (FSM) that are necessary to establish a Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program (VESMP). The County is required to establish such a Program by July 1, 2024. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with proposed amendments to Chapter 1096 and Chapter 1220 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments generally would revise requirements in order to 1) consolidate erosion and sediment control and stormwater management standards, 2) establish new standards in regard to gabion baskets and expand the use of the methods required for determining the Seasonal High Water Table, and 3) revise and clarify existing standards pertaining to stormwater management. These amendments will propose revisions to Chapters 1, 5, 7, and 8 of the FSM, and such other Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the FSM as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typos within, update internal cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned Chapters of the FSM. The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes listed in Section 15.2-2200 of the Code of Virginia and to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development.

Description of proposed amendments to all sections of the FSM, to include without limitation, the following:

• Update and correct references to other Federal, State, and local regulations, reference materials, Departments, and Agencies.

Description of proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 1, Authority, to include without limitation, the following:

• Amend Section 1.100, General, to add a cross-reference to the Loudoun County Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance, and revise grandfathering for technical criteria requirements set forth in Chapter 1096 of the Codified Ordinances.

• Amend Section 1.300, Necessary Reference Material, to add a reference to the Virginia Department of Transportation Drainage Manual.

Description of proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 5, Water Resource Management, to include without limitation, the following:

• Amend Section 5.200, Design Standards, to include the VDOT Road and Bridge Standards as a reference document.

• Amend Table 1, “Preferred Design Reference”, to delete “Applicable Area” as a preferred design reference.

• Amend Table 2, “Easements”, to replace proprietary names with generic names for underground stormwater management structures.

• Amend Section 5.220, Hydraulic Design, Storm Sewers/Culverts, to incorporate level spreader standards from the Virginia BMP Clearinghouse and clarify design standards for rigid lip.

• Amend Section 5.225, Stormwater Management-General Criteria, General Criteria, to clarify the permitted density for residential areas where underground stormwater management facilities are permitted and establish new standards for Gabion Baskets.

• Amend Section 5.225, Stormwater Management-General Criteria, Facility Design Standards, to add standards for reduction of the low-flow orifice diameter for permanent pool areas, clarify standards for reduction of the low-flow orifice diameter for non-permanent pool areas, and clarify the application of seasonal high water table standards to the design of additional stormwater management plan elements.

• Amend Section 5.230, Stormwater Management-Technical Criteria, Water Quality Criteria, to delete the nonpoint source pollutant load standard for the Goose Creek Reservoir Protection Area.

• Establish new Section 5.300, Erosion Control, to incorporate standards being relocated from Section 7.600.

• Establish new Section 5.500, References for Chapter 5, to establish a new list of Chapter references.

Description of proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 7, Environmental Design Standards, to include without limitation, the following:

• Relocate Section 7.600, Erosion and Sediment Control, in its entirety to new Section 5.300, Erosion and Sediment Control.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, or amendments for each item listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications and land use ordinances may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www. loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5).

Legal Notices

Planning Commission work sessions and public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Public hearings and work sessions are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views during the public hearing. Public comment will be received only for those items listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5) prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing; however, speakers may also sign-up at the public hearing. Written comments concerning any item before the Commission are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, P.O. Box 7000 Leesburg, VA 20177-7000, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten (10) copies for distribution to the Commission and for the Clerk’s records. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun. gov/landapplications. 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 to request additional time to speak on behalf of such organization.

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS MANUAL (DCSM) an incorporated portion of the SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS OF LEESBURG, VIRGINIA

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204, 15.2-2240 et seq., 15.2-2251 and 15.2-2253 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the Leesburg Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on:

Thursday, March 21, at 7:00 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176

to consider amendments to the following provisions of the Town’s Design and Construction Standards Manual (DCSM):

• Article 4 (Sewage and Solid Waste Disposal), Section 4-130 (Design Criteria)

• Article 2 (Fire and Water Regulation Details), Drawings:

• Article 4 (Sewage and Solid Waste Disposal Details), Drawings SD-5 (Conduit Bedding – Sewer Lines)

• Appendix A (Construction Standards), Article 2 (Water and Fire Regulation (GN-WS Details)), Drawings:

Regularly scheduled Planning Commission public hearings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. In the event the public hearing cannot be conducted on that date due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the hearing, the public hearing will be continued to the next day (Wednesday). In the event the public hearing may not be held on that Wednesday due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the hearing, the public hearing may be continued to the first Thursday of the next month.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. 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 (option 5). Three business days advance notice is requested. BY ORDER OF:

WS-10 Standard Casing Installation WS-11 Liner Plate Tunnel

WS-15 Strapping WS-18 Fire Hydrant

WS-21 Permanent 2” Blow Off (Paved Areas) WS-23 Double Meter Installation

WS-24 Permanent 2” Blow Off (Unpaved Areas)

WS-30 Combined Fire Line and Domestic (1”, 1.5” or 2”) Service Connection

WS-32 Notes for Combined Fire Line and Domestic Service Connection

WS-25 Temporary 2” Blow Off

WS-31 Combined Fire Line and Domestic (3” and Larger) Service Connection

• Appendix A (Construction Standards), Article 4 (Sewage and Solid Waste Disposal (SS Details)), Drawings:

Drawing No. Title Drawing No. Title

SN-1 Sewer General Notes (to be created; replaces GN-2)

