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Vol. 29, No. 2 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | May 16, 2012
Watson decides to leave School Board seat By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local After 36 years, four superintendents, eight terms as chair and countless hours of service to Hanover County Public Schools, Sue Forbes Watson announced she would not seek reappointment as Ashland representative on the School Board. Watson made the tearful announcement to a visibly emotional board at last week’s regular School Board meeting. Chairman John F. Axselle III accepted Watson’s letter of resignation, and expressed regret that such a stalwart of the school district will be absent from the panel. “I would classify you as an education evangelist,” Axselle
Tomato Festival needs help with children’s area Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com The Hanover Tomato Festival is looking forward to making the children’s area bigger and better than last year, and organizers need your help. Tomato Festival Committee members and Hanover County Parks & Recreation staff are searching for organizations to host children’s activities like face see TOMATO, pg. 4
Outgoing School Board member shares letter turn to page 6.
said. “Your family’s gain is Hanover’s loss.” Dr. Jamelle Wilson hinted Watson’s shoes would be hard to fill. “Sue has a passion for children. She has a passion for music. She has a passion for people and that translates in to her care and commitment for teachers. Sue has a heart for people.” Watson said she came to this difficult decision after long and careful consideration, and Jim Ridolphi for The Local expressed a desire to spend Sue Forbes Watson, right, accepted the well wishes of a more time with her friends and colleague on Tuesday, May 8, following her announcement that family. she would not seek reappointment after 36 years of service. She see WATSON, pg. 4
has represented the Ashland District on the Hanover County School Board.
3 express interest in representing Ashland public hearing on Wednesday, By Ben Orcutt for The Mechanicsville Local May 9, to take nominations for the Ashland and Three candidates are vying Chickahominy District seats. for the appointment to repreRobert Hundley, sent the Ashland District on who has represented the the Hanover County School Chickahominy District since Board. 2004, was the only candidate One will replace Sue Forbes to place his name in nominaWatson, who announced last tion for that spot. week that she will not seek The Ashland seat is being another term after serving for sought by Lorie Foley, Hank 36 years. Her term expires on Lowry and Mike Shannon. June 30. The supervisors will make The Hanover County see ASHLAND, pg. 25 Board of Supervisors held a
To say thanks Photo courtesy of Dean Andrews
Kersey Creek Elementary School’s fifth grade class recently raised more than $800 to purchase a parting gift for the school. A car wash was held on May 5 at the Milestone Clubhouse. The PTA extended thanks to the Milestone Homeowners Association, the KC Comet mascot and Kona Ice for their ongoing support of the school.
Teen enters plea in Clark shooting death By Bill McKelway Media General News Service Franklin E. Robertson III faces up to 10 years in prison after being convicted in the shooting death of a fellow LeeDavis High School student. Robertson pleaded guilty last Wednesday in Hanover County Circuit Court to involuntary manslaughter for fatally shooting Jyreffe Patrick Clark see CLARK, pg. 4