SS-1 Sanitary Lateral Connection SS-2 House Lateral Spur

SS-3 Lateral for Deep Sewer SS-4 4’ Dia. Manhole with Outside Drop Connection

SS-5 Forcemain Sewage Air Release Valve SS-6 Inside Drop Connection

SS-13 Sanitary Lateral Cleanout SS-17 Forcemain Cleanout

SS-33 Grease Interceptor SS-38 Typical Section – Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Access Drive

The amendments to Section 4-130 will add a DCSM modification procedure, allowing application for a low-pressure force main for individual residences. The amendments to the water and sanitary sewer details will: ensure quality construction that complies with the latest industry standards; provide clarification; simplify administration & enforcement of field construction; conform the DCSM to current Town and industry standards; and delete detail sheets for facilities no longer needed or required by the Town. This Design and Construction Standards Manual ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLENOA-2024-0001. Copies of these proposed amendments to the DCSM are available at the Department of Utilities, 1385 Russell Branch Parkway, Leesburg, VA during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by emailing your inquiry to utilityengineering@leesburgva.gov

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodation at this Planning Commission meeting should contact the Clerk of Commission at (703) 771-2434 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

3/7/24 & 3/14/24

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENT

CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION), ARTICLE IV (FINANCE); CHAPTER 6 (AVIATION), ARTICLE II (LEESBURG EXECUTIVE AIRPORT); CHAPTER 7 (ARTS AND CULTURAL DISTRICT), CHAPTER 9 (CABLE TELEVISION), ARTICLE XI (FINANCIAL, INSURANCE BONDS PROVISIONS);

CHAPTER 20 (LICENSES, TAXATION AND MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS), ARTICLE II (TAXATION GENERALLY), ARTICLE III (ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL, HORTICULTURAL, FOREST AND OPEN SPACE REAL ESTATE), ARTICLE V (MEALS TAX), ARTICLE VI (TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX), ARTICLE VII (DAILY SHORTTERM RENTAL TAX), ARTICLE IX (BUSINESS, PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE TAX), ARTICLE XII (PEDDLERS, CANVASSERS AND SOLICITORS); CHAPTER 32 (TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES), ARTICLE IV (OPERATION OF VEHICLES GENERALLY);

CHAPTER 34.1 (UTILITIES), ARTICLE II (SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL), DIVISION 4 (FATS, OILS AND GREASE (FOG) PROGRAM)

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1357, 15.2-1427, 58.1-3100, and 58.1-3126, Section 7-1.1 of the Charter of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, and Chapter 2, Article IV of the Leesburg Town Code, notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, will hold a public hearing on:

TUESDAY, March 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176

at which time the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on a proposed ordinance amending the below-listed sections of the Leesburg Town Code to replace the title “Director of finance and administrative services” with the title “Director of finance” and eliminate references to the “Department of finance and administrative services”.

Additionally, the amendment to Chapter 2 (Administration), Article IV (Finance), Section 2-157 (Director; duties) gives the Town Manager the authority to designate a qualified individual to serve as the Director of Finance and clarifies the qualifications and duties of the Director of Finance.

Section Title

Section 2-156 Department of finance and administrative services established.

Section 2-157 Director, duties.

Section 2-158 Contracts and purchase orders.

Section 2-159 Payment of funds and execution of checks.

Section 2-163 Bad check fee.

Section 2-165 Thomas Balch Library Endowment Fund.

Section 2-166 Electronic summons system fee.

Section 6-22 Airport commercial operator fees.

Section 7.1.1 Director of finance and administrative services.

Section 7-8 BPOL tax rebate.

Section 7-9 Real estate tax rebate.

Section 9-45 Security fund.

Section 20-24 Duty of director of finance and administrative services to collect taxes.

Section 20-26 Report required of banks.

Section 20-27 Delinquent tax list.

Section 20-28 Penalty and interest on delinquent taxes.

Section 20-53 Land books; tax for succeeding year.

Public Notice

The Town of Leesburg Commission Vacancies

The Town of Leesburg is soliciting applications for vacancies on the Environmental Advisory Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Citizens interested in serving on either commission can find additional information, membership requirements, or may apply via the Town’s web site at www.leesburgva.gov/government/boards-and-commissions. Applications will be kept on file for one year. Any questions can be sent to the Clerk of Council via email at eboeing@leesburgva.gov

Section 20-54 Removal of parcels from program if tax is delinquent.

Section 20-56 Payment of rollback tax; misstatement of facts; penalty for delinquency.

Section 20-105 Definitions.

Section 20-110 Report of taxes collected; remittance; preservation of records.

Section 20-112 Penalty and interest.

Section 20-132 Definitions.

Section 20-134 Collection from transients; when payable.

Section 20-135 Reports and remittances.

Section 20-137 Penalty and interest for nonremittance.

Section 20-138 Failure to collect and report tax.

Section 20-139 Records; inspection by director of finance and administrative services.

Section 20-140 Cessation of business; tax due immediately.

Section 20-144 Regulations.

Section 20-164 Definitions.

Section 20-167 Shortterm rental business application for certificate of registration.

Section 20-232 Definitions.

Section 20-233 License requirement.

Section 20-244 Alcoholic beverages.

Section 20-265 Responsibility for enforcement of article.

Section 20-269 Estimate of gross receipts for beginners.

Section 20-270 Responsibility for obtaining license, assessment of tax and penalty in the event of intentional or fraudulent evasion.

Section 20-271 Assessment of tax in cases of nonfraudulent failure to pay tax.

Section 20-273 Computation of tax.

Section 20-274 Assessment of additional tax.

Section 20-276 Issuance generally.

Section 20-277 Deposit prerequisite to licensing of itinerant amusement.

Section 20-278 Compliance with zoning regulations, prerequisite to issuance; noncompliance as grounds for revocation.

Section 20-279 License to be personal privilege; suspension.

Section 20-281 Transfer of license.

Section 20-383 License application.

Section 20-385 Standards of conduct.

Section 20-392 Application.

Section 20-394 Issuance; contents.

Section 20-397 Standards of conduct.

Section 32-126 Local permit, license, insurance required.

Section 32-132 Permit application procedures for dockless mobility operations.

Section 34.1-265 Civil penalties; scheduled violations.

A copy of the proposed ordinance and additional information are available from the Clerk of Council, located in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling Eileen Boeing, Clerk of Council, at 703-771-2733.

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning this matter will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

3/7/2024 & 3/14/2024

NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES

Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

SETTING TAX RATES ON REAL PROPERTY AND CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR TAX YEAR 2024 AND AMENDING LEESBURG TOWN CODE, APPENDIX B – FEE SCHEDULE (SECTION 20-22)

In accordance with the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended §§ 15.2-1427, 58.1-3000, 58.1-3007, 58.1-3200 et seq., and 58.1-3500, et seq., the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:

Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA.

at which time the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on the following proposed amendments to the Leesburg Town Code:

• The Town Manager proposes a one cent increase to tax rates for real property for tax year 2024 ($0.1874 per $100 of assessed value)

• Appendix B – Fee Schedule, Sec. 20-22(a):

o Real estate; manufactured or mobile homes = $0.1874 per $100 of assessed value

o Real estate; tangible personal property for public service corporations (excluding aircraft and motor vehicles) = $0.1874 per $100 of assessed value

The Town Manager’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget is based on an unchanged real property tax rate of $0.1774 per $100 assessed value.

Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for public examination prior to the public hearing in the office of the Clerk of Council at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, during normal business hours. For more information about the ordinance, please contact Clark G. Case, Director of Finance and Administrative Services at 703-771-2720.

Persons requiring reasonable accommodations are requested to contact Eileen Boeing, Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the public hearing. For TTY/TTD services, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046598-05-00, 06-00, -07-00, -08-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Chloe Love

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

v.

Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a third Permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Chloe Love and hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Chloe Love. Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father are hereby notified that failure to appear on

the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Chloe Love. Willie Huff, putative father and Unknown Father, are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Chloe Love; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Chloe Love; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Chloe Love. Further, Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father will have no legal and /or financial obligations with respect to Chloe Love, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Chloe Love for adoption and consent to the adoption of Chloe Love.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 4, 2024 at 10:00am 2/29, 3/7, 3/14 & 3/21/24

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.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TOWN OF LEESBURG – COUNTY OF LOUDOUN VOLUNTARY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

Chapters 29 and 34 of Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia requires the Commission on Local Government (CLG) to hold presentations and public hearings on proposed voluntary settlement agreements between localities. As part of its review of the proposed voluntary settlement agreement (proposed agreement) between the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County, the CLG will hold an oral presentation and a public hearing on March 21st, 2024. This notice contains details on how to access the proceedings.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS by the Town and County will begin at 1:00 p.m. on March 21st, 2024. The presentations will be held at the Leesburg Town Council Chambers on the second floor of Town Hall and are open to the public.

Town Hall

25 West Market Street Leesburg, Virginia 20176

The presentations may be viewed electronically. Information for electronic attendance can be found on the Virginia Town Hall website, or at the following link: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewMeeting.cfm?MeetingID=39496

A PUBLIC HEARING to hear comments on the proposed agreement will be held at 7:00 p.m. on March 21st, 2024, at Ide Lee Recreation Center in the bottom floor conference room.

Ida Lee Recreation Center

60 Ida Lee Drive, NW Leesburg, VA 20176

Any person wishing to testify before the CLG at the public hearing may register in advance at Town’s offices, in person at the public hearing, or by contacting Carmen Smith, (703) 669-1420, csmith@ leesburgva.gov or LeGrand Northcutt, (804) 310-7151, legrand.northcutt@dhcd.virginia.gov

The public hearing may be attended electronically and there will be an option to comment electronically. When registering to testify, please indicate if you will be present in person or electronically. Information for electronic attendance can be found on the Virginia Town Hall website, or at the following link: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/ViewMeeting.cfm?MeetingID=39497

Any person requiring special accommodations should contact LeGrand Northcutt at 804-310-7151 / Virginia Relay 7-1-1 by March 15th, 2024.

WRITTEN TESTIMONY concerning the proposed agreement will also be accepted by email to legrand.northcutt@dhcd.virginia.gov, or through mail postmarked by April 4th, 2024 to the CLG’s offices at:

Commission on Local Government

600 East Main Street, Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23219

Copies of the proposed agreement and other material and data submitted to the CLG by the Town and County will be available to the public for examination at the County Administrator’s Office, the Town Manager’s Office, and on the CLG’s website: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/commission-localgovernment-clg

The CLG will report its findings and recommendations as to whether the proposed agreement is in the best interest of the Commonwealth on or before its May regular meeting.

This notice is intended to satisfy the provisions of Va. Code § 15.2-2907(B) and 1VAC50-20-630.

3/7 & 3/14/24

Legal Notices

ATTENTION NONPROFIT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

Nonprofit charitable organizations seeking exemption from Loudoun County real and/ or personal property taxes for the 2025 tax year may file an application with the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue by the April 1, 2024, deadline. Most charitable nonprofit organizations are not automatically exempt from local property taxes in the Commonwealth, even those that may be exempt from federal income taxes. The filing of an application with the Commissioner of the Revenue is the necessary first step to obtaining a local real estate or personal property tax exemption. Completed applications should be returned to the Commissioner of the Revenue with a postmark by April 1, 2024. Any exemption, if granted, would become effective January 1, 2025.

Applications are available online at loudoun.gov/cor. For information or assistance, please contact my office at trcor@loudoun.gov or (703) 737-8557 weekdays 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County

Leesburg Office

1 Harrison Street SE First Floor

Sterling Office

Loudoun Tech Center

46000 Center Oak Plaza

Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804

Phone: (703)737-8557

Email: trcor@loudoun.gov

3/7, 3/14, 3/21 & 3/28/24

ABC LICENSE

Mi Azteca Mexican Restaurant, Inc. trading as Mi Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 43053 Pemberton Sq Ste 100, Chantilly, VA 20152.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for Mixed Beverage Restaurant, Wine & Beer on and off Premises to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Alejandro Meza Rayas - President

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

3/14 & 3/21/24

ABC LICENSE

Gatsby, trading as Gatsby 1 Saarinen CIR, Unit C-CM450, Dulles, Virginia 20166.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for Retail Restaurant or Caterer ApplicationRestaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off premises.

Daniel J Halpern, Managing Member

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

3/7 & 3/14/24

ABC LICENSE

Stone Springs Market LLC trading as Tres Amigos Market & Deli, 24075 Stone Springs Blvd, Sterling, Loudoun County, Virginia 20166.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for Retail Wine and Beer On and Off Premises and Mixed Beverage license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Anubhav Gupta, Member

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

3/7 & 3/14/24

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR:

DRUG TESTING SUPPLIES, IFB No. 645811 until prior to 4:00 p.m., April 9, 2024.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES, IFB No. 638807 until prior to 4:00 p.m., April 4, 2024.

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 3/14/24

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE MIDDLEBURG PLANNING COMMISSION

The Middleburg Planning Commission will hold public hearings beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024 to hear comments and consider taking action on the following:

Special Use 24-01 Request by Salamander Farms, LLC for a special use permit for a Short-Term Rental at 800 Old Saddle Drive zoned R-1 Single Family Residential District

Special Use 24-02 Request by Alexander Perdikis for a special use permit for a Short-Term Rental at 606 Martingale Ridge Drive zoned R-3 Residential District

Special Use 24-03 Request by Mary and Thomas Gillespie for a special use permit for a Short-Term Rental at 601 Martingale Ridge Drive zoned R-3 Residential District

Special Use 24-04 Request by Daree Goodman for a special use permit for a Short-Term Rental at 700 West Washington Street zoned R-2 Residential District

The hearings will take place at the Town Hall, 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia. The application materials may be reviewed online at http://www.middleburgva.gov/PublicHearings

or in the Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Questions may be directed to Town Manager Danny Davis at (540) 687-5152 or by email at ddavis@ middleburgva.gov

The Town of Middleburg strives to make its hearings accessible to all. Please advise of accommodations the Town can make to help you participate in the hearings.

3/14 & 3/21/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046599-05-00, -06-00, -07-00, -08-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Briston Love

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

v.

Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a third Permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1281 for Briston Love and hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1283 for Briston Love. Unknown Father is hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter

noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of his residual parental rights with respect to Briston Love. Unknown Father is hereby further notified that if his residual parental rights are terminated, he will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Briston Love; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Briston Love; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Briston Love. Further, Unknown Father, will have no legal and /or financial obligations with respect to Briston Love, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Briston Love for adoption and consent to the adoption of Briston Love.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 4, 2024 at 10:00am 2/29, 3/7, 3/14 & 3/21/24

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

WAKE COUNTY

Before the Clerk of Superior Court

James Kelso Adams, et al., v. Tynesha Adams, et al., 23-SP-1715

Richard Adams:

Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled special proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Partition (per NCGS Chapter 46A) of the following real property by sale:

BEING that tract of land containing approximately 41 acres, more or less, depicted as Tract “No. 4 Geo. Adams” on a map prepared by W.P. Massey, dated February 28, 1913, and entitled “Survey and Division of the Isaac Adams Land, Geo. Adams et al. vs Betsy Adams et al.” The property was conveyed to George Adams by that Decree Confirming Report of Commissioners entered by the Clerk of Superior Court on May 8, 1925, in Special Proceeding No. 1918 which was instituted by George Adams and others against Betsy Adams and others on or about October 30, 1912, in Wake County Superior Court. The Clerk’s order confirmed the Report of Commissioners dated July 28, 1914.

SUBJECT TO AND EXCEPTING a certain strip of land extending 50 feet on each side of and at right angles to the center of the track or road-bed of the Raleigh and Pamlico Sound Railroad Company as the same is located and established by the railroad upon and over the lands herein described, and in the case of high banks or deeps cuts such additional width as may be necessary, not to exceed a total of two hundred feet, as described in that deed dated January 15, 1904, and recorded in Book 212, Page 417, of the Wake County Registry.

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than April 16, 2024 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This, the 7th day of March, 2024.

Nathaniel C. Parker, Attorney for Petitioners 200 Towne Village Dr., Cary, NC 27513 2/29, 3/7 & 3/14/24

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Auctions

VEHICLE AUCTION

MD Repo Vehicles For Public Sale at ADESA Washington, DC. All Makes and Models Running Weekly Details can be found at www.adesawashingtondc.com

Terms: State and local orders will be strictly enforced at the sale, including social distancing and limits on the number of people permitted to gather in certain areas. All attendees must comply with such procedures or will be required to leave the premises. We strongly recommend that all attendees wear face coverings for the protection of themselves and our staff. Bidder agrees to register and pay a refundable $500 cash deposit plus a non-refundable $20 entry fee before the Sale starts. The balance of the purchase is due in full by 5:00pm on sale day. vehicles are AS-IS and are subject to a buy fee based on the sale price of the vehicle. Only cash or certified funds will be accepted. No vehicle will be released until Payment is made in full. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted.

Public Notice – Environmental Permit

PURPOSE OF NOTICE: To seek public comment on a draft permit from the Department of Environmental Quality that will allow the release of treated wastewater into a water body in the town of Lovettsville in Loudoun, Virginia.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: March 7, 2024 to April 8, 2024

PERMIT NAME: Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit – Wastewater issued by DEQ pursuant to applicable water laws and regulations

APPLICANT NAME, ADDRESS AND PERMIT NUMBER: Town of Lovettsville; P.O. Box 209, Lovettsville, VA 20180; VA0023183

FACILITY NAME AND LOCATION: Town of Lovettsville Wastewater Treatment Plant; 39183 Irish Corner Road, Lovettsville, VA 20180

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Town of Lovettsville has applied for reissuance of a permit for the public Lovettsville Wastewater Treatment Plant. The applicant proposes to release treated sewage wastewaters from residential areas at a rate of 0.375 million gallons per day (MGD) into a water body. Sludge from the treatment process will be sent to a holding tank, then transported to the Loudoun Water Broad Run Water Reclamation Facility (DEQ permit # VA0091383) for further treatment and disposal. The facility proposes to release the treated sewage into an unnamed tributary of the Dutchman Creek in Loudoun County in the Chesapeake watershed. A watershed is the land area drained by a river and its incoming streams. The permit will limit the following pollutants to amounts that protect water quality: physical and chemical properties, nutrients, organic matter, solids, bacteria, and inorganics.

This facility is subject to the requirements of 9VAC25-820 and has registered for coverage under the General VPDES Watershed Permit Regulation for Total Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus Discharges and Nutrient Trading in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in Virginia (Nutrient GP).

HOW TO COMMENT AND/OR REQUEST A PUBLIC HEARING:

DEQ accepts comments and requests for public hearing on the draft permit by hand-delivery, e-mail, or postal mail. All comments and requests must be in writing and be received by DEQ during the comment period. DEQ must receive hand-delivery and postal mail by close of business and email comments by 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the comment period. Submittals must include the names, mailing addresses or email addresses of the commenter/requester and of all persons represented by the commenter/requester. A request for public hearing must also include: 1) The reason why a public hearing is requested. 2) A brief, informal statement regarding the nature and extent of the interest of the requester or of those represented by the requestor, including how and to what extent such interest would be directly and adversely affected by the permit. 3) Specific references, where possible, to terms and conditions of the permit with suggested revisions. A public hearing may be held, including another comment period, if public response is significant, based on individual requests for a public hearing, and there are substantial, disputed issues relevant to the permit.

CONTACT FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS, DOCUMENT REQUESTS AND ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION: Chelsea Atkinson; DEQ Northern Regional Office, 13901 Crown Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193; Phone: (571) 866-6098; E-mail: chelsea.atkinson@deq.virginia.gov. The public may review the draft permit and application at the DEQ office named above by appointment or may request copies of the documents from the contact person listed above.

3/7 & 3/14/24

Loco Service Providers

VEHICLE AUCTION

ADESA WASHINGTON DC 44475 OLD OX ROAD

DULLES, VA 20166 705-996-1100

20+Chase repossessions will be offered to the public sale (monthly) on Wednesdays (3/27/24, 4/24/24, 5/22/24, 6/19/24, 7/17/24, 8/14/24, 9/11/24, 10/9/24, 11/6/24, 12/4/24). Auction doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sale starts at 9:50 a.m.

ET. Registered persons may preview/ inspect vehicles on the day of the sale before bidding. Bids accepted only when a vehicle is presented for sale. The auctioneer will conclude the sale when bidding stops. All results will be final by 5:00 p.m. Terms: Cash or Certified Check.

Construction Construction

Please

Regular

only. EOE/ADA.

To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs.

Most

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.

We’re Hiring.

Loudoun Now is growing. Join the team.

Reporters

Full-time and part-time positions available for experienced journalists with a passion for community journalism. Accuracy, integrity, curiosity required. Talent with photography, video, social media preferred.

Sales

Full-time and part-time advertising sales positions are available for candidates who can help businesses meet their marketing goals in print and online. There is an opportunity to specialize in Loudoun’s growing hospitality/entertainment industries.

Production Manager

An experienced and creative graphics designer is needed to lead all aspects of the newspaper’s ad creation and page design. The position will also oversee aspects of the online operations.

The Loudoun Now team is driven by a mission to make our community stronger through committed journalism. Can you help?

Budget uncertainty

continued from page 1

ernment or to assume there would be no additional state funding.

“The downside of this is we need to set the real property tax rate on April 2. If the revenue does materialize after that you would not be able to lower the real property rate at that time,” Bourke said.

County Administrator Tim Hemstreet said he wasn’t clear what direction the board wanted to pursue.

“We are not really clear on where the board wants to be with respect to the budget and the tax rate. So, if you were to tell me tonight what tax rate you want to be at and how much funding you want to provide to the schools and approximately what you are willing to do with the coun-

Positions cut

continued from page 1

under the Department of Building and Development.

The PDR manager would be in charge of running the program, while the stewardship manager would be responsible for taking care of the properties placed under easement through the program.

“We also have 300 or more … easements that the county is currently responsible for that we try to do our best to provide stewardship for, but the workload has ended up a lot more into interpretation of easements and ensuring that, as permits come through, what’s being proposed is actually applicable and allowable under the easement. It’s not going to the site and visiting them on a regular basis as we should be doing,” Galindo said.

The program planner would help review the easement applications.

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), who does not support the PDR program, said the budget request that night was only the beginning of the funding needed for the program and that it was going to take millions more.

He asked if it was more profitable for landowners to go through the program then it was for them to develop on their properties.

Galindo said it was not more profitable.

“Someone who wants to develop is

“We are not really clear on where the board wants to be with respect to the budget and the tax rate.”

— Tim Hemstreet Loudoun County Administrator

ty side of the budget, I can answer that question,” he said. “I could give you a recommendation as to how to get there. The challenge is we aren’t really sure where the board wants to be so that is why we gave you three options.”

Vice Chair Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) said it seemed like option three was their only choice.

“I think it’s more dangerous to assume that the money is going to materialize,” County Chair Phyllis Randall agreed.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has until April 8 to sign, veto or amend the state budget. The General Assembly will reconvene April 17 to consider any proposed changes made by the governor.

During three budget markup sessions supervisors have conducted brief department-by-department reviews, identifying

about $1 million in reductions from Hemstreet’s proposal. Under the actions so far, the real estate tax rate would remain at 87.5 cents per $100 of assessed value.

During what is eyed as the final work session March 14, supervisors plan to review plans for a 7% compensation increase for county government employees and 12.4% for emergency services workers. Reducing the county raises to 6.5%— the same level generally as proposed for the schools staff—would provide $1.3 million in savings. As of Monday night, additional reductions of $6.4 million would be needed to reduce the tax rate by 0.5 cents.

Also, during Thursday’s meeting, supervisors plan to meet a second time with Sheriff Mike Chapman, Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson and representatives of the School Board. n

going to develop regardless,” Letourneau said. “It’s not about whether or not that’s good or bad in this discussion. It’s about who is actually choosing those who aren’t going to develop now have an opportunity to get more money for it.”

His motion to remove the program manager and the conservation program planner passed 5-4 with supervisors Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin), Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) and County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) opposed.

“There is not solid evidence to me that this program is actually going to prevent that much development from occurring,” Letourneau said.

He said because the program was not limited to western Loudoun, it would counteract the board’s goals in eastern Loudoun.

“It’s a little bit backwards to be adding the positions before we actually have the program and we’ve decided what it would be and what we would need,” he said.

TeKrony disagreed and said she thought they needed a program manager to start the program and to begin writing grants to secure funding.

Kershner said adopting a PDR program was “time critical.”

“This is going to preserve more and more land and prime ag soil and all those things we’ve been talking about forever,” he said.

Kershner said if the positions were funded, they wouldn’t be in put in place

until July and the board could continue to work on the PDR program until then.

He asked if the program could be limited to western Loudoun.

Galindo said the board and staff could organize the incentive structure for the program to make it more desirable in the western part of the county but that he would need to confer with County Attorney Leo Rogers on the legality of limiting it geographically.

Saines asked if the board approved funding for the three positions, if they would be hired before a program is in place.

“Because there is an ongoing need for the stewardship management position anyway, I think we’d be safe to hire that one. For the PDR and the conservation program planner, I think we’d be … comfortable waiting to get those hired until we have the board’s agreement on what the ordinance contains,” he said.

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) said she wanted to support the program, but that she was more interested in reducing the tax rate for residents.

“I don’t want to have to gut the school budget to do that,” she said. “So, for me the question is, do we have anyway of estimating what savings there may be to the taxpayers through a PDR program by us preventing the development?”

Project Planner Jennifer Moore referenced the Capital Intensity Factor, which is in the process of being updated, and said that would be the method used to

calculate the savings per home not being built.

Turner said he had an alternative idea for a PDR program.

“My concept is instead of us acquiring the purchase of development rights and stewarding the conservation program, we would simply allow the current conservation easement program to go forward and we would use PDR funding to plus up a loss in market value when a person puts their land into conservation easement,” he said.

Turner said taking that approach would keep the county from having to administer the program, although he thought the three requested positions would still be needed.

“This is not intended to be a money saving program. It is a land preservation program,” he said.

He said he would like to take data center personal property taxes that went over the county’s operating cost and set them aside for the PDR program.

Vice Chair Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) said the board was getting ahead of itself by trying to work out the program details during a budget discussion and she was not ready to hire staff until a program was in place.

“I think we have a long way to go before we figure out what that program wants to look like and even if we want that program,” she said. n

Ziegler trial

continued from page 3

He said the instruction without that vital piece of information was incorrect and lead to an error in the trial.

He also said because of this, Ziegler’s motion to set aside the verdict did not come too late, something Special Assistant to the Attorney General Brandon Wrobleski argued Jan. 17.

Wrobleski said the claim that the commonwealth failed to prove an element of the crime came after the jury issued a verdict and after the defendant agreed to the jury instructions.

Fleming stated that during his analysis of the case he felt there was “sufficient, factual evidence” to sustain Ziegler’s conviction.

“The record contains ample evidence to support a jury’s conclusion that the defendant knowingly retaliated against Erin Brooks for expressing views on matters of public concern or for exercising a right that was otherwise protected by law.”

Fleming set aside the verdict but denied the motion to dismiss the indictment against Ziegler. The parities are schedule to appear March 28 for a hearing to schedule a new trial.

“The dismissal is based on a technicality relating to jury instruction agreed to by the defense,” Attorney General spokeswoman LaCivita said. “We look forward to once again presenting our case in court.”

As part of a special grand jury investigation into the school division’s 2021 sexual assault scandal, Ziegler was charged with three misdemeanors—false publication, prohibited conduct, and penalizing an employee for a court appearance. The latter two charges are related to the firing of special education teacher Erin Brooks who, after reporting she was repeatedly groped by one of her students, filed two Title IX complaints. She testified before the special grand jury, and spoke out at the School Board meeting on the night her termination was approved by the School Board.

Ziegler was found guilty Sept. 29 of retaliation against Brooks, he was found not guilty of penalizing Brooks for making a court appearance.

The charge of false publication against Ziegler was dropped Feb. 14.

Wrobleski requested dismissal, saying the prosecutors were satisfied justice had been done after securing the guilty verdict in September. n

Lanternflies

continued from page 3

had them here,” she said.

The result is a significant threat to the county’s rural economy, particularly grapevines, fruit trees and ornamental trees. With more than 850 acres under vine producing 2,300 tons of grapes annually in Loudoun, lanternflies can have a devastating impact.

Mike Littman leads the LIRA, an alliance of 36 Loudoun HOAs representing nearly 200,000 residents with the purpose of reversing the proliferation of invasive plants in the county.

“So, few residents understand the negative economic, health, safety and environmental risks that invasives pose to Loudoun County,” he said “Scrape for the Grape is a powerful awareness campaign that brings eastern and western Loudoun together to help our wineries and or-

chards against this threat.”

During the event, planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 6, volunteers will be deployed to locations identified by Virginia Cooperative Extension to scrape the egg masses. As an appreciation, a variety of Loudoun wineries will be offering special discounts to anyone who brings in their bandana or scraping card.

Learn more and register to participate at Loudouninvasives.com. n

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Opinion

Tackling the Car Tax

The state’s budget season started off with at least a glimmer of hope that legislators might again attempt to tackle the complex challenge of providing relief from the hated car tax.

Admittedly it was a faint glimmer, limited to the governor’s suggestion in his budget presentation that he thought it would be great if someone came up with something.

Nobody did.

Today, Loudoun may be uniquely positioned in the long-running debate.

On one hand, car owners here get perhaps the lowest benefit trickling in from the last time the state government promised to eliminate the local tax a quarter century ago. By 2001, that pledge had been reduced to a 70% reduction and only on the first $20,000 of the value of each vehicle. With the addition of a statewide funding cap in 2004, that rebate has continued to erode in fast growing jurisdictions

Fundamental Fairness

Editor:

March 18 is the anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright, a case from 1963 in which the United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled that every person accused of a crime in America must be provided with legal defense counsel, regardless of their economic status or ability to pay. Today, 80% of people accused of a crime are represented by a public defender.

As a young lawyer, I showed up at the Public Defender’s Office to start a career in public defense. That was over a decade ago. There’s a lot that’s happened to me personally. I’m married to someone I love very much. I’ve won in front of the Virginia Supreme Court. I now run a Public Defender’s Office.

But the greatest change of how I see the world around me is that my job as a public defender has made me see the benefits of compassion, and the diminishing returns of retribution.

All of us are flawed, but none of us are only our flaws. All human beings deserve and are capable of respect, and kindness, and love. To argue that point in court every day in an incredible honor.

The fundamental fairness of the Gideon case is not reflected in our spending. $181 billion dollars are spent on incarceration each year, and only a fraction of that on rehabilitation. We are terribly

like Loudoun. This year, the state will cover less than 30% of the tax on cars here.

But Loudoun may be the jurisdiction best positioned to actually do away with the car tax. Amid concerns that government operations are becoming overly reliant on revenues derived from personal property tax collections, county leaders already are looking for ways to strike a better balance with other traditional revenue sources. With personal property taxes from data centers continuing to climb, it would make sense for supervisors to lower the collection on cars to help level the scales.

However, that option, too, is blocked by the General Assembly, which has not fully granted localities the ability to establish separate tax rates for the clearly different type of personal property.

That’s seemingly an easy fix—and maybe one that can grow from a glimmer next session. n

LETTERS to the Editor

focused on getting people into prisons, and spend little of our time or money on what happens next. Incarceration can be a useful tool, but it can’t be our only tool.

In Gideon, the Supreme Court wrote “Reason and reflection require us to recognize that in our adversary system of criminal justice, any person hauled into court, who is too poor to hire a lawyer, cannot be assured a fair trial unless counsel is provided for him. This seems to us to be an obvious truth.”

We must surely agree that the goal of our criminal justice system is to reduce crime while protecting individual rights. To do that successfully, we cannot rely only on incarceration. If you lock up an addict for six months, six months later you still have an addict. Addressing underlying issues like addiction, mental health treatment, unemployment, and lack of housing can reduce crime in the future. We need to put our time and money into solving these problems. This too is an obvious truth.

— Ryan Ruzic, Purcellville

Salute to Service

Editor:

For the family of firefighters and rescue personnel of Loudoun County, it is not possible for this one citizen to actually give a handshake or hug to the many of you who have dedicated so

many hours within our communities for our continued welfare and safety each day, but please know that in spirit the Feb. 16 catastrophe touched our hearts beyond measure.

Life unexpectedly brings many joys and sorrows, especially knowing of the loss of Trevor as your dear comrade and friend who was a loving father, husband and son. And we remember the dozen or more who continue to suffer with their physical injuries, as well.

It’s a new reality for all of us. This past month we were reminded that each time our fire and rescue personnel respond to a call, rushing toward danger, it is not routine at all. For, in our ignorance, we may anticipate a safe outcome for you, but first responders recognize that outcome it not guaranteed.

While each of you selflessly provide that warm handhold and words of encouragement in dangerous and stressful situations to others without thoughts of oneself along the many roadways and in countless neighborhoods to restore health and safety, and rescue those in danger, please know I salute you from the bottom of my heart.

— Becky Reeder, Leesburg

READERS’ poll CHIPshots

What is your priority for this year’s county budget?

• 34.9% Hold Tax Bills Down

• 27.7% Trim the Plan Overall

• 14.0% Reduce the Schools Increase

• 10.6% Fully fund the schools

• 4.7% Expand Parks/Library Services

• 3.4% Just Approve it

• 2.6% Expand Human Services

• 2.1% Support Emergency Services

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

What is your priority for this year’s county budget?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

LETTERS to the Editor

continued from page 34

No Horses in a Nature Preserve

Editor:

In response to Suzanne DeSaix [Letters, Feb. 29] and Kelly Foltman/LCEA [Letters, Nov. 1], it should be noted that Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve is accessible to equestrians—just not their horses.

All Loudoun residents can enjoy the nature trails on foot, participate in programs, and learn about local wildlife in native habitats. As a county taxpayer and frequent hiker, I do not support horses at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve for four key reasons:

1. Equestrians from Loudoun already have multiple PRCS trails and facilities throughout the county. The PRCS Evergreen Mills Equestrian Trail is an 8-mile loop trail directly adjacent to Banshee Reeks in similar woodland habitat with designated horse trailer parking. PRCS also has equestrian trails, riding rings, and corrals at Franklin and Lovettsville Regional Parks along with plans for more at Hal & Berni Hanson Park. Not to mention all the equestrian trails at Oatlands, Morven Park, Sweet Run State Park, WO&D, etc. There is no evidence that shows demand for additional PRCS equestrian trails.

2. Horses would erode trail surfaces and increase maintenance costs at

Banshee Reeks. More staff would also be needed to handle multi-use conflicts, enforce rules and trail closures, and manage impacts. Is this a good use of taxpayer dollars? How many residents would this even benefit? Again, where is the data showing a demand for more equestrian trails?

3. Opening Banshee Reeks to horses will not serve more residents than it currently does. In contrast, the preserve master plan (2001) calls for three ADA accessible trails that have never been built. Establishing a trail for those with mobility challenges would provide nature access to a new user group which includes over 12% of Loudoun residents according to calculations from the CDC.

4. Equestrian trails are not appropriate for the sensitive ecosystems at Banshee Reeks. Scientific studies repeatedly document soil disturbance and subsequent erosion from horse hooves on natural surface trails. There are also established best practices from state and federal partners (DWR, DCR, NHP, USFWS) that prohibit and/or restrict equestrian use on lands set aside for natural resource protection and wildlife preservation. (DWR provided these best practices to the Loudoun BOS in September 2023.)

If taxpayers are going to foot the bill for new expenses at Banshee Reeks, let’s focus those dollars on ADA accessibility, not more horse trails that threaten sensitive habitat.

— David Wende, Leesburg

— By Chip Beck

Car Tax Outdated

Editor:

As a member of the Leesburg Town Council, I am writing to advocate for the abolition of the personal property car tax. This tax has long been a burden on our residents, and it is time for us to take action to relieve them of this financial strain.

The personal property car tax is an outdated and regressive tax that disproportionately affects lower- and middle-income individuals and families. It places an undue burden on those who can least afford it, making it harder for them to make ends meet and hindering their ability to save for the future.

By abolishing this tax, we can make our local tax system fairer and more equitable. We should not be taxing our residents simply for owning a car, especially when many rely on their vehicles for essential tasks such as getting to work, taking their children to school, and accessing basic necessities.

Furthermore, abolishing the personal property car tax can have positive effects on our local economy. Many studies have shown that reducing or eliminating this tax can lead to increased car sales, as individuals are more likely to purchase new vehicles when they do not have to worry about the ongoing tax burden. This, in turn, can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and generate additional revenue for our town through increased sales tax revenue.

Some may argue that eliminating this tax will result in a loss of revenue for the

town. However, we must consider the long-term benefits and the potential for increased revenue from other sources. As more people purchase cars and businesses thrive due to increased consumer spending, we can expect to see a net positive impact on our town’s finances.

Moreover, abolishing the personal property car tax aligns with our values of supporting working families and promoting economic opportunity for all. It is a step towards creating a more welcoming and supportive community for residents of all income levels.

During the Feb. 27 Town Council meeting, I voted no on the personal property tax rate of $1 per $100 in assessed value. I am against this unnecessary tax on our residents. In Leesburg, it brings in around $3 million dollars a year in tax revenue. In 2023, Leesburg residents also paid $4.15 per $100 in assessed value on vehicles for the county car tax. Additionally, everyone must pay a flat $25 vehicle license fee, mandated by the state of Virginia. So, in 2023, a car owner in Leesburg with a value of $20,000, owes $830 to the county, $200 to Leesburg, a $25 fee, for a total of $1,055.

I urge my fellow community members to join me in advocating for the abolition of the personal property car tax. Let us work together to create a fairer tax system that supports the financial well-being of all Leesburg residents and fosters economic growth in our town, our county, and our state.

— Todd Cimino-Johnson, Leesburg